Musings of an Optimistic Cynic

We had a teddy bear to name. The kids wanted to call it Jesus. We had to relent because the local vicar threatened to tear off the heads of all the kids and spit down the hole. We called it Gay instead. The vicar invited us all round for cucumber sandwiches and tea. We did have some bother from the local hairdresser though - but he is less worrying than the vicar and Sarah (who is 5) kicked his ass.

... is what we call that little voice that reminds us that someone might be watching.

Does it make any difference whether eminent scientists are religious (i.e believe in a supernatural God-like presence beyond the reach of science who had, and perhaps still has, power over our existence)?

If you are religious - would eminent scientists who are also religious strengthen the cause? Would it make any difference?

If you are an atheist - would they weaken the cause? Any difference?

Why didn't the (pretty big) bonfire night I went to not feature a guy? Is there now some EU directive banning the burning of Catholics after dark?

If so, could we burn Tony Blair instead? Or Sir Ian Blair? Lionel?

I enjoyed the first episode of the Genius of Photography on BBC4 last night. A lot of the information is well known but the programme was well put together and most of the contributors had something interesting to say.

I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Photography.

Let's keep the Tigers roaring

England Rugby squad - and well done for turning things around to the point where SA had to work hard and play very effective, pragmatic Rugby to win. Oh, and (through gritted teeth) well done Springboks - for change in attitude as much as performance since that awful (in many senses) 53-3 performance at Twickenham.

And Lewis Hamilton - plenty more years for you though.

Have just decided to challenge myself to up my bench press to at least my weight (currently the lowest it's been for ages at around 180lbs). I have been coasting around the 155-165lbs region for a while so need a specific challenge. An old (now very slight) shoulder injury from Rugby hits my confidence in lifting but I should try for something more challenging.

I suspect that lifting your own weight would be no challenge for a committed gym user but I only get to go 2/3 times a week and have a sedentary job so get next to no exercise outside the gym.

I guess one of the things I'm saying is that we should challenge ourselves to our own level and not be bothered if we are lower on the scale of whatever it is we do than others.

I've just realised I haven't picked up my saxophone for ages

Because their props keep going backwards. Boom Boom.