Like many of my friends and colleagues, I can't get enough of Obama news; latest polling, speeches, visits, reaction of world leaders.

People rightly want our political leaders - on all sides - to concentrate on minimising the damage to jobs, living standards and our savings from the banking crisis.

At times unpopular measures are needed in order to change behaviour.

There's a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.

Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly.

Indeed, when all parties campaign effectively the overall effect is to push up voting rates, as you see in tight marginal seats or close general elections. That must be good for democracy.

Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks.

At its most basic the democratic contract is a simple one: the right to vote comes with a responsibility to society, through tax payments and citizenship.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds pay taxes and can join the army, so surely they should in turn be given their right to vote.

In Scotland, the indication is that for the Westminster elections at least, Labour voters are satisfied with their government.

You have the power to feel good—or not—just by being conscious of what you choose to think. Choose to focus on hope and healing.

I want you to let go. Just close your eyes and feel me. Don't think. Don't try to control it. All you have to do... is feel.

Never exaggerate your faults your friends will attend to that.

Now I am going back And I have ripped my hand From your hand as I said I would And I have made it this far.

A nation's budget is full of moral implications; it tells what a society cares about and what it does not care about; it tells what its values are.

I admire this town a lot. They take care of their own. There's not a lot of places in the world, much less America, that do that. It's just a great place.

Some people are born with the necessary gift, and some work hard to build on the few gifts they have.

Believe me, it's always a lot harder on the guy getting fired.

Street Photography is like fishing. Catching the fish is more exciting than eating it.