Joshua 340

A lot of people assume poker to be gambling, and to be fair most people who play the game are playing in such a fashion where they are just mainly gambling - putting money in the middle with suboptimal hands because they have a feeling or hoping that they will "hit". Growing up, I've loved puzzles, math, and strategy games, and poker is no different. Despite what my parents may think, poker is really a math based game that balances calculated risks to maximize a player's expected value in every situation possible.  It all starts pre-flop, before the flop is dealt. The flop being the first 3 cards that are dealt face up in the middle for everyone to see. Pre-flop, every player is dealt 2 cards, their "hole cards". The game of poker has essentially been solved already, by computers that have run millions of simulations to calculate a game theory optimal way of playing. Similar to playing perfect basic strategy in blackjack, there is a mathematically optimal wa...

The book I have chosen to read is "Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike", written by Phil Knight. The past couple years, I have been very interested in buying, selling, and collecting exclusive sneakers; therefore, this book was right up my alley. In addition to my passion for shoes, I was excited to read Phil Knight's memoir because I would love to become a successful entrepreneur like him. I want to learn about the skills and mindset needed to take the leap and start a company. Additionally, I am curious about how it was possible to turn Nike into a globally recognized name and brand. Extending beyond just sports, sneakers, and apparel, the Nike Swoosh is arguably the most recognizable logo on the planet.  As a former track runner, Knight found that running was a great way to clear his mind from distractions and reflect on important matters. I related to this because whenever I am stressed, I find that exercising is...