I made $99,620.00 Yesterday Playing Poker
21st January
Well, not really. But this guy did.
I’ve been playing poker for quite some time now and what I used to consider a “gambling” game, I now consider a game of math, game theory, strategic thinking, science, risk assessment, and money management. I’m not the only one. In fact, there is an entire society called the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society that was founded on this very theory.
Jesse Linker, who is one of my good friends and is someone I have known for a very long time, has been playing online poker as a full time job for the past 2 years. The fact that he has been playing poker full time is not what is amazing. What’s amazing is, if you look at his earnings over time (see image below), you’d notice a steady increase. No real losses. All consistent earnings. … Read More »
Negotiation Tactic #1 – Pretend Like You Never Heard Their Offer
20th January
This is a conversation I recently had with a NYC taxi driver, for the most part.
Because negotiating is just fun sometimes…
Me: Hey Taxi Driver. How much to go to Jersey City?
Taxi Driver: (thinking about it…) $50.
Me: Awesome, $25 is perfect. Let’s go.
Taxi Driver: What? I said $50. There is a toll and it is out-of-state….(hesitation… as I begin to back away from the taxi)…ok fine, $45.
Me: Ok, $25. Let’s do it. After all, it’s the same distance to Brooklyn and that fare only costs $18 dollars, so you are getting a sweet deal here.
Taxi Driver: No, not $25. $45….(hesitation..as I once more begin to back away from the taxi)…ok fine, get in, get in…$40.
Me: (I get in the cab thinking $10 discount off his original price wasn’t so bad. But I still wasn’t done…) Good deal man.You are a … Read More »
The “Do Whatever the F you Want” Decade – Past 10 Years in Review
6th January
After spending some time away from the computer over the past two weeks, I finally got some time to think back on the past 10 years and here’s what I’ve got.
The past 10 years have really just been about instant gratification. It has been the “I want it, and I want it now” mindset, thanks to a whole variety of toys (ie. Google, MySpace, AIM, Xbox, YouPorn, PartyPoker, iPhone, Investment Banks, TIVO, among many other things).
Looking back on the decade, here are a few things that really stood out in my mind as “game changers.”
Google – Obviously. I remember having to call 411 for information.
Call of Duty, Xbox Live, US Airforce, and Blizzard Entertainment – We used hover around Nintendo 64 in order to play Mario Cart and shoot each other with turtle shells. Then there was the emergence … Read More »