The remainders of Albino killed recently in Sengerema,Mwanza.The killers chopped all the legs and hands!!!Thursday, February 19, 2009
THE KILLING OF ALBINO IN TANZANIA IS NOW SEVERE!!
The remainders of Albino killed recently in Sengerema,Mwanza.The killers chopped all the legs and hands!!!
Doubling up
The IMF is sharply increasing its lending capacity. It expects that more countries may need its help
THE International Monetary Fund usually draws attention when it doles out cash. As notable, however, was the news last week of a deal with the Japanese government, allowing the fund to add an extra $100 billion to its kitty. The loan will augment the fund’s existing lending capacity by about half, but it is not stopping there: it plans to raise still more money (perhaps another $200 billion) from other governments. If it succeeds, it would have roughly doubled its lending capacity compared with the start of September 2008, when the global financial crisis broke in earnest.
It is not immediately obvious why the IMF, already flush with cash, needs to raise so much more money now. In September last year it had roughly $250 billion available for loans in uncommitted funds. Since then it has committed roughly $48 billion to a variety of battered emerging economies, including Belarus, Latvia, Pakistan, Iceland, Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia. A burst of activity at the end of last year has, however, been followed by a period of calm. No more loans have been agreed upon this year, except a precautionary arrangement with El Salvador, under which the country is entitled to draw $800m in case of balance-of-payments difficulties. That should leave the fund with some $200 billion lying about, even before the injection of Japanese funds.
Evidently the fund is worried that emerging economies face a large shortfall in external financing, and in turn is concerned that it might suddenly lack the means to plug the gap, if asked. Such concerns are not misplaced. Private capital, which flooded into emerging countries in the boom years, is now rushing out just as fast. According to the Institute for International Finance (IIF), net inflows of such capital to these economies peaked at nearly $929 billion in 2007, but then almost halved to $466 billion last year. Worse is to come. The IIF expects that flows will dwindle to a paltry $165 billion this year. Bank lending to emerging economies, in particular, has dried up. Western banks have hunkered down in their home markets; the IIF predicts a net outflow of $61 billion this year, a dramatic reversal of the net inflow of $410 billion in 2007. As private capital dries up, therefore, emerging markets may have to turn elsewhere: the fund is an obvious, if usually unpalatable, choice.
The worry is that if several large emerging economies needed to turn to the IMF at once, the latter’s resources could prove inadequate. Also, the fund has been adding facilities to its arsenal. In October it launched a new short-term liquidity facility to help countries with otherwise sound macroeconomic policies facing sudden capital flight. Although no loans have been made under this facility so far, these would only be credible if they were backed up by enough resources.
Signs suggest that more countries may soon have to turn to the IMF for money, over and above loans that have already been approved. Pakistan’s government is considering a request for a $4.5 billion loan to top up the $7.6 billion the IMF agreed to lend in November. Romania’s prime minister says that his government will decide in the next two weeks whether it will seek money from the IMF. More generally eastern Europe has been hit hard by the reversal of private capital flows. Turkey is negotiating the terms of a possible loan with the fund.
Some economists, including former IMF economist Arvind Subramanian, even estimate that $500 billion may not be enough to allay worries about the fund’s capacity to commit, credibly, to rescuing countries in trouble. Mr Subramanian reckons the fund may need to have as much as $1 trillion on hand. But where such additional funds would come from is far from clear. The fund is not yet considering turning to private markets. Tapping additional resources from reserve-rich emerging countries such as China is a possibility. But this may require the fund to reform its governance structure radically to give these countries significantly more voice in its running than they have at present. In a hopeful sign, reforming the IMF figures prominently on the agenda of the meeting of G20 leaders in April. Movement on this vexed issue would hugely help the effectiveness of the IMF.
THE International Monetary Fund usually draws attention when it doles out cash. As notable, however, was the news last week of a deal with the Japanese government, allowing the fund to add an extra $100 billion to its kitty. The loan will augment the fund’s existing lending capacity by about half, but it is not stopping there: it plans to raise still more money (perhaps another $200 billion) from other governments. If it succeeds, it would have roughly doubled its lending capacity compared with the start of September 2008, when the global financial crisis broke in earnest.
It is not immediately obvious why the IMF, already flush with cash, needs to raise so much more money now. In September last year it had roughly $250 billion available for loans in uncommitted funds. Since then it has committed roughly $48 billion to a variety of battered emerging economies, including Belarus, Latvia, Pakistan, Iceland, Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia. A burst of activity at the end of last year has, however, been followed by a period of calm. No more loans have been agreed upon this year, except a precautionary arrangement with El Salvador, under which the country is entitled to draw $800m in case of balance-of-payments difficulties. That should leave the fund with some $200 billion lying about, even before the injection of Japanese funds.
Evidently the fund is worried that emerging economies face a large shortfall in external financing, and in turn is concerned that it might suddenly lack the means to plug the gap, if asked. Such concerns are not misplaced. Private capital, which flooded into emerging countries in the boom years, is now rushing out just as fast. According to the Institute for International Finance (IIF), net inflows of such capital to these economies peaked at nearly $929 billion in 2007, but then almost halved to $466 billion last year. Worse is to come. The IIF expects that flows will dwindle to a paltry $165 billion this year. Bank lending to emerging economies, in particular, has dried up. Western banks have hunkered down in their home markets; the IIF predicts a net outflow of $61 billion this year, a dramatic reversal of the net inflow of $410 billion in 2007. As private capital dries up, therefore, emerging markets may have to turn elsewhere: the fund is an obvious, if usually unpalatable, choice.
The worry is that if several large emerging economies needed to turn to the IMF at once, the latter’s resources could prove inadequate. Also, the fund has been adding facilities to its arsenal. In October it launched a new short-term liquidity facility to help countries with otherwise sound macroeconomic policies facing sudden capital flight. Although no loans have been made under this facility so far, these would only be credible if they were backed up by enough resources.
Signs suggest that more countries may soon have to turn to the IMF for money, over and above loans that have already been approved. Pakistan’s government is considering a request for a $4.5 billion loan to top up the $7.6 billion the IMF agreed to lend in November. Romania’s prime minister says that his government will decide in the next two weeks whether it will seek money from the IMF. More generally eastern Europe has been hit hard by the reversal of private capital flows. Turkey is negotiating the terms of a possible loan with the fund.
Some economists, including former IMF economist Arvind Subramanian, even estimate that $500 billion may not be enough to allay worries about the fund’s capacity to commit, credibly, to rescuing countries in trouble. Mr Subramanian reckons the fund may need to have as much as $1 trillion on hand. But where such additional funds would come from is far from clear. The fund is not yet considering turning to private markets. Tapping additional resources from reserve-rich emerging countries such as China is a possibility. But this may require the fund to reform its governance structure radically to give these countries significantly more voice in its running than they have at present. In a hopeful sign, reforming the IMF figures prominently on the agenda of the meeting of G20 leaders in April. Movement on this vexed issue would hugely help the effectiveness of the IMF.
Monday, February 16, 2009
INAUGURATION OF THE NEW NATIONAL STADIUM
President Jakaya Kikwete(left),Vice President Dr.Shein,Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda and the former President Benjamin Mkapa during inauguration of the new National stadium, Dar Es Slaam.
President Hujintao and President Kikwete clapping hands during inauguration
The inauguration was done by the President of Tanzania and China respectively
Decision making for managers
Decision making in management is an important skill - and making the right decisions is essential. Every manager should be looking to improve their decision making skills.
The process of corporate decision making is of the utmost importance for effective management. Your decision making process in management must be informed by expert knowledge and experience.
Decision making for managers is comprehensively covered in the articles below and within them you will find decision making tips and advice and examples of the different types of decision making needed in business.
visit http://thinkingmanagers.com/business-management
The process of corporate decision making is of the utmost importance for effective management. Your decision making process in management must be informed by expert knowledge and experience.
Decision making for managers is comprehensively covered in the articles below and within them you will find decision making tips and advice and examples of the different types of decision making needed in business.
visit http://thinkingmanagers.com/business-management
Friday, February 13, 2009
THE COOPERATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP on the way....
This April,there would be a workshop coordinated by Programme Office of TAF aiming at discussing cooperative entrepreneurship in Tanzania.
The main theme “ALTENATIVE CHALLENGES TO THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT IN TANZANIA “
Proposed topics:
1. Promotion of school age youth cooperative entrepreneurship..............Dr.Donath Olomi of UDEC (University of Dar Es Salaam Entrepreneurship Centre)
2. Capacity building for Cooperative leaders..............................................Prof.Chambo of MUCCoBS.
3. Challenges to cooperative rural development........................................Rafi Goldman, Director, NISPED Israel
4. Women participation in cooperative entrepreneurship development....Dr. Nchimbi of UDEC
5. Leadership and entrepreneurship in cooperative context.......................Rafi Goldman, NISPED-Israel
6. Review definition of cooperative............................................................Dr. Yehudah Paz, NISPED-Israel
7. Application of Cooperative principles and values....................................Rafi Goldman, NISPED-Israel
8. The link between entrepreneurship and Cooperatives............................Marwa, Shirati, CEO Graduates Synergy/Vision SACCOS Ltd
9. Cooperatives situation in Tanzania.........................................................Chairman, Tanzania Cooperative Federation
9. TAF-SCC experience in ILVAP Projects .....................................................Prof.Hamza Kiko, TAF-President
10. Access to Coop Investment, Finance and Credit.....................................Esther Mukono, Kenya Cooperative Bank
(KCB)/Charles Kimei of CRDB
11. Empowerment and poverty reduction...................................................Reginald Mengi, Tanzania Entrepreneur
10. Tanzania`s experience............................................................................Dr.Kashuliza, D/RC in MoAC
12. ISRAEL experience..................................................................................Dr.Yehudah Paz, NISPED
13. The way forward....................................................................................Prof.Chambo, Principal MUCCoBS
Proposed invitees:
1. The Director of Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Commerce and Industries
2. Executive Director,MVIWATA/MVIWAMO
3. Managing Director, Kilimanjaro Cooperative Bank
4. Managing Director,CRDB Bank
5. Executive Director, Tanzania Association of Coffee producers
6. Executive Director, Tanzania Association of Cotton producers
7. Executive Secretary, Tanzania Farmers Association/Federation
8. Executive Officer, Tanzania Association of Foresters(TAF)
9. Executive Secretary ,Tanzania Association of Fisheries
10. ILO Representative in Tanzania.
11. Senior Programme Officer,SCC-Nairobi
12. Executive Director, Confederation of Tanzania Industries(CTI)
13. Director of Community Development, Ministry of Social Development
14. Executive Director,SCCULT
15. Executive Director, Tanzania Cooperative Federation
16. Director, Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Vice-President`s Office(VPO)
17. Director of information, Ministry of Information
18. Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
You are all welcome!
The main theme “ALTENATIVE CHALLENGES TO THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT IN TANZANIA “
Proposed topics:
1. Promotion of school age youth cooperative entrepreneurship..............Dr.Donath Olomi of UDEC (University of Dar Es Salaam Entrepreneurship Centre)
2. Capacity building for Cooperative leaders..............................................Prof.Chambo of MUCCoBS.
3. Challenges to cooperative rural development........................................Rafi Goldman, Director, NISPED Israel
4. Women participation in cooperative entrepreneurship development....Dr. Nchimbi of UDEC
5. Leadership and entrepreneurship in cooperative context.......................Rafi Goldman, NISPED-Israel
6. Review definition of cooperative............................................................Dr. Yehudah Paz, NISPED-Israel
7. Application of Cooperative principles and values....................................Rafi Goldman, NISPED-Israel
8. The link between entrepreneurship and Cooperatives............................Marwa, Shirati, CEO Graduates Synergy/Vision SACCOS Ltd
9. Cooperatives situation in Tanzania.........................................................Chairman, Tanzania Cooperative Federation
9. TAF-SCC experience in ILVAP Projects .....................................................Prof.Hamza Kiko, TAF-President
10. Access to Coop Investment, Finance and Credit.....................................Esther Mukono, Kenya Cooperative Bank
(KCB)/Charles Kimei of CRDB
11. Empowerment and poverty reduction...................................................Reginald Mengi, Tanzania Entrepreneur
10. Tanzania`s experience............................................................................Dr.Kashuliza, D/RC in MoAC
12. ISRAEL experience..................................................................................Dr.Yehudah Paz, NISPED
13. The way forward....................................................................................Prof.Chambo, Principal MUCCoBS
Proposed invitees:
1. The Director of Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Commerce and Industries
2. Executive Director,MVIWATA/MVIWAMO
3. Managing Director, Kilimanjaro Cooperative Bank
4. Managing Director,CRDB Bank
5. Executive Director, Tanzania Association of Coffee producers
6. Executive Director, Tanzania Association of Cotton producers
7. Executive Secretary, Tanzania Farmers Association/Federation
8. Executive Officer, Tanzania Association of Foresters(TAF)
9. Executive Secretary ,Tanzania Association of Fisheries
10. ILO Representative in Tanzania.
11. Senior Programme Officer,SCC-Nairobi
12. Executive Director, Confederation of Tanzania Industries(CTI)
13. Director of Community Development, Ministry of Social Development
14. Executive Director,SCCULT
15. Executive Director, Tanzania Cooperative Federation
16. Director, Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Vice-President`s Office(VPO)
17. Director of information, Ministry of Information
18. Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
You are all welcome!
Biofuels cause land scramble in TZ
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
A new scramble for arable land in Tanzania has started - the coastline and the fertile land in Northern and Southern Tanzania being the prime targets.This scramble which has seen thousands of acres of fertile arable land falling into the hands of foreign companies has been engineered by the quest for bio fuels.
At least for now five regions have been at the centre of this scramble. Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga, Mbeya and Arusha regions have been cited as the first victims of land grabbing engineered by foreign companies in Tanzania.
Already the coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres stretching from Tanga to Mtwara has been taken either directly by foreign companies or by local well-to-do Tanzanians who pose and act on behalf of multinational corporations. Most of these companies pose as strategic investors.
The EABW has discovered that in Bagamoyo district, Coast region the situation is alarming. The district, which is about 40 kilometres from Dar es salaam city centre has been the focus of these land grabbers. Recently, thousands of acres of land were given to an 'investor' for sugar cane farming.
The land was given to the investor despite technical advice by agricultural experts from the ministry of agriculture and food security who had turned down the proposal. Like many other places, the land is needed for cultivation of sugar cane to produce bio fuels.
In the same region in Mkuranga district, a Swedish company, Sekab is seeking to be given two million acres of land for the cultivation of bio fuel plants.
EABW was told by the locals and the district authorities that the company is expected to invest over US$400 million for the project.
Another company, British Sun Biofuels is also scrambling to acquire at least 8,000 acres of land in Mkuranga for a bio fuel project.
In Kisarawe district in Coast region the story is the same. One company has been given about 8,000 acres of land to plant jathropa. Kisarawe district authorities have already sanctioned the deal.
In Arusha, thousands of acres of land have been given to 'investors' in flower farming, coffee and aloe vera, leaving the locals without land. The locals are now forced to be labourers on their own land.
In Rufiji district, also in Coast region the story is the same. Thousands of acres have been given to foreign companies who have promised the Tanzanian government to cultivate food crops.
What the approval of these projects means is that thousands of villagers if not millions will have to be removed from their land.
Some of the land was taken during the privatization of public corporations through the Parastatal Sector Reform Commission (PSRC).
A case in point is in Mbeya region where one Asian business tycoon is controlling more than 7,500 hectares of fertile paddy fields in the Kapunga area where he cultivates rice.
He purchased the once government owned paddy fields from the PSRC in 2006 promising the authorities that he would engage in large scale farming.
What the government expected from the 'investor' was creation of jobs and an increase in food production for both local market and export. This has never happened.
Instead what the investor is doing is to lease the land for a fee under conditions similar to feudalism.. Before the land was privatized, it was a source of livelihood for more than 30,000 villagers in the area.
A new scramble for arable land in Tanzania has started - the coastline and the fertile land in Northern and Southern Tanzania being the prime targets.This scramble which has seen thousands of acres of fertile arable land falling into the hands of foreign companies has been engineered by the quest for bio fuels.
At least for now five regions have been at the centre of this scramble. Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga, Mbeya and Arusha regions have been cited as the first victims of land grabbing engineered by foreign companies in Tanzania.
Already the coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres stretching from Tanga to Mtwara has been taken either directly by foreign companies or by local well-to-do Tanzanians who pose and act on behalf of multinational corporations. Most of these companies pose as strategic investors.
The EABW has discovered that in Bagamoyo district, Coast region the situation is alarming. The district, which is about 40 kilometres from Dar es salaam city centre has been the focus of these land grabbers. Recently, thousands of acres of land were given to an 'investor' for sugar cane farming.
The land was given to the investor despite technical advice by agricultural experts from the ministry of agriculture and food security who had turned down the proposal. Like many other places, the land is needed for cultivation of sugar cane to produce bio fuels.
In the same region in Mkuranga district, a Swedish company, Sekab is seeking to be given two million acres of land for the cultivation of bio fuel plants.
EABW was told by the locals and the district authorities that the company is expected to invest over US$400 million for the project.
Another company, British Sun Biofuels is also scrambling to acquire at least 8,000 acres of land in Mkuranga for a bio fuel project.
In Kisarawe district in Coast region the story is the same. One company has been given about 8,000 acres of land to plant jathropa. Kisarawe district authorities have already sanctioned the deal.
In Arusha, thousands of acres of land have been given to 'investors' in flower farming, coffee and aloe vera, leaving the locals without land. The locals are now forced to be labourers on their own land.
In Rufiji district, also in Coast region the story is the same. Thousands of acres have been given to foreign companies who have promised the Tanzanian government to cultivate food crops.
What the approval of these projects means is that thousands of villagers if not millions will have to be removed from their land.
Some of the land was taken during the privatization of public corporations through the Parastatal Sector Reform Commission (PSRC).
A case in point is in Mbeya region where one Asian business tycoon is controlling more than 7,500 hectares of fertile paddy fields in the Kapunga area where he cultivates rice.
He purchased the once government owned paddy fields from the PSRC in 2006 promising the authorities that he would engage in large scale farming.
What the government expected from the 'investor' was creation of jobs and an increase in food production for both local market and export. This has never happened.
Instead what the investor is doing is to lease the land for a fee under conditions similar to feudalism.. Before the land was privatized, it was a source of livelihood for more than 30,000 villagers in the area.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MICHAEL JACKSON is suffering from an acute MRSA-type skin infection
On the way to the clinic,he greeted some fans
On the way to the doctor
Jackson`s nose in 2002
Inflamed....the star`s skin shows off signs of infectionMICHAEL JACKSON is suffering from an acute MRSA-type skin infection which threatens to EAT his flesh.
The singer has been receiving antibiotics via a drip in a bid to beat the superbug, which sources say has spread throughout his body.
Jacko, 50, revealed painfully-inflamed skin on his face and hands as he visited a Beverly Hills clinic where he is being treated.
The stricken pop legend may have contracted the infection following plastic surgery on his NOSE, it was feared last night.
The 50-year-old Billie Jean singer is said to have a severe “staph” infection, resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Experts warned it threatened to develop into a terrifying flesh-eating disorder which could kill off areas of the superstar’s skin and leave him in need of major reconstructive surgery.
Jacko has been receiving antibiotics via an IV drip in a bid to beat the condition.
But the skin on his face and hands looked inflamed when he was snapped on his way to a Beverly Hills clinic during another week of intense treatment.
A source revealed last night: “Michael Jackson has a severe staph infection that he contracted during work to reconstruct his nose.
“The disease is an MRSA-style infection because it is resistant to conventional antibiotics, so he has been visiting a clinic to get antibiotics via an IV drip.
“The infection has spread throughout his face and body and is being aggressively treated by doctors.
“There’s a chance it could turn into a flesh-eating disorder where it begins to kill off his skin so he’s being very carefully monitored.”
Swollen
Jackson was seen twice visiting the same clinic within a week.
He emerged with his face covered by dark sunglasses and a surgical mask — and with his hair hidden behind a surgical cap.
The usually-pale skin on his hands and face appeared visibly inflamed with red and purple blotches and he appeared to have a severely swollen cheek.
US celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Anthony Youn, who has not treated Jacko but has viewed the shocking photos of the star, said: “It is possible that Mr Jackson has a staph infection or MRSA.
“This is called a ‘super-infection’ because it is resistant to conventional antibiotics. It does look like his skin is red and inflamed and has become infected.
“Staph infection or MRSA is extremely worrying because it is an aggressive infection that is resistant to most conventional antibiotics.
“In some worse cases surgeons will have to remove the infected tissue if it dies — leaving the patient needing major reconstructive surgery. It is particularly worrying if it is on the face.”
Dr Youn, who runs The Hills Plastic Surgery and Laser Centre and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said: “Many people in the health-care system can contract this disease via cuts to the skin.
“But it is possible Mr Jackson contracted it through surgery on his nose. There are occasions where patients contract the infection during plastic surgery procedures.
“Doctors try to treat the infection early with antibiotics administered via IV drip — and in many cases the patient can make a good recovery if it is caught early enough.”
Jackson’s increasingly frail appearance has prompted speculation about the state of his health.
Last month Ian Halperin, author of a Jackson biography, claimed the singer was suffering from potentially fatal lung disease. But Jackson’s spokesman dismissed this as a “total fabrication”.
He added: “Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances.”
The spokesman refused to return calls last night.
Masked ... Jackson greets fans on his way to the clinic for treatment
Jackson has always insisted he suffers from a skin condition called vitiligo, a chronic skin disease which causes loss of pigment.
Despite the dramatic changes to his appearance, he admits only to having two minor cosmetic procedures. He has admitted to minor work on his nose to help him breathe.
Last summer, the star was seen being pushed in a wheelchair as he approached his 50th birthday. The gaunt singer was clad in pyjamas and slippers.
Witnesses described the skin on his hands peeling off — almost like that of a snake.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Free management intelligence
The Motivation for Creativity
Why should anyone seek to be creative? Creativity is full of risks and uncertainties. There is the risk of failure. There is the need to persuade others. There is a need for political skills. It is much better to sit quietly and do what you are supposed to do.
If things are going well, who needs creativity? If things are going badly, then there is no time for the uncertainties of creativity.
If you set out to be creative - and even if you use the powerful tools of lateral thinking - you cannot be sure of a result.
There is a further problem. Every valuable creative idea must always be logical in hindsight - otherwise it would have no value. So it is assumed that logic could have reached the idea in the first place.
This is totally untrue in an asymmetric patterning system like the human brain. But how many people know about asymmetric systems? So executives expect only 'blue sky ideas' from creativity and these are then deemed impractical.
If we regard creativity as an inborn talent which some people have and others do not have, then we just look for creative people.
If we regard creativity as the 'skill' of using information in a patterning system like the brain, then everyone can develop the skill of creativity. To be sure, some people will achieve a higher degree of skill than others - as with any skill - but this is not the same as being naturally creative. People who are not naturally creative might develop a higher degree of skill than those who are naturally creative.
Confidence is a key factor in creative effort. Those who have succeeded in having creative ideas in the past are much more willing to make a creative effort. They know from experience that new ideas are possible. They have experienced the joy and achievement of having a new idea.
How do you build up confidence if school does not encourage creativity, and the workplace does not expect it?
Most people do what is expected of them. The rebellious few do not. That is why we usually associate creativity with a rebellious nature. But it does not have to be like that.
To get creativity into an organisation you must make it an 'expectation'. At the end of every meeting, the chair person must allocate the last fifteen minutes to 'anyone who is exploring a new idea'. If no one has anything to say, they are told they are not doing their job.
A creative 'Hit List' of areas which need new thinking is produced and made visible to everyone. Executives are expected to work on items from this list - either as individuals or as assigned teams.
The effort to have ideas is key. If new ideas are an expectation, then people will make an effort to have new ideas. Their confidence will grow and eventually there will be a creative organisation.
It is also important to learn how to be creative. There is a need to learn the formal skills of lateral thinking which make creativity available to everyone.
Why should anyone seek to be creative? Creativity is full of risks and uncertainties. There is the risk of failure. There is the need to persuade others. There is a need for political skills. It is much better to sit quietly and do what you are supposed to do.
If things are going well, who needs creativity? If things are going badly, then there is no time for the uncertainties of creativity.
If you set out to be creative - and even if you use the powerful tools of lateral thinking - you cannot be sure of a result.
There is a further problem. Every valuable creative idea must always be logical in hindsight - otherwise it would have no value. So it is assumed that logic could have reached the idea in the first place.
This is totally untrue in an asymmetric patterning system like the human brain. But how many people know about asymmetric systems? So executives expect only 'blue sky ideas' from creativity and these are then deemed impractical.
If we regard creativity as an inborn talent which some people have and others do not have, then we just look for creative people.
If we regard creativity as the 'skill' of using information in a patterning system like the brain, then everyone can develop the skill of creativity. To be sure, some people will achieve a higher degree of skill than others - as with any skill - but this is not the same as being naturally creative. People who are not naturally creative might develop a higher degree of skill than those who are naturally creative.
Confidence is a key factor in creative effort. Those who have succeeded in having creative ideas in the past are much more willing to make a creative effort. They know from experience that new ideas are possible. They have experienced the joy and achievement of having a new idea.
How do you build up confidence if school does not encourage creativity, and the workplace does not expect it?
Most people do what is expected of them. The rebellious few do not. That is why we usually associate creativity with a rebellious nature. But it does not have to be like that.
To get creativity into an organisation you must make it an 'expectation'. At the end of every meeting, the chair person must allocate the last fifteen minutes to 'anyone who is exploring a new idea'. If no one has anything to say, they are told they are not doing their job.
A creative 'Hit List' of areas which need new thinking is produced and made visible to everyone. Executives are expected to work on items from this list - either as individuals or as assigned teams.
The effort to have ideas is key. If new ideas are an expectation, then people will make an effort to have new ideas. Their confidence will grow and eventually there will be a creative organisation.
It is also important to learn how to be creative. There is a need to learn the formal skills of lateral thinking which make creativity available to everyone.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Rihanna to wed soulmate Chris?
Picture...rihannaUMBRELLA singer RIHANNA fuels speculation she is engaged to soul star CHRIS BROWN as she sports this huge diamond ring on her wedding finger.
Pals said Chris, 19, popped the question over the New Year.
Rihanna, 20, showed off the bling after performing with her fella at the O2 in London.
Despite the cold, she wore fingerless gloves and held her hand to her chest so people could clock the rock.
A source said: “Rihanna was wearing the biggest diamond you can imagine.”
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: is top Dog
Pleasure Cruz...Penelope`s back in black
Missing out....both BRANGELINA failed to win gongs
Best Actress...Kate Winslet
Winner.......Danny BoyleSLUMDOG Millionaire swept the board at the Baftas last night, scooping seven gongs including Best Film and Best Director for Brit DANNY BOYLE.
In an incredible night for British talent, English rose KATE WINSLET also stole the show, winning Best Actress for her role in The Reader.
In the men’s category Hollywood hellraiser MICKEY ROURKE claimed Best Actor for his part in The Wrestler.
While a posthumous gong for Best Supporting Actor went to HEATH LEDGER for his dramatic role as Dark Knight villain The Joker.
And stunning PENELOPE CRUZ was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
There was disappointment for the makers of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which only took three awards from a possible 11.
A stellar cast of movie A-listers sashayed up the red carpet in drizzling rain for the glitzy 62nd British Academy Film Awards at the grand setting of the Royal Opera House in central London.
In a brilliant night for British film it was Slumdog Millionaire which led the way with seven awards.
The story of a boy from the Mumbai slums getting to the final round of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? gameshow captured the hearts of Bafta nominators, also winning the Adapted Screenplay, Music, Cinematography, Editing and Sound categories.
More home-grown success came through an Original Screenplay gong for In Bruges and Costume Design for The Duchess.
Kate Winslet, who has already won two Golden Globes this year for The Reader and Revolutionary Road, was handed her gong by 007 star DANIEL CRAIG.
She was overcome with emotion as she took hold of the coveted award for the first time since winning Best Supporting Actress for Sense and Sensibility in 1995.
The show was opened with a live performance from pop princess KYLIE MINOGUE, and was presented by JONATHAN ROSS – just back from suspension for his lewd on-air comments.
Danny Boyle accepted his award for Best Director from SIR IAN MCKELLEN and PATRICK STEWART, while legendary rocker SIR MICK JAGGER handed out the prize for Best Film.
I’ve Loved You So Long took away the Best Film Not in the English Language award.
Director STEVE MCQUEEN got the The Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer for their First Feature Film for movie Hunger.
TERRY GILLIAM was handed the Academy Fellowship gong for his lifetime’s contribution to film.
The 68-year-old former Python said: “This is a great honour for someone who needs so many other people to do his job."
In his career spanning five decades he has had Bafta, Oscar and Golden Globe success, and has been praised for his screenwriting on Life of Brian (1979) and Brazil (1985).
Pinewood and Shepperton Studios grabbed an award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
The Orange Rising Star Award was presented to NOEL CLARKE, director and star of Adulthood.
The party atmosphere at Britain’s biggest film awards was not dampened by the rain as glamorous stars took to the red carpet in expensive designer dresses.
Double nominated Kate Winslet snubbed fans desperate for her autograph as she was whisked into the Opera House. Some section of the crowd booed her as she went passed without stopping.
Hollywood will be looking closely at the 62nd Orange British Academy Film Awards, as it is often seen as an early indication of who will win the coveted Oscars.
The crowds surrounding the red carpet went wild when showbiz royalty BRAD PITT and ANGELINA JOLIE – nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress – stopped to give autographs.
Mickey Rourke wooed the crowd as he stopped to sign autographs wearing dark glasses and smoking a cigarette.
Other stars included Daniel Craig, SHIA LABEOEUF and SHARON STONE, who looked aghast when an umbrella was moved from her head allowing the rain to spoil her perfectly coiffed hairdo.
Mamma Mia! heartthrob DOMINIC COOPER signed autographs for adoring female fans.
But FRANK LANGELLA and SEAN PENN, nominated for Best Actor in Frost/Nixon and MIlk, respectively, didn’t turn up for the awards.
MICHAEL SHEEN, who played DAVID FROST in Frost/Nixon, said on the red carpet: “It’s a great atmosphere but it needs a bit of work because people generally shout at you and I could stay at home for that.”
Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle said on the red carpet: “It feels pretty nice to be here. I’ve been directing a long time. It’s a real honour for the film and I’m delighted for everyone, especially the actors.
“I thought I would never want to do a film about a gameshow.
“I’m not really a big time director. I try to concentrate on projects I can keep control on. So it’s extraordinary when something like this takes off.”
HASSANALI NA MAVAZI YA HARUSI
Mbunifu wa mitindo maarufu nchini Mustafa Hassanali akipita na warembo wakiwa kwenye mavazi ya harusi katika shoo iliyojulikana kama Bridal collection katika ukumbi wa Little Theatre Dar Es Salaam wikendi hii
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)