Mike the Tiger

Here are some pictures of Mike the Tiger in his habitat on campus next to the PMAC, across the street from Tiger Stadium. These are pictures that I took a few months ago, and just now uploaded to my computer. I know, it took me a LONG time to do so. There are also two of the statue right outside his habitat as well. Enjoy!

What Is The Value Of An Education?

Today, as I do most days, I went to Yahoo! Sports and check to see if there is anything new and interesting in the sports news world (as well as checking the scores for the Caps and Nats, who both unfortunately lost today). Today as I went on my usual visit, I saw the following article:

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=AsHlg03M7t.7dGbdjUSfV_fevbYF?slug=dw-tyler042209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

This article really caught my attention. I feel that the decision this student, a JUNIOR in HIGH SCHOOL is very, very wrong and unwise. Sure, he might have loads of talent, and is extremely bored and not developing much anymore in his playing abilities at the current level and competition he is playing at. But is a high school degree at the very least (heck, even a college degree as well, but at least most athletes go on to at least accomplish a partial college education) something that you are willing to give up? I know for me it would not be at all. Nowadays over 70% of the US population completes at least a high school degree. Not to do so puts you in the minority. It becomes much tougher to get a quality job, and as such, most who don't graduate high school end up working at places like McDonald's, Wendy's, WalMart, or Target for the majority of their lives. Is that really something you would want to do? I know I wouldn't. I would much rather be forced to be a physicist (and how I can't stand physics!) than to have to work at a place earning minimum wage for most of my life.

An education is something truly special that cannot be taken away from you. Once you've learned something, you've got it. It is yours to take and use with as you please, and nobody can say or do anything to take it away from you. Ask yourself, if you were in the same position as Jeremy Tyler, what would you do? What if you got into a horrible car accident right before your first game in the NBA and you were unable to play basketball for the rest of your life, what would you do? Your career would be ruined. Your shot at millions of dollars and basketball glory is gone in an instant. And you don't even have a high school degree. Now what do you do?

Another unfortunate thing is that many will start to look at this like they did with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James going into the NBA right from high school, and begin to do it as well. It will begin to become more popular to do. And you will see more and more athletes with less of an education. Thoughts? Feelings?


On a quick side note, as I was searching around for a couple of statistics, I noticed one that Fairfax County, VA has the highest graduation overall rate in the US. I find myself very fortunate to have received such a high quality, good education, and to continue to get a good, high quality musical education here at LSU.

Crossmen Shows

Over the past few days, I have been watching numerous various Crossmen (and other) shows as short study breaks and such. My favorite drum corps show, by far, is definitely 1992. It was the first time the corps placed in its highest place, 6th. It is also regarded by many as one of the corps best shows (of which there are a number of opinions on, as the corps has had SOOO many really amazing and great shows). The 1992 show, Songs For Planet Earth, served as the first part of a three show trilogy, 92-94. The 92 show is one that I could probably watch over and over again and not get tired of it, I like it so much. There is so much passion in the performance, as well as a true, classic Crossmen "groove." Here is the show in two parts, enjoy!





I especially LOVE the ending of that show. The 93 show, Songs For Planet Earth, Part 2," picks up right where the show left off, in the "?" formation. Then the 94 show, "Suite Children," picks up right where the 93 show ends. The 94 show includes numerous child references and such, with the opening hornline and guard playing children's games in small groups and the songs included, such as the Brahms Lullaby, and Pop Goes the Weasel (with drum feature included!) All three shows are tied together with some similar music, as well.

Another one of my all-time favorite Crossmen shows (of which there are many, as I said earlier, there are SO many great Crossmen shows that are all entertaining to watch and listen to) is 2002. The 2002 show is entitled "The Signature Series" and features a very unique and special field entrance, one that can never be repeated, as Camp Randall Stadium in Wisconsin has been renovated making this special entrance impossible. I absolutely love this entrance, as well as the whole show! The drillwriter for this show, Darryl Pemberton, also wrote for 03 and 04, and wrote last years drill for the 2008 show, Planet X. He returns this year, writing the drill for our 2009 show. I am very excited for this summer and am ready for the semester to be over, finish with my finals, and to move in with the corps and begin on our trek towards Indianapolis and finals in the new Lucas Oil Stadium. Here is the 2002 show in two parts as well. Enjoy!





Oh, and another reason why I'm ready for the summer to get here, is also because as soon as the summer is done, its football season again, and I am ready for the LSU 2009 football season to begin already! The spring game yesterday helped me to realize how much I'm ready for football season to begin again. I look forward to next season, and am hoping for much improvement over last season's disappointing 8-5 record.

Harry Potter Trailer

The sixth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, was originally supposed to be in theaters this past November. However, the release date was pushed back to this July. Joy! While I'm on tour! Again. Just like with the last movie, I'm going to have to try to find a movie theater on a free day on tour to watch the movie. If I can't, it will be one of the first things I am going to do when I get home from tour. You can count on that. Why bring this up? Because I just saw a link to this trailer, which I believe is a relatively new one. And It got me excited for the movie. I can't wait until it (and the new Star Trek movie in a couple of weeks) comes out. It looks like it will be really good. And a note, the bridge towards the end of the trailer, I believe, is one that I walked across several times when I was in London. Coincidentally, which is right next to IHQ, as well.



This is me on that bridge:

iBone!

Here's a video that someone in the studio here sent me. So cool! Enjoy!



I want an iPhone!!! (somewhat, I'd be too afraid I'd break it too easily...)

Star Wars...

Here is a video I came across a little while ago. I thought it was kinda funny, so I thought I'd share it. She's also pretty accurate with the story and all, isn't she? I don't know if I would've remembered all that much of the movie when I was 3...I especially like the "poke' ball" reference.



The second video is one that was on the videos after it thing when you're done watching the video. I thought it was funny and wanted to share it too. Enjoy!