Recently, it’s been a wee bit mad at NIAS with Kim Jong-il dying and the media from all over ringing for comment. It is moreover our financial end of year and - incidentally - three new books headed off to the printer this week (more about that later).

But when the phones stop ringing, the building is silent and the coffee machine goes on strike, well maybe it’s time to stop staring into the computer.

Time indeed to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fruitful, rewarding new year. See you in January.