Category: opinion

Not Another Summer Reading List [2019]

Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the street…with a book of some kind. Like a kid in a candy store, I got excited looking at new releases for this summer and the upcoming fall. My email has been one ongoing notification signal after another with: good reads reviews, e books, local library updates, audio book subscriptions etc. Needless to say I’m drowning in more literature than I can keep up with…and I couldn’t be happier! Allow me to share what I’m reading currently and I hope you will do the same.

“Buck: A Memoir” by MK Asante

Asante was actually a professor at Morgan State University when I was studying some years ago. I never got to take any of his classes, but we spoke a few times. I was told that his lectures were all the rave due to his love of the Hip Hop culture and views on the world as we connect to it. “Buck” is his autobiography, growing up the mean streets of Philadelphia and overcoming adversity to become a filmmaker, writer, emcee, and professor to name a few. I JUST snagged this hard copy and will dive in head first soon.

“Brief Answers to the Big Questions” by Stephen Hawking

I just finished this read a few days ago and got damnit am I thankful for the mind of Mr. Hawking. I know nothing of cosmology, but this book gives us the short answer to the timeless questions that are unanswered today…according to Hawking of course. Do aliens exist? Should the human race try and relocate to another planet? Is God real? I absolutely LIVE for the existential moments in literature that feed my inner question mark. You are not alone science nerds. Come one, come all. You have friends here. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hawking.

“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

What is a summer reading list without a self help book? I think I’m half way through this, but there are some REALLY good tips for the financially challenged here. If we are ever going to get ahead, we have to stop running from our finances, crack a book, and take a hard look at our retirement options before it’s too late. Sethi offers readers the play by play on choosing banks, investment options, and automation to make money work for you. This book is a quick read, I recommend it to anyone.

“Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” by Nicolas Carter

I play entirely too many fucking instruments to know nothing about theory. I guess it’s time to crack a book on it, eh? I have this in audio book form and it’s only bout 2 hours long. I’m hoping to get some insight.

Well, that’s my list of current reads for now. I’m hoping to add some fiction to the list soon. What books have your hands occupied this Summer? Follow me on Twitter @Dropajewel and let me know your thoughts. #doitnow

The Post about Post… or whatever

Ha! This post is about blog post. I’ve surfed the web and read various blogs this past week and tried to compare trends. How often do you post? Who does your blog speak to? What is the purpose of the blog? I also paid attention to how blogs are promoted on social media. What the hell is the difference between a blog and a website? Most people DO blog about their expertise and many promote a product, so what’s the difference?

With my many questions came many answers. These answers would really stem from the blogger, as I can’t speak for the Bloggerverse as a whole.

So what are my views on blogging? I’m sofaking glad you asked. I think blogging is an excellent way to express yourself and be as long winded as need be. In reading many blogs I often wonder, “where is this person sitting while typing this?” Have you ever read a blog post that made you feel like a chapter from an ebook was about to unfold? Why blog? What makes blogging so popular? I’m actually thrilled that so many people have taken to blogging as the possibilities are endless. I now have found tech podcast and wellness products just from blogs and bloggers who blog about their area of expertise. The possibilites are endless.

I personally blog because I get ALOT of underground music and I like to share it with you guys. My interest are everywhere, so if I find something random that I think you’ll enjoy, I post. what are your thoughts on blogging and bloggers? Why do you blog? Lets post about posting.

 

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

As an adult, something happens at the end of every year. I find myself reflecting over the previous year’s accomplishments and failures. For the most part, I’m not too hard on myself and I’m always impressed at some of the obstacles I’ve overcome (with the help of the Almighty). I pride myself on being productive and try to be reasonable when it comes to goals and my life mission.

Today is January 4, 2016 and I arrived at work thinking “what am I going to do with my life?” I love my job, and for the most part life is grand, but without growth and evolution…we inevitably die. I started thinking about the rat race that we all succumb to if we get complacent. Go to work, pay bills, travel and little and do it all again. I am satisfied with today…but my tomorrows are another story. How can I make this year even better than 2015? What am I ultimately going to do with my life?

quest

Like a millennial, I googled ‘What Am I Going To Do With My Life’ and came across thee most exhilarating article from Tiny Buddha. The author, Jammes McWhinney, sounded like he spoke to my every inaudible thought at that moment. I found the post inspirational not just for the ‘I need to make a change’  type of person, but also for someone who may have questions on their current path. We all are in some realm of self discovery as we journey life. Check out the article and let me know your thoughts on the questions and your response.

#DropaJewel4mayor

The Ramble: The Migos Flow

I have shit to rant and ramble about that I want opinions on. So starting today, continuing every so often, I will post The Ramble. Medium reads with a question posed.

I just listened to THREE different tapes permeated in Migos flow.

I feel like Uncle Snoop said it best on the GGN episode with 50 and G-Unit.

Why be someone else when you can be you?

Some these artists are seasoned artists. Some of them hit the freshman list no more than two years ago but has had a following since 2005.

These artists have their own style, flow, etc. So I’m having a hard time understanding why so many are aping the young boys’ flow. Much like T-Pain, when he brought back auto tune, everyone jumped on that wave. Mr. Pain started putting people on notice. To paraphrase, “If Puff pays me for using auto tune, you should too.”

So I know Quavo, Offset & Takeoff feel some kinda way about this. This is what separates them from everyone else. This is what makes people be sonically tied to their music. If someone does it better (which, I personally, don’t think is very hard), it’ll force them into irrelevancy.

Now look rappers, I get it. You wanna keep up with the sound. You don’t wanna be left behind. It’s easier to take than create. But even if you take, flip it! Geez, be original!

Now for my question: With the Migos Flow making its way to every rappers tape, how much of the flow is homage, keeping with the times and how much of it is gross appropriation?

Blade God Syg is a contributor. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram or Ello (@bladegodsyg).

Not Another Summer Reading List

Oh yes! I’m sure one of you read the title and vowed to throw your tablet as soon as it danced it’s way through your email. In any event, all of the websites I indulge in are posting their “Summer Reading List”, for the book lovers worldwide. While such a phenomenon  is trending, I was forced to face several truths:

  • I am not the nerd I used to be. About 5 years ago I tapped out my yearly reading list at about 40 books per year. Since then, the list has dwindled down drastically to about 10. Dont. Judge. Me
  •  People still read? Aw shucks! With the whole Kindle and e-book movement, it made life a lot easier for bookworms to stay on top of the new…and get to it a hell of a lot faster.
  • I still owe my local library about $11. They will get it when I feel like getting it to them, damnit.
  • Classic literature is making a comeback. I am seeing more Dickens on people’s list than ever before.

While I am moving at a snails pace with my reading, I still would like to share with you a few books that I’ve already knocked out and enjoyed. Explore them at your leisure.

millennials-game-plan-cover_700x1050

I found this e-book via Forbes and just had to read it. I think anyone trying to stay ahead of changing trends in tech & money should read this. It isn’t a long read, but very informative! I am practicing some of it’s many gems…right now.

SarahPhoenix

I found this on amazon as free e book, I think. I’ve never really been into sci-fi/fantasy type of books, but this was dope. It follows Sarah Phoenix, a girl with a gift (no spoilers) through her plight out of a povertous environment, to compete for a better life. With all sorts of twist, you will probably read this in no time and await the next book.

Art of war plus

Ah,my secret weapon. I admit I do read a bunch of random stuff to keep my mind crisp. I read years ago, that successful people are often sales people…no matter what product they are selling. Why not sell yourself?! You are an ever changing product! In order to maneuver through different jobs and life situations, I find it highly effective to know how to present yourself. Oddly enough, because of this book, I am now trying my hand in the sales department at my job *pops collar*. Still a great read for people who prefer strategy over window jumping. You can apply this book to every aspect of your life since The Art Of War is included. Thank me later.

I am currently reading:

Johnbro

What are you currently reading? What’s on your summer List?