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• June 27, 2007
• 23:40

  THE ARSENAL DILEMMA

   » ‎ assidous
  
  This blogger has repeatedly stated here that i couldn't identify an 'off-side' even if my life depended on it. But that doesnt mean that soccer news will pass me by. No, what with all the fanatics surrounding me.
  
  One of my closest friends is an ardent Arsenal fan and that is to put it mildly. I think the word fanatic is an understatement!
  
  Eversince the Premier League came to a close last month, its as if life came to an end. But thats neither here nor there as far as i am concerned. What bothers me or unsettles my simple mind is that the news coming out of Emirates is causing enough trauma as it were. Consider this: Thierry Henry has gone to Barcelona FC for $32.30M just when there were rumours that his friend Trezeguet would be signed at Emirates!
  
  As if that isnt enough, Arsene Wenger has not extended his term basically because the former Manager David Dein's return is one of the conditions for him to guarantee his commitment for another season! Then there is the issue of Fabregas that Barcelona and Madrid are after him. Infact, it seems that the Spanish La Liga vultures are hovering for the kill, to get the best form the team that is said to play the sexiest game!
  
  The million pund question is whether Arsenal will rise again. Its woes if that is what they are, are causing myriad migraines to my friend! Its the price of addiction to soccer!
  
  But as one of the distraught fans was telling me last night, Arsenal has been in existance from the 1886 and Henry appeared on the scene close to a century later making it look as though he was the life and blood of the team. He wasnt trying to console himself, as he said, rather i took that as a very pragmatic look at reality.
  
  But then, what do i know about the soccer madness?
  
  Visit: [themightyarsenal.blogspot.com]

• 20:06

  Abu Ghraib

   » ‎ Kenyanentrepreneur.com

  Tags:  General  

  The news stations are no longer interested in talking about hard news. It’s all about Paris Hilton and Rosie O’Donnell and other silly issues. As a result of this hard news drought, I’ve had to hit the internet for my fill up. I came upon this documentary on the torture scandal at The Abu Ghraib [...]
• 19:56

  God Save The Queen

   » ‎ Kenyanentrepreneur.com

  Tags:  General  

  I was watching the BBC news and saw Tony Blair’s resignation process and I was utterly astounded! As soon as Blair officially resigned, all trinkets of power ceased being bestowed upon him.  It was utterly amazing! You see Blair walking through the train station, carrying his own bag and waiting to take the train to his [...]

• 13:26

  Top 22 Pictures that Changed Our Lives.

   » ‎ My Africa Today

  

  
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• 13:10

  Why Hon Michuki And Police Commissioner Ali Must Resign Immediately

   » ‎ You Missed This
  archive
  
  Once when I was living in Tanzania I managed to get a very big beautiful house that was ideal for me. It was also the first house I had ever lived in where I had my own private loo in the master bedroom. They call it ensuite, I believe.
  
  There was only one problem, there was a terrible smell that filled most of the house and especially the kitchen area and back porch. We soon discovered that a kind of polluted river/sewer passed somewhere at the back of the house. Sadly we discovered the smell and the whole story behind it after we had already moved in. You see the smell could only come wafting in at a certain time of the day when the wind blew in our direction. The house was in a kind of valley so wind was a little rare during the day.
  
  When we got to see the sewer our first thought was that this had to be a major health risk. But we consulted a friend who is an expert in these things and they said it was OK because the water moved. And anyway Malaria was a problem wherever you went in Dar-es-salaam so we would have achieved little by moving.
  
  After a while the smell disappeared. At first I was puzzled until I received a visitor from Nairobi. There was a power failure and the house got unbearable hot because the fun couldn't work. So I took them to the back porch where it was cool. They could hardly bear the pungent smell.
  
  That day I realized that we must have all gotten used to the smell.
  
  It is fascinating how we humans can adjust and adapt to the most terrible things.
  
  For instance it seems that many Kenyans, especially those who are yet to be directly affected by the Mungiki antics of relieving innocent Kenyans of the weight of their heads on their shoulders, find the situation in Kenya quite normal. In fact the whole insecurity problem has become very kawaida and normal. Something that Kenyans have learnt to live with.
  
  I agree with the remarks of a Kenyan Human Rights Official recently to the effect that they know of no other country in the world where the security situation would have deteriorated the way it has in Kenya today and still have the police commissioner and the Minister in charge of internal security still comfortably in office like nothing is happening.
  
  Fellow Kenyans, please let us sober up for a minute and take stock of the kind of blood-letting that is already going on within our borders. Then consider the fact that the general elections are just around the corner. Let nobody fool themselves that they can carry out any kind of political campaign in the current prevailing circumstances in most parts of the country. We must start by demanding the resignation of the police commissioner and the minister incharge of internal security. Only when that happens will we be convinced that the government is taking the current situation seriously.
  
  If you are going to leave a comment here, I urge you to remember my story about the terrible smell that disappeared. I know many will say that Kenya is no different than New York or Johannesburg for that matter. But my reply is that those guys are not in the kind of political quagmire we Kenyans have gotten ourselves into and the violence there is drug-related as opposed to ours which is almost certainly political.
  
  Father and son seduced by the same woman called "death."
  
  Discover how the exciting new video web conferencing can make your business or web site much more profitable today.
• 13:09

  Some Want Private Info, Others Are Asking If I've Run Out Of News

   » ‎ You Missed This
  archive
  
  Some Kumekucha readers would like to know more about me while others are of the view that when I start getting personal it is because I have lacked something to talk about.
  
  My training tells me that when the personal is included in the writing of serious analysis (like I have done today with my main post where I mention the personal example from the time I lived in Dar-es-salaam) it makes for even more interesting reading. And the reason why most readers are flocking to this site in increasing numbers is because this site is an interesting read. Still Mr anonymous-have no fear, I do not own a cat so I will not start talking about the feeding habits of my pets here. That's surely not Africa, is it?
  
  Still my view on this matter will not carry the day. I will say what Kenneth Matiba loved to say. Let the people decide.
  
  Whatever the view of most of my readers, please bear in mind my security concerns, which are quite real. And by the way being out of Kenya does not mean that one is safe. But make ni mistake about it, I am not scared and this inconvenince is a price I am happily paying so that one day my children and grand children (and yours as well) will be glad that I lived and that I did what I am doing.
  
  Father and son seduced by the same woman called "death."
  
  Discover how the exciting new video web conferencing can make your business or web site much more profitable today.

• 10:41

  NACADA NOW A PARASTATAL

   » ‎ assidous
  Through the State House Website, Kibaki has transformed the drug agency into a parastatal. This came just before the International Day Against Drug Abuse was celebrated yesterday.
  
  Nacada has been running a regular campaign on KBC radio and TV in the past week to sensitise the public on the substance abuse.
  
  Nacada was formed by the former administration to help in sensitising the public about substance abuse and its effects on the individual, family, society and country.
  
  It has been vocal about the war especially when the former PC Kaguthi was heading it, and with the transformation, its bound to place it on higher visibility standing in the fight against drugs.

• 10:17

  HUH????

   » ‎ My Life is...Mochalicious!
  Now what is this supposed to mean? You jamaaz reading this, ebu explain. “I didn’t know how to tell you.” Let me explain…….  I had a conversation with someone who I thought was my pal. Yes, we dated, I flew the coup and surprisingly, on my part, remained in touch and good friends. Right now, DELETE has never been used [...]

• 8:09

  United States Social Forum debuts in Georgia, 27 Jun-1 Jul

   » ‎ Marian's Blog
  Hmmm... what's making headlines in the U.S. today? Paris Hilton out of jail and possibly giving an 'interview' to Playboy. Duh. In the UK Tony Blair steps out as prime minister as his Chancellor of the Exchequeur Gordon Brown steps...

• 7:46

  Olympia Capital Holdings Ltd Announces Rights Issue

   » ‎ Rants, Raves & Reviews
  Adding to my previous blog entries on Olympia...
  
  To clarify for those unfamiliar with OCHL... OCHL is the Holding Company that owns manufacturing & trading assets in Kenya, Botswana & S.Africa.
  
  15 June 2007: OCHL shareholders approved the increase in un-issued shares by 30,000,000 at the AGM. The new Year-end is Feb 28 thus 2007-8 will have 14 months of results.
  
  26 June 26 2007: OCHL publishes a notice that the Board has approved the issuance of 3:1 Rights i.e. 3 Rights (“Right but not obligation to purchase additional shares) for every 1 share held. Weighted Avg Price rises to 20/-.
  
  OCHL has 10,000,000 issued shares. If the full Rights are taken up then there will be 40,000,000 issued shares.
  
  The indication provided was that OCHL plans to raise KShs 300mn thus the expected price is 10/- per Rights Share. This would a substantial discount to the current market price of 20/-. There may be substantial interest in the Rights under the circumstances.
  
  During the AGM, the CEO indicated that OCHL plans to pay a dividend equal to at least 20% of the PAT for the 2007-8 year. Furthermore, there is the possibility of an extra dividend payout that was “declared but not paid” 5 years ago.
  
  If the results of the SA subsidiary are consolidated then the turnover is expected to jump significantly to KShs 1.4bn (2006: 396mn).
  
  Just like other “smaller” IPOs & Rights which followed “larger” IPOs, the Rights Period for OCHL is expected to be after KenRe’s refunds are, well, refunded!
  
  Nevertheless, the KenRe Offer seems to be in trouble after the allegations that the CEO & CFO had been upto no good. Some reports indicate the CMA is studying the PWC report before it OKs the IPO.
  
  CFC Financial Services had an ad about KenRe’s Offer thus it seems the IPO may open in early-mid July 2007. OCHL should close the Rights Issue AFTER the refunds for KenRe have been paid out. This may be tricky for OCHL to pull off since the KenRe Offer dates will be decided by GOK while the CMA might be reviewing OCHL’s Rights application thus OCHL “misses” the window.
  
  As a rule, the GOK offers shares at a “discount” to NAV or “Market Value” during IPOs. Please note that Mumias Offer in 2007 was an OFS thus it was discounted from the then market price of 55/-.
  The KenRe IPO/OFS will be hyped since the:
  · GOK wants/needs the funds. Also mentioned in the budget
  · “low” price will encourage retial investors
  · GOK wants to garner goodwill prior to elections
  
  Most stockbrokers & analysts expect a Ken-Re over-subscription regardless of the economics/financials of the Offer. This will lead to the inevitable refunds, which may flow, into NIC’s Rights Issue (expected to be KShs 1bn) or OCHL’s Rights Issue.
  
  Most firms whose year-ends are on 31 Dec will have paid dividends by August thus providing additional liquidity for investors.

• 6:43

  NIGERIA:::Bolanle Austen-Peters(CEO-TERRA KULTURE)

   » ‎ My Africa Today
  Bolanle Austen-Peters has set herself apart as a woman of excellence. This former United Nations (UN) employee left a career in international law and brought us Terra Kulture. Terra Kulture can best be described as an event venue per excellence - African Style! With Bolanle at the reins, Terra Kulture has grown from strength to strength while strongly promoting African/Nigerian culture to the new generation.
  Customize your mobile with your Complimentary Ringtone!

• 6:42

  ICT IS JUST CRAP- MY GRANDMOTHER

   » ‎ REBECCA WANJIKU'S BLOG

  My grandmother has always been a drama queen. if insearch of a divergent opinion, she is the best candidate.
  

  
  

  so, when three of her grand kids sought her opinion on ICT, all answers were expected.

  Of course we did not tell her about ICT, we broke it down. Like a mobile phone. My brother suggested she would buy her a phone so that they can communicate easily.

  The answer was no!

  “Ndikwenda gacheneneki,” translated to- I am not interested in the loud mouthed. “Gacheneneki” would ordinarily refer to a person who is jumpy and loud, all with negative connotations.

  For the old lady, all the people in the village suddenly become loud mouthed once they own the cell phone.

  Justifiably so- they all wan to demonstrate they have embraced the information age.

  She continues to give examples of how people share their information in public because they talk so loudly.

  However, she does not admit that the only reason why she goes to the local mini market is not to sell her wares but to pursue her hobby of finding out how everyone is doing and the developments in their lives.

  Amid the drama and idle talk, my grandma explains to my bro that the only reason he would buy her the “gacheneneki” is to make sure that he defaults on his monthly visits.

  “The phone does not mean much, I need to see you and talk to you,” the 80 year old iron lady says.

  As she eloquently speaking about politics and social affairs, we sought to know why she gladly accepts a new transistor radio and not the phone.

  She argues that with the radio, she can listen to the news and other topical issues. After all, the kikuyu plays tickle her and take away the boredom.

  As we go through the motions of the uses of a computer and how it makes things easy…blab la bla.

  She makes it clear that we can save the crap for another day, arguing that all the talk was just a euphemism for departing from our customs and obligations.

  Ends

• 6:04

  A Walk in the Park - Part Two

   » ‎ My Life is...Mochalicious!
  More pictures from my weekend in MK. These were taken as I walked round the greenery and Willen Lake. This is what summer is all about……going out to enjoy the fresh air. This swan was feeling huko maua in the middles of the lake……I got you (after several attempts)! A black snail I captured by chance as [...]

• 6:03

  Increase Your Internet Traffic With the One-Line Attention Grabber.

   » ‎ Bizmambo
  There are many articles on the Internet today that advise people on how to promote a successful e-commerce website. These articles are valuable resources, yet I find that most do not go beyond the technical aspect of website promotion. Mainstream topics of web promotion today explain how to rank high on a search engine, how to create viral affiliate programs and how to create targeted e-direct mail. These techniques are very important and I encourage every e-commerce businessperson to become an expert in these subjects however, it is my opinion that many Internet entrepreneurs are not tapping into their full profit potential because they are ignoring the basics of marketing. Whether you are an established Internet guru or brand new to the e-commerce scene, I think this short article will serve to light a fire under your proverbial rear end as I reintroduce one of the basics of marketing known as the one-line attention grabber.
  
  A one-line attention grabber can be used like a neon sign to attract interest and to encourage curious web surfers to visit your site. Your attention grabber should wake people up, startle them and create an irresistible desire to read more about your web page. A good attention grabber leaves the reader eager for answers. Also known as a slogan or tag line, a one-liner can help you grab a potential customer’s attention so you can introduce what you do or what you can do to benefit the customer. Here are a few well-known examples from some popular and successful companies.
  
  “Always Low Prices!" –Wal-Mart “Have it Your Way" –Burger King “The Quicker Picker-Upper" –Bounty “It’s Everywhere You Want to Be" –Visa “Reach Out and Touch Someone" –AT&T
  
  Creating a slogan does not require a great deal of creativity. It could be simple as stating what you or your company does. For example, if you have an Internet business that sells nutritional supplements, you can have a slogan that states “your source to a fitter and healthier life." A good slogan is simple and merely invites potential customers to read or learn more about a company or website. It can also make for an interesting title to a web page. Now that you have the attention you want, it is up to you to make these potential customers fully grasp what you can do for them and to convince them that acquiring your product or service is in their best interest.
  
  Getting traffic to your website will require some work. Even if you have a firm grasp of the technology involved in website promotion, you would be wise to not overlook proven marketing techniques such as simple attention grabbing slogans.

• 5:23

  NEW MITSUBISHI PAJERO.

   » ‎ assidous
  
  Simba Colt Motors the Kenyan mitsubishi franchise holders have unvailed the latest Mitsubishi Pajero. This is an improvement to the older model that looked so bulky and had a tendency of sagging at the rear as if it was carrying a lot of luggage.
  
  The new 4X4 is cited as 'Croc - Torque' by Simba Colt. Its the fourth generation of the Pajero introduced into the market in September Last Year. Pajero has made a name for itself by conquering the Paris - Dakar Rally regularly.
  
  [www.simbacolt.com]

• 4:11

  The Mitsubishi Pajero EXCEED Premium Editio

   » ‎ My Africa Today
  The Mitsubishi Pajero EXCEED Premium Editio PAJERO is one of those names which "built" the Mitsubishi fame and reputation. Throughout the years it went from a strict off-roader to an SUV but always with serious 4x4 abilities. The latest generation makes no exception and the 3 diamonds brand decided to show it a little love through a limited edition called "EXCEED".
  
  The image of the Pajero has always been strong and safe, this special edition intends to improve the overall quality feel through classic body colors (Black Mica - White Pearl), a slightly modified front grille and, the cherry on top, a new Satellite Navigation System featuring a 30GB hard disk drive, 7 inches monitor and compatible with the Japanese Digital Television called 1Seg, a sweet addition for those who want to enjoy their favorite medias in the middle of nowhere.
  
  The excellent 3 litre V6, 4 speeds auto gearbox and all wheel drive system are of course all there, the price tag of 3.696.000yen, not too far from the price of a standard version makes it a very interesting offer for all our Japanese friends.Customize your mobile with your Complimentary Ringtone!
• 3:43

  How Big A Problem Is Secondary High Blood Pressure or Hypertension?

   » ‎ My Africa Today

  High blood pressure is the most diagnosed condition in the Unites States today and it is now estimated that it affects about 72 million Americans, including one out of every three adults. But, while we talk about high blood pressure, or hypertension, did you know that there are actually two different types of high blood pressure?

  The vast majority of people suffer from what is officially termed essential or primary high blood pressure which frequently has few, if any, symptoms and often develops slowly over a number of years. A smaller, but nonetheless very significant, number of people suffer from secondary high blood pressure which arises out of an underlying medical condition and can sometimes present with a very rapid onset.

  The medical conditions which can give rise to secondary high blood pressure are many and varied but here are some of the more common causes:

  Obesity. Increasing weight is frequently accompanied by an increase in your heart rate, as your heart is put under pressure to pump an increasing volume of blood around the body, and increased pressure the walls of your arteries.

  Sleep Apnea. The frequent interruption to your breathing caused by sleep apnea leads to oxygen deprivation which, in turn, damages the lining of your blood vessels and affects the elasticity needed in these vessels to control blood pressure.

  Kidney Problems. The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessels and other structures which are designed to filter waste products from the blood. When this filtering process is upset, such as in the case of polycystic kidney disease or hydronephrosis, one of the results is secondary high blood pressure.

  Thyroid Problems. Excess or insufficient hormone production within the thyroid gland, seen in conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can, either directly or indirectly, result in a rise in blood pressure.

  Dietary Supplements. A number of commonly available dietary supplements, such as ginseng and St John's wort, can produce high blood pressure.

  This list is not of course exhaustive and could also have included such items as prescription and over-the-counter medication, preeclampsia, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes and more.

  High blood pressure, whether primary or secondary, is a serious medical condition which can lead to the development of other life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease and kidney failure.

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• 3:14

  Aaaarrgh

   » ‎ Memories, Sentiments, Rants and Raves
  
  Dunno how to explain this but am just full of jumbled up emotions.I hate this ride, sometimes feeling vulnerable,insecure,unsure and others feeling like the luckiest woman alive.Today am at the bottom.
  I take friendships very seriously. My close friends i can count on one hand. I have the habit of keeping people at arms length and not getting so attached but when i do its hook, line and sinker. The distance will normally help when i need to walk away, am one of those who when i walk i just keep at it. I hate it when a supposed friend who knows i posses a certain quality exploits it. I will most often take loads of crap, point it out to you to rectify if the said manners persist then i will walk away. I think sometimes its better to leave early than to wait until it is so bad this way there is at least a chance that we can be courteous to each other when we meet.
  I try my best to be a good friend and get very disappointed when it feels like the effort is one-sided. At this point i will be forced to do a cost-benefit analysis which often results to me counting my losses and aborting the mission. Right now, there's an ongoing audit. I know that should i choose to walk away from this, it will hurt like hell yet part of me is sure that we will be ok.
• 0:41

  Love or Lust?

   » ‎ Memories, Sentiments, Rants and Raves
  In the words of Dr. John H. Sklare, knowing if you are in love is easy for some but difficult for others. I also have a strong professional inkling that, since this is a feelings type of question, it’s an issue that we men struggle with more than women do. Let me begin this discussion, however, with a simple statement that I always use to help people think this love question through. I think there are basically two reasons why people are drawn together. If I can be so bold as to greatly oversimplify, it’s either because of want or it’s because of need. In my opinion, relationships based on want are the happiest and most satisfying. Those that are based on need tend to be more emotionally volatile and a lot less gratifying. In short, love is healthiest and at its very best when it is framed around two people who want to be together.
  
  Another issue that makes this difficult arises when one tends to confuse love with lust. There are definitely some tangential elements of love involved in lust, but lust is primarily a physical longing, whereas love is a much deeper and comprehensive emotional experience. In short, lust is often what draws people together, but it’s love that keeps them there. Love involves a deep and genuine respect and caring that only comes after you get to know that other person very well over time. On the other hand, since lust is primarily a physical matter, it doesn’t demand any personal knowledge of that other person at all, and it certainly doesn’t require respect or commitment. I believe that you know it is love when you truly think of that other person as a dear friend that you can’t imagine life without and would gladly, as they say, take a bullet for. Love is about the daily realities of respect, commitment and compatibility whereas lust is a much more fleeting experience that takes place more in one’s fantasy life than one’s real life. So, I suggest you ask yourself whether you need this person in your life or you truly want this person in your life. If you can’t bear the thought of not having this person in your day and you want to spend the rest of your days together, I suggest it’s time to admit that love is in the air! So what do you think? Is it love or is it lust? Only you know the answer to that question!