6th November:

Scientists appear to have found evidence of water, or a liquid of some kind, on the surface of Mars. If true, this could be the most dramatic event in the history of space exploration since a man first put his size nines on the moon. With water comes the genuine suggestion of life, albeit probably in bacteria form. However, it is still life on a planet other than our own, and offers up the tantalising prospect of more of the same elsewhere.

Nothing would please your congenial host more than proof of the existence of beings somewhere out there who are at least, if not more, intelligent that us. We humans are a pompous bunch, obsesssed wih our petty rivalries and our own importance. Can you imagine the effect it would have on homosapiens everywhere to learn that we neither unique nor alone?

It's a grandiose statement, perhaps, but if ever an event could truly bring humanity together and help bring life sharply into perspective, it would be this.

PS - If Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum happen to be reading this, stick around guys...you might come in handy.