Dame Helen

(The fabulous) Helen Mirren goes to my gym, as I discovered this morning. And I think, but I'm not sure, that her partner Taylor Hackord was dutifully waiting for her in the gym's coffee shop. Knowing how much Kerby loves her, and personally considering The Long Good Friday in my top-ten all-time favourite films, I really had to struggle to keep a straight face. I might have to switch my usual gym attendance from evening to morning. There is more to look at in the evening, but evidently the morning clientele is far more interesting.

Smoking Banned in Pubs (but not Subs)

Parliament has voted to ban smoking in all public places, effective from the middle of next year. I can't accurately describe the significance of this issue, or its impact, because nearly everyone smokes at pubs and clubs. The level of smoking here is mind-boggling, and is just as it was in Australia about twenty years ago. Restaurants still have smoking tables, with no real barrier between the sections. Often they're right next to each other! Once the ban comes into effect, you will only be able to smoke in your own home, provided you don't work from home and provided customers don't attend your home to do business.

Smokers who are unable to flick the habit, should consider enlisting in the British Navy. While you won't be able to smoke in a pub, from the middle of next year, you will still be able to smoke in a sub. Yes, that's right, the British Navy allows its officers to smoke in submarines!!