"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death — however mutable man may be able to make them — our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light." - Stanley Kubrick.

2012 was a shit year. I've had bad years, and good years, but the previous 12 months have been amongst the hardest both spiritually, and in terms of the sheer volume of Bad Things Happening, I have ever had to endure.

2012 has been just one unending torrent of shit after another. I became involuntarily unemployed. illness, friends dying (illness and suicide), bullshit after bullshit, its all crap this year.

The only chink of light has been this. That and some very good news about my employment, which I try very hard not to discuss.

I also found the The Most Expensive Things In The World. and considered the problem of Equalism. I also saw a fabulous work of art at Bexhill.

I went to lots of gigs, as ever. And once again, lost the faith in most people that I never had in the first place. I spent two hours in France. And I didn't get Kraftwerk tickets. And The Child Support Agency tried to steal £1,353.46 from me in an act of disgusting malfesance.

Even this week alone, the closest person I have to a mum was in hospital over christmas, and the house is running a fever so had to cancel two big Christmas events.

Overall, it has been a very hard year, but one that ended in a much better place than it started. But what a tough ride. 2012 can fuck off with haste, as it has been Shityear From Hell.