Everyday Actuary

AMC Summer & Fall Slide Show

2010-12-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

SOA Preliminary Exam Study Guides

2008-11-06T15:28:00.001-08:00

I have found that this company cuts out the bull, and makes studying for these crazy exams as straightforward as (possibly) can be. Here is the link: http://www.bpptraining.com/ . For each topic within an exam, you get a high level introductory online lecture, course notes that summarize everything on the syllabus, end of chapter textbook questions that are intentionally easy, an online multiple choice test with intermediate level questions, then a binder of old exam questions along with new exam style questions. The point is to start easy, then work your way up to exam style questions. They also provide a practice test that will be as close to mimicking a real exam as you can get. This is the deluxe study package, you can easily omit the lectures and online MC test (and additional flashcards) by purchasing the standard study package. I’ve compared this to ACTEX and other study programs, and I find this is by far the most helpful.

Author: Matt
Posted: Jacklyn

Review: Ronzoni Bistro

2008-10-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

While I was at Fry's this week I noticed that Ronzoni Bistro Meals were on sale and I had a coupon :) So I figured I would give them a try. The bags are 8 oz and only 210 calories. They would make a good lunch for the days that I was too lazy to prepare a lunch (or so I thought). So today I tried my 1st one (Penne with Chicken and Broccoli) and I have to say I'm highly disappointed. I know that they were going to have to put a lot of preservative in that bag to make it safe but it's really not tasty. Eatable? Yes.

Overall I give this product a 1/5 due to the fact that it was easy to prepare. I will be eating the other 3 pouches that I bought because it is eatable, but I will definitely never buy this product again.

As a note there is a red sauce meal as well that I will not be trying but it may be better.

~Jacklyn

Actuarial Tables

2008-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Most people gives us blank stares when we tell them we're actuaries. So we tell them we're in risk management, or that we make pretty charts. Now we can tell them something new. We predict the death of childhood heros. :)

Actuarial

~Jacklyn

Goodbye Christine :(

2008-10-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

After 4 years, Christine is leaving AMC. Here is the slideshow that was played at her going-away party.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Kim's last day

2008-08-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Better late than never...

The Amazing Appearance of the Jean Monster!!

2008-08-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

So here we are just minding our own business working away when the light clicks on. "Oh Matt is here" we all think. But then !Bam! It's not Matt!! It's Matt being eaten alive by the Jean Monster!!! After we got over the initial scare of this new creature we found it to be relaxed and nice. We hope to see you someday again Jean Monster!

A scared observer quickly snapped this phone photo to preserve the appearance of this rare being!

Welcome Lydia!

2008-08-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Highlights from the Welcome Lydia Fest!

AMC Tie Dye Day Awards!

2008-08-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the awards ceremony.

How Alison learned to love the Blog!

2008-07-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

It was Wednesday, warma and drya. Alison had tears streaming down her face. Her joy was almost uncontainable (well, actually, since she was crying, "almost" isn't really correct).....Her joy was overwhelming. What was the cause of this sheer bliss that she was experiencing?

Alison had just been introduced to Mr. Gnome, SpiderTom, and Jacklyn's poetry. The Blog had literally brought her to tears. Alison is going to love working here! I believe I even heard her whisper, "AMC Rocks!"

That is all. Welcome to the blog Alison!

After witnessing this heavenly occurence, Lydia told the press, "It was beautiful! Like a sunset in the tropics"

Totally Groovy Tie-Dye Day!

2008-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

What happens when you mix a bunch of actuaries and cool t-shirts?

Program Mangement Meeting

2008-06-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

I brought my camera in hopes of documenting our entire trip for the blog. However, amidst the hustle-bustle of everything, I only took a few photos. Here's what I've got.

I also have this little shout-out to Ashleigh...

Presenting Privacy Glass

2008-06-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Dancin Fools - a blast from the past!

2008-06-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Jacklyn and Stephen's 8 month and 1 day anniversary, I thought I'd share some of the fine videography from their wedding. Enjoy!

While Karen was at PMM...

2008-06-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

We had leftover window film and an empty window... really, what choice did we have?

(Due to our efforts to not disturb the other employees, this clip is a bit on the quiet side.)

Gnome Nonsense

2008-06-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

The gnome has struck again, this time managing to wedge himself between the pages of Dan's notes. How did he do it? Unbeknownst to the gnome, he was caught in the act and the answer to this question is surprisingly simple. He just made use a typical office photocopier.

Some might be inclined to reduce his actions to a typical office prank, the antics of a mischievous gnome. We at this blog, however, feel it can be better described as the embodiment of a new standard of sneakiness.

Reporting live for EverydayActuary.blogspot.com this is Kim Shill signing off.

Follow-up to the above article:
Seeing as the gnome is a statue and does not have the ability to walk, he enlisted a little help from Ashleigh and I in getting over to Dan's cubicle on Tuesday afternoon. We waited anxiously to hear Dan's surprised reaction upon finding the gnome, but we heard nothing of the sort. In fact, as of this morning, we were wondering if Dan had even found the gnome yet. "Honestly, had Dan not looked through all his notes yet" we wondered. Then, in the exact moment we were pondering the question, Ashleigh happened to look over and see this...

Touche' Dan!

Jon's Birthday Celebration

2008-06-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jon!

A good time was had by all at the latest AMC Phoenix Birthday Bash. We had the now traditional ice cream cake and good conversation. It also gave us a chance to reflect on Jon's contribution to our office. We're all glad you're here Jon!

Jacklyn's Graduation Surprise!

2008-05-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our office wanted to let Jacklyn know that we are happy for her accomplishment. Here's how...

2 min

David Feinberg is my Hero...

2008-05-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

I love poetry and I love math how much better can this get :)
~Jacklyn

“The Square Root of Three”
by David Feinberg

I’m sure that I will always be
A lonely number like root three

The three is all that’s good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight
Beneath the vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine

For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic

I know I’ll never see the sun, as 1.7321
Such is my reality, a sad irrationality

When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three

As quietly co-waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer

We break free from our mortal bonds
With the wave of magic wands

Our square root signs become unglued
Your love for me has been renewed

Where's Jacklyn?!

2008-05-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Office calendar and set up before the official release

Where's Jacklyn: The Making Of

Blooper Reel

2008-05-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

During a phone call at approximately 3:00 this afternoon, Tom Garrity put his feet on his desk, leaned back in his chair, and glanced nonchalantly at the ceiling above. To his surprise, something in the ceiling started back at him. The AMC gnome had been spying on Tom since 12:15 pm the previous day. After 26 hours and 45 minutes, he was finally caught in the act of Peeping on Tom.

After the gnome's original hiding, fellow employees caught on fast and began betting how long it would take for Tom to actually notice our sneaky little friend. Karen Kiowski, a coworker and long-time friend of Tom, won the bet.

When asked how she did it, Karen responded,
"I've known Tom for a really long time so I am well aware of his observation skills. He may not be the most observant kid on the block, but I knew that he woud catch a glimpse of Mr. Gnome while chatting away on a phone call."

Pictured below: Karen accepting her bag of Cheetos for guessing most closely, without exceeding, the time it would take Tom to find the Gnome.

Gnome Home

2008-04-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our Gnome has found a new home in Tom's office. The question is, when will Tom find him? Guesses have been made and there is a bag of Cheetos at stake. I have unfortunately already lost. I grossly underestimated Tom's focusing skills.

Here are the guesses:

Ashleigh: 10 minutes
Dan: When someone tells him
Jacklyn: One week, May 7th
Jon: End of today, April 30th
Amberly: Has yet to place her guess
Karen: Friday by noon, May 2nd
Kim: Next Tuesday morning, May 6th
Matt: Has no guess, he is however enjoying the contest
Paul: Noon tomorrow, then, after seeing the location, took it back and guessed 1:00 pm today. Wrong Paul, like me you were so wrong.

-Ashleigh

What's up with "What's up?"

2008-04-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today in passing, I asked Matt "What's up?"
"I don't know," he replied with a straight face.

This started a conversation about the origions of the phrase "What's up" and it's meaning. I didn't find anyone claming to know exactly where the phrase started, but many attribute the popularity to Bugs Bunny. Here are some fun facts for you.

'Eh, What's up Doc?' joins 'That's All Folks!' as the best-known lines from Tex Avery's Looney Tunes cartoon series. It was delivered by Bugs Bunny, while nonchalantly chewing on a carrot, in most of the cartoons in which the character appeared, beginning with A Wild Hare, 1940. This was the first Bugs Bunny cartoon, although Bugs wasn't named until the second cartoon - Elmer's Pet Rabbit ('Happy Rabbit', a prototype Bugs Bunny with a somewhat different personality had appeared earlier).
Avery explained how the line became established in the numerous cartoon confrontations between Bugs Bunny and the hapless hunter Elmer Fudd:
"We decided he [Bugs] was going to be a smart-aleck rabbit, but casual about it. That opening line of 'Eh, what's up, Doc?' floored them. They expected the rabbit to scream, or anything but make a casual remark. For here's a guy pointing a gun in his face! It got such a laugh that we said, 'Boy, we'll do that every chance we get.'"
Chuck Jones went on to explain that the demeanor of Bugs when delivering the line was adapted from Clark Gable's performance in It Happened One Night. In that film, Gable's character leans against a fence eating carrots and gives instructions with his mouth full to Claudette Colbert's character. The scene was well-known to audiences at the time who would have been well aware that Bugs was spoofing Clark Gable.
The line has outlived Bugs Bunny and is now commonly used worldwide as a jokey alternative to the straightforward query 'what's up?', i.e. 'what's going on?'.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/406400.html

Happy Birthdays!

2008-04-03T16:52:00.001-07:00

For thoes who want to relive the magic, here's a clip from Karen, Tom, and Amberly's birthday party.

-The Party Planning Committee

The Gnome Strikes Again!

2008-03-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Matthew Troy's cubicle was invaded by a wandering garden gnome Tuesday morning. Gnome intrusions such as this have been known to be a problem in the AMC office area, but due to their non violent nature, the gnomes are usually just encouraged to move on.

True to Matt's character, he was able to remain calm in the face of such an unnerving situation. Witnesses report that his only statement of alarm was "Is there supposed to be a gnome in my file drawer?"

-Ashleigh

Dan's Birthday

2008-03-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to celebrate with Dan at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant for his birthday. His birthday glow must have been evident, because the servers graciously brought Dan cake with a smile and a song. How did they know??

-Ashleigh

2008-03-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is belated, but we will miss Alia! Good Luck Girl!

Healthy Competition

2008-03-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

-Ashleigh

Themed cubes

2008-03-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some cubes to get us thinking....

-Ashleigh

You guys should try this on your next trip north!

2008-02-27T09:25:00.001-08:00

~Jacklyn

One of the Many ways that Kim brings joy into our lives

2008-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a short clip summing up the adventure that Jacklyn and I participated in last Friday to save fair Kim's purse... and other belongings. Hopefully you are able to get past the shakes of my amateur filming skills to see the real joy that Kim provided that day.

-Ashleigh & Jacklyn

Our HERO!!!

2008-02-26T10:20:00.001-08:00

Always learning

2008-02-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

A new word has popped into Jacklyn's vocabulary. Haza. (Ok, maybe it is just new to me.) In the spirit of expanding our vocabulary here at AMC, this is a short tutorial, given by Jacklyn herself, exemplifying the proper use of "Haza."

Who's on vacation next?

2008-02-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Consider your self warned. Haha

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-To-Win-A-Cubical-War-6392599

It could have been worse.

2008-02-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

We've had our fair share of interesting work arrangments the last few months. As our time in make shift desks comes to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to honor those brave men and women around the country who have it way, way worse than we do.
-Ashleigh

"A multibillion-dollar marine-terminals company decided to put its IT contractor inside a 40-foot steel cargo container. He calls it "the hamster cage." To get electricity, he ran a 100-foot extension cord to a power substation. In the winter, a small electric heater provided white noise, but little warmth. When it rained, he had to close himself in. And you think you have trouble getting a wireless signal...."

"When the first floor of his office flooded, management decided that rather than telecommute, everyone would pack into the second floor. Without enough desks to go around, this poor guy pulled out the drawers of a filing cabinet and stuck his monitor on top."

"This cubicle features a single fluorescent light, paperclips as cubicle hooks and overturned boxes as shelf space, while lacking both windows and a working land line. What's worse, these guys don't even get their own cubes."

"We'd assume this cubicle dweller is just a bad photographer, but he assures us the lighting in his office really is this depressing. As is the utter lack of décor. Dude, get a plant."

All pictures and discriptions were found at http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/multimedia/2007/11/gallery_saddest_cubicle?slide=1&slideView=3

Good Idea

2008-01-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

Karen,

So, can I work from home tomorrow?

-- Kim

Darts

2008-01-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Darts seems to be the most popular thing around the office these days. Ashleigh holds the current record, but Jon is closing in with frequent and rigorous training each day. Alia and Jacklyn aren't bad either but I haven't seen Dan or Karen play. We're all hoping that Kim will stop creating dents in the drywall. That is all. Good luck to all who play...

Actuarialize in Style

2008-01-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Every profession has their own trend setters, but none seem so poised, elegant, and stylish as AMC's own Alia Eccles. She brings with her a sense of confidence and glamour that remain unrivaled by any other

Those crazy germans...

2008-01-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a German kids show Schnappi with such a memorable tune (in other words prepare to have this suck in your head, consider yourself warned)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8folCCkYQso&feature=related

The approximate translation:

I am Snappy the Little Crocodile,
I come from Egypt. I live out on the Nile.
At first I was inside an egg,
and then - Schni schnap! - I finally got away.
(Chorus)
I am Snappy the Little Crocodile,
I have sharp teeth. I have a pretty smile!
I'll snap at you - you'd better watch your tail,
I'll snap at me, because I snap so well!
(Chorus)
I am Snappy the Little Crocodile,
When I play I'm snapping all the while,
At the crypt I make the mummies run,
But when I snap I'm only having fun!
(Chorus)
I am Snappy the Little Crocodile,
When I play I try not to go wild,
When my Daddy puts me to bed,
I go to sleep and bite him on the leg.
(Chorus)
fin

~Jacklyn

Mickey and Friends

2008-01-08T16:42:00.001-08:00

I know I promised Mickey but this was as close as I could get :)

The Best thing to see at Disneyland :)

~Jacklyn

But Can They Use Excel?

2007-12-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071218/lf_nm_life/chimps_math_dc;_ylt=A0WTcVN6w2dHojwApRKs0NUE

- Alia

In-Office Christmas Party!!!

2007-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

You should buy one... and bring it to work!

2007-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

If I could buy you a Christmas present, it would be a....

- Alia

Is he here?

2007-12-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

There is an analyst named Dan
He is a quiet and non-moving man
Off would turn his light
Since he’s out of sight
By the sensor he should put a fan

We always wonder if Dan’s here
A lot of time it is not clear
He is a nice guy
We wish he’d say hi
Then we wouldn’t be shocked when he appears

When Dan comes out we do a double take
Are we asleep or are we awake
We’re shocked to see him
But now were not grim
Because of his knowledge we can now partake

~Jacklyn

It's official...

2007-12-07T11:59:00.003-08:00

That's it everyone... Jacklyn has left the "Gott" behind...

Lighten up

2007-12-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd just lighten this picture a bit so we could all get a good look. Nice Tom! I recommend we send this into REI immediately and tell them there is a new outdoor-wear model in town.

By the way, Tom and Karen, I'm so proud of you for trying snowboarding. Just don't forget to bring photos (and videos if possible)
-Kim

Skier Update

2007-12-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

Hi AMC Phx... Just thought I'd check in from snowy Colorado. Today was our 3rd day on the slopes at Steamboat. Tom and I tried snowboarding today for a change of pace since the ski terrain has been somewhat limited due to lack of snow. We were on the bunny hill while the rest of our group was carving the fresh powder that fell today. I will probably still be sore when I see you on Monday. Here's an iPhone pic from earlier in the week, not too bright, but I think Tom is doing some sort of model pose. :)

~Karen

Jon & the Karenettes!

2007-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Karen and Jon, I had no idea that you were this passionate about Christmas. This truely rivals the Rockettes!!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1195132137

--Kim

(PS - he's saying, "I love Christmas, almost as much as I love being an actuary"

The New Actuarial Sport

2007-12-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

We need a team. Seriously.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/pop/articles/1127quidditch1127.html

-Alia

The Meals of Asheigh

2007-12-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

We all enjoyed the dinner Friday but Ashleigh enjoyed it more then any of us. Heres the proof :)

~Jacklyn

Math Camp

2007-11-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

Rated: R

...but this has recieved approval from our blog master. Consider yourself warned. I apologize in advance ... it was just too funny to resist.

Dan, somehow you escaped any head shot pictures. Smart move.

~Karen

Ode to Bathrooms

2007-11-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

There is a bathroom on the second floor
Whose stench of vanilla you smelled through the door
With it we made do
For we had no clue
What lied on the forth floor we would adore

On the fourth floor there was a great bathroom
A room to take away all of our gloom
So nice was no smell
Vanilla farewell
A happy life we could resume

~Jacklyn
Please email me with any suggested for future poems :)

"Let Your Light So Shine"

2007-11-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Jacklyn, Alia, I have found a forum for you to exhibit your Excel Skills.

(Sorry everyone else. You have to be in school.)

Think about it. It'd be like competing in the Olympics, except you wouldn't have to run, or ski, or throw anything. I would come watch. I would be your biggest fan. I would get T-shirts printed with your faces on it and the some cool words, like "Jacklyn Kicks Butt in Excel!" or "Alia's Excel Skills Gon'na Make You Cry!" or something like that. But what ever the words, there would be an exclamation point. That is the proof of my support. Maybe I'd put two!! Think about it.

-Ashleigh

(Your potential #1 fan)

Ode to the Office Supply Model

2007-11-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's true. I was looking through brochures that, at first glance, appear harmless.

But then something made me take a second look. What is that guy doing?

My first thought was that he was repairing the copier, but that look in his eye told me no, this is no repair man. This is an office supply model. An office supply model fighting for his big break. Every day he he gives a performance rarely paralleled in his industry hoping his brochure will find its way to the office manager at GQ. He will see his potential! He will pull him out of this meaningless drudgery into the career he was born to do!

But every office supply model knows these things don't happen over night. And until it does, he is going to continue striking poses that make you wish you'd bought that copier yesterday. I tip my hat to you, model of the monotonous. May your enthusiasm never fade.

-Ashleigh

2007-11-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, Ashleigh has been scrutinizing a number of pamphlets and marketing material to find our office a new copier. Little did she know she would come across this picture in one of the fliers....

Let the countdown begin....

2007-11-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

Jacklyn officially started the Christmas Countdown earlier last week...however, the countdown to Christmas has been usurped by the countdown to her honeymoon

(Clearly an event we all want to be counting down until. The office will be in mayhem while she's gone. We need to be preparing.)

-Kim

Tom aka SpiderTOM!!!

2007-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

There were suspicions flying about the office, but no one knew for sure. Where did Tom go for lunch? Why was he always looking at the top of the building like he wanted to fly off of it? What was the obsession with jumping onto objects of impossible height? If these questions were not enough to build one's intrigue, there was always the occasional glimpse of uncommonly red socks.

I'm not sure how to feel about the discovery. Even with months of seeing the symptoms, it surprises me. I just found out yesterday, but it true. Tom Garrity is SPIDERTOM!

-kim & ashleigh