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October 09, 2005
Bit of Madness: Likely Upcoming Silence
Afraid likely I shall have to fall somewhat silent. In addition to contributing to Fund closing my present firm has come up with yet another piece of "damn the icebergs, full speed ahead" madness.
Following some meetings by my utterly clueless CEO, and major overpromising, we are launching a project to arrange financing for several firms (yes, several firms), that despite this being Ramadan, we've engaged to arrange in coordination with local banks by end October/early November and have final closing to announce at a public event scheduled for the week after.
Myself and my direct Director regard this as utter madness. Under the best of circumstances, given how things work here, the idea that the local banks in conjuction with the several firms involved could move so quickly on these financing decisions borders on the absurd. The concept that this can get done and closed in time for the CEO to posture like a cheap street pimp at this financing conference is not merely magical thinking, it's frankly delusionally magical thinking.
It is also a great way to end up with a piece of shit series of packages that will blow up later (even presuming one can get close to closings).
It is, in short, a ridiculous effort for the equally ridiculous desire for the CEO to pimp "his" skills (which seem to revolve around making ridiculous representations and then the firm scrambling to fulfill, and not in a good pushing the envelope way.
I seriously have to resign if this Fund doesn't close, I can't take this any more. This piece of idiocy is just... it offends my sense of what a prudent actor in the financial sector should be doing. That this guy once worked in the management of a major failed bank in the past is no surprise.
Posted by The Lounsbury at October 9, 2005 05:29 PM
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Perso Biz Notes
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Comments
You. Need. A. Holiday.
Posted by: secretdubai at October 9, 2005 05:43 PM
Well, at least Cuba will be happy about the increase in revenue.
Posted by: eerie at October 9, 2005 05:44 PM
has anyone sat down your CEO and explained Ramadan to him/her?
sounds like no.
Posted by: drdougfir at October 9, 2005 06:11 PM
I have no idea if the fucker has ever had Ramadan explained, but he'd just brush it off as mere detials. I've already had home office tell me that "here" (i.e. where I am) they don't "really celebrate Ramadan" - this coming from someone who had no idea this country was Muslim a year ago.
I avoid these things now, losing proposition. Shall do my best to keep my hands away from the tar baby, but that means other things devolve to me.
90 percent liklihood of fiasco.
And sadly this being Ramadan I have to ration by Cuban rations.
And SD is right, I need a real vacation. Not one of my working vacations.
Posted by: The Lounsbury at October 9, 2005 10:23 PM
be careful on revealing your current location.
one never knows which eyes are watching.
and you can't even get anything from the black market? the black market (well, more brown than black from all the dust) below my house did a roaring business last Ramadan.
Posted by: drdougfir at October 9, 2005 10:42 PM
I prefer to avoid the black market, there are reputational issues. Of course even without black or grey market one can find resupply - what are my various Embassy contacts for?
Posted by: The Lounsbury at October 10, 2005 12:56 AM
those bastards wouldn't let me in the commesary (wow i can't spell tonight). i had to have my boss or some of the officers go in for me with shopping lists. evidently there were issues of people selling things out of the commesary for a profit on the street. something about hard alcohol. it happened at an embassy maybe in jordan or some nearby country. damn fulbright kids always screwing it up for everyone else!
Posted by: drdougfir at October 10, 2005 03:42 AM
Of course one can't get in, but that's what diplo friends are for. That and funny intros, passing info and learning about new angles.
Posted by: The Lounsbury at October 10, 2005 12:32 PM
Don't be ridiculous. Of course head office wanted to get this deal done by early November. I'm sure they know that right after that, you're getting into Thanksgiving and Christmas and the whole country shuts down!
Posted by: Anonymous at October 11, 2005 06:29 PM
