Random Jabbering

Despite being offered an improved contract, Pienaar had decided to leave Everton for Spurs. While some fans are criticizing him for his apparent lack of loyalty, I cannot blame him. If your company (gulag if you will) is going nowhere and a rival company which is on the up offers you a job with better pay and perks, would you choose to stay? As far as I am concerned, Pienaar had been a consummate professional during the time he was with us and I wish him well.

If the blame game is to played, the finger should rightly be pointed to our despicable and incompetent chairman and his equally despicable and incompetent cronies on his management team. Why is it that despite ‘looking for investment 24/7’, Everton has not found a rich benefactor or investor to take us forward while ‘lesser’ clubs like Sunderland and Villa continue to outspend us? The only additions to our squad are loanees and it seems we have to sell before we can even borrow. This depressing situation does not bode well for the club. In a couple of seasons we may be vying for the title in the Championship. It is hard to love Everton, even harder to want to love it.

The Student and I met with the Praying Mantis Master’s wife two weeks ago. Over slop we discussed the viability of her husband setting up a martial arts school in this shithole. The lady told us that during the first year the master would come over and teach a group of dedicated students. They will practise on their own for a few months each time until he comes back.

I was not convinced about this model but she was confident of its chances. She said that they have been doing quite well in Australia and with the population size and growth rate in Shithole, they should have no problems getting students. Moreover, they will be offering classes to all age groups and people with different intents and interests. I suggested we draw up a business plan first before staking it out. In business, nothing is certain. A model which works in one country does not mean it will work in another. They are counting on their customers to be proactive and enthusiastic on their own and my experience setting up atheist groups have taught me that people are inherently lazy, selfish, and unmotivated. The teaching of different martial arts to many age groups, customer types, and so forth is essentially a mass-customization strategy. Without sufficient resources, it is simply impossible to be implemented. They also neglected to look at the costs and marketing.

Although the lady assure me that the first year is a ‘testing’ year so no expenses would be incurred, then what about the airfare of the master and the rental costs of training grounds? With regards to marketing, they did not seem to have any plan in place. While they may have won many trophies in Australia, how will they measure up to their competitors, which are made up of new age gyms and traditional martial arts schools? I don’t know if the Student feels the same way, but I dare say he will just plough on ahead. He is idealistic and not realistic. Unless they come up with a strong business plan, I am not going to invest too much of my time (assuming I do deign to do charity work here) into this venture.