Looking back I can see how much I have tried to do to make myself a better person. Reading the vacancy descriptions - it is amazing what is expected of candidates. I wrote something about once being asked whether I can speak French of course apart from whatever else I had that could add value to this organisation. So there is always something - if your speciality is IAS/IFRSs next question would ask whether you are familiar with IPSAS! (They are very similar but imagine being confronted in an interview session - Aaahhh)
No wonder we have to prepare for interviews and in the process easily lose ourselves.
"Nous sommes si accoutumes a nous deguiser aux autres qu'enfin nous nous deguisons a nous-memes."
- La Rochefoucauld
(We get so used to disguising ourselves to others that we end up becoming disguised to ourselves!)
You can tell my French does not go beyond the basics!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
It's Still A Good Day!
It's freezing cold, windy and to make it even better it's drizzling the whole of this weekend seems terrible. I'm stuck in doors well apart from the occasional sneak out to get this or that.
It gets thicker.
Friday met a buddy for our usual periodic lunch/dinner just to catch on what's happening in our lives. He is in his last stages of his studies so we usually have a lot to talk about.
We used to be in the same college back in the day and moved kind of separate ways but we try to keep in touch. I was assuming he would pursue the finance option given his background but he tells me he is considering HR (!!). I understand his concerns what's the use of gaining exam qualification without the necessary practical experience. This is especially true within the accounting field - I'm sure it's the same about other professions. I don't why he wouldn't consider going back to Kenya - he seems to have closed that option. Nothing wrong with career change (logical incrementalism), but what happens if it is not easier to get jobs in that field after his studies?
Typical student population here considering to go back home is suicidal for one reason or the other. Maybe it is out of greed or unrealistic expectations. It is like Hollywood we know all about the big stars but rarely hear about the ones who lost it along the way. I have seen individuals who have struggled and really made it big career wise but sad too to meet those who kind of lost their vision. It can be rough.
Outside is quiet, cold and dark but morning will be here soon - there is still hope. I hope he realises his dreams even when it is dark.
No wonder the weather looks mean - but who said a good day has anything to do with the weather?
It gets thicker.
Friday met a buddy for our usual periodic lunch/dinner just to catch on what's happening in our lives. He is in his last stages of his studies so we usually have a lot to talk about.
We used to be in the same college back in the day and moved kind of separate ways but we try to keep in touch. I was assuming he would pursue the finance option given his background but he tells me he is considering HR (!!). I understand his concerns what's the use of gaining exam qualification without the necessary practical experience. This is especially true within the accounting field - I'm sure it's the same about other professions. I don't why he wouldn't consider going back to Kenya - he seems to have closed that option. Nothing wrong with career change (logical incrementalism), but what happens if it is not easier to get jobs in that field after his studies?
Typical student population here considering to go back home is suicidal for one reason or the other. Maybe it is out of greed or unrealistic expectations. It is like Hollywood we know all about the big stars but rarely hear about the ones who lost it along the way. I have seen individuals who have struggled and really made it big career wise but sad too to meet those who kind of lost their vision. It can be rough.
Outside is quiet, cold and dark but morning will be here soon - there is still hope. I hope he realises his dreams even when it is dark.
No wonder the weather looks mean - but who said a good day has anything to do with the weather?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Safaricom IPO and the madness around the NSE
Is it just me spoiling a potentially good party or have we forgotten the fundamentals?
The Safaricom IPO process is underway and it has attracted the attention of global business commentators. The FT today had a small article on the coming IPO just to show the interest it has aroused to profit seekers.
I understand the interest that it seems to elicit but personally regrettably albeit I am not participating in the exercise. It would have been interesting but feasibility simply deters me. I know someone would suggest that I can do it online (!) but I honestly have no reason to participate other than to make quick buck.
Other issues are also troubling sceptics like me:
Politics
During the concluded elections there was some call from certain quarters for the cancellation of the exercise – I cannot find the reasons that were put across – but now suddenly I cannot hear any discussions about the issue. I know politicians will always be politicians – now that they are ‘sharing’ power they seem to have forgotten about that. Can someone shed some light before I can even consider parting with a cent?
Weak Regulation:
Could it be we are naive or am I missing something? The CMA is still looking for a CEO (it seems for eons) and the vacuum is real. The same regulatory body seems toothless when it comes to reigning on the stockbrokers especially. Investors are at the moment queuing up outside Nyaga stockbrokers following it’s collapse, and others are still queuing up on the other side to part with their cash? Is it just me or is it mind boggling? Someone has pointed out that I am risk averse and there is no where you can get a risk free investment. I know but can we at least estimate the risk levels.
Did I mention without doubt the will be over subscription? I know I am the worst person to come to if you want some encouragement – pray for me. You part with your money say 10,000 in March and get it back if I’m not wrong in June/July. But where else can you keep the money? My sister invested over 20,000 last year in a balanced fund portfolio – she has earned a whooping 300 interest (not even enough to cover her initial charges). So I guess maybe one has nothing to lose.
I know we are excited potential especially when anyone reminds us how certain individuals made money during the KENGEN saga. So is this same as gambling?
As a by the way gambling is huge - two days ago someone told me to place the bet that Liverpool will win the league - I he must have seen moron written on my forehead!.
Anyway it is still a great opportunity for Kenya especially given the dark period we seem to have just come through. All the best.
Facts: Safaricom floatation
- Set to be the biggest listed company in EA
- 10bn shares are up for grabs.
- State to sell its 25% stake (of which 65% will go to local investors)
- Government has valued it at $3.1bn
Someone please tell me to stop moaning and get the money!
The Safaricom IPO process is underway and it has attracted the attention of global business commentators. The FT today had a small article on the coming IPO just to show the interest it has aroused to profit seekers.
I understand the interest that it seems to elicit but personally regrettably albeit I am not participating in the exercise. It would have been interesting but feasibility simply deters me. I know someone would suggest that I can do it online (!) but I honestly have no reason to participate other than to make quick buck.
Other issues are also troubling sceptics like me:
Politics
During the concluded elections there was some call from certain quarters for the cancellation of the exercise – I cannot find the reasons that were put across – but now suddenly I cannot hear any discussions about the issue. I know politicians will always be politicians – now that they are ‘sharing’ power they seem to have forgotten about that. Can someone shed some light before I can even consider parting with a cent?
Weak Regulation:
Could it be we are naive or am I missing something? The CMA is still looking for a CEO (it seems for eons) and the vacuum is real. The same regulatory body seems toothless when it comes to reigning on the stockbrokers especially. Investors are at the moment queuing up outside Nyaga stockbrokers following it’s collapse, and others are still queuing up on the other side to part with their cash? Is it just me or is it mind boggling? Someone has pointed out that I am risk averse and there is no where you can get a risk free investment. I know but can we at least estimate the risk levels.
Did I mention without doubt the will be over subscription? I know I am the worst person to come to if you want some encouragement – pray for me. You part with your money say 10,000 in March and get it back if I’m not wrong in June/July. But where else can you keep the money? My sister invested over 20,000 last year in a balanced fund portfolio – she has earned a whooping 300 interest (not even enough to cover her initial charges). So I guess maybe one has nothing to lose.
I know we are excited potential especially when anyone reminds us how certain individuals made money during the KENGEN saga. So is this same as gambling?
As a by the way gambling is huge - two days ago someone told me to place the bet that Liverpool will win the league - I he must have seen moron written on my forehead!.
Anyway it is still a great opportunity for Kenya especially given the dark period we seem to have just come through. All the best.
Facts: Safaricom floatation
- Set to be the biggest listed company in EA
- 10bn shares are up for grabs.
- State to sell its 25% stake (of which 65% will go to local investors)
- Government has valued it at $3.1bn
Someone please tell me to stop moaning and get the money!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Weatherman
I just watched the Weatherman starring N. Cage and loved it. He has the kind of dry humour in most of his latest movies which I just love.
Here he is a local weather man whose career is going on well but personal life is crumbling (how typical) - facing divorce and his dad is not making it easy for him.
“The first time I was struck with something, a chicken breast from Kenny Rogers. I was standing next to a garbage pail. I thought it might’ve been an accident, that they were throwing it out. The second time it hit me square on the chin, a soft taco. Then a pop. A falafel McNugget. Always fast food. Fast food. Shit people would rather throw out than finish. It tastes all right, but it doesn’t really provide you any nourishment. I’m fast food.”
The other thing gets to people, that leads to pies, I guess are these catch phrases we’re required to use to single the program out. It gets under people’s skin. But the whole thing about all of it, all the getting hit with stuff, the whole thing is, who gets hit with a fucking pie anyway? Did anyone ever throw a pie at Thomas Jefferson? Or Buzz Aldrin? I doubt it. But this is like the ninth time I got… [pause]…Clowns get hit with pies."
Robert Spritz (His dad - M.Caine) hits the best poise.
“Do you know that the harder thing to do, and right thing to do, are usually the same thing? “Easy” doesn’t enter into grown-up life … to get anything of value, you have to sacrifice.”
Is professional and personal success mutually exclusive?
Porn v. Prostituition
Eliot Spitzer scandal is the in thing now - (why are we so fascinated with the story?). It is a tragedy that he was pursuing his fellow rich, ruling class on Wall Street and this brought him down. Kind of reminds me how Al Capone was brought down.
Since he was on a campaign I think it would have been more devastating if he was charged with something like money laundering or even being on the payslip of the New York mob.
It did not have to be what he is putting his wife and family through.
An article in Slate wonders why it is illegal to pay for sex while porn is legal. I mean the industry is very well paying (that's what I'm told!) but if you pick one of the street girls you could face the full force of the law.
Ms. Dupre is in some sort of trouble yet as expected some top shelf magazines want her to pose for some outrageous figure. Confusing to the simple minds like me - on the one hand she is trouble for
$4,000 for her services! no wonder NY is considered an expensive city if that is the going rate the president should do something about the economy there! (It is a joke!). I have seen the bills some of the monied splash here in London for just an afternoon out.
Have a less than scandalous weekend - keep safe.
Since he was on a campaign I think it would have been more devastating if he was charged with something like money laundering or even being on the payslip of the New York mob.
It did not have to be what he is putting his wife and family through.
An article in Slate wonders why it is illegal to pay for sex while porn is legal. I mean the industry is very well paying (that's what I'm told!) but if you pick one of the street girls you could face the full force of the law.
Ms. Dupre is in some sort of trouble yet as expected some top shelf magazines want her to pose for some outrageous figure. Confusing to the simple minds like me - on the one hand she is trouble for
$4,000 for her services! no wonder NY is considered an expensive city if that is the going rate the president should do something about the economy there! (It is a joke!). I have seen the bills some of the monied splash here in London for just an afternoon out.
Have a less than scandalous weekend - keep safe.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Busted
Every now and then something comes up that reminds us we are after all human. After all the noise after the concluded elections everyone had an opinion of what actually went down. What amuses me is the idea that you can publicly express an opinion and in the name of human rights (one's right to say what he/she wants to say) and not expect to be challenge. Once one has an audience there is a duty of care - atleast I think so.
Politics has an effect on me - and I don't think it is positive (why can't just ignore the more them?)
Eliot Spitzer ("Sheriff of Wall Street") seems to have issues too. The Governor has been caught up in a prostituition scandal - and it is not something that happened long time ago.
Aren't we all human? I'm not sure whether to feel sorry for him or his wife and family.
"This is why people lose faith in government. But I guess it shows that he’s human like everybody else.” a lobbyist
Something for the Republicans to shout about - for once it is not one of their own. And Wall street business leaders must be rejoicing - after all he is one of them, he is human.
By the way what is happenning at the Capital Markets Authority? A toothless dog. I must say the NSE really scares me. I have always maintained you need alot of faith to put your money there. Of course if you work in that industry or have some influence on your broker it is a different matter. The situation might not be very critical but the press has regular negative stories something ain't right.
It is a beautiful windy day but otherwose live up to the standard you expect of others. I will try to do my part.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Winning is not everything
I have always admired A. Wenger I don't know whether it has anything to do with the French accent - though I suspect it is his poise when on the spotlight.
"I know many people who have won trophies and I don't rate them at all... To win trophies is important but not the only thing in sports.
Winning can never be everything. To destroy people can never everything..."
I'm not sure whether he was answering questions about the political situation in Kenya or he was talking of Jose, but I cannot disagree with his views.
"I know many people who have won trophies and I don't rate them at all... To win trophies is important but not the only thing in sports.
Winning can never be everything. To destroy people can never everything..."
I'm not sure whether he was answering questions about the political situation in Kenya or he was talking of Jose, but I cannot disagree with his views.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Performance Measurement
Two months gone!
Time is flying. Funny how time flies - soon we will be making 'new' new year resolutions AGAIN (Actually a few times I have had to recycle the old ones).
Work front::
It is high time I stopped mulling over critical matters. I am listening to B. McKnight 'Should I stay or should I go?' whereas he is talking about something different we all face the same issues in life.
Home:
Be more organised. I had to buy an external hard disk the other day to help store my files (music, pics, etc.). It did wonders because I was forced to go through reading them coz it is easy for me in particular to scribble stuff - so I have all these notes and quotes I have collected over the years. Just like moving houses it is amazing the amount of 'garbage' that we store - yes I have had to delete so much.
I realise that I have to support my family more and that does not mean just financially. At least I count myself blessed that mum is kind of independent in fact sometimes it is a hustle just to give her cash. I know she is just worried that I might be 'killing' myself to send money home isn't it that what is exactly happenning around me?
I have found a more convenient and rather cheaper place just near where I live and will be moving. My current lease contract ran out a month ago and I did not see why I should commit myself for another 6 months. Fingers crossed this will be the shortest lease I have held - I just want it to be like that.
On a Personal Front:
The more I move on in life the more I realise how complicated the simple things in life can be. Constantly I am called upon to make decisions that have immense impact on my future hence if it has to be done I want to do it right. So I simply need to set up a Board to help me with some decisions. I came across an idea of setting up a Board of Advisers - for my life. Having a few intimate buddies to help me make it through this maze.
The challenge is to find those who have your back or even in my case those who have the time. That's the beauty here - I am always running (imagine if I'm facing the wrong direction!).
I wish I knew EVERYTHING - it would be cool considering that is how I think I would be comfortable.
Finally Highlights of the Week:
Chelsea lost today AGAIN to which team Barnsley (Asking what team is that? Exactly if you have an answer please enlighten me)
Obama it seems is starting to kind of struggle - Hillary has played it dirty enough to suck the momentum out of Obama camp. Nothing seems to change when it comes to politics.
What have I gained or lost?
Time is flying. Funny how time flies - soon we will be making 'new' new year resolutions AGAIN (Actually a few times I have had to recycle the old ones).
Work front::
It is high time I stopped mulling over critical matters. I am listening to B. McKnight 'Should I stay or should I go?' whereas he is talking about something different we all face the same issues in life.
Home:
Be more organised. I had to buy an external hard disk the other day to help store my files (music, pics, etc.). It did wonders because I was forced to go through reading them coz it is easy for me in particular to scribble stuff - so I have all these notes and quotes I have collected over the years. Just like moving houses it is amazing the amount of 'garbage' that we store - yes I have had to delete so much.
I realise that I have to support my family more and that does not mean just financially. At least I count myself blessed that mum is kind of independent in fact sometimes it is a hustle just to give her cash. I know she is just worried that I might be 'killing' myself to send money home isn't it that what is exactly happenning around me?
I have found a more convenient and rather cheaper place just near where I live and will be moving. My current lease contract ran out a month ago and I did not see why I should commit myself for another 6 months. Fingers crossed this will be the shortest lease I have held - I just want it to be like that.
On a Personal Front:
The more I move on in life the more I realise how complicated the simple things in life can be. Constantly I am called upon to make decisions that have immense impact on my future hence if it has to be done I want to do it right. So I simply need to set up a Board to help me with some decisions. I came across an idea of setting up a Board of Advisers - for my life. Having a few intimate buddies to help me make it through this maze.
The challenge is to find those who have your back or even in my case those who have the time. That's the beauty here - I am always running (imagine if I'm facing the wrong direction!).
I wish I knew EVERYTHING - it would be cool considering that is how I think I would be comfortable.
Finally Highlights of the Week:
Chelsea lost today AGAIN to which team Barnsley (Asking what team is that? Exactly if you have an answer please enlighten me)
Obama it seems is starting to kind of struggle - Hillary has played it dirty enough to suck the momentum out of Obama camp. Nothing seems to change when it comes to politics.
What have I gained or lost?
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