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Absurdity? Bureaucracy? A feeling that you're the only sane man around but that you're not quite sure why? Small hairy people coming to the city from mountain villages? *n Plenty Plenty more Can't help but feel that a totally sane person would not remain so for long. How did you know?  'cept we call 'em Ifugao As always, brilliant ... kept me almost sane over the 'festive season' .. oh damn, it's not quite finished yet ... more please George  It isn’t? Ahh wibblepoo! To be fair, no it’s not. I went over the road on Boxing Day lunchtime, I forget why, let’s imagine it was for some beer, and lo and behold, all those who wished me “Happy Christmas” whilst holding out their hands segued, without embarrassment, into “Happy New Year”, whilst holding out their hands! curse word. Can't even give 'em away!  Nope. Throw them away is the only answer! Excellent I thoroughly enjoyed that And given how much I enjoy your thread, then a fair exchange is no robbery. |
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I have learned so much... Education, education, education!  Now, teach me how the hell you remember so much about all those cars you've owned. Me? One was blue, one green, oh, and a white one... |
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Last Edit: Dec 28, 2016 9:33:03 GMT by georgeb
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So a few days ago,some of you may remember that I got the go-ahead on the "Save the Mobile Scrapyard That is Line 1" project, in which we assist the current operator in pursuing his claims against the government who 'looked after it' previously. They are so huge I can see why the last lot are fighting a bloody hard rearguard action. A lot of money has disappeared somewhere and this is going to be a messy job. Maybe why they've got me to front it?  Obviously, the first task is to win the job in the first place and that means preparing the proposal. So the couple of days on the run up to Christmas saw the Bullplop Strong in Me and I got a fair old bit of the "Once Upon a Time" parts written, mainly about how wonderful we all were and they would be certifiably insane to even consider anyone else. So far, so good. Now we come to the next, and slightly more technical parts, which is basically who will be doing what, and how they'll be doing it. Therefore this morning, I have called the first full meeting of the project team, to see what my client has given me to work with. Their boss sent me the CVs through yesterday, so I was having a nose through. Hmmm. Most I already know and those, I have no worries about. Some I don't, but they used to work for an old outfit of mine in Dubai. "Oh, they should be okay then" would be your first reaction, but. I spoke to a pal of mine on this subject a few months back and his words just keep ringing. "George, let me tell you that any Filipinos who worked for us here and are now back home are there because we didn't want 'em. Those we did are still with us" See why the "Hmmm", above now? Anyway, let's not be too pre-judgemental. Let's keep a nice open mind. But, God help them if any don't perform! |
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Last Edit: Dec 29, 2016 1:16:08 GMT by georgeb
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Is it not common practice to lie like a carpet in tender proposals? Surely you can put in CVs for people who sound right to the client even if you have no intention of actually using those people on the job concerned.
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Sounds like you are getting chit done George.
I guess the words about the guys who returned as not much use is a warning.
Do you think you can manage enough performance from them to make it worth your while though??
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Dec 29, 2016 10:07:33 GMT
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Now, teach me how the hell you remember so much about all those cars you've owned. Me? One was blue, one green, oh, and a white one... Ah, 'tiz very simple. Step one, unleash and embrace your inner anorak! Step two, take lots of photographs. Step three, the final step, make lots of notes as you go along so that you can remember what to write when you're sat infornt of your computer! |
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Dec 29, 2016 23:06:38 GMT
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Is it not common practice to lie like a carpet in tender proposals? Surely you can put in CVs for people who sound right to the client even if you have no intention of actually using those people on the job concerned. Perish the thought! Go wash your mouth out! Aye,that used to be the way but there are two issues. 1) Just me, but now I tend to be gaffer on these, I refuse to "load up" with false CV's. I'll only submit those for the folk I'm going to use and 2) Clients have got a tad wise to this and have clauses that either penalise you or, in some cases, can lead to withdrawal of award or termination of contract. I learned the pitfalls of this many moons ago, when I was just a proposal sprog (now I feel like a serial bigamist) my boss instructed me to include 3 CVs of people I knew would never work on the project - 2 because of location and the third because not only he did he not even work for us, but also I knew him well enough to know he never would! I made my objections and was overruled. We submitted, were successful and then the contract was withdrawn, and why? Because of non-supply of proposed key staff. Fortunately, I had witnesses to the original conversation, 'cos apparently it was all going to be my fault! So no, I won't do it. Sounds like you are getting chit done George. I guess the words about the guys who returned as not much use is a warning. Do you think you can manage enough performance from them to make it worth your while though?? Getting there, Rian, getting there. It was a conversation I was having a couple of years ago and funnily enough, I met up with the same guy for a beer before Christmas week as he was having a layover here. We recalled the chat and his opinions haven't changed. He used to work for me way back, we're good mates and he has no axe to grind, so I guess I best listen then. Anyway, following yesterday's discussion about methodology, my client has agreed my approach which means I can live without the dodgy ones anyway. They'll be swung over to cover the work of the guys I do want, therefore not my problem. So all good. Ah, 'tiz very simple. Step one, unleash and embrace your inner anorak! Step two, take lots of photographs. Step three, the final step, make lots of notes as you go along so that you can remember what to write when you're sat in front of your computer! Now I see where I'm going wrong. I don't do any of those! Anyway, best get writing! |
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I have learned to trust people like your mate, with their unbiased and sound advice. I guess it's only one step away from who you know and all that, but with the right intentions, and not for a backhander, this is a good thing.
I've hired, and fired, people on the word of my staff, particularly the one who's been with me from six months in. Including friends I may add - I've been in the very pleasing and privileged position of being able to offer some of my friends jobs when they needed them - and the not as nice position of letting them go as well.
Do you have to prepare all these proposals in English?
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Right, Methodology and Deliverables written and mailed for review, so it must be time for Pup No.1's poo. It's okay, I've not done the document in verse! I have learned to trust people like your mate, with their unbiased and sound advice. I guess it's only one step away from who you know and all that, but with the right intentions, and not for a backhander, this is a good thing. I've hired, and fired, people on the word of my staff, particularly the one who's been with me from six months in. Including friends I may add - I've been in the very pleasing and privileged position of being able to offer some of my friends jobs when they needed them - and the not as nice position of letting them go as well. Do you have to prepare all these proposals in English? The one good thing about my industry is that, despite appearances, it's a fairly small town. I also have the advantage of coming from the first new light rail system in the UK in the early '90s and from which many of my contemporaries have gone on to work around the world as other lines have sprouted up. This gives a great pool of people able to help each other with trusted and impartial advice on all sorts of stuff like this. Virtually all my proposals are in English now. Time was, some countries (Thailand for example) wanted them translating, but as many of the projects need international funding, then all sorts need to be able to understand the document, so English it is. You may think this would make the job easier, but on many occasions I've had to take section written by a local in Tinglish or Taglish, and then try to make some sense of it before I can use it. Probably as quick to write it myself! Oh, before I forget, let me wish you all a Merry Rizal Day! |
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Some of you may remember this... retrorides.proboards.com/thread/163103/letter-manila-get-work?page=44from around four pages back. A little video taken from the roof of our Tondo house the morning after my eldest Bottle Opener's party. Well, guess where I'll be tonight? I got back from my meeting the other day to be presented with an icy cold beer as I walked through the door, immediately followed by a chorus of, "Daddy George..." "Uh oh" I think to myself, "What do they want now?" Of course, it's the Girls who are the spokeswomen. Little fingers, wrapped, around, etc. "...party, and it'll be great,...food, and we'll all have the same t-shirts,...beer, and you'll have a great time,...music, and everything." Really? The upshot is that me 'n' Pup No.1 will be five floors above the war-zone tonight, here to be precise...  and yes, the use of the crosshair is intentional. See below The good news being that we're well away from all the fireworks being thrown around the street. Unfortunately it also means we've no overhead protection from descending rockets and, probably more interestingly, falling bullets. Remember, what goes up, and so on? I reckon it'd pretty disconcerting to have a still warm 9mm plopping into your Empi and Coke, as you raise it to your lips for that New Year toast. On the plus side, there will be plenty of beer, wine and brandy along with pork, pancit, adobo and other sundry foods, so not all bad. Providing you live long enough to enjoy it. I will however, remembering the comments from last year, get this one on video, so watch this space. Mind you, saying all that, we could be in for a disappointment. Some government department or other, obviously trying to avoid the death and carnage of a normal New year's Eve, has helpfully recommended that rather than letting off fireworks and firing guns in the air, people may like to bang pots and pans together instead. Whaddya reckon? Nah, me either. So it's move over Kate Aidie, you ain't seen nothing like this! Edit to say: I best get this in now, whilst I still can... I know I remember saying last year (which ended on a shooting if you remember) that I'd love 2016 to be quiet, and I meant it. What I didn't mean was that all my jobs get cancelled and my clients stop calling! So let's hope 2017 brings you all that you wish for, in the way that you meant it! Happy New Year! |
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Last Edit: Dec 31, 2016 1:21:08 GMT by georgeb
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Happy New Year to you and yours George
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ecosse01
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 44
Club RR Member Number: 28
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Dec 31, 2016 16:03:50 GMT
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Happy New Year George
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Dec 31, 2016 18:00:05 GMT
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Behave George 😉
All the best for you and yours for the next orbit of the sun 😊
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Dec 31, 2016 19:15:21 GMT
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Wooohoooo New Year George.
See you next year.
Thank you for. 2016
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Dec 31, 2016 20:45:14 GMT
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All the best to you and yours .... 🍻
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Happy New Year to you and yours George Behave George 😉 All the best for you and yours for the next orbit of the sun 😊 Wooohoooo New Year George. See you next year. Thank you for. 2016 All the best to you and yours .... 🍻 Thanks guys, and back to you. Well, obviously as I'm writing this, I survived. Mr D's disapproval of fireworks has obviously had an effect and that, coupled with a very heavy police presence, saw the night pass much quieter than previous years. The news reckons that injuries were down 60% over last year although there is one dead and one poor kid in a coma after being hit by stray bullets. Anyway, later I'll do some stuff with the videos and stick them up. One injury I do know about was to the youngest Bottle Opener when she nipped to a shop over the road for something. A cracker was let off as she crossed and a piece of something opened a gash behind her knee. Nothing that a plaster, "there, there" and another belt of Empi Light couldn't put right. Eee, the power of brandy! A concern I did have was Pup 1, as it'd be his first real exposure to this (he was a proper pup last year, and we were inside) but after a slightly shaky start, by the end of the night he stood with his paws up on the wall watching the pretty lights! Saying that, he's slept for the bast part of 24 hours since. The youth of today, no bloody stamina! So, a good time had by all. Trust your's went well too. |
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blower
Part of things
Never mix Cider and Red Wine , Thats 1 of my Life Lessons . J.C.
Posts: 252
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Merry new year
I know your Eve celebrations are 7ish hours before ours, as i sent a 5pm message to my brother in Bangkok
He didnt get it till the next day anyway,
I had to work my new years eve, Taking drunk people home from pubs and parties ....... aaahhhh
Next year ... will be much the same
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Merry new year I know your Eve celebrations are 7ish hours before ours, as i sent a 5pm message to my brother in Bangkok He didnt get it till the next day anyway, I had to work my new years eve, Taking drunk people home from pubs and parties ....... aaahhhh Next year ... will be much the same And to you! You have my sympathies for working NYE. I served my time as a taxi driver carting the "merrymakers" around - the only good bit being they were too drunk to do a runner. I've also driven trams through the middle of Manchester on Christmas and New Years Eve nights and no, you can't swerve! I'll be honest though, back in the UK, I was far happier working nights and tucked up in my nice warm control room than being off and stuck with a load of once-a-year drinkers down my local. At least I was on double time and I could get to point and laugh at all the wrecks the following day. Now I think back, it's actually far more gentle here and in 12 years I've never seen any trouble (except between expats) during the night. |
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Happy New year to you George, thanks for keeping me entertained throughout 2016, I look forward to more of the same this year!
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Happy New year to you George, thanks for keeping me entertained throughout 2016, I look forward to more of the same this year! All the very best to all at Pistonpopper Towers from me, the Bottle Openers and Madam. Let's see what this year brings! |
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Last Edit: Jan 5, 2017 5:03:01 GMT by georgeb
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