The Dubs no longer look like favorites

For the first time under Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors have lost four games in a row. You read that right. Ever since the much-publicized spat between the Dubs’ scoring machine, Kevin Durant, and their inspirational and passionate stalwart, Draymond Green, it seemed like the team was in disarray.

No less than head coach, Steve Kerr confirmed this going on the record to say that the Dubs are facing a hurdle unlike any other they’ve faced these past two seasons.

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And with two-time MVP, and greatest shooter in the game today, Steph Curry out with an injury, they no longer look like favorites.

Dubs management has also decided to “rest” the extremely volatile Draymond Green, with rumors of an impending trade once all-star center acquisition DeMarcus Cousins suits up in January. This of course is just a rumor. However, if it turns out to be true, then the Dubs will be in terribly hot water since Green is their do-it-all guy, someone who defends, scores, rebounds, and ignites passions.

Probably, what the team needs now is one true leader, much like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in the past—a player who can unite everyone, even those with intense dislike for each other. But then again, the game is different now. And if there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that ego trumps just about anything. It was the absence of ego that led the Dubs to three championships in the past four years. They need to remember that.

I’m Alton Ingram, sport fanatic. I also love rock music. For more about me and what I do, subscribe to this Twitter page.

Rock music: A historical overview

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Rock is one of the most popular genres in all of music, appealing to the masses for its fire and unpredictability.  However, rock didn’t come from just one source.  Like many other genres of music, it has been molded and has evolved throughout the years.  Today, there are dozens of branches from the main category of rock, such as alternative, hard, classic, blues, and metal. 

There are a number of identifying factors of rock.  It is louder than other forms of music, with electric guitar riffs, toe-tapping basslines, and dynamic drum-led rhythms leading the way. 

In its infancy, rock was called “rock and roll.”  Musicians such as Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley have been credited as the progenitors of the genre, who would later go on to influence bands across the Atlantic.  The Rolling Stones were one such band.

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In the ‘60s, the Stones and the Beatles competed for rock supremacy in the United Kingdom, with the Beatles churning out more fan-friendly tunes that kept everyone singing and dancing, while the Rolling Stones performed harder, angrier songs.  Both bands showed just how rock music could be considered music, as the changing times would signify.

In the ‘70s, bands such as Led Zepellin, Queen, and Pink Floyd all made a name for themselves.  Led Zep was heavy and dark in their songwriting, while Queen and Pink Floyd influenced other bands with complex arrangements, for different ends.  Pink Floyd was more psychedelic.  Queen was more pop-ish. 

These were the bands that set the foundation for rock music in the decades to come.

Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram, a lover of everything in rock music. For similar reads, check out this blog.

Top reasons to study engineering

Engineering can lead the way to a whole array of career prospects in a wide range of industries. But it’s not just about getting top salaries or the prestige of an engineering title; here are some top reasons to choose an engineering degree at the university today. 

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Transferrable skills 

An education anchored on education gives young people exposure to different technical subjects as well as skill sets. Here they will develop skills that can be applied to most industries, including decision-making, a spirit of innovation, project management, problem solving, and teamwork. 

Ability to change the world 

This might seem like a tall order, but through engineering – building bridges and infrastructure, doing complex computer and tech work, and building new modern vehicles – one can contribute in creating something new, different, and potentially life-changing for the world. 

International competencies 

Engineering teaches knowledge and skills that can be applied in any country or culture in the world. Combine this with the knowledge of a foreign language and an engineer can do more in the global arena. 

Elevating professional success 

Engineers tend to do better in their chosen careers and sector because of their decision-making abilities as well as logical thinking and critical analysis, to name a few. They also tend to be good managers, so much so that engineering is the most common undergraduate degree in Fortune 500 CEOs. 

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Alton Ingram is a university student taking up civil engineering. He is proficient in mathematics, especially in statistics, which he applies rigorously in both engineering exams and fantasy sports. Learn more about his interests on this page.

Set Design: Behind The Scenes Of Your Favorite Tv Shows

How you ever been so immersed in your favorite TV shows that you actually thought you were part of the scene? Yes, a huge part of that is due to the set design. Production and set designers make it a point to create sets that draw audiences in. 

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Take for example HBO’s mega-hit, “Game of Thrones.” If we were to depict the interiors of the houses and castles accurately, it wouldn’t be as appealing. There would be very little to no lighting and viewers would barely see the medieval fixtures. But somehow, set designers have managed to create interiors that have natural light as well as interior lighting to illuminate a great deal of a room or chamber, so much so, that we can see things clearly even if the setting is in the evening. 

Sitcoms such as “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory” on the other hand, have sets that are designed to make viewers feel like part of the group. The living rooms and bedrooms are cozier and more spacious than how ordinary apartments in real-world locations would be. And check out their blocking in the scenes; they more often than not leave a space unoccupied, which helps audiences imagine they were there with their favorite characters. 

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Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram, a follower of alternative music. I also love watching television, so I get to notice all the details such as the set design. For similar reads, check out this blog.

What’s Next In The Kawhi Leonard-San Antonio Spurs Saga?

The drama surrounding the injury of Spurs’ superstar Kawhi Leonard has dragged on for months.  Many NBA aficionados have made a big deal of this and for a good reason; Leonard is seen as the third- if not second-best player in the league outside LeBron.  Recently, things have reached a fever pitch with Leonard’s unsolicited statement that he wants to be traded to Los Angeles. 

This is a truly huge development in the league, as many people are already sold on the idea that LeBron James is leaving the Cavaliers for the Lakers.  A tandem of the two will constitute a new powerhouse team in the West.  Of course, San Antonio is keen on not letting this happen; coach Gregg Popovich even arranged a meeting with Kawhi to iron things out. 

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However, by all indications, Kawhi is not letting anyone change his mind.  Many believe that Lakers’ Magic Johnson is now working behind the scenes to consummate the trade.  Even if the deal would involve trading their young talents Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, or even the revelation that is Kyle Kuzma, having LeBron and Kawhi together is totally worth it, possibly even making the Lakers the new favorites next season over the dynasty team in Golden State.

Other viable places Kawhi can go with good salary cap space are Boston and Philadelphia. Both these teams will likely give up key players, too, for a chance to acquire Kawhi.   Wherever he does end up and assuming the Spurs cannot ultimately keep him, Leonard’s decision will change the face of the league in almost the same way as that of LeBron. 

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Hello, there. I’m Alton Ingram, currently a university student taking up civil engineering. I love all sports particularly football as I used to play competitively up until high school. For more of my writings, drop by this website.

The Enduring Legacy Of The Smiths In Rock And Post-Punk

The ‘80s New Wave era produced tons of bands and acts that continue to be influential in the indie and alternative scene of the late 2010s. The list includes U2, New Order, and Tears for Fears. But one band truly stands out—despite having disbanded way back in 1987—and that’s The Smiths.

The Smiths came out in the early ‘80s and had four studio albums and tons of EPs various compilations that continue to be must-haves among collectors. The sound was immediately very novel, combining weary and gloomy post-punk lyrics with cheerful, often-jangly guitars. We’ve singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr to thank for this conflicted approach to songwriting and arrangement.

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Homages to the band continue decades after, from current alternative acts covering songs to movies like "500 Days of Summer" revolving around characters that grew up listening to dour Morrissey lyrics. The band has even figured massively in the listening preferences of most millennials and hipsters. Must-listen anthems include “How Soon is Now,” “There is a Light that Never Goes Out,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” and “This Charming Man.”

After all, powerful lines such as “I’m the son and the heir/ of a shyness that is criminally vulgar” or “I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour/but Heaven knows I’m miserable now” are universally angsty, appealing claims. Especially as Marr provides those warm, optimistic guitars in the background. Listening to The Smiths is being both happy and sad at the same time. And that innate paradox is what makes this band truly stand out and endure.

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Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram, a huge fan of alternative rock, football, comedy films, and fitness trends. I’m currently taking up engineering. Know more about me and my interests here.

Who Was The Best Among The Four Kings Of Boxing?

There has been (and continues to be) much debate on the Four Kings of boxing – Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. It was a very rare, once-in-a-generation era in which four of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters emerged in similar weight-classes to battle each other. The Four Kings were four very different fighters with clashing styles. And until now, the greatest among these four still remains in contention, with personal preference being the only true staple.

Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns is undoubtedly the greatest in terms of pure boxing. His jabs and crosses were quick and devastating as lighting. And since he had the longest reach among the kings, he was perhaps the toughest to deal with. You could get knocked the hell out before you even knew it.

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However, that wasn’t a problem for either Marvin Hagler or Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard was fast and had amazing footwork to dodge Hearns’ jabs and crosses and Hagler was built like a German tank and could absorb the brunt of Hearns’ blows. Both Leonard and Hagler beat Hearns during their respective battles.

Hearns though, knocked Duran into oblivion. Duran being the smallest of the Four Kings, had unbelievable heart, but was clearly overmatched. However, Duran is the only fighter among the Kings to have beaten Leonard convincingly. Leonard on the other hand is the only fighter to have beaten all three opposing kings (he avenged his loss to Leonard in the infamous “No Mas” fight).

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That just a sample of a debate, the tip of the iceberg as it were. But in our opinion, all Four Kings were equally as great. You just have to appreciate what they brought to the ring.

My name is Alton Ingram. I love football, movies, and alternative rock. For more about me and what I do, check out this Twitter page.

Must-Listen Alternative Rock Albums Of The 1990s

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While most younger millennials will quickly associate the 90s with grunge and stripped-down music devoid of the excesses of glam rock, it is also the decade that saw the rise of what we now call alternative rock. The umbrella term should, of course, cater to grunge as well. But grunge has its own distinct sound, while alternative is more eclectic. Let’s look at some of the best albums from the alt-rock pioneers of the decade.

Rage Against the Machine The self-titled debut album of RATM changed the landscape of alternative and rap, fusing these genres in rabid, politically charged anthems like “Killing in the Name” and “Take the Power Back.” It helped the band’s image immensely that never use any samples nor synths, relying on the guitar mastery of Tom Morello.

Siamese Dream This 1993-released second album by then rising act The Smashing Pumpkins would pave the way for the band’s global success. Yes, it’s the 1995 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness that would make the band a household name, but that won’t happen without the heavy airplay and dream-pop appeal of singles in Siamese Dream, specifically “Today” and “Disarm.”

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Dummy U.K.-based Portishead would be a key player in the rise of Electronica, and the moog-driven synths and noir feel of this debut album would catapult the group to international stardom. Vocalist Beth Gibbons croons some of the most painful and cutting lyrics in songs like “Glory Box,” “Roads,” and the hit single “Sour Times.”

My name is Alton Ingram and I’ve been into alternative rock music since high school. I’m currently pursuing my college studies, but I still come back to the best bands in the genre. For more on my other interests, go to this link.

Why 'Frasier' Was Possibly The Greatest Spin-Off Ever Made

“Cheers” was one of the funniest shows on television. It won numerous awards and launched the careers of a number of its stars. When that sitcom about a bar in Boston ended, one of its characters was given a new lease on life with a spin-off series of his own. Little did anyone know that this spin-off would go on to surpass “Cheers” in almost every way. The show was of course, “Frasier.”

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“Frasier” tells the story of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Frasier Crane who has left his life in Boston behind and has since become a radio personality in Seattle. His little brother, Niles, also a psychiatrist but one with a lot more quirks, asks Frasier to take in their disabled, retired police officer of a father, Marty Crane. A physical therapist from Manchester named Daphne Moone to look after Marty. Rounding out the main cast is Roz Doyle, Frasier’s radio show producer.

Now, this sounds like a boring premise, but it’s the cast and how they breathe life into their unique characters that elevate this show above almost every other sitcom of the era. The jokes are elitist, self-aggrandizing, self-deprecating, humiliating, smart, and most of all hilarious. All the characters complement one another and the fact that they keep up this quality of work for 11 laughter-filled seasons just goes to show how “Frasier” has done probably more than any other television spin-off has ever achieved.

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My name is Alton Ingram. I love football, and I used to play competitively up until high school. I’m also a huge fan of comedy shows. Learn more about me here.

Loud and proud: The most intimidating football stadiums in the U.S.

Many people who’ve been there would testify to watching a football game live in a stadium as the ultimate American sports experience. The exhilaration combined with the chaos of tens of thousands of people screaming their lungs out makes for quite the moment. With amazing traditions being upheld by franchise faithful in stadiums all across the United States, attending a game can be akin to being at a rock concert with the loudest and baddest rock bands in history. 

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There are two stadiums in America though, with fans so loud, they intimidate even the players of visiting teams. Here they are. 

CenturyLink Field

For the past few decades, CenturyLink Field has been the home to the proud Seattle Seahawks and quite frankly, one of the most vocal and fiercest fan bases in all of mankind. Seahawks fans are so loud that the CenturyLink Field has been named the loudest stadium in the National Football League multiple times. The fans are some of the most passionate in the western United States that they’re often referred to as the 12th man. 

Arrowhead Stadium

One stadium that rivals CenturyLink Field is the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Visitors and guests of the city know only too well the ferocity and love Chiefs fans share by the loudness of their combined cheers. In fact, Chiefs fans have been recognized by none other than the Guinness Book of World Records as having the loudest recorded single roar in the history of American football. 

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Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram. I love football, and I used to play competitively up until high school. I still follow the game itself with near-religious fervor, keeping myself updated on developments from my favorite teams. I’m also into movies and rock music. Learn more about me by visiting this page.