Hey everyone! Today I wanted to make another poem using Spenserian method. The title is Heroes and Villains which was loosely inspired by the series "RWBY" which I also made a blog for as well. 

Spenserian poetry is dividing into two parts spread out into four and given three quatrains (abab, bcbc, cdcd, ee).

I hope you all enjoy this poem! 

Flowing through the wind like a midsummer dream,
Heroes and villains traveling for the win,
Towards the world's worst enemy as a team.
Fighting monsters and beasts of sin,

The world of adventurers forever with kin,
Never running out of eternal energy,
So that the heroes may contain the darkness within,
Or end up forever causing a catastrophe.

When the heroes fall from memory,

The world will succumb to destruction.
But the heroes will never fall out of history,

And forever hold on to positive direction,

For in the end the heroes will save the day,

Together they stand as future protégé. 

Mab’s Winter Knight: Sequentia ad Reginam Magnencij!

Hello everyone! I decided to mix things up a bit this week and so I will be posting two poems for which have significant meaning to me. The first one is a sequel to Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen, while the other will be a retelling of the infamous Queen of Witches, Baba Yaga.

       Based loosely off the Dresden Files series as well as a plethora of lore on faeries in general, including the queen known as Mab in the common tongue, Mab’s Winter Knight is a sequel and retelling of Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen, which is told from one of her winter-touched and most loyal knights. The saying goes with faeries that when you make a deal, give them your full name, or leave them a gift of insult, they can possess you. However, it is made clear that the man wishes to fulfill her goals (outlined in as-of-yet unwritten poem). I chose to do Spenserian and a sequel to The Faerie Queen because it is one of my favorite poems of all time and I have my doubts as to the analytical prose and concepts. In a time when Pagans were a plenty (albeit hunted for their beliefs), Spenser seemed to write this during a time of arcane mysteries, unsettling events, and perhaps a personal experience – at least that is my interpretation.

       As a Faerie Queen, Mab has control over the people in more ways than people may think. She can control them with full name and other mystical ways. However, I see the Queen as having specialized knights of her own, similar to Baba Yaga's as expressed in multiple reiterations including the Pathfinder RPG series.

       The rhyming scale of the Spenserian stanza is a nine-line stanza which includes eight iambic pentameter lines with the beat of “ababbcbc” and a final Alexandrian beat of "c".

Please enjoy this reinterpretation of a classic!

Mab’s Winter Knight: Sequentia ad Reginam Magnencij! (A sequel to The Faerie Queen)

Oh Faerie Queen who art my and thine,

Wisp me forward to your icy embrace,

Conceal me in thy love o’ goddess mine,

Lest forever deal mine own heart disgrace.

Speak my full name and forever beg lace,

My soul to your bond in heart and ahold.

Cometh to thee o’ your sweet little grace,

Until death do I part, thy soldier ace.

Thy story shall then told from truest face.

Winter is rising shallows are hollow,

Frozen descent into the empty crust.

Icy stormy rage in the mind to follow,
Snow storms in the heart melting into dust.
Cold emotions slow to creep a'sorrow.
Blizzard deep inside his forever trust,
Sleet across the planes of Gaia must.
Winter Guardian of eternal life,

Rise now before me and face all your strife.

Of winter and witches thou serve me well,

Call me your queen, your faerie or it all,

Mine own winter knight thou of frozen hell.
Rise then and stand now so prideful and tall,
Take this boon and speak all the world to tell,
"Thy wrath of the Faerie Queen all shall call
And bow down before their new priest o' Gaul."
Send across the lands my frozen breath.

Now watch and see the cross succumb to death.

And thus the knight followed the Faerie Queen,

Into the seasons and all of the lands,

Spreading across the lands of the whispered dream.
"Come ye followers of cross and make bands,

For not belief in Her will rise her steam,
And wrath will follow all across the sands."
Many years passed and soon many hands,
Took hold of their new queen and left the cross.

New ages came and other dripped in loss.

RWBY: An inspirational animated series

Created by the late Monty Oum of Rooster Teeth, an American production company in Austin Texas, RWBY is a television show that stands for (R)ed, (W)hite, (B)lack, (Y)ellow and refers to the respective team of four very powerful women based off the fairy tales; Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Belle, and Goldilocks respectively.

World of Remnant

                The story begins in a very elaborate and creative world of Remnant whose inhabitants are based around fairy tale stories and enemies are reminiscent of the “Creatures of Grimm.” The titular character, Ruby, is brought into an epic quest to discover who she is, what her destiny is, and together with her team “RWBY” including her sister, Yang, not-so best friend Weiss, and loner ally Blake adventure in a beautiful and well written saga to discover the villains plan. 

                Characters in RWBY use a magical enhancement known as Dust to empower their weapons, skills, and abilities. Each character in the series has unique combat skills, weapons, and tactics, and almost every single character presented in the series can fight. One of the most interesting aspects, and definitely a better piece of it, is that not only are the main character’s female, but a majority of females fight in the show. This is a wonderful addition, as in so many cultures, women were not portrayed in television and cartoon shows, as powerful – let alone able to handle their own. However, in RWBY, the creators have done a wonderful job of integrating a very unique and powerful approach to their female characters.

Ruby Rose

                Ruby, written after the Little Red Riding Hood character, wields a powerful scythe which can turn into a sniper rifle and, while integrating Dust, can use her scythe as a rocket to propel her quickly across the battlefield as if to fly. Though not the most powerful character in the series thus far, Ruby has a heart of gold and an innocent, sweet, and kind persona to compliment her wild and crazy battle style.

Weiss Schnee

                Weiss, German for “White Snow” alludes to the character of Snow White. She possesses a stalwart and noble attitude that comes off as cranky, irritable, and spoiled. As an heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, she naturally has many enemies both human and otherwise, who wish to see her gone. Weiss uses a revolver that can transform into a rapier, and small canisters of Dust particles that can change her elemental battle style (fire, lightning, ice, etc.). As a special ability, known as a Glyph, she can create magical barriers that will either shield her and her allies, or allow them to move quicker, faster, or along vertical surfaces. Later in the show, she also learns the ability to summon creatures she had defeated in the past. Although for the most part cold all over, Weiss’s dedication to her comrades melts whatever ice may solidify her heart.                      

Blake Belladonna

            Blake Belladonna was named after the main character of Beauty and the Beast, albeit the allusion of Bella/Belle in French from her surname. Blake is the loner of the group, preferring to do things her own way and on her own. She is very tough and strong-spirited overall, but symbolizes the stereotypical character of someone who doesn’t belong, nor fit in, due to her racial heritage, as discovered in the show. Blake uses a ninjato, or ninja-sword, with an attached pistol in the hilt which itself has a long ribbon attached to it. While she fights like a ninja, she also uses a special ability, or semblance, to create “Shadow” clones of herself. Being the loner of the group, Blake also enjoys reading, animals, and has shown time and time again she will not leave her friends behind who are in need which alludes to her more peaceful nature.

Yang Xiao Long

Yang Xiao Long, translated loosely to “Little Sun Dragon” and is referencing Goldilock. She is the half-sister of Ruby and is the powerhouse of the group. Always looking for a fight, adventure, or a chance to travel, Yang is very optimistic. However, when she is getting beat down or made fun of, especially in combat, her hot-headed side comes out and improves her power, speed, etc. Yang fights with shotgun gauntlets and uses martial arts and tactics to win, relying on her endurance and constitution to build up her semblance in order to get stronger. While Yang is the optimist of the group, she is always the quirky, fun, and loving character that brings the team in high spirits.



RWBY is a television show that combines the best of action, story, character development and plot which reinvents the classic fairy tale and Grimm story tales. The show also gives a dynamic approach to lead female characters who are not scantily clad. Rather, the female leads are great inspirations for the women of today’s age of heroes and superheroes alike. Both men and women will enjoy this show if they can appreciate a unique approach to a cartoon/anime hybrid that mixes the best of all worlds in a truly satisfying and addictive experience. 

Quick Travel Guide: Macedonia

Hello everyone and welcome to my first official guide for traveling. I decided to make a Quick Travel Guide for people, like myself, who want something of a quick and easy reference that includes notable facts and information, local language help, and other information on a one page – printable blog. Truly, the whole purpose of this blog series is to be click and go, utilize it as you will and put it in your wallet, pocket, phone or tablet and enjoy your trip! Also, for those unable to travel as easily or unable to do so can refer to the Quick Travel Guide Series for interesting facts, pieces of information and a little language learning and integration. I hope you all enjoy these blogs! Please share, comment, and let me know if you have anything else you would like to see! 

Introduction: Macedonia, also known as “The Republic of Macedonia” and to a less popular and common extent, “The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” or FYROM, is a country in the Balkans north of Greece, east of Albania, south of Kosovo, and west of Bulgaria. The population as of 2015, according to the European Union, is close to 2.1 million people. The Official Language of Macedonia is Macedonian, however Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Aromanian and to a lesser extent Greek and Russian are also spoken.

History: Macedonia, the name at least, was established by the first known Macedonian King named Caranus between 808-78 BC. Philip II (359-336 BCE) turned Macedonia into the greatest power in Europe at the time when he was able to conquer and unite the Greeks, Illyrians, and Thracians. Not long after that, Philip’s son, Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) takes his armies and conquers the Persian Empire while traveling through Asia, North Africa, and even India. Two hundred years later Macedonia loses Greece to Rome and eventually itself is conquered by the Romans. Another three hundred years later and Slavs overrun all of Macedonia, mixing cultures and peoples. Around 1000 ADE the Slav Macedonians become entangled with and rebel against the Bulgarian rule. At the end of the 13^th century, the Ottoman Empire takes control, albeit with plenty of rebelling, fighting, and bloodshed, until Macedonia’s independence from the them six-hundred years later in 1903. Between the all the wars of the 19^th-20^th centuries, the denial of existence by the Greeks, and the inclusion of large populations of multi-ethnic peoples, Macedonia officially declared independence on September 8, 1991.

Current President: Gjorge Ivanov / Prime Minister: Emil Dimitriev (interim)

Fun Facts: -Ohrid Lake (located in Ohrid) is estimated to be over 4 million years old, is 940ft (288m) deep, and has 200 endemic species that have never been found anywhere else in the world.
-Mother Theresa was born in the capital city of Skopje and her museum house is located in the Center of the city.
-The name Macedonia, comes from Makedónes which is loosely translated to mean “higherlanders” or “tall ones.”

Popular/Need-to-visit spots: Skopje, of course. It is the capital city that has activities long into the night, family fun with many tourist attractions including a statue of Alexander the Great in the center, the Large Cross that you can hike/trolly up to, and the many bazaar style shops all around. Ohrid Lake is another joyous place filled with a serene and beautiful environment. If you get bored of shopping, you can head on to the other side of the lake and camp out, fish, or swim.

Flying In: Skopje “Alexander the Great”Airport and Ohrid “St. Paul the Apostle” Airport
Driving In: You can drive into Macedonia from any of the surrounding countries; Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania.
*Note*: If you plan to drive in, be sure you have a current International Driving Permit.
Boating In: There are no ports that connect to the country.

Basic Language:
Hello – Zdravo (Strah-voh)
How are you? – Kako si? (Kak-OH-ee)
I’m well – Jas sum dobro (Yass – SOOM – dough – bro)
I’m not well – Jas ne sum dobro (Yass – nay -SOOM – dough -bro)
Thanks – Fala (Fah – lah)
Thank you – Blagodaram (Blog – oh – dah – ram)
You’re welcome/Please – Molem (Mole – em)
Where is the… - Kade e…  (Kah-day ay)
…bathroom- toalet (toe-ah-let)
…restaurant- restoran (rest – oh - ran)
…hotel- hotel (ho – tell)
…hospital- bolnica (bowl – knee – tsa)
…police- policija (pole – ee – tsee – ah)
…club- diskoteka (disco-teh-ka)

Emergency Numbers: (Police – 192), (Ambulance- 194), (Roadside Assistance (196)

A Fun Way to Escape

For over ten years a new interactive game has swept the nation which allows players to grasp fate in their own hands. The Escape Room was originally devised in 2006 and has become popular all around the world since. In the city of North Little Rock located in Central Arkansas, another wonderful Escape Room has popped up and my wife and I are huge fans of this challenging, date-worthy, and mind bending activity!

The Escape Room is really just as it sounds. You are locked in a room and have to use numerous clues, puzzle pieces, mathematical equations and more to solve your way out. Now, the first mistake is to think this is like the films the game was based around, SAW. It is, in fact, quite the opposite. 

Upon entering the room, you are given 60 minutes and a mission to find out what happened to the scientist, discover the clues to a lost city, and many more themes. Each theme is cycled out and a new one is put in its place so that there is plenty of diverse experience. While you may be locked in the room, there is always an 'emergency' route which allows you to leave for emergencies, bathroom breaks, and more. 

The Central Arkansas Escape Rooms has a beautiful approach to solving mysteries while implementing a truly wonderful gaming experience the likes that Central Arkansas has not seen in a very long time. The games can be played either in a team, or in large groups depending on the theme. Sometimes the game will require at least two players but no more than eight while other times the game may require only one player but can only hold up to six. Bringing together your friends for an activity such as this will truly show how much you really know, not only individually, but as a team.

Look up an Escape Room near you and enjoy the exciting and exhilarating live action play of a game you will surely come back to again and again. Perfect for kids, even better for date nights, the Central Arkansas Escape Room is the perfect way to bring the community together in an unique, affordable and awe-inspiring way!

Want to play? The only things you need to do are sign up in advance, pay $20 per person, sign a waiver, and have a very enjoyable time! 

Next time you're in the North Little Rock area, or are passing through Central Arkansas, be sure to check out The Central Arkansas Escape Room located at:

109 E C Ave, NLR, AR 72116.
(501) 396-9787
Friday: 5pm-9pm
Saturday: 10am-11pm
Sunday 1pm-8pm
CentralArescapes@gmail.com

http://www.centralarescapes.com/contact.html

Product Review of Grow N' Eat Naturally: "Back to the Roots (R)" Water Garden Kit

This was my first time making wheat grass juice!  In fact, I am still a beginner at gardening overall. After purchasing "Back To The Roots (R)" Water Garden Kit, however, I was able to grow both radish sprouts and wheat grass using the simple yet scientific method of harvesting through the means of a fish tank. Little Blue Fitz (named ever so in artistic wisdom by my gorgeous two-year old) the Betta Fish, helps the plants above it to harvest by providing a continuous flow of water. The radish sprouts grew on schedule and within two weeks were utilized as part of a delicious veggie-burger meal. Rich and natural in flavor, the radish sprouts were a hit with the family. The only complaint I have is that only one harvest can be drawn at a time.

The wheat grass finally hit harvesting time and I subsequently spent about ten minutes gathering the necessities for making a juice: my blender, three cups of fresh water, a lemon, and the wheat grass (thoroughly chopped). It came out to a gorgeous emerald color and smelled just as beautiful as it looked. 

Following my wonderful experience growing wheat grass from a fish tank and crafting it into a health potion, I was able to enjoy the next three weeks of "wheat grass shots" which are said to contain all the minerals known and according to Hippocrates Health Institute, "is nature's finest medicine" going on to explain that, in addition to its ability to neutralize toxins in the body, also contains "twice the amount of Vitamin A in Carrots... is higher in Vitamin C than oranges... and contains the full spectrum of Bi vitamins." Not to mention it is a complete source or protein.

With just a sprinkle of 5 seeds and 3 weeks of harvesting, I was able to obtain 3 weeks worth of 'shots' which I took daily. I immediately starting feeling the beneficial effects of the wheat grass and have never regretted my decision in purchasing the Water Garden Kit. Although it would be possible to grow the wheat grass without a fish tank, who doesn't want a three-in-one product? Especially when it entertains the kids! 

Props to the makers of “Water Garden Kit” and their “Grow In A Box” methods. Check out their products and give them a try yourself at: Back To The Roots