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Monday, March 23, 2015
The Passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew
This morning at 3.18am, 23 March 2015, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, passed away.
Without him, there will not be a Singapore as it is today.
He has showed that one is able to move mountains and earth with steely grit and an unassailable character dedicated to the common good.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Manchester United Champions League Achievments and Butterfy Effect
Colonies of ants must have set up over the years in Sir Fergie's pants. For all his achievements in football and consistent successes in the local league, the indelible blot in his otherwise impeccable resume must surely be the lack of successes Europe's premier competition - UEFA Champions League.
So, what is wrong with us? I put forth some explanations (not exhaustive, of course):
1. We were chronically unlucky at the European stage
2. Management do not put enough emphasis on what it takes to succeed in Europe
3. We do not attract enough world-class players
4. We do not attract enough world-class staffs (coaches, etc)
5. Our domestic season calendar is not conducive to Europe's calendars
5. Our team is simply not good enough against Europe's elite teams
6. Fergie's tactics are simply not good enough against Europe's eilte teams.
Each of the above points can generate pages and pages of arguments and counter-arguments. There are so many stakeholders involved, and their interests may not always align perfectly; indeed many a times there are conflicting interests. Seeing the problem in it's totality it seems there is little we can do as fans.
I'm sure Fergie's hands are as tied as us.
My hypothesis for success in Europe, is this: In a competition where almost every game is either life or death, and against the best teams, it requires that everything must click in place for a team to win it. And usually, when the variables become too many to account for, we aggregrate them as a whole and call it "luck", or "fate".
So having attributed something to luck, what does that leave us with that we can control and do? Well, i say we just continue to support the team we have come to love. And at every possible juncture, in whatever way we can, wherever we are, we do what we honestly think can help push our team on. In a finite situation where there are too many variables to account for, your single affirmative action may just be what is needed to produce a buttefly effect to help Manchester United win the next Champions League crown.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Macross Transformed!
Sometime in July 2009 I posted my new toy, a 25th anniversary Macross. Well, it took me almost 2 years to transform the fighter plane into robot.
Finally! Enjoy the pictures!
Monday, May 30, 2011
United and UCL Crown Not to Be Again
Watched United's devastating loss in the Champions League Final against Barcelona.
It was a 1 sided affair.
Barca was at her very best, and i mean very top of the best kind.
The english commentator remarked that it was the best football he has witnessed in all his playing days and career as a commentator.
Fergie himself remarked that barca was at the "peak in this cycle of their team", and that the team was the bast he had faced in his career.
Big words. All of them true.
united players could not get near the ball. Barca was simply too good that night. It was heart-breaking to watch. the feeling is like a chess enthusiast looking at his son being bested by someone superior on the day. you feel helpless, but at the same time marvel at the skills of the opponent.
I mean, we have conquered England. We were the Mount Everest of the world. But then we met Olympus Mon of Mars.
So where do united go after this? I ask again: WHERE DO UNITED GO AFTER THIS?
Obviously we have to maintain the status quo at home, and that means continuing winning the league titles. But to conquer Europe, we need to change something.
I provide some options:
1. Replace the owners - after all, they are the source of funds for new players. they are ultimately responsible for the ups and downs of the club.
2. Replace Sir Alex Ferguson - the winning general in England has proven he cannot replicate the success in Europe.
3. Replace some players - buy new world-class players to enable us to compete at the highest level.
4. Replace the board - the board has consistently failed to deliver the UCL crown, despite domestic success.
5. Move the geography of United.
yeah, random ramblings i know...
Do you get the feeling that the clubs that most players aspire to are either Barca or Real? I mean United poach the best players from other teams, but teams like Barca and Real poach players from United.
I dunno...
It was a 1 sided affair.
Barca was at her very best, and i mean very top of the best kind.
The english commentator remarked that it was the best football he has witnessed in all his playing days and career as a commentator.
Fergie himself remarked that barca was at the "peak in this cycle of their team", and that the team was the bast he had faced in his career.
Big words. All of them true.
united players could not get near the ball. Barca was simply too good that night. It was heart-breaking to watch. the feeling is like a chess enthusiast looking at his son being bested by someone superior on the day. you feel helpless, but at the same time marvel at the skills of the opponent.
I mean, we have conquered England. We were the Mount Everest of the world. But then we met Olympus Mon of Mars.
So where do united go after this? I ask again: WHERE DO UNITED GO AFTER THIS?
Obviously we have to maintain the status quo at home, and that means continuing winning the league titles. But to conquer Europe, we need to change something.
I provide some options:
1. Replace the owners - after all, they are the source of funds for new players. they are ultimately responsible for the ups and downs of the club.
2. Replace Sir Alex Ferguson - the winning general in England has proven he cannot replicate the success in Europe.
3. Replace some players - buy new world-class players to enable us to compete at the highest level.
4. Replace the board - the board has consistently failed to deliver the UCL crown, despite domestic success.
5. Move the geography of United.
yeah, random ramblings i know...
Do you get the feeling that the clubs that most players aspire to are either Barca or Real? I mean United poach the best players from other teams, but teams like Barca and Real poach players from United.
I dunno...
Monday, May 16, 2011
Congratulations to Manchester United Football Club 19th Championship
Congratulations Manchester United.
Congratulations to Sir Slex Ferguson. This guy is an inspiration.
In 19 seasons, out of which won 12 championships, 4 runners up, 3 third place.
Wow...
Like i said in my last post, i'll be spending some $ on t-shirts and merchandises...
Congratulations to Sir Slex Ferguson. This guy is an inspiration.
In 19 seasons, out of which won 12 championships, 4 runners up, 3 third place.
Wow...
Like i said in my last post, i'll be spending some $ on t-shirts and merchandises...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Election and Aftermath
Our election station was just below my block. Went at noon with Candy and Ethan and my trusted camera… took pictures and voted. It was fun. Its interesting how having a baby around throws a different light on almost everything.
Regarding the election, specifically the opposition, obviously the tide has changed this time round. But I question the fundamentals of the people who voted for the opposition. From my conversations with those who purported to support the opposition, I’m mostly disappointed with their lines of argument and logic.
For example, there is one issue where a supporter said the government wanted to ship the elderlys to johore for their retirement, thus saying that the government is cold-hearted and materialistic, etc. I asked her would she send her parents to an elderly home? Because her parents would not go to a home if she wants to take care of them. No government in the world could force her to send her parents to a home. Then she started lamenting about the high costs of living, HDB flats, cannot afford, etc. Then I ask her would she consider lowering her standards of living to accommodate her parents? What if in the future her son and his future wife told her they could not support her and have to send her to a home? Then she told me she expected it and in fact is going to tell her son that she would not be expecting to stay with her son and his future wife….. What a silly line of logic! She was non-committal when pressed with the question of sending her parents to a home, and she is going to teach her young son that it is okay to send his parents to a home. All the while she had this planned out, while blaming on the her personal decision to high costs of living and the government’s suggestion of setting up a johore home.
I found out that it is a waste of time to talk to these people about these type of issues. I’ll not learn anything new from the discussion. To her maybe I was being difficult and argumentative, but I was only trying to test out my own lines of logic (which I stand to be corrected). In fact, I’m sure with more intelligent thinking one can find loopholes in my arguments.
The thing about a democratic, popular election is – a vote from an uneducated is the same as a vote from an educated (I know it sounds elitist and exclusionist, but I have no better way of putting it across). LKY once suggested the idea of weighted vote (for more info you have to google yourself)…
“I’m not intellectually convinced that one-man-one-vote is the best. We practise it because that’s what the British bequeathed us.”
- Lee Kuan Yew, 1994
Less you think I agree with him, I stand on record to say I oppose his idea.
Back to time and tide. Well the tide can change… but are we looking at a recurrence of the aftermath of 1991 election where the opposition won a landmark 4 seats, only to fizzle out afterwards? The tide may change, but the fundamentals must too.
Regarding the election, specifically the opposition, obviously the tide has changed this time round. But I question the fundamentals of the people who voted for the opposition. From my conversations with those who purported to support the opposition, I’m mostly disappointed with their lines of argument and logic.
For example, there is one issue where a supporter said the government wanted to ship the elderlys to johore for their retirement, thus saying that the government is cold-hearted and materialistic, etc. I asked her would she send her parents to an elderly home? Because her parents would not go to a home if she wants to take care of them. No government in the world could force her to send her parents to a home. Then she started lamenting about the high costs of living, HDB flats, cannot afford, etc. Then I ask her would she consider lowering her standards of living to accommodate her parents? What if in the future her son and his future wife told her they could not support her and have to send her to a home? Then she told me she expected it and in fact is going to tell her son that she would not be expecting to stay with her son and his future wife….. What a silly line of logic! She was non-committal when pressed with the question of sending her parents to a home, and she is going to teach her young son that it is okay to send his parents to a home. All the while she had this planned out, while blaming on the her personal decision to high costs of living and the government’s suggestion of setting up a johore home.
I found out that it is a waste of time to talk to these people about these type of issues. I’ll not learn anything new from the discussion. To her maybe I was being difficult and argumentative, but I was only trying to test out my own lines of logic (which I stand to be corrected). In fact, I’m sure with more intelligent thinking one can find loopholes in my arguments.
The thing about a democratic, popular election is – a vote from an uneducated is the same as a vote from an educated (I know it sounds elitist and exclusionist, but I have no better way of putting it across). LKY once suggested the idea of weighted vote (for more info you have to google yourself)…
“I’m not intellectually convinced that one-man-one-vote is the best. We practise it because that’s what the British bequeathed us.”
- Lee Kuan Yew, 1994
Less you think I agree with him, I stand on record to say I oppose his idea.
Back to time and tide. Well the tide can change… but are we looking at a recurrence of the aftermath of 1991 election where the opposition won a landmark 4 seats, only to fizzle out afterwards? The tide may change, but the fundamentals must too.
Manchester United Wins and on the Brink of 19th Championship Title
Watched the match between United and Chelsea.
Happy!
At the end of the match, saw Sir Alex hand stretched and bowed to the supporters several times. This is the first time I saw him doing that... really touched... the 19th Title really meant much to him, more than anyone could have imagined i reckon.
suddenly dawned on me that it has been 12 years since i started to really support United, on that fateful night in Melbourne alone at my rented room watching United came from behind to triumph over Byern Munich at UCL '99.
Since then United has went on to win another 6 championship titles, picking up another UCL title in 2008.
The 19th Title will be a historic landmark to relish.
I'm looking forward to order for me Candy and Ethan whatever 19th title jerseys and commemorative items that the official web megastore has lined up.
COME ON UNITED!!!
Happy!
At the end of the match, saw Sir Alex hand stretched and bowed to the supporters several times. This is the first time I saw him doing that... really touched... the 19th Title really meant much to him, more than anyone could have imagined i reckon.
suddenly dawned on me that it has been 12 years since i started to really support United, on that fateful night in Melbourne alone at my rented room watching United came from behind to triumph over Byern Munich at UCL '99.
Since then United has went on to win another 6 championship titles, picking up another UCL title in 2008.
The 19th Title will be a historic landmark to relish.
I'm looking forward to order for me Candy and Ethan whatever 19th title jerseys and commemorative items that the official web megastore has lined up.
COME ON UNITED!!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Paternal Grandpa passed away on 14th September 2010
My grandpa died on 14th September 2010. He was 85 years old.
He was survived by his wife, 10 children and their spouses, 24 grandchildren and their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren (numbers might be a bit off as i could have missed out some... but it's there or thereabouts)
It has been a long time since the whole contingent of our family come together at the same place at the same time (Chinese New year, sure... but usually different timings, so sometimes we might missed meeting each other...).
And then there was the extended family members, my grandpa's siblings and their families, my grandma's sibliings and their families.
And then there was the extended family of grandpa's children's spouses' families.
And then there was the children and grandchildrens' friends and associates.
They have all came to pay their last respects to grandpa.
It was a sight to behold.
I thank everyone who came, and who came to help.
I pray for family harmony.
He was survived by his wife, 10 children and their spouses, 24 grandchildren and their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren (numbers might be a bit off as i could have missed out some... but it's there or thereabouts)
It has been a long time since the whole contingent of our family come together at the same place at the same time (Chinese New year, sure... but usually different timings, so sometimes we might missed meeting each other...).
And then there was the extended family members, my grandpa's siblings and their families, my grandma's sibliings and their families.
And then there was the extended family of grandpa's children's spouses' families.
And then there was the children and grandchildrens' friends and associates.
They have all came to pay their last respects to grandpa.
It was a sight to behold.
I thank everyone who came, and who came to help.
I pray for family harmony.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thinking of Playing against Professional Poker Player? Read this
Here’s the deal:
The average poker professional probably plays between 8,000 hands to 20,000 hands per month, while the average avid amateur probably plays between 2,000 hands to 3,000hands per month. In terms of experience, you can easily see that a pro gains at the very least 4 times of experience compared to the rest of us.
Consider this equation, albeit a crude one, :
Results = Natural Intelligence + Luck + Experience
Luck probably evens out in the long-run for most of us, of course there are always those sick oddies that seem to strike the lottery every other day, but we discount that. Just joking… but seriously, I revere the part regarding luck… cos I think most of us who are able to read this are already so much luckier than those who can’t… so we really shouldn’t complain (but that is for another writing).
Experience. What is Experience? In this context, it means engaging on the real battleground, it also means hard work – those who play longer and think harder and study and learn harder gain more experience than those who slag.
The Natural Intelligence part, we inherit from our ancestors, thus we have no control. Even if I have an IQ of say 150 and am an amateur, I am probably (some would argue most certainly) going to lose to a pro with an IQ of 100. Simply due to Experience (and I remind readers again that includes hard work).
So now you know when you are up against 1 pro at a full table of 10 players, your chances of winning are actually not as good as you think. Your winnings, if you do win, will probably come from players of the same rank as you who are playing poorer than you. If you happen to be at a table with 3 or more pros, your chances of winning is virtually a big fat zero.
Now, here comes the phenomenon that only occurs in human society. Even against seemingly insurmountable odds, we still like to take our chances. Just look at the queues at lottery outlets and the total income of $70 million worth of entrance fees collected thus far from the casinos and you will understand what I mean.
In poker terms, even against 3 pros, I’d still like to take my chances. Hell, I’d bet that anyone worth half-ounce of salt in poker would jump at the chance of playing at the table with Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius, David Benyamine, Tom Dwan, Gus Hansen and Barry Greenstein. That is if they are willing to play at my stakes level…. Yeah.. wishful thinking… I need at least usd 100g just to sit down… And just in case you haven’t realised by now, the above scenario is virtually 100% death wish.
Yup, that is how sick poker avids are.
The average poker professional probably plays between 8,000 hands to 20,000 hands per month, while the average avid amateur probably plays between 2,000 hands to 3,000hands per month. In terms of experience, you can easily see that a pro gains at the very least 4 times of experience compared to the rest of us.
Consider this equation, albeit a crude one, :
Results = Natural Intelligence + Luck + Experience
Luck probably evens out in the long-run for most of us, of course there are always those sick oddies that seem to strike the lottery every other day, but we discount that. Just joking… but seriously, I revere the part regarding luck… cos I think most of us who are able to read this are already so much luckier than those who can’t… so we really shouldn’t complain (but that is for another writing).
Experience. What is Experience? In this context, it means engaging on the real battleground, it also means hard work – those who play longer and think harder and study and learn harder gain more experience than those who slag.
The Natural Intelligence part, we inherit from our ancestors, thus we have no control. Even if I have an IQ of say 150 and am an amateur, I am probably (some would argue most certainly) going to lose to a pro with an IQ of 100. Simply due to Experience (and I remind readers again that includes hard work).
So now you know when you are up against 1 pro at a full table of 10 players, your chances of winning are actually not as good as you think. Your winnings, if you do win, will probably come from players of the same rank as you who are playing poorer than you. If you happen to be at a table with 3 or more pros, your chances of winning is virtually a big fat zero.
Now, here comes the phenomenon that only occurs in human society. Even against seemingly insurmountable odds, we still like to take our chances. Just look at the queues at lottery outlets and the total income of $70 million worth of entrance fees collected thus far from the casinos and you will understand what I mean.
In poker terms, even against 3 pros, I’d still like to take my chances. Hell, I’d bet that anyone worth half-ounce of salt in poker would jump at the chance of playing at the table with Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius, David Benyamine, Tom Dwan, Gus Hansen and Barry Greenstein. That is if they are willing to play at my stakes level…. Yeah.. wishful thinking… I need at least usd 100g just to sit down… And just in case you haven’t realised by now, the above scenario is virtually 100% death wish.
Yup, that is how sick poker avids are.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Maid and Baby
Time flies. It seems just yesterday our maid, Puji, arrived at our home. And baby Ethan was still newborn. It has been nearly 2 years since.
And Puji has decided to go home to take care of her daughter, because her husband has found a job in Malaysia. She will be leaving next month.
I want to express my heartfelt thank-you to her. She has proved herself to be reliable. She has earned my wife and my trust to take care of Ethan. More importantly, i felt that she really cares for and loves Ethan. Ethan definitely reciprocates this feeling i am sure.
I am sad, because this will be Ethan's first experience of transiency. I feel he is too young to go through this; I don't want him to go through that. But that is beyond my powers. My wife tells me will he adapt and get over it in no time. Perhaps in Ethan's young mind he possesses more wisdom than that of his father's; I certainly do not discount this possibility.
Part of me wanted Puji to stay on with our family, I have even contemplated using monetary incentives. But I know it would be the wrong reason to retain her services. She has her family and a daugther to go back to. If fate decides she stays on with us, then so be it. But I know i should not, and would not be the one to influence the outcome.
Well, we move on. And I hope I have been a worthy employer of her services.
And Puji has decided to go home to take care of her daughter, because her husband has found a job in Malaysia. She will be leaving next month.
I want to express my heartfelt thank-you to her. She has proved herself to be reliable. She has earned my wife and my trust to take care of Ethan. More importantly, i felt that she really cares for and loves Ethan. Ethan definitely reciprocates this feeling i am sure.
I am sad, because this will be Ethan's first experience of transiency. I feel he is too young to go through this; I don't want him to go through that. But that is beyond my powers. My wife tells me will he adapt and get over it in no time. Perhaps in Ethan's young mind he possesses more wisdom than that of his father's; I certainly do not discount this possibility.
Part of me wanted Puji to stay on with our family, I have even contemplated using monetary incentives. But I know it would be the wrong reason to retain her services. She has her family and a daugther to go back to. If fate decides she stays on with us, then so be it. But I know i should not, and would not be the one to influence the outcome.
Well, we move on. And I hope I have been a worthy employer of her services.
Monday, April 12, 2010
United in the backseat
Well, fans of united are not in good mood nowadays... Even more so after yesterday's draw against Blackburn. There is no doubt that we are in the backseat in the race for the coveted 19th Championship.
Ferguson must be feeling tired, and exasperated. At his age, and facing the real prospect of having to wait for another season to have a shot at overtaking Liverpool... BUT! who am I to presume what Ferguson thinks of feels??!! Yes i admit I feel tired and exasperated for him (Ferguson), but in the back of my mind, I am rooting for him to have the strength to go on fighting.
Afterall, SAF is no ordinary general! He is a winning general. Napoleon once said " I have plenty of clever generals, but just give me a lucky (and hence a wining) one".
If Ferguson really does achieve the 19th Championship one day, I thank God; He show that difficult tasks are possible to achieve. If Ferguson fails to achieve the 19th Championship, I praise God as well; He teach us to be humble.
ps: I have been observing, Chelsea's Ancelotti is a worthy opponent.
Ferguson must be feeling tired, and exasperated. At his age, and facing the real prospect of having to wait for another season to have a shot at overtaking Liverpool... BUT! who am I to presume what Ferguson thinks of feels??!! Yes i admit I feel tired and exasperated for him (Ferguson), but in the back of my mind, I am rooting for him to have the strength to go on fighting.
Afterall, SAF is no ordinary general! He is a winning general. Napoleon once said " I have plenty of clever generals, but just give me a lucky (and hence a wining) one".
If Ferguson really does achieve the 19th Championship one day, I thank God; He show that difficult tasks are possible to achieve. If Ferguson fails to achieve the 19th Championship, I praise God as well; He teach us to be humble.
ps: I have been observing, Chelsea's Ancelotti is a worthy opponent.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ethan Loves to Dance!
There is a group of aunties gathering at the neighourhood tentage for dancing lessons 3 times a week. Grandma always bring Ethan to watch, and once we discovered that Ethan likes to dance along... you guess it - there is no stopping him! Sometimes, the aunties would watch Ethan dance until they forgot their steps!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Manchester United Romping!!! And a note on Wayne Rooney
Last week was a superb week for United.
I mean, won 3-1 vs City, followed by winning 1-3 vs Arsenal. I mean, WOW!!! WOOHOOO!!!
Super emontional game the vs city game was.... the look of Tevez after the game was, at risk of being cliche, priceless.... WAHAHAHAHAA!! Especially after he scored the aggregate leveller, to have Rooney snatch the winning goal at injury time.. I MEAN, how dramatic can this get? If it were a movie, most adult-thinking adults would dismiss the plot as hollywoodish fairytale nonsense. They say true tales are bigger and more outlandish than any imagination humans can conjure. I have to agree.
1-3 vs Arsenal... well, I can't complain can I? Both club bosses have mellowed over the years. I mean, can you imagine Arsene Wenger saying that he look forward to this match (he did say that, btw). This after an earlier-season accusation of United being "anti-football". I somehow miss the volcanic clashes that preceded this generation of players, whenever the gunners and devils played (think van nistelroy, keane, vs henry, campbell, ashley cole era). And of course the verbal warfare so eagerly broadcasted by the papers between Wenger and Ferguson. Still, it is really really heart-warming to see Wenger coming up to Ferguson and offering a handshake at the end of the latest matchup between both teams.
The man to watch, undeniably, is Wayne "Superman" Rooney. The commentators during the Arsenal-United match couldn't have put it better - "anytime from now till South Africa, whenever Rooney cringes, the whole of England hold their breath.... (not the exact words but you get what I MEAN). This guy is Arthur of Camelot, the foretold saviour of England. Even bigger than my favourite Cate Blanchard, Queen Elizabeth I. Or maybe they could have put it better - i can assure the commentators that more than the whole of England are holding their breath whenever Rooney sneezes. When I pray that he be fit come world cup, i know at least 1 billion other souls are with me.
Ok now, repeat after me: "God saves Wayne Rooney".
I mean, won 3-1 vs City, followed by winning 1-3 vs Arsenal. I mean, WOW!!! WOOHOOO!!!
Super emontional game the vs city game was.... the look of Tevez after the game was, at risk of being cliche, priceless.... WAHAHAHAHAA!! Especially after he scored the aggregate leveller, to have Rooney snatch the winning goal at injury time.. I MEAN, how dramatic can this get? If it were a movie, most adult-thinking adults would dismiss the plot as hollywoodish fairytale nonsense. They say true tales are bigger and more outlandish than any imagination humans can conjure. I have to agree.
1-3 vs Arsenal... well, I can't complain can I? Both club bosses have mellowed over the years. I mean, can you imagine Arsene Wenger saying that he look forward to this match (he did say that, btw). This after an earlier-season accusation of United being "anti-football". I somehow miss the volcanic clashes that preceded this generation of players, whenever the gunners and devils played (think van nistelroy, keane, vs henry, campbell, ashley cole era). And of course the verbal warfare so eagerly broadcasted by the papers between Wenger and Ferguson. Still, it is really really heart-warming to see Wenger coming up to Ferguson and offering a handshake at the end of the latest matchup between both teams.
The man to watch, undeniably, is Wayne "Superman" Rooney. The commentators during the Arsenal-United match couldn't have put it better - "anytime from now till South Africa, whenever Rooney cringes, the whole of England hold their breath.... (not the exact words but you get what I MEAN). This guy is Arthur of Camelot, the foretold saviour of England. Even bigger than my favourite Cate Blanchard, Queen Elizabeth I. Or maybe they could have put it better - i can assure the commentators that more than the whole of England are holding their breath whenever Rooney sneezes. When I pray that he be fit come world cup, i know at least 1 billion other souls are with me.
Ok now, repeat after me: "God saves Wayne Rooney".
Friday, November 20, 2009
Finding regular poker players at my home games
I am having problems finding regular players to play at my home games. Right now I have just 3 regular players (including me). And that, is pathetic.
2 years ago we started promisingly, with no less than 6 players at every session. Sometimes we would have a full ring game of 10 players even. Of course, we know all our players, either directly or indirectly. There was no rake involved. All one has to do was to show up, chip up and play. We were all kind of starting to learn the game then.
Over the course of the 2 years, players come and players go. The one consistent fact was the dwindling in numbers. Winning players stayed on, while players who lost consistently eventually faded out of the scene.
You see, poker is a game of skill. Of course, like any games there are elements of luck. But in poker, the skill factor stands out more than in any other card games I know of. Let’s make some comparison with the other popular game:
Mahjong – well, still a favorite amongst Singaporeans. I felt that the skill level in mahjong is pretty much even among most players, which in the end the luck factor becomes predominant. In mahjong, you can be the best player in the world, but if you hold lousy cards you are not going to win, even if you defend like nobody’s business. The other players can always draw the winning cards themselves, or other player B can throw the winning tile to player C (in most home games in Singapore, the player who throw the winning tile to another has to pay double, while the remaining 2 players still have to pay, unless got bao lah..)
As you know, mathematically speaking, luck evens out in the long run. And as such, sometimes player A wins, sometimes player b wins, sometimes player c wins and sometimes player d wins. As long as the skill levels between the players are more or less the same, in the long run nobody has any significant advantage over the others. So financially speaking, home-game mahjong is a much more enduring game.
But in poker, the skill level contributes significantly to one’s bottomline. In poker, you can win even without the best hands (by getting other players to fold). You can limit your liability at anytime simply by throwing away your hands (unlike in mahjong where you still have to pay even when player B threw a winning tile to player C). In poker, you can choose which hands to play, unlike in mahjong where you have to play every hand (even though if you decided to play guard you are also exposed to damage from some suckers who threw tiles for others to win, or the players themselves drew the winning cards).
So what happened to my home games? Well, in short, only 3 players who won consistently remained. The others simply faded out, either through not enjoying the game (cos always lose), or lose until decided not worthwhile a game to play. Who can blame them?
Furthermore, I do not invite just about anyone to my home games. They must be vouched for by people I know (tacitly of course… meaning if you introduced someone to play at my house I assume that person friendly and trustworthy at the very minimum). This of course limits the pool severely.
What is the future for my home games? Well, frankly I don’t know. I just know that I enjoy the game, partly because I win quite consistently, and that I don’t play for financial reasons.
Another thing is that my wife has to approve me playing (which will, incidentally increase my chances of winning..!). If not I could have walked into the numerous games that are sprouting out there, where one has to play with strangers who are hell-bent on taking all your monies. I don’t think my wife wholly approves me playing at such games, well not regularly anyway.
Still I prefer my home games, because it is where I am comfortable (hey free drinks and tidbits provided, all you need to do is to just ask politely :)
2 years ago we started promisingly, with no less than 6 players at every session. Sometimes we would have a full ring game of 10 players even. Of course, we know all our players, either directly or indirectly. There was no rake involved. All one has to do was to show up, chip up and play. We were all kind of starting to learn the game then.
Over the course of the 2 years, players come and players go. The one consistent fact was the dwindling in numbers. Winning players stayed on, while players who lost consistently eventually faded out of the scene.
You see, poker is a game of skill. Of course, like any games there are elements of luck. But in poker, the skill factor stands out more than in any other card games I know of. Let’s make some comparison with the other popular game:
Mahjong – well, still a favorite amongst Singaporeans. I felt that the skill level in mahjong is pretty much even among most players, which in the end the luck factor becomes predominant. In mahjong, you can be the best player in the world, but if you hold lousy cards you are not going to win, even if you defend like nobody’s business. The other players can always draw the winning cards themselves, or other player B can throw the winning tile to player C (in most home games in Singapore, the player who throw the winning tile to another has to pay double, while the remaining 2 players still have to pay, unless got bao lah..)
As you know, mathematically speaking, luck evens out in the long run. And as such, sometimes player A wins, sometimes player b wins, sometimes player c wins and sometimes player d wins. As long as the skill levels between the players are more or less the same, in the long run nobody has any significant advantage over the others. So financially speaking, home-game mahjong is a much more enduring game.
But in poker, the skill level contributes significantly to one’s bottomline. In poker, you can win even without the best hands (by getting other players to fold). You can limit your liability at anytime simply by throwing away your hands (unlike in mahjong where you still have to pay even when player B threw a winning tile to player C). In poker, you can choose which hands to play, unlike in mahjong where you have to play every hand (even though if you decided to play guard you are also exposed to damage from some suckers who threw tiles for others to win, or the players themselves drew the winning cards).
So what happened to my home games? Well, in short, only 3 players who won consistently remained. The others simply faded out, either through not enjoying the game (cos always lose), or lose until decided not worthwhile a game to play. Who can blame them?
Furthermore, I do not invite just about anyone to my home games. They must be vouched for by people I know (tacitly of course… meaning if you introduced someone to play at my house I assume that person friendly and trustworthy at the very minimum). This of course limits the pool severely.
What is the future for my home games? Well, frankly I don’t know. I just know that I enjoy the game, partly because I win quite consistently, and that I don’t play for financial reasons.
Another thing is that my wife has to approve me playing (which will, incidentally increase my chances of winning..!). If not I could have walked into the numerous games that are sprouting out there, where one has to play with strangers who are hell-bent on taking all your monies. I don’t think my wife wholly approves me playing at such games, well not regularly anyway.
Still I prefer my home games, because it is where I am comfortable (hey free drinks and tidbits provided, all you need to do is to just ask politely :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Curiosity
The subject of Curiosity has propped up in my mind many a times, not the least recently, when I observed my son, Ethan.
Ethan, 13 months old, exhibits a consistent curious behavior which, more often than not, impresses me with wonder, fatherly happiness and pride. The flip side of this, of course, is having to watch him all the time during his waking hours, to protect him from potential dangers that lurk and await an unsuspecting explorer.
I myself is a curious person, always questioning, always seeking answers to what may seem to others the most mundane of affairs. From my observation of Ethan so far, I guess he has inherited a huge dose of me in that particular faculty.
So, what is curiosity? A quick check at wikipedia: "Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behaviour such as exploration, investigation, and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species."
I consider curiosity as an innate endowment to the human nature, for it is most keenly displayed at the youngest of age, when one is still relatvely untouched by his social and cultural environment. I believe it is one of the most compelling reasons why human has risen above all other species.
Einstein said:"The important thing is not to stop questioning… Never lose a holy curiosity."
Once during the early days in my first year at high school, my teacher mentioned something about canoe and canoeing to the class. I did not know that word then, and as such with all youthful exuberence i raised my hands and asked:"what's a canoe?". To which the class erupted into laughter, and i was to learn later, maybe a hint of sneer. I was ignorant, and what's more, I had the audacity to ask in front of the whole class. The most direct rewards of this little episode were:
1. I learn what a canoe was.
2. I became the talk of the town. Some classmates would come to me thereafter, and ask me:" hey, what's a canoe? haha..."
On hindsight and many years later, I thought the teacher could do more by "politely reminding" the class that it is okay to ask questions. That it is okay to know that one is ignorant and learn. Isn't that the purpose of a classroom?
Our social and cultural environment affects the way we behave, even the way we think sometimes; our surroundings either suppress or promote our actions and thoughts.
Of course, nowadays I am more discreet about being so openly ignorant of certain subjects to certain people. While admitting that things need not be this way, I have often found myself being pressured to comply to society's norm.
I guess a simple way of determining whether is it right or wrong to act in a particular circumstance, a litmus test of right and wrong, would be to ask the question:"what would I wish my child would do if he is confronted with this circumstance?"
What would I wish my child would do if he doesn't know what a canoe is?
1. Just brush it aside and continue not knowing. (hmm...)
2. Take note of the word and go check a dictionary or ask somebody in private. (A bit too cynical and world-weary for my liking at this tender age)
3. Simply raise up his hands and ask the question straightaway. (Well you should know my stand by now)
Now, what would you wish and teach your child do?
Ethan, 13 months old, exhibits a consistent curious behavior which, more often than not, impresses me with wonder, fatherly happiness and pride. The flip side of this, of course, is having to watch him all the time during his waking hours, to protect him from potential dangers that lurk and await an unsuspecting explorer.
I myself is a curious person, always questioning, always seeking answers to what may seem to others the most mundane of affairs. From my observation of Ethan so far, I guess he has inherited a huge dose of me in that particular faculty.
So, what is curiosity? A quick check at wikipedia: "Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behaviour such as exploration, investigation, and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species."
I consider curiosity as an innate endowment to the human nature, for it is most keenly displayed at the youngest of age, when one is still relatvely untouched by his social and cultural environment. I believe it is one of the most compelling reasons why human has risen above all other species.
Einstein said:"The important thing is not to stop questioning… Never lose a holy curiosity."
Once during the early days in my first year at high school, my teacher mentioned something about canoe and canoeing to the class. I did not know that word then, and as such with all youthful exuberence i raised my hands and asked:"what's a canoe?". To which the class erupted into laughter, and i was to learn later, maybe a hint of sneer. I was ignorant, and what's more, I had the audacity to ask in front of the whole class. The most direct rewards of this little episode were:
1. I learn what a canoe was.
2. I became the talk of the town. Some classmates would come to me thereafter, and ask me:" hey, what's a canoe? haha..."
On hindsight and many years later, I thought the teacher could do more by "politely reminding" the class that it is okay to ask questions. That it is okay to know that one is ignorant and learn. Isn't that the purpose of a classroom?
Our social and cultural environment affects the way we behave, even the way we think sometimes; our surroundings either suppress or promote our actions and thoughts.
Of course, nowadays I am more discreet about being so openly ignorant of certain subjects to certain people. While admitting that things need not be this way, I have often found myself being pressured to comply to society's norm.
I guess a simple way of determining whether is it right or wrong to act in a particular circumstance, a litmus test of right and wrong, would be to ask the question:"what would I wish my child would do if he is confronted with this circumstance?"
What would I wish my child would do if he doesn't know what a canoe is?
1. Just brush it aside and continue not knowing. (hmm...)
2. Take note of the word and go check a dictionary or ask somebody in private. (A bit too cynical and world-weary for my liking at this tender age)
3. Simply raise up his hands and ask the question straightaway. (Well you should know my stand by now)
Now, what would you wish and teach your child do?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Security Analysis
Today I finally opened my share account, at the tender age of 33...
Well, some smart alec with a proven track record once observed:
"Rule 1: Never lose money"
Rule 2: Never forget Rule 1"
Cool... I shall apply that.
Well, some smart alec with a proven track record once observed:
"Rule 1: Never lose money"
Rule 2: Never forget Rule 1"
Cool... I shall apply that.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Youtube Device Added
Yes :)
added a new device. now can recommend good videos to my readers!
First to start with, and hot on the heels of Jap Anime, let me introduce the music video of Macross "Do You Remember Love".
A little background on the Macross story:
Uh, other than the war between human and alien, the story is also about the love triangle between the lead male character Hikaru Ichijyo (ace pilot, naturally..), female lead, Lynn Minmay (interstellar singer... naturally), and Misa Hiyase (uh.. an officer aboard the ship). Of course everyone is rooting for Hikaru and Minmay to be together; but like any classic jap love story, they were not to be (sorry for the spoiler, but i feel it is important to relate the ending here).
So, enjoy the music videos :)
Superb song, more than 20 years alreadi...
added a new device. now can recommend good videos to my readers!
First to start with, and hot on the heels of Jap Anime, let me introduce the music video of Macross "Do You Remember Love".
A little background on the Macross story:
Uh, other than the war between human and alien, the story is also about the love triangle between the lead male character Hikaru Ichijyo (ace pilot, naturally..), female lead, Lynn Minmay (interstellar singer... naturally), and Misa Hiyase (uh.. an officer aboard the ship). Of course everyone is rooting for Hikaru and Minmay to be together; but like any classic jap love story, they were not to be (sorry for the spoiler, but i feel it is important to relate the ending here).
So, enjoy the music videos :)
Superb song, more than 20 years alreadi...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Finally a Macross toy, yes!!! 25th Anniversary VF-1S 1/48
Last Friday got half-day in-camp. Got early released, nothing to do, so went with my camp mates to China Square to check out Macross toys.
Well, there you see! My first Macross toy!!! A limted edition 25th Anniversary VF-1S, 1/48 scale!
I've been a fan of Macross since primary school. Always liked the concept and storyline. And after so many years, I finally bought a Macross toy! Happy!
Umm... my wife asked me how much it cost... i told her $80... so lets just remain at that... :)
ps: i'm still learning how to transform the toy. Trust me, its not easy. I think i better consult youtube instructional videos..
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Of Ways to Buy and Sell Money
Consider this:
Country A has a lot of bad debts. Country A needs money to clear its bad debts, so it prints more money to sell so as to clear its toxic debts.
Country B buys the money Country A prints. But why would Country B be willing to buy Country A's money?
Country A must have, or must be producing, or must be credible enough to promise to produce what Country B wants right?
Now, replace "Country A" with the "United States", and Country "B" with the rest of the world.
There you have the simple answer.
Country A has a lot of bad debts. Country A needs money to clear its bad debts, so it prints more money to sell so as to clear its toxic debts.
Country B buys the money Country A prints. But why would Country B be willing to buy Country A's money?
Country A must have, or must be producing, or must be credible enough to promise to produce what Country B wants right?
Now, replace "Country A" with the "United States", and Country "B" with the rest of the world.
There you have the simple answer.
Ethan with his Paternal Great Grandparents
Ethan with paternal Great-grandma and Great-granddad!
My grandma used to tell me faster get married, faster have kids... that if I am fortunate enough she will witness all these. Words direct from heart and love, as can only be spoken between the closest of relationships.
I am starting to realise the significance of these words. Still perhaps, and most probably, I have yet much more to learn and to act...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Of Bernie, Owen and Manchester United
First off, I have to add my dear friend, Bernie to the title, simply because he is the impetus for me writing this piece. Also, the chance of putting him in the same title together with my beloved club Manchester United, provides enough sinister pleasure to spend some time writing.
Well then, Owen. I say, why not? I liken him to Sheringham.... the latter scored in United's Champions League Final of '99 rite? Both Owen and Ferguson are pragmatists and realists, who have track records that inspire the idealists (wow..). So, the coming of Owen is good.
Well, i've read Steven Gerrard's autobiography. He said he could never have played for Manchester United. Because his family, he neighbourhood and everything he holds dear, forbids him to join United. Any other club but United. Well, as you have read from my pervious posts, for this reason alone, he will remain the tragic hero of anfield. Had he joined United years ago, he would have laid claim to multiple premiership championships, no doubt. But he chose to remain at anfield, and he claims he is happy. I believe him. Let's move on.
So will i welcome Owen to Old Trafford? Of the course! I admire talent, and I have no legacy burden of such magnitude as to compel me to hate a particular player or club, so what is to stop me from celebrating a proven talent from joining Manchester United?
ps: Speaking of celebration... hmm.. i have to confess.. you know, on that night of the Champions League Final between United and Barca.. I was waiting for the game to start (at 3am or something...). It was like 1am plus.. so i ordered McDelivery to celebrate..
But after eating.. i was overcome with sleepiness.. so i thought i better lie down for a short while.. anyway still got around 2 hours to kick off mah...
I woke up at 5.30 am.. on the TV... United lost 0-2... nbz..
Sorri United.. had I not ordered McDelivery, i would not have been so sleepy after the meal, n i would not have gone to lie down, and i would not have over-napped.. n you would not have lost... I know this is the Butterfly Effect at work... Sorry once again.. won't fail you next season!
Well then, Owen. I say, why not? I liken him to Sheringham.... the latter scored in United's Champions League Final of '99 rite? Both Owen and Ferguson are pragmatists and realists, who have track records that inspire the idealists (wow..). So, the coming of Owen is good.
Well, i've read Steven Gerrard's autobiography. He said he could never have played for Manchester United. Because his family, he neighbourhood and everything he holds dear, forbids him to join United. Any other club but United. Well, as you have read from my pervious posts, for this reason alone, he will remain the tragic hero of anfield. Had he joined United years ago, he would have laid claim to multiple premiership championships, no doubt. But he chose to remain at anfield, and he claims he is happy. I believe him. Let's move on.
So will i welcome Owen to Old Trafford? Of the course! I admire talent, and I have no legacy burden of such magnitude as to compel me to hate a particular player or club, so what is to stop me from celebrating a proven talent from joining Manchester United?
ps: Speaking of celebration... hmm.. i have to confess.. you know, on that night of the Champions League Final between United and Barca.. I was waiting for the game to start (at 3am or something...). It was like 1am plus.. so i ordered McDelivery to celebrate..
But after eating.. i was overcome with sleepiness.. so i thought i better lie down for a short while.. anyway still got around 2 hours to kick off mah...
I woke up at 5.30 am.. on the TV... United lost 0-2... nbz..
Sorri United.. had I not ordered McDelivery, i would not have been so sleepy after the meal, n i would not have gone to lie down, and i would not have over-napped.. n you would not have lost... I know this is the Butterfly Effect at work... Sorry once again.. won't fail you next season!
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