My bloggies are conspicuous by their absence. I suspect they may have rented a mini-bus and all gone away somewhere sunny and not told me. I've been left to watch endless "years in review" on the telly. Alone. I hope they're having fun. No postcards so far either, but I do get the occasional email.

For anyone else at home on New Year's, photo agency Magnum and Slate present a gallery to remind you what you missed. Slate also remembers the "unmemorialised dead", the ones who died between Christmas and New Year's after the major roundups have already been sent to press or prepared for broadcast.

Speaking of the dead, there are a few analyses of body counts in Iraq floating about. The New York Times notes a tiny decline in the American military death toll - from 848 in 2004 to 844 in 2005. Meanwhile, various pundits have analysed Iraq Body Count's numbers, which show a 15 per cent decline in civilian casualties year-on-year to around 8,000 in 2005 (via Sir Humphrey's).

It looks as if Iraq Body Count's numbers are gaining credibility. George W. Bush himself appeared to use them recently.

Chris reckons I should read Russell Hoban's Linger Awhile, reviewed very favourably here. Also, twenty-five years on from his first encounter with U2, writer Paul Morley joins the band on tour in North America to discover the ways in which they're still rewriting rock's rule book.

He also points to this (via Arts & Letters Daily). Apparently George Orwell's first wife died young. Now, writes biographer DJ Taylor, a previously unknown cache of letters has been found, shedding new light on her and on a crucial period in the writer's life.

Finally, the top ten overlooked movies of 2005 and the literary year in review.

Happy New Year, yous fullahs.

Just in: Roadworker Dodderyoldfart has his own "year in review" including his Best Pothole!