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

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

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)

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?

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...

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?

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.”

3. 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)

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

In Memoriam for the lost souls...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Words

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

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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

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.