Reasons to be cheerful

Forty-six percent of white evangelical Christians believe it’s at least somewhat likely that Jesus Christ will return in 2007, while 22 percent believe it’s very likely. Thirty-four percent of Protestants say it’s at least somewhat likely, compared with 17 percent of Catholics. Ten percent of those with no religion believe that Christ is at least somewhat likely to return in 2007.

Er, okay…. That paragraph should have the word “American” in it, of course.

If you’d like some prognostication from Americans (and others) with brains, the essential Edge.org has unveiled its annual question to scientists, philosophers and futurologists, the subject this time being “What are you optimistic about? Why?”. Lots of juicy speculation from people whose thoughts and opinions are a deal more informed than the usual gaggle of pundits. “The future may be a bit more like Sweden and a bit less like America,” says Brian Eno. Looking at the statistics above, let’s hope so.

Calendar sale

Let’s start the new year with some traditional commercialism. My CafePress calendars are now reduced in price to $17.99 which means I make all of $1 on each sale. Still not much of a bargain for purchasers but that’s the way it goes with all CafePress products, their own starting price is always high. I’ll probably keep these up for sale until the end of February at least, in the past I’ve had late buyers send requests for them after I’d closed the shop.