How to Make a "Last"-ing Impression.

• Author: KREYCHE, GERALD F.

THIS IS NOT an essay on eschatology, a branch of theology that deals with ultimates such as death, judgment, heaven, hell, etc. Rather, it is a caution against always believing that first things should come first. In point of fact, while most people like to be first--whether it be in school, their jobs, a movie line, or what have you--perhaps they would be better off concentrating on things that are last. It is the latter that gives us the most trouble. We should never forget the proverbial "straw that breaks the camel's back." Let me illustrate.

Most ski accidents happen at the end of the day, when a person decides to make one final downhill run. (This is how Rep. Sonny Bono was killed on the South Lake Tahoe, Calif., slopes in 1998.) That is when muscles and reflexes no longer respond as quickly as before. Knowing this, the prudent skier will always quit just before the last run. It takes a supreme effort of will, though, and few have that discipline. Some die-hard skiers rationalize taking one more run by claiming they want to get their money's worth out of an expensive lift ticket. What they often get, however, is more expenses for a broken limb.

One for the road

The party-goer who wants to take that "last drink for the road" is the one most likely to have an accident and be charged with driving while intoxicated--that is, if he or she is still alive. People should know better, but they seldom seem to learn. There are life-saving reasons why, under such circumstances, a designated driver should be appointed.

On extended car trips, motorists should make it a point to avoid the temptation to push on for an additional 50 or 100 miles. Those are the most dangerous ones as, by this time, the driver's alertness has been considerably dulled with the monotony of the road. Professional truckers will attest to this, but seldom practice what they preach. Instead, they drink strong coffee or pop pep pills to stay awake. These don't always work, as evidenced by the trucks seen in pileups on the interstates.

Most cars doubly warn drivers of running out of fuel--a gauge pointer that indicates "Empty" and a gas pump figure on the dashboard that lights up. Still, some people are inclined to ignore both until it is too late. The self-inflicted embarrassment is tough to live down, especially when there are passengers in the car and the next gas station is miles away.

Star athletes nearly always want to play one more season, rather than quit. As a result...