HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

So, I guess the title sums it up, but happy new year!!! (or xin nian kuai le! though technically speaking, the Chinese new year is still 28 days away.) So most of you still have another 11 to 14 hours to go, but here in China, we are already 2 hours into the new year. It's hard to believe that it's already 2006, hopefully this new year will be a good one for everyone. As Dan says, 2005 wasn't the greatest in terms of international events, so it isn't asking that much for 2006 to be better. Here's hoping that the situation in Iraq improves for the Iraqi people, ethnic and regional conflicts find peaceful resolution, esp. with the elections in Israel and Palestine, natural disasters stay at a minimum (though perhaps these disasters are a sign from the angry hand of God to a certain unamed goverment...), and that the Democrats take control of congress in the midterm elections (which I'm hoping could have a positive effect on the natural disaster situation.) And of course, good luck to all of you in all of your endeavors!