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When trying to maintain high standards, it’s vital not to lose sight of the fundamentals of what you’re doing. No matter how complicated business may become, it remains a matter of making a profit from delivering something people want, at an appealing price. But don't go round explaining the simplicity, otherwise you may appear as mad as Sir Ian McKellan in Extras.

Animation studio Pixar has a cast-iron reputation, currently being bolstered by its latest intelligent smash Wall-E. Continually producing the goods does take its toll, so it’s crucial to take steps to keep things fresh. Otherwise you may end up churning out goods as weak as this Pixar spoof: Mr Cube goes to the Cylinder.

Honesty is crucial these days. If you fail to achieve what you intended, it may be better to admit it than to put a desperately positive spin on what happened. Take this scientist from the Onion, who started out trying to cure Alzheimer's, and ended up with a sheep with the mind of a goat. ‘You never know where the science will lead you,’ he says. Indeed.

In today's bulletin:
Centrica predicts rocketing prices
John Lewis tells retail of cheer
The older the better for UK employers
Leadership Week: MT meets Shaa Wasmund
Lessons in delivering the goods, from YouTube