Saturday, 10 March 2012
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Starting a business part 1- online businesses
Starting a business
So new road in life is trying my hand in business.
One is a film company- based in the UK- the website is www.reelfilmproductions.co.uk
The other is a language company specialising in one to one lessons over Skype and language holidays.
The web address for this one is: www.eurolanguageholidays.com
Check the sites out!
I'll keep you up to date on the details, if I can (get quite busy with running the sites!)
Ciao 4 now folks..
So new road in life is trying my hand in business.
One is a film company- based in the UK- the website is www.reelfilmproductions.co.uk
The other is a language company specialising in one to one lessons over Skype and language holidays.
The web address for this one is: www.eurolanguageholidays.com
Check the sites out!
I'll keep you up to date on the details, if I can (get quite busy with running the sites!)
Ciao 4 now folks..
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Changed course again...
Now trying my hand at business. Have done bits of business here and there over the past few years but now running two small companies.
A bit about the companies/Industries I am in:
I am running both a small language company> www.eurolanguageholidays.com (which specialises in language solutions for those wanting to learn languages. One to one lessons over skype - http://www.eurolanguageholidays.com/skype-lessons/what-our-students-say/
and we also run language holidays, where one can learn a language in the target country.
We're doing language holidays in France and language holidays in Spain in 2012. We are also running language holidays in England for people who want to learn English in England.
The second company I run is a video production company called reel film- www.reelfilmproductions.co.uk
Which does promotional videos for charities, businesses and videos, as well as covering events and documentaries in Europe.
www.reelfilmproductions.co.uk/portfolio - This has our recent projects.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
What is a satellite tournament? Busting pros.
On Losing and Winning at the same time...
Today I played another satellite competition, a poker format where you play a cheap tournament entry fee, along with others, in the hope you will win- the winner gets a ticket to a larger, more expensive tournament.
Last week I won one of these. Today I felt like playing another. I was building my chips and got playing with Gabriela Hill. She had showed some interesting play, trapping, betting out with hands, mixing up her play. I bet out on one pot, putting her all in. I had an open ended straight draw and second pair, with enough odds at improving and being the table chip leader I thoguht putting her all in was a good move, after all I put her on top pair and thought she would not call. If she did, I had outs. She called and I hit my straight. Then full tilt alerted me that I had knocked out a pro player. Nice. Shame I had to do it with a draw.
About 230 people were playing.
I was a bout 3rd in chips with 100 left, then I got AA. Someone raised 3 times the big blind. I raised him another 4 times. I was in position. The flop was 8 9 3- He went all in. Of course I called.
He had 89. I was now down to only 11 big blinds, as the guy I tangled with had a fair amount of chips.
I went all in with 1010. Got called by AJ suited. 10 on the flop, and two hearts. He had AJ of hearts. Nothing on the turn. River was a heart, knocking me out. Heartbroken.
Still, I went out 67th I think, out of 200+ people, which is not too bad. And I played very well, despite not winning.
On opening my email Full tilt alerted me that after busting a pro poker player I get a free tee shirt. Not all bad then, especially as I only payed $1.50 to play.
Today I played another satellite competition, a poker format where you play a cheap tournament entry fee, along with others, in the hope you will win- the winner gets a ticket to a larger, more expensive tournament.
Last week I won one of these. Today I felt like playing another. I was building my chips and got playing with Gabriela Hill. She had showed some interesting play, trapping, betting out with hands, mixing up her play. I bet out on one pot, putting her all in. I had an open ended straight draw and second pair, with enough odds at improving and being the table chip leader I thoguht putting her all in was a good move, after all I put her on top pair and thought she would not call. If she did, I had outs. She called and I hit my straight. Then full tilt alerted me that I had knocked out a pro player. Nice. Shame I had to do it with a draw.
About 230 people were playing.
I was a bout 3rd in chips with 100 left, then I got AA. Someone raised 3 times the big blind. I raised him another 4 times. I was in position. The flop was 8 9 3- He went all in. Of course I called.
He had 89. I was now down to only 11 big blinds, as the guy I tangled with had a fair amount of chips.
I went all in with 1010. Got called by AJ suited. 10 on the flop, and two hearts. He had AJ of hearts. Nothing on the turn. River was a heart, knocking me out. Heartbroken.
Still, I went out 67th I think, out of 200+ people, which is not too bad. And I played very well, despite not winning.
On opening my email Full tilt alerted me that after busting a pro poker player I get a free tee shirt. Not all bad then, especially as I only payed $1.50 to play.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Thinking of new ways to make a living
Poker is one avenue to make money, but I cannot rely on something that I sometimes make money on and sometimes lose money on. It is also more stressful the more money involved. So I need to think of something else.
Bingo! Use my talents to make some money. I have been dancing for over 8 years now, so makes sense to create a website to promote lessons with me ( I have been teaching about 4/5 years).
I've also thought of selling a few products on the site too, so will keep my readers updated on this as it progresses.
If you have any ideas on how to make extra money in your free time please do comment at the end of this post, I need the tips too!
Ciao 4 now,...
Bingo! Use my talents to make some money. I have been dancing for over 8 years now, so makes sense to create a website to promote lessons with me ( I have been teaching about 4/5 years).
I've also thought of selling a few products on the site too, so will keep my readers updated on this as it progresses.
If you have any ideas on how to make extra money in your free time please do comment at the end of this post, I need the tips too!
Ciao 4 now,...
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Live poker
I've been winning recently so decided to go play some live poker.
Live poker is very different from online poker, for some obvious and not so obvious reasons. In live there's an atmosphere, whether you like that or not. There's things to distract you, or things to excite you. There are people to talk to, or distract you. People can do things to put you on tilt, much easier live than online, or at least that is what I find.
One of the biggest differences is counting the pot is a bit more difficult, if you are used to online poker, counting bets, with say 4 players playing a hand can be tough.
When I went to play in a 50 seat deep stack there were some maniacs at the table.
One guy nearly went broke on the third hand with NOTHING. He was down to about 7 Big blinds, bearing in mind this was a DEEP stack. Next hand he doubled up with the quality starting hand of K6 when he hit it on the flop.
I wanted to get this person in the right spot. He had been over betting the pot, by sometimes 2 times, with nothing. I had 88. I hit an 8 on the flop, 5 players in. I bet half the pot. Then a 7 came. I think there was something like 2c 6c 8h 7s. He bets like 25% of the pot. I raise. He goes all in. I put him on either two pair, a flush draw or 59off or 45off. This was a BIG bet. I had trips.
Online I might fold. But with 8 other players giving you pressure to call or fold I made the rash choice to call. I had 10 outs to a full house. He had 4 5 off. So he had a straight. The river was a 9. I was out. I think I went out 2nd.
Compare this to my recent results of 2500th out of 55000 people, or 1st out of 166 people and I really notice I need to improve my live poker skills.
I guess all it takes is practice. Another difference is the price. This buy in was 10x the amount I normally spend on tournaments. I am going to try to find some cheaper games, and avoid the maniacs in the first few levels. Another lesson I learnt, just call when I am drawing to the nuts. It is better. Especially when playing against utter maniacs.
Live poker is very different from online poker, for some obvious and not so obvious reasons. In live there's an atmosphere, whether you like that or not. There's things to distract you, or things to excite you. There are people to talk to, or distract you. People can do things to put you on tilt, much easier live than online, or at least that is what I find.
One of the biggest differences is counting the pot is a bit more difficult, if you are used to online poker, counting bets, with say 4 players playing a hand can be tough.
When I went to play in a 50 seat deep stack there were some maniacs at the table.
One guy nearly went broke on the third hand with NOTHING. He was down to about 7 Big blinds, bearing in mind this was a DEEP stack. Next hand he doubled up with the quality starting hand of K6 when he hit it on the flop.
I wanted to get this person in the right spot. He had been over betting the pot, by sometimes 2 times, with nothing. I had 88. I hit an 8 on the flop, 5 players in. I bet half the pot. Then a 7 came. I think there was something like 2c 6c 8h 7s. He bets like 25% of the pot. I raise. He goes all in. I put him on either two pair, a flush draw or 59off or 45off. This was a BIG bet. I had trips.
Online I might fold. But with 8 other players giving you pressure to call or fold I made the rash choice to call. I had 10 outs to a full house. He had 4 5 off. So he had a straight. The river was a 9. I was out. I think I went out 2nd.
Compare this to my recent results of 2500th out of 55000 people, or 1st out of 166 people and I really notice I need to improve my live poker skills.
I guess all it takes is practice. Another difference is the price. This buy in was 10x the amount I normally spend on tournaments. I am going to try to find some cheaper games, and avoid the maniacs in the first few levels. Another lesson I learnt, just call when I am drawing to the nuts. It is better. Especially when playing against utter maniacs.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Sunday poker
Sunday Poker
Sunday is a traditional day/night for poker. It was raining, so why not?
I started playing rush poker, on full tilt and it didn't go too well.
I had AK, went all in, and got called by,.... AK.
Then 10 mins later my KK got called my AK, 'yes!' I thought.
Then on the flop was a bright red Ace.
Lastly, my A10 did not do much better. 10 was on the board. I go all in on flop, called by JJ.
So, was about 5 bucks down.
Then played a 6 player tourny. Took about 40 mins, came 1st. 7 dollars to me.
Then, the big one. The Big little tournament. 2 dollars with a chance of winning 10,000.
Only problem is that 55000 people joined in.
I wasnt having a good time, wasnt getting hands for a long time. Had to be patient for the first hour. Then about 1.5 hours in I got QQ, I was about 11000th out of the remaining 20000th people it was now or never. I got two callers. One dude, had the same stack at the table as me, around 10000. He called me with AK off suit. Then next to him one fella called =, he had about 3000, he had 22. There was a Queen and an ace of the flop. The turn and river were blanks. I doubled up.
Then a few mins later I got JJ. I 3 bet, got called by someone with a stack of 8k (I had 23ish) on the flop there was something like 3 5 7. I went all in. He had 88. I take the pot. Up to 30oddK. Then I got JJ a few hands later. Again I double up. Then I take out some small stacks. I pick and choose well. I get up to 93k in the next hour. 30th out of 4500 (around 50,000 people were already out of the compeition). I got very excited by this.
Top 30!
Then, a big stack came to my table and as I knocked out smaller stacks some medium stacks came, so there were several people with 65, 50k etc on my table. I thought I had to be careful. I got QA off suit. I only min raise, I got two callers. Flop is KQJ. He bets 20k, he has about 70k, I have about 90. I raise him. He goes all in. I have to call, but I dont like it. I should have just called him instead of raising. Either way- he had KJ. I lose this MASSIVE pot.
I'm down to 9k. I get KA, double up. I then go all in with k9, miss. Then the blinds are up to 4k, each hand is 500 for antes. I go all in with 7k, less than 3 big blinds. I have q7 of spades. Two spades on the flop. But no more. I go out 2511th out of 55,000. I don't get very much for this, maybe $7. Wasn't very happy about my performance as I should have been a bit more careful when I was doing so well.
Silly really.
Anyway, a good experience nonetheless. I just need to learn to play well when I'm doing well. I often find when I don't have a lot of chips I play better!
Good luck to you guys, hope to see you at the tables soon!
Ciao for now.
Sunday is a traditional day/night for poker. It was raining, so why not?
I started playing rush poker, on full tilt and it didn't go too well.
I had AK, went all in, and got called by,.... AK.
Then 10 mins later my KK got called my AK, 'yes!' I thought.
Then on the flop was a bright red Ace.
Lastly, my A10 did not do much better. 10 was on the board. I go all in on flop, called by JJ.
So, was about 5 bucks down.
Then played a 6 player tourny. Took about 40 mins, came 1st. 7 dollars to me.
Then, the big one. The Big little tournament. 2 dollars with a chance of winning 10,000.
Only problem is that 55000 people joined in.
I wasnt having a good time, wasnt getting hands for a long time. Had to be patient for the first hour. Then about 1.5 hours in I got QQ, I was about 11000th out of the remaining 20000th people it was now or never. I got two callers. One dude, had the same stack at the table as me, around 10000. He called me with AK off suit. Then next to him one fella called =, he had about 3000, he had 22. There was a Queen and an ace of the flop. The turn and river were blanks. I doubled up.
Then a few mins later I got JJ. I 3 bet, got called by someone with a stack of 8k (I had 23ish) on the flop there was something like 3 5 7. I went all in. He had 88. I take the pot. Up to 30oddK. Then I got JJ a few hands later. Again I double up. Then I take out some small stacks. I pick and choose well. I get up to 93k in the next hour. 30th out of 4500 (around 50,000 people were already out of the compeition). I got very excited by this.
Top 30!
Then, a big stack came to my table and as I knocked out smaller stacks some medium stacks came, so there were several people with 65, 50k etc on my table. I thought I had to be careful. I got QA off suit. I only min raise, I got two callers. Flop is KQJ. He bets 20k, he has about 70k, I have about 90. I raise him. He goes all in. I have to call, but I dont like it. I should have just called him instead of raising. Either way- he had KJ. I lose this MASSIVE pot.
I'm down to 9k. I get KA, double up. I then go all in with k9, miss. Then the blinds are up to 4k, each hand is 500 for antes. I go all in with 7k, less than 3 big blinds. I have q7 of spades. Two spades on the flop. But no more. I go out 2511th out of 55,000. I don't get very much for this, maybe $7. Wasn't very happy about my performance as I should have been a bit more careful when I was doing so well.
Silly really.
Anyway, a good experience nonetheless. I just need to learn to play well when I'm doing well. I often find when I don't have a lot of chips I play better!
Good luck to you guys, hope to see you at the tables soon!
Ciao for now.
Friday, 25 February 2011
The compounding nature of life- the health things
I think it is quite easy for things and events in life to multiple..
I first learnt about compounding when I looked at the interesting example of finance.
In the example I read it stated that the multiplying of money due to interest, interest on top of interest, was called the compounding principle. Einstein called it the 8th wonder of the world. In fact, I like to think of it existing in other areas of life.
In the Middle East for example. Who would have predicted several states protesting in the streets, with so much passion and dedication they would overthrow their own dictator? I don't think anyone saw it coming in Egypt. Then Tunisia, Libya,Yemen, who next? This spread, the impact from one nation spread maybe through the internet- but it spread.
In my own life over the past few weeks I have noticed how health compounds. In around 2004 I would say I was at my healthiest. I was super strong, fit, ate well, had plenty of friends and a stunning, loyal partner. A slight knock to my health didn't really cause much of a problem, I was super healthy after all. I had a high muscle to fat ratio, meaning, my metabolism was great. I could eat fast food and not put on weight, no problem. I could adapt and turn my hand to any sport, pretty much. I think this is the same for many athletes at the peak of their fitness. Ok, they might not be able to do well at every sport ( I can't play golf at all, or can't shoot, or ride horses) but they will have an advantage over someone completely unfit in regard to flexibility, strength, cardiac fitness, spacial awareness, competitive drive etc..
Recently, unfortunately, my luck hasn't been great. I first got ill from food poisoning in Jan 2011. Then, with bad advice from peers, I ate the wrong food. I went to hospital a second time, two weeks later in Feb 2011. I was very ill, though mainly because I had Just Been Ill.
At home while recovering I noticed pain in my teeth. I was off dairy products and as a consequence of being off dairy(they apparently help oral health, I heard this today- was a bit surprised) so had a lack of calcium. Also, I was on a strict diet, no protein really.
Anyway. I had been very dehydrated in hospital and out of hospital. So I had to take re-hydration fluids. You might have guessed what they had in them. Concentrated sugars. I was also recommended to drink lots of fizzy drinks. Result? Now I need 3 fillings, I have gum damage from over brushing (I thought I needed to brush harder and more often!)and because of the stress of my whole experience I have started to grind my teeth, unconsciously, in my sleep. For those worried about your teeth/gums here is a good article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442/?tag=content;col1
I didn't write about my recent health issues for sympathy. I do not require or need sympathy. This is mearly an illustration of how something in real life, as opposed to financial life, can compound.
Health really does, as the body never really forgets what you put it through. Wow, that sounded serious! I guess, had I known about the consequences of too many antibiotics, or too much rehydration sachets, or not enough dairy, then I wouldn't have had compounded health problems. But, it is much easier in hindsight! Maybe I was ignorant,.. still...
I see myself as a positive guy and I'm sure right around the corner I'll be on the positive end of the compounding machine that is life,..
For everyone, remain positive. :)
Ciao for now...
I first learnt about compounding when I looked at the interesting example of finance.
In the example I read it stated that the multiplying of money due to interest, interest on top of interest, was called the compounding principle. Einstein called it the 8th wonder of the world. In fact, I like to think of it existing in other areas of life.
In the Middle East for example. Who would have predicted several states protesting in the streets, with so much passion and dedication they would overthrow their own dictator? I don't think anyone saw it coming in Egypt. Then Tunisia, Libya,Yemen, who next? This spread, the impact from one nation spread maybe through the internet- but it spread.
In my own life over the past few weeks I have noticed how health compounds. In around 2004 I would say I was at my healthiest. I was super strong, fit, ate well, had plenty of friends and a stunning, loyal partner. A slight knock to my health didn't really cause much of a problem, I was super healthy after all. I had a high muscle to fat ratio, meaning, my metabolism was great. I could eat fast food and not put on weight, no problem. I could adapt and turn my hand to any sport, pretty much. I think this is the same for many athletes at the peak of their fitness. Ok, they might not be able to do well at every sport ( I can't play golf at all, or can't shoot, or ride horses) but they will have an advantage over someone completely unfit in regard to flexibility, strength, cardiac fitness, spacial awareness, competitive drive etc..
Recently, unfortunately, my luck hasn't been great. I first got ill from food poisoning in Jan 2011. Then, with bad advice from peers, I ate the wrong food. I went to hospital a second time, two weeks later in Feb 2011. I was very ill, though mainly because I had Just Been Ill.
At home while recovering I noticed pain in my teeth. I was off dairy products and as a consequence of being off dairy(they apparently help oral health, I heard this today- was a bit surprised) so had a lack of calcium. Also, I was on a strict diet, no protein really.
Anyway. I had been very dehydrated in hospital and out of hospital. So I had to take re-hydration fluids. You might have guessed what they had in them. Concentrated sugars. I was also recommended to drink lots of fizzy drinks. Result? Now I need 3 fillings, I have gum damage from over brushing (I thought I needed to brush harder and more often!)and because of the stress of my whole experience I have started to grind my teeth, unconsciously, in my sleep. For those worried about your teeth/gums here is a good article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442/?tag=content;col1
I didn't write about my recent health issues for sympathy. I do not require or need sympathy. This is mearly an illustration of how something in real life, as opposed to financial life, can compound.
Health really does, as the body never really forgets what you put it through. Wow, that sounded serious! I guess, had I known about the consequences of too many antibiotics, or too much rehydration sachets, or not enough dairy, then I wouldn't have had compounded health problems. But, it is much easier in hindsight! Maybe I was ignorant,.. still...
I see myself as a positive guy and I'm sure right around the corner I'll be on the positive end of the compounding machine that is life,..
For everyone, remain positive. :)
Ciao for now...
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
New Youtube upload Cost of medical care
New Youtube upload Cost of medical care
I just uploaded a new video, took me over 3 hours to edit, 2 hours to upload and filming in both the UK and Thailand. Getting ill in Thailand is.... well check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXd-XpGid4
Check it out. Like it. Share it. Email it. Love it!
ps. Good for people thinking of going traveling in Thailand/South East Asia.
I just uploaded a new video, took me over 3 hours to edit, 2 hours to upload and filming in both the UK and Thailand. Getting ill in Thailand is.... well check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXd-XpGid4
Check it out. Like it. Share it. Email it. Love it!
ps. Good for people thinking of going traveling in Thailand/South East Asia.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Trials and tribulations of a good addict.
Recovering from two intestinal infections back at home in B'ham. After being hospitalised twice in Thailand and being forced to swallow a whole host of anti-biotics, over two or three weeks- my body is well and truly screwed.
I've been told my digestive system could be affected for up to 4 months or longer. The most hopeful prognosis is 4 weeks, and no diary, whatsoever.
So, apart from gritting my teeth when my madre eats some cheese, or worse still, cheesecake, in front of me, things aren't too bad. A lack of energy and weird ups and downs in my stomach, like there's a party I'm not invited too inside my chest, are the worst of it. Actually, the lack of strength combined with the fact that I can't, literally as it makes me worse, train or do any kind of physical exercise. Quite hard for me, as a wannabe pro bboy.
The first few weeks, especially in hospital, I watched films on HBO- possible in Thai hospitals. Back at home I've exhausted day time TV to the death. So what now? I've re-introduced myself to.... poker.
I have had a chequered career within poker. My first intro was facebook poker, where I learnt.
Going from 1500 chips, or something like that, to over 1 million. Before losing most of it and settling back to having about 75000. At that point I decided to play for real money.
Then, I joined partypoker. I was quite astonished when I managed to turn £15 into £150. In 3 days play, about 6 hours in total. I was high on my success, as most beginners get. I lost it all within 6 weeks. My first time going 'broke' (at least my poker funds were bust, anyway.).
Then, I joined full tilt and titan poker, maybe 4 months later, the cooling off period. I put maybe £15 in both. Ups and downs ensued. Followed by going bust for the second and third time.
I 'quit'. Felt good to say it. But, like all good addicts, I am no quitter.
I started playing live poker with a friend who moved to my city. And I started winning again.
I cashed in a tournament of 30 people, coming 3rd for £30. I won a small tournament at a friends, for £15. Then, I had planned to go the real local tournament, £25 buy in, £1000 or thereabouts, first prize. Flight to thailand. Guess what? Not only did I miss the casino game in B'ham, but Poker in Thailand is illegal. Game over.
Fast forward 8 weeks, 6 in pokerless Thailand, 2 for lack of energy.
I start playing 'free' poker again. Then, deposit £25, as you do.
Easy to do really.
I start winning. I go up to $48 from (40), then I join a $10 tounrnament, 1100 players. I play pretty badly and go out somewhere disgracefully shite like 900odd. Down to $38, or thereabouts.
I play a $3, 90 player tournament, today, after reading some poker books in town. As you do.
I, the quitter, come 2nd out of 90. Second place. Needed to repeat it, lame I know.
Bankroll boosted to over $80 and the quitter is back in the game.
Now just need to stay focused and not blow it all, again, for the 4th time.
Wish me luck, skill and the ability to stay as calm (think thai people calmness).
Ciao for now folks,..
I've been told my digestive system could be affected for up to 4 months or longer. The most hopeful prognosis is 4 weeks, and no diary, whatsoever.
So, apart from gritting my teeth when my madre eats some cheese, or worse still, cheesecake, in front of me, things aren't too bad. A lack of energy and weird ups and downs in my stomach, like there's a party I'm not invited too inside my chest, are the worst of it. Actually, the lack of strength combined with the fact that I can't, literally as it makes me worse, train or do any kind of physical exercise. Quite hard for me, as a wannabe pro bboy.
The first few weeks, especially in hospital, I watched films on HBO- possible in Thai hospitals. Back at home I've exhausted day time TV to the death. So what now? I've re-introduced myself to.... poker.
I have had a chequered career within poker. My first intro was facebook poker, where I learnt.
Going from 1500 chips, or something like that, to over 1 million. Before losing most of it and settling back to having about 75000. At that point I decided to play for real money.
Then, I joined partypoker. I was quite astonished when I managed to turn £15 into £150. In 3 days play, about 6 hours in total. I was high on my success, as most beginners get. I lost it all within 6 weeks. My first time going 'broke' (at least my poker funds were bust, anyway.).
Then, I joined full tilt and titan poker, maybe 4 months later, the cooling off period. I put maybe £15 in both. Ups and downs ensued. Followed by going bust for the second and third time.
I 'quit'. Felt good to say it. But, like all good addicts, I am no quitter.
I started playing live poker with a friend who moved to my city. And I started winning again.
I cashed in a tournament of 30 people, coming 3rd for £30. I won a small tournament at a friends, for £15. Then, I had planned to go the real local tournament, £25 buy in, £1000 or thereabouts, first prize. Flight to thailand. Guess what? Not only did I miss the casino game in B'ham, but Poker in Thailand is illegal. Game over.
Fast forward 8 weeks, 6 in pokerless Thailand, 2 for lack of energy.
I start playing 'free' poker again. Then, deposit £25, as you do.
Easy to do really.
I start winning. I go up to $48 from (40), then I join a $10 tounrnament, 1100 players. I play pretty badly and go out somewhere disgracefully shite like 900odd. Down to $38, or thereabouts.
I play a $3, 90 player tournament, today, after reading some poker books in town. As you do.
I, the quitter, come 2nd out of 90. Second place. Needed to repeat it, lame I know.
Bankroll boosted to over $80 and the quitter is back in the game.
Now just need to stay focused and not blow it all, again, for the 4th time.
Wish me luck, skill and the ability to stay as calm (think thai people calmness).
Ciao for now folks,..
Saturday, 19 February 2011
post thailand
the present thailand left me with is a messed up stomach- off to bed- at what time I hear you ask? 21:45.
Fun stuff.
Fun stuff.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
How much is medical care in Thailand- Bangkok- well you'll see, soon. First, I rock the beat!
Howdy folks,
I've recently been in hospital in Thailand. A few people have been asking me regarding cost of medical care. ' How much is medical care in Thailand'? Or
'How much is medical care in Bangkok?'
Well....
You'll see, soon.
First a fun video I made straight outta my hospital bed. Check it out folks! Fresh off the press.. Bear in mind I'd been on an IV drip for days, so this took ALOT of energy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1GCJghuATI
Enjoy!
I've recently been in hospital in Thailand. A few people have been asking me regarding cost of medical care. ' How much is medical care in Thailand'? Or
'How much is medical care in Bangkok?'
Well....
You'll see, soon.
First a fun video I made straight outta my hospital bed. Check it out folks! Fresh off the press.. Bear in mind I'd been on an IV drip for days, so this took ALOT of energy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1GCJghuATI
Enjoy!
Sunday, 6 February 2011
2008 VS 2010 and vlogging around the world
Old articles, review of 2008 and 2010 and vlogging around the world
First, I've managed to use my film degree somewhat. I've created traveller friendly videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/savingmoneyIN
and http://www.youtube.com/user/jswinbrum
So..........................
I have just glanced at some old articles I wrote and saw that I did a summing up of 2008. So, as 2010 has just gone I guess I should do something similar.
Jan-March- working in London, had a good time in London but taught at a school that did teaching swaps- where you teach other peoples' lesson plans. After 2/3 months of this I couldn't take it. I wanted to leave, but in the end they fired me. A week later they asked me to come back. I had already booked my flight away.
April- July- Travel coast to coast in America. Amazing experience. Would like to go back to the states. Just absolutely love it, far more than I had expected to.
Sept-Oct- Unemployed at home. Pretty crappy period of my life
Nov+ Dec- temping in B'ham and sorting visas out to come to Thailand.
2011- Moved to thailand.
Financially I have put more money into my stocks. Now money in stocks is near the same as my debts. I'm hoping the shares grow in value more than my debt. We shall see. From being 60% down in 2008, my shares are up 9%. Not a great return but that doesn't include dividends or anything. So it is likely to be over the magical 10% goal.
Fitness has been up and down. Haven't managed to do too much bboying. Though did meet some dope bboys in America. Like I said, it was a fantastic trip.
In late 2010 I split with my long term gf. Really felt the affects in 2011. Saw a few girls in the states, that helped.
I've now been single over a year. Bit weird really. Tho, life moves on, whether we like it or not.
Ok, that's the update.
Something else I've gotten into is vlogging- video blogs.
First, I've managed to use my film degree somewhat. I've created traveller friendly videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/savingmoneyIN
and http://www.youtube.com/user/jswinbrum
So..........................
I have just glanced at some old articles I wrote and saw that I did a summing up of 2008. So, as 2010 has just gone I guess I should do something similar.
Jan-March- working in London, had a good time in London but taught at a school that did teaching swaps- where you teach other peoples' lesson plans. After 2/3 months of this I couldn't take it. I wanted to leave, but in the end they fired me. A week later they asked me to come back. I had already booked my flight away.
April- July- Travel coast to coast in America. Amazing experience. Would like to go back to the states. Just absolutely love it, far more than I had expected to.
Sept-Oct- Unemployed at home. Pretty crappy period of my life
Nov+ Dec- temping in B'ham and sorting visas out to come to Thailand.
2011- Moved to thailand.
Financially I have put more money into my stocks. Now money in stocks is near the same as my debts. I'm hoping the shares grow in value more than my debt. We shall see. From being 60% down in 2008, my shares are up 9%. Not a great return but that doesn't include dividends or anything. So it is likely to be over the magical 10% goal.
Fitness has been up and down. Haven't managed to do too much bboying. Though did meet some dope bboys in America. Like I said, it was a fantastic trip.
In late 2010 I split with my long term gf. Really felt the affects in 2011. Saw a few girls in the states, that helped.
I've now been single over a year. Bit weird really. Tho, life moves on, whether we like it or not.
Ok, that's the update.
Something else I've gotten into is vlogging- video blogs.
Cost of living Bangkok- my new vlog
I'm now in Asia. In lovely thailand. Shame I have food poisoning. Oh well these things happen. Got a bit of time to update the blog!
I have started several youtube channels for my blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EuKq5DbFs4
The above link is my cost of living link for bangkok. It is proving quite a popular video, at least more so than I expected. I never thought I'd get 100 views, but it is close to 200 view and it has only been up a few weeks. Check it out, love to hear what you think of it.
Will update this, but my youtube channels give you some video footage of my life in Bangkok. There will soon be footage of other cities around the world too!
Here are the links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/savingmoneyIN
http://www.youtube.com/user/jswinbrum
Signing off now,.. ciao all.
:)
I have started several youtube channels for my blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EuKq5DbFs4
The above link is my cost of living link for bangkok. It is proving quite a popular video, at least more so than I expected. I never thought I'd get 100 views, but it is close to 200 view and it has only been up a few weeks. Check it out, love to hear what you think of it.
Will update this, but my youtube channels give you some video footage of my life in Bangkok. There will soon be footage of other cities around the world too!
Here are the links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/savingmoneyIN
http://www.youtube.com/user/jswinbrum
Signing off now,.. ciao all.
:)
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
rashes,hippies, bums, free shit and the next stop on the road
The update
The new thing:
My health insurance, i think, has run out. And, i am not sure whether it is mosquitos or if i have a skin rash. It is reasonably similar to the rash I got back 4/5 years ago, a rash that eventually went away, but took 2 weeks.I still haven't ruled out mosquitos, as there are loads here and other people get bitten alot too. The humidity could also be it- it is VERY humid here. Also, I've had a lot of avocados- might need an alergy test- all things to consider.
I've been staying at a co-op, hippies basically. While it has been cool, it has also tested me in more ways than one. Thier liberalism, with clothing, drugs, alcohol and their mixed me crazy. Some folk here have introduced me to some cool ideas, and their laid back attitude is something that reminds me of when I was a bit younger. I ask ' what are your plans for today?' Everyone answers, although individually, ' Dunno, going to see what happens'. I get similar answers if I ask what their plans are for next year, five years and what they want out of life. Their dismal lack of aspiration shows me how losers are born and bred. Shame really as they are quite nice, friendly people I want them to have dreams, to want to do well, not sure why, but I do.
Great food, a growing garden, a piano and library as well as open ideas are some of the things I have liked, plus a whole lot of people to chat to. So it hasn't been bad. Plus, as you may have guessed, it is free accommodation, and thanks to the dumpster culture free food, and great free food.
Tomorrow I plan to go to New orleans, home to street culture. Music, dance, everything. I'm really looking forward to it. I also, with all my heart, am hoping, nay praying, for calm weather. Not too humid, not Vegas dryness. Just right. After saving shed loads couchsurfing I'll most likely treat myself to either a hostel or, wait for it, a hotel!!!!
The new thing:
My health insurance, i think, has run out. And, i am not sure whether it is mosquitos or if i have a skin rash. It is reasonably similar to the rash I got back 4/5 years ago, a rash that eventually went away, but took 2 weeks.I still haven't ruled out mosquitos, as there are loads here and other people get bitten alot too. The humidity could also be it- it is VERY humid here. Also, I've had a lot of avocados- might need an alergy test- all things to consider.
I've been staying at a co-op, hippies basically. While it has been cool, it has also tested me in more ways than one. Thier liberalism, with clothing, drugs, alcohol and their mixed me crazy. Some folk here have introduced me to some cool ideas, and their laid back attitude is something that reminds me of when I was a bit younger. I ask ' what are your plans for today?' Everyone answers, although individually, ' Dunno, going to see what happens'. I get similar answers if I ask what their plans are for next year, five years and what they want out of life. Their dismal lack of aspiration shows me how losers are born and bred. Shame really as they are quite nice, friendly people I want them to have dreams, to want to do well, not sure why, but I do.
Great food, a growing garden, a piano and library as well as open ideas are some of the things I have liked, plus a whole lot of people to chat to. So it hasn't been bad. Plus, as you may have guessed, it is free accommodation, and thanks to the dumpster culture free food, and great free food.
Tomorrow I plan to go to New orleans, home to street culture. Music, dance, everything. I'm really looking forward to it. I also, with all my heart, am hoping, nay praying, for calm weather. Not too humid, not Vegas dryness. Just right. After saving shed loads couchsurfing I'll most likely treat myself to either a hostel or, wait for it, a hotel!!!!
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
The ups and downs of traveling: finding out about the real currency
All travelers need to be slightly aware of their budget, or at least most do. I'm one of the ones that does, and I often see it as quite fun to find a cheap option, as often price reflects not value, just, well, price. That said, more than ever, this trip has highlighted something i've been thinking about and reading about.. Energy.
I can't claim to have invented this rather interesting way of looking at our world but I really do feel it and have never, ever, been able to put my mind on to it.
Picture this. Moaners, bitchers, people that bring you down, negative types, nay sayers- they're not great to be around, they take your energy. Places, people, things, events, environments do the same. On a bus full of dodgy people, I feel it. My energy is being taken, I feel stressed, alert but not comfortable and that's the stress- the positive energy leaving. And the negative shit that's left? That's the shit that causes diseases. The stuff medical types say cause illnesses, and it makes perfect sense. Your body and mind are being put into a bad state, they aren't working optimally and negativity affects them. Capitalism doesn't promote this enough, it only promotes the financial benefits of 'a good deal'. Forget a good deal. Go for the good energy. Humans run on energy.
So. How the ... does this relate to being in the mighty US of A? You'll see patient reader, you'll see.
I've stayed in a hotel, a hostel and couchsurfed. Different prices, of course. But, a big BUT, the most important thing is not the financial implications (only took me 25 years- I am a SLOW learner) but the energy implications. The ups and downs are truly amplified when away from home, so its even more important. I couchsurfed with a dude call Ryan. So nice. Open. Kind. Generous. Booster of energy. His gf? The opposite.
What are the effects of all this? Staying somewhere with stressful folks, where I won'tbe able to recharge my metaphorically batteries might save me a few bucks, but my life energy- sounds cheesy as funk- but it is true, will be less. I'll be less driven, less excited, less up for doing anything.
Where from now? Search for places with the right energy aka the right vibe aka ' a nice environment'. Cost will now be the secondary factor.
And I'm out.
I can't claim to have invented this rather interesting way of looking at our world but I really do feel it and have never, ever, been able to put my mind on to it.
Picture this. Moaners, bitchers, people that bring you down, negative types, nay sayers- they're not great to be around, they take your energy. Places, people, things, events, environments do the same. On a bus full of dodgy people, I feel it. My energy is being taken, I feel stressed, alert but not comfortable and that's the stress- the positive energy leaving. And the negative shit that's left? That's the shit that causes diseases. The stuff medical types say cause illnesses, and it makes perfect sense. Your body and mind are being put into a bad state, they aren't working optimally and negativity affects them. Capitalism doesn't promote this enough, it only promotes the financial benefits of 'a good deal'. Forget a good deal. Go for the good energy. Humans run on energy.
So. How the ... does this relate to being in the mighty US of A? You'll see patient reader, you'll see.
I've stayed in a hotel, a hostel and couchsurfed. Different prices, of course. But, a big BUT, the most important thing is not the financial implications (only took me 25 years- I am a SLOW learner) but the energy implications. The ups and downs are truly amplified when away from home, so its even more important. I couchsurfed with a dude call Ryan. So nice. Open. Kind. Generous. Booster of energy. His gf? The opposite.
What are the effects of all this? Staying somewhere with stressful folks, where I won'tbe able to recharge my metaphorically batteries might save me a few bucks, but my life energy- sounds cheesy as funk- but it is true, will be less. I'll be less driven, less excited, less up for doing anything.
Where from now? Search for places with the right energy aka the right vibe aka ' a nice environment'. Cost will now be the secondary factor.
And I'm out.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
on poker thrills, spills and bills
Well, I feel fully inducted into the world of poker, online.
My poker education was short, sweet and thrilling, unlike my real education which was long, tedious and left me a tad bitter at my lot in life. Still, I'm repping the downtrodden man. Anyway, back to the point..
Online poker was just a click away. I signed up and played two nights of cash games. Then, after winning and losing pennies I embarked on tournaments, which I promptly won, this is where the thrills are at, winning. Suffice to say, the first tournament netted me the grand amount of 2 quid. Hence, I wrote this article a few weeks AFTER that win. Didn't want to over-excite any of the readers and all.
I go on to win quite a few more tournaments, edging up slowly, culminating in two tournament wins that wake me up. In my first week I've turned £15 into £150.
I'm maaaad excited about this.
Then, unsurprisingly, the downfall. It was straight down, up and down up and down, more like it, but still down. My downfall was the result of trying to 'up my game' by going to bigger tournaments, only to play reckless, shite poker.
I will say my last 2 poker tournament results. Well, I went out first on both. First to a full house my 10 10 10 K K being beaten by K K K 9 9- considering I had a full house it's not a bad hand to lose on. My last tournie was lost on trip 5s ( 5 5 5) losing to trip 8s (8 8 8 ).
Back to square one.
My poker education was short, sweet and thrilling, unlike my real education which was long, tedious and left me a tad bitter at my lot in life. Still, I'm repping the downtrodden man. Anyway, back to the point..
Online poker was just a click away. I signed up and played two nights of cash games. Then, after winning and losing pennies I embarked on tournaments, which I promptly won, this is where the thrills are at, winning. Suffice to say, the first tournament netted me the grand amount of 2 quid. Hence, I wrote this article a few weeks AFTER that win. Didn't want to over-excite any of the readers and all.
I go on to win quite a few more tournaments, edging up slowly, culminating in two tournament wins that wake me up. In my first week I've turned £15 into £150.
I'm maaaad excited about this.
Then, unsurprisingly, the downfall. It was straight down, up and down up and down, more like it, but still down. My downfall was the result of trying to 'up my game' by going to bigger tournaments, only to play reckless, shite poker.
I will say my last 2 poker tournament results. Well, I went out first on both. First to a full house my 10 10 10 K K being beaten by K K K 9 9- considering I had a full house it's not a bad hand to lose on. My last tournie was lost on trip 5s ( 5 5 5) losing to trip 8s (8 8 8 ).
Back to square one.
Monday, 14 December 2009
The decade A-Z
the decade A-Z
A- an ok decade. Ajuda. Amazon.
B- breaking/bboy, the breakdancing decade for me
C- can do it decade
D- dammit- 2.2 at uni, Dominoes Pizza
E- English as a second language
F- foreign language learning
G- Google.
H- heart soups in portugal.
I- Italy 2006 nice holiday
Jake turns 25.
K Kaz, my first real girlfriend
L- love, real love with Zuraida. Lisbon. Leon marries. Learnt to cook. Languages.
M- money, working full time for the first time!
N- Nice getting on with my dad.
O- opportunity to go anywhere and do anything
P portugal 08-09. Poker love started in 2009. Pedro portugal.
Rap and hiphop obsession
S September 11th
T Tescos
U unemployment end of 2009!
W Warren Buffett. Wikipedia.Windmills.
Xrays, a million of them!
Youtube
Z zuraida, my amazing ex-girlfriend of 6.5 years
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Notes on unemployment- the ups and the downs
Ordinarily unemployment, at least for me has been more enjoyable than this time round. I would almost be unemployed out of choice, and if it wasn't by choice, it was mildy enjoyable ( I had time to do enjoyable things) and it was temporary.
Zoom forward to 2009. After hearing about rising unemployment, everyday, when I was out in Portugal, I thought I'd never experience it. Tefl would keep me employed, or so I thought.
I guess I'm in quite a dark place at the moment. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I got here. Sometimes it is hard to work out these things, but I'll give it a go.
After leaving my job, I came home. Financially a decent step, but not in any other way.
Crammed into a study, with a mattress and half a metre's space, living with family and arguments, quizzed on everything and generally annoyed- it wasn't a good start.
Adding to this a breaking up of 6 and a half year relationship and alienation from all of my friends (the consequences in breaking circles of 'leaving' them- going to Portugal) and no place to train. With no money, a serious lack of friends, no girl and the small things that annoy me at home- welcome to my current situation.
The up is I should get some money in in the next few days. The down? An anger I haven't felt before. Application form after application form, cv sent, cv re-worked, cv sent, ignored, too many apologies from underqualfied over-polite annoying recruitment agents.
Days filled up with the habit- online poker.
Joint problems.
So. How to get a u-turn? I'm going to list some bad habits and work round them.
- Over reliance on one or two friends
- Over reliance on one friends car
- Too much online poker
- Too much time online
- Too little reading
Ways to improve
- set a deadline- to leave the country or do something equally dramatic
- final reworkings of the effing cv
- get up earlier
- max. 30 mins of poker a day
- do something creative
- be kinder to people in a vain attempt to feel better about the shitness that is my life.
- rest more, stress less.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
School Phobia bull shit.
A BBC article states kids are scared of going into school and labels seperation anxiety, attached to lovely mommy and daddy as a cause.
My take?
Having been to a 'rough' school I know what it is like to not want to go to school. We, me and my friends, jokingly reffered to our school as a 'prison'. I counted down the days to end of term.
My brother, who is 4.5 years older said 'I only have one term left brother while you have 4 years, good luck!' - that's the kinda place it was.
When there was drugs, kids smoking and drinking at age 12, bullying (broken ribs and arms on a few occasions), fights including headbutts and elbows in the playground (blood everywhere), teachers being beaten up by parents, what did we do?
We went into school. We grew up quickly. What was the alternative? School is school, you do your time whether its a nice school or not a nice one.
I don't regret going to the school in any way, shape or form, in fact it really was a good kind of social education.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)