Needless to say a lot of Christmas related links have appeared in the last week or so. Here’s a selection, with a few less Christmasy ones.
First one that is merely seasonal … five common misconceptions about ‘flu and why, especially if you’re at risk, you should get a ‘flu shot.
A little of the chemistry underlying what makes mulled wine so good.
Apparently we’re drinking Champagne out of the wrong glasses — something Champagne growers have always known!
Turkey has been our festive meat for much longer than we imagine — basically since quite soon after Columbus discovered the New World.
We’ve all heard of the Sugar Plum Fairy, but what are Sugar Plums anyway? Rebecca Rupp investigates.
Bourbon. The French Royal family? Biscuits? Whiskey? Well yes, all of those, but is there a connection?
The holly bears a berry. It also bears small flowers on separate male and female trees and is an important resource for wildlife — which is why we have several hollies in our garden.
Forks as eating implements are a recent introduction, at least compared with knives and spoons. Rebecca Rupp, again, looks at the history of both table manners and the fork.

It seems unlikely now, but there used to be quite a few pubs London Underground stations. I certainly remember the one at Sloane Square which survived until 1985, although I’m not sure I ever managed to have a pint there.
We’re now definitely descending into the rather less seasonal …
An official inquiry has highlighted the plight of British public libraries which are withering on the vine in the face of local authority funding cuts.
Most will have heard of Project Gutenberg but there are many other websites offering legal downloads of literature.
David Shariatmadari in the Guardian takes a sideways look at 10 diktats from Brussels that are (not?) ruining life in Britain.
We all know that life isn’t fair, but apparently that’s not the problem.
And finally, a splendid summary of why you should never mess with an engineer.
Happy New Year to you all!