There has been such a pattern of violent atrocities all over the world in recent weeks that one could be forgiven for viewing the horrible events in Paris over the past few days as the blood-soaked icing on a gore-filled global cake. More evidence, if such were needed, that the world may well indeed be going to hell in a handbasket!

Ironically, in the same week, scientists have confirmed that two more Earth-like planets (Kepler 438b and Kepler 442b) which might harbour water, and therefore the potential for life, have been located some 470+ light years away.

Which makes you wonder how other intelligent beings out there in space are getting on with the whole emotional evolution thing. Frankly, I hope they are doing a better job on their world than we appear to be managing here!