'The Black Mamba' Retires

It's sad to hear that Kobe Bryant, also known as 'The Black Mamba', is retiring after the 2015-2016 NBA season. Bryant is someone who I grew up watching and for the generation and area I grew up in, he, not Michael Jordan, is the greatest player we could have watched. How most people will react to that comment:

But as weird as it is to say, it's true. I began watching basketball in 2002, coincidentally the same year that Kobe and Shaq led the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship. At this point, even with all the highlights and statistics that surrounded Michael Jordan, I got to witness Kobe perform magic day in and day out. A literal reaction of every play Kobe made:

Michael Jordan will forever be a face in basketball as one of the most elite players and by his highlight real alone, it is something that gives me the same reaction. However, there is a certain aesthetic to watching a game at night on January 22, 2006 where a player scores 81 points. After witnessing that, you really can't question greatness. Arguments will go on and people will highlight different stat lines to show which player is better, but regardless both players just played at unbelievable heights that will remain immeasurable.
Even with all the bad publicity that Kobe gets for his off-court actions, his play on the court will never be questioned. He is having one, if not the, worst season of his career and has came to the decision of retiring at the end of this season. It was a foreseen event, but not many predicted that he would retire with so much grace and dignity.

Kobe Bryant writes a letter to basketball. Officially announces his retirement after this season. 😢 pic.twitter.com/iIe7TPJLxZ

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) November 30, 2015

Regardless of what people say, Kobe was one of the best to play the game and will go down as possibly the elite Laker to have ever played. Here is a highlight reel of Kobe's greatness (the video's a little old, but still relevant):

As always, if you want to be the real MVP like The Black Mamba and follow me on social media, all the links are down below and I hope you have a game-winning day. Or night. Whichever works for you.
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga

'Outsiders' View on Against the Current

Against the Current is a pop-rock band based in Poughkeepsie, NY and signed with Fueled By Ramen, according to Wikia. As of writing this blog, the band has 1,281,870 subscribers and has 42 uploaded videos on their YouTube page which doesn't include any videos they participated in or created through a different user. The band is mostly known for their participation in cover music, however, Against the Current has produced two albums and is on the way to creating a third under their new label. Here's their song 'Outsiders" that they recently released.

Now that the facts are stated, let's talk about how amazing this band is. I've had the pleasant opportunity to see this band three times while they toured and under every obstacle they went through, they were amazing. Whether sick, tired from tour or bad weather conditions, the band had performed well. 

The most recent performance I was fortunate enough to see was in Orlando at The Social on Nov. 15. Chrissy Costanza, lead vocalist and songwriter of Against the Current, had basically lost her voice. Now I'm no professional musician, but I think it's pretty hard to sing without a voice. Even with that, she still put on an amazing performance by performing an acoustic performance for the VIP (while wearing an Odell Beckham, Jr. jersey which is one of the best wide receivers, just saying), an hour long performance and then an encore performance while taking pictures and meeting fans. Needless to say, Chrissy Costanza is amazing, as is the band Against the Current.
I think an important thing to remember is that performers realize that it's not always about the sound of the performance. People can listen to and blast music of their liking on a speaker and not worry about paying fees and prices to go to a venue to enjoy a performer. The experience is created by the artist performing and even with a sore throat, the band was able to push through the obstacle and still keep the audience entertained. Chrissy Costanza came into the audience at one point and sang 'Gravity', one of the songs off their latest albums, with the crowd swarmed around her. The band's drummer Will Ferri also made jokes and kept the performance lighthearted and kept audience engagement at a high. Against the Current used the sore throat as more of a reason to keep the audience engaged by asking the crowd to sing along to every song they performed.
Against the Current is not just a pop-rock band, but a band that stands for an amazing cause. They broadcast a message that it's okay to be weird and it's okay to be an outsider and for the young demographic that they appeal to, it's an important message that they support. Regardless of whether you like the music they perform, individuals should respect the message they provide.
If you like Against the Current, follow them at @againstthecurrentny on all social media including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and @ATC_band on Twitter.
As always, if you want to follow me on social media, all links are down below and I hope you have a wonderful day.
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga

Not Your Ordinary Office

The Office. Why talk about a show that aired its finale May 16, 2013? Obviously:

The Office is possibly one of the greatest shows of all time for those who love dry and awkward humor. Though this isn't my number one favorite show of all time, it is one I have recently finished and has rose to being in my favorites. The show has made me laugh more than I can remember and most of that laughing was by out loud by myself which is how I realized how good it really was. Full of awkward references and inappropriate humor, The Office finds varieties of ways to make the audience laugh. Literally my face the whole time watching the office.

Double chin and all too. Aside from all the jokes, gifs and memes provided by the show, The Office also provided emotions and inspiring messages for viewers. The Office showed that even in a mundane situation like working at a paper company in a middle-of-nowhere town like Scranton, people still find situations to live life to its fullest whether that be chasing a girl out of the hellish friendzone and starting a new company like Jim, working to be manager like Dwight or having multiple affairs like Stanley. People were able to live life as if there were infinite possibilities and I believe that is an inspiring theme. People in most TV shows are portrayed in populous cities with changing environments, but at The Office, it found ways to stay entertaining for eight years.
In a sense, The Office is a message to its viewers and says that anything is possible. Each individual is completely capable of changing his or her daily mentality for the better and moving on and creating a life that he or she wants. Things are not necessarily limited to what you have and what you make out of it is completely up to you. You just have to get on top of it.

Had to. Just once.
The Office will forever be an inspirational show with awkward comedy and dry humor.
Here's a compilation of best quotes from The Office because I miss it and I loved this:

I've learned to enjoy what I have and I hope that to the few of you who actually decide to read this, you will also watch this show and it makes you feel half the amount that I did. And I appreciate the few of you who read this.

Follow me on social media!
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga

My Overdue About Me Page

There's a multitude of stories in my life and things that have happened, but I guess I'll touch base on why I began this blog. It's a grade, obviously.

I did start this originally because it was a grade, but I began that class because I wanted to graduate with a degree in communications.
For reasons I never understood, I always had a strong interest in helping people and influencing how people think. I hope to change other's opinions mindset to optimistic points of view even when mine may not be as optimistic. Media has to be one of the largest contributors to how people view the world and it made me want to be involved to help more individuals. In today's day and age, there is a large variety of entertainment that is written off because people refuse to broaden how he or she thinks about the
The thing that most people don't understand is that there isn't always just negativity to things. Genres like hip hop and shows that talk about content that may be portrayed as "obscene" are actually really informative and usually portray a deeper meaning. The first post on music on here was about J Cole and it has to be one of the most inspirational albums ever  created (2014 Forest Hills Drive) because it outlines his whole career and how it made him into who he is today. It's sad to say that the album, though it does contain a lot of explicit language and visual imagery, is written off without even listening to the actual meaning behind the lyrics.
I've come to an understanding that I'm really not the type of person to be outward and go on crusades to broadcast messages or opinions that I have. I'm more of the kind of person that listens to people, thinks about what they say and interpret it in a panoramic kind of way for all audiences within reach. Boom, full circle using the blog name.
By the way, my name is Christopher Allen Mayuga. I go by Christopher, Chris, Allen or the Man of Every Woman's Dreams. All the same person.

Follow me on social media!
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga

Google Maps Project for Class

This is but one of the programs available to people through Google. Google allows for people to create a map and put specific markers on the map in order to signify different places. Whether it be showing open pools for the public, giving people places to eat or recognizing fun spots to go in the city, this function in Google is spectacular for marking the map.

Explore Jax Through the Eyes of College Students

This is an interactive map of Jacksonville that has been altered by UNF students. Students have left comments and opinions on places and gave descriptions of each. These are authentic reviews of areas so explore new places today!

Big Sean Swoopin' In

To start, those of you who don't go to UNF and attend/attended/plan to attend a less significant university, "swoopin'" is slang used by UNF students to signify that someone is coming and sometimes even used during dead silence.

Big Sean came to UNF and he was pretty spectacular. In some more "the more you know, but probably already know" news, Big Sean is not that big.
The opening act was Asher Roth and he performed "I Love College" and that's the only relevant news surrounding his act. He did connect with the crowd at one point that was there and began his concert by running to the stage from the audience, but the majority of the audience (including myself) only showed up for Big Sean.
The concert was held outdoors and the weather was perfect even with the amount of heat drawn from the crowd. The large area made it easy to locate friends (even in the pitch dark) and also made it easy to socialize at the beginning of the concert. It was available to UNF students for free and $15 for non-UNF students and sold out. There was also a beer stand available for 21 years or older people.
Now to the actual concert:
Big Sean performed how most performers do in my experience: "hype" material, new material and old material. His hype material was him free styling over one of his instrumentals in order to catch the audience off guard and get them excited for a great concert. He then progressed to new material to present an "underground" sneak peek to his upcoming product to possibly bring in new followers. To end the concert, Big Sean played his newest songs like "I Don't (profanity) With You", "Guap", "Clique", "My Last" and "One Man Can Change The World". The live performance of these songs were definitely the pinnacle of the concert and were relatable to all audiences even if they weren't familiar with the songs.
Big Sean also discussed his background and gave commentary as to why his songs were written by speaking of stories relating to his grandmother, past struggles and individuals who have came and gone through his life to encourage him. He related to an audience who has had their fair share of struggles throughout college and represented perseverance and success.

Big Sean, though he does have his moments of profanity, was mostly a positive role model for the crowd. Also, on another note, if you don't like Big Sean then, to quote the man of the hour, I DON'T **** WITH YOU!
But if you do **** with me, follow me on social media!
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Allen Mayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga

#BallIsLife

BASKETBALL (pre) SEASON IS BACK!!! See how diverse I can get with sports? Going from football to basketball in a matter of weeks. And if you remember how I said I was in three fantasy football leagues and that I should focus more on football, I'll have you know fantasy football is going great! I know what you're thinking: "Dude, teams that are 1-2 don't make the playoffs, let alone make the championship." The Seahawks are 1-2 (as of right now) and they won the championship sooooo FACE.

Anyways, that's why I'm on basketball now. According to an article on Sporteology, basketball is the third major sport played in the world after cricket and soccer. Being Filipino, I grew up playing basketball and it was something I kept up with frequently. I ask here that you do not judge how Filipino's play basketball based off Manny Pacquiao. His hair actually just gets in his eyes when he plays. With a headband, he's a lot better.
The NBA is something that is definitely worth watching. In my freshman year of college, during NBA playoffs it gave a nice point of reference to talk about whenever I saw another student watching the game in the TV room, playing 2k14 or wearing a jersey representing their favorite team. With it being such a world renowned sport I was actually to talk to some people who were foreign and it would be difficult to communicate, but having an easier point of reference made the language barrier less of a challenge. For future reference, if a person is wearing a jersey that isn't a Knicks jersey, then you probably shouldn't associate yourself with said individual. Just saying.
Not only does it give a strong point of reference when talking to someone new, but it gives you a new sport to try and enjoy. When you see people like Blake Griffin or Stephen Curry do the things they do in basketball, it makes you want to go out, practice and work on playing like them. Granted, I can barely touch the rim and can't shoot to save my life, it's fun to play with friends.
Though there isn't much to say now on NBA basketball because it's preseason, expect more to come and keep up with the sport because it is worth watching. Like most media-entertainment based activities, it is a healthy distraction from reality and gives the audience something to look forward to, something to get excited about and something to learn from. For example, you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, but that doesn't mean you have to be cocky about the ones you do take.

Follow me on social media and the GIF changes so Swaggy P makes the shot!
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga 
Just kidding, Swaggy P missed because that shot was against the Knicks.

Cruising Through Forest Hills Drive

I would like to begin with the disclaimer that J. Cole's album is quite explicit so keep that in mind while reading this.


2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kBRdjM9CmI.
In terms of rap music, J. Cole establishes a perfect balance between provocative rap music and thought-provoking rap music. His ability to use his life story to relate to his listeners was incredible and the instrumental tracks were key to gain a large audience.
The concept of time with music varies and even though it is 2015, this album released in December, 2014 is a timeless album that can be played over and over again. As an avid listener to music, I enjoyed the album so much that I had it on repeat for a two-hour car ride and it was entertaining the whole way. The lyrics are relatable to an older audience who has experienced tough times and is reflecting on life and being in college, the struggle gets real and I could completely understand J. Cole in these albums and his past reflections on life. '03 Adolescence (Track 4) is a song about graduating and thinking about how to progress through life and current struggles and it's a concept that most people can relate to. Apparently (Track 11) is a song that gives a personal acknowledgement to his mother and the acknowledgement can be interchangeable between any person the listener thinks is always there for him or her. The song that usually connects to the generation is No Role Modelz (Track 9). This song presents a rebellious, aggressive lyrical usage with a nice beat to connect with an audience who knows the struggle of feeling alone and doing things by yourself. Even though I grew up as a kid from the suburbs with parents who were always there to support me I'd be lying in saying that I didn't feel a connection to this song. Everyone feels weight on their shoulders at one point and this song keys in on that feeling.
Listening to J. Cole's album like:

This gif is a literal representation of how I was listening to the lyrics of J. Cole's album.
The album as a whole is a masterpiece. There is no other way to describe the album because it is a genius work of art that J. Cole created as a memoir of his life and as he gets older, only better things will come with his new experiences in the music industry. If you haven't heard the album, it's worth listening to even though you're basically living under a rock because it's a year and you're late.
Follow me on social media because who isn't addicted to social media and want more followers?
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Allen Mayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga

Heroes Give Hope

Whether a person looks up to an athlete, comic book character, writer or any person, there isn't an age limit on when he or she stops appreciating that person. Focusing on the comic books and animated series, characters in that genre represent hopes, dreams and ambitions. In a created world, there are no limits to the things that characters can do. Writers and animators can change facts and manipulate variables in order to mold the world into whatever he or she wants and it shows people that there are endless possibilities to what they can do.

Okay, maybe not endless possibilities.
Iron Man embodied the concept of endless potential to me while growing up. To a kid, an extraordinarily intelligent, witty guy who owns a suit that shoots missiles and lasers is the basic definition of a role model. Look up examples of role models in the dictionary and you'll most likely see this picture of Tony Stark.

At a later age around 14 or 15, I learned that Iron Man was a man who had shrapnel in his chest and kept himself alive with the arc reactor that he built himself. This fact alone made me question what I was doing with my life. Imagine a 14-year-old kid reading an article on Iron Man while eating a bowl of soup. Imagine that kid reading the fact about the shrapnel and then being so stunned that he drops his spoon into the soup. The kid then realizes that a guy survived with shrapnel in his chest and that if Tony Stark can accomplish that feat, he can surely grab his spoon out the soup. Needless to say, I was that kid with first-degree burns on my hands and I haven't looked back.
The moral of the story is that heroes give hope. Heroes shed light on the fact that people can do anything if they set their mind to it and pursue their goals firmly. Regardless of how many times Iron Man's suit was destroyed by the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 (great movie), he continually finds ways until he can defeat his enemies and I believe that is the message that animated heroes send to their audiences.
The second moral of the story is that Iron Man is cool and I got to meet a cool imitation of him on the street and now you're slightly jealous.

Iron Man by Christopher Allen Mayuga is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Thanks for reading! Follow me below! Or not. Your choice. But Iron Man and I are pretty tight so if you follow me, there's a chance Iron Man will follow you.
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Twitter: @camayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Allen Mayuga

There's very little chance Iron Man will follow you if you follow me.

Panoramic on American Football

#FOOTBALLSUNDAY baby!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NSb94Dgc7l

— Josh Hern (@mr_joshhern) September 13, 2015

With the 2015 NFL season underway, it only felt appropriate that it be the first thing discussed on an entertainment based blog.
I should begin by stating that football has made a huge contribution in my life from both my physical, mental and social well-being. Whether people play or watch football, the sport is a communal activity and allows for social interaction between multiple members of that audience. It is a stress reliever from every day life and gives people a moment to focus on something else in order to take a minute and step back from reality. Unfortunately, if you live in a city that has had it's moments of depression like Jacksonville, sometimes focusing on your real life instead of football isn't so bad. Did I say "moments of depression"? I meant to say seasons. Pretty unfortunate... Anyways, football gives a community a common point of discussion and healthy rivalry between one another.

Jaguars fans pic.twitter.com/9kvZhslWgP

— CAR Panthers News (@CarPanthersNews) September 13, 2015

Sometimes competition gets the better of us...Sad game.
Football brings people together just like any form of entertainment. Regardless of who watches the game, people will view it differently and people will be able to debate it openly which opens up perfect discussion topics between individuals.
The sport is actually so popular that it took competition a step pass just the game and team rivalry and has moved to Fantasy Football where people choose individual players and draft from there. It creates healthy competition between people and goes into more depth on the sport creating more things to discuss on the topic. For some, it even becomes life.



I'm not proud of it, but I'm pretty sure I would get the "traitor" tag. Can you really blame me though? I think the Jaguars will forgive me once they know that the Carolina Panthers Defense earned 22 points for me.
All in all, football, like all entertainment, gives a healthy distraction from reality that a person can't really put a value on unlike Carson Palmer, who had 25 points for my fantasy team. As the season progresses, check out my disappointment via my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook all linked down below.
Twitter: @camayuga
Instagram: @christophermayuga
Facebook: Christopher Allen Mayuga
LinkedIn: Christopher Mayuga https://d157rqmxrxj6ey.cloudfront.net/christophermayuga/8967