The private lives of celebrities. Does the public care? How much, or how little, do you care about what a popular celebrity thinks?

On May 6, The Bajan Reporter posted a rather lengthy 'thesis' by one Roger Marshall concerning the connection between Rihanna's famous 'Umbrella' song and the occult.

This was picked up by BFP this morning and has already resulted in a few comments (no surprise, as anything that involves religion and politics is bound to stir up the emotions). I have not read Marshall's article, nor am I planning to, as it does not interest me in the least bit.

Mind you, I'm not saying that Rihanna is knowingly (or unknowingly) involved in any of the stuff that Marshall mentions, nor am I commenting on her personal beliefs, etcetera. I'm sure that other like-minded people (i.e., people like Marshall) could find links to the occult and other artists' songs as well. It just so happened that his article mentioned Rihanna's song.

What does interest me is to what extent do the beliefs and values (etcetera) of a popular celebrity, affect how much (or how little) ordinary citizens like them.

It seems like a simple and straight-forward thing, doesn't it? If a celebrity that you've always liked for years adopts a position contrary to your own on any topic (drugs, the environment, religion, politics, etcetera), will you look at them differently? Consider also if, despite their opposing view, they continue to carry out their professional life in the exact same way (e.g. movies/music), putting aside their own personal philosophy. Now that you know what they really think, would you be able to ignore their beliefs and continue to support their films/music?

Realize that whatever you (and the majority of the public) choose may impact on how much money the celebrity earns. Knowing this, the celebrity (at the request of, or on the advice of his/her agent, etcetera) may try to appear in such a way so as toavoid a potential loss (or decrease) of income as a result of his/her personal opinions. This may end up in you rarely seeing, or getting to know, the real individual behind the celebrity.

In the end, and after considering the above, who do you like, the individual with his/her private opinions, or the celebrity who will please the audience?

Labels: Barbados, Barbados Free Press, blogging, life, news, Philosophy, politics, religion, The Bajan Reporter

10:06 AM 1 Comments Links to this post

Notes From The Margin blog sails off into the sunset "So Long And Thanks For All The Fish"

The title of the last post on the NTFM blog (and also the title of the fourth book in the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, a set of books that everyone should read).

Notes From The Margin (NFTM) is, or rather was, a Barbadian blog that stood somewhere in between Barbados Free Press and Barbados Underground (in my humble opinion). Briefly thinking about it, NFTM was, as far as I can recall, never as sensational, explosive, informative, dangerous and as politically charged as BFP, nor was it as deeply critical, analytical and alarmist as BU (remember, I'm briefly thinking about the comparisons between the sites and going with the first thing that comes to my mind, so don't have a cow if I got it wrong).

Instead, NFTM occupied a unique spot in the Barbadian blogosphere and brought to it another voice and opinion on things primarily Barbadian and occasionally Caribbean. However, as of April 15, NFTM has withdrawn as a result of, it seems, the demands of their day-to-day lives. They (whoever 'they' were as NFTM, like BU and BFP, was an anonymous blog) were not able to maintain the standards they wished to have.

These standards have gotten NTFM into hot water in the past, especially with a few of the other blogs (BU, BFP and The Bajan Reporter in particular). They (NFTM) linked to other blogs which posted material that was, to put it extremely nicely, 'highly controversial.' As such, the aforementioned trio removed NTFM from their respective blogrolls, I believe, in protest of NFTM's link choice. Despite this, NFTM held their ground and did not give in. Only later when one or two of the controversial blogs stepped over NFTM's line were they removed from their blogroll.

Disclaimer BFP, BU and The Bajan Reporter all link to my little blog, although, they may reconsider after they read my 'farewell' post to NFTM (which I had always linked to even after the debacle). Hopefully the trio won't get upset because IANAA: I Am Not An Antagonist.

LOL ;-)

For better or for worse, the Barbadian blogosphere will be a bit more quiet now that the NFTM blog has departed. No doubt some will say 'good riddance,' while others will cry 'what a shame.' Either way, the World has one less opinion to consider and is thus less informed when it comes to matters pertainining to Bimshire and to a lesser extent, the rest of the Caribbean. Herein lies the real tragedy. For without several sources of opinion and thought to consider, the individual has a limited selection of choices from with which he or she can form an opinion.

Moving on, we've seen from the above that the Internet/WWW can simply be thought of as an extension of real life. The big difference is that on the Internet, one has the ability to say what one wants alot more anonymously, easily and with access to a huge audience: the World. Whereas before, opinions would have to be toned down or kept locked away in the dark recesses of the mind of the individual, or of the crowd.

No so today. With the Internet and the Web in particular, anyone can sign up for a blog in seconds and tell the World what they think about everything no matter how controversial, disgusting, immoral, insensitive, funny, boring or silly it may seem to the rest of us. After all, what is the point of having freedom of speech and independent thinking if you are censored? Yes there are limits, certainly, but what are they and who sets them?

What is acceptable today may not be acceptable tomorrow. Our morals, values and beliefs (etcetera) change with time. Nothing is static, change is constant. especially in this day and age when thanks (or not?) to technology, we are so closely linked together and are aware of each other (with regards to cultures, beliefs, morals, values, religions, etcetera).

Which leads to my final thought for the evening: Do we have any morals or values (etcetera) that can be considered universal and applicable to every single human being and more importantly, I think, that transcend religious and cultural differences, or do we all just 'make it up' as we go along?

Labels: Barbados, blogging, Caribbean, life, news. religion, Notes From The Margin, NTFM, Philosophy, World

7:50 PM 2 Comments Links to this post

The Economist hits the nail right on the head! This is exactly what I'm talking about:

"STUCK in a traffic jam on the road home after an Easter break, the motorist has time to ponder many things."

For me, it wasn't the Easter break, it was a typical day and I was either stuck in traffic, or going to and fro. The end result was this post:

"The similarities between economic systems, traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts."

Labels: Barbados, blogging, economics, funny, life, politics, The Economist

10:31 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Historical inaccuracies in movies Yahoo recently assembled a list of historically inaccurate films. The lack of accuracy, especially in films where history plays a central part, is worrisome. Click here to read the article.

Labels: blogging, Hollywood, life, movies, Yahoo

9:54 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Amit is... 1. thinking (which is his default Facebook message).

2. reading Sophie's World. Part fiction, part non-fiction (IMHO). The fictional bits tell the story of Sophie, a girl who learns Philosophy via a correspondence course. The non-fictional bits cover the history of Philosophy (for the benefit of Sophie and the reader). In addition to that, there are also short introductory books on Logic and Philosophy, as well as Warburton's 'Philosophy: The Basics,' to finish reading.

3. suggesting that if you want to know and understand why anyone would want to study Philosophy in the first place, then you should ask Google and spend at least fifteen minutes reading through the reasons and responses.

4. not a Fatalist and does not believe in Fatalism. Go on, click the link. Worst case, you can impress your friends by learning a new word or two. Best case, you'll learn something new and interesting (after reading it, can you see any connections between free will and the movie, The Matrix?).

5. preparing to read up on the next module in the Durham MBA (Managing Information: part information systems, part statistics).

Labels: blogging, books, life, MBA, Philosophy, reading

10:58 PM 2 Comments Links to this post

Reel Rave! Did I mention that I started a movie blog? I did. It's called: Reel Rave! If you like movies, then spare a moment or two and mouse-click on over. Comments and suggestions are welcome. There's still much work to be done, but it's a start.

Labels: blogging, movies, reel rave

8:18 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Coming soon! Reel soon (or as soon as time permits!)

Labels: blogging, film, movies

8:05 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

The clock is ticking... Sorry, no new posts until Saturday (the day of the exam). Until it's over, I'm on 'lockdown'.

Labels: blogging, life, MBA

9:40 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

I Am Not An Economist (IANAE) (DISCLAIMER: IANAE, I Am Not An Economist).

A few readers of this blog may recall how I sometimes prefix posts based on a random thought (e.g., the similarities between traffic lights and the different types of economic systems), with the infamous letters: IANAE.

The fact that I am not an economist has never stopped me from trying to think like one, or from trying to think of things (like life), from an economic point of view: opportunity cost, incentives, motives, externality and so on and so forth.

There are others who do the same. A few of these folks are 'proper' economists that have expressed, in economic terms and concepts, things that we take for granted. Folks like Tim Harford, author of: The Undercover Economist. Harford also writes the 'Dear Economist', column for the Financial Times. The Dec 28 'DE' column had this to say in response to concerns about drunks on the road during the Christmas season:

"Dear Economist,
This Christmas and new year, I expect to encounter a lot of drunks on the road. In fact, I may well be one of them. Should I feel guilty? And should I be worried?
Mr F Jones, London

Dear Mr Jones,

It has always been difficult to test the effect of alcohol on drivers let loose on the roads. The difficulty is this: if half of all crashes involve drunks, that may be because drinking impairs your driving or it may be because there are a lot of drunks on the road – and we can only guess at how many drunk drivers there are.

But the economists Steven Levitt and Jack Porter realised that it was possible to say more, by looking at how often drunk drivers crashed into each other. If 10 per cent of drivers drink, and if drunk drivers are as safe as any other kind of driver and randomly mixed among the sober drivers, then only 1 per cent of two-vehicle crashes should involve two drunks.

Drunk-on-drunk crashes are much more common than one would expect, given the number of drunk-on-sober crashes, allowing Levitt and Porter to reach firm conclusions about the risks of drink driving.

They find a very large effect. Drivers who have been drinking are seven times more likely to cause a fatal crash; those who have drunk over the legal limit (in the US) are 13 times more likely to cause a fatal crash. You might also bear in mind another finding from the paper: “The great majority of alcohol-related driving fatalities occur to the drinking drivers themselves and their passengers.” That should be sobering.

economist@ft.com"

Source: FT.com / Weekend columnists / Tim Harford - Dear Economist...

Harford's writing also appears on Slate Magazine. A recent article asks (and answers) the question: Can economics make you a better person? So, if you've got some disposable income rolling around, I suggest you consider adding The Undercover Economist, as well as Freakonomics, to your bookshelf. Both books may end up revealing things about the World that you never considered and always took for granted.

Labels: blogging, economics, life, World

9:19 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

MBA catch up and Happy New Year! No new posts for the next few days (I think). Sorry, but I have to buckle down and 'beat some books' as they say in Barbados. In between, I'll take a break or two, and visit The Gap/HL. 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' and all that. Besides, I need to look at other 'figures'. Figures that are feminine, curvacious and full of substance!

The recently completed 'Managing Finance' module of the Durham MBA has been more interesting than the 'Managing in the Competitive Environment' and 'Managing People', modules. Why? Because (oops, I'm not supposed to start a new sentence with a 'because', am I? Forgive me, it's after four in the morning), I'm interested in numbers and money/finance.

I think that the 'MF' module has been the most difficult module thus far. With HR and Strategy, one could (in theory), almost talk/write one's self through the modules, i.e., by employing some level of common sense and theory.

However, there is no 'talking through' when it comes to numbers and financial analysis. You either know it, or you don't. There is no middle ground. It's either black, or white. Up or down, left or right. No in between, in my humble opinion.

Thus, I have to spend the next few days burying my head 'in books'. Reviewing financial terms and ratios and assorted matter. Consequently, I will miss all sorts of OYN (Old Year's Night) and/or NYE (New Year's Eve), celebrations and merry making.

'Tis sad, but true. However, one must remember and hold fast to one's long term goals/objectives, and be prepared to make sacrifices along the way.

In conclusion, I wish you folks a Happy New Year!

Labels: blogging, education, finance, life, MBA

4:08 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

China India Blog China India Blog is now live. Content to follow (as time permits).

Labels: blogging, China, India, World

10:58 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

On blogging... Blogging. This, I think, is what it all boils down to:

"But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are."

Labels: blogging, life, social, technology

4:38 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

'Blogalization' and 100+ posts ! (DISCLAIMER: Extremely long post ahead, proceed with caution!)

This is my one hundred and fourth blog post. It was actually supposed to be my one hundredth post, but my 'Williams Air' article took that slot. This was somewhat unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped. I had to run with the idea for the article at the time, else, I would've forgotten all about it.

This is what my 100th post should've been about:

On November 14, I got an e-mail from Janine Mendes-Franco. She 'covers' the Caribbean blogging beat for Global Voices Online, a site that: "seeks to aggregate, curate, and amplify the global conversation online - shining light on places and people other media often ignore. We work to develop tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices, everywhere, to be heard."

Janine had linked to one or two articles on my blog in the past. So when she contacted me, I had a vague idea of who she was. What I didn't expect was for her to ask for my input on the term 'Blogalization' (I still don't like that term) and its relevance to the Caribbean.

Now, what do I know about 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean? Nothing. So I replied back, thanked her for the opportunity and mentioned to her that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to contribute, but that I'd try anyway.

Mind you, on November 16, I found out from the local MBA programme office that the assignment that I didn't submit (I was sick, missed the exam and the assignment, which is worth 50% of my final module mark for the Managing in the Competitve Environment module), was now due on November 26. The exam, which I also missed, is worth the other 50% and will be held sometime in October, 2008.

At this stage, I should note that writing, for me, is a somewhat painful, extended and drawn out process. If I'm lucky, an original idea (or two), for an article will float around my mind, not quite revealing itself, but not quite hiding in the infinite darkness either. I have to start typing, even if its nonesense (like this particular post) and along the way, things may start to take shape, or least, appear to make sense (to me anyway).

If I was a proper writer, I'd churn out cheesy, sex and romance novels by the dozen (always a market for those), sell a few to some Hollywood-type movie producers, make millions (or close to millions) and retire.

But I'm straying. So, here I am committing to writing a few words on 'Blogalization', etcetera, and at the same time, I have a 2,500 word assignment to hand in by November 26 (but I've given myself to November 23 to finish it, come hell or highwater, sense or nonesense). This deadline is important because I also need time to write my assignment (another 2,500 words) for the recently concluded Managing People module, as well as prepare for the exam on December 1. Janine's deadline was 'early next week' (i.e., this week). I ended up submittng my thoughts on November 20, which was cutting it pretty close as the final article went up today.

So without further delay, I present to you my original submission (the one I sent was edited, which she did warn me about). My thoughts on 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean:

"The meaning of Blogalization and its relevance to the Caribbean.

Blogalization is a big, clumsy, mouthful of a word. I've been asked to write a few words on the meaning of it, and its relevance to the Caribbean. A few people have likened this word to Globalization. Globalization has different meanings for different people, so I do not like to compare it to Blogalization, although there may be one or two similarities.

I think that Blogalization is something completely different, but what it is exaclty, I don't know. All I can say is that by me writing this and you (hopefully) reading it on a blog somewhere and leaving a comment, or not leaving a comment, we're both taking part in Blogalization. Maybe it's as simple as that? The Internet, and the Web in particular, have allowed us all, or the vast majority of us, to communicate freely, anytime and anywhere.

Each of us can have our own digital soapbox on which we can stand and tell our stories. Some of us tell better stories than others, some of us have no stories to tell, or do not feel comfortable telling stories, yet we are drawn in and read/listen to what the World has to say. I think that Blogalization is just about story telling and making connections. In this day and age, it's easier to do so because of technology. Tomorrow, Blogalization will be replaced by another buzzword, but the principles will remain the same, story telling, communication and interactivity.

As for the Caribbean, we, as a unique and different set of people, have our own stories to tell. Good and bad. But why bother? What makes us think that the World is interested in what the Caribbean has to say? I do not know, but I'd like to think that they are interested and are listening. I'm not an expert on sociology, but I believe humans are social animals, and are curious as well. We feel a need to communicate and to share our experiences with others. We also want to learn about and from others.

But why is this relevant to the Caribbean? Because we have voices and we are active participants in the global economy and suffer and/or benefit from things like Globalization, as well as other forces. There is also the knowledge the rest of the World gains from reading Caribbean blogs/sites. It lets them know that we are here, so tread lightly because what you 'big boys' say and do, has a way of affecting us sooner or later. We are not a lesser-people, we have rights, feelings, thoughts and most importantly, we have our own voice!

But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are.

That's my take on it."

This entire post (including this last bit) is 1,080+ words, and took me almost two hours to write (including the time I spent on my 'Blogalization' article). Despite that, I still can't find 2,500 decent words for my MICE assignment. :-(

Labels: blogging, Caribbean, life, MBA, World

10:03 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

In case you missed it... have a look at:

"Coming soon to an airport near you: Williams Air(?)"

and

"The similarities between economic systems, traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts"

Labels: Barbados, blogging, economics, funny, life, money, politics

1:28 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

The similarities between economic systems, traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts UPDATE: Oct 22, 9:10 PM. The post is now finished.

(DISCLAIMER: IANAE, I Am Not An Economist)

(DISCLAIMER: IANATE, I Am Not A Transport Engineer)

(DISCLAIMER: IANAP, I Am Not A Politician)

And no, I am not crazy. The long commute to the office does, on occasion, give me plenty of time to think about all sorts of things. In this case, identifying the similarities between economic systems (open, closed and mixed), traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts.

An Open Economy (Capitalism) = Four-Way Junction Without Working Traffic Lights

In a nutshell, an open economy is one where there is practically little, or no involvement by the State with regards to the running, or regulation, of the economy. The market is free to operate as efficiently as possible. The laws of supply and demand rule supreme. There are no price controls, regulations, state-owned or subsidised enterprises (like our very own CBC, QEH, BWA). The factors of production are all privately owned and operated with the goal of making a profit.

If a company is the sole provider of a good or service (a monopoly), it is free to charge whatever it wants. Dissatisfaction may lead to another company entering the market and providing the same goods at a better price. The consumer now has a choice, competition ensues and he/she is usually better off. The government stands by the sidelines and does not get involved.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to this type of economic system. One advantage is that the business owner is free to run his/her business, as best as they see fit. The lure of profit and a healthy return on investment, are typical reasons for persons starting a business in the first place.

However, a notable disadvantage exists as well. How do we protect those citizens who are less fortunate? Those in society who cannot afford the costs of a good or service (like education). Who will look after their basic needs if the market is only interested in running as efficiently as possible, and profit is the primary driving force behind all actions.

Now let's look at a typical four-way junction and motor traffic. Most Barbadians are familiar with the junction at Redmans, St. Michael (A Shell gas station operates at one of the corners of this junction).

What happens when the traffic lights are not working? Many people will argue that traffic flows freely. I believe that this is a good example of an open economy at work. The traffic lights represent Government regulation and control. This can potentially restrict the performance of the economy (or, the flow of traffic).

Motorists heading to either the north of the island (St. Lucy for example), or the south (that is, back to Warrens) enjoy a clear advantage over those drivers who are stuck on the east or west sides of the junction, who want to go either north or south. They have to wait for someone to let them join the main flow of north and south-bound traffic. These drivers are at a disadvantage, similar to the poor in an open economy with no Government protection, subsidies, or access to basic or affordable social services (like education or health care).

The motorists who are heading north or south, are free and are mostly unconcerned about the other motorists who have to look for a lucky break in order to join the main flow. And just like many businesses (the world over), most of them may not be concerned with the other 'motorists,' or with those less fortunate members of society, unless it has the potential to negatively affect their bottom-line.

These north and south-bound motorists are using their unique advantage, non-working traffic lights (or an open economy in the case of a business), to the utmost extreme, and are profiting by not having to sit in traffic and by therefore arriving at their respective destinations in a timely fashion.

Similarly, businesses who are not concerned about Government intervention in setting prices, controlling the types of businesses, restriction of foreign investment, will clearly enjoy these advantages. There is room for competition as other businesses spring up to offer a better, cheaper product. Increased competition and liberalisation of a market (for example, telecommunications) brings the benefit of choice to the consumer. There are no 'traffic lights', (no Government involvement) to slow them down. It's a free for all.

A brief note on increased competition, liberalisation of the local market, and the admittance of foreign companies into a country, especially a small one like Barbados. While the consumer may end up benefiting by having a wide variety of choice and access to cheaper goods and services, locally owned and operated companies may end up suffering over the longer term.

Many of these foreign-owned businesses have extremely deep pockets, and can easily enter into a country, reduce the prices of their goods and services drastically, capture the market, and effectively wipe out or greatly reduce the amount of competing businesses. As a result, it may become unprofitable and impractical for local companies to maintain their respective levels of unemployment, and as such, many may have to downsize their operations. (Downsizing is a nice word for lay-offs or having to 'let people go').

But go where? Unless the foreign-owned companies are willing to hire these employees, they may remain unemployed and will not be able to purchase most goods and services. What then? The foreign-owned companies may end up closing down and heading back home. After all, without any consumers for their goods or services, it means no revenue. The overseas parent companies will probably not accept this and may end up pulling out of the country in search of greener pastures elsewhere.

Trade restrictions, tariffs, subsidies and other related measures (think traffic lights, control and regulation), can be instituted by Government and can help protect local businesses and industries by placing limits on who can setup shop and what they can offer in a country.

A Closed Economy (Communism & Socialism) = Four-Way Junction With Working Traffic Lights

Switch on the traffic lights and you've got instant Government involvement and control. The motorists sitting on the east and west sides of the junction now enjoy the same advantage that north and south-bound motorists enjoy. They just have to wait for about thirty seconds for the light to change green. The traffic light (Government) is the great equalizer.

With this control, however, certain limitations and restrictions on how businesses can operate will come into play. Government's involvement in the economy may hamper its potential for growth or expansion. After all, one of the primary roles of a Government is to provide for, and look after its citizens (especially the poor or less fortunate).

As a result of their involvment, high costs (paid for by tax payers who are usually middle-class), inefficiencies and less-than-ideal goods or services are made available to the poor. But remember, something is better than nothing, and Government is primarily interested in providing services for the greater good, not in turning over a profit.

Some private individuals and businesses may not be willing to setup a business, expand an existing one, or invest in a new one, simply because of this high level of Government involvement in the affairs of the economy. It makes it highly unattractive for would-be capitalists and budding entrepreneurs. Furthermore, overseas investors would be reluctant to investment in the country. Similarly, some north and south-bound motorists may avoid the Redman's junction all together and look for an alternate route, one that does not involve traffic lights.

A Mixed Economy (Capitalism + Communism & Socialism) = Roundabout

A mixed economy is one where there is a good mixture of both private and public sector enterprises. There is a 'reasonable' amount of Government involvement in the affairs of the economy, but not as much as a true planned or closed economy. Barbados is a good example of a country with a mixed economy.

The mixed economy, it would seem, offers the best of both worlds. There are private sector interests that are concerned with creating wealth, profit and return on investment, as well as public sector interests that exist to serve the public by way of providing essential services (like a police force, a water authority and basic health care). For those who can afford it, private health care exists, as do private schools. Society has a choice, if you can afford the best, you can have it. If you cannot afford the best, then you'll have to make do with what the Government can provide for you.

The roundabout looks, to me, like a good example of the mixed economy. There are no traffic lights, yet there still exists a basic, controlled flow of traffic. Motorists are not disadvantaged. As long as there is no traffic approaching from the right (or slowly approaching), they are free to enter and exit the roundabout whenever they feel like. There is an element of choice, although somewhat controlled, present. As a motorist, you only have to slow down or stop to give way to traffic approaching from the right. You are not being controlled by traffic lights, nor are you stuck waiting for someone to 'let you out' so that you can join the major flow of traffic.

This post is by no means an accurate or even semi-accurate analysis of the similarities between economic systems and traffic signals, etcetera and should not be treated as such. For example, there are currently major traffic issues in the Warrens area as a result of the highway expansion project. These issues affect the performance of the roundabout(s), traffic lights and junctions.

In conclusion, remember the disclaimers at the beginning of this post: IANAE, IANATE, IANAP.

;-)

Labels: Barbados, blogging, economics, funny, life, politics

3:06 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Zen Occasionally, I mouse-over to the zen habits blog and skim through a few "life changing" or "productivity enhancing," posts. Then, I snap out of it and return back to the real world. :-)

After checking out the zh blog this evening, I looked up Zen on Wikipedia and eventually found a link to several Zen proverbs (courtesy of Wikiquote). Why the interest in Zen? It may have to do with with the fact that I am also somewhat interested in Philosophy, although according to Wikipedia, it appears that Zen is very anti-philosophical.

Maybe we should all spend a few moments reading through each quote. I'm not suggesting that you waste the entire day (or night) sitting in a trance, completely zoned out, but just have a look through. Find one or two that really stand out, and spend a few moments thinking about them.

Who knows, maybe you'll learn something, or come to some sort of realization (as to what specifically, I don't know, that's for you to find out).

"Zen proverbs:

Unsourced

A samurai once asked Zen Master Hakuin where he would go after he died. Hakuin answered 'How am I supposed to know?'
'How do you know? You're a Zen master!' exclaimed the samurai.
'Yes, but not a dead one,' Hakuin answered.

Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions.

If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.

In the landscape of spring, there is neither better nor worse. The flowering branches grow naturally, some long, some short.

It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others.

Knock on the sky and Listen to the sound.

The ten thousand questions are one question. If you cut through the one question, then the ten thousand questions disappear.

The tighter you squeeze the less you have.

The ways to the One are as many as the lives of men.

Though the bamboo forest is dense, water flows through it freely.

To do a certain kind of thing, you have to be a certain kind of person.

To follow the path, look to the master, follow the master, walk with the master, see through the master, become the master.

To know that there is nothing to know, and to grieve that it is so difficult to communicate this "nothing to know" to others - this is the life of Zen, this is the deepest thing in the world.

When the pupil is ready to learn, a teacher will appear.

When you reach the top, keep climbing.

Why do you ask questions? If you already knew the flame was fire then the meal was cooked a long time ago.

I only know a snowflake cannot exist in a storm of fire.

A weed is a plant whose virtues are only waiting to be discovered.

Women may spend their whole lives looking for true love. If you wish for true love, learn to love yourself.

You do not wait for fulfillment, but brace yourself for failure.

At first, I saw mountains as mountains and rivers as rivers. Then, I saw mountains were not mountains and rivers were not rivers. Finally, I see mountains again as mountains, and rivers again as rivers.

Zen students must learn to waste time conscientiously.

No yesterday, no tomorrow, and no today - Sheng-ts'an

If the problem has a solution, worrying is pointless, in the end the problem will be solved. If the problem has no solution, there is no reason to worry, because it can't be solved."

Labels: blogging, life, Philosophy

10:47 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 3 The first module, Managing in the Competitive Environment, of the Durham MBA is finally over. The next big "thing," will be the written exam (on Oct 27) and the assignment (to be handed in on the day of the exam), which is a 2,500 word paper based on a FedEx case study. Marks for this module are awarded fifty-fifty. That is, fifty percent for the exam, fifty for the paper.

What have I learnt from this module? Quite a bit. I'm still "consolidating" everything, but one or two important things stand out. Take for example, strategy and whether or not it is planned or emergent. By emergent, I mean, does the strategy of a business just evolve as a result and in response to what is going on in its environment, or is it more planned?

A military battle would have, I would think, a planned strategy. However, as everyone knows, the battle field is not a static environment. As such, the strategic plan would have to allow for changes, and the combatants prepared to respond to these changes, else the battle will be lost! So, we have a lot of planning before the battle, but in the midst of it, we have to adjust the plan to take into account changes in the environment. The strategic plan therefore is not a static thing. It may start off being well defined, but as the environment changes, the strategy must change in response, if not, then the business may suffer.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

9:22 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 2 Wow. Where to begin? University induction, rules and regulations were discussed and reviewed throughout the day on Oct 1. Oct 2 marked the start of the real teaching and learning (Managing in the Competitive Environment, a.k.a, MICE). This particular module (including induction) began on Oct 1 and runs until Oct 6. Classes start at 8:30 AM (and this is Durham time, people, not Barbadian time as in, 8:45 or 9:00 AM) and run until 4:30 PM. Every day, all day.

The classes are held at the Barbados Yacht Club. The room is large (seating around twenty-five of us, if I remember correctly), comfortable and air-conditioned. There are also several power strips for students and/or teachers to plug in their laptops, as well as (slow) wireless Internet access. Students have two fifteen or thirty minute (can't remember because I'm tired right now) coffee breaks (no doubt because of the large amount of information that students have to take in) and a one hour lunch. Coffee, juice and light snacks, are all provided as part of the programme. You're on your own as far as lunch is considered, however, there is a small bar/restaurant facility on the beach that serves some good, affordable food. Alternatively, I believe the BYC itself (Barbados Yacht Club) also serves a decent buffet lunch, or something similar, but I'm not familiar with their prices.

So far, it's been a non-stop barrage of information, information and more information. No shortage of printed material (colour and laser printed I might add), each student being given his/her own copy, no need to share (major plus, unlike my BCC days, where you were lucky to get a copy of a report or assignment for yourself). We've had, to date, about three printed case studies to review (primarily concerned with strategy and the management of it) and several videos to watch (case studies and lectures). Today, our case study was on Mount Gay. This involved reading a printed case study on them and visiting Mount Gay for an extensive and informative tour as well as several small samples of their flagship product, rum!

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

8:27 PM 1 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 1 Drove down to the offices of CariMEC this morning, paid in my registration fees, collected a few handbooks and left (after realizing that tomorrow, not today, is the start of the full day of the programme). No worries. There are two rather large texts that I have to start reading through in anticipation of the first (of six) core modules. The first being: Managing in the Competitive Environment.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

9:33 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA Maintaining a blog (especially one that is reasonably current and interesting) is not an easy task. It can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating (people who suffer from writer's block will know what I mean).

As such, I have decided to blog the journey (where and when appropriate) towards obtaining my MBA. This will provide me with some material to post to the blog, and will also offer some insight, for those of you who may be interested, into the MBA, specifically the Caribbean MBA offered by the Durham Business School.

In addition, it will also give me (at least for the next two years) something different to write/blog about besides hurricanes, disasters, accidents and the fact that I Am Not An Economist.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

8:11 AM 1 Comments Links to this post

Notes From The Field: Jumbies (DISCLAIMER: IANAR, I Am Not A Reporter.)

Jumbies was not quite Jumbies last week Sunday. The parking lot was closed off and a large stage setup in the back. Several live bands were advertised to play that night. Drinks and recorded music were also readily available. While there, I had this "brilliant" idea to write down a few notes. With neither pen, nor paper in hand (which is just as well, as one would be of no use without the other), I used my phone and typed up a few erratic notes during my short stay (I was only there for about an hour).

"Ten o clock, maybe about 100 hundred ppl in de parking lot. Dj playing music, crowd milling around. Red alarm comes on after ten, first band for the nite, Police present. Crowd growing, maybe 150 plus at at about 1015. Red alarm, guitarist in blie shirt, shades hair like a mop and a rasta, plays good guitar. Two singers, okay voices. Crowd standin around, even near the stage. Small pockets of ppl grooving. Red alarm has the tunes and the vocals, but that doesn't mean they have the crowd. A lack of alchohol? Maybe, maybe not. The entire bak end of the parking lot is taken up by a large stage, no doubt a lot of time and planning went into this event. Red alarm's singer/guitarist, in blue, with a head of hair that is a cross between a mop and drrlocks, or at least looks like that. Seven member band. Typical bar tender, serve the ladies first, even tho I asked first. 1030 crowd is twice wot it was. But still ppl looking not quite dancin, just groovin taking it easy."

Labels: Barbados, blogging, drinks, life, music

8:37 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Don't Be Alarmed! Folks, you may or may not have noticed that some of the words in my blog posts are now double underlined. This is a result of an ad revenue system called Kontera that I've signed up with. I discovered this system after reading about it on John Chow dot Com.

In addition to the Google Ads that I run, this will hopefully become an additional, viable source of ad revenue. This revenue will be used to offset the cost of running this site, as well as my other site, and to expand both of them.

Labels: blogging

11:15 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Ocean Park, Part Two There are, as is often said, two sides to every coin (and to every story). I recently added my two cents to The Bajan Reporter's post concerning the death of marine life at Ocean Park Barbados.

While checking through my site's referral logs, I noticed a visit from Ian's article about Ocean Park. I checked through the comments and noticed one by Mitchel Hird. This person, it appears, is the Head Curator of Ocean Park and had this to say in response to Ian's post:

************************************************

"Dear Bajan Reporter

It was with no small measure of surprise and disbelief that I read your article “Barbadian Marine Habitat Under Fire….”

I am the Head Curator at Ocean Park. I have worked for the last 14 years in Public Aquariums around the world and am a qualified marine biologist.

Public aquariums are a powerful tool in the fight to conserve marine life and to educate the public, acting as centers for research and conservation. In the two years since opening, more than 20,000 local students have visited Ocean Park to learn about the island’s natural marine heritage.

The readers of Bajan Reporter might reasonably ask why they have been confronted with an apparent litany of damning accusations about Ocean Park. I will address these accusations below before discussing the motive.

1. Mortality rates: Contrary to the article, losses at Ocean Park for display animals are very low. This is not by accident. We invest in an extensive staff, purpose-built filtration and what is, in my opinion, one of the best- equipped aquarium laboratories for our size in the world. We have a specialist consultant veterinary company under contract that is flown over on a regular basis; and still further specialist support from world- leading diagnostic laboratories in London. A large proportion of the fish you will see at Ocean Park are caught by local fisherman. They are either destined to be sold at the fish market or are the accidental by-catch of modern fishing methods and will be thrown away dead or used as bait. We work with local fisherman to preserve these otherwise doomed fish. Due to the fishing methods used for catching food fish, we are occasionally presented with fish that are simply too badly damaged to survive.

2. Quarantine/ Sea Rescue: The article mentions fish being held in “crowded and confined conditions.” Our quarantine is spacious and state of the art. Animals are medicated with the best and most current drug therapies and their welfare is placed above all else.

3. Nutrition: The article refers to animals being poorly nourished. Ocean Park’s budget for food is in excess of $50,000 a year. We import well over 20 different types of food from all over the world. In point of fact, the clams we feed our new eagle rays are the same as those you’ll find on your plate at Sandy Lane! We are one of only a handful of public aquariums in the world using next-generation gel diets and tailor-made vitamin supplements.

4. Jumping fish: The large Gouramy that was found dead was the result of a break-in, during which someone attempted to catch and steal fish from the displays. The commotion caused by the nets being dragged through the displays caused the fish to jump. Security has since been further improved. Out of interest, the giant Gouramy was in fact a rescued animal, donated by a gentleman in Bridgetown who had kept the fish in a barrel for the last 2 years!

5. Decoration: The theming materials you will see around the park, such as the artificial coral, wood and fake foliage were bought and installed by a specialist theming company from Europe. Contrary to the article, we have absolutely no live coral on site.

6. Injured animals: The photographs of the injured rays suggest that the animals were injured at Ocean Park. The animal in question—a spotted eagle ray—was caught by local fishermen and was destined for Oistins Fish Market. The ray had been bitten on the flank by a shark or other predatory animal, prior to being caught. The spotted eagle ray was medicated and rehabilitated from its wound, which in the wild, would likely lead to its death. The ray now inhabits a lagoon-themed display that holds almost a quarter of a million liters.

7. Conservation statement: Within “Barbadian Marine Habitat Under Fire,” there is a picture of an old conservation sign. This sign is clearly not on display. It is actually in our workshop being used as a splash guard for a painting project—note the paint pots behind. This sign was taken down almost a year ago. It is a fact that Ocean Park is involved in numerous environmental projects, which merit its receipt of this year’s Environmental Excellence Award, presented at the independently-judged Barbados Tourism Awards. Some examples of these projects include:


• Tilapia farming trial aimed at reducing the pressure on local fisheries
• Water recycling
• “Clean-Up” Barbados Project
• Various smaller initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental education and reducing the park’s impact on natural resources

We have also been working for some months now on two new projects which are expected to yield important results in the coming year. These being:

• Collaborative scientific study with Oxford University on blood iodine levels in wild and captive sharks
• Participation in an international, interdisciplinary research project into endangered fish species around Barbados


8. Dolphins: The comments made by the author regarding Ocean Park’s plans for an interactive dolphin exhibit are ill-informed and misleading. This type of misinformation does nothing to further the cause of conservation. Instead it tarnishes the efforts of the new generation of marine mammal exhibitions that seek to protect and educate. Comments linking the collection of Dolphins for public aquariums as “reminiscent of the capture of slaves” whilst suggesting a connection with bloody Japanese Dolphin hunts are aimed at pandering to the fears of readers rather than having any factual merit.

It is disturbing to me that an individual would go to such lengths to spread such ill informed, malicious and, I would suggest, libelous accusations about Ocean Park. One wonders what would motivate an individual in this direction. Professional and personal ethics guide me to refrain from pointing the finger in this reply. I will simply state that Ocean Park has been the target of several destructive incidents and actions in the recent past. These combined with the accusations made by the articles source suggest internal knowledge of the Park, as well as a vindictive motive possibly stemming from prior dismissal. We are seeking advice from our solicitors in this regard.

I am surprised that the author of the article did not choose to question the motives or qualifications of his or her source. I would have expected that Ocean Park would have been contacted and given an opportunity to respond. If the author of “Barbadian Marine Habitat Under Fire” had put as much effort in to researching facts as he or she did into producing a story replete with fabrications and deceptive pseudoscience, perhaps the article would have read differently. I would suggest that the next time a story drops like “manna from the sky,” the Bajan Reporter display a helping of journalistic integrity by taking the time to investigate the validity of a source.

Whilst Ocean Park is a business, working with live animals dictates that a responsible environmental attitude and strong ethics are always present. Ocean Park’s doors are open. Visiting members of the public and members of the press have a standing invitation for a guided tour of the behind-the-scenes facilities, after which I hope all concerned would draw their own conclusions.


Mitchel Hird
Head Curator
Ocean Park"

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Assuming that this person is indeed who they claim to be, they've offered a standing invitiation (extended towards the public and to the press), for a behind-the-scenes, guided tour of the facility.

Awfully decent of them to make that offer. Remember, they didn't have to respond in the first place. Furthermore, the fact that they did respond is, in my humble opinion, more important because they have chosen to do so in a public forum. This too, should be applauded.

Ian, it looks like the ball is in your court. Why not take them up on their offer and have a look at the place?

Labels: accident, Barbados, blogging, fish, rumours

4:29 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

The Bajan Reporter Celebrates 400th Post! Ian Bourne, chief cook and bottle washer, over at The Bajan Reporter celebrated his 400th post on July 30.

Covering local as well as Caribbean news and events, Ian also serves up his own brand of opinion and analysis. Besides the obvious title of his 400th post, he barely made much of it and instead published a little exposé (including pictures) on the sad state of handicap parking in Barbados.

I ran into Ian at The Woodpecker Pub a while ago and we had an interesting conversation that covered MSM (main stream media) and bloggers. Ian knows all about MSM. He used to be on Barbados' CBC TV (as an anchor, right Ian? Can't remember...) Ian still works for a Government entity, but in a different capacity.

Ian blogs publically, as in, everyone knows The Bajan Reporter is published by Ian Bourne. No veil of secrecy. Unlike the folks at Barbados Free Press and Barbados Underground who have to be extra-special secret when it comes to their real identities. Spend a few hours reading through their blog posts and you'll see what I mean. The topics and issues that BU and BFP cover are a bit more sensitive and risqué (and that's an understatement right there).

That night, I told Ian that he should get his own domain name. Try making a go of the whole thing. He is in a unique position. People know him, he has nothing to hide, nor fear. Provide more local coverage and get good people to contribute their own personal voices or to source news for the outfit. Laws and ethics must not be forgotten. See if you can convince businesses to advertise because this is the way forward, it's the new way.

Citizen journalism is here to stay and you can still keep your day job (or night job). Manage and co-ordinate everything over the Internet. Use Wordpress or Blogger. Setup free e-mail accounts. Have team meetings using IM (instant messaging). It's not easy, but it can be done.

Old school media houses need to realize that the writing's on the wall, or better yet, that the posts are on the blog and must act accordingly. Evolve, or die. Don't take my word for it, have a look at WIRED magazine's article: "To Save Themselves, US Newspapers Put Readers to Work."

Ian, congrats on your 400th post!

Labels: blogging, media, MSM, news

10:35 AM 0 Comments Links to this post