'born lucky'

From the University of Hertfordshire comes the news that babies born in May are luckier than those who started life in other months.

More than 40,000 people submitted their birthdays to researchers and rated the degree to which they saw themselves as lucky or unlucky.

Those born between March and August considered themselves luckier than people born between September and February.

The percentage of "lucky" births rose during the spring, peaking in May, and dropping off again in Autumn.

Professor Wiseman:

"The effect might be due to changes in how some parents interact with their babies during summer and winter, but we won't know for certain until we have conducted additional research."

Half of those born in May fell into the "lucky" bracket. This figure dropped to 43% in the unluckiest month, October.

But, the good news for winter-borns is that people can improve their luck ... simply by being more optimistic and making the most of the opportunities that come their way.

I always suspected I was lucky, but this proves it. I'll try to keep this in mind when I go to Reno in April.

But seriously, whatever you want to call it - luck, providence, blessings - I have more than my fair share, and not enough appreciation for the one who gives it.