What’s It All For? More Happiness …

Steve Richards: \”Will Cameron\’s Idea of Happiness Last?\” It seems David Cameron was serious about bringing well-being into the heart of government decision-making – he’s still speechifying like a man possessed on the topic.  Some interesting musings as ever by Steve Richards of The Independent on the politics of this. Whatever my thoughts about Cameron,Continue reading “What’s It All For? More Happiness …”

Qualitative research and behavioural economics

Looking up at the bookshelf, there is Charles Leadbeater‘s We-Think, Dan Ariely‘s Predictably Irrational and kicking around the house somewhere is Thaler and Sunstein’s Nudge; not forgetting Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Having been interested in these accessible paperbacks on “behavioural economics” (or, if you prefer, explanations of human behaviour and decision-making) for a while, itContinue reading “Qualitative research and behavioural economics”

The royals: back by popular demand (but not so sure about Charles)

The future of the British monarchy looks brighter after a successful and popular royal wedding. Though less deferential and starry-eyed than 30 years ago, most people  enjoyed this wedding for what it was: a big public occasion to celebrate something simple – two nice people getting married: Ipsos MORI monarchy poll. We love a dayContinue reading “The royals: back by popular demand (but not so sure about Charles)”

Edgelands, wastelands and The Fall

Paul Farley and Michael Symmons Roberts‘ book Edgelands – about the aesthetics and psycho-geography of forgotten interzones of “waste” land on the edges of our towns and cities – has been an inspiring and thought-provoking book of the week on Radio 4: Edgelands – R4 Book of the Week Anyone who watched Coast a coupleContinue reading “Edgelands, wastelands and The Fall”

Keef’s Life: how we laugh at our icons

Reading this review of Keith Richards‘ autobiography – Life– enthused me to browse through it again with renewed interest. It reminded me what a good read the book is, but also how well cross-fertilisation can happen between a work and the comments around it. Perhaps it’s me being overly interested in the opinions of others,Continue reading “Keef’s Life: how we laugh at our icons”

Lovely alternative to PowerPoint

Just find a good cartoonist and a steady cameraperson … could be nice to do for a creds presentation, for example, rather than showing some stock slides. RSA animate presentation Idea from the RSA. So much good stuff on their website, check it out!