Critical Thinking Notes

 Survivorship Bias: Why you shouldn't trust successful people's advice



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Superlative Motivation

"We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day”


Do you remember the "era" of Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer? Would you recognize Cindy Crawford even today? Naomi Campbell?

What makes some models so "super" anyhow?

What makes you different makes you beautiful. pic.twitter.com/jEjH9oyXqV

— Love n Light (@FlowerSree) September 15, 2016

Be yourself. Be super. 

More:
 


 


Which one most resembles you?  In what way(s)? 

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I accidentally discovered a snapshot that captures the topsy-turvy state of things in the Nigerian economy. Now let me tell you a story.

Bad news in Nigeria currency, prices, and fuel.   Image seen today at the bottom of the homepage on PremiumTimes.

Time for a story:
February 2014, CBN Governor Sanusi was sacked by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Four months later, incoming CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele delivered an inspiring address about the things the Central Bank would focus on.   

By June 2015, Muhammadu Buhari was the new president of Nigeria and gossip had it that his body language (as a no-nonsense anti-corruption crusader) was already dissipating Nigeria's crooked thieves. 
Most people may have forgotten, but during the campaign Buhari pledged to do great things within the first 100 days - these were real promises, each section beginning with "I pledge to."  
Reality gave Nigerians a sound knock on the head! 
It was not until near year-end that this new President appointed Ministers, including himself as Minister of Petroleum, and only a few of the new ministers bothered to quickly communicate concrete plans and accomplishments. 

Here are some observed results: 
The naira in meltdown mode already by February 2016. 
Here on UpNaira, I attempted to explain Buharinomics as the work of a confused muslim. 
Confused Central Bank leadership especially if you revisit the objectives the same Emefiele laid out on assumption of office. 
Confusion in managing importation of fuel and prices despite (or because of?) the great attention given to that sector where the country's president and commander-in-chief was also the minister.   

In May 2016 when President Buhari clocked one year in Office, the Nigerian press took the initiative to review his performance and  generally he received a D for disappointment and an F on the economy.  The people on the street really complained - Nigerians are so funny - because prices have been going up like mad. 

I know you are sad and possibly hungry/tired, but don't be. 
There is hope,
as the United Nations' MDGs give way to SDGs with globally-agreed metrics and monitoring towards sustainable economic growth; 
and as the AfDB strives to develop Africa with a focus on feeding, powering with electricity, investing in industrialization and transnational infrastructure, and of course in the people and their capabilities; 
and with the possibilities that forever UpNaira $weet '16 individuals like you embody,
we shall overcome. 

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Redefining Leadership through Music & Entrepreneurship

I really like Audu Maikori and Chocolate City.  There are many interviews out there by well-known business-owners and leaders, but here is one that I choose to share because values matter. 

"Published on 29 Aug 2016 here

Audu Maikori is the Founder of Chocolate City Group and Music Week Africa.  Having built one of the most respected and successful urban record labels in Africa, he's using his passion to drive activism, youth development and enterprise. He sat with us at Google to discuss leadership through music and entrepreneurship.  Interview Moderated by Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor Google Country Manager Nigeria."

If you absolutely love the confluence of media/IP/law/IT , ABSOLUTELY head over to Coursera's Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of New Media Platforms.  It's an advanced law course, extremely exciting and very good, given by University of Chicago's Randal Picker. 
You may pay if you desire the certificate, otherwise, just delve in, watch the final week and introductory week for summaries, and prepare to learn learn learn exciting stuff about platforms and the world's biggest companies - Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple - and the legal stories around them. Spotify?  Netflix?  Do it. 

NEWSBUKA for all the burning topics in Nigerian politics and society.GeT FREE EmAiL UpDaTeS"

AfDB as MVP

Today marks my 1st year as President of the African Development Bank. Transformation work is going well. Thank you all for your support!

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) September 1, 2016

Prime Minister of Japan announces$10 billion for African infrastructure & African Development Bank to manage a big share. Great confidence!

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) August 31, 2016

African Development Bank launch $24 billion Feed Africa Initiative to help Africa become food self sufficient in 10 years

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) August 29, 2016

Africa must win gold in agriculture

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) August 29, 2016

Japan and African Development Bank launch $3.3 billion EPSA fund to invest in Africa. Great day for Africa! @TICADVI #TICADVI

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) August 29, 2016

Africa must accelerate its pace of growth and development. Africa must think big, act big and deliver big

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) February 27, 2016

Previously on UpNaira
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