Good news, "good news" and bad journalism

At work, we get a media review each morning, showing where Kew has had press coverage lately, and also covering other things that might be of interest, or of use to us to know about. Sometimes one can get distracted by it; it's a quiet Friday and I've strayed into the website of the Grauniad. And so I have some good "news" (or rather, an inspiring opinion piece);
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/17/apollo-space-inspiration-science

And then there's someone having an interesting struggle with some other "good news";
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/jul/17/alpha-course-historical-jesus

Pity their coverage of the Royal Ballet's visit to Havana is so embarrassing. Cuba isn't a perfect society by any means (nowhere else is either, in case you haven't noticed); but it isn't Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, either. The phrase "...since Castro's guerillas seized power" really got up my nose. I expect something a little more considered from what purports still to be a respectable and reputable left-of-centre newspaper. That whole "Aargh, they're Commies!" riff is so dated, man! Seriously, though, I just don't think it's very good journalism to trot out a snappy but inaccurate description that doesn't say anything - except that the writer isn't knowledgeable enough about twentieth century history to differentiate between different types of socialism.

Back a week...

No, not back in time by a week. In fact, it's a week today since I got back from my wonderful holiday in Cuba. I've already burbled about this at some length to a lot of people, so won't bore any readers I still have with a repeat performance. Suffice it to say, it was wonderful. It's an incredibly beautiful country - in particular I'll never forget the day hiking in the Sierra de Escambray national park - and the people are marvellous. The whole place has an energy and a laid-back charm that have totally seduced me. Go - now! - if you possibly can! - and pray with me that President-elect Obama, on becoming president, talks to the Cubans, removes the blockade, but doesn't try to take them over.
Work is busier now, as Christmas is upon us. And life is also busy - friends and parties, carol concert practice, "Messiah" (in period costume!) tomorrow evening, trying to catch up with all the family, trying to find time to write and post greetings cards and presents...
But I had an amazing dream last night about going to a drawing class and then starting to make huge charcoal drawings - woke up with almost the same feeling of exhileration that I would have had if I had been drawing. It reminded me all over again of why I have to keep the creative juices flowing, somehow, because it is what makes me feel more alive than anything else I know - better than being drunk or being in love, even.