Actually I am not sure of the date. I am in Los Angeles en route for Wellington, with a 12 hour flight on Quantas/British Airways ahead of me: I don't wear a watch and all I know is that UK is 8 hours ahead and New Zealand is 4 hours behind plus (or minus) a day.
Nevertheless it feels that the 21st century has really arrived now that my end of year obligations are completed. I have finished my filming on X-Men - until the post-production dubbing and the publicity round starts; I have been home to London to greet friends and family and the millennium; I have packed many bags and Middle-earth beckons.