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This photo, by Rina Castelnuovo of the New York Times, won third place in the World Press Photo competition's 'General News' category. It shows an Israeli settler in Hebron taking time out from his Purim celebrations to throw wine at a passing Palestinian woman.

More striking images here. Many disturbing, some heartening, all artistically gorgeous.

Books, continued

Also read this Christmas-New Year:

Julia Donaldson w/ Axel Schaeffer (illus), The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child: Oh my, these were *adorable*. My family are on a bit of a Gruffalo kick at the moment, and although I evaded watching the movies, the books caught and charmed me. They read aloud beautifully, and are sneakily funny. The Gruffalo's Child is definitely my favourite: the intrepid girl-gruffalo warms my heart.

Nancy Garden, Annie on My Mind ( Felt a little like a how-to-manual, and yet, was charming )

Sam Starbuck (aka copperbadge), Trace, ( Not his best but engaging and interesting )

Helen Garner, The Children's Bach ( Well-written and literary but unattractive )

L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams: A re-read among many. I'm particularly charmed this time by the way several sub-plots are twined with Anne's life. This book shows Lucy Maud at her best, I think.