Monday, December 08, 2008

Ah yes, the recession

I used to drive a really crap car like this the last time Ireland was in recession.

It wasn't the case that all Toyotas were crap. Far from it. Just my particular one.

No shock absorbers, spongy brakes, steering that used to drift left no matter what, and a horn that used to sound by itself whenever I would make a hard left turn. I think the person that owned it before me had neglected it to the point of it being worth nothing.. which was pretty much what I had available to spend on a car at that time.

Then in the last few years, as the Celtic Tiger grew from strength to strength, it used to amaze me how many young people I would see driving cars like this or this. I'm still unable to fathom how people in their early twenties can afford cars like these in Ireland.

So now we're headed for a couple of lean years it seems so you'd expect people will start becoming more prudent again. Driving smaller cars will surely be back on the agenda.

Then I saw this (below) today.


Yes - the picture is a bit hazy but it's a Hummer.

Chacun à son goût, as the French say.

Monday, December 01, 2008

cold night, warm heart

I was at a school reunion on Saturday night. It was a gathering of old friends some 20 years since we left school and went our separate ways.

When I got the email during the week for some reason I knew straight away that I would go. I think the previous reunion, at 10 years after leaving, seemed a totally different proposition and there was no way I was going.

But this time, it was different. I wanted to go, and am really glad I did.

Some of the guys there, they hadn't changed a bit really and I recognised them right away.

It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since I saw most of those guys.

We determined to meet again next year for a 21st year celebration. I will definitely go.

Doh!

Doh!

it was in the Washington Post and not the New York Times.. I should pay more attention.

Does outsourcing get any worse

Just finished reading an article in the NY Times.

Very sad indeed. 

Worth a read, click here to go to the piece.