World According to -tvu

acceptance over list

2010-04-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Love is not about a list of characteristics you want. It should be about accepting who they are, both good and bad.

2010-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

The freedom to move forward to new opportunities and to produce results comes from living in the present not the past. -Trung Vu

What Shaun White Teaches Businesss

2010-04-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Nice Business Week article on different view points.

"History is full of examples of greatness sowed in a child's vision when the family could ill afford even the basic necessities. The essence of a vision is that it works in an "opportunity-backward" manner, not a "constraint-forward" manner. In other words, the act of such visioning disregards the scarcity of resources in the present..."

2010-03-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Trouble is part of your life, and if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you enough chance to love you enough.

~Dinah Shore

Cheering up myself

2010-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

When sad, the best way I cheer myself up is to put smiles on my love ones and friends. Thus I will make my Singapore Chili Crab and trying out a new recipe, salmon poke bowl.

Salmon Poke

Meet the Natives...

2010-01-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

"Love leaves no room for bad things.
If there is no love then there is room for ill feeling.
Love should rule your heart."

-Meet the Natives.

Views of America's social economical class...by fiveTanna Tribesmen.

A great show to watch.

Friday Funnies....

2009-06-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Never mind the accent. What I notice is his sincere belief that he's singing kick ass, but not knowing otherwise. hehe...

Bob Dylan - Beyond Here Lies Nothing.

2009-05-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

Pre...

2009-03-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

What I want for my Birthday, Palm's Pre.

This baby's got legs. As of today's (March 25, 2009) closing, Palms' stock is $8.36 (USD).

Hypocrisy...

2009-03-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hypocrisy;
The higher you preach
The further you fall

Example; Eliot Spitzer and the scandal that lead to his resignation

Happy Friday...

2009-03-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Extreme LED Sheep Art.

Diamonds heist of the century

2009-03-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Nicely written article from wired magazine about the "diamond heist of the century".

Would make for a good heist movie.

Importance of Sentence Structure...

2009-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Sharnig with you a funny email sent to me;

The boss had to fire one person and he narrowed it down to Debra or Jack. It was an impossible decision because they were both super workers. Rather than flip a coin, he decided he would fire the first one who used the water cooler the next morning.

Debra came in the next morning with a horrible hangover after partying all night. She went to the cooler to take an aspirin.

The boss asked her, "Debra, I've never done this before, but I have to lay you or Jack off."

Debra says, "Could you jack off? I feel like shit."

Histroy; The Hopes of Many...

2009-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Obama's Full Inauguration Speech.

Randomness...

2008-12-22T23:39:00.000-08:00

A funny conversation.

Actor 1; Mr. Magoo. Happily married with two babies (Irish twins) and obviously time crunched.
Actor 2: Yours Truly. "It's not the destination. It's the journey."

Yours Truly; You looking at all the snowfall? You thinking what I'm thinking?
Mr. Magoo; Yeah. But Mammoth totally jacked up their rates to $83 bucks.
Yours Truly; WTF?!? For that price, I'd rather fly to Tahoe or Salt Lake City or even Colorado. Take a quick boarding trip for a 3-4 days.
Mr. Magoo; It must be nice being single.

Yes We Can...

2008-11-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Hooray for the Olympics

2008-08-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

I love the Olympics, sports in it's most diverse and international form.

Not quite the official Olympics, but I would give these routines the gold.

Summer in SoCal

2008-07-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

It's summer in SoCal and it's the season for fires, especially since the past few winters have been very dry.

A picture captures a moment in time and speaks a thousand words. Here's several thousand words.

Photos from www.boston.com. Click here for more pictures.

The surfer is that good, regardless...

2008-06-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

While surfing this past weekend at Huntington Beach (HB) cliffs, a surfer displayed impressive skills. The surfer rocked and humbled us all in the water. There are lots of surfers in the world, the majority are NOT good (i.e. me), some are good, while a select few are above excellent. That surfer was in the above excellent range. It's not unusual to see impressive surfing skills at HB (aka surf city), so we just enjoyed the show while focusing on getting our own waves.

Few hours later, I'm out of the water and finally got to see who that surfer was. The answer both excited and humbled me. The surfer is a current surfing professional and former ASP 2004 Womens Surfing Champion, Sofia Mulanovich. The surfer was that good, regardless of gender.

Note: this is obviously not my personal video, but from youtube. Nevertheless, it's a fair display of her "most excellent" surfing skills...Dude. But in this case, Dudette.

I now pronounce you husband and husband, wife and wife.

2008-06-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Photo: (GayWeddings.com/Getty)

Congratulations. I pronounce you husband and husband, wife and wife. Same sex marriages was ruled legal by California Supreme Court back in early May, but had to wait for Tuesday (June 17, 2008) for county courts to hand out marriage licenses.

Same sex couples will have to hurry, because the court ruling might be over turn in Fall, when a bill is proposed to limit marriage only be between a man and woman.

Side note is that California economy will benefit from this legalization. If California's economy can benefit from this legalization, wonder how much more the economy can if marijuana is legalized for everyone.

Breaking the silence with laughter...

2008-04-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Breaking the silence with laughter.

Irony; Gotta have a sense of humor to roll with life's irony...

Back and back and back...

2007-12-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

I'm back in the states and it took a little over five days to recover from jet lag, but it only took one day of sitting at my desk to hurt my back. I'm back to studying again...to improve on a horribly dismal score. Hopefully this will be the last retake because R2 and R3 deadlines are quickly approaching and essays are slowly revised and edited down.

The vacation tan from Vietnam is fading away but at least I get to work out once more. Yeah..how sad is that. Looking forward to working out, but at least I've lost a few pounds during the vacation and continue to keep it off. Keep this up and I might give myself a Christmas present of a few new pants and jeans.

Tu Quy Birds..Vietnamese Folklore

2007-11-22T02:43:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl named U Tiem. The daughter of a mandarin, she was born to a rich family. She was always adorned with silver necklaces and bracelets to show her wealth and her family's power. Throughout the region, U Tiem was famous for singing. Her parents cherished her beautiful voice more than the song of the rare Can-In bird.

Many young suitors wanted to give her a don and sing together with her, but no one ever won U Tiem's heart because it belonged to a poor man named Khum Lo. Khum Lo lived in a small stilt house and was skillful at farming, hunting, and making don. He also play the flute oi angelically, which made U Tiem fall in love with him. Under the full moon, U Tiem hypnotically liste4nd to Khum Lo's flute as she waved or embroided. U Tiem san with him and accepted his don, but Khum Lo was poor in comparison with her family. They planned that after Khum Lo studies and earned money, they would get married. It might take some years, but she would wait. At home, U Tiem awaited her lover and missed him sorely.

One year later, U Tiem heard word that Hac Xam a rich and dishonest Mandarian had asked for her hand in marriage and her father had accepted. She asked her father to postpone the wedding because she was so young. That night, she shead tears on Khum Lo's shirt and flute. Two years later, Hac Xam asked U Tiem's hand once again. Though she wept bitterly, her father was too greedy to follow her wishes. U Tiem thought of her promise to Khum Lo and realized she had no choice. While everyone celbrated with a banquet, U Tiem ate ngon leaves to commit suicide.

At that moment, Khum Lo was on the way back to his village. He had studied and worked, as promised. His happiness made him feel like he was floating in clouds. But reaching home, when he found out that his lover had died, he died of grief.

Hac Xam was scornfully jealous. He had his servants put Khum Lo's body and U Tiem's body on opposite sides of a river. Two bamboo shoots grew from their graves and, reaching over the river, the tops of the bamboo trees intertwined. Angrily, Hac Xam chopped down the bamboo and used it to make cages. But the two cages rolled together and the smaller one got inside the bigger one. Insane with rage, Hac Xam burned the cages and threw away the ashes. Suddenly, two clouds of ash tunred into two dark grey birds. They were a male an female Tu Quy bird.

Every night, they called for each other, the male sang "kham", while the female sang "khac", echoing throughout the forest. When they found each other, it was day break.

Note; This taken from Vietnam Airline's Heritage magazine.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl named U Tiem. The daughter of a mandarin, she was born to a rich family. She was always adorned with silver necklaces and bracelets to show her wealth and her family's power. Throughout the region, U Tiem was famous for singing. Her parents cherished her beautiful voice more than the song of the rare Can-In bird.

Many young suitors wanted to give her a don and sing together with her, but no one ever won U Tiem's heart because it belonged to a poor man named Khum Lo. Khum Lo lived in a small stilt house and was skillful at farming, hunting, and making don. He also play the flute oi angelically, which made U Tiem fall in love with him. Under the full moon, U Tiem hypnotically liste4nd to Khum Lo's flute as she waved or embroided. U Tiem san with him and accepted his don, but Khum Lo was poor in comparison with her family. They planned that after Khum Lo studies and earned money, they would get married. It might take some years, but she would wait. At home, U Tiem awaited her lover and missed him sorely.

One year later, U Tiem heard word that Hac Xam a rich and dishonest Mandarian had asked for her hand in marriage and her father had accepted. She asked her father to postpone the wedding because she was so young. That night, she shead tears on Khum Lo's shirt and flute. Two years later, Hac Xam asked U Tiem's hand once again. Though she wept bitterly, her father was too greedy to follow her wishes. U Tiem thought of her promise to Khum Lo and realized she had no choice. While everyone celbrated with a banquet, U Tiem ate ngon leaves to commit suicide.

At that moment, Khum Lo was on the way back to his village. He had studied and worked, as promised. His happiness made him feel like he was floating in clouds. But reaching home, when he found out that his lover had died, he died of grief.

Hac Xam was scornfully jealous. He had his servants put Khum Lo's body and U Tiem's body on opposite sides of a river. Two bamboo shoots grew from their graves and, reaching over the river, the tops of the bamboo trees intertwined. Angrily, Hac Xam chopped down the bamboo and used it to make cages. But the two cages rolled together and the smaller one got inside the bigger one. Insane with rage, Hac Xam burned the cages and threw away the ashes. Suddenly, two clouds of ash tunred into two dark grey birds. They were a male an female Tu Quy bird.

Every night, they called for each other, the male sang "kham", while the female sang "khac", echoing throughout the forest. When they found each other, it was day break.

Note; This taken from Vietnam Airline's Heritage magazine.

Vung Tau, Vietnam
November 2007

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam
November 2007

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam
November 2007

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam
November 2007

Improvements...

2007-11-17T01:25:00.000-08:00

It's officially been over a week I've been in Vietnam and only a little under a week left before I head back to work, to studies, to B-school applications, to family.

Within this week's time, I've notices improvements;

- Language; Learning (in my case, relearning) the Vietnamese is always better, if the teacher is cute. The better looking the teacher, the more attentive the student is. The more interactive the student becomes with the teacher. hehe...

- A smile and a wink; Easily translates across the majority of humanity's languages.

- Crossing a Vietnamese Street; It was a tentative first few steps, but with more crossings, the more normal the event becomes. Advice, the larger the automobile, the more right a way it has. No sudden movements, nor sudden dash.

- Cuisine; Yes, there is a difference between the Vietnamese food from the homeland and the Vietnamese food in the States. Slightly different, but noticeable. Not a problem, I plan on sampling as much as possible.

- Etiquette/Manners; Having tons of money does not equate to having manners. These two concepts are separate.
My last trip (was my first time ever) back to Vietnam was with my father. I've lost my father to cancer since that trip, but the lessons learned and time spent with him was an experience that vibrated to my soul. That experience taught me the value of culture, heritage, and family.

This trip is filled with different experiences that only another Viet Kieu could understand. Sorry...only another person returning back to the country of their heritage. My travel buddy, Mr. M, this is his first time out of the States and first time back to Vietnam since we fled as boat people back in 1975. We were on the same boat. He is learning a lot. I can see it. I'm excited and happy for him.

Note; Viet Kieu is term for Vietnamese person that fled the communist government and living abroad. Now it has become slang for any expat Vietnamese going back to Vietnam.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam
November 2007

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam

November 2007

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam
November 2007

Sights and Tastes of Vietnam...(nonMBA)

2007-11-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

Flight; 14 hours Los Angeles to Taipei, 4 hours Taipei to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

First taste of Vietnam; Two coconuts drinks from street vendor

Crossing street; Realization that I'm in Vietnam and my Vietnamese language skills needs drastic improvement

Refreshing beverage
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
Nov 2007

Cross at your own risk
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
Nov 2007

Communist Patriot
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
Nov 2007

Street Vendor
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
Nov 2007

Remembering a free weekend...nonMBA

2007-11-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'd completely forgotten what a free weekend was like, but that didn't stop me from re-doing all the activities.

Sat;
Surfing - Nothing like two hours of surfing, to cleanse the stress from a weary soul.
Texas Hold'em (TH) - Nothing like a few hours of TH and trash talking with friends to reconnect.

Sun;
BBQ - Nothing like a half day of beers , grilling steaks & salmon, and "the game" of the NFL season 2007/2008' (undefeated Colts vs undefeated Patriots) on the tube.

Next post will be from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam. Yeah...hitting the road for a trip across the big pond (pacific ocean) to rekindle my spirits and Vietnamese heritage.

Post surf hair style
Huntington Beach, CA
Nov 3, 2007

Huntington Beach, CA
Summer 2007

Happy Halloween...(nonMBA)

2007-10-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Asian Cowboy on campus
Halloween, UC Irvine, 2007

Bow Peep and friends on Campus
Halloween, UC Irvine, 2007

Lumber Jack Girl on phone call
(actually cowgirl, but you can't see her fabulous boots nor hat)
Halloween, UC Irvine, 2007

Flapper from Roaring 20's
Halloween, UC Irvine, 2007

Masquerade Princess in Office

Halloween, UC Irvine, 2007

2007-10-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

People say; "Character is build not on success, but forged from how you deal with failures."

I would add; "Determination and persistence to over come challenges and failures."

Kim Lan Dragon Boat team captain Gene
Long Beach, CA - Summer 2003

Parts of Team Kim Lan Dragon Boat
Long Beach, CA - Summer 2003

Long Beach Dragon Boat Championship
Long Beach, CA - Summer 2003

We're on Fire...(nonMBA)

2007-10-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Living in SoCal, we deal w/ the occasional earthquakes and the seasonal fires. The media is calling these series of fires, "Firestorm 2007". I do admit, these series of fires are definitely closer to urban area, rather then in the forested mountains close by.

San Diego is in worse condition then Orange County. I heard 500,000 people (yes...five hundred thousand...half a million) were evacuated from their homes in SD. Our sister campus, UCSD had to shut down. While we at UCI, are just continuing w/ classes. Schools in snow prone areas of US have snow days. I guess UCSD got a "fire day", while UCI didn't. Although, I do know that we did come to a few meetings of calling a "fire day" ourselves.

Check out the NASA's pictures of SoCal.

These animated pictures (click on them to view animation) below are courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Sunday, Oct 21, 2007

Monday, Oct 22, 2007

Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007

Wed, Oct 24, 2007

It's all good..

2007-10-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Trying to be be cute, but can't, so lets go w/ straight.

Deadline - R1 for LBS is this Friday (Oct 19). Was ready for it, but due to family, friends, and work obligations, I am once again not able to make it for the R1 application. It's cool, R2 is Jan 4, which is where I make my stand.

Dun Dun Dum test date - Eight days away, and still very, very anxious about it. I've always had issues with standardized tests. Need to keep my cool and channel my inner surfer's soul....it's all good bra. If dits a massive wipe out, and you's in for a spin cycle, and it's murky pitch black down there. Relax, cover the melon, enjoy the ride, an'd when you's slack, pulls the lease, pulls
for da board, pop back on and paddles for da outside. The second one of the set is always better 'en the first. Be true bra. It's all good...

Party wave - Costa Rica

Mr. R - Frontside - Costa Rica

Mr. R - Bottom Turn - Costa Rica

Weddings and it's consequences....(nonMBA)

2007-10-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I've gone to more weddings then surf sessions this summer? Say that fast three times.

This passed weekend, I was the grooms man for a good friend. Here's a few notable items;

Weddings: A Marriage Manual!

Weddings: The "Do's" and "Don'ts", after the "I Do".

Consequences;
I can't remember much of the reception, but do remember getting bitten.

Consequences;
I just can't remember who did it. I'm curious as to which girl or which guy it was. Serious. I can't remember which gender left the hickey. hehe...

I know what I did last summer

2007-09-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

Hola Amigos y Amigas,

It's the end of September and the summer is done. Not exactly. Living in SoCal, it's pretty much summer most of the time, except for the occasional rainy days during the "winter" season.

In no particular order:

Summer; It's the season for weddings. Sad to say, but I've gone to more weddings then surfing sessions. That will be corrected after B-School matters are settled.

Las Vegas; The unofficial destination for bachelor and bachelorette parities. Never pay them money until the services/goods are provided.

God-Son; It is time. He needs to learn from his own mistakes now. He will always be in my thoughts, but he needs to learn his own lessons and grow into his own identity.

Mother; As long as a parent has the capacity to piss you off, then they are in good condition. The time you start to feel sorry/sympathy/worry for them, then they are not in good health. Unfortunately, there's been more days of worry for my mother then the former. I am trying to cherish what time remains.

GMAT; If you hit the books long enough, something is bound to stay. Even the imprint of the book on your forehead counts. My date is Oct 23. Dun Dun Dum~...

Lessons Learned;

-Time is a valuable commodity. At our stage in life, our free time is more valuable then money.

-Smiles from a baby, transcend all the lost sleep.

-The most torturous sound of the universe is a screaming baby. The most heavenly sound of humanity is the laughter from a baby.

-Condoms have expiration date. Don't play Russian Roulette with your future.

Downtown Disney Entertainer

Downtown Los Angeles

Random club on Top of Vegas

Globalizing a sport brand

2007-09-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Basketball doesn't have the sheer numbers of football (soccer), but I expect that to change within a decade. The NBA is quietly trying to expand into Europe and Asia.

Hopefully by the time I'm done w/ my international MBA and several years of work experience in consulting (strategy/management), I can transition to industry. Not just any industry. A sports oriented industry. Yes, I'm into fitness and once the MBA application process is done, I'm restarting my goal of getting a personal trainer certification.

Utilizing my background of Vietnamese American from southern California, with a MBA from Europe, and several years of work experience strategy/management consulting, I can be in the right place, right time, right experience, right background...the right person for the job.

Sequoia National Forest
July, 2006

Surfer to Surfer

2007-09-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

Look not at our skin color nor who we worship. Look at our common love. Love has bridged many differences. Such is the love for surfing. Jewish surfer to Palestinian surfer. Surfer to Surfer.

Dorian Paskowitz, the American surfer credited with introducing the sport to Israel in the 1950s, returned this week with a new idea: using donated surfboards to bring Israelis and Palestinians together.

Remainder of Los Angeles Times article here.

Moreno beach, Northern California
Aug, 2005

Cliff overlooking Del Mar Beach, Southern California
June, 2006

Huntington Beach Pier, Southern California
June, 2006

Congrats to Randy and Joy....(non-MBA)

2007-08-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

The move of a step,
twist of hip.
The swing of the partner.
Lets move tonight,
share the spot light.
Lets dance the night,
and
celebrate our night

Wedding party dancing
Huntington Beach, July 2007

Wedding party - country line dance
Huntington Beach, July 2007

Low GMAT Success Stories - Ref. Dave

2007-07-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's officially summer time (at least in northern hemisphere) and B-School applicants are getting neurotic about their performance on the dreaded GMAT. Even Clear Admit's Friday from the front line, recent posting regarding applicants is about GMAT anxiety. OK, I admit that even I am getting nervous as my retake date is approaching.

I want to remind us (actually me), that a low GMAT score does not necessary kill our chances of acceptance. Admission look at the entire application package (work experience, recommendation, extracurricular activities, career goals, and essays) and see our fit into the year's class they are developing. Here is an excerpt from Dave's post (March '06) on success stories with low GMAT scores. It gives me hope.

Sometimes, people need a reality check. I certainly do at times. I read a post last night from someone that their 690 GMAT score was mediocre/poor and that they would put off apps until they broke 700. When I read this, I just shook my head. Poor guy is pathetically scared about not getting in because of 10 points. That's very sad to see someone so completely lemon-aide brainwashed.

I can see 650 as mediocre or poor, but not 690. Even a mediocre or lower score is sometimes sufficient. Here are just a few people within the last month that can testify that a mediocre to low GMAT score is not a death sentence when considering applying to a top 10 Business School.

Keep your head high guys. There is hope. There is always hope! - Dave
===================================================

GMAT 670 here. Got accepted to NYU, Yale, Cornell and Georgetown. There's hope. Good luck to everyone. – Dabink 3/3/06

Another success story here... 630 and i just got an interview at MIT. woo-hoo! Am741 2/28/06

600 gmat just got interview invites from yale and cornell. Already done Columbia and wharton interviews. NYU upcoming. Still waiting on some other schools. best of luck to all. BuddyBuruku 2/28/06

Here you go. I got a 650 (44 Q 35 V), just got into Columbia, and interviewing at Wharton next week. 5yrs work experience in the military, 27 years old male from Jersey. I thought I would be out of it with my GMAT score going in, but so far so good. Keep hope alive. Bigtonn 2/15/06

I scored 600 with a dismal quant score, I had good marks in stats and calc in undergrad and made sure to mention it in essays. Now I'm not applying to top 10 schools, but I feel I got into really good programs. Maybe I underestimated myself because I wasn't rejected anywhere. I consider mine a success story. Acceptances to Wake Forest, Vanderbuilt, Tulane, Rice, Boston University. Auryan00 2/14/06

Remainder of post is here.

Good Shepard Cemetery 1,
Huntington Beach, California - May 2006

Good Shepard Cemetery 2
Huntington Beach, California - May 2006

Good Shepard Cemetery 3
Huntington Beach, California - May 2006

Only can be said at Texas Hold'em game between male friends...(nonMBA)

2007-07-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

You're going to be known as the fruitcake around the office!

We're going to send you back to grade school because of your math.

No more K-Mart shopping for you.

Damn~...kick him some more while he's down.

Your mojo is strong tonight.

Punk-Azz...you sucked out on me!

Angels vs Dodgers - May 2007

Angels vs Dodgers - May 2007

Angels vs Dodgers - May 2007

Question for GMAT?

2007-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos y amgias, (this will be a long post)

Got an email regarding GMAT. Considering how miserable I did in my last GMAT attempt, I'm not the best person to turn to for GMAT advice. Since he asked, I can not turn down a SOS call.

GMAT SOS email;

I saw u in one of the blogs .. .U were applying for LBS ? n abt the gmat ... How did the gmat turn out ...

I took the gmt ... my scores never improved past the 640 mark for princeton and a 690 for the manhattan ...

n finally i took it in march 07 got a miserable 540 ... screwed Up totally ..

I am planning to retake in july .. Cna u suggest any way i can improve .. i have doen the og twice ... i am short of test materials ..as i have exhausted them last time .. itself ..

do u think the Veritas package very exp.. though the 15 tests one is a good deal for 450 $ ....

My response;

Yes, London Business School (LBS) is one of the MBA programs I'm very interested in. After attending presentations, researching it's program (website, brochures, class profile, etc), reading students blogs, visiting the campus (Dec. 2006), meeting current students, and talking to Alumni, I feel a good fit with the schools' culture. How LBS admission feel about my application (now delayed for next years admittance) is a different story.

It's the classic story; Boy meets school, loves school, but school plays hard to get. The school knows it's hot and desirable (ranking). The boy doesn't care (much) about that and sadly know the school is high maintenance (cost of living and US dollars to British Pound currency exchange) type, but he doesn't care. He follows his heart. Unfortunately, the boy has to turn his attention (for an additional year) to care for widowed mother and god-son, but the school is still in his mind. The school constantly teases the boy with updated love emails (school/student blogs, news letters, etc). Will they end up together? Will the school fulfill all the promises and expectations the boy hoped for? Does the school realized that the boy is also looking at (dare I say) other schools? The story is not finished yet. Maybe a happy conclusion, where boy and school do get together? Maybe a different happy conclusion, where love is fulfilled in the arms of another school? Story to continue through round 1 and/or round 2 application this fall.

I did horribly in my past (Nov. 2006) GMAT test and still studying. Are you certain you want my advice regarding GMAT. hehe...

I'm uncertain of your study method (i.e. flash cards, timed quizzes, self made notes, etc), so I will comment on how I'm currently re-studying for GMAT. Free time is very limited for me, so I made a study plan and schedule.
- Bought and completed the Official GMAT book. Noting all incorrect problems, reviewing it and redoing it later in the week.
- Gage my level of competence by doing the diagnostics out of the official GMAT book. Used timer, etc.
- Dissected my weak areas, reviewed concepts on Official GMAT book, working on the fundamentals.
- Made my own and downloaded flash cards on key concepts and test taking strategies. (beatthegmat.blogspot.com).
- Completed Kaplan GMAT book and made additional flash cards on my weak areas and test taking strategies.
- Do timed runs on questions (used questions from Kaplan and Official GMAT) book. i.e. 20 mins for 10 Quant questions, 20 mins for 10 Verbal questions. Later increasing questions and time. This helps w/ my timing and anxiety dealing working on a difficult question too long and not completing the test.
- Use the practice CAT that was provided for you when you signed up for the GMAT off their website (www.mba.com).

This is my plan of attack for round two w/ the GMAT. I'm still working on my timing, but seeing small improvements helps to keep me motivated.

Haven't heard about Veritas package, so can't comment on it.

If pressed for additional materials, try Kaplan 800. I've read from other bloggers they have improved their scores with this book. Note that Kaplan materials tend to be more difficult then the Official GMAT book. Don't be discouraged as you go through questions and start pulling your hair and banging your head. Your brain is a muscle and it can be "exercised" into doing higher and faster processing. Keep at it and the pain will hopefully subside. hehe...

Lastly, for me, re-starting my exercise routine has helped w/ my energy level. I used to surf to de-stress from work and life, but since free time is very limited (surfing takes too long), I exercise to clear my head. This is my "zen zone". This whole MBA application process is difficult and very stressful, so develop an activity to help keep your sanity. I communicate with/to bloggers as a support group and gain additional insight. Helps me to feel that I'm not the only one going through this process.

SoCal morning
Irvine, California - June, 2007

SoCal morning II
Irvine, California - June, 2007

SoCal Request for Car Wash
June, 2007

Delayed post for a delayed decision...

2007-06-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

I've been delaying this post...might as well get to it.

A delayed decision:

2002 - A title of responsibility;
Delayed (now post phoned indefinitely) my training for a pilot license (private pilot certification) and training for a certified personal trainer (CPT), to help my god son deal with his mothers' (my sister-n-law) sudden passing. The honorary title of god father, had over night gained weight of responsibilities. I hope my presence and guidance, helps more then harms.

2006 - A promise;
Delayed B-School application (for class of 2008) to fulfill a deathbed promise to my father to watch over mother. I learned the value and weight of a promise.

2007 - A promise to myself;
My god son is going through his teenage years and developing the famous teenager attitude. His school work is slipping and motivation is less then par. A typical teenager. I'm learning to balance when to be firm, when to be supportive, when to teach, and when to let him experience it himself. I've throughly considered the consequences of all options and conclude that another year home will benefit my god son and mother more then I. One more year to watch over widowed mother and mentor god son. They need this year more then I.

With this additional year (aside from work, family, GMAT, and B-School), I promise to myself that next year well be my year. I will initiate and complete my aspirations, my goals, and my plans. Once GMAT (end of summer) and B-school applications (round 1 and/or 2) is completed, I will resuscitate my studies to be a certified personal trainer (CPT). I've already restarted my exercise routine (during lunch breaks) and have dropped 10 lbs.

If you want something badly enough, you're going to have to work for it, make the sacrifices and earn it.

This sound sadistic, but I now enjoy spending my free time, reading, learning, and/or doing. Due to my schedule of work, GMAT study time after work, and keep mother company, my day ends at 11pm. I no longer watch regular TV. Of the TV programs I do watch (while keeping mother company) it's usually the educational programs. I recognize my goal oriented personality. Once the GMAT and B-School applications is completed, the CPT is a good goal for me. It's cheaper then the private pilot certificate. hehe...

Where ever I end going for B-School, they will have a MBA student that is also a Certified Personal Trainer. A promise to myself; get back into surfing shape, my surfing body, my goals, my new career, and my life.

Ibizia, Spain - June, 2001

Barcelona, Spain - June 2001

Tarragona, Spain - 2001

Take a 75% paycut to walk the walk?

2007-05-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Be truthful to yourself. Would you do it? Could you do it?

Excerpt from Guy Kawasaki's interview with Richard Stern, president of World Vision;

Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision. This organization is a "Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty."

Stearns holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. From 1977 to 1985, he held various roles with Parker Brothers Games, culminating in his appointment as president in 1984. In 1985, he became a vice president at The Franklin Mint, then joined Lenox in 1987 as president of Lenox Collections. In 1995, Stearns was named president and chief executive officer of Lenox Inc., overseeing $500 million in annual sales. He joined World Vision as president in 1998.
Question: How much money does World Vision raise every year?

Answer: Worldwide, World Vision raises about $2 billion annually; the U.S. office, which I head up, raises about half of the total.
Question: Is this the 80/20 rule where twenty percent of the people send in eighty percent of the money or are donations more spread out?

Answer: World Vision's strength is that we are supported by hundreds of thousands of faithful people who give us about a dollar a day by sponsoring children. Our "major donors" account for less than five percent of our total income. Also, for a non-profit, we have quite a diversified portfolio of revenue. Just over forty percent is cash from private citizens; thirty percent is government grants in food and cash; and about thirty percent are products donated from corporation--what we call “gifts-in-kind.”
Question: You had a nearly seven-figure salary, a corporate Jaguar, moved and took a seventy-five percent cut in pay. Why did you leave the corporate sector in 1998 after twenty-three years to run an international Christian humanitarian organization?

Go to Guy Kawaski's blog for remainder of inspirational interview.

Happy Birthday...(nonMBA)

2007-04-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Another birthday...Another year...Another adventure

In Memoriam for the lost souls...

2007-04-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

There is an abundance of comments regarding the mass killings at Virgina Tech University, and there will plenty more in the coming future.

I want for us to recognize the souls lost. As long as they remembered and are not forgotten, then their lives would not be a lost.

Click here for list of lost ones. Take a moment to read the list.

Let us know and remember them.

The power of family...

2007-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

My life is my message. -Mohandas Gandhi

[From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]
I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay For their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.
But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.
Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a Wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and Pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.
**remainer of article here**

I hope to be half a father to my god-son.

Within my dream...

2007-04-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Within my dream,

the cultural distance was overcome

Within my dream,
I told you what was soo awkward
for me when you were alive

Within my heart,
I felt the love of a father
I felt your pride of my promise
I felt our love for her

Within my life,
you will always be remembered
You, my father
and
I, your son

Southern Wisdom...

2007-04-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Some country music to set the tone. Keith Urban - An Australian singing American Country and he's quiet popular. BTW he's married to another Auzzie, Nicole Kidman.

Alabama Wisdom;

You ain't got control, if you got not self control. -Frank

There's two things that will piss a man...his car and woman. Screaming and yelling ain't going to fix either. -Franks Grandpa

Cabin @ Mammoth, California
March, 2007

Sierra Mountains
Bishop, California
March, 2007

Sierra Mountains
High Way 138
March, 2007

Friday Funnies...

2007-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Karatay~ ; An ancient martial arts formed by an all mens chorus/dance troupe in the south of France.

Words

2007-03-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

Courtesy - Regardless if you are entitled to it, remember to say please first and and thank you afterwards.

Old Tower
Prague - Czech Republic
June 2003

Prague Castle
Prague - Czech Republic
June 2003

Morning Arrival
Bratislava - Slovakia
June 2003

In Remembrance
Bratislava - Slovakia
June 2003

Government Building
Budapest - Hungry
June 2003

Funny Ironic Moments

2007-03-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Life has funny ironic moments and Sunday was one of them.

For the past year, I have been actively researching business schools in Europe and asking Alumni about their experiences. Now here come the irony.

Dear UCSB Alumni,
Thank you for volunteering to represent UCSB at this year’s Chancellor’s Reception... Chancellor Yang will speak to all UCSB representatives including faculty, staff, students and alumni. Following the Chancellor's welcome, you will have the opportunity to mingle with prospective students and their parents as well as enjoy some refreshments.
Go Gauchos!

Chancellor Yang, is making a drive to bring the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to the rankings of UCLA and UC Berkeley. He has recruited top researchers/professors, 5 of whom have become noble laureates since 1998. The Chancellor also wants to recruit the top students of California.

My time at UCSB was an important period of my life, as I'm certain my future at B-School will be also. To help my beloved alma mater, I volunteered as an alumnus. I was expecting 200-300 people. 850+ perspective students and parents attended. WOW~ From 11:30 to 2:30, I was retelling past experiences, fielding questions, dispelling the UCSB party image, redirecting parents/students to UCSB faculty, staff, current students, etc etc... It was intense, but more importantly, it was a BLAST! I'm going have do that again. hehe...

UCSB panel of Department Deans, students, and faculty

850+ Perspective students and their Parents

Interesting note. As I introduced myself to other Alumni, I commented that I co-founded a multicultural fraternity, Sigma Chi Omega. The fraternity does a lot of community work, but the most impressive is the Multicultural show (UCSB clubs, sorority, fraternity performance) , we organize every year. A few alumni came to me afterwards and said their club/sorority/fraternity participated in the event. That was nice. It's a good feeling to know of my legacy at UCSB. I wonder what will hold for me at my future B-school.

Friday Funnies...

2007-03-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing Ms. Wanda Sykes. She is funnier and raunchier in person. Gotta love woman who can get down and dirty.

Click here for her myspace page.

Click here for her official web page.

Words

2007-03-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Want - something that you might not need

Need - something that is essential for life and/or soul

Work - something that gives you purpose in the day and pays the bills

Fishermen
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (South)
May 2004

Net of Clams
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (South)
May 2004

School
Vung Tau - Vietnam (South)
May 2004

Home from market
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (South)

May 2004

Soup noodle vendor
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (South)
May 2004

Florist
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (South)
May 2004

Friday Funnies...

2007-03-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

Got beat up at work and it looks like more to come for next week also. I was soo looking forward to seeing Dave Attell tonight at the Irvine Improv, but tickets were sold out. I've seen him twice before and he gets funnier each time. For now, we'll have to enjoy this clip.

Congratulations goes to Wannabe for his admittance to RSM Erasmus Business School. You owe me drinks and dinner. hehe...

Friday Funnies...

2007-03-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

Flight of the Conchords - New Zealand's fourth most popular digi-folk paradists (www.conchords.co.nz)

Jenny.
Pardon?
Jenny.
No. You must have mistaken me for someone else.
No. It's me. My name is Jenny.
Oh...What a hilarious misunderstanding.

Words

2007-03-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

Contentment - At night's end, you've completed as much as possible and your love ones are safe in bed

Duty - Not because of obligation, but rather because of character

Irritation - Small petty things that should be ignored

Sleep - Glorious luxury/reward

Morning Catch
Phuc Lum - Vietnam (south)
May 2004

Binh Tay Market
Saigon - Vietnam (south)

May 2004

Overlooking Shrimp farm
Nam Dinh - Vietnam (north)
May 2004

On Water Taxi
Rach Gia - Vietnam (south)
May 2004

MBA: Higher Standards of Integrity

2007-02-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

When we were children, life was simple because everything was black and white. Now as adults, the black and whites are smugged and things become gray. Unfortunately, the older we get, there are more gray issues then black and white. I've seen, heard, and experience enough gray issues in my life to learn valuable life lessons. Hopefully I will continue to learn more life lessons.

At work, I would rather face the backlash of my integrity/honesty, instead of participating in questionable/gray issues.

At home, I would rather face her (future girlfriend/wife/etc) squarely in her eyes and answer, "You look simply beautiful. No that jeans/dress/etc does not make you look fat", then the backlash of telling her otherwise.

An excerpt from an article on higher stands of integrity below. Full article here:

CEOs aren't the only ones being held to higher standards of integrity these days. So are M.B.A. applicants and graduates. They are being scrutinized more closely than ever by both business-school admissions officers and corporate recruiters. At the front end, more schools are checking the accuracy of applications to weed out cheats. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania hires an outside firm to do background checks on every admitted student. If a dishonest student manages to escape detection at that stage, he isn't necessarily home-free. Wharton recently expelled a second-year second-semester student after it belatedly discovered falsified material in the individual's application.

Friday Funnies

2007-02-23T00:42:00.000-08:00

The universal comedy/mystery; women trying to communicate to men and men trying to understand women.

Regardless of your cultural background, all women will understand this segment.
"I like him, but don't like him, like him"

Regardless of the men's cultural background, we're lost.

Note 1: I saw Henry Cho's stand up act a few years ago. In addition to hearing a southern accent from a Korean American, his material is very funny. www.choindustries.com

Note 2: Previous embedding code didn't work. This should show the video. If not, then try this link.

R2 with GMAT

2007-02-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

Almost done w/ the Critical Reasoning section and should ready for Sentence Correction next week. Afterwards, it's time for a practice CAT to gauge how I'm doing. It's been slow but steady progress. Full time work (completed projects, new projects, project lead, systems maintenance, troubleshooting, meetings, etc...) and squeezing in lunch work out session (for my lower back, my waistline and my sanity). After work, two - three hours GMAT study, be home around 9 pm to give mother company (watching TV in her room and small talk), and finally free time to unwind in my room whenever she falls asleep.

Make it a point to do something every day that you don't want to do. This is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.
-Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens

LBS's R3 deadline is at the end of this month, February 23. I may or may not be ready for it. I haven't even scheduled for the test yet. There is a small part of me that feels compelled to stay one more year for my mother and god son. I'll cross that bridge after I take the GMAT. For now, it's GMAT.

A smart person learns from their own mistake.
A wise person learns from others mistakes.

- proverb

Knowing what I know now, this is how I should have approached the GMAT.

Studied off the Official GMAT guide first
Take the test
If I do poorly (aka my 1st GMAT test back in Nov), sign up w/ Kaplan

No worries. No regrets. We are the sum of our experiences and our learned mistakes.

Studying off the Official GMAT guide is a much better experience. I'm actually getting the material. At least answering the questions correctly. Hopefully this will reflect in a better score. Anything is better then my first score. The questions are not asking for ground breaking concepts. We're all smart humans, in our common sense way. We just need learn to think in the GMAT way for the higher GMAT score. I think I was applying too much pressure on myself last time. I always felt anxious. Always felt I was not studying enough. This time, I've developed a good schedule to juggle all the important things in my life. Time management is key in a crazy, hectic life. No anxiety.

We are more then just a number
More then just a score
We are more...

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

2007-02-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!
Happy New Year!

The year of the Pig.

Vietnamese new year is similar to Chinese lunar cycle calendar, but there are slight differences. The 12 year animal cycle is the same except for one animal. Chinese celebrate the rabbit, whereas Vietnamese celebrate the cat;

Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit (Chinese)/Cat (Vietnamese)
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig

Vietnamese girls performing in Ao Dai (traditional dress)

Biker wearing Vietnamese traditional hat

Little Wonders

2007-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Little Wonders
-Rob Thomas

let it go,
let it roll right off your shoulder
don’t you know
the hardest part is over
let it in,
let your clarity define you
in the end
we will only just remember how it feels

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

let it slide,
let your troubles fall behind you
let it shine
until you feel it all around you
and i don’t mind
if it’s me you need to turn to
we’ll get by,
it’s the heart that really matters in the end

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

all of my regret
will wash away some how
but i can not forget
the way i feel right now

in these small hours
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away but these small hours
these small hours, still remain,
still remain
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away
but these small hours
these little wonders still remain

Friday Funnies...

2007-02-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

For the record, I'm cool w/ article 17 and position 13.

Valentine's day

2007-02-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Valentines Day.

I wish all the couples in love or in the process of falling in love, a happy day for them. I can only imagine the number of marriage proposals to happen. If you're already engaged, there are questions you and your beloved should address before that faithful day happens.

For the rest of us singletons, there's always hope. Love does happen and it happens when we least expect it. He or she is out there. You just have to wait.

John Mayer poetically sings;

Staying home alone on a friday
Flat on the floor looking back
On old love
Or lack thereof
After all the crushes are faded
And all my wishful thinking was wrong
Im jaded
I hate it

Im tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here

Searching all my days just to find you
Im not sure who Im looking for
Ill know it
When I see you
Until then, Ill hide in my bedroom
Staying up all night just to write
A love song for no one

Im tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here

I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?

I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?

Im tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Youll be so good
Youll be so good for me

Friday Funnies....

2007-02-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

This last batch of commercials of Superbowl 2007 had some stand out funnies, but this one had my superbowl party gang (mostly guys) busted out laughing.

Gay activists complained about this commercial, so Sneakers pulled the commercials from TV and their website. No worries. Thanks to the internet and my belief that we should laugh at ourselves before we take ourselves too seriously, you can and should view it.

There are alternative endings...

Alt ending 1-

Alt ending 2-

Alt ending 3-

What's more funny? The reaction of the (American) football players when they screened this commercial.

The Colts players reaction;

The Bears players reaction;

Friday Funnies...

2007-02-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's Superbowl weekend. One of the side product of Superbowl is all the cool new commercials that appear. This year, there's a 2.6 million dollar price tag for a 30 second slot during the game. Yes...2.6 milllion US dollars. That's a lot of $$ per second if you break it down. A lot of revenue for the TV station.

This commercial came out in the 2005 Superbowl, but have become a cult classic. I wonder why.

You, I, and everyone are brothers and sisters

2007-01-31T22:53:00.000-08:00

My mother and I just saw this very fascinating documentary (Journey of Man: An Genetic Odyssey) of genetics, Dr Spencer Wells, tracing the migration of man, the evolution of humanity and how all ethnicities evolved. I highly recommend this documentary.

By analyzing DNA from people in all regions of the world, geneticist Spencer Wells has concluded that all humans alive today are descended from a single man who lived in Africa around 60,000 years ago. Modern humans, he contends, didn't start their spread across the globe until after that time. Most archaeologists would say the exodus began 100,000 years ago—a 40,000-year discrepancy.

It is an additional perspective on how humanity came to be and how we all are brothers and sisters. Too bad our global leaders chose to see the differences instead of our similarities.

How did the human race populate the world? A group of geneticists have worked on the question for a decade, arriving at a startling conclusion: the "global family tree" can be traced to one African man who lived 60,000 years ago. Dr. Spencer Wells hosts this innovative series, featuring commentary by expert scientists, historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists.

I'm a ....

2007-01-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

...GMAT savant. I had dinner on Friday with my friend and we talked about vacation. He was low on vacation but wasn't sure how much he will have this coming fall for another vacation. This is where the GMAT studies kicked in. He used 5 days of vacation last year (assume he started w/ zero vacation at beginning of year 06') and the unused vacation accumulate to this year. My friend earns 7 hours of vacation per month. How many total weeks of vacation will he have by October? He's now ready to plan his vacation in October...thanks to me, the idiot GMAT savant.

...Chocoholic. I was playing Texas Hold'em w/ friends on Sunday evening . Their girlfriends/wives were out, so when the boss's away, the boys can play. After one round of Texas Hold'em and half bottle of merlot (only me drinking the wine) I grabbed the left over box of chocolate. I died and went to chocolate bliss. One word; Godiva dark chocolate ganache. hehe... Amazingly the pairing of Merlot and Godiva chocolate was surprisingly good. I owe my friend's girlfriend one box of Godiva.

Friday Funnies...

2007-01-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

I must comment on this on going American pop culture phenomenon; American Idol. I understand that this show originated in the UK and like all things popular, got copied, repackaged for the natives and took on it's own identity. It's season six and it doesn't show any signs of getting old. Mainly because of the countless people that think themselves as talented, but in reality have no clue of what their ability actually is. These people are the true reason for the success of *insert your country label* idol.

Enjoy; a compilation of talent-less people that allow us to laugh, so we can feel better about ourselves. Mainly because, we're smart enough to know our limitations.

-tvu note; The American Idol Rejection video got removed from youtube.com. Thanks to video.google.com (which owns youtube.com) I found the video again. Sweet~.
American Idol Reject Audition - Don't Cha Compilation

What's sweeter? Finding this divine video of Dutch idol rejects singing (torturing?) to a stadium crowd. Song they sang? "You're Simply the best" Serious! The event coordinator has a wicked sense of humor. hehe...

Back to the norm...

2007-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

It has been one month since I've been back on the GMAT study wagon. It's been tough juggling the holidays, family, work and study. Since the holidays are done and only Vietnamese New Year's (Feb 8, year of Pig) coming up next month, I have more time allocated towards study. I have slowly pushed my brain endurance (tough, working full time, w/ mother and god son responsibilities) back to two hours and hoping to push it to 4 hours.

Also rejoined the UCI gym after a two year absence. I was able to maintain my lost weight (10 lbs) but need the extra boost to lose the extra 15 lbs. Need to build up the endurance; Stronger body enables a stronger mind. For now my schedule is "action" packed. No worries, I prefer to remain busy. It helps me to be disciplined. If I have too much free time, I get into too much trouble.

My schedule for this new year;
M-Ths;
8-6(?) Work
Noontime workout
6-9pm GMAT
9-? Keep mom company in her room.

Fri;
8-5 work
5-> Gym or surf

Weekends;
8/9(?) Morning workout at Gym or Surfing
11-5(?) GMAT studies.

It's also great to have the weather back to normal. The past two weeks have been cold. In the 50F/10C - 60F/15C. Hey...that's cold for us SoCal! Yeah...I know we're spoiled and brats when it comes to the weather. A few pictures of my local surfing spot by the Huntington Beach pier.

HB Pier- 1

HB Pier-2

Surfer rushing towards surf

Surfing couple; Yes the girl surf. Some of are really really good

No matter...

2007-01-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

No matter how young they are
No matter how old you are
No matter the age difference
It's OK to apologize to them

I miss Dave Chappelle's show.

2007-01-23T02:07:00.000-08:00

Making up for last (Jan 19) Friday funnies.

The real Mona Lisa

2007-01-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Check this web article on Mona Lisa - Who She Was. Her descendants still lives in Florence! That blows away the theories that it was a self portrait by Leonardo.

I researched further on Wikipedia and came across more details. Thanks to the web, it is soo much easier to be a geek. You can't imagine what I had to go through, researching back in the 70's and 80's. Consider us fortunate!

Whoever you may be, you have left a legacy and countless number of people have thought of you. I'm still curious to why no eyebrows. That remains the ultimate mystery...to me at least.

Student blogs; one official (MBS) and the other grass roots (HEC)

2007-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

MBA programs are utilizing blogs as a method to shed light on the experience of their students, i.e. Wharton and LBS. Here is Manchester's MBA blog; MBA Life. HEC has a group of students blogging their experiences also. It is not linked through HEC's MBA website, but still provides insight into their experiences. Read to your European B-school research content.

A bit of...(nonMBA)

2007-01-19T21:32:00.000-08:00

It's Friday and today is my relax/no study day. After having dinner w/ a buddy and drinks afterwards, what self respecting bachelor would do next? Spend it with a very special lady. Yup, I'm home and kicking it with mom. hehe... Seriously. I'm home and keeping my mother company.

Tonight, I feel like a bit of old, a bit of reggae, a bit of cheesy, a bit of geeky, and a bit of cool:

OLD

Reggae

Cheesy

Geeky

Cool

HEC, LBS, and MBS

2007-01-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

The academics from all three programs are comparable and top ranked. There are differences from each, regardless you will get a high quality business education from these schools. All three MBA programs have collaborate and very internationally diverse students. In my opinion, the difference lay in the student body/culture of the B-Schools and the nearby city. Like all things in life, each B-Schools have benefits and drawbacks.

In alphabetical order:

HEC - Paris: 16 months program
Not counting the train changes, receiving misdirections, missing connecting trains and getting lost (it happened to me), HEC is about one hour train ride outside of Paris. The MBA building is very nice with modern classrooms and facilities. The lobby has recently been remodeled. New MBA students live in dorms, a few minutes walk from the MBA building. Each students have a single room and en suite bathroom and internet. Yes, you don't have to share a bathroom down the hallway. There is a piano lobby in the dorm, for which the MBA students gather to mix and relax. The experienced students opts to live in Paris and commute to campus. HEC is a true campus, with large grounds for sports, gyms, and it's even got a small lake a few minutes walk towards the soccer/football field. I got my undergraduate from UCSB (yes right on the beach and yes I did surf in between classes) and I work at UCI, so I'm used to universities with large campus. Because of this fact, HEC feels like an actual university to me. English is spoke throughout the MBA building, but French is spoken everywhere else on campus. French language course is provided for MBA students that are French challenged.

LBS - London: 15 - 21 months program
The building and facilities are very modern. The most modern of these three schools. I didn't get a detailed tour of the grounds so I can't comment much. I can comment that Sundowners/student relaxing area is only a few steps away. Standing in the lobby, I heard a multitude of different languages spoken by the passing students. I get the impression, they retain their individualism while still very much accepted of their internationality by the LBS program and students. With about 300+ student intake, LBS has the largest student body of these three schools. The LBS gym is a few minutes walk out the building and down the street. LBS just finished adding an additional floor to the building (if you can't build out, then build up) for faculty, staff, etc room. LBS benefits from being in central London (big business network and recruiting), but that also has disadvantages (high cost of living) also.

MBS - Manchester: 18 month program
The MBA school is updating it's facilities, but still modern and excellent. The cafeteria, computer lab, cafeteria, library, lobby, pigeon hole (mailbox) etc all located in the multi-story building. Makes it very convenient for their students. Manchester and London are both the first MBA programs in England. I love the concept of Manchester Method (especially the international consulting project), practical application of your MBA education. Additionally, MBS is in the process of increasing their student intake from 80-100 to #(?). Manchester city (2nd largest city in UK) itself is growing, modernizing and building from it's industrial past. Many businesses are relocating (i.e. BBC) into the city (cheaper rent?), so expect for the B-school and your career to benefit from this trend.

Regardless of where I end up, I will have to bring with me a few items; fish sauce, soy sauce, and spicy salsa. Born and raised my early years in Vietnam, I have to note there is still a lot of French influence in the Vietnamese culture, thus a small bit in me. Yet living in America most of my life (aside from my annual semi-solo international trips), ethically I am Vietnamese while culturally I am Vietnamese American w/ a splash of Mexican (close proximity to Mexican border). I suppose that makes me Vietnamese, Mexican American?

Doh~...I just realized I didn't take pictures of the LBS and HEC facilities. Marde~

LBS front door

BBC recently (?) relocated to Manchester

Manchester Business School Library

MBS big lecture hall

MBS Lobby

Friday Funnies

2007-01-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for this movie to come out. The next great, "must see" movie of this year.

What you gon' do with all that junk?
All that junk inside your trunk?
I'ma get, get, get, get, you drunk,
Get you love drunk off my hump.
My hump, my hump, my hump, my hump, my hump
My hump, my hump, my hump, my lovely little humps.
Check it out.

GMAT note - A few weeks back on my study schedule, yet with only two months of lapse from last touching the GMAT, it is a upward hill climb again. I'm going to have to power through it to be ready for testing in Feb. Doesn't help that my god son is sick now and my mother needs more of my presence at night.

US pop culture

2007-01-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

There were a couple of US pop culture items that perked my ears this morning.

1) We got Mr. Posh Spice - I'm not much of a football/soccer person, but I have to note that a person of Mr. Posh...excuse me...David Beckham's godly international media fame, he will fit in Hollywood. Just another celebrity in SoCal. ~Yawn~ Lets see how the US's soccer league (MLS) will improve. I know the number female fans has just risen.

2) War of words - Donald Trump vs Rosie. This feud started sometime back, when she said something regarding what he did, and he responded and then she responded and then he responded, etc etc. This brings to mind a similar situation regarding emails. When you get an email that you don't like and you want to reply back to defend yourself. The correct course of action is...DON'T. But in this case, it's a cat fight I'm amused to see. The comb over cat vs the non-straight cat.

She's pregnant!...(nonMBA)

2007-01-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

No~...Not me! I'm single and don't have any biological offsprings. None that I know of at least. hehe... There's only my God Son and mother I'm responsible for.

I just found out this morning, that my friends' wife (of 5 months) is pregnant. That makes it three couples I know that recently announced they are pregnant. I'm gone for barely two weeks and they get busy. He was surprised but more nervous. I suspect because this is their first child and he is still getting used to the idea he's going to be a father. Poor guy. Better you then I!

Another coincidence, I know three couples that recently became rookie (1st time) parents within the same time period. Four words to them...Better you then I!

Are all these events coincidences or an omen for me? I hope not. Better them then I!

This song is dedicated to my friends wives and all the women that are going through or have gone through this miracle of life. Better you then I~.

Friday Funnies...(nonMBA)

2007-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

I am happy that I am Vietnamese American. Having an asian body has its' benefits...specifically minimum body hair. Yes. A smooth chest and a smooth back. No a single strand of hair.

365 days

2006-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

365 days ago,
I was a different person

365 days of experiences,
I can no longer lay claim as young adult

365 days of life,
the responsibilities and the duties of widowed mother and god son has become part of me...
With No Regrets

365 days of delayed,
my delayed bachelorhood and my delayed life...
With No Sadness

365 days of hope,
a new continent, a new career, and new life awaits...
With a little anxiousness

365 new days await me,
With open eyes

Happy Holidays and back on the study schdule

2006-12-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

winter. Happy Holidays! It's the day after Christmas and it has been over a full week since arriving back home to sunny SoCal. The two weeks spent in Europe seems a distant blur. No more scafs, no more overcoat, no more fridge temperature, no more awesome European Coffee (cafe). Back to ordinary sunny beautiful SoCalhehe...

Caught up time w/ my God Son and mother. Now it's back to the big bad GMAT. Although the second time around, I'm not anxious as before. Wait, it's only the first day of round 2 w/ the GMAT. Let's see how my nerves still hold up after a few more weeks of work, studies, B-school essays, mother and G-son duties.

A few notes;
1) I will post up my opinions on Manchester, LBS and HEC Business School later. Stay tune for it.
2) Ms. Petite Canadienne found another HEC blogger. Enjoy his up coming B-school adventures.

I see London, I see Paris...

2006-12-20T04:32:00.000-08:00

Damn, ten days passed and finally have time to post. I am back in SoCal but still on European time. So I'm making the most of it and upload a few of my memories/experiences.

London- Big Egg

London- Ambiance

London- British Museum

London- Patterns

London- Field education

London- Distraction

London- Shake the money maker

London- Crocodile suit

London- Ancient idealized beauty

London- Blue collar London (Stratford)

Paris- Night Arc

Paris- Sunrise Eiffel

Paris- Eiffel guard

Paris- Distant

Paris- Perverted shot, night

Paris- Perverted shot, day

Paris- St Michael

Paris- Lake view

Paris- Contrast

Paris- Play time

Paris- Sunday bread line

Paris- South for winter

Paris- Old town

Paris- Customer

Paris- Old toilet

Paris- Halfway

Paris- Shades of intamincy

Paris- Latin Quarter

Paris- Gay Pari

Paris- Vietnamese American & Vietnamese French

Paris- Dessert

Momements of experiences.

2006-12-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Manchester Moment;
I'm in KoffeePot cafe staring at the outside rain.
I say, "Raining again. This weather is still new to me."
The manager says, "This weather is what we're famous for. It's like going to the Bahamas and getting sun."
He has a point.

Koffee Mural in Manchester

English Breakfast - Heart Attack in waiting;
Eaten at 9am, still full by 4pm...I loved it!

Not beef, not pork...simply meat

Fish n' Chips;
Made fresh - excellent tasting
This sample - deep fried and sitting for ? hours under heating lamp.

3 item combo for 1.99 GBP; Sausage n' Bean Pastrie, Donut, Drink

Creative editing

Oasis within the Urban Jungle

Skyline- Telecom Tower in distance

Nelson's Column corner

National Gallery Plaza

Catching up on trip

2006-12-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened (finally w/ stable internet connection), so I'll break my experiences into several posts.

LBS has an informal Information Session on Friday afternoon. So I had time to check out Buckingham Palace. The flag was raised full staff, indicating da queen is in da house!

Then off I went to LBS. Internationally diverse ppl attending the info session. Campus was quiet because the 1st years were taking their last sit in exam. Mr T (attending info session also) and I decided to get a few beers at Windsor Castle Pub. Good decision. As the 1st terms were finishing up their exams, Windsor was DA PLACE to go.

It quickly filled up and the crowd poured outside the pub!

I was traveling around the world just by merely meeting the LBS students.
Note; SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Patxi. I meet up w/ him the night before (he was super busy but still made time) to meet up, answer my questions, show me to Sundowners, and intro me to some of his stream mates.

I also bumped into LBS blogger AngelAngie and Genie. Both super sweeties!

Spot light's on you.

They also sang a birthday song for their fellow 1st term class mate.

Drinking a few beers on an empty stomach, things started to get funny really quick.

Mr. T and I;
Quick friends after a few beers.

Dancing lights

Raving lights

A few quick pictures

2006-12-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

I've been having a hard time weaseling some free WiFi, so I'll only post a few pictures.

Hard Core Art

Scarf & Overcoat;
In SoCal- fashion statement
In UK - life essential requirement

Traditional Guards

Modern Guards

Goal

Follow up pictures from Manchester

2006-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

I'm in London now. This Hostel (Piccadilly Hostel) has a Nazi rates and policy for their internet connection, so I was able to leeching off wifi connection somewhere.
As promised here are some photos from Manchester

Sign says it all

Historical

Exactly what I was thinking about

Cheerful lights

Seasonal Marketing

He needs to get on a diet

Open air market

Three symbols

Shout out to my German friends

Shout out to my Devine Dutch friends

I just had to try it. Yummie!

Season's Greetings

Tunnel of gifts

Manchester eye

Base of the eye

Modern Manchester

Lights

Excuse you! I'm busy here!

THE place for Jazz

Industrial New Urban vs Large Cosmopolitan Urban

2006-12-06T00:23:00.001-08:00

Blogger is not allowing me to post pictures for now, so I will have to type.

While London is a vast cosmopolitan urban city, Manchester city is a mix of older industrial buildings and recently build (within 5 years) new styled sky rises, industrial new urban.

Smaller in size to London, but is undergoing massive civil reconstruction and it shows. It is attracting business and now has become the second largest city after London. The city has played second fiddle to London and has it eye on bringing itself to compete. Manchester has a lot of potential. Watch out London, you've got your little sister Manchester growing up.

Analogy;

London is the sexy elegant established girl you've had a crush on for the longest time. Then you meet the younger sister, Manchester. She is young, tough with a bit of attitude since she has been under your shadow all these years. Well she's hitting her second puberty now (industrial revolution was her first puberty). Although she's currently still petite in size compared to older sister London, younger sister Manchester is growing fast and she has a unique style of her own. Which is also sexy...in her own way.

London, don't be upset at me for having a crush on Manchester. I've had a crush you for soo long and I just finally was able to meet you. Your younger sister, Manchester is younger and has a lot of spunk. Sexy, just like you, but different in her own way. Your cosmopolitan elegance has the entire world crushing you also. Don't be upset. I'm just one of billions of admirers you already have. I shouldn't mention, my other crush on Paris. I met her first.

Tropical Tom in Cold Britian

2006-12-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

I'm able to get internet connection at the Hilton Hostel in Manchester. Internet is included in the17 pounds/night price. Yeah!

Few points;

British Customs - They couldn't understand why I'm flying all the way to visit the business schools. They held me in customs. After waiting 3 hours, going through my language, me showing them all my paper from the Business school brochures, my schedule for the information sessions/interviews for all B-schools, they let me enter the UK.

This memorable conversation;
Customs- "Why can't you research the schools on line and apply for them on line? Why do you have to come to the schools?"
-tvu "Would you spend $80,000 on a car only through researching it on line? Wouldn't you want to at least test drive the car?"
Customs- "OK. You can go. Have a nice trip."

Temperature - I got into London afternoon, it was cold but manageable. Then it got dark, and got even colder. Now I'm in Manchester this afternoon, and it's even colder then London at night! Wonder how cold it's going to be tonight. It hasn't rained yet, but I'm not holding my breath! **Update** It's raining now.
Food - Being ethnically Vietnamese, but culturally Vietnamese-Mexican-American, I'm use to eating food w/ lots of seasoning (i.e. soy sauce, fish sauce, salsa, herbs, onions, garlic). So far, I only had one traditional English meal (baked chicken w/ side dishes of boiled carrots, boiled cabbaged, and chips (steak fries). I tried lots of salt and pepper, but it didn't help. It's only one meal, so I'm keeping an open mind.
English language - English is spoken in both Britain and the States, but the spoken language here is different. Every few sentences I have to ask them to repeat. It's cool because, I get double look and have to repeat myself to the British when they hear my SoCal American accent. Super Coolio Bra! hehe...
City; London - WOW. Simply WOW. This city is fantastic, rich w/ history and full of life. Truly is one of top international cities of the world. Brochures, video guides can not do this city justice. It must be experienced! Plenty of diversity; the ubiquitous Indian restaurant, and pubs. I even "discovered" the china town here! It wouldn't be an international city without a china town. There was even a Vietnamese restaurant! No I didn't try it. I tried the British meal instead. hehe...
Exploration - Going for a wandering walk through the streets at night (started at Piccadilly Circus), looking at the various shops and people, when the street opened up into this Gianormous plaza! It was the British National Gallery. WOW! It is the small unexpected discoveries that makes the biggest impact within the experiences of our lives.

Some pictures of the Hilton Hostel in Manchester;

View out my hostel window

A ten bunk bed room and only me. Score!

Self portrait

Friday Funnies

2006-12-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today's the last full day before I fly tomorrow and it still has not registered with me yet. I'm too busy finishing up family errands before I get two weeks to myself.

Now onto Friday Funnies;
In order to appreciate each other, we need to be able to laugh at each other and ourselves.
Introducing - Russell Peters

You think he's joking about using scooter as a mini-van?

Wear smoking jackets when going down in flames

2006-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's done. Finito. It's a good thing I wore a smoking jacket, as expected, I went down in flames. I'll look into redoing the test later, once I turn in R2 application (getting the application in for R2 is more important), and once mom's health improves (hopefully) after the holidays so I can focus on the GMAT.

This score does not define me
It does not mark my potential
It does not mark my determination
It only mark how I am forced to think within the box

For now, I'm back home and kicking it w/ mom watching Monday night football in her room. Finally able to watch sports once more. Go Lakers! Go Cowboys!! Mom was a bit tired when I left for the ~Dun Duh Dum~ test this morning. Got home and made her some rice porridge. OK...it was instant porridge, but its the though that counts! Making real rice porridge would have taken too long.

The priorities for this week before I head to London/Paris this coming Saturday (12/2 - 12/18) will be;

Spend time with mom, god son, and family
Gather cold weather clothing to minimize freezing -tvu's ass
Gather travel papers, lodging papers, etc
Focus on essays, all the way baby
Try not to worry about mom, and try to sleep more
Remembering to laugh

More laughing material - William! William!! William Hung!!

Surviving a crisis

2006-11-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

This past week has tested my strength, endurance, hope and faith. My mother was checked into the hospital on Tuesday, because of tiredness and difficulty breathing. Conditions like that for a 86 year woman is very scary. Once more, our family did around the clock bed side attendance. I put in 4-6 hours per day. Compared to my other life priorities, the GMAT studies were pushed down the list. Thankfully she was released later in the weekend, but her energy level is still low. Since her admittance into the hospital through now, I have barely gotten in 2-3 hours of GMAT review and the test is tomorrow. ~dun-duh-dum~

The potential of good a GMAT score isn't looking too good. It's OK. I don't regret my decision. The care of my mother will never be a regretful decision. Her health has not improved much, but she is out of the hospital and with family. I'm spending time at home to be with her but can not focused towards the GMAT. I'll have pick up a smoking jacket for tomorrow's test, because I'm going down in flames.

Pointers on surviving a crisis;

Keep breathing
Spend time with children and get lots of hugs from them;

A hugg from a child can mend anything

Today was hard, but tomorrow can be better
Alone, you are strong. Among family and friend, you are even stronger
Success is not required for survival, but adaptability is mandatory
Remember to laugh

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too - Mark Twain

What is to become of my choices

2006-11-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

What is to become of my choices
All the planning
All the work
All the hopes
All the dreams of my tomorrow

I am no longer a child
I am no longer a young adult
I am a man...with all that it entails

I delayed one year for father
Can I delay another for mother

Can I live with myself
because of my dreams
because of my future
because of my absence to mother

I pray that you will be aright
I pray that you can understand
Why I made my choices

THE PRAYER

A hug from me to you...(nonMBA)

2006-11-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Be Thankful
Be Thankful of all the love within your life
Be Thankful for all the love ones in your life
Be Thankful for all those that you have loved and have loved you back
Be Thankful...

Soo many things within my life
Soo many things...

So I am giving you a hug
So that I may receive one from you

Inspiring Story! Free Hugs Campaign (Music by Sick Puppies)

Description: Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man who’s sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives..... what we then witness can only be described as awe inspiring.

Free Hugs story on Ten News Australia

Are you that friend? ...(nonMBA)

2006-11-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

I love comedy shows. I haven't seen a show in a while...a very, very long while. If given a choice between the top comedian and the top band. I'd pick the comedy show.

Here's one of the US's current top comedian, Dane Cook.

powered by ODEO

Apprecitation and using it effectively

2006-11-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

So much of life responsibilities were in my thoughts, I was having a difficult time focusing on studies tonight at my usual Kaplan center. I felt how it sucked and unfair for me. As my self pity was bubbling, I noticed something interesting.

Nearby, a woman (still in her nurse uniform) was studying with her 10 (?) year son. She would study, but occasionally have to turn her attention towards her son. This happened many times.

This brought things into perspective. Regardless of my responsibilities, I have been able to get away and study. I realized how worthless my self pity was.

Self pity will not help to completing the task.
Appreciate what you have and learn to use it effectively
-tvu

For me now? The center is closed and I'm back home, kicking it with my mother in her room. Appreciating what I have and learning to use it effectively.

Life Lessons

2006-11-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hope - Faith that things will become better

Prayer - The act/expression of hope

Helping to raise another man's (my brother) son - Do not take the role of the father. The son knows who the father is. Just show him the love and guidance he needs.

Spending time with a teenager - Ask a question on his/her favorite subject. Let them voice their knowledge. Make acknowledging comment ("I didn't realize that"), continue with another question on subject.

Dealing with a teenager - Give directions in calm even voice (i.e. do homework, bedtime, clean room) and repeat ("clean room") 60 minutes later. Few days later, repeat in calm even tone, "clean room", 60 minutes later repeat, 30 minutes later repeat...

Parents - It is not for them to understand you. They raised you, thus know who you are. It is for you to learn who they were, before they became parents.

Adaptbility to overcome adversity

2006-11-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

Life loves me soo much, that it's dumping tons on me. Holiday season is fast approaching and my mother is starting to feel it. During the sliver of time I'm home, I see that she's getting more tired and I sense my fathers' passing is weighting heavily on her. She needs my presence and whatever strength I have left. With only two weeks left before my dun-duh-dum date coming, I will try to ask for half days at work, spend remainder of day w/ her until my family gets off work, and I'll head to study. This schedule will probably last to Thanksgiving, thereafter we'll re-evaluate her condition. I know my score will completely suffer and perhaps hurt my application. But my mother is more important then the stink'ng score and the B-school should hopefully not place too much emphasis on a simple, regulated number. If they do, then they were not the school of character I thought they were made of.

Now I will have to craft a nice letter to work, use some of my vacation time, to have half days off for my mother.

Life Lesson - You have to remain adaptive to overcome lifes' adversity

Duck, Weave and roll with life's punches -tvu

Visiting the B-schools...Good ROI

2006-11-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

It's done. No turning back. I've bought the tickets and my credit card is hurting. I will fly to London on Dec 2 and fly back to SoCal on Dec 18 from Paris. All so I can visit the B-schools I am applying for. I can't imagine making a milestone decision without visiting the schools in person. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive. So a face to face visit with the perspective institutions, I will hopefully spend the next two years, is in order. It is my first time in the England and my second time in France. This trip will definitely hurt my wallet, but the expense is worth the insight I will gain. Good ROI.

Coming for SoCal, I expect to freeze my ass off. I expect to be a lot poorer. I also expect to see the schools' brochures and the words of the MBA bloggers come to life. I also expect to see how the school will fit with me. Hey B-school, it's not just you making the acceptance. You have to get my acceptance too. Do try impress me.

I have some clue where I will stay the first few days and the last few days of my B-school excursion, but I don't like to preset my entire trip until I am in that region of the world. It is a tried and proven method for me. For now, there are only four dates I must be, the day I'm flying there, the two days of info sessions of my top choice schools, and the day of my flight back. Everything in between those days, is up in the air.

Since this trip is B-school first, expanding my comfort zone second, I've made a few contacts w/ some students. Thanks again with putting up w/ my questions. If any of you guys know Texas Hold'em, I'll wager a nice, fat dinner. Care to accept? Remember, I'll get the first round of beer/wine/poison.

Speaking of poison, I have to get back to the GMAT studies.

Fast Times to get transcripts

2006-11-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

My GMAT study schehdule has been crazy for the last month and I'm still embarrashed by my Kaplan CAT scores. I will have to push the "dun-duh-dum date" back a week to Nov 24.

Regardless, R2 deadlines are coming up so I decided to get the easy items completed from the application requirements. Two official transcripts done, and one left from UCSB (to be mail requested tomorrow), I rewarded myself w/ a nice sit down lunch.

Low behold, I spotted "Jeff Spicolli" of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" eating lunch also. Gnarly~ Dude!

What was he eating? Chilli-Cheese-Fries...of course!

Words of wisedom from this past week

2006-11-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

Kindness - The help you provide for strangers and acquaintances

Loyalty - The help you provide for people important in your life

Mistakes - Admittance to it is not a sign of weakness, rather it shows courage...Valuable life lessons, if you learn from it

Forgiveness - Forgive them of the hurt they caused you...forgive yourself of the pain you carry

Friendship - Most valuable commodity in the world...second only to love

Love - What you say, pales in comparison to what you do

Got Married...(nonMBA)

2006-11-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

I forgotten what normal life is like.
Some photos of my nephew's wedding.
They're dropping like flies!

Pick up the Bride - Average October day

Bride's maid - Pre-wedding snack

My Grand Nephew - Japanese-Vietnamese-Mexican-American

Beautiful older sister and I

In-Laws - Nice family

Their cousins - small group photo

Mom - never say a woman is weak
Lifetime of accomplishments

Nephew and I - hvu and tvu in da house~

Rub the pregnant lady for good luck

OK...maybe a few too many drinks

Hmm...maybe one more

Google shares $$ w/ viral video makers

2006-10-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

File this under proper management/leadership decision. You know/heard/seen the Diet Coke and Mentos viral video right? Google has decided to share its' ad revenue w/ those guys. Here's the article from C|Net. Shows a lot of integrity from Google management to recognize they benefited from other people's goofy hard work. I deeply respect that.

Your words pales in comparison to your actions. -tvu

The two guys (Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz) from eepybird.com made another Diet Coke and Mentos.

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween...