One day a caveman was leaning against a tree, and he thought to himself: “Now I know where the bears shit, ‘cause I’ve seen it. But if I’m not there to observe, do they make any sound?” Or something like that.

Ever since then, we humans have devoted large chunks of our cerebral cortex to looking for answers and trying to put some meaning into our lives. Lives that were, until recently in the developed world at least, nasty, brutish and short.

How did I get here, why am I here, where am I going, how long have I got? All kinds of answers to the endless questions of existential angst have come up, some of which made sense, most of which didn’t, but all of which involved a lot of burning of anyone who disagreed.

Welcome to the Religion issue, dear readers, where, although we haven’t been able to burn anyone at a stake, we have put together a couple of semi-serious articles about the various faiths; and here’s something you wouldn’t really expect to hear from us, but (gee this hurts) we’re sorry if we’ve offended anyone.

While we are unlikely to issue any retractions we will take a selection of the best letters of complaint to publish in next month’s issue.

Just to soften the blow of all that religion controversy, Jane gives us a defence of smoking, based on actual research into actual data, rather than just the shrill yelping of the anti-smoking zealots.

Not to worry though, we haven't filled the entire issue with rants and religion, We still have our usual pointless ramblings and idiotic anecdotes. As usual, we have to thank our regular contributors Morgwn, Brad, Tina, Luke, Miranda and Mich. Also, a huge thumbs up to first timers Valberg and Scotty. Well done guys, keep ’em coming! ...

Love to all who love us,

+ 1

+ 1