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Illustration by Warwick Johnson-Cadwell
Office
Irritants – Cool Girl
She sashays into the office at around 10.30, with large dark glasses and a double
skinny latte to counteract the previous evening’s excesses. The boutique
opening had been so perfectly charming and the people there so scrumptious that
she simply couldn’t resist just one more glass of champagne and then she
quite forgot the time. Besides, the boss is one of daddy’s best friends
and he’s known her forever, so one sorrowful smile will melt his heart and
he’ll leave her alone for the rest of the day. Her colleagues have raised
questions regarding her productivity in the past, but they don’t seem to
understand that matching the right skirt to this season’s Jimmy Choos is
a full-time job—anything else is really just a hobby.
In the Boardroom – Disney
Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner is under mounting pressure from disgruntled
shareholders to leave the company, even though he has signalled his intentions
to stand down in September 2006. Two former board members, Roy Disney and Stanley
Gold, believe it is intolerable for him “to continue to hold the company
hostage for two more years,” and they want a successor in place by next
year’s annual general meeting. It is not the first time Eisner, who has
been CEO for two decades, has had his back to the wall. He narrowly fought off
a bid to oust him earlier this year—a 40% vote in favour of his removal
prompted him to give up his chairmanship, but not the role of chief executive.
Number Cruncher – Email Etiquette
A new survey has warned that email is damaging working relationships, and it’s
all to do with a lack of email etiquette. Emails are expected to break the 36bn
a day barrier by next year, but a survey by PalmOne of 750 office workers in the
UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy has identified seven email sins that are
slowing business down. Ignoring an email is one of the deadliest sins, with 79%
of workers resenting having to chase up emails. Another major sin was denying
that an email has been received— the worst culprits were the British, with
11% admitting to denying receipt of emails, much higher than the Spaniards (4%),
the French and Italians (3%), and the Germans (just 1%). Emails full of waffle
and bad grammar were also high on the list of sins, as were mistakes in the tone
of emails, leading to misunderstandings.
Technology – Sony VAIO
A
notebook computer needs to be both a work tool and a recreational device, and
Sony’s new VAIO VGN-A297XP delivers on both counts. With 80GB of hard-drive
space and an advanced Intel Pentium Processor, you’ll never be left wanting
for performance. Width is the name of the game for entertainment, with the screen
stretching to 17 inches for prime DVD appreciation. A high-quality TV tuner allows
television to be watched and recorded, and stylish speakers pump up the volume.
This model also comes equipped with an Auto Luminescence Sensor, which cleverly
measures the ambient lighting and adjusts the brightness of the screen accordingly
for your comfort, so no matter where you are on your travels you’ll have
perfect viewing. Costs £1,899 (€2,750) www.vaio.sony-europe.com
Books
– Lend Me Your Ears
Confident public speaking is a talent acquired by few but required by many. Simply
dimming the lights and ploughing through your PowerPoint slides doesn’t
cut it in a world where effective communication is of vital importance. Professor
Max Atkinson has variously been a speech writer and lecturer in universities around
the globe, and he has invaluable advice on how to hold the attention of an audience.
His writing is engrossing and entertaining, and it never feels like a self-help
book. He takes the reader through the various aspects of holding an audience,
interspersed with anecdotes and interesting facts. Attentive use of his advice
will lead to significantly more rapturous audiences at your next board presentation,
business meeting or wedding. Costs £9.99 (€14.50) www.randomhouse.co.uk
Kit
– Tumi BASE Transporter 20" Wheeled Carry-On
Tumi has always been the Rolls Royce of luggage. OK, it may cost the same as Louis
Vuitton or Mulberry and certainly doesn’t have their bling factor, but it
is more understated and certainly more functional. Tumi’s biggest plus point
has to be the way in which the bags are constructed. The material used is a ballistic
nylon (as used in bullet-proof jackets) that is virtually abrasion proof and 50%
more durable than its closest competitor. But then at £399 (€579),
you’d want it to last a long time. www.tumi.com
Kit
– Delsey Valise
The Delsey Valise Trolley Case seemed impressive at first glance—lots of
packing space, expandable, nice colours and big wheels that negotiate curbs and
pavements well. But how did it fair when tested? We know baggage handlers and
modern airports can take their toll on luggage, but manufacturers have a responsibility
to use materials that are tough and hard-wearing. The damage below was sustained
after just one trip. Not good enough Delsey! Costs £119 (€171)
Shuteye
Designed specially for the fashion-conscious power napper, the new Cash Ca in-flight
kit includes eye mask, blanket, knee-length socks and dainty ballet slippers,
all carried in a pillow bag. Compact and incredibly comfortable, the whole bundle
is made from 12-gauge cashmere and is designed by a young luxury knitwear label
that is set to cause a stir this winter with its simple, understated designs.
Costs £200 (€290) www.harveynichols.com
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