Diary of an NTU NUT

A long walk does wonders

2005-11-10T01:20:00.000+08:00

Met up with mich for supper at the "Maysprings" kopitiam just now...
Been a long time since we've met up, she's almost finishing her master's degree while me? I'm still ALMOST finishing my bachelor's. sigh.

Unfortunately, the kopitiam turned off the lights at about 11pm, forcing us to relocate to the Macs at BP Plaza. Regrettably, that particular Macs closed at 12 midnight, and they kept the chairs and tables outside so we couldn't even continue our conversation with drinks from the nearby 7-11.

And since it was past midnight, a guy's got to do what a guy's got to do.

Which saw me walking her back to her house.
And back home.

Yes.
Walking.
Me.
I kid you not.

As anyone around me will know, I have the speed of a snail and the stamina and enthusiasm for exercise of a 3-toed sloth[W].

But a walk now and then does wonders....

Especially on the long walk back... where I found time to brood about the afternoon's paper...
Why I didn't do well...
Why I messed up...
And...
Its over.
Its hard, but I guess I've got to look forward. There's still another 2 papers awaiting my attention.
Hopefully I'll do ok for them...

I'm already prepared for a B for my Strategic Management Paper....
And a D for my BF307 Paper...

Sigh... a D sucks when you're aiming for honours...

Tres Depressing...

Worst Paper Ever.

2005-11-09T19:59:00.000+08:00

Dunnoe whether to cry or be happy.

Despite studying the textbook,
Despite getting plenty of rest,
Despite doing past year exam papers,
Today's paper was a complete and utter.. DISASTER.

Yes, thats the only word for it I suppose.
Very unprepared, especially the MCQs.
MCQs suck. 30 marks. and I think I can only get less than 10.

If I'm lucky.

And then an arbitrage question. Despite applying it to real-life situations,
Lim peh still don't know how to do it can? F87k... if confident of getting full marks still nevermind. But I'm not.

Followed by a question in currency swaps...
I. AM. SO. SCREWED. I thought I knew how to do. In the end I did figure it out, but erm.. still jialat can? Sigh. Mostly because I didn't have time to explain it out nicely.

And then trading strategies.. still not too bad I suppose. Its the only 15 marks which I know how to do.

And ended off with a question on the Binomial Valuation of Call/Put options.
kaoz... I HOPE I did it correct.
By that time I was already feeling very sengh from the previous whacking...

Sigh... Will I see YET ANOTHER C on my transcript?
Or even worse???
I'm almost afraid to find out...
So thats the crying part...

Happy?

Well, arguably the cutest girl in the world seems to have a craving for sushi and has kindly offered to treat me to Japanese (that's Jah-Per-nees, not Jarh-pan-nees as SHE always insists.) food after the exams.

I can hardly wait...

Conflict of Interest

2005-11-08T21:30:00.000+08:00

Much like previously, there is now another conflict of interest.

On one hand, I should be studying for my BF307 paper tomorrow. Although I have already passed the point of diminishing returns (mich, my dear friend of 17 years who still looks like a P1 kid =p has kindly typed out the definitions for me), I do really hope for an A in this subject as its a Prescribed Elective. Meaning that it has the same weightage as my core subjects.

But I'm tired. Actually fell asleep at the table just now, my first afternoon nap in a damn long while. Also, arguably the cutest girl in the world has offered to wake me up should I need to take a short nap. Like the singing of angels, her voice is.

There's only one problem...
No, not which choice to take, for the path ahead is clear.

The problem is that... my hair is WET, having just bathed.
Sigh...

Hair faster dry = faster sleep.

*Evil Laughter*
HAha......
Crazy, I am.

Irritated...

2005-11-08T18:05:00.000+08:00

As regular readers may know, I have been studying BF307 for most of today and the past 4 days too.

Being quite tired, I decided to take a break and went to read newspapers in the living room.

Barely 2 minutes passed...

Mum: "You were a cook in the USA, you should be cooking dinner."

Me: (-_-)"

-An exceedingly short period of silence ensues-
Mum: "You should get some exercise. Go wash the car."

Me: *Walks back to the room, shuts the door and continues reading the newspaper*

Now before my readers castigate[V] me for being an unfilial son, lemme just put some things in perspective.

#1. Its exam period and I've been studying the whole day. I am damn tired.

#2. So you complain that I haven't been concerned enough about my brother's education. Fair enough, I've set him some things to do which HAVEN'T been done yet. I take time out to nag at him about completing his work, which I have to MARK after he does. He's still playing his playstation as I type this and you don't say anything about it despite knowing full well the situation. Also, HE dosen't have an exam tomorrow.

#3. You complain that I always hide in my room and don't spend enough time outside in the living room with the family. And yet still send me elsewhere to do something else whenever I do venture outside. Why the hell should I sit around in the living room?

Quality time? What kind of joke is THAT? I'm in the middle of mugging for the exceedingly stressful paper tomorrow and just need a short break. Wash the car or study for exams? Which is more important? I'd gladly pay the $6 for a carwash at the nearby petrol station.

Now before anyone misunderstands, I do love and appreciate my family very much.
Its just sometimes...

NOBODY UNDERSTANDS ME.

*Ed's note: If anyone comments that hey, if you have time to blog you should have time to wash a car, kindly go f87k yourself. The reason why I blog is to release stress and clear any negative emotions or overexcitement I may be experiencing. This allows me to clear my mind and focus on whatever I may be studying at the moment. I need to get back to my notes and textbook etc. now, ~~f87k~~ Thank you very much.*

Quote.

2005-11-08T17:15:00.000+08:00

~~Not So~~ Random Quote of the day

"*Insert MY name here* do you know its very miserable when you're trying not to laugh and trying not to cry at the same time?"
-*Name removed for confidentiality reasons*-

Well yes, actually I DO know that...

Which is why...

Just laugh...

Laugh with me...

Laugh at me...

Anything...

As long as it makes you feel better...

*Ed's note: This post will never be read by the person its intended for. And it'll likely be kept that way.*

Stupid Textbook.

2005-11-08T15:35:00.000+08:00

I take a break from studying for my BF307 exam tomorrow because I just can't take it anymore. This is with regards to the BF307 Textbook.

BF307 Textbook. 大嫌い/讨厌/HATE.

ARGH...

I know PBL approach is all very well and good for studying, but what's the whole purpose of buying a textbook you tell me?

Again and again while ~~flipping through the pages randomly~~ diligently pursuing knowledge, I keep stumbling across this particular phrase...

"It can be shown that..."

"It can be shown that..."

Bloody hell... TMD.

If it can be shown, WHY DON'T SHOW IT?!?!?!
Why the f87k do I buy the textbook if you're just going to tell me IT CAN BE DONE but not TEACH me?

And the other favourite phrase.

"It can be shown that... (See Problem X.XX)"

What's wrong with this picture?
The f87ker who wrote the textbook is telling you to do the explanation for him, thats what. And? Its a Assignment question. Meaning the answers cannot be found inside the Solutions Manual even if you bought it. What's the point of doing something you THINK is correct but can't confirm it?

Kani Nabe 蟹鍋 (In Japanese, it means Crab Steamboat. In Hokkien, which is a dialect of Mandarin it means a totally different thing altogether. Won't elaborate though.)

And the worst thing? Some parts of the textbook which use the dreaded phrase

"It can be shown that..."

Actually refer you to the regular problems and questions.
While happy, it is only after you check the Solutions Manual for the proof that you realise that while it CAN be shown that whatever, the author makes VERY VERY BIG AND CRITICAL ASSUMPTIONS.

Like that how to ~~pass~~ score you tell me?
I only hope the paper tomorrow is like the previous 2.
I'll be so grateful.

Disclaimer
By the way, I have NEVER said that the textbook in question is a certain textbook titled Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Ed.) by John C. Hull. Any resemblance is purely unintentional and coincidental.

Guys... B*stards.

2005-11-07T22:32:00.000+08:00

Guys suck...
Or so the recent trend of things goes...

A friend of mine was going through alot recently due to a breakup...

And sms-ed the ex...

"I'm upset."

Without much delay, the reply came from the ex...

"Why?"

(-_-)""""""

Sigh... useless, the whole bunch of them.

*Ed's note: The actual content of the smses has not been reproduced here in faithful entirety to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. The context is the same though. It also goes without saying that despite recent posts like this and this, these smses were not part of an exchange between a certain person and arguably the cutest girl in the world.*

*Ed's note 2: THIS IS NOT A CASE OF 此地无隐三百两。Honest...

Another Day another Screwup...

2005-11-07T20:26:00.000+08:00

Though I’ve tried before to tell her
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Every time that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I’ve done from the start

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It’s a big enough umbrella
But it’s always me that ends up getting wet

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she’ll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone?

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

-Police-

Sigh.

Regret...

2005-11-06T15:52:00.000+08:00

After successfully finishing up the unfinished BF307 paper, I am currently almost halfway through the second one as part of my PBL approach.

And I feel... extremely regretful...

Why on earth didn't I take Bf307 last sem? Or even the semester before last?

Given the way things are, I probably would have been able to 'B' the paper.
But NooOooOo, this sem's paper is a promised killer.
And... even with the help of dubious tips granted during the lecture...
I have a feeling I am so going to die can?

ARGHHHhhhHhHhhh.....

Erm. yea. And I have GOT to take a moment to give thanks to my wonderful friend 小雪人 Marvin for... in his own words "Helping me to clock sleep hours". He is SUCH a nice friend. Sacrifice his time to sleep on my behalf he does...

And BF307 isn't even a "smoking" paper a la AB311 SM.
For SM, the mantra is "When in doubt, SMOKE."

However, for BF307, how on earth do you smoke for a quantitative type of paper?

*Ed's note: Smoking is slang for crapping, meaning writing general rubbish in the hopes that it makes logical sense to the one who marks the exam paper.*

Stupid is as Stupid does.

2005-11-06T12:30:00.000+08:00

And as mentioned many times previously, a certain person who is not only crazy, that certain person seems to be quite stupid as well. Stupid enough to declare that the hopeful new entrant will wait not just ten, but twenty years.

And here is another story about the certain person being stupid.
Here's a transcript of a recent conversation I had with him.

*Start One-Way Conversation*

"One of the stupidest things you can do is sleep on your arm, and open your eyes after sleeping for 4 hours, and go..

'Hey, who's arm is this?'

(-_-)"

Although by that time your whole right arm is numb and useless. Yes. You CAN get your arm numb enough that you don't even realise its yours.

And then you go 'hey, its mine!'...

In an attempt to regain feeling in my arm, I flipped over...

Given the lack of motor control over my right arm, I suppose it is only natural that it swung out and zhun zhun hit the wooden corner at the side of my bed.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have made a very important discovery.

Even when your whole arm is numb, you can still feel PAIN. Especially when that pain is very very sharp and goes through to the bone. My right hand still twinges in pain a few hours later even as I ~~type~~ tell you this.

Screaming into your pillow is not a good way to start the morning, I kid you not.

*End One-Way Conversation*

Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh at or sympathise with a certain person...

Let there be lizards...

2005-11-06T02:52:00.000+08:00

Just as a certain person was getting oh-so-bored and demoralised with the BF307 Problem-Based-Learning Approach adopted , an sms alert sounded on a certain person's phone.

*Sidenote: Problem-Based-Learning, or PBL is the method of learning by solving problems (self explanatory wasn't it?). It is also particularly useful when you know there is no way at all you'll be able to complete all your readings before the exam date. Focus on doing tutorial and past year exam questions.*

The lesson behind "do not expect and what you get will be so much sweeter" was life's lesson today. A certain person has lost track of the times his (Yes the author finally reveals that its a HE. duh.) phone sounded and he checked the sms or caller ID hoping for a certain number but it would never appear. Today a certain person wasn't even hoping and he got both.

*~~Glad~~ ~~Happy~~ ECSTATIC*

Oh yes, what sms was it?
One word, two vowels, and three exclamation marks.
For those of you who haven't figured it out, lemme post a transcript of the sms here.

"LIZARDS!!!"
Yes, capitals and all...

Arguably the cutest girl in the world hates lizards. So the presence of a particular member of this reptilian species gave a certain person the convenient excuse to place a call to arguably the cutest girl in the world. And so they chatted on the phone for slightly more than an hour until arguably the cutest girl in the world was about to fall asleep on her bed.

And then the call ended...

And now the dilemma...
A conflict of interest...

A certain person is torn between hoping that the lizard/s will reappear such that there will be more phone calls in the future and hoping that arguably the cutest girl in the world dosen't have to go through such trauma again...

Although the certain person realises that whatever he hopes will not have an influence on the final outcome, his concern for arguably the cutest girl in the world leads him to hope that the following proclamation will come true...

LET THERE BE NO LIZARDS WHO DARE TO APPEAR BEFORE ARGUABLY THE CUTEST GIRL IN THE WORLD.

Now this is only to be expected, given the fact that a certain person is really a very nice person...
*Evil laughter*

*Ed's note: I realise that what a certain person hopes isn't in sync with the title of the post and there may be cognitive dissonance[W], Let there be lizards sounds so much better than Let there be no lizards as a title for the post. Also, I've decided to help readers improve their general knowledge via Wikipedia. Such links will be marked with a [W], as should have been obvious by now.*

Not very productive...

2005-11-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

On the bright side, I managed to finish 2 questions of the exam paper which I started on Friday evening and was disrupted by an almost 45 minute phone call. Again I must add that the disruption was very much worth it.

Wait... a whole day and I only managed to finish 2 questions?
Wah Cow... super unproductive can.
On the bright side, I did manage to meet up with another primary school friend, no not the one due back from Melbourne today and promised to sms but never sms. But someone who share's the same name as me. For the sake of confidentiality, I shall not name him.

On an unrelated sidenote, I think fatigue's really getting to me... hands started shaking again last night and my body was shivering by the time I got to bed. The last time this happened was back in Yellowstone I suppose.

And tonight... Sigh... it hasn't started, but the way my muscles feel, I wouldn't be surprised if they start acting up again.

I am really really sick... and arguably the cutest girl in the world has yet to forgive me for not eating much at the supper yesterday. Really not feeling well what... eat too much sure rabbit one can?

*Ed's note: Rabbit is 兔 (tu) in Chinese, which sounds exactly the same as 吐 (tu), which is Vomit. Yes lame I know*

And according to arguably the cutest girl in the world, I wear 20% of my clothes 80% of the time. The other 20%? I wear my presentation outfit.

WHAT. THE. *Insert location which is arguably not physical that would be the polar[V] opposite of HEAVEN*.

Eh. Have a good flight.

2005-11-05T17:15:00.000+08:00

Slightly belated this is, but erm...
Yes.. Even as I type this, my Pri. 1 classmate and friend for about 17 years is on the flight back from Melbourne, ETA 2130 hours.

Have a good flight!
And welcome back to Singapore. Don't melt
*Evil Laughter*

Sleep-Deprived

2005-11-05T13:00:00.000+08:00

Most definitely, I should have gotten an earlier rest.
Sometimes, the body is smarter than the mind.
By making my hands and body shake, it sent a strong signal to my mind that I was supposed to sleep early.
So early it was, went to lie down at 3am, shaky hands and all.
And fell asleep probably somewhere around 5am.
Sigh...

Perhaps it was too noisy given the sudden increase in roaring in the ~~east~~ ~~west~~ ~~east~~ ~~west~~ SOMEWHERE in Singapore...

Or it could have been because I was thinking too much...

Or it could have been just a simple mundane reason like the kopi-O I had at about 9.30 pm topped off with jia jia herbal tea at about 0030hrs during supper...

Oh well.. next paper is the 9th...

Despite the fact that the next paper of arguably the world's cutest girl is on the 10th (i.e. one day after mine), arguably the world's cutest girl has already started studying. So hardworking right?

And here I am ~~wasting my time~~ taking a break by blogging...

Need... to... start... studying...

Another supper...

2005-11-05T03:10:00.000+08:00

A certain person sacrificed approximately 45 minutes of revision time to be on the phone with arguably the cutest girl in the world just now. The certain person feels that it was well worth it, as after that a certain person managed to convince arguably the cutest girl in the world to go for supper. With much help from the "wife" of arguably the cutest girl in the world, as it may be.

And thus a certain person was privileged enough to have supper in the company of arguably the cutest girl in the world.

And the "wife" of arguably the cutest girl in the world, of course.

Although the original destination was SUPPOSED to be somewhere pretty near their school, ~~because arguably the cutest girl in the world wanted to eat tau huey~~ they decided to opt for tau huey. Which saw them traveling to this little known area of Singapore known as Choa Chu Kang. Where the tau huey, as many would agree, is pretty good, about the same standard as that made by the mother of a certain person.

And it would have been a good tau huey supper were it not for the simall simall tiny tiny fact that the tau huey stall was closed, it being almost midnight and all. However, arguably the cutest girl in the world decided that satisfying the second greatest food craving was enough and opted to try the fishball noodles at this next-to-interchange-kopitiam.

Of course, when it is said they ate supper it is meant that arguably the cutest girl in the world ate fishball noodle. While the others took drinks. And arguably the cutest girl in the world seems so much more cheerful now, cheerful enough to ~~force~~ invite a certain person to help her finish her 1/2 of the total quantity of fishballs in the bowl...

A certain person seriously hopes it is not a front...
And as mentioned previously, a certain person who is not only crazy, that certain person seems to be quite stupid as well.
Stupid enough to declare that the hopeful new entrant will wait not just ten, but twenty years.
Stupid is as stupid does.

Sim Tia...

2005-11-04T19:03:00.000+08:00

Today's SM paper taught me alot of lessons...
Other than important ones which studying for SM paper has already taught me...
Lessons like this, this and this.

Specifically, today's lesson on life was about sim tia, or heart pain.

Ouch.

Heart pain is when...

You put in SO MUCH STUPID EFFORT ANALYZING A STUPID CASE AND IT TURNS OUT TO BE MOSTLY USELESS.... (Exceedingly low ROI)

You are stupid enough to lose your matric card somewhere on the trip between SRC and S4...

You go back only to find that the stupid door is locked and won't be opened til next week for the exams...

You can't do a single f87k thing to cheer up arguably the cutest girl in the world who is upset by the bloody SM paper...

When you send arguably the cutest girl in the world home only to see her eyes red...

And you still curse the fact that you can't do a single f87k thing to cheer up arguably the cutest girl in the world...

Sigh...

Sim Tia ah Sim Tia...

My time is almost up.

2005-11-03T21:40:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow, at exactly 1430 hours, starts the dreaded SM paper.
Despite having made good use of the SM textbook...
Despite consistently applying SM to everyday life...
Despite engaging in long hours of case discussion at the same time as doing this...

I am still damn unprepared.
But, a filial grandson's gotta do what a filial grandson's gotta do.
And since today is the day where my Ah Kong turns one year older, the extended family gathered at one of our usual hangout spots near *Insert my old NS camp here* for a nice Cze Char dinner.
On the menu?

Longevity Noodle...
Scallops with Asparagus...
Sea Cucumber...
Prawns fried with Oat Flakes...
Black Pepper Crab...
Chilli Crab...
Teppan Deer Meat...
Nicely rounded off with or nee (a type of yam paste dessert) and washed down with liberal quantities of jia jia herbal tea.

And we adjourned to my 3rd Aunt's house which is pretty near IrisT An's house for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

Regrettably, all good things must come to an end.
And thats why I'm home again now typing this out before continuing my muggerly duties as a faithful, hopefully future-breadwinner pattern type of eldest son.

Responsibility. Sometimes I think I'd be alot happier without it.
But then...

I'm supposed to marry early since responsibility is necessary for my stability.
There's just a small problem with that.
The simall simall tiny tiny problem that it takes two hands to clap.

To end off, I would just like to comment that...

A Certain person is not only most certainly crazy, that certain person seems to be quite stupid as well.

Sigh.

Crazy...

2005-11-03T00:43:00.000+08:00

A Certain Person must be CRAZY.
On the way to pick Somebody up to go to school for discussion, this person felt like dropping by *Insert Mall somewhere in the West of Singapore* where that Certain Person got...

And that frower accompanied that Certain Person on the Certain Person's journey there.
That Certain Person has absolutely no idea what compelled that Certain Person to do that.
As mentioned before, a Certain Person must be crazy.
Don't even know whether Somebody likes roses.
Sekali Somebody don't like or even worse, ALLERGIC. Then die.

And a Certain Person still don't know what compelled that Certain Person to just open the car door and let Somebody find the frower on the seat.
Somebody: "Am I supposed to sit on it?"
A Certain Person: (-_-)"

*Scene changes to the trip to school*
Somebody: "Is *points to the frower* for me?"
A Certain Person: "Well, I found it along the roadside and its not mine, so I guess its your property now."

*Ed's note: Think of something better to say CAN?!"*

*Scene changes. Car is parked.*
Somebody: "Am I supposed to carry this *indicates frower* around?"
A Certain Person: "Well, you can leave it in the car if you wish, it does belong to you."
Somebody: "But leave in the car it'll die."
A Certain Person: "Erm, then bring it along lor."

And so, carrying Somebody's books, a Certain Person walked around Canteen B to buy drinks with Somebody and Somebody's frower in tow, feeling kinda weird because people tend to ~~stare~~ look curiously when a girl carries frowers. Or even a single frower, as is the case.

And a Certain Person learnt something new from Somebody today.
Supposedly, frowers last longer if you place them in water with aspirin/panadol dissolved.
And so a Certain Person sacrificed a Certain Person's water bottle for the day with the following result...

Of course, the Certain Person did so uncomplainingly (If that is even a word). Whatever makes Somebody happy.

This has been said before, but a Certain Person must be CRAZY.

Nobody has any idea why that works, but according to yet another theory from JIT, if your legs were chopped off, large doses of painkillers would probably keep you alive for a little longer.

The Certain Person is not sure whether the analogy is apt...

The SM Textbook is extremely useful...

2005-11-01T20:50:00.000+08:00

Waiting for dinner to be ready...

I think I've been studying too much....
Recently, it has come to my notice that people think I feel the SM textbook is useless.
In fact, if memory serves me some haven't even purchased the book.
Well, think again.

The SM textbook is wonderful.
Not only is it a great fountain of knowledge, it is also very practical and applicable in everyday situations.
However, since a picture says a thousand words, I shall save my time by just posting a picture of how it can be used.

Oh yea! I think dinner's ready. cya folks.
*hungry*

Bloody First-Mover Advantage

2005-11-01T19:07:00.000+08:00

Making such good use of SM (Thats Strategic Management, not the other SM) knowledge I am.
My lecturer and tutor should be proud of me.

When...

There is a tight regime...
Market prefers innovaters...
Switching costs are high...
etc...

MOVE FIRST.
First mover advantage is important.

In certain cases, I have realised...
The impact of First-Mover is so great that even when the First-Mover has left the market, ~~traces~~ chunks remain such that the barriers to entry are damn high.
Are the barriers insurmountable?
Good question.

知自知敌百战百胜。
Know ownself know enemy, hundred battles hundred win.
This ~~stunt~~ strategy I know.
But tell me how to know the enemy in this case, when the enemy is a bloody intangible?
Tell me how on earth can barriers to entry be so bloody high when....
THERE.IS.NO.INCUMBENT.

There are two general hypotheses I have come up with

Hypothesis #1.
Although the First-Mover has left the market, the market has already purchased the goods (a dubious term I agree) which can last. In this case, the goods are intangibles. And the new FRS (See FRS 36, 38) issued since 2004 suggest that intangibles do not have to be depreciated if there is no indication that they might have been impaired. The intangible is most likely still circulating in the market

This is not good news for the hopeful new entrant. Supply may be there but demand could be inelastic and worse still, lacking.

The artificial and forced impairment of the intangible asset in question is not an option due to the fact that integrity is one of the core values of the hopeful new entrant.

Hypothesis #2. (And much more likely methinks)
The withdrawal of the First-Mover and the associated loss of after-sales service has created such general market dissatisfaction that the market in general has completely lost faith. Ideally, markets have short memories and will soon forget the impact of the withdrawal. However, ideal situations seldom (if ever) exist in the real world.

If the market will forget, the hopeful new entrant does not mind waiting.

Of course, the situations suggested by both hypotheses could be acting in tandem.
After all, we must consider the risks in their totality and not as isolated events when evaluating the risks to the process objective. (My AA205 instructor would be proud)

HOWEVER,

Patience is also one of the core values of the hopeful new entrant and has been inculcated into the culture of the hopeful new entrant. However, even the most cultivated of patience has a limit. For patience *quote* with an opinion of attaining, is called hope. Without, is despair *unquote*.

So when the market makes an official announcement about rulings which effectively block new entrants, should the hopeful new entrant patiently wait for the ruling to be lifted?
Waiting of course implies making some strategic moves like advertising, raising brand awareness and generally creating demand. Of course.

On the other hand, expectancy theory suggests that if a certain level of performance does not lead to a certain level of reward, there will be low motivation. (Yes my AB105 instructor would be proud as well)

Hence, the hopeful new entrant may be unmotivated and even be deterred about putting in the requisite level of effort to achieve the desired level of performance.

Thoughts anyone? Help me out a little here...

What NOT to do/say to get a job...

2005-11-01T15:01:00.000+08:00

Having been ~~threatened with bodily harm~~ gently convinced by JIT to move on to other topics, I was just thinking about what to write as a break from analyzing the AB311 Case.

*Start Sidetrack*
I would just like to categorically state that I will never divulge price sensitive information which might lead to ~~quote: a bout of mild unpleasantness; and this aforesaid unpleasantness will probably involve equally sensitive parts of the male anatomy~~ an adverse market reaction or even *shudder* competitor actions that could quickly cancel out any competitive advantage achieved by my friends.

Or even Innovative Random Males, I might add.

Furthermore, the vague terms of the informal strategic alliance between JIT and I suggest that while we have a Scale/Co-Integration alliance (i.e. One where we share costs and investments - ideas lah- and end up with distinct products which would in this case be the service), we have absolutely no intent of diversifying into other markets that result in head-on competition between us. Meaning I have no intent of diversifying into his market and vice-versa. There's just no strategic fit in terms of our service. A core competency in one market sometimes does not translate into an advantage in a separate market.

In fact, both of us share similar strategic missions and visions, i.e. not to dominate the market but to differentiate ourselves to our specific niche markets. This differentiation-via-service strategy will no doubt lead to high customer satisfaction. And that is what we aim for. To meet the needs of our customers as best as we can in order to ensure a strong and loyal customer base. Ideally, this will lead to an inflow of future benefits, economic or otherwise.

Regrettably, while I feel that my adopted strategy was sound, I realise that timing is everything. There IS such a thing as entering the market too early. Or even too late, as the Arthur D. Little Matrix will no doubt confirm. Right now my targeted niche market seems to be in a declining phase. I can probably only hope for a market revival ala the coffee industry revival upon the advent and subsequent popularity of designer coffee chains.
*End Sidetrack*

Just some random thoughts...
Some inspired by JIT, others by people who will recognize themselves once they read this...

"Actually I rank *Insert the names of not ONE, but TWO large consulting firms here* above *Insert supposedly world's largest/most innovative bank name here*"

Please indicate your hobbies: "Reading Calvin and Hobbes"

The following is a dialogue, reproduced here in unfaithful entirety:
Interviewer: "You didn't indicate your expected honours class, so what class of honours are you expecting?"
Interviewee: "Second Upper."
Interviewer: "Why Second Upper?"
Interviewee: "Because I studied very hard."
Interviewer: "No, I meant why NOT First Class?"
Interviewee: "Er... I meant I DIDN'T study very hard?"

"Oh f87k! I sent in the cover letter without changing the name of the company to *insert big consulting firm which comes up with cows, stars and assorted animals here*!"

"Die! I sent the cover letter to *Insert big 4 name here which gave out maroon paper bags with a reading light inside* without changing the name from *Insert big 4 name here which gave out big yellow goodie bags*!"

Such is the joy which my dear friends provide...

Yea.. Birthday Celebration

2005-10-31T22:55:00.000+08:00

Regrettably, I'm in the process of editing my photos of the event to make sure that identities are kept secret at the joint celebration of mine, qiuyun's and irisT's birthday.

Today's mine and irisT's birthday, qiuyun's was on the 29th but 顺便 just celebrate loe.

And a day of reflection.... mainly brought about by conversations with YS, irisT, the irrepressible JIT and my own inner thoughts...

I'm 23.
So what have I done?
What am I waiting for?

Who am I kidding?
While I am REALLY thankful for the celebration in school...
To everyone who wished me a happy birthday... THANK YOU...

But...
The one glaring omission....
was the one who was with me for almost 4 years...

We're not together anymore...
And I believe that it was for the best that our relationship ended then...

But...
When you drive out after your dinner one fine day not too long ago just because the ex didn't have anyone to celebrate her birthday with...
Even if you didn't have time to get a present and offered to pay for the dinner instead...

The feeling of being forgotten isn't pleasant at all...

I know I know... one post hyper one post sad... within minutes of each other...
I suppose that best shows the emotional roller-coaster ride I'm taking at the moment...
I wonder when it will ever end...

Fun and Laughter

2005-10-31T22:35:00.000+08:00

Random Text Twist picture of the day...

What the...

Oh well... was chatting with YS, IrisT and JIT over dinner @ Cafe Quad.
Discussed about ALOT of things....
and... I realised that JIT really does know how to ~~sian girls~~ treat people well.
Having been sworn to secrecy by JIT, I can safely say that not only does he know how to emulate strategies which have not been proven successful in other markets, he is also extremely capable of innovating.

So innovative, that I'm currently very stressed because he was interviewed before me at the interview session this morning at *Insert supposedly world's largest and most innovative bank name here*. Its like... go in after the KING can? People don't even notice your presence. Sigh.

So innovative, that I can only say that my opionion of him has been significantly ELEVATED.
*Evil Laughter*

Everything is my fault...

2005-10-31T14:54:00.000+08:00

Everything from grober warming to eco-terrorism that is...
Apparently, the whole misunderstanding recently was because *Insert name of person who tuts alot* took issue with me referring to *insert name here* as a PYT.

*Sidetrack: Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone :)*

Apparently the whole general phrase of a PYT and its wide usage in everything from songs to poems has been ignored.
Supposedly, the "T" part is derogatory, so I shall use G instead.
So, PYG (Pronounced PIG) it shall be.

But No,
~~she has threatened to complain to Somebody about me suaning her~~
we have made peace being the nice people we are and this whole unpleasant issue is now safely behind us.

The thing which upsets me more is the fact that JIT had to be a busybody about this whole thing. Ignore the convenient fact that the only link between me and *Insert name of person who tuts alot* is the notorious JIT it himself.

Upon finding out that *Insert name of person who tuts alot* was upset, he
went to her aid like

~~A well-trained dog jumping to protect its master~~

A knight in shining armour saving ~~an extremely violent~~ a helpless damsel in distress from the vicious, fire-breathing dragon (i.e. ME).

While it is good that JIT acknowledges my vastly superior intellect and wisdom, I would like to take a moment here to remind him not to hate me because I'm smart. Hate me because I'm smart AND good looking. And humble too! Haha... Okok kidding...

And I have never distressed anyone, damsels or otherwise...
Really!

Ok... thats probably enough entertainment for now.. back to case analysis!

2 Vs. 1.

2005-10-30T22:27:00.000+08:00

Wah Lau.... Go for a dinner and this is what I get.
Firstly I get ~~words forcibly shoved into my mouth~~ misquoted by JIT.
Next, *Insert name of person who tuts alot* ASSUMED that my previous post was referring to her as the PYT. Even if both me and JIT have clarified that she bears

*quote*
Neither relationship nor friendship to the PYT in question.
*unquote*

So let me say again...

I have never said that *Insert name here* = *Insert name of person who tuts alot*!
I have never said that *Insert name here* = PYT!

And don't use cheem chinese idioms on me again can?
I really can't take it.

If you prefer, I shall stop the PYT stuff ok?
Since erm... its a Girl,
So PYG would be better I suppose.

Lemme sidetrack abit here.
此地无隐三百两
ci3 di4 wu2 yin3 san1 bai2 liang3.
NOT
Chi3 di4 wu2 Ying2 san1 bai2 liang3

And don't use cheem cheem 四个字 idioms on me can?
My chinese isn't that great, as many will attest.

Now I wish I could count on JIT to be impartial, but given the way he has misquoted me, I ~~can confirm plus chop~~ have a feeling that he's already firmly on the side of *Insert name of person who tuts alot*.

And I KNOW *Insert name of person who tuts alot* will read this.
I didn't have time to check for you just now can?
To change the background, edit your blogger template lah!
Look for this particular line

http://www.boomspeed.com/yuro/background.gif

Delete it.
You're done!
Or you can change it to another image if you wish.
Sorry about the late "help", I assumed that you knew how to remove it since you put it there in the first place. My bad...

After all, to remove the bell you still need the person who put it on the tiger in the first place.

But since ~~its 2 vs 1~~ I'm considerate and nice, I'll just say this:
You're welcome, *Insert name of person who tuts alot*.
Always a pleasure to help a friend.