markogbugofl

[markogbugofl]

Why Cloud Computing is Crucial for the Future

  Although cloud computing has been around for several years, organizations are slowly realizing the true power of these technologies. For the next couple of decades, cloud computing is destined to be the future, shaping the way societies grow.

Assists artificial intelligence

Every organization is leveraging artificial intelligence due to the immense benefits that come with this technology. AI has made its way into smartphones, software, and other types of devices – an indicator of the popularity of this technology.

However, the problem with data sets captured by these devices is that they lack a definite structure. As a result, going through these immense volumes of information takes a lot of time due to a lack of processing capabilities. As a result, the AI isn’t as effective as it can be, which causes a severe bottleneck in its performance. Cloud technology makes life easier for devices.

Manage large volumes of data

With the help of cloud computing services, it is becoming easier to store and manage large amounts of data. As the world is moving to an arena that’s connected digitally, the size of the data files continues to increase. At the same time, the technology to support these large data sets will continue to evolve.

Framework for digital infrastructure

One of the many signs that indicate why cloud computing is the future is how it would lay the groundwork for digital infrastructure for smart cities. They will use a myriad of intelligent technologies, such as drone taxis, driverless cars, intelligent elevators, power plants, and parking lots.

To drive these technologies, it is vital they have access to cloud computing services. As a result, they will be able to store and analyze data. Over time, the information available to these innovations will make the world a much safer place.

Cloud computing is the future because of how it is predicted to drive technologies which become mainstream in the future. Over time, it will become an integral part of society.

from Mark Ogbugo Florida | Tech http://markogbugo.com/why-cloud-computing-is-crucial-for-the-future/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

Why Blues Musicians Use Pseudonyms 

  At a time when blues music was only just beginning to leave strong narks across America, some musicians decided that using fake names was better than feeling blue about lost revenue. Before music piracy was a major problem for the music industry, there was a time when blues musicians hardly made any money after signing contracts with labels. They could put in hours of hard work and then walk away with nothing more than $100 in their pockets. 

Music labels have always been known to take the larger cut of the revenue made through music, but some blues musicians found out that making your own music has its own advantages. 

The Many Names of John Lee Hooker 

One of the most well-known blues musicians who took on multiple pseudonyms throughout his career was John Lee Hooker. Famed for hits like ‘Boogie Chillen’ released in 1949 and ‘I’m in the Mood’ about two years from then, John Lee Hooker didn’t even try to hide who he was. Two of his alternate names include John Lee Cooker and John Lee Booker. 

An Artist by any other Name is still the same Artist

Musicians using a fake name to hide from their companies but not necessarily from their fans have even created quite a few chuckles in the music community. Junior Wells, signed to Delmark, once collaborated with Buddy Guy, who was signed to Chess at the time. However, Buddy Guy appeared as ‘Friendly Chap’ in the album to evade Chess. 

Pseudonyms and Remembering ‘Who Were They’

In an era when almost everyone had an alias, many names have been lost in history. Some other names, like the legendary BB King and Muddy Waters took on lives of their own. 

John White was a bluesman and civil rights activist who took on different pseudonyms for his gospel and raunchy music. Once he got blacklisted for using politically-inspired lyrics in the 1950s, he started using his real name instead. 

The world today remembers many names belonging to blues artists. Sometimes, many of those belong to the same person, while at other times it is impossible to trace the music back to the original creator. 

from Mark Ogbugo | Music http://markogbugofl.com/why-blues-musicians-use-pseudonyms/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

What’s The Difference Between Automation and AI?

Research has been conducted on how many jobs would be lost to automation by 2030, and the results aren’t quite promising. In fact, up to 800 million jobs might be lost to automation by that time. While this is the most extreme scenario, it does paint a very real picture of the future. There’s no doubt that technology is on course to do work that many humans perform today.

The terms ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘automation’ are often used in the same context when speaking about the future. However, they don’t mean the same things. In fact, they’re actually quite different from each other. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Automation

Automation is great news for businesses. Automation means that manual, mundane administrative tasks which suck up valuable hours can be delegated to software or machines. This gives human employees time to focus on the work of a higher quality.

The benefits of automation are too good to ignore. Better working conditions, employee engagement, and improving the bottom line by cutting costs are some of its tantalizing advantages.

Artificial Intelligence

Things get quite interesting when it comes to AI. It’s such an interesting topic that the top minds of our time have expressed their views on it. Stephen Hawking said it would potentially be humanity’s worst mistake, while Elon Musk called AI humanity’s biggest existential threat.

AI is designed in such a way so as to mimic human intelligence with limitless potential for growth. The thing that scientists worry about is that AI has the potential to outgrow human intelligence by as much as how well our knowledge surpasses that of an ant’s. Humans are the most intelligent species on Earth, which makes it hard for us to imagine a world where we aren’t in control.

Businesses around the world are investing billions of dollars into AI because they believe the long-term benefits are worth the cost of investment. If you look around, there’s plenty more to differentiate AI from Automation.

from Mark Ogbugo Florida | Tech http://markogbugo.com/whats-the-difference-between-automation-and-ai/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

Top Albums To Listen To For an Introduction to The Blues 

  An introduction to the blues is nothing short of an education! Finding the top albums to listen to for an ‘introduction to blues’ can seem overwhelming. 

For the new initiates who are finding their way through acoustic Piedmont blues, Chicago blues, or Texas Blues, here is a list of the top albums, in no particular order.

Buddy Guy “I was walking through the woods” (Chess Records, 1970)

Starting with the blues guitar legend, Buddy Guy recorded for Chess Records as a session player. He added his talents to other artist recordings. While he barely tasted commercial success while being associated with Chess, this album with ten singles is where it all began. 

Howlin’ Wolf “Moaning in the Moonlight” (Chess Record, 1962)

Moaning in the Moonlight is the first album compiled by Chester Burnett aka Wolf. It contains the complete list of singles recorded between 1951 and ’59 and is a compilation of one of his finest work with legends such as Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, and Willie Dixon

B.B King “The Ultimate Collection” (2005)

A man who needs no introduction is B.B King. A magician with his strumming skills and velvet voice, BB King is one of the most successful bluesmen. The Ultimate Collection is a compilation of his greatest all-time hits with tracks such as “The thrill is gone” and “When love comes to town.”

Muddy Waters “Hard Again” (Blue Sky records, 1977)

One of the visionaries who laid the foundation for R&B is McKinley Morganfield aka Muddy Waters with his electric Blues influence.  Hard Again was his 12th studio album featuring tracks such as “Mannish Boy” and “I can’t be satisfied.” Music critics call this album pure remarkable, which won the Grammy a year later in the category “Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording.”

“Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry Sing” (Smithsonian Folkways, 1958)

There is no better way to end than with the most popular duo in Piedmont blues- guitarist Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry on the harp. Folk blues’ popularity in the 1960s is credited to this virtuoso duo. 

from Mark Ogbugo | Music http://markogbugofl.com/top-albums-to-listen-to-for-an-introduction-to-the-blues/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

Differences Between AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are a trend in every industry. This means that many organizations want to hop on to the bandwagon and implement these technologies into their business. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about these terminologies.

Before businesses start to implement AI and machine learning in their operations, they must understand these terms.

AI and Machine Learning – What’s the difference?

AI refers to the engineering and science involved in creating computers which behave as though they possess human intelligence. In other words, they have the ability to adapt to the situation.

On the other hand, machine learning refers to studying computer algorithms, which in turn provides programs with the necessary data to improve. It involves working with various sizes of data sets and analyzing and comparing information to discover patterns. To put it in simpler terms, it is the process of mimicking the way humans learn.

Some of the most common examples of AI are Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, which are three smart assistants available to the public. Similarly, YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix use the power of machine learning to empower their prediction systems.

AI requires machine learning to optimize the decisions it makes regularly. It is similar to the way humans learn to make necessary choices after observing their environment.

Machine learning – How does it work?

Machine learning makes use of neural networks or large datasets to calculate the outcome of various situations. In most cases, machine learning needs the supervision of humans to do most of the hard work.

There is also unsupervised machine learning used for descriptive modeling and pattern detection. In these situations, there are no label or output categories on the data fed to computers.

The third type is known as reinforced machine learning, where the computer either minimizes the risk or maximizes the reward. It does so by observing its interactions with the environment, allowing it to take the necessary action.

Companies will continue to use AI and machine learning in various processes because of the countless benefits that come with these technologies!

from Mark Ogbugo Florida | Tech http://markogbugo.com/differences-between-ai-and-machine-learning/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

How Gospel Influenced R&B

  Gospel music’s contribution to R&B as well as soul music is a defining feature that birthed the rhythm n’ beats music we know today. 

Legendary singer Sam Cooke was the first gospel musician to turn to secular music. The influence of Sam Cooke in R&B music is so profound that a whole generation of soul musicians claim to take inspiration from him. How did Sam Cook transition from his Gospel days to R&B?

Sam Cooke and the turn to the Secular 

Also known as ‘Southern Gospel,’ thanks to where the music gained such popularity, many artists were touring the countryside, singing in churches and duking it out in gospel battles to see which was the superior band. 

The three top gospel quartets were The Pilgrim Travelers, The Soul Stirrers, and The Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Cooke used to sing in gospel choirs from his childhood. By his teenage years, he was singing with the Highway QC. This is where he gained the attention of JW Alexander of The Pilgrim Travelers. 

Initially, Cooke started out as a pale imitation of Harris, but once he found his voice, he was one of the most powerful and resonant with the masses. 

Secular Music is ‘Devil’s Music’: Sam Cooke’s Turn to Mainstream 

Singing at a time when secular music was primarily considered not Christian, Sam Cooke used the name Dale Cook to release Lovable. In 1957, he used his own name to release You Send Me. 

He would then go on to start his own record label and release at least 29 Top 40s hits in his life. He was also one of the most prominent musicians to perform gospel music taboo by taking influences from jazz and blues music in his work. 

A Legacy in Secular Music 

Big names such as Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin also combine influences from other musical styles to showcase their talent. The endurance of this flexible approach to music can be tested even today. Big names such as The Sound of Blackness and Take 6 all continue to perform soul music in a similar approach.

from Mark Ogbugo | Music http://markogbugofl.com/how-gospel-influenced-rb/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 209: 4 Secrets for Jazz Improv Success

Welcome to episode 209 of the LJS Podcast where today I talk about 4 secrets for jazz improv success. I find that jazz is often overcomplicated, so in this episode, I do my best to simplify with these 4 secrets so that you can have a great path forward and a good idea of what to work on to make the most progress in the shortest amount of time.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode209 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 209: 4 Secrets for Jazz Improv Success appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/jazz-tips-and-advice/ljs-209-4-secrets-for-jazz-improv-success/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 208: Making Good Musical Decisions Through Effective Practice (feat. Dani Rabin of Marbin)

Welcome to episode 208 of the LJS Podcast where today I have on special guest Dani Rabin from the prog jazz-rock band Marbin. Dani is not only a phenominal musician, but a great musical mind and educator. We discuss his philosophy on learning jazz improvisation, and effective strategies to practice towards making great musical decisions when improvising.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode208 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 208: Making Good Musical Decisions Through Effective Practice (feat. Dani Rabin of Marbin) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/play-better-jazz-solos/ljs-208-making-good-musical-decisions-through-effective-practice-feat-dani-rabin-of-marbin/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 207: 3 Strategies for Melodic Improv on Jazz Standards

Welcome to episode 207 of the LJS Podcast where today I demonstrate three strategies you can practice to help you develop more melodic jazz solos. Often, we are tempted to jump straight to bebop lines and complex theory applications when improvising. But simple melodies are often skipped, and therefore missing an important aspect of making meaningful solos. Learn how to start practicing this.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode207 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 207: 3 Strategies for Melodic Improv on Jazz Standards appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/play-better-jazz-solos/ljs-207-3-strategies-for-melodic-improv-on-jazz-standards/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 206: Jazz Improvisation Made Simple (A Preview Reading of My New Book)

Welcome to episode 206 of the LJS Podcast where today I have a special podcast episode planned. My new book, "Jazz Improvisation Made Simple" is launching on Amazon on March 8, 2020. The Kindle eBook version is now available for pre-order and to celebrate, I do a reading of the Introduction and first chapter of the book. I know you'll enjoy this.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode206 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 206: Jazz Improvisation Made Simple (A Preview Reading of My New Book) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/jazz-tips-and-advice/ljs-206-jazz-improvisation-made-simple-a-preview-reading-of-my-new-book/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

What is Cloud Computing?

Computing services such as storage, databases, and servers on-demand are known as cloud computing, or simply the cloud. In other words, it involves the use of software and hardware to provide various types of services over a network, such as the Internet. Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS are some common examples of cloud services used by businesses all over the world.

Why is everyone moving towards cloud computing?

These days, every organization is moving towards cloud-based models since they are the future. One of the primary reasons why businesses prefer cloud computing over traditional models is the ease of access. Employees can access corporate data using a variety of devices such as smartphones and tablets. As a result, companies can ensure every team member is aware of the latest developments, irrespective of their location. In other words, businesses can overcome hardware limitations with this technology.

Another area where cloud computing makes a significant difference is in collaboration. With the help of this technology, team members can take a look at and share all kinds of information on the same platform.

One of the most significant benefits of cloud computing is how easy it makes for businesses to recover data in the event of a disaster. Any downtime can have a negative impact on businesses by hugely affecting their operations, which in turn targets their revenue.

Different types of cloud computing

A private cloud consists of services, applications, storage, and files which come under corporate control. Companies have the option of using their data center located within the premises of the organization. They can also hire a third-party vendor to provide these services.

Public cloud constitutes the standard framework such as services, applications, storage, and files which the public can use. They can access public cloud computing via the internet – the most popular network for accessing these types of technology.

For several years to come, businesses will continue to use cloud computing services as they provide a myriad of benefits.

from Mark Ogbugo Florida | Tech http://markogbugo.com/what-is-cloud-computing/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

What is Jazz Music?

Jazz is an exciting genre and the kind of music where improvisation is key. Most jazz performances include a solo of some sort which a player makes up on the spot. As you might expect, this isn’t easy and requires a lot of skill.

While there is plenty of variety in jazz, most tunes tend to be rhythmic. If you look into it, most jazz has a forward momentum called a swing and uses bent or blue notes. If you look a bit deeper into the genre, you’ll hear call-and-response patterns in jazz. Call-and-response patterns are when an instrument, voice, or part of the band answers another instrument, voice, or part of the band.

Plenty of different emotions, such as pain and joy, may be expressed in jazz. You can hear the sounds of freedom because jazz was and is a voice for people who suffered and are suffering from racism.

A jazz musician finds his/her own style and sounds very high up on the list of priorities in jazz. This results in two jazz musicians sounding very different from each other. For example, Miles Davis, a trumpeter, sounds noticeably different from another famous trumpeter, Louis Armstrong. Because jazz musicians like to play their songs in their own distinct styles, you might listen to many different jazz recordings of the same song where each version sounds different.

If you had to talk about jazz, a great way of describing it would be to say that it’s about freedom as well as making something familiar into something fresh. This is why many people consider jazz to be America’s classical music.

The roots of jazz can be traced back to the early 20th century. New Orleans, near the mouth of the Mississippi river, played a crucial role in jazz’s development. This is because the city’s population was much more diverse than anywhere else in the Southern United States.

Jazz has an illustrious history and is a beautiful type of music. People who value individuality and creativity will love jazz.

from Mark Ogbugo | Music http://markogbugofl.com/what-is-jazz-music/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 205: Learning from the Greats and Embracing the Joy of Musical Growth (feat. Shirely Jansen)

Welcome to episode 205 of the LJS Podcast where today I have special guest and 30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing alumni, Shirley Jansen on the show. Shirley is a tenor saxophone player who exudes the joy of musical growth. She shares what has been working for her in her jazz playing, the power of learning solos from the jazz greats, and how community is helping her grow.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode205 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 205: Learning from the Greats and Embracing the Joy of Musical Growth (feat. Shirely Jansen) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/get-help-with-practicing-jazz/ljs-205-learning-from-the-greats-and-embracing-the-joy-of-musical-growth-feat-shirely-jansen/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 204: How to Prepare for Jam Sessions and Group Playing (feat. Diego Maldonado and Wallace Stelzer)

Welcome to episode 204 of the LJS Podcast where today I have professional jazz musicians Diego Maldonado and Wallace Stelzer on the show to talk all about preparing to play live with other people. One of the top musical goals I hear among the LJS Community is to be able to play with other musicians, whether that be at the local jazz jam or with some friends. In this episode we discuss what you need to do to prepare, and how to know when you are ready.

View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode204 Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/

The post LJS 204: How to Prepare for Jam Sessions and Group Playing (feat. Diego Maldonado and Wallace Stelzer) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/get-help-with-practicing-jazz/ljs-204-how-to-prepare-for-jam-sessions-and-group-playing-feat-diego-maldonado-and-wallace-stelzer/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 203: Practicing with a Plan and Crushing Musical Weaknesses (feat Bob Petix)

The post LJS 203: Practicing with a Plan and Crushing Musical Weaknesses (feat Bob Petix) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/get-help-with-practicing-jazz/ljs-203-practicing-with-a-plan-and-crushing-musical-weaknesses-feat-bob-petix/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

LJS 202: How to Overcome Negative Self-Criticism and Start Loving Your Playing

The post LJS 202: How to Overcome Negative Self-Criticism and Start Loving Your Playing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

from Blog – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/ljs-podcast/jazz-tips-and-advice/ljs-202-how-to-overcome-negative-self-criticism-and-start-loving-your-playing/ via IFTTT

[markogbugofl]

What is Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain technology created the backbone of the internet by allowing digital information to be distributed and not copied. The technology was originally created for the digital currency known as Bitcoin but has since been used for other things by the tech community. Blockchain is an incredibly useful invention. The person behind this technology is Satoshi Nakamoto. It has now morphed into something greater than its inventor ever dreamed of.

So what is Blockchain technology?

Blockchain is a time-sensitive series of frozen records of data managed by lots of computers which aren’t owned by any single entity. Each of these blocks of data is kept secure and linked to each other using cryptographic principles.

The thing that makes it so unique is that the Blockchain network has no central authority, which makes it the same as a democratic system. Blockchain is a ledger which is shared and immutable, which means that the information in it is open for all to take a look at. In short, everything that is built on Blockchain is transparent, which results in everyone who is involved being accountable for their actions.

How does Blockchain work?

Blockchain has an infrastructure cost but doesn’t have any transaction cost. It’s a simple and ingenious way of passing information from A to B in a fully automated and safe way. A transaction begins when one party creates a block which starts the entire process. The block is then verified and checked by thousands of computers across the internet. After being checked, the verified block is added to a chain. This chain is kept safe on the net and creates a unique record with a unique history. If a single record is falsified, an entire chain of millions of instances would be falsified, which is virtually impossible. This model can be used in a variety of ways. A well-known example is Bitcoin.

There’s plenty more to know if you’d like to learn about Blockchain. This is just a brief overview of the technology.

from Mark Ogbugo Florida | Tech http://markogbugo.com/what-is-blockchain-technology/ via IFTTT