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Books to swear on

Iran allows Christians, Jews, and others to swear on their own holy books. Some U.S. politicians have called for less religious freedom here.

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Olsen tribute

Tillie Olsen’s granddaughter asks fans to gather and remember the author’s work on her birthday, January 14. Read the family’s obituary here.

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Rx for winter colds

I’m home sick. Rather than whining, I thought I’d share my secret weapon, which is adapted from the Moosewood Cookbook’s “Spicy Tomato Soup” recipe. Start making it the second you feel a cold or sore throat coming on.   Ingredients: Olive oil 1 large white or Vidalia onion, minced 6 – 16 cloves garlic (depends on your fortitude), crushed 1 . . .

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New Words Without Borders

Words Without Borders has published new efforts — including Albahari’s Learning Cyrillic and Erpenbeck’s The Book of Words — from prize-winning translators.

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Mailer’s most-hated

“Still on the floor [after being punched], Vidal said, ‘Words fail Norman Mailer yet again.’” For more, see “Mailer’s All-Time Enemies List.”

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