I have to wonder what is going through Rupert Murdoch’s head right now.
Everyone knew when he closed ‘News of the World’ that the ‘Sun on Sunday’ would only be a matter of time. It’s not in the nature of the world’s biggest media mogul to abandon a profitable market without a plan.
Why, then, does he think it a good idea to extend ‘the Sun’ brand to anything else right now?

Millennia ago, an Chinese general, Sun Tzu, wrote the ultimate guide on how to wage war. This book is just as relevant in today’s world as it was then. In this series aimed at experienced campaigners, we look at a verse every week, to gain a higher understanding of how to trample our opponents underfoot in a blaze of delicious glory.

Speed is the essence of war [AoW 11:19]

Time is one of the most important considerations in running a political campaign, and it’s efficient use is often one of the most overlooked manners in which to improve our campaigning.
It is easy to take a focussed approach to time management, looking at small tasks and how long they will take, and losing sight of the overall appearance of the campaign.

How to use Politicians to get what you want
S. Colvin. Biteback Publishing
ISBN 9781849540865

It’s not often that I sit down and read a book in one day.
Scott Colvin’s work is one such work – and with good reason.

From the first glance, you can see that this is a work that is designed to be easy on the mind.
A bold, friendly cover. A lightweight, pocketsized volume. Irreverent styling. Short chapters.

The helpful introduction hits an excellent balance between understanding public anger about politics and explaining that being an MP isn’t all it’s made out to be – and it flows gracefully into real, tangible strategies that, while easily grasped, have proven to be highly effective when trying to get an MPs attention.
His explanations and examples are clear cut and easy to take on board. His elegance when explaining concepts is outstanding.

Nudge: Improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness
R Thaler, C Sunstein. Yale University Press
ISBN 978-0-300-12223-7

I’m going to be honest. It doesn’t come easily (I’m involved in politics, afterall), but i’m going to come out straight with it:
I really wanted to like this book.

I really wanted to write a clear, fluid review detailing the way in which the human mind is enlightened by the act of reading this title.

But it’s not going to be that. This review is more of a confused mess, as I question whether my perception of the books faults are based on objective fact, or my subconscious desire to defend my mental status quo (which is covered extensively in the early chapters). I know my thinking has been played with, but I’m not sure how or where.