Post-New Year's addendum

There is one thing about New Year's that I think is useful -- watching those slideshows of who died during the past year.

To properly function in a given era, it's helpful to maintain an accurate list of who is still among us. Some departures literally change the world -- and only a fool does not take note of such changes.

So I concede this one utilitarian benefit to the "holiday" of New Year's. But that's the only one.