June 2007 Archives

Yesterday was a momentous day in British politics and I blogged about the iPhone. It wasn’t because I’m not interested in the pomp and circumstances surrounding Tony Blair handing over power to Gordon Brown. I am in fact extremely fascinated by the British parliamentary system of government. Why? Well Tony Blair was elected by the people to serve a 3rd term and the party basically told him to bugger off so they can make way for a new leader, Gordon Brown who has not been elected to national office. This is a somewhat dangerous strategy as the government under Tony Blair was more presidential than parliamentary. And if Gordon continues in that fashion then who knows how things will end up. That said, considering that the party has the ability to chuck him out as well, he’ll probably tow the line until the next election.

As for Tony Blair’s next job as special envoy for the Middle East, what is up for that? Now don’t get, I like Tony Blair but I’m not sure that this is the correct role for him after stepping down as Prime Minister. He is after all not held in high regards with many in that region due to his continued close alliance with President Bush over the invasion of Iraq.

Moving on from politics, and on to matters of greater importance in my life, I found out last Saturday after reading the seller’s property information form that I’m going to be part of a chain. Was extremely surprised as sellers had indicated they would be renting for the six months before purchasing another property. This all means that but for a miracle; I’m unlikely to close on the property in Bromley by the end of July. I am so annoyed. I could back out of the deal but I've already spent money on getting a survey and mortgage processed. Plus I really like the house and can't bear the thought of traipsing around the city trying to find another place. So looks like I'll just have to wait it out. Thankfully, there is only 3 parties now in the chain. Well at least that's what the estate agent is telling me. So fingers crossed the delay won't be too long.

I'm not one for buying first generation gadgets, but after reading this Newsweek review of iPhone, I can't help but pine for one. So major bummer that no release date is set for Europe. Also, if Vodafone is selected as exclusive European carrier, looks like I might have to delay purchase since I’m locked into a T-mobile contact until next year.

Choo-Choo has embraced the great outdoors since we moved into the house in Queens Park. But like a protective mother, I try not to let him go outside unsupervised as he doesn't have claws to defend himself. However, that hasn't stopped him from getting aggressive with any creatures that come within his path. In fact, last night, he almost killed a bird. He trapped the poor thing under his paws and wouldn't release until I yelled at him. Now I know cats are predators by nature, but I was still a bit shocked to see my sweet innocent kitty take such pleasure in hurting the bird.

For the last few months, I've tried to get in touch with Racquetball Guy. NO, not because I want to get back with him. More so because I want him to pay me back the money he owes me. The expenses associated with purchasing the house are piling up and I could really use the money to cover fees. But having no luck! He is ignoring my emails, phone calls and text messages. This makes me angry on so many levels; I almost don't know what to do with myself.

Truth be told, if I was in Chicago, I'd probably take him to court. But I'm here in London, so I have to gentle try and get him to do the honorable thing. Now I'm not writing about this here because I want to embarrass him. Heck, if I could wipe the whole experience from my memory (not necessarily the relationship), I'd be perfectly happy. I'm just extremely frustrated by the fact that yet again I offered assistance to someone in need and I'm the one having to chase them to fulfil their obligation. It's just so infuriating. Further confirmation that I should never lend money I can't afford to loose which now means, I won't be making any future loans no matter how dire the plea.

Since my offer on the house (in Bromley, Kent) was accepted, I don’t know what to do with myself in the evenings. The obvious thing would be to start being social again but can’t bring myself to do this as being social requires that you spend money and I’m watching my expenditures. Particularly as once I pay the 10% deposit as well as other assorted fees my bank balance will be the lowest it’s been in years. This worries me a bit, but I know I’ll manage. I don't have credit card debts, so in time I’ll build up my savings again. Particularly as my mortgage payment is not much higher than what I was paying in rent.

That said, I’m getting really excited and also extremely nervous about owning my first home. I won’t be able to call up the landlord and ask for repairs. Whatever needs doing, will fall on me. This is a bit nerve wrecking, but I know I’ll pull through. I just need to find a good handy man in the neighbourhood. Or better yet, I need to become a DIY expert. Heck, my Mom did it when we were growing up, so why not me!

So when exactly am I moving in? Well hopefully by the end of July. The survey was completed about a week ago and my mortgage was subsequently approved. Plus all the other required searches re the property are all done. Thus, what needs to happen now are for the vendors solicitors to send my lawyers a draft contract. Hopefully we can get this sorted soon. I’m extremely grateful to the family friends that let me stay with them while I looked for a place, but I’m so ready to move. I want to be surrounded by my own things again. Choo-Choo and I need our space.

Prior to moving to London, I did a lot of research. I even looked that the Mercer Consulting survey about the cost of living here. However, I never fully appreciated how expensive it was until I lived here full-time.

London hits No 2 slot in high-cost league
By Scheherazade Daneshkhu, Economics Correspondent
Financial Times
Published: June 18 2007 03:00 | Last updated: June 18 2007 03:00

London has become the second most expensive city in the world to live in - just behind Moscow - because of a sharp rise in rents.

The UK capital climbed three places into second position in the league table of 143 cities in which to post employees, published today by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

Yvonne Traber, a senior associate at Mercer, said: "Steep property rental costs, together with the strengthening of the British pound compared with the US dollar, have contributed to the city's high ranking." Sterling was 11 per cent higher against the dollar in March 2007, when the survey was conducted, against the same month last year.

The cost of renting an unfurnished luxurious two-bedroom apartment in London is £2,000 a month, according to the survey. That is twice the price of an equivalent flat in Madrid, Rome or Sydney, but not as expensive as equivalent accommodation in Tokyo, Moscow and New York.

I suppose teaching students how to be happy isn't completely an off the wall idea.

Call for happiness to be taught in schools
By Scheherazade Daneshkhu, Economics Correspondent, Financial Times
Published: June 13 2007 03:00 | Last updated: June 13 2007 03:00

The teaching of happiness should take its place alongside core subjects like maths and English as part of an "educational revolution" that puts compassionate values at the heart of the education system, a government adviser has recommended.

In an article to be published today by the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, Richard Layard, LSE professor and a Labour peer, said schools had a central role to play in countering a large rise in emotional disturbance by teaching children how to be happy.

He called for a new cadre of teachers trained to impart values. "How can we do this? I think it requires an educational revolution in which a central purpose of our schools is to teach young people about the main secrets of happiness for which we have empirical evidence," he wrote.

Lord Layard said schools were ideally placed for this undertaking because more people spent more of their life in education than ever before. Although parents were important, "if we want to change the culture, the main organised institutions we have under social control are schools".