Michael's birthday, that is! He was a man of simple needs yesterday. His only request was a Russian-style cake and the company of five ladies. Easy enough. All we had to do was clear our schedules Monday night, go to three Russian bakeries on Sunday afternoon until said cake was found and hope Daves Bar would make room for our group.

A quick study in decadence, what with cake, wine and free beer supplied by a beer rep passing through, we sang Happy Birthday to our friend Michael, the Russian Maintenance Man.