So much of our life experience is a reflection of where we put our attention, so that it’s interesting to consider what our news tells us about our national psyche. Some would say that it’s always the same old news. Some might even say it’s always the same old bad news. Tonight, though, as I go to bed, I am somehow enlivened by the day’s news.

For the first time since 9/11 the nation’s airports are closed to airborne traffic and for (what seems to me to be) the quirkiest of reasons: the drifting cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland. Now, I must confess I am putting aside the opportunity to focus on the distress of the nation’s flyers even whilst recognising that for some this has been considerable. For in the long run, isn’t it quite cool to be able to say: “do you remember that time when we were due to fly to xyz and our flight was cancelled because of volcanic ash?” Besides which, even volcanic experts have to have their day. It might be a while before another opportunity comes up for them.

And then there was the UK’s first televised debate between the leaders of the three main political parties, 50 years after the USA first held televised debates between presidential candidates. I say hurrah! What better way to address the nation in the run-up to an election. I hope that this will set a precedent for every future election. And hey! Quirky or what?! ITV’s poll, whose first results were announced within 30 minutes of the end of the debate, showed that Nick Clegg, leader of our third party, the Liberal Democrats, came out as the overall winner in the minds of viewers and with a considerable margin. Putting aside the distress of some of his political opponents I think that that, too, is news worth celebrating.

Moments in history…