Talk about optimism

I'd just like to say, I love the idea behind this book. When the big blackout hit in the summer of 2002 (oops, 2003: thanks, JJR, for catching that), I was left staring at a pantry that contained a box of tomato soup and canned corn. While the situation couldn't be considered dire since at least one of the take-out places downtown was still operating, things could have been worse. Like aliens-taking-over-the-earth worse. And in that situation, the best remarks to hear from the people around you would be: "Dammit, no lights, no water, and we're all about to die, but whatever that is smells delicious! Let's eat!"