MyAnalysis

Playing the violin

2008-05-09T22:49:00.002Z

The naive Pakistanis are getting everything they deserve - they elected the corrupt, spineless cowards who are leading the country.

Now whilst our country our leaders are "meeting" in Park Lane, the common is dying under the pressure of surging inflation.

Ah well, perhaps in their time in prison/exile Zardari/Sharif swotted up on their Roman History;
they probably thought if Nero could play his violin whilst Rome burnt, they could go one better and charter a plane to his personal penthouse on Park Lane.

Why not eh, if you've been given an open chequebook...

Zardari victorious.

2008-02-19T13:30:00.000-01:00

The west has got it's wish and so will Zardari now - A £300k Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.

It's all well and good imposing demoracy on a naive country like Pakistan, but Pakistan and Pakistanis, simply don't deserve it for their own sake. Zardari/Sharif ruled for their own benefit that would put even our MPs like Conway & Co. to shame.

Still it could have been worse, Pakistan could have been another Iraq...Thank you Musharraf Sahib.

Small shops can be eil

2008-02-17T17:26:00.000-01:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/india_knight/article3382099.ece?

You are absoultely correct in pointing out how rice + dhal = a far more nutritious, wholesome and ultimately more tasty meal than any fried battery chicken or artifcially inflated lamb chop.

I do think however you have ignored the fact that Mr. Sathnam Sanghera highlighted a few weeks back; you seem to be falling foul of the clasic mistake of automatically equating big with evil, and small with good. Sure, I could go to a corner shop on Marylebone High Street, however, my pocket is a lot better off if a hop on over to a Sainsburys or Tesco Express, and more often than not the transaction is completed a lot quicker.

Supermarkets delivered benefits when they first arrived in the UK and they will continue to do so. I truly think it would be olish of the competition commission believes it can intervene in the free market that has resulted in the spectacular growth of Tesco et al. Any stalinist to curb their power, would now be foolish.

The people's phone

2008-02-14T16:14:00.000-01:00

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article3368000.ece

Spice should be applauded for taking the initative on this matter and singlehandedly taking the mobile phone market to every single member of the indian community.

But is it really the right way of doing it? As a individual consumer in the UK, I can easily purchase a basic Nokia Handest with a £10 airtime voucher from a highstreet retailer for £15. Sure, it could very well be a "loss leader" type item that is an attempt to lock me into the network.

The premise however is simple, would it not have been easier to simply have signed a bulk purchase contract with Nokia/SonyEricsson/Motorola for one of their basic handsets, that could then be billed as the people's phone and sold for £10, delivering improved functionality and ease of use?

It's a moot point however, I'm sure, as a mobile phone of any standing will be welcomed by these members of our community.

Now, if only the same principle could be applied to clean, running water, we really would be getting somewhere...

Pakistan's Economy is resilient

2008-02-14T16:07:00.000-01:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3366145.ece

Maddox continues to peddle her naive view of Pakistani politics, whilst portraying herself as an authority on the country. I have no doubts as to her talents - but honestly speaking, is it really possible for either of the opposition parties to "heal" the current economic problems, in view of a global rise in food prices owing to the much publicised ever-rising price of fuel? It would be immature to lay the blame of rising food prices at Musharraf's door, whilst the UK media seems rises in outcry over an average 12% increase in the price of a bottle of milk - 13 pence. And the UK is an MEDC...

Combine this with those parties' track record over corruption and purely from a fiscal point of view, I can't believe that they hold the answers to Pakistan's current worries over economic inequality.

A Quantity of shoelaces

2008-02-07T14:22:00.000-01:00

As if Bond 22 couldn't get any worse, I've now read that Amy Winehouse will be singing the theme.

Yes, that drugged up, boozed up, good for nothing, £7 million waste of space.Dame Shirley would be proud.

Sources say that it's an incentive to give up her drug taking ways.

And I thought dying would be enough.

Or at the very least, not hanging around friends who will sell photos of her snorting "coke", or whatever fashionable term is attached to that filthy habit.

Pathetic.

Muslim outrage as Yusuf al-Qaradawi refused UK visa

2008-02-07T13:50:00.001-01:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3325439.ece

The headline displays blatant ignorance - I thought The Times was supposed to stand for the highest level of thinking. The headline paints all Muslims as suporting extremists, resulting in widespread outrage throught the muslim community as a whole that a crazy mullah is not allowed in to the UK.

Get a grip please. Don't be so foolish and naive.

The mullah appeals only to the uneducated muslims amongst us - there are many; If you call a taxi it will probably be driven by one. Don't let this blind you from the fact that educated muslims have reached the highest echelons of Banking, Accountancy, Law and Medicine after years of hard work and dedication not only to their careers but also to the UK.

The fact that the MCB support this man only confirms the fact that they're a crazy bunch of dimwits who by no means represent the views of the majority.

At the end of the day, Muslims are just normal people with a pragmatic approach to most situations.

Musharraf sahib

2008-01-29T10:17:00.000-01:00

Before even opening this article "President Pervez Musharraf’s big charm offensive is charming and sometimes offensive" , I knew it was constructed by constructed by the veritable beauty that is Bronwen Maddox.

Having previously congratulated Musharraf sahib on his immpecable dress sense, immaculately tailored to a standard that even the finest of Saville Row may struggle to match, she seems to now use this column to air her vendetta against Musharraf sahib, in public.
She simply can't grasp the fact Musharraf sahib loves his country. It is this love that has helped him to spearhead the development of Pakistan from an economic laggard to a genuine emerging market as well as a vital ally on the wwar on terror. They say greed consumes all , and perhaps the same could be applied to musharraf sahib, but clearly this is exactly what the Maddox and the west are suffering from - they simply want musharraf sahib to roll over and allow them to reign freely over whatever they desire in Pakistan for their own needs.

Musharraf sahib is no Bhutto - he's a real leader.

Macbook Air

2008-01-16T10:21:00.001-01:00

No doubting that the Air is a technological marvel, the questions is, is it really as revolutionary as everyone is making it out to be?

Take for example a two year old Thinkpad X41- like the Air it lacks an internal optical drive, but it's actually lighter than the Air, by just over 200 grams. That's the main factor when considering an ultraportable, the weight, after all a few millimetres isn't really going to make much difference when it's placed in a briefcase/handbag. This, combined with the fact it has a removable battery means all day computing in a package weighing no more than 1.5-2kg. i'd be willing to bet that thanks to it's 4:3 screen it's actually more compact than the Air, and the full size keyboard, coupled with the legendary IBM quality will ensure a much more pleasant typing, and overall user experience, all with the familiarity of Windows.

Still, I'm sure the "fashionistas" will ensure that the Air is a massive success selling by the bucketload.

Tesco growth slowing

2008-01-15T10:46:00.001-01:00

It could be said that competitors have stronger growth rates purely because they lag so far behind, and hence there is more opportunity for growth.

Furthermore, Tesco has an almighty presence on the high street, even compared to Sainsburys; Morrisons is absent. Tesco's diversification is further confirmed not only by it's international expansion but also by it's online presence allowing it to compete with the online only DVD retailers as well as general homewares retailers such as Argos.

Thanks to these factors, I think it is safe to say, in spite of the cautious consumer outlook, Tesco is well weathered to shrug of any further consumer setbacks.

Do what you want.

2008-01-14T11:12:00.001-01:00

That's what I often heard from my time in state schools, with teachers more interested in the delights of what they would find in the staff room, as opposed to the delight of conveying their love for their respective academic disciplines.

But now the Government has said that teachers are not allowed to encourage students to pursue A-Levels. Great, another excuse for them to do less work, and take even less of an interest in "their" student's wellbeing.

Choice is all well and good.

But time and time again, Brown tells us in this era of globalisation (a topic which Tony Blair recently said he is very interested in...) we need to compete with the emerging markets such as India and China and we have to produce more Science, Maths and Engineering graduates. Surely the only way this can happen, if Teachers do thieir job properly (In my experience, they don't) , and encourage their students to pursue these subjects as early as possible, by taking Additional Science at GCSE for example, this will never happen.

Things are bad enough as they are in the state sector, but this announcement will simply ensure that Teachers can have an even easier life than they already do. And our country will suffer on the world stage, yet further.

Say what you like, but the A-Level is still the "Gold Standard" of education, internationally recognised. Sure, the IB is ok, but the A-Level is taught all over the world, for entry to the best universities.

Google is dumbing down education - Media Studies lecturer

2008-01-14T11:00:00.000-01:00

Is it really appropriate for a professor of media studies to crticise Google and complain that it is responsible for dulling "students’ sense of curiosity"? What has her subject, let alone her University, ever done for intellectual debate?

I thoroughly agree with the sentiment that Wikipedia is a poor source of authoritative information, but to taint Google with the same brush is foolish: Wikipedia aims to answer all questions, often badly - Google simply acts as a gateway to the information available on the internet. I can say with much certainty, a student of even a half decent standard will easily be able to discern between what is authoritative information and what is not; with opinions almost as sensational as her surname Tara really shoud have used Google recently to find out that it would probably allow her students to access most of the 200 printed extracts she provided to her students.

The real voice of Pakistan

2008-01-12T13:28:00.000-01:00

Fatima Bhutto has spoken, now the world needs to listen.

This is the very voice that needs to be heard - the educated Pakistani. Yet we have heard so little from them.

The fact of the matter is, there simply doesn't seem to be any interest in contributing to the long term development of Pakistan, merely in imposing a pseudo democracy. President Musharraf sahib has said time and time again - the world needs to see Pakistan through the eyes of Pakistan, not through the eyes of the West.

Rather than offering a platform to corrupt, sly, lying barbarians, Miss. Fatima Bhutto's opinions should be made known to all, listened to, and acted upon by the very Western Institutions calling for "Democracy"

One thing's for sure, David Milliband could learn a thing or two from her, if he took the time to listen.

Miss Bhutto is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. At the very least she speaks the truth. I mean, Bhutto Zardari, if the leadership wasn't handed to you "like some piece of family furniture", perhaps it was like the family silver?

In spite of what Musharraf sahib has done for Pakistan, if people are still reluctant to come round to his way of thinking, and see Pakistan through his eyes, why not through Fatima's?

www.guardian.co.uk/pakistan/Story/0,,2239009,00.html

Bird Flu in UK.

2008-01-10T14:01:00.001-01:00

Defra says it confirms an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu virus in three swans in southern England 2:55pm GMT

FTSE Down.

2008-01-09T13:11:00.000-01:00

FTSE 100 index down 1.8 percent 2:04pm GMT

The end of an era.

2008-01-07T10:46:00.000-01:00

Mr. Bill Gates kicked off the annual CES with his customary welcome speech, made all the more pertinent by the fact that this is to be his last address, as he will be stepping down from the top job at Microsoft. However, being the consumate professional that he is, didn't forget to make one of his usual all-seeing, almighty predictions. This year - technology will enter a second digital decade meaning technology will be in every room of the home, on screens and walls, even being built into tables.

I have absolutely no reason to doubt Mr. Gates - roughly a decade ago, Mr. Gates predicted there would be a computer on every desk, something that has been proved absolutely correct, with two per desk even accepted.

And whether you like his software or not right from his operating systems through to his office suites, were it not for them, we simply wouldn't have the capability to work as we do today. Just think about it, you probably think of writing a letter, with your own personalised letterhead, but even if we go back just twenty years, a letterhead would require an order with a printing company, if you could justify the expense of ordering the minimum amount, before attempting to print your letter on a clunky dot matrix printer.

If Apple had their way we'd be using their software, on overpriced hardware, which for a very long time at least, has been out of the reach of the average home user - Microsoft made the software independent, and because of that we are where we are today.

Of course, it's not all good - Microsoft make far too much money, they buy up emerging companies left right and centre therbey eliminating competition before it even establishes itself and critics still maintain they are lakcing in creativity, simply copying the very best ideas from other companies.

All of that is probably true, but the simple fact is if Mr. Gates didn't "copy" the idea of the GUI and brought the idea to market in the 1980's there's every opportunity that the home market in particular may not have taken to computing technology the way it has. We could still be in an era wherbey if we need an official letter written, we'll just ask someone who's got access to a computer at work.

Apple today take the credit for creating "home friendly" computer systems, not only in terms of looks but also by virtue of the fact they are packaged with basic home productivity software - they were never intended for the home - particularly in terms of price, but this simply isn't justified in my eyes. This is confirmed by their insistence to have total control over both hardware and software, even today - and this is where Microsoft, and Mr. Gates demonstrated genuine foresight like no other.

Today Microsoft's revenues of $50 billion are over double that of Apple's $24 billion. The simple reason for this is the very simple fact that Mr. Gates realised before Jobs, the real income is generated by the hardware - not the software. Of course, it could be said that Apple's star is on the up, iPod sales seem to be unstoppable while the Zune in comparison is an abysmal failure - but what's the betting that more iPods run on Windows PCs as opposed to Mac OS systems?

It could also be argued that Microsoft may very well be talking up the second digital decade, having already missed the boat. The chaps at Google, who incidentally seem to be the only group Microsoft are openly afraid of, have bought YouTube - the favourite provider of te very data that Mr. Gates will appear in every room across the home, whilst the XBox requires numerous upgrades before it can form a part of the hub of the new digital hub - The PS3 can perform that task out of the box. Nonetheless, Microsoft's investment in this arena can be seen via the development of the Microsoft Home Server and new Surface technology (I supposed you could affectionately call it the Microsoft Windows Touch, for tables 1.34). All is not lost for Microsoft i am sure - apart from their leader of course.

Elsewhere at CES I think the big news has to be that Blu-Ray will end up as winner in the new format wars, meaning Sony hasn't produced another Betamax, thanks to the impending announcement that Warner Bros will exclusively back that format. The question is - does the average consumer really care? Sure, DVD sales have begun to slip, but with a brand new film retailing at around £10, with perfectly viewable picture quality, what is the incentive in anyone replacing their entire collection of DVD's with higher priced Blu-Ray discs, that may only offer negligible improvements in picture quality, in the eyes of many. Especially those still clinging on to their VHS collections. Mind you, it's another reason to get a PS3 and perhaps that's why Mr. Gates announced Xbox Live users will be able to download movies from the likes of MGM, Disney and ABC. Furthermore, UK users will be the first in the world to be able to get access to internet TV via BT. Mind you, what's wrong with a Freeview box?

Interesting times ahead then. At least according to Mr. Gates. As well as the many spot on assumptions he has made, don't forget this is also the man who thought the internet would have very little impact on our lives. I'd probably hold the order for the touch screen table for a while, at least.

Fear

2007-12-30T17:38:00.000-01:00

I never thought I would share the words of Nawaz Sharif, but I'm going to. "This is a dark, ddddaark, day for Pakistan"

Mr Ten Percent has declared Bilawal the new leader of the PPP. Of course Zardari is not known as Mr Ten Percent for no reason, and in a cunning move, has rebranded all his children Butto. A real stroke of genius. A bit like rebranding Daewoo as Chevrolet. Interestingly though, Bilawal cannot speak the language of his country. Mind you, this only confirms the hatred this family now has for the country (Unlike Zulfikar sahib). After all, what kind of an attachment can a person have to a country if he could not even bother learn that country's language. He's had 19 years of opportunity. He is simply carrying on the legacy of his mother though who was willing to hand over her country to the West. Zardari too continues this, even today very clearly inviting outsiders to investigate Bhutto's assassination.

Ah well. At least Bilawal won't have to worry about looking for a job now, after he's graduated. That's a load off his mind I bet.

The rebranding exercise perfectly symbolises the fact that the illiterate masses will follow the hollow promises of a Bhutto, like a beacon of light shining bright in the dark, regardless of past experiences.

Furthermore, this move confirms that Bhutto never had any interest in democracy. Surely, if she did, she would have requested a democratically elected leader of the PPP? This further confirms how hollow their arguments are - they have based their whole campaigns on the removal of an "undemocratically" elected leader, yet in their own scenario, have simply anointed a homegrown leader.

Based on this, I would say then, the Pakistani people deserve everything coming to them if the PPP take control of Pakistan. I genuinely fear for the long term development of our country if they simply continue from where they left off last time. They used Pakistan as their personal bank account before. They will again. The actual assassination is a sign of things to come, in terms of the economy. With a GDP of around $440 Billion (The UK's is almost $2 Trillion), this equates to around $600 million, per working day. Furthermore, Pakistan operates on an average tax-to-GDP ratio of 10%, resulting in a simple loss to the nation of $1.8 Billion. Please don't take me to be holding Benazir responsible for this, she didn't ask for three days of mourning. It's just this shows the immediate financial impact on the country. This doesn't even take into account the falls in the stock markets, and investor confidence. Furthermore, the financial cost to the rioting will easily run into hundreds of millions, but spare a thought for the ordinary civilians whose cars for examples, have been set a blaze by the mindless; there is no concept of motor insurance in Pakistan. Time for a new car then.

This sentiment is shared by Reuters; "Pakistan's brief period as a destination for adventurous investors seems over for now".

I've said it before, but Pakistan's underlying institutions, and cash reserves of $15 billion, are now strong enough to prevent a repetition of past events, thanks to Musharraf sahib; I just hope they don't crumble under the pressure.

I bet, that secretly, Musharraf sahib is secretly wishing he didn't take his uniform off now.

Dead and Buried. Never.

2007-12-28T16:44:00.000-01:00

[The full story behind the assassination is summarised in the diagram below]

The results of my poll (at the top of this page) showed a split response Musharraf sahib's decision to impose emergency rule, with a slight majority actually disagreeing with Musharraf sahib's decision. As I have stated before the educated masses in Pakistan were wholly unaffected by that decision. I spoke to someone, a bright, educated and articulated Pakistani who summed up the situation better than I ever could. "There's more fuss over here [UK,West etc.], than over there [Pakistan]." I fully agree with this, and I look forward to asking that person what they think of the current situation. At this present moment though, my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the other Pakistanis losing their lives thanks to the mindless looting and rioting taking place around the country, which i think is the immediate threat to Pakistan in the short term. Scenes in Karachi can be seen below.

The fact is though, that I think this is conclusive proof Musharraf sahib was correct to declare the initial state of emergency. He was correct to block her and Sharif's return, and to force them from carrying out their political rallies. Their response was to ignore him and further undermine Musharraf sahib's authority by questioning why he was not able to offer them better protection. All I an say to that is that not even the British and American security services were able to offer protection to their people, how could they expect a country they had financially stripped to be able to do any better? As if that wasn't enough Bhutto decided to launch a public attack on the government and declaring them responsible for colluding with the terrorists responsible for the bomb blast that killed 140 on her return. Is that really the kind of leader a country needs? The sort that pollutes their own back garden?

She's dead now, and I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, but perhaps that was the only way that Pakistan 's prosperous development can continue? Despite the development that Musharraf sahib has spearheaded, some people continue to say that Musharraf sahib is also corrupt - I ask them for proof. Does he own palatial homes in all the major cities of the world? Does he personally own homes in every major city of Pakistan? I doubt he has Swiss bank accounts?

The mass media will have you believe that this is the end for Pakistan. I quote Sharif - "this is a dark, ddddaark, day for Pakistan" after the death of his "sister". In fact, Sharif has even vowed to take revenge for her. Great. Sharif the Soldier of Fortune. Mind you, those skills could come in handy - it could have been him that was killed yesterday. The coverage about Bhutto has forced the bungled attempt to kill Sharif of the front pages - 12 innocent Pakistanis lost their lives in this senseless act, and my condolences and thoughts are with their families. I wouldn't be surprised if decides to lie low for the next month or so, ultimately being the hollow coward that he is.

Within minutes of the news breaking the major news channels were declaring that it is inevitable that Pakistan will slip into a state of civil war, especially as the killer was not prosecuted or arrested. Perhaps it's just me then, but I'd think that would be impossible for the Pakistan police service, or any other security service in the world to do - seeing as he was supposed to have blown himself up. That's what I was led to believe initially, but now; it's the sunroof catch that did it, seen below. Perhaps they should prosecute the sunroof.

On an interesting side note, media coverage suggested she was in a Toyota - which was still driving, after the event. Literally, a bombproof Toyota. Mind you they all are, I didn't need an assassination to tell me that. I could direct you to a 1994 Toyota Carina, with over 200,00 miles on the clock, probably driving smoother than a lot of three year old European car with a tenth of the mileage. Until it took a Zafira up its rear.

Long term? Has this hampered Pakistan's democracy? Musharraf sahib may well take this opportunity to strengthen his grip over the country, particularly as Pakistan enters a second day of national mourning. The West however, will continue to press for elections on 8th January - I'm not sure how wise that would be though. Perhaps Musharraf sahib out of respect will postpone them? As expected Sharif has boycotted them. Something to do with him not being allowed to stand I suppose.

But will her death have a long term impact on the future of Pakistan? - that is the most important question. No. During her time in power, she contributed nothing to the development of Pakistan, apart from an asset stripping exercise, and during her time in exile, simple, hollow, useless rhetoric. That's it.

We absolutely have to "educate our illiterate masses, and provide them with some sort of economic independence". Then, and only then, will there be any stability in a functioning democracy. The West seems intent on thrusting democracy upon these very illiterate masses, who are told to vote for whoever they are told to, by their "landlord" - in the truest sense of the word.

I've said it before, Democracy is desired by all, desirable for none.

I'm still quite surprised to read comments left by educated people across the Internet suggesting under Bhutto's rule, there was no corruption. Musharraf sahib may have dropped all allegations against her, but even the Swiss authorities have not. Are you telling me, she amassed a $1.5 Billion dollar fortune via legitimate methods? She was no Heseltine - and his publishing house only turned over £15 million. As sure as she was a mother , she was corrupt. (Son Bilawal can be seen below, being consoled by Mr Ten Percent. Interestingly, The Times mistakenly called him Mr. Zardawi, the screenshot is below.) Only after Musharraf sahib took control of the country, has Pakistan been able to stand on it's own feet.

Bhutto is dead and buried. But Pakistan's underlying institutions will ensure Pakistan is not. This can be Pakistan's rebirth.

More rubbish

2007-12-26T21:22:00.001-01:00

"Pity the poor people of Pakistan and their Sisyphean struggle to gain access to jobs, justice, education and health services. For that they need wide-ranging systemic change. How can this be achieved when their choices at the ballot box are fundamentally compromised? They have the dispiriting and unpalatable choice of casting their vote for two main opposition candidates whose reputations are tarnished by corruption and self-interest, or a ruling party that is the malleable tool of a dictator who is backed by a military class intent on protecting its own interests. What the major players share is a lack of credibility. The danger is that this will extend to the election result itself. In a country where poverty is growing, lawlessness and sectarian differences are increasing and free and fair elections are virtually unknown, this poll may be no more than another exercise in disillusionment, which serves the interests of no one but extremists. "

More rubbish about a Pakistan, written by someone who has probably never even visited the country. Who cares about "Credibility" - Musharraf sahib is directly responsible for the progress that Pakistan has made, singlehandedly transforming Pakistan from an economic laggard into an engine of growth.

I do agree though, education is severely lacking in Pakistan for the masses - this issue needs to be addressed if Pakistan's future is to be bright. That was the main reason for India's success after all - they churn out more graduates than anywhere else in the world. And it could be said - they are running the world right now in one way or another.

India is the perfect role model for Pakistan.

Dell Direct - no more.

2007-12-26T20:26:00.000-01:00

Dell are famed for selling direct, cutting out the middleman, saving costs etc. In fact this was the bedrock of much of their advertising over the past few years, in the UK at least, with the adverts proclaiming that they don't hold a single system in stock to depreciate in value, because every single system is built for you the customer.

Well, that's no longer the case - Dells will now be sold in PC World. As if that wasn't bad enough, Dells can now be picked up alongside tins of beans during your weekly shop at Tesco.

This is a true signal of how the retail computer market has changed in just a few short years. Initially the consumer would seek out the very best deal on a computer, searching websites, magazines and newspapers, reading reviews and analysis of the models and technologies. Then people simply went to Dell.co.uk and bought the cheapest model.

Now though, with the market reaching saturation point manufacturers literally have to get their products in the consumers faces to sell them. Acer for example, realised this a long time ago and have been selling their desktops and notebooks in Tesco for over four years, and I think that this has helped Acer to grow up to be the largest manufacturer in Europe.

Of course, now that Dell have entered the consumer retail space, as the world's biggest computer manufacturer, it will be interesting to see what they can do with their prices. Dell are known for operating on razor thin margins, selling in massive volumes. And if not PC World, Tesco will be guaranteed to put pressure on Dell to offer systems at the very lowest prices. This could still however lead to systems being more expensive than on the website, which I feel could lead to web sales cannibalising retail sales.

Furthermore, this strategy could lead to some brand damage on the consumer side. i.e. Dells systems are more expensive than the Acers - perhaps Dell will play the "quality" card. This could lead to consumers thinking, I'll buy the Acer because it's cheaper (really, that's what the average consumer will think - that's the only thing they care about, not the quality of the components, upgradeability, expansion space within the case or anything like that at all) and hence in the future not even bother looking at the Dell website when buying a new computer in the future. More importantly, they definitley won't recommend Dell to their friends because they are not the cheapest - and that's the worry.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools in consumer selling. Dell have never dealt with the retail market in the UK. I'm sure they're used to dealing with tough suppliers and securing a great deal on a daily basis - but what about Tesco. They're th ebest dealmakers in the business. It'll be very interesting to see what happens to Dell.

US luring away brightest UK students

2007-12-24T12:14:00.000-01:00

Are the US really luring away the brightest UK students? It's fair enough that if you go to an Ivy league college you can graduate debt free. But looking at it purely from a financial perspective - if you go to a top UK University and graduate in three years, you could be in exactly the same financial situation, after four years. Assuming you have a graduate job offer lined up to start straight after you graduate you'll be walking into a £25k - £30k job. (Packages of upto £40k are not uncommon in some sectors). Plus, you've got an extra year's worth of work experience.

It's not as clear cut as you may think. Just because our universities don't have multi billion dollar endowments, doesn't mean they are greatly inferior to the US institutions - Oxford, Cambridge & UCL, as well as Imperial and LSE are amongst the very best universities in the world, and with the current UK student loan system, no student can say they can't afford to go to a globally recognised University.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T20:34:00.000-01:00

Drink too much. Eat too much. Don’t feel guilty about the presents you give or those that you receive. Care not for your carbon footprint or the impact of your naked consumerism. Be happy. And remember, you are having a much better time than Gordon Brown because he has no friends and you’ve got lots.

That great scholar, Jeremy Clarksonius. 21st Century.

Another great quote:

I genuinely believe we are born with a moral compass and we don’t need it reset every Sunday morning by some weird-beard communist in a dress. I am, as you may have gathered, completely unreligious, but it doesn’t stop me trying to be kind to others, and I’m never completely overwhelmed with a need to murder madmen in pulpits. Slightly overwhelmed sometimes, but never completely.

No more butchers

2007-12-18T14:38:00.000-01:00

An interesting sign of the times, Manchester city centre has no butchers left.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1028522_citys_last_butcher_set_to_close

What I think is more interesting is the fact that they still have the telephone book from 1969 to confirm that there were 13 butchers at the time. I'd struggle to find my phone book for this year.

Don't believe the FT

2007-12-18T13:50:00.000-01:00

The FT is meant to be the most authoritative source of financial information, and I would have no reason to doubt it.

Howver, I urge you not to believe everything that you read in the FT.

Why? This article says that a BMW Z3 was sliced in half. Well, we all know that that's wrong.

I've emailed the writer, and await his reply.

Wii almost as expensive as PS3

2007-12-18T13:39:00.000-01:00

They say that Oil and Gold are hot commodities at the moment. I can add another to that list - the Nintendo Wii. I sure wish that I'd bought a truckload of them last month.

The Wii is now selling at Viking Direct for £258.49. I know that there are plenty of people profiteering on ebay thatnks to the shortage of the Wii, but a recognised retailer doing the same is quite surprising in my eyes. Mind you, it shouldn't surprise me really, that's basic supply and demand theory. The question is though, why don't Nintendo increase their production capacity and increase supply to take advantage of the increased demand or at the very least the higher market price. I mean at this price, the Wii is now only £30 cheaper than the far-technically superior PS3.

I think that 2007 will be remembered as the year when consumer tastes have changed from lapping up increased technical specifications (the 5 megapixel Sony Ericsson K850i and Samsung G600 shunned in favour of the 2 megapixel iPhone, new improved Vista shunned by Dell and it's customers for XP and of course the Blu-ray-Wireless-Internal 40gb hard drive equipped PS3 for the PS2 style (In terms of graphics at least) Nintendo Wii) to new innovative technologies.

India will buy Jaguar

2007-12-16T13:03:00.000-01:00

Really, you could say the same thing about Rolls Royce or Bentley - It's a British car but I won't buy it because it's owned by the Germans. Actual result - they are now experiencing their highest volume of sales ever.

We need to get real - Tata are hardly going to say Jaguar, built by Tata in their advertising. This is a great move for the brand - Tata have the cash to invest in the brand and take it forward, whilst Ford are in desperate need of that cash.

I do however think though that now could be the wrong time for Ford to sell Jaguar in particular. They're just about to launch the XF (the new S-Type), which for the first time, in terms of styling at the very least, could actually prove to be a real threat to the German triumvirate of BMW/Audi/Mercedes. Land Rover aren't doing too badly at the moment either with record breaking sales. I can see Ford thinking that this will help them achieve a higher valuation now. The flipside to this is that next year could bring an even higher valuation - that's if Ford still wanted to sell such a valuable cash generating asset next year.

Tata takeovers and targets

Feb 2000 Tetley tea company, $407 million
March 2004 Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company, $102 million
Aug 2004 NatSteel's steel business, $292 million
Nov 2004 Tyco Global Network, $130 million
July 2005 Teleglobe International Holdings, $239 million
Dec 2005 Millennium Steel, Thailand, $167 million
Dec 2005 Brunner Mond Group, $120 million
June 2006 Eight O'Clock Coffee, $220 million
Nov 2006 Ritz Carlton Boston, $170 million
Jan 2007 Corus, $11.3 billion
March 2007 Bumi Resources, $1.1 billion
April 2007 Campton Place Hotel, San Francisco, $60 million

Targets
Jaguar and Land Rover, $2 billion
Close Brothers, $2.9 billion
Orient Express Hotels, $2.5 billion

Google changed

2007-12-11T10:44:00.000-01:00

Google as changed it's homepage, with the various search options now appearing right at the top f the web page.

Orascom for sale:$17 billion

2007-12-09T11:59:00.000-01:00

“For me it’s about the money. I’m the largest shareholder in my company, so I am very interested in the money . . . Where I smell money I go.” Naguib Sawiris.

Orascom, the middle east based mobile phone company, has put itself up for sale. Orascom also has operations in Pakistan where it operates under the Mobilink brand and has approximately a 61% market share, serving around 7 million customers.

Is it a good deal though? For Sawiris, yes, he's already worth about $10 billion so a few more won't hurt, but what about the consumer. It could be said that if somebody like Vodafone takes over Orascom, that'll be good for the consumer as it will allow them to bring in their expertise gained from around the world in how to deliver an even better service, as well as introducing other benefits such as "Pay-as-you-go" handsets and even contract offerings. The flip side to this though, is that it could simply mean increased costs for the Pakistani consumer who is happy with the current state of the mobile phone market, with incredibly low call costs, and who are still happy to pay full price for a mobile handset.

I personally think that this is a very shrewd decisis ion by Sawiris who is taking this opportunity to cash in on the desire of the mature market operators to establish a greater market presence in the emerging markets. This is proven by his sell back of his stake in Hutchison telecoms, providing a clear market signal that growth can only continue in the emerging markets.

"Reset shock" to hit UK consumers

2007-12-09T11:53:00.000-01:00

Citigroup (the same bank that just borrowed $7.5 billion from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and whose share price is half what it was at the beginning of the year) has said that the reset shock of higher interest rates as they come off of fixed rate mortgages will hit UK consumers so hard that it will slow down UK spending growth to just 1%.

I think this just goes to prove further, that te BoE made the wrong decision to cut interest rates. In fact, interest rates should have gone up before going down. Particularly as even the pound is beginning to look a little weak in the international money markets.

The only signal that lower interest rates will send, is that we should all live off borrowed money. Hence, the lowering of interest rates has absolutely no effect on the general population who think it's fine to borrow £20,000 to buy a car - and then complaining that their mortgage payments are going down by £78. This really doesn't seem to me as if it will be able to tackley either of the problems of stagnant economic growth of inflation. Surely, haalting inflation in the current climate of rising oil prices would have been more important than trying to encourage some poor form of economic growth.

The BoE seems to be acting in a confused manner pandering to the demands of the city whose only objective is to relax the libor rate.

The only loser; the responsible homeowner with savings set aside living within their means.

House prices will fall

2007-12-08T13:57:00.001-01:00

The FT seems to think that the City is right that house prices will fall by 7%. Their justification? That they are "putting their money where their mouth is".

I don't exactly know how that can be right, but it is interesting none the less. Will their "betting" that house prices will fall by 7% cause them to fall by 7%?

I don't know for sure, but I am more than inclined to agree with HBOS and Nationwide, houseprice inflation will definitley slow down. Which just goes to prove, that the only beneficiaries of the interest rate cut is big business, and the biggest losers in all of this will be the consumer who is responsible enough not to rely on cheap credit for spending, but actually wisely save money. Well done BoE.

Bond. James ... - I thought I knew the rest.

2007-12-05T17:00:00.000-01:00

I do sometimes think that I am the only one who thinks Daniel Craig wasn't a great Bond.

Perhaps that's because I like to think of myself as a die hard Bond fan. What really gets me though is when people come up to me and say Daniel Craig is an amazing Bond. They then say that Casino Royale is the first Bond film they've ever seen. Idiots. I really shouldn't get that annoyed. More than that though is the fact that the press and everything ever written about Craig and Casino Royale, makes it sound like all the fans who loved the previous twenty Bonds, are absolute idiots.

Fine, some of them say that Sir Connery's Bond's were the best (They are, and at least here they are correct) but come on, Sir Roger Moore and Brosnan (He should definitely be a Sir) continued the legacy fantastically, and I really feel Timothy Dalton was underrated; Licence to Kill was one of the best Bond's in my eyes. I have so much respect for the man, I didn't want to watch him in "Hot Fuzz" for fear that he embarrassed himself. I heard he did well there as well though. Even Lazengby did well in his first outing, and had the circumstances around the release been better, how could have gone on to do many more, even I would admit that some of Sir Connery's acting in Dr. No, could have been improved upon, if I really tried hard to criticise him.

I digress. Were it not for this legacy Craig would never have had the opportunity to don a pair of undersized speedos and become the world's darling, with a $50 million dollar pay cheque. Even today I stand by my opinion that Craig is the wrong man for the role.

I have no doubts he's an excellent actor, and he's got a superb voice, which is part of his appeal. But a voice is not enough. Fleming's character was smooth, suave and sophisticated. Craig is none of them. They say Casino Royale was meant to be realistic, but can you imagine two girls wolf whistling an Chechnyan terrorist lookalike. Neither can I, and that's exactly what happened when he arrived at the Ocean Club. I could however, imagine the same thing happening to (Sir) Brosnan, especially after escaping from the clinic and arriving at a five-star hospital in his drenched hospital clothes. The effortless style with which he executed the line "My usual suite please", immortal. Of course this isn't Craig's fault, he didn't write the script. But if Craig gets his way he will. He doesn't want scripted gags, but wants to freestyle it. Great. Can't wait. He simply doesn't understand, and I think the scriptwriters have forgotten, that Bond was never a comedian, he simply used to natural charm and wit any time something big came up. Perhaps only Sir Moore could be rightfully accused of taking the gags too far, and even then, on the whole they were appropriate. Secretly, even the scriptwriters know, Craig lacks the charm to deliver a line like that. In fact, Green probably had the best share of one liners in Casino Royale. She really could have been the money, if she wore less make up though.

The only reason Casino Royale was a success was because it is was built to appeal to the masses. It was built to appeal to all those who said Die Another Day was too far fetched. All I can say is there's an ice palace in St Petersburg and one soon to be built in Turkmensitan, and the MOD has just tested an invisible tank.And herein lies the crux; Bond used to set the standard, now it just follows. Just think. I bet you've got Sat Nav in your car now - Sir Sean also had Sat Nav in 1967. People didn't complain it was too far fetched, and now we can just hop down to Argos, and buy a TomTom for £100.

I could have forgiven Casino Royale and Craig everything if they returned with a gadget laden, superspy thrill-fest in Bond 22, but I won't be given the opportunity. Again, appealing to the masses unable to comprehend a totally new concept, Bond 22 will be a straight continuation to Casino Royale, A la Pirates of the Caribbean, Bourne identity etc.

As if Craig threatening to perform live stand up on the sets of the film, I have also recently heard that he will also appearing in his birthday suit.Cue lots of girls screaming with delight, purely because they have been programmed to believe he is the best looking guy around. I'm no homosexual, but isn't someone like Pierece Bros nan or George Clooney the definition of "good looking". Talking of homosexuals though, perhaps that's who Craig also wants to reach out to, something that none of the previous Bond films have ever done. For this I suppose, he should be congratulated. Alas, this isn't the reason, his justification was that that is what is expected of the Bond girls. Well I'm sorry, with the exception of Goldfinger perhaps, I've never seen a Bond girl like that in any of the Bond films. Not even the "revolutionary" Casino Royale.

As if that wasn't enough Craig's also taken up Yoga.

Could you ever imagine Sir Sean doing Yoga? The only thing I can ever imagine him doing is playing Baccarat (Bond's choice of card game) sipping a Vodka Martini while gently caressing a Morland's Balkan & Turkish wooing any girl of his choice. Then killing the bad guy.

As if that wasn't bad enough we've got this guy as the villain:

He looks like somebody my aunt would employ to do the gardening. She wouldn't let him in the house, for sure. He definitely doesn't look like someone who could take over the world. In fact, he thinks being a bond villain will be funy. What could have been expected though I suppose eh? I'll be honest though, I've never seen any of his films and I can only look forward to seeing him in action. He's got a lot to live up to though, in my eyes, this is a real bond villain, a match for Bond in terms of charm and wit yet deadlier in terms of ruthlessness.

It really is sad that Bond is now being treated as just another franchise, which it clearly is. Bond was unique in that the only "franchise" element was the character, and his personality. Now in pursuit of untold riches, the Brocolli family seem to be intent on turning Bond into just another action hero. Looked at from this angle then, it could be said that Casino Royale was a major success - A character called James bond stopped a terrorist from blowing up a plane, after running up a crane, before financially ruining said villain. As a fan though, this isn't what I want to see. But as a fan, if it means Bond continues then that can only be good. Now we know what's in store from Bond 22, roll on Bond 23. Please let Bond 22 be an end to the popularised style of "continuation" and let Bond get on with his job.

Interesting article.

2007-12-05T16:51:00.000-01:00

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/05/asia/village.php

UK Property inflation 6.3%

2007-12-05T16:47:00.000-01:00

I think all those people who think that 6.3% is "still an amazing growth rate", need to look at it another way.

Let's say you have bought a house, purely as an investment. In this example, you need to take a mortgage to purchase the property. An average mortgage rate is 6.6%. If the growth in house prices is 6.3%, it's cost you 0.3% to "invest". This is an even more important fact when you consider many people over the past decade have decided property is the very best investment possible, and have used property as the bedrock of their pensions for example.

Even if you are not purchasing a home as an invesment, I think this news would concern you; if you bought your house last month, you've just lost around £2,000. Or, if you bought it this month, you would have saved around £2,000, on average possibly more.

Oh well.

If you bought a house in the last year or so though, this simply means, that now is probably not the best time to move.

If the worst comes to the worst, just liken a house to car. Over three years, they lose on average, 50%. That won't happen to your house though. At least I don't think so.

GEO shut down.

2007-11-16T20:38:00.001-01:00

Now, the end is near. And GEO is to shut down, if it isn't shut down already by the time you have read this post.

In fact, In my eyes this is the very best thing that could have happened for Pakistan. Don't you actually think this could be a good idea?

When has GEO ever shown the good side of Pakistan? I honestly can't ever remember watching GEO's news broadcasts and thinking that Pakistan is the best place on earth - which it is. Of course, this is no fault of some of the news readers who made the news broadcasts at least palatable. Perhaps now Musharraf sahib can get on with helping Pakistan to continue to economically and socially develop, which is the important thing at the moment, more so than "free and fair" elections, which if they are free and fair, will only act as a platform for the return of Bhutto and Sharif to stage to continue where they left after Musharraf sahib's intermission and continue raiding the Pakistani coffers.

However, I fear that this is exactly what Musharraf sahib did not want. Not only because this make it look Musharraf sahib look he is responsible for the shut down of the station, but also because he would actually like to see GEO continue to broadcast. He is for the freedom the media and press, in stark contrast to what Sharif and Bhutto will have you believe.

Simply ask yourself, what did they ever do for the freedom of the press?

As for how this will affect Musharraf sahib, this really will do him no favours. This combined with the fact that Bhutto and Sharif have vowed to join forces, much to the pleasure of a fair amount of people. With the world continuing to public criticise Musharraf sahib (though privately even Condi has now said that she will stand by Pakistan through these times), I really don't know what he can now do to appease the people. Please let me know if you do, I'd love to hear your comments.

Whilst it is cringe worthy how much support there seems to be for Bhutto and Sharif, a poll by the International Republican Institute in Washington found that 47 per cent of Pakistanis believed she was acting to “improve her personal situation”. Perhaps if it was made public knowledge that she would allow the US to question Pakistani national hero A.Q. Khan (who Musharraf sahib staunchly defends on every occasion, purely on these grounds) even more would agree that Bhutto is simply in it for herself.

What is genuinely sad though , is the death of two young boys aged only 11 and 12. I really hope this doesn't act as a catalyst for more people to come out onto the streets campaigning for a democracy that will lead, I strongly believe, to the death of a country.

girls: party night 5

2007-11-16T20:36:00.000-01:00

We all know that they've got plenty of money to spend, it's just that the Sheikhs don't seem to know when to stop.

You probably read about the Saudi ambassador who has to pay an outstaing £3 million bill for personal expenditure, with a pretty unique expense list. As well as the aforementioned "party night", he is reported to have bought a night vision kit for his Hummer. I personally think he should be congratulated for coming up with such a novel way to spend that amount of money.

The congratulations should also be extended for his good taste in watches. Over just 18 months he is said to have spent £350,000 on 43 watches including a £23,000 Patek Phillipe and a couple of Jaeger Le Coutures ata a cool £17k a piece. At least we can comfort from the fact that the average price of each of the other watches is only about £7.5k at most.

Come to think of it, I think he deliberately didn't pay for these items so that this news would break and we could all marvel at his ingenuity and knwoledge of the finer things in life, and really wer are all the richer (not in temrs of money, but in terms of knowledge) How else would I have ever known that it is possible to spend $1,700 on a ST Dupont lighter (limited edition), adorned with a mother of pearl and platinum Taj Mahal design.

Thank you Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf.

Credit Crisis?

2007-11-13T19:39:00.000-01:00

BofA will be writing off $3 billion worth of bad debts attributable to the sub prime mortgage market, but is willing to spend another $600m to support other uncertain investments. But according to them this will "manageable" - I have no doubt that it is. The question is though ,where will this stop; the crisis first came to light this summer, but it seems a week doesn't go by without a major bank announcing another writedown. Of course, the main problem now is that the market for this debt no longer exists and the banks are holding packages that are pretty hard to value, which as we are all being told will seriously affect global consumer spending doing untold damage to our economy in the long run. Sure in the short to medium term, there will be very little recovery in the US economy. But India and China are booming, surely that'll be enough to drive the global economy through the short to medium term.

But has the credit crisis really affected consumers? Vodafone has just announced profits of £4.5 billion - it lost £3.5 billion pounds last year, and as well as the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, this can be attributed to revenue growth in the UK. Business spending contributes to this, but consumers also played their part in this figure.

The BBC has also reported (take this with a pinch of salt I suppose, or at least make sure you don't let Rob Peston find out that actually the economy is fine at the moment, he won't be happy) that consumer spending will actually be higher this christmas, up to £706 from £662 last year, with this mainly attributable to increased feeling of job security? I take it they asked Bankers as well then? Or perhaps they didn't ask them last year? Who knows, but I know the accounts will have questions as to how this spending wil be done - credit card. This question is even more pertinent considering that 66% of consumers will now buy gifts online, compared to 51% last year.

Chaos continues.Bhutto speaks again.

2007-11-13T12:48:00.000-01:00

Musharraf sahib probably made his first mistake of this "crisis" with his bungled attempt to place Bhutto under house arrest last week, but he more than made up for it with a display of confidence, awareness and good sense when he addressed the world's media and updated them on the state of emergency, with an air of Tony Blair about him. The world appreciated him, but Pakistanis and the media did exactly what I'd expect them to do - ignore him.

The fact that Musharraf sahib didn't call elections last week to a minority of Pakistanis unforgivable - the media will have you believe Pakistan is in a complete state of chaos though, and they simply will not rest until he leaves, ends the state of emergency and allows Pakistan to develop no further in any sense.

With this situation then, I truly believe all that Musharraf sahib has done, is all that can be done.
If Pakistanis want Musharraf sahib to leave that is what he should do; I wouldn't want him to leave, not at all, right now Pakistan need his guidance for at least another five years just to guide Pakistan through these last few stages of development, so Pakistan's place on the world stage can be cemented.However, as per usual Bhutto has spoken once more, and finally announced what we all knew - that she simply will not work with Musharraf sahib in any way.

"I have tried for more than a year. I did my best. I worked out a roadmap for democracy. But he went back on that and imposed martial law." Bhutto.

It's as if she' saying he hasn't done as much as she did for democracy...

Anyhow, if Pakistanis want here back in control of Pakistan (and it's bank accounts) she's more than welcome. Even transparency international (an independent body) agree with me, that Bhutto's return to power will bring Pakistan up the corruption rankings, and probably make Pakistan one of the most corrupt countries in the world again - as it was under her rule previously. Of course, Musharraf sahib speaks great sense again, and when Musharraf sahib was questioned by a BBC reporter as to his reasoning for halting democracy and implying Bhutto would be the next leader of Pakistan Musharraf sahib very clearly explained to him that her support is only a few hundred in the main cities of Pakistan, and that the media are responsible for the exaggeration of her support. Pakistan is an agricultural country - had he visited the agricultural areas of Pakistan and canvassed their opinions? The BBC reporter was silenced.

The fact of the mater is that the majority of the population is wholly unaffected by the state of emergency and in fact welcomes it. This is because they realise that this was the only way to silence the "trouble makers" (who just so happened to be in the judiciary). This was clearly for the good of the country because by doing this, he had nipped the evil in the bud, preventing it from becoming too large, and allowing Musharraf to continue his good work for as long as needed. Moreover, the majority of Pakistan is happy to enjoy continued economic and social well being and development as opposed to a pseudo democracy which will allow an ex-leader to regain power and to empty the bank accounts of Pakistan, which under the watch of Musharraf sahib are now gleaming, into their own Swiss accounts. The very best course of action is to allow Pakistan to work through their own priorities - democracy is not one of them at the moment. Pakistan is only sixty years young, and thanks to Musharraf sahib is one of the most vibrant economies in the world. In a time when the US credit crisis is affecting most of the Western economies in one way or another it would be interesting to remember what America was doing when it was sixty years old - foolishly panning for Gold.

The biggest step the West can take to help this continued development, and it is in their interest that Pakistan continues to develop and remains pro-western, is to simply allow Pakistan to work through their problems, like they have before. Don't forget under Musharraf sahib, this is the first time a parliament has ever served a full term. (That's another thing that neither Bhutto or Sharif managed.) We can however rely on Milliband to continue to interfere, so this is really an unanswered plea; once again, Milliband "Urged General Musharraf to lift the emergency within 10 days, but stopped short of backing Ms Bhutto’s call for his resignation." I feel Simon Jenkins shares this view, and puts his views across in much better word than I ever could, which are available here.

But, could it be that Milliband has actually listened to me? Because he actually said that " "In the end, it has to be the people of Pakistan who decide who their government should be, not me." Perhaps this is a sign that Pakistan and Musharraf sahib are turning a corner? We shall see.

Feel free to comment below.

UCL makes top 10 in the world

2007-11-08T17:05:00.000-01:00

Good news, UCL is officially recognised as being one of the very best universities in the world, now ranking 9th globally. Pretty impressive considering they were ranked 25th previously. The full rankings are below:

1 Harvard University (US)
2 University of Cambridge (UK)
2 University of Oxford (UK)
2 Yale University (US)
5 Imperial College London (UK)
6 Princeton University (US)
7 California Institute of Technology (US)
7 University of Chicago (US)
9 University College London (UK)
10 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)

Musharraf sahib

2007-11-08T14:15:00.001-01:00

This image beautifully captures the Western media's ignorance over Musharraf sahib's actions, deciding to judge him entirely on the action of six days rather than six years.

Musharraf sahib has announced that elections will be called before Valentines day. Convenient then. Condi though, remains silent.

And, as expected Bhutto speaks again. She doesn't want vague and generalised statements. "We want upfront answers." Take your own advice then my love, I would love an upfront answer to my question. When are you going to give Pakistan the $1.5 billion dollars back (plus interest) that you stole?

(My original post is available here)

Blair's almost as rich as Bhutto.Not really.

2007-11-08T13:55:00.001-01:00

He may not be on our TV screens as much as usual, but it doesn't mean that Blair's not busy.

It may have been sad to see him struggling with his bags, whilst trying to find a seat on a train for the first time in ten years after leaving downing street back in July, but he's making up for it now.

The Times reports that for a three hour speaking engagement in China will net him half a million dollars. That's £272,000. We can take comfort from the fact though, that will be reduced to a paltry $330,000 after tax - £156,000. As if that wasn't enough the developers of a luxury housing development who sponsored his visit also offered him a villa worth £2.4 million pound.

This is all after recent news that Blair has signed a deal to pen his memoirs that will reportedly net him £5 million. Mind you, after the "success" of Campbell's diaries, I'm not sure how was an idea that is.

Ah well, at least he's getting by, just like that other ex-political heavyweight, Bhutto...

(Please also read my original article on the situation available here)

$42 billion lost. Ice cream more expensive.

2007-11-08T13:40:00.000-01:00

The biggest loss ever recorded by GM, and one of the biggest losses ever recorded in America, clearly suggests that all is not well. But GM say that this simply doesn't matter because their turnaround is on track. If they say so.

Their justification for this is that they have recently signed new labour contract which will allow them to become more competitive in comparison with firms such as Toyota - who recently announced profits of $4 billion. Furthermore, it could be said that the figures hide too much as the loss includes a big, one off accounting charge, due to a change in the way tax credits from previous years are handled. Moreover though, the underlying situation doesn't seem to have improved as GM are still faced with the original problem of sell cars that nobody wants to buy.

All of this has done no favours to the US economy signalling that things can only get worse. Matters weren't helped by the fact that the dollar hit $2.10 against the pound yesterday forcing US newspapers to announce London is the home of the $5 ice cream. I don't know where they've been but it's been more than that, if you want to spend more, for a long time. This does prove though that the long term economic outlook is bleak, especially with that other American favourite increasing in price.

Miliband speaks

2007-11-07T14:35:00.000-01:00

"Pakistan could face Commonwealth suspension, Foreign Secretary David Miliband says"

Who does he think he is to be issuing ultimatums to foreign countries? He should sort out his own domestic policy before criticising anyone else.

Bhutto speaks

2007-11-06T22:28:00.000-01:00

"The international community must choose between the people of Pakistan and him" Benazir Bhutto.

I think she's forgetting that he is the future of Pakistan. There is no sensible alternative to Musharraf sahib at this present moment in time.

Reading the press reports you'd be forgiven for getting the impression that the only victims in all of this is are Bhutto and Sharif. What they simply don't seem to understand the only reason that they are making these comments and against the emergency rule, is because it allows them to capitalise on the perceived weakness of Musharraf sahib. She simply isn't interested in democracy, she's interested in her pocket - she knows that Pakistan is in a better state than when Sharif left, and now is a perfect time to empty the country's accounts into her own. In fact, I have it on good authority that she's interested in Hermes new Winter collection of handbags - all of them. That needs to be funded somehow.

Just watch Charlie Rose's interview with Musharraf sahib, who himself says he is not doing anyone a favour - only Pakistan a favour. I have no reason to doubt him, and the world should get behind him, rather than giving a voice to a hollow, corrupt, has-been politician who appeal only to the mass uneducated who believe only what they are told to believe. I don't blame them for that. I agree, democracy is important, and Pakistan should have a democratically elected leader. This takes time, but this just isn't the right time for a democratically elected leader. Please allow Musharraf sahib to get on with this job, and keep the country on it's upward path.

Otherwise we can simply forget Pakistan continuing it's growth as one of the world's most vibrant economies, it'll be Bhutto taking Pakistan back to the stone age, not Richard Armitage.

(Please also read my original article on the situation available here)

Important viewing

2007-11-06T21:33:00.001-01:00

If you haven't already seen it I recommend you watch Charlie Rose - an hour with Pervez Musharraf - It's on the right hand side of this page.

A very fair balanced interview.

The worst is is yet to come - Jay Z & Bundchen

2007-11-06T17:07:00.000-01:00

George Soros has finally weighed into the ongoing credit crisis with an opinion that will do no favours to investors.

“I think we are definitely in for a slowdown that I think will be a bigger slowdown than Bernanke is seeing.” George Soros

Worryingly perhaps, he said that China was the biggest winner and it's economy would continue to soar, due to the fact that America had borrowed so much to buy it's goods. Moreover Soros believes that due to the excess of homes for sale in the US a housing crash is almost inevitable.

This news comes as Mervyn King decided to make a rare broadcast, making public his opinons on the future of the British economy, suggesting that the worst is yet to come.This was very simply down to the fact that it would take at least six months to "work through" the losses incurred by all US sub-prime loan linked financial instruments. Interestingly King decided to stand by his decision not to bail out Northern Rock immediately, this summer - in stark contrast to the stance taken by the ECB and US fed.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly - Gisele Bundchen will no longer accept dollars as payment, preferring euros, with Jay Z sharing this stance on the greenback as proven by his new video for the track "Blue Magic" (53 seconds in - http://youtube.com/watch?v=wiuNd5SoU8E)

The financial importance of Pakistani recovery

2007-11-06T17:03:00.000-01:00

Whilst browsing, I found the following an articles that details the damage that could be done to the financial aid that Pakistan receives from it's international allies if the current situation is not resolved quickly. I say "could" because the West realises how important an ally Pakistan is and would be foolish to jeopardise their relationship with Pakistan.

The European Commission donates $72 million (£35 million) to Pakistan through its annual aid programme, now under discussion

The money is given on the condition that it is used for the promotion of human rights, education and for supporting non-governmental organisations

The Netherlands has suspended all aid whose spending is overseen by the Pakistani Government. Donations of $22 million, planned for the remainder of the year, and $58 million, scheduled for next year, are on hold

Between 2005 and 2008, Britain has pledged $491 million in aid, which, the Government has assured Pakistan, is not threatened. Britain has promised to double that aid in the three years to 2011

The US has refused to say whether its aid package of $1.8 billion a year will continue. Most of the aid is for military purposes

Paxman

2007-11-05T23:57:00.000-01:00

"There's not much we can do about it" Jeremy Paxman

The above is a quote from tonight's episode of Newsnight, the great Jeremy Paxman's reply to George Bush's decision to break silence on matters in Pakistan. (The episode can be watched at bbc.co.uk/newsnight). If only Paxman could have a word with Milliband, he too would begin to make a lot more sense.

The other interesting conclusion was that the West has come to rely so much on Musharraf sahib as opposed to Pakistani politics as a whole, that it may actually have been a mistake for them to have not established relations with other political leaders in Pakistan (The Mullahs).

Also airing his opinions tonight was Wajid Shamsul Hasan - Bhutto's spokesman - saying Musharraf sahib should leave because he is responsible for the killing of many in the tribal provinces, so obviously Bhutto should replace him.

Conveniently forgetting that his boss was responsible for the murder of 138 innocent people a fortnight ago.

Emergency in Pakistan

2007-11-05T18:52:00.000-01:00

General Musharraf has declared martial law in Pakistan.

That's what the media will have you believe. In reality a simple state of emergency has been declared.

Supposedly this has embarrassed western governments for in essence they are now supporting a "dictator" because the general consensus is that Musharraf sahib imposed this state of emergency to protect his position as President (as the supreme court was to rule it was illegal for him to stand for President).

Secretly though, I am sure that they are satisfied with current decisions of a pro western "dictator" as opposed to an anti-western (Islamic) "democratically elected" leader. For not only is Pakistan a vital ally in the war on terror, the alliance with Pakistan has also enabled the US to protect the southern flank of the oil-rich countries of the Gulf. Of course Pakistan has also benefited via billions of dollars of aid, preferential purchasing agreements and improved trade relations.

Nonetheless the west simply cannot be seen to be supporting a "dictatorial" regime, and as expected Condi felt it her duty to declare "It is in the best interests of Pakistan and the Pakistani people for there to be a prompt return to the constitutional course, for there to be an affirmation that elections will be held for a new parliament." That's all very well and good, and I am sure that this will happen, however what the West and all Westerners in general seem to be forgetting is that in Pakistan, at the moment democracy is desired by all, but desirable for none. (That's my quote).

Everyone seems to think that Musharraf is acting only to protect his own interests, in an attempt to block the path of democracy and the return of Benazir Bhutto. What I think everyone seems to forget is that during her rule Bhutto amassed a fortune of almost $1.5 billion almost bankrupting Pakistan in the process.

To achieve democracy we first need to eliminate corruption. At this moment in time, there is only one person who can do this, and that is Musharraf sahib. I truly believe that he is acting in the best interests of the country. Moreover, critics say that this state of emergency has only been imposed to make up for his failures of the past eight years. Any sensible person would be inclined to disagree.

The economic growth Pakistan has experienced over the past six years in particular has been staggering at almost 10% per annum, a growth rate bettered only by India, a vast majority of the population is richer than it ever has been, mobile phone ownership is amongst the highest in the region (from a standing start in 2001), most middle class families now own a car, unimaginable only six years ago, even ordinary residential areas now have western style take away restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, and the rich have never had it so good; fashion boutiques in exclusive areas of Pakistan house the latest styles from the most upmarket fashion house of London, Paris and Milan, BMW, Audi and Porsche have had dealerships in Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan for some time now and recently Rolls Royce opened their first showroom in Lahore last year, not forgetting sky rocketing property prices with new developments capable of rivalling the very best of London and Manhattan. I could go on.

Furthermore, only under Musharraf sahib has there been an emergence in what was otherwise an alien concept to Pakistanis - private television. Now the world (including Milliband) is criticising Musharraf sahib for gagging the media. I can genuinely only congratulate him on this step. I don't think Milliband has ever watched any of the Pakistani news channels (e.g. Geo), and I encourage him to do so. Then he would also know what Musharraf sahib does - that the media although providing unique insights simply does not know how to conduct itself. I'm sure Milliband or Brown would be slightly miffed if he switched on BBC News at Ten to be told by Huw Edwards that the country would better off with them dead, after being treated to graphic pictures of decaying corpses in attempt to symbolise the chaos caused by them. Possibly a slight exaggeration but this is exactly the level of immaturity displayed by the Pakistani media, and Musharraf sahib has been saying for many months now that the media has a responsibility to portray the very best of Pakistan not only to Pakistanis but also to the world, but they simply will not listen. He gave them plenty of warning, but this really was the only way they would learn. Let's just hope they don't become bitter...

The point I'm trying to make is that Musharraf sahib is the only person with Pakistan's best interests at heart, not his pocket. He has revolutionised Pakistan during his time so far, and much work is still left to be done, and he really is the best person to oversee this. He has given Pakistanis a quality of life that was thought could only be achieved by the West. I fear that people will not realise this and will want "democracy" to function allowing Bhutto, or heaven forbid Sharif into power. Then the world should fear for Pakistan. I beg the West not to interfere, continue your advisory stance and your support (including financial). Continuing this relationship will be beneficial not only to the west and the ongoing war on terror, but the global community as a whole.

What do you think? - feel free to add your comments.