As I was saying I'm off the whole week and broke.
I know I should know better in money management (that's what people assume - I live a simple life!); some things are just beyond me.
I have a laptop I bought sometime ago, 16/11/03 yes I got the receipt!, and it's giving me problems. It has depreciated in my opinion - for some reason I must have assumed that it would last forever. First the battery is gone that would cost like £100, the cable was replaced recently - £36. I walked into a repair shop and the man told me it would cost me £120 to fix everything and the shop next door offered to fix it for £50. (All this reminds me of the rogue traders)
The problem is both guys will stay with the laptop for two days - can I trust them? Someone has just hinted that most likely they could interfere with other parts - to make me go back.
Just like how a pimp would get his girls hooked on drugs so as to control them.
Maybe I should just get a new one - the prices have gone down of late. For £400 I can get one forget about its features it can do the basics.
So that's how my week is going to be - lovely.
Me and my miseries, don't feel sorry for me I will get by.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
A lovely week
This week is bound to be good - I can just feel it. Largely I believe it is coz I'm not going to work. Is it natural to want to avoid work? I mean if I had my way would I really work? Yet unfortunately work takes up most of our time - we spend so much time at work than with our families. Why am I not close to my colleagues at work? I think I can live (maybe survive is a better term!) with almost anyone.
Enough of that - I hate talking about people when they are not here.
Enough of that - I hate talking about people when they are not here.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Mmm Again?
Just something to get first thing in the morning when you open a paper is statistics. There are so many everyday someone just wakes up and decides to do some poll... on ANYTHING - don't worry you will always get respondents!
NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE WORKING - Is the title.
Apparently young workers are too uptight and hardworking for sex (Just to make it clear I never participated in the poll but it doesn't mean it is not somewhat true!) Apparently our 'parents' had more sex than the current generation (45 plus)- confessing they had affairs (a little something, something on the side!)
So if you are between 21-44 you may agree with this stats.
I remember yesterday we also had another one by the late poet Sir John Betjam - most pensioners' big regret in life is NOT HAVING ENOUGH SEX! This polls are interesting. Are these the pensioners who wasted their lives on their careers? Funny
Moral of the stats - Is it make the most of your youth? Somebody help me.
On more serious issue at hand Euro jackpot hits £64m! - something to discuss for the rest of the day at work?
Wish me luck - ama it's a Friday
NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE WORKING - Is the title.
Apparently young workers are too uptight and hardworking for sex (Just to make it clear I never participated in the poll but it doesn't mean it is not somewhat true!) Apparently our 'parents' had more sex than the current generation (45 plus)- confessing they had affairs (a little something, something on the side!)
So if you are between 21-44 you may agree with this stats.
I remember yesterday we also had another one by the late poet Sir John Betjam - most pensioners' big regret in life is NOT HAVING ENOUGH SEX! This polls are interesting. Are these the pensioners who wasted their lives on their careers? Funny
Moral of the stats - Is it make the most of your youth? Somebody help me.
On more serious issue at hand Euro jackpot hits £64m! - something to discuss for the rest of the day at work?
Wish me luck - ama it's a Friday
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Ban Ki-moon
For some reason I had saved this for sometime hoping to publish it - definately the blog has been passed by events. But why not let's share it. The new UN boss is around and Vodafone is back to discussing with Carphone Warehouse on future opportunities of "co-operation".
Big story this week - the new UN Secretary General confirmed.
Obviously all the commentaries tried to analyze the success (or lack of it) of the current Sec. Gen. Conclusion: Management failings often undermined the strong moral vision; he made powerful enemies in America.
It's always good to sit back and reflect (I'm sure he is thinking in retrospect what he should or should not have done) - feeling a complex mix of deep nostalgia, missed opportunity and profound relief.
Honestly the article I was reading also made me think about what's up with me. Especially important is the fact that I've been thinking of home lately.
"Together we have pushed some big rocks to the top of the mountain, even if others have slipped from our grasp and rolled back. But the mountain, with its bracing rocks, winds and global views, is the best place on earth to be. It's been difficult and challenging, but at times also thrillingly rewarding. And while I look forward to resting my shoulder from those stubborn rocks...I know I shall miss the mountain." (From FT - 11th Oct 2006)
Annan's valedictory speech (! I thought I knew English)
Vodafone: (Winners/Losers)
My favorite company was on the news again dropping a bombshell. It has severed its tie with Carphone Warehouse - after 17 years of partnership. It caught the owner of CW by surprise just hours after announcing take-over of AOL UK! It wiped out £450m off the value off CW. Business is interesting. Shifting of power? Likely CW's main rival Phones 4 U got the deal.
CW are like brokers - trying to be independent in providing phone contracts on behalf other companies - but it has grown into other areas - internet broadband provider most likely its because Vodafone also has interests in internet service hence the clash of strategies.
Obviously as he (CW's owner) expands those services he sells he is increasingly going to have some overlap with our business and our strategy" - Vodafone's Head of UK Business (Nick Read)
UPDATE:
CW is looking to entice Vodafone back into it's fold - but that would take more than a year from now with the contract with Phones 4 U. Don't it feel good to be big strong and powerful? Calling the shots..... I'm looking at there moves in Nairobi - Mobile phone technology is growing in Africa I read.
Interesting.
Big story this week - the new UN Secretary General confirmed.
Obviously all the commentaries tried to analyze the success (or lack of it) of the current Sec. Gen. Conclusion: Management failings often undermined the strong moral vision; he made powerful enemies in America.
It's always good to sit back and reflect (I'm sure he is thinking in retrospect what he should or should not have done) - feeling a complex mix of deep nostalgia, missed opportunity and profound relief.
Honestly the article I was reading also made me think about what's up with me. Especially important is the fact that I've been thinking of home lately.
"Together we have pushed some big rocks to the top of the mountain, even if others have slipped from our grasp and rolled back. But the mountain, with its bracing rocks, winds and global views, is the best place on earth to be. It's been difficult and challenging, but at times also thrillingly rewarding. And while I look forward to resting my shoulder from those stubborn rocks...I know I shall miss the mountain." (From FT - 11th Oct 2006)
Annan's valedictory speech (! I thought I knew English)
Vodafone: (Winners/Losers)
My favorite company was on the news again dropping a bombshell. It has severed its tie with Carphone Warehouse - after 17 years of partnership. It caught the owner of CW by surprise just hours after announcing take-over of AOL UK! It wiped out £450m off the value off CW. Business is interesting. Shifting of power? Likely CW's main rival Phones 4 U got the deal.
CW are like brokers - trying to be independent in providing phone contracts on behalf other companies - but it has grown into other areas - internet broadband provider most likely its because Vodafone also has interests in internet service hence the clash of strategies.
Obviously as he (CW's owner) expands those services he sells he is increasingly going to have some overlap with our business and our strategy" - Vodafone's Head of UK Business (Nick Read)
UPDATE:
CW is looking to entice Vodafone back into it's fold - but that would take more than a year from now with the contract with Phones 4 U. Don't it feel good to be big strong and powerful? Calling the shots..... I'm looking at there moves in Nairobi - Mobile phone technology is growing in Africa I read.
Interesting.
Rusticate
This week has been something.
I volunteered for an online assessment with this agency after I forwarded my cv. (Volunteered might be the wrong word - I actually wanted that chance. And that is where the drama started.
My computer could not support the web link - therefore after trying EVERYTHING to update my comp to the wee hours of the night I gave up. My only option was to go to a cyber cafe very early in the morning to quickly do the assessment.
So there I was first one in the local cyber cafe - I did the first bit (basic interpretation of graphs) took a break by going to Central London. That was just to have a breather and analyze how it went. At around mid day I found the second cyber cafe - had nice background music and more mature crowd. But while in the midst of all the drama, I'm sweating, this guy walks in and borrows my pen! Hey I could have strangled him..... Well I just waived him. He must have thought I was the rudest guy on earth - brother understand it's life and death.
On finishing the assessment I looked around and went to apologise to the brother - either he was polite or a good actor coz he just acknowledged my apologies.
Getting 'the' job - ain't easy.
On a lighter note from the Daily Telegraph.
An Oxford student, a grandson of a Lord, has been suspended for secretly filming two others doing their thing. He posted it on the school website - every student had a copy on their phones. Technology is good. He was brought before a disciplinary committee where he was rusticated for one year.
Time for me to rusticate myself?
I volunteered for an online assessment with this agency after I forwarded my cv. (Volunteered might be the wrong word - I actually wanted that chance. And that is where the drama started.
My computer could not support the web link - therefore after trying EVERYTHING to update my comp to the wee hours of the night I gave up. My only option was to go to a cyber cafe very early in the morning to quickly do the assessment.
So there I was first one in the local cyber cafe - I did the first bit (basic interpretation of graphs) took a break by going to Central London. That was just to have a breather and analyze how it went. At around mid day I found the second cyber cafe - had nice background music and more mature crowd. But while in the midst of all the drama, I'm sweating, this guy walks in and borrows my pen! Hey I could have strangled him..... Well I just waived him. He must have thought I was the rudest guy on earth - brother understand it's life and death.
On finishing the assessment I looked around and went to apologise to the brother - either he was polite or a good actor coz he just acknowledged my apologies.
Getting 'the' job - ain't easy.
On a lighter note from the Daily Telegraph.
An Oxford student, a grandson of a Lord, has been suspended for secretly filming two others doing their thing. He posted it on the school website - every student had a copy on their phones. Technology is good. He was brought before a disciplinary committee where he was rusticated for one year.
Time for me to rusticate myself?
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Never been a formula one racing fan.
I mean they just go round in circles what's the fan in it? That beats the logic out of me. It must be because I grew up watching Safari Rally. Now when you talk about the World Rally Championship we are on the same level. Maybe it's also because the cars there are real - you know what I can aspire to drive. MMMMmm could this also explain why I rarely (actually NEVER!) watch all this scifi movies - well unless you tie on to a seat and turn on the TV.
Back to Formula One.
I watched the Shanghai race where ati Alonso lost because someone on the team put the wrong tyres for the wet conditions. The sport is not about who is a good driver per se (weee!)- rather the team. My theory (I think it is conclusive in itself) you can put anyone on the driver's seat with a good team and for sure he/she will win.
Aha! So Schumacher is just overrated!
I'm so happy for alonso I hope he makes it in the top 10 in Brazil, next weekend?
Have a nice and victorious week
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Still on the first hurdle?
It's long since I said anything about my finances... Maybe because I have a simple solution to the dilemma - I need more of it. I know (and believe) you have to be faithful with the little you get - actually prove myself with what I got. So as I was reading a certain site I visit quiet often I came across a Kenyan Financial advisor. The internet is amazing!
What's even more interesting is the fact that we went to the same school and now she's with a company in Nairobi involved in investment. That's what the internet was set out to do! The talks so far are educative - hopefully it will lead somewhere.
The FT
The weekend FT normally has an article "Lunch with FT", where they invite some interesting person and interview them. It could be anyone interesting. Through this article I came to know of Malcolm Gladwell the author - interesting books (never really bought any of his books), also an interview with Madeleine Albright among others. To kill monotony with the encouragement of some friends got Chinese. I'm very predictable when it comes to such meals - my strategy is simple - 'stick to the knitting'. I normally eat only what I'm used to (Beef in Black Bean Sauce with egg fried rice). The restaurant has a table for those ordering take away filled with all the papers of the day. I noticed I am usually interested in what the interviewee ordered and the total cost of the bill. Not worry I have no idea about all this food they order. I'm used to things like KFC's mini variety, Chicken fried rice, chips and sausage - you get me. Laurence Parisot who was being interviewed is supposed to be a prominent French business woman (sorry I have no idea who she is) I remember having worked for a Phillipe Vandebrook while in Kenya years ago. Here is what she had at the Les Papilles in Paris:
2 x cream of leek gazpacho
2 x pan-fried egg with girolles
1 x rice pudding with fruit
1 x chocolate cappuccino mousse
1 x half bottle Morgon Marcel Lapierre 2005
2 x bottles spring water
Total: Euro 102.90
Interesting! Reminds of MA$E - buying things I can't even pronounce - I can't wait to get there
By the way my total bill tonight was £3.50 and a drink £1.55 - it was lovely though I still think it is too high.
Would be interesting to find out how much people spend out there - guess I'm curious to find out if I'm stingy.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Strategy of Optimism
"The role of chance in business is enormous but it is not
acceptable to say that. Most of us overestimate our likelihood
of succeeding in a given endeavors,
but entrepreneurs are the foremost optimists".
(David Storey - Warwick Business School)
The paradox
is that responding to setbacks by trying again -
the strategy of optimism -
increases the chances of eventually hitting pay dirt.
If first you don't succeed try again!
acceptable to say that. Most of us overestimate our likelihood
of succeeding in a given endeavors,
but entrepreneurs are the foremost optimists".
(David Storey - Warwick Business School)
The paradox
is that responding to setbacks by trying again -
the strategy of optimism -
increases the chances of eventually hitting pay dirt.
If first you don't succeed try again!
mumbling....?
Charities and Risk management? - I think this tight (off the hook)
That's me after spending the whole morning trying to come up with something tangible for my project. Reading all this PhDs/Professors - can I go that far? Me an academician? Naw!
Anyway a terrible morning for anyone who worships the sun here - it has been raining. I love walking in the rain (well, when I'm not going for an appointment/meeting) - so I walked to the bank got rained on and felt good! Maybe it's just me.
My buddy I told you just finished he's PhD project - awesome!.
Bob Woodward (Remember Watergate Scandal?) has book out "State of Denial" a behind the scenes account of how President Bush decided to wage war on Iraq. I doubt if I'll get a copy or even read it - got so much on my hands at the moment. I understand he is reporting rather than expressing his opinion! It must be because he must be planning to write a sequel! - maintaining good relationship. He interviewed many people in the Bush administration including Bush himself.
I read his description of Donald Rumsfeld in the previous books he's written - "a walking example of what the novelist Wallace Stegner calls resilience under disappointment', the persistence, the drive, hard work and even stubbornness when ambition has not been fully realized". From "Plan of Attack" - his second book on Bush administration.
I wish someone would be kind enough with words and describe me so! I sometimes feel I'm not working hard enough. It must because I feel I got all this ideas but still struggle to get moving.
That's me after spending the whole morning trying to come up with something tangible for my project. Reading all this PhDs/Professors - can I go that far? Me an academician? Naw!
Anyway a terrible morning for anyone who worships the sun here - it has been raining. I love walking in the rain (well, when I'm not going for an appointment/meeting) - so I walked to the bank got rained on and felt good! Maybe it's just me.
My buddy I told you just finished he's PhD project - awesome!.
Bob Woodward (Remember Watergate Scandal?) has book out "State of Denial" a behind the scenes account of how President Bush decided to wage war on Iraq. I doubt if I'll get a copy or even read it - got so much on my hands at the moment. I understand he is reporting rather than expressing his opinion! It must be because he must be planning to write a sequel! - maintaining good relationship. He interviewed many people in the Bush administration including Bush himself.
I read his description of Donald Rumsfeld in the previous books he's written - "a walking example of what the novelist Wallace Stegner calls resilience under disappointment', the persistence, the drive, hard work and even stubbornness when ambition has not been fully realized". From "Plan of Attack" - his second book on Bush administration.
I wish someone would be kind enough with words and describe me so! I sometimes feel I'm not working hard enough. It must because I feel I got all this ideas but still struggle to get moving.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
...Back to the draing board...
What do you do when you rush into class and the first person to speak is actually thinking what you have been thinking would your research topic?
Sorry let me start again.
I have enrolled for an MSc. in Finance/Accounting (I promise this the last time I'm in class) - my background and qualification allow me to go straight to the dissertaion stage. Yes I keep surprising myself - when we will all this end?
I have been mulling over this topic for quite sometime - I know even if we both go on to do the research we will come up with very different thoughts. I was just surprised. Still I'm raring to go and this weekend I'm staying put untill I come up with a proposal that is credible.
Back at school
Sorry let me start again.
I have enrolled for an MSc. in Finance/Accounting (I promise this the last time I'm in class) - my background and qualification allow me to go straight to the dissertaion stage. Yes I keep surprising myself - when we will all this end?
I have been mulling over this topic for quite sometime - I know even if we both go on to do the research we will come up with very different thoughts. I was just surprised. Still I'm raring to go and this weekend I'm staying put untill I come up with a proposal that is credible.
Back at school
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