So tonight is Winter Solstice/Yule, and also the first night of
Hanukkah. Christmas is just four days away. The New Year is just
around the corner. I grew up in a Protestant household, Betsy's family
was secular (she didn't know her maternal lineage was Jewish till she
was about 9). We try to celebrate all of our heritages, even an
agnostic like me recognizes the value of tradtion. We'll be late
lighting the candles tonight (Betsy has a concert ), but I do have a
brisket in the oven.

I'd like to take a moment to wish all of you here a Happy Holiday
season no matter what you celebrate. I've met a lot of good people
here (both online and eventually offline), and at its best this
community is just that- a community. So for the holidays and 2009 I
wish all the members of this community health, happiness, success, and
prosperity!