Winter Reading

I have been trying to read more books recently. I read a lot of blogs and news, but struggle to find time for other reading. In December I read up about the formation of the Coaliton Government: ‘22 Days in May‘ and ‘5 Days to Power‘. There did seem to be a reasonable optimisim in forming the coalition, and the deal with Labour didn’t seem like it was ever going to materialise. It’ll be interesting to see how the coalition holds together in 2011 – and how they deal with new problems not covered by the agreement.

I have also just finished Tony Blair’s ‘A Journey‘, accompanied by Adam Boulton’s review of Blair’s time in office: ‘Tony’s Ten Years‘. I wanted to understand his rise to power, and the reforms that he was trying to accomplish before Iraq overshadowed his tenure. I wasn’t too political before 2005, so these books did add to my knowledge. I’m following it up by reading Michael Barber’s ‘Instruction to Deliver‘  - a review of getting things done in Tony Blair’s Government.

Time permitting, I hope to get through Paddy Ashdown’s ‘Swords and Plowshares‘ and Mark Oaten’s ‘Coalition‘ before the holiday is out.

I have been reading some of these on the Kindle app on my Mac and Phone. I am considering getting a full Kindle, but I’m not sure if the benefit is worth the price thanks to the apps I already have. I also joined the Mitchell Library, which I now live quite near to. Hopefully it will save me a lot of money in the new year!

Photos of Kirkcudbright

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiemchale/5292850761/

I have been out walking in Kirkcudbright and taking some photos. The winter light was excellent for taking shots of the old boats along the river. You can find the new pictures on my Flickr photostream.

Clyde Winter

The public transport to Bishopbriggs was off this morning due to the snow, so rather than my morning commute I took a short walk by the Clyde instead. It looked amazing in the morning sun, so I took a quick video.