You might ask what could possibly be the connection between GOD and Spiderman? The answer both are FICTION!
Last week-end, I was reminded what started me on the road to become an atheist (naturalist as I believe in nature). It all started with spiderman!
When I was a kid, I forget how old I was, I saw a movie of spiderman. After that movie, like any kid I wanted to be spiderman so I did what a "believing" religious kid did, pray.
I prayed fervently for days and weeks to "GOD" to make me spiderman. In spite of my prayers (have you ever wondered that all prayer is to obtain things in this material world like health, wealth ...) I never did become spiderman.
That set me thinking and I became an agnostic. From agnosticism to atheism was only a short step as I read further, books like Why I'm not a Christian by Bertrand Russell, Darwini's book The Descent of Man
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Richard Dawkins skewering Believers
Folks, If you have the inclination whatever your belief system maybe to see the Q&A of Richard Dawkins, reading sections from his book The God Delusion.
http://richarddawkins.net/home
Please go to Part 2, Q&A
http://richarddawkins.net/home
Please go to Part 2, Q&A
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
About Martin Lukes
For those not in the know, this is a regular column in the FT on Thu.
Martin Lukes is a fictional character, who's been climbing the greasy pole of corporate ladder for the last 10 years! This is a spoof on corporate life.
As I discovered, during my many years at consulting, I've used the jargon-filled, mumbo-jumbo used by Martin Lukes during job interviews, e-mails and regular speak and have been taken as a very knowledgeable person!
I even have the buzzword on my resume and it works wonders!!
• Strong problem-solving skills to design creovative solutions to clients (internal & external)
Martin Lukes is a fictional character, who's been climbing the greasy pole of corporate ladder for the last 10 years! This is a spoof on corporate life.
As I discovered, during my many years at consulting, I've used the jargon-filled, mumbo-jumbo used by Martin Lukes during job interviews, e-mails and regular speak and have been taken as a very knowledgeable person!
I even have the buzzword on my resume and it works wonders!!
• Strong problem-solving skills to design creovative solutions to clients (internal & external)
FT Martin Lukes Jan 10th
Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com
Published: January 10 2007 16:53 | Last updated: January 10 2007 16:53
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: lies
No, I don’t want to talk about it further. It would be better if you didn’t come with me to Sebastian’s party tonight and if you removed your belongings from my abode.
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Trixie.Cook@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: Welcome back – and condolences!
Trixie – very glad you’re back. Sorry to hear your father passed on, I know just how you must be feeling. When mine died a few years back, it was a challenging time of transition for myself. Dad was actually a wheeler-dealer, total maverick and could be a bastard. We were chalk and cheese, but even so I was 120 per cent devastated. My philosophy is that you only have one father. And when they pop their clogs you are back to zero. Would suggest drink, though am on the wagon for Jan... Have got a journo from Management Today coming in to interview me at 3pm today. Can you prepare a press pack for her?
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO:Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: please don’t go on sending me messages...
...there is nothing further to discuss. As I said to you last night, in a relationship integrity is the key. You lied to me by saying you weren’t having lunch with Dexter when you were. For you to say that you were forced to lie because of my issues with jealousy is frankly pathetic. End of.
Martin
.........................................................................................................
MARTIN’S BLOG
MONDAY JANUARY 8
On Saturday I was catching up with the week’s papers and read about the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. I could hardly believe the synchronicity – for some weeks I have been drawing up a blueprint for a Martin Lukes/a-b glöbâl Leadership Academy of my own!
Mine will escalate the Oprah concept by teaching not only basic skills but having as its primary endpoint the teaching of our corporate values. It will show disadvantaged kids that we care. That we stand for something that goes beyond capitalism and even beyond philanthropy. I guess it boils down to stories. We want to change lives and create leaders in our own mould. The plan is still at the roadmap phase. However, if you would like to dip into the dialogue please join in the live webinar on Friday.
Keep it authentic, keep it philanthropic,
Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: Dexter
Tell Dexter to pop up and see me at 5. The MT journo should be gone by then, and I’ve got to leave at 6 tonight as I’m going to the party given by my Goldmans chum.
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Sanjay.Gupta@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: confidential
Hi Sanjay, could you please can you forward to me any e-mails sent in the last month between Dexter Jones and Alice Bloom? This is a sensitive matter so I’d be grateful if you handled it yourself.
Bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Judy.Martinson@ManagementToday.co.uk
SUBJECT: interview
Hi Judy, really enjoyed our chat today. It was great to meet a journo who is passionate about changing lives – rather than negative gossip!
Can I just reiterate that the remarks I made about Cindy and her carbon/ethical footprint were 120 per cent off the record. As you know she is a phenomenal leader who buys into the Green Sky agenda completely.
Have also asked my publicist to send you copies of all my recent speeches and a video we made of my first 100 days, which we used internally as a motivational tool.
Don’t hesitate to revert if there is anything else we can do you for!
All bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Sebastian.Brewer@goldmansachs.com
SUBJECT: yesterday
Hi Sebastian! great do last night! Fab new pad you’ve got, and fab new Mrs B! I’ve also been experimenting with someone a touch younger, but it didn’t work out so am on the market again lovewise!
Who was the tall guy with the curly hair in private equity? He seemed incredibly bright and I had a fascinating deep discussion with him about a-b glöbâl and some of the core issues that are driving us globally. I’ve mislaid his card. Have you got his details? M
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Sanjay.Gupta@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: confidential
Thanks for forwarding the one short message sent by Alice about Green Sky. Are you sure there were no others?
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Dexter.Jones@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: our chat yesterday
Hi Dexter. I’m sorry if I was a tad ott yesterday. Frankly you are a great sales director. You have already transitioned a demotivated team into highly savvy sales leaders. Most important you have followed my lead and are making each member of the sales force think like a copreneur, which is the name of the game! So thank you for that.
As for the matter we discussed yesterday, I think best to sunset the whole issue?
All bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: January 10 2007 16:53 | Last updated: January 10 2007 16:53
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: lies
No, I don’t want to talk about it further. It would be better if you didn’t come with me to Sebastian’s party tonight and if you removed your belongings from my abode.
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Trixie.Cook@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: Welcome back – and condolences!
Trixie – very glad you’re back. Sorry to hear your father passed on, I know just how you must be feeling. When mine died a few years back, it was a challenging time of transition for myself. Dad was actually a wheeler-dealer, total maverick and could be a bastard. We were chalk and cheese, but even so I was 120 per cent devastated. My philosophy is that you only have one father. And when they pop their clogs you are back to zero. Would suggest drink, though am on the wagon for Jan... Have got a journo from Management Today coming in to interview me at 3pm today. Can you prepare a press pack for her?
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO:Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: please don’t go on sending me messages...
...there is nothing further to discuss. As I said to you last night, in a relationship integrity is the key. You lied to me by saying you weren’t having lunch with Dexter when you were. For you to say that you were forced to lie because of my issues with jealousy is frankly pathetic. End of.
Martin
.........................................................................................................
MARTIN’S BLOG
MONDAY JANUARY 8
On Saturday I was catching up with the week’s papers and read about the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. I could hardly believe the synchronicity – for some weeks I have been drawing up a blueprint for a Martin Lukes/a-b glöbâl Leadership Academy of my own!
Mine will escalate the Oprah concept by teaching not only basic skills but having as its primary endpoint the teaching of our corporate values. It will show disadvantaged kids that we care. That we stand for something that goes beyond capitalism and even beyond philanthropy. I guess it boils down to stories. We want to change lives and create leaders in our own mould. The plan is still at the roadmap phase. However, if you would like to dip into the dialogue please join in the live webinar on Friday.
Keep it authentic, keep it philanthropic,
Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: Dexter
Tell Dexter to pop up and see me at 5. The MT journo should be gone by then, and I’ve got to leave at 6 tonight as I’m going to the party given by my Goldmans chum.
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Sanjay.Gupta@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: confidential
Hi Sanjay, could you please can you forward to me any e-mails sent in the last month between Dexter Jones and Alice Bloom? This is a sensitive matter so I’d be grateful if you handled it yourself.
Bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 08/01/07
TO: Judy.Martinson@ManagementToday.co.uk
SUBJECT: interview
Hi Judy, really enjoyed our chat today. It was great to meet a journo who is passionate about changing lives – rather than negative gossip!
Can I just reiterate that the remarks I made about Cindy and her carbon/ethical footprint were 120 per cent off the record. As you know she is a phenomenal leader who buys into the Green Sky agenda completely.
Have also asked my publicist to send you copies of all my recent speeches and a video we made of my first 100 days, which we used internally as a motivational tool.
Don’t hesitate to revert if there is anything else we can do you for!
All bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Sebastian.Brewer@goldmansachs.com
SUBJECT: yesterday
Hi Sebastian! great do last night! Fab new pad you’ve got, and fab new Mrs B! I’ve also been experimenting with someone a touch younger, but it didn’t work out so am on the market again lovewise!
Who was the tall guy with the curly hair in private equity? He seemed incredibly bright and I had a fascinating deep discussion with him about a-b glöbâl and some of the core issues that are driving us globally. I’ve mislaid his card. Have you got his details? M
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Sanjay.Gupta@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: confidential
Thanks for forwarding the one short message sent by Alice about Green Sky. Are you sure there were no others?
.........................................................................................................
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 09/01/07
TO: Dexter.Jones@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: our chat yesterday
Hi Dexter. I’m sorry if I was a tad ott yesterday. Frankly you are a great sales director. You have already transitioned a demotivated team into highly savvy sales leaders. Most important you have followed my lead and are making each member of the sales force think like a copreneur, which is the name of the game! So thank you for that.
As for the matter we discussed yesterday, I think best to sunset the whole issue?
All bestest, Martin
.........................................................................................................
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Sunday, January 7, 2007
FT- Fast Lane by Tyler Brule
There's a new columnist for Fast Lane but for now she's nowhere good as Tyler Brule.
BTW, SBS (as I mentioned before, this is one of the best TV channels in the world and ask your cable company to get it. It's worth every cent paying extra as it's documentaries and the movies (foreign movies), American Independent it shows are spectacular) shows a program by him called Counter Culture.
He certainly has to improve on his "presenter" skills as he doesn't quite know where to place his hands and shies from looking at the camera! Now what kind of presenter is that!
End of the lane
By Tyler Brule
Published: December 30 2006 02:00 | Last updated: December 30 2006 02:00
It's time to sketch you one last picture. To mark the final instalment of Fast Lane, I've dressed for the occasion. Working from the bottom up, I'm wearing a pair of simple geta (Japanese sandals) I bought at the Gora Kadan gift shop in Hakone and grey Tabio socks (with special split toe feature so they work with the sandal), well-worn APC jeans, Swiss undies, a custom shirt from MCR, an oatmeal colour Ballantyne cashmere V-neck and, because I have a bit of a cold, there's also a brown, orange and camel cashmere muffler from Beams in Tokyo wrapped around my neck. Today I'm sitting in my flat in St Moritz, which is also home to my favourite desk - a massive ash and cherry table by Josef Frank.
To ensure I can respond to all of you who've written such lovely letters, I'm perched on top of a classic walnut chair like those usually found in elementary schools across Switzerland. Outside the sun is shining, mum and Mats have gone to buy provisions for Christmas eve dinner, Christmas day lunch and various baking assignments down the hill at Coop (the St Moritz branch is one of the best mass food stores I know) and there's enough snow to tempt me to the slopes.
Three weeks ago I told you today would be my last column and, in the spirit of the season, I'd be taking special requests. Since then there's been a crush of questions obscure, obvious, cheeky and downright naughty. While I hate to disappoint you and spoil the occasion, the latter I've had to deal with directly and they won't be appearing on today's page. Having sifted through correspondence from Portland, Auckland, Kyoto, Toronto, Houston and even quaint corners of the UK that I didn't even know had home delivery service, I've pulled out the 10 most asked questions in the mail sack. Here goes.
1 Is Tyler Brûlé your real name?
This is what happens when you have an artist for a mother and a football playing father and the year is 1968. French Canadian roots of course contributed to the last name. I'll let you in on a little secret, my first name is actually Jayson - but I've always been called Tyler.
2 Did you once have something to do with Wallpaper* magazine?
Yes. I launched Wallpaper* in1996 and was the editor until mid2002.
3 With all these travel changes, how do you deal with the liquids rule and only getting by with carry-on luggage?
I try to act like nothing's happened and travel as normal. The absurd one bag rule that the UK is still upholding is relatively easy to get around - even if you're a two to three bag carry-on person. Use a large, unstructured nylon bag that can accommodate clothes and also has enough space to hold your other carry-ons in the top. As you're shuffling along the queue, just shove everything in the top and whack it on the conveyor belt. I've yet to be turned back. As for liquids, I scatter them all over my luggage and have never been checked. So much for the advanced security systems in the UK and US.
4 Doesn't all the travel wear you down?
It's the airports that get to me, not the flying. Newark, JFK, Heathrow, Gatwick, Toronto and LAX are the worst offenders. I've been on the road for a good 16 years now and it's part of my life. That said, I'm happy to have 12 flight-free days up here in the mountains.
5 Do you have a cure for jet lag? Or how do you deal with all the time zones?
This is an easy one. Fly on business class when possible. Don't eat too much or even better eat nothing. Have a glass of wine or two. Sleep as much as you can. Go for a run or a swim when you land.
6 Where did you study?
I did a brief stint at Ryerson in Toronto studying journalism and political science but decided it wasn't for me. I started my career in journalism at the BBC in Manchester in 1989 and then moved on to work for ABC News, Channel Nine Australia and Sky News.
7 I once read in an interview that you were shot. Were you being serious?
While on assignment for a German news magazine in Afghanistan in 1994 I was shot twice while driving through Kabul. I was hit by two bullets, one through each arm. I lost the use of my left hand. My interpreter Sabur was shot through the back of the head and miraculously survived. I haven't been back to Kabul since.
8 What are your favourite cities?
For work, it has to be Tokyo (it all works and it's all fun), Zürich (it's manageable and you can go for a swim at lunch) and Munich (great airport and one of my favourite small hotels for business - the Cortiina). For play, I like a good Friday and Saturday in Copenhagen, Kyoto for the beauty, shopping and eating and Sydney for the food and friends.
9 Is there going to be a book of all these columns?
There's nothing planned at the moment. As they've all been rather timely, I'm not sure they'd work in book format.
10 What do you really do for a living?
Whenever I cross borders and have to fill out an immigration form I always write "journalist". That, however, is only part of the picture. Since 1998 I've been running branding and design agencies with offices in London, New York, Zürich and Tokyo. I have 30 wonderful staff and 22 clients that range from the massive to the minuscule. Thanks to my day job I've been able to make this column happen off the back of all my work-related travel.
Before I sign off, I want to thank all of you for your support, corrections, pointers and comments for the past three years. I'd also like to offer special thanks to my editor Emma Tucker and both Andy Higgins and Neil O'Sullivan for getting my copy in the door and on the page for Saturday morning. If you need to find me after today you can reach me at tyler.brule@winkorp.com.
Happy new year.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006
BTW, SBS (as I mentioned before, this is one of the best TV channels in the world and ask your cable company to get it. It's worth every cent paying extra as it's documentaries and the movies (foreign movies), American Independent it shows are spectacular) shows a program by him called Counter Culture.
He certainly has to improve on his "presenter" skills as he doesn't quite know where to place his hands and shies from looking at the camera! Now what kind of presenter is that!
End of the lane
By Tyler Brule
Published: December 30 2006 02:00 | Last updated: December 30 2006 02:00
It's time to sketch you one last picture. To mark the final instalment of Fast Lane, I've dressed for the occasion. Working from the bottom up, I'm wearing a pair of simple geta (Japanese sandals) I bought at the Gora Kadan gift shop in Hakone and grey Tabio socks (with special split toe feature so they work with the sandal), well-worn APC jeans, Swiss undies, a custom shirt from MCR, an oatmeal colour Ballantyne cashmere V-neck and, because I have a bit of a cold, there's also a brown, orange and camel cashmere muffler from Beams in Tokyo wrapped around my neck. Today I'm sitting in my flat in St Moritz, which is also home to my favourite desk - a massive ash and cherry table by Josef Frank.
To ensure I can respond to all of you who've written such lovely letters, I'm perched on top of a classic walnut chair like those usually found in elementary schools across Switzerland. Outside the sun is shining, mum and Mats have gone to buy provisions for Christmas eve dinner, Christmas day lunch and various baking assignments down the hill at Coop (the St Moritz branch is one of the best mass food stores I know) and there's enough snow to tempt me to the slopes.
Three weeks ago I told you today would be my last column and, in the spirit of the season, I'd be taking special requests. Since then there's been a crush of questions obscure, obvious, cheeky and downright naughty. While I hate to disappoint you and spoil the occasion, the latter I've had to deal with directly and they won't be appearing on today's page. Having sifted through correspondence from Portland, Auckland, Kyoto, Toronto, Houston and even quaint corners of the UK that I didn't even know had home delivery service, I've pulled out the 10 most asked questions in the mail sack. Here goes.
1 Is Tyler Brûlé your real name?
This is what happens when you have an artist for a mother and a football playing father and the year is 1968. French Canadian roots of course contributed to the last name. I'll let you in on a little secret, my first name is actually Jayson - but I've always been called Tyler.
2 Did you once have something to do with Wallpaper* magazine?
Yes. I launched Wallpaper* in1996 and was the editor until mid2002.
3 With all these travel changes, how do you deal with the liquids rule and only getting by with carry-on luggage?
I try to act like nothing's happened and travel as normal. The absurd one bag rule that the UK is still upholding is relatively easy to get around - even if you're a two to three bag carry-on person. Use a large, unstructured nylon bag that can accommodate clothes and also has enough space to hold your other carry-ons in the top. As you're shuffling along the queue, just shove everything in the top and whack it on the conveyor belt. I've yet to be turned back. As for liquids, I scatter them all over my luggage and have never been checked. So much for the advanced security systems in the UK and US.
4 Doesn't all the travel wear you down?
It's the airports that get to me, not the flying. Newark, JFK, Heathrow, Gatwick, Toronto and LAX are the worst offenders. I've been on the road for a good 16 years now and it's part of my life. That said, I'm happy to have 12 flight-free days up here in the mountains.
5 Do you have a cure for jet lag? Or how do you deal with all the time zones?
This is an easy one. Fly on business class when possible. Don't eat too much or even better eat nothing. Have a glass of wine or two. Sleep as much as you can. Go for a run or a swim when you land.
6 Where did you study?
I did a brief stint at Ryerson in Toronto studying journalism and political science but decided it wasn't for me. I started my career in journalism at the BBC in Manchester in 1989 and then moved on to work for ABC News, Channel Nine Australia and Sky News.
7 I once read in an interview that you were shot. Were you being serious?
While on assignment for a German news magazine in Afghanistan in 1994 I was shot twice while driving through Kabul. I was hit by two bullets, one through each arm. I lost the use of my left hand. My interpreter Sabur was shot through the back of the head and miraculously survived. I haven't been back to Kabul since.
8 What are your favourite cities?
For work, it has to be Tokyo (it all works and it's all fun), Zürich (it's manageable and you can go for a swim at lunch) and Munich (great airport and one of my favourite small hotels for business - the Cortiina). For play, I like a good Friday and Saturday in Copenhagen, Kyoto for the beauty, shopping and eating and Sydney for the food and friends.
9 Is there going to be a book of all these columns?
There's nothing planned at the moment. As they've all been rather timely, I'm not sure they'd work in book format.
10 What do you really do for a living?
Whenever I cross borders and have to fill out an immigration form I always write "journalist". That, however, is only part of the picture. Since 1998 I've been running branding and design agencies with offices in London, New York, Zürich and Tokyo. I have 30 wonderful staff and 22 clients that range from the massive to the minuscule. Thanks to my day job I've been able to make this column happen off the back of all my work-related travel.
Before I sign off, I want to thank all of you for your support, corrections, pointers and comments for the past three years. I'd also like to offer special thanks to my editor Emma Tucker and both Andy Higgins and Neil O'Sullivan for getting my copy in the door and on the page for Saturday morning. If you need to find me after today you can reach me at tyler.brule@winkorp.com.
Happy new year.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006
Thursday, January 4, 2007
FT- Martin Lukes -Jan 4th
Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com
By Martin Lukes
Published: January 4 2007 02:00 | Last updated: January 4 2007 02:00
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: here's to a turbo-charged new year!!!
Hi Michelle. Did you have a good one?? Family alright??
I spent crimble chez moi in the end, but have recharged the batteries and replenished my creovative™ ideas store! Hope you're also feeling turbo-charged going into 2007!!!
Urgent task: can u get a very large white board and put it up in reception? I want to have the words TALK TO MARTIN printed across the top. Ta muchly, M
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Fiona.Shackleton@phb.com
SUBJECT: New Year starting on a better note
Fiona - thanks for your message. Great news that the lady wife is finally seeing sense re contact arrangements. Also thank god they they aren't going ahead with the Asbo. Let's dialogue soonest. Martin
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Jenny.Withers@gmail.com
SUBJECT: new year/new leaf!!
Hi Jens - Can I congratulate you on starting the year on a more positive note? New year, new leaf! I hope you will take this constructively when I say I'm a tad concerned that you are instilling a somewhat materialistic headset in Carly and Max. Neither seemed grateful for my gifts, which were modest yet appropriate. Frankly, Jens, I'm going the extra mile to teach them that the best gift is love. It would be helpful if we could sing from the same hymnsheet on this . . .
Bestest, Martin
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Cindy.Czarnikow@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: heads up re developments on Green Sky
Hi Cindy - First up, I wanted to wish you a happy new year - I think the company under your leadership is looking stronger, more confident and compelling than ever!
Just a couple of things to flag up for what they're worth. Had a very interesting session at a New Year party with Rt Hon David Miliband, who is a personal friend and who insiders now tip to be the next prime minister of the country. He is fascinated at my Green Sky concept, and is planning to showcase it at Defra. Also I've been nominated as UK's "Sustainable Leader to Watch" for 2007 by Management Today. There will be a big interview with myself in the magazine next month. Will get my office to send it to you.
Bestest, Martin
TUESDAY JANUARY 2 2007!!
First up, joyous 2007 to one and all!! I have a gut feeling that it is going to be a sensational year for us as individuals and siblings in the a-b glöbâl family.
I had thought I would begin my first Mind Bullet of 2007 with my New Year's resolutions. But I have come up with something considerably more creovative™ that has been road tested by my good friend David Miliband at Defra.
You may have noticed a white board in reception that says "Talk to Martin" at the top. It is deliberately retro and lo-tech - sometimes our dependence on technology stifles our most radical ideas. I want you all to write down favourite resolutions on the board for us all to share. A tip - a psychologist chum of mine says the reason we find resolutions hard to keep is that they are driven by delivering value only to ourselves. A resolution that is about assisting others to peak perform is one we are compelled to keep!
Keep it authentic! Martin
PS Check out Miliband's blog. Incredible serendipity of Green Minds: we both gave our loved ones pencil cases made out of recycled tyres as Wintertide gifts!
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: whiteboard prankster
Michelle - just seen that some idiot has scrawled under TALK TO MARTIN "Don't bother - he doesn't listen". Go down and wipe it off NOW.
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: whiteboard prankster
Shit - well find a special solvent to get it off with! Also find me the culprit. They should have been caught on CCTV?
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Jake.Lukes@gmail.com
SUBJECT: yesterday
Jake - Can't discuss this now. I have a company to run. But frankly I did not "make a twat of myself" at Nobo yesterday. The issue is how much coke you and Jade are taking - and frankly your flirting so outrageously with Alice. And no I don't know why our share price is going up again . . . probably the excellent job your father is doing.
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: miss you
Peach - how you enjoying your first day back at the envirowisdom offices??? Am still plotting a way of getting you back here for good
Hope I wasn't over the top last night. To be 120 per cent honest, it's a long time since I took the white stuff . . . though methought you and Jake were being a bit too chummy, which was why I reacted as I did . . .
I've always been able to enjoy a joke as much as the next person, and so I've had a good laugh at the quip re my listening skills on the white board. As you know, listening is at the heart of my DNA footprint. I've been listening hard to the sensational resolutions and I hope you will have enjoyed the one I have added to the list: "See yourself as others do - as a supporting actor in THEIR movie, not a leading actor in your own."
Keep it authentic, Martin
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
By Martin Lukes
Published: January 4 2007 02:00 | Last updated: January 4 2007 02:00
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: here's to a turbo-charged new year!!!
Hi Michelle. Did you have a good one?? Family alright??
I spent crimble chez moi in the end, but have recharged the batteries and replenished my creovative™ ideas store! Hope you're also feeling turbo-charged going into 2007!!!
Urgent task: can u get a very large white board and put it up in reception? I want to have the words TALK TO MARTIN printed across the top. Ta muchly, M
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Fiona.Shackleton@phb.com
SUBJECT: New Year starting on a better note
Fiona - thanks for your message. Great news that the lady wife is finally seeing sense re contact arrangements. Also thank god they they aren't going ahead with the Asbo. Let's dialogue soonest. Martin
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Jenny.Withers@gmail.com
SUBJECT: new year/new leaf!!
Hi Jens - Can I congratulate you on starting the year on a more positive note? New year, new leaf! I hope you will take this constructively when I say I'm a tad concerned that you are instilling a somewhat materialistic headset in Carly and Max. Neither seemed grateful for my gifts, which were modest yet appropriate. Frankly, Jens, I'm going the extra mile to teach them that the best gift is love. It would be helpful if we could sing from the same hymnsheet on this . . .
Bestest, Martin
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Cindy.Czarnikow@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: heads up re developments on Green Sky
Hi Cindy - First up, I wanted to wish you a happy new year - I think the company under your leadership is looking stronger, more confident and compelling than ever!
Just a couple of things to flag up for what they're worth. Had a very interesting session at a New Year party with Rt Hon David Miliband, who is a personal friend and who insiders now tip to be the next prime minister of the country. He is fascinated at my Green Sky concept, and is planning to showcase it at Defra. Also I've been nominated as UK's "Sustainable Leader to Watch" for 2007 by Management Today. There will be a big interview with myself in the magazine next month. Will get my office to send it to you.
Bestest, Martin
TUESDAY JANUARY 2 2007!!
First up, joyous 2007 to one and all!! I have a gut feeling that it is going to be a sensational year for us as individuals and siblings in the a-b glöbâl family.
I had thought I would begin my first Mind Bullet of 2007 with my New Year's resolutions. But I have come up with something considerably more creovative™ that has been road tested by my good friend David Miliband at Defra.
You may have noticed a white board in reception that says "Talk to Martin" at the top. It is deliberately retro and lo-tech - sometimes our dependence on technology stifles our most radical ideas. I want you all to write down favourite resolutions on the board for us all to share. A tip - a psychologist chum of mine says the reason we find resolutions hard to keep is that they are driven by delivering value only to ourselves. A resolution that is about assisting others to peak perform is one we are compelled to keep!
Keep it authentic! Martin
PS Check out Miliband's blog. Incredible serendipity of Green Minds: we both gave our loved ones pencil cases made out of recycled tyres as Wintertide gifts!
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: whiteboard prankster
Michelle - just seen that some idiot has scrawled under TALK TO MARTIN "Don't bother - he doesn't listen". Go down and wipe it off NOW.
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Michelle.Evans@a-bglobal.com
SUBJECT: whiteboard prankster
Shit - well find a special solvent to get it off with! Also find me the culprit. They should have been caught on CCTV?
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Jake.Lukes@gmail.com
SUBJECT: yesterday
Jake - Can't discuss this now. I have a company to run. But frankly I did not "make a twat of myself" at Nobo yesterday. The issue is how much coke you and Jade are taking - and frankly your flirting so outrageously with Alice. And no I don't know why our share price is going up again . . . probably the excellent job your father is doing.
FROM: Martin.Lukes@a-bglobal.com on 02/01/07
TO: Alice.Bloom@envirowisdom.co.uk
SUBJECT: miss you
Peach - how you enjoying your first day back at the envirowisdom offices??? Am still plotting a way of getting you back here for good
Hope I wasn't over the top last night. To be 120 per cent honest, it's a long time since I took the white stuff . . . though methought you and Jake were being a bit too chummy, which was why I reacted as I did . . .
I've always been able to enjoy a joke as much as the next person, and so I've had a good laugh at the quip re my listening skills on the white board. As you know, listening is at the heart of my DNA footprint. I've been listening hard to the sensational resolutions and I hope you will have enjoyed the one I have added to the list: "See yourself as others do - as a supporting actor in THEIR movie, not a leading actor in your own."
Keep it authentic, Martin
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Monday, January 1, 2007
"Winterval" and New Year's Greetings!
Folks, I don't wish to be northern hemisphere centric and hence the festival of "Winterval" is within quotes (it is summer here in the Southern Hemisphere).
For origins of the festival "Winterval, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterval
Also for the reason below, which is an anecdote.
This reminds of the incident in Chicago when Carlos Rios asked Tayfun (who's Turkish)
What he was doing to celebrate Christmas? Tayfun was a little slow in responding and I happened to be nearby and (since we Turks stick together!) I replied , "He does nothing for Christmas, he's Muslim!"
We went to the South Coast of NSW for the Christmas break, specifically Bateman's Bay.
Here in Oz, most people don't work from Dec 22nd - Jan 2nd (as you get 24th, 25th, 26th Boxing Day off). So all you have to do is take 3 days off and you get almost a week (7 days) off.
Yesterday we went to see the fire-works at the Harbour Bridge (also celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the bridge.) It was absolutely spectacular. There was a "mini" fireworks at 9pm at Darling Harbour which we saw from North Sydney.
It reminded when we were in Buenos Aires for Y2k NYE celebrations and they proved to be a damp squib at Avenida Neuvo Julio (the main Ave in Buenos Aires) and we (Tom, Eric, my brother Dave) returned to our hotel room and watched the celebrations on CNN from the world over which included fire-works from Sydney.
I couldn't believe here I was in Sydney with my family, experiencing the real thing. Octavio was a trooper and stayed awake until 1:30 am!
Lest I be accused of child abuse, he did manage to sleep on the way from 9-10pm while we drove back home and then took the train to Milson's Point.
The lady wife insisted on driving downtown even though the city of Sydney web-site explicitly forbade people from driving (most major roads were closed from 4pm) and finding parking would have been a bitch (it was).
These Venezuelans are toc, toc, toc!!!
Hope you had a "reasonable" day as my twin said!! The key to happines in life is LOW EXPECTATIONS!
You can check photos of our trip and also of the NYE celebrations at
http://picasaweb.google.com/russramaswamy/ChristmasNewYear07
For origins of the festival "Winterval, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterval
Also for the reason below, which is an anecdote.
This reminds of the incident in Chicago when Carlos Rios asked Tayfun (who's Turkish)
What he was doing to celebrate Christmas? Tayfun was a little slow in responding and I happened to be nearby and (since we Turks stick together!) I replied , "He does nothing for Christmas, he's Muslim!"
We went to the South Coast of NSW for the Christmas break, specifically Bateman's Bay.
Here in Oz, most people don't work from Dec 22nd - Jan 2nd (as you get 24th, 25th, 26th Boxing Day off). So all you have to do is take 3 days off and you get almost a week (7 days) off.
Yesterday we went to see the fire-works at the Harbour Bridge (also celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the bridge.) It was absolutely spectacular. There was a "mini" fireworks at 9pm at Darling Harbour which we saw from North Sydney.
It reminded when we were in Buenos Aires for Y2k NYE celebrations and they proved to be a damp squib at Avenida Neuvo Julio (the main Ave in Buenos Aires) and we (Tom, Eric, my brother Dave) returned to our hotel room and watched the celebrations on CNN from the world over which included fire-works from Sydney.
I couldn't believe here I was in Sydney with my family, experiencing the real thing. Octavio was a trooper and stayed awake until 1:30 am!
Lest I be accused of child abuse, he did manage to sleep on the way from 9-10pm while we drove back home and then took the train to Milson's Point.
The lady wife insisted on driving downtown even though the city of Sydney web-site explicitly forbade people from driving (most major roads were closed from 4pm) and finding parking would have been a bitch (it was).
These Venezuelans are toc, toc, toc!!!
Hope you had a "reasonable" day as my twin said!! The key to happines in life is LOW EXPECTATIONS!
You can check photos of our trip and also of the NYE celebrations at
http://picasaweb.google.com/russramaswamy/ChristmasNewYear07
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