Warwick Economics Summit 2009

A few weeks ago [February 13th-15th] I attended the Warwick Economics Summit at Warwick University in Coventry, UK. This student organized conference started in 2002. Every year students from across the globe come together and listen to leaders in a variety of fields discuss emerging topics in the economic, political, development, and social spheres.

This year's speakers included: John Authers-Investment Editor at the Financial Times, Kate Barker-External Member of the MPC_Bank of England, and Patrick Birley-Chief Executive for the European Climate Exchange. Although I enjoyed each speaker my top favorites were KAL (Kevin Kallaugher)-resident political cartoonist/satirist from The Economist; Paul Donovan-Deputy Head of Global Economics with UBS and Sadeq Sayeed-Vice Chairman of Nomura International {tied}; and Andrew Oswald Pioneer-Professor of Economics with the University of Warwick and Richard Wilkinson- Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology with the University of Nottingham {tied}.

KAL's personality is just as engaging as his work. He even taught us how to draw former President G.W. Bush in a few minutes flat! Most importantly he discussed the great amount of news and information he reads in order to create his works of art as well as new ventures into other forms of visual media. Donovan and Syeed were tied in my book because these two gentlemen were the most blunt speakers of the whole weekend. As for the professors, their research is thoroughly intriguing. Both Oswald and Wilkinson are using economics to explore areas related to other disciplines like happiness and social inequalities.

Beyond the speakers, there was a dinner dance complete with economics/general knowledge quiz and seminars where students debated and discussed a given subject. We discussed the impact of Chinese and African business on the West in the seminar I attended. As this is my main research area, I couldn't help but dig right in.
All in all the conference was a success. And less I forget big kudos to the wonderful organizers. They were professional, organized, and very sweet.

The picture was taken at the conference with some new friends in front of Simon Patterson's artwork wallpaper-'Cosmic Wallpaper'.

Never to late for a little Recognition

Having some issues with my left hand today, in fact I might have sprained it. Quite honestly I can't help but laugh because admittedly, clumsiness is a part of my daily vocabulary. So basically this is being kept short today.

This story is one of many that needs to be remembered: that of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in WWW II. The unit of African-American women had the critical task of organizing delayed mail from the United States and sending it on to soldiers abroad. Years later these special women are finally being recognized .

Ryanair-If it weren't real it would be entertaining.........

About two years ago when two friends and I were flying from London to Majorca we had the choice of Ryanair. One friend was vehemently against it and I soon heard from others that it was best to stay away. Obviously someone is being lured by the siren call of cheap tickets because the company is still in business.

The Times online has a prolific listing of articles detailing Ryanair's infamous customer service. Whether it is an excerpt from Paul Kilduff's book 'RuinAir' which stemmed from being stranded by the airline or the story of how Ryanair officials accused members of a steel drum band of being terrorists, you will vacillate between shock, horror, and laughter [at the insanity of it all].

Martin Savidge & World Focus take you there

When did I decide that World Focus was one of the best news programs ever? Admittedly it wasn't the first or second time I watched the show and came to this conclusion. Maybe I was annoyed because the show took over the spot previously held by my beloved BBC news. Despite that, something about World Focus stuck with me. There's a certain quality to it-call it dignified, intellectual, or just plain inclusive-World Focus has it. Every region of the world is visited and given more than a cursory glance-this is truly world news at it's finest.

I've been an avid watcher since November and no matter what part of the world I'm in, I'll be sure to watch World Focus online. Martin Savidge's worldview exemplifies the mission of the show.


http://worldfocus.org/

The Apron-Not for the Kitchen

As an amateur chef I spend numerous hours in the kitchen. One item I fail to utilize is the apron since I find it constraining and unnecessary. This is not to say the apron does not have its place, just as a part of a fabulous ensemble outside of the kitchen.

Wrap Star-NYTimes

http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2009/02/22/style/t/index.html?hp#pagewanted=0&pageName=22return&

Chinue Achebe's Long Awaited Visit Home

For anyone who's read 'Things Fall Apart' you understand the brilliance of Achebe. This past week he was heralded home during a rare visit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/7895876.stm