Several silly ads about long shopping lines took me back to this book: Line Up for Murder, by Marian Babson. Seems there is a store in London that has an amazing New Year's sale ... so amazing that people get in line days ahead of time. During this time you get to know the others in line, and, perhaps, some are not so nice, or seem to be 'up to something' ... I remember an 'evil plot' (perhaps an attempt at murder) and the use of ipecac. The book is out of print but if you can track down a copy, it's a great cozy!

From the magazine Faces: People, Places, and Cultures comes the January 2016 issue all about the New Year Around the World. Find out where it is traditional to wear red underwear! And why you should only eat round fruit (and a few other foods) on New Year's Eve. Or why you shouldn't eat chicken (or crab and lobster) either. Who started the tradition of the ball that drops in Times Square? And why? Not everyone celebrates at the same time (see post from December 31, 2015). Just a nice read. And quick! :-)

Happy New Year!

Reading Hermit With Dog