Monday, January 20, 2014

Every Teenager Should Consider Doing These Things

OK, so I must admit that there are a lot of similar posts to this already out there. I also admit that I myself am pretty young. But all the same, here are a few things I think that every teenager (or really just anyone in general) could benefit from.

Take a Personal Finance Class


One big issue many people face today is that they do not know how to handle their money. How many people leave high school, or even college, know how to invest for retirement, obtain and pay a mortgage or even save for a rainy day. To often, people are living paycheck to paycheck. The secret to getting rich, though, is often that it takes a lot of time. The sooner you start investing in retirement, the more time it has to grow. The sooner you learn to save, the more money you will have when it comes time that you need it. Learn to handle finances when you are young, and it will benefit you throughout the rest of your life.

Take a Social Dance Class


Dancing is a great form of exercise. It also developed coordination and balance. But the main reason why I recommend taking a social dance class is for the social aspect of it. In social dance you are required to dance with a partner, and often many different partners. So you have to learn to approach someone you don't know, and learn how to socialize with someone for at least the duration of a song. It also teaches proper etiquette, which is also a good thing.

Be Part of a Team


When I say be part of a team, I'm not referring to just sports. This may also be a club, or some other group. Anything from a book club to choir to basketball. Being part of a team teaches cooperation. You have to learn to interact with others and socialize. It often times requires dedication, and being a good team mate also means responsibility. People will often rely on you to do your part, and this will help you grow.

Have Meaningful Conversations With Your Parents and Other Adults


These guys have something that you don't...experience. they also see things differently then you do. There is a lot to learn here. Their experience may not be the same as yours, but if you are smart, you can always get a few good things you can apply to your life. And besides, a lot of elderly people love the opportunity to share their knowledge.

Find Something That You Have a Strong Opinion On, and Study the Other Side


The big point I must emphasis here is that you study the opposite side not looking to prove them wrong, but rather to gain understanding. This isn't about changing your mind, or the minds of others, but rather about developing love and compassion for everyone. These days, people separate themselves to much. We need to find out where we agree and use that as a foundation to build our love. Not everyone who opposes gay marriage is a homophobic bigot, and not everyone who supports it is a godless pervert. Learn why you believe what you believe, and learn why others believe the other way. It will develop  your love for you fellow man.

Attend a Worship Service or Activity Outside Your Own Beliefs


Once again, this is about developing love here. Learn what others believe and learn it from the right sources. You will feel a greater connection to others. My wife and I attended a special Jewish cooking class once, and it was fascinating. I've also sat in on prayer services for other churches than the one I attend. I didn't agree with everything they taught, but I could still learn from their love and devotion.

Take Time to Think


We live in a world full of distractions. People don't like being bored, and now we have the technology to keep us distracted all the time. The problem, is that too often we don't give ourselves time to sit and think about things. Take time to have a meaningful conversation with yourself and evaluate your life. Make goals for improvement (beyond just losing weight) and find ways to improve. Accomplishment can bring great satisfaction.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Forgotten Disney Princesses

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited for the next Disney princess movie Frozen. But with Disney about to announce two new Disney Princesses in one movie, that got me thinking about some of the forgotten Disney princesses. Here they are, in no particular order:

 Pocahontas

I think the hat really ties things off nicely
Ok, so if you go to the official Disney princess website, she's there. But she still often gets ignored. I guess it's because her ball gown looks like this.
Not exactly true to her Native American image

 

 Megera


Ok, so she is only slightly forgotten. But she did hook-up with Hercules, who is the son of Zeus, King of the Gods. So I guess that would make her a princess. She is not currently in their official lineup however.

 

Nala 


She's a lion...can't sell too many dresses there

 

Tiger Lily


Disney even has her listed as a "beautiful Indian princess" on their wiki. Though I guess that still doesn't qualify her as a Classic Disney Princess.

 

Giselle


So there is a legit reason you don't see her on a bunch of backpacks and such. The character is designed to look like the actress Amy Adams. Disney doesn't own the rights to her image, so they can't just paste it everywhere.

 

Aida


The Broadway musical was produced and owned by Disney, therefore this Nubian Princess does qualify as a Disney Princess. And everyone made such a deal about Tiana being the first black princess. This gal had her beat by almost 9 years.

 

Eilonwy


Sure The Black Cauldron was far from Disney's most successful animation, but she is still a princess, and a pretty cute one at that. Maybe it's because no one can pronounce her name...

 

Kida


Once again, as legit a Disney Princess as any other. And I personally think you could get some awesome dresses and costumes from her wardrobe. But sadly, she too is often ignored, probably due her movie's lack of commercial success.

 

Ariel's Sisters



I admit, this is probably due mostly to the fact that these character's are not major at all.

 

Melody


Speaking of Ariel's family, what about her daughter Melody? She's a princess. And she even starred in her own movie. Who knows?

 

Vanellope Von Schweet


Probably one of the most adorable of the princesses, though I don't think she will ever be added to the official lineup. Beside most people prefer her candy coated street clothes to her ball-gown.

 

Atta & Dot


Once again, not going to sell a lot of dresses here, but Dot would still make a cute Plushie.

 

Going out there...

 

Nancy Tremaine


Just thinking about it, she marries Prince Edward at the end of Enchanted, technically making her a Disney princess. However, there is a similar issue here with being made in the image of Idina Menzel.

Ursula


In the Broadway musical version of The Little Mermaid, Ursula is labeled as the sister of King Triton. I guess that makes her a form of princess.

 

Thor and Loki


Ok, so technically not princesses, but you must admit that they have the hair for it. With these guys being Princes of Asgard, and with Marvel now being owned by Disney, these guys are now legitimate Disney Princes. Looks like Prince Eric has some competition.

 

Princess Leia



Star Wars is now owned by Disney, so I guess Leia is now a Disney princess. Should we also include Princess Padame, or am I going to far here?


Why are/were these princesses?

Ok, so I know their movies were successful and they are cute and marketable, but why are these gals often grouped with the Disney Princesses? (Ok, I know why...but you get what I'm saying)

 

Mulan


This girl is all military here. Citizen upbringing and married to a Military Captain. Though what's funny is that Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei from the sequel are actually princesses, but are completely forgotten. Oh well.

 

Jane


She was announced as an official Disney Princess around 2000, but was soon removed. So I guess she's ok (and besides, who doesn't love that sexy accent).

 

Esmeralda



Same boat as Jane. At one point she was part of the lineup, though she was removed.

Did I miss anything? Probably. Let me know what you think in the comment.