Back to work after an 'interesting' week-long break. Still one must look forward and all that. Some big changes in my life and I must be positive as to be honest, it isn't the end of the world. Have decided on restarting my interest in photography and will decide on a new SLR camera for this christmas. I think the Nikon F55 looks like a good bet - just the right amount of features and functions for me to use. Nothing like an expensive purchase to ease my mind!

On the news I see that the Tories will have a new leader soon.....all this infighting just when Labour is looking weak. I think the Tories have made a mistake and really should have stuck with IDS. The current favourite is Michael Howard but I always like Michael Portillo but he has ruled himself out of the running. Whatever happens the Tories will not challenge in the next election unless Labour does something really dumb.

My stocks have risen in value but this is all relative: after the plunges the stock market has experienced in the last five years - I think I am back to where I started. This reminds me of a section in the Mike Moore's new book: 'Dude, where is my country?' that the stock market was a means for the rich to fleece the poor. I think this is sadly true and I will be re-examining my portfolio and probabaly release some of it....to buy a really expensive car.

Hmmmm....