Harbingers of the New Year?

Well, we're just 15 hours into the new year, and several interesting things have happened, some good, some bad and some just . . . interesting.

Aside from unusual happenings around the ol' homestead, like a stopped-up sewer line early this morning, and the aft davit lift motor on my dock going on the fritz, things are relatively normal. On New Year's Eve, in accordance with generations-old Southern custom, we always make a batch of Hoppin' John, and it was delicious, topped with chopped green onions and liberal dashes of hot sauce. The libations and fine cigars were enjoyed, and all here is well. However, elsewhere . . .

In Japan, a country of staid and conservative social values, a televised New Years Eve music special raised some eyebrows and caused national broadcaster NHK to issue an apology for the special's "topless" dancers. NHK said the dancers were actually wearing body suits, but I watched the video, and well, watched it again, just to be sure. Judge for yourself.

In Denver, just hours after the San Francisco 49ers and Dever Broncos game, Denver Bronco cornerback Darrent Williams was shot and killed in his limousine during a drive by shooting. Others were hit, as well, and were taken to local hospitals. Williams was 24.

In Chicago, witnesses reported the sighting of a UFO over O'Hare Airport. This is notable, because unlike the myriad UFO reports and conspiracy theories posted on Jeff Rense's website, this one made mainstream media. Officials explain the sighting as a weather phenomenon caused by heavy, low-hanging clouds reflecting city and airport light. Right. That's creative. At least they didn't use the old "it's just a weather balloon" cover.

Seems the AP-AOL pollsters can't get it right. A poll by Associated Press-AOL News indicates that most Americans see doom and gloom in the new year. In an Associated Press-AOL News poll, most Americans are optimistic about the new year. OK. Got it.