> I did my books of 2012 too early this year. I knew it was too early, but was influenced by the mainstream media, full of book roundups for the year when there was still a month to go. I won't make the same mistake again. Anyway, a consequence is that a few books that should be in there with the 'really good reads' have now to be signalled here: Pure by Andrew Miller; Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor; The Nice and the Good by Iris Murdoch; and No Signposts in the Sea by Vita Sackville-West.
> Did you know about the Car Park Theatre of Detroit? Me, I didn't, not till today. Somehow seems like a suitable set of images with which to usher out the old year. (Thanks: HD.)
> 'A Victorian who went trekking in New South Wales' Blue Mountains with only potatoes and naan bread has copped a fine for being underprepared.' He should have taken cake and dried fruit - and maybe some biltong.
> A very Happy New Year to all (especially with that pair of fiddles in the final 45 seconds).
