Lessons I've learned from this year's Halloween festivities:

-Very few people can help but smile at a rather tall woman swathed in orange and wearing a feathered mask while riding up the metro escalator.

-Too much free liquor can be a bad thing, and should not generally be topped off with free champagne.

-Going home early can save a lot of trouble.

-A good cabby can be your best friend. Tip him well.