Cross Roads

I was introduced to the two services a few months ago and am trying to make sense of both of them.  Commun.it  runs and feels like a social media manager. I log in and can instantly see who is who in terms or followers and what the community ( commun.it ) refers to as people who are engaging, those who are influencing and those who have progressed to the level of promotion (tweeter language). Instantly you realize that each of these platforms often resort to this type of functioning. Facebook created a friends, tweeter created to followers, google created circles, linked in called them members and so on.  The plus side to  commun.it  is that it reminds you of the importance of staying connected to your followers and classifying them based on 'engagement'. The only challenge with this is that it functions purely on metrics and therefore has little or concern for human relationships...as machines are prone to be. This is the same challenge google search users, facebookers and blo

.  A IP as public policy.  A pice of public policy not an end in itself.  Ownership, authorship and invention. Patents Governing the introduction of technology into new territories.  Temporary monopoly privileges.  Counterfeiting as theft or a tool for growth...and development. 1. Public Policy: the refusal to recognize foreign copyright laws. In the interest of public good (literacy) 2. To develop the land and to help feed a growing population.  3. Jobs  4. Health  5. Innovation  1970s and 80s TRIPS WOrld Trade Organization. US businesses redefine IP as a trade issue.  DIsney, Microsoft and Pharmaceuticals (defining it as a trade issue).  Twin Deficits and Budget Deficit.  Export surpluses....firms that were based in IP. Collective action situation...small groups with similar interests Manser Olson B Form shifting. CAT and MOUSE Fair use? Tom and Jerry TOM CAT Industry association, trade representatives offices, IP Organizations. Goals is to ration IP and make it scarce.  Larger, stro

South Korea  Industrial machine to creative economy. John  Hawkins Media Consultant 2000  Written during the first dot com boom.  What do people do with data? TV and Film was also being done in other sectors.  An economy based on people's ideas.  100 years of manufacturing  1750 industrial revolution...transformed cities and changed the way people lived.  Post 1945 knowledge economy. Management was a skill and consisted on knowing things and how that knowledge is use. A new relationship between the individual and the work that they do.  Peter Drucker Creative versus Repetitive Economy.  Changes everything about business and the way it is done.  What they do  How they do it Company structure  Looser more organic relationships  Web 1.0 dot com boom. The first Iteration of the concept of the creative economy.  Volatility. Intense competitiveness. Potential for great failure. Moving at warp speed: because minds are changing with business models.  Creative economy for media industries.

Education 2.0 ? A few interesting but seemingly unrelated events are taking place as we speak. The internet is changing the way we think about education and the manner in which we communicate (socialize). At the centre of this dramatic change, groups like google realized a quite a while back that someone had to put all this new information in order for others to utilize. And so they invaded search and in some sense are attempting to monopolize it.  Universities and educational institutions chose not to be left behind and began initiatives in which they explored extensively the area of online education. As they sensed the push toward open source models they went on to create platforms in their institutions where information could be shared and some lectures provided at no cost. While core aspects of their learning materials were retained, students and learning enthusiasts were free to engage in intensive learning experiences with top level schools in the U.S and in the U.K which

Linux Ubuntu Update  I run a system that has actual boot of Ubuntu and XP.  The updates are normally a little easier when you have faster internet connections. If you chose to update basic software, my suggestion is to find the smallest files first especially if you are struggling with the speed of your connection.  What this means is that you are at least guaranteed that the basic functions of your device will be running fine. Larger files like Linux group files often can be a little of a challenge. Others like office and mailing programs are also too much of a challenge.  These are best reserved for the time when you get faster wireless access.  The advantage of Linux (Ubuntu) is that it allows you to get specific updates much like, XP except that you can monitor the progress of individual files and control the flow of these files. M suggestion if you are going to upgrade the system from say 10.04 LTS to the latest is to make sure that you back up your files on s

Its been about three weeks since i attended a meeting put together by ACODE Best know for its local government councils score card. To discuss amongst other things best practice in procurement and governance in general. The venue was Victoria Hall at the Serena Hotel in Kampala Uganda. In attendance were representatives from the Office Of the Prime Minister , National Planning Authority and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development , Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority .   as well as Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development . In addition to these ministries there were representative from Uganda Association of Building and Civil Engineers and the Association of Chief Administrative Officers. Because much of the discourse focused on procurement. The idea was to present the perspectives of the largest budget holder (in this case Ministry of Energy Mineral Development) and suggest methods of improvement for other ministries around challenges

Last week or thereabouts, i ventured out of my hideout to explore some fresh opportunities for sales and also for work space. The smell of freshly baked goods safely tucked away in my blue branded Manchester United bag along with my Arsenal branded Helmet. A contrast of sorts in an age of sports betting. The first meeting (Kanjokya Rd.) went well...managed a little bit of activity on the sales front as well as well as some fresh blogs. The choice pieces of chocolate cake safely tucked away by the enterprising youth. As i prepared to leave, something about the darkness in the corridor led me to use the stairs instead of the elevator or lift if you have a leaning towards England. When i got to the ground floor there was a mixture of humor (common in these circles) and distress as one employee struggled to get out of an elevator stuck half-way between two floors. Another quick attempt to market my merchandise and then a mad dash towards yet another event slated for Ham Towers.  A few ques

Today in an act of what some refer to as serendipity, I attended an event that was supposed to be an information session for women. The event is designed to women to get involved with technology and is put together in collaboration with google. Like other similar drives such as the ones that were organized by the Makerere University, and sponsored by the Carnegie Mellon Trust, this push is an attempt to get more young women involved in technology related fields. Back in the day when I was part of the Cisco Academy, I remember that Young Women were offered scholarships to study technology related fields. Th bulk of the information regarding this internship or training is available on the OutBox Hub Page. The Lead Richard Zulu talked about various aspects of the program and was keen to extract as much information from the young ladies as to what hinders them from participating in similar technology driven encounters. As one of the only guys in attendance, I had two major questio

While some have often criticized Big hat for not being a man of any particular faith, there are some hints into his thinking especially the title of his book:Mustard Seed. The book in my view is rather refreshing and it contains the thoughts of a man who will not necessarily bend to the will of powerful faith lobbies and colonialists but is brave enough to present his reasons for his doubts and fears. A little seed (which also happens to fall under the Kingdom Parables along with that of the leven or yeast) whose size says nothing about what it can produce if it finds itself in the right place. So in this case he represents faith. An act of belief that allows a person to take on as truth those things which he cannot see. The touted top contender of his post. Mr. Grace on the other hand, seems to represent as his name says what we refer to as unmerited favor. The section of scripture describes an aspect of God that appears to all men and that plays the role of a te

A few years ago, a writer penned a rather popular book which he titled Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. I suppose the idea behind the book was to help shed some light on the differences between men and women. My concern though is that there may be a little bit more to this statement and the title of the book than meets the eye-the possibility of a greater reality. Over the last few years i have sat on a side lines of a simmering battle between the sexes. This battle has taken on various forms but has recently gotten more complex and more visible and perhaps even invaded the sphere of politics. In the book of Genesis the serpent had a confrontation with the woman and as a result a rivalry was born that was predicted to last all of eternity. "I will put enmity between your seed and her seed...you will bruise his heel and she (he seed) will crush your head". So the quest to solve the mystery began, first to find the identity of the fruit that cau

This past week i attended an event by the Angels Hub. It was a business meet up which was designed to introduce young students to some new ideas in investment. As such there was a good choice of panelists The few people i spoke to helped shed some light to some of the changes that have taken place at the Angles hub including mergers or agreements with Mara Launchpad. The moderator was a dynamic young man whose apparent knowledge of his subject helped steer the ship into its direction while constantly reminding us to identify business opportunities and glean knowledge from those that had been given the platform to speak. The First a representative from National Agricultural Research Organization, The Second a representative from the Stanbic Bank, The Third a young business man with a car hire company, The Fourth a representative from the Presidents Office (in for a representative from Ministry of Finance). The First Speaker gave us Experience and some ideas abou

At the hopefirstgroup and alertconsulting (http://alertconsulting.net/) we have created a course on the management of conflict (http://learn.alertconsulting.net/)in this regard, we have created the bulk of our material from a local library (impressive in it's size and quality). This week we are examining the life of Machiavelli as he makes a strange comeback. Primary source of material points to his relevance in our day and the tough decisions that politicians must make to GAIN, CONSOLIDATE and KEEP POWER. The Microsoft Encarta Premium Describes a few key areas that give some structure to the book. It is useful to realize that the book was written as a guide book for a ruling family in Rome and designed to help the current family understand clearly the link between the present day leader and his circumstances and the direct link to leadership. 1. Leave nothing to chance. Use of strategy in the rise to power. 2. Organize your military and keep them in check. If possible

Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Ch`i State. His ART OF WAR brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, [2] King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Tzu replied: "You may." Ho Lu asked: "May the test be applied to women?" The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?" The girls replied: Yes. Sun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you must look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn," you must face towards your left hand. When I say "Right turn," you must face towards your right hand. When

An army is made up of many distinctive units. Each of those units has a unique purpose and function. If each of these perform as they are required then the better part of the battle is guaranteed. If all things remain constant. Government funded contracts and projects are assigned primarily on merit and trust. The best way to achieve both is to stand up and be counted which is what many of our politicians have done. The benefits of being in office are many one of which is access to influence and the possibility of work. You will find that most of the visible faces therefore have the can keys to quite a measure of funds. This inevitably means that companies will also start whose founders will invariably also be members of parliament and cabinet ministers. If the choice is made to establish an organization instead, it will also probably have at its helm one of the aforementioned. The challenge then for opposition members is that without a link to the ruling party, money will tend

The past two weeks have been a roller coaster of sorts and we have had a lot of back and forth between our major donors and the core of the government. Two bills have driven the debate on aid and both deal indirectly with the question of human sexuality. The Americans have considered a revision of the aid to Uganda and there has been no shortage of threats and counter threats from both sides. Uganda has produced its own champions in the Aid and Trade debate Andrew Mwenda (Independent and Formerly Monitor) who took on Bono as well as Andrew Rugasira (Good Africa Coffee) who makes a strong argument for trade versus Aid. Maybe what we are experiencing is the revival of a concept formerly mentioned in Mustard Seed in which Big Hat mentioned the term 'Okugururika' or surprise attack which in his book (and in Ankole Culture), is often frowned upon. The confidence/arrogance of a people who prefer frontal attacks. Perhaps an aspect of Ankole culture has crept into the Internal A

When one of the most popular U.S presidents was in power, the nation went through a split that threatened the union and that forced brothers to face each other on the war front. In addition to this, men that had sat under the tutelage of the same masters were forced into opposing sides at the helm of their respective armies as generals. There are some similarities between Uganda, U.S.A, Poland and Post War East and West Germany and Burma. The level of surveillance was so intense and so ingrained into the populace that family members often looked at each other with suspicion and fear and moral compasses were ruined. What this meant was that men and women, out of fear of being watched often resorted to false identities and dual meanings as a means of communicating and living (or surviving). There is a family which seems to summarize this dilemma. Historic stalwart Sam Njuba and Getrude Njuba the former a key player Forum For Democratic Change while the latter a member of National Resist

You know how in the underworld movie, there is a species of bat and a species of wolf? And then in between there is a hero who is a hybrid of both and is supposed to help make a difference? Well maybe that is a summary of the battle between the races. Perhaps this is the role that the half-caste plays as a mediator between the races. And it kind of makes sense given the nature of things and the rise of B.H.O! It is a safe position from which i can launch criticism for the races. Nothing particularly pretty about bats and beasts. And the possibility of finding an in between that merges the interests of both and that can provide a sense of redemption. This week i got the sense that we were still in one of those pre-revolutionary war days. England was launching an assault on the U.S and attempting to flex her muscle to rein in an old rebel. This time, though the race card was used in Hollywood. How you ask? Well by presenting an Oscar to a non-African American director and actress...and t

Your modem is like your phone. They are both assigned a physical device address as well as a virtual address that depends on the network through which calls are routed. Both devices come with sim cards that are supposed to help connect you to your provider. There are times when your competitive market might cause you to test out other networks. The way this works is often, phone service providers negotiate deals with hardware people which often mean that users are tied down to single networks and hand sets. Use your search engine to find out "how to unlock your gprs USB stick" and test out some of the option that are provided. There are tools available that will allow you to use your modem on more than one provider. This will allow you to find out if your modem is really running at 2Mbps or more.  These same tools are available for those who purchase cheaper phones but feel like they need to use those cheaper phones on more than one network. What you usually need in this rega

If you are in the linux environment, try to set up a dual boot of both ubuntu and your favorite windows system. Then carry out a search on the software that is recommended for each side and then go thorough the download process. You will find that Ubuntu manages software in a slightly different manner...which in my view is a little better because you can manage downloads and upgrades. You might find it rather difficult to process some functions such as the addition of devices like Ipads and ipods, but make sure for this case, that you get the libraries for specific devices (libdevicemobile). This will allow your music software to talk to your devices. Also make sure that you have all the tools you need to access music and video (plugins). These can be downloaded on mass or individually.   

There was a time when two sons, possibly twins (one conception two births) had a fight. The two had different callings. One was a herdsman while the other was a cultivator (a tiller of the land). Back in the day, the blessings of the not so visible God (after eviction from Eden) were bestowed on men in the form of sacrifices. Herdsman would bring an animal and offer it while the Cultivator would present a portion of his produce for the same purpose. For some reason one offering was deemed more acceptable than another and from that time onwards, something went wrong. The calling of the first son meant that he had to find a way of feeding his animals and domesticating them. The second son had to depend on the land for cultivation and the promise of rain. Today a couple of centuries later, another set of cultivators is competing for power with a group of herdsmen. And maybe just maybe they are not really competing for power as much as they are for approval. There are some universal challe

I recently received a brochure from the U.S Embassy in Uganda. Some information about their Information Resource Center. I was captured by the image on the brochure. A young conservative muslim young lady dressed in characteristic garb and browsing the library. Having paid for membership at the British council Library about five years ago and making full use of the service, i made on-line inquiry about their sight (which moved office from the historic Rwenzori Courts). Strangely though, their on-line sight (British Council) is also made up of a young muslim lady, writing or reading from the text of a book.     Maybe students of international law might appreciate a strategic move of information centers to Embassies which are technically international territory. But the other possibility is that the a move is taking place which seems to place conservatism at odds with liberalism. This is strange given the nature that the coalition in the U.K has taken with David (Conservative) and

There is an interesting story in scripture that needs to be understood in light of our present day challenges. It is interesting to note...as i have recently learned that the Book of Esther is the only book in the bible that does not have a reference to the word God. But there are some useful insights in Persian life that need to be noted. Broadly speaking the book is about Jewish-Persian relations. There are undertones about Marriage, Leadership, Kingdoms, Record Keeping, Feasts and many more themes. The book records a tumultuous time in Jewish history in which the people of God were in captivity. This book matches some of what was written in Nehemiah as well as Ezra which deal with the subject of reconstruction (of wall and of temple foundations). The wall was a symbol of protection and no city that claimed a right to exist ever did so without a good perimeter wall. The temple on the other hand was another symbol a little different from ancient the ancient Jewish practice that prefer

This week the debate regarding some legislation on Pornography  dragged in a few interesting parties. And while in some circles, there were questions about means of regulating such laws and some negative attempts to put this law into effect, we are in my view experiencing a leveling of the playing field. You tend to feel like there are some conservatives (especially muslim women) that are glad that the competition can finally take on a different twist. Maybe the Hijab and Niquab are making a comeback. Perhaps the traditional Gomez (Ganda Traditional Dress that was imported from the East) will also find its way back on the cat walks. If this is the case, there is a possibility that even the cats will be uncomfortable in their traditional role which tends to favor less in instead of more! That the dynamic is changing is clear, if this law and its uncompromising interpretations are taken to effect, many will find themselves having to contend for mates in a slightly different manner. Maybe

When the Americans and their Second Amendment rights feel violated, they invariably begin to stock up on arms. Great news for the NRA...not the National Resistance Army a la Uganda but the National Rifle Association. And while some may argue that this particular piece of legislation is rather outdated, i think that it has gained relevance as government has continued to exert its influence in American life. On our national front, i predict a similar effect after the Anti_Porn bill begins to be enforced. In our case though, i think there will be a corresponding rise of use and possibly the creation of a counter-cultures. Kind of what happened with the prohibition. Historically, we have shown a distaste for certain aspects of the opposition and responded in kind to parts of their strategy that were proving a little too effective. For example, when the Walk To Work campaigns and other street demonstrations began to disrupt the work of government, we came up with the Pu

Its been over three months since i read a rather famous book written at about a time of testing for the church in Uganda. I suspect that history will try the current regime with the same challenge. How do you deal with a Spying Church? It is clear that at some point, the Last King of Scotland had a turning point in his life at which a critical decision was made from a historical leaning towards Israel and onto the Arab World. This affected everything in our foreign policy and was responsible for major changes in governance in this country. Big hat seems to have adopted a different strategy. He has courted the church and showered her with gifts (mainly 4 by 4s) and also created alliances with pentecostal movements rendering them virtually powerless. The latter now enjoy use and access to Stadia and other massive end of year events at historic strongholds like Kololo. This has been quite an achievement granted his so called Marxist leanings and his aversion to post-co

Have developed a pattern of catching on a little too late in the game. But that aside, noticed a memorable scene in the aforementioned movie where the character of played by Woody Harleson helps put Jennifer Lawrence (another gorgeous installment in the Jennifer line-Garner, Lopez, Aniston) 'back in line'. He reminds her, that she is tasked with "distracting the masses". Maybe this what the stars have to deal with. Here, we have grown accustomed to ignoring the drama and finding the contentious issue or piece of legislation that often slips past our eyes and becomes a law. We suggest that you do the same. That you give yourselves a chance to remember that as stars your main task is to light up our darkened sky. So that in our misery we may believe again and wish upon you...and maybe just maybe see our dreams fulfilled. This movie though, is another creation by Hollywood which brings together the fighter and the hidden camera and forces the protagoni

On Saturday the 15th of February 2014, i attended a meeting created under the banner of a group called Indigitous. It is a blend between two words. Indigenous and Digital. I was interested because, for the first time, at least in these parts, there was an attempts to link technology and religion. If the reports in the news are anything to go by, then we in Africa are on a Cross Roads having to decide if what we believe is worth killing for. The Central African Republic to a grater extent , Sudan to a lesser extent are some examples of countries that have born the brunt of religious wars with ethnic connotations. Maybe we have come full circle and the slave trader finally has to face the slave what is clear though is that a confrontation of some kind is finally taking place. It is said that the method isn't sacred but the message is. With this in mind i am curious as to what form the message is going to take. We are awash with methods and if the cash can be raised,

The idea of doing a show based entirely on a tabloid magazine is great. It capitalizes on the complex lives of the personalities that bring the magazine to life and allows the viewer a glimpse into process. Given the controversy that surrounds the idea of news and investigative journalism, it is refreshing to see their characters with personal glimpses into struggles they go through as they shine an intrusive light into the lives of others. The writer is concentrates a little more on women...in an age of emancipation, equal rights and affirmative action. Strong female characters whose lives punctuate the show bring to the fore issues such as competition in the work place, family, inheritance, youth, crime, religion and culture. The women are strong, vengeful, determined and naturally for a tabloid magazine very chatty. There are alliances which emerge out of necessity and broad coalitions based on strong mother-son relationships, there are complex battles taking adva

A nuclear bomb is destructive on two fronts. First, by the sheer amounts of heat that it generates, and then by what is commonly referred to as fallout (particles that it releases into the air). About two months ago, we were confronted by a story about some individuals, said to be from a local Christian University who were video taped engaging in Intercourse. As can be expected a spokesperson from the University quickly distanced himself and the school from the controversial material placing the blame squarely on the individuals. This was a major blow for the University-a stalwart of morality as well as to the individuals that were involved (assuming that the release was unintended). A few weeks later but from a slightly different angle, a popular radio station is currently focusing on the topic of Sexual Intercourse with a no nonsense and frank presentation of material and questions. While there are merits and demerits to this method of operation, we should be glad

This week i was treated to the other side of the complex ancient and often recurring battle. This time though, the director was a little different, and so was the cast. I was hoping that the Screen Actors Guild and the rest of the fraternity has not connived to revive and maybe even pour salt over some festering wounds. This time there were no tears, just shame and a reminder just how much can go wrong when divine books are misused to justify the acts of one group over another. For a moment i was driven to think of a change in a key portion of scripture and perhaps even devote it to an unseen group of men and women who have succumbed to the strength of others and bowed to the pressure forced upon them. The Portion of Scripture often attributed to the messiah makes reference to the stripes and wounds a conquering king who instead of rising by way of the sword chooses to take the beatings in exchange for the freedom of his progenitors. Fast forward a few centuries,

If you are like me, you have taken to radio for a unique and ancient experience. This tool has an amazing ability to activate your imagination with its humor and stories. But there is always something unique about the presenters. They are often not chosen for their looks...because you are not supposed to see them. You will never know if the head hunter was biased in choosing them or if the HR department colluded with a former employee to get them hired. You listen because something about the voice on the other side of the radio set has an appeal. The dawn of new technology coupled with the arrival of leaner times means that certain media companies are being forced to down-size and in some cases increase the work load of the few employees whom they retain. The unfortunate result is that those who we would rather hear and not see have now been thrust on us. We are having to decide if there is a match in what we have heard and embraced with what we now see. The victim

About two months ago, i heard a song that hit me right at the heart. Maybe this whole cycle was started by the fresh new face of Entertainment-Gravity Omutujju. His remake of the song by Paul Kafeero was amazing. Maybe it is the rebirth of Ganda Rap or UgaFlow or perhaps it is his unique use of the language that makes him stand out. Maybe it is the passion with which he expresses his message. This new song (that touched my heart) was done by Aga Naga (I hope i have the right spelling). While it is as lyrical and poetic as some of Uganda's latest rap music, it stand out in its message and its relevance. While in Bible School in Mission, Texas, we were trained in what is referred to as Spiritual Mapping. It is a bit like market research for the dark side. In this study, the student uses a combination of history, common sense and everyday sight, to discern the nature of the city and its strongholds. Strongholds are nothing more than ways of thinking multiplied acros

While some seem to have forgotten the relevance of Syndicated Feeds, i think that they are here to stay and that in some regards are expressed in twitter. The RSS feeds were created to give users glimpses into larger more complex web pages and their content. Users could subscribe to content which would then be delivered in little bits and pieces for consumption at a later stage. The Feeds were not the content per se even if they could be designed that way but they gave users quick access to information. Maybe twitter is faltering because few are using it to link to more content. Writers know that their ultimate aim is to get others to comment on their posts and possibly purchase some of their work and maybe even amass a following (which can be converted into a currency through ads). In addition this, it is still not really possible to establish whether your post has been see a la facebook. Currency for many still rests on those elusive clicks. Given the mass of co

I see it almost everyday. A message on twitter directed to an attractive host or presenter, stating the obvious,"You looked great today"..."i love your hair" and then finally..."great show". Then you get that sick feeling that he beat you to the exit and has managed to deliver his half-concealed line with ease. Others are not that subtle. They go on to give out their phone numbers.... This kind of attention would be unimaginable for the male hosts unless they were dealing with a particular species of women-with a knack of breaking the rules and an extra helping of testosterone. The point is, her looks are supposed to have nothing to do with the presentation or the show (even if we have decided that they do). Her skills have been given the back seat and it appears, nothing she says matters anymore. So she has become fidgety when she appears and in place of her fine mind she is forced to skirt around the field to fulfill her role. As

A few weeks ago, the current President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, caused a bit of a stir, when he questioned the role of the United Nations in his Country. At a time of heightened tensions, he wondered why it seemed that the United Nations had taken on the role of a parallel government. This came at a time when his hands were busied with some troubles in his government and when he was trying to clean house. Fresh thoughts have emerged questioning the role of the United Nations in countries like Congo, where concerns regarding the presence of the mission there and its effectiveness. Maybe our chief political commissar-Lt. Col. Felix Kulaigye (in an interview on UBC TV) was right when he brought this up-noting the length of and apparent ineffectiveness of these U.N missions. When i was in High School we had the privilege of participating in the Model United Nations where i served as a representative of Green Peace and was elected as chair (a role which in my youth, i t

The trouble with men like Jonah, is that their careers rest on their predictions. Should the weight of their words fail to fall on the masses and the truth of their predictions stop short, then their careers are essentially over. A few weeks ago, we started a course on conflict resolution and management. The tasks of gathering material for this course seems to have fallen on my shoulders as has the task of placing all the material on the internet on an on-line learning platform. The result is that about eight months down the road, i am still at work and have yet to touch some of the content for the rest of the courses some of which include leadership, Interpersonal communication and group dynamics. In creating material for this course, I have included a section on curriculum development in which i gave some summaries describing some of the rationale behind the preparation for this course. In addition to this i have included a section on on-line learning as a means of

It has become increasingly clear to me that we are involved in a race for prominence in greater Africa. Top contenders are Egypt, Libya, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Ethiopia (given the location of the Africa Union HQ). While some are on top of the list for Africa, others are more content establishing themselves as regional blocks. The force of finance and the power of capitalism are possible influences given the size of some of our markets. And therefore the long march to States Hood seems to be on. Like America of old, growth is fueled in some parts by a gold rush in some countries, iron ore in others and the push for infrastructure like roads and railways in others. Contenders are judged using a variety of criterion from security to access to waterways. While the Americans seemed to have less to fight against (the crown and George for that Matter), we have in our midst several crowns (An English one, A French one, A Portuguese one, A Spanish one

This week a local government leader received his results for the Primary Level Curriculum. There was a lot of excitement from some circles and the usual dose of laughter from the vultures as they gathered in search from some carrion. This story is linked to another in which a group of counselors emerged from their constituents as victors but stumbled through their respective ceremonies as they attempted to navigate their way through the English language. The latter group represents an activity that is going to continue to permeate our electorate as many citizens begin to lean towards their own, in acts of defiance against an educated but non-performing group. It is understandable why the local government leader made the choice to return to school, but my guess is that the ripple effects of his actions will be felt where it matters-among the young. It should be noted that one of the reasons he has given for his return to school was the difficulty he faces leading men