:: P-p-p-pick Up A Pumpkin ::

That time of year again I suppose... What with Wideboy's eighties-themed ghoulfest tonight and Dorset Diver's tapas-tinged birthday tomorrow, I look to be partied out (again) by Sunday. Although I never went trick or treating in my youth (my Mum believes HALLOWEEN IS EVIL), I've tended to be involved in a number of parties of this kind in the past few years: the staircase parties and beer-stained carpets at college; a giant watermelon punch containing 15 litres of vodka at the hostel in Russia; Wolverine's splendid smoke filled orgy last year.

The festivities this year have also given rise to some unusual crimes and expensive means to keep the dark forces at bay. My verdict? It's become just as tacky and commercial as any of the other annual cash cows for Hallmark Cards. If you like parties, have one with an offbeat theme. If not, barricade the front door and sit at home watching The Shining with the lights off. Cheer up - it's bonfire night next week!

P.S. Before I depart for the weekend, I ought to tell you that my favourite Japanese travel company is... Kinki Nippon Tourist Co Ltd.