HAMSTER!! I may found the solution to all your problems. That is, if you haven't tried this already.

This doohickey: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easi...ottle-of-Wine/

I updated my ID today and bought a bottle of wine to celebrate. I've had this device in my rental home since I moved in last summer (college kids rent this place, previous residents drank a lot....no surprise. They left us shot glasses too) but I've only ever seen my boyfriend open it using only the screw.

I tugged at my cork desperately (even squeezing it between my legs and tugging with both arms) until I decided to look up an easy way to open it online.

Found that technique and it was a cinch. The leverage helped a lot. I have that exact little tool.

Cheers!!