42

I am 42 today. I am older than I once was and younger than I'll be; that's not unusual.

42, as the sci-fi nerds amongst you will know, is the Answer To The Ultimate Question Of Life The Universe And Everything, according to Douglas Adams.

It is also the atomic number of molybdenum, the amount of teeth wolves and dogs have and the number of the bus you need to get from Denmark Hill to Liverpool Street Station, London.

I used to live in Denmark Hill when I was a student. That was a long time ago, but I am no nearer to being able to work out what the meaning of life is than I was then, although I tend to side with the Pythons on this, as on several other matters...

"M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in; and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations".

I thank you.

Now, who fancies a cheesy twizzle?

ABC - 'Many Happy Returns' (1982)

[From this genius record, obviously. And posted instead of all those melancholy musical meditations on the inexorable passage of time I could have put here instead. Hurrah!].