BLUES IN THE LIFE

Blues is a musical form that originated from African-American communities of America from work songs, folk music, spirituals. Last nineteenth century, many blacks were sold into the United States as slaves to do heavy work. These slaves created a musical form with unique scale and chords. They described distressing life and showed their homesickness by this musical form. Blues means “blue devils” ---- depression, sadness, melancholy. It has a large impact on later American and Western popular music.

Blues has an obvious appearance that uses “call and response” form. Musical phrase make people feel sad at first, and then the following phrases help comfort people who are suffering. This form look likes these slaves are crying to God, and then get God’s comfort and response. So Blues pays attention to the emotional catharsis and originality or discovery improvisation. White players came later. Some of them tried to combine it with Rock and Roll, Pop. This musical form slowly evolved into different kinds of music, such as Jazz, Rock and Roll, Rock Music, Swing, in that Blues is the source of modern pop music.

With the development of the musical history, Blues have many different styles including Modern Blues, Jump Blues, Country Blues, Urban Blues, Texas Blues, Swamp Blues, Soul Blues, Piano Blues, NY Blues, Memphis Blues, Jazz Blues, Folk Blues, Acoustic Blues, Rhythm and Blues and so on. Two of the musical styles give a profound influence---Folk Blues and NY blues. Flock Blues is a kind original music from bar and small celebration evening. Many people hold the mind that this musical form is the most original music in the United States. Despite early American Blues very popular, but to lead people dancing into small bar is Flock Blues. My favorite Chinese song---Chengdu Impressions is this musical format. Chengdu is a quite city located in the western of China. Chengdu Impression is a documentary about the history and culture of Chengdu. The music make the movie become more vivid. Another musical format is NY Blues. NY Blues absorbed many elements, such as Jump Blues, Bebop and Swing. It is innovative forms of music that make Blues become richer.

Like this kind of cultures---Jazz and Rock. Blues was seen as the devil’s music, some people said it leads to violence. Since 1920s White American audiences began to listen to Blues. It was thought to be inferior music. After the civil movement that after the Second World War black Americans opposed racial segregation and discrimination, Blues was accepted by the public. Now Blues has been an important part of the African American culture, and even it is an important part of cultural heritage in United States.

Blues spirit is free and unconstrained spirit level. Blues teaches us to face the miserable life with the optimistic attitude. It look likes a Chinese traditional instrument---erhu which send out the voice of bitterness. Abing who is a blind musician. In order to live, Abing had to play erhu on the side of road. Erhu became a important part of his life. The sound of erhu likes his bumpy life, but he still smiled to his life and created the famous music---ERQUANYINGYUE.It makes me think a word from Luxun who is famous winter in China “True warrior dare to face gloomy life.” A lot of difficulties in our life is inevitable, while it is crucial that how to face the difficulties. With the development of economy, people face many pressures and more and more complain about life. A successful person must face the difficulties in his life with optimistic attitude.

This article has sourced by http://baike.baidu.com/link?url=2RIwkXCWR1fymaFqWSD0_jCiHHwhV-bONMqiilL2gDUWenz0hkr_myxIJ_-aZsCM

The blue irresistible temptation: Hawaii

Tina

The blue irresistible temptation: Hawaii

Hawaii is the perfect resort for the people who want to travel to islands, volcanoes and even canyons from January to December. Basically, it consists by four major islands. They are Kauai, Maui, Big island of Hawaii, and Oahu. Today, I will introduce to you those excellent tourist attractions on different islands，then you could chose the favorite one depending on your interests. I promise there is something you would love without doubt. 

1. Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaii chain. It is graced with natural beauty. Kokee State Park, Waimea Canyon,Wailua Falls and Poipu Beach could be written on your list. Generally, it is a comprehensive island, which could satisfy various people’s various requirement. 

2. Maui is the second largest island and is home for people who have a crush on beaches. If you are looking for perfect waters for snorkeling or watching whales, Haleakala is one of the best places in the world to do so. Except it, you still have numerous choices: Hana Highway, Lahaina Town, Haleakala National Park and Big Beach, anyone of which could be your beach heaven.

3. Larger than all of other islands combined, Hawaii’s big island includes 11 of the world’s 13 zones, from white sand beaches to snow capped mountain. You can appreciate waterfalls, rain forests and botanical parks. The Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes is placed in Hawaii Volcanoes Nationla Park. But no worries, if it is super safe as long you walk along the marked roads

4. As the state capitol, Honolulu severs as natural and cultural wonders with several entertainments. You could explore American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor or take a diving or surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach or shopping at outlets. You will not regret be here. 

Now, making your decision, packing your baggage, coming with me to Hawaii.

ESCAPE

Have you been put into jail? Did you make a plan to get out of the jail? If you want to see a person who is very smart to make a plan to do a jailbreak, “Escape Plan” is the best movie you should watch. This movie is good for adults because this film show people that never make a enemy, even that people is opposite to you but they also can be your partner, never give up, and before do anything people need a detailed plan. 

The two main protagonists are  Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone and Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger. These two guys are the dream of men. Also they should attract women’s attention. Because they have perfect physical beauty, that’s why people call them muscle men. Of course, this movie’s purpose is not show people these two person. It wants to give people an idea that when people in trouble, calm down and people can find some clues which can be helpful. Such as in this movie, Stallone is a person with a clear brains. Although they were in a high-tech jail and when he first come in to this jail he was always be in trouble, no one can help him. Until he encountered Schwarzenegger. At first. They are not friends even they are not partners. However. When they have the same target, they become friends until death. 

In my opinion, this movie is good for me. I’m cannot control my temper usually. So sometime when I get into trouble, I’m always lose myself. This movie show me the way to calm down that find a partner who has the same goal as me. My partner will help me to calm down. 

In conclusion, this movie shows people three good qualities. The first is never make a enemy, the second is never give up, and the third is make a plan before do anything. So it is a wonderful movie. 

Surf Documentary

Surf Documentary

Would be surfing one of the oldest sports played in the world? Are what some theories does seem to saying. Although, the origins of sport have interesting points to start this description, actually we will talk more deeply about how Surf has become a so successful activity. 
          Nobody knows exactly when and where the sport start. For some historians the principle was about 3 thousands years in Peru, where native fishermen glided over the waves using a type of canoe. However, there is no evidence that this folk did do the activity just for fun, the essence of the sport. The more reliable information is that the Europeans had the first contact with surf during the expeditions for Pacific Ocean for the British James Cook, in 1977. Arriving in Hawaii, they witnessed a group of people in the beach watching a kind of racing with wood boards through the waves. After periods without propagations, in the sport the last century, 50^th decade was the beginning of percussion of the surf. The state of California USA was much responsible for this happening, starting a publish magazines and brands of boards and clothes, that was the first step for disseminate the surfer lifestyle. This expression can be explained by the connection of surfers with the nature and a big unconcern about luxury, consumerism, and the way that society sees them. 
              During the 60^th and 70^th, surf undergone for a big prejudice, it did not worthy as a sport or hobby and, but as a waste of time, for people that did not like to work. After years of fighting this status, with the SurferMagazine (founded in 1959) support, the funs of the sport could change the situation. In 1969 in Hawaii was the first championship with prize and arbitration. This was the first step for the beginning of professional career of surfers. The second, was the sponsors, factories of boards and brands begin to afford the athletes, with new material, travels and a salary. From that, has been possible a man survive only surfing. In 1881 in Santa Monica, CA was founded the ASP, Association of Surf Professional, responsible for organize the world tour of surf. The association continues in operation to nowadays and promotes an event with 11 stages in 8 different countries, Australia, Brazil, Fiji islands, France, Portugal, United States (including Hawaii), South Africa, and Tahiti. The main category of male tour is played by 35 men, and female by 17 girls. The icon of male world tour certainly is the American Kelly Slater, 11 times world champion. For the women, the Australian Stephanie Gilmore call attention with 5 world titles. On the other hand of competitor athletes, in 90^th, a new type of career was created. Some of surfers, although of the great talent, did not accustomed to surf with evaluations, measured time, and disputes often with colleagues. Consequently was created the Freesurfers, professionals who live to propagate their sponsor brand, making documentaries, videos and Magazine pictures. 
          In sum for one sport with a several of difficulties in begin, nowadays surf live in an organized and effective way to afford itself.         

Ricardo Perandrea de Carvalho

The History of Jazz

The History of Jazz

Hortência Ribeiro

            The origins of Jazz began in the 1600s. At this time, many countries were competing to control the slave trade. Millions of Africans, most from Ghana, Toga and Nigeria were captured and transported to Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Central and South America, and later, to British and North America. The slaves were sold and forced to work in sub human conditions in the sugar, tobacco, and cotton plantations (source: Google).

            Because the slaves were from many different countries in Africa, they spoke

many different languages and had different ethnic traditions and beliefs. They also had different music traditions. Many slaves could not speak to each other and the way to communicate was through songs. The slaves learned how to play instruments and sing and it was passed from one musician to another. In the plantations, slaves sang soul and spiritual music, work songs and blues to make them remember their life in Africa. It was the root of Jazz music (source: article The Prehistory of Jazz - The Africanization of American Music.)

            In the late 1800, music from groups of European immigrants influenced the way music was played in the United States. The mix between the style from Europe and American melodies and rhythm founded the Ragtime. It began as dance music in the communities of African Americans in St. Louis and New Orleans (source: article The History of Jazz Music).

            In the beginning of 1900s, New Orleans was a multi-cultural city where many African Americans lived. The musicians there mixed the ragtime, blues, European traditions and many other elements to create a new style of music: Jazz. Jazz is a mix of many instruments like, trumpets, cornet, saxophone, trombone, bass, drum and piano. It is considered an improvised song because musicians can play whatever they want. At this time, the African Americans migrated to the Northern cities, like Chicago and New York to search better conditions of life and they brought Jazz with them.

            During the 1920s, Jazz became very popular in the United States. The prejudice against black people started to decrease and being black was cool, so white people started going at the black clubs. Also, alcohol was prohibited in America, but secret clubs could sell it, mainly in the Harlem – a black area in New York – where black and white people danced, drank, and listened Blues and Jazz bands.

            Another way to play Jazz, called Big Band Swing, was born with the Great Depression in 1930. So, people did not have money to go to clubs and they started listening to radio. However, people loved to dance The Swing and it was very famous. Some people believe that this music made the Great Depression less difficult (source: book The Origins of Modern Jazz Dance).

            During the World War II, many Jazz musicians were drafted to fight. Therefore, many bands had difficulties to find new musicians. Also, there were some restrictions to use plastic and gasoline and bands could not record their discos or travel to present in other cities. At the same time, African Americans musicians continued to face racism by the record industry, clubs and audience, while white Jazz bands had success. The Jazz was passing for a crisis (source: Youtube).

            In 1950’s, the television became an American entertainment, and dance halls, where Jazz bands once played, began to close all across the country. After that, television introduced the Rock’n Roll to Americans and Jazz started to decrease.

            But in 1960, during the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans began to conduct non-violent protests against segregation. They wanted the equal treatment between black and white people. Louis Armstrong, famous Jazz musician, was one of the first black musicians to be accepted for everyone, without color of skin (source: Google).

            Despite the decrease in Jazz’s popularity, talented musicians continued to produce powerful music and take jazz in new directions including complex and mixed sounds and improvisations. Jazz, as a result, influenced the root of many different actual songs, like the hip hop because it is music to express feelings and situations. “Jazz does not belong one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world.” – Ahmaad Alaadeen (source: Youtube).

The Positive Effects of Technology on Education

  

Positive Effects of Technology on Education

            How does Technology affects students? There are many ways to connect with other people. But, the most important way in the 21 century is by technology. It’s important to know how technology affects us on education field. So, in this article I will present five positive effects of technology that are helping us in education field.

        
    Most teachers and professors in Universities ask their students who are studying Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate to do a lot of researches. For example, it’s always difficult for them if they don’t have any tool that will help them like computers and smartphones, like if a student has to write a research about sport so he or she has two ways to write it, first looking in books, second looking in the websites, but it’s harder in the first way than the second. So, these days’ students can support their researches by information from internet, instead of reading books to support their researches. In fact, there are trustworthy sites on internet that give students a summary of any book they want. So, no need to read a book that contains 300 pages to do a research.                                                                                                                                                              
     Also, one of the most important positive effects of technology on education is students can meet other students or teachers online and learn from them without leaving the classroom. And, there is a site called Glovico that helps students to meet a teacher from another country to teach them foreign language online. And, that’s a good way to learn.

         
   For young students, there is a good way to teach them how to count, spell words, and other educational basics by playing educational games on computers and that will make learning things fun to them. Like in every classroom in every school there is at least one computer, so the teacher can teach the students by playing games. Educational game like Reader Rabbit game that develop the students to solve problems in math, science, and language.                                                                                                                             
      Another positive effect is learning from distance, in another word distance education. In fact, that helps students to study in their country without going to other countries. For example, I can take class from a University without going to it, it’s called outreach classes. So, I can take several courses in my home country and that all by using computer. In my opinion this is so useful for students. Because, they can spend time with their families and study in the same time.

          
  Another positive effect is web seminars it is like distance education, but this is with a group of students and not everyone can join it. Because, it may costs money. For example, NASA offers a program that makes students to talk with astronauts in space.

      
      In short, there are many good ways to use technology in education field like the ways above. And, that effects our lives in better direction.

Tales Silva
April 11, 2014
Elective: Newspaper
Article 2

The Americans and the Time

During my time in America, I've observed how the time is important to the Americans. This statement seems to be one of the most significant values in the base education of those people. Be on time for classes or any appointment is essential and expected to keep a good relationship between teacher and student. It’s a respect issue; making someone lose his precious time is a serious fault. Wasting time means wasting money, in the business world. But why do Americans take such care of their time? How do they do the balance between work and leisure activities?

The Bureau Labor of Statistics, from United States Department of Labor, did a research about employed Americans, to get the information about how they spend their time . According to the research, on the average work day, adult Americans between 25 and 54 years old spend 8.8 hours of their time working and doing related activities, 7.7 hours of their day sleeping, 2.6 hours doing sports or leisure activities and the last 4.1 hours eating, doing the household activities, and similar things. This research points out as well that 85 percent of the employed did the largest part of their work at their workplace, 7.9 hours compared with 3.0 hours at home .

This statistics reinforce the idea that the most of the Americans know how to manage their time, optimizing their work time and in that way, having more free time to do other activities. Time-use experts John P. Robinson and Geoffrey Godbey wrote about it in their book ‘’ Time for Life: The Surprising Ways Americans Use Their Time’’. According to the research described in the book and based on careful records of how the Americans actually spend their time, the research shows that they average more than an hour more free time per day than in the 1960s .

Therefore, the main point of the relationship of the Americans with their time is their managing of it. To get more free time and to do their leisure activities, they dedicate their whole work time taking advantage of the breaks to do their job.

Vandal News

World Cup in Brazil

After sixty four years, the world cup of soccer will be realized again in Brazil. In the first cup, the experience was not so good because the Brazilian team lost to the Uruguayan team in the grand final. Now, the host team is most prepared and focused on a single goal which is to win the competition. However, some changes are being made in Brazil for the country to receive such a major event. Measures such as the construction of modern stadiums, development of transport infrastructure and the training of people who may receive the tourists coming from different parts of the world are being provided.

Brazil has one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world that is the Maracanã. However the condition of this stadium as others in the country was not adequate. Thus, the government has invested in the construction of new stadiums and renovating the old in order to make them the standard required by FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations). Investments made in such works has exceeded the previously stipulated budgets and this has generated criticism by some Brazilians. Even so, the works can not stop and more money continues being spent to finalize all constructions before June, in which month the competition starts.

Another problem that has worried the Brazilian government is the issue of transport, because during the event this sector will certainly be overloaded due to high demand there will be. That way, has made ​​several investments in the expansion of airports, construction of routes to take to the event, reform of highways, subways and other in order to avoid the lowest possible chaos. However, we met a few months before the event and this issue was not fully resolved, there are still many cities that could provide better conditions.

Achieving a World Cup brings many benefits to the country, including the emergence of temporary jobs. However, the population has found a great barrier in the way, few people dominate the English language and are able to work getting tourists. Thus, the demand for training in that language has grown and the government should take actions to achieve a sufficiently trained personnel to work.

Despite these problems, Brazil has the potential to make a good world cup because the country has a very welcoming population and working people. And there is nothing that motivates more players to play in front of them home crowd. Winning the competition playing at home is a dream that many Brazilians believe could become a reality this year. Despite the structural problems already mentioned I believe that everything will be ready on time and the country can accomplish a good event.

Created by Bruno Paes da Silva

Corruption in Brazil

           

            Corruption in Brazil affects the well-being of Brazilians citizens. There are many scandals of nepotism and corruption in Brazil. Embezzlements in Brazilian government affect the whole society in Brazil, because the money could be invested in infrastructure, education, health and leisure. Money comes from higher taxes paid by Brazilians. Who not receive the money back from government are the Brazilians.

            Affects the well-being of Brazilians, when reducing public investments in health, education, infrastructure, security, housing, among other essential rights, and broke the constitution. When increases social exclusion and inequality economic, is caused by the misuse of public money. In practice corruption occurs through diversion of resources from public budgets of the Union, States and town for application in health, education, welfare, and social programs, and infrastructure. However, are diverted to finance election campaigns, corrupting public or ever personal bank accounts overseas employees.

            The scandals and the existence of nepotism, and corruption in Brazil have no specific origin. For many governors, the corruption is a addiction of the Iberian world result of relationship patrimonial, between state and society. One case in 1992, when happen episode where removal of President Fernando Collor de Mello, and this time was the first time that the press had details and documentary evidence and the actual extent of theft of material. So the government was denounced, as the reason of mismanagement of executive and legislative powers.

            Embezzlement in Brazil originates since 1500 in colonization, when the Portuguese makes a unilateral trade with Brazilians natives. Thus exploring with Brazilian society began and remains; so today the politicians diverting public money, makes investments in health, education, infrastructure and leisure diminish, leaving the desired such factors.

            In conclusion public investments in Brazil could be more efficient. Embezzlement on public funds undermines investment in the country's infrastructure, education; health and leisure affect all of society. Embezzlement is caused by political who in bad faith conduct fraudulent acts against the Brazilian nation. Such events happen since colonization, and hopefully the near future will end.

Created by Thomaz 

VANDALS NEWS

Student: Bruno Paes da Silva

Healthy Life

In recent years, the quest for a healthy lifestyle has increased among people. Even with the agitation of everyday life, it is possible to lead a healthy life planning and managing your time well. Some aspects of our health and vitality are governed by our genes and how our mother behaves during pregnancy, but many lifestyle factors, including fitness, diet and weight all impact on our ability to live a long and healthy life.[1] The practice of physical exercise, good nutrition and regular visits to the doctor regularly seems to be the best ways to keep yourself healthy.

Setting some time out of your day to race, go to the gym or any other physical exercise to work different parts of your body is essential to maintain good physical shape. Experts suggest performing at least 30 minutes of any physical activity per day. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss.[2] Furthermore, exercise improves mood and leaves the body more ready for the next day's activities. The practice of exercising also helps in distributing oxygen to the body and thus improves metabolism.

Our food during the day should be as varied as possible and include various types of fruits and vegetables so that your body can obtain all the vitamins it needs.[3] It is important to also avoid foods such as sandwiches, pizza, and soft drinks because they do not provide many benefits for the body and can even cause disease. So try to avoid this type of food and consume more healthy foods and drink a lot of water during the day is essential for the proper functioning of the body.[4]

Besides, visiting the doctor regularly is a good way to know what is happening with the body and anticipate possible diseases. Only your doctor can prescribe medication or examination with full assurance of the effects that will bring to our body. It is not necessary to go a clinic every month, but having one consult at least once a year can be a good way to know if something is affecting your body.

Therefore, healthy diet, physical exercise, and some medical care are important for a healthier life and away from diseases. Plan the time and having determination are great ways to accomplish these tasks and thus enjoy their benefits, for although many aspects of our bodies are provided by genetics, routine healthy habits can greatly influence our physical condition.

---

[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/22019289

[2]  http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

[3] https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile68j.stm

[4] http://www.dumblittleman.com/2010/02/9-great-reasons-to-drink-water-and-how.html