Princess Tiana

So, yesterday I was sitting with some friends and we got to discussing the different Disney princesses.  It is amusing that they have covered so many various demographics with their princesses.  Belle: A misunderstood French brunette who loves to read.  Arielle: The fun-loving red head who is probably a bit crazy. Jasmine: the Middle-Eastern princess who will get you into trouble (see Aladdin).  Pocahontas: an Indian who communicates with the wind. Snow White:  white girl who is tight with animals.  Sleeping Beauty:  didn't see that one.  Cinderella: the blonde hard working middle-class woman.  Mulan: a Chinese warrior.  Ok, those are the ones I remember. The question I have is... where is the African American princess? 

Some would argue (including myself) that Nala serves as that role but that really isn't satisfying enough.  But good news has arrived my friends: Nala is out, Tiana is in.  In case you haven't heard, Disney will in fact be releasing "Princess Tiana" in December of 2009.  It is slated to be a riveting/heart-warming tale of a girl living in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the Jazz Age. I heard that it will be the first disney cartoon in quite some time in which they are actually manually drawing the whole movie like they used to do. I'll be there opening night.  

christmas cookies and "the deadliest catch" on dvd.

I have had a steady intake of both for the last four days. Oh, and percocet too.  This is because I had shoulder surgery right before Christmas. I haven't done anything and have quite frankly been completely helpless and useless. I could tell you now how to catch an Alaskan King Crab (but telling gets old).  

Why did I have shoulder shoulder surgery? Circa April 2005, I partook in a High School baseball game in which I made a diving catch in the outfield.  I was running full speed and caught the ball with my left hand and landed on my right shoulder. I couldn't feel my right arm for a while but didn't need to get surgery. My shoulder was just loose.  

Since that day until my recent surgery, I have had some silly dislocations including one involving me getting a little girl out in dodgeball on a beach in San Diego.  It was not one of my prouder moments.  My shoulder is allegedly fixed now according to my doctor.  

If you haven't noticed yet, I put that picture there because I got a haircut.  Erica did it. She's my baby.

Chivalry Men, Chivalry

Chivalry. Where has it gone? The knights of old knew the virtues of honor and courtly love but we, as a modern society, have known about these virtues and looked the other way.
Now, if you're reading this you probably don't want me to get into the most basic of arguments about chivalry which are usually brought about. Sure, holding doors and pulling out chairs for a woman is great. Don't you dare get me wrong. Those are very important for sure. But, I think the fall of chivalry goes much deeper than trivial matters.
First, I believe the focus of this matter revolves around values like respect and love (which I would say is more of a lifestyle). As men, we need to realize what we are getting ourselves into when we court with women. It is a big deal and most certainly not something to be trifling with. We are not dealing with "some girl." We are dealing with a valuable child of God.
Secondly, what right do we as men have to disrespect a woman? None. Men are put in a position of leadership for a reason: To lead, not dominate. I'm not certain where society got the idea that women are less significant than men and completely subordinate to men. Now, the little things are of the utmost importance as well.
No woman wakes up in the morning and says "I hope I don't get swept off my feet today." They don't. They WANT respect, love and admiration from men. Make them feel loved. Don't use uncouth speech around them or at all for that matter. Focus on them and make them feel important for goodness sake.
And I think if you have an assemblance of these ideas of respect and love, other things will fall into place. Cheating on significant others wouldn't happen. Disrespectful comments wouldn't happen.
Just some thoughts.

3 Albums I Drool Over

Here are 3 albums that I consider to be quite good and I would recommend if you haven't heard them.
- "Floating World" by Anathallo
The name Anathallo is actually a Greek world which means "to renew, refresh or bloom again." I think the name is fitting because they are one of the most imaginative bands I have ever heard and they just overflow with life. "Floating World" was their first full-length album which came out in 2006 and the title is actually a translation of a Japanese term called "Ukiyo" which deals with the pleasure-seeking life people experienced in the Edo Period in Japan in the late 1600s-1800s. This album is very much influenced by the Japaneses culture and makes many references including the adaptation of an old Japanese tale into 4 of the songs on the CD.
Musically speaking, Anathallo incorporates many instruments in this CD which include guitar, bass, piano, drums, auxiliary percussion, zilaphone, trombone, trumpet, and blocks to name some. Their tempo changes constantly and sometimes sporadically. I have never heard anybody that resembles them. The vocals are outstanding and often accompanied by backing vocals. The lyrics are deep and this is a band who takes the sovereignty of God seriously. Check it out.

- "Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World
I feel like this album is often overlooked because of their other works such as "Bleed American" and their more recent work "Chase This Light" which is are both very good but I feel lack the feeling Clarity provides. The lyrics on Clarity are very insightful and the music accompanying them is inventive and fresh. It is somewhat of an emotional CD but not to the extent that it is whiny by any means. I see the lyrics as hopeful but that theme is not played out too much to the point that it becomes trite. It is a great balance of everything. And while being an underground album for when it was made it is nothing short of professional. It is beautiful and of my favorite albums of all time.

- "Eat, Sleep, Repeat" by Copeland
On this album, Copeland definitely strayed from what they had been doing in the past. Actually, many of my friends prefer the "old" Copeland in comparison to this album. But I really don't think they realize the beauty in it. You have to see beyond the catchy riffs and lyrics sometimes and realize what a band is trying to convey. This album is certainly not as poppy but it is richer in content and their best album in my opinion. It examines many of the ideas of love and why we feel the way we do and where love has gone in this fallen world. It is reflective and introspective at the same time. It is a fantastic work and great every time I go back to it.

Slow Down

Why is it that everybody is in such a hurry? Granted, Blacksburg isn't nearly as bad as Northern Virginia but still. I am of the opinion that taking five extra minutes to get somewhere is not a big deal and usually of no real consequence. So, sometimes I think people need to learn a lesson. Case and point:
About a month ago I'd say, I was walking and reached the four-way stop of Kent Street and Washington Street. Even though the pedestrian always has the right of way, I stopped and waited my turn to cross the street just as a car would wait its turn at a four-way stop. So, it's my turn and I begin to walk across the street. From my left I hear a loud revving of an engine and see this car speeding at me and he slams on his brakes at the last second to avoid hitting me. Whew. So, at this point I'm pretty happy Mr. Mustang doesn't kill me.
But, here's the thing. Instead of just being polite and letting me finish crossing at my ease, he revs his engine and is cursing in a maelstrom of rage. Now, the next part is really against my character but something made me do this and I don't know what. I get down on one knee, untie my shoe and then proceed to retie at a snail's pace in the middle of the crosswalk so he can't go yet. I finish tying, slowly stand up, and complete the cross. When he finally gets a gap to drive through he lets out another rev of his engine, as if he were broadcasting his manliness to the world, and sped off.
Now, am I proud of this? No. Did he deserve it? Probably. Would I do it again if I had the chance? Maybe. The point is patience is a valued virtue. Get some.

The Beginning

It has begun. Tour de Blacksburg is underway. Well, what is Tour de Blacksburg? On its most chief level, it is an attempt to explore the many beautiful places of Blacksburg in all their glory. No, I'm not going to the beautiful mountains or rivers for this. I am simply going to live life out of the bag and live with new friends every couple of days for a while. I will get to experience the living situations of others and enjoy the company of many different people along this maiden voyage.
Currently, I am sitting in Panera waiting for my car's oil change to be done. The man at the front desk misheard me and thought I said my name was Heather and kept calling me Heather which was kind of amusing. But this really has nothing to do with anything.
CURRENTLY, I am staying with the Men of Oak Manor. They were the first hosts gracious enough to put me up. It is an all-star cast over there (as to be expected). You have the likes of Nate Badwoman, Mike's Reid, Bike Mitton, Jacque, Caleb, and Kyle. Last night, I played Britton in a game of NCAA Football '08. I was the West Virginia Mountaineers and he was the Arkansas Razorbacks. I got a couple lucky breaks and came out with a decisive 20-7 victory. No big deal.
Their couch is quite accommodating as it provides a perfect length for a 5 foot 11" man. It also provides just enough cushion so that you feel comfortable but not sinking by any means. I have had to take the bus to class which is new for me but not a problem nonetheless.
Other amenities include a hookah, good water pressure in the shower, Tiger Woods golf on Wii, a bowling alley in their basement, and an Olympic size swimming pool in their basement as well. I have been there three days already and it has been nothing short of brilliant.
The OMG (O My Gaaaaa Girls) are neighbors too and provide good hospitality when needed. They have great internet, printers ice cream. Besides Klipboard's sneeky drug dealing, it is a great environment to be in.
One last thing I think worth noting is the obvious vacancy of my room back at Apartment N. It is up for rent for anyone interested. It will be $29.99 per night plus tax. It includes a spacious room with a spacious queen-size bed. Additionally, my Indian servant Swift will take care of you. He will do your laundry, change the sheets, bring you breakfast in bed, and perform many of the other various needs you may have during your stay.
I will provide another update in due time. Payce.