Happy New Year to all the strange people who read this blog! Your presence is very much appreciated, and so are your often brilliant comments.

The ancient Greeks didn't celebrate New Year, and even if they did, their year started halfway through our calendar year. So I've nothing to add except to wish you everything you desire for 2009, and offer you this Reuters image of New Year celebrations at the Parthenon.

Which reminds me, I should write something about calendars some time...