How’s your New Year going?

All credit to Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Peeking out of the pit

In a dizzying world where sex pests can get on in life without an eyebrow raised for years and Catalonian democrats face prison at the insistence that all is still democratic.

You would be forgiven for giving up.

But take heart.

The painfully low minimum wage has been raised in Britain to a level most people would consider a bit more liveable.

Fights remain, but clearly progress on this one.

Knock back a seasonal beverage and have a listen to this.

No sugar moodiness

Today was not my happiest day.

I am wondering at this point in my sugar fast, which is rapidly becoming every sweet thing but fruit fast, whether my mood is being hit by the absence of sugar.

There are more pressing things to consider than this minor ponderance of mine, but it is perhaps worth noting that I have spots, so if you're thinking of cutting sugar out for that then don't bother.

The wider world

In other news I was heartened to see so many people out on the streets of Israel protesting.

Hope is a precious thing in such a situation.

And given the myriad of confusing news coming from the region I feel opposition couldn't come at a better time.

Zoolander 

And the fictional fashion duo are becoming real life fashion stars.

Seeing them pictured next to Anna Wintour makes me feel a little uneasy.

Still burning with anger from How Glamour Lost it's Lustre.

One of the true heroines

I posted some time ago about Aung San Suu Kyi's release.

And today was heartened to find this story posted on my facebook wall.

It is amazing to hear her speak and not just read an interview.

Although the guardian interview by the wonderful Polly Toynbee that I read of hers was very thought provoking, also.

I love the positivity that she has and the strength and confidence she has in her thoughts and feelings.

Truly, an inspiration.

And then there was Saudi Arabia

I can't quite believe this is all happening.

It just doesn't seem real.

I really hope this is the beginning of something good, but it's scary.

For calm engaging analysis turn to Radio 4.

Many more posts in the offing, but I just had to say it, to anyone who's reading.

If I prayed I would pray, but I don't so just know it's on my mind.