we are gathered here today, as we so gather at the close of every year, to bury the bitch. it is challenging to balance the wonder and beauty of the things that went right this year against the massive, staggering weight of having been alive through it all. on this most auspicious and arbitrary of occasions, we shall endeavour together to reach a consensus on the quality and market value of the bygone year. gold stars will be awarded. demerits will be harshly delivered. von