1. In your opinion, what was the purpose of this blogging activity? (Why did I choose to do blogging instead of more traditional writing activities?)
In my opinion I think Ms. Rumford chose to do blogging over the more traditional writing activities because blogging is more interactive. When writing a normal paper, you may ask someone to edit your work, and this person may only correct grammatical errors and sentence structures, while on the blogs a person from anywhere in the world does not necessarily have to be your friend can comment on your work. This comment can applaud you on a well written blog or can talk about how they feel about, these comments essentially do not need to be about writing errors, and can concentrate and focus more on an opinionative statement. I like this more because who doesn’t like it when someone admires your writing and compliments you on it, it is human nature to love attention and through the comments you may receive a lot of attention toward your blog. I also feel that any comment on your blog is a good one, unless it is inapropriative and does not relate to anything you are talking about. Comments can criticize your writing, but I feel all criticism is good because you can always take what the person is asking under consideration and try to improve in that area which you lack proficiency in, so listening and taking consideration to people’s feedback can prove valuable to many of us, if we want to improve our writing. Furthermore I love seeing the different perspective of my blog, whether they agree or disagree and why. It is always fascinating to see how different people are and sometimes it’s just a way to get to know someone better. For instance I never knew a friend of mine was interested in netball, nor did I know another friend of mine liked rock music, when I thought the whole time they actually liked rap better. This is why I prefer doing blogs because you can learn so much from them and when interacting with the technology you can also interact with friends learning new things about them that you never knew. Furthermore when writing on a piece of paper you do not get to interrelate with technology, as more and more people become familiar with computers and sometime it seems like our world is dependent on computers it is always good to know a thing or two that may not seem very important but everything you know can help you. I was able to learn how to link photos, videos, words to the dictionary and tag words. Not knowing this before I am grateful I did this because now I do and I may be able to use that in other things or maybe I may continue as a blogger. I also like you using the blog because once I learned how to link a picture, I find that any sort of visual affect always is prominent to the viewer. Finally in a teachers perspective blogging is great because not only can they see if they the student completed it on time they no longer need to listen to any excuses of why a student did not complete it. Lastly it is much more convenient to mark because she does not need to take a whole bunch of papers home she can just open our website and read it, so these blogs also prove to be eco-friendly.
2. What have you accomplished during your blogging?
When writing this blog I felt like I accomplished many things that I would have never known before. Firstly I never knew how to link things to your writing, such as videos and pictures and I had a lot of fun doing so, because as a person I feel when I learn something new I have fun with it and get slightly obsessed with it. This is what happened to me even though I did not link much of my blogs I had fun learning how to do it and it gave me a sense of pride that I learnt something new. Secondly when doing the blog we focused more on a certain type of writing element each week. This helped me a lot because in a normal paper I would just write something instinctively without thinking about the words or the sentence structures that I use. I was able to accomplish a great deal with my writing not only did I improve my vocabulary when writing I also learned many new things, what a simple sentence is, what a compound sentence is, what a complex sentence is, what a compound-complex sentence is and what are main clause, dependent clause and independent clauses are. Now when I write I am aware of how I can make my writing even better and maybe even outstanding with the help of the new knowledge I leaned when doing this activity.
3. What key concepts have you learned while blogging? (This can be about writing, research or technology etc.)
I have learned three major key concepts while blogging. The first one is how to use technology and intermingle in with my writing which makes it better and prominent. This may not seem like much at this point but I know some day thins may come in handy, you never know when you have to work on a project and you must link sites to it. Or in computer skills we learned how to use a hyperlink and I have used a hyperlink in many presentations of mine. Secondly I have gained new knowledge in writing skills which will help a lot when I go to high school, in high school I expect that instead of the more free writes and expression of ideas there will be more ground rules which we will have to follow, I expect these ground rules to include many foundations in our writing. Through this activity I was able to learn how to improve my sentence structures through different types of sentenced I could use, which can enhance the quality of my work. In high school I also know that our vocabulary is going to be much more difficult and the blog where we had to use more advanced words helped a lot because now instead of repeating the same words I can use better and more superior vocabulary. Finally when doing these blogs I had to research a lot for my topics and this skill will greatly help me in any subject I need to do research for.
4. Based on the skills you learned while blogging, how will this benefit you in the future? This maybe inside or outside of school.
I remember a few weeks ago my friend and I were talking on the phone about what we wanted to become when we grew up, I was telling my friend about how I always wanted to become architecture or a lawyer. However I remember telling her that I wouldn’t mind becoming a journalist because I find that I am a strong writer and I have voice in many of my pieces of writing. This blog showed me not only do U have voice and imagery in my writing but I also have structure in my writing and I think if I work hard enough I think I could become a journalist. I would also love to become one as well, writing is a passion for me and these blogs taught me that. When writing about something I feel strongly about I have voice in my writing and I just love to put my self into a room and write all day.
This week I am going to do my blog on the famous producer, singer, song writer and DJ, Jonas Erik Altberg, many of you might know him as Basshunter. This superstar was born in Halmstad, Sweden, on December 22nd, 1984 and is now currently 24 years of age. As a child Basshunter was brought up near a famous island in Halmstad called Tylösand. He started his career in 1999 till present day, in 1999 he started to produce music in a computer program called Fruity Loops, and soon using his own web site, he released his very first album, The Old S*** and The Bassmachine. With his fascination in music expanding and growing he started releasing many demos, and with these demos spreading all over the internet, he started getting phone calls from clubs, inquiring if he would work for them as a DJ. In 2006 he signed his first contract with Warner Music, with Boten Anna being his first single. Not only was this song an instantaneous hit in Scandinavia, but it was also the very first Swedish song to reach number 1 on the Dutch top 40 chart. But to attract, fascinate and draw foreign countries toward his songs, Boten Anna was completely rewritten and was called Now Your Gone. During the year 2007 Basshunter had been working on his new album called Now Your Gone: The Album, named after his hit re-produced song of Boten Anna, Now Your Gone. This album consisted of hit singles such as Angel in the Night, All I Ever Wanted, I Miss You, etc. It is said that his 5th album will be finished sometime in May 2009.
For this week I chose to talk about Basshunter because I find that I am more directed toward genres such as hip hop, rap and R&B, and with Basshunter his type of genre is completely different as his type of music is more club, and dance music, some would even consider it having a little techno. To tell you the truth I am very stubborn when it comes to changing my mind about something, once I have a set perception about something I tend to stick with that. I find that I do the same with music, I have set my mind to the fact that I will only like songs that are hip hop, rap and R&B and nothing else will appeal to me, however Basshunter’s music has attracted me, there is something about his songs that just bring a smile to your face. His songs are so upbeat it feels like they can fade even the darkest days away and they sound so fun and jovial, something you could just sing along too or even rock out too. Furthermore I feel he is a role model and an inspiration to many children around the world, he was diagnosed with a type of ailment called Tourette syndrome, and it is always amazing to see someone be successful in life even with an ailment to overcome it and still live life to the fullest. I think that’s what many children need now a day, a good role model to look up too.
A talented artist starting his career very early, even as a teenager Marshall Bruce Mathers III, stage name Eminem, alias Slim Shady. Eminem faced a difficult childhood with his father leaving him as an infant and him and his mother moving around from city to city. I remember moving only twice in my life, and how difficult it was for me to get used to the surroundings and making new friends. The difficulties and hard times I faced as a new kid was hard to get used to, the feeling of being removed from your sense of security and just felt like you were alone and abandoned was a painful feeling to carry, and going through that twice was hard enough, and imagining how Eminem constantly moved it must have been a complex and strenuous time for him. However during his childhood Eminem found his talent, rapping and he loved doing it. Joining many freestyle rap battles and even winning the rap Olympics in 1997, the rise of a young talented artist spreading his gift through the crowd. With his major hit albums such as The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, Encore, Hiatus, and now with his re-rise, his latest album Relapse. With his new hit singles, We made you, 3am, Crack a bottle, and Beautiful, with We made you placing 13th on the U.S top 40 charts.
With his new album releasing, his fans are going wild, anticipating for it. However my question today would be; do you like the new Eminem, or the old one better? In my personal opinion I feel that the old Eminem is so much better than this new version of himself. I think his early singles such as Lose yourself, Remember me, Sing for the moment, Rock bottom, Just lose it, When I’m gone, Mocking bird, Superman, etc. Relapse is comparably horrific to the other albums, like the song 3am, what was all that about? Eminem using his darker side had a different tone in this song, and to tell the truth it does not work for him. That song was terrible and no offense to any Eminem fans out there, I am I huge fan of Eminem myself but I must say, so far his new album is not appealing me. Nevertheless I am glad to say that he is finally back and that I have missed him, and that he is one of the best artists out there.
Kanye West is an idol, a role model, a fashion icon and in my eyes one of the best artists alive, not only has he brought music to a whole new level he has also shaken the world with his music. Facing a difficult life with its ups and downs, Kanye has turned all eyes on him.
Kanye Omari West, alias Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 8th 1977. At age three his parents, Ray West and Donna West divorced with Donna West moving to Chicago, Illinois. Donna was an intelligent woman as she was a English professor Clark Atlanta University and later was the Chair of the English Department In Chicago University, and soon her son attended the same university, however dropping out due to lack of interest in studies, poor grades and his crucial interest in music which would soon lead him to a road of fame and fortune.
West first started out his music career by producing for local artists, but soon hit off with the major leagues, producing hit singles for the high ranking artists in hip hop and R&B, these artists included Jay-Z, Cam’ron, Jermaine Dupri, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, john Legend, etc. West first gained attention when he was featured in jay-Z’s hit album ‘The Blueprint’ in September 11th, 2001 which would soon lead him to his uprising future. Many record companies were reluctant to give West a record deal because they saw West as a producer and not a rapper. Later in 2002 a shockingly lethal near death car accident brought an impetus motivation for his first single ‘Through the Wire,’ he later made songs such as ‘Jesus Walk’ and many more. And soon West’s career began its remarkable journey when his first album ‘The College Dropout’ was released in 2004. Later in 2005 his second album ‘Late registration,’ this album featured songs like Gold Digger and artists such as Jamie Foxx, Lupe Fiasco, The Game, Jay-Z, etc. An n during 2007 to 2008 he released his albums ‘Graduation’ and ‘808s & Heartbreak.’ As a very talented artist kayne West has received many awards; Best Rap Album, 2005 Grammy Awards, three MOBO Awards, Best New Artist at the BET Awards, won Best Video at the MOBO Awards and he received many nominations, such as seven Grammy nominations, two nominations at the BRIT Awards, and Best Rapper at the Vibe Music Awards, he also received a Best Video of the Year nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards, and a Video Star nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Since the start of his career till today he has gained 41 awards out of the amazingly large number of 126 nominations.
With all this fame and fortune Kanye West faced many difficulties and quandaries in life. The prevalent bump he faced in life was the death of his beloved mother, Donna West. Donna died due to heart disease after going through the process of plastic surgery. West heartbroken by the tragedy still preformed for a concert in Paris, dedicating his song ‘Hey Mama’ to his mother he broke down crying with his friends coming over to him comforting him through the difficult times, he could move nowhere kneeling still in the glow of the spotlight, shimmering his tears dripping slowly down his face. With the words “this song is for my mother,” he was not able to go any further. Also during 2008 Grammy Awards sang the song and it was a tribute to his mother and during one of his acceptance speeches all he had to say was this, “I know you wouldn’t want me to stop and you want me to be the No. 1 artist in the world, and Mama, all I’m going to do is keep making you proud. We run this!” I think kanye West is a idol and a role model to many children around the world, and I for one believe they could have picked no one better, this man has values and pride, he knows how to take care of himself and bring emotion out. Unlike many rappers who think it’s all about reputation, the girls, the cars, the bling and the money, you have values and a massive heart.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kanye_West_awards
http://poponthepop.blogspot.com/2007/11/kanye-west-crying-video-kanye-cries.html
http://www.people.com/people/kanye_west/biography/0,,20005936_10,00.html
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There are many heavy metal rock fanatics in this world that just drool over metal music, these people are usually referred as ‘metal heads’. In my opinion I completely do not understand how someone can sit down and listen to people screaming at the top of their voices? As a matter in fact I was inspired to write this blog because I had to sit in a car today for more than 5 hours with only heavy metal playing, I literally was losing my mind, there is just no peace of mind with that type of genre. Bands such as Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Iron Maiden, Kiss, etc. are all quite irritating, exasperating and frustrating, I know many people may not agree with this blog and find it erroneous and completely one sided. I understand that like many people I strongly dislike heavy metal but for others it is like a life choice, it is significant and meaningful to them, it has a purpose.
As research shows that a large number of teenage boys and girls that listen to heavy metal are tremendously brilliant, and listen to this music because it acts like a stress relevant, it reduces stress of being a gifted social recluse. A study was taken in the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, 1, 057 students were surveyed and were asked what was their favorite genre of music , as 39% said rock, 18% said R&B, 14% said pop, while 6% said heavy metal. This 6% have much lower confidence than the rest of the student body and many of them have family and friendship problems, these students feel that listening to heavy metal helps them block off the anger and rage that they are going through and just work it off. Such as this one student says, “It helps me with stress. It’s the general thrashiness of it. You can’t really jump your anger into the floor and listen to your music at the same time with other types of music.”
Many people in this world dislike heavy metal rock, and find it absolutely irritating, but for the many others heavy metal rock is a way out. It helps them relax and just leave earth for a second to clam themselves down and help coup up with the struggles of life.
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Everyone has that one type of genre, or song that they listen to when they have a bad day. Locked in your room, with that song blasting at full volume, you can feel the magic swiftly moving through the air so serene and tranquil and with the magic of music you just can’t help but have a slight grin on your face, with your cheekbones lifted and your dimples so ever prominent.
One song that I just can’t help to smile every time I hear it, is “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter, however many times I may listen to this song, whether it may be once or fifty times it still brings a smile to my face. Not only is the melody soothing, but the lyrics are well written and express emotions that just seem to make sense and something you can just relate to. “Where is the moment we needed the most. You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost. They tell me your blue skies fade to gray. They tell me your passions gone away. And I don’t need no carryin’ on” I feel the phrase in his song expresses many of our lives, this line simply means, where are those days gone where we were care free and nothing seemed to be able to touch us, those days where we were impervious to the most insulting comments. It seems like those days have disappeared in a grim grey mist which seem to conceal the light which we most desperately need, and sometimes you feel like, life has no reason to be lived on. I for one believe many people have these days that are just incredibly abysmal, and at that point nothing feels better than creeping into your blanket and balling your eyes out. However I feel that the song has a deeper meaning than just that, we all have a lousy day that doesn’t mean we should just give up, all we have to do is get up and get on with our lives. This song has a much deeper meaning than any of the songs which we hear today. I love this song because you realize that everyone has a bad day, and the happiness is gone, yet you can always get it back, all you have to do is realize its not the end of the world and that today might be awful but you never know what tomorrow might have in store for you, it just might be your greatest day ever.
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