Well, it’s that time of year again — the end!  Although most cultures celebrate the turnover in the Spring and Fall, the evening of December 31st on the Western calendar has now become nigh universally celebrated.  There are, of course, many controversial reasons why this is so, including imperialism, globalization, and those creepy meanies, the Illuminati (that’s a joke, by the way!)

What’s the plan for CyberChaikhana as the year draws to a close? Well, it’s been a long year foreverybody. Speaking for myself, I’m in some serious need for rest and recuperation, so off to South Africa I go!  It’s costing me a pretty penny to do it, but by God, sometimes a person’s got to burn some money for recklessness’ sake, even if times are tough and financial Doomsday (or zombie apocalypse, as the case may be) is upon us.

My travels means I’ll be incommunicado for the remainder of December and a portion of January, but don’t worry, there will still be activity in this space.  Primarily, expect in the next two weeks excerpts of more rough draft material. (UPDATE 20/12/2008: Well, it looks like I won’t be able to keep this promise.  There were a lot of last minute details that needed taken care of in the lead-up to my trip to South Africa, and I leave this Monday.  That means the CyberChaikhana blog won’t be back in action until the second week of January.  But don’t worry.  Expect a big comeback, replete with blaring theremins and exploding pigs.  Cheers!)

When I return I will also release the results of our informal blogging-and-pluralism survey which I initiated two months ago.  If you’ve already added your input to the survey, do so now!!!  And while I’m away, check out Harvard University’s new Project on Islam in Eurasia, the focus of which will be upon the everyday lived aspects of the religion in post-Soviet life (click on the image above to learn more).

As many of you know, it’s a Western tradition that upon the coming of the New Year every person makes a resolution for themselves.  What’s mine?  Simply, to complete the rough draft of the entire manuscript by Springtime. I’ll be kicking into editorial high-gear when I return from Capetown, so stay tuned!

Have a happy and relaxing New Year everyone!