11/18-Write about what you wish...

I've noticed that it can be very hard for people to focus on the positive parts of their as well as other people's lives. I, myself, have noticed this feature creeping into my personality. As a youngster, the world seemed like such a great place. It was filled with so many different subjects and matters and everything kept me curious and wanting to learn more. In my younger days, I loved going to school. Back then school teachers actually cared for their students and wanted them to learn. Back then, teachers didn't use vulgar language towards their students. But the times have changed and so have I. Sometimes you witness an act and depending on the circumstance, you may learn from it. Friends and family have told me of their different experiences throughout life and some of their stories have left me skeptical about people and defensive about life. But what i've learned is that everyone is not the same and that everyone's situation is not the same. To pass judgment on a new person that you meet is unfair. To treat someone cruelly because of their differences is also unfair. So a trait that i've have learned to maintain is the act of being open-minded. Although I may not agree with someone's beliefs, it never hurts to learn about them especially if you are comfortable with yourself as a person. Keeping a humble attitude is key for me because you are open to other's ways or points of views and at times you may be able to incorporate them into your own. I've learned that in life, you are going to come across so many different types of people, and most times because they are different from you in some way, you have fun getting to know them. One quote that I like: treat everyone as if they were going to die tomorrow and you'll see how great your day goes.

11/16-continue thoughts on punk rock

When any new genre of music comes about, there's always controversy about how it will affect our youth and culture. Punk rock had some aspects that came across as demonic. The lyrics, the style of dress, and the piercings among other things played a part in shaping the way Americans and Europeans viewed punk rock. Some kids took the piercings out of proportions and stuck safety pins through their mouths. Ultimately, there was punk rock culture and then there was the exaggerated version of rock that was portrayed and attacked in the media. Some of what the media had to say about punk rock was true. Groups during this time included The Slits, Black Flags, and Brad Kennedy's. Punk rock culture gave the up and coming youth a new way to express their minds. During the late seventies, punk rock branched out and another genre was formed. "Hardcore" punk made a little more sense but it also had an edge to it. The lyrics sent a message about the happenings in the world and the daily issues in life that may concern relationships. However, drugs were being used excessively at shows causing some people to have erratic behavior. I'm sure that was not good for anyone involved. On the flip side, a group named Fugazi was one that did not advocate alcohol or drug use. The Slits were an all girl group and were alot different from the rest. Their appearance was similar to that of hippies but they influential to the rock world nonetheless. A magazine by the name of Sniffin Glue came about and was the first official fanzine that teens used to display information on the latest music, hangouts, and more. Although punk rock had several negative aspects, there was also some positive aspects to it as well.

11/13-Punk Rock and it's beginnings...

Punk Rock emerged as the biggest voice for the youth generation during the 60s and 70s. It has always been celebrated for being extremely expressive as its music has no boundaries. Also, it has been noted for being not so melodious, incorporating all types of instruments. The term "punk" was used to describes young rock bands who were looked upon as rookies in the rock music world. Some of the rock artists who became influential vessels for the music genre are Iggy Pop, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, MC5, The Velvet Underground, The Dolls, and The Stooges. In Europe, punk rock was becoming a familiar music genre as well. Teens wore ripped clothing using safety pins and cuffs in order to keep their clothing somewhat attached. One couple, Malcolm and Vivienne Mcclaren created a punk rock clothing store on Kings Road in London. After several unsuccessful trys aiming to reinvent The New York Dolls from America, Malcolm came there to sell his clothing. Eventually his clothing store, SEX, became a hangout for punk rock artists and teens of the generation. This is how the beginnings of punk rock fashion came about. Many punk rock groups derived from an area in London named the Bromley Contigent. Groups like Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Slits, and Generation X helped to put punk rock on the music scene in London. By the 70s punk rock music was a major musical genre that would eventually change the definition of music.

11/11-Rupert Murdoch???

It seems to me that this guy Murdoch is somewhat of a conniving thief. Although his name is established as the head of many of America's main sources of news media, he has done his share of elusive deeds when it has come to obtaining and managing them. In Britain, he secretly moved his newspaper business to London giving journalists new hopes of finding freedom in their work and other opportunities. Yet the newspaper company is unfulfilled in every sense of the word. The staff amount is inadequate, and wages for workers have sunken. Money from his newspaper has been used for his many other business interests. He owns NewsCorps who in turn owns Fox News and states that he advocates serious changes that can help save our environment. He even goes on to appear on a video recording claiming to be a global-warming believer. However, little to no action has been taken by Murdoch to rectify the impending destruction of the Earth's atmosphere. He claims to advocate free speech but when asked by an author about his thoughts on free speech and human rights, he goes on to say that every country abuses its citizens' rights. Great way to sum it up Murdoch. His newspapers display falsified and exaggerated events at times but Murdoch promises tp uphold "journalistic integrity." Obviously, money is Murdoch's motive but there are certain ethics that he pretends to uphold. His effort in doing this is meaningless because negative accounts of his acts are still being exposed.

11/09-Review of The Box...

I have not had a chance to view the movie as of yet but the plot seems slightly intriguing. The author is giving negative and positive feedback on the director. He seems to be leaning more towards the negative end with his comments about making an episode series mixing philosophy and science with the show 'Lost'. The issue in the story is that a couple who is raising a son are have financial problems. An older man leaves a package containing a box with a button attached to it. Supposedly if they push the button some one will die. A million dollars is the reward they will receive if they choose to push the button. I guess that's where my intrigue comes in. If I were to push that button, I'd certainly have many doubts. For one the old man who gave them the box is a complete stranger. That way in which they gained the money would probably haunt them forever. They'd probably be paranoid for the rest of their lives. I believe there should be some moral reasoning when it comes to a matter of this extreme. I would insist on the older man taking the box back before greed or temptation took over me. I may regret not pushing the button and getting the money but I'd rather avoid the chaotic aftermath that may come with pushing it. However, there are some people that would push that button without blinking. In a way, that person becomes a murderer. The money is not worth the worry and your conscious eating at you.

11/06-Write about what you wish...

So on the History channel, there was a special on quasars and black holes. So basically quasars are active galaxies millions of light years away from Earth. Since they are so far away, scientists have concluded that these galaxies are ancient. At the center of these galaxies are black holes. Black holes are a region where great amounts of compression has occurred. The bodies and matter in the region have collapsed under its own gravity. Black holes compact matter so densely, even light. The spinning action produces a "swirl of space" pulling gas streams in a spiral direction towards the hole. The gas streams collide as a result of the massive gravitational energy creating intense friction and heating the galaxy. This is what gives a quasar such luminous light. Astronomy is ver intriguing to me. But these black holes are some scary sights. I saw an example of one on the latest Star Wars movie that was released earlier this year. But nonetheless, they are still interesting to me. Some scientists are proposing an experiment where they can monitor minute black holes and observe how they form as well as disappear. They believe that this will reveal remarkable things about the universe. Black holes can expand great distances. There is some fear that these black holes may grow to swallow the entire Earth. But scientists state that the experiment will not put Earth in a catastrophic circumstance.

11/04-Write about what you wish...

So....I am currently comtemplating how I will do in these spring courses and how well have I done in my fall courses. I've been reflecting on my performance and current grades and I realize that there is always some room for improvement. I really should implement some new ways to manage my time. I get most of my work done on time, but most isn't acceptable to many professors and it shouldn't be acceptable to me either. Also, I can be very forgetful, so trying to memorize all my assignments isn't a very wise decision. A planner is seriously needed. As far as today, i've been putting the finishing touches on an essay and poster. And I also put in some volunteer work hours. I didn't mind doing the volunteer work because it's a good feeling that you feel when you help out others. I volunteered at a day care center for a few hours. The children were so cute. I think that kids are such blessings! Anywho, once I got home I took a nap for a few hours. I believe that those are essential for college students. (lol) And now hours later, I am working on my poster that will be my prop for a project. I swear, nothing makes you more sleepy than school work. Yet some nonsense on tv will keep you wide awake. Human nature is something. I can say that I do appreciate these blog assignments. They help me to maintain satisfactory writing skills.

11/02-Choose a poem and reflect...

I chose Bad Habits by Maxwell. Everyone has bad habits, but sometimes it's the pleasure that you receive from it that make you repeat them. The piece helps me relax but it also gives me much too think about in my own personal life. The instruments used in the song are so various that I am hearing all of my different emotions when I listen to it. In it, he sings, "I can't control the feeling" and this sentence is echoed a few times after that. I feel like those are my feelings that he is singing about. That is how I am feeling at this time in my life. I feel like there are feelings that I have no control over at times and I wonder if I ever will. (no negative feelings, don't be alarmed). His words express sincerity and a longing for forgiveness. Sometimes you know that something is wrong, but you do it anyway because you want it to be right. That's what I get from listening to his words in the song. I definitely feel that poetry is a moving and expressive artform that is extremely underrated. The pitch of his voice in the intro just brings you to a different zone when you hear it. His singing throughout the song seems to have an uplifting mood. He sings in an alto tone during most of the song so you feel relaxed when you listen to it. Yet his lyrics are so evocative that you are alert to his message in the song when you listen. Music and poetry coincide (in some cases) and I felt that this song fit the bill.

10/30-Are you for or against Halloween?

I do not wish to dress up or "trick or treat" this Halloween. For one, the holiday has negative connotations. It is also known as the "festival of the dead." During ancient times in Europe, a people named Celts believed that the boundary between the Otherworld and ours became thin on this day allowing spirits to pass through. It was said that the harmful spirits would disguise themselves so as to not be rejected from our world. Hence, thye idea of wearing costumes came about for this day. Around 7th century A.D. the Pope Boniface IV attempted to create a holiday that aimed to uphold Christian beliefs and honor the dead at the same time. The terms Hallow's Eve and All-Hallows were initially used. Eventually the name Halloween came about. The notion to celebrate the dead is a good one but I'd rather honor my deceased loved ones on my own time. I don't believe that honoring the dead on just one day is acceptable. Besides, America has transformed the holiday into a demonic celebration. For two, it's pretty lame to me for someone to dress up in a ridiculous manner. Candy is empty calories and detrimental to your health, not to mention your teeth. I may attend a friend's party but that's as far as my Halloween spirit goes. I'd much rather sit home and read a book. However, I do appreciate the Halloween movie series. Great laughs!

10/28-Write about what you wish...

I just would like to elaborate on how as you grow, you naturally mature. I have noticed that as I experience more situations and see new sights everyday, I'm becoming a new person. Certain habits of mine are quite unnecessary (i.e. cussing) but I'm working on them. In a way, I can tell that there is a new attitude arising within myself. I just want to appreciate all that life has to offer. I've learned that you should never be ashamed to be yourself or be original. The saying is so cliche but it should be followed. I also believe in the saying no pain, no gain. I know that the things that I got through are like stepping stones for me. And they make me stronger even by the smallest token. Although we don't all reside in the same state, I'm happy to have my family. I can usually count on them in some way or the other. For the past year, I've had thoughts of getting a degree in secondary education. It's just been a lingering thought so I figured I should act on it. I'm not sure if I could get a major in biology and a minor in education so I'll have to look into that. But at any rate, I really feel that teaching would be such a fulfilling job. It makes me smile just thinking of it. Finally, I believe that I have grown spiritually. I pray often and I've become grateful for everything that has shaped my life in some way or another. More to come!!!

10/26-Sidney Bechet-Why is it we correlate talent and insanity?

Well there are many reasons as to why people may label a great musician insane or unstable. In Bechet's situation, he was extremely serious about his work. Many great musicians are very dedicated to their work. They aim to be the best at it. Their unwielding determination to perfect their music may seem unusual to relatives and musical audiences. But I be believe in order to be considered a musical genius, you should be dedicated to your work. At times, talented musicians attain characteristics that people create because their talent seems almost impossible. People can't believe that what they are seeing or hearing is real and so they create stories or myths about the artist in order to generalize their person. People often lie about things they fear or understand. I believe that labeling them is cliche. Kanye West is often referred to as unstable or loony because of his outbursts. I'm sure many people share Kanye's feelings but Kanye is labeled because he actually speaks on them. However, many of his works have been great hits throughout the world. Musicians seem to possess a great passion for what they do and it shows in different situations (like Bechet's case). I do not believe that this makes them crazy, it just makes them a true musician.

10.23-Write about what you wish...

I had the privilege of viewing a moving documentary today. It was detailing the life of a young man named Darius Weems and his travels throughout the U.S. He had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy which is disease that gradually shuts downs the use of a person's muscles. One in every 3500 children born will have the disease. People who are diagnosed with muscular dystrophy die between their teen and early twenty years. Darius wanted to raise awareness about his disease to the people of our generation. His older brother had died from the illness at just 19 years of age. As Darius and eleven friends from his communtiy center take a road trip, they stop at various sites and attractions in different cities. Many places weren't wheelchair accessible. This was another reason that they filmed the documentary, to show the world that everyone wants to be able to use a facility just like those without a disability. When they stopped in Los Angeles, their main destination, they were hoping that they would be able to have MTV "pimp" Darius' wheelchair. But to no avail. Although this deeply hurt the crew and shattered Darius' dreams, they continued on their cross country road trip. I admired this young man so much. He was very happy and outgoing and he was going places that many will never see in a lifetime, all while confined to his wheelchair. He knew that soon one day the disease would take his life but it was as if he didn't care. His main goal was to raise awareness about his illness. The documentary moved me but it reiterated the fact that you should cherish your life. And now I want to help support his cause.

Stax Records-Importance & Influence

Stax Records was one of the major vessels that put the genre of soul music on the scene in America back in the sixties. Beginning as a small record store in Memphis, Tennessee, it eventually evolved into a major recording studio. Many of the artists that were featured on the label during its first years were Otis Redding, Johhnie Taylor, The Emotions and Isaac Hayes. These people sang the music of my parents' generation. However, there music is celebrated by innumerous members of newer generations including my own. Growing up, I enjoyed listening to Otis' "Sitting On The Dock of the Bay" and The Emotion's version of "Don't Ask My Neighbor." Artists like Issac changed the format of soul music by incorporating orchestrated versions of different songs. The initial songs produced on the label were usually a short 3-4 minutes. His song "Shaft" broke records by remaining on the charts for an amazing 60 weeks. The song was featured on the movie's soundtrack and opened doors for black music writers to write music for motion pictures. Stax was a very integrated company at a time when segregation was a major part of southern living. Stax produced other cultural genres including movies, comedy, rock, jazz, and spoken word and gradually became a large multi-media company. Now the label features artists like Teena Marie and Angie Stone who are great singers with a history of creating excellent music. Numerous artists on the label have received Grammies and Oscar Awrads for their work. Noting the label's longevity and its artists, past and present, I know that Stax Records has cultural "clout," if you will.

10-19 Blog Write about anything today.

I have to say that being unemployed really blows. I've been employed ever since my 9th grade year of high school. Ever since I started college my school schedule and work schedule seemed to throw off the other one. Eventually I decided to let working go to focus on school full time. It's possible that I may have to go on hiatus from the world of working. At times I do appreciate the extra time to be able to complete homework. At the same time, I've developed an appreciation for working for myself. I'm not used to having to depend on my parents for everything and now, at a time when I'm supposed to be striving for independence, it seems as though things have back tracked. I now have to rely on my parents financially. I will admit that working gives you a sense of being responsible and can help you to mature. Now that I am not working, it is very difficult for me to keep still. I'm so used to moving about and keeping busy at work, it just feels strange to lounge around the house after my classes. But hey, maybe this is a sign. Perhaps, God is trying to tell me to take a break. After all, I've been working for 4 years straight now. Many people my age can't say that about themselves. It's neither a good nor bad thing that I've worked that long. However, my work experiences have helped me to grow.

10/16 Class Blog

Jon's statements express what some people think about on a daily basis when watching the news. His poking fun at the media and politics provides a humorous perspective on daily issues. However, his statements aren't backed up by facts. He is merely making a mockery of the news. Some of his statements were true. The news often reports issues that are unnecessary and irrelevant. Surprisingly, people watch his program to get information instead of the news. While CNN and other news programs report issues that aren't of importance at times, their stories are researched. Stories are proposed to viewers in a professional tone and they are displayed frequently if necessary. Although Jon's stories are displayed in a humorous manner, his show is not a dependable network. If you need to know information on a serious or emergency matter going on in the nation, you cannot check his show or website for these breaking news updates.
Glenn Beck offers a news review with a quirky yet opposing attitude. He does make some good points about Hilary Clinton. It seems as though she has been aiming to reform health care in all her years a politician. She speaks for a great cause but I'm not so sure if I can see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to her administration. Many of her efforts to change health care for America have been futile. So I will have to agree with Glenn on that fact. Nevertheless, these two forms of news delivery are biased being that they are expressed from the hosts' point of view.

Media Blog

Swine flu doses depend on age- This newspaper article (Atlanta Journal Constitution) explains how health officials have determined that adolescents and young children should make sure they get the Swine flu vaccine. While youngsters ages 10-17 are more susceptible to the virus, kids ages 9 and under require two shots of the vaccine. This conclusion is a result of tests that have been done on 600 people aged 6 months to 17 years. Officials report that people in the adolescent age range responded well enough to just one shot while younger kids response to one shot left their bodies only slightly protected. Swine flu has been a constant subject in the media for quite some time now. It is a definite concern to parents who want and need to protect their children. It is being encouraged on the news, talk shows, and talked about just about everywhere. The death reports of people who have died as a result of the virus have people paranoid on the issue. "Swine flu" is a household term these days and the media has definitely had a part in informing and alerting people about it.

Obama visits with Letterman-Basically this article summarizes the discussion that David Letterman and President Obama had on the Late Show Monday night. They talked about Barack's health care reform plan, the job market, and the most recent subject surrounding the president, race relations.Obama commented that he doesn't believe racism is behind some of the opposition to his policies. Obama is definitely a household name. He's been discussed daily in magazines, talk shows, and even in comics ever since he became a candidate for election. He's advertised on T-shirts, pens, cups- you name it and Obama is on it. I think that Obama is a great example of how the media can affect someone's views. Obama is constantly on display because for one, he's changed history, and for two he's the man that has the task of turning this country around and moving it in a positive direction. Because of this responsibility he is critiqued by everyone about every action he makes and every word he speaks.
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