Success

As I hunted through a tin can full of silver and bronze coins it dawned on me. Successful people don't waste time on social media unless they have to. I'm 25-years-old and use multiple social network outlets. Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram being my current top 3. I'm an indie music artist so I use my Facebook fan page as a means to reach out to people I can't see everyday. It allows them to connect with me and keeps them updated on what I doing with my art. However, there is that side of me that goes on my personal Facebook page scrolling down my time line reading posts from college friends, high school classmates, family, and the people I've never met haha. The time spent on my personal account now isn't as bad as it was from 2006-2010 (when I was in college), but that's not a valid excuse. That's time I'm wasting. Time that could be spent reading a book, writing rhymes, practicing my freestyle abilities, searching for a better job, perfecting my drawings, etc. I believe social medias are an awesome way to connect with the world, but I've made the choice to limit the amount of minutes I spend on these social medias daily and focus that time and energy into something productive. Successful people don't become so by wasting time. Time is a invaluable resource and it's up to us how we spend it. We can make money and loose money, meet a woman and loose a woman, but time you can't ever get back. It's irreplaceable.

New Beginnings

As cliche as it sounds, "here is to new beginnings." Life doesn't wait for us to get our act together and make changes. If you sit still you'll just get left behind. New things can be scary, hard, and even unbearable in the beginning however most things that require hard work are well worth the effort. So let's pick ourselves up by our boot straps and press on. I'm motivated and eager to see what awaits. Hard work will pay off. I have the guts to never give up. A tenacious spirit whose flames wont dissipate.

Privileged

Inspiration comes to me in the strangest of places. As I stood in my shower listening to a peaceful song from Naruto Shippuden I found myself in deep thought. My mind drifted elsewhere, but as the hot water hit me in the face it was there I really took time to thank God for running water. That might not sound like much, but it is a luxury I take for granted. Many people do not have running water to enjoy a simple thing like taking a bath or a shower. To one that does not have access to running water it is a big deal. It's all about perspective. Thank you lord. Peace and blessings.

Never Give Up (That's the Ninja Way)

Captain's log, stardate 08/12/2013 approx. 12:44 a.m. I am currently burning physical copies of my new EP "Been Here Before" for my friends and family that live in different cities and states. I plan to mail them copies tomorrow morning God willing. I'm reflecting on where I've been, where I'm at, and where I plan to be. Thinking about past mistakes and not giving up no matter how bad they are. The acquisition of knowledge and a renewing of growing spiritually. Life isn't perfect and it would be absurd for me to think otherwise. I am thankful that my optimistic point of view on life keeps me grounded, but at the same time it gives me faith in a higher power that situations will work themselves out. The best is yet to come and I plan to develop myself physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and to maintain that growth. God bless One Love

Proverbial Grasshopper

It has been far to long, but lets see if I still got it.


Captain's log, stardate 10/17/2011 approx. 2:20 p.m. My destination is youtube jamming "Can't Get Enough" by J. Cole ft. Trey Songz. After a seasoned vacation from blogspot I stumbled upon a post from the summer of 2009. This sparked interest in furthering my time on the blog I befell to coin the moniker "Steve O's Embargo."

I find the writing process curative & therfore wish to continue capturing my perspective on life.

“I AM IGNORANT of absolute truth. But I am humble before my ignorance and therein lies my honor and my reward.”


― Khalil Gibran

Youtube

Wouldn't it be nice if there was an outlet for people to express themselves for the world to see? A central location where one could discuss books, movies, television, music, politics, religion, love, etc. Well look no further then your monitor because this incredible medium already exists!

Youtube has been around since February of 2005 and serves as a spot for millions of people to express themselves freely. A lot of musicians were discovered on Youtube and have since then joined the ranks of their famous four fathers.

I myself even have posts and music on Youtube:



Youtube is a great outlet for those wanting to have their own podcast and talk about whatever subject matter they wish. From what they did that day to an interesting story that happened at a college party.

Youtube is the medium of the future and links us to the past, because everyone knows to know where you going you must first know where you've come from.

Copyright in Media ©

On Wednesday April 14, 2010 our graduate student Brandon Brown refreshed copyright law for media to my peers and I. Not only did it turn a light back on that was growing dim, but it also brought with it a great debate about common knowledge of copyright.

He gave us the task of going out into the SFA student body to conduct an experiment. It was simple, but the answers would vary greatly. After we split up into groups we had to go find a random student, which age, sex, and classifaction did not matter, and ask them two things. It was to be recorded on Flip Video. The two questions were thus,

A. How do you feel about Copyright Law?

B. How do you think Copyright Law affects America as a whole?

Sara Nicols & I interviewed Senior Sean Doyle and he explained his feelings about the subject. Overall he agreed with Copyright Law and thought that it was the perfect thing to keep a persons idea and creative rights to that person and not exclusively to everyone else.

At the end of class we all watched the interviews and talked about the subject before being let out of class. The Graduate Student did a good job explaining the subject matter and I left class feeling refreshed on a subject that is important to what I want to do in life.

Just a little "Bit"

Back when I was a child I loved video games. I still do. The first system I ever owned was the Sega Genesis. I remember it like yesterday. It was a 16-Bit console with much to offer. Back then that was all you needed...16-Bits. Being a 5-year-old in Kindergarten playing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was the most fascinating thing to me.

It wasn't until I got older that I actually found out what the whole 8, 16, 64-bit, etc. was all about. Basically 16 bits means, " a generation of computers in which 16-bit processors were the norm."

I also learned that, "the 16-bit Intel architecture allows for different memory models—ways to access a particular memory location. The reason for using a specific memory model is the size of the assembler instructions or required storage for pointers. Compilers of the 16-bit era generally had the following typewidth characteristic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_genesis)":

16-bit data model Data model short int long pointers
IP16L32 (near) 16 16 32 16
I16LP32 (far) 16 16 32 32

So basically while I was making that little blue Hedgehog spin, jump, and run all across the platform, all of these arithmetic symbols were busy at work making sure everything I commanded him to do was performed flawless as well as interacting between characters and making the background look appealing to the eyes.

iPad

The iPad is one of the newest items from Apple Inc. and it is a hot selling commodity. It is valued at $500.00

It was announced back in January 27, 2010 and is tablet computer. It is a fusion of a smart phone and a laptop computer with many features and a lot of apps. Not only does it make the iPhone look obsolete, but it even has actual pages for the books the users can read. Just like a book, to turn the next page one simply flips the page with their hand and it shows the pages actually turning.

The iPad is 16-64 gigabytes, Bluetooth, and can also connect to iTunes. It also has a 9.7-inch LED backlit display which is a big feature because it makes one of the largest hand held device screens from Apple Inc.

Overall it is fairly new and promises to be a revolutionary device in the media. The months will tell how well it works in everyday life. Until then just enjoy the idea of having one.

New News, "Text All About IT!!!"

Texting has become very popular over the years and has expanded from just a tool of the young to all demographics. Its no surprise that young people would eventually be able to use texting as a way of reporting.

In my New Media class (MCM 430) my teacher showed us how to do a news story by simply using a simple device found in pants pockets or cases. The cell phone can take pictures of the person being interviewed and the reporter can text in AP format all the things they have learned.

I doubt that large markets will be using this anytime soon, but as far as stories done by students in High School & College this is a great outlet for news gathering with limited resources.

This is Stephen Robinson signing off.

Young & Elderly Friendly News

After researching news information from www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages & www.lufkindailynews.com I found pros and cons of both websites. Overall their news team does an exceptional job of gathering their content, but nothing is perfect.

What I noticed on newseum.org was the originality. Not only was it eye catching, but it was organized. The large headline was called So Far, snow good. The pictures correlated to the caption and the story was written well. On the right side there were links to YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, & Flicker. Ads were filled on the website as well.

The lufkindailynews.com website was a little more cluttered but still had some unique characteristics. I really liked how at the top center of the website it had three pics that had short descriptive teasers on them. Every 3 1/2-4 seconds it would scroll like an iTouch to new stories. They had event calendars, top job searches, birth announcements, as well as a Twitter account.

2/3 stories on the lufkindailynews website (Angelina County enjoys second snowfall in two weeks & Lufkin's William's named 14-5 A MVP)had same exact format (unlike the 3rd Lufkin Soccer hosting New Caney Wednesday). Picture in the top left corner and news stories written around it. They all had the same basic look only the content was different for each story. The contact info was easy to find and 2 were sports stories while one was local.

Overall I think that the Internets format will be the death or drastic decline in print like we're starting to see presently. Reading from their website is a lot quicker and the info is updated at a faster pace then that of an actual newspaper. What I dislike is sometimes the ads that pop up can get extremely annoying and the clutter with to much to look at which can be distracting.

Looking at it from the standpoint of an editor or publisher I would make it friendly for the elderly and younger generation. Almost like running two separate but equal websites but combining the content to form one amazing website tailoring to all age demographics.

Overall I found the topics to be interesting and made me think outside the box which will come handy in the job world. I really liked question 4 because it allows us to think about the content from a different perspective then what the current employees are doing.

Blogtalk & Twit.tv

I found Bogtalkradio.com to be very familiar because I chose to do mine over a person I've been listening to for the past couple months. She goes by the stage name Red Shaydez and her show is very entertaining. She mainly talks about music, but also allows for open discussions. Topics vary from nostalgia of the youth that grew up in the 90's to what is going on in the world such as social issues.

Overall I said that Red Shaydez show is unique and I like seeing a woman doing something like this. There aren't as many female rappers as there are men and having listened to her stuff I can say she's one of the best underground MC's out there. You can listen to some of her past shows here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/red-shaydez

At Twit.tv I listened to the podcast Home Theater GEEKS. It wasn't as appealing to me as the Blogalkradio, but it seemed more professional then most Podcasts that I listen to. Scott Wilkinson talked to the GEEK Kevin Voecks. His voice almost reminded me of Indiana Jones.

I see that this was more for the tech savvy demographic. I appreciated the format of the show and it appeared well thought out and seemed laid back more so that I thought for the topic of Kevin Voeck going down memory lane of different technology and its growth. http://www.twit.tv/htg

The Growth of Nintendo

Depending on who you ask the word Nintendo means a lot of different things. For some it is simply the name of a console, while others may see it as a beloved memory that sends them down the road to nostalgia. Whatever the case may be Nintendo has seen its share of triumphs and great falls, but has still remained one of the top competitors in the gaming industry.

Iconic characters such as Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, & Samus (just to name a few) have all spawned different stories, comic books, action figures, phrases, and some even movies. Pop culture has the thanks to technology and the cunning creators such as Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the beloved "Mario Brothers" franchise.
(Mario)
(Link)
(Donkey Kong)
(Samus)
We have no idea of knowing exactly how far the blur between reality and virtual reality will go, but so far its off to a great start, but the classic side scroll in 2-D will always be a great loved genre.

"What is Convergence?"...

Today my teacher asked us "What is Convergence?"...

I took it upon myself to research the answer on the internet and dug deeper into the subject. Wikipedia defines it as, "Convergence is the approach toward a definite value, a definite point, a common view or opinion, or toward a fixed or equilibrium state. In mathematics, it describes limiting behavior, particularly of an infinite sequence or series"...


New media "is a term meant to encompass the emergence of digital, computerized, or networked information and communication technologies in the later part of the 20th century. Most technologies described as "new media" are digital, often having characteristics of being manipulated, networkable, dense, compressible, interactive and impartial"
Basically anything digital is new media.

The old media is defined as, "Industries that are generally considered part of the old media are broadcast and cable television, radio, movie and music studios, newspapers, magazines, books and most print publications. Many of those industries are now less profitable than they used to be and this is has been attributed to the growth of the new media" Basically anything before digital like radio and newspaper are old media.

Overall I believe it is important to encompass both because not only will it make you diversified and sought after in the job market; it will also give you an open mind to trying things from all directions instead of being prejudice to just one type of media performance.

The growth of Media Players

I've noticed that my generation has come from walkmans, to CD players, to the latest inspiration the Apple's iPod. We've gone through many changes the past two decades and the instruments we use are still being upgraded.

As we speak the latest thing we have at our disposal is being modified and is technically obsolete.

Although we've come a long way we still have a long way to go. I can't complain about my iPod though. I love music and have been changing with the times throughout the years. Its pretty cool to think about what will be changed in the next 10 years.

Further reaching new heights

Its been a long time bloggers & bloggetts.

A lot has happened in the past few months but I won't get into all that on this blog lol stay tuned though.

This blog today will be a deceleration of me furthering my training to make me a better me. I was doing fine for a year 1/2 but lately I've been slipping and I don't like that. Part of it is because I'm not as close to the gym I was at, but an excuse is still an excuse.

So from this day forth its back to the hard ass training regiment I put myself through over 2 years ago. And I don't like to talk about stuff cuz actions speak louder then words....so I'll stop right there.

peacE!

Small footsteps to a larger Purpose

It is of my own volition that I've made it thus far in my life. Alongside the guidance of God and my peers. Can't forget about my family members. I have strong resolve and wish to further my growth as I embark on my own into the real world.

I've just been thinking a lot lately. I just registered for classes in the Spring of 2010. Graduation is just beyond the horizon now. I've made it this far...the rest is up to me.

Just need to remember who I am and what I came to school for. School isn't even the problem. I've just gained a new asset in my arsenal, but in doing so I feel as if I've lost a part of myself as well. Equivalent Exchange perhaps?...If you believe in that.

The way I act now will determine how I will be for the rest of my life...poor choices lead to poor habits that die hard. Just gotta take small footsteps to a larger purpose.

peacE!

What doesn't kill you makes you Stronger

Lately...*sigh*...its been one of those down trotted ominous cloud hanging overhead type of days.
Just been feeling down. And when you try to get back up thats when the relentless onslaught of negativity begins to really let you have it...but like the wonderful poet Maya Angelou "Still I Rise"...

I could sit here all day and talk about my problems but then where would I be? Probably feeling worse and making no progress. So instead I'm going to look at this as something that I must go through.

I like to believe that everything happens for a reason. And God breaks us down to our lowest to build us back up again anew. Stronger, Faster, Harder, & Stronger then ever before.

So in the motto of yours truly, "What doesn't kill you makes you Stronger"

peacE!

Through my EyEz

This past weekend had some ups and downs but through it all I learned from these experiences and thats half the battle.


Got to spend time with my friends and family and that was good. It was homecoming weekend and for college kids thats a time to let loose and have fun.

Got to do a lot and meet new people and stepped out of my comfort zone and was able to recap how much I had grown in just a years time.

Time goes by fast and before you know it your looking back on your life saying "where has all the time gone?"

"Through my EyEz the mixtape by Steve Omari will be dropping soon!!!!! Be on the look out. You can catch my music here www.myspace.com/steveo409

Till then just keep your head and your spirit up

peacE!

busy, Busy, BUSY!!!

So things are starting to finally get back to "normal"...whatever that means lol

On the real I've been battling with some demons the past month. Felt like I was at my lowest but this girl suggested some scriptures to read from The Good Book and that seemed to help put things in perspective for me.

Learned a lot and I've grown from the experiences I've gone through and I'm going to learn a lot more as time goes on.

Homecoming is coming up and its going to be all the way live. I just plan to get on ALL my homework. Get it done early that way I can enjoy Homecoming and just relax.

So let me get off of here and get to working on this stuff now lol

God Bless & One Love

peacE!