Those who engage in “gain of function” research are committing a crime against humanity. So if you, Dr Smarty Pants Researcher, engage in this research, you might end up in jail, rather than at Stockholm, for the Nobel Awards Banquet.

Scientists do this because there is money for the research. And prestige, should you accomplish a breakthrough. And if you kill a few million people, Oh well.

There was a whole series of “Doctors Trials at Nürnberg, where a few Doctors were hanged for their “research”. I’m not saying anybody should swing for this, but somehow, the scientists need to be held accountable for screwing over innocent people in order to improve their Curriculum Vitae.

But I’m not holding my breath.

This is not a rant against a secular Christmas or a lamentation over the loss of the Solemnity of The Incarnation. Both the secular and sacred fit together without conflict.

Black Friday, I’ve learned, is acknowledged the Western ( Industrialised) World. It’s the day the big retailers start turning a profit, moving to the black side of the profit/loss statement.

My strange mind wants to suggest to TCM, the classic movie channel, that an Al Jolson retrospective might fit nicely with Black Friday. That is, if you like a hearty dollop of dark comedy to season your day.

But the shopping season grinds on. At this point we expect it. The lighthearted nature of the season carries the undertone of cynicism. “Have fun while you spend your money, but spend your money whether you’re having fun or not.”

When I got old, I realised I have more stuff than I can possibly use. When my brother died, we threw out untold numbers of festive gifts, mouldy cakes, rancid coffee, wine turned to vinegar

Don’t play the Black Friday game. Make a list, buy your stuff. Have fun.

I will not be watching the World Cup.