Folsom Prison Review

This album is written by Johnny Cash, a native from Arkansas. He is a country singer who is known for his skills with the Classical guitar. In this album Johnny received a tape from an inmate. He liked it and used it in this to expresses all different kinds of emotions throughout this Album. This album was played in front of a prison audience in which they enjoyed.

The first song Folsom prison blues Is a fast song that expresses  Johnny’s concern in life, along with doing rebellious things throughout his younger days. This song is a pleasure to hear, especially for inmates. It resembles the sound of Elvis Presley and also covers the themes in which Elvis Presley mentions in his lyrics.The next song is Busted. It is a slow song with slow rhythm. A sorrowful song that talks about Johnny’s money problems. The lyrics talk about everyday problems of Southern United State’s citizens, which is the the

At number three is  Dark as a dungeon. johny talks about the hardships he has seen in his life. A man has to overcome a lot to be alive and successful. When a man is locked in a dungeon,(like the inmates in which he is performing in front of) he talks about a perspective of being locked away. A very depressing song in which is very emotional with the use of the guitar. I still miss someone is one of my favorite. Resembles a young man looking for a specific women. A strong attachment to a lady that  he has to find. True love is mentioned but true love isn’t specific in life. The use of the musical notes has a downgrading to resemble a broken heart. This song is a good one to hear.

Then  Cocaine blues talks about a man on a journey, involving drugs. Facing a jury because he killed his wife. Fast tempo song with the guitar. This song has strong lyrics that should not be heard by young people. This song is full of disappointment’s but is presented with enlightenment. Next is 25 minuets to go, fast movement song that is a continuous cont down throughout the song. Resembles the struggles and the highs of life throughout the song and 25 mins of life. The crowds reaction to this song was very pleasing to their ears. They errupted to this song because some of the inmates they can relate to this song.   

This song is what comes to mind as a classic country song. Orange blossom, new instruments used in this song like the harmonica. With solos in that instrument along with lyrics that explain a town on a dark and dreadful day. It is narrated by johnny, who sings lyrics are full of happy emotions. This song is completely different from the rest of the tracks in the album. The Black Veil, Is a song that is tales in a murder's perspective. A very dark and gloomy song that is depressing to hear. But at the same time he makes the song a positive thing to listen to with the lyrics being used. He mentions a love for a women that visit's his grave after he is dead. At number nine is Send a Picture of Mother.It is a very sad depressing song in which every prisoner experiences. Because in this song it expresses the feelings of not seeing loved ones. A inmate is asking a relative to send them family pictures. One of my least favorite isThe Wall. This song is a slowly presented. It expresses the feeling of a inmate doing time in prison and how slow time passes by. 

11. Dirty Old egg Suckin Dogg- This song talks about mans best friend (a dog). It talks about the ups and downs during any person's relationship with a dog. 

12. Flourished From The Bathroom Of Your Heart- This song talks about love of women. This song expresses the sorrow of loving a woman but she does not feel the same about you. Cash sings this song in a entreating way which makes the crowd laugh with his humorous lyrics. 

13. Joe Bean- This song goes back to the theme of being a prisoner. The man Joe Bean was actually hung before he performed this song. His lyrics express pity and at the same time harsh truth for this man. This song also has an entertaining tone to it. 

14.Jackson- this song involved a female singer. It talks about two people falling in love and getting married in Jackson. This is one of the best songs in my opinion because it is easy to tap along to and dance too. 

15. Give My Love To Rose- This song is about a man that is about to die and saying his last words. The lyrics are about a man talking about his family and is telling it to someone he is with. 

16.I Got Stripes-  This song is about a inmate being in prison and vein convicted. This song talks about the process of becoming an inmate. The chorus of the song is accompanied a female singer that really makes this song easier to sing along too.

17. The Legend of John Henry's Hammer- this song is about a story a young boy in a family. It talks about events that happen to him in his life. But an event that the reoccurs involves him using hammer to do work and labor.

18.Green, Green Grass of Home- Talks about a man returning home and seeing his family and friends. It presents the idea that there is no place like home.  It talks about charactoristics that occur to a man's mind when he has spent a long time away from home. 

19. Greystone Chapel- this song was written by a inmate at Folsom prison. This song talks about the living conditions at prison and how they use the chapel in it. It is used by many prisoners to escape mentally and become stronger with God during their time in prison. 

This album is one of the greatest to listen too. It is one of the first to relate to prisoners and how they feel while serving their conviction. 

All Good Things Come to an End

The Beatles were one of the best musical groups of all time. They were famous throughout the country. But like all good things, it must come to an end. It all started when in 1967, the group’s manager past away. Brian Epstein started managing the group in 1961. He kept the group together and acted as a big brother. But most of all he managed the group well when it came down to money. Because of this event, Paul Mcartney saw the opportunity to become the group ‘s leader. He decided to put the group in a film production that ended up in a disaster.  John Lennon criticized Paul Mcartney.

Each member of the group ventured off to different things. John Lennon pursued his interest in Art, which led him to a female artist named Yoko Ono. They fell in love with each other and shared their strong interest in art.

George Harrison was not satisfied with his role in the group and wanted to change it. He believed that he was a good song writer like John and Paul. He hated the fact that he could only write two songs per album and decided to write some of his on pieces of music.

The group wanted a new manager but couldn’t decide on one. Eventually they hired Allen Klein. But he couldn’t solve their problems. Then arguments broke out between the group. Arguments about why songs were dropped from albums, Yoko Ono wasn’t allowed to participate in the groups music and crediting of who was the song creator for a couple of songs. Then John and others claimed the group never broke up, but eventually did. Ending with lawsuits and a lot of drama. The ending result was one of the best Musical groups of all time came to an end.

The 1900's Entertainment Influence

The  twentieth century was a crucial time for America. The country endured many Wars and issues that could have effected Americans deeply. The effects of the Red scar, World War I and II are events that helped change America forever. At the same time Americans needed a comic relief during this time period. At the same time they wanted to inform the Americans that are not involved in the war (like young children) what was going on in the World. Companies made movies like ''The longest day'' to provide and show support to the americans at War. Also informed the people information, who , where the americans were fighting against.

During this time, Comic books were created. Most of the comic books created were strongly influenced because of war. One of the most famous comic book creators is Stan Lee. A lot of his work has been made into modern movies. His Comic books that were based on War was referred to the characters he created. They are Captain America, Iron Man and The Hulk. Each of these characters refer to a different point and time in the 1900's.

Captain America was a comic book character that fought against the German Army. His enemy was the Nazi army that was led by the villain ''The Red Skull'' who portrayed Hitler. He was an evil character that sought after world domination. This character made it easier for young american children to understand the basic information of World War II. Another character that was created because of the events in the 1900's is ''Iron Man.''This character was created to explore the themes of communism. And to reveal how technology and business was a big part of america, even though most Americans did not know. The hulk was created with the influence of the the cold War. With the threat of this war would involve a nuclear attack. Nuclear weapons could effect people through mutation, which told people that monsters can be created. 

 

Elvis Revolutionized Music

Elvis Presley was the first of his kind. He changed the way celebrities were viewed and how music was looked at. During the 1950's he ''Bad guy'' mentality was introduced. Many artist tried to use this image during this time but Elvis made this image iconic. This image is still used today by many artist like lil Wayne, T.I., Gucci Mane and Akon. Elvis depicted a rebellious person that attracted young women. He also played an image that there is no higher authority higher then him, that he is the law. Many current day rappers present this image through there lyrics and music videos. The ''Bad guy'' mentality was also used in the movie industry because Elvis Presley made it popular. It it seen in a lot of today's film like Bad Boys and Notorious. The ''Bad guy'' mentality is also used in sports and in teaching methods.

Elvis Presley also was one of the first artists to create a dance move. His famous dance move was called the ''Elvis Pelvis.'' This made Elvis more of an icon and helped spread his music. Artists today like The franchise boyz, Souja Boy and many more. The franchise boyz is a group of rappers that created the phrase and dance move '' Lean with it, rock with it.'' Souja Boy is also a rapper who created the dance '' the dougie.''

Elvis Presley was a lower class citizen throughout his childhood. Through fame of his music career, he became wealthy and changed his life. Throughout popularity over time people started recognizing him. Later generations of rappers looked at Elvis's life and saw that through music, it is possible to change their financial status. Through music, it is possible to make it big and this idea motivated Rock and Roll to take off. For example, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and many more. This idea is still viewed upon today and still motivate many Artists to strive for success. Overall Elvis Presley made is mark on the world. In the music and movie industry. But Elvis Presley is a clever person to put his on personal touch on different pieces of music, not only to just combine them but to create history with music is an outstanding accomplishment to have.

A Evolution in Recruiting ?

In the 1900's College recruiting was a bit tricky. College college coaches were limited with technology use, they either had to send a coach to watch a player play or recieve film of a player's games. During the time period before the 1970's, some athletes would write to college coaches asking them to take a visit and watch them practice a play a game one weekend. Most of the time College coaches ask about the player's reputation. They would contact the High School that the athlete attends and asked school administrators their opinion about the athlete. But before Video tapes was invented, these were the only options for College coaches to scout a athlete.

Back in the early and middle 1900's college coaches would as look to see if an athlete won a State Championship or statistics. They would also consider what other Colleges were recruiting them, then they would take those factors into mind and decide if that was the player they want to recruit. 

But things change over time. Now since technology is more effective, Video recordings, emailing, Social   networking, facebook and more has helped athletes and coaches recruit faster and more effective. In all High School sports there are networks like ESPN, WIN Magazine (for wrestling) that have national rankings for all different sports. They contain video, highlights and statistics for the whole world to see. On youtube, alot of High School athletes post their highlight film online or they put it on a DVD disc and send it out to colleges. But when College coaches recognize a athlete that they see, they look them up. For example, In High School I am a wrestler for Wyoming Seminary College Prepatory. There is a website for National High school wrestling events that reveals me in competition.

 

 Because of this website, I have had Old Dominion, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State, University of Indiana and West Virginia University contact me. Coaches approach athletes differently now a days. Sometimes they contact the head coach of your sport or they contact you online. Some coaches use email ing or Facebook. They stay in touch with you for as long as they want. College coaches also attend sporting events like All star events. In basketball the best college recruiting event is called the ''Mcdonalds All-star game. In this game is the top basketball players from all over the country come together and compete in front of college scouts and N.B.A. scouts

Athletes such as Carmelo Anthony, John Wall, Josh Smith and other great basketball players competed in this event. In Football there are websites as well as All Star games that reveal athletes to coaches. Such as the ESPN top 150 rankings, the Army All American football game and websites that reveal athletes profiles, information and game film. 

Many athletes have took advantage of these opportunities in these all star events. For example Tim Tebow, Terell Pryor, Desean Jackson and many more have participated in this honorable event. 

Throughout the last forty years college recruiting has become easier for Coaches. But at the same time it does not guarantee them the right choice. Athletes that are recruited, do not sometimes have a happy ending. There are still struggles for coaches, not only at the College level but at the professional level also. The N.F.L. has a pratice before the draft called the ''Combine.'' All college athletes that are invited, practice in front of NFL scouts. But recruiting has overall become better because of technology.

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My Reaction to the ''Black Athlete''

Many Black athletes endure humble beginnings. They go through financial struggles throughout their entire life. So when an opportunity to make or take money, they have a hard time not accepting it. Colleges and Universities that recruit black athletes break NCAA rules by playing their players one way or another. It could be an Alumni paying the players or Agents. Throughout recent years their have been many cases in which a Black athlete is caught being recruited and being paid. The Sports that involve these cases are mostly Football and Basketball. A year ago there was a case involving Heisman Trophy winner Cam Netwon. The University of Tennessee and the University of Auburn offered Cam Newton's Father money in order to recruit him.

If Division one athletes do not accept money and their family cannot afford to send them money then what happens? Even though the athlete is on a full athletic scholarship, spending money throughout the year is hard to obtain while training all year round for a sport. In March 2010 the quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was charged with burglary. He and a fellow player stole two computers and a guitar from a fraternity house at the University of Oregon. This cost Masoli his starting position throughout spring football. He was moved to wide receiver by the coaches and thought it was not the right fit. So he transfered to the University of Ole Miss. Now his currently a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. But this incident cost Masoli his political image in College Football. He lost his Heisman Trophy contention because of this. He says actions was caused because he had little spending money and wonders if he should have asked alumni or Agents for money. He said if he would have broke the NCAA rules, he probably would have got away with it and still be at the University of Oregon. 

Masoli led Oregon to its first Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl since 2001

Another case involving the Black athlete was when Reggie Bush was forced to return his Heisman Trophy. During his football career at USC, Reggie Bush and his family received money and gifts. The running back coach was aware that this was happening but did not do anything about it. Even though he won the Heisman Trophy through the voting, and the rules that were broken did not affect his performance or the opponents he played. The NCAA board felt that the Heisman trophy is fitted for athletes who show a positive image in the college football world. He did return the trophy but the runner up in the voting did not obtain the trophy. Which was Vince Young. He wanted to start a program that helps athletes and families afford the costs of sending players to college. He said he wanted to do this to help people not make the same mistakes he did.

Many Black athletes that become professional have broken the rules of the NCAA in some way. But in their eyes, the risk is worth it because they are trying to make a living in the sport that they play. Compared to most Black Athletes backgrounds, they are highly motivated to go professional at a sport no matter what the cost might be. A lot of Black Athletes have nothing to lose but everything to gain. A movie was created called ''Blue Chips'' to demonstrate why colleges break NCAA rules in order to recruit athletes. Colleges do it in order to win. And you win with the best players on you team.

Canceling the Olympics?

The 1980 olympic games was a political event to remember. Before the 1980 olympics, politics never got invovled. During this time the Soviet Union was supporting a war in Afganistan. they sent military forces to support the Marxist government. In an effort to stop this president Carter issued a ultimatium to boycott the 1980 olymipic games. Unless the soviets pullrd thier foces out of the Middle East the the United States would not participate in the 1980 Olympic Games. Other countries got innvolved as well like Japan, West Germany, China, France, Greece, United Kingdom and the Phillipines. Throughout all of the ceremonies, the boycotted olympic games used the Olympic anthem and the Olympic flag.

The 1984 Olympic Games was also boycotted. But this time the Soviet Union started it along with 14 other Eastern countries. Iran and Libya refused to attend to the olympic games because of the tensions they have with the United States. ( Now thesecountries have boycotted the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games.) Even with these countries boycotting, 140 nations still competed in the games.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2005-04-13-brennan_x.htm