Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jan 26, 2012, 12:36 am
Home. I am at home. OK, not for a long time, in 10 days I go back to Liberia. I am busy with yearly tasks. Like filing the income tax return (and pay them, well, not right now), review the insurances: I have to see if I should extend them or change the coverage. And I will get rid of my car which is...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 29, 2011, 10:31 pm
Happy New Year to All of you and your families and friends, with my best wishes for a prosperous year 2012. And here, for the first week of the new year, some little stories: MONDAY The mother of a 17-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having sex... Worried the girl might become pregn...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 21, 2011, 10:58 pm
Amazing, how time runs fast. Another year is gone. More experiences. good ones and bad ones, and a lot of joy have been my year 2011. I came to Liberia in February for 6 month and I will stay until the end of 2012. The refugees start to move back to Côte d'Ivoire but there is still a lot to do. I h...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 3, 2011, 7:36 am
From Darfur, where there was no beer, to Liberia, where is is plenty of beer, it was quite a way. Now, I am here in Liberia; the year is coming to an end and about 10 days ago I got the news that I will stay (if I like and yes, I like) till the end of next year. As I am here since February, I have m...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 26, 2011, 5:27 am
In May last year I made a post about "Multitasking" (read it here). I stated that, in my opinion, multitasking is not possible. Some did not agree with me. Management is complex. If you don't want to multitask, you have to be well organised. And to be so, you need an organogramm. In my long carrier...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 23, 2011, 12:40 pm
The United Nations World Food Programme WFP is living an important moment. Soon, it will start the celebrations of its 50 years of existence. During one year, this event will go on. And during this one year I will, from time to time, make a special post on WFP. It is now since 8 years that I am invo...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 6, 2011, 6:01 am
The picture above says: "Ahead". But change is already behind. As you see, the layout of my blog is a bit different. Not really the layout as such, but the color. A few weeks ago, I decided that my "dark green" was a bit to dark. And then I tried the new dynamic look of Blogger. Which was actually ...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 5, 2011, 5:26 am
I have explained to you before how certain things work in Swiss politics, like that the president is in "power" for one year or that the ministers get elected by the Parliament. Well, the Parliament (both chambers) is having a legislative period of 4 years and then the members have to stand up for e...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 29, 2011, 4:24 am
You noticed. I have come back to the traditional (former) layout of the blog. I did though like the new modern version. But I have received complaints that there were page breaks and it could not be well read. And then, very important, all the information in the right column were not present in new ...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 27, 2011, 8:39 am
We hope the rains will stop soon. It is very difficult to bring the food to the people who need it dearly.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 26, 2011, 9:09 am
Well, luckily, the rainy saison is soon coming to an end. And our struggling on the roads too.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 24, 2011, 7:14 am
Liberia/Africa: Rainy Season. Bad roads, slippery roads. A lot of trucks in trouble, daily. And some have terrible mishaps. Like this tanker. And now people siphoning fuel into their platic containers. Are they employees from the fuel company or villagers from nearby? Who knows.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 16, 2011, 4:10 am
My blog has a new face. From time to time. It looks modern, it is magazine type. I like it. And there are different ways you can look at it. If you click on the menu bar on top, you can choose the way you would like to see my blog. I like the "Flipcard" style very much. It shows all my posts and you...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 15, 2011, 2:09 am
Yes, it is quite some time since I posted last. I have been very busy and had also little access to internet. I have been spending a lot of time in the bush, along the border between Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. To look after the refugees from the latter country. It is a complex affair. Often, refuge...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jul 9, 2011, 12:05 am
When I was young, we Swiss went to the mountains for holidays. Then we ventured far out and went to Italy. Later Spain or Yugoslavia became popular. And finally various Asian countries would be the places where the Swiss go. I remember that the travel agents catalogues had 5 pages "Bali", 7 pages "...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jun 29, 2011, 12:45 am
Madame Christine Lagarde, the French Minister of Finance, has been appointed the new boss of the IMF International Monetary Fund. I have always admired Madame Lagarde for her intelligence, her behaviour and her elegance. And though I am not French, I am extremely pleased and very proud that she wa...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jun 16, 2011, 11:17 pm

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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Apr 22, 2011, 11:09 am
I am here again. It is Easter Holiday. And though we work, I have a few moments of relaxing. Before a next meeting. Nobody is at the office at this moment. I was thinking a bit and all of a sudden some rememberings and souvenirs came to my mind. Good ones, bad ones and funny ones. Let me tell you a ...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Apr 4, 2011, 5:42 am
Yes, I am still alive. And kicking wild. I have been away. For a break. At home. And was busy cleaning up messes. With the income tax inspector for instance. Then also I had to prepare the Annual General Assembly of my historic railway company. I barely had time to take care of my family. But that w...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Mar 12, 2011, 3:34 am
I love CNN. I think it is the best news channel. Because it explains things well to stupid, uneducated people like me. People who have difficulties to understand what is going on in this world. It is important to catch all the issues. Thank's to Piers Morgan's "Tonight", we all know now that Charli...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Mar 6, 2011, 12:26 am
I have a slow internet connection. Very slow. But at least, I can connect. But it is a bit cumbersome and it takes time. Normally, this would frustrate me because I cannot satisfy my big web surfing need. But something else is slow. Our response to the needs of the refugees from Ivory Coast. At thi...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Feb 20, 2011, 2:19 am
I have been thinking. That happens to me from time to time. The world has become a global village. We know what is happening somewhere immediately. And if we want to go somewhere far away from our homes, we can do that. Most of the time travelling (by air) has become relatively cheap. And to commun...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Feb 19, 2011, 2:44 am
I am doing fine here in Liberia, you will get detailed "accounts". But we are very busy with this refugee situation. But I have a small moment and I thought it would be interesting to make particular CV. Because yesterday, I was talking with a colleague about where we have been, 1943 - 1965 Switzerl...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Feb 16, 2011, 11:33 pm
I see from your comments that you are "hungry" to hear from me. All is well, I am working like "hell" and I appreciate Liberia's local food and beer. Soon (Sunday Inch'Allah) you know more.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Feb 6, 2011, 3:35 am
I made it. I am in Liberia since 3 days. I had a lovely flight with Brussels Airlines. It is the first time I flew with them and they are excellent. It is a relatively small airline but the offer services like a big one. I was really impressed. And then, I was on my favorite aircraft, the Airbus A3...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jan 29, 2011, 1:10 am
I am packing. Well, there is not much to pack. I just will go with two suitcases. Much to the surprise of my agency. They always give me instructions on how to prepare the itemised list of my belongs, with packing details so that they can ship the 200 kilograms I am entitled to. I don't need 200 kgs...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jan 15, 2011, 1:59 am
During our mission, we spoke to a number of UN organisations and NGO (Non governmental Organisations) like UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, CARE, ICRC and other. All of them will remain and some even strengthen their teams to be prepared to assiste the people. There was even talk that I might stay in Ivory Coast...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jan 12, 2011, 1:12 am
I don't believe it, but it is true. In 3 days, I go back home, my assessment mission will be completed. And by the end of the month, I will go for 6 to 12 month to Liberia to join the WFP family again. With what is happening in Ivory Coast, we have to be ready in case of an influx of refugees into L...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Jan 1, 2011, 12:33 am
I feel free, like a bird. I am flying. Here is the story. As you know, my mission in Sri Lanka was concluded on of August (last year. Yes, we can say that since 1 day). Mid-September I had to undergo a training course for the "Rapid Response Unit" of my agency. I was integrated in this unit as I am ...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 31, 2010, 8:00 pm
I am leaving tomorrow for Ivory Coast where I will be a liaison officer for my agency, preparing with my colleagues assistance and support for people in need in case the situation comes to the worst. More to come soon.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 30, 2010, 9:00 pm
More New Year Countdowns Comments I wish you all, my dear Friends, a very Happy New Year. May it be filled with love, joy, health and happiness.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 26, 2010, 2:29 am
We are in between Christmas and New Years Eve. A period where I am torn between joy and sadness. Joy because of being with the family, except for the son who is flying around somewhere. Being together, have a nice meal and talk about millions of things. Sadness because I think of all those people in...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 22, 2010, 10:51 pm
My dear friends anywhere in this world, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, with a lot of peace and love.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Dec 18, 2010, 2:07 am
The title of my post: Buddy, move your bum! I have not been serious about posting the last few weeks. And I have not been serious at all about following and commenting on my friends blogs. That is not like me. OK, I am not a very organised person, but I, normally and basically, succeed doing things....
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 25, 2010, 11:49 pm
It is 3 weeks since I posted last. One could think that I was busy. I was. Doing nothing. Actually, I was running around. Doing nothing. Of course, I had to catch up with my paperwork. But that it is done now. I attended my training course. But it is now close to three month that my mission has ende...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Nov 2, 2010, 10:25 pm
Something very rare in Switzerland. A reshuffle of the government. With the recent departure of two ministers it happened. I try to make it simple. Swiss President Doris Leuthard and Minister of Ecomony is handing over her department to the newly elected Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann. Outgoing Mi...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 29, 2010, 10:53 am
This is the new Nokia N8. A fabulous mobile phone. You know that I am a mobile phone freak. But this time, I will not buy it. Because I really would not have any justification to give to my wife. But I was interested by the price. At my phone provider it cost around 620 dollars if you don't take a c...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 23, 2010, 11:15 pm
I don't want to drag the story eternally. But it is of actuality. Yesterday, Mrs. Leuthard opened the summit of the French speaking countries, the "XIII sommet de la Francophonie". With the attendance of around 40 head of states or government. Is she trying to seduce the French President, Mr. Nicola...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 21, 2010, 10:26 pm
Following a comment from "A Lady's Life", I have to explain something. She raises the question about what a President can do in one year of office. Indeed, a good question. Here is how it works. The Swiss President is not elected with electoral votes like in the USA or by the population like in Fran...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 20, 2010, 1:25 am
Mrs Doris Leuthard is the President of Switzerland. Since 1st January of this year. And until 31st December of this year. Only for one year she is President. That is because of our system. Next years's President will be the actual Vice-President (I don't even know who it is, it slipped my mind). But...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 19, 2010, 1:38 am
The "crowd" is gathering. For my farewell (24.08.2010). They have covered me with flowers and have given gifts. A few words of thanks and encouragement from me. The last time together. I miss them, a lot.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 16, 2010, 1:29 am
A huge event, yesterday, for Switzerland, for Europe. The completion of the drilling of the Gotthard railway tunnel. 57 kilometers. A world record. The moment everybody was expecting: Sissi, the drilling machine, breaking through the mountain. Celebrations can start. Joy and Pride. The guys behind i...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 14, 2010, 11:17 pm
Next week, a major event takes place in Montreux. The summit of the French speaking countries of the world. About 70 head of states will be for 4 days in our small, but lovely town. So, police and army are busy setting up the security measures. Which has an impact on our "freedom of movement". The a...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 4, 2010, 7:05 pm
I thought it is time to bring again something from my favorite musician, Woody Herman. Here we see "Days of Wine and Roses" played by his "Swinging Herd". It is from 1964. It is a "calmer" tune but even then, at the end the boys are blowing at you. And the master has joined the saxophone section. (T...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Oct 3, 2010, 1:53 am
Some people see things differently. And have their views, different views which makes this world interesting. And everybody has his own opinion (or at least should have). I am having my opinion. For instance, about retirement. Now, I am not talking about MY retirement which was two years ago and I h...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Sep 25, 2010, 2:29 am
I made a comment on one of Anji's posts. Which leads me to make a post here. Since I am back, I have been busy running around. First, I had to go to my mission debriefing at my agency. A week later I had to go back for a training (me, the retiree) for rapid response interventions (I mentioned this b...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Sep 11, 2010, 11:54 pm
Thank you for your comments on my post below. I have to specify something: The missions I will make are not long ones. They will be 2 to 3 weeks in case something happens somewhere in this world. Like inundations or earthquakes or massive movement of people due to anything. Then I will be called to...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Sep 11, 2010, 1:53 am
For the time being, yes, I am resting. I came home 10 days ago and did take care of my family. And of some personal, pending issues. Like satisfying some requests from my income tax inspector. For once, not a complaint about me not having paid the taxes. Just a query about the travel expenses I had ...
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Sep 4, 2010, 11:41 pm
Oye Como Va? One of Santana's top hits in the 70ties. But it is a composition of Tito Puente, the great latin music man, the king of timbales. Tito was also a good latin jazz musician. Here is "Oye Como Va?" played by the composer and his band.
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Peter V. posted an article on Worldman - Sep 4, 2010, 11:33 pm
I arrived home last Monday. Everybody was happy to see me. I relaxed a bit. I unpacked my suitcases and showed all the gifts my Sri Lankan friends have given me. But somehow, still having Adrenaline flowing through, I had to cool down. I did. But on Wednesday, I received a phone call. From my agency...
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