RSSPerso Archives
April 28, 2011
Marrakech explosion
A quick note, for those who know me well, I wasn't in Marrakech at the time: Explosion hits cafe in Morocco, 14 dead - Top Stories - Wire - Macon.com
A massive explosion ripped through a cafe popular among tourists in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Thursday, killing 14 people including foreigners and wounding 20 in what the government called a criminal act.
If confirmed as terrorism, the blast in the iconic Djemma el-Fna square would be Morocco's deadliest bombing in eight years.
Early reports have this as a gas cannister explosion, which is not implausible. However, the Ministry of Interior statement just out calling it a criminal act is an almost confirmation that this was terrorism (insofar as if there was any way it was not, they would rather prefer that, given confirmation will truly fuck tourism).
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 26, 2011
Sidelights, the weaknesses of open source
For months I have been experimenting with the Free perso and business accounting software, GnuCash, self described as
"designed to be easy to use, yet powerful and flexible, GnuCash allows you to track bank accounts, stocks, income and expenses. As quick and intuitive to use as a checkbook register, it is based on professional accounting principles to ensure balanced books and accurate reports."Last night after yet more tussling I am giving up. Will have to go back to Quicken (or another choice as I hate Quicken's nasty little forced upgrading). Gnucash is a veritable picture of the downside of opensource: feature heavy, but crappy user interfacing, confusing implementations, idiosyncratic naming, organisation.... It's software by IT geeks. I give up.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:39 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
January 11, 2010
3.5 Years
Passed another scan - well I believe so. The charming French doctors who are treating me now are so very laconic. "Nothing to remark" is the characterisation, real dossier to be sent to Home Doctor.
This also marks 4 years since starting chemo.
Otherwise, apologies for the silence, in the midst of negotiations and end of year reporting arrangements.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 28, 2009
Eid Mubarek and fine memories (on a 4 yr anniversary)
I recall this series of updates well.
Lounsbury: An amusing hospital room conversation
So, afternoon my time, someone from the central office, evidently unaware of my hospitalisation – which would be natural since I never tell them anything if I can possibly avoid it as they tend to overreact and blunder about like blind gored semi-lobotomised bovines, rings me up to talk about a project. Then they ask me how I’m doing, as everyone was aware of the potential TB thing, so I say gaily, “Not bad for being in the hospital, the drugs make me quite cheery actually, although now there is talk of medical evacuation now that TB is right out, which I dislike.” This is met by nervous laughter, and the query, a bit nervous, “What do you mean by that?”
I had then the great pleasure to inform my colleague, who I don’t particularly like anyway, that they were ringing me in my hospital bed, that I was nevertheless working away there, although in fact my lungsies are haemorrhaging to some degree and the doctors are considering kicking me out of the country for emergency treatment for this annoying diversion. As an aside, it appears I may have a lung tumour or so, which is extremely inconvenient to say the least, especially with respect to timing. I’m more than slightly angry about this timing, although not sure at who.
Ah, small pleasures in life. Not being dead, making colleagues uncomfortable....
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 25, 2009
Odd observations re The Economist
Why Time and Newsweek Will Never Be The Economist: Matt Pressman | Vanity Fair
The Economist is like that exotic coffee that comes from beans that have been eaten and shat out undigested by an Indonesian civet cat, and Time and Newsweek are like Starbucks—millions of people enjoy them, but it’s not a point of pride. Reading The Economist or drinking cat-poop coffee shouldn’t be either, but as the quirky lead sentence of an Economist article might say, “Human beings are peculiar in many ways.”
Hmmm, odd, I never thought of the Economist having 'snob appeal.' It is a very useful magazine though,more so for this angle than anything else (although it is overdone in its utilitarian assertion)
What the lay reader may not realize when perusing The Economist’s dispatches from all corners of the globe is that these articles are serving up actionable information designed to help investors figure out what to do with their money. Case in point: this week’s piece on Sri Lanka laid out the dire humanitarian situation there in the wake of a mini civil war, but it also looked forward to what the government will need to do in order to achieve reconciliation and financial stability. Newly stable countries offer excellent investment opportunities; countries torn by endless insurgencies, not so much.
What escapes me is what purpose Newsweek and Time serve, although I suppose if you live in a city without a proper newspaper, they have some utility.
Powered by ScribeFire.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:29 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 07, 2009
Now that blogging is fun again
I feel more inspired. For a horrible bit of time it started to feel like work, when I started to worry about it like it was some actual work, productivity, blah blah.
Now that we've shed our readers and I feel like merely being abusive again, it's great fun.
Powered by ScribeFire.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 13, 2008
Loony Libertarians
Not really on subject for this bloggy, but I was reading Reason Mag's Blog Hit & Run, and in particular a post on the US mortgage finance meltdown (I reminded myself of my paranioa in this regard some time back), and was moved to comment.
It really is a pity Liberal (classic liberal) thought in the US of A is so fully shot through with really seriously paranoid and irrational tendencies. The Hit & Run posters are a fairly rational lot, in a Cato sort of way, but the readership is lunatic. But then perhaps that goes for most big blogs, the loons come out.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:35 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 22, 2008
Two Years Clean - Cancer
Almost forgot. This very week past marked two years since I was declared clean: and reviewing this note, I recall how bloody unpleasant that was.
Not too bad in the end though, although the annoying neurological issues remain. Perhaps I should not have been quite so determined to do Max Chemo as quickly as possible as it remains moderately irritating not to have proper sensation in me hands and feet.
Still quite a lot better than pushing up the daisies.
Ah yes, for those that care, it appears that the Lounsbury Group is expanding, which means must formalize some legal issues right quickly now so as to avoid issues.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:59 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
March 02, 2008
Lounsbury Trivia
A side note
Continue reading "Lounsbury Trivia"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:40 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 29, 2007
Two years
Already 2 years. Why only another two and the watch relaxes.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 23, 2007
Two years ago
I promised I would not this experience and despite its lack of interest, I shall keep to that.
Continue reading "Two years ago"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 22, 2007
Eid Moubarek - tardily
Having just gotten back, literally just, to my fine home after more than a month on the road (and with another bloody march through hotels and meets starting in a week), let me wish all readers the usual Eid Moubarek, Happy Xmas, Holidays, etc.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:25 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 11, 2007
Alger la Blanche: Takfiri Nihilism & Murder
The takfiri nihilists, mutaslimine, have struck again in Algiers, I was just in those neighbourhoods on business a day or so ago, and at present can only hope my dear Algerian friends were not by chance caught in this bestial bloody mindedness. (English reporting here).
The report indicates that the nihilists of "Al Qaeda in the Maghreb" claimed responsibility this evening.
(Ce double attentat suicide a été revendiqué sur un site internet islamiste par Al Qaïda au Maghreb islamique, l'ex-Groupe salafiste pour la prédication et le combat (GSPC).)
Sadly these scum make the Algerian government look preferable, which is a real achievement in a negative sense.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 09, 2007
At the Request of Ibn Kafka: Political Compass Again
I retook that somewhat silly test again, and again came out as a classic liberal (or neo-Liberal as they put it. Not a wooley anarchistic libertarian nor Left twit):
Continue reading "At the Request of Ibn Kafka: Political Compass Again"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:34 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
October 24, 2007
Personal Assistance: new phones
Well, I killed me fancy schmancy but now dated phone. Apparently hurling a phone across a conference room into a faux-granite whatever does bad things to it. As satisfying as that was at the moment -given the staggeringly stupid thing home did to me.
So, any observations on PDA-Phones? Recalling the following points:
(i) I have a tendency to treat things badly, so pricing should be in the <400 USD range, as I feel badly destroying truly expensive things,
(ii) Given travel and other restrictions, as well as basing, internet orders and the like is right out. Something likely to be found in the open market,
(iii) data portability, I really dream of having something that syncs without headaches to me laptop.
So, readers recommendations on durable, mid-price point ranged PDA phones with Windows capability and likely available in the various emerging markets I am constantly bouncing around in, and above all having real road warrior capacity to work with every dodgy network out there....
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:18 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Bullet points
I am told today by my staff that I talk in bullet points.
This worries me:
(i) I am not sure it is true
(ii) If it is true, why should they care....
Hmmm
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:24 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
April 16, 2007
French Political Tests, and relationship to MENA
Via Ibn Kafka (whose comments on the recent Casablanca bombings are very much following), a test for your Francophone political instincts.
Continue reading "French Political Tests, and relationship to MENA"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:39 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
April 14, 2007
Casablanca Bomb 14 April
At 9:00 GMT another bomb went off. I heard it in my hotel room. It appears to have been the American cultural center.
Updated: 10:00 GMT:
Two bombers hit the American cultural center. I walked down from the hotel, afraid it looked ugly from a distance, but the security forces had walled things off. Obviously a strike at the Americans.
Updated: 10:20 GMT:
The area is being shut down by the military, they believe there are more bombers. I may move hotels.
Updated: 10:55 GMT:
CNN's report matches what I was able to hear and see: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/04/14/morocco.bombers.ap/
Updated 14:50 GMT: Well I seem to have witness the capture of someone a few hours ago.
Really is unpleasant to have one's breakfast interrupted by people blowing themselves up. Ruins the appetite and makes one unreasonably nervous for some time afterward. Also having the army in the streets is most unpleasant, although it was impressive seeing the response.
Continue reading "Casablanca Bomb 14 April"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:31 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
April 13, 2007
For My Dear Wolfowitz
You know, I have long had a fond place in my heart for Wolfowitz - can't say I know him really, but my long ago interactions still left me with a fond memory of a beer or two and some truly queer but interesting conversations. As such, the FT report that Wolfowitz laid out terms for partner’s pay package saddens me a bit.
The man must resign. His cred is in shreds, and frankly while I don't doubt he could have made a decent head of World Bank were it not for present political entanglements (which he himself created, so not too much sympathy), now he cannot.
Pity, but he really is more of a professor than a manager.
UPDATED:
Ah, I missed the FT's followups today:
World Bank pledges action on Wolfowitz, rather clearly he should resign before the greater humiliation of being asked to resign comes.
Continue reading "For My Dear Wolfowitz"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:23 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
February 18, 2007
Six Months of Freedom
There it is. Six months.
Continue reading "Six Months of Freedom"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:05 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
January 21, 2007
In un-MENA matters, retarded fashion gits
Nothing in the least to do with MENA or any of my normal subjects. But this piece of utter idiocy was at once sufficiently annoying and amusing as to pull me away from my normal obessions.
Now I know there are many out there who will think I have lost it when I write that a key, new must-have for men this coming fall will be a pair of leggings to be worn outside, not just in, the house, but that was the big message at the debut Marni men's runway show this morning in Milan.
Lost it?
No man who writes about fashion and believes the idiocy of the empty-headed poofs who pimp this idiocy.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:36 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
January 07, 2007
Anniversaries
Looking at my blog archive, I note that this week was the one year anniversary of my adventure in chemotherapy.
Continue reading "Anniversaries"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 02, 2006
Belgian?
I have always wondered why European (and many other) Franocphones take me for Belgian.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:08 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
November 11, 2006
Qaeda
A minor and trivial item. Wandering around internet fora today to avoid working on some left over reporting, I kept running across people writing - in reaction to the al Qaeda in Iraq tape - al-Quaeda, Queda, Quida.. etc.
How bloody long does it take to get the spelling right. Qaeda or Qaida, no u.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:25 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 26, 2006
Small Satisfactions
A small bit of satisfaction from traveling with illiterate country people who have never been on an aircraft before. Watching an old woman panicking in trying to exit the toilet, the only downside to her hysterics being the toilet going out of service.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:41 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 16, 2006
Inconvenient rot
Ah, the bloody neorologist feels these stupid little siezures of mine might indicate that I could be one of those unlucky bastards for whom chemo damaged certain cerebral interconnects. Have to go get me head scanned. Goddamned inconvenient rot.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:05 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 16, 2006
Travel; Wealth & Arabic & Superficial Gits Pimping Idiocy
On the road, last preps for me home base return. Will return soon to ordinary commentary.
A side note on something that both annoyed and amused me, thanks to Comrade Hogan:
From this silly article Language and wealth.
The arty wonders "Does the language you speak or use help influence how wealthy you are?" in a faux naive fashion and notes that when "When trying to determine why some countries are wealthier than others, economists rarely, if at all, consider language. However, if you look at the list of wealthiest countries on a per capita income basis, you will notice almost all the top 20 are English-speaking, or use some other Germanic language, with the exception of France, Japan, and Finland (however, most Finns know German and English as well as Swedish, and many Frenchmen know German and/or English)."
Continue reading "Travel; Wealth & Arabic & Superficial Gits Pimping Idiocy"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:42 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
July 09, 2006
World Cup Final - fucking spaghetti westerns.
I am going to have a heart attack. This is too much to sustain.
Even my JV partner, normally the most anti-French person on the planet (working primarily for the Froggies) is a convert now to Zidanisme. That and the evil Italian cinema tactics.
The somewhat close offsides call on the Italian goal just now equalises for the lack of a penelty shot just a bit back for France....
This Italian cinema... I fucking hate the Italians. Bloody actors.
I can also add that American football calling really sucks. If I controllecd the TV I am watching, I'd switch to Spanish. This ABC idiot really is annoying.
Putain, Zidaine is hurt.
Merde, merde, merde....
Putain de merde, overtime. Overtime. Shit.
At least my JV partner is fully converted to the Zidane cause. Bad Italian cinema was finally too much (okay Italy is playing well, but their bad habits show through).
Okay, no one can deny that France is playing with far, far more class than the stupid Italians.
And this is a great final. Really. Although in my weak state more than I can sustain.
Fuck, this is going to finish with penalties, I fucking hate that, but I feel it in the bones.
Red on Zidane? Fuck.
What the bloody hell, espece de putain de merde, sale idiot....
I have no fucking idea what the bloody fuck Zidane was fucking thinking.
Goddamn. Penalties.
Fucking goddamned penalties. And no Henry nor Zidane.
Fuck. Fucking Spaghetti Westerns win.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:23 PM | Comments (62) | TrackBack
July 06, 2006
Faouzet Fransa, Zidane is the man
Zidane, my man, is brilliant. I am content. Will be more so if France beats the Italian scum.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:27 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
July 05, 2006
Rotted France and Rotted Italy
Fucking Italy advances - bloody actors - and now I realise I have a meeting at the same time as the goddamned France-Portu game. Fuck. Is this a blessing in disguise or am I being deprived of Zidane time.....
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:33 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Italy, Bloody Goddamned Italy in OT....
Italy.
I hate the goddamned Italian team, bunch of drooling diving whankers.
France better bloody win tomorrow or this WC will have been nothing but pure misery for me.
Oh yeah. Moment of truth is Friday.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:20 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
June 22, 2006
Inchallah
Some Fund manager in London who I have been working with asked me to send a cv by. Thinking about MENA strategies. I like the fellow and we got really drunk over the England match (he did note a bit too much that with me bald head, unnatural corpse like pallor and the like that I do look a bit like a football hooligan. Kept offering to paint a red cross on my head.)
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:33 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
June 17, 2006
Some Closing Thoughts on Cancer
Barring terrible news from my next scan, I am cured. This is it.
As I try to get used to the concept, after six months of grueling hell that is chemotherapy (and let me emphasize that all those nasty stories about chemo are quite accurate. I'd rather have my collarbone shattered again than do chemo another time), a couple of thoughts.
Continue reading "Some Closing Thoughts on Cancer"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:01 PM | Comments (25) | TrackBack
June 14, 2006
Stamina
Trying to actively run some business, coming into office and all that, for the first time in six or seven months. I am suddenly faced with the reality that an 9 year old girl could knock me down. Becuase one did.
In my protective bubble I had not realised to the full extent that chemo has really sapped my physical strength to such a point. It is, to be blunt, hard to take.
I literally get home and collapse on the couch, unable to function for several hours.
By the way, the last round marked six months of living hell. Only a bit more.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 01, 2006
Chemo Does Not, Repeat Not Get Easier
I need a fucking break. The feeling of toxic chemicals burning veins and the like, it just doesn't get better and certainly my body isn't getting used to it. Fuck.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:57 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
May 27, 2006
Patterns of Vein Pain
A queer thing I have noted, my vein pain (from another set of burned veins) becomes worse in the evenings and night.
A disgusting feeling I have to say, which leads to rather horrible nightmares.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:13 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
May 25, 2006
Interesting Things One Learns from Chemo
New forms of pain mainly.
Now that I have burned veins in both arms, I have to say that the unique feeling of chemical burns inside one's veins running up from the arms into the body is something I am not going to miss.
That and bone pain.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 23, 2006
Six Months
Since I started the coughing up of blood thing that led to the fine Drs finding I had a nice tumour friend in me chest trying to kill me.
Still not dead.
However, I do have a greater appreciation how long six months can be.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:53 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
May 22, 2006
Bloody American Credit Cards
Dating from my NYC days I have a wonderful credit card I've always liked - rewards and all that - quite attached to it after all these years. Now I find, however, that they have imposed a 3 percent fee on all non-US purchases.
Now, this card is supposedly a "World Traveller" card, aimed at... well I guess me. Why the fuck would they impose an absurdly large fee such as this? Well, I well understand the reasoning at some level, I am simply irritated by the move. Certainly a fee is understandable on some level (although the absurd usurious rates on balancesI would tihnk gives them a fine margin, although not for balance payers like myself), but 3 percent is overreaching.
Rather obviously I shall stop using it - I suppose I shall have to move on to an overseas card.
Well good old American credit card, fuck off now. I'm sure I shall not be missed, being the bad sort of customer who carries not balances and charges things in strange locations....
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:52 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
May 16, 2006
First, The Amusing or How Carpets Bomb
The ludicrous generosity of my JV partner, who as some may recall, came over to the US for a small visit to see for herself how fat Americans are, etc., provoked an entertaining crisis on the part of some of my ignorant American cousins. She sent them a carpet. A very nice Perso-Turkish style one. Having noted theirs was not real. A bit largish as well.
Sadly this was partly my fault, I really should have warned them but surprises can be nice.
The rather bulky package with Arabic on it, however, rather put off the husband who rang his wife and told her that there was a suspicious package delivered. The woman in question reads French..... well it all worked out in the end.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:29 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 14, 2006
On Lenovo T Books
On the off chance the readers here have wisdom to import on the IBM / Lenovo T Books, I am planning on buying one for personal use (such as my consulting side lines) in the next week.
Anyone with wisdom on the particular optionalities available with Lenovo.com on the T-Book line (which I have come to consider to be the perfect business note book, tough, lightweight, good performance overall), warmly welcome. Given upcoming uncertainties, I am of a mind to be frugal.
T 43 has my eye at the moment, although a question remains regarding add ons such as extra battery and the like. Certainly given my use of Excel maxing the memory is a nec.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:17 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
May 09, 2006
Bollocks
They bloody made an offer to a cretin.
Hopefully the cretin will reject.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 07, 2006
Inspiration
I have been reflecting today on how much Chemo has knocked the living hell out of me.
This is the fifth month now, and there is more to come, but bloody hell.....
I have to say, trying to keep up working full-time, plus working on side projects, plus blithering on here, plus other life things, well it was all much easier without Chemo.
My level of inspiration and activity has really taken a hit.
Of course, the recent emergence of this quasi deafness side effect is just inspiring.
Continue reading "Inspiration"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 04, 2006
Ears and Lungs
The fine Drs have liberated me from one of the chemo drugs, it was apparently fucking up my lungs a bit.
When I say a bit, I actually mean a lot. Not unexpected, actually tolerated the toxicity for a good long while, but the good old lungs gave out this last round. Pity.
Although it did make Chemo shorter and easier. The stuff they took me off was clearly kicking the fuck out of not just me lungs.
On the other hand I seem now to be developing some ototoxicity (a fine word I just learned meaning something is fucking with me ears; that is a reaction to one of the little cocktail of anti-tumour blah blah drugs).
I confess to being mildly paranoid about permanent hearing lost. Low chance, but then my cancer is pretty fucking rare and low chance too.
I also confess it fucking hurts and to boot, I feel like an old man. I am now bald (well patchy bald, in a freekish sort of way, were I not shaving), borderline deaf, achey, and more ill-humoured than I am naturally.
What I can't recall is if the bloody toxin (I suppose I should say drug) that I was taken off is the one that dissolves me gums. I'm really getting tired of that. It just feels so very unpleasant for so many days.
Only a few more sessions though, and then I get to have more fucking bloody tests. I think I may ask for a break. This has begun to wear.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:05 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 26, 2006
No Real Point
To this particular post, other than utterly pointless speculation.
Continue reading "No Real Point"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:31 AM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
April 18, 2006
Random Reflexions
I was pondering today what would be more engaging, writing about the suicide bombing in Israel and the Palestinians' stunning and cunning ability to fuck themselves - as in Hamas' brilliantly stupid reaction which regardless of their or one's own underlying feelings lacked the proper disingenuity of a proper ruling party - or the strange bout of nausea and other side effects I ran into, or my Quarterly Lies.
Or Moises Naim's stupid op ed in FT.
Well, some personal rambly.
Continue reading "Random Reflexions"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:07 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
April 17, 2006
Apologies etc. on the boringness
Afraid between burned veins (let me assure you, this is deeply unpleasant and painful) and quarterly reporting, haven't had the time to think or write anything interesting.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:22 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
April 14, 2006
Problems - Yahoo
A quick note, Yahoo has fucked up my account - I can't access things properly so can not respond to certain recent inquiries. Am aware of them, however, and for Christopher, the answer is yes, I think so. Depends on detials, but at the moment I have some work issues to solve and a completely bollixed up Q report to try to untangle.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:51 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
April 12, 2006
On The Blasted Disease
I've been asked by numerous persons in the past two weeks about the effect of this experience, this blasted disease. I frankly do not know for sure, but I did feel the desire to write the following:
Continue reading "On The Blasted Disease"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:18 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
April 10, 2006
Apologies on the neglect
Afraid have had a bit of a bad round of chemo, some vein damage and other highly unpleasant things that I shall spare you descriptions of. Annoying as all hell. Also JV partner fucking off after whirlwind tour, must occupy myself a bit with that. Returning to the land of posting perhaps later.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 05, 2006
Cancer and Chemo
Still suck.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:57 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
March 29, 2006
Losing a client
Happening right now. Just pow wowed with me comrade. I feel for him. Key client, Home Office badly overpromised in initial meetings and now is trying bait and switch.
Why?
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:17 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
March 26, 2006
Observations on Media
My JV partner, on the first North American tour, etc. observed the following, which I found oddly profound (well not oddly): "Why do Americans only watch their own TV?"
The context of course would be the massive selection of Sat TV one gets in most of the developing world (and the eclectic viewing habits that come with it I would say).
It would be cheap to simply beat up on the US for its monolingualism and navel-gazing, but it was an interesting point of reflexion.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:44 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Offline
Sadly mates, the little issue in re work I mentioned earlier continues to grow. I may save the bloody client for my chimpanzees, but bloody hell.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:06 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 15, 2006
Well, this is unpleasant
Have to contact the Drs, I'm hallucinating.
It's the pain meds I suppose, perhaps took one too many?
In any case, now by 11 EST several hallucinatory episodes. Thank god not on a client call. Were I a teenager this might be fun, but at present it is merely annoying. I really have to concentrate to write this. Stupid drugs.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:09 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
March 14, 2006
Whinging on: Gotham Blah Blah
It appears that the author of Letter from Gotham was wounded by my off-handed comment on her stupid bigotted little bit of racism. She's really blithered on quite a lot on the deluded thought that a string of anectdotes somehow creates data.
Well, profoundly uninteresting. The sole point of this note is to correct one small point, 'Aqoul is 'Aqoul and Lounsbury is Lounsbury.
Continue reading "Whinging on: Gotham Blah Blah"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:09 PM | Comments (25) | TrackBack
March 09, 2006
Chemo, a random post on the unpleasantness of cancer therapy.
It just doesn't get any better. I was told it might, that I would get used to it.
Nope. After four gruelling months, (approximately), I can report that I am heartily sick of chemo. But no fear, only about as long left. Maybe a little more. Yeaha.
The grinding nauseau isn't so bad, my years in emerging markets, living with suspect cleanliness all around, have no doubt made me somewhat resistant to buckling under the mere generic feeling that one's entire body wants to vomit. Bah, I say. I hardly need my special no-vomiting medicin.
It's more the other special effects that get at one - and as character building as they may in the abstract, they just don't grow on you.
Continue reading "Chemo, a random post on the unpleasantness of cancer therapy."
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:09 PM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
March 08, 2006
Ah rotted expenses
It appears US authorities have relented and granted the JV partner a visa on the basis of my regurgitating far more information than I think the ignoramuses are entitled to, but no matter. Expenses and planning now.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:03 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
March 06, 2006
More Lounsbury irritating inanities
A guest commentator at The Washington Monthly has a post that pefectly illustrates why clueless if well-educated and otherwise intelligent gits can write such utter complete rubbish about foreign lands.
Continue reading "More Lounsbury irritating inanities"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:45 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 25, 2006
Alive
I am back again. Sorry mates. I was getting in touch with the cool things that can happen to one when you get a white cell collapse and the intestinal track gets some fine infection and all shuts down. Really quite interesting, although I would not advise personal experience.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:54 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
February 22, 2006
Offline
Sorry, having some side effects, not very pleasant, will be back on ball as soon as it passes.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:06 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
February 20, 2006
Ports: A Question
One of the few criticisms out there re Dubai which I find potentially compelling (as a criticism of UAE, not DPW nor the acquisition) is the nuclear parts smuggling. However, like the idiotic 11 Sep accusations, so far these are hand waving guilt by association type statements. Looking for guidance to substantive information on this issue.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 18, 2006
On Exile and Sat TV
Just a note to say I terribly miss my Arab and Euro Sats.
American TV is a punishement from On High for the viewer interested in serious news and other narrow market fripperies. Everything is Entertainment TV all the time. Chatty irritating low value low information high irritation factor rot. I don't think it is good for Americans.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:53 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
February 11, 2006
New Frontiers
Yes I believe the new management of the bones is working. Certainly better than last round.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:54 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 10, 2006
Among the odd things one learns
From chemo. That one's hair can actually hurt. Yes, it can. All of its own. Obviously at the root, but it's quite intriguing.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:24 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Fans
Our dear Eerie, Editor in Chief, has added "Fan Quotes" sidebar. I just note that for your amusement. My particular favourite comes from my dinar "investing" friends. That would be the last. Other suggestions are welcome.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:14 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
February 09, 2006
Progress & Thoughts
Before I disappear into my due diligence, a quick thought on several items.
Re the business of this blog-centre, pleased with the Cartoon issue and our work on this.
Re my normal topic areas, reflecting on how to get back to those. Unfortunately that bit of peronsal information that slips through here rather narrows me down. Restricts what I can say about my own field.
Re progress, new pain meds. Shall see how this works. Also in review last regime, it appears a clerical error had me taking me meds at half the rate that was intended to be prescribed. One should think that would be a significant difference and why last week's bone pain just flattened me. New narcos may may this upcoming week a bit whack, but there it is. Finally, a good item to report, I have nearly full lung performance back. Suggestive of a retreating tumour. Back when this started I could achieve 200 cc at best, normal is 2500 cc. Happy to say I regularly am up in that range without undue strain. The fine tumour may be retreating from the central chest areas, which does rather inhibts its ability to kill me by cutting off blood or air, or both.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:15 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
February 03, 2006
Various random whinging on
A confession. This pain thing is beginning to grind away at me.
Continue reading "Various random whinging on"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:46 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
February 01, 2006
In other random items
I have foolishly given in to my dear Hostess' repeated requests for guidance on MENA cuisine and given her a cookbook on the same.
I expect I shall be punished for the same. Not that she cooks poorly, but I somehow doubt her rendition of ddjadj tadjine is going to be pleasing, for example.
It is touching how, however, my dear Hostess and familhy have gotten beyond their fear of my MENA proclavities and are embracing them. I am moderately afraid of this as I might suddenly end up hosting people, and I rather prefer to extend offers not taken, but too late now. This combined with unfiltered communications with my JV partner, who is showing suprising mastery of the English language (I had no idea, oddly enough), means my carefully managed information environment may be changing.
Continue reading "In other random items"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:51 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Day 3 of Grinding Bone Pain
Brought to you by cancer.
Well, only several more depressing months of this.
I think perhaps I may understand what childbirth may be like. Presuming it involves hours of grinding pain, dull aches, and apparent utter resistance to narcotics.
Well, at least that Cindy Sheehan idiot cheered me up. Clownish parody of Left gittishness.
Perhaps I should request more pain killers. Even the offer by a quasi relative of hashish sounds semi attractive. I have to confess, this is depressing.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:40 AM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
January 30, 2006
Impressive
This marrow response, the pain is very impressive. I've sucked down the maximum amount of my fine endocet and it still comes through. Feels like hot lead is being run through my bones. A highly unpleasant feeling, this. In case my prior advice has not come how, I really do advise all to avoid getting cancer. It's really very annoying, and while I suppose I could call it character building, I rather feel this small conceit has worn thin, even for me. I do wonder how the white cells are doing, maybe this bone marrow issue is connected to the depressingly low white cell count. Or is the white cell count a good thing? I forget. Well, in any case, it's interesting finding new parts of one to hurt that one did not know could. Actually a bit depressing in a way, but maybe if one ignores the bloody maximum on these stupid pills the bloody pain will go away. Perhaps I'll give the conference call a miss tomorrow, I suspect I am not going to be in a shape to be useful on it anyway. Oh well, only several more months of hell to go, could be worse.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:18 AM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
January 29, 2006
Random Observations of Little Value, a fine little note for the SDMB folks, etc.
While I should have sometihng to say about the Hamas victory (but I don't really, I hate talking about the Israelis and Palestinians), I am more moved by my personal developments, and shall blither on a bit as my narcotics are enabling me.
Continue reading "Random Observations of Little Value, a fine little note for the SDMB folks, etc."
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 28, 2006
Various Wandering Comments Enabled by Nartcotics
First, I have a new post Chemo strategy.
Sleep. 14 hours or so hits the spot.
Second, I am afraid there is sign of hair coming out. My vanity is possibly unbounded in this area, so I am a bit off put. The military type hair cut spares somewhat, althought it irritates as well.
Third, the freakish medical face mask might grow on me. It did allow me to be mean to an honest inquiry today, which went along the lines of, while waiting for coffee service "Oh, you 're avoiding that flu?" addressed in a somewhat condescending manner (deserved in some ways). It did allow me to respond, "No, I'm dying of cancer." Exageration, to be sure, but it shut the
Fourth, having commenced on the process to obtain a visa for my JV partner, I remain charmed by her total indifference. It is rare to have someone genuinely indifferent to the Siren call of the Great USA, one way or another. A charming feature.
Perhaps a visit from her can inspire another round of what my dear pratike called development porn. There are discussions to be had about various issues in licensing.
Fifth, still grappling with approaches to scheming while cancer ridden.
There are overseas oppies that hit me radar, but how to broach.
The Fund is alivish, but with so many Patriot Act issues I think it fucked.
Another fund potential, but too something..
Core firm, uneven, some regain, but ......
I hate them.
Still, the plotting to stab me in the back undermined by another set of resignations.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:36 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 26, 2006
It progresses
Although now me white blood count is down in the low double digits. Have been advised to walk around with a face mask. Feel rather queer about that.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:36 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
January 22, 2006
Elf Chukr oua nus (slightly edited)
For the provider of my single favourite film, La Bataille d'Alger, ta7t amrek oua elf chukr.
I shall have to perhaps blog about this film - at present I am having fun running backwards and forwards breaking down 60s djezari dialect. At least Saadi Yacef speaks in a manner that is understandable
I note that I am having fun checking the subtitles on the dialect. I like how they rendered it (where the dialect doesn't exceed me - man 60s djezairi dialect is something....).
I also owe Raf Bey a proper response, closest thing to an apology one gets from me, as to his reading list. We have points in common.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:49 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 21, 2006
Friday Observations II, Stupid Cafe Conversations
Trivial but some Cafe conversations that amused me today.
Continue reading "Friday Observations II, Stupid Cafe Conversations"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:17 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 20, 2006
Various Random Friday Observations
First, I am now capable of walking several blocks again. The removing a chunk of me cancerous infected lungs seems to have done a good thing for breathing - and strength has rebounded from the toxic chemicals.
This allows me to walk places again, which as a great fan of walking everywhere possible, makes me happy. It also allows me to resume my snobbish disdain for Americans tendancy to drive absurdly short distances.
Second, my JV partner has most tediously gotten into a dispute with the servent that is apparently escalting. More peculiarly, I heard about this through me diplo amigos. Why do me diplo amigos know of this? Expat shenanigans. Bloody bored nosey wives.
This implies much rubbish time on the phone smoothing feathers and the like. Problem in that me JV partner has a very MENA attitude towards the help, which is to say not terribly egalitarian nor fair. I rather suspect my absence has made this situ somewhat crisislike. Of course there is adifference in price sensitivity as me JV partner maintains a domestic price framework, while for me most such pricing are so trivial I could really care less.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:26 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 18, 2006
The Odd Reactions to the News
Still unable to quite get the talking about this bloody disease right. I am getting more irritated with the facile chin up blithering on from certain persons.
In person I have been quite humorous about the whole damned thing, but being constantly advised to be so by others, however well meaning, grates on the nerves.
Continue reading "The Odd Reactions to the News"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:41 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
January 17, 2006
Crap
Goddamned pain. Bit worried about this pain thing, not supposed to be happening, Drs mentioned might show bone involvement which makes me nervous. Narcotics, lots of narcotics.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:07 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
January 12, 2006
On Reading
The fine little cancer thing has given my the odd occasion to stock up on English language books - something I have not had the time or inclination to do in a while.
I am variously reading at present several books on Economics and Growth (my favourite subject), and the pair of books by Michael Scheuer (Through Our Enemies Eyes and Imperial Hubris), both interesting but flawed books. But let me give them my highest praise, while flawed they are pragmatic and largely free of that disease I call "New Bolshevism," meaning not Bolshevism but worship at the alter of an ideology to the preclusion of pragmatism.
I also note I have read Fareed Zakaria's excellent and even brilliant The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad. An excellent book on classic liberalism (not the namby pamby US left wishy washy 'liberalism') and really to the core of my own inclinations. I presume since my editor in chief sent it, some extended comment is due, in time. Much to be said with respect to the MENA region and the confusion in US and Euro policy of mere trappings of democracy (illiberal democracy or mob rule) and the building of a foundation of a truly liberal order.
As I have been sent more reading by various parties, I shall try to keep up. Even for le guin books read long ago, a reacquitance could be in order
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:58 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
On Chemo, Fun Observations
Well, another round of this. And just when I was feeling better. The fine interview with the doctor who is charged with keeping me alive. Unfortunately some of me side effects this past week are not positive. Odd, suggestive of bone marrow issues. That's not good.
On the other hand, I was brilliant amusing the nurses with moderately maniacal humourous observations. If I am lucky I get the cute new dark trainee nurse with the curly hair again.
Continue reading "On Chemo, Fun Observations"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:36 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 11, 2006
Online Music
My experience so far has led me to total disgust. What should be simple is annoying, complicated, and requires absurd subs and downloads. I am renouncing this whole project. Bloody music industry and their short sighted idiocy.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:00 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 10, 2006
FT.com - bloody annoying
FT is a great paper, one of the world's best. So the question arises, why does their bloody site, for which I pay good money, suck so very much.
Above all their power search - I even pay extra for such features. It still is risibly bad.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:06 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 06, 2006
The Lounsbury on Endocet Game
The pain is rather nasty today, can't bloody sleep.
So I have invented for my own amusement, and due to limited coherence, The Lounsbury on Endocet Game.
It is a very simple game. I pose questions and don't answer them. They all revolve around collounsburyism.
Continue reading "The Lounsbury on Endocet Game"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:28 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
January 05, 2006
Treacherous motherfuckers
Found out from my peeps that my "supportive" firm is interviewing people for my position.
Fuckers. I literally loathe these scum.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:47 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 02, 2006
Further to useless notes.
I would like to confess I went with my wee cousin to see Narnia. I am afraid I found it rather tedious and ended up hoping that perhaps the White Witch might at least knock off one of those annoying little gittish kids.
Harry Potter films (which I have bizarrely seen exclusively on Emirates flights) are far more fun.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:46 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
In other thoughts, distractions [updated]
Now that I have just ordered up ADSL for my dear relatives fine residence so that I can indulge myself in work and the like, I thought I might turn some thoughts to various subsidiary issues. Such as wireless routers and other distractions. It should be healthier than contemplating the two fine dark Indian girls who just walked into the cafe. I believe I should be unable to seduce anyone (never mind the JV thing) when I am barely able to speak properly without groaning. Unless they have a strange thing for cancer patients (which I suppose can't be excluded but requires more effort than I probably capable of at present).
Continue reading "In other thoughts, distractions [updated]"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:30 PM | Comments (26) | TrackBack
Chemo, still nasty
The wierd pain, constant fatigue and naseau, they do not get more amusing. And Secret Dubai tells me this only gets better.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:20 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
January 01, 2006
Well, this chemo thing is nasty
Right after felt fine, but now several days later, bloody hell. I highly advise avoiding getting any cancers.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:48 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
December 29, 2005
Starting.
Today. Shall perhaps reflect on chemicals later.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:58 AM | Comments (41) | TrackBack
December 28, 2005
Chemicals, Waiting & Technology
I have decided I need a music player for this chemotherapy nonsense. Given convos with various, I am under the impression that the "chemo room" will be filled with garralous blue hairs looking for community, or depressed doomed people.
As many of my readers seem to be technophiles, a question. What sort of music player would be the most efficient thing to buy, given I note that I am on a MS system. There is strange talk of flahs versus HD and the like, and the ubiquitious I-POD. Enlighten your poor cancer patient.
I should also like to learn about this new fangled MP3 downloading thing that the youngsters talk so much about. Particularly where one can actually legally buy this sort of thing by track or whatever, and where such things that appeal to my tastes, such as Rai, French hip hop and Cuban Son, may be found. Not the dreary North American rock rubbish.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:56 PM | Comments (29) | TrackBack
December 25, 2005
Having discovered the new narcotics are a bit strong
I thought I might entertain myself.
Continue reading "Having discovered the new narcotics are a bit strong"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Small Absurd Notes
I note that today an old man insisted on opening doors for me at a local store. Wonderful, I look so ill old men insist I need help getting through doors.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:54 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 23, 2005
Just because the narcotics are kicking in again
The whimsical fours thing
Continue reading "Just because the narcotics are kicking in again"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:14 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
For the trivial perso item [corrected minor typos]
A small bit of news. I have been diagnosed.
Continue reading "For the trivial perso item [corrected minor typos]"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:39 PM | Comments (18) | TrackBack
As a small compensation
I was sent home today with an explanatory note for federal and other authorities as to why I might set of radiation "sniffers" and the like. This was accompanied by a quite serious lecture as to the same.
The United States truly has become a country of fat paraniod loons.
Continue reading "As a small compensation"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:30 AM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
December 22, 2005
The ongoing still alive, not dead note.
However results delayed. Friday will be the moment of truth. May start prelim treatments Weds as Drs are concerned. Still kicking regardless. Looking forward to not having blood from the nose when me walks, its gross and impolite, and just won't do in social situations.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:34 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 21, 2005
Further random reflexions
Some more random reflexions for no particular reason.
Continue reading "Further random reflexions"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:10 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
December 20, 2005
Reflexions
A few personal thoughts. Nothing of interest really.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:15 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
December 18, 2005
Vignettes of profound ignorance... Or simply things that annoy me to date.
Well, given I am on fine narcotics, only the best quality after all (and this means no cuban products), I shall babble on about how annoyed I am with my treatment so far. This being done in the five minute windows of coherence that I have.
I suppose concretely I should tell you that the operation went fine, that I now have a "window" (the charming jargon used) cut in me ribs, and have given up a chunk of my lungs to science and labs. Science being in a fit of public spiritedness, I consented to donate some of my tumour to some generic research on the probable cancer involved. Labs of course is the verification of the high probability diagnosis. With that will come some level of unpleasant treatment, as the tumour has spread into various sensitive areas of central chest and can't just be chopped out. Might be elsewhere too, but that's for some nice sporting testing in this upcoming week.
Continue reading "Vignettes of profound ignorance... Or simply things that annoy me to date."
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:53 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 14, 2005
Afraid the nicknames are right out.
I shall be having some distractions from posting the immediate future. It appears I have a rather nasty cancer. Rather inconveniently timed. Have to do some surgical intervention this week and the Drs are a bit vague. This will distract from my MENA ranting and the like.
Apologies in advance. Afraid this has not been a terribly brilliant day. Now, I think I am going to go get really drunk with some old friends of mine.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:29 PM | Comments (26) | TrackBack
December 08, 2005
Still alive, not dead (bis)
A quick note to observe that I am not dead. Afraid my mental energies however have been off of the MENA ball at the moment. And no, no news as to the lungs, other than the bloody things are damned inconvenient.
Also glad to note my lazy co-contributors are stepping up to the plate.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:45 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
December 03, 2005
Alive and Not Dead
However, not well. Drs bit concerned, but no matter, I am hard to kill.
Regardless, may be so bored and drugged to write about recent Iraq and other developments.
I note that I have had it with the Titanic scum. They baited and switched tickets on me, bloody flew in plebe class after being told I had the usual ticket, too late to change. Scum, utter scum.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 02, 2005
Iraq and papers
The story today about a certain group, well, this is one of those times I wish I were not so paranoid. Well, one day I shall say something.
My real life has gotten a lot of emails on this. My sole comment is that it's odd that it took so long.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:40 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
December 01, 2005
Obscurity
A small message to let all know that I am en route to my little detour and I have taken down several prior posts for the reasons you all would understand. They will eventually return, I suppose, but that's enough.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:32 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 29, 2005
An amusing hospital room conversation
First, context, I had my office number forwarded to my cell phone last week when I was quarantined on suspicion of having tuberculosis.
Second, of course, still alive, not dead.
[Update Weds 30 Nov]
Afraid that today's convo with the specialist was somewhat discouraging, although it brought clarity. I will be medically evacuated shortly, may be out of touch. I have a tumour that has shown rapid growth.
Well, I suppose I shall be forced to do something healthy or whatnot.
Regardless, will be back in the game as soon as possible of course, and banging on about the MENA region and private equity might keep me suitably distracted from other things. Apologies to my host eerie for this small inconvenience and distraction from the real purpose of 'Aqoul.
Now, a side note to my co-authors:
My Dear Semi Useless Lazy Scum Colleagues & Co Authors
Just because I am fucking off for a bit doesn't mean you can laze about and do nothing. Someone has to indulge in self-indulgent MENA centered rants, commentary and otherwise keep 'Aqoul useful. If I can't bloody well count on your useless selves in a pinch, when can I, eh?
While I shall doubtless be around, I probably can use a hand, you know. I promise to be less abusive. Of course my promises are perhaps to be discounted at a MENA private equity rate, but that's up to you to generate, after all you're not just fucking chimpanzees with bananas.
Yours Truly,
Collier "The Lounsbury"
[end update Weds 30 Nov]
Continue reading "An amusing hospital room conversation"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:04 PM | Comments (32) | TrackBack
November 25, 2005
Afraid I have to go missing
The Drs are somewhat concerned about this whole bleeding nonsense and insist I have to be hospitalised, as of, well my packing my bags.
May have to be silent for a bit, but no problems. Sure the expensive hospital will either send me away or charge me much dinero.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:51 PM | Comments (19) | TrackBack
November 23, 2005
It amuses me
To share this warm message from the parental units:
Congrats on the [joint venture closing], and good luck with the possible tb.
See, no whinging and shrieking.
I also am happy to report that not so much blood today. Clear improvement, although on the other hand for a bit I thought my hand was a pen.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:26 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 21, 2005
Well, this is most unpleasant
Hmmm. The initial diagnosis, to be confirmed by a TB test, is.... TB.
It appears the poor little lungsies are having a bit of hemoraghing.
This is most inconvenient.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:07 PM | Comments (30) | TrackBack
November 19, 2005
And bloody rotted things
Bloody coughing up blood this morning. This is really annoying, I have a lot of work to do. Wonder if I should see a doctor or follow my 24 hour rule... I think I shall wait, although it is most disturbing to cough up blood, even if it isn't bright so must be some lung things getting whacked at night by this evil disease.
[Sunday]
Hmmm, continues, this blood thing. 24 hour rule did not help, must see an actual Dr. then. I hate seeing Drs., tedious exercise and I am busy. However, the coughing up blood is a bit disturbing to say the least, makes one feel genuinely ill.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:35 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
November 09, 2005
Jordan bombs
Suicide or similar attacks on against the Hyatt, Radisson and Days Inn hotel in Jordan. All three are classic hang outs of mine. I have to check on friends and the like. Abu Aardvark has this: http://abuaardvark.typepad.com/abuaardvark/2005/11/jordan_terroris.htm
I have often joked about the same, but of course this is serious. Well, have to check in, bloody scum.
And for all my Jordanian comrades, friends, etc. Allah hafithkoum. May God curse the murderers.
I leave the updating to others, I need to check on people.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
On Arabic
My dear Pratike has a comment, trivial and a side item, but moves me to comment: "In any case, it isn't "classical Arabic" that they're speaking on Arab sats but rather Modern Standard Arabic or Fusha, often sprinkled with "amiyya al-muthaqafeen" or "the colloquial of the intellectuals." "
I note for his benefit that the differentiation, although a good one, is not recognised as valid by many Arabs or Muslims. I also note that the 'intellectuals' colloquial' is something of a rather too precious American University in Cairo construct, and I wouldn't bandy the phrase around too much. Many people consider it ridiculous.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Bah, busy means stupidity.
Bloody hell, checking accounts today I see I managed, due to excessive business, to forget about a wire transfer and end up going debit on one of my accounts and far over target credit balance on the other due to pure lack of coordination. Fuck, even with electronic reminders....
Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 12, 2005
Bloody Chourtah
Of course nothing was ready at 10 sharp in the morning as they insisted yesterday.
Why I believed that even with my paperwork being shepherded along by the Wali himself that we would overcome Ramadan torpor, I don't know. Every once in a while I get an attack of idiocy.
Still, better than the seven odd months this usually takes, and no unfortunate investigations into my moral character. Not that such would likely turn up anything, but always a risk of someone recalling who I went home with at some night or another.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 09, 2005
On Arabic II: Training, Translation & Intelligence
I nipped by "Liberals Against Terrorism" (an atrocious name I may add that never ceases to irritate me) and found Pratike commenting on Arabic again, on indeed financing of Arabic studies by the United States.
That incited me to comment.
First on the financing issues, given what I saw when learning Arabic in the dark ages there certainly could be (and here I refer to the Anglo world not being in any way conversant with actual teaching materials elsewhere - except in terms of in MENA region, which are regardless of language (including Arabic), risible) better finaning of efforts to develop better pedagogical materials - preprepared texts, targetted vocabularies and all the sorts of things I recall from German (although this was wasted on me, after I decided I loathed German) and French (although in this case I was young and impressionable).
Continue reading "On Arabic II: Training, Translation & Intelligence"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:28 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
October 01, 2005
On Arabic, for Praktike
I noted the ever productive praktike has had a series of comments on Arabic that somewhat reek of the new learner.
I thought I might engage in a public service of a comment or two.
First, from this note
Incidentally, I'm now at the point in my Arabic studies where I can at least recognize who is and isn't a comfortable MSA speaker, and I'm beginning to understand As'ad AbuKhalil's snobbiness in this area. Gamal Mubarak speaks somewhat haltingly and melds Egyptian colloquial with MSA, whereas the Al Jazeera anchors and my teachers can prattle along like it ain't no thang, the latter with case endings and everything. I can imagine that being schooled abroad stunted Gamal's linguistic development.
Abu Khalil is a snotty prat of an arch literary leftist snob with regards to Arabic; arch purists like him should be disregarded,
Continue reading "On Arabic, for Praktike"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:31 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
August 25, 2005
On Laptops
Looking at new laptops, wondering if any tech savvy persons have thoughts on the Thinkpad T42 versus the Dell Inspiron 700m.
I already have a T41, which I generally like as a tough little beastie that can travel. Wondering if the Dell machines hold up to travel and banging about as well. The pricing seems relatively similar in the 2k USD range from their online sites.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 07:07 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
August 09, 2005
A bit of silence on my part
Afraid my negotiations with the Fund, being serious, are taking up my time. Shall continue to do so for several weeks until closing or break off.
Continue reading "A bit of silence on my part"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 03, 2005
In Random Matters, for the ADSL-Router Literate
In setting up my home office I am faced with a not entirely bewildering but nevertheless daunting set of choices in terms of technology.
In particular as to the ADSL service with which I wish to endow myself with.
Continue reading "In Random Matters, for the ADSL-Router Literate"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:42 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
July 25, 2005
Email and the like
Checking email from afar, I am touched to find that Embassy wants to know if I am still alive. I helpfully let them know that as of yet I have had the good graces to not get blown up on their watch and was not doing vac in Egypt, although suffering from the attentions of a European airport staff is almost as bad.
Also Central has suddenly sent around a note to overseas staff requesting emergency contact information in case "of need." I suppose they're counting the days until one of us gets blown to bits. Wonder if it would be entirely tactless to raise the concept of danger bonuses. Not that I need one, but why not extract a concession or two?
Finally, a note from a colleague asked me to transfer to his office as he needs people "with well developed character" around.
This last item puzzled me - "well developed character."
Hard to read that.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 18, 2005
The US of A
Back in the States for the first time in quite a while. Always amused by how fat people are. Tubby people everywhere. Of course ever escalating portions I note seems to be reaching Roman levels of gluttony. Connexion?
Regardless, going to be very busy packing in meetings in my rare pilgrimage to the centers of power and the like.
Everyone seems to taling about the Karl Rove and Plame issue. I find the topsy turvey politics peculiar, but unsurprising. Rather clearly they leaked a secret agent's name for sordid political score settling. Law aside, that should be punished, sordid political score settling should be within certain bounds. I'm unhappy the "Conservatives" - or as I have taken to refering to these people, Right Bolsheviks - do not see that sometimes one has to cut out from the fold for one's own good. Having Agency people involved in open political warfare is a bad, period.
Well, no matter, not my concern in the end.
Else I draw attention to this important article in The Washington Post.
In Egypt's Countryside, Farmers' Anger Seen As 'Silent Time Bomb'
Recent Revolt Over Rents and Evictions Draws Support of Mubarak Opponents
By Daniel Williams
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, July 17, 2005; Page A16
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/16/AR2005071601172.html
Will comment on later.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 14, 2005
Various things
As I prepare to fuck off we get (as usual from on high with no preparation) an annoucement that management is restructuring central. The key take aways after reading the long PRish and yet poorly written note was my favorite MD is fucked and on her way out, and that the organisation is now entering a new, uniquely self destructive phase of running around like lunatics in panic because the iceberg ripped its guts open.
Continue reading "Various things"
Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 04, 2005
Reflexions on Outsourcing - via an apartment
Let me utilise some personal whinging to illustrate why outsourcing is not easily done, nor likely to be the great threat that frightened Western commentators make it out to be. Quality of delivery and poor developing world understanding of more developed markets expectations.
In this case, it happens to be me, the Development Market, and the various people, but essentially the woman who I outsourced all preparations to. This proved not to be a disaster but to have come in well-under expectations due to a mismatch in conception about what "quality materials," "moderate goals" and similar phrases thought to be well understood.
Now the result is not atrocious, it is minimally acceptable although it is the sort of thing I shall, when persons enter, have to do some plausible deniability sort of dancing so that no one thinks that I actually had a hand in it, directly. Ex-my smug fobbing off of all the things I did not want to do. Outsourcing.
Rather more complex an operation than one thinks.
I note, by the way, as a real datapoint that while outsourced services from Europe are a huge potential market, we have seen a number of initial entrants pick up stakes for reasona effectively similar to why on the next apartment finishing round, I shall take full control.
Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
