Balls You have nine balls, and a set of balance scales. All nine balls are identical in appearance. One ball is a different weight (it could be heavier or lighter). What is the minimum number of measurements you need to take to be certain which ball is different?

Bacon and Eggs With family staying, my wife thought bacon and eggs on Sunday would be nice. Am I right to think sausages should be expected? Or should (as my non-cooked breakfast liking wife contends) we state them specifically?

Seeing Things I've just finished reading "Seeing things", Oliver Postgate's memoir. If you can ever be said to read a warming hug, this is it. Fascinating, touching, entertaining, poignant. A wonderful #life. Go watch an Ivor the Engine, Bagpuss, or Clangers video. You'll be transported.

Toothpaste and Death With a long car journey ahead, I can't help shake the feeling, That if I squeeze my toothpaste a moment more, I might just avoid, A firey, painful death. Or, of course, avoid one. #life's a lottery. But at least my breath is fresh.