[Acrylic-bob]

As I recall, the Lenten fast is supposed to put christians in mind of the forty days jesus spent fasting in the desert prior to his death at the hands of the Romans. It is generally believed that to attempt a complete fast for such a period would ultimately result in illness and death for the average human and so the church suggested a token; meat.

This is why we have Shrove Tuesday in this country, which was the day on which housholds used up their eggs and milk, and why continentals have Carnival; from the latin "CARNE VALE" (farewell to flesh).

Because of its intimate association with christianity I cannot see why people of no particular belief would want to indulge in this archaic pastime.

Since I am not preparing for immanent self-sacrifice and have no messianic mission, I do not feel constrained to emulate jesus and so the Acrylic household will, as usual, ignore Lent, apart from the occaisional indulgence in the Bach St Mathew Passion.

I noticed this morning that the increasingly ridiculous and irrelevant Bishop of Liverpool suggested that we should give up a light bulb for lent; to show our concern for the planet.