Paradigm Shift Inroduction

I find it difficult nowadays to resist from connecting to the internet, due to the fact that everything in this day in age requires some sort of internet interaction. As an incoming freshman, I grew up using the internet for almost everything- school projects, communicating with people or using it for pure entertainment. What was the alternative before the internet? How did the generation of my parents function without the invention of the internet?Personally, I find it pretty hard to imagine a world where the internet did not exist. But what about the generation of our parents who either chose to learn it or stuck to their old-fashioned ways?

The internet has come a long way since its first days where a couple of people had access to it, to the present where it has three-hundred and seventeen billion users (statista). The increase in popularity has also increased the demand for speed. Starting from Dial-up, Broadband, Fiber Optics and even mobile, the internet has not only extended it (base) but has increased in speed to conduct complicated tasks.

The use of the internet is personal and professional settings has changed drastically. Over the years, a shift in internet usage has created a new type of setting in homes and schools around the globe.

When I am in school, I find myself using the internet about 75% percent of the time to do procedures such as looking up resources, e-mailing professors and teachers, watching educational videos or even collaborating instantaneously on projects that are assigned.

Aside from faster speeds and changes in settings, the usage of the internet has in a way “destroyed” traditional ways of conducting business and communicating.

Take for example e-mail, a quick, efficient and easy way to connect to anyone whether they are a personal or business contact. As the years passed, the usage of sending snail mail has diminished.

 

Wale x The Matrimony – Passion Post #6

My next passion post will feature on of my favorite artists, Wale. Coming off his latest album-The Album About Nothing, Wale digs deep and gives listeners a deeper perception of his thoughts, feelings and emotions. To help him with this, he brought Jerry Seinfield along to co-sign and commentate on the album.

This song is entitled, “The Matrimony” and has to do with the Wale’s perception on finally settling down and getting married.  Getting Usher to sing the melodious hook, “The Matrimony” actually gets people who are single, ready to mingle and settle down to actually start thinking about the next step.

 

Lyrics:

[Hook – Usher:]
If there’s a question of my heart, you’ve got it
It don’t belong to anyone but you
If there’s a question of my love, you’ve got it
Baby, don’t worry, I’ve got plans for you, yeah
Baby, I’ve been making plans of love
Baby, I’ve been making plans for you, yeah
Baby, I’ve been making plans
Baby, I’ve been making plans for you

 

[Wale:]
My sincerest apologies, I mean it
I’ll admit it, all being pathetic
I’m in my late 20s still never been to a wedding
Guess the idea of that lobby empty do not sit with me well
It’s not your fault they try to get me, cause I’ma need to sail
Cause I’m selfish and I need you to myself
Tryna see you afloat but don’t wanna see you on sale
Cause I failed and see you bout to cry
Cause when I enter they city they leave without they pride
I’m sorry, and you starin’ at my comments
Fearin’ it’s gone always be you sharin’ me with all them
Wrong, how dare I say ignore them?
Preparing for that day, I leave you here and switch you for them
It’s hard, you know temptation and all
Out here tryna see if my relationship’s strong
Get a place in the charts or runaway from your heart
Gave this music my all, nothing is sacred no more
I’m wrong
But I’m promisin’ you better though
And your friends sayin’ let him go
And we ain’t gettin’ any younger
I can give up now but I can promise you forever though

Analyzing the Song:
Usher opens the hook telling his girl not to worry, he has love for her regardless because it “doesn’t belong to anyone but her”. He is making plans and reassuring her that he is always going to be there for her.
Wale opens up his first verse apologizing, most likely in the context to his significant other. Wale is famous and with the fame comes many other things such as other girls being attracted, money, shows and more priorities.  He tell us that in his whole life, he still has not been to a wedding even though he is 30 (29 when the song was made).
With the fame described above, Wale is emphasizing that if he ever does settle down into a serious relationship, there will be a lot of temptation.  With the fame, he recognizes that handling his music career and attending to all of his girls’ need will be difficult (this is what he means when he says get a place in the charts or runaway from your heart). 
Because he has already put everything in his power toward his music-the thing that was considered sacred to him, he says that “nothing is sacred no more“.
He is wrong because his girl is sacred to him as well.
Personal Reflection / Thoughts:
I thought it was a great idea to get Jerry Seinfeld to commentate throughout the whole album, especially with this song. He explained that getting married was sort of like getting on a roller coaster and used metaphors and imagery to help illustrate his statement to listeners. The background vocals complimented the roller coaster track fx and made the intro stellar.
Even though I am still very young and in no way shape or form thinking about being married anytime soon,  I was able to emphasize with Wale on his perspective concerning marriage. Listening to his interviews and music, Wale has gone through a lot concerning relationships and family issues (had a miscarriage before).
In this song, I feel that Wale was finally able to express himself and convey his attitude on why he has not finally settled down. In tradition, people look down on you when you are not married by the age of 30. Because Wale is nearly approaching that age, it makes sense he released this song when he did.
I know that Wale will find his path, hopefully I’ll hear that he finally settles down by the age of 35. I have listened to his music for so long and heard his speeches and interviews to determine out that he is not truly happy. You can tell that he is missing something so significant in his life that he needs. That is why I think Wale’s message was so important to listeners-and to himself as well.
The Video to The Matrimony is below

RCL Blog Post – Detailed Script (Ted Talk)

How the Internet has changed

1. Evolution of the Internet

A. The introduction of the World Wide Web

B. Dial-Up Internet: Known as one of the first internet connections in the typical household setting; Dial-up was a staple during the late 90s/early 2000s

C. Mobile Internet: In this day and age, a data plan is essential if you are in ownership of a smartphone. Stemming from the early 2000s, the internet changed from being available only to your computer- it was at the tip of your fingers.

D. Broadband Internet: A more mature form of the internet, Broadband increased internet speeds and relied on a modem to function, eliminating the need for a landline and cutting conversations short on the phone.

2. Usage of the Internet

A. At home: How has internet usage at home changed?

B. School Setting: It is bery hard to go to school and function without the internet,. Nowadays teachers make it mandatory for you to check e-mails, drop things via a cloud server, or even complete assignments on the internet.

C. Amount of Time spent on internet:

3. How the Internet has changed normal traditions

A. Snail Mail -> E-mail: USPS is financial trouble due to the decline of mail sent through their service. This can be credited to the amount of e-mails and other forms of internet interaction.

B. Traditional Person to Person –> Social Media: Nowadays, it is typical to see a group of friends “hanging out” when in essence all they are doing is sitting down on their cell phones.

C. Local Gaming —> Online Gaming: gaming used to be, if your friend came over your house you can play. This all changed with the integration of Xbox Live, Playstation Network, Steam, World of Warcraft, League of legends and other big MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online Game)

4. Pros/Cons of Internet Revolution

A. Able to connect with people around the world: if you have family or friends around the globe, it is so easy to give them a video call or hold a conversation with them via a messaging medium.

B. Internet Predators: Because of this internet, crime has increased from hacking and even more online theft. the problem with the internet is that you cannot see the person on the other side of the computer making them able to display an identity that may not necessarily be theirs.

C. Faster/Easier Interaction

D. Internet Addiction: We all can conclude the the internet has to be one of the greatest inventions of all time (I mean I am on the internet right now) but with this, people can get addicted to it.

E. Enormous database: When you need to look for something or conduct research for a project, chances are that you would immediately go to Google and begin a search.

5. Difference in Generations

A. What the internet means to teenagers/young adults: As a teenager; i would have to say the internet is a pretty big part of my life from social media, to google drive for school and projects or even Netflix and YouTube to relax on my downtime.

B. What the internet means to seniors and middle age adults: The internet is still a part of middle agers but it is not as significant to them as it is to the younger generation They had to learn how to use it, while we grew up knowing and teaching it to our parents. it come to no surprise when children are teaching their parents how to use their new gadgets or to perform a new function on the internet.

 

Kid Cudi x REVOFEV – Passion Post #5

This week, I will analyze a song by one of my favorite artists, Kid Cudi. No matter the track, Cudi never disappointing with his deep, mellow lyrics that resonate with beats filled with bass and synths.  Cudi is not only a talented musical genius, but manages to always gives his listeners words of advice to abide by. I hope that you enjoy REVOFEV.

Lyrics:

(Hook)Let go life does get tough
No need to stress
Hold you back too much
Let’s go I heard they found the solution
Where will you be for the revolution?

(V1)Wake up, things might get rough
No need to stress
Keeps you down to much
Wake up, I heard they found a solution
Where will you be for the revolution?
Yea I’m so high and so high and I like it, hey
I am so high and so high and I like it hey

(Bridge)I am happy today
This not like other days
Somehow I feel OK
Somehow I feel OK

(Interlude)Oh whoa oh
I am your big brother
I am your big brother

Song Analysis:

Cudi opens the song by telling everyone that life does get tough but we should not stress about it too much because it makes us the more counterproductive. When Cudi is referring to a “solution” he is implying that music can help with stress or any situation that you are going through.

In the bridge, Cudi implies that he has reached a nirvana. After stressing for so long and eventually overcoming that problem he is happy, feeling okay and “high up.”

 

Personal Reflection:

This is one of my favorite Cudi tracks because it is very uplifting and can make you feel better about anything that is happening. Now that we are in summer bridge taking rigorous classes with a lot of homework, it comes to no surprise that we may be stressed out sometimes. Cudi essentially connected to me when he says not to stress too much, because it will hold me back.

I have always looked up to Cudi musically so when he said, “I am your big brother” I instantaneously felt that Cudi was related to me in some shape or form. I have never had a big brother (only have a younger sister) but I remember growing up, I have always wanted someone other than my dad to look up to or to seek guidance from. In a way, Cudi through his music gave me the guidance through his albums, ideas and interviews.  If you listen and get to know him better, in a way you understand his struggle, where he came from and how he turned all of that around to become on of the top Hip Hop artists in the industry right now.

A theme that Cudi pushes in his music is the idea of being different. Not in a bad way, but Cudi is telling his listeners that you do not have to always follow the crowd. I noticed this when I first heard Cudi and listened to a couple of projects that he released. I eventually realized that his music is different from majority of the music that you heard at the radio during that era. So when he says, “Where will you be for the revolution?” I am pretty sure that he is implying that one day any and every type of music will be supported.

Give REVOFEV a listen in the video below.

 

The Roots x Understand – Passion Post #4

In today’s passion post I will be analyzing the lyrics to The Root’s Understand. I got the idea last night when Professor Hamilton talked about Questlove’s hair. The reference instantaneously reminded me of all the religious rhetoric and influenced me to make it today’s song of the day.

Understand is 6th track on eleventh studio album by the roots entitled, And Then I Shoot Your Cousin. The Roots go very deep religiously with the lyrics and use a church organ to compliment the engaging drums during the song.

Lyrics:

Hook:

People ask for God till the day He comes
See God’s face, turn around and run
God sees the face of a man
Shaking his head, says, “HE’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND”

Part of Greg Porn’s verse:

Holy, sugar, honey, ice tea
I guess that’s a plan for a player like me
In my church clothes making buzz on the Bible
The sweet temptation of my granddaddy’s rifle
Got me thinking ’bout doing a jihad with these guys
The only true religion look better than Levi’s
Who baptize glasses with beers and blood stains
You preaching to the choir that praise the drug game
Hallelujah

Hook Analysis:

The name of the song “Understand” refers to the way people may look up to God or seek his guidance but when he actually makes a move to intervene, they ignore him. The Roots are implying that God does not understand the way that people seek/follow him nowadays.

Greg Porn’s Verse:

As already stated, Understand is a  contextual religious song. Specifically pertaining to Porn’s verse, you can identify many religious references such as; Holy, Bible, Jihad, Baptize, “True Religion”, Preaching and Hallelujah.

Greg then goes on to say “The only true religion look better than Levi’s.” . True Religion and Levis are both popular brands of jeans and ironically, this line exemplifies the religious references stated earlier. Levi was a significant character in the bible, as he was the head of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. True Religion is pretty self explanatory, but is not the first time its name is used to commence wordplay.

The word “Jihad” can mean two things in Arabic; It can mean a struggle or Holy War. In the previous line, “The sweet temptation of my granddaddy’s rifle“, defines that a war is going on within the character of the song. Even though there is a war, a “struggle” is still taking place.

The line “Who baptize glasses with beers and blood stains” introduces even more wordplay. If you didn’t know, a baptism is a religious ceremony done by Christians where you are fully submerged in water. Greg is stating that he his “baptizing” glasses with bear and blood , implying that he indulges with both alcohol and violence.

Greg goes on to close with “You preaching to the choir that praise the drug game.” The term, preaching to the choir means that you are talking to the wrong audience.  The second half claims that the choir is praising the drug game. Greg is calling out to the many people that still sin continuously but try to go to church to make everything okay.

Paradigm Shift Topic

The topic that I want to write my paradigm shift about refers to the way that we use the internet today. On August 6th, 1991, the internet was released to the entire world with limited accessibility. Now, in this day and age the internet has connection with almost everything that we do. I want to talk about the way things were done before the internet, how these tasks were accomplished and how the with the introduction of the internet these tasks have become easier.

Elevator Pitch:

How were things done before the introduction of the internet? Is it possible to graduate and go through school without any network interaction? They answer may be yes, but it would be substantially difficult due to the way that many thing relies on the usage of the internet. Even though our generation grew up during the digital age, or the age where we basically had gadgets since toddlers; is it possible to function without the internet? Why is the internet so important today? Can we analyze the reason behind this paradigm shift?

Ted Talks RCL Blog

Ted Talk #1

Bill Gross: The single biggest reason why startups succeed

In this ted talk, Bill talked about the many companies that he founded, bought, or had a part in. He gave us the rundown and factors that you need in running a successful company.

Business Model- Somehow, a company has to find a way to make as much money and attract as many customers as possible. Someone may have a great idea, but without a proper business model, the idea is bound to fall apart.

Funding – Makes sure that a company is financially stable and will have the capital available later to expand and to deliver business expenditures.

Timing- The timing to when a company is started is also crucial. Based on results and prior experience;

Team- You need a team of people behind your idea with the se=ame vision in order to run a successful company.

Idea – Every successful company come to fruition all through a great idea. Who will have the next million dollar idea? What will be the newest innovation to hit us?

 

Ted Talk #2

Sam Richards: A Radical Experiment in Empathy

Sam Richards is an award winning professor that teaches a popular class at Penn State University entitled, Sociology 119. Known to be one of the most dangerous professors, Richards takes us into the world with the perspective of an Iraqi woman who is trying to survive during war. He claims that the Unites States only has the alterior motive to go to Iraq for their oil and the get their oil only. Richards emphasized that these people probably see the Americans as bad people because they are killing everywhere, taking their resources and coming into their home turf asserting their authority over the national civilians.

The lesson to take from here is to always try to type this in word in case that the computer acts funny.

 

Beatles – Let it Be x Passion Post #3

Today, I will switch from my original hip hop songs  to another form of alternative rock. With this move, I am trying to promote the diversity of my blog.

The band that I will analyze today is a band that does not need a formal introduction due to the recognition that they have throughout the world, making them a significant household name.

One day I was shuffling through random songs on Pandora and happened to meet this song. Not knowing it was the Beatles, I listened because of the inviting melody with the vocals that accompanied the piano notes.  Because of this  impromptu encounter, I have been an avid Beatles fan and constantly play “Let it Be” repeatedly.

Background Information on the track:

This song was on and the title of the 12th and final album that the Beatles released.  Prior to the album, Paul felt insecure and isolated from the group entirely. One night when he was down in the dumps, he claimed his mother came to him in a dream. He explained how she gave him advice and it gave him the motivation to write this song.  He credited this song all due to his late mother and what she told him that night.

 

Lyrics:

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Analysis of Song:

The song is was written by Paul McCartney on a very personal account. In the first stanza when he says, “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me..” he is referencing his mother who died in  1956 when Paul was only 14. The song’s lyrics are repetitive due to the significance of the meaning  and the impact that it had on Paul and his band members.

In the hook when it states, “Let it Be” he is also referencing his mother. A direct quote from McCartney states, “I’m not sure if she used the words ‘Let it be,’ but that was the gist of her advice.” 

Personal Review:

This song that was made as a tribute to Paul’s mother, as it served its purpose to the fullest. My favorite part of the song was the interlude filled with the melodies of the keyboard and accompanied guitars. They instantaneously filled the blank verse and  turned the song into a class A jam session.

Let it Be” is not only a meaningful song to Paul, but it is a meaningful song to myself. While I did my research and analysis of the song, I instantaneously felt the Pathos of the song  making me feel as if Mother Mary was actually speaking to me as well. As I encounter this summer bridge or continue to face hardships throughout my collegiate career and beyond, the only thing that I can continue to do is “Let it Be.”

The final thing that I have to say to my audience is.. will you be like Paul’s mother and “Let it Be?”

 

 

Civic Artifact Draft – RCL Post #3

Thesis:

Apple has revolutionized the way that we function today. From listening to music, to reading and even learning; Apple’s presence in the technological world is highly profound. Because of this, Apple has came a long way from their days as an underdog to become a worldwide leader in technology.

 

Introduction:

Over the years, Apple has built a reputation for itself inside of the technological world.

 

Ad Description:

The advertisement was simple, straightforward and meaningful without words or a catchy jingle to hook the audience. There was only background music playing during the Ad which gave room for the audience to decipher their meaning behind the advertisement.

 

Social and Historical Contexts:

Gaining its social recognition with the first generation iPod, Apple has revolutionized the way that we work, listen to music and even learn. Attracting the likes of the young and old; Apple has found a way to market a universal appeal that is associated with all off their devices.

 

In a way, Apple has created a “bubble” or ecosystem that controls users to join their platform or to remain on their platform both on a  personal and social level. Applications such as iMessage, FaceTime and Siri are cross platform (accessible on iPhone, iPad and Mac) which makes the transition the more difficult if and when you ever decide to purchase a non-Apple product. In our class discussion, we elaborated on this claiming that we have some sort of discrimination on people who do not own Apple products because of the inaccessibility and how they stick out like a needle in a haystack.

 

How the Ad targets, responds or constructs and audience:

Throughout the whole advertisement,  Apple displayed their products for about five seconds throughout the video highlighting an emotional appeal on the importance of family, cohesiveness and coming together. Here, Apple emphasized on how their technology brings people together as they displayed their Airplay technology. Apple did not describe why they have the best products or why you need to buy it, they left it open to interpretation without speaking at all.

 

Ethos:

    I have owned a variety of tech products such as; Samsung phones, Amazon’s Kindle Fire, Windows PC and an array of Apple products.

   

Pathos :

The ad showed a very happy family joining together in unison to enjoy one another during the holidays. You could see many emotions throughout the ad; joy, surprise and happiness reflect on each character’s face.

 

Logos:

As of March 2015, Apple has sold about 700 million iPhones around the globe. When a new product is on the launch, it is to no surprise that the item will sell out in a matter of seconds. People have pure dedication towards this company, by camping out the day of a new product release which can lead to blocks being filled up with several tents.

   

Kairos:

When you think about Apple, there is a big chance that you are probably thinking about the products that helped to define this brand. People instantaneously  refer to the iPod, iMac, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and the countless amount of devices that fall under their platform.

 

Link to Ad:—> Link to Ad —->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhwhnEe7CjE

Daily Routine – Passion Post #2

For my second passion post, I will do another one of my original songs entitled, “Daily Routine.”

Daily Routine was a song that I wrote about my life in general, what I go through on an everyday basis and some of my dreams, thoughts and aspirations. Here I will give an analysis of my second verse. Be prepared to get an analysis of songs that are not my originals in the next post.

V2

A

Want to reach my goals in life, see distractions left and right, focused but sometimes I’m on my Robin Thicke sight- blurred lines, but I want it clear a Canon or a Nikon.

B

When these kids hearing me I want to be an icon, don’t hold grudges I’ll just let bygones be bygones. I want these tracks to scare you straight, appearance of a python.

C

Trying to be a meaty heavyweight, Mike and Tyson. No boxing match, killing this beat so I’m fighting.

D

don’t know why people are breezing through life, I wake up rise and grind to do it right.

E

Always kept my circle tight, no diet soda, this is light. And I’m trying to do this with all my might.

 

A

I am implying that I have set high standards for myself and I plan to achieve all the goals that I have on my agenda (Ex: Graduate college, get into grad school of choice and live a happy life with a happy family). With that said, I am also acknowledging that there are many distractions that can prevent me from performing at the peak of my potential (Ex: Girls, Friends, etc of things at PSU).

Even though I have these things revolving around my life, I still remain focused but then go on to say that my vision of being “Focused” can be “Blurry” at times (direct reference to the Robin Thicke song, “Blurred Lines”). I then continue with more references of Canon and Nikon (both high quality camera brands) to allude to my “Focused” metaphor.

B

Over the tenure of my Rap endeavor (I would not call it a career) many people have came up to me saying that they love what I do and encourage me to keep it up. I am saying that I want the younger ones to listen to me and look up to the message and words that I want to convey.

As a person, it takes a lot to get me mad because I tend not to dwell or give the time of day to things that I view irrelevant. I am saying that I will let bygones be bygones due to the person that I am.

At the same time, I am implying that I want my lyrical skills to impress people so that it “scares” them. A python is a deadly snake that can strike fear from its presence. In a way, I want my words to emulate a Python.

C

Meaty heavyweight alludes to a combination of references. Tyson refers to the chicken brand that produces “meat”. Mike is a double entendre referring to Mike Tyson who is a Heavyweight boxing champion.

I finish this segment by saying that I am “killing” this beat with my words (as in I am flowing and doing justice to the beat).  I finish with the boxing reference by saying that it is not a boxing match, but I am still “fighting”.

 

D

“I don’t know why people are breezing through life” is myself speaking out loud wondering why people don’t take initiative or wait for opportunities to come to them.

I then go on to finish this segment by saying I “rise and grind everyday” as in I wake up to work hard everyday (definition of grind).

E

Always kept my circle tight means that I have a select few  people that I allow to get really close to me. As for creating raps and putting them together, I am saying that it is light or easy (which implies the reference to diet soda). That is why I end by saying I am trying to do this with all my might because Rap is my passion.

Listen to Daily Routine Here: —->