New Year's Eve runs a certain enmity with us — we call it a Day of Enforced Joy.  It's like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or Mother and Father's Day — it is a holiday neither national nor religious, really, it's just an excuse to buy Stuff and listen to fascist imprecations that we Must! Have! A! Good! Time!

Now that we're quite beyond the bloom of youth, we're putting the kids to bed early and spending the evening with TV, a martini, and the police scanner.  Good times.  But some of you may want more than that.

And fortunately, Coffee Gallery has it for you.  Bob Stane has sent a rambling letter, gist of which is: Coffee Gallery Backstage is open from 7 PM-1 AM.  Admission: free.  Music, dancing.  Bring a potluck dish to share.  Park on Lake only!  For more information, email Julie Sandoval: bohemianjoe@gmail.com.

1 PM P.S.  Bulgarini Gelato is doing roasted chestnuts tomorrow and Friday.  Buy some chestnuts, get a free cappucino, can't beat it!