This is a classic example of form over function. I want to be able to READ my book. They are not just there to look pretty/collect dust. It's like the scene in Black Books: "Are these real leather?" "They're real Dickens" "I have to know if they're real leather because they have to go with a sofa"

The Pursuit of Happiness by the Dalai Lama!

Some large books, due to shelf constraints, I have to stack horizontally (or if I have them sat on a coffee table). But I find it annoying from an accessibility viewpoint, like I'm playing book-Jenga when I want one from the lower half of the pile (and worse, putting it back in the same spot). I've no problem with the aesthetics - they just don't trump my annoyance. :)

All Christmas celebrations are hot now - the heating is turned up full blast in the North and the fan is turned up full blast in the South. The north is white with frost and snow, warm candlelight, the red of holly and mulled wine, green Christmas trees and hot food. The south is blue seas, white of pavlova, red strawberries, lush pine branches and cold food. Its like choosing a favourite child - each is beautiful and special in its own way. Having grown up in the warmth of the south, the cold of the north feels much more like a real Christmas.