Skilllz

Previously, I have had lots of writing and reading assignments, so this class was no different.  During the course of this class, I’m not sure whether our writing assignments have improved my writing or not. The one thing I do know for sure is that my typing skills as well as my reading skills have improved tremendously. I have also learned a lot through my fellow classmates. They pointed out that I tend to repeat things over and over and suggested that I should be more organized with my thoughts. It is very easy to spot other peoples mistakes, but hard to spot my own. One can never say that they know everything. Each writing class is different and you learn something new every time.  This course has also shown me that there are so many different ways to quote. It was very confusing, and didn’t realize the various ways to tie things together thru quotations.

There is one thing though that I am truly grateful for is the appreciation for blogging. Prior to this course, I was almost positive that blogging was extremely stupid and had no interest at all. I couldn’t understand the concept of people spilling their guts in a public format. I was astonished that blogging can be used in many different ways as this class has shown me.  I have started to actually enjoy writing my thoughts on those random topics in our Music and Culture books.  Regardless of those topics I was able to enjoy what blogging was all about. I feel it gave me another way of expressing my opinion. Not only was I enjoying writing my blogs, but I was finding myself waiting to read the comments from my fellow classmates. When I didn’t get comments I was very disappointed. Blogging for me was a great learning experience and has enhanced my typing skills as well as my way of expressing myself.

To my surprise, I would have never thought that this class would help me with my typing skills. I used to hate typing because I was really slow, now I can type pretty quick, or at least quicker. Regardless of its actual speed I am more familiar with the keys; I tend to look at the keyboard less often. Who knew that blogging and our writing assignments would bring this out in me?

In the beginning I stated that I didn’t know if this course has improved my skills, but now I can say that it has. I learned to enjoy new things such as blogging and truly enjoyed reading other peoples work.  Reading before was not pleasant, but I am pleased to say that I take pleasure in it now. It was always because I had to for one reason or another. I am more conscious of my strengths and weakness. I am truly amazed that I have opened up to new ways of expressing my opinions through blogging.  In the past I was not comfortable going over other students papers, but now I am very confident and have overcome this fear.

Sampling is definitely a different type of music. Some people would think that sampling would be considered plagiarism, others would find it to be creative. I would say that depending on how it is done will determine whether it is a knock off of what has already been made or a unique way of using a different song to enhance a new. There are some artists that I could think of to represent both of these sides of my argument. There are a couple of songs by Pitbull, one of them being Bon Bon, where h uses the beat and chorus of a different song to make a new song. Another song would be when he uses the beat and sound of Palmdale by Afroman, at this time and point I can’t think of the title of the song. I would say remakes are a type of plagiarism, but that isn’t necessarily sampling.

Many people feel that Lady Gaga is using things and doing exactly what Madonna had done in her younger ages and feel Lady Gaga should give credit to Madonna for her ideas. I am not quite sure what they are talking about since I am not a big follower of Lady Gaga, I only know a few songs; that goes the same for Madonna. I hear about it from many of my friends every time I hear Lady Gaga on the radio. From the collective group I would have to say it isn’t far from the truth.

I personally don’t care all that much, so long as the song sounds good and doesn’t butcher or feel like a knock off of the original. That usually goes for remakes for me rather than sampling. Sampling is just using a piece of a song, rather than making the older song new. The Song You Spin Me Round has been remade so many times, and each of those sound good, well from the ones I have heard at least. It has also been used in sampling as well for many songs. The most recent that I know of that sounds really good to me is You Spin My Head Right Round by Flo Rida. This is a good example of sampling. I could accept Sampling to a point.

Now what I have been talking about is a light version of sampling. Real Sampling is using other sounds to make a completely new thing. I have a good amount of friends that are DJs and they make some amazing sounds. It blows me away. I don’t know how they think of these things and how it all combines to make its own piece of art. If you are real good at it you can almost forget that the pieces used are of other songs. It is taking art and making new art of it. There is This interview that I have found on YouTube that would probably explain it much better than I would. It is an interview of a DJ who samples and makes it his own.

Resources!?!?

There are many things to write a research paper about in the world as we know it. You don’t even have to right about things about now. You could write about the past, the future and even possible versions of our world. You aren’t even limited to our world, you could write about other worlds, whether they are fiction or nonfiction. There is an endless possibility of what you can write about. Though when you do find what it is you decide what it is you are going to write about, you will need information from other sources to make your research have any kind of support and credibility. I feel that is the hard part of any paper. Sources can sometimes be a real pain to find depending on your research topic.
My current research topic is giving me a little bit of difficulty. I have been looking up information about Frank Zappa, and the PMRC. It isn’t necessarily the information about them, but rather them together. I have only found one source for together; the other sources are about them individually about how they came to be. Another thing is that one of my sources has a number of letters in it, so I am not sure whether to count the letters individually or instead use the site instead as a source. The letters are my biggest source for my discussion about why the PMRC feels they have the right to limit the rights of others. Frank Zappa is one of the main people who fought for those the PMRC are inhibiting. The letters are composed by Frank Zappa, the PMRC, and others sent to the president, other companies, and congress.
This leads me to another thing that makes sources difficult, making sure that your sources are credible. There are some sources out there that have been written out of false context or an incredible author. A place that is most common by this dilemma is Wikipedia. Wikipedia is site that allows anybody update, create, and post pages on any given information. I haven’t used Wikipedia as a source in a very long time for any paper, simply because I have had teachers tell me to never use that site. There is a good thing about Wikipedia though; it can lead you to some credible sites, through its external, related, or sited links at the bottom or whatever it is you were looking at.
Even with these difficulties that I am running into, my paper is coming along. I may have to tweak it in order to get the effect I am trying to get. It is coming out as a research paper of each individual, then their confrontation with one another. Hopefully it goes the way I intend it to go, but we will have to how my peers, and teacher think about what it is I have written. With my issue about sources, this new plan that I have told you will correct, or somehow make things work. Overall my paper should be fine. Like I said though, we will see.

ARGH!!!!!

There are a lot of things out there on the web. There are games, social network sites, and many more. The internet gives people access to all sorts of things. Now some things on the internet you have to pay for, such as music, movies, subscriptions to a site, and random items from online stores. The problem is because there is such an outreach, due to the internet; people have found ways to get around paying for things. It is because of this ability that Piracy has boomed from the internet. People are stealing items through the internet and giving them out for free. One of the most major items that is being stolen and distributed is music and movies. These two items are stolen off things like lime wire and other downloading software you can download off the internet. Since it is the internet, it is hard to track down and catch culprits. Yes, some are caught but not enough are being caught to where it is stopping the major majority who are stealing. If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to get free things, if you got away with it? Most people wouldn´t, which is why things haven’t really changed.
There are a lot of disputes about Internet Piracy out there. Since so many people do it, and the artists, and actors are still a great success regardless of how many things are pirated, they don´t see why it is such a crime. I understand why it is such an issue, but I would have to agree with those people a little. There was this one Southpark episode that I saw where it was talking about Piracy. It was pretty funny. They were saying that because of internet piracy Britney Spears had to give up her most expensive private jet and use her still good but not quite as good private jet. Another example was that Jay Z´s son was crying because Jay Z couldn’t afford to buy an island for his birthday or Christmas present. I felt it was hilariously stupid. None the less though, it was still getting both messages across that it is bad to steal, but was there really that much of an issue.
This is what I would say is the issue with internet piracy. I feel that what it is that people steal is messed up. People put their effort in what it is they make. So for people to steal it, almost makes it seem like they don’t respect the artist. Yes, people are potentially losing money due to people stealing music and movies, but in comparison, it does little harm if the artist is doing so well. I am against internet piracy because whatever it is I listen to or watch, I usually like it too much to steal. If I like it I will buy it. I like knowing that what it is I have, is something I really wanted and now own. To me it shows a sign of respect, regardless if the maker knows I have purchased it or not, along with if they care. I care and that is what matters. If this gets out of hand and starts to become a huge problem, I can see the internet just being something removed, or invasion of privacy from the government to enforce the end of internet piracy. All would be affected and all would lose.

Eminem and Brisk??

This is by far one of my favorite commercials that I have seen in a very long time. The reason why I enjoy it so much is that it features one of my favorite musicians and one my favorite drinks out there. I’m sure most people have seen it, especially if you are a football fan. This commercial appeared during the Super Bowl haft time. It was the Brisk commercial staring Eminem. It was because of those two elements that I enjoyed this commercial so much.

This commercial is all done in Claymation. The commercial opens up with Eminem saying “I get asked to do commercials all the time.” It goes on to say he has three demands if he is going to do the commercial. He needs hot women, it is filmed at his place, and he records his own music. After he says his demands, he goes on saying he tries the product, and doesn’t like him. Because he doesn’t like them he decides not to do the commercial. It goes to him drinking a can of Brisk which then he sates, Damn that is pretty good, but I have one final demand.” The business man who is taking down his requests says he can’t change the name to “Eminem’s Shut Up and Drink It Ice Tea,” as Eminem pushes him off the building. Eminem says then goes to say he doesn’t do commercials because his demands aren’t fulfilled. As the view pans out, he looks like he is standing on a huge brisk can, then it cuts to a room where it is full of Brisk tea cans of every flavor that is out, where Eminem just walks away.

Through this entire commercial the scenery chances as if was a giant box. As the scenery changes the box rotates and it becomes a new place for a different purpose. I thought it was pretty unique. Eminem just moves on through each phase nonchalantly continuing with his statements. The reason why I liked this commercial was due to how well they made Eminem look. He acted like his usual self. You know what I mean; his language, his attitude, how he dresses, all of it was there which made you want to watch the commercial. There was no music in this commercial; it only had sound for the appropriate setting at the time of each phase. There was no doubt on what the commercial was about. It was mainly focused on Eminem, but it kept in suspense on what product he was going to sponsor. Some may say that he was selling out, but I wouldn’t think so. He still seemed like the same person to me, and he hasn’t been anywhere since then. It was just a special occasion. It was a clever way to sell their product and I enjoyed every part of it.

This commercial is one of my favorites. Eminem was doing two things at the same time. He was talking crap about a product, and talking it up all at the same time. How this commercial was designed and produced was fantastic and amusing all at the same time. It definitely made me want a Brisk tea, and it made me laugh with Eminem’s part. He was well represented in this commercial; I didn’t see a single change in him, well except for his afro. That was a good one. I was just looking at the commercial again and there is an uncut commercial too. They are pretty much the same, but a funnier name for Eminem’s final demand. You should check them both out. There are even outtakes!!! I'll put those here too.

Gangsta Rap

                Who would I consider to me a “gangsta rap” artist? Since I don’t normally listen to rap, aside from Dr. Dre and Eminem, I am not too sure my view would be accurate to what I feel “gangsta rap” is. When I hear certain artists on the radio, on a CD when I am in the car with friends; there is some rap that just sounds completely different from a different type of rap. I would not consider Eminem as a “gangsta rap” artist. I would consider Snoop Dogg, for instance as a “gangsta rap” artist.

                Now why do I consider him a “gangsta rap” artist? Why don’t I write about the more obvious artists out there? The main reason I chose Snoop Dogg was because I know of him better than the rest, most likely because he is more famous than the others. To answer the question to why I felt he is a “gangsta rap” artist is because, based off the material I read from Music and Culture by Anna Tomasino, he raps a lot about women, drugs, alcohol, gangsta violence, and other acts of that nature. I consider him completely different from Eminem, since Eminem talks about things that are real. What I mean from real is from personal experience. Eminem is more of a story rap, rather than just rapping about what is considered cool.

                I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that people disagree with me. Why do I say this? I say this because like I said, I am not the biggest rap listener. I don’t know much of the facts of rap. Some people might not see the difference I see between Snoop and Eminem, or people may not think Snoop Dogg is even a gangsta rap artist. All depends on the audience to whom you are speaking to. That Is why I chose to write about this. Since I would be considered someone not a part of Raps core audience, I felt it would be a good thing to write about. Depending on the type of people listen to the music, along with the type of music people listen to, makes how people label something. Now, I am not saying these labels are necessarily correct, or what the artist intended for them to be, but unfortunately that is how it is.

                Do I think Snoop Dogg would like this title I have given him, I don’t know. Based off what I know, from what I have heard through his music, I think he would agree with it. That though depends on his definition of “gangsta rap.” Another Artist who I would truly think is a “gangsta rap” artist would be 50 Cent. Would Snoop Dogg think that they are alike? That is another question I would not know. Did Snoop Dogg want to be considered a “Gangsta?” I definitely think so. That is what I hear in his music. Does his message of being a “Gangsta” in his music mean that his music is “gangsta rap”, or does that just make it rap? I would consider it “gangsta rap” based off what I read.

What really matters?

                 In my opinion, Eminem is one of the truly great rappers out there. Now would he have been less of a success if he was black? There is a great question. Many people don’t believe so. They say that he would have either been half the success or not ne at all. I personally don’t believe that. It is not his color that makes him the great lyricist that he is, or the experiences he has had as he grew to become the man he is. He like many people have had a harsh life. He wasn’t brought up in a loving house, had a single mother who was an awful one at that, and was brought up in what some people would say the slums of Detroit. The real reason to why he became such a success was completely due to Dr. Dre. No one wanted to sponsor him; no one wanted to even give him a chance in the music business. It wasn’t till Dre recognized him for his talent that he even got into the business. Dr. Dre and Eminem have made a song that completely shows this relationship they have and what it means to one another. That song is “I Need A Doctor.” In this song Eminem is trying to remind Dr. Dre who he is what Dr. Dre has done for Eminem and that is seems like it is Eminem’s turn to be there for Dre like He has for Eminem.

                Like I said, Eminem is a great lyricist, which has made up many great songs, some for fun, but most of them are usually serious. Most, if not all of them, have real life experience in them. He doesn’t try to be fake. He just does what he knows best. Unlike much of the rappers that is out there talking only about women, sex, drugs, cars, and other types of material. Eminem, from what I hear and listen to talks about the issues he has gone through, or is trying to fight. You can tell he isn’t just making music for money. He makes it to make a message, show people why he is here and how it happened, why he can care less about other people’s problems, all except for his daughter of course. He loves her more than anything and would do anything for her.

                I believe this is the reason to why he is so famous. Not because he is white, but for what he represents. In Music and Culture by Anna Tomasino, there were many quotes on to why people loved him. They said his music was “real.” I completely understand why this is. I feel the same way. There has yet been I song that I heard from him, where I feel he was not worthy of being produced, was repeating songs already sung, or it was not original. He has his own sound, and type of music that just draws people. His music attacks all type of races, types of work, and types of people, politics, government, and anything else you know. It is because of this that makes him “real”, respected, and relatable by the people who listen to his music. He definitely deserves the title’s that have been given to him. He is, to my belief, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, rappers out there.