Although I have made brief reference, previously on twitter; I have not really spoken about my recent circumstances.
These circumstances are that; save for a few remote possibilities, I am due to be made redundant!
Not great news, hence my reluctance to be outwardly chatty about them.

So why change my habits now?

Well, it really comes down to the cause for my redundancy, the redundancy of many of my colleagues and the global economic recession in general.

It has been well documented that Mortgage problems in the USA began the economically recessive period of the last year, or so.
In my opinion there were many contributory causes:-

1. Normal people borrowing far too much and leaving with huge debt

2. Banks/lenders being too eager to loan to high risk candidates

3. Banks/financial institutions being too cavalier in their approach to investments

4. General apathy from governments towards the banks/financial institutions

5. Widespread greed throughout the banking/financial institution community

6. Failure by the banking/financial institution community, to recognise the escalating risk, before it became critical.

These are but a few of the many I could list.

We can not blame the banks entirely. Each person who relied too heavily on borrowed money (loans, credit cards, etc.) must take some cumulative responsibility!

I do not include Mortgages, as a mortgage is almost essential for the modern person/family to enable the ownership of property.
However, Mortgages should be tightly controlled so that an individual is unable to borrow any some, that they could reasonably be expected to repay!
This SHOULD all work nicely, though with the rocketing property prices of the last 25 years, the necessity to stretch further and further, has been increasing!

What is the reason for the rocketing property prices?
It comes back to the banks/financial institutions, again, in a roundabout way.
High bonuses for banking employees, has enabled many to invest in property.
As so many banking employees were looking to invest, the demand raised the achievable prices, vendors could demand for their properties.
Basically, pricing the average person out of the market!
In return the average person needed to borrow more to stand a chance of owning property.
How did they manage this? Apart from the lucky few, who were given nice raises; the remainder had to arrange to borrow more!
So who do they ask? The Banks!
The banks/financial institutions changed the criteria for mortgages, allowing in excess of 100% loans!
Allowing far longer durations for the mortgage term!
Often granting mortgages when it was near certain the lender would not be able to maintain repayments for the full term!
I believe that these loans were generally termed “Toxic Investments”, from the point of view of the banking/financial institutions.

So basically, the banking/financial institutions caused the Financial Crisis, which led to the Global Economic Recession!
This, I’m sure you are already aware of.

Now, onto the connection between this and my looming redundancy.-

I work in the construction industry, for a company that builds large complex building, with project values into the 100’s of millions of pounds.
Where a project of such value is financed it, more often than not, involves business loans of some kind.
The arm of the business, with which I work, specialises in building Data Centres.
Data Centres are large building dedicated to providing large scale, UPS protected, computer storage facilities.
These will be utilised by anyone who has a lot of data to store and protect.
The most common of these clients is the banks/financial institutions!
Following the collapse of one of the first of the big banking/financial institutions (Lehman Bros), ALL future planned works, that were not already committed, were put on hold!
Understandable, really given the financial uncertainty!

Since that time no further buildings of this nature and very few construction projects in general have been initiated. Again, reasonably understandable!

So let’s gloss over the interim.

More banking/financial institution have folded
Governments have saved many others
You will have noticed that interest on your savings has nearly vanished!

So, now to the reason that has been the inspiration for this post.

In the last few months, perhaps a year, it seems that many banking/financial institutions seem to be on the way up, out of this crisis!
Some industries, it seems, are following suit, also.
The construction industry, however, is still suffering greatly!

In short investment in a construction project, more often than not, begins nearly a year prior to “on site” works begin.
This means that there has now been one year with little new work.
Many companies have had NO new work!
Many companies have folded!
Of the companies that are surviving, there are being severe cost saving measures undertaken, hence redundancies!
Even if new work materialises, it may be up to another year before “on site” work begins!
This is not disastrous, as the tendering element of new projects will give work where it is sorely needed!

Recently it has commonly been `headline’ news that banking/financial institutions are again, taking Bonuses!
In some instances the Board members of the banking/financial institutions have waived their right to their bonuses! This I commend. However the remainder of the company, who qualify for bonuses, will apparently still receive theirs!

Today (16th February 2010) it has been reported that Barclays have allocated £2.7 Billion with a total profit of £11.6 Billion!!

My opinion is this –

Bonuses are generally, a good thing, within reason, in many companies.
Banking/financial institutions bonuses are long known to often be grotesquely exorbitant.
I do not want to get into the reasons and worthiness of these employees, to warrant such bonuses!

All I want to say, in these times is this –

The financial crisis was begun, for the most part by the banking/financial institutions!!

The construction industry is suffering, through lack of new work, due to lack of investment!!!!!

BANKING/FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS! STOP TAKING BONUSES AND INVEST THE MONEY BACK INTO INDUSTRY!!!!!

This will strengthen the industry, thereby strengthening the economy, thereby strengthening your future business dealings!!!!

This would save a lot of redundancies (not all, but a good many)!!

Once the rest of the world sees banking/financial institutions investing money into industry, it will speed up the return of industry/consumer confidence!!

Once confidence returns the economic health will return!

DO NOT DO THE SAME SHITTY BUSINESS WITH MORTGAGES AND OTHER LOANS THAT STARTED THIS WHOLE MESS, IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Perhaps this would be a good mantra for ALL banking/financial institutions!-
Banking/financial institutions serve the customer!
The customer allows them to use the customer’s money to make profit for the banking/financial institutions!
The banking/financial institutions should not screw around with the customer’s money!!!

I am only a very recent convert to this “Blogging” malarkey!
I was inspired to begin this crazy ride, by some of the good online friends I have found on twitter.
Twitter, being only a marginally older pastime of mine, has introduced me to a vast array of differently interesting people (tweeps).
Some of my favourite tweeps are quite partial, to many forms of literature. It is these tweeps that have introduced me to the act (art) of “blogging”.

I had often, before, heard the term “blogger” and was aware of the basic format of a “blog”. Though until recently, considered “blogs” to be the banal realm of the boring, egocentrical, bitchy, or the obsessively nerdy!
Whilst it is highly likely that there are many blogs from such individuals, I have been introduced to an entirely new form of blogging.
A blog from quite sane and normal individuals, with which I can associate and whose posts I enjoy reading!

Since I have begun to read and enjoy these types of blogs, I have been steadily cultivating the urge to reciprocate!
The eloquence and openness of those that have invited me to read their posts, has been one of the biggest influences, in my decision to start my own blog!
For which, you are now reaping the fruits (however sour, or sweet, they may be!!)

Regardless of the theme, it is always interesting to read each individuals perspective, on each matter in hand.
Long, or short; upbeat, or solemn; introspective, or encompassing.
With comments invited for each post (feel free to add your comment to this blog, should you wish), it is possible to share opinions on the blog theme, or simply comment on the blogs content!
This, I find, to be the most interesting part of the blogging activity.
I’m always left feeling a little vulnerable, having laid my thoughts to print, for the world to observe!
It is the content of the comments (should there be any), that allays my paranoia!
In truth I have not yet had a negative comment. So long as it is constructive, I shall appreciate it.
Should, for any reason, it simply be, a nasty, or destructively negative comment, I shall simply delete it!!

So, my blogging journey has begun!

For those that have travelled with me, thus far; Sincere thanks, for your patience and grace!
For everyone else who may cross paths with this blog; I hope that you find it to be of some merit!

I do hope to be able to demonstrate some form of growth throughout the life of this blog. I certainly deem this blog to be in its infancy! (I can’t seem to resist tinkering with the format, layout, and style)
You may find it to be a wild ride, with crests and crashes, a plenty! However the journey meanders, I hope that you are able keep some confidence with the pilot!!

Here’s to the Journey!

Bon Voyage!!.......

It may be a little while, now since this was headline grabbing news, but I feel like commenting briefly!


Conan O’Brien and the NBC TV show/scheduling debacle!!

I can not say that I am particularly familiar with any of Conan’s work. To my knowledge, these TV shows are not aired on British television.

I do remember some years back, that for a short time “The Late Show” with David Letterman was shown, which I watched and enjoyed. I believe this was not long after Jay leno had taken over from Letterman as host of the “Tonight Show”?

However, I have not seen any of the Jay leno shows, aired regularly.

A few Leno clips are shown every now and then, but to the best of my knowledge regular British airings have not occurred on my watch!

So, forward to more recent times, I recall when Conan O’Brien took over as host of “The Tonight Show”.
This made the news, though again, no British airing that I am aware of.

Again, a few Conan O’Brien clips were shown sporadically. So, basically I recognise his face, know he’s American and know he does comedy! Beyond that my familiarity wanes.

So with the recent events, which to seem to me; to be NBC wielding their corporate weight (However, ill judged!) and shuffling the scheduling as they deem fit, regardless of consumer (viewer) opinion!

Whatever NBC’s reasons for the changes, they seem to be ill-handled, indelicate and inelegant!

So, I'm unable then, to have had an allegiance to either, Team Leno, or Team CoCo.

I actually think that neither Leno, OR O’Brien have been treated particularly well by NBC!

I have not had the opportunity to see any of Leno’s reactions to these events and moreover, still have not seen any of these programmes aired on British TV.

Some grossly exorbitant compensatory amounts have been reported; some as high as US$40M, for NBC to buy O’Brien out of his contract!

I do not fully understand the intricacies’ of TV Production costs, or exactly what this figure is to compensate for?

So my only comment can be WOW, That’s a LOT of money! Be it deserved, or not.

The only thing that has REALLY impressed me throughout this apparent debacle was the response from Conan O’Brien.

I managed to see the closing monologue of Conan O’Brien, at the end of his final show.
Forgetting all of the Hype, all of the Rumours and all of the Dollars; what really struck me, was the respect with which O’Brien afforded his estranged employers and his viewing public.
Avoiding the obvious temptation to launch into vitriolic diatribe, against NBC, Leno, or anyone else vaguely connected with the situation! Staying calm, concise and lucid! (though I did sense a momentary and minor break of emotion at one point!)
OK, He may have had the opportunity to script this well beforehand and perhaps, have help with doing so.
No matter, O’Brien delivered that closing speech, with composed dignity, honour and sincerity!

His words on cynicism, I thought, were particularly special!

Conan O’Brien. I salute you, Sir!

You have my respect and admiration!

I hope that you move onward to wonderful projects and are worthily successful, with them!

To Jay Leno, It seems you have been stuck with a bit of a lemon here! Given the circumstances regarding the re-shuffle, I should imagine there will be left a slightly bitter after taste, to once again be hosting a show you love?!
I hope you do a good job and that the furore is soon forgotten!

To NBC and ALL Television networks, I say –
Prize your viewing public first!
Take care of your Talent and staff!
THEN, make sure that as a company that more money is made than is spent!

Prioritising PROFIT is the surest way to sabotage customer care and awareness!!
This is true for ALL businesses! Regardless of how many of them have forgotten it!!...

I’m feeling quite in the mood to divulge my thoughts, regarding the patron and benefactor of; the marvellously mellow and magnificent, Twitter gathering place called #frys

The thoroughly fluffy man himself, Mr Stephen Fry!

For most of my adult life, I have had the pleasure of enjoying the televisual exploits of one, Stephen Fry
In one form or another, this man has brought the elements of humour, satire and intellect, into my life, to name but a few!

With such erudition and a rapier wit, his performances become a pleasure to behold.

Though undoubtedly an intellectual heavyweight, I find Stephen Fry to be consistently self effacing, self deprecating and never afraid to adopt the role of an amiable fool, should it likely enhance the humour of the situation.
(It should be noted that it takes a clever individual to know how to humorously act the fool, without actually looking stupid!)

Don’t get me wrong! I am not extolling Stephen Fry to be perfect. After all he is, but human.
(Show me a perfect human and I shall gladly eat my left arm!!)

It is with some certainty, that I suggest Stephen Fry to be human and as such, must assume that he will have certain joys and passions, which are NOT shared by the collective humanity!
In the same way that I like gherkins in my burgers, yet friends of mine believe them to be the fruit of the devil!
Therefore, it seems simply idiotic, to expect that everything such a man does, to be enjoyed by the entirety of the world!

It seems to be part of the human condition, that as a “collective”, at the soonest opportunity, we love to shoot down the successful in our societies!
Perhaps that is more to do with our own lack of self confidence, than our implicit desire to damage the esteem of another?!
Anyway, I digress!
I suggest only, that it is unfair to expect everything that Stephen Fry turns his hand to, to be appreciated by everyone!
I, myself, have not found thus far, anything to be short of pleasurable.
I HAVE enjoyed some things better than others, but that is as a result of my own personal tastes, which I choose not to detail within this post!

I would not dream of suggesting that anybody, consider any material to be less than pleasurable, simply because I thought so!!
In my mind, this would be in extremely bad taste and say FAR more about the complainer, than it ever could about the subject!!

I certainly do NOT rely on the opinions of critics, in order to form my own opinions!
You could perhaps say then, that I am not quite suited to this modern age of media?
To that, I would retort, use every apparatus to your advantage! I enjoy these modern media’s!
Right now, I am currently voicing my opinions on my Blog! ON THE INTERNET!!
However, take note that I am not instructing, or even suggesting that you form an opinion about anything.
Rather, I am trying to convey my thoughts and opinions openly and without bias, in an open forum.
I expect that some people may agree, and some people may not. I’m OK with that. I do NOT expect everyone to concur.
I can happily let others enjoy something, which I do not enjoy myself. I cast no aspersions, upon either the people, or the subject!
These are my opinions and mine alone!
If you do not agree with them, I shall NOT be upset!
Actually I shall be honoured, that you have chosen to read my transcribed thoughts with an open mind!
The conclusion you come to should be YOURS, and yours ALONE!!

Noticing that I have diverted from the general subject of this post, let me now attempt to re-gain direction!

Stephen Fry has managed to be part of, quite an array of different TV programmes, Cinema and Theatre.
With such a variety, it is unlikely that everyone will like everything.
However, recently, I observed rather an unpleasant trend, throughout the media’s!

What seemed rather like, an unprovoked backlash, against Stephen Fry!
This trend attacked the more commercial nature of the “American” programme!
(which went on to win a National Television Award)
Then moving on to attack Stephen Fry’s use of Twitter!!

For all of “those” who either conceived the attack, or fuelled it once begun, I say this!-

Television programmes are made for those who want to watch! If you DON’T LIKE IT, DON’T WATCH IT!!!!
I have a deep aversion to all Soap operas! However, I do not try to force these opinions onto you!!

Twitter is a formally burgeoning, now hugely popular method of micro (blogging) communication.
It is necessary to either search, or follow every tweeter, in order to see their tweets.
Should you ever find a tweeter, whose tweets you do not like, DO NOT SEARCH, or UNFOLLOW!!!

Nobody forces anyone to read tweets, or watch TV, or follow any media, for that matter!
As my Mother used to say, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”!!

SOCIAL COMMENTARY now over, let me return to the original theme!

Stephen Fry was the first person, celebrity or not, that I chose to follow on twitter. To this date, he is still one of the most impressive; despite his recent enforced, hiatus’s!
Few celebrities have fully seized the opportunity that Twitter gives them, in the same way as @stephenfry!
Even his extended family indulge in “Tweeting”
With his open and honest “tweets” he has cultivated quite an impressive following, in excess of 1 million at last count!
Utilising the twitter platform to an impressive degree, hosting quizzes and not forgetting his patronage of #frys!

Without such tweeters, I doubt that Twitter would be quite the community it is today?!
I have “tweeted” with many fine “Tweeps”, many of which I have met via following @stephenfry

I have every intention of continuing my use of twitter, for as long as other Tweeps speak to me!
I certainly look forward to the time when @stephenfry returns from his writing sabbatical, to once again bring a little sunshine to the “Twitterverse”!
Until that time I shall be well entertained by the other fin Tweeps I have met along the way!

Have fun with your writing Mr Fry!
I will be expecting a round of Spampagne for ALL, when you return to #frys!

If you are still reading, I humbly thank you for tolerating my opinions and urge you to find your own!
If they happen to agree, then great! If they don’t, then STILL great! I shall respect you all equally!

If you have not already, but would like to visit #frys, simply twitter search the hashtag [#frys]

If you find me in there (I do partake in a little #frys revelry, every now and then), I shall be delighted to get you a drink!

Until then, Stay Fluffy (as my friend @JustVero would say)!!


Note: The Management accepts no responsibility for the thoughts and opinions inside his head, however expressed. All such thoughts and opinions are subject to change without prior notice!!

;oP