Google is no longer the secret of the web. Everyone knows about it. The reason is quite obvious. Why ride a horse when you can drive a car? While all those other search engines are busy copying one another, Google has been busy innovating.
I've switched over to Google from HotBot since 1999 and has never looked back. Their speedy and accurate search is the core of its function, but its also just the cover of the book. There is more to discover than merely utilizing their search function. If you haven't try these cool features, you haven't unleashed the power of Google.
Google Basics: Web Images Groups News Froogle LocalNew! more »
You're missing out if you haven't try these basic functions. And obviously you don't know what you're missing if you haven't click on "more »" Go, explorer and discover.
Images - Strictly search for pictures
Groups - Search or browse within newsgroups
News - Displays headlines and time it was posted from various sources.
Froogle - For frugal shoppers. Display prices from various stores.
Advance Search:
This is what separates Google search from the rest. Ever try searching for "SprintPCS cellphones" and then you get a bunch of other results which includes "SprintPCS cellphones batteries, accessories, antenna, etc" Try "Sprint PCS cell phones -batteries -accessories -antenna". Or wonder how many "inches in a meter" or "meter in a mile"? Type that in as is. Want to be amazed? Type in your 10 digits home phone number. What to search for a particular word in a particular website? Try "word site:www.yoursite.com". There is a wealth of things you can do with google. It is only limited by your imagination. Its so powerful that Google is banned from China and some people even use it as a hacking tool. Hmm, wonder how I can gain access to a particular site without a password or ID? =)
Google Mail:
If you don't have one yet? Get one quick while the name you want is still available. Can't go wrong with 2gb of space. It's very quick, has user friendly interface, awesome spam filter and excellent search feature when you need to look for that email you sent someone or someone sent to you. For the geeks who needs to see the header info that not even your Lotus Notes or Yahoo account trust you with, Gmail got it.
Photo Manager:
Going crazy with your digital camera and can't seem to manager your photos? Or you just need a free photo viewer? Can't find that picture you downloaded onto to your computer 2 years ago? Picasa from Google is your answer. It displays, find and sorts all pictures on your computer by date, fix redeyes, sharpen the photo, etc. Needless to say, its fast and its free.
Desktop Search:
Fine, you don't care about searching for photos on your computer, but you need your resume because you haven't update it in years or you're just too lazy to rewrite a new creative resignation letter and wanted to use your old one, but can't find it?
Your Personal Google Page:
Still not convinced Google can replace your personalized Yahoo webpage? Google page is the latest offering from Google. This should be the ultimate kicker for those of you who are still clinging to your MSN or Netscape page. Dump them. Google Page will give you instant weather report, stock quotes, news, word of the day, quote of the day, even sneak peak into your mailbox, whatever, your style.
Google Maps:
That's right. Dump Maquest and Mapblast. Need to know the nearest pizza parlor? Not a problem with Google Maps. Buying a new house or never been to the neighborhood? No problem. Google Maps offer satellite view images. That's how I locate exactly where the tennis courts are in Forest Park. Going crosscountry from Los Angeles to New York? Simply enter "LAX to JFK".
Google SMS:
Okay, fine, Google is king of search, email, blah, blah, blah. How will Google be your savior while you're driving from NYC to Boston to meet up with your internet blind date at her home, but you're lost because you can't find her address which you sworn you stuff it in your pocket. On top of that you're hungry, forgot to buy flowers and just found out that she left you a message saying she wants to catch the opening of Star Wars: Episole X. You tried to returned the call, but no one picks up. Now what?...besides the fact that you're screwed? Oh yeah, forgot to mention that your car is not equipped with a laptop or a GPS so there goes that idea. Well, as you have guessed. Google SMS won't come by your side with flowers, drive you to her house and give you free movie tickets. However, if you text message "help" to GOOGL from your cell phone, you can tap into Google resource and get yourself out of this jam. Here's what you can do.
1. Check the weather for Boston, MA by text messaging "weather Boston, MA" to GOOGL (46645). If there is a blizzard, turn around and go home.
2. If not, send her home phone number or name and city to GOOGL to retrieve her home address and driving direction.
3. With her address handy, you can then send "pizza zipcode" to find the nearest parlor for a quick bite.
4. Why stop there? Get the movie timetable, compare prices of electronic goods or flower, or even get your own stock quote while you're at it.
Who knew? The possibility is endless. So what's Google secret? Majority of their employees are PhD's, so expect more cool stuffs from Google as they are constantly re-innovating the Internet.
Here are some of Google's other features.
Google Web Accelerator
Save time online by loading web pages faster even for broadband.
My Search History
Easily access and manage your Google search history from any computer.
Google Ride Finder
Find a taxi, limousine or shuttle using real time position of vehicles
Google Video
Search recent TV programs online
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Monday, May 02, 2005
Guide to Treading Water ... In a Swimming Pool
Thanks to a blogger named "david", I'll include a treading tutorial. Don't try this on your trip to Hawaii!
Treading will come naturally for some and very difficult for others. Here are 5 basic tips to treading.
1. You must be relaxed and remain calm. Practice only in deep water. At least two feet deeper than you're tall, so that your feet won't touch the floor. Stay about an arm distance from the wall, but not too near. As long as its within reach. I like to practice about 2 arm distance from the wall where I can move freely and I'm within reach with a kick.
2. Take a deep breath and hold. Relax your muscle and remain calm. Stand vertically in the water, motionless, with your arms to your side, straightened you legs and lean your head back as if you're to kiss the ceiling or the sky. At this point, your face will be just above surface level. You can maintain in this position without getting tired for as long as you can hold your breath.
3. As you exhale, your lung will deflate and you'll lose your buoyancy and your head will sink underneath the water surface. Don't panic. Quickly inhale and you will surface again. However, water may have already entered through your nose and caused you to choke. You can invest in a $3 nose clip from Modell's, but remember, you should try to inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose. The trick here is to replenish oxygen in your system without losing buoyancy, so exhale quickly and inhale even quicker. Remember, do this while your limbs are motionless.
4. Now, to stay afloat while you exhale. Bring your arms out onto surface level. Cup your hand and gently in the wave it back and forth in a sideway "8" figure as if you're a kid playing with water in the bathrub or like a music conductor leading the orchestra. Don't fight the water as it takes too much energy. Instead, use it to help you stay afloat. This movement should be enough to keep you up.
5. Try the techniques above first and keep practicing and when you are absolutely sure you can't tread, then apply this technique. Your legs are very powerful, reliable and can greatly assist you in treading if you do it properly. On the same token, it can also quickly drain your energy. There are two ways to use your legs. Some people are comfortable with the bicycle method where you move you legs as if you're pedaling a bicycle. In my opinion, the scissor method is the more efficient way. Open and close you legs in the motion of the scissor. Basically fluttering them as if you're doing the free style vertically. Regardless of your preferred method, the key is to be relax, conserve your energy so that you're not fighting the water and keep them moving in a steady rhythm.
Just so I won't get sued, please do not try this without supervision.
Treading will come naturally for some and very difficult for others. Here are 5 basic tips to treading.
1. You must be relaxed and remain calm. Practice only in deep water. At least two feet deeper than you're tall, so that your feet won't touch the floor. Stay about an arm distance from the wall, but not too near. As long as its within reach. I like to practice about 2 arm distance from the wall where I can move freely and I'm within reach with a kick.
2. Take a deep breath and hold. Relax your muscle and remain calm. Stand vertically in the water, motionless, with your arms to your side, straightened you legs and lean your head back as if you're to kiss the ceiling or the sky. At this point, your face will be just above surface level. You can maintain in this position without getting tired for as long as you can hold your breath.
3. As you exhale, your lung will deflate and you'll lose your buoyancy and your head will sink underneath the water surface. Don't panic. Quickly inhale and you will surface again. However, water may have already entered through your nose and caused you to choke. You can invest in a $3 nose clip from Modell's, but remember, you should try to inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose. The trick here is to replenish oxygen in your system without losing buoyancy, so exhale quickly and inhale even quicker. Remember, do this while your limbs are motionless.
4. Now, to stay afloat while you exhale. Bring your arms out onto surface level. Cup your hand and gently in the wave it back and forth in a sideway "8" figure as if you're a kid playing with water in the bathrub or like a music conductor leading the orchestra. Don't fight the water as it takes too much energy. Instead, use it to help you stay afloat. This movement should be enough to keep you up.
5. Try the techniques above first and keep practicing and when you are absolutely sure you can't tread, then apply this technique. Your legs are very powerful, reliable and can greatly assist you in treading if you do it properly. On the same token, it can also quickly drain your energy. There are two ways to use your legs. Some people are comfortable with the bicycle method where you move you legs as if you're pedaling a bicycle. In my opinion, the scissor method is the more efficient way. Open and close you legs in the motion of the scissor. Basically fluttering them as if you're doing the free style vertically. Regardless of your preferred method, the key is to be relax, conserve your energy so that you're not fighting the water and keep them moving in a steady rhythm.
Just so I won't get sued, please do not try this without supervision.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Swimming Techniques: Freestyle
Every summer since elementary school, I try to swim whenever possible. The only place I can afford to go is the NYC Parks and Recreation public pools. From the Hamilton Fish pool on E.Houston to Carmine pool in the village and the Astoria pool to the Staten Island pool, I swam them all despite the nasty hairs and bandages floating in them. Thanks to those underwater camera angles during the Olympic swimming events, I somehow manage to teach myself how to swim in those murky and mysterious water. Now, I only swim in hotel pools.
This week however was Splash Week at the YMCA on 14th street. They teach anyone who wants to learn how to swim for free. I wanted to swim, but wasn't entirely excited about going when the week came, but I'm so glad I went. Although I knew how to "swim", my techniques were all wrong. Ever wonder how those swimmers make swimming looks so easy? Or why no matter how fast or hard you stroke you're still slower than the person walking in the pool? Here are the 7 basic, but highly critical techniques to become an effective swimmer I learn this week. Needless to say, its not really the number of strokes, but the techniques that counts.
1. Reach. While you extend your arm in front of your head right before you pull the water, make sure you EXTEND your arm and straight your elbow to obtain the full stretch. At that point, make sure you extend another 6 inches from your shoulder and reach further and reach for something. This will maximize each and every of your stroke.
2. Glide. While reach for that few extra inches, you're actually gliding in the water. This will help you move through the water and take advantage of your stroke without causing friction and negate your stroke. At the same time, you also take not wasting energy. This position is short lived, but effective. While gliding, the shoulder that is doing the reach should almost be pointing down at the bottom of the pool and the other shoulder almost be pointing towards the ceiling.
3. Pull. The pull is the most important part of the stroke. It is done with your palm, not arm. Its what you depend on to cover the maximum distance while pulling your body through the water. To maximize the pull, you need to pull the full distance from the reach position to the side of your thigh. Do not bring your arm back up when it only reach your waist. Instead, pull in a curve, not in a straight line. Pull from the reach position to near your belly button and back out towards your thigh. Using both hands, this will create a shape of an hourglass. Your hand should not be way underneath the water, but as close to your body as possible. Your arm and elbow should be above water.
4. Kick. Do NOT bend your knees. You legs should be fluttering while pointing your toe pointing behind you. Don't stiffen your knees or ankles either. You will notice your hip is actually doing the kicking. Your legs should be moving like a scissor and your body rotate side to side. Although kick is only 10% of swimming, it is critical for breathing and cause you a split second win. It is needed for the starting kick off and finish.
5. Head and Shoulders. Your head dictates the direction of your body. Don't let it be a dead weight by looking down at the bottom of the pool. You should not be looking straight ahead either. These position will cause too much friction. For maximum result, your head should be in the 45 degree angle where half way forward and half way down. Your headline should be skimming the surface of the water and forehead below the water. Your arms and legs should be shoulder length apart while kicking and stroking. This will prevent you body to drift from side to side.
6. Breathing. While reaching with your right hand and your right shoulder almost pointing to the bottom of the pool, face to the left side 90 degree. No more. One of your eye will be above water and one below. Inhale through your mouth only. Exhale through your nose underwater. This will prevent water from going up your nose. It is okay to breath on both side, bilaterally. There is no disadvantages oppose to someone who only breath on one side. The natural time to inhale is right when your hand is out of the water and over your head. Do not lift ur head out of the water to breath. your mouth should only be skimming the surface of the water. If you're like me where my upper body starts to sink during the reach and lifting of the hand, concentrate on the kick. Kick harder as that will push your body and make up for the "missing" pull.
7. Start and Finish. When kicking off the wall, you need to streamline by using your arms to create a slim "A" behind your head with palm to the back of the other. Power flutter through, but under the water, not skimming the surface. Avoid white splashing. This will consume a lot of energy so take a huge deep breath. When you're about to slow down, start to surface and begin the pull. For the finish, instead of taking the last half or 3/4 stroke, glide or streamline to the finish with a big kick and deep reach. The indicator is perpendicular marker under each lane.
Now go out and practice. It is not easy doing them all simultaneously, so remember to use the kick board and the noodle.
This week however was Splash Week at the YMCA on 14th street. They teach anyone who wants to learn how to swim for free. I wanted to swim, but wasn't entirely excited about going when the week came, but I'm so glad I went. Although I knew how to "swim", my techniques were all wrong. Ever wonder how those swimmers make swimming looks so easy? Or why no matter how fast or hard you stroke you're still slower than the person walking in the pool? Here are the 7 basic, but highly critical techniques to become an effective swimmer I learn this week. Needless to say, its not really the number of strokes, but the techniques that counts.
1. Reach. While you extend your arm in front of your head right before you pull the water, make sure you EXTEND your arm and straight your elbow to obtain the full stretch. At that point, make sure you extend another 6 inches from your shoulder and reach further and reach for something. This will maximize each and every of your stroke.
2. Glide. While reach for that few extra inches, you're actually gliding in the water. This will help you move through the water and take advantage of your stroke without causing friction and negate your stroke. At the same time, you also take not wasting energy. This position is short lived, but effective. While gliding, the shoulder that is doing the reach should almost be pointing down at the bottom of the pool and the other shoulder almost be pointing towards the ceiling.
3. Pull. The pull is the most important part of the stroke. It is done with your palm, not arm. Its what you depend on to cover the maximum distance while pulling your body through the water. To maximize the pull, you need to pull the full distance from the reach position to the side of your thigh. Do not bring your arm back up when it only reach your waist. Instead, pull in a curve, not in a straight line. Pull from the reach position to near your belly button and back out towards your thigh. Using both hands, this will create a shape of an hourglass. Your hand should not be way underneath the water, but as close to your body as possible. Your arm and elbow should be above water.
4. Kick. Do NOT bend your knees. You legs should be fluttering while pointing your toe pointing behind you. Don't stiffen your knees or ankles either. You will notice your hip is actually doing the kicking. Your legs should be moving like a scissor and your body rotate side to side. Although kick is only 10% of swimming, it is critical for breathing and cause you a split second win. It is needed for the starting kick off and finish.
5. Head and Shoulders. Your head dictates the direction of your body. Don't let it be a dead weight by looking down at the bottom of the pool. You should not be looking straight ahead either. These position will cause too much friction. For maximum result, your head should be in the 45 degree angle where half way forward and half way down. Your headline should be skimming the surface of the water and forehead below the water. Your arms and legs should be shoulder length apart while kicking and stroking. This will prevent you body to drift from side to side.
6. Breathing. While reaching with your right hand and your right shoulder almost pointing to the bottom of the pool, face to the left side 90 degree. No more. One of your eye will be above water and one below. Inhale through your mouth only. Exhale through your nose underwater. This will prevent water from going up your nose. It is okay to breath on both side, bilaterally. There is no disadvantages oppose to someone who only breath on one side. The natural time to inhale is right when your hand is out of the water and over your head. Do not lift ur head out of the water to breath. your mouth should only be skimming the surface of the water. If you're like me where my upper body starts to sink during the reach and lifting of the hand, concentrate on the kick. Kick harder as that will push your body and make up for the "missing" pull.
7. Start and Finish. When kicking off the wall, you need to streamline by using your arms to create a slim "A" behind your head with palm to the back of the other. Power flutter through, but under the water, not skimming the surface. Avoid white splashing. This will consume a lot of energy so take a huge deep breath. When you're about to slow down, start to surface and begin the pull. For the finish, instead of taking the last half or 3/4 stroke, glide or streamline to the finish with a big kick and deep reach. The indicator is perpendicular marker under each lane.
Now go out and practice. It is not easy doing them all simultaneously, so remember to use the kick board and the noodle.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
The Perfect Poker Player
To become the perfect poker player, you would have to able to fool yourself. Understanding this will excelerate your learning process and enable you to become a better poker player faster. Obviously nothing beats experience which will take time. You will not find tips and tricks of becoming one here as there are plenty of online sites out there. Instead, I will focus on the essential and fundamentals.
Poker is a psychological sport. Your ability to learn and more importantly your ability to break old habits will determine your progression, not your physique. The key is knowing when to hold'em and when to fold'em. Since luck is a factor, don't expect to win more hands than the person next to you. Believe it or not, everyone on the table has the same amount of luck. No one has more luck than the other in the long haul. There are bad beats and unfortunately the only thing you can do is avoid them which is only possible if you fold. What separates the professional and the amateurs is the size of the pot they win or lose, not as much so as the amount of hands.
What's interesting about poker is that it is not the hand that win it for you, but how you play them. Let me repeat. It is not what you have, but what you make your opponent thinks you have that counts. To do this, pick a face, any face and stick with that face. Just like bowling, it will not be easy to duplicate that same exact speed, angle, momentum and spin on the ball all the time to get you that strike. Maintain the same expression, your cool and don't give away any hints.
Now to find that perfect poker player in you, you need to know that there are about four different type of players. The CallingStation is someone who plays a lot more than than he should. He tends to stay in a lot of games and takes a lot of chances including mediocre hands. The Rock is a very tight player who only plays very good hand and fold the bad ones. He will win, but won't be enough. Then there is the Maniac who is too agressive. He'll raise alot to knock out mediocre hands with his scare tactics. He'll win often, but when he lose, he'll lose big. Last is the player you want to achieve by avoid those previous 3 players. This is where pros are at. The perfect player can't be described. He is unpredictable. He know what to do in all situations. He knows what not to do by calculating the pots odds. He'll combine the techniques of the other 3 players along with the fundamental of poker described above. He'll rely on the good hands at the same time play mediocre ones if its cheap enough. He's not invincible, but over time, he'll maximize his winnings and minimize his losses.
When trying to become the perfect player, keep these following tips in mind and you'll be the perfect player before you know it.
1. Bet only when the odd is good.
2. Winning small is better than losing or each dollar you did not lose is the same as winning it.
3. Know your weakness and correct it asap.
4. Know you opponent and capitalize on their weaknesses.
Mastering these techniques won't be easy, so practice them, play the game, and have fun.
Poker is a psychological sport. Your ability to learn and more importantly your ability to break old habits will determine your progression, not your physique. The key is knowing when to hold'em and when to fold'em. Since luck is a factor, don't expect to win more hands than the person next to you. Believe it or not, everyone on the table has the same amount of luck. No one has more luck than the other in the long haul. There are bad beats and unfortunately the only thing you can do is avoid them which is only possible if you fold. What separates the professional and the amateurs is the size of the pot they win or lose, not as much so as the amount of hands.
What's interesting about poker is that it is not the hand that win it for you, but how you play them. Let me repeat. It is not what you have, but what you make your opponent thinks you have that counts. To do this, pick a face, any face and stick with that face. Just like bowling, it will not be easy to duplicate that same exact speed, angle, momentum and spin on the ball all the time to get you that strike. Maintain the same expression, your cool and don't give away any hints.
Now to find that perfect poker player in you, you need to know that there are about four different type of players. The CallingStation is someone who plays a lot more than than he should. He tends to stay in a lot of games and takes a lot of chances including mediocre hands. The Rock is a very tight player who only plays very good hand and fold the bad ones. He will win, but won't be enough. Then there is the Maniac who is too agressive. He'll raise alot to knock out mediocre hands with his scare tactics. He'll win often, but when he lose, he'll lose big. Last is the player you want to achieve by avoid those previous 3 players. This is where pros are at. The perfect player can't be described. He is unpredictable. He know what to do in all situations. He knows what not to do by calculating the pots odds. He'll combine the techniques of the other 3 players along with the fundamental of poker described above. He'll rely on the good hands at the same time play mediocre ones if its cheap enough. He's not invincible, but over time, he'll maximize his winnings and minimize his losses.
When trying to become the perfect player, keep these following tips in mind and you'll be the perfect player before you know it.
1. Bet only when the odd is good.
2. Winning small is better than losing or each dollar you did not lose is the same as winning it.
3. Know your weakness and correct it asap.
4. Know you opponent and capitalize on their weaknesses.
Mastering these techniques won't be easy, so practice them, play the game, and have fun.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Backgammon: A Game of Chance
I was introduced to backgammon about 2 years ago during the dismantling of the entire Verizon Network Integration outsourcing team at JPMorgan. Clueless to the rules of backgammon, a few of us were quickly drawn into the simplicity of the game. Unlike Chess, your luck is tested instead of your wits. For those of you who are not familiar with Backgammon, an example of the anology would be chess is to Jeopardy as backgammon is to Wheel of Fortune. It is easy to learn, play and a game to enjoy without burning your brain cells. Similar to Sorry.
Some believe there is some sort of mastery skill level involved, but I can't agree totally, therefore I must still be an amateur. In a game of chance, you'll bound to lose no matter how good you are and vice versa. To determine how much of it is luck and how much of it is skill, I decided to learn and play the game. After a handful of games with my former colleagues, that simply wasn't enough. I needed to play more games and keep a good record of it. One hundred games later, I still wasn't satified. I went on and not only finished 200 games or 400 games. I racked up over one thousand on my Palm Vx. 1203 games to be exact. And here are my results against a computer. For more info and rules of backgammon, please visit http://www.bkgm.com.
58% - chance of beating a computer
8 - number of games winning streak
1% - chance of seeing a backgammon,
.0001% chance of getting a stealthmate.
My unofficial ranking is as follow:
<40%>40% Amateur
>50% Challenger
>60% Experienced
>70% Expert
>80% Master
>90% Grandmaster
>99% Wizard
>99.9 GrandWizard
100% YAFOS aka BFL
During this stretch, I went from being a novice player to a formidable opponent. In the beginning, I racked up many lost and declined many doubling to maintain a lower score. This explains why my winning percentage is only at 58% when I should be in the experienced level. It is only after breaching that 1000th game I realized how an expert thinks. Needless to say, I couldn't hang onto that mentality for long. Even during that 8 games winning streak, which I tasted the mastery level, I was very fortunate. However, I'm far from the master or grandmaster level, if there is such a thing.
Backgamming a computer is a lot harder than being backgammoned by a computer. As a human being, I often held my checkers back to a last minute attempt to hit the computer. When this strategy fails, I risked being backgammoned. Because the computer doesn't have any pride, it is programmed to escape a backgammoned at all cost. Of all the 6 times I backgammoned the computer, I felt exhilarated as if I've accomplished what is considered to be impossible. Luck or skill along can't make it happened.
Most people have never seen a stalemate in backgammoned. Some even explained that is legally impossible. However, I was one step too late in hitting the computer and closing out the board while he formed a 6-prime on his home base. Since my original two checkers were blocked by his 6-prime, my only chance was to close him out. Right after hitting him, I needed a 1-2 to get a closeout and his only chance was to roll a 2-6. Load and behold, the computer got a 2-6 to escape and I immediately rolled a 1-2 to form my own prime at home.
That was probably the highlight of my 1200+ games. Here's the rest of the statistics:
1203 Total Games Completed
Me vs Computer
1478 1103 Total Points
1158 0928 Singles
0151 0080 Gammons
0006 0005 Backgammons
0502 0700 Losses
*Big Fat Liar
Some believe there is some sort of mastery skill level involved, but I can't agree totally, therefore I must still be an amateur. In a game of chance, you'll bound to lose no matter how good you are and vice versa. To determine how much of it is luck and how much of it is skill, I decided to learn and play the game. After a handful of games with my former colleagues, that simply wasn't enough. I needed to play more games and keep a good record of it. One hundred games later, I still wasn't satified. I went on and not only finished 200 games or 400 games. I racked up over one thousand on my Palm Vx. 1203 games to be exact. And here are my results against a computer. For more info and rules of backgammon, please visit http://www.bkgm.com.
58% - chance of beating a computer
8 - number of games winning streak
1% - chance of seeing a backgammon,
.0001% chance of getting a stealthmate.
My unofficial ranking is as follow:
<40%>40% Amateur
>50% Challenger
>60% Experienced
>70% Expert
>80% Master
>90% Grandmaster
>99% Wizard
>99.9 GrandWizard
100% YAFOS aka BFL
During this stretch, I went from being a novice player to a formidable opponent. In the beginning, I racked up many lost and declined many doubling to maintain a lower score. This explains why my winning percentage is only at 58% when I should be in the experienced level. It is only after breaching that 1000th game I realized how an expert thinks. Needless to say, I couldn't hang onto that mentality for long. Even during that 8 games winning streak, which I tasted the mastery level, I was very fortunate. However, I'm far from the master or grandmaster level, if there is such a thing.
Backgamming a computer is a lot harder than being backgammoned by a computer. As a human being, I often held my checkers back to a last minute attempt to hit the computer. When this strategy fails, I risked being backgammoned. Because the computer doesn't have any pride, it is programmed to escape a backgammoned at all cost. Of all the 6 times I backgammoned the computer, I felt exhilarated as if I've accomplished what is considered to be impossible. Luck or skill along can't make it happened.
Most people have never seen a stalemate in backgammoned. Some even explained that is legally impossible. However, I was one step too late in hitting the computer and closing out the board while he formed a 6-prime on his home base. Since my original two checkers were blocked by his 6-prime, my only chance was to close him out. Right after hitting him, I needed a 1-2 to get a closeout and his only chance was to roll a 2-6. Load and behold, the computer got a 2-6 to escape and I immediately rolled a 1-2 to form my own prime at home.
That was probably the highlight of my 1200+ games. Here's the rest of the statistics:
1203 Total Games Completed
Me vs Computer
1478 1103 Total Points
1158 0928 Singles
0151 0080 Gammons
0006 0005 Backgammons
0502 0700 Losses
*Big Fat Liar
Monday, April 11, 2005
SprintPCS New For You Upgrade Program
If you're looking for an affordable SprintPCS phone without having to replace your current phone number, goodluck. I have been looking to replace mine for the last 6 months since my Samsung phone died on me. The ones in the SprintPCS store are way overpriced considering most companies are practically giving away free phones. Sure you can get one from Ebay, but surprisingly they're not cheap either. I've been asking all my friends and coworkers, but most of them are not on the Sprint network. I even visit SprintPCS website often looking for new phone and deals, but found nothing. Finally, my sister Lori told me about how Sprint services their existing customers and that there is a rebate program.
If you haven't already have an online account with SprintPCS.com, get one. Its greats. Give you a lot of information on your plan, manual to your current phone, text messaging and phone usage. They're all accessible. If you lost your password, they will instantly send it to your phone. You may need to wait over night to use it though. Here's what I found on the website.
Sprint doesn't give out free phone or give out deep discounts on phone unless you open a new line, which you will cause you to lose your current phone. They are aware of this, so they're offer existing SprintPCS the New For You Upgrade Program which give existing customer up to $150 credits towards a new phone. To be eligible for this rebate every 18 months, you must:
1. Have a $35 plan.
2. Account must be in good standing and have not change your phone in the last 18 months.
Before you decide to change your SprintPCS phone, check to see if you are eligible.
If you are, visit your local SprintPCS store to get a rebate submission forms. You'll need to buy a new phone and they'll send you a rebate. It a bit of a hassle, but at least you don't need to pay the ridiculous full price or settled for a used phone on eBay.
If you haven't already have an online account with SprintPCS.com, get one. Its greats. Give you a lot of information on your plan, manual to your current phone, text messaging and phone usage. They're all accessible. If you lost your password, they will instantly send it to your phone. You may need to wait over night to use it though. Here's what I found on the website.
Sprint doesn't give out free phone or give out deep discounts on phone unless you open a new line, which you will cause you to lose your current phone. They are aware of this, so they're offer existing SprintPCS the New For You Upgrade Program which give existing customer up to $150 credits towards a new phone. To be eligible for this rebate every 18 months, you must:
1. Have a $35 plan.
2. Account must be in good standing and have not change your phone in the last 18 months.
Before you decide to change your SprintPCS phone, check to see if you are eligible.
If you are, visit your local SprintPCS store to get a rebate submission forms. You'll need to buy a new phone and they'll send you a rebate. It a bit of a hassle, but at least you don't need to pay the ridiculous full price or settled for a used phone on eBay.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Brief Diamond Buying Guide For The Techies.
Don't sweat it. Buying a diamond is a lot easier than buying a laptop. You don't need to worry about the service support, the reliability of the product, or where it was made. Your goal, however, is to make her happy, not you. Its not going to be cheap, so some research is required. Do spend more time shopping for it then do you would with a laptop. There is really no turning back. Hopefully.
The three "C's" of a diamond. Which is more important, carat, color, or clarity? That is similar to someone asking you what's more important, the CPU, RAM or HDD? Your answer would be, "they all are." Two of the 3 just won't cut it. Think of carat as the CPU speed, color as the amount of RAM and clarity as your harddrive capacity. There is no point of having a 3.0ghz pentium (2005), 1gb RAM and a 2gb HDD. You can try to convince yourself that spec works just fine for your needs. Well, this "laptop" will be her conversation piece, not serve your need. She'll want to show off this "laptop" to her friends and whether you like it or not, the "laptop" will reflex who you are. Its true, those three components don't define the laptop and its no difference with an engagement ring. There are more to it then the three C's.
The CPU, RAM and HDD will be the main components of your laptop. How is this easier than a laptop? For one thing, you won't need to call up tech support. You don't need to install, configure or troubleshoot any software. She'll be the one to take care of the hardware. The harddrive won't crash, cpu won't overheat and the ram won't die on you. Product reliability is out the window. Who cares if it was made it Japan or Taiwan? Diamonds are all natural. All you need to think about is the right specification or combination that will make her happy without breaking your wallet.
Its the balance of the three that makes it powerful and interesting to her. Once you have decided what you want, shop around and do more shopping. If you still are not sure what to look for in a diamond or which is more of a priority? All you have to do is ask your buddy about his computer. Without a doubt, he'll brag about the speed of his CPU. If he has an awesome RAM, he'll include that and might even add the size of his harddrive. So yes, the carat is all there is to talk about since its the most visible. Color and clarity are minor issue. If you decide to skim on the size, but sure to up the color and clarity. See, its not too bad. At least you don't need to worry about getting an upgrade...or do you?
The three "C's" of a diamond. Which is more important, carat, color, or clarity? That is similar to someone asking you what's more important, the CPU, RAM or HDD? Your answer would be, "they all are." Two of the 3 just won't cut it. Think of carat as the CPU speed, color as the amount of RAM and clarity as your harddrive capacity. There is no point of having a 3.0ghz pentium (2005), 1gb RAM and a 2gb HDD. You can try to convince yourself that spec works just fine for your needs. Well, this "laptop" will be her conversation piece, not serve your need. She'll want to show off this "laptop" to her friends and whether you like it or not, the "laptop" will reflex who you are. Its true, those three components don't define the laptop and its no difference with an engagement ring. There are more to it then the three C's.
The CPU, RAM and HDD will be the main components of your laptop. How is this easier than a laptop? For one thing, you won't need to call up tech support. You don't need to install, configure or troubleshoot any software. She'll be the one to take care of the hardware. The harddrive won't crash, cpu won't overheat and the ram won't die on you. Product reliability is out the window. Who cares if it was made it Japan or Taiwan? Diamonds are all natural. All you need to think about is the right specification or combination that will make her happy without breaking your wallet.
Its the balance of the three that makes it powerful and interesting to her. Once you have decided what you want, shop around and do more shopping. If you still are not sure what to look for in a diamond or which is more of a priority? All you have to do is ask your buddy about his computer. Without a doubt, he'll brag about the speed of his CPU. If he has an awesome RAM, he'll include that and might even add the size of his harddrive. So yes, the carat is all there is to talk about since its the most visible. Color and clarity are minor issue. If you decide to skim on the size, but sure to up the color and clarity. See, its not too bad. At least you don't need to worry about getting an upgrade...or do you?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Is It Too Late To Buy Real Estate?
Who knows? No one really knows. Not even your real estate broker otherwise they will be rich by now. No one can predict the future. Not even The Oracle of Omaha. Without a doubt, he is the most brilliant investor of all time, yet he did not take advantage of the internet boom. What do we know? Well, risk and reward go hand in hand. The bigger the risk, the better the reward. We also know what goes up must comes down just like the stock market. So is it time to buy? Ask you father and he'll say buy now, so you don't have to live with him. Ask you uncle and he'll say "you should've bought it three years ago when I told you to." Ask you friend and they're as confused as you are. Everyone has their own opinion.
Looking into the real estate market. You kick yourself for not buying that apartment you like a few years ago. Now that same apartment is too expensive. But wait, that's what you said back then? The market is not slowing down and you know it. Last year Fortunue magazine said there is a housing bubble and it's going to burst. Fat chance. The real estate market is unstoppable. During the good years of the Clinton's Administration, the RE market steadily climbed. Despite a slumping economy, corporate scandals, highest unemployment rate in decades, war in Iraq and the terrorist attack, the RE market continued to steam roll them all. So what are we waiting for? Is the bubble ready to burst? If so, you could be stuck with a huge mortgage. If not, you could be stuck living with you parents or stuck renting possibly forever.
Ok, so you're young and brave and want to invest in real estate now. Not so fast. Lets considered the interest rate factor. This is Alan Greenspan's weapon of choice. This could be the thing that can slay the beast. Lets analyze how this work. We have seen studio going from $100k to $200k with a few years. Will it double to $400k within the next few years? If you think like the Oracle of Omaha, aka Warren Buffet, you doubt it. The reason he didn't buy into the stock market back then is because the P/E ratio of those stocks where well above 100. There is no justification for such prices. Meanwhile in real estate market, there is some justication for the recent increase, but the end is here if the interest rate goes higher.
The price of a house represents how much a person makes. Well duh. Let me connect some more dots. How much a person makes will determine how much they can afford. Their affordability is what determine their bank loan which in turns allow them to bid. Now lets say when the interest rate was at 8%, a couple can afford to bid 400k for a house since they can afford a $3000 monthly payment. They got the house and a few years later that same couple decided to move and sell their house. The 2nd couple came along and could also afford $3000, saw it and bid $500k. The first couple made out with $100K. However at a 5.5% rate the mortgage payment is only $2838 for the 2nd couple vs $2935 for the 1st couple!! This is the main reason (not the only) why people think real estate is going up. It's really the interest rate that is making the house more affordable. When the 2nd couple decide to sell their house down the road when the rate is back at 8%, they will only break even at 500k if the 3rd couple can afford $3668 a month. If they want to sell at 600K, the 3rd couple will have to be able to afford $4400!! Here you can say someone rich will come along and buy it. Well, all the rich people will have to buy up the entire neighborhood because when the appraiser/bank comes by to appraise the house, he'll say this house doesn't worth 600K. It'll worth as much as the other 100 neighboring houses. So unless everyone's income jump drastically, which is possible if there is another internet boom which is unlikely, most couples income will remain the same at $3000. At an 8% interest rate, they can only afford to bid $400k for the same exact place.
That is how RE works. As we all know, everything that goes up, must comes down. People's income will increase overtime, but ultimately the RE market is dependent on the people's income and combine with interest rate will determine their affordability. Essentially the RE market can only go up as fast as the raises their company gives them. So how was the jump from a $100k studio to $200k studio possible? Since the price is relatively low compare to a house, I can assure that the buyer at 100k income to debt ratio is higher than the one who purchased it at 200k. During the internet boom, the economy was good, a lot of people were making a lot of money through their job, business, stock market and were able to raise the RE market. Most people no longer have money in the market now, i.e. NASDAQ went from 5000 to 2000, and those savings were probably used to fund the real estate market. However, as reported by various sources, many home buyer's are stretching their income thin. Many people income to debt ratio is about 3:1. So the the same house that the sample couples bought which jumped $100k, the 2nd couple actually pay less per month then the first couple. In that example the real estate for that house didn't actually go up in value. It is the interest rate that allow the 2nd couple to afford a bigger loan, but have the same mortgage payment as the first couple.
So it is too late to buy real estate? It's never too late to buy since owning is still alot better than renting or living with your parents. Is it too late to invest in real estate hoping to get the same kind of gain you're used to seeing? If the interest rate moves upward, yes. The fed has cut interested numerous times these last few years and they're ready to increase it as the economy is picking back up.
Looking into the real estate market. You kick yourself for not buying that apartment you like a few years ago. Now that same apartment is too expensive. But wait, that's what you said back then? The market is not slowing down and you know it. Last year Fortunue magazine said there is a housing bubble and it's going to burst. Fat chance. The real estate market is unstoppable. During the good years of the Clinton's Administration, the RE market steadily climbed. Despite a slumping economy, corporate scandals, highest unemployment rate in decades, war in Iraq and the terrorist attack, the RE market continued to steam roll them all. So what are we waiting for? Is the bubble ready to burst? If so, you could be stuck with a huge mortgage. If not, you could be stuck living with you parents or stuck renting possibly forever.
Ok, so you're young and brave and want to invest in real estate now. Not so fast. Lets considered the interest rate factor. This is Alan Greenspan's weapon of choice. This could be the thing that can slay the beast. Lets analyze how this work. We have seen studio going from $100k to $200k with a few years. Will it double to $400k within the next few years? If you think like the Oracle of Omaha, aka Warren Buffet, you doubt it. The reason he didn't buy into the stock market back then is because the P/E ratio of those stocks where well above 100. There is no justification for such prices. Meanwhile in real estate market, there is some justication for the recent increase, but the end is here if the interest rate goes higher.
The price of a house represents how much a person makes. Well duh. Let me connect some more dots. How much a person makes will determine how much they can afford. Their affordability is what determine their bank loan which in turns allow them to bid. Now lets say when the interest rate was at 8%, a couple can afford to bid 400k for a house since they can afford a $3000 monthly payment. They got the house and a few years later that same couple decided to move and sell their house. The 2nd couple came along and could also afford $3000, saw it and bid $500k. The first couple made out with $100K. However at a 5.5% rate the mortgage payment is only $2838 for the 2nd couple vs $2935 for the 1st couple!! This is the main reason (not the only) why people think real estate is going up. It's really the interest rate that is making the house more affordable. When the 2nd couple decide to sell their house down the road when the rate is back at 8%, they will only break even at 500k if the 3rd couple can afford $3668 a month. If they want to sell at 600K, the 3rd couple will have to be able to afford $4400!! Here you can say someone rich will come along and buy it. Well, all the rich people will have to buy up the entire neighborhood because when the appraiser/bank comes by to appraise the house, he'll say this house doesn't worth 600K. It'll worth as much as the other 100 neighboring houses. So unless everyone's income jump drastically, which is possible if there is another internet boom which is unlikely, most couples income will remain the same at $3000. At an 8% interest rate, they can only afford to bid $400k for the same exact place.
That is how RE works. As we all know, everything that goes up, must comes down. People's income will increase overtime, but ultimately the RE market is dependent on the people's income and combine with interest rate will determine their affordability. Essentially the RE market can only go up as fast as the raises their company gives them. So how was the jump from a $100k studio to $200k studio possible? Since the price is relatively low compare to a house, I can assure that the buyer at 100k income to debt ratio is higher than the one who purchased it at 200k. During the internet boom, the economy was good, a lot of people were making a lot of money through their job, business, stock market and were able to raise the RE market. Most people no longer have money in the market now, i.e. NASDAQ went from 5000 to 2000, and those savings were probably used to fund the real estate market. However, as reported by various sources, many home buyer's are stretching their income thin. Many people income to debt ratio is about 3:1. So the the same house that the sample couples bought which jumped $100k, the 2nd couple actually pay less per month then the first couple. In that example the real estate for that house didn't actually go up in value. It is the interest rate that allow the 2nd couple to afford a bigger loan, but have the same mortgage payment as the first couple.
So it is too late to buy real estate? It's never too late to buy since owning is still alot better than renting or living with your parents. Is it too late to invest in real estate hoping to get the same kind of gain you're used to seeing? If the interest rate moves upward, yes. The fed has cut interested numerous times these last few years and they're ready to increase it as the economy is picking back up.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Fantasy Sports
Man, what a game by Paul Pierce. This guy is amazing ever since Antoine Walker re-joined the Celtics. He's averaging 25 points a game, shooting a whopping 48% from the field, 92% from the line, 8 boards, 1.8 treys, 6 dimes and 2.2 steals a game.
For those who doesn't know sports or in this specific case, basketball, those are actually very impressive numbers. However, a more important question is who really cares? Until recently, about 5 months ago when the NBA 2004-2005 season started, I didn't care either. Don't get me wrong, I'm a die hard New York Knicks fan since the early 1990's during Patrick Ewing's hopeless years with the Knicks. I love basketball. I play basketball weekly trying to get into shape and enjoy watching the New Jersey Nets. So why am I praising a New York rival Paul Pierce from Boston Celtics?
Before I answer the first question, have you ever heard school kids or you fanatic colleagues spitting out obsecure and ever changing stats of a NBA superstars? "Allen Iverson really deserved that All-Stars NBA MVP because he unselfishly dished out 12 assists." Lets be realistic here. How does knowing that useless stats going to help you in your school work or your career? Those numbers are not easily memorized since it changes every night. Why do people even bother memorizing them? Will it ever help you oust Ken Jennings? So why waste your precious time gathering and learning these numbers? These were my exact questions and I was clueless until recently. Its Fantasy Sports.
Towards the end of October 2004, a friend, knowing that I enjoy every aspect of basketball, asked if I'm interested in joining his Fantasy NBA league. It'll cost me $20 to join and the top 3 winners get $130, $80 and $30 respectively. It wasn't the $20 that I'm concern with, but the amount time I will be wasting. He assured me that I won't waste more than an hour a week if I don't want to. Sure enough, he was right. I could've just spent 21 hours to manage my team for the 21 weeks long season, excluding the playoff, since my team is guaranteed not to make the playoffs had I only spent an hour a week. Before the season even started, I already found myself immersed into the fantasy part of this game by spending hours sorting out my draft picks lineup. Before I knew it, I was addicted, spending at least 2 hours a day managing my team, learning the names of the players from other teams, their positions and who's injured and who's in the starting lineup. This was time consuming since I only knew the Knicks and a few guys from the Jersey's Nets and superstars like Shaq, Yao, Kobe, KG and Paul Pierce.
Needless to say, my drafted team sucked. There was this other unfornate manager who got to picked last happened be first place now with guys with names I have never heard of, Marion, AK47, Arenas and Kidd. These 4 names are top 10 players in the NBA. Now I finally know who's who in the NBA. With the help of a friend, my team is now 4th and will soon be 3rd before the end of the season. This is pretty good since just last week, I was 6th place and risking the playoff spots, the prize money and of course the bragging rights since we all work for the same company.
So is spending 2 hours daily to earn a chance to win $130 or even $30 worth it? Of course not! That's almost 300 hours for the season! But it was never about the money. Its more like $20 for 300 hours of fun. That's equivalent to a movie ticket, popcorn and a soda in the theater for only 2 hours of entertainment or about 1.5 hour of bowling with equipment rental. Some people enjoys watching 2 hours of TV, reading a book, watching soaps, playing video games, downloading porn or blogging daily. I leave it to you to decide what's worth it. Now that the season is almost over, I might be blogging instead of managing a fantasy baseball team. It was sure one heck of an experience. Will I do it again for the 2005-2006 season? As much as I don't want to waste those precious hours, unless I have something else better to do with my time, I'm looking forward to next season.
For those who read this blog, thanks. This is my first and it won't be my last. I just want to ask what do you do in your spare time?
For those who doesn't know sports or in this specific case, basketball, those are actually very impressive numbers. However, a more important question is who really cares? Until recently, about 5 months ago when the NBA 2004-2005 season started, I didn't care either. Don't get me wrong, I'm a die hard New York Knicks fan since the early 1990's during Patrick Ewing's hopeless years with the Knicks. I love basketball. I play basketball weekly trying to get into shape and enjoy watching the New Jersey Nets. So why am I praising a New York rival Paul Pierce from Boston Celtics?
Before I answer the first question, have you ever heard school kids or you fanatic colleagues spitting out obsecure and ever changing stats of a NBA superstars? "Allen Iverson really deserved that All-Stars NBA MVP because he unselfishly dished out 12 assists." Lets be realistic here. How does knowing that useless stats going to help you in your school work or your career? Those numbers are not easily memorized since it changes every night. Why do people even bother memorizing them? Will it ever help you oust Ken Jennings? So why waste your precious time gathering and learning these numbers? These were my exact questions and I was clueless until recently. Its Fantasy Sports.
Towards the end of October 2004, a friend, knowing that I enjoy every aspect of basketball, asked if I'm interested in joining his Fantasy NBA league. It'll cost me $20 to join and the top 3 winners get $130, $80 and $30 respectively. It wasn't the $20 that I'm concern with, but the amount time I will be wasting. He assured me that I won't waste more than an hour a week if I don't want to. Sure enough, he was right. I could've just spent 21 hours to manage my team for the 21 weeks long season, excluding the playoff, since my team is guaranteed not to make the playoffs had I only spent an hour a week. Before the season even started, I already found myself immersed into the fantasy part of this game by spending hours sorting out my draft picks lineup. Before I knew it, I was addicted, spending at least 2 hours a day managing my team, learning the names of the players from other teams, their positions and who's injured and who's in the starting lineup. This was time consuming since I only knew the Knicks and a few guys from the Jersey's Nets and superstars like Shaq, Yao, Kobe, KG and Paul Pierce.
Needless to say, my drafted team sucked. There was this other unfornate manager who got to picked last happened be first place now with guys with names I have never heard of, Marion, AK47, Arenas and Kidd. These 4 names are top 10 players in the NBA. Now I finally know who's who in the NBA. With the help of a friend, my team is now 4th and will soon be 3rd before the end of the season. This is pretty good since just last week, I was 6th place and risking the playoff spots, the prize money and of course the bragging rights since we all work for the same company.
So is spending 2 hours daily to earn a chance to win $130 or even $30 worth it? Of course not! That's almost 300 hours for the season! But it was never about the money. Its more like $20 for 300 hours of fun. That's equivalent to a movie ticket, popcorn and a soda in the theater for only 2 hours of entertainment or about 1.5 hour of bowling with equipment rental. Some people enjoys watching 2 hours of TV, reading a book, watching soaps, playing video games, downloading porn or blogging daily. I leave it to you to decide what's worth it. Now that the season is almost over, I might be blogging instead of managing a fantasy baseball team. It was sure one heck of an experience. Will I do it again for the 2005-2006 season? As much as I don't want to waste those precious hours, unless I have something else better to do with my time, I'm looking forward to next season.
For those who read this blog, thanks. This is my first and it won't be my last. I just want to ask what do you do in your spare time?
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