Author: Angus Shaw
Money baffles brains, as do the ghosts of yesteryear
As the classic tale for us old broke folk recalls: “If they say money talks, mine only says goodbye.” Plenty of money is floating around but it is not coming...
A new “hut tax,” going for broke?
In his just-delivered budget speech, the finance minister wants to bring in a new property tax. He is proposing a one percent levy on homes in the wealthier bracket –...
The story of rail. Colonel Patterson in the 1890s
Colonel John Henry Patterson tried to induce the natives to work on the East African railway but, despite the great famine in 1897–99, found that they were indifferent to money...
No more cop outs on climate, please
Our man at the helm has been at the climate change summit, Cop28, in luxurious Dubai, a place better known to his countrymen as the hub of our illegal gold...
Tough Times
I’m not the only one who puts words on paper – it’s rich and rewarding, except financially. I’m not alone. Alongside Liz Truss, David Cameron’s story was also remaindered in...
Lessons from extremes, then and now
The spectre of Iran hangs in the air … today, as war rages, the indelible hand of the ayatollahs, the mullahs and their Islamic theocracy has got everyone by...
Haunted by a very black Black Friday
Harare, Zimbabwe Black Friday, usually around November 24 every year, is not a shopping bonanza in this neck of the woods. For us, November 14, a Friday in 1997, was...
Elvis and his blue suede shoes
Harare, Zimbabwe If the world has too many problems right now – endless wars, famine and pestilence – it might be the time to spare a thought for Elvis Presley’s...
Remember Popeye perchance? Now the real olive oil
Ostuni, southern Italy. For foodies. Popeye the Sailor Man had a girl called Olive Oil whom he dearly loved. Whenever she was in danger, out came Popeye’s can of spinach...