Unexpected holiday

The extension for my Singapore Social Pass (tourist visa) was declined, and I had 2 days to pick the destination outside the boundaries of this paradise island to disappear to for a while. Taking the current circumstances, cost and timing into the consideration, I got the ticket to Dubai, and Roza got me the one from Dubai to Iran - Thanks! Unlike my 1st time in Iran, this was the very lazy two weeks - for me, Roza had to continue her workaholic lifestyle, pardon the day and a half of annual leave she managed to organise. With no (workable) Internet connection - mobile roaming did not work either - I watched DVDs (two seasons of CSI Miami and few movies) and lots of CNN. Also, I read two books. Still, I had too much time to think about how the ever slowing economy and failed degree will effect my job search, and thus, the decision making process in the months to come. The winter is white over there, so I did not get to use my running gear, as I diligently intended to. It was nice seeing the snow again for the first time since my 2004 skiing trip in Christchurch (NZ), though this time enjoying it only from inside the warm apartment through the closed window. Apart from catching up with Roza after three months, the highlights were: Iranian dinner, Iranian wedding, and playing tennis for the 1st time ever.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be on my way to Melbourne for 10 days.

...!

What a difference a day makes...

The job interview, arranged by the Director of the school where I used to work, has received the new lifeline. Apparently, they want to see me again. The email correspondence is included below. Also this morning, I received the resolution that I can stay in my apartment till the end of the year. The stars have been nicely aligned today. Some seemingly good news, amidst all the BS that I've put myself in lately, come as the breath of fresh air.

cheers...! 

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Sent: Friday, 5 December, 2008 9:13 AM

To: ZB

Subject: RE: My passion to join HC

Hi Z,

Good to hear that you have now completed your program.  Time flies, our meeting seemed like they had just happened yesterday.

Then again, so much has taken place in the past few months.  Would you like to come over for an updated discussion so that both parties can come up to speed.  S will contact you to make arrangements.

Best regards,

OT

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Sent: Thursday, 4 December, 2008 3:05 PM

To: OT

Subject: My passion to join HC

Dear O,

I hope this email finds you in good spirits. 

I am happy to say that as of now, all my university tasks are completed, and I am ready, and genuinely keen to contribute to HC as soon as possible. I can start tomorrow.

Having had the opportunity for extensive conversations with K [the founder] and yourself, I am impressed with the leadership of the company and its potential for the future. I have the firm belief that HC will continue its growth amidst the tough competition in the industry, and currently slow economic times.   

While initially I was looking to join HC in a role of System Analyst as advertised on the website, it was flattering to find out that you see my potential and skills being aligned with numerous roles at HC. This being said, I am very keen to prove my hard work and intellect at any of these exciting opportunities as required by the immediate business needs.

I am motivated to join the team, 'role up my sleeves' and work hard, learn and grow with HC while contributing my passion for the people, IT and knowledge as a valuable asset to the company.

Enthusiastically looking forward to hear from you. 

Sincerely,

Z

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Big credit goes to Babber, a.k.a ZhiqiTao, without whom 'the passion email' would not have happened.  

MIS R.I.P.

...and the runner was jumping over countless hurdles and through many hoops since the journey started in the early months of 2002. Along the way, he would occasionally trip and sometimes even fall, but he would always get back up - usually with a help of a helping hand. Then at last, after long 7 years, the runner sow the bright finish line. It was just inches behind the very last hurdle. Though, being tired and very exhausted, he stumbled again and fell over this very last hurdle. He wanted to get up and finally finish the journey, but this time, instead of a helping hand, he got shot in the head.

theEnd...!

Oooh Freedom...

• Schoolless,
  
• Degreeless,
  
• Jobless,
  
• Homeless,
  
• Countryless, 
  
• Planless,
  
• Responsibilitylees,
  
• Desireless,
• Passionless,
• Emotionless,

...less...!

Ps: thanks stupidity!

Ouch!

Dear Z

I have now read your essay. I am afraid it’s not good. Check out my comments and grading. This is final, I am afraid. All the best and hope you get more organized in life.

H

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Ps: giving the credit where the credit is due: the man was right to say that I will strugle. 

Obama rules

UPDATED, 1st Aug 09: In agreement with Obama, economist Nicholas Stern argues that green investments will stimulate the economic growth we need.

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It's hard not to fall under Obama's spell of change, hope and optimism. True, the mandatory comparison with the predecessor makes him an automatic superstar. None the less, one cannot ignore his oratorical power, and the fresh new outlook on needed policies. For the example, take the recent New York Times article reporting on the apparent concern by many that the current economic crisis will even further overshadowed overwhelming environmental concerns, and put on hold any plans to do something about it. Where many see the concern, Obama sees the opportunity for the change:

"President-elect Barack Obama is arguing that there is no better time than the present to invest heavily in clean energy technologies. Such investment, he says, would confront the threat of unchecked warming, reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil and help revive the American economy."

amen...!

Ps: via Schazi's FBK:

Why like this...?

I'm just working flat out on the assignment, trying to salvage my degree, but couldn't help myself but to put up this quick excerpt: 

Samura (2008) reports about Africa's aid addiction during the past 50 years. Amongst others, noting the issues brought about by the prevalent corruption. The corruption that is being inadvertently first thought in schools where “Teachers demand bribes from their students because they cannot get by on their wages.”

On the other hand, Stiglitz(2006, p46) brings up - a  common sense sounding - point: "A country's most important resource is its people." He elaborates further by saying that countries that do not invest widely into education find it hard to tap into the potential of its people, and have difficulties attracting foreign investment. Hence, the country itself fails to live up to its potential. 

Considering the two points above, can you please answer the following for me:

Why not simply fund the education system directly?

...instead of trusting the management of the aid into the hands of corrupted politicians?

By the way, what is happening with all this foreign aid anyhow? 

Don't tell me; it's complicated...! 

References:  

Samura, S. (2008), The pitfalls of Africa's aid addiction, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7740652.stm, Cited Nov 2008. 

Stiglitz, J. (2006), Making Globalization Work, New York: W.W. Norton