While you may think the title to be a random moment of me throwing in the towel, the acronym actually holds the key to this week’s post. The Non-Fungible Token is a new piece of blockchain technology that is being used more and more every day. The first part of the name refers to the fact each one has unique properties and value that can not be exchanged for something else like money . However, nfts do mirror the other popular blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, in the sense that it gives a specific digital identity to an entity. Instead of money, nfts can represent just about anything. Pieces of art have already sold for millions at auctions, with winners receiving nothing, but the work in its digital token form. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey auctioned off his first tweet on the app for 2.9 USD. Other examples include songs, iconic sports moments, AR homes, and even memes. With an nft, you are able to prove ownership of the original material thanks to, once again, the blockchain. Now Ive mentioned that word for the 3rd time now and just for clarification it is a digital ledger that keeps track of who owns what and it is maintained by thousands of computers across the world, making forgery impossible. This is especially helpful in the world of collectibles because even though images and copies of original items can be made, with a token authenticity and ownership are easily proved. Many equate the nft to a certificate or autographed print. There are other useful attributes such as the option to have a smart contract which has the power to give an artist the right to profit off any future sale of the token among other things. Personally, I believe  this could have large implications for how creators choose to distribute their work. If the blockchain can solidify ownership of a song and bring in a profit as well this could be a huge help to those that are not backed by a big production company or major label that so often will bleed creator for everything they are worth.  Some do have their reservations though. Artist of the piece that holds the record for digital art when it comes to price at $69m, claims “This could just be a bubble”. Also when dealing with the blockchain it most be noted the many computers needed for it to function are not the best for the environment. Nevertheless, this platform for ownership could still shake up all forms of media and culture within the next few years.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56371912

Currently in America there are many people who feel they have a good grasp of what democracy means. If not, they most likely have a feint idea or a strong conviction in what they feel it should be. It’s is an ideal that many have sacrificed themselves for, but also has been used to shroud greed and hate in messages. In spite of that, it could be beneficial to explore what the word meant to its progenitors and the original values associated with it they may have been lost throughout the years.

Hints of the democratic process can be observed in history quite some time before the era many claim it began at, namely, the fifth century. Studies suggest democratic values seemed second nature to the close knit tribes made up of early human hunter-gathers. The natural tendency towards democracy reflects the wholistic view these societies held in regards to the survival of the group. Conditions were so harsh, the smartest way to make it through winters and dry seasons was compromise and teamwork. As humans began to outwit Mother Nature and Father Time more and more, some became filled with avarice, evident by the rise of lopsided monarchical systems that appeared and eventually became the norm for civilizations. This shift could also explain why democracy felt like such a new idea by the time of the Greeks. The classical period of the Hellenic city-states saw Athens, one of the most affluent and excellent societies of the time, start a system of government which emphasized the voices and needs of the people. In this system the demos, or people that make up the government, gathered basically every week to discuss and vote on certain issues that pertained to the them and the rest of the citizens. This assembly gave men over the age of 18 a way to represent the interests of themselves and their families and also a chance to actually see some change if enough agreed with them or they were presented a persuasive enough argument. In other city-states, for example Sparta, if a commoner had an issue with any ruling of the king and the king either refused to change it or take action the only option they would have would be to rebel. Even if they did find themselves courageous enough to attempt that, it would most likely see the them and their families slaughtered. Although the two styles of governing differ when it comes t0 the perseverance of the average, the Athenians did not create their system out of fear, but out of efficiency. Although it did not have the cruel reputation of the Spartans, Athens was nevertheless a prominent military power throughout the majority of its existence. More importantly it was a Mecca for those who excelled in the realm or thinking. Outstanding philosophers such as Plato and Socrates hailed from this place and shaped the vestiges of modern western civilization so common currently. These people yearned to know as much about the world and its inhabitants as they could. So after a long time of reasoning and consideration they figured the best way to run groups is to keep everyone happy. Compromise and open-mindedness are contingent on the machinery of democracy remaining greased and well functioning. Oppression and disregard for the masses only breeds resentment and anger towards authority, and while one man may not be enough for a revolution, sleight enough and he will have no shortage of comrades given enough time. Democracy can also be associated with higher moral standards than autocracy. This would be due to underlying tones of fairness and equality that inseparable from the ideology. No system is perfect however. Like previous mentioned, the Athenian assembly was only comprised of men over 18 and excluded the slaves who consisted of half their total population. This is extremely similar to the early voting requirements of the United States. Here, seemingly found the Goldilocks circumstances to arise yet again and prove to be effective globally. Even still, currently many do not trust those representing them and resentment is rising undoubtedly. If only more in charge would understand that everything is easier when everyone is happy.

source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy/Democratic-institutions#ref233829

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-greece/what-is-democracy-definition-history-facts-solon-peisistratos-ekklesia/

With the advancement of technology and computers the amount of information being created and shared is increasing, but it is also harder than ever to keep it safe. Hackers are widening their profile as a serious geopolitical actor, coordinating massive data leaks that effect governments and international corporations. Today, however, we are going to be focusing on a hacking community that is fareless impactful on a global scale. This of course would be the hackers of the music industry. For some basic context, hackers will steal the files of songs from artists and put them out or sell them to the fanbases of the artists. These sales see thousands of dollars being raised by followers of a musician for something they could get in the future. Out of this theft, many communities and an entire leaking culture spawned from the online forums dedicated to hiphop and its current stars. No artist’s discography is as ingrained in the leaking community as the late Juice Wrld. The case of Juice Wrld and his leaked music presents the most complex moral dilemmas regarding this practice. For the most part artists do not appreciate when their work is prematurely put out, but for Juice Wrld fans, the archives of unreleased files is the only new content they will be able to get. The rappers team has already culminated a posthumous album in his name, and stated they would continue doing so. But what if the one he previewed before his death and you know will be your favorite is never on any of those albums? Does this make it okay for you along with hundreds of other fans to use money from your own pockets in order to get that song from a hacker? If Juice was alive, you could at least look forward to what he had not even created yet, but his tragic passing removes that possibility. I believe it boils down to who you believe has ownership of the art. Does it solely belong to its creator who expressed themselves in a vulnerable manner in order to share, or once it is released does anyone who is subjected to it now have a stake. The music was made for his fans, and during his life he spoke out against those leaking it, but can anyone be sure in death he would not have wanted the flood gates to be opened on his work. Personally as a fan of his, I choose to enjoy the leaks I come across, but not actively participate in their unearthing. While I might as well be guilty for their release if I’m gonna enjoy them, I see not point in depriving myself of the finite catalogue one of my favorite artist left behind.

Yesterday, I finished my most recent go-to binge series: The Sopranos. It tells the story of a mafia boss, but avoids the classic tropes by including plot lines dealing with mental health, suburban life clashing with underground crime, and taking place during an era where many considered “that thing of theirs” to be on its last legs. This the makes the show a refreshing and unique staple of the genre and that along with outstanding and personable characters made many grow to care for the show in an endearing way. However, there is a thin line between love and hate. Those watching the penultimate episode of the HBO series were left dumfounded, or outraged after the last four minutes. I’ll do my best to describe the scene here. Tony Soprano, biggest crime boss in New Jersey and the main character enters a diner to meet his family for dinner and he is the first to arrive. He sits down and begins looking for a song to play on the table’s jukebox and settles on Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,” and continues to look up at the door expecting to see his family members enter while surveying the others in the restaurant. Note the camera repeatedly pans to a man who viewers would not be unreadable in surmising as a fellow wise guy. Finally, Tony’s wife enters, with his son not too far behind her. What follows is a series of shots that switch between Tony’s daughter almost frantically trying to parallel park her car and the rest of her family sitting down looking at menus. Finally she parks and runs to the door to meet her family, where we get the final shot, a close up of  Tony looking up at the door one more time due to the bell attached and a sudden cut to black which lasts a few seconds before the credits role. Now many were upset due to the fact the characters they had grown so attached to seemingly being so easily dismissed and not getting the proper ending they deserved, but I took a different meaning. In my eyes, Tony died.  Feelings of unease are aroused by Tony’s almost paranoid surveying of his surroundings and his daughters frantic demeanor while trying to park. There is also the repeated showing of a lone man who could be mistaken in a line up for any one else that has done a hit in the show. Finally, the cut the to black. This is an interpretation of death, an eternal sleep devoid of anything, pure nothingness that can come before you even know it. I can understand the frustration of some with the ending and why it was so controversial, but to me it is exactly what the show was all about.

On December 27th, The New York Knicks signed point guard, Jeremy Lin. Not much was expected of him but in a game against the New Jersey Nets in February, he was subbed in and put up twenty-five points, seven assists, and five rebounds in thirty minutes. An impressive stat line for someone barely clinging on to the bottom of the roster, and unexpected to say the least. Lin went on to be a focal point of the Knick’s next three victories. The story was being acknowledged by many sports personalities so far, but this was just the start.  After putting up thirty-eight points against the insatiable Kobe Bryant (Rest In Peace) and a game winning three pointer against the Toronto Raptors, there was no avoiding the phenomenon that was Linsanity. Not only did he gain notoriety in the basketball landscape, but became an inspiration for aspiring Asian-American hoopers, the likes of which had not been seen since Yao Ming. Around the middle of March Lin’s hot hand began to cool. Many were still in awe over what he accomplished in that month and wondered where the spurt of elite performance originated from. Lin himself was not even sure of how he uncovered his latent potential seemingly out of nowhere saying,”This night, it just hasn’t really sunk in yet to be honest. It’s like I’m still kind of in shock about everything that happened but I’m just trying to soak it all in right now,” on the night of the game against the Nets. Some doubted him and claimed he was a fluke, but still he had performed above average repeatedly, albeit over a short amount of time. For all intensive purposes, let’s say the first game was simply some sort of luck, how could he have accessed it again? My belief is it was the new found belief in himself and ability that led to his streak. All the praise and attention after a great game he had not seen during his tenure in the NBA must have been a serious confidence boost. This reassurance most likely made him feel like one of the top point guards in the league so he went out and played like one. Inversely, a slight quiver in his play and many waiting for him exposed as a fraud and see him back on the bench, Lin once again felt like the borderline D-League league player he once was. However, he still is a great example of how far a little swagger in your step can take you and nothing can hold you nail further than when you limit yourself.

Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1747434-timeline-of-jeremy-lins-rise-to-linsanity-and-journey-to-where-he-is-today

this i believe

One of my favorite bands of all time is Black Sabbath. Their music is moody in a dark and aggressive type of way, while maintaining a certain musicality full of groove and authenticity that modern quantized music lacks. They took the blues and put a sinister twist on it, creating timeless tunes angsty teens can still relate to decades later. As the pioneers of heavy metal, it should be no surprise that the group partied as hard as they jammed. No one has a bigger reputation for getting wild than Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. Much of his music career was defined by drug and alcohol antics, which were common for many bands at the time, but you don’t get the title “Prince of Darkness” through being a light-weight. Despite that, I view Ozzy as a role model, and am fascinated by the lifestyle he led back then. Due to this fact, I found myself consuming a lot of media related to him and his Sabbath band mates outside of music whether it be interviews, documentaries, or articles. One article in particular really stunned me. It is on the findings of a 2010 study where Ozzy’s genome was coded, not only for musical talent indicators, but propensity for such a “fast and loose” way of living while maintaining good health for a then 61 year old. Jorge Conde and his team at KNOME, the group behind the project, discovered some very interesting, and explanatory, mutations within Ozzy’s DNA. These include a difference in the ADH4 gene that makes him 6 times more susceptible to alcohol dependence, and a 2.6 increased chance to hallucinate from marijuana. KNOME also found Ozzy had a slightly increased chance for cocaine addiction, but the singer disagreed claiming “if any has done as much cocaine as he had, they would’ve been hooked”. These mutations also gave Oz a greater tolerance for these substances than most. His wife Sharon once stated, “at the end of the world there will be roaches, Ozzy, and Keith Richards. Such genetic predispositions may help explain way he did such wild things like bite the head off a live bat on stage and handle taking cocaine, morphine, sleeping pills, cough syrup, LSD, and Rohypnol all at once, but I believe this opens a whole new door into understanding if those with the most impressive feats under their belt, in any area, are different from the average man down to the cell. Genes can help explain why the strongest men are so strong or why the brightest minds are so smart. Cultivation of such traits can lead to a renaissance of the human genome, where most are born with the capacity to change and influence the world around them, resulting in achievements never believed to be possible.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/genetic-mutations-ozzy-osbourne-party-hard/story?id=12032552

Last semester I took PLSC 3: Comparative Politics and one of the topics we discussed was data and reach done to see if there are some cultural determinants of democracy. Montesquieu states the most optimal type of government for a  country was one that “leads men by following their propensities and inclinations” and “best agrees with the humor and disposition of the people in whose favor it is established”. In other words, people should be governed based on what they are like. With this in mind, I would like to analyze the current United States of America under some of these cultural factor lenses to help better understand why the country became one of the most staggering proponents of democracy.

One of the most prevalent theories in this subject is cultural modernization, which claims that as a country develops economically, cultural changes will inevitably occur, that cause a shift toward democracy. Some argue that industrial growth is a direct cause of a rise in democracy, but those in favor of the cultural modernization theory believe the is an extra shift concerning culture in the process. If this theory holds true it would be safe to assume that the most prolific economy would have the most economic culture. This does seem to be the case with the United States, whose president is heralded as the “leader of the free world”, also boasts the largest GDP and has been for quite some time. While cultural modernization theory helps explain how largely agrarian economies adopt more democratic values as they expand, America’s economy had the cocoon of democracy to nurtures itself into the massive industrial butterfly it has become. All based around the capitalistic mindset citizens have cultivated for decades. The American Dream, a commonplace synonymous with the identity of the nation, is grounded in the fact everyone believes they have the freedom to succeed in the U.S.

A change that cultural modernization theory cites as being one of the most important for the suitability of country for democracy is a civivc culture. Civic culture is defined by 4 major factors, the first of which being how much individuals feel they can influence a political decision. During this past election, this aspect of America was very prevalent. The left especially, collectively used their rights in order to set in motion the change they desire and end an administration they believed to be diminishing the same democratic values they made full use of. With the election being fairly tight, even greater emphasis and responsibility was placed on those voting in states where the decision could be finalized such as Georgia and Pennsylvania. Social Media and technology has inflated the averages persons belief on how much their voice and opinion can influence policy, to the point where some feel leaving a hateful comment will bring the legislation they desire to light. The second factor is a positive feeling toward the political system. Although some may have their qualms with things such as the electoral college and government aid, this past year made many in the states realize this government is the only system that will effect them and the have to abide by, so even though tensions are high between both parties, most still have faith the country can achieve the state they personally desire if who they prefer are in charge. Through both mask requirements and stimulus checks, Americans recognize the influence the government can have on their daily lives and this translates to faith in its effectiveness. Interpersonal trust is the third factor for civic culture and even with the nation so divided a form of this can still be observed. Party alignment plays a huge role in politics here in America, and that is true more than ever. The left and right both feel their values are threatened by the other, but on the other hand many are placing large amounts of faith in the representatives they support. Trump became a megaphone for many who felt overlooked and disregarded, echoing their sense of unease towards topics like immigration and liberal policy. Biden is being regarded by some as a savior, here to right all the wrongs of the Trump administration. The line in the sand has never been so defined, but each side takes great solace in banding together with those like minded. Finally, the fourth factor is preferences for gradual societal change. Change can not come any quicker for either side, with the “make America great again” slogan becoming a conservative rallying cry and liberals pushing for leaps in social justice and acceptance. However the want for change is still there, meaning citizens are not content with things the way they are.

Historically, America has been an outstanding example for democratic values, with studies showing it has been the most stable democracy of all. The country has developed underneath a constitution written hundreds of years ago and still proving to be effective and with the state of current social issues, there will be no other optimal form of government in the future.

sources: https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/81275_book_item_81275.pdf

https://eml.berkeley.edu/~ygorodni/gorrolpolculture.pdf

Recently, one of my personal favorite musicians, Lil Uzi Vert, got a 24,000,000 (yes I typed it out so you could better process the absurd amount of currency) pink diamond implanted into his forehead. The internet reacted how it usually does with a ceaseless barrage of unrelated advertising, drastically opposing opinions, and of course: memes. While you may have your own feelings on the necessity or point of this act, I was sent into complete awe and admiration. Maybe it’s because I like shiny things. Maybe it’s because I like expensive things. As I started to write this post I realized what I really found intriguing and respectable about this was not found in the object purchased itself, but instead the gesture. My own bias aside, anyone moderately familiar with Lil Uzi is aware he has always marched to the beat of his drum and this exemplifies his strive for individuality in a day and age where many homogenize themselves in order to fit molds proven to work and true originality is few and far between. Another aspect of the implant I saw as profound was the fact that while some may not agree with how he chose how to spend that money, what does he care he has millions of dollars to put in his head? Lil Uzi is simultaneously silencing his doubters whilst devoting himself to the already extravagant lifestyle he leads. That is quite some devotion though sheesh. 24 million notes of it in fact. I’m sure many wondered how a stone, precious or not, could even cost that amount. So now for the purpose of my general curiosity and to fulfill your “fact of the day” quota, we will now be shifting gears into some explanation for how diamonds are priced. The main principles include the 4 C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat. Cut refers to the grade the stone has been assigned based on its interaction with the light which include, excellent, very good, and good. Clarity has to do with the amount of imperfections found within the stone graded on a scale and even though it may look clear to the naked eye, only a trained gemologist can deem it flawless. Color is self explanatory with  clear being the most common and red being the rarest, but diamonds also come in yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink as you know. Carat is simply the unit of measurement used to weigh precious stones and pearls and it is equivalent to 200 milligrams. There are other factors such as shape, polish, fluoresce, and symmetry, however they do not hold as much significance as they all have something to do with one of the 4 C’s. The only information on Lil Uzi’s mind stone is that it is an 11 carat pink diamond, however I’m sure the other factors are more impressive than your average engagement ring. I hope this provided a better understanding of a rapper’s display of wealth artistically and financially.

source:https://www.wpdiamonds.com/diamond-cut/