« May 2008 | Main | July 2008 »
June 26, 2008
fog of numbers
I've spent the last year in my first accounting position. I like the feeling when the numbers add up even after seconds, minutes, or hours it takes for it to happen. Accounting involves a lot more analytical skills than I expected since I always thought the numbers would appear magically before you (no, you have to search for them). I don't like the hecticness of fiscal year end. I realize now that numbers can also seem subjective to people or at least the information around them. I have to clarify information many times during my work day. Numbers work best when there is the least ambiguity around them.
I also felt that what I learned in school was very far from what I actually did. However, I'm seeing only a small part of accounting. The experience is teaching me to respect accountants a lot more especially their neurotic, obsessive-compulsive, anal-retentive tendencies. They do not have an easy job.
I also realize more and more I do prefer analyzing the process rather than being a cog in the process. I've learned that the people who are the cogs have difficulty finding time to improve their processes sometimes due to the amount of work that comes down to them. Others who have the time just use the extra time to socialize. Maybe, these people do not have the internal or external incentives to change. Anyways, it's been an interesting hands-on experience.
Posted by azileretsis at 06:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2008
smile
I saw this comic on someone's desk recently.
I had to smile since I am only beginning to understand.
Posted by azileretsis at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2008
creative
I was disappointed to hear about the off-shore drilling idea. Trying to create more supply for a finite source doesn't seem like a good idea.
Why can't we think out-of-the-box? Here's another idea. Why don't the US government provide significant tax incentives to SUV/truck owners (gas guzzlers) and companies to trade in their cars for more gas-friendly cars (>40/gal)? These owners are the main group experiencing price shock at the gas stations. Not only would the car owners be happy but also the automobilie companies (more incentive for US cars than foreign of course). These companies would then be required to put a percentage back in research on real alternative sources of power (bio-fuel isn't the answer quite yet) or at least buy the technology. They would do this without any pressure since there would less market for larger gas guzzling cars.
One of the main problems in this gas crisis is that consumers should not have bought those colossal cars that now costs over $100/week to own. Feeding this desire (probably due to marketing) is only going to be a bane to the US's long-term economics and environment.
Let everybody else's behavior slowly change with the market. Our behavior will change as we are confronted with higher and higher gas prices. I don't think this is a bad thing. Put the money into better use like education, especially in finding alternative power sources. We need to break our reliance over oil instead of acting like an oil addict.
Posted by azileretsis at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2008
revise
While setting up my newest blog for journal reviews, I've realized how long it's been since I've done any major revisions to the website. The main reason is that Moveable Type hasn't had any major revisions (well, of use to me anyways) but their new stylesheets doesn't work. Hasn't anyone heard of backward compatibility? Yet, another summer project.
The new site's primary audience is me. The journal reviews will all pertain to the core sciences particularly Biology. I need a place where I can review journals and be able to search through them. My brain doesn't like containing any more additional information than necessary.
Posted by azileretsis at 05:58 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2008
company
Yahoo is a company not to be discounted. I read the NY Times piece. It is a public company but it is also a very resilient and still creative company. As long as it continues to be a dynamic entity that meets its customer's needs, I think the stock price will rebound. I think they have a brighter future without being Microsoft's looking glass.
Does anyone else a bad feeling in the pit of their stomach when they see their retirement fund company in the news these days? AIG manages many state employee retirement funds. It reminds me retirement funds have no guarantees.
Posted by azileretsis at 02:27 AM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2008
justice
Gitmo has existed now for six years. It's impacted the constitution, gone through all the branches, and its influence is world-wide. At its center is the debate over habeas corpus. Our rights around habeas corpus were one of the center pieces in the American Revolution. Over the years, many countries have followed US's example in the laws around habeas corpus. My question is what will happen in these countries and other countries when we continue to restrict these rights.
Posted by azileretsis at 01:17 PM | Comments (9)
June 06, 2008
interest
A topic that has captured my attention lately is biosensors. A business is trying to link it up to RFID. Size might be a problem.
Another company that I have my eyes on is Oncolytics Biotech. They have some interesting research concerning viruses and aggressive cancers. Actually, they have a connection to popular culture in that recent Grey's Anatomy episodes feature this oncolytic virus therapy.
Posted by azileretsis at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)