Top Event Of 2009

The year 2009 was a notable year, which will probably be remembered for many reasons. A black president, Barack Obama being inaugurated, to Sarah Palin coming out with a book, to many, many celebrity deaths. The biggest of which, and not to disrespect the several who died that year, was probably Michael Jackson. This was a huge event for music lovers, and just general people everywhere. Mostly due to how sudden, and out of the blue it was. There was mourning for him in many forms. The news wouldn't stop covering it, and MTV actually played music to remember him. When MTV plays music to remember someone these days you know the death was a big deal. Jackson's death probably got more coverage than Barack Obama's inauguration, or any other event this year. That is why I think it is the Top Event Of 2009.

Course Connection: Media.

There are movies, shows, and other forms of media that have connection with our senior seminar course. Here are a few examples, that might help understand the ideas, and periods of history we've gone over.

• West Wing
• Dr. Strangelove
• Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
• Butcher Of Baghdad (History Channel)
• W.
  
• Citizen Kane
• All The President's Men
• Commander In Chief
• Sicko
• Lord Of The Flies
• C-Span
• The Manchurian Candidate

NationStates

The nation I "founded" was called Shieldonia. It took a bit to find a name that wasn't already used, so I just used my last name for it. Basically, it's a small place, where Law & Order is kept with some surveillance cameras in major areas to make sure crime isn't an issue. The economy is doing okay, but it's not quite thriving yet. And I'm trying to make sure political freedom, and civil rights, are ensured, instead of "below average" and "average". Still, I like only having to decide on one thing per day, and seeing the result of it. I hope I can sort of keep this going effectively, without making a dumb decision along the way.

Stock Simulation Investment

The company I chose to invest in was PEP, the ticker symbol for PepsiCo. I brought 20 shares of stock in the company at a value of $1,225.40. This leaves me with a fair amount of money to invest in other companies, and gives me a good starting point. The reason I chose to invest in Pepsico is because it could be considered a blue chip. It's certainly not going anywhere anytime soon, and it produces a lot of products that are fairly successful. This company makes several products. Pepsi, Gatorade, Quaker oats, Doritos, Frito Lay, Lay's, Sierra Mist, and more. They have a mission statement, stating that they want to be the world's premier convenient food and beverage company. They are also working to help the environment and society as a whole. They have several popular brand names food and beverages from their company. The company is also working to conserve water. I think, judging from all their products, even in the poor economy, they were a good choice to invest in. I think I will make a good gain from the stock. I don't believe the stock has split yet. If so, I would have a lot of stocks in there. I don't believe they're coming out with a new ad campaign or product at this time.

Labor Market: Supply and Demand

The labor market has it's own version of supply and demand as well. This is the demand for more works at that position, and what the company can supply. Now, the supply and demand for the field I would like to get into. I would like to be a commentator for sports games. Preferably football, or baseball. However, I'd probably need to get something for communications from college, and I'm not sure demand would be that high for new commentators. If I were to get a job in that particular field, I would guess it would pay well, and be a nice boost to income.

Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster

The newest toy craze is the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster. The demand for them is high, because it is the Christmas season, and kids want them. So, parents are trying to find where they can purchase one of these little hamsters. The demand curve could change for the better, because Christmas is only getting closer, and because it's the "Must-Have" toy of the season, demand can only rise till Christmas. It's also being advertised on kids channels, such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney XD, meaning the toy is getting noticed, and is building popularity. There aren't really any substitute goods that are cheaper than this hamster. Other electronic pets are much more expensive than this, so it's considered a cheaper toy. There are complimentary goods as well. The accessories for the hamster, such as it's car, will probably sell well too. As well as any other accessories for the hamster. So, I think the season, the number of buyers, and the fact that it's fairly cheap for what it is, is all making the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster the newest toy craze.

Opportunity Cost

What does the term "Opportunity Cost" mean? Well, it's actually something people do everyday. Opportunity Costs is when you give up something in order to get something else. However, in a group of choices, the opportunity cost is the second most desirable option. For example, I made an opportunity cost this weekend. I had the option to study for a Physics test, watch television, or go on the computer. Since I felt that I was okay on the material for the test, and there wasn't a whole lot to watch, I chose to go on the computer. The opportunity cost there, is the television, since it is the second choice I would've made out of all three. It may not have been the most efficient choice I ever made, but I made the choice I liked the most out of the three.