One down, fifty one to go

So, we're 1/52nd of the way through the year. It's flying by already. More importantly, we are 1/8th of the way through Helluary and so far, despite the holiday season being over and having to go back to work, it hasn't been too bad. The blog has been neglected somewhat though, so here's a few thoughts on events of the last seven days. . .

Another dreadful week for Tony Blair. First there was all the drama about not cutting short his Christmas holiday after the Asian tsunami disaster. I must confess, I never really got what all the fuss was about here. Yes, it would have been a gesture, but what difference would it have made to the national and international response? None whatsoever. Additionally, it seems that the same people critical of this decision are the same people who accuse him of theatrics and political point scoring whenever he responds to events of magnitude. Blair's approval rating always goes up whenever he takes to the stage. In my opinion, by staying out of the limelight for a few days, he was showing a rare display of humility. What was he supposed to do? Don a cape and fly over there? Then there were the charges of the government not pledging enough money for the aid relief, while the British public continue to pledge more and more. I agree, £50 million from the government isn't enough, and surely much more will come, but let's not lose sight of the fact that whatever the government finally hands over is OUR money anyway.

Meanwhile the conflict between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown is now so obvious and so destructive, it's difficult to see who is really leading this government. Something is going to have to give very soon. This is, after all, an election year. (Probably.)

More drama at Old Trafford this week where Tottenham were denied a clear goal. In fact, if the ball was any further over the line it would have been in Yorkshire. This has obviously intensified the debate about introducing video technology into football. Seems reasonable enough to me, if this is the alternative.

More evidence gathers that the world has finally gone mad, as Germaine Greer is unveiled as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. It's all for charity, and she is going to donate any proceeds to her rainforest fund, but still. . . . what IS she thinking? It's slightly depressing, seeing such a renowned thinker and academic participating in this circus. What next, I wonder? Stephen Hawking on Stars In Their Eyes? Dr. Robert Winston on Extreme Makeover? Richard Dawkins on I'm A Darwinist, Get Me Out Of Here!??

Then today, the news we have all been dreading: Brad and Jen announce their split. Boo hoo, sob sob, etc. Actually, this is bad news for me because I know what's going to happen now: it's going to be non-stop phone calls from Aniston seeing if I'm available. Sorry Jen, but I'm not interested. Please, just leave me alone.