The Future of Black America

By: Allen Singleton

 Is it time? Black America is a term that is not often used by many speakers’ today. You may be wondering what is Black America? Black America’s definition is relative; however we can say that it is what you see and believe the role is of black people in the society of America. There is a term that I am sure that you are very familiar with, and that is “Globalization”. As humans we all have the power of free will. With the influence of technology, media, and constant innovation we often forget what creates these opportunities: the human mind. Globalization is the new buzz word and is the new focus on everybody’s mind.

The opportunity to create something to have an impact on the entire world is great. The opportunity to push the human race forward and make things better for everyone is amazing. However, there is duality in everything in life. The more that you remain focused on Globalization, the more you forget about your own people. It is important to note that as an individual you should take control of your own mind. You should realize that each race in America takes care of their own people. Jews support Jews. Asians support Asians. Europeans support Europeans. Hispanics support Hispanics. How about Blacks? Blacks support everyone else but themselves. It is a huge issue that has been prevalent for a long time. Blacks lack unity and harmony which is necessary for evolution to take place.

 Is it time? Black America is in trouble. The more that our young minds are focused on Globalization; the less we are focused on the unity and harmony among our own people. The challenge is for leadership to spark a revolution. The leaders of the past have all been taken out by America- MLK Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and anyone who represents true leadership. This puts Black America in a tough situation. Who will be courageous enough to be the leaders of the future of Black America? There are many solutions. The revolution is personal and takes place within the individual. How do you wake up your fellow brothers and sisters in Black America to the situation at hand if you are yourself -asleep? You must work to evolve and build your own consciousness and then go out and civilize others. Unlike the past, the future of Black America doesn't require one leader, but ALL people to become conscious and take control over their own minds. With control over your own mind you can control your thoughts and actions. With this new consciousness you can question things you have been taught as truth and search for your own truth. With this new consciousness you can search for your own understanding of your people’s origination in this world.

With this new consciousness you can take time to personally develop and work on your inner self. After you have developed yourself personally, you can focus on professional development and take advantage of opportunities in the world that you are naturally drawn too and create passion for. With this new consciousness you can spread love, unity, and harmony with your own people and eventually all people. With this new consciousness you can now make a significant impact on the world. With this new consciousness- IT IS TIME. Picture 1: Believe Nothing. Picture 2: Unlearn Picture 3: Insert Picture with these words: Ancient Temple in Egypt "Man Know Thyself" Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IjQKajHoko

Monday November 25, 2013,HW#9 Multiple Regression

Remaining Class Schedule

1. Monday November 25, 2013 - Prerecorded Class
2. Wednesday November 27, 2013 - No Class - Holiday
3. Monday December 2, 2013 and Wednesday December 4, 2013 - Traditional Class

Prerecorded Class Video 

http://youtu.be/QCsxll6PpHA

How to use Excel for Multiple Regression and what you will need for the exam.

http://youtu.be/FEFXp0iilsU

HW#9 - Multiple Regression

Multiple Regression is a statistically model used to analyze the relationship between two or more independent variables and one dependent variable. If differs from linear regression in that is takes more than one independent variable into the model.

Assignment

1. Download Excel Spreadsheet (here)
2. Watch videos below
3. Take Exam #9 (Monday November 25, 2013  thru Sunday December 1, 2013 at midnight)

First, for window users, make sure you have the multiple regression option available.

Step 1

Switch to the "Data" tab in the Microsoft Excel ribbon and locate the "Data Analysis" at far right on ribbon. Click on the "Data Analysis" item to bring up the dialog box of the same name.

Step 2

Scroll through the list of Analysis Tools until you locate "Regression". Click on it to select it, and then click on the "OK" button at the right to open its dialog box.

Here is a quick video:

http://youtu.be/DoAckgj-jUk

If you do not see "Data Analysis" under "Data" Tab, then to add that option see steps below:

Step 1

Launch Microsoft Excel and click on the "File" tab in the ribbon. Select "Options" to open the Excel Options dialog box.

Step 2

Click the "Add-Ins" item in the list on the left side of the dialog box. You will see "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of Inactive Application Add-Ins. Set the Manage drop-down menu to "Excel Add-Ins," and click on the "Go" button at the bottom of the dialog box to open the Add-Ins dialog box.

Step 3

Tick the check box in front of "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of available add-ins. Click the "OK" button on the right side of the Add-Ins dialog box to turn on the Analysis ToolPak once you have selected it in the list of options.

Here is a video to help explain those three steps above:

http://youtu.be/IN_VHhHqClI

For Mac users, Excel 2011 go to this link. Excel 2011 does Not have multiple regression. You will need to add some software from the link.

Here is an example for MAC (EXCEL 2011) using additional Software

h
ttp://youtu.be/dpLqJJfse1Y

Click Here on how to download software add-on discussed above

If you have Excel 2007, click here to get short (6 page .pdf file) file on how to set it up.



Understanding Output (pdf file link)

Older Version of Excel - but explanation good

http://youtu.be/ECXeUj8I6w8

Music Leakage

BY: Robert Kinney

                The leaking of a recording artist’s music is an element that has heavily changed the music industry within these last 10 years.  Born by the act that is mp3 sharing, the leaking of one’s song, single, or album is something that almost every artist cannot avoid within their career.  Music leakage has been something that has angered artist, producers, and their record labels; while it has enabled listeners to get access to an artist work before it is officially released and/or  for free.

               

          Music leaking mainly had a negative effect on the music industry. It can really upset an artist when a song of theirs is leak off of an album that isn’t ready to be released, or even the song it’s self  isn’t complete. In 2011, Pop singer Madonna’s comeback single “Give It To Me” was leak in rough demo form without the featured artist, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., included on it. It got a lot of backlashed from some music listeners and overall got some mixed to negative reviews due to its sound and quality. Madonna and producer of the song had to release disclaimers saying the song wasn’t released properly and sonically the way it was meant to. The song ended up performing not as highly as projected due to it’s leakage.

         The sales in the music industry have also taken a fall within the last 10 years and a reason this has happened is due to music leakage and pirating.  In the year of 2012, approximately 1.65 billion albums were sold in the U.S.  Compared to 2.13 billion in the year of 2002. The leaking of music has had effects even on some of music’s biggest artist sales. In 2011, R&B singer Beyoncé album 4 was leaked 3 weeks before its release date by a man that hacked into Sony’s (her record labels) servers. When the album was release, granted that it debuted at #1 on the billboard charts and her most critical acclaimed album, it was least successful sales wise. Many of music analysts blame the leaking of the album for it’s so-so sales (especially since usually albums leak only a few days before it is released into stores/online). Recently though, record labels have started to find ways to track the music leakers. A year after Beyoncé’s album was released, Sony Music Record label found the man that leaked her album and sued him for $233,000 for the leaking and piracy of her album.

                Granted that the leaking of music has negative effects on the music industry, it ironically has also has had it ways that it has helped.  A study has showed by North Carolina State University that pre-mature album leaks buy big artist actually helps their sales, due to the buzz around their album. Some artist takes advantage of the fact that they have songs that leaked. In 2008, Rapper Lil’ Wayne had songs that leak that were originally due to be on his album, Tha Carter III. His record label took those songs, mastered them, and sold them as an EP and saw this as a way to build hype for his album (which ended up going platinum in its first week). Artist even at times leak their own music as a way to build hype around an upcoming project.

                

                In conclusion, the music industry is one ever evolving business; One that has to learn how to deal and accommodate with the new ways of society. Some may argue that it has negatively affected the music industry, while some may opposed that notion. One thing for sure is that it has definitely added the element of changed to it.

Links: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57599739/whats-the-story-behind-song-leaks/

http://petehatesmusic.com/2013/09/10/anatomy-of-an-album-leak-how-they-happen-the-impacts-and-what-should-be-done-about-leaks/

Virtual Reality

BY: Regae M. Reynolds

http://youtu.be/WYG7xGFByJ8

http://youtu.be/MQeHPnMCKWY

http://youtu.be/UT5xtpHRdlE

http://youtu.be/EkSn2O54xP0

           Virtual Reality (VR) dates back to the 1950’s created by a visionary man by the name of Morton Heilig. Heilig was a cinematographer and desired for the theatrical experience to be engaging. The first concept of the sensory technology was shown in the Sensorama; it not only had a visual display, it offered odor emitters, speakers, a moving chair, and fans. It was not until the early sixties when engineers developed the single head display.

         Virtual Reality has many uses in technology, gaming, and also therapy. This technology has influenced movies such as The Matrix, Tron, and Gamer. These Sci-Fi movies have encouraged robotic rovers that are able to navigate in any environment, operated from a remote location.

VR can be used in simulation such as flights, surgical operations, and engineering concepts. EON Reality has produced educational components that allow students to be engaged discovering the solar system, oceanography, in addition to other various atmospheres that could only be studied in books. EON also has developed training software for medical and technology professionals.

The Omni created the Oculus Rift, it is the newest form of VR that integrates natural body movement through simulation. It translates computer keystrokes from body movements, with its unique tread design; users are able to run, jump, and dodge. The advances for gaming are limitless and out sell movies in regards to retail purchases.

          Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder commonly occurred after a close encounter with death or constant bodily state of fear. Emory University has one of the test sites, where Iraq Veterans can go to seek therapy. By conducting similar stimulation in a safe environment doctors are able to counsel patients past the traumatic experience. The studies have proven to aid in insomniac occurrences and anxiety attacks.

Resources:

Strickland, Jonathan.  "How Virtual Reality Works"  29 June 2007.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/virtual-reality.htm>  12 November 2013.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_b_4093571.html

http://www.vrphobia.com/research.htm

Social Media and the Bullying Influence

BY: Quimani Watson

The rise of social media has influenced how we communicate to one another. As we rely more on social media outlets to express ourselves, people may find it easier to communicate inappropriately than ever before.  I remember learning about how to write a letter properly in elementary school. The letter always started with a dear so and so and ended with a sincerely yours. That politeness is not found on many social media websites. Instant messages are quick, to the point and lack a certain element of thoughtfulness that use to exist.

Social media users do not have to be trained on how to write a ‘tweet’ before using communication devices. People do not have to learn basic etiquette or even understand the responsibilities that may come when using social networking sites. People can hide behind their words without the fear of physical confrontation from a receiver. Social media can easily be used as a ‘bully pulpit’.

Most recently, a young girl named Rebecca Sedwick committed suicide in Florida because she was cyber-bullied by her peers. The bullying took place over several months both physically and online. Even when her mother withdrew her from the school, the cyber bullying still took place. Although the young girls that tormented Rebecca were arrested, I cannot be sure they even understood the seriousness of their actions at the time.

Most people are raised knowing that you should be kind and respectful to other people. But today, we have “like or not like”. Our opinions can be validated or challenged. So when do our opinions cross the line? Should our social networks have some responsibility to monitor and report messages that are threatening?  And should parents be accountable for their children that post these types of messages?

Regardless of how you may feel, the effects of social comments can have long lasting affects on someone. Any type of verbal abuse, threats, gossip or anything that may cause emotional harm needs to be stopped. The fight to stop cyberbullying should start at home. Parents have a responsibility to monitor teenagers or young children who may have access to these sites. Social media sites should also have a responsibility to safeguard not just our privacy but safety.

Google Glass

BY: Sean Paul

Google. the world’s greatest web search engine? I think not. I mean yes it is a great search engine and debatable if the best, but what Google’s known best for is not what it’s capable of doing. Google also has innovations such as YouTube, Android (phone operating system), Chrome, Maps, Earth, Gmail, Google+, Google Play Store and many more. Google continues to stay ahead of competitors by evolving and venturing in new ideas. But have you heard about their new innovation, Google Glass?

“The wearable computer”, and what Times Magazine named one of the Best Inventions of 2012 (being that it was expected to release last year). It’s an optical head-mounted display, with smartphone-like hands-free capabilities of interacting with the internet thru voice commands. Equipped with Android operating system, a touchpad, camera, video chat capabilities, wifi and Bluetooth capable, and much more. A device that you can ask on the spot, “How do you say, Good Morning in French”, or “My name is Sean Paul”, in German. If you were at a party and a song came on that you had no clue about, simply just ask, “Glass what song is this”, and it would tell you.

Currently in development, Google has already begun a program that allows people to test out the products before its consumer release. If selected by Google, the price to obtain the developing model would be $1500, a lot more than what the final product will cost of course. Google is even contemplating on working with major sunglasses retailers and the idea of adding the option of having actual prescription lenses to the glasses, making it more suitable for those who do require prescription glasses.

Look to see this item for consumer purchase come 2014. Also with Google even venturing into driverless cars, it wouldn’t surprise me what Google announces next.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XoAkOuWdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GVKqGruOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRrdeFh5-io

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iMA-y_4KwA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxbX9qhbhMU#t=85

Wednesday November 20, 2013 - Google Products - HW #8 Linear Regression

Google Hardware

Why is google getting into hardware?

GOOGLE GLASS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSnB06um5r4

http://youtu.be/elXk87IKgCo

GOOGLE CAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_xRPA0CjJg

GOOGLE FIBER

http://youtu.be/X0I5DHOETFE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EefE4O4dX74

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icw9nM50Kgo

CHROME BOOK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzNn3YKbvR4

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Homework #8 - Linear Regression

Define Linear Regression
To describe the linear association between quantitative variables, a statistical procedure called regression often is used to construct a model. Regression is used to assess the contribution of one or more independent variables  to one dependent variable. 

It also can be used to predict the value of one variable based on the values of others. When there is only one independent variable and when the relationship can be expressed as a straight line, the procedure is called simple linear regression. 

If there are more than one independent variable, then its called multiple regression 
(See HW#9).

As a business major, you will see both linear and multiple regression again, possibly many time in future classes. Homework #8 and #9 will provide a simple introduction and more importantly how to use Excel to solve problems. Again you will see this again.

HW #8 Data for Student Exam

HW#8 Steps:

1. Watch the video(s) below (there are both PC & MAC videos)
2. Download the excel file for HW#8
3. Take Exam on classmarker.com (Friday 9 am until Sunday midnight)

Excel 2010 Windows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExfknNCvBYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkNubKibM0A

Excel 2011 - MAC

http://youtu.be/1jZ4T1dcsFg