The setting again is the Woodmont house and another last-minute party. This time, New Year's rolled around, I came home from visiting my parents and nobody had any plans, so we took advantage of the crab season and had our first annual crab-boil. I supplied the crab and everyone else brought the booze and champagne.

My set up utilizing plastic drop cloth covering the floor and table and an array of hammers, pliers, and other tools solicited many laughs. Hey, I'm a guy, I don't have fancy Martha Stewart crab-cracking stuff. The voracity with which the Asian women tore into the crabs also drew gasps of amazement, but I think all Asians are genetically pre-disposed to devour shellfish.