Blog For Free!
Archives
Home
2005 June
2004 November
2004 August
2004 July
2004 June
2004 May
2004 April
My Links
About my Blog (entry 1)
Mark Cuban's blog (a good read)
Dallas Mavericks
our local Amnesty Chapter
tBlog
My Profile
Send tMail
My tFriends
My Images
Sponsored
Blog
|
| up and running...just try and stop me |
| 06.11.05 (5:55 am) [edit] |
|
Wow - finally back and bloggin again. What a drain this past year has been. My responsibilities to both academic institutions that I served over the past 6 years are now behind me. Did you hear that door shut?
Look ahead with me. What do you see? Freedom. Time. Support. Ideas. Friends. Tell you what I don't see: boundaries.
Ideas keep coming from all over. I need to write them all down. Put them under a microscope. Examine them all. Throw them to a boundless future untainted by responsibilities to others. Sound selfish? Well, the only way these ideas will launch is if I remove all constraints and allow them to really take off.
|
|
|
| |
| Place of Blame |
| 11.19.04 (9:50 pm) [edit] |
The NBA had one of its darkest moments tonight. And before I get to hear what Commissioner Stearn has to say, I want to share my thoughts about the brawl between the Pistons, Pacers, those individuals who chose to cross the line, and those who chose not to apprehend them.
For anyone at that game who did nothing to stop those who decided to cross the line, shame on you. For all Detroit Palace security officers who did not apprehend those individuals in the stands who decided to cross the line, shame on you. The blame I place for the dominoe effect of shattering the image put forth at the start of the NBA new year is everyone who decided to turn away and watch mayhem unfold. Shame on you.
And for honors, I congratulate Jermaine O'Neal for that punch on the fan who came onto the court.
I have plenty to say about this incident. I will be writing more tomorrow...but for now, NBA should have the balls to suspend Ben Wallace, and do NOTHING ELSE except prevent Detroit Fans from sitting in the lower deck at the next 5 home games and in all Pacer-Piston games for the next 5 years. This, coming from an NBA fan of 28 years, and from someone who has a lot of respect for the Detroit organization and their title run in '04.
For all of you soda splashing, chair throwing, fist flinging idiots in Detroit.... you blew it. But who blew it more were those who failed to apprehend those who have now ruined the image of the NBA.
|
|
|
| |
| one of the rules of life |
| 08.09.04 (2:30 pm) [edit] |
** Never disrespect a future version of yourself **
How many times have you looked back in time and thought how you could have handled a number of decisions armed with better information or introspection? How many times have you over spent and went into debt for a short term, short sighted pleasure? Remember that you can never escape that older wiser version of yourself that will always be looking back down the timeline you are currently creating. All of the planning, thinking, analyzing, and working goes into making the person and the life that you are currently launching into the future. Every single decision affects that future person. Will he/she be proud, angry, bitter, or laughing? Will he/she be discusted by the hours wasted of the precious gift of life? Remember, you can always get more money...and never be able to buy back time. Live wise, and the best test to determine what that future wiser person may be thinking is to stare the current person down one-on-one in the mirror. Is there dignity, respect, and humility?
Remember, it is not whether the glass is half empty or half full. It is what the glass is made of. Make it strong and long lasting.
|
|
|
| |
| back in the states...time to take off! |
| 08.06.04 (11:33 pm) [edit] |
Back from Belize. Big changes...now a married man! The trip was perfect. A bit more than 3 weeks and we went throughout most of the (small) country. We visited Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, Caves Branch, and San Ignacio. The wedding took place in Placencia at Robert's Grove Resort. We could not ask for a more perfect day! Nice warm day and a charming evening. Kristy was so beautiful and we had the most amazing steak and lobster dinner!
Did lots of thinking and planning on the trip. Re-read the classic "Thinks and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill. Anyone out there who wants to make their dreams turn into reality MUST read this book. And re-read it. Then apply the simple rules and like magic, your life starts to change. It all starts with an idea...
Getting ready to purchase investment home #2. This first property has grown so much in value that I considered "cashing out" with the profits. Well, since I have only owned it 14 months, I will have to wait at least 2 years in order to be tax free on any capital gains up to $250,000. We plan on keeping this place our primary resident and will rent out the new place for now.
Still implementing and planning for the game consulting I start this fall. While I try to build a client base, I will teach part time and also tutor AP Physics and AP Calculus on the side...
Speaking of APs, 30% of my Calculus class scored a 5 on the May exam! 60% passed, which is not bad considering I make all of my students take the exam and 2 guys should not have been in the class (my fault). For physics, 1 guy got a 5. This next year we should break the record set in '03 because this senior class is loaded. I have the energy for one more year teaching at this level (for now) which will be my 6th.
getting late...heading to Baja for the day tomorrow (SAT). Nice to be back and posting on a regular basis...
|
|
|
| |
| Island Hopping off the coast of Belize... |
| 07.10.04 (5:05 pm) [edit] |
just got in to Amberguise Caye off the northern coast of Belize. Great so far. Got a few minutes left on my internet splurge of 15 minutes and a Belikin Beer for $6 (that's $3 US)...
we get to Caye Caulker tomorrow and then back to Belize City on Monday...
gotta run for now....
|
|
|
| |
| next time I'm in the U.S.... |
| 07.07.04 (10:03 pm) [edit] |
I leave early tomorrow morning for the trip to Belize. Next time I am in the U.S. it will be as a married man. Wow. Finally doing it. Long wait. So many adventures in the past and so many short term relationships that ended on non-compatibility. But this time is golden, as all of the signs and all of the vibes point toward visions of excitement, adventure, humility, awe, love, romance, and most importantly, growing old and sharing life with an amazing woman.
Our 3-week trip starts in Belize City. On July 15th we get married. Then soon after that we will be slipping into the jungle between Guatamala and San Ignacio, exploring the ancient ruins of Ti'Kal, and all of this materialistic glue will be well behind me. I will be completely free for 2 months and well on my way to planning an amazing future with Kirsty.
I'll try to post from Belize.
|
|
|
| |
| Steve Nash is Gone |
| 07.03.04 (11:04 pm) [edit] |
Steve Nash is no longer a member of the Dallas Mavericks. My first reactions were emotions of shock, saddness, dismay, and frustration. Then I started to think about the deal Nash got from the Phoenix Suns. He's 30 years old and just signed a 5 year deal to play point guard for a young up-and-coming team. Let me spell that out: he will be THIRTY FIVE when his contract is up and the Suns will be forced to pay him $10 million plus. I cannot see this being a good business move for the Suns part, and it may turn out to help the Mavericks much more in the long run than hurt them as they will now have more money available after this current 5 year run at a few titles is over.
Granted, the Mavs will have a hard time replacing the floor general in Nash. But think about what happened to Dallas in the first round of the playoffs; we got burned as their opposing point guard Mike Bibby completely outplayed Nash. So while Nash went for a few more million (what really is the difference between 60 million and 50 million?) and an additional guaranteed year, the Mavericks went into an apparent dark cloud.
Now things are starting to clear up. We just resigned Marquis Daniels who just happened to be rocking the hoops world in his last 4 games going into the playoffs (7 RPG, 5.8 APG, 26.3 PPG) and then 6-3-16 a game against the Kings in the loss. His energy level, his quickness, his ability to steal and also play quick defense may give the Mavs more energy than anyone thought. Adding him to the backcourt with rookie Devin Harris, who started PG in what some call "hard and difficult to learn" offense at Ohio State (and was Big 10 player of the year), then I see so much energy in the backcourt that I can hardly wait until October.
But things became even more clear after I read the recent Blog entry by Maverick Owner Mark Cuban. I found out who was the real sour grape in the deal: turns out Nash's agent is someone that does not like to do business with Mark Cuban and this news should not be taken lightly. If an agent has an agenda or issue with an owner who is willing to pay top dollar for a player, then the agent may not have his player's best interest in mind. Mr. Duffy, why does it appear that you did not play a fair game with Mark Cuban? Please post your point of view on this signing.
So now Nash is gone, and our team is still looking good. I personally would rather see the Mavs get free agent Dampier from Golden State and NOT TRADE him in a deal for Shaq (because our depth will be shot). If we can get a Dampier-ish player, who's job would be only to rebound and clog the lane, then our scorers will go crazy. So, with Dampier, we'd look like this:
PG-Harris
SG-Daniels
SF-Finley
PF-Nowitski
C-Dampier
Bench: Howard, Stackhouse, Najera, Forston, Laettner, Bradley, Pavel (new 7-6 Russian) (assuming Walker in the trade for Dampier)
without the Dampier move:
PG-Harris
SG-Daniels
SF-Finley
PF-Walker
C-Nowitski
Bench: Howard, Stackhouse, Najera, Forston, Laettner, Bradley, Pavel
The door is closed behind us. The Mavs will move on without Steve, and I will still wear my Nash #13 road jersey when I play hoops here in San Diego. And I will still call the Mavs my favorite team. Mav Fan For Life!
|
|
|
| |
| on hold |
| 07.03.04 (10:26 pm) [edit] |
Ideas and business ventures on hold for now. Leaving for 3 weeks in Belize/Guatamala & getting married! In the meantime, I locked in on my investment condo for a 3-year interest only ARM at 5%. Looks like the interest rates may not be going up as fast as first thought, and when we get back at the end of July, I can get a lower rate if they indeed drop. Been tossing & turning over going for the 30-fixed or the 3 or 5 year ARM. Nice problems indeed.
When I get back I have 1 month of absolutally nothing scheduled except a much anticipated wedding reception (since only K & I are going to Belize) on the 22nd. Personally, I am so relieved that my teaching job at CSUSM is over & I can refocuse on business ideas and learning the markets I will be focusing on: real estate & game progamming consulting. Fall semester starts early semester & I'll be part time.
|
|
|
| |
| Fahrenheit 9/11 |
| 06.29.04 (11:11 pm) [edit] |
So I went to see the new Michael Moore film, Fahrenheit 9/11.
Personally, I could not stand to watch his first film, Roger and Me. It made no logical sense to me. Unions priced themselves out of work in his home town and the people in Flint feel entitled to work. ??? Eh? What if GM and other auto manufacturing plants never decided to opne shop there in the first place? Ugh. A frustrating film. Moore was on my hit-list as diametrically opposed voice for a philosophy that ruins free enterprise. And I kept him in my memory.
Along came Bowling for Columbine. OK, so Moore gets my attention...but he pulls a rediculous stunt at the end of the film with the Charlton Heston interview. Moore never informs his audience that Heston is suffering from a disease. He simply embarrasses the NRA advocate in front of a unsuspecting audience in order to play Heston the fool.... unbeknownst to Moore, the trick backfires as his soap box crumbles before him. Later we learn that several of the films 'facts' are indeed false. Why believe him?
So here comes Fahrenheit 9/11. What guts. Going after a sitting president. GM is one thing, the NRA another. But Bush? Actually, both father and son! I enter the theater with my right eye looking to my left, fully prepared for more Moore propaganda. But this time Moore lays down fact after fact after fact. His past method of manipulation appears to be eraticated, instead leaving a lot of information for the audience to assimilate. But some facts are now being questioned. The sound bites add to the drama, slightly altering the documentary from reality to fiction. Is a documentary no longer a documentary when the sound is edited and voice-overs added? Who knows. But for now, know this: from someone who has only voted for 1 democrat since being old enough to vote (Tom Bradley for Governer in 1982), I hope everyone who plans on casting a vote sees this film.
For me, this film makes me ponder what kind of political mess we have gotten ourselves into. Where is the solution to this back-watching favor-minded bipartisan trap we all have to try to squirm away from? And why are the masses not concerned? What bothers me more than the disturbing connections presented in this film is that a majority of the people in this country simply do not care. Disgusting.
Other notes. I thought it was excellent how Moore started the film by showing the Bush cronies 'prepping' for the show thay have been putting on for the blind sheep across the land. He did this by showing disconcerning faces of people once thought to be after the interest and safety of the average Americans BEFORE they were to go 'live' in front of cameras to tell us their 'lines'. And after the film's main ideas are behind us, we see them 'dress down' and pull away from the cameras and microphones...as they move away and slither back to the dark rooms of manipulation and harvesting of fear into the innocent hearts across this once great country.
Moore lost me, though, when he went back to Flint and got on his 'my poor town' soap box. Hey Michael, if you are reading this....we DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU. Simple as that. You made this film personal, and I find it difficult and disturbing to praise the work you did in this film. The job situation in Flint is not the issue nor is it in any way related to the real problem in this country: the facade of an enemy built up by puppetmasters with vested interests. You should have stuck to the main idea that Bush had the plan of the Iraq invasion long before 9/11, and that Bush and his cronies were steadfast in their aim at invading and occupying Iraq.
Moore's film makes you think. You may think his leftist agenda is way off base, or you may think that the new Dictator in the middle east replacing Sadaam Hussain is George W. Bush the armadillo expert. But the bottom line is this: Fahrenheit 9/11 will make you think. You will find yourself talking about it with democrats and republicans (which I am a part of neither) alike. And in these interparty minglings we may all find some common ground for all of us to find relief in: we care about the international ramifications of the actions by our leaders....leaders we are responsible for electing.
Now let's take this election seriously and start talking.
|
|
|
| |
| impressions of the new baseball stadium in San Diego |
| 06.18.04 (11:14 pm) [edit] |
I saw history tonight: the Padres played the Blue Jays for the first time ever, and David Wells faced the team that he broke into the majors with. Interleague is more than interesting. I love it....and it was nice to see a fresh team come visit our city.
Petco Park is brand new this year for us Padre Fans. I really don't like the name of the stadium...but I can live with it. A few things really stood out....
1) Downtown location! Very nice. No boonies like the old Qualcom stadium where they used to play. The view of the city behind the ooutfield was spectacular.
2) Cold! Very cold at the game. I used the free beach towel I received for a blanket to keep me warm. I have a feeling that runs will go down for games played here. I wonder what August will be like.
3) No foul outs! Damn that foul ball area is small. Quite the contrast the the Oakland A's of the 80's when batters were robbed when their foul balls would be caught for outs behind the chasm layed out behind home plate. At this new park, Petco Park, what used to be foul ball outs in Qualcom are now going to give the batters another shot at a hit. Hope this makes up for the low run production that the cold weather should cause.
4) Easy in, Easy out. Parking was a breaze, and getting out of there was a snap. Nothing like Qualcom or Dodger Stadium where you would have to wait and wait for the cars in front of you to exit the parking lots.
5) Kid friendly. Little baseball diamonds behind the Home Run fence. And a grassy hill that you can sit on and watch the game from the outfield on blankets for $5 an entrance fee. I plan on returning for a picnic in the sun one day.
Overall....this is a very nice park, all seats point to home plate, and the fact that I could order a Rubio's Fish Taco and a Tecate makes it all the better! "A+"
|
|
|
| |
| I need a break! |
| 06.17.04 (3:02 pm) [edit] |
|
Almost there... Ever since last September I have been going full steam: Teaching 3 high school classes (2 different AP classes - Physics, Calculus), teaching at Cal State San Marcos last Fall and currently this summer session (Astronomy), and taking graduate classes at San Diego State (Astronomy). Add that to planning a wedding & buying a second condo... and teaching myself C. Ugh. I am on my last lap...2 weeks from today I give my CSUSM Astronomy final and then it is off to Belize to get married! 2 more weeks....can anyone send me some motivational words to get me through these last few days....
|
|
|
| |
| NBA question |
| 06.16.04 (9:27 am) [edit] |
Is this the first time an NBA team won a championship series 5 games to 0? Seriously, the game that the Lakers 'won' happened to be in the hands of the Pistions. They foul Shaq in the lane with 5 seconds left and Kobe never sees the chance to hit the game tying 3-pointer at the buzzer...no overtime. That game was in Detroit's bag. The Pistions won all 5 games, but just happened to come out with more points in 4 of the games.
I'm quite pleased that the Lakers did not win the title. Just goes to show it is not about individuals. Not about Shaq or the non-man Kobe. Karl finally got what was coming to him: years of causing other players injuries got the attention of the Karma Police as he was clearly ineffective in the finals. And Payton....what a joke. Trying to hitch a ride with the Lakers and get a title for free without playing as well as Fisher the entire year. Poor Fisher. Vindication will come his way. Break up the Lakers. Kobe will be in prison and Shaq a free agent after 1 more year in purple and gold. NBA needs this team to dismantle, for parity breeds interest in the NBA by the masses, not just a few spoiled cities.
*****
here is a comment I sent to another tblog member when they claimed that Karls injury was an excuse for losing:
Just like the radio stations out here, it sounds like you are not giving credit to the better team. Detroit won 5 games to 0, and was outscored in 4. I personally have a history of rooting for the West. Could not do it this year. Enjoy the fact that the Lakers made the finals. It was a tough run (Rockets matched up well against them), but also, remember that the first of the 3 Laker titles was won when Duncan was hurt and could not defend his title. If you still want to bring up injuries, then I could use the same thing saying Dirk went down vs. Spurs last year in West finals and Mavs should have won. Injuries are not excuses. Good teams are deep and have backup players who fill in. Good luck in '05
|
|
|
| |
| summer in Belize |
| 06.11.04 (5:13 pm) [edit] |
summer is here and I have sent another group of seniors off into the world. beside the 5-week Astronomy class I am teaching at Cal State San Marcos, I am practically free to start really diving into my business plan. But more importantly is THE upcomming wedding in Belize!
After 3 years Kristy and I are finally off to DO IT! Get married in Belize and spend 3 weeks there. Then get back in August, where we will have our reception, and she starts law school while I continue developing the ideas.
I'll also try to post more often.
|
|
|
| |
| Contact |
| 05.17.04 (3:43 pm) [edit] |
The movie Contact is such a thought provoking film to show to high school students. This is my 3rd year showing the movie and I usually wait until the end of the year in my Physics class. We watch it in 3 parts, and I give them a 'questions' sheet for each day. An example question is "what is the significance of the porch scene (with the priest)" and/or "what drives Dr. Arroway in her search for life?"
Today we watched part 1, up the when the 'signal' first arrives. The scene with her on the car, headphones on, and the camera closing in on her eyes as the signal arrives is one of my favorite scenes ever. And this scene is a great example of the difference between widescreen and TV screen dimensions. In the "cut" video version which I rented when it first came out, that classic scene has the camera closing in on only ONE of her eyes. With the 'letterbox' (movie theater) version we get to see both eyes open in shock as she gets her first signs of the signal. There is such a difference in the impact that each screen version delivers that it is wirth debating on. How many years until all of the old TV "Boxes" are dead and we all have the wide flat digital screens? Think about how rare a black and white TV are. Will the old CRT tube boxes be as ancient in 10-15 years? I hope so. Then we will no longer have to view axed versions of classic cinematography.
One more thing. My students have the ultimate assignment. Write a major term paper that answers the following question: Did Dr. Arroway really go on the 'trip' inthe movie, or was it a hallucination?
What do you think?
|
|
|
| |
| money |
| 05.11.04 (7:59 pm) [edit] |
today i told our HR accountant to change my monthly 401 contribution to ZERO dollars. I'm reading Alex Berenson's [i]The Number[/i] and after zipping through 1/4 of it, I have learned enough to yell "STOP!!!!"
Now I will accumulate more data before I do any more gambling. Thanks Alex for waking me up. And thanks also to Mark Cuban who's unconventional financial savvy has also gotten me to think more for myself and not blindly follow others and their portfolios.
Mark Cuban's recent stock blog
time to lay some real golden eggs...
|
|
|
| |
| AP Exams |
| 05.11.04 (5:09 pm) [edit] |
FINALLY!!!!!!
We are done with the AP Exams. I have a hunch my students will break the pass rate record for both AP Physics and AP Calculus that last year's class set. Now that they have worked their tails off for months on end, it is time for a reward. I have planned some good thought provoking movies...
[u]AP Calculus:[/u]
This week: Joe vs. the Volcano
Later: Holiday (Hepburn) and Pi (maybe)
[u]AP Physics:[/u]
The Elegant Universe
2001
I can feeeeeeel the extra energy on the horizon for me. What a rush....getting these students up to par for those exams.
|
|
|
| |
| that's entertainment |
| 05.10.04 (1:44 pm) [edit] |
a) Go see a new movie and pay around $9 per person.
2 months later...
b) go rent the same movie and pay around $4 per showing.
c) go buy the same movie and pay around $20 for unlimited showings.
Why can't people wait 2-3 months for the movie to come out? I understand there are quite a few that [i]must[/i] be viewed on the Big Screen. But still, we can wait out on a majority of these films and see them in the quiet of our own home. Plus, we can share the cost and pay much less for the popcorn, soda and candy.
Entertainment dollars are being spent in the billions in this society. In computer gaming, which is nipping on the toes of the movie and music industries, the customer is not afforded the same low cost options that the other two provide. New games cost $50. And it is more expensive and important to keep technologically up-to-date in the computer worlds than it is in movie (television, DVD or VCR) and music (CDs have been the mainstay for 20 years now).
If consumers fiscally revolt in each of these three mediums, look what happens to the ease of entry when the user tries to create a medium for their own cheaper entertainment:
[b]movies[/b] - pick up a camera after paying a hefty price and press "RECORD".
[b]music[/b] - hhmmm. lots of practice and then find the right group to write music. Getting cheaper to record. And very cheap to reproduce.
[b]gaming[/b] - hours and hours of learning C or equivalent computer programming language. hours of design, then debugging. Then you get an "80s" Atari game (which you should be proud of) with minimal graphics. With a few more years you can master Maya or other 3D graphics programs and make you game a bit more slick. Bottom line, way more expensive in time than the other 2.
What if there was a software program that would allow the user to [i]create[/i] his own game instead of writing it from scratch? It could be user friendly and prompt the gamer so that he defines the levels, the tricks, the rules, the avatars, and provides sketches. Then the user could create games with ease, much quicker and less expensive than the other two entertainment mediums. Could this be on the horizon?
Just a thought.
|
|
|
| |
| learning to speak the language of your clients |
| 05.07.04 (5:21 pm) [edit] |
clients. if my product sells, then it will be because I can communicate my ideas in a language spoken by my clients.
C. The language of game programmers. Later I'll get into C++ but for now, based on what some coders have told me, C is the foundation. I did quite a bit of stellar evolution code in my masters (astrophysics) classes but that was in Fortran. I have a hunch that my clients will not speak that 'language'. It must be C.
I picked up Stephen Prata's "C Primer Plus" and have decided to read every chapter, answer all of the end-of-chapter questions, and most importantly, write ALL of the assigned programs at the end of each chapter. So far, I have zipped up through chapter 3. And now that the AP Calculus Exam is behind me and the AP Physics is within days, I will be spending less time grading-assessing-preppin g and more time preparing the launch of my own business.
17 Chapters. If I can do 2 chapters a week and when graduation passes (June 5) get into 3 a week, I will be finished with this book by mid June. I did accept a summer teaching position at Cal State San Marcos (Astronomy) that should not take up too much time since I have taught the class 4 times before.
I have several friends who also code in C and I cannot wait to practice my new language with them.
Anyone interested in a floating decimal point?
|
|
|
| |
| great news for 2004-05 |
| 04.30.04 (6:52 am) [edit] |
FROM DallasMorningNews.com
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------
Cuban: Core won't change
08:21 AM CDT on Friday, April 30, 2004
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
Owner Mark Cuban wasted no time confirming that the core of the Mavericks, including coach Don Nelson, is not going to change.
"I think we have the Big Three (Steve Nash, Finley and Nowitzki)," Cuban said following Thursday night's 119-118 loss to Sacramento. "And hopefully we have the nucleus for the next three. There are no plans to make any big changes. I'm not going to blow stuff up. That's why we have contracts with these guys."
------------------------- -------------------------
ok, back to work
|
|
|
| |
| drats... |
| 04.30.04 (12:34 am) [edit] |
OK, another Dallas Maverick season behind us. This is the first time we get bounced out in the first round in this amazing 4-year post season run. Darn Kings. We have now faced them 3 years in a row. What a crazy season. I guess the only good news is that I get to spend more time on launching my business and less time on basketball.... I can care less about the rest of the NBA season just as long as the Lakers do not win the title.
On to bigger and better things....my vice has been removed from my reality for now...until next season starts. I sure hope we can keep Daniels for next year.
I want to go outside and yell....
:cry:
|
|
|
| |
| Game Industry Research |
| 04.29.04 (1:47 pm) [edit] |
Today I spent an hour researching game companies in the San Diego area. I found several. Actually, I have a short list of 9 companies that I will contact soon. I am finishing up the academic year (AP Exams will be done in 10 days) and will be ready to put in more time towards my 2 ideas that will help me reach my financial goal of $1 Million within 5 years (stated earlier).
Idea 1: Real Estate Investing
Idea 2: Physics Seminars for Game Programmers
About 4 years ago in the summer I flirted with the game consulting idea for a local company that made a hockey game for the PS2. The shocking part of the deal is when I put my proposal together, it was agreed to. No negotiating. Damn. Could I have asked for more? I guess I will find out next time. It was luctrative..
There are tons of game companies here in Southern Cal. And a lot of the games need realism in their worlds to be successful. And, according to one game industry expert who I already interviewed in order to see if my product was worth marketing, the game programmers are lacking basic physics skills. This is where I will come in. I have been developing a product that will enhance the programming abilities of game programmers who create worlds which rely on visual realism.
So give me 10 days and when these AP Exams are over (I teach AP Calculus and AP Physics) I will have a lot more time to fully develop and market my product.
In the meantime...I have been reading The Number by Alex Berenson which covers some pretty eye-opening issues behind Wall Street. A very good read so far.
Tonight let's hope Mavs can take SacTown in game 5.
|
|
|
| |
| Business Magazines |
| 04.22.04 (7:14 pm) [edit] |
|
So, anyone want to enlighten me as to which are the best of the major business magazines? I am starting a consulting business in the PC gaming industry. Thinking about Forbes and Inc. and also currently getting the Economist. What about Money? Fortune? Business Weekly? Ideas please....
|
|
|
| |
| NBA Playoffs |
| 04.17.04 (9:53 pm) [edit] |
I'm ready for the most exciting team (Mavs) during the most exciting season of sports: the NBA Playoffs. You can have your football and baseball. I'll take the Dallas Mavericks for my lone source of sports entertainment. My sports vice. Quite a fun one.
Last year's Dallas Maverick run was a blast. I still can't get over that 20+ point Spurs run in game 6 of the Western Conference finals to end our season.
Tomorrow we start it all over again. New Mavs players should make the difference. This team is deeper than last year's...and better. Looking for BIG games from Finley, Daniels, Howard, Nash, Nowitski, Jamison and Walker!
First round predictions: (West only...who cares about the East?)
Dallas over Sacramento
San Antonio over Memphis
LA Lakers over Houston
Minnesota over Denver
Second Round:
Dallas over Minnesota
San Antonio over Los Angeles
Western Finals:
Dallas over San Antonio
NBA Finals:
Dallas over Detroit
Looking forward to a nice championship run.
|
|
|
| |
| No reality TV, just REALITY! |
| 04.16.04 (7:21 pm) [edit] |
So I don't watch much TV, except maybe the Sunday NBA games on ABC (if Dallas is playing). No cable. Shady antenna to get reception from San Diego networks and that's about it. A DVD rental now and then. What is all the buzz about these new reality shows? Why do these people try to get on a show to make a million? Why not put that effort towards their own life and simply be more productive? And did you know that the average millionaire does not gamble?
The odds of landing on one of these reality shows is probably better than the odds of winning the lottery. But still, the bottom line is that your fate is OUT OF YOUR HANDS. That's a big deal for me. I like to be in control. Nope, not like a control freak. Just being in control....like guiding my own ship. Make the decisions. Do the research. Study what to invest in. Know what to avoid. Think for yourself. Decide. Grow. Take chances. This is my Reality Show, and it is getting good ratings by the audience, the man in the mirror.
So why all the buzz about me trying to go out and get a million dollars in 5 years? Money will not make me happy. This challenge does. And I will be able to do the things I want. More choices. I can help others or buy myself a plane ticket to Dallas to catch the Mavericks in the post season. Or I can set up a $10,000 scholarship for college students. Or I can leave a big tip at a restaurant.
Bottom line is that money yields more choices. And it grows. Reminds me of one of the best books I have ever read: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Read it. I'll compose a book list later but this one sticks out the most on financial wellness. I'll never forget the first time I had all of my college debt and moving debt payed off and I started to save my income. The first time I set $20 into my ING Direct online bank. At the time it was 6% interest or so. After 2 weeks I made 2 cents in interest. It was the biggest 2 cents in the world. My money was making money for the first time in my life. No more college loans, no more accumulated credit card debt. All my purchases were paid off each month (with cash back from Discover to boot!) and all extra cash started to go into the interest drawing account. And then something funny happened: The interest I was making started to grow also! Yeah, we all know this stuff....and we learn it in school and hear about it from our parents. But when the gold that you made in interest starts to lay their own little golden eggs, something odd happens inside. Do it. Experience it for yourself. Stop borrowing and start saving. Interest rates suck right now but your money still grows. I highly recommend the Clawson Book because it teaches several fundamental lessons that start you off in the right direction. Then the momentum sets in. Combined with good spending habbits (you gotta read The Millionaire Next Door or The Millionaire Mind) and even more savings, I was even more prepared to make my first home purchase. And that has made all the difference. Risky, but now something else happens: I pay myself rent money. And that is empowering.
The "Haves" and "Have nots". That is our society. The side we fall into is the side we chose. Decipline, thriftness, and hard work, as well as the desire to make something in the world...to take the world for a test drive instead of sitting back and watching OTHERS on TV make their world amazing. That's my reality show. Stay tuned.
|
|
|
| |
| The challenge |
| 04.15.04 (9:52 pm) [edit] |
So here is the challenge. I made somewhat of a bet with someone who happens to be well known. I would like to keep his name private for now because like I said before, talking about something sometimes takes the place of doing that something. Anyway, he is definately a mover and shaker in the business and entertainment world. He also has a charity set up, which I almost applied for. But instead of trying to get financial assistance from him, I said that I would leave my 35k teaching job and have a million dollar net worth within 5 years. I also mentioned that he was a great motivator for me and I wanted to meet him some day. He replied via email saying "go for it". All I asked for in return for this challenge to myself was a simple lunch or dinner meeting with him when I have my task completed. Why? Well, he is someone I look up to and we have very common interests. I feel a kindred bond from within.
So, again, like I mentioned in an earlier post, I like sticking my pride out there on the line. I had no idea that he would have read my email, let alone reply. And then he replied with the "go for it" and "let me know when you get the mil" and it made things more concrete for me. Funny, some people can just go out there in life and do amazing things. Yet some sit back and think about the things they could do. I got tired of just thinking about them, and now I have decided to do them. And now someone I deeply respect knows that I have made the claim of a million within 5 years. And it is a bit scarry. Seriously. I recall the moments after his reply how I started thinking: "damn...now I have to get off my rear and do these things I know I can do".
I love this challenge. Yes, I will miss teaching (I went down to part time for next year) but in the long run, I may build my own school. Like I said before, this is going to be fun. I have felt such a change from within already. The tide is changing. And the view is getting sharp.
To be continued....
|
|
|
| |
|
|
