One thing about Search Engine Optimisation is that you cannot afford to rest on your laurels. Take my 'Melayu Boleh' project for example - which started out as a competition initiated by Mohd. Suhaimy but later became a personal campaign to dislodge porn blogs from Google search results for the above search terms.
I eventually won the challenge on February 02, 2007. That was a great effort and in fact, the first results page didn't have any links to porn sits for a while.
On January 12, 2007, my post was #4 in Google search results for melayu boleh. It even went up to #2 and I think that was the highest it ever went up to.
It later dropped and I had to work hard to bring it back to #8 position in Google - 18 Aug 2008.
However, I stopped bothering after a while and now my post is nowhere to be found on Google results.
You can Digg it here.
08 December 2008
04 December 2008
Gift cards for this holiday season
The holiday season is almost upon us and the almost everyone I meet seems to be in a jolly mood. It's also the time of the season to buy gifts. Not really sure how the current recession is going to affect the sales. Most of my friends are looking for bargains online.
One thing that will not change will be the big queues in stores at the returns counter where people go to exchange unwanted gifts. I was wondering whether giving prepaid gift cards would be a better alternative. People could then go and buy things that they really wanted or needed.
According to a study by commissioned by Blackhawk Network, the creator of the Gift Card Mall™, 70% of the respondents felt that gift cards are a useful gift since the recipient can get what he/she wants. Further more, the National Retail Federation’s 2009 NRF holiday survey showed 54.9% of consumers would like to receive a gift card this holiday season.
I guess that's not really surprising. I would prefer to receive a gift card rather than a sweater that did not fit me.
I am sure some of you might be worried that with several retailers in financial trouble or even going under, they might not accept gift card. However, the fact is that most retailers are not going bankrupt and those that were are getting rescued and there is no evidence to show that retailers are not accepting gift cards.
So if you haven't thought about your gifts as yet, you might want to consider giving gift cards.
One thing that will not change will be the big queues in stores at the returns counter where people go to exchange unwanted gifts. I was wondering whether giving prepaid gift cards would be a better alternative. People could then go and buy things that they really wanted or needed.
According to a study by commissioned by Blackhawk Network, the creator of the Gift Card Mall™, 70% of the respondents felt that gift cards are a useful gift since the recipient can get what he/she wants. Further more, the National Retail Federation’s 2009 NRF holiday survey showed 54.9% of consumers would like to receive a gift card this holiday season.
I guess that's not really surprising. I would prefer to receive a gift card rather than a sweater that did not fit me.
I am sure some of you might be worried that with several retailers in financial trouble or even going under, they might not accept gift card. However, the fact is that most retailers are not going bankrupt and those that were are getting rescued and there is no evidence to show that retailers are not accepting gift cards.
So if you haven't thought about your gifts as yet, you might want to consider giving gift cards.
27 November 2008
Experience of buying a phone from the 3 Store Coventry
Ever since we arrived in the UK, I have always used prepaid mobile services or 'pay-as-you-go' as it's known here in the UK. I started with O2 and then moved on to Vodafone, followed by Tesco mobile and finally 3. So far, I have been very happy with the service provided by 3.
However, of late I have discovered that I have been reloading quite often and was shocked to discover that we sometimes spent more than £30 a month. This is despite the fact that most of my calls are to my wife who was also on 3 pay-as-you-go service. My wife went ahead and bought a Sony Ericsson K660i from the 3 site. The phone was delivered within a few days and she also received a voucher worth £20 to buy accessories from their website.
I too decided to get a phone for myself and I was still undecided on the phone. One of my friends told me that the stores had some greats refurbished phone which I might be able to get at a discount. So on Monday, I drove over to Coventry city centre and went to the 3 Store there. Unfortunately, according to the salesgirl, they didn't have any refurbished phones. So I went around and had a look at the various phone they had on display. I really want the Nokia N96 but it was way beyond my budget (cheapest deal was £30 per month). I finally went for the Sony Ericsson W595 for a 18 month contract for £17 per month. 3 has this promotion going on where existing members could recommend a friend (or family and both would receive a £30 credit. However, I discovered that I couldn't put my wife as a recommender because she had been with 3 for less than a month. Plus I didn't receive any vouchers.
I was really angry when later on back home, I discovered that I couldn't use Skype with the phone even though it was advertised as Skype compatible. Anyway, I went back to the store next day and the sales people were surprised as well, when they learnt that the phone was not Skype compatible. They were not very happy when I told them that I wanted to change the phone.
I was shocked to learn that unlike buying phones from their website, you were not allowed to return phones bought from their actual stores. However, in my case they were willing to make an exception as they realised that it was their mistake. The main reason I bought the phone was because it was Skype compatible (or so they said).
Gags (the guy who served me) was quite friendly but he seemed to be poorly trained. He told me that I could choose another phone but I won't be able to reduce the amount that I paid per month. The only phone there for £17 per month was the Sony Ericsson K700i. I should have taken only a couple of minutes to complete the whole process but the managers was busy or something. There was no way I was going to come back again and decided to wait until I got mad, raised my voice a bit and told them that I wanted out. The sales guy told me I couldn't and this went on for a while until their manager finally came out.
I finally got the new phone but was dissatisfied with the whole process. It took almost an hour for me to get the phone changed and that shouldn't happen. I am still loyal to 3 but my advice for anybody who want to sign up with 3 - buy it from the online 3 Store.
1. It's fast
2. You can return the phone if you don't like it
3. You get some nice surprises - like a £20 voucher.
However, of late I have discovered that I have been reloading quite often and was shocked to discover that we sometimes spent more than £30 a month. This is despite the fact that most of my calls are to my wife who was also on 3 pay-as-you-go service. My wife went ahead and bought a Sony Ericsson K660i from the 3 site. The phone was delivered within a few days and she also received a voucher worth £20 to buy accessories from their website.
I too decided to get a phone for myself and I was still undecided on the phone. One of my friends told me that the stores had some greats refurbished phone which I might be able to get at a discount. So on Monday, I drove over to Coventry city centre and went to the 3 Store there. Unfortunately, according to the salesgirl, they didn't have any refurbished phones. So I went around and had a look at the various phone they had on display. I really want the Nokia N96 but it was way beyond my budget (cheapest deal was £30 per month). I finally went for the Sony Ericsson W595 for a 18 month contract for £17 per month. 3 has this promotion going on where existing members could recommend a friend (or family and both would receive a £30 credit. However, I discovered that I couldn't put my wife as a recommender because she had been with 3 for less than a month. Plus I didn't receive any vouchers.
I was really angry when later on back home, I discovered that I couldn't use Skype with the phone even though it was advertised as Skype compatible. Anyway, I went back to the store next day and the sales people were surprised as well, when they learnt that the phone was not Skype compatible. They were not very happy when I told them that I wanted to change the phone.
I was shocked to learn that unlike buying phones from their website, you were not allowed to return phones bought from their actual stores. However, in my case they were willing to make an exception as they realised that it was their mistake. The main reason I bought the phone was because it was Skype compatible (or so they said).
Gags (the guy who served me) was quite friendly but he seemed to be poorly trained. He told me that I could choose another phone but I won't be able to reduce the amount that I paid per month. The only phone there for £17 per month was the Sony Ericsson K700i. I should have taken only a couple of minutes to complete the whole process but the managers was busy or something. There was no way I was going to come back again and decided to wait until I got mad, raised my voice a bit and told them that I wanted out. The sales guy told me I couldn't and this went on for a while until their manager finally came out.
I finally got the new phone but was dissatisfied with the whole process. It took almost an hour for me to get the phone changed and that shouldn't happen. I am still loyal to 3 but my advice for anybody who want to sign up with 3 - buy it from the online 3 Store.
1. It's fast
2. You can return the phone if you don't like it
3. You get some nice surprises - like a £20 voucher.
14 November 2008
Critical thinking
Recently someone asked me my opinion about "critical thinking" as part of their research. More precisely, what is critical thinking according to me.
The first think that came to my mind was "Thinking outside the box!" However, when I was asked to elaborate what I meant by that, I suddenly realised that I couldn't explain.
What do we mean when we say, "thinking outside the box" and what box are we referring to?
Anyway, to me, critical thinking refers to opening up our minds to several possible solutions to a problem and reflecting during the whole process. It also means avoiding all possible bias that may cloud the thought process. It's really hard to put aside all the bias that we may have inside our heads and this in turn makes it hard for us to think objectively.
For example, in an election, can we vote for someone - totally ignoring the skin colour, religion, race, etc. and only looking at their track record and all available information on the candidates.
Made me think that if we place ourselves in that situation would we be able to think objectively and justly as well.
So what do you understand by critical thinking?
The first think that came to my mind was "Thinking outside the box!" However, when I was asked to elaborate what I meant by that, I suddenly realised that I couldn't explain.
What do we mean when we say, "thinking outside the box" and what box are we referring to?
Anyway, to me, critical thinking refers to opening up our minds to several possible solutions to a problem and reflecting during the whole process. It also means avoiding all possible bias that may cloud the thought process. It's really hard to put aside all the bias that we may have inside our heads and this in turn makes it hard for us to think objectively.
For example, in an election, can we vote for someone - totally ignoring the skin colour, religion, race, etc. and only looking at their track record and all available information on the candidates.
Made me think that if we place ourselves in that situation would we be able to think objectively and justly as well.
So what do you understand by critical thinking?
10 November 2008
High achiever wife
Last night I bundled up the kids and picked up my wife from Pool Meadow bus station in Coventry City Centre. She was coming back from a conference in London. This was her first ever since she started her PhD two years ago and I was delighted when I learnt that she received a "Promising paper" award at the conference. It's such a big deal because some of the top marketing gurus from all around the World were at the conference as well.
I am really happy for her and am wondering whether I can achieve something like that in the near future as well. Unlike me, my wife is a perfectionist. She refused to go to a conference until she was sure it was near perfect and she's still not happy with it. I am more of a relaxed last minute person and during my first year, presented my half baked paper at a doctoral conference. We are like Yin and Yang. However, I think we both need to come to a balance - with myself taking it more seriously and she - relaxing a bit.
Do any of you have a high achieving partner?
I am really happy for her and am wondering whether I can achieve something like that in the near future as well. Unlike me, my wife is a perfectionist. She refused to go to a conference until she was sure it was near perfect and she's still not happy with it. I am more of a relaxed last minute person and during my first year, presented my half baked paper at a doctoral conference. We are like Yin and Yang. However, I think we both need to come to a balance - with myself taking it more seriously and she - relaxing a bit.
Do any of you have a high achieving partner?
07 November 2008
President Barak Obama
As we all know Obama, the son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, will be sworn in as the 44th US president on January 20, 2009.
Is it possible that the UK might have a black, mixed race or even an Asian as the Prime Minister.
How about Malaysia? Will we ever see a Chinese or Indian Prime Minister?
I guess that might take a little more time.
BTW, I am sure you have heard or read about his Indonesian connection but do you know the Malaysian connection.
Well Obama's Half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng is married to Konrad Ng, a Canadian of Malaysian Chinese descent. His parents are from Kudat and Sandakan,Sabah, Malaysia.
Anyway, the two best things that ever happened to Obama were probably the controversy that his Pastor started (read Obama's Pastor: God Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11) and when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Regarding the pastor, many who were NOT going to vote for Obama because they thought he was a Muslim, suddenly thought: "Wait a minute! He's got a Pastor, which means he goes to Church and therefore, he's not a Muslim".
As for Sarah Palin, read Palin 'Said Africa Was A Country'.
Watch Obama in Chicago:
Is it possible that the UK might have a black, mixed race or even an Asian as the Prime Minister.
How about Malaysia? Will we ever see a Chinese or Indian Prime Minister?
I guess that might take a little more time.
BTW, I am sure you have heard or read about his Indonesian connection but do you know the Malaysian connection.
Well Obama's Half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng is married to Konrad Ng, a Canadian of Malaysian Chinese descent. His parents are from Kudat and Sandakan,Sabah, Malaysia.
Anyway, the two best things that ever happened to Obama were probably the controversy that his Pastor started (read Obama's Pastor: God Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11) and when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Regarding the pastor, many who were NOT going to vote for Obama because they thought he was a Muslim, suddenly thought: "Wait a minute! He's got a Pastor, which means he goes to Church and therefore, he's not a Muslim".
As for Sarah Palin, read Palin 'Said Africa Was A Country'.
Watch Obama in Chicago:
03 November 2008
Robot at the Arena Park
Went to the Arena Park Shopping centre near our house to buy a new pair of school shoes for my daughter as well as her gym stuff.
We arrived just in time to see this Robot dancing.
My daughter was quite scared and when the robot turned around, bent and gave out a loud robotic "fart" sound, she was not very impressed.
"Naughty Robot" she said.
Robot coming towards us
We arrived just in time to see this Robot dancing.
My daughter was quite scared and when the robot turned around, bent and gave out a loud robotic "fart" sound, she was not very impressed.
"Naughty Robot" she said.
Robot coming towards us
30 October 2008
Daughter turns 5
My daughter turned 5 yesterday.
Attacking the cake
Quick grab it while Baba's not looking.
Yummy
I am a big girl now"She wanted to wear her Halloween costume and of course you can't refuse the birthday girl.
Attacking the cake
Quick grab it while Baba's not looking.
Yummy
21 October 2008
6th Anniversary
It's amazing but apparently we have been married or 6 years now. It only feels like it was yesterday we were studying for our economics paper at Starbucks in Bangsar.
How time flies.
We didn't do anything special today. We didn't even give each other any presents. We were happy that we are there for each other.
And I am sitting here and thinking that's not right. It was just like any other day and we spent the morning discussing problems regarding our research. In fact it has been ages since we had a nice time to ourselves.
If any one talks about the "carefree student life" he is obviously not aware what a student with kids, without a scholarship and doing a PhD, goes through. However, we are looking at the promises of a better future and hope is all we have. I am sure all the sacrifices are worth it.
Here's looking forward to many more anniversaries to come.
How time flies.
We didn't do anything special today. We didn't even give each other any presents. We were happy that we are there for each other.
And I am sitting here and thinking that's not right. It was just like any other day and we spent the morning discussing problems regarding our research. In fact it has been ages since we had a nice time to ourselves.
If any one talks about the "carefree student life" he is obviously not aware what a student with kids, without a scholarship and doing a PhD, goes through. However, we are looking at the promises of a better future and hope is all we have. I am sure all the sacrifices are worth it.
Here's looking forward to many more anniversaries to come.
20 October 2008
Accounting jobs
It is really interesting but the old stereotype of the accountant hasn't changed much. They are usually portrayed by a strange introverted guy (often balding and fat) with thick glasses clutching a briefcase.
This couldn't be further from the truth. Many of my accountant friends are among the most hip and happening people around. Many are holding management positions and on their way up. This underlines how important the accounting profession is. Most people assume that an accountant is only responsible for bookkeeping in the company. This is but one of the role that an accountant plays in a modern company. Good accountants helps with tax issues of the company, makes sure that money is properly budgeted and also take care of corporate governance issues.
Anyway if you are looking for an accounting job look for a job site which updates regularly. Also check the number of jobs listed. I usually look for a site that groups the jobs by title, city and company type. It is good if there is also a search option if you are looking for something more specific. Clicking on a job link should take you to the respective site in which they are carried.
Good luck if you are an accountant looking for a job.
This couldn't be further from the truth. Many of my accountant friends are among the most hip and happening people around. Many are holding management positions and on their way up. This underlines how important the accounting profession is. Most people assume that an accountant is only responsible for bookkeeping in the company. This is but one of the role that an accountant plays in a modern company. Good accountants helps with tax issues of the company, makes sure that money is properly budgeted and also take care of corporate governance issues.
Anyway if you are looking for an accounting job look for a job site which updates regularly. Also check the number of jobs listed. I usually look for a site that groups the jobs by title, city and company type. It is good if there is also a search option if you are looking for something more specific. Clicking on a job link should take you to the respective site in which they are carried.
Good luck if you are an accountant looking for a job.
19 October 2008
Am I in the wrong profession
Haven't been able to update this blog that often as would have liked to.
Anyway, quite recetly I had an opportunity to talk to a guy working for an IT firm around here. I was shocked when I found out how much they were earning. The amazing part was not how much they earned but they did so when most of them don't even have a degree. Here I am, having spent a large part of my life in various educational institutions as a student and as an academic with short stints in the corporate sector and non-governmental sector. And what do I expect to get after all this - a place as a lowly paid lecturer in a University.
Even here in the UK, the starting pay for a lecturer is only around £3000 (it varies from University to University and I am taking the higher end). That may seem a lot but considering that in order to have a chance of getting into a University you must have a good bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree (not necessary in some cases) and ultimately topped by a PhD. And that's not all - you need to have some teaching experience and some publications, preferably in top ranking academic journals.
I have done most of that and so far I have spent around 9 years studying in various Universities after I left secondary school. I am not even calculating the money I have invested in my education. And I find myself asking this question - For what?
I guess the answer is right in front of me. A thirst for knowledge and books plus the fact that I love sharing what little I know with everyone willing to listen and read (or forced) what I have to say and found out. I guess that's what drives me to blog as well.
What about you? Do you love what you do or do you find yourself question whether you made the right choice?
Anyway, quite recetly I had an opportunity to talk to a guy working for an IT firm around here. I was shocked when I found out how much they were earning. The amazing part was not how much they earned but they did so when most of them don't even have a degree. Here I am, having spent a large part of my life in various educational institutions as a student and as an academic with short stints in the corporate sector and non-governmental sector. And what do I expect to get after all this - a place as a lowly paid lecturer in a University.
Even here in the UK, the starting pay for a lecturer is only around £3000 (it varies from University to University and I am taking the higher end). That may seem a lot but considering that in order to have a chance of getting into a University you must have a good bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree (not necessary in some cases) and ultimately topped by a PhD. And that's not all - you need to have some teaching experience and some publications, preferably in top ranking academic journals.
I have done most of that and so far I have spent around 9 years studying in various Universities after I left secondary school. I am not even calculating the money I have invested in my education. And I find myself asking this question - For what?
I guess the answer is right in front of me. A thirst for knowledge and books plus the fact that I love sharing what little I know with everyone willing to listen and read (or forced) what I have to say and found out. I guess that's what drives me to blog as well.
What about you? Do you love what you do or do you find yourself question whether you made the right choice?
16 October 2008
Malaysian bloggers in Coventry
I am not alone. The list of Malaysian bloggers in Coventry grows higher every day. Some of them like the blogger who goes just by here initial "D" have been blogging for a while but anonymously. She blogs at Pause to reflect.
Some of the bloggers have moved away from Coventry while others like Rosydi are on an extented hiatus to concentrate on their research work.
One of the most prolific bloggers has got to be Ahrasis who started blogging recently and has not one but four blogs:
Forex Profiteer
Daily Digest
Automobile As Easy As 123 and
Malaysia's Politics
His wife has also started her own blog - "Mama Fahim"
The newest to join the blogosphere is Fauzan, our Tech Expert. He was responsible for maintaining the Malaysian Coventry Society site (which is under maintenance at the moment) and he's the guy everyone goes to whenever they have some problems with their gadget, etc. His blog is called "Living in United Kingdom", filled with a number of useful tips.
Several others have shown interest but are concerned about their privacy (solved by blogging anonymously), don't know what to write about (anything under the sun and the moon) or too busy with their research. Blogging is not everyone's cup of tea but it can be a really rewarding and fulfilling experience for some.
Hopefully there should be enough of us to have our own Blogger's meet.
Some of the bloggers have moved away from Coventry while others like Rosydi are on an extented hiatus to concentrate on their research work.
One of the most prolific bloggers has got to be Ahrasis who started blogging recently and has not one but four blogs:
Forex Profiteer
Daily Digest
Automobile As Easy As 123 and
Malaysia's Politics
His wife has also started her own blog - "Mama Fahim"
The newest to join the blogosphere is Fauzan, our Tech Expert. He was responsible for maintaining the Malaysian Coventry Society site (which is under maintenance at the moment) and he's the guy everyone goes to whenever they have some problems with their gadget, etc. His blog is called "Living in United Kingdom", filled with a number of useful tips.
Several others have shown interest but are concerned about their privacy (solved by blogging anonymously), don't know what to write about (anything under the sun and the moon) or too busy with their research. Blogging is not everyone's cup of tea but it can be a really rewarding and fulfilling experience for some.
Hopefully there should be enough of us to have our own Blogger's meet.
11 October 2008
SEO Coventry
SEO is such a big thing right now and everyone is talking about it. For those who are not aware, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It is one of the key web marketing activities and is defined as:
At a conference I recently attended, I was talking to some guys and they revealed that they did most of the SEO work in-house but their efforts were not effective and they have to consult some "SEO experts" from time to time, often at a huge cost. I was surprised at the amount that they were paying some of these so called experts.
Definitely puts some ideas into my head. I see a lot of opportunities for a Coventry based company or SEO Expert.
the process of editing and organizing the content on a webpage or across a website to increase its potential relevance to specific keywords on specific search engines and importantly ensuring that external links to the site are correctly titled and in abundance. Source: Wikipedia.Anyway, I was wondering whether there are any good companies specialised in SEO in Coventry and was quite surprised to find that in fact, there are none here in Coventry, apart from the National B2B Centre based at the University of Warwick. A search on Google for the search terms "SEO Coventry" also revealed that the companies in the top 5 results are based in Birmingham, London or elsewhere.
At a conference I recently attended, I was talking to some guys and they revealed that they did most of the SEO work in-house but their efforts were not effective and they have to consult some "SEO experts" from time to time, often at a huge cost. I was surprised at the amount that they were paying some of these so called experts.
Definitely puts some ideas into my head. I see a lot of opportunities for a Coventry based company or SEO Expert.
08 October 2008
Hanlon’s Razor
This is my thought for the day:
You might want to ponder over it.
You might want to ponder over it.
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
or
Never attribute to conspiracy that which can be adequately explained by incompetence.
05 October 2008
My hybrid tea roses
Really nice colours
You can understand why Roses are my favourite flowers.
Join
Do visit As the Garden Grows for more information.
01 October 2008
Malaysian owned British companies
Malaysians are taking over the UK. I guess that might be a little bit of an exaggeration really but you might be surprised to learn the number of high profile companies which are actually owned by Malaysians/ Malaysian companies or in which they have a large share. Given below is a list of the companies:
1. Group Lotus Plc - Automobile / Sports cars / Engineering
Owned by Proton Holdings Berhad
2. Star Energy - Energy / Petroleum
Owned by Petronas
3. Wessex Water - Utilities / Water
Owned by YTL Corp
4. Laura Ashley Holdings Plc - Retail
Owned by Malayan United Industries (MUI) group
5. Jimmy Choo Ltd - Retail/ Shoes
Malaysian born Jimmy Choo owns 50% share
I am sure there are more but that's all I can think of for now.
1. Group Lotus Plc - Automobile / Sports cars / Engineering
Owned by Proton Holdings Berhad
2. Star Energy - Energy / Petroleum
Owned by Petronas
3. Wessex Water - Utilities / Water
Owned by YTL Corp
4. Laura Ashley Holdings Plc - Retail
Owned by Malayan United Industries (MUI) group
5. Jimmy Choo Ltd - Retail/ Shoes
Malaysian born Jimmy Choo owns 50% share
I am sure there are more but that's all I can think of for now.
30 September 2008
Selamat Hari Raya 2008
This is the third time we are celebrating Hari Raya here in the UK. However, it's going to be a strange one this time. It's not a holiday which means that my kids will be going to school. My wife has an appointment with her supervisor as well.
This means that we won't be having an open house tomorrow. However, that won't stop us from visiting some of our friends' houses. Looking forward to eating some good home cooked Malaysian food.
Wishing everyone
This means that we won't be having an open house tomorrow. However, that won't stop us from visiting some of our friends' houses. Looking forward to eating some good home cooked Malaysian food.
Wishing everyone
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
Maaf Zahir Batin
Maaf Zahir Batin
28 September 2008
Importance of thinking positive
Just finished helping out at our office, packing bags for the new PhD students who are about to start their new life here are the Warwick Business School.
Anyway, this has been a fabulous week. First of all the weather was mostly great - bright and sunny.
The week started of quite slow and I was busy with a temporary web design job. Quite boring as all I had to do create several pages with lots of text and interlink each other but I made some good money.
Then on Thursday I attended the E-Business 2008 conference organised by the National B2B Centre based at The University of Warwick. Learnt a lot of new things which I am already putting into practice. Highlight of the conference was meeting "eMarketing Guru" Dave Chaffey. It is always nice to talk to the author of books you have been using.
Then on Friday, I attended the Introductory Workshop for Tutors in the Humanities, led by Mary Johnson (ex-Head of Learning at the Royal Shakespeare Company). It was an amazing experience. It introduced me to different ways of teaching. Some of the things I learnt included amongst others, the significance of space, movement and vocal quality. We even had to act out a small part from Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Another important thing covered in the course was the issue of self-esteem. Mary used a simple experiment to show the importance of eliminating negative self talk. Saying positive things to ourself can do wonders. In the evening I had the chance to see the effects. I was in a bad mood because of something and I remembered the stuff I had learnt earlier. Eliminating all the negative thought and talking positive to myself improved my mood almost instantaneously.
Yeah! It has been a great week and I hope it gets even better next week.
Anyway, this has been a fabulous week. First of all the weather was mostly great - bright and sunny.
The week started of quite slow and I was busy with a temporary web design job. Quite boring as all I had to do create several pages with lots of text and interlink each other but I made some good money.
Then on Thursday I attended the E-Business 2008 conference organised by the National B2B Centre based at The University of Warwick. Learnt a lot of new things which I am already putting into practice. Highlight of the conference was meeting "eMarketing Guru" Dave Chaffey. It is always nice to talk to the author of books you have been using.
Then on Friday, I attended the Introductory Workshop for Tutors in the Humanities, led by Mary Johnson (ex-Head of Learning at the Royal Shakespeare Company). It was an amazing experience. It introduced me to different ways of teaching. Some of the things I learnt included amongst others, the significance of space, movement and vocal quality. We even had to act out a small part from Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Another important thing covered in the course was the issue of self-esteem. Mary used a simple experiment to show the importance of eliminating negative self talk. Saying positive things to ourself can do wonders. In the evening I had the chance to see the effects. I was in a bad mood because of something and I remembered the stuff I had learnt earlier. Eliminating all the negative thought and talking positive to myself improved my mood almost instantaneously.
Yeah! It has been a great week and I hope it gets even better next week.
Caro Prangenberg the idiot
There's someone who calls himself Caro Prangenberg, who keeps leaving comments on my blog or should I say spamming. It's ok to comment but this guy is so lazy he just copies some sentences from one of my posts and pastes it to the comment. I am not sure what's he is hoping to gain by this. My guess is that he one of the guys employed by one of the SEO companies out there who pays people to go blog hopping and leave comments with a link back to their client's website.
They don't realise that sooner or latter, the websites are going to be blacklisted as spam origin sites.
They don't realise that sooner or latter, the websites are going to be blacklisted as spam origin sites.
22 September 2008
Working and studying
A quick post from the office. I am helping one of the centres in the University of Warwick, update their website. It's a temporary job but the pay is not that bad. It is but one of the various temporary, part-time and short-term contractual work that I have taken up. I need to work to pay for my fees which has unfortunately increased. It's no wonder that UK Universities love non-EU foreign students.
The only problem is that it is adversely affecting my studies. My research has been left on a back burner. I had planned to complete my PhD in the stipulated three years but that is slowly looking like an unrealistic dream now. Considering the fact that NO ONE has ever completed his/ her PhD degree from the Warwick Business School within 3 years also adds to this possibility.
I don't know how I am not going to manage once the classes start in full swing and I start teaching. And I am supposed to be a full time student with no possibility of converting to part time.
Wonder how I am going to manage. Completing my PhD in time is still my top priority.
The only problem is that it is adversely affecting my studies. My research has been left on a back burner. I had planned to complete my PhD in the stipulated three years but that is slowly looking like an unrealistic dream now. Considering the fact that NO ONE has ever completed his/ her PhD degree from the Warwick Business School within 3 years also adds to this possibility.
I don't know how I am not going to manage once the classes start in full swing and I start teaching. And I am supposed to be a full time student with no possibility of converting to part time.
Wonder how I am going to manage. Completing my PhD in time is still my top priority.
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