I am going to look into this new magazine from time to time more too. I prefer smaller gatherings to huge parties. I like the intimacy of being able to share thoughts with some good friends, or new friends, and just shoot the breeze on everything. Or have long-winded sci-fi conversations! ;D Actually one of my favorite small gatherings was having dinner that time at Rice with you, E &amp; J! It's nice to get out with the girls. And other favorites are big tasty dinners in someone's home with close friends and their families. 
*Soap box rant!* While I love my internet and online streaming and Itunes/Pandora, I don't have any other electronic devices and i don't really intend to get them-except out of necessity-a no frills cell phone. That's just my personal choice, but i sometimes find them extremely intrusive. There are times when you want those intimate moments with family and friends, but then they whip out the device and get immersed. Precious moments tick away and you start to feel kind of silly sitting there as the person struggles to divide attention and loses their train of thought. I guess my pet peeve has become that you're not important to them, because 'sally or mike' called or texted or something and they MUST answer them immediately. It makes me wonder if we all won't become laden with dementia or other psychosis at an earlier age. But I digress, it does have many plusses to be admired, and practical uses. *Off of Soapbox*
I'm probably just too old fashioned for my own good. I wouldn't mind just owning a phone with curly wires!
But perhaps learning how to go back to the simpler 'tea times' in life will be just what the doctor ordered for some people. Humans need to be connected to each other, but not while constantly being 'plugged in' to an electronic.