A galactic fossil: Star is found to be 13.2 billion years old
Shows my ignorance of these things. I thought that we only had second generation stars in our galaxy, but it looks like it has been here since the beginning of time.

Finally – a batting coach who has succeeded at the highest level. I have got nothing against Matthew Maynard, but he obviously cannot know what it feels like to play test after test against the best bowling attacks.

BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | Flower is named as Moores’ deputy

Its official. Rowing Machines are great.

Today was my last day working for IBM. I handed back my hardware (laptop, mobile phone) today and walked away. How do I feel (after two beers, an ostrich steak and half a bottle of cava) about this? Good question. Relief is a good word. I have put that part of my life behind me and can move on. I will greatly miss the people – you know who you are – but not the job at all.

I am now looking forward. Forward to two days of relaxation in a spa hotel. They’ll need a crow bar when they massage my neck. After that? The national curriculum awaits.

BBC NEWS | Health | Prozac ‘found in drinking water’ Is this a New Labour tactic to increase the nation’s feel good factor?