Still no apocalypse -- but then, this year wasn't divisible by ten, so what were the odds, anyway? It did seem like the end of the world for a while there: I've now firmly established a New Year's tradition by getting food poisoning on Dec. 31st for two years running -- be sure to join me next December 20th for the preparation of the ceremonial New Year's Egg Salad Sandwich!

Last year was quite bad -- I was out of action for days thanks to a new Indian restaurant in the neighborhood -- but this year's passe Christmas leftovers turned out to be nothing that some cheap champagne couldn't fix. Unfortunately, it broke a few other things in the process, but aside from a nasty welt produced by a falling bottle of Jagermeister, I think we'll be alright by sunset. Good time, all having it, etc. Thanks to Eric for providing the venue for the self-destruction.

Most entertaining/horrifying moment of the night: driving to Eric's a couple of guys pulled up next to us and motioned for us to roll down our window, which we did. "Happy New Year, folks! Y'all be safe!" the driver said, then continued, "...and we won't be," holding up a pint glass of something frosty and fruity looking as the guy in the passenger seat proudly displayed a bottle of Tanqueray. They seemed awfully charming at the time -- hopefully they didn't end up killing anybody.