To all of our community, whether you've been here for almost 15 years, or just happened on the site via a Google search, Happy New Year. May the next year be less eventful and more fulfilling than the last (which was a pretty good year anyway).

And the same to you Graham, & every one here.

It would be nice to live in less interesting times, & even more peaceful ones. However we can rejoice that the tide of science is back on a swing to reality. Life should become more comfortable in time.

Yes, Happy New Year to Graham and all on OLO.
Here's to another year of 'chat' !

Cheers,
Suse.

May you and all posters be greatly blessed in 2014 Graham.

Dear Graham,

It has been a year that for many of us
was not an easy one for a variety of reasons.
Still, we should count our blessings -
of which there are many.

As for politics? Experts tell us that
our governments are at their best
when there is a vehement contest of ideas, when,
cabinet labours and struggles
over policies, when individuals dissent and speak
out and sometimes even step down because they so
strongly disagree with the policies adopted. We're
told that the
strongly argued dissenting case is one of the
great contributions a politician can make to posterity
and to future good policy.

Many want to see the return of the true ministerial
system, with clear delegation, clear autonomy and
authority, and the ability for all to be heard within
a robust and respectful governing group.

We're tod that it takes a particularly strong
individual to allow all that (not a messiah, not a god)
but a thoughtful, smart, secure, emotionally intelligent adult.
And as one astute commentator stated:

"Let me know when you next spot one!"

Happy New Year to one and all!

GrahamY,

Thank you.

All the very best to you and yours for 2014. May you be blessed with good heath and happiness.