Scholarly Journal Article

The title of my scholarly journal was "Resisting Exile and Asserting Musical Voice: the Dixie Chicks are 'Not Ready to Make Nice' written by Jada Watson and Lori Burns and published in "Popular Music" in the Martin Luther King Library but originally Cambridge University Press 2010. It was about the Dixie Chicks' first words after silence when Natalie Marines of the Dixie Chicks denounced President George W. Bush on a London concert stage. Little did she know, this small relay of opinion would lead to serious career consequences for the 'Chicks'. The girls waited three years and endured public criticism and radio boycotts until they finally released their single 'Not Ready to Make Nice'. After what seemed to be the end of their career, the journal relays how they
responded and regained their voice.

The girl group made a video accompanying their song that included images directly relating to the lyrics of their song. Through the lyrics and images of the video the girls "created a platform of resistance to the social and institutional oppression they experienced." The trio explain what they believe to be their own responsibilities of a judgmental and punitive public opinion and furthermore touch on and influence a movement that had nothing to do with their country music. In the song, there is a dialogue between the Dixie Chicks and those who criticized them for voicing their opinion. Some viewed the song as an angry comeback while others respected the girls for standing by their values.

Overall the girls will always be seen as "The Dixie Chicks" instead of those who spoke against our country's leader and although there was much controversy it is now, for the most part, looked over when mentioning the once so popular girl group.

Opinionator #1

The title of the article I read was "Apple Loses Round in Wall Street's Expectations Game" and its title really says it all. Despite the triumphing technology Apple incessantly comes up with Wall Street's always changing frequency is still hard to keep up with. Impressively having the second best three-month period ever posted by the revered make of the iPhone, iPad and iPod, one would think this would be enough to keep stocks high and flourishing. However, Wall Street was brutal as it proceeded to result in a $22 billion loss for the company.  Apparently this all occurred because Apple failed to manage the "analyst expectations that can make or break a stock." This shortcoming was a reminder to all that even the booming companies have to watch they're numbers at Wall Street, nothing is ever sure. Luckily though,

Apple presumes to return to their prospering state with the holiday season quickly approaching. With the death of co-founder Steve Jobs, analysts must now try to figure out if the things change with the new Tim Cook to take his place.  Intelligently though,  according to Cook he will not tamper with the "magic" that has skyrocketed Apple's market value by nearly $300 billion during the past decade, surpassing all competition and making the name for most valuable technological company. The main issue with last quarters droppings was the mistake Apple made to release the date of the new iPhone 4s so early. This delayed buyers from purchasing anything else until the newest edition came out, resulting in a decrease in sales. Guidance for analysts is provided by most major companies in order to help keep their stock prices as stable as possible. Hopefully the company can continue to advance, returning back on their feet and on the right direction.

5 Favorite Songs from Each Genre

I love the song "Tied Together with a Smile" by Taylor Swift. I can relate to the lyrics because it's seemed that many times I've been in her same position. This is my favorite country song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h49AV_aEuv0

My favorite R&B song of all time is "Burn" by usher. He has been one of my favorite artists for so long and I really love the way he produces his music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5XNWFw5HVw

My favorite rap artist is hands down Lil Wayne. I love him, despite that a lot of his lyrics tend to be vulger. I think one of his best songs is "Lollipop." It was very popular for a long period of time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IH8tNQAzSs&ob=av2n

My favorite rock song is "Adolescents" by Incubus. I love the soft voice the lead singer has and this song relates to a situation I've had as well. I also like the way they incorporate the electric guitar in their songs, usually it kind of bothers me but not when they play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKD2fjBpHFk

My favorite pop songs always came from Brittany Spears. I loved her music growing up but I think her best song is and always has been "Baby One More Time". Its catchy and rhythm is easy to snap your fingers and sing along to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-u5WLJ9Yk4

Music Memories #2

My grandma said that her music taste has varied just as much as mine has. When she was a teenager she liked more hip hop and rap but as she got into her late teens and early 20s her taste leaned closer to R&B, a genre without such vulgar lyrics and a smooth beat. Her first concert was a group called Sly and the Family Stone, their hit song was Hot Fun in the Summertime. Others included from Eta James and Nsync with me when I was younger. Now as she is older she listens to the same oldies but enjoys hip hop as well. Her favorite singer when she was younger was Luther Vandross and remains the same to this day. 
I find it interesting that it seems to be human nature to change music styles as we age and mature. When we're younger we relate to lyrics and music styles that pertain to the way we are feeling and the changes we go through during that time period. My music tastes have changed a great deal since age 5, but now I think I'm leaning towards a genre that will stick until I am my grandmas age. We both have grown up with artists who have sung their way through the years, Vandross for her, Mariah Carey and Usher for me. It is ironic that even so many years ago she liked the same genre and then shifted to a different one at the same time that I am. I have come to the conclusion that time may pass but people will always lean on music to bring them through the good and bad times, all depending on what they relate to individually. 

musicians that play happy music

1.  I think most songs by beyonce are usually happy. Like many other artists, she sings about love but hers are more on a positive uplifting side.
2. Another artist with happy songs is Michael Jackson. He usually sang songs that made me want to tap my feet and snap my fingers, his energy was unbeatable.
3. Musiq Soulchild sings songs that aren't degrading to women. He also sings about love but in a cute way that makes it sound much more promising than the typical heartbreak and turmoil.
4. Nicki Minaj's music isn't necessarily "happy" at all times but she does make interesting voices that make her songs more fun to listen to. I like her lyrics too and her songs make me smile.
5. Usher's songs are happy because he's either singing about love or has a good upbeat that makes you want to dance. The majority of the songs aren't depressing lovesick stuff but instead, fun with cute lyrics.