Distracted from distraction

All talk...

Tony Blair went to Newport, Wales the other day to launch the 'Big Conversation'. This is Mr Blair’s last ditch attempt to engage with a country that is finding him increasingly aloof.

What worries me about the exercise isn’t that Labour will listen to the people and then ignore what they’ve said but that they will react to what they are told. The point of Government is that they lead us forward and that they have the mandate to ensure that the attributes of the country are more empathic, more charitable and more enlightened than those of its citizens.

It’s a sad fact that given the opportunity most individuals will ensure their id is satisfied before their super ego is considered. Which means that if Mr Blair pays too much attention to his ‘conversation’ we could see:

The return of hanging.
The lowering of taxation.
The lowering of duty on petrol, alcohol and fuel.
Exit from the EU.
The expulsion of asylum seekers.
East Enders every night of the week and the return of Michael Barrymore.

Choices, choices

I need to get a new computer and have been going through the nightmare of trying to select from the ridiculous number of options, combinations and permutations available. I’m a fairly hardcore maximiser which means that, if it wasn’t for my overwhelming need for gratification, I’d probably never be able to make a purchase. The perfect computer system (well as perfect as I can afford), by its very nature, is only perfect up to the moment that I make a commitment to it. At that same moment something more perfect will inevitably come along.

So, it was serendipitous that I came across an article today which suggested seven steps that can help the maximiser break out of his perfectionist loop and spend some money. I’ve adapted them to suit my own particular traits.

1. Be clear about priorities, so high standards can be reserved for crucial choices – in other words: don’t sweat the small stuff. Self made rules can simplify some other matters, for example: ‘I will look for one hour only’.

2. Once the costs in time, money and anguish of becoming well informed about the various options have been weighed up, the clever strategy is clearly to accept the first one that meets the minimum requirements.

3. Keep expectations modest don’t dream about fantasy scenarios.

4. The general state of happiness will quickly adapt to almost any choice.

5. Don’t back away from non-reversible decisions; not having that option will increase the likelihood of finding lasting satisfaction. Be mentally removed from the market place once a choice has been made and pay no attention to ‘new improved’ models – so much easier said than done.

6. Resist comparisons with other people, their goals and values are their own so comparisons are meaningless.

7. Frequently and actively savour the choice made or route taken; avoid ruminating regretfully upon roads not taken.

Good – now where is my credit card?

Hutton

So, the Hutton Inquiry closes today. I have to admit that I haven't been following proceedings as closely as perhaps I should - I mean, whatever the findings it could well spell the beginning of the the end for Tony Blair. Still, I'll catch up as the whole thing is covered comprehensively on the website. I've only just started to work through it but I'm already impressed by the thoroughness and rigour brought to bear. The conduct of the inquiry may not have been 'sexy' - this isn't reality TV, and Lord Hutton has meticulously set out his reasons for not allowing the witnesses to be filmed, but the legal process shouldn't be sexy, it should be mind numbingly scrupulous. I just hope that Lord Hutton is now allowed to report exactly as he has found.

keeping up

I guess I just hadn’t realised what a commitment this was going to be, I know it’s only 15 minutes or so a day but when there are so many other things going on, important things – 15 minutes spent on what is basically an exercise in vanity has to be way down in the long list of priorities. Still it’s good discipline and it helps me focus so I’m going to persevere.

streets of london

For the first time in a long long while I wandered around the city today and it was a glorious day; sunny but not as hot as it's been - bright and airy. I started up in Regent's Park strolling around the boat pond and through the formal gardens, there were lots of occasions when I seemed to be completely alone and the city just faded from sight. After a beer and a few chapters of my book I headed back into the crowds skirting the Post Office Tower and into the madness of Oxford Street. Then it was down through eclectic Soho and tourist thronged Leicester Square before taking the new Golden Jubilee Bridge over the Thames towards home.

thames beach

It may not be the Caribbean but the sand is lovely and what a view.

there may be troubles ahead

The mercury is falling, which is just as well as things are getting a little fraught around here. We've just negotiated a fairly major squall and that reduced the pressure a little but the atmosphere is still somewhat oppressive - what we need is a good storm to clear it once and for all. So calm seas ahead or shipwrecked on the rocks - we shall see.

at last - a start

Well, I finally got down to some real studying this afternoon. I was working from home, after a change of plan made late last night, and, though I employed my full arsenal of distraction tactics (including hoovering), by 2pm there was no real alternative to hitting the books. Not that I got very much done of course - but it's a start.

(84 days and counting)

management matters

I had a little chat with my line manager this morning, nothing serious - just an update on where I am and where I'm going with it, and once again what struck me was the huge discrepancy in what we each consider to be important. Perhaps I ought not to think it's strange, but there is no common ground as far as the essential aspects of my role are concerned. Now, I know managers are supposed to focus on the 'big picture' and think strategically, but this strategic thinking seems to focus almost exclusively on what I consider to be 'housekeeping'.

thermophobia

The highest-ever temperature in Britain was recorded today - 37.4C (99.3F) at Heathrow around 1.30pm. We've had these high temperatures for over a week now; and, of course, this has brought mayhem to the nation, with air-conditioning failures closing factories and offices, and the railway system on a speed limit because the rails are buckling - apparently our rails are made from a special type of dark chocolate.