I have an announcement to make. Having a vasectomy makes it really difficult to walk on half-icy snow.

I've known for years that I didn't want kids, and my wife has felt the same way for years too. Kids are OK, they're the best thing for the future (as far as the species goes), but I was always responsible enough to know I wasn't responsible enough. I know how the world works, and the way the world works is this: if you want kids because you think they'll make you happy, you might want to work on the happiness thing first because you seem to have a joy issue, not a lack-of-kids issue. If you want kids because you think it's a guaranteed way to make that man of yours stay with you, it's probably best to work out the relationship thing first. I'm happy and confident enough without children, my relationship with Beth is strong without children, we're happy without progeny. I come from a big family with lots of nieces and nephews and mankind isn't going the way of the dodo. Well, not unless the planet gets hit by a mountain of an asteroid. So we talked about it, and me having a vasectomy was by far the best decision.

I had 'the snip' on Friday. I'm still saddle-sore, and I have to give samples in a few months, but that's it. No biological primogeniture for me, for us. One less thing to worry about.

A small part of me would love to say I had it done as a protest to a Government or a world that tries to impose its own values concerning reproduction on its people. That's not why I had it done... but if you want to have your vas deferens snipped as a statement against people that want to tell you what to do with your body, be my guest. Just a word of warning: it hurts like the Dickens!!

Listen : Pregnant For The Last Time - Morrissey ... Snip & Lick - Funki Porcini.