16 weeks, already?

Intense work, alright! Haha, yes, this is in response to our assignment to give our final thoughts on “the topics we studied, the intense work we did, the community we shared, what we have learned”.

From the very beginning of this class, I realized how hard this class would be. Understanding the layout of Blackboard was essentially the biggest part- there’s no way to succeed in an online class if you couldn’t figure out how things worked on the main webpage! I won’t lie, it took me nearly the first three weeks to understand how to use the website so that it’s comfortable to me. It was much more difficult getting used to everything than I had thought, even as someone who can comfortably say that they are technologically up-to-date (may sound egotistical, but true!).  

Although I don’t like to sound whiny about it all, I have to agree that some assignments were a bit too much. This is partly due to my own poor management of time; I will not say that the workload given in this class is too much. Given proper time management and small increments completed throughout the course period, this class has an adequate amount of work. Again, I won’t say there’s too much, but I won’t argue that there’s too little either. Somehow, definitely, as mentioned above, getting used to the website was the biggest challenge and made work much more harder.

We go into detail with various aspects in academic writing, and without a doubt, taking this course will boost knowledge in this particular subject by introducing (or re-introducing) the basics found in essay writing. I found the Post-Draft-Reviews (PDRs) to be extremely useful, as it required participating students to think critically upon other papers, their own paper, as well as being cautious about others’ recommendations for changes on their paper. The Reading discussion board was very fun for me as well, I felt like it was a communication between students almost as if it were in person. They also initiated in some great discussions between students about interesting issues, and I always love reading and thinking about everyone’s responses.

Another challenging aspect which I felt needed to be considered about this course was the group collaboration and separation. This was extremely confusing and it was difficult for me to keep up and understand the idea of groups in an online class, at first. Within a week or two after its introduction, it was getting easier, and I soon found that it was actually really helpful and unique to have our own groups.

One disappointment, I thought, was the minimal (and I stress minimal) usage of the cyber café. I feel like the opportunity for students to really interact each other was presented, however, few took advantage of this. That’s fine, perhaps not many really wanted to express themselves out on the café; my guess is that this class was viewed as something academic, and couldn’t be something more fun, like a sort of social network thing. I feel like students should be more encouraged to participate in this section.

All other hardships aside, this was a difficult semester, but we’ve made it through! Congratulations to everyone!

English 101: Nearing the end...

Ever since I had taken an AP course in high school, my confidence in my writing had been really high; it was difficult to understand the concept, and how to be critical of one’s work, but it really paid off. I’m not saying this to disregard this class of English 101, I’m simply saying that the foundation for great essay writing had already been placed. To me, this English 101 class was a strong course which clarified many points on which I was unsure of, in regards to specific papers. One prime example is the compare and contrast paper- this is a particular type of essay which I had struggled in many aspects.

No matter what the subject matter is, there is no such thing as a waste of time. I understand this is my personal philosophy and outlook on things, but consider it for a moment. One may feel like they were simply wasting time in a course that taught material that was commonplace knowledge or something that the individual had already known. However, in doing so, they do not realize that they may pick up something subtle, something that hadn’t been noticed before. This is a commonality between any skill: with practice comes a step closer to perfection, and repetitive exposure to knowledge that one had already attained only helps reinforce it to a greater extent.

It’s not something that comes overnight, and with English, there are varying levels of expertise. I had expressed already that I felt my skills in writing essays were already proficient to a certain extent. However, I do admit that I am not very confident in my responses to topics. This may seems strange, but when submitting essays, I always have a sense of confusion on what I have written. My confidence in my level of proficiency stems from the string of higher end grades that I had received on a majority of my papers for their content during my educational life time.

There were additional benefits from this course, other than reinforcing my skills in writing essays. I was never really adept at reading, and the extensive use of the text Music & Culture within the period of this course had forced me to learn how to extract critical information from the text. I have never been a very avid reader, in fact, I had strayed away from reading for a large portion of my life. This is obviously really bad, but through patience and determination for the better grade, I had applied it and attempted, with vigor, to do my best.

The last portion in which I wish to emphasize is time management. This is a growing crisis within young adults in my generation, as well as the coming generations. There’s no dodging the truth, I had procrastinated nearly this entire term, as I do with most things in my life. I do have the ability to turn assignments on time, however, the deal of stress I go through in order to achieve that end-goal is unnecessary to a larger extent. If time was managed properly, I would not be pulling hairs out one day, and enjoying the next. They say those who manage their time properly, are those who succeed. I definitely hope I can continue to work hard on this, in order to make things better for the future.

"Economic Hardship"?

Censorship plays a large role in the music industry; this can be seen without a doubt. Many individuals have their favorite songs interrupted with “blanks” because of the explicit words that had to be removed in order for it to be aired. True, by censoring, they remove the actual words, but to what benefit or gain? Children still know what they’re saying nowadays, so it seems a bit pointless to keep it up.

To prevent a lot of censorship from occurring in their songs, artists find that they may be limited in choosing particular words to emphasize a stronger point (through use of explicit language) or express deeply or emotionally (with those particularly explicit words). Of course, other may argue that there are multiple synonyms within the dictionary to replace the words of expression with other, more meaningful words. Is it really fair to say that censorship limits artists’ ability both economically and professionally?

Artists tend to portray their feelings and outlook on life through their music, and a series of censorship can be seen within this particular category. Many artists that had songs involved with Bush and the September 11 attacks had been censored and or removed because of the effect it might have on the public. It goes without saying that this was a very difficult moment for all Americans, and in hopes to control outrage, censorship played a large role in limiting artists from speaking out against Bush and the government. Although this was limited to air-time radio, there could be copies that are not censored online. The various artists that had been affected by such censorship, obstructing their views both personally and professionally, consist of several well-known figures such as Notorious B.I.G. and Jadakiss.

“Economic hardship” is a very broad term that applies to nearly all individuals. To stop censorship would be to trample on all the efforts made to construct a more peaceful environment. It is true that the rules being applied to censorship are becoming more and more strict, however, this is not a limitation that cripples professional and economic growth of the music industry. Similar to what I said earlier, there are many synonyms- it’s a matter of word play that needs to be well structured (or differently).

To stop censorship would only cause a greater outcry from the older generation against the new stations. It had been reported in multiple instances where radio station DJs would accidentally play uncensored versions of songs, their station would be flooded with phone calls. They would be complaints about how they had played a song with uncensored lyrics; as unorthodox as one would think, this would be potential open grounds for lawsuits pertaining to children’s mental health. The sense of outrage arising from particular songs against national crisis may also be something that cannot be controlled if left uncensored, because of the mob mentality that may arise. Removing censorship because of “economic hardship” is more detrimental to both the artists’ well-being as well as the general public, and would do greater harm than good.

The Research Paper

Not simply for this particular research paper, but for most of the work that I do, I have a common recurring issue. Getting started is the biggest problem for me in almost every situation, because of the overload of information at hand, and trying to get things organized. Looking over the sources I gathered to figure out what exactly was going to be useful in the research paper took a bit of time as well. I just need a clear sense of organization before I go about working with things. It’s kind of like that habit with particular people who require a clean workspace in order to do their job; I need some sort of plan and organization in order to begin proper work.

Overall, I have a generally good plan in my mind as far as the structure for the research paper and the points that will be discussed. I had to determine what was important within the sources. They had great information, but not all of it was necessary to prove my point. I expect the sources I have selected will have a great impact on determining the course on which my research paper directs itself, as one would expect.

I had finished a little outline as of right now. Like I mentioned before, I have difficulty getting started. I understand there was plenty of time ahead to get things sorted out because we were given a heads up several weeks in advance, but even still, I take a lot of time for preparation to get started. The outline itself is already a great start for me because I know how to expand and build upon it, in order to make it look more presentable. The key points given to me from the outline are enough for me to begin work seriously. There is a guide in which I can follow, and this outline provides me with just that, to make it more simple for me.

I would have to agree that keeping a well organized time schedule would be necessary to complete this. In saying this, procrastination could be an issue that comes up with me. Hopefully I’ll be able to resist procrastinating on this to a large extent, if any at all. Nothing beneficiary really comes out of doing that, proven multiple times by many individuals all around the world.

I don’t think research papers are a waste of time however. I believe that it can teach you much more than the topic that you have selected or have been given. You can use the benefits of tactical researching in your future careers as well, regardless of your major or profession. Knowing how to research and gather the information that you need is vital to improving and expanding on your own knowledge. The ability to research properly is also key, because finding simple bits of information proves useless if it has little credibility to be fact. In other words, if the information you find is not the truth, you will only be wasting both time and effort. 

Pirates!!

Internet piracy. This is an ever-growing issue within the new and coming generations and will continue to rise to unimaginable levels. There is no way to fight against it: one can attempt to try and stem its progress momentarily, however, it cannot be stopped completely. Unless there is strict scrutiny on all web sources and their contents, there is no way to stop it in its entirety. The government would also have to provide surveillance nearly 24 hours a day to prevent this, so in short, a communism of sorts. This is both unfavorable for the good of the people as it inflicts on our liberty, our rights to free speech and privacy.

Through litigation, there has been a cut to illegal downloads online, however, this hardly made an impact as the support for lawsuits in this field had fallen. As anyone would expect, it’s hard to keep up with masses that support internet piracy- there’s just too many people to single out and file a lawsuit for.

There is no doubt that the musicians are the individuals, or groups, who take the fall the hardest with the growth of internet piracy. The train of thought remains: “Why should I buy music when I can download it for free?” The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the Music & Culture text quotes Frances W. Preston, President of BMI: “Ironically, those who steal music are stealing the future creativity they so passionately crave.”  Preston is referring to the musicians who simply cannot emphasize creativity because of the lack of funds received in their career as musicians. However, one can argue that the average consumer’s passion for music hasn’t died out, and lives on, despite the growing issue of internet piracy.

The music industry may have a loss in revenue, but this can be fixed through incorporation of their businesses into the growing technological age. There had already been multiple attempts that can be seen, in attempts to incorporate themselves with the internet. They had plans to make a monthly charge for an unlimited download of music. Although a terrible idea, the thought of attempting to conform to the inevitable, growing technological age is admirable and should continue to be improvised. Although not the best alternative, incentives should be placed; something desirable that pirates cannot attain without legal means.

Musicians have it even harder than the music industry because of the cuts between royalties. The Music industry robs them of money, when pirates are already doing damage, so it’s only common sense that the musicians are the worst off. The music industry loses money, but not as much as musicians. Like mentioned by Preston above, the passion for music may be lost because there is greater emphasis on making a living with other jobs, rather than having their “day-job” solely on music. The pirates are the ones who benefit the most- litigation amongst these individuals are not so common, individuals who are caught were most likely abusing the system to an extremely unreasonable level. This isn’t a matter on how we can stop piracy, but moreover, how we can develop a system that is favorable to all parties. 

Necessity of Reality

Reality television is a common past time between families and a great way to pass the time (or one of the worst ways). They offer many entertaining situations as seen by well known shows such as Fear Factor and Survivor. Though those shows may seem like a complete waste of time, it is amusing, without a doubt. Their primary purpose is to entertain, although some hold merits and benefits beyond the entertainment of others. As mentioned by Alessandra Stanley in her article “Here’s Reality: ‘Idol’ Feeds Hopefuls to a Shaky Music Business”, the “winner is given a recording contract with BMG and a management contract with 19 Entertainment”. This gives incentive for individuals, despite the sketchy background in which they may be entering.

Bait Car is a reality TV show in which cops stage an arrest, and leave a car unattended with the keys inside, in plain sight. With hidden cameras and radio signaling in the car, criminals are unaware of police watch. They take the car, not knowing that it was rigged and set so that they would be caught eventually, as the camera captures their facial image. Upon stealing, the car locks from the inside and shuts off, immobilizing the criminal to get arrested.

This show has many appeals; there is no doubt that many individuals enjoy watching shows where criminals get caught for doing unjust actions. The fact that it is real makes it even better. Wherever there is an accident on the freeway or on local streets, drivers tend to slow down to simply watch what had happened, causing traffic along the road ways. This is nothing different from that same event, both in the show as well as the viewers. The criminals observe the set up, the individual “arrested” by the cops before hand, and move in to take the car after the coast is clear. Most videos show criminals scoping the area out, several minutes after the arrest of the fake criminal, to check for cops to witness the theft. Television viewers simply love to watch criminals being taken out by the law, as any individual would love to see justice. Cartoons and movies are clear examples in which protagonists and antagonists are clearly seen, and in reality, criminals would be the antagonists and the cops would be the protagonists.

Bait Car is still being continued today, and cops continue to carry out arrests using this method, in several cities, namely within the Los Angeles county and Las Vegas. I think it’s very successful in the sense that it captures criminals using a smarter method, because it captures those who really had a criminal intent. Records indicate that many criminals captured through this method already had some sort of criminal record before hand as well, so this supports our law enforcement by weeding out criminals who deserve justice. This show will continue because of the many viewers who will tune in to watch “good old justice”. Who wouldn’t support shows that give us entertainment and justice at the same time?

Drugs, It's your call

Craig Werner, in the Music & Culture text, places his assumption that jazz players had been alienated and isolated from the world, and in order to escape from this reality, they turn to narcotics. This is a common issue found in many cases, not only musicians. Many resort to drugs and alcohol as they often help alleviate issues at hand for many individuals. The ability to act as a depressant (or stimulant) only increases the ever growing usage of alcohol and drugs.

True to what Werner had stated about being alienated and isolated, constant recurring thoughts of suicide would occur at an increasing rate. The solitude brought about by said alienation and isolation would drive an individual mad. Although physical avoidance leads to little interaction in person, this type of loneliness is not as bad as a mental case of loneliness. When one’s ideas and thoughts are unable to be shared and understood amongst the people, it creates a bigger gap of agony and despair than that which simple physical loneliness could incur.

There are many cases in which such solitude isn’t the main cause of the use of drugs and alcohol. Frequently, most often seem amongst adolescents, increased usage is seen simply because of the peer pressure and the need to feel as part of the group. Several young adults don’t admit to this, perhaps it’s an issue amongst egos as to who is following who, but it occurs at an alarming rate nonetheless. Many who are not grown into the environment may also become easily persuaded by those who are familiar with the substances, because it is something new that they had never tried. This is also a common occurrence in which several individuals would not admit to. It goes along hand in hand with the common cliché phrase, “curiosity killed the cat”.

Along with trying to fit in, it’s no surprise that the environment plays a large role in drug and alcohol use. There is a sharp increase of usage of illegal drugs within clubs or parties; distribution amongst party-goers (and under age drinkers attending the party) is nothing new and is continued to be fought against today. It is debatable who’s in the wrong, and who dictates what is allowed and what isn’t in concurrence with the law, however the facts are there- parties are often a great way for young adults to get their hands on substances and alcohol.  

Personal failures also spur the usage of substances. Constant degradation, inability to invoke proper self-confidence, a string of bad events- various things occur within our lives and the methods in which we handle our sources of outlets is the main key to determine whether we can be pro-active or settle with the use of drugs. I do not intend to degrade the usage of drugs, not do I stand in the defense to their use, however, often times many individuals would agree that the usage of drugs is counterproductive in dealing with situations. Likewise, it could lead to a better lifestyle; the use of morphine and valium within medical facilities is not to promote random drug use, it has a clear purpose. The method in which our outlets lie and whichever is discovered first; that’s the key in which drug use can be used primarily, or minimally, or not at all.