STORY OF THE DAY
For all the computer game Starcraft fans out there!

Starcraft Course opened for College - earn credits
Course Description:
UC Berkeley students with an interest in real-time strategy games and the competitive gaming landscape are encouraged to participate in this class.

This course will go in-depth in the theory of how war is conducted within the confines of the game Starcraft. There will be lecture on various aspects of the game, from the viewpoint of pure theory to the more computational aspects of how exactly battles are conducted. Calculus and Differential Equations are highly recommended for full understanding of the course. Furthermore, the class will take the theoretical into the practical world by analyzing games and replays to reinforce decision-making skills and advanced Starcraft theory.

Class will start with lecture and usually include a special discussion topic having to do with the day’s lecture to inspire new and original thought. At the end of lecture, there may be time to analyze student-submitted replays to illustrate a point or to improve analysis. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class and is due at the beginning of each lecture.

Course Learning Objectives and Goals:
What may look like complex topics are just ways we want you to think more deeply about the game to derive a greater satisfaction from playing. Furthermore, this understanding should have applications in real life, to further synthesize new information from limited inferences. The primary goal is for students to learn, enjoy the art of competitive StarCraft, and have fun. Overall, students will be applying critical thinking, quick decision-making, and game theory skills throughout the sessions. Students will also learn what to look for in a replay or game to learn most effectively.

Course Workload:
Each week, students must submit 2 replays of games they played and are willing to analyze in depth. Students are expected to explain the flow of the game, identify the time of several positive and negative moves, and show an understanding of how to overcome mistakes in these replays. Some replays will be reviewed by the class together.

IMAGE OF THE DAY
GI Joe Rise of Cobra released 6 character posters to promote the movie. This was one of my favorite cartoon shows growing up! I'm still not sure about the movie, but so far the posters look promising! Here's a sample.

DUNK OF THE DAY
WHO GOT IT WORSE? O'NEAL or NASH
Tyrus Thomas drunks on Jermaine O'Neal January 23, 2009

Josh Smith dunks on Steve Nash January 26, 2009


BEAUTY OF THE DAY
Alessandra Ambrosio Victoria’s Secret model.

Delivering Damaged Goods



Picture this: You are the delivery boy. Ding Dong rings the door bell. The purchaser opens the door. He has ordered the worlds finest crystal wine glasses for his wife. He’s excited to see the box with the Crystal Classics brand name on it and signs off on the delivery. He then opens up the box only to find his crystal wine glasses shattered! “Forget the name brand; what’s the point of having these if I can’t use them.” Such is the story of the Toronto Raptors center Jermaine O’Neal. The name carries accolades such as 6 times All-Star and 3 times All-NBA team. All which sound promising and attractive especially to teams that need help at their forward-center position. But what’s the point of signing off on such a delivery if you can’t use it?

A trade seems IMMINENT
Jermaine O’Neal is an attractive piece for playoff teams. Don’t expect teams like the Sacramento Kings or Memphis Grizzlies to make trade offers for Jermaine O’Neal. Although he has great experience and an All-Star presence in the low post he is also expensive and injury prone and does not solve solutions for any young or non-playoff team this year. With the Raptors slowly fading from the playoff picture it might be wise for Bryan Colangelo to move O’Neal’s contract for a contract that would be coming off the books at the end of this year. Most teams want to see if O’Neal is healthy enough to play before pulling the trigger on any blockbuster deals. A trade possibility includes:

Miami Heat: Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks



The Miami Heat need a dominant Center. Especially one that will prove to be serviceable during their playoff runs this year. Basketball usually tends to slow down to a half-court game in the playoffs and the value of Big Men are truly tested and appreciated during this time. This is where O’Neal can truly prove to be beneficial as the Heat could face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic or Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics.

In return the Raptors would get Shawn Marion. Marion would rejoin with a familiar face in Bryan Colangelo, who was Marion’s general manager until he joined the Raptors in 2006.

Financially this move makes sense as well. O’Neal (who makes $21.3 million this season, has a player option for $23 million next season) while Marion’s contract, bit over $17 million will come off the books at the end of the season.

NO INSIDE-OUT GAME
The Raptors must use their strengths wisely and to their advantage! They are tied for 5th in the NBA for 3-point field goal percentage. The Raptors are surrounded by reliable 3-point shooters in Jose Calderon, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono, and Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors need to start using these guys more thoughtfully with an inside-out game. Jermaine O’Neal is selfish! There is no inside-out game with him. Of course it’s not fair to call a player of his calibre selfish but this is a team game. Plenty of times the ball gets thrown into the paint and O’Neal forces up tough shots. He gets double-teamed and when that happens there is usually a Raptors player open on the perimeter.