"Better run through the jungle!" Another weekend is upon us and I can almost here the pitter-patter of millions of teenagers' hearts accelerating at the imaginary futures that Friday night presents to them.

For myself, it's just another work day and my childhood is long behind me, although I must admit, I do wander among those memories from youth as often as I can.

So here's to the first kiss, the first touch of that private part, the first 'real' love and the first heartache – those experiences that weave a knot between us and makes of life a common experience, shared by most, though certainly not all.

Here's to the survival of democracy and the growth of science, spirit and mind. And here's to you. May your nightmares fade and your dreams, your truly heartfelt dreams, all come true.