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.