At this time of the year, when it becomes necessary to explain to Americans that no, it is not ‘New Years’ but ‘ ‘New Year’s Eve’ and exactly what is meant by ‘auld lang syne’ (try explaining that to a dancer, I dare you) it occurs to me to step back and remember He who makes our little community possible.

Those of us who lived through the Great Migration might perhaps have a more pronounced wet spot for our own Dear Leader than newcomers but let’s all of us take a moment to think of Noje and thank him for sticking with us through yet another year. As our world contracts to a few blogs and reruns of That 70s Show, it’s important to keep close to our collective heart those balmy days of yore when our hopes were high and happiness seemed to be within our reach.

Our New Year anthem was composed by Robert Burns, poet, drunkard, Stinquer avant la lettre, who died in the gutter, forgotten, penniless. As the resident Scot let me now remember his words:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?

It’s a question. Should we remember the past? Or is it too painful?

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We celebrate, as always, by starting with Oz. But with a tinge of regret this time, since we only have 356 days left of existence.

Haven’t decided on a canapé for that special Final New Year’s Eve party tonight? Nice Lady Melany Vorass of Seattle has an appetizing idea that’s right outside your door! And when your guests ask for the secret of that delicious! snack they just swallowed, have your camera ready when you tell them! It’ll be a night to remember!

Dinner gets very local for squirrel-eating Seattleite [Seattle Times, via WaPo]

One of the Boy Romneys bitches that everybody wants to see Daddy’s tax returns:

“He’s certainly not afraid of anything, he’s not hiding anything. But I heard someone suggest the other day that as soon as President Obama releases his grades and birth certificate and sort of a long list of things, that maybe he’d do that.”

Speaking of paperwork, we’d like to thank Master Matt for providing an excuse to dredge up a classic 2007 moment:

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A kitty. An iPad. Fruit Ninja.

We have no shame.

[via Know Your Meme]

No Episcopalians were harmed in the making of this video.

Robert Reich wants to fix what ain’t broke: “My political prediction for 2012 (based on absolutely no inside information): Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden swap places. Biden becomes Secretary of State — a position he’s apparently coveted for years. And Hillary Clinton, Vice President. So the Democratic ticket for 2012 is Obama-Clinton.”