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 Car Talk › Re: BMW X5 Vs Mercedes-Benz ML - Which Would You Choose? by Wallie(m): 8:16pm On Apr 28, 2010 |
Siena:True but the first thing that comes to my mind when I see the Allroad and cross country is "wagon." I actually rented the cross country once on a trip to Montreal during winter and I was extremely impressed. I also like the beefy look of the Allroad and the fact that you can easily add power to the 2.7L engine. With regards to the GL, looks like MB finally got something right according to reviews. I've been trying to get myself to warm up to the R class because I want a 7-seater but I think I should have been looking at the GL. Do check out the 5 series GT if you can. @BlueDiva – I do agree that the shape of the X6 takes some getting used to but the inside and front is crazy! For some reason, I always find myself rooting for BMW but MB’s latest products are not bad especially the sedans (C & E class). |
| Car Talk › Re: BMW X5 Vs Mercedes-Benz ML - Which Would You Choose? by Wallie(m): 7:29pm On Apr 28, 2010 |
@Siena - when you do test drive the SUVs, make sure that you drive the same model years since improvements are usually made on the newer models. I guess I can sort of understand why you would group X6 in the same category as an Audi Allroad but I don't think they belong in the same category. The Allroad should be compared to other station wagons like 5 series or E class wagons with 4 wheel drive. The X6 might have been a compromise for the US because we hate wagons over here. The X6 is really geared to those that want a fast sporty SUV without a real need for utility; in other words, a sportier version of the X5 or Cayenne. |
| Car Talk › Re: BMW X5 Vs Mercedes-Benz ML - Which Would You Choose? by Wallie(m): 6:33pm On Apr 28, 2010 |
@Topic First gen ML (320 or 430) is not worth the time it took to write this. Second gen is a little better but still lags behind BMW X5. First gen X5 is ok but second gen (2004+ especially for the 4.4 & 4.  is better.Audi Q7 look nice but it is too heavy, too slow and too long. Range rover sport (HSE or super-charged) looks very beautiful but it is the worst piece of crap ever, at least as of 2008! If you're going to get the range, just make sure you have a very nice stash of funds for when the electrical gremlins come calling. |
| Career › Re: Electrical Engineering: Aspirants and Practitioners by Wallie(m): 9:23pm On Apr 27, 2010 |
AjanleKoko:I hated my computer architecture class with a passion; I couldn't wait to get it over with! It is highly inspirational to see Nigerians excel in technical areas. What I would give to spend 30 minutes picking this guy’s brain! If Stanford was close by, I might even go audit his class just so that I can ask questions afterwards. |
| Romance › Re: Do Nigerians Always Marry Each Other? by Wallie(m): 5:38pm On Apr 27, 2010 |
Here’s my rating that determines if a girl is worth taking to the next level: 26% Beauty (External 15%, Internal 11%) 26% Person (Heart 10%, intelligence 6%, mannerism 5%, respectfulness 5%) 24 % Religion 12% Number of prior partners 7% Country 5% Miscellaneous soft traits (ambition, education etc) |
| Romance › Re: Do Nigerians Always Marry Each Other? by Wallie(m): 4:51pm On Apr 27, 2010 |
@babsmii - I actually know quite a few Africans that have stuck to their own kind and are now having problems (infidelity, in-law issues, lack of love, incompatibility etc). Do you think you can predict someone you’ve not really dated or lived with because she comes from a “good” family? The truth is, when people start dating, both of you have only met each other’s representative. You won’t really get to meet the real person until about a year or after your first few fights:-) I think people have this ill preconceived notion or fallacy that if they marry someone from their village, they will tend to know each other better and problems could usually be abated because they speak the same language. Well, I got news for you; it only works if the couple is compatible! Only marry someone you’re compatible with; otherwise, you’ll end up divorced or unhappy with kids! I don’t have a preference for Nigerians because where you come from does not change who you are as a person. 1 Like |
| Career › Re: What Career Track Are You On? by Wallie(m): 4:10pm On Apr 27, 2010 |
In my first career, my career track spanned the definitions of the general-fast-personal track. I got on the fast track purely out of recognition of my capabilities and not through some “unjust” means. I believe I was on the fast track because I got very good assignments, which are usually harder; however, that allowed me to showcase my abilities. But promotion at my company was merit based in comparison with everybody else within the division. At the beginning of the year, each person had to set out their objectives for the year; based on the complexity of the objectives and whether the goals were met, merits were determined. The question then becomes, “what happens if you were only given sh*tty assignments like pushing paper?” Hence, my believe that I was on the fast track. Notwithstanding the promotions and relative security, the fast track wasn’t fast enough for me and I switched careers. In my second career, I think I’m on the general-personal track. I believe I’m on the personal track because I’ve always been in control of my career and I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I also don’t believe in resting on one’s laurels because even when you think you’re seating comfortably, there’s someone else seating higher than you (and I’m not necessarily talking about money). My personal track drive has never really been about money but more about measuring up against people better* than me as of today; money is just a by-product of being good at what you do. Definition Better – if given the same opportunity as the person on top, can I achieve what they’ve achieved? Think about people like Page, Zuckerburg, Jobs, Dangote, Otedola, Ibrahim, YarAdua, Jonathan, Bankole, Akunyili etc. |
| Politics › Re: Acting President Goodluck Jonathan And His Too Many Grammatical Errors by Wallie(m): 9:08pm On Apr 16, 2010 |
English is a "medium" by which Jonathan must communicate. When you have situations where “certain things” detract from your message, the distractions need to be minimized or mitigated. Usually, politicians brush up on their oration and presentation skills during the long campaign process. Obama is naturally gifted but also had about 2 years of campaigning to prefect his skills. This should be a lesson for the next president wannabe; exuding confidence, charisma while having great orator skills goes a long way in getting your message across and might even get you more votes. Having an accent, which shows your identity, is not a bad thing unless it detracts from your message. You probably want your accent to neutral as defined by your country or origin. |
| Career › Re: Ericsson Moves To Sack Nigerian Employees, Hire Indians As Replacement by Wallie(m): 5:53pm On Apr 15, 2010 |
Ericsson is a very savvy company with lobbyists, like most companies their size is, so they probably paid off the government! Nigerians need to start holding their elected officials and parties accountable. |
| Career › Re: Ericsson Moves To Sack Nigerian Employees, Hire Indians As Replacement by Wallie(m): 5:37pm On Apr 15, 2010 |
What the affected parties need to do is contact their respective senators so that a high level delegation can be formed to pay the company a visit before the outsourcing becomes irreversible. The senators need to come up with a “carrot & stick” approach that would entice the company to stay put. |
| Career › Re: Ericsson Moves To Sack Nigerian Employees, Hire Indians As Replacement by Wallie(m): 5:03pm On Apr 15, 2010 |
Welcome to the 21st century!! Outsourcing is here to stay in today’s global economy but a functioning government prevents it from happening or mitigates its effect. There is no reason Nigeria should be not be a country of choice were jobs are being off shored except for our comatose government of course. Any reasonable company will choose to outsource when the cost of outsourcing outweighs the political flak associated with it. A country becomes attractive to companies where there is: 1. A large pool of potential candidates which means that universities need to turn out better prepared candidates. 2. A favorable taxes or tax free zones. The government can tie this to a quota system of hiring a certain percentage of Nigerians in the companies’ skilled workforce. This ensures that the Nigerian workforce will eventually become highly skilled and sought after. 3. Stable electricity - reduces cost of doing business 4. Stable government and laws. Here’s an anecdote A couple of months ago, I had some IT type work I needed done but didn’t want to spend my time doing it. I decided that I wanted to hire a contractor and when I requested for bids, I mostly got responses from India-based companies. It got me thinking why a country like Nigeria can’t have a comparable IT sector or even call centers. I ended up hiring an India-based company because I wanted to pay the least amount possible for a qualified company. |
| Science/Technology › Re: Nigerian Scientists Develop Fuelless Generator by Wallie(m): 8:46pm On Apr 09, 2010 |
NSNA:HSNA, did you send them the $100 per hour to talk to them? We are WORLD IMPROVEMENT THROUGH THE SPIRIT MINISTRIES, WITTS. |
| Science/Technology › Re: Nigerian Scientists Develop Fuelless Generator by Wallie(m): 7:33pm On Apr 09, 2010 |
Here are some disclosures of "PERPETUAL MOTION GIMMICKS" that people filed over the years at the United State Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) hoping to get a patent. This should make a good reading for the inventors. http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&d=PG01&Query=CCL%2F%2274%22%2FDIG.9 |
| Science/Technology › Re: Nigerian Scientists Develop Fuelless Generator by Wallie(m): 7:06pm On Apr 09, 2010 |
Perpetual machine? If not and can be proven, as a Patent Attorney, I would advice the inventors to file for a patent in the US ASAP because hundreds of millions in licensing fees could be at stake. Also, once the invention is published, they have very little time to file an application. I would suggest they file a provisional application now, which should give them enough time (1 year) to solidify their invention before filing a full blown application. I am pretty sure that there are some great inventors in Nigeria and if only they have their rights protected, we might have more billionaires on the Forbes list. Time is money! |
| Career › Re: What Do You Think Of People Who Cheat Their Way Through School by Wallie(m): 10:21pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
Assuming you’re taking a course on Venture Capital and Private Equity Supplements might be: 1. Term Sheets & Valuations - A Line by Line Look at the Intricacies of Venture Capital Term Sheets & Valuations 2. Venture Capital Due Diligence: A Guide to Making Smart Investment Choices and Increasing Your Portfolio Returns Basically, anything that summarizes or better explains the topic you're covering. |
| Career › Re: Car And Career by Wallie(m): 10:05pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
Some cities are almost impossible to get around in without a car. You said it takes about 1.5 hrs taking the bus, but how long would it take driving due to traffic? Finally, whatever you do, do NOT buy a car on credit because even though the monthly payments might seem manageable, it gets really old in a few months. |
| Career › Re: What Career Would You Choose Next Time? by Wallie(m): 9:56pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
In my next life, I want to be a race car driver but with my current engineering, business, and legal knowledge. Everything I do now is just a means to get me to my "end", which is racing. My parents will have a heart attack hearing me say this:-) |
| Career › Re: What Do You Think Of People Who Cheat Their Way Through School by Wallie(m): 8:51pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
If you do it, just don’t get caught because the consequences are dire! Passing off someone else’s work as your own (not citing it) is plagiarism. Just remember that a Prof can google phrases or have familiarity with your source. I understand what you’re going through combining work & school because I went through the same thing and it is definitely not for everybody! My only advice to you is that course supplements/outlines are your friend. Learn to use them wisely and you’ll not only succeed but also excel. Always buy at least a couple of supplements/outlines per course and you’d be fine. |
| Literature › Re: How To Speak And Write English With Good Diction by Wallie(m): 8:25pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
Well, speaking is almost independent of writing. It is actually easier to write and communicate effectively than to speak and try to do the same. Speaking grammatically correct English is mostly about practice and knowing what the rules are. To write, here are a few books that might help: 1. The Grammar Bible: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Grammar but Didn't Know Whom to Ask http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805075607/ref=oss_product 2. Painless Grammar (Painless Series) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764134361/ref=oss_product 3. The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need: A One-Stop Source for Every Writing Assignment http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580628559/ref=oss_product |
| NYSC › Re: Corpers' Lodge: Ask Questions & Share Your NYSC Experience by Wallie(m): 7:24pm On Apr 08, 2010 |
Do foreign graduates still get the preference to serve in Lagos or Abuja even though the website says otherwise? |
| Politics › Re: What Would Encourage You To Return To Nigeria? by Wallie(m): 7:20pm On Apr 06, 2010 |
A dead person is DEAD and will never be able to enjoy 24/7 electricity, good roads, great manufacturing economy that dwarfs China, and even first class healthcare! One needs to be around to effect or enjoy change; hence, security being the most important factor! The funny thing is that the issue of security is a catch-22. Mass employment which will employ a would-be robber can only happen in the manufacturing sector but manufacturing requires abundant supply of energy! |
| Career › Re: Which Is Actually More Important, Your Degree Or Work Experience? by Wallie(m): 6:33pm On Apr 06, 2010 |
Both are very important. A simple way to think of it is that your formal education is just “theoretical” knowledge while an actual experience is “practical” knowledge. Both types of knowledge might not necessarily compliment each other but they’re still important in evaluating what you’re capable of. The bottom line is that it all comes down to return on investment (ROI). A potential employer will make more money if he doesn’t have to spend a lot of time training you. In some fields, it might take about a year before a new employee starts turning profit for the company. Imagine owning a company and having to spend your time babysitting a new employee because he can’t use a computer? Having the right experience presumes that the employer won’t have to spend that much time bringing you up to speed which might not be a bad bet, assuming your resume is not padded. Also, having work experience or a valid excuse can somewhat make up for a bad GPA. Persevere…winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win! |
| Business › Re: Pay Per Click Does It Work Or Is It A Frude? by Wallie(m): 6:12pm On Apr 06, 2010 |
It does work if you're dealing with reputable companies. |
| Politics › Re: What Would Encourage You To Return To Nigeria? by Wallie(m): 5:59pm On Apr 06, 2010 |
For me, by far, the greatest threat is security. I remember in 2000 when I went home, I had a late flight into Lagos and it was past midnight before I picked up my luggage. My parents made us stay at the airport car-park until almost 7am because of armed robbers that follow people coming from the airport. Also, the cars except for the run-down one had to be home and parked before 7PM. What kind of life would one be living if you worked hard for your money but can’t enjoy it? Next in line will be electricity. Having stable and predictable electricity will bring the manufacturing sector out of coma which will in-turn provide employment for a lot of youths. Lastly will be healthcare. This is not as important in the interim because one can always travel abroad. |
| Career › Re: The Reality Of Overqualification - Are People Getting Overqualified? by Wallie(m): 3:03pm On Apr 02, 2010 |
1honeybee:You are right! In engineering, it could actually be more of a hindrance because she would be too highly specialized! One of the great benefits of engineering, especially electrical engineering, is that the field is extremely wide but your friend has effectively narrowed the field to a sub-specialty. Most engineers will tell you that what they do at work can only be fundamentally linked to their education before getting their first job. You usually build on the fundamental knowledge through your employer’s training/schooling. In other words, she needs to get some experience in some industry then go for her PhD as related to that industry. |
| Career › Re: The Reality Of Overqualification - Are People Getting Overqualified? by Wallie(m): 2:51pm On Apr 02, 2010 |
AjanleKoko:I do agree. But at times, it depends on the type of work and also serves as a way to differentiate candidates. In today’s economy in my field, even a PhD might not be enough. For example, Patent Attorneys with a background in the sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, pharmacy) are “required” to have a PhD, a law degree (JD), and a couple of years of experience before getting entry level jobs. There are lots of recent law school graduates with PhDs roaming the streets looking for a job! I think more education is not a bad thing but the employers need to pay for it! AjanleKoko:Yes, because you need a way to stand out from the crowd even if it means just getting your resume to the top of the pile. AjanleKoko:Yes. In fields where you bid for a job, the proposal looks a lot better with resumes of advanced degree holders. Also, on average, the employer will be getting more bang for their buck because the employee will have more "potential", at least in fields that require technical knowledge. AjanleKoko:Schools…they have the largest racketeering going!!! Why the hell should an MBA (2 year program) cost upwards of $80k? |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Bags UN-Habitat Award In Brazil by Wallie(m): 9:51pm On Mar 30, 2010 |
What people don’t realize is that the bureaucracy left in place over years of decay is causing the legislative arm of the state to drag their feet. If you can imagine a scenario where a politician ran and got elected into office thinking that he just won an annuity payment for his tenure. Now, a new governor comes in and cancels the annuity payments by establishing a new world order. Do you think the politician will be happy? I’m pretty sure that every chance the politicians get, they will block and delay every single bill that comes their way. Do you think one can progress in such a scenario? Yet, the governor is making strides! Fashola has ruffled a lot of feathers during the last 2 years and people should try to see past the detractors because they are just trying to preserve the status quo. |
| Career › Re: Show Off Your Qualifications Here by Wallie(m): 8:07pm On Mar 25, 2010 |
The Otunba of US, His Excellency, Sir Hon. Chief Rev. Alhaji Dr. Engr. Prince Ambassador Wallie Esq. Chairman/CEO of TWiSM Holdings, Inc. |
| Sports › Re: Britain Deports Its Five Gold Medal Nigerian Hero by Wallie(m): 7:09pm On Mar 24, 2010 |
Traffic offence or not, what really matters is that the crime he’s convicted of is serious enough to warrant deportation. Here, serious crimes are considered felonies and even though there are various degrees, a felony is still a felony. It makes very little difference if your felony is a result of drunk driving or maiming someone with malice; you’re still screwed the same. |
| Nairaland General › Re: Why Do Some Nairalanders Have A Serious Bias Against Those Of Us Overseas ? by Wallie(m): 5:53pm On Mar 22, 2010 |
I don’t think there should be any type of jealousy going on between the two camps. The main advantage of living in the west is that you have the basic amenities of life, even if you’re flipping buggers earning minimum wage. Also, the standard of living when abroad tends to be higher as well. The higher standard of living can be mostly traced to the availability of instrumentalities that allows you to better yourself even if it means being in debt up to your eyeballs. There are some Nigerians in Nigeria doing extremely well, at least so it seems. I have friends that come here on vacation and spend money like there’s no tomorrow. Of course the money they spend is not necessarily proportional to the size of their bank accounts but the fact that they can spend money like that is eye-opening. Just like their 9ja counterparts, there are some Nigerians over here doing extremely well and I’m only talking about the ones that you can trace their source of income. Of course, they are also humbled when they see houses the size of hotels and the latest cars parked in the drive-way. I guess I’m saying that there’s a lot of mutual respect going on. The truth is that, Nigerians over here with enough ties back home are in a unique position to take advantage of opportunities both here and back home. The bottom line with me is that I will take advantage of an opportunity regardless of where it resides. We should be banding together to exploit each other’s comparative advantage. There is no need for jealousy because NO matter how rich or well off you think you are, there are people richer and more well off than you (myself included)! |
| Politics › Re: Why Did You Leave Nigeria? by Wallie(m): 8:55pm On Mar 17, 2010 |
I left Naija after high school because that was the plan all along and Naija gave me the value system I needed to succeed over here. Plus, after going through Naija's education system, classes over here seemed too easy! My parents took me back to Nigeria to “have a sense of belonging” and I thank them for it. Just like someone said earlier, I really enjoyed all that I went through. From the watery soup you get served in boarding school to the tip-toeing your way around sh.it on the bathroom floor. I really believe the whole environment, especially Lagos, builds character and if you survive, you can survive anywhere! Even though I’ve been here for most of my life, I still have that Naija survival instinct and I can throw down with the best of both worlds. Although, I now need a driver to drive me around Lagos, after finding out the hard way that I can’t deviate from the straight road linking Ikeja to Lagos Island without getting seriously lost! Can you imagine being lost late at night in a luxury car on 3rd mainland bridge, after mistakenly heading towards Oworonsoki, and not being able to ask for directions because I was afraid of being carjacked? |
| Education › Re: 98% Of Candidates Fail As NECO Releases NOV/DEC Results by Wallie(m): 6:18pm On Mar 17, 2010 |
98% failure rate for a high school exam? Even the most difficult exams in the world don’t have a failure rate that high! Do the people in power understand that they are enslaving a whole generation? If I were in charge, the first person I would fire is the Minister of Education. Next in line would be all the principals; however, I would encourage them to reapply for the position after they pass a competency test on what their responsibilities are. Then I would give the teachers 2 tries to pass a competency test in their respective fields which will also include English. Those that fail on the 2nd try would be fired. Then I would give every teacher an opportunity to double their salary based on the percentage of their students that pass a standardized test. Teachers that consistently rate below average based on their students’ scores will be fired. My goal is simple: Hire and reward the best professional teachers that Nigeria can produce. If the reward is high enough, even professional bankers and engineers will apply! If only I have the time, I need to write an open letter to the Minister of Education to let him/her know that I would have fired him/her if I had the authority! |
