This is a summary of an article that I used as a current event this past week in my Sports and Entertainment Marketing class. The article was from "The Culture" section of the most recent issue of Time Magazine. The makers of Moneyball have pulled off making an entertaining movie on baseball that is based on the A's in the early 2000s, at a time when they have never won a playoff. This movie, based on Michael Lewis's book and opened on September 23, stars Brad Pitt. Pitt plays the A's general manager, Billy Beane, who was known to recruit undervalued players.
This leads us to question which team plays the best moneyball, which is high on base percentage plus slugging percentage, low spending per win, and high number of wins. Based on the chart that was in the article, the team that has been found to play the best moneyball are the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. They play moneyball the best, but the teams that have the most wins since they had the biggest baseballs on the chart, which I think is more important, are the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. The team with the lowest wins and smallest baseball on the chart is the Baltimore Orioles. I was surprised that I did not see any baseball representing the S.F. giants. There will be a spinoff of the movie; Taylor Lautner will star in Moneyball 2: Snakebitten and will play the Diamondbacker's general manager.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Biweekly :UC Prompt #2
This past summer, I went to Red Cross’s leadership development camp at Santa Clara University. There I got to meet many people from the Bay Area and Silicon Valley Chapters of the American Red Cross and also three international interns. We were separated into clans and I happened to end up at the Purple Grapes Clan.The first night that we were there, we ate dinner together with our clans.It was awkward since we all barely knew each other; I only knew Jin, Joan, and Brian since Jin and Joan were part of the Red Cross Yes Team in Alameda and Brian attended the youth executive board meetings. I happened to sit next to a boy that was a total stranger to me. There was an awkward silence that I felt like I should break by starting a conversation. However, I guess I was too slow and he asked me a question first. It was a casual conversation just asking about school related things, but little did I know that it would contribute to a memorable experience.
Througout the four days that we were at LDC, our clan participated in a series of group bonding activities such as personal sharings of leadership experiences, first aid and cpr, doing a clan anthem and skit, search and rescue, the clan dance. After a while, I felt that I really liked to talk to Brandon and to joke around with him, though I wasn't sure if he liked talking to me. During the "Maintaining a Red Cross Club" activity, I saw him standing by himself, playing with a chair. I asked him to come join me and my fellow Red Cross members from Alameda. In the beginning, he was reluctant, saying that he was antisocial. In the end, I just dragged him to my table because I couldn't stand him being alone. I continued to talk with him; this girl, Yuwen, that was also in my clan, Brandon, and I joke in Chinese that we were best friends. I also sent him a secret note since there was a secret buddy system. Sometimes, I think that he must’ve been annoyed by me.
During the last day, when we had to sign our clan member’s card, he wrote a message that touched me. He thanked me for talking to him and that he considered me as a best friend. I felt so happy; It made me feel that my efforts to be friends with him were all worth it. I am proud that when I am with someone thats not that talkative, I try to take the initiative to make friends even though I get scared. This reminds me of how Brandon said that he was antisocial. He must've taken a big leap of faith when he deicded to talk to me that night during dinner. This taught me that as long as you try reach out to someone, you can end up making a friend. I hope that I can continue to take that initiative and for Brandon to do so also.
Througout the four days that we were at LDC, our clan participated in a series of group bonding activities such as personal sharings of leadership experiences, first aid and cpr, doing a clan anthem and skit, search and rescue, the clan dance. After a while, I felt that I really liked to talk to Brandon and to joke around with him, though I wasn't sure if he liked talking to me. During the "Maintaining a Red Cross Club" activity, I saw him standing by himself, playing with a chair. I asked him to come join me and my fellow Red Cross members from Alameda. In the beginning, he was reluctant, saying that he was antisocial. In the end, I just dragged him to my table because I couldn't stand him being alone. I continued to talk with him; this girl, Yuwen, that was also in my clan, Brandon, and I joke in Chinese that we were best friends. I also sent him a secret note since there was a secret buddy system. Sometimes, I think that he must’ve been annoyed by me.
During the last day, when we had to sign our clan member’s card, he wrote a message that touched me. He thanked me for talking to him and that he considered me as a best friend. I felt so happy; It made me feel that my efforts to be friends with him were all worth it. I am proud that when I am with someone thats not that talkative, I try to take the initiative to make friends even though I get scared. This reminds me of how Brandon said that he was antisocial. He must've taken a big leap of faith when he deicded to talk to me that night during dinner. This taught me that as long as you try reach out to someone, you can end up making a friend. I hope that I can continue to take that initiative and for Brandon to do so also.
Monday, September 26, 2011
RE: to Start Realizing
"We get the fact that you hate your lifeand how your life sucks, but open your eyes and realize how thankful you are tobe here in the first place. People don’t realize how lucky they are to havewhat they already have. If you have a shelter, food, water, family and friendswho care about you, then you’re pretty lucky in my book."
-Kristen
http://kristenhe.blogspot.com/2011/09/free-start-realizing.html
I agree that lots of people do not realize how much they have. They always think about the things that they do not have instead of thinking of those that they do have that other people don't. People need to count their blessings more and getting caught up in jealousy towards others. It would be really tragic if people in third world countries or those in crises hear us complaining of such insignificant things when they are going through more suffering than we are. This reminds me of this thing that I heard one time about how there are people in Africa that worry whether they have enough to eat while we worry about what kind of food we want to eat.
Because of this, I get really angry at people that want millions of dollars and think that they will be happy; it is such a false view. They believe that money makes the world go round when it ultimately does not. Most of the things that they claim they need are not needs, they are wants. They do not realize that no matter how much materialistic things they have, they will keep on wanting more; it's an endless cycle. With money comes a lot of problems such as temptation of gambling and corruption. Instead of focusing their minds on secular things, people should focus more on helping those in need. Because most of us have grown up in fairly nice conditions given many things, we should be expected to give more to others.
-Kristen
http://kristenhe.blogspot.com/2011/09/free-start-realizing.html
I agree that lots of people do not realize how much they have. They always think about the things that they do not have instead of thinking of those that they do have that other people don't. People need to count their blessings more and getting caught up in jealousy towards others. It would be really tragic if people in third world countries or those in crises hear us complaining of such insignificant things when they are going through more suffering than we are. This reminds me of this thing that I heard one time about how there are people in Africa that worry whether they have enough to eat while we worry about what kind of food we want to eat.
Because of this, I get really angry at people that want millions of dollars and think that they will be happy; it is such a false view. They believe that money makes the world go round when it ultimately does not. Most of the things that they claim they need are not needs, they are wants. They do not realize that no matter how much materialistic things they have, they will keep on wanting more; it's an endless cycle. With money comes a lot of problems such as temptation of gambling and corruption. Instead of focusing their minds on secular things, people should focus more on helping those in need. Because most of us have grown up in fairly nice conditions given many things, we should be expected to give more to others.
CE: Mexico drug war victims call for justice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAN3V4d7-oE&feature=youtube_gdata
from Aljazeera
Though Mexico is right next to the United States, the standards of living are so different. While the United States is one of the "top dog" countries, Mexico is fairly poor. Because of its poverty, gangs compete to sell drugs to earn money. It is sad that Mexican civilians that do not participate in the violence have to live with a fear in their hearts that they can be killed if they just happen to come across it. It is a shame that the government fails to protect its people; I mean, how is it possible that people are shot in broad daylight and the murderers are still roaming around free. With no government, the people can only turn to churches for comfort.
It is pathetic that the new governor is not trying to seek justice for the murder case three years ago just because it was not in his term. Because of this,Ana, the mom of one of the victims, has given up on seeking justice for her son. No wonder so many Mexicans sneak across the border. Since Americans do not like Mexicans coming over and doing unfavorable things such as taking away jobs, some that want a better life cannot pursue one. However, it is ironic because I read in a Time magazine that the U.S. is considered a supporter of the Mexico's drug industry because it is a large purchaser of those drugs. I also read tat there is a lot of corruption in the Mexican police force, with officers cooperating with drug sellers.
from Aljazeera
Though Mexico is right next to the United States, the standards of living are so different. While the United States is one of the "top dog" countries, Mexico is fairly poor. Because of its poverty, gangs compete to sell drugs to earn money. It is sad that Mexican civilians that do not participate in the violence have to live with a fear in their hearts that they can be killed if they just happen to come across it. It is a shame that the government fails to protect its people; I mean, how is it possible that people are shot in broad daylight and the murderers are still roaming around free. With no government, the people can only turn to churches for comfort.
It is pathetic that the new governor is not trying to seek justice for the murder case three years ago just because it was not in his term. Because of this,Ana, the mom of one of the victims, has given up on seeking justice for her son. No wonder so many Mexicans sneak across the border. Since Americans do not like Mexicans coming over and doing unfavorable things such as taking away jobs, some that want a better life cannot pursue one. However, it is ironic because I read in a Time magazine that the U.S. is considered a supporter of the Mexico's drug industry because it is a large purchaser of those drugs. I also read tat there is a lot of corruption in the Mexican police force, with officers cooperating with drug sellers.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Free :Tennis
During the summer, when tennis practice first started, Sally, Kim, and I were really nervous that we were not going to make the team because we felt that we were in the "reject" group. However, over time we were no longer in there. I was sad that I had no permanent partner to play with since Kim and Sally were partners. During tryouts I had to play singles against others. I was so happy when I made it on the team because Coach Courtland told me that I was the last one to make the cut. But that happiness has faded since then because I found out that I might be playing singles for the rest of the season.
Since I don't have a doubles partner, I have been playing singles in the matches against other school. This makes me nervous and at times I want to cry. I feel like I do not have the mental strength to play because I get nervous and I cannot hit like I do when I rally. The box for playing singles is also much smaller and I can't volley. I am scared for the league matches that I coming up. I am scared that I will lost in one of the deciding matches. I feel that it would be inappropriate to tell the coaches that I do not want to play singles but I am really scared. I have already lost my matches during the second day of Fresno and against St. Mary's.
Since I don't have a doubles partner, I have been playing singles in the matches against other school. This makes me nervous and at times I want to cry. I feel like I do not have the mental strength to play because I get nervous and I cannot hit like I do when I rally. The box for playing singles is also much smaller and I can't volley. I am scared for the league matches that I coming up. I am scared that I will lost in one of the deciding matches. I feel that it would be inappropriate to tell the coaches that I do not want to play singles but I am really scared. I have already lost my matches during the second day of Fresno and against St. Mary's.
RE: to Mr. Sutherland's But What is "Poverty"
http://j1t.blogspot.com/2011/09/but-what-is-poverty.html
Wealth and poverty is a means that people use to distinguish classes in society. When it is said, the first thing that people automatically think of is money.
During the discussion yesterday in class,someone said that people should donate when they are financially stable. I think that shows that some people don't really care that much about people in need. I think that a lot of people are financially stable, they just don't think they are. The reason is that they have many secular wants that aren't really needs. A lot of people can be helped if people chose to spend less on materialistic things.
Some people think that there is nothing wrong with being rich, but I think that being really rich is being FILTHY rich. With money comes many problems that people don't think about. When people have money, they tend to look down on others, gamble, do drugs, and other bad things. I know that that does not apply to everyone, but I feel that it does apply to a majority. Money also comes with emotional problems because you never know whether the people around you really like you or is just treating you as a friend with benefits. I think that people should focus more on being satisfied with what they have. It is the most beautiful thing when people give a lot of charity even though they do not have much. The reason that those kinds of people are not recognized is because the amounts they give is little in comparison to people who give millions. But if people have alot and still do after they give, that means they have made basically no sacrifice at all.
Wealth and poverty is a means that people use to distinguish classes in society. When it is said, the first thing that people automatically think of is money.
During the discussion yesterday in class,someone said that people should donate when they are financially stable. I think that shows that some people don't really care that much about people in need. I think that a lot of people are financially stable, they just don't think they are. The reason is that they have many secular wants that aren't really needs. A lot of people can be helped if people chose to spend less on materialistic things.
Some people think that there is nothing wrong with being rich, but I think that being really rich is being FILTHY rich. With money comes many problems that people don't think about. When people have money, they tend to look down on others, gamble, do drugs, and other bad things. I know that that does not apply to everyone, but I feel that it does apply to a majority. Money also comes with emotional problems because you never know whether the people around you really like you or is just treating you as a friend with benefits. I think that people should focus more on being satisfied with what they have. It is the most beautiful thing when people give a lot of charity even though they do not have much. The reason that those kinds of people are not recognized is because the amounts they give is little in comparison to people who give millions. But if people have alot and still do after they give, that means they have made basically no sacrifice at all.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
CE: Typhoon Roke Hits Japan
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/asia-pacific/2011/09/20119217154335987.html
It is unfortunate that although Japan has been hit by two big earthquakes this past year, it got hit by yet another typhoon. I remember the earthquake earlier this year that caused an uproar in the Bay Area. Everyone was concerned that the radiation would damage us in terms of our health and people were scared to go outside. Good thing that it was in amounts that were not dangerous. Luckily, these days, when big natural disasters occur, there are charitable organizations that fundraise and donate to help with the relief. I remember that for the Japan earthquake, my Red Cross Club sold silly bands and Alameda High had a food faire specifically for Japan's earthquake. By selling pasta at the food fair, we were able to earn over two hundred dollars. Hopefully, there will be a lot of donations for Japan's recovery from Typhoon Roke.
I worry that that the Bay Area will be hit by a powerful earthquake or other natural disaster because I question whether we will be able to recover quickly. Even though Japan is so technologically advanced it is still in recovery. I think that there will not be as many casualties if cities were not so modernized. During natural disaster, most people die not from the disaster itself, but from materialistic things. For example, during fires, people have a hard time escaping because buildings are so tall nowadays. Also, during floods or hurricanes, most people die not from drowning but slamming into hard materials.
It is unfortunate that although Japan has been hit by two big earthquakes this past year, it got hit by yet another typhoon. I remember the earthquake earlier this year that caused an uproar in the Bay Area. Everyone was concerned that the radiation would damage us in terms of our health and people were scared to go outside. Good thing that it was in amounts that were not dangerous. Luckily, these days, when big natural disasters occur, there are charitable organizations that fundraise and donate to help with the relief. I remember that for the Japan earthquake, my Red Cross Club sold silly bands and Alameda High had a food faire specifically for Japan's earthquake. By selling pasta at the food fair, we were able to earn over two hundred dollars. Hopefully, there will be a lot of donations for Japan's recovery from Typhoon Roke.
I worry that that the Bay Area will be hit by a powerful earthquake or other natural disaster because I question whether we will be able to recover quickly. Even though Japan is so technologically advanced it is still in recovery. I think that there will not be as many casualties if cities were not so modernized. During natural disaster, most people die not from the disaster itself, but from materialistic things. For example, during fires, people have a hard time escaping because buildings are so tall nowadays. Also, during floods or hurricanes, most people die not from drowning but slamming into hard materials.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
