(this is a content post, but with sports involvement...)
So I had 3 intramural playoff games today, indoor soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Won 2, and lost in volleyball.
Indoor soccer we went into the game as the #1 seed, and we played a team that were pretty well-balanced. They played well on defense and we struggled to mount any offense against them early on. The referees called a very tight game, but we did end up winning 3-1 and moved on to the semi-finals.
Next up is volleyball, we were ranked 8th from the regular season so we had to match up against the #1 seed. Team played the best game all season and we were tied 1 set a piece going into the 3rd set. The other team put in their 2 bigger/better players for the 3rd set, and we just couldn't hit through their blocks or block any of their attacks, so ended up losing the game.
Right after volleyball I had the basketball game. 11 players showed up and I really do not remember seeing at least 2-3 of them being on the team. Either way, we played a team that only had 4 players, and we tried to outrun them. It worked, but not as well as we had hoped, but we ended up squeezing out a win. A tight one, and an ugly one, but a win nevertheless.
With that said, here is the real reason for my post.
In the basketball game, there were 3-4 players that probably played 1 maybe 2 regular season games (out of 6), and potentially this is the first time they ever showed up to any games/practices. With that said, I haven't been the best "team guy" either, sine I have missed 2 games. However, this is the situation. With a 11 to 4 player advantage, no doubt we will try to pressure them at each possession to take advantage of our situation, and no doubt our offense will play like the Suns. But with some players on the team never showing up to any previous games/practices, do you play them, and if you do, how much playing them should they get? I felt that those players should get limited playing time (myself included), and those who have been there every game should be rewarded with more. On the flip side, my captain disagrees and I respect his decision (we talked after the game), not that I have a problem with his decision, but it was just me expressing my opinion. He believes everyone should get close to equal playing time, because this is a campus recreation league which encourages participation, but also because we were at school, and sometimes when you're busy and can't make it out, thats the way it goes.
So after all that, I can't say I totally agree with him, but I respect his decision, and I can live with it, but I am just not sure if I would've done the same thing if I was captaining a team.
Moving on to the second point, which in a way relates to the first point. As I mentioned, the other team started with 4 players, and all of them were hackers (well, one was a pretty good defender - think John Stockton choice of attire though), so naturally they got in foul trouble. By the mid-way point of the second half, 2 guys had 4 fouls. Obviously, one guy ended up fouling out with around 5 minutes to play in a relatively tight game. Again, we could've played with 4 players against their 3, and personally, I felt it was part of the game. We chose to not play 5 on 4 (I would've done the same), but they fouled out and its all part of the game. However, my captain believes otherwise. He tells the team "we will play them 3 on 3", and sure enough, we played 3 players against their 3 guys and got the win. Afterwards, he mentioned that he decided to go 3v3 due to the fact that we already outnumber them, and he felt that it was only fair to go 3v3 despite the game being a close one. I guess the team agreed with him, since we did win the game, but I'm wondering what would've happened had they come back and defeated us?
Been really busy that last couple of weeks, and it doesn't look like it will get any better until the end of lectures in 2 weeks. Will make more posts soon I hope. Spring is around the corner, and that means the MLB season is about to begin.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Google Tips
Long time no blog, so I figure I would post something useful.
Here I present to you, 12 useful Google search tips:
Super useful Google search tips.
12 Quick Tips To Search Google Like An Expert
Explicit Phrase: Lets say you are looking for content about internet marketing. Instead of just typing internet marketing into the Google search box, you will likely be better off searching explicitly for the phrase. To do this, simply enclose the search phrase within double quotes.
Example: “internet marketing”
Exclude Words: Lets say you want to search for content about internet marketing, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term advertising. To do this, simply use the “-“ sign in front of the word you want to exclude.
Example Search: internet marketing -advertising
Site Specific Search: Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase. Even if the site doesn’t support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search the site for your term. Simply use the “site:somesite.com” modifier.
Example: “internet marketing” site:www.canadianpoker.com
Similar Words and Synonyms: Let’s say you are want to include a word in your search, but want to include results that contain similar words or synonyms. To do this, use the “~” in front of the word.
Example: “internet marketing” ~professional
Specific Document Types: If you’re looking to find results that are of a specific type, you can use the modifier “filetype:”. For example, you might want to find only PowerPoint presentations related to internet marketing.
Example: “internet marketing” filetype:ppt
This OR That: By default, when you do a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search. If you are looking for any one of one or more terms to match, then you can use the OR operator. (Note: The OR has to be capitalized).
Example: internet marketing OR advertising
Phone Listing: Let’s say someone calls you on your mobile number and you don’t know how it is. If all you have is a phone number, you can look it up on Google using the phonebook feature.
Example: phonebook:617-555-1212 (note: the provided number does not work – you’ll have to use a real number to get any results).
Area Code Lookup: If all you need to do is to look-up the area code for a phone number, just enter the 3-digit area code and Google will tell you where it’s from.
Example: 617
Numeric Ranges: This is a rarely used, but highly useful tip. Let’s say you want to find results that contain any of a range of numbers. You can do this by using the X..Y modifier (in case this is hard to read, what’s between the X and Y are two periods. This type of search is useful for years (as shown below), prices or anywhere where you want to provide a series of numbers.
Example: president 1940..1950
Stock (Ticker Symbol): Just enter a valid ticker symbol as your search term and Google will give you the current financials and a quick thumb-nail chart for the stock.
Example: GOOG
Calculator: The next time you need to do a quick calculation, instead of bringing up the Calculator applet, you can just type your expression in to Google.
Example: 48512 * 1.02
Word Definitions: If you need to quickly look up the definition of a word or phrase, simply use the “define:” command.
Example: define:plethora
Source: Dave Scharf - www.CanadianPoker.com
Here I present to you, 12 useful Google search tips:
Super useful Google search tips.
12 Quick Tips To Search Google Like An Expert
Explicit Phrase: Lets say you are looking for content about internet marketing. Instead of just typing internet marketing into the Google search box, you will likely be better off searching explicitly for the phrase. To do this, simply enclose the search phrase within double quotes.
Example: “internet marketing”
Exclude Words: Lets say you want to search for content about internet marketing, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term advertising. To do this, simply use the “-“ sign in front of the word you want to exclude.
Example Search: internet marketing -advertising
Site Specific Search: Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase. Even if the site doesn’t support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search the site for your term. Simply use the “site:somesite.com” modifier.
Example: “internet marketing” site:www.canadianpoker.com
Similar Words and Synonyms: Let’s say you are want to include a word in your search, but want to include results that contain similar words or synonyms. To do this, use the “~” in front of the word.
Example: “internet marketing” ~professional
Specific Document Types: If you’re looking to find results that are of a specific type, you can use the modifier “filetype:”. For example, you might want to find only PowerPoint presentations related to internet marketing.
Example: “internet marketing” filetype:ppt
This OR That: By default, when you do a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search. If you are looking for any one of one or more terms to match, then you can use the OR operator. (Note: The OR has to be capitalized).
Example: internet marketing OR advertising
Phone Listing: Let’s say someone calls you on your mobile number and you don’t know how it is. If all you have is a phone number, you can look it up on Google using the phonebook feature.
Example: phonebook:617-555-1212 (note: the provided number does not work – you’ll have to use a real number to get any results).
Area Code Lookup: If all you need to do is to look-up the area code for a phone number, just enter the 3-digit area code and Google will tell you where it’s from.
Example: 617
Numeric Ranges: This is a rarely used, but highly useful tip. Let’s say you want to find results that contain any of a range of numbers. You can do this by using the X..Y modifier (in case this is hard to read, what’s between the X and Y are two periods. This type of search is useful for years (as shown below), prices or anywhere where you want to provide a series of numbers.
Example: president 1940..1950
Stock (Ticker Symbol): Just enter a valid ticker symbol as your search term and Google will give you the current financials and a quick thumb-nail chart for the stock.
Example: GOOG
Calculator: The next time you need to do a quick calculation, instead of bringing up the Calculator applet, you can just type your expression in to Google.
Example: 48512 * 1.02
Word Definitions: If you need to quickly look up the definition of a word or phrase, simply use the “define:” command.
Example: define:plethora
Source: Dave Scharf - www.CanadianPoker.com
Friday, February 23, 2007
"Reading" Week
"Time flies when you're having fun". Definitely true for this week. So "reading week" is over, but other than read two books that have nothing to do with school, I didn't do much "reading".
With that said, it was a nice relaxing week to unwind from the 2 weeks of craziness prior to this week. It was nice to drop by the high school and say hi to a few teachers and see some old faces again, but the highlight was definitely the Auto Show and Phantom of the Opera.
Auto Show:
Highlight of the autoshow was the opportunity to test drive various cars on a couple of different tracks. The chance to test drive 3 different Mercedes-Benz vehicle was worth the price of admission alone. Unlike the people I went with, I felt the Toyota 4x4 off road test drive was a pretty good experience. Maybe it have something to do with the fact that I got the 4Runner while the others were stuck with the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma. But it was something that you probably won't be able to do at any dealership, and unless you go offroading, you won't have a new 4x4 at the disposable going through various terrains. A few interesting concept vehicles and a few new designs from Audi and other manufacturers, but nothing really mind-blowing.
Phantom of the Opera:
Been looking forward to this show for awhile. It was definitely an awesome show. I did not watch the original version that was shown between 1989 and 1999, but it lived up to my expectation completely. I won't do a complete review, seeing as I'm no professional. However, the show itself was pretty much flawless. John Cudia (Phantom) and Marni Raab (Christine) were exceptional in their parts. The lighting effects were spectacular, along with the various sets and props. There were no major flaws or hiccups in the play. It felt like Kim Stengel (Carlotta) was a tad slow starting in terms of her voice, simply due to the high notes she had to hit at the opening scene, but it warmed up quickly and was beautiful throughout the performance. There were a couple of very minor tech issues that will probably be fixed that occured when the full cast was on stage, but they were probably issues that only a tech geek like me would notice. If you have never seen Phantom, it is definitely a show worth watching. According to the Star 90% of the tickets have already been sold, so hurry!
Best of the Rest:
Cafe Crepe was good and affordable. Great time spent catching up with a friend...
Great conversation at Starbucks, looking forward to the summer ahead...
Assisting with the ACCI bantam girls team...I miss playing on short nets!
Is there anyone that would be interested in going to hear the TSO perform the entire Holst's the Planet suite? $12 tickets through www.tsoundcheck.com! Its May 9-10. Also another concert is the TSO presenting the Magical Music of Disney, May 15-16!
Reading week is over soon, too soon...
With that said, it was a nice relaxing week to unwind from the 2 weeks of craziness prior to this week. It was nice to drop by the high school and say hi to a few teachers and see some old faces again, but the highlight was definitely the Auto Show and Phantom of the Opera.
Auto Show:
Highlight of the autoshow was the opportunity to test drive various cars on a couple of different tracks. The chance to test drive 3 different Mercedes-Benz vehicle was worth the price of admission alone. Unlike the people I went with, I felt the Toyota 4x4 off road test drive was a pretty good experience. Maybe it have something to do with the fact that I got the 4Runner while the others were stuck with the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma. But it was something that you probably won't be able to do at any dealership, and unless you go offroading, you won't have a new 4x4 at the disposable going through various terrains. A few interesting concept vehicles and a few new designs from Audi and other manufacturers, but nothing really mind-blowing.
Phantom of the Opera:
Been looking forward to this show for awhile. It was definitely an awesome show. I did not watch the original version that was shown between 1989 and 1999, but it lived up to my expectation completely. I won't do a complete review, seeing as I'm no professional. However, the show itself was pretty much flawless. John Cudia (Phantom) and Marni Raab (Christine) were exceptional in their parts. The lighting effects were spectacular, along with the various sets and props. There were no major flaws or hiccups in the play. It felt like Kim Stengel (Carlotta) was a tad slow starting in terms of her voice, simply due to the high notes she had to hit at the opening scene, but it warmed up quickly and was beautiful throughout the performance. There were a couple of very minor tech issues that will probably be fixed that occured when the full cast was on stage, but they were probably issues that only a tech geek like me would notice. If you have never seen Phantom, it is definitely a show worth watching. According to the Star 90% of the tickets have already been sold, so hurry!
Best of the Rest:
Cafe Crepe was good and affordable. Great time spent catching up with a friend...
Great conversation at Starbucks, looking forward to the summer ahead...
Assisting with the ACCI bantam girls team...I miss playing on short nets!
Is there anyone that would be interested in going to hear the TSO perform the entire Holst's the Planet suite? $12 tickets through www.tsoundcheck.com! Its May 9-10. Also another concert is the TSO presenting the Magical Music of Disney, May 15-16!
Reading week is over soon, too soon...
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
TeeVee
And I thought the fall 06 season was crazy, this lineup is nuts right now.
24
Heroes
Prison Break
Amazing Race
Apprentice
Survivor (roommate got me on to it again)
Studio 60
Those are the 7 I am supposed to be watching weekly.
24, Amazing Race, Apprentice, and Survivor I have been keeping up.
Prison Break and Heroes, I haven't even finished the previous season yet. I was gonna do a Prison Break marathon over Christmas, it didn't happen, so probably will fall 30 eps or so behind when this season is over.
Studio 60 I haven't watched since Christmas, so I'm 4-5 eps behind I think.
There's also:
Poker After Dark
High Stakes Poker
Probably the two best poker shows on television. Poker After Dark shows 80-90% of the hands played, so you really learn alot. High Stakes Poker is just the best poker game on television. Forget WPT, EPT, WSOP, HSP is the show to watch.
The best of the rest:
Grey's Anatomy
House
The shows that are good but there is simply not enough time, or not enough room on the PVR machine to have them on as well.
And theres always:
Simpsons
Family Guy
Shows that I haven't watched as "new episodes" for ages, and I just hope to catch the new ones once in awhile...or until I finish the DVD collection. *note: If anyone see Season 4, 5, or 9 of the Simpsons on sale..let me know!
With that said...what else is new?
Autoshow tomorrow!
Phantom of the Opera on Thursday! + Cafe Crepe after!
Thats...it...
Oh! Hoping Campbell beat Mowat in girls volleyball tomorrow!
And signing off...
24
Heroes
Prison Break
Amazing Race
Apprentice
Survivor (roommate got me on to it again)
Studio 60
Those are the 7 I am supposed to be watching weekly.
24, Amazing Race, Apprentice, and Survivor I have been keeping up.
Prison Break and Heroes, I haven't even finished the previous season yet. I was gonna do a Prison Break marathon over Christmas, it didn't happen, so probably will fall 30 eps or so behind when this season is over.
Studio 60 I haven't watched since Christmas, so I'm 4-5 eps behind I think.
There's also:
Poker After Dark
High Stakes Poker
Probably the two best poker shows on television. Poker After Dark shows 80-90% of the hands played, so you really learn alot. High Stakes Poker is just the best poker game on television. Forget WPT, EPT, WSOP, HSP is the show to watch.
The best of the rest:
Grey's Anatomy
House
The shows that are good but there is simply not enough time, or not enough room on the PVR machine to have them on as well.
And theres always:
Simpsons
Family Guy
Shows that I haven't watched as "new episodes" for ages, and I just hope to catch the new ones once in awhile...or until I finish the DVD collection. *note: If anyone see Season 4, 5, or 9 of the Simpsons on sale..let me know!
With that said...what else is new?
Autoshow tomorrow!
Phantom of the Opera on Thursday! + Cafe Crepe after!
Thats...it...
Oh! Hoping Campbell beat Mowat in girls volleyball tomorrow!
And signing off...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Sick + Random
I've been sick for a little under a week. Started last Friday after Winterlicious and has been on a roller coaster ride as of late. Now, I'm generally not a guy that gets sick very often. I mean I do have the occasional sore throat (I've had it for the past 2 Royal Cups), but I don't really get sick often *touch wood*. For some reason, this time around, it has gotten worse over time. I started with just a cough, and the the sniffing, back to just the cough, and now the sniffing again. Possibly the worse time to get sick with all the midterms and assignments all together this week and next. I guess it would be worse during finals..but at least you get time in between exams then, but either way, this is really weird.
On to other things. Exactly 2 weeks before Phantom! So excited!
Still thinking about what to do with my summer, deciding between a FT job, or PT job with courses.
Good times with the guys at gym night and the talks after. Definitely made me rethink the direction I was going to go. Still praying about it and see what develops.
Nice to see Raps and Leafs both having their own winning streak. This Raps team is definitely a fun team to watch.
Back to work...
On to other things. Exactly 2 weeks before Phantom! So excited!
Still thinking about what to do with my summer, deciding between a FT job, or PT job with courses.
Good times with the guys at gym night and the talks after. Definitely made me rethink the direction I was going to go. Still praying about it and see what develops.
Nice to see Raps and Leafs both having their own winning streak. This Raps team is definitely a fun team to watch.
Back to work...
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