Monday, October 27, 2008

The World is fair, isn't it? Egg heads also known as Masculinity.

Exam tension is peaking. Here, take a break and enjoy the following reality of life (I think).

To understand women may be futile, but nature is fair. On the scale of dumbness, men by far, judging from history, is unsurpassed. We humbly admit it but hey, you still need us to take out the garbage, right?


From Left to right:
Man 01: I have the best haircut
Man 02: Man of steel, all brawns but little brains, I mean can't he call the police or something...??
Man 03: I can afford a $300 leather jacket but not a $7 haircut
Man 04: The fear IN all men - baldness, besides stupidity, insecurity, low IQ, dead broke, rejection, dullness ...
Man 05: Genius representation of what a MAN truly is.

Conclusion : Man ego-head is actually mis-spelled - suppose to be egg head.

Because I'm a Man - so say the egg-head man [are you one?]

Because I'm a man, when I lock my keys in the car I will fiddle with a wire clothes hanger and ignore your suggestions that we call a road service until long after hypothermia has set in.

Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start." We will then drink beer.

Because I'm a man, when one of our appliances stops working I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
Because I'm a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss a whole show looking for it (though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator).

Because I'm a man, I don't think we're all that lost, and no, I don't think we should stop and ask someone. Why would you listen to a complete stranger -- I mean, how the hell could he know where we're going?

Because I'm a man, I am capable of announcing, "One more beer and I really have to go", and mean it every single time I say it, even when it gets to the point that the one bar closes and my buddies and I have to go hunt down another. I will find it increasingly hilarious to have my pals call you to tell you I'll be home soon, and no, I don't understand why you threw all my clothes into the front yard. Like, what's the connection?

Because I'm a man, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't.

Because I'm a man, yes, I have to turn up the radio when Bruce Springsteen or The Doors comes on, and then, yes, I have to tell you every single time about how Bruce had his picture on the cover of Time and Newsweek the same day, or how Jim Morrison is buried in Paris and everyone visits his grave. Please do not behave as if you do not find this fascinating.

Because I'm a man, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?

Because I'm a man, and this is, after all, the 21st century, I will share equally in the housework. You just do the laundry, the cooking, the gardening, the cleaning, and the dishes. I'll do the rest.

THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FOR WOMEN, TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE MALE ANIMAL.

Source:
Brain Candy, 2008, Because I am a Man, http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/hgender3.html, Visited on 27th October

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Humourously serious



There is this man who dwell on an island in the middle of Pacific Ocean. He found a magic lamp and promptly rub it. Pop out a genie who grants him only one wish. After a quick thought, he said , "I have always wanted to travel to Spain but am afraid of heights, hence flights route is out of question. Genie, I want you to build a bridge to link from here to Spain, so I can just drive over." The genie responded in shock, "Do you know you are asking the impossible?! You know this structure requires so much materials like concrete, piling, cement and not to mention the technology to build across the ocean to withstand unpredictable weather! No. No. This is too difficult. You have to make another wish." The man thought for a while and then requested, "I can never understand woman. Genie, I wish you can make me understand woman." The genie paused and after a long serious thought replied, "Do you want a 2-lane or 4-lane highway?"

Announcement

P3 Part time candidates : Progress Test I answers are released via e-mail.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

F8 PT2 ANSWERS 3

Lecturer's comments: this is a very popular exam question. It pays to scrutinise every single detail and understand the application. Alan Lewin could easily make this a 12 mark question.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT
• TYPES OF RISKS
- ASSERTION WORKS

Revenue
• BUSINESS
- CLASSIFICATION: Check the accounting policy for revenue recognition particularly in respect of software licences to ensure that it has been applied consistently and in accordance with accounting standards.
• INHERENT
- COMPLETENESS: Obtain a breakdown of sales on a monthly basis and discuss significant fluctuations with management. Any explanations should be corroborated.
• DETECTION
- OCCURRENCE: Perform tests of controls on controls over the processing of sales orders and invoicing. Sample sizes should reflect the increased risk.
• DETECTION
- EXISTENCE: For a sample of sales transactions perform substantive procedures tracing the transaction from the initial order to the posting in the ledgers. The sample size would be affected by the results of the tests of controls.
• CONTROL
- CUT-OFF: Check cut-off at the year end to ensure that revenue has only been recognised in relation to sales genuinely made in the accounting period.

Gross margin
• INHERENT
VALUATION: Check the basis on which costs have been capitalised as development costs. Those which do not meet the conditions of IAS 38 Intangible assets should be expensed.
• INHERENT
UNDERSTANDABILITY: The gross margin of 80% seems high in spite of the nature of the business. Obtain industry information to establish an industry average.
• INHERENT
UNDERSTANDABILITY: Compare the gross profit margin on a quarterly basis and compare with the results of the previous year. Discuss the reasons behind significant variations with management.
• CONTROL
CLASSIFICATION: Obtain a breakdown of costs included in cost of sales and compare with previous year to establish any change in the way that costs have been allocated to the expense categories.
• CONTROL
OCCURRENCE: For a sample of expenses trace the transaction from source documentation to posting in the accounts.
• CONTROL
CUT-OFF: Agree opening inventory to previous years accounts. The position statement audit should provide evidence regarding the quantity and valuation of closing inventory.
• CONTROL
CUT-OFF: In particular cut-off should be confirmed to ensure that it is in line with sales cut‑off.

Operating expenses
• INHERENT
UNDERSTANDABILITY: Compare monthly levels of expenditure with previous year and obtain explanations for any significant changes.
• CONTROL
ACCURACY: Obtain a breakdown of distribution costs, administrative expenses and selling costs. Compare the nature of the expenditure with that included in the previous
year to highlight any misclassification.
• CONTROL
CUT-OFF: Review expenses incurred after the year end to ensure that all expenses relating to the current period have been correctly accrued for.
• CONTROL
VALUATION & ACCURACY : Review the impact of depreciation on the operating expenses figures. Obtain a schedule of non-current assets and recalculate depreciation charged based on the company's policy. Confirm that this is consistent and reasonable in the light of the nature of the asset.
• DETECTION
OCCURRENCE: Perform tests of controls on controls over the processing of expenses from initiation of the transaction to posting in the ledgers.
• DETECTION
OCCURRENCE: For a sample of expenses trace the transaction from its source eg invoice to its recording in the ledgers.

Interest
• CONTROL
ACCURACY: Obtain an analysis of interest payable/receivable casted.
rates applicable to the different categories of investment.
• CONTROL
EXISTENCE: Agree interest payable to bank statements/loan agreements.
• CONTROL
ACCURACY: For interest receivable perform a proof in total calculation based on the interest For a sample of investments agree the interest actually received and accrued for to the terms of the investment.

Tax
• INHERENT
OBLIGATIONS: Obtain and review any correspondence with the tax authorities.
•INHERENT
UNDERSTANDABILITY: Discuss the calculation with management and confirm any explanations.
•DETECTION
EXISTENCE: Obtain a copy of the tax calculation to establish why it has increased so significantly.

Dividends
• INHERENT
UNDERSTANDABILITY: Discuss the rationale behind the dividend payment with management, particularly regarding sustainability.
• DETECTION
EXISTENCE: Confirm that the payment of the dividend is minuted.
• DETECTION
RIGHTS: Check that the payment does not breach legislation regarding distributable profits.

Earnings per share
* INHERENT
VALUATION: Confirm the basis on which the calculation has been performed. If additional shares have been issued confirm that the legal procedures have been complied with and establish the purpose of the share issue.
• CONTROL
ACCURACY: Reperform the EPS calculation.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS?

- relevant to 21st century living

Pic 01: "Oh Boy! I am so dead."

Last week has been a hectic and stressful filled activities with classes that last longer than baking a cake in an oven to last-minute cramping of facts in preparation of internal tests. The internal exams are both unnecessary and unfortunate to say the least as it has an attached condition that if you fail them, you face an over-hanging threat of expulsion from Sunway College. How can one be prepared for internal exams when its scheduled back to back with series of almost uninterrupted lectures?? Well, I am stressed too. The time table is something that I neither agree or can control nor decide. So I focused on remedial solutions namely how to cope with stress. The following are from a medical and scriptural advise which I believe you benefit if you apply them.

MEDICAL PERSPECTIVES (NON-DRUG prescriptive approach)
Pic 02 : Stress is toxic to your body, believe me, I was a student before.


Possible signs of stress
· -Anxiety
· -Back pain
· -Constipation or diarrhea
· - Depression
· - Fatigue
· -Headaches
· -High blood pressure
· -Insomnia
· -Problems with relationships
· -Shortness of breath
· -Stiff neck
· -Upset stomach
· -Weight gain or loss


What can I do to manage my stress?
The first step is to learn to recognize when you're feeling stressed. Early warning signs of stress include tension in your shoulders and neck, or clenching your hands into fists.The next step is to choose a way to deal with your stress. One way is to avoid the event or thing that leads to your stress--but often this is not possible. A second way is to change how you react to stress. This is often the best way.


Tips for dealing with stress
· Don't worry about things you can't control, such as the weather.
· Prepare to the best of your ability for events you know may be stressful, such as a exams
· Try to look at change as a positive challenge, not as a threat.
· Work to resolve conflicts with other people.
· Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counselor.
· Set realistic goals at home and at work.
· Exercise on a regular basis.
· Eat well-balanced meals and get enough sleep.
· Participate in something you don't find stressful, such as sports, social events or hobbies.

Why is exercise useful?
Exercise is a good way to deal with stress because it's a healthy way to relieve your pent-up energy and tension. It also helps you get in better shape, which makes you feel better overall


SCRIPTURAL SOLUTIONS : Healthy Ways to Face Stress
Pic 03: Have a heart to heart talk with someone you trust.


Stress is a modern-day fact of life; you cannot avoid it. You can, however, learn to cope with it. Following the principles of the Bible can help. For example, if you feel overwhelmed by some situation, remember that “there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) Talk things over with a mature friend. “Don’t bottle it up,” says sociologist Ronald L. Pitzer. “Confide your feelings and worry to some level-headed person who is likely to understand and care.”
Pic 04: Enjoy solitude

Setting aside some time for yourself can do wonders—even if it is just a few minutes in the early morning so you can enjoy a cup of tea, read, pray, or enjoy solitude of peace.


Pics 05 & 06: Stretch the stress out. Side effect - a great body, guys!

Moderate exercise and a healthful diet are also helpful. A book on parenting reminds us: “When you spend some of your valuable time and energy on yourself, you are, in essence, filling your personal-resource bank. . . . Constantly giving means that youve got to be sure there’s something going back in as well, or you’ll risk becoming emotionally short-changed, if not actually bankrupt.”

In addition, the Bible helps one to develop qualities needed to cope with stress, such as “mildness of temper,” patience, and kindness. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Timothy 6:11)

My thoughts:
The encouraging thing about the article is that all of us face stress but we can cope. The motivation of this article is because I care. Do try them and my sincerest wish you will come out stronger.


RELATED LINKS (PLEASE re-visit them):
http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/09/bill-gates-bad-role-model.html
http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/08/life-as-student.html

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