The Soundtrack of My Life

1. Hip-Hop Saved My Life by Lupe Fiasco. I chose this song to begin because hip-hop is my favorite type of music. I have enjoyed listening to hip-hop since I was 10 years old and I do not plan on stopping any time soon. I can practically listen to hip-hop all day. Whenever someone sees me, I will always be wearing my headphones and listening to music. Without music, let alone hip-hop music, I probably would not be the person I am today. Hip-hop music changed my life, values, and other characteristics who make me who I am. Here is the music video of "Hip-Hop Saved My Life" by Lupe Fiasco.

2. Sorry, Blame It On Me by Akon. I chose this song because it reminds me of my relationshop with my mother. I grew up living with my father because my parents were divorced. I grew up all around me and never really focused on my mom in the beginning. Over the years though, I have grew my relationship with my mother to greater heights. My mom and I now have a better relationship and I am so much happier now. I enjoy talking to my mom all the time and I love her very much. 

3. Celebration by Kool & The Gang. I chose this song because it reminds me of my high school graduation last year. High school was the four best years of my life. I grew relationships with people I thought I would not grow relationships with. I met my best friends there, who I never met before. I experienced many challenges and other ideas there too. I enjoyed going to school everyday to see the people I cherish throughout my life and finding out more about them. Hopefully, I meet new people here at San Jose State, but I will never forget the ones who I met in high school.

4. Fix You by Coldplay. I chose this song because it reminds me of both my grandmother and grandfather. Last year, both my grandmother and grandfather passed away in a span of about six months. This took a big toll on me and the rest of my family. Each and everyday, I live for grandfather and grandmother. I pray for them every morning and every night before I go to bed. I always wish to see them one more day to tell them I love them. They are now my heart and soul in my life.

5. Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts. I chose this song because it reminds me of my journey throughout my life. It reminds me where I am at today. It reminds me of where I plan on going and what I will be doing the rest of my life. One day, I hope to become a broadcast journalist. I hope to report the news and make an impact on the world. I hope to meet new people on the way and become a greater human being then I am today. I hope I reach my goals and have the time of my life on this on-going journey. 

Fever: Chapter 6 and Chapter 7

In chapter 6 of Fever, Bruce Springsteen caught my attention straight from the beginning. I thought it was very interesting that he was the only artist that was even compared to Elvis Presley. People believed that he Springsteen was Elvis' competitor all along. Springsteen rivaled Presley for years and years. I thought that was quite interesting. Springsteen was also inspired by the likes of Phil Spector, certain girl groups, and even Bob Dylan. He enjoyed all music from rhythm and blue to rock and roll. Springsteen also had many different musical tones to his performances, which I thought was very creative. He changed his fans emotions through his music tones and performances. Lastly, I thought it was interesting that Springsteen was involved in romanticism or romantic songs. Women enjoyed this all around the world. Women enjoyed the sweet and soft romantic songs like Bob Dylan used. Springsteen was being compared to Bob Dylan and Elvis through his music, which was very interesting.

In chapter 7 of Fever, I noticed that Rock and Roll influenced many people all around the world, mainly in the United States. The rock and roll lifestyle was impacting the black and white communities as a whole. Rock and roll made the white and black communities like each other. They saw each other as being equal to one another. Rock and roll inspired many people to be themselves and not to judge one another. I also thought Tina Turner's story was very interesting and inspirational. Throughout this chapter, Tina Turner's life is illustrated perfectly. From being a superstar musician to being abused by her husband. Her story was unbelievable! Her music was related to her personal life and the fans enjoyed hearing her music. Her songs were inspiring to many people all around the United States. I thought this was a great and inspirational chapter that impacted many people!

Twitter Looks to TV, Media Partnerships for Growth

Recently, Twitter has become a star on both TV and even online-messaging services. Now, Twitter wants to rise to the top of all social networking sites. Many television shows, such as "Glee" and "The X-Factor," are now directing all viewers to view the "tweets" on their Twitter page. Twitter is using these certain shows to advertise themselves and the use of Twitter. Twitter believes through these television shows and partnerships, that they will receive more and more revenue and growth to the company. Twitter is also going to be impacting the television shows as well. For television shows, one of the benefits for using Twitter is to give reasons to the viewers to watch the shows on scheduled times. The television shows want viewers to watch the shows at regular times rather than "on-demand." The show, "The X-Factor," is using Twitter for their voting process, that show on their Twitter page. Many other services such as Yahoo and Google are also incorporating Twitter for users and other people. I believe that Twitter is definitely is impacting the United States, let alone the World. Twitter is impacting their lives and how they see certain issues and problems of the World. I believe that Twitter is beneficial to society, rather than hurting society. I believe Twitter is needed for society because it is not only impacting themselves, but the rest of the world too!

Top Five Songs By Michael Jackson

1. You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson. I like this song because it reminds me of my grand-father who recently passed away. It makes me think that he is always by my side everyday of my life. He is looking over me from above and will always look over me. I also like this song because it is a song that can cheer you up when your sad. This song always seems to make me smile whenever I listen to it. I loved this song that Michael Jackson created and it was one of his greatest hits he ever made! Here is a video of "You Are Not Alone."

2. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. I absolutely love this song! It makes me in a great mood all the time. I also love hearing the beat of the song. I remember watching a video when he was performing the song at Motown 25 in 1983. He blew the world away and performed an amazing show! That was the start of one of the greatest performers to ever step foot on this Earth. I loved the dance moves he had in this music video as well. Billie Jean was a phenomenal song and Michael Jackson kept going with his hits and songs! Here is a video for "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25 in 1983.

3. Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson. This song makes me think of the passing of Michael Jackson. Also this song makes me think of how the world is in need of a change. This is a great song for society and the ways of people. This song also makes me in a happier mood then before. I enjoy listening to it whenever I can. I love the beat and words of wisdom from Michael Jackson. He was such a great influence on people and how they should act. Here is a video for "Man in the Mirror."

4. Beat It by Michael Jackson. This one of my favorite songs Michael Jackson ever created! It is a fantastic example of an up-beat song and could make anyone dance! I remember listening to this song in the car when I was about 8 years old and I always used to dance. This was my mother's and I favorite song and we always listened to it. This song also shows off Michael Jackson's great dance moves and great musical style. Here is the music video for "Beat It."

5. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson. This song makes me so happy! I love this song. I enjoy seeing Michael and how young and talented he really was. He was a great performer and this was one of his finest hits. This song makes me get up and just dance to the beat. This song also puts out a great message. To never stop until you get over it. Never start something if you are just going to stop immediately. Michael never stopped performing, that is why he went down as one of the greatest performers. Here is a music video of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

Occupy Wall Street is Blowing Up Media

Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless movement/revolution with people of many ethnicities, genders, and political positions. The movement began in the center of New York's Wall Street financial district. The people are mainly protesting about social and economic inequality. The movement has now spread from New York to over 600 communities and 70 major cities in the United States. Over 100,000 people are now protesting across the United States. On October 15, the "Occupy" protests spread to over 900 cities worldwide. This has not only impacted the lives of people around the world but it has now impacted the media. Media has been now focused its coverage on Occupy Wall Street. It has been one of the hottest topics on news stations and even social networks. Some social networks like Facebook and Twitter turned Occupy Wall Street into a trending topic. People are focus on Occupy Wall Street wherever they go. They hear about it in newspapers and the talk around town! The movement has changed the lifestyles of many and is impacting media as a whole. I actually support what the people are doing all across the globe. I support the movement because I believe that it is time for the great businesses and monopolies to pay attention to the people and their needs. Government also needs to pay attention to the people as well. The government shouldn't be backing up these businesses and monopolies. The government has one thing to worry about and that is the well-being of the people. Through these movements, the people are speaking out for what they want and what they deserve!

My Relatives Music Taste

For this assignment, I decided to interview my mother, Valarie Kaiser. I interviewed her on different aspects of music such as who she listened to when she was younger and who she is listening to now. When my mother was younger, she mainly listened to Motown and easy rock. Nothing hardcore or "angry." She always listened to Michael Jackson and Diana Ross & the Supremes. She always seemed to go to many different concerts such as Styx, Earth Wind and Fire, and Queen as well. Her favorite concert when she was younger was the Earth Wind and Fire concert. She said she had a blast! Now, her music preference has completely changed. She still does listen to Motown and easy rock, but recently she has been loving pop like Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas. She also likes Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. Her favorite artists now are the Black Eyed Peas and Adele. She recently saw the Black Eyed Peas at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. She loved seeing the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga. But she still goes to her easy rock concert like Neil Diamond. To me, I believe my music preference has definately changed over time. When I was a child, I listened to Michael Jackson and Journey. But once I started growing older and older, I started listening to hip-hop such as Eminem and Dr. Dre. Now, I still listen to hip-hop and rap but I have been loving alternative music. Bands like Coldplay and Lifehouse are my favorites. I have completely changed my music styles over the years and I believe they will keep changing over and over again!

Five Artists Who Play Happy Music

1. Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole. I believe Iz makes some of the greatest happy music that one could ever imagine. He puts one in a happy mood whenever they listen to him. I enjoy his music because its calm and relaxed. Whenever I am in a terrible mood, I listen to Iz to put myself into a much better mood. Even though Iz has passed away, his music lives on and many people enjoy it very much. Iz shows his happy music style through his hit-song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

2. Jack Johnson. Jack Johnson has changed the face of music. Not only through his great talents and popularity but through his style of music. Jack Johnson is carefree and "beachy." He doesn't talk about drugs, sex, alcohol or anything like that. He understands that what comes out of his mouth are his image. He doesn't want to have a bad image. Overall, Jack Johnson puts many people into happy and joyful moods. Johnson shows his happiness through one of his songs called "If I Had Eyes."

3. Jason Mraz. Jason Mraz has recently put his name out on the face of music. He has shown that he has skills not only in making music but attracting people to listen to his music. He makes people be in a better mood then they were ever in. He shows his happiness in many different singles that he has made and produced. Jason Mraz has came a long way to becoming a better musician. Jason Mraz's happiness is seen through his hit song called "I'm Yours."

4. U2. Over time, U2 has changed the face of music. They changed it in a way many artists couldn't have done before. They influenced their music around everyday life and the people. U2 makes people happy by listening to them. Not only do they make people happy and glad but they make people want to think about life and the world. U2 will continue to make people happy and will continue to change the face of music. U2 is seen as having joyful music in one of their hit songs called "Beautiful Day."

5. Bob Marley. Bob Marley has changed reggae music as a whole. Not only did he start the reggae movement, but he changed it. He transformed it into a whole different dimension. Over the years, he has made many different hit singles that are all happy and up-lifting. People listen to his music to put them in a better mood. Bob Marley was a great musician and his generation lives on. I love his music that he plays. One song that Bob Marley shows his happiness with is from his hit single "One Love."

Five Songs That Mention Sex or Drugs

1. I'm Up by Roach Gigz Feat. Lil 4 Tay. This song is self-explanatory. It is all about the artist being on drugs and how he practically will not stop. I like the beat to the song and I like how the artist is from the Bay Area. Roach Gigz is from Oakland, California. 

2. So High by Sojah. This song is saying how "high" you will be getting when you smoke marijuana. It is a typical drug song. I personally like Sojah's music though because it has a good beat. I also like this song because it is reggae and I absolutely love reggae!

3. Reefer Party by Wiz Khalifa. This song is also self-explanatory. Wiz Khalifa is addicted to smoking marijuana it looks like. He is having "reefer parties" just to smoke marijuana. This song is all about smoking marijuana and other drugs. 

4. Birthday Sex by Jeremih. I have came to a conclusion that about half of Jeremih's songs are about sex or having sex with someone. This song is all about having sex. Jeremih is a good artist and I do like some songs he has produced. 

5. Neighbors Know My Name by Trey Songz. This is sex written all over it. Trey Songz is known for having "sex" songs. But this one is over the top. Just watching the music video, shows how "sexy" it is. Trey Songz is a class-act. 

Music Throughout My Life

I cannot even remember when I never listened to music. music has changed my life as a whole. Without music in my life, I really don't know where I would be. I started listening to music at the age of four with my mom and dad. I didn't really have a favorite or idol then but when I listened to music with my parents, it usually was Journey, the Eagles, or even Michael Jackson. I started loving music and the beat of the drums even! I loved hearing the electric guitar too! I remember just dancing whenever I heard Michael Jackson, he was my favorite when I was a child. This was just the beginning of a journey with music. Once I started growing up and getting to age eleven or twelve, I started listening to music my older sisters were listening to. They were listening to artists such as Eminem, Dr. Dre and Notorious B.I.G. I grew from loving classic rock and classic pop to enjoying old school rap and hip-hop. Hearing people rhyme from word to word was music to my ears. I liked the up-beat rhythm to hip-hop. For years and years, I would keep listening to it and it would never stop. My favorite artist was Eminem because he was unique with his lyrics and he had imaged his life around hip-hop. To this very day, I still listen to hip-hop and rap. But in the recent years, I have grown to like some sorts of reggae and alternative music such as Rebelution, The Holdup, and Coldplay. This sort of music has taught me how to think about how life is and makes me think that life is truly one of a kind. Music has now taught me to cherish my life. My favorite artist now is Drake. He is an R&B artist and has become a worldwide entertainer. My musical journey has changed drastically since I was a child. I still do listen to classic rock and pop though, but not as much. I have grown to enjoy certain types of music for certain types of reasons. Hopefully, my musical journey won't stop anytime soon!

Five of My Least Favorite Songs

1. Friday by Rebecca Black. I absolutely hate this song! The girl is singing about how it is Friday and how she is getting ready for school and the rest of weekend. Also, I hate how her voice sounds. It sounds like she is an alien or something. I can't believe she has over 1 million views on YouTube!

2. Baby by Justin Bieber. I hate this kid. I do not understand how he  get so much publicity and such by just saying "Baby, baby, baby, baby." I really do not get the lyrics that come out of his mouth. He has over 600 milion views on YouTube! Really, 600 million for a kid who keeps repeating the word "Baby."

3. Bodies (Let The Bodies Hit the Floor) by Drowning Pool. This song make me bleed from my ears! It is absolutely terrible! How can anyone listen to that? It makes me think about death and such. Whenever I listen to that it makes me want to mute it and never listen to it again.

4. Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO. I think this song is horrible. The radio stations overplay it and the lyrics are not even good. Also, I hate the beat too. LMFAO is a terrible group because all their songs sound the same. I do not understand how they are so popular. 

5. The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. I don't understand how people write songs about being "lazy." Do they think being lazy is a good thing? Singing about how you won't be doing anything all day and sitting on the couch is so dumb. The lyrics are terrible and the chorus is even worse. Overall, this song is the worst song ever.

Five of My Favorite Songs

1. Fix You by Coldplay. I like this song because it makes me think about my Grandpa. He recently passed away in 2010 and I wish I could have spent one more day with him. I wish I could have done something and maybe even "fix" him. I will never forget my Grandpa and he will forever be in my heart.

2. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey. I like this song because it makes me think about my favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. When this song started playing through their World Series run, I knew they were going in the right direction. The Giants are still my favorite team and I will never "stop believin"!

3. It's My Life by Bon Jovi. I like this song because it makes me think that I control whatever I do in my life. I can succeed in my life if I put my mind to it. One can achieve anything in their life if they put their mind and heart to it. This song makes me want to proceed with my dreams and never look back again.

4. Good Times by The Holdup. I like this song because it makes me think about all the "good times" I had back in high school. I enjoyed every minute of high school and I can re-live every minute of it. I have memories that I will never forget and always cherish. I met people that I wouldn't ever imagine meeting. I had the greatest time in high school and hopefully it carries onto my journey at San Jose State.

5. Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse. I like this song because it makes me think about this special girl I had a relationship with in high school. This song makes me think about what I could have done to get her back. She was really special to me and I wish I could have done one thing to get her back. I would have done anything to get her back.