Another Flip Flop?

The other day Nick Clegg won by a slim margin to become the leader of the Lib Dem – a party that is to say the least as it aims to challenge the two major parties in the UK.

I saw his interview on BBC’s Newsnight – he has a lot to do if he seriously thinks the Lib Dems will challenge Labour and the Conservatives. He was waffling when asked some questions and that was on his first day in office!

I knew it was confirmed to me today that the man is in deep trouble when I read that in an interview he confessed that he doesn’t believe in God. I know he is not the first one to confess he is an atheist – but the man wants to raise his kids as Catholics! All this on his first day in office which was of course followed by a typical politician clarification of his stance – he does not want to offend people with religious beliefs. Someone must have reminded him that maybe the voters believe in God. Contrast all this with the presidential nomination politics in America where everyone wants to draw as near to God as possible!

He reminds me of John Kerry for some reason – I doubt whether he will EVER tell us what he stands for.

He needs a miracle to get into power!

Credit Crunch

Just when I thought it would be the best time to seek some external funding the market would not hear none of that. And naturally like any 'normal' person I have been seeking for someone or something to blame. So I just smiled when I read of who people are blaming now.

I’m not surprised that the former Fed Chief Alan Greenspan contribution to the credit crisis is coming under focus. The same person we all looked up to as a genius during his 18 years reign in the US central bank. ‘Hindsight is always 20-20…’ he should have clamped down on high risk ‘sub-prime’ mortgage lending. One of the basic rule that the lenders threw out of the window was that the borrower should have the ability to repay.

So Alan forget that I used to think that you were all that I blame you if my loan application does not go through. I know I have no collateral assets and can therefore not prove I will repay the loan, still I need the loan!

End of year staff party

We had our own small end of year staff dinner.
It was a simple affair - we all met at a Chinese Restaurant upstairs in a private room. It seems many look for opportunity just to get drunk.
I left at the end of the night tipsy after a few glasses of wine and understood why I see so many ladies drunk at train stations at this time of the year. How they make it home only God knows.
I was afraid I would be disappointed with the menu. See when I go to Chinese restuarants my choices are very limited when it comes to stew - Beef in Black Bean Sauce is my first, second and third choice. I do not touch any of this seafoods - yuk yuk yuk. So to be adventourous and go with the good times I had some see weed but couldn't touch the prawns maybe next time.

At the end of the night the damage was £25.... I think it was well spent but continues to put pressure on my December outflows.

Oh and this weekend is major for us sports fans Man U v Liverpool/Arsenal v Chelsea! What a cracker.
While on soccer I'm reading an article about some British managers complaining that they were overlooked in favour of Fabio Capello. I thought you had to be qualified first for you to be overlooked. It is no secret I wanted to be the Governor of CBK and let's not forget JP Garnier is moving on I really really thought at least I should have been given a shot. Honestly I do not see any British manager now that can lead the national team - sad but true, the pressure is just too much.

A Success story

I was at a supermarket getting something for breakfast yesterday morning when I saw the front page of The Independent with a picture of Sammy Gitau. I missed the evening news due to a staff party I had to attend but someone told me it was on the news here.

Now that is a story that does you proud as a Kenyan - Amazing how the public assumes that foreigners are here to be free loaders. He came all the way from the slums of Mathare. Google the name and you will see his story on youtube too

NAJIVUNIA KUWA MKENYA - suddenly the slogan makes sense!

Have a successful and miraculous December

Christmas is here.... Again!

Everyone is running round for Christmas presents, not sure what I'm waiting for. Over the years I have realised I'm not a shopping enthusiast, I mean I like 'new' things that I buy for myself. Now to get gifts for friends and family is excruciating. I'd rather give out cash - which most people don't take kindly (Are you paying me off?)

Immeadiately after Christmas we start counting the costs - I've even decided to beat that after christmas mad rush, usually out of guilt more than anything else. I'm looking back to see what was my most extravagant item I bought this year. Easier to say anything that involved cash outflow - basic food and clothing would not count.
This feeling gripped me when I was at Stamford Bridge

Maybe I'm counting the chicken before they hatch!

A good buddy of mine is flying in from the States on 18th I'm not sure how it's going to go down ouch. So if like me you feel christmas is too commercialised therefore putting you off the shopping mall - maybe it is an age thing. Get kids if you don't have them yet and join them in the fun.

Stamford Bridge

At last I did it.
Just returned from the Champions league game between Chelsea and Valencia. Sometime back I challenged a friend to make the most of life because it can turn out to be just too short. He knows I like football but my NEVER really attend the matches. I have a very good excuse - the prices are inflated to so that the clubs can continue to pamper the egos of the so called superstars. Deep down I think my not attending was like a protest vote which I'm afraid I'm not winning.

Despite the weather being close to -1 degrees the Stamford Bridge was packed! Don't this people realise it is a rip off?

Of course I was one of the people campaigning for 'the special one' to go. Either he goes or I go! Maybe it is because I am a great admirer of Barcelona from the days of Ronaldo and Stoichkov... aaah good old days when football was football. Someone observed that Claudio Pizarro was more concerned about his hair while on the pitch !

By the way the game ended 0-0, so much for me being there! Let me see my schedule which game can I see next. Super slam Sunday Chelsea v Arsenal can't other plans already in place.

American Gangster

"See, ya are what ya are in this world. That's either one of two things: Either you're somebody, or you ain't nobody."

Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington)

Trainspotter

Yesterday the Eurostar made its maiden journey from the new renovated St. Pancras Station. Everyone was not excited someone was quoted as complaining "So what would happen to idle platforms at Waterloo station!"

I'm lost for words how we can be petty did he is not concerned about how fast the service will be or whether it is more eco-friendly (is it? I don't know) or whatever.

Bankers a pack of ‘whimpering dogs’?

Bark-Lays Bank!


My background experience with bankers (or banks for that matter) is institutions that avoid risk at all costs. They can be friendly when enticing you to take a loan especially when you are credit worthy or have collateral, the same people will come down hard on you in case there is any default.
A former banker turned private equity investor has just re-affirmed that long held suspicion. I’m not sure why he was so blunt having been a beneficiary of the same banks support.



Guy Hands (enfant terrible) was quoted at the Super Investor conference (yes there is such a thing!). He described bankers as a ‘pack of whimpering dogs’, because they seem to like the presence of other bankers when financing a deal. So if others are not around forget it the best you can expect might be lukewarm support. The situation is made worse by the credit squeeze especially for entrepreneurs like Guy since the pack of dogs have gone to their baskets to lick their wounds. To attract their attention will be tough.

Mr Guy must be having trouble accessing cheap debt. It must be the bankers fault.

HSBC yesterday issued a gloomy picture of the banking sector hinting that emerging markets are to feel the squeeze too Barclays today is expected to update on its performance as rumours still abound on the extent of damage. This is the worst time to be seeking for liquidity boost from banks – the dogs are running to the hills.

A must read

It's been long facing the normal issues of life - I have not been idle for sure. Anyway if you are like most of us at that point where your career seems to have taken over your life - you might be interested to read a blog I found in the NY Times.

Last week a 'friend' sent me an invite for a drink since she is leaving the UK and going back to Kenya. Good for her. After her studies she has (I think rightly) thought there is more for her at home than here.

What else do you do after successfully completing your studies. I had made an application for a job in Kenya went through the initial phone interview and now tired of waiting for feedback. I was raring to go - necessary set funds aside I was waiting for the call. Anyway since my VISA runs out next year I doubt if I will renew it - well of course unless Citibank request me to replace Chuck Prince!

So most of your at cross roads keep on keeping on.

Brother under pressure

I got home yesterday - sorry is it home really? - and was disappointed. Well you know in 'normal' homes usually it is the man of the house who does that (I think). I've been doing that for a long time especially since I have been blessed to live around ladies.
But it beats logic for the bin bag to be full and someone to continue piling up rubbish. I was disappointed yesterday - ignored went to bed hoping some miracle would happen and it will disappear. Miracles are far and in between nowadays - I swallowed my small pride to the rubbish out and left the house.


Of course it is natural for one to be under pressure after releasing poor performance. That is what ML's Stan O'Neal is going through at the moment according to the FT this morning. In business there is always someone looking at ways to exploit any sign of weakness - so this gives others a chance to aim a shot at ML.

I needed the cold breeze I'm feeling much better now - but maybe rules should change I should not be the only one taking the rubbish out. Especially when one can clearly see that the bin bag is FULL (Is that asking too much?). One wrong move can ruin an otherwise successful rein.

It is going to be a good weekend I can feel it.

Mid-Life Crisis

I guess - it is sad to admit it but I'm not growing any younger. So when you are concerned that I'm more interested in health matters then please understand - I'm in one of those stages.

A colleague at work is about to retire and he is always complaining of some sort of pain, he is asthmatic, diabetic - you name he's got it. The other he joked that he was on his way out - we all laughed but it set me thinking. He came to the UK many years ago from Cyprus after the Turks invaded their country. So he's tasted the rough life before getting to where he is now. One thing about him is he does not like spending his money. Instead he has been a heavy smoker over the years with almost no physical exercise (he loves just going home and watching TV); he's diet to judge from what he brings to work leaves a lot to be desired. Now he is struggling with his weight (same song everyday)

With the credit squeeze - it is tough to just throw money around - but I believe I should not compromise with eating healthy. It does not cost that much to have a fruit a day.

Chess Game:
I played chase a long time ago and managed to witness some great talents in Kenya. The one who taught me the game always told me that usually a game is lost during the first few moves. Sooner or later with a weak defence the centre can no longer hold. That is what life is all about. You build slowly - I do not have to wait till I'm old to try and lose weight or be forced to eat healthy I'm starting now.

It's my move I guess.

Excess Luggage

I like to think of myself as being proactive in issues that I feel strongly about. My attention is easily drawn to issues of the day - and I'm proud to say that it has all worked out fine for me so far. That said I still struggle with the fact that I've always wanted

The current debate on obesity seem to have taken over the media's attention - I only hope that everyone is following. It is not complicated to find out the reason why this is an issue here - I mean in Africa this is hardly a problem. Sure we have individuals who are obese here and there but again they do work hard to achieve that! Kids here have no space to play - I remember growing up we used to play EVERYDAY - no time or chance to gather excess weight. Now it's different you can play with the remote control comfortably on the couch, playstations etc... etc.

Obesity is the in thing now – what is the society to do with all the excess weight we seem to be carrying around. Forget global warming!

After dealing with smokers a range of issues are being suggested whether they will come to pass remains a mystery. Manufacturers could be banned from adding salt and other unhealthy substances to food; employers could be required to provide exercise facilities and of course time for employees to use the facilities!
Since a report on health profile published reveals that prevalence of obesity is higher than any other EU members. Someone suggested that when one person eats more - it can only mean he/she is eating somebody else share - is that why most are slim in Africa?

I hope the government finds the solution because the society seems to be helpless my suggestion: People have become just too comfortable, hence the excess luggage

ML Got Burned!

Forget what the Citigroup is going through ML announced an $8bn write following recent credit squeeze at Wall Street - the biggest reported by a bank so far. Serious credibility issues especially since the figure is $3bn more than the bank had predicted. "The bottom line is we got it wrong...we...I am accountable for the mistakes just as I am accountable for the performance of the firm overall" - Stan O'Neal.

Stan O'Neal is facing some criticisms and for sure heads will roll - isn't it amazing how jobs are created and lost in this banks? Bank of America has announced 3000 are being laid off mainly within the investment bank.

I'm sure others are watching the reaction of the market especially here in the UK where there are all sorts of speculations on the impact of the credit squeeze. Alistair Darling is meeting ~I think the parliamentary Finance Committee to respond to the concerns.

What a Weekend!

Nothing much to say about the weekend... only that it sneaked in and sneaked out - almost unnoticeable!

A friend is getting married (another one!) and this weekend he had a get together (?) unfortunately conveniently I was absent as usual I was extrememly busy (as in more than just busy!). When I'm alone unlike other people who dream ferrari's or even beyonce (What?....lol - this is Monday blues)I had time to reflect.

It became clear to me that many relationships inevitably run their course and there is very little I can do about them. I couldn't face people I knew back in the day hence I missed the get together. Some things are just not meant to be and I am struggling with these truths. These are guys I met in the UK when I just came into the country but somewhere along the line something happened and we don't talk no more. For one reason or the other we lost touch they are doing their thing and me I'm just me.

Hopefully this is just a phase I'm going through and at the end of it all I will sit back contented that I took the right course.

So apart from a weeping nation I am still in a sensitively consious mood - nothing to do with rugby or formula 1.

I hope others as usual had a grand weekend, I'm looking forward to the next one. Did I say nothing much to say... actually I had a lot to say but maybe another time another place.

Fishing - So complicated

Nightmare: You get a call concerning a job application
"Hallo can I speak to a Mr. FrugalAfrican? I have your CV in front of me and I have a question, can you speak French?"

Ah... I beg your pardon.

Well apparently they actually wanted a person fluent in French - how else can you conduct an Internal Audit without speaking the language? Is it just me or have the goal posts changed? I guess it has become so competitive that a degrees and professional qualifications are not enough. A tragic though if one is aiming too high (whatever that is).

With the internet it is less complicated to locate vacancies around the world - whether that is good I don't know. Because the whole process in my opinion has become informal - I mean filling out a form is different from giving me a blank sheet of paper and telling me to explain why I am suited for a role within say Microsoft. Even worse I hear that companies are using candidate-sifting software in the recruitment process - not sure how it works but would imagine that it looks for specific words and terms to select. Woe unto you if you have limited vocabulary! A professor once made a point in a Business Unit I was taking that it is not just the certificates you collect but talking your way to the top. Of course he was warning non-English speaking students of what to expect especially if they want to work in the UK.

Gone are the good days when fishing was not complicated, back to the basics.

Customer Services - A myth?

It is a nightmare dealing with outsourced customer services over the phone.
I know they are just doing their job and rarely are they to blame. How do you deal with customer service?

After calling my ISP provider's customer services I was just about to get really angry and throw tantrums - then I remembered that would not solve my problems. I needed to sort out access to the internet - for heaven's sake the lady is in India!.

There is nothing more humbling to me than to lose a fight. So if I'm not in it to win then let it slide is my principle. My natural response would have been 'You are not helping me, can I speak to your supervisor?' or 'I'm going to complain about this, what is your name?'

Every morning I see this at the train station and it amuses me - you come without a ticket for whatever reason, the consequences - the inspector might penalty fare you. I've seen grown up men in kids bodies being drawn into an argument and eventually losing the battle. You rush to obtain a complaints form and think that you've done yourself a favour. As sure as the sun rises every morning if you come back tomorrow the same inspector will still be around.

There must be another way to deal with injustice - throwing tantrums is not one of them! OK let me call customer services and swear at the unhelpful staff - I'm sure in the background they are all laughing at me.

Another one bites the dust

Of Course I'm Mad!

I must have rejoiced too soon.
The internet service that I subscribed too suddenly is turning out to be a nightmare - I thought it was straightforward judging from the first few weeks.

Yesterday I spent almost an hour on the phone with one of the technical customer service guys - uninstalled the whole thing set it up. Suddenly I could access google, got excited thanked the genius and hang up!

What?!

I can only get the google page but cannot even access the links! What is this all about? When I try to access any other websites it seems like the pages are being loaded then suddenly there is a connection failure.

One of my strengths (depending on how one looks at it) is that I am a VERY patient guy. I'm one of those guys who when angry would not say it verbally - but one can easily sense it. Only that today I'm kind of tied up but I think the only logical thing is to cancel the whole thing. Imagine just after my first direct debit is when the problem arises.

Even more important - where do I stand legally?

Honey, we need to talk

A colleague just got a call from his 'partner' that she though unconfirmed she might be pregnant. Nothing new here - it is only natural that there are consequences in every action. The guy could not concentrate at work he had to go home early.

Of course set off the usual deep thoughtful discussions that guys have about relationships - of course it is like ladies are playing the fellas. I realise that it takes two to tango.

The victim (watch 'the bachelors') is almost 50, divorced and has two kids from previous marriage

So today I came across a post on wsj that is interesting. And since the link might not work copy and paste the link below on your browser hopefully it will work.

http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2007/10/10/rich-banker-fires-back-at-gold-digger/?mod=homeblogmod_thewealthreport

More changes

Changes have also been announced at GSK.

JP Garnier steps down next May at a young age of just 60 to be replaced by Andrew Witty the group's Head of European pharmaceuticals after he beat Chris Viehbacher (Head of American business) and David Stout. For the 'losers' I guess it's time to move on - they will be fine.

All Change

It's been ages since I was last year - no good explanation. Like everyone else I guess the campaigns are tight (is that not a good excuse?).

Two weeks ago - approximately - I read a newspaper caption that kind of made me proud. For the first time in a long long time there was a small feature in the business pages of the promotion of a black African (French passport holder) in one of the leading insurance companies here. Prudential had poached a high-flying executive from Aviva and placed him as a Finance Director.

African-born, French trained Tidjane Thiam was a former senior member of the Ivory Coast government until a coup in the late 90s. Apart from a five figure salary, he is positioned as a candidate to succeed the current CEO – do not hold your breathe on that though it is too early.

Since it seems the norm here to moan and whinge I was just about to complain why The Daily Telegraph forgot to include his picture with the story, I turned to the FT and they had he's picture. I don't why I'm happy it is obvious we have very few role models especially here in the UK given that there is a huge number of individuals with African (read black) but not represented in the business world.

Last week I read a brief interview of the great Spike Lee and of course the interviewer asked him whether racism was still rife in Hollywood (duh!). Apparently he is tired of going to meetings and the only time he meets brothers is at the door manning the gates!

Anyway in whatever you are up to good luck

Maybe next is to have Black girls as page 3 models - not that I'll notice!

3 Network

Finally!

I managed to get one of those 'value for money' internet connections for the time being. No need for having a landline (everybody knows I don't need that - I can't use up my 'free' minutes at the moment on my cellphone). In fact the only reason I had the line before was for internet!

I should appreciate the way technology is moving so fast even to the reluctantly like me.

I'm still reading the fine print of the long contract I signed today 24 months or pay for the modem as a buy out clause. 3 network is my provider. I was tempted to use my phone as the modem - but decided against it. (Fear of the unknown?)

The catch of course I know is I should not be a heavy user. It's better than nothing.

One of those things

I know the feeling. At least he has shown what not to look for when searching for a coach! To me he seems like the guy who can only thrive when things are going his way - but that wouldn't be life, would it?

But I'm in that same mood especially since a few loose ends need to be sorted out. Simply exhausted and I got to get up tomorrow morning. I wonder what he would put on his CV after Chelsea... I wonder...

Uneventful weekend - by my standards that suits me just fine.
I have not been reading the newspaper (well for the past 6 days) so I'm catching (MAYBE) this week. Before you feel sorry for my cash flow crisis it is not linked to the issues facing Northern Rock. Besides there are numerous assurances from the Government (for those who trust the government) and the independent financial regulator (FSA)

Yes I'm watching the news and mostly pensioners (and I do not blame them) are hurriedly withdrawing their life long savings. But where are they taking their cash? One said he is taking it to another bank. Probably it is a wise move he might know something about this 'other' bank that we do not know about. The CEO of DB was last week challenging other players in the banking and financial services industry to come clean and report on the impact of the American crisis on their performance. I can only wish him the best of luck - sometimes the truth is hard to swallow especially when in a sensitive industry like banking. Rumours lead to panic and next the bank is on its knees.

I guess everyone is interested in knowing who wants to take over Northern Rock it is between a rock and a hard place!

Days like this

Past few days have been kind to me.

I had a brief telephone interview yesterday - fingers crossed I'm staying close to the phone waiting for anything they have to tell me. The downside is the vacancy is far from here - but if the vibe is right it is not like I'm glued to London.

Usually when I receive early morning post there are some that I don't bother opening in the morning - usually bills. So when i got this letter from British Gas I was apprehensive but good news it was a refund for my previous address bills! What do you do with such a generous and 'honest' gesture? I am thinking of sending the company a thank you card you know surprise them - show them that there is one person who appreciates their honesty. I had forgotten about them.

Anyway let the weekend begin I have a cheque to deposit - it is not the amount that is appealing but the thought!

By the way it is a cheque of £0.03 - thank God there are no bank charges!

9/11

That's right 6 years down the line - no wonder I want to go home. Who would blame me? I remember that day clearly I was at Heathrow Airport when the news was streaming in of the attack in America.

Sad to remember a beautiful day in such circumstances. With benefit of a 20/20 hindsight I agree with Al Gore global warming is real. This time of the year it should have started freezing but here I am in just a shirt.

Barclays Bank:

I am facing a credit squeeze – liquidity crisis rather but it is not because of the current capital market crisis or even because of my lack of confidence with the Bank of England. I am just plain broke that’s all and that’s life. Everything seems to be kind of crumbling for Barclays if we are to believe what they are telling us is true. For the second time in a fortnight there has been a hint that the liquidity position of the banking group is not very good after it was forced to borrow BOE emergency lending facility. As expected such antics spread around like wild fire especially for a bank.
Anyway the bank still has a lot of explaining to make – it still has a pending take over bid over ABN AMRO that has yet to be settled – the longer it takes in my opinion the more painful it will be for Barclays.
Even as the bank appeals for calm senior mangers have departed of late – of course that only fuels speculation which is irritating to the bank (what else are we supposed to think?)
Could it be that other banks are enjoying this? This lending happen as a last resort I’m made to understand – it is cheaper to borrow from other banks and it can also be more secretive.

Like Barclays my liquidity position is because of a technical glitch – paying the rent this weekend. The only advantage since I am credit worthy – got collateral – I think someone will bail me out and no need to fear that others will know about it.

Executive Pay:

(The Guardian/RTF survey of executive pay)

This must one of my most cherished topics – don’t know whether I admire the money fat cats earn or just mad like the rest of the critics that I've not been offered such perks. It has been an obsession I remember during my university years I always thought I should write a paper to justify the ever rising executive pay. I mean I did not think Executives could not read public mood and do something about it. I mean either they can see the bigger picture during their Board meetings to reward each other generously or 'we' are just plain simple minded. I (we) just don't seem to get it!

In a 20/20 hindsight – it coincided with the time I felt sportsmen were being paid too much and I thought it was destroying the game I love most (I still think they are spoilt brats and most of them overrated – some things will never change!)
There is bad news for UK bosses – apparently they are not in the premier league with the average management quality in the US far outstrips that in the UK (“Only one in every 50 American firms can be described as ‘very badly managed’, compare that to roughly 1 in 12 in the UK”). Love or hate them but America is still the place to be for anyone aspiring to be a fat cat. A typical CEO earns three times as much as their counterparts in Europe. (Merrill Lynch’s boss earned $91m!)

Talk about being egocentric, the same report also reveals that most managers are deluded when it comes to assessing their own firm’s management performance.

Executive Pay:

(The Guardian/RTF survey of executive pay)

This must one of my most cherished topics – don’t know whether I admire the money fat cats earn or what because I remember during my universities years I always thought I should write a paper to justify the ever rising executive pay. In a 20/20 hindsight – it coincided with the time I felt sportsmen were being paid too much and I thought it was destroying the game I love most (I still think they are spoilt brats and most of them overrated – some things will never change!)
There is bad news for UK bosses – apparently they are not in the premier league with the average management quality in the US far outstrips that in the UK (“Only one in every 50 American firms can be described as ‘very badly managed’, compare that to roughly 1 in 12 in the UK”). Love or hate them but America is still the place to be for anyone aspiring to be a fat cat. A typical CEO earns three times as much as their counterparts in Europe. (Merrill Lynch’s boss earned $91m!)
Talk about being egocentric, the same report also reveals that most managers are deluded when it comes to assessing their own firm’s management performance.

Guinness is good for you

Depending on which side you stand on alcohol this might be good or bad news to you. Nigeria has overtaken Ireland as the second largest market for Guinness according to Diageo the world’s biggest drink company.

The trend has been across Africa making up for the decline in Britain and Ireland (↓7%) according to their preliminary report. If you can remember the TV ads that Guinness used to run then that is the reason the CEO explains is a reason for it's success in Africa – that is where the future lies (these guys are planning on making us drunk!). Africans are drawn to it because the ads imply that the drink is a source of strength and virility.

I know if you got an appetite for this frothy stuff you must be thirsty now.

What a Weekend

The weekend is here and what a way to start the weekend than to get today's Guardian newspaper with headline story on Kenya. Do not kid yourself nothing positive and if you abhor politics this is not for you (even if you are planning to vote it is time to look deep within your conscience - This is hilarious, though I'm not laughing)

It is the usual - something we all know about but never talk about. Anyway let the politicians deal with that and the Government furnish us with a response. I do not as matter of fact care a monkeys who is the president but please don't promise me ANYTHING.

Yeah I have the paper not gone through it - I have Saturday morning to deal with that. So you get me the weekend is going to be so good. I'm sure others wish they had such a plot!

Nice weekend.

Ouch!

Apparently the man expected to be Australia's next PM visited a lap dance club while on a trip in the US. Well you what is so interesting about that most guys have been tempted to go to a strip joint - Kevin Rudd was known for being a 'saint'

He is now even more offers in his native country from strip joints.

"We can't actually recall anything that you wouldn't seein most pubs in across Australia, but that doesn't absolve me for going in that door in the first place. That's where I made an error of judgement.."

"I've said from day one since I've been in public life - I'm as flawed and failed as the rest of them."

Since I'm no saint I wouldn't cast a stone at the man!

Still hunting for a bargain? Be Careful!

Still on the hunt of bargains. The BBC has a story on Ryan Air giving misleading promises. Read the small prints always.

The low budget airline in its adverts had claimed to be cheaper and faster then Eurostar in reaching Brussels (mainland Europe). Read the story.

They all cost the same to some extent - there is no deal. What you have to decide is how fast you want to get to your destination. How valuable is your time?

Trying not to be stingy I bought a Sumsung SGH-250 ending my long attachment to Nokia. Nothing special about it but it came cheap and I thought since I've been tight on myself maybe I could indulge for once.

Why not. So I'm still learning how to use it. It costs like £49.50 and Orange sim card £10.00. Anyway I know I'll end up giving it away.

Where's the bargain ?

Remember in Economics 101 - in a perfect market it is almost impossible to get a 'deal'. I mean everyone has the same information so to some extent if at all we are in a perfect markets it is an effort in futility (Or is it not?)


A friend for the past week has been actively for a 'bargain' internet connection since his contract is running out and he believes their is a bargain out there somewhere. The cheapest I could recommend was one for £10.50 line rental and almost £6 internet connection (excluding set up costs) 18 month contract. The one I had - line rental was £11 + £15.99 broadband 12 month contract. What I assumed was that he had a clean record - the company wouldn't even consider him he had a previous outstanding bill he has to deal with.
Anyway I was looking at the brother he always claims he is broke but he has 2 mobile phones pays almost £20 on each every month and he is looking for 'cheap' internet facilities! Just put the phone down - the man is always on the phone.

Personally I consider myself a low user when it comes to mobile phone - my bill is like £8 every month but if (and I have!)convert to a direct debit mode of payment I save £3 every month. Actually I consider cell phones as necessary evil - I got so many numbers on my contact list but only regularly call like 5 numbers, and my calls wouldn't last more than 10 mins most of the time. So at the end of the month I rarely use up my allowance and its like 300 minutes!

One thing that beats logic as far as I am concerned is the amount of time people spend on the phone - it's not just ladies. My buddy is looking around for a deal and yet a few adjustments would do him well in the long run. Put down the phone and walk away with your hands where I can see them!

That's me being lazy

What a week so far. I've not been busy as it may seem just plain lazy in getting anything here. Karl Rove is leaving, the stock market globally is experiencing a plunge

Politics to me is like a bad habit that seems to entice one although you know eventually you will be disappointed (sorry I meant it is like forbidden love!). I must confess that Karl Rove to me is for the time being still a genius. He pulled an unpopular president through the elections - love him or hate him he did what he had to do if we are to look at it from a narrow perspective.

But it also brings up a side I do not like about the so-called analysts appearing on TV - they are not telling me anything new. In fact it is sad to just seat back and analyse other people going about their business. Yes the president's legacy looks like a lost cause but the man used whatever means available to deliver victory (He should be in business with that kind of skill - dissecting markets and concentrating on ones strength - that is how I see it.

For that reason I have to give it up to the boy genius. So I think (it is there right too) most of these so called analysts have lost it. I wouldn't be surprised if the Democrats blow this one up by losing the vision. Remember J.Kerry?

I topic widely discussed during my days in the Uni was why academics never seem to 'make it' in business - I'm not sure we came up with solutions to the problem but it is common knowledge that we go to school so that we can manage businesses of those who skipped school! Actually someone accused me of being too negative. The problem was that we were discussing a business venture and it seemed to the other guys that I was simply criticising (the accusation in my opinion - quite unfair!). I thought I was merely voicing concerns - issues we had to think more about.

Mr Rove did his thing he's gone the analysts have taken over - I can't wait to see how many books are coming up on this guy. I just can't wait. In the meantime I better forget what others are doing - they are getting paid.

I am told that in the good old days you only had to make it to University to be assured of a good job - probably starting off as a management trainee and rising through the ranks in the corporate world. Times have changed.
A degree is not enough not even a masters degree. Last night I was watching Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight (BBC 2) and he had this piece on junior doctors - basically the tribulations they get in trying to get a job in the nhs. The taxpayer fund their education someone tells me its in the region of £250,000 excluding the personal loans the trainees.

Wrong career choice. Why did they choose to go into the medical field? They should have chosen entertainment or sports - I know I sometimes think I should have gone into sports, well I can't entertain so I'm left with one option.

Before and feel sorry for them - who cares about say the accountant or lawyer who still hasn't made it big? Should doctors be treated differently? Through school one should learn to expect this otherwise like B. Gates and all the rich fellas we should have quit school long time ago. Junior doctors should wake up to the fact that the world is changing

So junior doctors don't feel sorry for yourselves you still have a career option be who you want to be - a DJ gets paid well. If someone collapses on the dance floor you are there. Opportunities abound - a degree is not all that now.

Same Madness

One of my bank cards expires end of this month - usually automatically I get a replacement like two weeks before the actual expiry date. Not this time. I remember since I moved I had informed the bank of my plans to move and subsequently where my statements should be sent. I guess the instructions were very complicated. And I thought visiting a branch to change my contact details would help - I mean if it was over the phone maybe the person at the call centre would have missed something.

Last night I called to find out what's up. Lo and behold the bank sent the card to my old address that includes my bank statements. Albeit since the courier service could not find me there so it was returned and destroyed. I visited another branch two weeks ago just to confirm that the card had been sent and the teller assured me it was on the way - maybe I should have checked that my details had been updated. Funny thing credit card seems to have had it right (it was issued by the same bank). It is rocket science I guess.

So I'm here and paranoid - what if those guys involved in identity theft get hold of my details?

Lessons in life

When a woman wants to get a man's attention across a room she will meet his gaze, hold it for two to three seconds, then look away and down. (That's the green light - indicates interest and potential submission!).

For me a simple and direct method will do wonders - "Hey, I like you". It is clear, to the point and chances of errors are minimal. Yes I'm that slow ladies.

Show me the money!

Interesting and I'm still surprised.
Reading the Daily Nation today (it's also in the Standard newspaper) Kenya's business leaders are among the world's top earners. They are talking about CEO's - I wonder what happens to the rest of us.

I notice a clear distinction between job adverts in the UK and Kenya is the fact that in the UK most jobs quote what the benefit will be like. Well I'm talking about the level that I would go for by the way - top executives usually negotiate and literally dictate what their remuneration structure will be like.
The reason why it is important to me is the fact that I have no idea what is a 'decent' pay say for a graduate currently. In my opinion employers are taking advantage of joblessness to dwell on trivialities - I mean can they actually deny me the job because I quoted the wrong figure? Rather it is a waste of time to call one for an interview and do that - tasteless and indecent.

I'm not sure what they pay in Kenya now - guess I'm just paranoid, most employers have this a secret weapon. God I wish I was one of them top executives everyone is after you.

When I come for an interview please put on the table the offer is no time wasting. True I'm mulling over the idea of going home but hope nobody asks me how much I want - what do you expect me to say?

Testing One...Two...Three ... You get me?

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=b180f46b-4163-4438-bc55-1a29a64cddb1&f=msnhome&fg=email
Forget it it just aint working. maybe just cut, copy and paste the link and take some lessons too.

Came across on MSN videos.

Lessons I'm taking

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=b180f46b-4163-4438-bc55-1a29a64cddb1&f=msnhome&fg=email

Mr. Clinton

"Now, I have to go back to work on my State of the Union speech. And I worked on it until pretty late last night. But I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false. And I need to go back to work for the American people."

What a Weekend!

A nice weekend it was there was something for everyone. Sports fans had a nice time - COPA America, Wimbledon Tennis, Motor racing GP here in the UK.. etc .. etc...etc. Aw and the Tour de France started off in the UK. Sorry I missed all these I had more exciting things to follow.

I had a beautiful time - quiet just the way I like it. I watched Enron: The Smartest Men in the Room. Riveting. You can see people living in denial. There was a time I used to think it is possible that Skilling and his cohorts were actually innocent. How else can you explain someone looking you straight up in the eye and lying (I did not have sexually relationship with THAT woman!). The staff at Enron were literally playing with power in Chicago that led to the termination of a congressman job.

And Boeing unveiled the 787 Dreamliner - defining the future of business - collaboration. Traditionally it was all about competition but Boeing had to involve many partners (makes business sense considering the risks involved - ask Airbus). I watched the presentation online from the company's website.
Watch the presentation if you can - you will love the plane. Only remember it is business.


I told you I had the best time. A good movie and watching the 787 Dreamliner what more can you ask for?

Divorce - Get My own stuff

Nice weekend? Well I can simply said I just had one - it doesn't have to be nice. When my weekend involves uncontrollable spending then it is not good.

Uncontrollable is an overstatement though - but I still had to painfully part with some quids to get some speakers. Actually I was looking for a computer cum study table and one of those fancy swivelling chairs - if they can't give me one in the office it doesn't mean I shouldn't fulfill one of my fantancies.

Well that was my plan - I didn't get exactly what I wanted so my eyes strayed to this speakers for my laptop - 12 Watt. I know I needed them - I love listening to music. The ones 'we' had before I moved were not mine. Actually there are so many things I need at the moment as I try to gain some level of independence. I thought I was saving at that time but that's not the case - I was addicted (or less mildly) developed a taste for good things - it didn't matter whether I could afford them.

No wonder divorce cases are bitter - one has to adjust life again. So while you are at it I would advise you to get your own stuff no matter who you are living with. I'm 30 quid down before I even get the desk I'm after - this will be a beautiful week (Did I say the rent is also due today!)




I know I might be a nutter - who dreams of seating in a large office, clear desk and a leather executive seat.

Good old USA

The 5th largest bank in the US amazingly has not made any overseas acquisition despite constant speculations to that effect. So the outgoing CEO Dick Kovacevich has vehemently previously ruled out that option.
“I don’t think there’s a better market in the world than the United States. I don’t even want to go to the eastern part of the US.”

It must feel good to be American.

Well I met this lady friend of mine who for some reason we've not met for ages and she told she had just been to the US. She was almost regretting being in the UK. I mean guys in the US are having it easier - she visited a friend who moved to the US after 'surviving' in the UK and she was doing well. I mean had a bigger car, a bigger house (mortgage I think she meant) etc etc...

On the same token when I visit home there is always that group of people who think that we got it all by just being in the UK yet she can't see that?

I don't think there is a better market than where you are at the moment.

Au revoit, Auf wiedersehen and arrivederci!

Yesterdays PMQ was as expected an emotional affair - and the PM (ex) was up to the task. Someone described Mr Blair like a pathetic politician when everything is going well is like putting him in a pitch with so many goals - he ends up shooting aimlessly. But should you push him to a corner and there is only one exit he is brilliant. If his life depended on it he will come out of it all.

He is an extraordinary piece of work. We won't see his like again for a long time. In the Conservative party we are pretty thankful for that."
- William Hague

When the curtains fall you leave the stage.

The moralist?

By now the PM must have seen the Queen to officially cease being a PM.
He has won if I'm not wrong 3 elections making him the most successful Labour PM in recent past. Of late Personally I have nothing against the PM - even the Iraq crisis I feel given the circumstances I would have not responded very differently from him. So as others gather to condemn and judge him I find it hard to join them.

Sadly, the world at the moment is build on spin. Everywhere you turn someone is trying to short change the next person. I think sometimes that is what keeps as going. What can I offer a lady who has EVERYTHING she wants? Maybe feed her with sweet nothing - as long as we both know I'm stretching the truth. Most ladies I meet either earn more than I do or can match my salary - so my bargaining power has been negatively impacted.
Our forefathers were the hunters while the ladies stayed at home - now ladies are also hunters - I'm not sure most guys have come to terms with this fact.

Imagine we are not actually needed by ladies. We were meant to be with each other to survive but now we are together for love and romance! (Munroe)

I should see the spin doctor - salute to the outgoing PM - for the sentimental ones get a tissue its been 10 years.

Caution

Since I moved I have not been able (after cost-benefit analysis) I have no internet facilities at my place. Well actually I also have not been watching TV for over 2 months now! I thought one could do that but I've changed my mind. I have the TV there and a digibox but aerial is the problem.

My internet access is therefore via wireless connection in a library - it is so different - or at work. Most posts are far and in between because every time I start something I realise that I lack the basic options like attaching pictures is a nightmare. I know major issue is that I'm not a computer geek - if I go for help and they give me a long process to follow to rectify the issue and it doesn't work for the first time I'm out of there.

What I'm trying to say is if there is spelling mistake(s) I cannot be held responsible!

TV is for those who are idle - I must be idle then.

KShs. 17.2 Billion!

Safaricom are have just earned the title as the most profitable company in East Africa - I'm almost the last one to get such information (I don't think it matters).

I'm happy for the CEO - is that not the person who we associate the success with? But it is also good for Kenya I mean to be assoc5ated with a success story - I've been around long enough to know that.


The profit is said to like the combined performance of KQ, EABL and Barclays - this is huge.

Another interesting piece of news I came across was that KCB was laying off 70 employees part of its restructuring plan. I'm curious just what is the point is just the new CEO stamping his authority?
He could have more emphatic (or adventurous) or bold - not just for the sake of it. I thought that's the way to go until I saw it was mainly among the security, courier and printing!

What's the plan here? Saving on printing paper and number of people walking around the office? Was it cost based? If it was I'm lost here. Again the fact that most of this stories I get them from 3rd party sources I cannot be too critical or otherwise.

One of the my favourite lecturers on the topic of restructuring used to say if you are brought in to fix a mess you have to show that you are up to the task especially to the group you find there. They know they may be the reason why the company is underperforming - just pick anyone of them when others are watching and sack them on the spot.

That's extreme.

It has been suggested Sony went for a Westerner (Welsh) to spearhead it's restructuring program because they are not shy of encouraging staff to leave. I wonder how much they are saving by laying off considering that they will be trained. Business can be cold - it is not easy to just make someone redundant but unfortunately we will be the same people calling for his head if there is any hint of underperformance.

So Martin as Joseph said sometime ago - 'Whatever can go wring, will go wrong (and at the worst possible time)'

Out and About

Last week on a Tuesday a good friend of mine invited me for meal but I was not immediately available so we made the date for the next day. He has just come back from the States to visit family and I had not seen him for quite a while so a perfect time to catch up and see what the States was like.

Now when someone invites you to join him/her it is important to set the ground rules first. I mean I remember days gone by when I would just appear - I did not need to have anything in my pocket just bring your empty stomach or dry throat for that matter.

Maybe that's why I was reluctant to quickly join him - there were some uncertainities of the impact the escapade on my financial standing. I know this guy who every time he passes near an ATM he would just confirm how much he has in he's account - so in a day you can imagine how many times he visits 'the hole in the wall'. That's completely off the mark.

So we went into this well not posh but nice sandwich shop - I'm still apprehensive about how much I'm going to spend today, I mean I can't even pronounce half of what they are serving (Remember Ma$e?). We normally call such meetings strategy meetings - we are always discussing the way forward, I'm sure we are almost there.

You should have seen how these two accountants were spending - forget about being prudent and frugal.

Father's Day

Father's day weekend?
Well it is not very clear to my knowledge but I believe it is on this weekend. It is not usually a low key event compared to mother's day. Is it because most dad's are absent?

From D.Letterman:
"Hookers in NY are doing something special this Father's day - for an extra 50 bucks they will call you daddy!"

On a serious note happy Father's Day y'all!

The week that was

Interesting week it was.
Vodafone is facing some issues, like any other listed company at the moment – investor activism. Depending on who you listen it might be or might not be something. A group calling itself ‘Effective Capital Structures’ (ECF) wants to see changes – perfectly ok since they hold just over 200,000 shares out of Vodafone’s 52.9 billion shares.

The timing is suspect and the leader of the rebel group is none other than an individual who was implicated in the Marconi saga – as a former FD of Marconi he oversaw the spending spree that took the company into near bankruptcy. Maybe he learnt some lessons in the process and wishes to share with Vodafone’s board!
Vodafone’s reaction was swift when the news broke out – 1st cancelled a scheduled meeting between the CEO and the group of rebels, he was on an investors road show (ok?). Now even leading investors are planning to vote against the radical changes.

One thing is for sure ECS lacks the credibility to advise Vodafone on capital restructuring – a hard lesson for John Mayo. He had a chance to show the way, he failed so basically the reaction has been you cannot lecture us.

The point here is activism is slowly but surely creeping even among the leading companies – it was inconceivable for anyone to imagine he could single handed confront conglomerates. I notice that I did not make an effort to watch England v. Estonia. I understand Beckham saved McLaren's job! Against Estonia? What is the world of soccer turning to? Shouldn't it be a foregone conclusion that England will beat a BIG team like Estonia? It's not a good sight for a man to appear desperate - pathetic. Otherwise what would you describe a team that has all the big earner's yet they are this desperate? People are looking for anything to cling on. I've been there - or could I be described as still at that stage!

Anyway it looks like a lovely weekend on my hands. I hope others too are experiencing a refreshing weekend. Is Miss Hilton in jail or has she been pardoned? She has made a career out of being dumb (not my words - I don't about people behind there backs!!!) I'm happy for her. And the nonsense all over again in the Big Brother one contestant has been chucked out for using the N word - please if anyone has any more infor on these trivialities do not share, they might just spoil my weekend.

Have a nice one.

Who’s next GSK? Assuming Vodafone has weathered the storm – bring it on!

It must be age.
I used to enjoy football – I still do but I suspect that first love (the sparks) seem to have faded. Maybe it’s just that I need find out what fascinated me most about it. I mean I find myself watching strange sports like international cricket, tennis

... Who To Sleep With?

Still on the subject of who should I sleep with ...

Years ago while in during my undergrad uni days we had this visiting lecturer from the US taking in I think it was on Organisational Development (not very sure). This day he was taking us through organisational structure and he decided to inform us on how the US government was structured - President at the top, VP,... etc etc. The picture looked ok to me he stood aside thinking he had forgotten something scratched his head and then on top of the President he put a box with the name 1st lady in it!

That's not so kind to Clinton is it?

It is not the first time (certainly it will not be the last) for people to insunuate that most of this powerful men (sexist?) are actually controlled by their spouses. Apparently R. Murdoch is has lost fight to stop an Australian magazine from publishing a profile of Wendi suggesting that she wields power inside News Corp despite not having a seat on the board.

What's so controversial about that - is it asking too much she sleeps with the man!

Dog eat dog

Naivety.

I like to think of myself as a tough guy to work - not pushy but in a polite way taking no nonsense form no one. I think that is what keeps the fellas moving. The worst part is to be friendly in a business transaction (I make it sound so hitech?) - time for making a decision becomes rather awkward. I guess that is why divorce cases are acrimonious. (I better stop being so negative about marriage!)

Yeah my former landlord is stressing me.

He is finding it very hard to part with the deposit - he claims the place was 'not in a habitable state'? In 3 years I've stayed there he has never repaired anything - luckily i've kept most of the receipts. Only thing that is an issue is the fact that I never took the final electricity/gas meter readings - so i'm expecting another small bill.

I was naive to trust the bugger (a polite term of affection according to some people!). So now the talks are deadlocked - I got options, someone suggested that I could take him to court, especially after he destroyed the evidence and now claims the place was pathetic. (When he came around once in a while he never mentioned that).

My other mistake:
He lives in Cyprus - so when I was moving he was not in the country instead he sent this nice talking lady to come and look around and have a look at the place - everything was 'perfect' then. I should have insisted that he be there.
He came back from Cyprus removed the carpet, seats, and is currently renovating etc threw them away the furniture he claims were pathetic.

So i'm paying for my sins. Trust nobody. Pre-nups.... Post-nups.... whatever you call it it's worth considering...

I detest talking about people when they are not around but this guys is driving me mad - its a long time since i was really mad.


Ok I can see Sir Richard\Branson is a Maasai elder now - why is everyone suddenly against me? I've always wanted to be an elder - he beat me to that AGAIN. Who am I supposed to sleep with to be served?

Aw

Postnup Boom

Before I go I've noticed a story in todays paper.
Apparently forget 'prenups' the in hting now is 'postnup'. Some hedge funds would not take you on board as a partner unless you sign a postup agreement if you come in married. They don't want in case of a messy divorce the spouse to make claims on the fund!

Ironically next to the story from Deloitte we learn that the prospects are very high to get the first £10m-a-year footballer in the premiership. I hope none of the WAGS is reading this or even worse if someone like Rooney would get hold of this. (Does he read the paper? He doesn't look the type to!)

And look at the headline 'Bush appoints one of his trusted loyalist' What do you expect for him to appoint me?

Later

Breathe again

In case you didn't notice I've been very busy!
Maybe it's because summer will be here as soon as it stops raining! You should check out my room it's filthy that's how busy I've been. I confess again the big job went this week - Zoellick got it if I got the message right.

I moved to this place and still living in the box - never found time to even unpack. the worst (I know this makes me sound like a loser) the TV reception is awful. I'm a changed man. i have this piles of newspapers I buy and last week I just got home sometime just before midnight (DAILY) and just threw them on the floor. I guess I got so much to read tomorrow. Yes I called in sick today and that means tomorrow I will lay in try to clean up call friends and have a nice weekend.

I managed to push - just recovering at the moment

I need to catch my breathe give me a moment. I good friend of mine here just returned from Ghana for a funeral and while he was out there he got a job. KPMG. that's something - it's not just Zoellick who's riding high

Hey

You know you've been away for so long when you can't remember your password. That's not very important is it?

Yeah it's been happenning. I feel (at least I think so) like a woman in a long labour. I mean it's been hectic - moved to a new place it's cool but definately I'm still looking around.

Even worse is a position becomes vacant and you have all this speculation who's the most likely to get the post AND YOUR NAME IS NOT THERE! I knew Wolfwitz had to go. Forget the same people calling for his departure gave Clinton a chance to continue with his escapeds in the White House.

I know I'm that sad!

The worst to happen was Lord Browne - I'm not the one to condemned but damn what's up with that?

Like I said I feel very full ready to push!

Changes... and Rants

It is times like this that I wish there was a short cut... I'm simply exhausted following this long road, but again it is too late to quit. The worst I can do is finish the race - Yeah I'm in one of those moods.

Tired... (not sure whether I'm stressed - but if people get stressed looking for a place to live, cancel some direct debits, change my contact details.... at the same time write a research paper - then yes I am stressed)

I feel like smoking something... or drinking something - if at all it will clear my head! Not a chance got to keep my head clear for tomorrow.

Is it just me?

At my new - no Internet, yet, TV needs to sorted out (poor reception). Forget all that I got to go home and sleep.

Should I be boverred?

Time to take my life back....

Back to the basics

Yes I think I found it! I had to compromise and gather courage to accept that maybe the best way to go up is to step back look around again and then move on.

A common strategy for businesses which feel like in the midst of all the commotion and excitement the way was lost. It is common for most businesses to be caught up in a rat race when there is an initial increase in opportunities. Look at most conglomerates which are struggling and you realise good intentions are not enough. Just because you can afford it you have to evaluate whether you are adding value on acquisition. (I'm not talking about marriage for those that maybe are lost in this maze!)

Look at the merger and acquisition mania that has seem to grip the market.
It is dangerous to have surplus funds and instead of distributing to shareholders you think you can diversify on their behalf. (Someone said something to this effect – my memory fails me!). Shareholders are better placed to diversify their investments.

With good intentions in acting in the best interest on shareholders behalf companies stray into businesses that distract them from their core strengths. It is recommended to periodically review investments – especially where acquisitions are made is it value adding?
Aw sorry all I wanted to say I’m moving to a new place this coming week – a modest place in itself. I had for a minute forgotten what exactly I was after so I’m going back to the basics – one step back so I can leap (that’s the strategy – off loading non-core activities)

My current place:
Not the most comfortable place but VERY convenient. A flat next to a busy road so frequently I get all this traffic noise – even worse when we have these road works – I can almost taste the exhaust fumes. You have to get used to the thundering lorries, vans and scooters running past and I swear there are times you can feel the building shake.
This new place is in a residential area away from the street – quiet – but I get to make a big compromise I share the bathroom (aarrrggh!). I noticed I had to settle for that - time is not on my side (Yes desperation). And the damage £400 every month inclusive of all expenses.

Wish me luck (I'm making it sound like it is painful - I'M FREE!)

House hunting and morality

‘Walk the talk’

No one like a hypocrite – so the saying goes. We sometimes profess to live by one set of standards, but acts upon another, most of the time driven by an insidious hidden agenda.
Today I went to see a property that was advertised over the Internet. Apart from the fact the owner was still repairing it everything about it was good. I mean the privacy – own shower room and kitchenette but sharing toilet (I don’t mind that). Someone explain to me why I am so obsessed in having my own shower room?

Anyway with the time frame I had it was not possible to wait for him to finish the repairs. I am a suspicious guy I noticed – at the back of my mind I couldn’t help wondering why the couple were so eager to let me have it.

Like companies our lives are driven through life process with goals that direct our actions – success will be measured by the achievement of the goals along the way.
I saw a small article today Britain and France calling on EU to get tough on Bulgaria and Romania over ‘serious’ corruption issues. But what can be more corrupt than scrapping an inquiry into alleged bribery involving arms deal?
That’s what the British government did – the Americans among others (me too) are not too impressed. How will they give us lectures in future on corruption?

Simply put I was not honest with the property owner - I'm afraid I gave him the indication that I will call him later during the week knowing very well I need a place by the weekend.

I'm a liar!

Love Gone Under

I always suspected something was amiss.
Bermondsey tube station has been voted the most romantic and likely place to get a date while rushing to work at the same time.
Damn I should use the tube more my chances would drastically improve

I should be in bed

Somebody tell me to go to bed - it's past 1:30 am.
Just making sure I have cancelled all the standing orders - I mean the rent. And the damn council tax was charged twice. They must think I'm a millionaire!

Is it not revealing that a guy would still be up at this time - What does it imply?

That's for another day.

Goodnight.

... Another one of those days

By the this time next week I will have moved to a new place (fingers crossed) - It's about time I know it should have happened ages.

Tomorrow I have a place to check out - quite a distance from where I am at the moment but all I'm hoping it will look like what the 'landlord' described. It has not been easy getting even time to move around - you see something quickly make a call and the answer aw it's just been taken.

Maybe I'm too choosy?

I just need a room my own shower and a kitchenette - surely that is VERY basic. They range from atleast £100 a week - you can get something lower than that but you have to make compromises.
Why not - I should be playing hard ball. Remember I'm not desperate (yet). At least I got offers for a place to crush should the worst arise.

Sharing a place almost makes you almost dependent on others - which does us no good. Well you are so used to 'saving' that you imagine it would be impossible to live on your own (or is it survive?)

With my small budget I'm going to see two places tomorrow and hopefully they meet my BASIC standards.
£100 per week - wish me luck


It is for the best that I move on - Why did it take me so long to realise that?

..Summer Stress

It has been a concern about over-crowding on the public transport system, the government and train operating companies mostly have been under a lot of criticism. Funny when I get on the trains during peak hours I still see a lot of room unoccupied.

Times have changed I remember when I used to board some of the manyangas and be packed like sardines (or is it mbuta in my case?). An ingenious individual has been thinking ahead of how to reduce stress during the 'crush' hours. The academics have recommended that you could reduce stress by admiring attractive around you!

That should work but you will look like a pervert - I mean it's summer most likely she will be economical in her dressing. I'm the shy type (as if you didn't know) - I wouldn't know where to look in some instances.
Picture this I'm in church and this lady in front of me when she stands up I can see her thong. I know it is just a thong but where do I look - it has happened to me a


Next time you are in a fix - fellas admire the ladies cramped up next to you - it helps relieve your stress! Ladies do what you have to do maybe pretend you have not noticed or something, we are just working hard to avoid stress.

... Nice Weekend

It is said that time flies especially when you are having a good time.
Thanks to a friend, I was reminded that it is London Marathon weekend. What? Again? Was it not just the other day I was watching them run past my crib?

It can only mean one thing - time is really flying.

Therefore sunday same place same time - I'll be watching.

Or should I look for something better to do - I mean get a life!

Transparency

The people at WestLB are fascinating.
Or is bringing to question the German regulatory system.

They suddenly announced this week that it had a 14 per cent stake in Daimler Chrysler! and nobody knew about it. Well they had not disclosed it up to this week. Regardless of when they bought the shares it is normal practice to be open when you own a huge stake in another company - well they did not see why they should do that, even when they clearly heading to be the largest shareholder?

At least they had a good reason for non-disclosure by blaming the new disclosure rules in Germany for the incident.
If 14 per cent is not material then what is material? Remember the Safaricom debacle - all along there was someone else holding shares and we thought only two groups existed. How naive of use to think that accounting rules would ensure transparency!

The reason the WestLB story is interesting is the previous week they lost 100m Euris in a failed speculation in the VW shares. A few heads did roll.

'The Riza Deal'

Interesting week right?
Scientists informed us that apparently there is a gene in some of us that is making us fat! And the World Bank president is in hot soup. He is still waiting for the members to decide in a vote I think - why waste every one's time.

In fact what's up with all this so called leaders?

One of the reasons the Republican party lost ground during the last primary elections was the undoing of the 'conservative' leaders I am made to understand. Yeah I know the war in Iraq is VERY VERY unpopular but aside from the problems in the White House - we sometimes set very high standards on others and end up falling.
Just before the elections a leading Republican supporter was found to be in a compromising relationship with a male escort - well he actually explained he was hooked to some type of drugs.
My point is not whether he was innocent or not - imagine the standards the WB has set especially for African leaders. They all think we are the most corrupt creatures on earth.

Was it not Pattni who said something to the effect 'People leaving in stone houses should NOT throw stones', since that day I saw Paul Muite in a new light

Simply Mr Paul Wolfowitz - I feel what he is going through but again he expects others to be descent let him do the descent thing. It is not enough to apologise - he has lost face even among his staff.
You can't have the cake and eat too.

My fear is that the man is a politician - so he is used to being villified and means he will not bulge - I told you I love politicians (In their own small world they think the world has gone bananas and the are the only descent people remaining.)
Imagine what he would have said if Kibaki did the same (I'm just trying to make a point here Kibaki is the first name that came to my mind!)

On a positive note the weather is lovely today and the ladies are tempting - enough said. My standards are high but again I am human! The sun is already affecting me.

So I'm looking for a place OF MY OWN - I think it's way past time to do that.

Easter business

"DaimlerChrysler undoubtedly has the potential to create sustainable value for you, our shareholders, and concurrently for our customers, our employees and society in general. My colleagues and I will make every effort to ensure that we realize this potential."

Dr. Dieter Zetsche

Well the shareholders must realy love him now - give him a break he came after the deal had been put through. Fingers crossed maybe he will find a suitable suitor for Chrysler. But I'm sure nobody will want to take the burden off him - no one wants rejects


Happy Easter weekend

Chrysler on the table

It has been suggested by those who know better about matrimonial issues that marriage starts after the wedding ceremony. Before then usually its all rosy and romantic. It is after the wedding day you wake up in the morning, look at the person sleeping next to you and realise - 'Am I stuck with her for the rest of my life?'

The sad (depending on how you look at it) thing this week was at DaimlerChrysler - finally the chairman confirmed what we all feared that the marriage was on the rocks. Daimler is looking for potential suitors as it considers selling Chrysler.

I remember when the deal to form a partnership between the two company (yes it was a partnership on paper) - what a German and American? What were they thinking? Nothing against either it is just that the cultures are so different.

A story is told of the first full Board meeting after the partnership was announced. The German executives flew all the way to the US after making extensive preparations and ready to thrash out issues (at least that was what they knew Board rooms are for), they were shocked that the Americans do not conduct business issues at Board meetings. Actually Board meetings are just used to rubber stamp issues already discussed at the golf club.

The rest is history - the Germans took over the company.

(There is no thing as a merger because it is extremely difficult to find two companies that are equal in every sense - usually there is one party that would be more domineering - hey if I have lost you this is business not a matrimonial bliss!)

Like all well meaning couples it was touted as the merger of equals - Good intentions are not enough. The ceremony cost alot of shareholder funds and now the exits are also very costly - marriage can be painful.
("I know sometimes I don't make sense when I stand before you all - forget all that I've taught you in this few weeks remember one thing: about marriage don't just do it!" - M. Wainwright)

Oh you are having a good day? Damn I must've missed it!

Gavin Banek: 'How can you live with yourself?'

Stephen Delano: 'I can sleep with myself alright, at the end of the day I do more good than evil. Is there any standard better than that?

In business we are all interested in profits (or rather some form of economic gain) - in that case does it really matter what form of ownership exists? ' We' are all motivated by the same desires (I assume) whether we are part of the

Private Equity

or public equity.

The main advantage of a private equity has always been difficult business decisions can be made away from the glare especially of the press. (Look at Airbus and the way the management has continually struggled to make decisions - so many interested parties are involved.
Also public companies have had trouble getting to tap into the enhanced returns that come from financial engineering and leverage. Remember Private Equity is mostly heavily leveraged.

What is scary as the fear of what next after - I mean are they not notorious for asset stripping? hence the term corporate vultures? Though again if we accuse them of short terministic goals I wonder is it not taking care of the short term ultimately ensure a successful long term outlook?

All this is being debated as KKR bids for Alliance Boots. Check this out:
Mr Pessina holds a 15 per cent stake and acts as the deputy chairman has ganged up with KKR to make the bid. He is the same guy who sold to the shareholders on the benefits of Alliance Unichem and boots merging. Now his jumping ship?

Ok lets see how he will convince us shall we or let the money do the talking!

Private Equity (2)

Today's FT had a special corporate finance report with a view from Lord Clive Hollick a senior executive at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts one of the private equity firms under scrutiny at the moment. Not because they are doing anything illegal - but the secrecy with which they operate has led to unnecessary attention.

Reminds me of the days of devil worshipping in the pre-multi party era.

Since it seems to attract many top executives Lord Hollick has warning that it might not be a good career move:

"Those self-important chief executives who seek newspaper profiles, the adulation of the gabfest crowd and the unquestioning support of their colleagues, should stay put.
Executives should leave their ego at the door and prepare to answer tough questions from private equity executives often less than half their age but with formidable intellects."