Friday, September 30, 2005
Oh by the way...
Oh by the way...if you are out there bored again and stumble unto this blog and have flown Business class internationally, let me know what it is like. I have a feeling that it will be overated.
Tickets are here and I guess I will be flying with Class
Well, some of you already know this but for those who don't, I will be leaving the country in 2 weeks. Actually on the 15th of October to be precise. Can you believe it is already October (at least in about 14 hours)? Anyway thats besides the point.
Well, I am leaving for the Motherland for about two weeks. Be back by the end of the month. The cool thing abou this trip is that for the first time, I will breathe both French and Italian air. I know that sounds silly and thats fair. Actually the best thing about the trip portion is that...you guessed it, I will be flying in style a.k.a. business class which means, more space for body and no waiting in long lines. I am kinda excited because it will be the first time I would give into such luxury on a cross continental trip. Well, I guess I need to go brush up on my French and Italian so that I can have intelligent conversations with the Flight Attendants ;-).
Well, I am leaving for the Motherland for about two weeks. Be back by the end of the month. The cool thing abou this trip is that for the first time, I will breathe both French and Italian air. I know that sounds silly and thats fair. Actually the best thing about the trip portion is that...you guessed it, I will be flying in style a.k.a. business class which means, more space for body and no waiting in long lines. I am kinda excited because it will be the first time I would give into such luxury on a cross continental trip. Well, I guess I need to go brush up on my French and Italian so that I can have intelligent conversations with the Flight Attendants ;-).
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Reflections
Sometimes, certain things happen and not necessarily to you that causes you to reflect on life or maybe a bigger picture than your world. Socrates makes the comment in one of Plato's writtings that, "the unexamined life is not worth living." In the bible, dozens of scriptures are available that remind us to dwell on things that will last beyond this life. One scripture (which skips my mind right now) asks that we set our mind on heavenly things.
In this blog, I have touched on both heavenly and earthly things and I hope I have been able to protray the fact that whats above matters above all. Don't worry (as if this is an issue), I am not shutting down the blog or dying but just reflecting.
Anyway, I am reminded somehow daily, that nothing of this earth can satisfy long term; not money, spouse, food or even a ministry. It is only Christ, Jesus Christ that can give us living water that we will thirst no more. It is Him that I live for (or try to and want to). For those who do not believe in Him or know Him, I pray that He will using Christians like me or other available means show Himself to you. Trust me, it doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not, the outcome is the same. One day we will all die and after death comes judgement and what then will you tell the Creator; that you didn't know what to believe? What excuse will fly before the King of Kings? You might be thinking, "...well, God is a God of Love." Yes! He is. That is why He gave His only son to die in our place and if we spun the grace of God, why would we expect Him not to shun us in the day of judgement.
"Well, Ugo, I am a good person." Thats sounds great but even own righteousness is as a filthy rag before the eyes of God and the inate heart of a man is wicked and the wicked will not see God. I am a sinner full of unrighteousness and I have no business standing before God. I deserve to be crucified but Jesus already took the punishment asking that we believe Him.
Folks, the Truth will be the truth always even if you do not believe in it. Thats what makes it the Truth. God is alive and real even if you are an Atheist. In the end you will still have to stand before God and He will ask you why you spurned the grace of Christ and you will be speechless.
Lastly for those who believe they have time to change and want to enjoy this crooked and perverse generation, the bible says that tomorrow is not promised us. If you are out them and stumble upon this blog and want more answers, find a local church somewhere or find a true christian and ask your questions but don't wait before it is too late. In fact, if you want to know more right away, feel free to visit the website of Covenant Harvest Church. Actually you can go straight to this link, http://www.covenant-harvest.org/other_links/salvation_plan.php. If you want to accept Christ into your heart and make him Lord and Saviour, do it today before it is too late. If you would confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept him with your heart, eternal life can be yours. You can pray a prayer along those lines.
I appologize if my thoughts have been scathered. I hope that any Christian that reads this is encouraged and those who aren't believers who read it are curious at the very least to want to know more.
In this blog, I have touched on both heavenly and earthly things and I hope I have been able to protray the fact that whats above matters above all. Don't worry (as if this is an issue), I am not shutting down the blog or dying but just reflecting.
Anyway, I am reminded somehow daily, that nothing of this earth can satisfy long term; not money, spouse, food or even a ministry. It is only Christ, Jesus Christ that can give us living water that we will thirst no more. It is Him that I live for (or try to and want to). For those who do not believe in Him or know Him, I pray that He will using Christians like me or other available means show Himself to you. Trust me, it doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not, the outcome is the same. One day we will all die and after death comes judgement and what then will you tell the Creator; that you didn't know what to believe? What excuse will fly before the King of Kings? You might be thinking, "...well, God is a God of Love." Yes! He is. That is why He gave His only son to die in our place and if we spun the grace of God, why would we expect Him not to shun us in the day of judgement.
"Well, Ugo, I am a good person." Thats sounds great but even own righteousness is as a filthy rag before the eyes of God and the inate heart of a man is wicked and the wicked will not see God. I am a sinner full of unrighteousness and I have no business standing before God. I deserve to be crucified but Jesus already took the punishment asking that we believe Him.
Folks, the Truth will be the truth always even if you do not believe in it. Thats what makes it the Truth. God is alive and real even if you are an Atheist. In the end you will still have to stand before God and He will ask you why you spurned the grace of Christ and you will be speechless.
Lastly for those who believe they have time to change and want to enjoy this crooked and perverse generation, the bible says that tomorrow is not promised us. If you are out them and stumble upon this blog and want more answers, find a local church somewhere or find a true christian and ask your questions but don't wait before it is too late. In fact, if you want to know more right away, feel free to visit the website of Covenant Harvest Church. Actually you can go straight to this link, http://www.covenant-harvest.org/other_links/salvation_plan.php. If you want to accept Christ into your heart and make him Lord and Saviour, do it today before it is too late. If you would confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept him with your heart, eternal life can be yours. You can pray a prayer along those lines.
I appologize if my thoughts have been scathered. I hope that any Christian that reads this is encouraged and those who aren't believers who read it are curious at the very least to want to know more.
Materialistic Luxuries I would (at least be tempted) even give into
There are certain luxuries (both services and goods) I have said in the past if I can afford, I would give into. I know materialism is worthless and I can certainly do without "these things." But I just thought I'd clue you into my dome i.e. my head for a second. Heck, lets make it a Top Ten list except w/o any particular order.
1. A personal trainer
2. A designer i.e. someone who picks out the clothes I wear each (I have veto power though)
3. A Nutritionist
4. A Cook
5. One of those H2 SUTs
6. A Sports Franchise (I would be the most likeable and most hated owner)
7. A private jet (only if I can be the pilot)
8. A supped up Celica
9. With all these stuff, I would probably need a PR person because of my mouth
10. An Agent (always thought it was cool to say, "...talk to my Agent."
1. A personal trainer
2. A designer i.e. someone who picks out the clothes I wear each (I have veto power though)
3. A Nutritionist
4. A Cook
5. One of those H2 SUTs
6. A Sports Franchise (I would be the most likeable and most hated owner)
7. A private jet (only if I can be the pilot)
8. A supped up Celica
9. With all these stuff, I would probably need a PR person because of my mouth
10. An Agent (always thought it was cool to say, "...talk to my Agent."
Friday, September 23, 2005
The Apprenctice: Season 4 and oh...Martha
Well, the new season of the Apprentice openned last night and as those of you who have followed this blog know, I follow the show or at least try to. I try to take as much as I can to apply in my business career and at the same time...you guessed it, observe more on the differences between men and woman in social interactions between each other.
Season started out OKAY. I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed either. I do want to mention something that I had talked about with my buddies the day before. Now before I say it, please understand that good gesture of any size is honorable but I beleive in degrees. In yesterday's episode, one of the contestants found out that his grandmother who he was so close too passed away. At the end of the show, The Donald (as he is affectnately refered to) offered the contestant (whose name escapes me at the moment) the use of his Helicopter to make the funeral. The guys that I watched it with exclamated with an...ah!, thats really nice. I agree. However, I did not think it was a big deal. Why? To The Donald, it is a drop in a big bucket. It will be the equivalent of me loaning my car to someone for 5 mins i.e. not a big deal. Still deserves gratitude because he did not have to but...you get my point. To sort of be-labor the point, I am more impressed by the single mom who donates $100 making $25000 a year to the relief efforts going on in the gulf south than the athlete making $10m a year who ponys up $100,000. All about percentages.
Moving on, I taped and watched the Martha Stewart version of the Apprentice. Basically, 16 ladies cat fighting for the same job. Translation: Not Impressed.
Season started out OKAY. I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed either. I do want to mention something that I had talked about with my buddies the day before. Now before I say it, please understand that good gesture of any size is honorable but I beleive in degrees. In yesterday's episode, one of the contestants found out that his grandmother who he was so close too passed away. At the end of the show, The Donald (as he is affectnately refered to) offered the contestant (whose name escapes me at the moment) the use of his Helicopter to make the funeral. The guys that I watched it with exclamated with an...ah!, thats really nice. I agree. However, I did not think it was a big deal. Why? To The Donald, it is a drop in a big bucket. It will be the equivalent of me loaning my car to someone for 5 mins i.e. not a big deal. Still deserves gratitude because he did not have to but...you get my point. To sort of be-labor the point, I am more impressed by the single mom who donates $100 making $25000 a year to the relief efforts going on in the gulf south than the athlete making $10m a year who ponys up $100,000. All about percentages.
Moving on, I taped and watched the Martha Stewart version of the Apprentice. Basically, 16 ladies cat fighting for the same job. Translation: Not Impressed.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Hurrican Katrina and (...gasp) Rita too
Just had some random thought flowing in my head and I thought I'd use this to sound off.
You know, I never mentioned anything about Hurricane Katrina and in case you wondered why, my reason was simple. The whole world was talking about it. I did (and still do) have an interesting question about it especially in lieu of Hurrican Rita possibly hitting the same city. Now before I state the question, I will be the first to say that I have no idea what the answer is and I do not believe that anyone else except God knows.
Hurricane Katrina; Was it a deliberate act of God to punish the city for the lifestyle it promotes, or was it mere coincidence? I have heard both from I guess what some might consider a biblical point of view. Your answer if you are an "educated" Christian or should I say your bias would lie on if you lean towards Calvanism or Armenism (I hope I got that right). I personally do not subscribe to either point of view because I believe that God is deeper that the boxes those schools of destiny follow.
If though anyone who doesn't know Christ (or who is struggling with the even) should ask me the question, my answer would be along the lines of Christ's in Luke 13: 1-5.
Luke 13: 1-5
1About that time some people came up and told him about the Galileans Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. 2Jesus responded, "Do you think those murdered Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die. 4And those eighteen in Jerusalem the other day, the ones crushed and killed when the Tower of Siloam collapsed and fell on them, do you think they were worse citizens than all other Jerusalemites? 5Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die."
There you have it.
You know, I never mentioned anything about Hurricane Katrina and in case you wondered why, my reason was simple. The whole world was talking about it. I did (and still do) have an interesting question about it especially in lieu of Hurrican Rita possibly hitting the same city. Now before I state the question, I will be the first to say that I have no idea what the answer is and I do not believe that anyone else except God knows.
Hurricane Katrina; Was it a deliberate act of God to punish the city for the lifestyle it promotes, or was it mere coincidence? I have heard both from I guess what some might consider a biblical point of view. Your answer if you are an "educated" Christian or should I say your bias would lie on if you lean towards Calvanism or Armenism (I hope I got that right). I personally do not subscribe to either point of view because I believe that God is deeper that the boxes those schools of destiny follow.
If though anyone who doesn't know Christ (or who is struggling with the even) should ask me the question, my answer would be along the lines of Christ's in Luke 13: 1-5.
Luke 13: 1-5
1About that time some people came up and told him about the Galileans Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. 2Jesus responded, "Do you think those murdered Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die. 4And those eighteen in Jerusalem the other day, the ones crushed and killed when the Tower of Siloam collapsed and fell on them, do you think they were worse citizens than all other Jerusalemites? 5Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die."
There you have it.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Class went ok
Class went well without too much hitches. Well...there was an unforseen problem. It was the fact that it happened to be an all girl class. Yeah, a lot of estrogen. Oh well, thats now behind me. Just an update.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Making a Return to the Classroom
This might sound funny to some of you but while I was in college working on my Undergraduate degree, I spent some of my time teaching. Yes, as a college senior, I thought a High School class at Covenant Harvest School. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot but I am afraid I can't say the same for my students.
The class went to well that when the next year rolled around, the school declined the option to renew my contract. Might I also add that I did this pro-bono. Yes, thats how valuable I was. "Sorry Ugo, we are going in a different direction. Your position has been downsized. We are scaling back operations. You are not a part of the long term future of this school. In other words, take your pick." Well, that ended my teaching career. Well one of the real reasons I was told to "look for other opportunities" was the fact that I was about to begin the MBA program and the school principal did not think it would be fair to me. Anyways, I moved on. That was two years ago.
I have always said that if I were to hit the lottery or retire early, I would go teach pro-bono. Why? I am not so sure. I would either do that or be a waiter or something where I was around a lot of people. This is in addition to traveling the world to wherever my buddies are building the church and helping them out.
Why am I saying all this? Good Question but unfortunately, none of us knows the answer. Needless to say, I am making a return to the High School classroom today as a substitute teacher. I only wonder if I have the juice to do it again. Wish me luck.
The class went to well that when the next year rolled around, the school declined the option to renew my contract. Might I also add that I did this pro-bono. Yes, thats how valuable I was. "Sorry Ugo, we are going in a different direction. Your position has been downsized. We are scaling back operations. You are not a part of the long term future of this school. In other words, take your pick." Well, that ended my teaching career. Well one of the real reasons I was told to "look for other opportunities" was the fact that I was about to begin the MBA program and the school principal did not think it would be fair to me. Anyways, I moved on. That was two years ago.
I have always said that if I were to hit the lottery or retire early, I would go teach pro-bono. Why? I am not so sure. I would either do that or be a waiter or something where I was around a lot of people. This is in addition to traveling the world to wherever my buddies are building the church and helping them out.
Why am I saying all this? Good Question but unfortunately, none of us knows the answer. Needless to say, I am making a return to the High School classroom today as a substitute teacher. I only wonder if I have the juice to do it again. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Top ten men in the Bible I would have loved to meet in person (which I will someday in heaven)
This one interests me a lot. FYI, all except the number one are very close to each other. So lets have it...
10. Adam (what was it like to walk with God everyday)
9. Enoch (see the above)
8. Timothy (How to recognize the call and walk under leadership the way he did with Paul)
7. Abraham (How does someone have as much faith)
6. Joseph (How he raised a child that was indeed the Son of God)
5. John (What was it like to hang out with JC and the knucklehead disciples)
3. David (I feel like him when he was down when I am down)
3. Elijah (Ditto)
2. Paul (Wow)
1. Jesus Christ (Dare I say anymore)
This really was a hard one because there are so many more people I would have loved to meet and maybe this list is also dynamic.
10. Adam (what was it like to walk with God everyday)
9. Enoch (see the above)
8. Timothy (How to recognize the call and walk under leadership the way he did with Paul)
7. Abraham (How does someone have as much faith)
6. Joseph (How he raised a child that was indeed the Son of God)
5. John (What was it like to hang out with JC and the knucklehead disciples)
3. David (I feel like him when he was down when I am down)
3. Elijah (Ditto)
2. Paul (Wow)
1. Jesus Christ (Dare I say anymore)
This really was a hard one because there are so many more people I would have loved to meet and maybe this list is also dynamic.
Top ten cities I want to go to (inside the U.S.)
Here is my list for Top ten cities I would like to visit in the United States. Once again, feel free to sell any city to me and I will make the changes.
10. Washington, DC (I am going there in December)
9. Phoenix, AZ (Always look on the bright side of life)
8. Austin, TX (Heard a lot of good things about the city)
7. Seatle, WA (Home of Star Bucks and Health Trends)
6. Boston, MA (Red Sox, need I say more)
5. Mytle Beach, SC (Golf courses and ocean sides)
4. Sacramento, CA (The Kings play there)
3. Miami, FL (my lips are zipped)
2. Maui, HI (Golf + Lots of Beach time)
1. San Diego, CA (ocean, 70 degrees, sports galore, great weather, plus Ugo recipie for disaster)
10. Washington, DC (I am going there in December)
9. Phoenix, AZ (Always look on the bright side of life)
8. Austin, TX (Heard a lot of good things about the city)
7. Seatle, WA (Home of Star Bucks and Health Trends)
6. Boston, MA (Red Sox, need I say more)
5. Mytle Beach, SC (Golf courses and ocean sides)
4. Sacramento, CA (The Kings play there)
3. Miami, FL (my lips are zipped)
2. Maui, HI (Golf + Lots of Beach time)
1. San Diego, CA (ocean, 70 degrees, sports galore, great weather, plus Ugo recipie for disaster)
Top ten cities I want to go to (outside the U.S.)
This one is a tricky one because there are a lot of cities that I want to go to. But I have only have ten on here. Before I continue, I will like to say that if there is a city that needs to be on here that I miss out, please let me know (i.e. if you know me or just want to sell a city you have been to, to me). Oh, one more thing, these are cities I haven't been to yet.
10. Abuja, Nigeria (maybe I get to go there when I go back home)
9. Tokyo, Japan (Industry, commerce, food, more food)
8. Cairo, Egypt (purely for historical reasons)
7. Montreal, Canada (had an opportunity to go in a couple of weeks but hopefully by year end)
6. Prague, Czech Republic (just something about the city that intrigues me)
5. Sydney, Australia (well, its down under and I had to pick one city there)
4. Jerusalem, Isreal (Biblical historical areas will be cool to see in person)
3. Milan, Italy (a city full of passion so I hear)
2. Athens, Greece (ancient buildings, lots of history)
1. Rome, Italy (ditto)
10. Abuja, Nigeria (maybe I get to go there when I go back home)
9. Tokyo, Japan (Industry, commerce, food, more food)
8. Cairo, Egypt (purely for historical reasons)
7. Montreal, Canada (had an opportunity to go in a couple of weeks but hopefully by year end)
6. Prague, Czech Republic (just something about the city that intrigues me)
5. Sydney, Australia (well, its down under and I had to pick one city there)
4. Jerusalem, Isreal (Biblical historical areas will be cool to see in person)
3. Milan, Italy (a city full of passion so I hear)
2. Athens, Greece (ancient buildings, lots of history)
1. Rome, Italy (ditto)
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Top Ten favorite cities (That I have been to)
While I have traveled quite a bit around the United States, there are some places that I wished I could stay longer and other places I have a setimental attachment towards. Some of this may sound awful to some of you guys and if your City is not on here, maybe you need to send me a plane ticket for me to check it out. This cities aren't necessarily places that I would want to live in. So with that said, here is the list:
10. Chicago, IL
9. Denver, CO
8. Houston, TX
7. New York, NY
6. Lagos, Nigeria
5. St. Louis, MO
4. Pensacola, FL
3. Raleigh, NC
2. Los Angeles, CA
1. London, England
Later on, I will publish the list of cities that I want to go to and because they are so many, I will group them into cities inside the United States and cities outside the United States.
10. Chicago, IL
9. Denver, CO
8. Houston, TX
7. New York, NY
6. Lagos, Nigeria
5. St. Louis, MO
4. Pensacola, FL
3. Raleigh, NC
2. Los Angeles, CA
1. London, England
Later on, I will publish the list of cities that I want to go to and because they are so many, I will group them into cities inside the United States and cities outside the United States.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Top Ten Movies of all Time
This list is dynamic in terms of, movies move in and out all the time. This one is a tough one and as such won't be in any Particular order-
1. The Godfather 1, 2
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Finding Forrester
4. Seabiscuit
5. Remember the Titans
6. Shrek 2
7. Ocean's Eleven
8. Gladiator
9. Scent of a Woman
10. Hitch
The last one snuck in because it was so funny. One more thing. I have a disclaimer. I am not necessarily recommending that you go see this movies. Some of them may have some content that are not suitable for kids. If you are a parent and see this list, please use your own judgement before letting your kids watch these. Phew, thats out of the way. There were other movies that were receiving votes but there is the list.
1. The Godfather 1, 2
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Finding Forrester
4. Seabiscuit
5. Remember the Titans
6. Shrek 2
7. Ocean's Eleven
8. Gladiator
9. Scent of a Woman
10. Hitch
The last one snuck in because it was so funny. One more thing. I have a disclaimer. I am not necessarily recommending that you go see this movies. Some of them may have some content that are not suitable for kids. If you are a parent and see this list, please use your own judgement before letting your kids watch these. Phew, thats out of the way. There were other movies that were receiving votes but there is the list.
Top Ten Lists
Americans and maybe people in general are facinated with "Top Ten List." Top Ten Hottest Celebrities, Top Ten Athletes, Top Ten favorite places to go or Songs, Movies, Books...The list goes on and on from the appropriate things to the down right gross stuff. Well, I will join the band wagon for a little while and begin giving my Top Ten Lists in certain categories. I will try to be creative and switch from the norm every once in a while. But first up will be my Top Ten Movies of all time. By the way, if there is a particular Top Ten List of mine you would like to have, just let me know and I will try to come up with it. Thanks.
Differences in Personas
I am sort of weird. I think I pass to most people as ordinary and for the most part I am. But I am sort of weird. I love reading people and for me, it is not a prophetic thing, its just guess work. I love making up stories in my head about people I don't know sometimes. A lot of my friend know this about me; that I love exploring the things that make us different i.e. basic differences in persona between males and females, different personalites, different races, generations and sub-generations as well as cultures in general.
Sometimes my quests have led me to ask weird or seemingly odd questions which may embarass some people and some questions to complete strangers. The one that get a lot of people are when I ask frank questions about some topics to girls or ladies. Nothing inappropriate but things that people never ask but assume they know the answers to. Some of those assumptions are right. Same goes for people who are of a different generation. I sometimes like to sit with older people and younger people and just ask questions. A lot of my questions to the older generations are how they would do things differently from what I would do in circumstances and situations. And if you want to know what kind of questions I would ask ladies...
Sometimes my quests have led me to ask weird or seemingly odd questions which may embarass some people and some questions to complete strangers. The one that get a lot of people are when I ask frank questions about some topics to girls or ladies. Nothing inappropriate but things that people never ask but assume they know the answers to. Some of those assumptions are right. Same goes for people who are of a different generation. I sometimes like to sit with older people and younger people and just ask questions. A lot of my questions to the older generations are how they would do things differently from what I would do in circumstances and situations. And if you want to know what kind of questions I would ask ladies...
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Whinning about Gas Prices
I wrote an article (actually more like entry because this is just a joke of a blog) Wednesday, March 09, 2005 on the Gas prices and please allow me to whine again. Back then, the prices were $2.10 a gallon and I wrote about...well go read it if you actually care enough. I will mention that I felt back then like I lived in Cali. Well, now I feel like I live in Europe with this outrageous prices. And once again like I mentioned in that entry, lets not be fooled into thinking that OPEC or any oil producing country or exporter has anything to do with it. Lets not get too excited about going to go start another war for oil sake. The winners in all of this is the Oil companies. I guarantee you, at the end of the calendar year, go look at the numbers and see which companies made the most money and 4 out of the top 7 companies will be oil companies with Exxon Mobil being #1. So it doesn't matter if Dubya releases oil from the reserves or from his backyard, it won't matter. Arrgghhhh. Okay. Thats done with. Actually I feel better all of a sudden. It probably helps that I just received a check for milleage on one of my trips. Plus today is pay day. Well, I got to run.
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