it's considered good luck if a Robin flies into your house

A time for resolutions and too much champagne is fast approaching, I have one resolution, the same ol' resolution and that is to read 20 books in 2007, something which I have failed to do in the past few years.

I will also try to remain as optimistic as possible, try to finish as many things as I can and to bravely use up every good idea that I manage to conceive, particularly those already on the backburner.

And the final thing that I will try to do is to remain appreciative of the little things and to tip my cap to those people who tirelessly endeavour to make them happen without reward and/or recognition.

"Good old-fashioned advice" by Michael Powell has the following to say about luck and new year:

• On the first day of the month make sure 'white rabbits' is the first thing you say after waking.
  
• Women: wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve.
  
• Eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day
  
• Wind up all the clocks in your house as soon as the New Year begins
  
• And spill wine while proposing a toast.

Now go put that happy in the new year and be safe.

Bon annee.