Sunday, January 26, 2020

History of reggae

History of reggae   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The revolutionary music genre known as reggae came from a few other music styles known as ska, rocksteady, the traditional Jamaican music, or even American RB. Most of these genres are originally found in Jamaica and Africa, but reggae was originally from Jamaica. The word reggae was defined by a famous reggae artist, Frederick Hibbert as music from the rebels, people who dont have what they want (Shelemay 388). The instrument used in reggae music differs from bass, drums, guitars, electric keyboards, to vocals that follow the rhythm of the beat or the melody. The usual drums are tuned high to make it sound similar to the timbale and bongos are to be played freely. Also the bass guitar is often essential in reggae, for they call the bass and drums the main rhythm. The harmony is often very simple that will consist of one or two cords that will repeat, like a drone and this makes the form of reggae to be strophic. The melody is usually upbeat and lively . The tempo is moderate; it is not too fast and not too slow, but upbeat. Rhythm is the key to reggae music and the lyrics of reggae involve a variety of subjects, but mainly focus on peace and political issues. Other topics could include poverty, sex, religious beliefs, and social injustice. The texture of it may differ from biphonic to polyphonic, but rarely monophonic. Rastafarianism plays a huge role in reggae music because it is a common religion among Jamaicans and Africans. So many lyrics contribute to this religion and also Rastafarian rallies or peace rallies mainly played reggae music. Reggae is mostly played in concerts, protests, or rallies. Many famous reggae musicians use their music to spread messages of political issues, peace, or social injustice almost like a battle cry. For example Bob Marley and the wailers wrote a song called Zimbabwe and performed in a stadium when Rhodesia got their independence from Great Britain. The audience sang along with Marley, but shortly after Marley was sent off the stage it became a protest. There are no specific roles when it comes to gender, but mostly men are reggae artists. A lot of the women sing in the background. There is no particular dance that goes along with the music style of reggae; the people connect to reggae through the lyrics and the rhythm of the beat. The Rastafarians use reggae mus ic as protests and for hope living in the ghettos. Bob Marley, the most well-known reggae artist, helped spread reggae throughout the world and still today his popularity grows, preserving this genre of music. Passed down to the next generation after death of Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley and Damian Marley are still spreading reggae music worldwide and keeping their fathers legacy alive. As for Reggae music, it has influenced a great deal of people and musician. It also influenced new genres that are popular today, such as Puerto Ricos reggaeton music and the innovative hip-hop music. Bibliography: Shelemay, Kay Kaufman. Soundscapes: Exploring Music in a Changing World. New York and London: W.W. Norton Comapny, Inc., 2001. Reggae. Wikipedia. 2009. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. 06 October 2009 . Scaruffi, Piero. Scaruffi.com. 06 October 2009 . Romer, Megan. About.com. New York Times Co.. 06 October 2009 . Tutwiler, Alana. suite101.com. Suite101.com Media Inc.. 06 October 2009 .

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Internet vs traditional classrooms Essay

Computer and internet technologies have significantly altered the ways various tasks are carried out. These technologies have introduced alternatives in virtually all fields, which have brought about mixed reactions among stakeholders. Different reactions are usually expressed because these technologies bring about merits and demerits. The learning processes have not been spared by the advancements made in the fields of both internet and computer technologies. The traditional classrooms are gradually being replaced by the internet classrooms as more and more technological advancements are being achieved. There is however a ranging debate, among different stakeholders within the education sector allover the world. While some have welcomed the replacement of traditional classrooms by the internet ones, others have strongly opposed the move. Stakeholders supporting the internet classrooms argue that they offer students and teachers a more advanced learning environment. On the other hand, the opponents of internet classrooms argue that they are reducing the teacher-student interaction which is vital in any learning process. However, looking critically at the facts surrounding the internet and traditional classrooms, there are more benefits associated with the internet classrooms compared to the traditional classrooms and hence the development of these classrooms should be encouraged (Platt et al, para 2-3). Arguments in favor of internet classrooms Internet classrooms are not only convenient but they are also highly flexible to both the students and the instructors. This mode of learning permits students to easily access various materials and contents they are supposed to learn. Such contents can be accessed by students at any time and from any place. As a result, students are not limited to the learning materials and contents that are available from their schools. Internet classes thus increase the knowledge base of students, since they can access a wide range of learning materials. On the other hand, students learning from traditional classrooms are only limited to the learning materials available from their institutions. The students learning via internet classrooms are therefore better placed to learn more details and materials compared to their counterparts learning through the traditional classrooms (Linn, Davis, and Bell, pp 22). Internet based classrooms are much more efficient in terms of knowledge transfer to the students. Instructors teaching their students via the internet enjoy the flexibility of using several methods to pass information to their students. Therefore, students who are not comfortable in a certain method of teaching have the opportunity of paying attention to other methods used in internet classrooms. Such forms of flexibility have the effect of increasing the performance of students since the learning process is much more efficient. In well established internet classrooms instructors are more likely to use less amount of time in teaching a certain course and achieve high level performance as opposed to the traditional classroom learning. The traditional classrooms are less efficient and it is quite difficult for instructors teaching students in such learning environments to effectively use different teaching methods and accommodate the needs of all students in the classroom. Lack of variety in the traditional classrooms has the likelihood of affecting the performance of students. The most affected ones are those who are not favored by the rigid teaching methods adopted by their instructors (Bartini, para 4). Learning via the internet classes greatly eases the ability of instructors to receive feedbacks from their students. Feedbacks from students are very essential to instructors as it is one way through which they can assess and evaluate their performance. Without feedbacks from students it is quite difficult for the instructors to determine objectively whether they are effective in passing knowledge to the students. Instructors also get to learn the teaching methods that are favored by students and thus apply them more while teaching them. On the other hand, it is very difficult for the instructors teaching students using the traditional classrooms to get feedbacks from their students. Lack of such feedback essentially implies that instructors are not in a good position to objectively assess and evaluate their work. It is therefore difficult for such instructors to make any meaningful improvements within a short period of time. Lack of proper feedback mechanism in traditional classrooms is likely to affect the performance of the students (Bartini, para 6). It is possible for students being taught through either internet or traditional classrooms to perform well in their examinations. However, due to the high effective and efficient nature of internet classrooms, good results can be achieved with lower levels of input. Instructors do not have to spend a lot of time elaborating on various points to the class since the students can access a wide variety of materials which they can in turn compare with the ones they receive from their teachers. On the other hand, for students learning via the traditional classrooms to perform well, a lot of time is required since these classes are less effective and efficient. Internet classrooms are therefore much better compared to the traditional classrooms, since better results can be achieved with less inputs and efforts (Platt et al, para 8). Participation of students in various class activities is a very crucial element as far the learning process is concerned. Increased student participation does not only make the learning process more involving and enjoyable, but it also improves the whole learning experience. Internet classrooms are very good in facilitating increased participation of students in class activities. Students are compelled to research more on various issues they are learning in class as well as topics they come across in the internet. They can easily form discussion groups and other learning structures from which they can carryout some research to present to class in turn. Increased student participation in class activities ensures that all students are well involved in the crucial class activities and that no single student is left behind. Similar levels of participation among students are not possible within the traditional classroom set ups. It therefore means that students learning in traditional classrooms are not in a good position to participate effectively in class activities and thus add significant value to the learning process. Their main duty in class is listening and taking note from their instructors. Since increased participation of students in class activities reveals certain weaknesses possessed by students, such cannot easily be determined in traditional classrooms setups where student participation is minimal (Platt et al, para 9). Research projects are a very essential and integral part of the learning process of each student. Research endows students with the necessary skills and techniques of carrying out various studies. Even students learning via traditional classrooms can properly carryout research projects, they are significantly limited. Students learning via internet classes highly advantaged in carrying out their research projects other studies. It is easy for them to not only carryout the research but also be easily assisted by their instructors in case they come across any difficult while carrying out their studies. Students learning in internet based classrooms are likely to spend much less time in researching for their coursework projects, compared to students learning in traditional classroom set ups (Linn, Davis, and Bell, pp 34). Internet based classrooms, greatly exposes students to several technological facilities when they are still young and fresh. One of the greatest objectives of learning is to enable students to apply in future, various skills and techniques that have been learnt. Students are usually prepared by their institutions for the greater challenges ahead in their professional careers. In order for students to be better prepared for such challenges, they have to be well endowed with various technological skills. Internet based classrooms are highly efficient in impacting the necessary technological skills to the students (Schofield and Davidson pp 51). Arguments against internet classrooms At the initial stages of internet based classrooms, especially during the stages of design and development, significant time is consumed thus making these types of classes less efficient. Student as well as instructor’s time is wasted and such may be reflected in the poor performance of students in various examinations. A lot of time is consumed in accessing information online, downloading or uploading learning materials and also when developing and designing various learning messages for the students. If both the instructors and students are not in a position to quickly overcome various simple challenges brought about by the use of internet as a means of learning, this type of classrooms can in the end prove to be highly inefficient and ineffective (Bartini, para 11). Interaction between the students and their instructors is a very essential element in the learning process. However, internet based classrooms are highly efficient in eliminating this vital aspect of the learning process. The level of interaction and communication between the students and their instructors in internet classrooms is minimal and greatly affects the relationship between both sides. Effective learning process does not only involve impacting of knowledge to students. Developing a cordial working relationship between the students and their teachers is also very essential as it greatly facilitates the learning process. Traditional classrooms are the best placed for the development of a good relationship within the classroom environment. Therefore, in regard to the level of interaction between students and teachers, traditional classes are much better compared to the internet ones (Brown, para 13). Conclusion From the essay, it is quite clear that internet based classes are much better compared to the traditional classes. They improve the level of student participation in class activities thus making the learning process a good experience for both students and teachers. Through internet classes, it is much easier for feedback from students to be obtained and thus facilitate the evaluation process. Internet classes are very good in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in passing knowledge to the students. Due to this type of classroom setup, performance of students is highly enhanced. However, internet classrooms are associated with the detriment of increasing the gap between the students and their teachers, thus hurting the relationship between them. These two groups should maintain a good working relationship for good results to be achieved. Such a relationship can only be developed and nurtured properly under the traditional classroom setups. All in all, internet based classrooms are much better than the traditional ones and the few demerits of this type of classrooms can be ironed out through proper management of the learning facilities.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Boumediene V. Bush: an Unconstitutional Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus

Kevin C March 26, 2013 US History I Honors Boumediene v. Bush The United States is a free country that was forged out of the tyrannical English Monarchy. Thomas Jefferson wrote that â€Å"All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights† (Declaration of Independence). Those rights are represented in the United States Constitution which is the foundation which strongly upholds American ideals and beliefs.Although the Constitution does not always apply to foreigners, Boumediene and the other detainees at Guantanamo Bay deserve habeas corpus rights because it is a fundamental principle that applies to everyone, regardless of state or nationality. The final decision that was made by the US Supreme Court was the correct one because they realized that Guantanamo is under US jurisdiction, the DTA provides an inadequate substitution to habeas corpus, and that MCA does violate the Suspension Clause of the Constitution. In 2008, Boumedien e, a captive at Guantanamo Bay had his habeas corpus rights denied by the D.C. District Court and the Appellate Court based on bills passed by Congress. The founding fathers specifically state in Article 1, Section 9 that congress shall not pass any bill that restricts habeas corpus rights. The detainees at Guantanamo Bay live in cells for twenty-three hours of the day. They are in constant fear of being abused and tortured, mentally and physically by the guards and many have been at the naval base for over five years. Among all the detainees, none have been given access to any type of tribunal board to hear what their being convicted of.The biggest problem is that all of them have been denied habeas corpus rights which effectively allows the Executive Branch of the US government to hold them indefinitely. The United States has adopted many of England’s traditions. One of which are habeas corpus rights derived from the Magna Carta signed in 1215. However, when the case reache d the District Court, the Bush administration plead their case stating that Guantanamo Bay was not on Sovereign US soil, therefore, the protection of habeas corpus could not be granted to the etainees. However, looking back in history to the English, they were in a similar predicament. India was officially a part of the British Empire in 1858, however, the British had occupied the country since the 1700’s with a heavy military presence. Despite India not becoming an official part of the British Empire, the Writ of Habeas Corpus was being incorporated into their government since the dawn of the nineteenth century. The Indian government were allowed to hear cases of habeas corpus since 1773.But, it was not until 1775 when it was actually first used by chief justice, Sir Elijah Impey to question his detention by Governor-General Warren Hastings at the Calcutta Supreme Court (A. G Noorani). The British allowed Indian prisoners the right of habeas corpus even though they did not h ave sovereignty of the country. This example in history sets precedent that if a country occupies a territory with a heavy military presence, then the right of habeas corpus shall be extended as well. The Supreme Court agrees because they voted in a 6-3 majority in the case, Rasul v.Bush. Supreme Court Justice Stevens issued his concurring opinion which stated that the detainees â€Å"have never been afforded access to any tribunal, much less charged with and convicted of wrongdoing†¦they have been imprisoned in territory over which the United States exercise exclusive jurisdiction and control† (Stevens, Opinion of the Court, 542 U. S. ). The Supreme Court ultimately decided that since the US government maintained a strong military presence and holds an indefinite lease over the area, it therefore had complete jurisdiction and control over the base in Cuba.Because the US government had complete jurisdiction over the base, ultimate sovereignty, which is granted to Cuba, h olds no weight in the argument. This essentially makes Guantanamo Bay part of the US and not Cuba, which means Sovereign US laws should apply there, the same as it would to any US State or territory. The respondents stated to the Appeals Court that detainees are given a fair alternative to habeas corpus rights. However, these alternatives do not protect the detainee as fully as habeas corpus would.The respondents stated that the Combat Status Review Tribunals (CSRT), which were established by the Defense Department, were put into place for the sole purpose of hearing the cases of the detainees. However, there are many flaws in having such a system determine the legality of one’s detention. The Supreme Court recognizes that the CSRT process for hearing cases puts many â€Å"constraints upon the detainee’s ability to rebut the factual basis for the Government’s assertion that he is an enemy combatant† (Boumediene v. Bush, 476F. 3d981).Some flaws the court p oints out is that the CSRT assumes that the detainees are guilty before the trial has even started and it is all up to the detainee to prove that they are in fact, not enemy combatants. This goes against the typical US court proceedings when all suspects are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The bias shown by the members of the CSRT puts the detainees at a disadvantage. Furthermore, while many of the detainees have a limited knowledge of English, they are not given the specifics as to what crimes they are being charged with because the information may be classified.Additionally, with no textual evidence, the detainees often go into the CSRT board empty handed and without legal representation. Not only do the proceedings of the CSRT seem unfair, it also seems to be designed to intentionally make it difficult for detainees to secure their freedom. Coming back to the respondents original claim, if the CSRT is essentially a substitute for habeas corpus, why not just use habeas c orpus? Habeas corpus has been around since 1215 and has survived in the US Government for over 300 years for a reason†¦ it is an effective way for people to question the legality of their detention by the government.The Military Commissions Act (MCA) of 2006 was an amendment to the Detainee Treatment Act (DTA) which would have disallowed Federal Courts to hear writs of habeas corpus from the detainees at Guantanamo Bay. The US Supreme Court decided that because the DTA was an inadequate substitution for habeas corpus, then the MCA cannot strip away Federal courts jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus cases. The reason behind this is that it would then be an unconstitutional suspension of the writ of habeas corpus because it violates the Suspension Clause.At the Appellate Court, the respondents (Bush) stated that the Suspension Clause is an ‘individual’ right granted only to US citizens. However, while looking at the text of the Suspension Clause in context, it states: â€Å"The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the Public Safety may require it† (US Constitution, art 1, sec 9). The Supreme Court counters the respondent’s argument by stating that the Suspension Clause is meant to be a limitation to Congresses powers and not something that applies to individuals.Nevertheless, nowhere in that phrase do the words ‘individual’ or ‘citizen’ ever show up. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the Suspension Clause only applies to US citizens and that it is not a universal right to anyone being held under US jurisdiction. Additionally, the founding fathers placed the Suspension Clause in Article 1, Section 9 in the Constitution. This is important because if the founding fathers specifically intended to apply the Suspension Clause to US citizens only, then they would have placed it in the Bill of Rights which are specifically reserved for the people to protect them against the government.Furthermore, the rest of the clauses in Article 1, Section 9 specifically state what types of activities that the Legislative Branch cannot do. Hence, the Suspension Clause, because of its placement, was intended to be a limitation upon the abuse of power by the Legislative Branch. Lastly, the principle of separation of powers came from the idea that each branch would be able to check one another. The MCA effectively stops the Judiciary Branch to do its job therefore is also unconstitutional.