Exit polls show Hamas gaining about 40% of the votes in the latest Palestinian election. Yup, the same Hamas branded as a terrorist organization by the US State Department (thanks for reminding us every single time you report about Hamas, CNN) are selected by the Palestinian people. Two points:
1. No doubt this is a democratic election. If the Palestinians support Hamas, are their supporters of terrorism? What implications does that have on US policies regarding Palestine? Do you still acknowledge the effect that Hamas has on Palestine and engage in negotiations?
A democratic terrorist government... what an irony.
2. Is this a successful election? Can an election that produces a terrorist (by US and Israel standards anyway) government be considered successful? Strangely, you could make the same case in the US, where many Palestinians/Middle East people would consider the Bush administration terrorism. Anyway... there are many lessons to be learned here.
In college, I remember writing about free market fiscal policies. The US supports such policies and enforces it through IMF bailouts. BUT ONLY IF the target country is willing to do it the as US advices. i.e. only if it is in line with national interests. Will democracy (and non-democracy for that matter) be the same deal? I suspect so.
We'll love your democracy if it loves our democracy;
We'll love your dictatorship if it loves our democracy;
We'll hate your democracy if it hates our democracy;
We'll hate your dictatorship if it hates our democracy.
Count
1/26/2006
1/24/2006
Learning...
Upon reading my blog, someone asked me how I feel about group-learning. Excellent question.
Well. Let's see. Learning during group studies is like practicing tennis. The following list is an approximation of tennis partner ability (relative to me!) and how much I learn from the match:
Is he a pro? I'm being raped. I learn humility.
He's everywhere, damn it! I learn how to struggle.
I can almost handle this guy. I learn how to play better.
This is going to be a long game. I learn to fine tune some of my techniques.
Just a matter of time before I win. I learn what mistakes to avoid.
I will squash you like a bug. I learn nothing.
Dude, at least run after the ball. I regress a little.
Well. Let's see. Learning during group studies is like practicing tennis. The following list is an approximation of tennis partner ability (relative to me!) and how much I learn from the match:
Is he a pro? I'm being raped. I learn humility.
He's everywhere, damn it! I learn how to struggle.
I can almost handle this guy. I learn how to play better.
This is going to be a long game. I learn to fine tune some of my techniques.
Just a matter of time before I win. I learn what mistakes to avoid.
I will squash you like a bug. I learn nothing.
Dude, at least run after the ball. I regress a little.
1/22/2006
Study Group
I've always wondered about the effectiveness of study groups. Here are a few popular ways in dealing with a group project:
Divide and conquer: the most popular methodology. The group work exists in the form of a stapler (stolen from our marketing professor's memorable quotes). You learn the least but spend the least time. It is the most efficient because our classes ironically place little real importance on the homework. A real hit or miss when it comes to the grade.
Smaller Groups and divide and conquer: somewhat popular. Same as divide and conquer but do so in smaller groups. Slightly better results are reached and slightly more time is spent. Consensus may or may not be reached but little is done to ensure that. Minimal learning.
Gather and discuss: the most annoying way by far. The group work is 90% talk and 10% do. Dominated by strong personality. If there are strong personalities, expect Jerry Springer bodyguards to break up the fight. Involves shouting and backhanded compliments such as "That's a very good Kellogg idea." A consensus may or may not be reached. If reached, the consensus may or may not be written down. If written down, the consensus may or may not materialize. It depends on the person writing the final version. And that's if you reach consensus!
Come prepared and discuss: hit or miss method. Asking people to come prepared is easier said than done. The most likely outcome is similar to "gather and discuss," since prisoner's dilemma leads to all parties to be more or less unprepared. However, in the rare occurance that everybody comes prepared, both learning and grades are maximized. Well, congratulations, you just scored an "A" on a 3 to 5 pt project that took you 5 hours to complete.
Such is life at the GSB.
Divide and conquer: the most popular methodology. The group work exists in the form of a stapler (stolen from our marketing professor's memorable quotes). You learn the least but spend the least time. It is the most efficient because our classes ironically place little real importance on the homework. A real hit or miss when it comes to the grade.
Smaller Groups and divide and conquer: somewhat popular. Same as divide and conquer but do so in smaller groups. Slightly better results are reached and slightly more time is spent. Consensus may or may not be reached but little is done to ensure that. Minimal learning.
Gather and discuss: the most annoying way by far. The group work is 90% talk and 10% do. Dominated by strong personality. If there are strong personalities, expect Jerry Springer bodyguards to break up the fight. Involves shouting and backhanded compliments such as "That's a very good Kellogg idea." A consensus may or may not be reached. If reached, the consensus may or may not be written down. If written down, the consensus may or may not materialize. It depends on the person writing the final version. And that's if you reach consensus!
Come prepared and discuss: hit or miss method. Asking people to come prepared is easier said than done. The most likely outcome is similar to "gather and discuss," since prisoner's dilemma leads to all parties to be more or less unprepared. However, in the rare occurance that everybody comes prepared, both learning and grades are maximized. Well, congratulations, you just scored an "A" on a 3 to 5 pt project that took you 5 hours to complete.
Such is life at the GSB.
1/21/2006
What did I do this week?
Monday was MLK... somehow, the week just zipped past and I'm sitting at home Friday night realizing that I didn't seem to do much this whole week! Unbelievable. Maybe this is the calm before the storm (interviews)?
Today I witnessed a friend being extremely disappointed after being dinged. That was me last Wednesday. Just have to get over it.
My mom asked me what my Plan B was. Um... my Plan B is to start thinking about a Plan B. =)
Today I witnessed a friend being extremely disappointed after being dinged. That was me last Wednesday. Just have to get over it.
My mom asked me what my Plan B was. Um... my Plan B is to start thinking about a Plan B. =)
1/19/2006
Who's getting married?
While the human race worries about identity theft in the Internet, I'm worrying about the anonymous comment on my blog. Someone is getting married in Vancouver and I have no idea who it is!? Winnie? Perry? Perry 2? Ivan? Isn't he married already? Wait, isn't he THE wedding photographer? Ahhh...!?
And you know he or she is reading this right now and fuming that I don't who (remember?) he or she is.
Speaking of which... I just realize that there are more people reading my blog that I thought. Would it be too much to ask you to post a comment so I can tally some. I did suggest to Blogger that they ought to keep count of how many visits... I think that would be useful!
And you know he or she is reading this right now and fuming that I don't who (remember?) he or she is.
Speaking of which... I just realize that there are more people reading my blog that I thought. Would it be too much to ask you to post a comment so I can tally some. I did suggest to Blogger that they ought to keep count of how many visits... I think that would be useful!
1/16/2006
Time for Movie Review!
Merry Christmas - I saw this French (I think?) film in Hong Kong right before I left for Chicago. It is based on a true story during WWI in 1914. It's basically about how three sides of the battlefield (Germans against the French and Irish) refused to go to battle on Christmas Eve and how the sides found it difficult to continue the battle. I found the movie simple yet profound. The entire movie really just spans a week max. The message was also quite simple: men as single units are mostly anti-war; it is only a problem when you put them in armies. Well... do I even want to start on this topic?
Unfortunately, this movie may not even make it to the US. There's no macho hero, no real villain, no real tear jerking moment... just men on a battlefield, "working" for different govenments, fighting for nothing they really believe.
Recommedation? Yes, go see it. It's light hearted and carries a good message.
Memiors of a Geisha - I hear it's a really good book. I found the movie lacking depth and in general weak. Unlike Merry Christmas, this movie is driven by the characters, starring Zhang Ziyi (章子怡），Gong Li (鞏俐），and Michelle Yeoh (楊 紫瓊). The movie starts off strong with nice sceneries of Japan and strong performances from the little girl and the adults she had to deal with. Gong Li, in particular, was really good. Then it starts going downhill. Except for Gong Li and the Japanese lady who played owner of the Geishas, the other characters really were just floating around with not much development. Zhang Ziyi, in particular, disappoints me. Personally, I think it's more of a casting problem. By any measure, she is not that stunning. She's beautiful, yes. Taking the breather of the who's who in Japanese upper class, no.
Unfortunately, the movie never develops into anything significant. The last part of the movie, when all the older ladies leave and the Geisha is trying to reestablish herself with her former "men," in particular, is painful to watch. Men use the Geisha as a product or gift for their own purposes. The Geisha views herself as the perfect gift. There ought to be some depth in these exchanges. Yet what ends up on the screen are chessy dialouge followed by predictable scripts. And then some more chessy scenes. My question after watching the movie: why did Steven Spielberg not direct this himself? I hate him when he is executive director.
Recommendation: read the book. I hear it's really good. Oh, and definitely buy the CD. When disinterested in the movie, I listened to the music and it was magnificent.
Unfortunately, this movie may not even make it to the US. There's no macho hero, no real villain, no real tear jerking moment... just men on a battlefield, "working" for different govenments, fighting for nothing they really believe.
Recommedation? Yes, go see it. It's light hearted and carries a good message.
Memiors of a Geisha - I hear it's a really good book. I found the movie lacking depth and in general weak. Unlike Merry Christmas, this movie is driven by the characters, starring Zhang Ziyi (章子怡），Gong Li (鞏俐），and Michelle Yeoh (楊 紫瓊). The movie starts off strong with nice sceneries of Japan and strong performances from the little girl and the adults she had to deal with. Gong Li, in particular, was really good. Then it starts going downhill. Except for Gong Li and the Japanese lady who played owner of the Geishas, the other characters really were just floating around with not much development. Zhang Ziyi, in particular, disappoints me. Personally, I think it's more of a casting problem. By any measure, she is not that stunning. She's beautiful, yes. Taking the breather of the who's who in Japanese upper class, no.
Unfortunately, the movie never develops into anything significant. The last part of the movie, when all the older ladies leave and the Geisha is trying to reestablish herself with her former "men," in particular, is painful to watch. Men use the Geisha as a product or gift for their own purposes. The Geisha views herself as the perfect gift. There ought to be some depth in these exchanges. Yet what ends up on the screen are chessy dialouge followed by predictable scripts. And then some more chessy scenes. My question after watching the movie: why did Steven Spielberg not direct this himself? I hate him when he is executive director.
Recommendation: read the book. I hear it's really good. Oh, and definitely buy the CD. When disinterested in the movie, I listened to the music and it was magnificent.
1/14/2006
Plan B
Plan B is sort of the antithesis to MBA students. "Plan B!? What are you talking about? I'm an MBA and I have Plan A." Yet here I am, sitting in the library, finally coming to my senses: it's time to draft a Plan B. Yes, my peers a year older have warned me (us, really) about getting a plan B ready. Yes, I (we) knew they were right. No, I did not listen.
I've heard the usual "don't put all your eggs in one basket" advice. Personally, I think most people do put all their eggs in one basket. I mean, seriously, who wouldn't during an MBA? Especially since spreading oneself between several career tracks is quite detrimental! If I had to look at banking and consulting, I might as well cut the toilet time (I prefer sleeping, so bathroom time has got to go first).
But you and I all know that when we go all-out for something, there's a darker figure lurking behind. Every now and then you feel the figure, take a quick look back, and keep moving on. But it's right there behind you. It's not bad, it's just that you don't want to face it and loose sight of what is in your path. But hey, now that the road is closed, I just have to turn back a little and start a Plan B.
There. I said it. I have a Plan B. Well. I will have a Plan B.
I've heard the usual "don't put all your eggs in one basket" advice. Personally, I think most people do put all their eggs in one basket. I mean, seriously, who wouldn't during an MBA? Especially since spreading oneself between several career tracks is quite detrimental! If I had to look at banking and consulting, I might as well cut the toilet time (I prefer sleeping, so bathroom time has got to go first).
But you and I all know that when we go all-out for something, there's a darker figure lurking behind. Every now and then you feel the figure, take a quick look back, and keep moving on. But it's right there behind you. It's not bad, it's just that you don't want to face it and loose sight of what is in your path. But hey, now that the road is closed, I just have to turn back a little and start a Plan B.
There. I said it. I have a Plan B. Well. I will have a Plan B.
1/11/2006
Three Blind Mice
Blind Mice 1: talk the talk, never walk the walk.
Blind Mice 2: wears a question mark on the forehead.
Blind Mice 3: slept in spectacular style during class.
They somehow were able to find each other and become good friends. I guess the moral of the story is this:
1. There's a market for all types of people, even airheads like our three blind mice
2. Procrasination is a powerful tool in business school
Blind Mice 2: wears a question mark on the forehead.
Blind Mice 3: slept in spectacular style during class.
They somehow were able to find each other and become good friends. I guess the moral of the story is this:
1. There's a market for all types of people, even airheads like our three blind mice
2. Procrasination is a powerful tool in business school
1/10/2006
Ding!
This is an interesting day.
Despite having no class on Monday, I had 8am meeting with the consultant to our consulting team (say what!?). Waking up Monday 6am isn't exactly my way to start a week. Oh well, at least Sports Center was showing highlights from the Patriot's game. The meeting went very well.
Right after lunch, I got my first Ding... well, partial Ding. I capitalize it because I think being Dinged is more than a simple verb. It warrants a formal name. It describes a fact, then a feeling: disbelief, anger, rejection, acceptance, and many more physical and emotional reactions. For non-MBAs, Ding is a rejection. Specifically, it's used for interviews. One who is Dinged is rejected after the interview. I haven't been interviewed yet. But I'm extending "Dinged" to the interview invitation section now. I can still bid for an open interview spot (don't ask, I don't know why things have to be so complicated), so I'm technically still in. Maybe this is Mini-Ding.
Next up, group study. No sweat. Done. At 3pm, I received an email from the Management Consulting Group (MCG). Apparently, at 4pm, there will be limited sign up for case interview practice. Well, thanks for telling me at 3pm. 4pm, I look over to where you can sign up, and THERE'S A LINE! My god, what has happened to we consultant-wannabes? We've become bankers and follow the herd to line up! So... I lined up. And you know what? I got the forth last spot on the list. And there were about 20 people behind me. Truth be told, I feel bad for them, but not as bad as those who are at home today (very little classes in GSB on Monday this quarter) and received the email and thought they could come tomorrow and sign up for such a useful event.
Next up: ITP... for Interview Training Program (I think). I got absolutely skewered. Sweet Jesus. A long way before being prepared, I suppose, and I thought I was prepared. Anyway, since this isn't real (thankfully, I think it's pretty close to the real thing), it's only helped me. Now I will go practice how to speak with my brain and not my mouth.
Oh, funny thing is... the evaluation sheet asked me whether my day prior to the interview went well. I thought about it for a second, and circled 3 out of 5. At that split second, I said 3 because I had to wake at 6am!!! Not because of the MD (Mini-Ding!)... but because of when I woke up!
Oh, some observations in life. People who are late will always be late. Airheads will always hang with airheads. Smart people don't like to mingle with dumb(er) people. Dumb(er) people hate to mingle with smart people.
Despite having no class on Monday, I had 8am meeting with the consultant to our consulting team (say what!?). Waking up Monday 6am isn't exactly my way to start a week. Oh well, at least Sports Center was showing highlights from the Patriot's game. The meeting went very well.
Right after lunch, I got my first Ding... well, partial Ding. I capitalize it because I think being Dinged is more than a simple verb. It warrants a formal name. It describes a fact, then a feeling: disbelief, anger, rejection, acceptance, and many more physical and emotional reactions. For non-MBAs, Ding is a rejection. Specifically, it's used for interviews. One who is Dinged is rejected after the interview. I haven't been interviewed yet. But I'm extending "Dinged" to the interview invitation section now. I can still bid for an open interview spot (don't ask, I don't know why things have to be so complicated), so I'm technically still in. Maybe this is Mini-Ding.
Next up, group study. No sweat. Done. At 3pm, I received an email from the Management Consulting Group (MCG). Apparently, at 4pm, there will be limited sign up for case interview practice. Well, thanks for telling me at 3pm. 4pm, I look over to where you can sign up, and THERE'S A LINE! My god, what has happened to we consultant-wannabes? We've become bankers and follow the herd to line up! So... I lined up. And you know what? I got the forth last spot on the list. And there were about 20 people behind me. Truth be told, I feel bad for them, but not as bad as those who are at home today (very little classes in GSB on Monday this quarter) and received the email and thought they could come tomorrow and sign up for such a useful event.
Next up: ITP... for Interview Training Program (I think). I got absolutely skewered. Sweet Jesus. A long way before being prepared, I suppose, and I thought I was prepared. Anyway, since this isn't real (thankfully, I think it's pretty close to the real thing), it's only helped me. Now I will go practice how to speak with my brain and not my mouth.
Oh, funny thing is... the evaluation sheet asked me whether my day prior to the interview went well. I thought about it for a second, and circled 3 out of 5. At that split second, I said 3 because I had to wake at 6am!!! Not because of the MD (Mini-Ding!)... but because of when I woke up!
Oh, some observations in life. People who are late will always be late. Airheads will always hang with airheads. Smart people don't like to mingle with dumb(er) people. Dumb(er) people hate to mingle with smart people.
1/05/2006
Just a Little
Just a little behind... a little lack of motivation... I'm pretty sure its the residual holiday effect (RHE), a long time chronic disease. Do you have it? (By the way, I looked up RHE and was surprised to find no such thing on the realm of Google!)
Yesterday, I went to a marketing class. I'd say the professor was very good. Actually, she was so good that she sort of cured my RHE. I feel revitalized a bit, finally.
Yesterday, I went to a marketing class. I'd say the professor was very good. Actually, she was so good that she sort of cured my RHE. I feel revitalized a bit, finally.
1/03/2006
打中文！
看一看，是我自己学的，不过因为只是学拼音的，所以有一些拼不出来。 还有就是拼音字很难打广东字，所以我就放弃了。往后多多指教！有人跟我说速成是最好的，我看不一定！让我慢慢学拼音的话，一定会进步很多！
可是还是英文才词"能"达意... 真悲哀!
=) 给我美国的朋友:
Just practicing typing in Chinese! My new toy.
可是还是英文才词"能"达意... 真悲哀!
=) 给我美国的朋友:
Just practicing typing in Chinese! My new toy.
1/02/2006
New Year Resolutions
Honestly, I don't see the point of new year resolutions. Don't we all have resolutions springing up and down throughout the year? I want to land a management consulting summer internship in Hong Kong. Is this a new year resolution? No. Should it be one? Probably. But what's the point if I've always wanted this target since my first day in business school? What exactly is new about December 31 that I cannot think about earlier in the year (or later, for that matter)? None.
Maybe a deadline... a new year resolution has a timeline - a year. Fair enough. Let's get that deadline then. But please, why force me to think about a list before the New Year?
Happy New Year to all those who care!
Maybe a deadline... a new year resolution has a timeline - a year. Fair enough. Let's get that deadline then. But please, why force me to think about a list before the New Year?
Happy New Year to all those who care!
12/31/2005
United Food
Food on United flights have always served as a good reminder that I am leaving Hong Kong. Per usual, they were awful but plentiful. I ate all four meals/snacks offered, not leaving anything on the plate. Not good times.
Back in Chicago now. Fittingly, it was snowing rather heavily (yes yes, by Hong Kong standards) when we landed. The plane swerved one way and the other... no biggie.
Yet another reminder that I am back in Chicago: we waited 30 minutes before the luggage came out. =)
Now... it's prepare for school and recruiting.
Back in Chicago now. Fittingly, it was snowing rather heavily (yes yes, by Hong Kong standards) when we landed. The plane swerved one way and the other... no biggie.
Yet another reminder that I am back in Chicago: we waited 30 minutes before the luggage came out. =)
Now... it's prepare for school and recruiting.
12/28/2005
Overnight
Just spend an night at Cheung Chau with a bunch of old friends. Still as fun as ever. Surprisingly survived the overnight stay without any sleep. And played bball at 645 am.
I shall miss Hong Kong when I go back to Chicago.
I shall miss Hong Kong when I go back to Chicago.
12/25/2005
Back in Hong Kong
Back in Hong Kong after a one week trek to Beijing... I guess the move towards China is inevitable, and I might as well brace myself for this:
Polution: check.
Rudeness: check.
Traffic: check.
Good food: check.
Cheap everything: check.
Dynamic market place: check.
Polution: check.
Rudeness: check.
Traffic: check.
Good food: check.
Cheap everything: check.
Dynamic market place: check.
12/22/2005
Grades
Phew... glad I don't have to worry about the 4Cs...!
This day to day pledge has failed miserably. I can only blame myself.
Beijing has been interesting so far. Say what you want about China, but this is definitely the world's most intriguing economic region. Even as a Chinese, I am absolutely blown away by the opportunities and the developments in Beijing and Shanghai. You hear a lot, but until you see it, you really don't realize the reality (great, my English has gone way South) of it!
This day to day pledge has failed miserably. I can only blame myself.
Beijing has been interesting so far. Say what you want about China, but this is definitely the world's most intriguing economic region. Even as a Chinese, I am absolutely blown away by the opportunities and the developments in Beijing and Shanghai. You hear a lot, but until you see it, you really don't realize the reality (great, my English has gone way South) of it!
12/16/2005
Queen of the Rings
Her engagement ring covers her finger. Nice.
The ensuing discussion with a friend concluded that "we need to find gals who aren't just looking for rich people (RP) to marry" (we being the NRP and all)
The ensuing discussion from that ensuing discussion concluded that "limitations in social circle does not create limitations in choice of marriage"... or, in English, "Even though you hang out with RP only, you may still be 'able' to choose a NRP to marry"
And the hilarious part is my argument. Hey, I'm apparently learning from my MBA...
1. I am a NRP.
2. ABC is a RP and hangs out with mostly RP.
3. ABC will not reject me due to my NRP status.
4. I am the "worst" NRP knows.
Conclusion: There exists a chance where will date/marry a "worse" NRP.
So among our circle of friends, my friend and I came to the ultimate conclusion that the situation isn't that desperate, that not all the people we know from Boston date money... anyway, whatever.
The ensuing discussion with a friend concluded that "we need to find gals who aren't just looking for rich people (RP) to marry" (we being the NRP and all)
The ensuing discussion from that ensuing discussion concluded that "limitations in social circle does not create limitations in choice of marriage"... or, in English, "Even though you hang out with RP only, you may still be 'able' to choose a NRP to marry"
And the hilarious part is my argument. Hey, I'm apparently learning from my MBA...
1. I am a NRP.
2. ABC
3.
4. I am the "worst" NRP
Conclusion: There exists a chance where
So among our circle of friends, my friend and I came to the ultimate conclusion that the situation isn't that desperate, that not all the people we know from Boston date money... anyway, whatever.
12/14/2005
Cold Weather Warning!
At 12C... or 56F...
...... it's Hong Kong, what can I say.
I saw the protesters on foot today. Rather amusing. One guy says WTO is worse than bird flu. The real scary part is that he believes it.
...... it's Hong Kong, what can I say.
I saw the protesters on foot today. Rather amusing. One guy says WTO is worse than bird flu. The real scary part is that he believes it.
They are everywhere
It's supposed to be winter break, but I don't feel that way yet. Every day is something about recruiting, something about the Beijing Trek, something about HK Bank Week, something about school.
As usual, the HK media blasted the police for using too much force against WTO protestors... after blasting them for not doing enough to keep the peace. Thanks for reporting, guys.
On the bright side, the glue worked and our pavements have been kept in tact.
As usual, the HK media blasted the police for using too much force against WTO protestors... after blasting them for not doing enough to keep the peace. Thanks for reporting, guys.
On the bright side, the glue worked and our pavements have been kept in tact.
12/13/2005
Once a day...
Sometimes it can be rather challenging to find something to post at 330am. I'm doing this because I pledged so.
Ah, pollution. I felt dizzy going out on the streets. Maybe this is why the economy is booming. KEEP THEM IN THE SHOPS!
WTO meetings are rolling around. Security is heightened. I hope my Korean classmates won't be mistaken for Korean protestors. The news says the Hong Kong police have GLUED the bricks on the pavements so the protestors cannot throw them at the police. Good tactic. Good tactic. Korean protestor leader (why are they getting a bad rap anyway? there are many more other protestors!) responds: since they glued the bricks, we will find another way to protest, maybe a way never used before. HMMMMM...
Ah, pollution. I felt dizzy going out on the streets. Maybe this is why the economy is booming. KEEP THEM IN THE SHOPS!
WTO meetings are rolling around. Security is heightened. I hope my Korean classmates won't be mistaken for Korean protestors. The news says the Hong Kong police have GLUED the bricks on the pavements so the protestors cannot throw them at the police. Good tactic. Good tactic. Korean protestor leader (why are they getting a bad rap anyway? there are many more other protestors!) responds: since they glued the bricks, we will find another way to protest, maybe a way never used before. HMMMMM...
12/10/2005
Post Finals
Well, if there's one golden lesson you learn from business school, it is this: you will feel guilty about any idle time. So what did I do the day after? Cover letters, recuiting emails, company research... these seem worse than classes themselves!
I'm finally heading back to Hong Kong. Looking forward to this break. Oh, and I'll try and make a post every day. Something simple that touched my soul. Here it is:
I watched Syriana last night. It was quite boring and disjointed, so I fell asleep every now and then. At the end of the movie, I was lost and had no idea what was going on. Anyway, while not feeling that good about spending $8.50 to take a nap, I wasn't feeling too bad. It was, after all, a nice nap. Funny thing is, EVERYBODY coming out of the theater was saying "when did you fall asleep/wake up?" haha.
Well, my immediate reaction was: wow, this is just like class...!
I'm finally heading back to Hong Kong. Looking forward to this break. Oh, and I'll try and make a post every day. Something simple that touched my soul. Here it is:
I watched Syriana last night. It was quite boring and disjointed, so I fell asleep every now and then. At the end of the movie, I was lost and had no idea what was going on. Anyway, while not feeling that good about spending $8.50 to take a nap, I wasn't feeling too bad. It was, after all, a nice nap. Funny thing is, EVERYBODY coming out of the theater was saying "when did you fall asleep/wake up?" haha.
Well, my immediate reaction was: wow, this is just like class...!
12/09/2005
12/07/2005
Shocking parallels...
In my kichen, there lies two bags of chip (one half consumed), Reese's Pieces, granola bars, and Chips Ahoy... you know what's up? (and if you don't, see my earlier post...)
It's GSB final week.
Guess what it reminds me of... none other than Hong Kong! There are shocking parallels here: both count for a substantial percentage of your final grade, both places administer difficult or impossible exams, both exams are designed to humble me, both succeed, both make me depressed... and both don't matter in the future.
One glaring difference: GSB has a curve and grade non-disclosure. I'm so glad those are the differences. At least I feel like I learned a lot of useful things... though the exams have certainly not reinforced that idea.
It's GSB final week.
Guess what it reminds me of... none other than Hong Kong! There are shocking parallels here: both count for a substantial percentage of your final grade, both places administer difficult or impossible exams, both exams are designed to humble me, both succeed, both make me depressed... and both don't matter in the future.
One glaring difference: GSB has a curve and grade non-disclosure. I'm so glad those are the differences. At least I feel like I learned a lot of useful things... though the exams have certainly not reinforced that idea.
12/04/2005
oh man oh man
Per usual, Picasa and Blogger don't work THAT well together. Two lost paragraphs. Oh well.
Finals are up. Monday Operations, Tuesday Accounting, Wednesday Regression, Thursday Microeconomics. Good times, as witnessed with this picture from our student film festival, are long gone.
Speaking of which, next quarter I should be tentatively taking: Tuesday Managing the Workplace, Wednesday Marketing Strategy, Thursday Competitive Strategy.
11/30/2005
Score card
1. Applications to most, if not all, consulting firms - Nada
2. Beijing Trek - Some
3. Microeconomics cheat sheet for studying - Nada
4. Accounting cheat sheet for finals - Nada
5. Rest - Plenty
Well... I'd say I had a really good Thanksgiving.
2. Beijing Trek - Some
3. Microeconomics cheat sheet for studying - Nada
4. Accounting cheat sheet for finals - Nada
5. Rest - Plenty
Well... I'd say I had a really good Thanksgiving.
11/26/2005
Outlet shopping!
You know it's gonna be interesting when you wake up at 5 am for shopping. Thanksgiving morning, baby, it's all going crazy.
Fact 1: Be patient. After parking cars in Boston for years, I think I have that.
Fact 2: Be efficient. Business school student. HELLO!?
Fact 3: Avoid lines. I'm a guy, I don't need COACH that badly.
Fact 4: Be early. 5 am was early enough.
Giorgio Armani: guess who is inside? ASIANS! All of them. There were (I counted) 5 white people and one black person. Yup, the sales people! And you know what? Half the Asians were hauling their crying/whining babies and kids around. The other half? Zits! Kids with zits!
Ahhhh...!
I had a game plan with what to buy, and I followed my game plan. Everything done by 10 am. Got my shoes, my socks, my sweater, and my towel. Problem is... my shopping companions were only half done. So I ate and I ate and I ate... in liue of Thanksgiving Dinner, I had Outlet Mall Food Court.
Fact 1: Be patient. After parking cars in Boston for years, I think I have that.
Fact 2: Be efficient. Business school student. HELLO!?
Fact 3: Avoid lines. I'm a guy, I don't need COACH that badly.
Fact 4: Be early. 5 am was early enough.
Giorgio Armani: guess who is inside? ASIANS! All of them. There were (I counted) 5 white people and one black person. Yup, the sales people! And you know what? Half the Asians were hauling their crying/whining babies and kids around. The other half? Zits! Kids with zits!
Ahhhh...!
I had a game plan with what to buy, and I followed my game plan. Everything done by 10 am. Got my shoes, my socks, my sweater, and my towel. Problem is... my shopping companions were only half done. So I ate and I ate and I ate... in liue of Thanksgiving Dinner, I had Outlet Mall Food Court.
11/24/2005
Weird Dream
This morning, I had a really weird dream with a lot of old friends from Hong Kong showing up at a restaurant. We were having a discussion on marriage and relationships. A girl (good friend of mine, who shall not be named) was speaking in desperation. Suddenly, the entire restaurant fell completely silent. In the dream, it was a very odd moment when everything went quiet. We looked at each other across the tables but nobody spoke.
Suddenly, I hear my phone ring in real life. I wake up and go answer it.
Isn't that weird? It was as if the ears heard the ring, told the brain to "shut the dream up," and then the brain let my ears function with the brain! Wait, does that even make sense? So odd. The human mind still works in mysterious ways!
Suddenly, I hear my phone ring in real life. I wake up and go answer it.
Isn't that weird? It was as if the ears heard the ring, told the brain to "shut the dream up," and then the brain let my ears function with the brain! Wait, does that even make sense? So odd. The human mind still works in mysterious ways!
11/23/2005
Finally, a break!
Damn, it's been pretty much non-stop since August... here's what I've planned for this break:
1. Applications to most, if not all, consulting firms
2. Beijing Trek
3. Microeconomics cheat sheet for studying
4. Accounting cheat sheet for finals
5. Rest
In that order, sadly. There will be a recap next week.
1. Applications to most, if not all, consulting firms
2. Beijing Trek
3. Microeconomics cheat sheet for studying
4. Accounting cheat sheet for finals
5. Rest
In that order, sadly. There will be a recap next week.
11/17/2005
Snacks
For those of you who know me, you know my snack consumption patterns. For those of you who don't, here it is: I don't buy snacks and I don't buy soda. The reason is that if I buy it, I'll consume it in less than the intended time. Result: very unhealthy.
Okay, so why am I telling you this? Because yesterday, in a panic response to my increasing work load, I bought junk food to keep me company through my late night work:
Ritz Bits Peanut Butter
Lays BBQ Chips
Ridge Ruffles Sour Cream
Chips Ahoy Chuncky
I finished Lays BBQ Chips in one night. You see what business school does to you!?
Okay, so why am I telling you this? Because yesterday, in a panic response to my increasing work load, I bought junk food to keep me company through my late night work:
Ritz Bits Peanut Butter
Lays BBQ Chips
Ridge Ruffles Sour Cream
Chips Ahoy Chuncky
I finished Lays BBQ Chips in one night. You see what business school does to you!?
11/15/2005
Operations
Standing in line has a whole new meaning now. I was waiting for pizza at a school event and I couldn't help but think that this line creates valuable loss time for a lot of students. Furthermore, it was such a simple operations problem that could be solved by re-arranging the tables into two rows (two servers), thereby increasing the throughput and decreasing cycle time.
Please shoot me when you have a chance.
Please shoot me when you have a chance.
11/14/2005
Following your heart
Time and again, I tell people to follow where their heart takes them. Everything will work out if you follow your heart. I still think it's true...
Except that time and again, I don't do it. I do something that I really don't want to do but did anyway due to various reasons (give face, peer pressure, premature promise, etc), and then suffer from it. Inevitably, I think back on why I suffered (well, it's not that bad... or pretty bad... anything from paying an extra $20 to failing a midterm to damaging a friendship) and I conclude that I should have followed my heart.
So... the next time I don't follow my heart and I suffer, I will detail the step-by-step process.
Except that time and again, I don't do it. I do something that I really don't want to do but did anyway due to various reasons (give face, peer pressure, premature promise, etc), and then suffer from it. Inevitably, I think back on why I suffered (well, it's not that bad... or pretty bad... anything from paying an extra $20 to failing a midterm to damaging a friendship) and I conclude that I should have followed my heart.
So... the next time I don't follow my heart and I suffer, I will detail the step-by-step process.
11/12/2005
Sleep and Work
What is it about sleep and work?
Last night, I came back to home feeling absolutley exhausted. I had a few emails that I need to send out. I had a virtual factory to look after. I had a meeting to prepare for. I had this. I had that. Well... I chose to sleep. At about 11pm, I believe, I fell asleep on my sofa. I had a few chances where I woke up, contemplated about working, and decided otherwise. At 1am, I woke, walked past my desk (two MSN messages flashing), and went to my bed.
Only to wake up in extreme guilt this morning... then I started doing work. Emails. Done. Factory. Done. Meeting. Screw the meeting. This. Done. That. Done.
How ironic is it that I slept to escape work, only to wake in guilt to finish work? I tell you, business school does weird things to the human mind.
Last night, I came back to home feeling absolutley exhausted. I had a few emails that I need to send out. I had a virtual factory to look after. I had a meeting to prepare for. I had this. I had that. Well... I chose to sleep. At about 11pm, I believe, I fell asleep on my sofa. I had a few chances where I woke up, contemplated about working, and decided otherwise. At 1am, I woke, walked past my desk (two MSN messages flashing), and went to my bed.
Only to wake up in extreme guilt this morning... then I started doing work. Emails. Done. Factory. Done. Meeting. Screw the meeting. This. Done. That. Done.
How ironic is it that I slept to escape work, only to wake in guilt to finish work? I tell you, business school does weird things to the human mind.
11/08/2005
I am frustrated...
I am frustrated that each day proceeds without much purpose. I am frustrated that I am working hard but not working efficiently. I am frustrated that I am barely surviving school when I should be breezing through some subjects. I am frustrated that I am not learning as much as I want to at school. I am frustrated that there are only 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week. I am frustrated that there are so many things I want to do that I cannot dedicate all my time to. I am frustrated that I am distracted easily. I am frustrated that I have time management problems. I am frustrated. I am frustrated.
On the bright side, I am apparently mastering the i-message from LEAD. I am not frustrated.
On the bright side, I am apparently mastering the i-message from LEAD. I am not frustrated.
11/02/2005
Butterfly and B-school
This is a picture I took in Belize...
Anyway, midterms are over. Back to presentations and group studies. I feel like the butterfly I saw in Belize. Always on the run, never stopping at one flower. Maybe even a little lost. What does a butterfly do? It smells and chases food? Is that it? Why this flower? Why every flower?
So far, I've had dinners/cocktails with Bain, BCG, Booz Allen, and McKinsey. Why every flower indeed.
10/29/2005
I wish
Belize, good times.My first mid term in N years, not good times.
I wish we were still in Belize!
10/24/2005
Oh Flowers
While skeptical about long distance orders of flowers... I think this one turned out pretty well!
Red and White
So, let's settle this once and for all. I AM A RED SOX FAN. PLEASE, no more White Sox questions Oh, you want proof? Here:
Game 1, World Series, White Sox vs Astros. I was at a bar with some GSBers. Here's what I did: I glanced at the TV when someone in the bar cheered. I watched the last two innings. And I ate a boat load of wings.
As I recall from last year, I never took my eyes off the TV for the Red Sox-Yankees series (Had to mention it, I feel good just thinking about it) and the World Series. No way.
Well, I'd like the White Sox to win, so my karma can continue. But that's where the puck stops. It's been a year since Red Sox won the World Championship. A YEAR!
Game 1, World Series, White Sox vs Astros. I was at a bar with some GSBers. Here's what I did: I glanced at the TV when someone in the bar cheered. I watched the last two innings. And I ate a boat load of wings.
As I recall from last year, I never took my eyes off the TV for the Red Sox-Yankees series (Had to mention it, I feel good just thinking about it) and the World Series. No way.
Well, I'd like the White Sox to win, so my karma can continue. But that's where the puck stops. It's been a year since Red Sox won the World Championship. A YEAR!
10/22/2005
Clarification on Free Beer
A third person asked me why I put the GSB's picture with a title of free beer. Here goes the story: on one fine afternoon, I sat in the Winter Garden doing homework for operations. And then I was offered some beer. AND I SAID NO THANKS! What has business school done to me!?Luckily...
After coming to my senses, I took the beer and continued on homework. Let me just say that operations homework became easier after the beer!
After coming to my senses, I took the beer and continued on homework. Let me just say that operations homework became easier after the beer!
10/19/2005
B-school
Man, this is getting ridiculous. I've got so much work lined up! Five classes, one project. Too bad can't really turn back time, so it's suck it up and grind it out. Recruiting season started and everybody is getting nervous. Perhaps I should be too!
10/15/2005
10/14/2005
Life Events
I sit in the car, and tears are coming to my eyes
I am driving alone on a quiet highway
I start the car
I get resume reviews from a classmate
We leave the restaurant
I say "Well, on the bright side, I did finish my homework today"
Someone tells the story of acquaintances catching planes of doom
Someone tells the story of acquaintances missing planes of doom
Someone tells the story of surviving the Asian Tsunami ordeal
Someone tells the story of going to work and therefore not surviving 911
Someone tells the story of missing work and therefore surviving 911
Wow
Someone tells the story of fleeing the World Trade Center
Someone tells the story of seeing people leap from the World Trade Center
We agree that 911 was one of the strangest days in our lives
Someone tells the story of selling a dot com business the day before 911
Someone tells the story of loosing a lot of money... by lack of luck
Someone tells the story of making a huge profit just in time... by luck
Someone tells the story of choosing the wrong telecommunication stock
Someone tells the story of losing $8K on a telecommunication stock
Someone tells the story of reading a "How to play Options" book and costing him big time
Food is finished
I do not tell my most traumatic life experience
I say my most traumatic life experience must be around 12
Someone says the most traumatic life experience happened between 28 and 30
Someone says the most traumatic life experience happened around early 30s
Food comes
Someone tells the story of living off credit cards because of debt
Someone tells the story of gambling on margins and losing his life savings
Someone tells the story of gambling on margins and losing $25K
Someone says that when recruiting season dies down, we will all become day traders
Someone says scandals will be prevalent by the end of the winter quarter.
More scandal stories. In all business schools.
Someone tells the story of relationship scandals in school. Gets everybody's attention.
We sit down at the table and make small talk.
I arrive at the restaurant..
I am driving alone on a quiet highway
I start the car
I get resume reviews from a classmate
We leave the restaurant
I say "Well, on the bright side, I did finish my homework today"
Someone tells the story of acquaintances catching planes of doom
Someone tells the story of acquaintances missing planes of doom
Someone tells the story of surviving the Asian Tsunami ordeal
Someone tells the story of going to work and therefore not surviving 911
Someone tells the story of missing work and therefore surviving 911
Wow
Someone tells the story of fleeing the World Trade Center
Someone tells the story of seeing people leap from the World Trade Center
We agree that 911 was one of the strangest days in our lives
Someone tells the story of selling a dot com business the day before 911
Someone tells the story of loosing a lot of money... by lack of luck
Someone tells the story of making a huge profit just in time... by luck
Someone tells the story of choosing the wrong telecommunication stock
Someone tells the story of losing $8K on a telecommunication stock
Someone tells the story of reading a "How to play Options" book and costing him big time
Food is finished
I do not tell my most traumatic life experience
I say my most traumatic life experience must be around 12
Someone says the most traumatic life experience happened between 28 and 30
Someone says the most traumatic life experience happened around early 30s
Food comes
Someone tells the story of living off credit cards because of debt
Someone tells the story of gambling on margins and losing his life savings
Someone tells the story of gambling on margins and losing $25K
Someone says that when recruiting season dies down, we will all become day traders
Someone says scandals will be prevalent by the end of the winter quarter.
More scandal stories. In all business schools.
Someone tells the story of relationship scandals in school. Gets everybody's attention.
We sit down at the table and make small talk.
I arrive at the restaurant..
10/08/2005
Belize, Pissed, and Red Sox
Here's one picture from Belize. More willcome to my website if I:
1. Learn how to update my flash website
2. Get other pictures from my Belize buddies
Oh... I'm still pissed at Chicago in general. But looking on the bright side, the tow place was close to my home and very clean. I remember Boston tow places located in dangerous dumps with no maintenance whatsoever. I think the idea was that hopefully you will need a realignment by the time you retrieve your car.
Red Sox lost... went down in flames, really. it was a decent year to enjoy. A team that never was the same as last year, both in terms of character and ability.
Waterfalls (2 of Five Sisters) at Belize Resort
1. Learn how to update my flash website
2. Get other pictures from my Belize buddies
Oh... I'm still pissed at Chicago in general. But looking on the bright side, the tow place was close to my home and very clean. I remember Boston tow places located in dangerous dumps with no maintenance whatsoever. I think the idea was that hopefully you will need a realignment by the time you retrieve your car.
Red Sox lost... went down in flames, really. it was a decent year to enjoy. A team that never was the same as last year, both in terms of character and ability.
Waterfalls (2 of Five Sisters) at Belize Resort
10/07/2005
Murphy's Law
It all started with dinner at 930. I signed up for a U of C dinner party thing for $20. And then they served us with some take out Italian food. Anyway... the party was okay and I did meet some people. But $20!?
$10 cover charge for a bar!? I paid and stayed for 10 minutes. After a rum and coke, I was on the way out.
Drove to another bar. Parked. Had a beer. Back to my car. It's FREAKING gone! Towed.
$160 parking ticket.
$50 ticket.
I think I hate Chicago now.
$10 cover charge for a bar!? I paid and stayed for 10 minutes. After a rum and coke, I was on the way out.
Drove to another bar. Parked. Had a beer. Back to my car. It's FREAKING gone! Towed.
$160 parking ticket.
$50 ticket.
I think I hate Chicago now.
10/03/2005
Alan's Brithday
He'd be 24 now...
And I look forward to all the good and bad moments today. I'm so busy with business school these days. Funny how I can always find time to grief, but I can't find time to have fun. Isn't that one of the biggest ironies in life? We spend our lives seeking meaning and happiness, yet what our natural instincts focus only on sad events - the brain thinks (knows?) that that is the most important.
On ESPN, the program ran a special on a kid - a Notre Dame fan - who was dying from a brain tumor. The mother said she felt "so selfish for wanting him to live" because he "wanted to be with the angels." Perhaps one day I will reach that stage.
And I look forward to all the good and bad moments today. I'm so busy with business school these days. Funny how I can always find time to grief, but I can't find time to have fun. Isn't that one of the biggest ironies in life? We spend our lives seeking meaning and happiness, yet what our natural instincts focus only on sad events - the brain thinks (knows?) that that is the most important.
On ESPN, the program ran a special on a kid - a Notre Dame fan - who was dying from a brain tumor. The mother said she felt "so selfish for wanting him to live" because he "wanted to be with the angels." Perhaps one day I will reach that stage.
10/02/2005
National Day!?
Well, what do you know... it's October 1st and nobody made a fuss in Chicago. National Day, baby! I almost didn't notice that it was October already!
9/30/2005
My First Week at the GSB
Wow, I've been warned many times... this is what transpired in my first week of classes:
Thursday: wake at 6, school at 8, microeconomics class at 830, lunch at 1130, home at 430, failed package pick-up at 6, furniture pick-up at 630, dinner at 730, TNDC (Thursday Night Drinking Club) at 1000...
Friday: sleep at 1, wake at 8, package pick-up at 11, haircut at 12, school at 1, regression class at 130, LPF (Liquidity Preference Function) at 430, Regents Park at 7, killer card game at 930...
Saturday: wake at 8, school at 9, club presentations at 930, home at 3, TV fixed at 5, dinner in Chinatown at 730, Regents Park at 9, poker game at 10...
Sunday: second place in poker game at 230, home at 3, sleep at 330, wake at 11, football/baseball/homework/reading at 12, success with baseball and football... not much with the rest. Sleep at 11.
Monday: wake at 6, school at 8, operations class at 830, lunch at 12, regression homework at 1, accounting assignment at 3, study group for regression at 430, dinner at 8, home at 9, accounting assignment at 930, resume update at 11, application for BSG (Business Solution Group) at 12...
Tuesday: sleep at 1, wake at 6, school at 8, accounting class at 830, lunch at 12, LEAD assignment at 1, LEAD class at 130, resume update and application for BSG at 430, pub with LEAD classmates at 530, home at 730, microeconomics homework at 830, operations homework at 10...
Wednesday: sleep at 130, wake at 830, school at 10, study group for operations at 10, lunch at 12, study group for operations at 1230, study group for microeconomics at 300, home at 7, dinner at 830, study group for microeconomics at 1000...
Thursday: sleep at 1. And here ends my first week... way too much stuff going on with way too little time!
Thursday: wake at 6, school at 8, microeconomics class at 830, lunch at 1130, home at 430, failed package pick-up at 6, furniture pick-up at 630, dinner at 730, TNDC (Thursday Night Drinking Club) at 1000...
Friday: sleep at 1, wake at 8, package pick-up at 11, haircut at 12, school at 1, regression class at 130, LPF (Liquidity Preference Function) at 430, Regents Park at 7, killer card game at 930...
Saturday: wake at 8, school at 9, club presentations at 930, home at 3, TV fixed at 5, dinner in Chinatown at 730, Regents Park at 9, poker game at 10...
Sunday: second place in poker game at 230, home at 3, sleep at 330, wake at 11, football/baseball/homework/reading at 12, success with baseball and football... not much with the rest. Sleep at 11.
Monday: wake at 6, school at 8, operations class at 830, lunch at 12, regression homework at 1, accounting assignment at 3, study group for regression at 430, dinner at 8, home at 9, accounting assignment at 930, resume update at 11, application for BSG (Business Solution Group) at 12...
Tuesday: sleep at 1, wake at 6, school at 8, accounting class at 830, lunch at 12, LEAD assignment at 1, LEAD class at 130, resume update and application for BSG at 430, pub with LEAD classmates at 530, home at 730, microeconomics homework at 830, operations homework at 10...
Wednesday: sleep at 130, wake at 830, school at 10, study group for operations at 10, lunch at 12, study group for operations at 1230, study group for microeconomics at 300, home at 7, dinner at 830, study group for microeconomics at 1000...
Thursday: sleep at 1. And here ends my first week... way too much stuff going on with way too little time!
9/28/2005
Almost over...
My first official week at the GSB is almost over. I will recap my week end of tonight... not looking good, that's all I can say!
9/22/2005
Mid Autumn Festival Gathering
Well, after multiple bidding rounds, I got what I wanted. Well, almost. And hey, if you want some action: Monday morning Operations, Tuesday morning Accounting, Wednesday off, Thursday morning Microeconomics, and Friday afternoon Regression. Having some butterflies for my first class in... oh, I don't know, five years?
Well, after multiple bidding rounds, I got what I wanted. Well, almost. And hey, if you want some action: Monday morning Operations, Tuesday morning Accounting, Wednesday off, Thursday morning Microeconomics, and Friday afternoon Regression. Having some butterflies for my first class in... oh, I don't know, five years?
9/21/2005
Better late than never...
Help Katrina victims here. So sad to see New Orleans in its current state. Kaleen and I had a lot of fun at the Big Easy. Maybe a bit too much fun. It's a fun city with the best live music you can find in the US.
Hurricane, ironically New Orleans' most famous drink
Hurricane, ironically New Orleans' most famous drink
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