Channel 5 is doing some kind of science documentary series that starts on monday. Apparently some or all of the shots of Stephen Hawking were filmed in this building, and there's a shot of one of the backstage crew pretending to turn the lights on. Why he had to pretend I have no idea, but this amuses me.

Went down to London to "see in" the new year. (I don't like that phrase for some reason). Dinner with friends, involving some of the nicest turkey I've had in years, board games and randomness. Randomness in this case being sitting in a smoky kitchen with a bunch of high, drunk, stranger thirty-somethings singing Elvis songs. Nice people, despite me having to go through my usual repetitious refusal of alcohol. "Would you like some wine?" "No, thanks." "Are you sure?" "No, thanks." "Oh come on..." "No, thanks." "We really must insist." "No, thanks." "We've got plenty here." "no, thanks." "oh..." Moment of silence. Finally the world turns again. At least this happened at the beginning of the night and not at midnight, but hey. Still, it was nice to see friends. Usually I engineer things to spend midnight alone if I can't be with Liz, but having people to be around was a nice change.

The only real bad point of the night was one of my friends getting hurt, and me crippling my hands lifting something I couldn't have budged without channelling way more energy than I actually have. Took more out of me than I care to admit. Thankfully my friend seems ok. I was worried there.

The remainder of my trip was taken up by visits to restaurants and shops, including that evil, evil place known as MVC. Bought 3 DVDs I didn't intend to buy, and saved over 30 on them. Not that this makes up for my total lack of willpower. And we went to see American Splendor. I'll spare you most of the rant, but it's a very good film which should win more awards than it will be nominated for, and Harvey Pekar needs to cheer up considerably. Oh, and it's nice to see Paul Giamatti in a leading role for once.

...

Be warned. This is next one is about to get bitter.