It is cold-cold-cold this week and the heating hours are the true highlights of the day. My hope for the Halcyon Days last week was obviously premature as ‘Elpida’ as the phenomenon is ironically called is descending upon us with snow instead. Meaning that it’s time to dig deep under the warm blankets, arm oneself with a cup of hot tea and open this week’s Crate without further ado.

1. According to art critic Roberta Smith “One day Traylor picked up a stub of pencil and a scrap of cardboard and began to draw…. He produced hundreds of drawings and paintings that rank among the greatest works of the twentieth century.” Bill Traylor, born into slavery in about 1853, began his life as an artist in his late 80s when, homeless on the streets of Montgomery Alabama, he produced over 1200 (surviving) drawings and paintings.

2. How fast do we forget? Ebbinghaus forgetting curve says… quite fast.

3. Colors had considerably more colourful name at the times of the Tudors.

4. Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska’s wise words from “Literary Life” advice column. It’s never too late to take up writing.

5. How to get your way according to Mel Brooks – say yes, then do whatever you want.

6. And to finish off for this week – a little comic on contemporary fairy tales by J.A.K.

And that’s it for this time. Happy reading and until next week!
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