Coffee Break

I have really been putting in the study hours this week; knowing well in the back of my head that it is not quantity but quality that matters... however, I feel I am making some headway with my subjects. Just got back from a day at Wheatley campus (worst thing about Brookes-it's where the business school is located and half an hour bus ride away). Taking a short break, then up to the library to crack on with some micro. Two exams on Friday and one on Saturday-horrendous planning by the university, but c'est la vie and have to get on with it.

Oxford continues to amaze me-I have joined the Bodleian library which is a copyright library meaning that it is entitled to every single book that is published in the UK-about 6 in the world if I am correct (or UK??). I primarily work in the social science library, which is incredible-awesome building (excuse the terrible use of the word), and got everything from Zimbabwe economics journals, to every development book I can think of. In fact, you can order a book from any of the university libraries theoretically meaning that I can access any book ever published-how's that compared to the 15000 book volume Falcon library??

I would really like to spend some time in elder years I think, spending time using all these magnificent facilities.

Right, enough library talk, and lets have some library action!

Shakira in Oxford

The Oxford Union continues to invite many high profiled speakers. Last week, Shakira came. I was working on security and so got entry, but the debating chamber, where it was held, attracted over 600 students (supposed to only carry about 300 people). Personally, I wasnt really interested in the talk, but interesting to meet such a high profiled, and glamorous celebrity.

Watch the youtube video (link below) to get an idea of the union, and of course her talk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yRm3GCZ2U4

A trip to Essex

It has been a very lazy, unproductive weekend. Went for some drinks on Friday, which turned into Clems (nightclub) and only got in at 3 in the morning. Up at 7.30am to go to a friends farm in Essex who was shooting ducks. I went along as a beater to make the ducks fly-which is a bit of a demeaning job, but quite fun none-the-less. Good lunch, then back to Oxford. A bit of work in the evening, watched highlights of the Barbarians game which was brilliant then bed. Not much done today-fixed a tire puncture and did a bit of work-other than that nothing. Think I will put an end to partying until exams sometime this week!

Only two more weeks till exams are finished-crikey! Feeling somewhat unprepared, but am sure that it will all fall into place with some hard work.

Off to work now till eleven-hopefully won't be too busy-Shakira speaking at the Union tomorrow which should be interesting..

Globalization and its Discontents

This week, well actually in the last few days, I have experienced what happens when globalization goes wrong-internet fraud and social welfare disaster!

I had a large trollery of groceries at Tescos this afternoon and was paying, when the lady at the check-out said 'payment not going through'. I thought it was a bit strange as there is never usually a problem. I called Lloyds, the bank, and they said they were suspicious of fraud-they noted two transactions-that of 180 pounds to a German bet shop and a ticket on easyjet. GERMANY!!?? How does that happen. Some chap sitting on his computer in Germany hacked into my account, and funded his gambling addiction. Lloyds said they would refund me for any loss.

I was working last night as usual at the union. I was talking to the manager earlier in the evening and looking at an out of place looking man in the bar and he told me to keep an eye out for him. He asked for a tea, then said, 'no, can I have Earl grey, I don't like this one' so I poured him another one. Ten minutes later he came back and said 'can I have a coffee instead?'. I said 'not unless he paid for one'. He went on and on, and asked for a refund; I then asked him for his union membership card, and he threw the mug of tea on me. We chased him but he was gone. Then tonight, as I was behind the bar, he came in again and threw a bag of stones at me! It appears he was from the home-less house, which is, ironically, located opposite, the most prestigious debating union in the world! Other than his madness, it shows the nature of social-inequality in Britain!

Starting for St. Peters tomorrow at hooker, then LASH!! afterwards...

The ending of Capitalism?

I read an Independent article recently which was comparing Obama's failing in Afghanistan to that of Gorbechev in the 1980's. The latter effectively brought communism to a shuddering halt, and will the US failure bring an end to capitalism? Ironically, last week 'commemmorated' the tearing down of the berlin wall. Afghanistan has NEVER lost to a foreign invader-would that send shivers down your spine if you were a politician? And will sending in more troops bring more success? In 1985, Russia had over 100,000 troops in the country, and that was their deadliest year-If Obama sends in an extra 40,000 as planned, it will equal what the Russians have...

Enough of the politics...

Went to an Oxford Union speaker event last night-Michael Humphreys who cycled 50,000 miles around the world in 4 years. Ironically, when I was at school in about form 2, I remember reading an article about someone who was going to cycle the world and would take him 4 years-funny if it was the same chap! Really good speaker, and most interesting-I ended up having dinner with him afterwards at the Union by chance...

Rugby match against Brasenose College today-By the time I came on just before half-time, we were already over 30 nill down! Anyway, I personally had quite a good match, scoring my first try for St. Peters.

Am blogging in the Kitchen, sipping on a scotch and waiting for the chicken to defrost-ready to try out one of Jamie Oliver's Chicken ala King recipes off the internet-starting to get a knack for cooking which mum would be proud of!!

Rogue Economics

Reading a brilliant book at the moment by Loretta Napoleon called 'Rogue Economics'. She draws upon how rogue economics is booming across the world-America's subprime mortgage lending scandal, China's fake goods industry, pornography, fish-farming, prostitution industry and c3elebrity philanthropy in Africa!

This sort of things is right up my street-I really want to understand how the world works, because I feel that in a world dominated by big corporations who basically control politicians, and the consumer always comes off very second best! Another similar book I read was that of 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman' and these sort of books have really motivated me to explore the world of economics outside that of text books.

I have applied to a few consulting firms, but don't think that I will get anything. Hence, am starting to plan some travels for next year. Then possiblyh a global politics course at LSE.

Movember

It is 1.14 in the morning-been working on a piece of coursework since finishing work at the Oxford union at around 9.30. Thought I would take a break and I have noticed that I didn't blog the whole of October-how quickly everything is going! It is now week 7 (out of 12) and uni is really going quickly!

Clems (Nightclub) on Friday-went out some friends whom I used to row with for an ex-cox's birthday and had a great night-possibly the best in at least a couple of months! It is great when you have a good time, when boozed up, but not so much that you are left hugging the toilet and feeling like shit!

This weekend has been probably the foulest of my time in the UK-huge gusts of wind-so much so that the fours head of the river was cancelled-bloody glad I gave up rowing!!! At the same time, it is always comforting sitting and doing some work, with a cup of coffee, and catching up on some work.

November is taditionally mistache (sp?) growing season, and although am severly handicapped in that regard, it is now mid-way and I feel I have done pretty well for myself!

St. Peters Rugby

Since having a fling at Brookes Rugby League, I have settled for playing for St. Peters College team. It is great fun, and much more relaxed than the rowing program. A practice on Saturday and Sunday, and match day on a Tuesday, it certainly allows for flexibility. I missed the first two games of the season against Teddy Hall and Jesus due to a persistent knee injury but manged to get some of the game against St. Johns/St. Annes and managed to win. All games have been very close, with us only just winning them. The guys say we are not playing well enough, but I reckon it is mainly because when you play in a bad league (St. Peters was recently demoted) your standard tends to drop. So, I feel that as long as we keep winning, and improve with every game, we will hopefully get promoted again and do some damage.

The socials are probably more important than the game-well not really but are pretty big... Every Tuesday evening starts with fines in the St. Peters College pub, and then we had a crew date last Tuesday which involves another college (Lincoln ladies in this case). Procedure was a curry in Jamals (curry house in Jericho (Oxford uni part of Oxford) then on to Kakui (a club) and the overall aim is to get something out of the girls-don't think there was much success overall but bound to find out tomorrow training...

Autumn

Completed two weeks of lectures, and making a real effort to keep on top of reading and work-leave it for one week, and suddenly it seems like you're far behind. I am doing modules on economics for development and environment, economics for strategy, micro 2 and asia pacific economies.

Met Ant and Catherine for a walk on the Thames pathway today-really scenic and will definitely have to organize a canoe down the thames next summer!

Been training for rugby for St. Peters College of Oxford this weekend-big match against rivals Teddy Hall on Tuesday-bring it on! Today was typical English weather-drizzle all day, with sun peeking through occasionally. Different seasons are really noticeable here, unlike Zimbabwe. With the ground fully covered in leaves, Autumn is definitely here, and getting darker earlier and earlier all the time.

Oxford in pictures

For those who have never been to Oxford, and so don't have any idea of what it looks like...

Day 1 in my new house-ours is the door to the right, and one of my rooms is directly above the door. We are at the bottom of a quiet little street, with a river flowing just to the left of the pic-really nice, central location...

Radcliffe camera (part of Bodleian Library)-It is the second largest library in UK and is permitted to a copy of every published book in the UK.

Eagle and Child pub-Started in 1650, this pub was where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and others used to go every Tuesday for some ales to discuss their works... Top choice for a steak pie and beer!

River-part of Christ Church College meadows-beautiful scenery-nice place for running,

Roger Bannister-ran the sub 4 minute mile at Iffley Sports ground-original stop watch on show outsidet the gym there...

Freshers week

Freshers week is the introductory week for first years into the university system-it mainly comprises of lots of partying, drinking, sussing out new ladies etc. As overrated as I feel it is, I do enjoy it because it is a chance to catch up with friends, party excessively, and still find time during the day to settle in to new houses, meet with tutors (though blearly faced), organize module programmes etc. When lectures actually start, you've got most of the rubbish out of the system and can really get down and focus.

I have decided to quit rowing this year-I ummd and arrd about it over the summer, but still trained to do it, then decided the other day against it. I felt I am too small for it (even 6ft as I am) and found that it took a huge amount of time out of my week, and it is not the sport you derive any pleasure out of when doing socially-it is one of those committments where you are either in or you're out... I joined rugby league and really enjoying it so far-it is far more laid back (only a couple of training sessions per week) and seems much more social-some of the war cries are hilarious-too explicit to publish on a blog though...

Some wise words from John Kay (I have been reading some of his books lately) who studied and lectures at Oxford...

From 'the truth about markets'

Much economic theory is based on perceptions that humans are 'self regarding species'. However, Kay says,

''It is not true that profit is the purpose of a market economy, and the production of goods and services is a means to it: the purpose is the proeduction of goosa and services, profit the means. The happiest people are not those who single-mindedly pursue happiness; the most profitable companies are not the most profit-oriented...The song and flight of birds displays a beauty and efficiency of design which waas not part of the intenthion of the birds... Sometimes we understand best when we don't try too hard to understand""

I think too much we are fixated on achieving something specific, and wander why it doesn't happen. Perhaps best to do what you enjoy doing, and with a bit of luck, good things will emerge...

Last few days in sunny Africa

In Otto Christian Rawson's words in 1901...

''There is no bettere climate in the world than in Rhodesia from July to November. The green grass begins to grow, in spite of the lack of rain, as soon as the cold weather and frosts are over in early August-and to see the cattle grazing contantedly and coming home full as the sun goes down like a great red ball in a clear sky, gives one a wonderful sense of happiness, and peace...''

How things change-in 1901, Harare was at this time ''a very small place with few buldings. Pioneer Street waas the only street in the town with Manica road showing a few buildings''. Rawson was English/German and was one of the first white settlers in Zimbabwe, (then Rhodesia) and was the major driver of agriculture in the Trelawney/Darwendale area where we lived. Our family owns a large piece of land on Manica Road which used to be central Salisbury (Harare) but is now little more than some rundown shops.

He says that Avondale and Mount Pleasant (suburbs in Harare) were favourite resorts on Sundays for shooting small buck and birds. He would never have believed what has come of Harare now!

He was right about the Zimbabwe climate-we had a fiercely cold winter this year, but the last few weeks have been great with long, hot, dusty summer days. When I get back to Oxford, the change will be immense, with autumn drawing to a close, and the short, cold days.

I feel I have done what I planned to do and gained much useful experience for the future. I saw 'Prime Circle' on Friday night, a South African band, and bumped into a Scottish acquaintance whom I had met at a pub in university over a year ago... What a small world...

The last few weeks, I have spent shooting on beautiful farms, going for a scull on the serene and peaceful Mazowe dam, playing the odd round of golf on world class golf courses, and getting drunk over poker games with friends. I don't think I realise how lucky I am to have Zimbabwe as my homeland. It is somethig that I really miss when in England, and really appreciate when back in the country. The political situation is terrible, but economically, it is picking up, and no doubt that when things turn round here, the change will be enormous. Already, loads of people that previously left, are starting to flock back. Personally, I want to take advantage of my UK ecucation, get some cutting edge work experience in London for a few years, and then settle down in Africa, having found a career that I want to pursue. I am thinking along the lines of business consultancy.

I took part in the Tom Soper mountain bike ride yesterday, fell off and grazed my knee/elbow-stupidly tried to go down the technical hill. Tom was paralysed, neck down, when hit by another car whilst going through an intersection. The walk attracted 862 participants which is incredible, seeing as there are only 10000 whites in the country.

Watching a programme on how Lehman Bank went bust at the moment; need to start getting things together for my flight on Wednesday.

C.G. Tracey

I have been reading a lot and getting closer all the time I think, to what I want to do for the future. I am currently reading the auto-biography of C.G. Traccy-had never heard of him before, but was apparently one of the main driving forces of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). It was incredible how much he did-commissioning valuable research that would lead to Zimbabwe's agricultural success in the 1980's, setting up and running a huge amount of organizations such as Rhodesia Promotion Council, Cotton marketing, gold mining, sanction-breaking. And the calibre of people he associated with-v.p. of the USA/British MP's, business leader etc-he was invited to speak at the Oxford Union on one occasion but was tied up doing something. However, the title was 'All for nothing?' and was it just that? Zimbabwe went from a net exporter of commoditiest to having a reliance on UN food aid currently in the space of less than two decades. He lost his farm at the height of the farm invasions, and died, aged 86, last month. It is just tragic, that all that people like him did for Zimbabwe has now been lost because of the whole political and economic circus. Anyway, maybe it is a calling for some of us youngsters to leave the past behind, and get on with building up the country again to and beyond its former status?

Summer 2009-Cape-Town/Kariba/21st/Work

It been a while since I last blogged-I should really get in the habit of writing a bit reguarly, rather than long chunks every once in a while.

I completed exams in mid-May, and then went to Cape-Town for 2 weeks with Francesca. We stayed with Emma and Alistair in their very nice flat in Rondebosch. We spent most of the time dining in good restaurants, driving around and seeing different sites and went to Franschoek (French Corner) for a weekend which was great fun. I managed to meet up with some friends whilst there, and paid a visit to African Impact in Noordhoek to speak to Rob Graham about the agency for Oxford.

I then flew on to Harare to spend most of the summer. On about the second night back, I was watching the 20/20 cricket tournament and so didn't hear dad calling from his room (mum was away playing bridge). Anyway, when she returned and came back, she rushed in to say that dad had collapsed. We called the ambulance, but they would not come as they said they didn't accept Inter-Global health insurance-which turned out to be a mistake, so we had to drive him there. It turned out that he had a peptic ulcer that had burst and lost 70% if his blood-hence the collapse. A few days in hospital, then he was out and on the recovery.

The next week, Obadiah, our cook was crossing the main road and didn't see a car, which subsequently knocked him with its wing mirror. I thus made my second trip to hospital in a week-he was in for about a week-very lucky indeed, as his face was really messed up. It took him a good month to recover, but still not 100%.

Murray Turner invited me on a houseboat trip to Kariba early July-about 12 of us in all with some of his friends from South-Africa. Fishing was terrible-our team caught one fish that ended up slipping away! Relaxing trip and nice to get out of the city and away from the cold! James Brown, my good friend, was on a canoe trip on the Zambezi, and got knocked out of a canoe by a hippy and subsequently bitten on the arm and swung around under water. Very luckly to have come out in one piece, despite being hospitalized for two weeks-another few visiting trips to hospital for me!

I think one thing I have learn't is to be grateful of each day that passes with no unfortunate events happening-accidents etc. Because, once you, or a close family/friend is critical, life seems so out of control and you can't do anything but wait. Suddenly, all those career ambitions/wealth etc mean nothing when you are in those desperate circumstances.

I had my 21st party on the 18th July which was really enjoyable, and am grateful to my parents for making it happen. Lots of family and friends were there which was nice. The following weekend I had some friends over dinner and a poker evening which we played until 7am! Good fun, albeit losing $5.

I went to Mozambique for a few days to stay with Dave Sole at his farm. We chatter over many ideas for his farm, and I really loved it, and feel Mozambque has huuge potential for business and development in the future. Will definitely be back again.

Worked on a research document for the Brenthurst Foundation. This meant mapping out what research activity was going on in the country, and I found it interesting meeting NGO's/government etc.

Head of the River Race and EHM

I raced in the novice eight category (pictured 2nd from back), and won the race fairly convincingly which was is always nice, and backed up with a spell of really sunny weather which was nice. Should be having the presentation ceremony in a few weeks time. Did our 2k race last week and got a time of 6.35 which is a big improvement from last time.

I am reading 'Confessions of an economic hitman' at the moment, and would recommend to anyone. Basically, EHM (abbreviations) are really well paid people who go into mainly developing countries to build empires for corporates in the developed world. Sometimes, they will get loans (provided by world bank) and get top US engineering and construction companies the contracts, and then to charge them interest on the loans, forcing them to default, and then taking control of more of the countries resources/set up military bases etc. 'Corporatocracy' include banks, governments and corporates and they have an empire in the west. I now understand how the British education system works-same story-loans extended to students, force them into debt and make them work for a corporate, meanshile feeding the empire billions!

So why work for a big fancy corporate/bank? Why not go and start your own thing/help developing countries get around the greedy hand of these economic hitmen? And I think that is what I am striving to achieve.

Easter break coming up which I am really looking forward to, and then exams and summer!

Head of the

Week 7 (11)

Summer is well on its way, and its incredible how much energeting one becomes-all the winterly weather is subsiding and I can now go outside with shorts and a shirt on! Although, on the other hand I bought an expensive jacket the other day and now I'm gonna have to pack it away for another year!

Rowed in the Kingston head of the river this past weekend and came second in the novice category, but had a really bad race, one of the rowers crabbed and was generally very scrappy compared to senior 3. Anyway, had a pretty good ergo session today, have improved a lot since Christmas where I was 'stuck' on one score couldnt really get off-feel I have broken the psychological barrier and am moving down reasonably well. London head this weekend and will hopefully be a good race.

Been quite a social week-went for a pint with my macro group and turned out to be an all nighter-I find a lot that the best nights are those that are planned at short notice when you aren't expecting much, rather than those that are planned and looked forward to for ages! Had a curry with the novice rowers on Cowley Road after the Kingston race-we bought drinks first and saw they had 'Tusker' beer which I think is an alright drink, or perhaps its the fact that it is from Africa that I enjoy it! Introduced some of the guys to it and they thought it was terrible! What can Africa produce that is up to scratch with the western world!?

Was reading a paper today and saw that the average individual has lost 40,000 pounds this since the credit crisis began-including house price falls/securities etc. Government prancing around trying to stimulate the flow of credit but I really believe Britain and much of the first world will enter a long period of stagflation similar to Japan and its 'lost decade'. I would not buy a single asset here I dont think so for a long time to come! I also think its the end of the road for big flashy careers in investment banking in 'the city' for the time-being anyway-cannot believe how bankers are making huge losses and still demanding massive bonuses-I think its ludicrous-Goodwin of RBS is due to have a pension of nearly a million pounds a year, when he made the biggest loss in British history, AND had to be bailed out by the government-surely that is unacceptable greed!?

I think I'm going to cancel my trip to Malta over the Easter break as I really need to get some hours of work in before exams in May, but definitely going to try to get to Portugal for a surf trip after exams.

Oxford happenings

For the first time in quite a long time, I feel under quite a bit of pressure from particularly the academic work. There is a lot of economics and finance which is all new stuff; you cant really use your A-level/first year knowledge anymore, and it takes a lot of reading to understand. None the less, Im happy with my modules, and am sure they will be of good use when looking for a job etc...

I also obligate myself to fit in other things as part of my university life to get the most out of it, such as Oxford Union debates/business school forums, socializing and of course rowing and so I guess it is out of choice essentially that I am under a bit of pressure. Almost missed a practice assignment deadline today which was not good!

I saw Brad Rosser speak the other day-he founded some virgin brands and also the property company inside track, which I asked him about as had heard many press reports about it and I myself almost got hooked in!! Attended a development forum at oxford some weeks ago which really got me interested inwhat I intend to do with my life.

Am setting up a SIFE organization at Brookes which should be good, but watch the space for further info!

Long days and shortish nights are the order of the day here... Rowing training now, then back for shower and dinner then Bridge club tonight!

Christmas break/Oxford semester 2

Going back to Zimbabwe for Christmas was great-I arrived on the 22nd on a flight delayed flight from Nairobi and had Matthew Williams 21st the next day. It was really good fun, except for the fact that I drank a bit too much before having to make a speech!!

Christmas was spent at Ruwa which was really enjoyable and then I went to Kariba for new year. I stayed in the Mvurwi chalet and was good fun catching up with friends after a long time away in the UK.

2009 came, and I decided to do some rowing training; a bit of sculling on Mazowe dam and also weights and rowing. I did a half-marathon with Sarah and Kevin at Old Georgians which was exhausting, and had a bit of a knee problem during the run.

I played a lot of squash whilst back home and went to many braais and drinks parties which was really enjoyable and good to see so man friends again. Been asked to join an Antarctica expedition in 2012 which sounds exciting, will have to see??

I got back to the UK on Thursday and have settled down in my house, and ready to start a new semester which is going to be tough with lots of finance modules, but am looking forward to it.

Watching the super-bowl final now, and saw the Australian open final today which was incredible.