Lathany

In my last entry a set of italics markers have appeared as straight text, as has the closing of the lj-cut (this is regardless of whether I put it at the end or not). However, the opening of the lj-cut has worked.

Why ? Why ?

Update : Now solved. It seemed to be because I'd messed up one of my lj user tags.

One of the mother and toddler group has developed two vacancies. So they'll be entering the world of pre-school education on Thursday 8th January.

I like this one.

( That twelve people thing in a cut )

But I never could sing it.

Ryan and Bea have a new favourite toy. It has lights, removable bits and is very large.

I knew I should have left it another week before putting up the tree.

One of this evening's news headlines is a story about a mother whose conviction for the murder of her children was overturned. As a result of this, the BBC website produced a page commenting on the suitability of one of the witnesses, namely Sir Roy Meadow.

Now, Sir Roy belongs to a class of people who really annoy me. Being responsible for convicting an innocent woman ? No (well, actually yes, but not specifically what I'm complaining about). It is because he is a non-statistician claiming to be an expert on statistics.

This happens... far, far too often. Doctors are particularly guilty of it because the use of their own data in the field of medical statistics makes a vocal minority think they know how to interpret all the results. But the lack of statistical training really, really shows. And it gives those of us who actually work in the field a bad name.

Grrrrr.

It's been an interesting few days.

( Friday was the twins second birthday )

( Normal Saturday and Gaming Sunday )

Monday and Tuesday were pretty quiet, but yesterday saw the arrival of ( three strangely dressed people )

And this weekend I have an engagement party to look forward to.

Browsing the BBC health website I found this.

(A story about the dangers of breaking from Atkins and adding extras - in this case alcohol and biscuits)

Now, I've been on various diets in my time but, when Atkins appeared, I decided I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. Not based on expert medical opinion you understand, just a deep-rooted prejudice against a diet that worked on a high fat content.

Also, having read this, when/if I go back on a diet this sort of thing wouldn't suit me. Simply because I too would break the rules from time to time and don't fancy being rushed off in an ambulance for my weaknesses. I prefer the low-cal (ie. fifteen hundred cal) diets where the weight comes off gradually and you can eat anything, just in small quantities.

But, more to the point, given that it's well-known that people often break diets should Atkins be promoted at all given this sort of risk ? On the one hand saying it shouldn't is like suggesting it's OK to sue MacDonalds for weight gain (which I don't agree with - I believe people should take responsibility for their own eating habits). On the other, if someone doesn't understand the risks of the diet then it could be deadly. Is there a health warning out there which is big enough ?

It appears that a long hug and a piece of chocolate is the best cure for having one's fingers shut in the door by one's brother.

They're now asleep upstairs, seemingly unaware that the last few hours of their first second* year are slipping away. Meanwhile a growing pile of boxes and envelopes is sitting in our bedroom waiting the big, first day of two.

It's going to be a Hornsey family gathering (including chrestomancy !). My parents are bringing birthday cake and possibly alcohol. I have cake candles and definite alcohol. It will also see the removal of the Two Big Boxes of Outdoor Car because my parents have offered to ship them over to bateleur's parents. Hurrah !

* Amended thanks to dr_bob

I went to the Post Office and found a total of zero advent calendars. However, they were forgiven when I found out that they stocked a green velvet scrunchie. I then continued my shopping trip around Feltham and finished off the twins Christmas present buying and got myself some warm, cheap pyjamas (with glitter on the stars).

I think I'm going to have to admit defeat and buy a chocolate calendar from Tesco and put twenty-four ridges into an ordinary candle. At least Tesco still have both.