Feature Story

How Music Has Evolved Over the Years and the Importance of it

-Music is what feelings sound like” –unknown

Music is apart of everyone’s lives almost daily. Simply by turning on the radio in one’s car, listening to an iPod, picking up an instrument, using one’s vocals, tapping a pen, a finger, a hand, practically anything against something for a beat, etc. Music has been around since the beginning of man and has evolved greatly since then as well as become an important factor in many people’s lives.

Many a time I have heard people say, “I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for music.” Or, “I would die if there was no music.” People feel connected to music when they are listening to it. It is a strong balance for their lives to keep them sane and calm. If someone is feeling blue, all the have to do is turn on their favorite song for that mood whether it being sad or happy or mellow to lift them up and keep them feeling good and righteous; it is a powerful thing for many people. Not only does it lift people up and bring them to a good place it also has many other positives to it. A lot of people have a wide spiritual connection with God through Christian music. Music works in many different ways with many different people.

Music doesn’t just work individually but also in groups. Music can be a way for two people to connect. A man and a woman can connect romantically to the all-famous song, “Let’s Get it On” by Marvin Gaye. Certain types of songs trigger a feeling in people and cause them to act on certain songs. In this case, it connects people in a loving manner. With a song like “Shots”, by LMFAO, people feel hyped, pumped, and ready to go. It triggers a party mode; makes people want to drink and have a good time. In cases with screamo music, people listen to it to release their anger. Music is a way for people to unite together and feel connected and feel like they have something in common to relate to each other off of. One main thing people unite together on when it comes to music is, yes you know it, Karaoke of course! Why do you think people have such a good time with it!?

A lot of music is a stress reliever, a way to let go, kick back, relax, and have a good time. Music definitely can change a person’s mood from one to another. I know music helps me to clean the house faster; it’s very motivational for me!

In the movie Reign Over me, with Adam Sandler, “A man who lost his family in the September 11 attack in New York City runs into his old college roommate. Rekindling the friendship is the one thing that appears able to help the man recover from his grief.” Whenever the man was upset by anything, he had his headphones ready to go to listen to the song, “Love Reign O'er Me” by The Who, to calm him down. He needed it in his life or else he would have a mental break down. Some people depend on music to give them the sanity they need.

Every person has his or her own personal experience or emotions with music. People have their favorite songs, their songs that make them happy, their songs that trigger memories, and so on. It’s all an individual feeling and experience that each person forms as they grow along with it. It mostly depends on a person’s personality and preference of music. Nicole Tufts says, “Music can change what we feel in our souls. It can release us from sorrow and distress, encourage and motivate us, or slow us down and soothe us. Not only does our soul respond to music, but also, as researchers are finding out, so does our body. Music can change our lives mentally and physically.”

Music started out as something for people to express themselves or tell stories in tribes. Today it has evolved into something much more than that. Everyone has made it apart of his or her lives as a top priority, (some people even make it their higher priority, so I’ve heard!) Music is used to get a main message or theme out to the people.

Tufts says, “A good number of examples are as follows; in movies, commercials, plays, soundtracks, wild life shows, cartoons, the news, sporting chants, etc.” Music is placed in almost everything that has a viewer. It has basically become a necessity to life.

Not only has music changed itself from classical piano playing music to hip hop fast paced music but the technology has also changed along with it to make it accessible for us. It has changed from records, to tapes, to CDs, to now being able to access it from the Internet onto an iPod and bring every song we could possibly want, anywhere we want just so we can enjoy it daily at any second of the day.

For me personally I always have background sound or music playing somewhere. It makes me feel like I’m not alone. I always have something there to lift my spirits.

I can’t go a day without hearing music even If I wanted to just because it is everywhere; it’s even in my thoughts. Personally, I’d never want to go a day without music, it is just too powerful!

Citations

"Music Quotes." Find the Famous Quotes You Need, ThinkExist.com Quotations. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. .

"Reign Over Me (2007) - IMDb." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Web. 27 Nov. 2010. .

Tufts, Nicole. "How Music Has Changed Over the Years, Page 2 of 3." Associated Content from Yahoo! - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. .

Discovering Isidro’s Taco Shop

Isidro’s Taco Shop is a unique family-owned Mexican restaurant located off of Del Monte Avenue in Marina, CA. The owner of this restaurant, Isidro, delightfully greets every customer upon entering. Equipped with a manageable drive-thru window, a take-out counter inside, and quaint rooster-themed restaurant seating, Isidro’s welcomes eaters of any pace.

I had the privilege to spend my afternoon lunch with a friend at Isidro’s last Wednesday. I decided to eat inside at a roundabout table, topped with a lazy-susan. The waiter was Isidro’s wife, a very polite and cheerful lady. The service was excellent. My friend and I split an order of chips and salsa, which insinuated into an orgasm of taste buds. By far the best chips and salsa I have ever tasted.

Before the chips and salsa could even arrive, I placed an order for a carne asada quesadilla. The quesadilla was remarkably cooked. The tortilla was of a perfect fluffiness. Wrapped in the tortilla sleeping bag awaits fresh melted white cheddar on top of the finest carne asada meat. This was truly a meal for the finest Spanish palette.

During my meal I had the pleasure to meet the owner himself. I was highly curious as to the rooster theme throughout the restaurant and had to ask Isidro. His response resulted in a lengthy story about investing in cock fighting in Mexico. Believe it or not Isidro’s story is quite the “rags to riches” tale. Isidro worked as a helper at a taco shop in Inglewood, an urban city located in Los Angeles. Isidro suffered poor working conditions, amongst unfair bosses and superiors. Isidro managed to save up enough money to open his own shop, building upon the flaws he encountered. Isidro made a few investments in cock fighting out of the country, and turned into a businessman. Today Isidro owns one of the best low-key taco shops in California, serving a unique spin on Mexican food that many travel far for.

I recommend this restaurant to anyone that has been through a Taco Bell or Jack In The Box drive thru so they can see what a real taco tastes like from a genuine establishment. I give Isidro’s a 10 out of 10 for superb service, an excellent menu, and a dynamic way to eat with their drive thru, pick-up counter, and sit-in restaurant. If you like Mexican food, you will like Isidro’s. Get the chips and salsa!

Opinion on 2010 Elections

In the 2010 Elections i was quite relieved that Prop 19 wasn't passed. If it had been passed, this would not mean good things for the state of California. Yes, jobs would be provided but would someone really want to deal with people continuously under the influence on a daily bases? Marijuana does not cause a valuable drive for people. It causes people to be lazy and relaxed but not have any motives to work or better their future. Not only that but the government would have control over yet another thing in this nation, doing what they will with the product and selling it how they wish. The government would benefit themselves with marijuana and the income. They wouldn't be looking for the health of the people, but for the health of the government. Overall the concern for it would be a drug-free workplace and it is better off not to have the legalization of marijuana than to have it. They don't even go over completely how the driving limitations would take place just as driving under the influence of alcohol takes place. There has been accidents that have occured when people were under the influence of marijuana. People just may get out of hand if it were to pass rather than being careful and aware since it is illegal. It word turns this nation into something else.

In my opinion, i hoped for Meg Whitman to win the election for the governor of California, soley because she is Republican and expresses the same ideas as i believe. On the other hand, i guess i can be called a sexest when it comes to elections even though i am a female myself, i prefer men in politics and am not totally upset by the results. Not only am i fine with Jerry Brown being the governor, i also think it is very interesting how big he is on woman's rights; He supports a lot of good causes. Another important issue is the school systems, he expressed that he would improve them making it easier to transfer classes and also funding of the schools. This is especially good for the CSU's.

If i had to change one thing about the election it would be to change who won the elction for senate. I was hopin that Carly Fiorina would win over Barbara Boxer since she is a Republican. Unfortunately, she only won be seven percent which i'd say is a pretty close call but most of California is Democratic so i'm not surprised by the results.I hoped for Fiorina because she is a strong woman figure who i think could handle the seat in Senate. She was known as a woman who held the most power in business and to incorporate that into politics would give us a strong Senate for the state of California. I also liked that she was such a big supporter of John McCain who i also supported. I strongly agree with Carly Fiorina's views as a Republican following her in the vote against Prop 8, oppositing abortions, and spending money on greenhouse issues will not benefit the people as Boxer wants to do. It will actually hurt the people, costing them their jobs. This is the one thing that i would change about the elections. I do not believe in what Barbara Boxer wants to do and hoped for Carly Fiorina to be in Senate.

2010 elections

The Voters of Monterey

MONTEREY, CA. After months of debating and swaying California’s views on the issues we face today, it’s finally time to come down to it all; it’s game day. Senate will be chosen, governor will be chosen, and propositions will be decided, but what is it looking like in the city of Monterey?

I talked to a man on Alvarado Street named Michael while he was enjoying his meal at Taco Bell who just so happened to be grabbing some lunch before he left to go vote. Michael explained that he was a Democrat and that the biggest and most important issue for him on the ballot was the economy and jobs. He said that he is affected in the economy and it has been difficult for him to keep his job because of the economy. I asked him if he thought the legalization of marijuana is a good way to solve the budget deficit and he responded by saying, “Yes, I think that if Prop 19 passes, it will help with the budget deficit and many more people have a chance to have jobs as well as help with the economy.”

Further down Alvarado Street I saw an elderly man sitting at a table that said, “Democrats register to vote here.” I decided to ask him a few questions on the election. His name was Dick, and I asked him since two woman are running for senate, Carly Florina and Barbara Boxer, how he felt about women in politics. I asked, should there be more or less women in politics, and if women are gaining and earning higher positions?” He responded, “I think it is marvelous for woman to be involved in politics, there should be more diversity and equality in politics.” I asked Dick how the economy is affecting him. He said, “The economy is not affecting me personally but I am deeply concerned for college students. When I went to San Jose State back in the day, I was only paying $4.50 every quarter.” I asked Dick how he felt about the budget deficit in California and how would he fix it, by raising or lowering taxes? He responded, “I deeply regret the budget deficit but I think it is necessary to have it. I think that some taxes should be raised in order to fix it.”

Another man I spoke to passing on the street named John is a Republican. I asked him what he thought about the 2010 elections in general, he said, “People keep talking about how angry everyone is and what they don’t realize is were angry with ourselves. We allowed our government to do this to us. We have not been active enough to prevent it and that now it’s going to change through grass root movements, like the Tea Party.” I asked John if he thought the economy was headed in the right direction, He said, “No, because there are far too many regulations and restrictions and high taxes.” I asked John if he thought that this country is ready for a woman president, he said, “I think at this day in age it’s possible, anything is possible. At the rate were going, unless we find some excellent leaders, it won’t hurt us or help us to have a woman president.”

After talking to a few of the citizens of Monterey Bay, most of the people I spoke to were Democratic. After Tuesday, we will find out if that takes affect tonight after the polls are closed.

Interview

The Life of a Nurse and Acupuncturist as One.

Treating conditions through Oriental medicine and acupuncture

Theresa (Terre) McPartlan, a registered nurse and acupuncturist is a dedicated woman to her job in the hospital and at her own business for Acupuncture. McPartlan had spent many years studying to get where she is today. Not only does she have two jobs but she has two separate lives that follow it as well. While McPartlan is studying Acupuncture in Columbus, Maryland living some of her life there, she is also managing her own private business at 77^th Street in Brooklyn, New York working as an Acupuncturist and living half of her weeks there as well. She is so dedicated to her job and interests in life that she travels back and forth from New York to Maryland between her two jobs. After receiving her master’s degree in Maryland she had the National Commission of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine certify her in this profession as well as being certified by NADA. MCPartlan has specifically studied and specialized in the training of acudetoxification, which specifically deals with acupuncture for effective treatment of addictive behavior.

I asked McPartlan how many years of experience she had and she replied, “ For over 25 years I have had experience in the healthcare field. I’ve worked as a registered nurse for many years and this has most definitely brought good experiences to my newest job of Acupuncture. I believe that my wide knowledge of western medicine compliments my understanding of the patient’s condition when seen for acupuncture.”

McPartlan said she had 25 years of experience in healthcare and I asked her to further explain her experiences and education history:

In 1977 McPartlan received her Associates Degree in Nursing at Long Island College Hospital School Nursing, Brooklyn, NY. In 1986 she received her Bachelor Degree for nursing at Wagner College, Staten Island, New York. In 1998 she received her Master of Arts in Sociology at City University of New York and finally, in 2004 became a Master of Acupuncture at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. For employment she had been to quite a few places learning many different experiences. In 1977 – 1981 McPartlan worked at Maimonidies Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York as a Staff Nurse and Medical Unit. Then she transferred over to University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois as a Staff Nurse and Medical Intensive Care Unit from 1981-1984. In 1984 – 1987 she worked at a Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York as a Staff Nurse and Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Then from 1987 to 1991 she worked at Blue Cross-Blue Shield, New York, New York as a Health Care Coordinator and Managed Care Program. For two years after that she worked at another Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York as a Per Diem RN and Medical/Surgical ICU. For Four years after that she worked at Bayley Seton Hospital, Staten Island, New York as a Staff Nurse and Chemical Dependency Unit. From 1998 to 2001 she worked again at Maimonidies Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York as a Trainer for Clinical Systems and MIS Department. And finally, in 2004- 2010 she practiced private Acupuncture in Columbia, Maryland practicing Clinical Supervisor, Traditional Acupuncture Clinic. She also worked as an RN –Chemical Dependency Unit, in Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore.

I asked McPartlan to give us an insight of what it is like in her everyday life’s work. She explained it as so: At her business in Brooklyn she explained that Patients are seen individually in a private Bay Ridge office located in Brooklyn. On a person’s first visit to her business she asks her patient a series of questions about their lifestyle, habits, and most importantly health conditions so that she may contribute her job to that patient’s condition. She makes sure to meet every need of the patient and work well with them, to “assist the natural healing process through treatment.”

After asking what is necessary to use for this treatment, McPartlan exclaimed that needles is the primary utensil to use. Needles are key. She goes through many sterile and disposable needles that are about the size of two or three human hairs.

I was surprised to hear that her job required so many needles and was curious to know how people could bare the pain of needles or why they would even stick a needle in them. McPartlan explained,” needling is not like the type of needle you’d think it is. Needling often results in a small sensation sometimes unnoticed sensation. Some people may feel an unnoticeable amount of pain, or feel none at all; every person experiences it differently depending on their sensitivity to the needle. They also experience different attitudes during treatment resulting in some people feeling energized by treatment, while others feeling relaxed.”

I wanted McPartlan to explain what acupuncture really is for those who don’t understand it. She went into such detail she could tell the overwhelming intake it can have on people and told me to go to her website pinsheal.com to truly understand her explanation on Acupuncture.

On her site it says, “ Acupuncture is a system of health care that originated in China & has been used for over 3000 years. This form of healing works with the vital energy that is inherent within all living things. This energy is referred to as Qi' (pronounced "chee"). It flows along specific pathways called meridians, each of which is linked to a physical organ within the body.

Spiritual, mental, and physical health are influenced by acupuncture. It restores the balance of Qi' as it moves along the meridians. Health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state".

Those without symptoms also benefit from acupuncture. One can prevent illness, experience a greater sense of well being & improve their current state of health through treatment.

Acupuncture has become widely accepted in the United States & has been endorsed by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture in the treatment of over 50 common diseases including ~ headaches, allergies, back pain, hypertension, digestive ailments, asthma & infertility ~ to name a few. Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly, while others may require slow, steady progress. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process.

Patients often report improvement or disappearance of their symptoms, along with increased vitality and stamina and an ability to take better care of themselves in their daily lives.”

I thanked Terre McPartlan for her time spent with me for the interview and she ended the interview telling me to always “FEEL GOOD.”

Feature Story

Is the iPhone as Far as We Can Get in Phone Technology

The iphone has brought around a big change in the world of technology, who can beat Apple’s big iphone success now?

“Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything. It's very fortunate if you can work on just one of these in your career. ... Apple's been very fortunate in that it's introduced a few of these.” Says Steve Jobs, the Apple CEO announcing introduction of the iPhone in January 2007.

Iphone has become a huge success across the nation but it’s only a certain amount of time until a person had just bought the latest iphone and before they know it the next and newest one is out; the iphone never ends. The iphone is an ongoing event. Apple is continuously coming out with the next, newest and latest product of the iphone. Nobody will ever have the final iphone because Apple is always trying to modify it and come out with a better phone. The nation is constantly evolving and changing and nobody will ever be satisfied with one product for life. People need change and naturally are curious to see what else is out there in the world. It is always the same with people’s phones; they get tired of the same old same old. People need to change out their phones in order to have some excitement in their lives. Apple continues to come out with new products to not only satisfy the customer but to also keep the power and money rolling in.

Verizon has tried their best to keep up with Apple but it has become too big of a deal. There’s word spreading around that Verizon will soon have a product similar to iphone. Apple won’t be the only network with the best phone anymore.

HubPages says, “Verizon Wireless is currently testing a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 and 5 and Verizon confirms they are making network changes to bring the iphone to their network. The new iPhone 5 is going to be loaded with awesome new features like video chat on 3g and 4g (no longer restricted to WiFi only), face recognition and extreme downloading. Just when you think there is nothing else to come up with, more and more and more technology comes out. And it is on the rise, and not just at Apple, Inc!”

Technology with the iphone will never end. There will always be more to fix or make better. There is already talk about the next iphone when it even isn’t out yet and at the same time the iphone 4 just came out. As soon as one product comes out people are already looking at what is going to be next. People consume and want all the time; there is never complete satisfaction because there is a constant demand for new and better products. The iphone 5 is said to be made in HD for a 4G phone.

It may be a possibility that when Verizon finally gets the iphone that a lot of people will leave AT&T for Verizon because Verizon offers more in their plans. Apple and AT&T have has control over their customers with their products because no other network had their products and they could come up with whatever network plans they wanted because their was a high demand for the iphone. Now that Verizon is getting the iphone more people will want to go with Verizon’s plan and network instead. HubPages said, “They will definitely have the 3G version of iPhone, but with the new iPhone 5 (4g speeds) coming out, will they compete?! Regardless, there is much anticipation on how many people will leave AT&T for Verizon Wireless because of AT&T's lagging on app restrictions like Slingplayer and Google Voice and Skype (on 4g network, not Wi-Fi).”

AT&T has taken advantage of their power and now they may pay the price with Verizon network catching up.

Verizon isn’t the only one trying to keep ahead in the game. HubPages said, “There are a few networks working on building a 4G network. T-mobile would be a likely carrier since they are GSM already. Sprint has a 4G network already... AT&T and Verizon Wireless are in the beginning stages. There are talks of Verizon Wireless getting iPhone sometime in 2010 but it looks like they will get it for sure in 2011 when the new iPhone 5 comes out.”

The iphone may be something that has changed everything in the technology department of the world but it may not be for everyone. Bill Gates, when asked if he’d ever buy an iphone said, “Well, of course, I'm the wrong person to ask. I like to dial numbers with one hand, and maybe I'm the only one.” This just shows that the iphone is not the end of customer satisfaction. There are those people left out there who just believes the iphone isn’t for them and technology will continue to strive to keep all customers happy with a phone that fits them best. There will never be one universally perfect phone because the making of products will never come to an end. Technology always has the capability of getting better. It is a never-ending process.

Sources

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-NEW-iPhone-4G-Coming-2010

http://www.allgreatquotes.com/iphone_quotes.shtml

Beatiful Day in Monterey!

Monterey's update on the weather and events.

On October 8th 2010 in Marina, Ca, a full rainbow appeared across the sky above Cal State Monterey Bay (Csumb). Many student's walking to and from class stop and stare into the sky on that light rainy but sunny afternoon day to appreciate the gifts that Mother Earth sends our way. Light rain? Well what does that mean for our upcoming weather this week you ask? As we slowly lean out of our lazy fun loving summers, this Thursday is looking like high 63, low 50. Friday looks like high 66, low 51. Saturday looks like high 68, low 54 and finally, Sunday is looking like high 67, low 53. Thursday to Saturday looks like light clouds while Saturday and Sunday brings some sunshine into our weekend. Hold onto your jackets since you might need them to end out the week before the beautiful sunny weekend rolls in. Get ready you Monterey sailer's it's time to prepare to coast out into the ocean and enjoy a nice weekend on the bay! Light rain and sunshine is always a chance in Monterey bay where the weather can change from one to another and days like today come once in a while to bring a smile to the small Monterey Bay community reminding them each day the gifts of earth and what truly brings happiness and beauty to their lives.