I’m studying Economics and Public policy at the moment and we’re looking at Trade and Globalisation. Sometimes the media can distort your view of the world to the paradoxical negative (?). Denigration of protestors at WTO meets would make me feel sympathy for the dreadlocked greenie fighting for a cause which I passively supported but perhaps didnt feel the commitment or lacked the courage to join.
But there is always another side to the coin. Perhaps the biggest example in my reading is Child labour where the boycotting of certain products and services actually has the reverse effect on child labour as those who were previously employed have to resort to a predicament far worse (begging,slavery,prostitution) when they are sacked because of the employing company bowing to the political pressure. The only way to systemically assist the problem is to help the country grow economically, which is assisted through increased trade.
I don’t barrack for them. But its always great to see the underdog win. The Swans after 72 years of pain have won the AFL grand final.
I just saw Hotel Rwanda, which is one of those movies you don’t forget. 800,000 dead in a few weeks is simply a staggering tragic episode in human history. It makes you wonder how the African countries, stuck deep in ethinic diversity and socio political infighting, will ever break the cycle of violence, and therefore the cycle of economic stagnation.
Jeffrey Sachs believes ‘destiny factors’ such as poor soil quality and unreliable rainfall result contributes to economic mediocrity. Since agriculture makes up a large part of GDP in these countries, inconsistent agricultural output equals slow growth.
Flickr Rwanda
Some handy tips for our current climate.
25 ways to save petrol
An interesting take from the Freakonomics crew
Please buy gas!
Consulting is hard. You work at the client site where you get the cubicle in the middle of the floor and everyone looks at you like you are an expense (which you are). The company that employs you generally doesn’t maintain contact, or even if they do, you don’t have access to the company email because you aren’t allowed internet access at your clients address. But on the plus side, you get variety and can distance yourself (generally) from any politics and organisational dysfunctionality.
Being an Inhouse Developer is even harder. You get good conditions, a sense of company belonging, the best equipment and the best cubicle. You have opportunity to influence architecture and technological direction of the organisation. However, its difficult to keep skills up to date and the firm specific knowledge you gain generally comes at the price of transferable skills. Worst of all, the internal politics can overshadow any progress you make.
