(Rambling) Favourite Book Series (Apologies for Fangirling and/or Being Hyper.)

   


       Okay, okay, it's been a while. But it's really late and my mind is wandering all over the place, as per usual, and this topic popped up. What is my favourite book series? And that would have to be the Leviathan Trilogy, by Scott Westerfeld. There is no way that this blog post could do it justice, but I can try and do my best. It started out when my Dad had been talking about this book called Leviathan and this thing called "Steampunk". When he went away on a trip, her brought back the book that he had been talking about. I finished it in about two or three nights. From that night on, I was hooked.
        The story was amazing, with great characters and a tantalizing plot, combined with the immensely detailed illustrations done by Keith Thompson. I relished Leviathan, and it's following two books, Behemoth and Goliath. My heart ached for poor Alek, and what he had been thrown in to, and I could relate to Deryn quite well. At least, in terms about most things. Except for heights. At least with diving boards. Oh well, there's always next time to make another attempt. But back on track. I giggled so hard at the end of Goliath, but that was soon replaced with the aching feeling that the adventure was now over, until the realization that these were books. You can re-read books over, and over, and over again.
      These books are special. I was in the hospital with an anaphylactic reaction for a few hours, and ended up bringing my copy of Leviathan with me, since it was unclear exactly just how long the visit was going to be. My copy of Leviathan has also been to several camps, attended by my friend and I.
       Behemoth along with Leviathan and Goliath have all been brought on many a road trip, helping to fend off boredom, as well as relax my mind and induce sleep in general, which is no small feat. Behemoth also was brought to a camp by the same friend who was mentioned earlier.
      When I found out that The Manual of Aeronautics had been published as well, being happy is an understatement. I was thrilled. I don't mean to be an obsessive fangirl. That's not my aim at all. These books have been an influence on my life. I never would have discovered a deeper love for science and biology. They were one series of books that I studied for one of my Oddling projects. I might never have gotten into steampunk. And now, I have friends who really like them too!
     Overall, this series has been a source of great inspiration and fun, holding many fond memories in my heart. I intend to pass them on to my future children, which I hope to have, someday in the far, far off future. And yes. I ship "Dalek". I think all of my friends and I who like the series do.

Thank you for your time, and apologies for any fangirling and rambling. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Or evening. Or morning or night, wherever you are. Just enjoy yourselves!

~Sivvy

School's Out, So What's Next? Also, Story Update.

 

   As the title implies, school is now out for the summer, and that means this blog is no longer part of my curriculum. No, not just for the summer, but at all. Now, this might mean that posts will slow down a little, or it might mean that they are more frequent. All I know is that this has become quite enjoyable. Oddling, Outcast, and Siege will be continued, since I have now figured out the order that they will go in.  Outsider takes place in the present-day world, and is the beginning of the chain reaction. Siege will take place after that, and Oddling will pick up from there. Yay! Chaos! Anywho, summer's been great so far, and I hope that whoever your are, wherever you are, that you are able to enjoy your day, or week, or month, or year, or…. *Goes on and on before snapping out of it*

    Anyway, I wish you all the best of luck with your endeavours, and that you have a wonderful time!

~Sivvy.

Oddling Interests 3

I know that this post is rather early, but given the circumstances that I will be out of town for a few days and not be able to use my computer (and phone usage is to be kept to a minimum), I'll be doing all of the posts that are due while I'm gone, today. So here we are with yet another interest post.
http://commonplacebooks.com

In the link above, you will find an amazing podcast, it's funny, amazing, creepy, amazing, slightly twisted, and did I forget to mention, amazing? Remember folks, do not enter the dog park, nor think or look at, for any period of time, about the hooded figures!

Oddling Interests 2:

This is very interesting, and I thought that I might share it on here, I have no qualms if this is what's happening with my blog, seems as there isn't really anything that I'm too bothered about, just ramblings and whatnot, but it's still unnerving nonetheless, what with all that we do online nowadays.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20131119-stop-do-not-press-upload

I recommend that you read the article all the way through and give it some deep thought, whenever you can get some thinking time next.

Oddling Reflections 2

Yup! Time again for another reflection and update. The time since the last reflection has been spent mostly on writing and developing the characters and story even further, but I have also gotten into looking at  the writing styles of different authors. It has been very interesting, and I've learned a lot so far.

Reflections for Oddling

     Yay! Another post today. Yup, here goes the first reflection on a new project! It was suggested that I take a look at a Kickstarter campaign to help with the fundings for my book, which, once it's finished, I will be trying to publish. So, I did some looking into on that, as well as did some more writing. So far there's ten full chapters written, and chapter eleven is in the process. Yay, editing! Anywho, that's pretty much all for now. If you want to read some of the writing (I'm not going to post it all, just a little bit as a teaser), This is the link to my DeviantArt. Just saying, the Siege stuff will probably be pretty bad, but I'm working on editing it now, and making it better. Thanks again for your time!
~Sivvy

New Project, New book! (Update)

Hello everyone! Happy May! Soooooo, new book, eh? Yup, that's right, I'm working on a new project, which just so happens to be a kind of older project, that has been in the making for almost a year now. It all started at my friend's house, when we went outside and goofed around. We created a game with a fantasy back story (because hey, everyone needs to let their creativity flow), and it was really great. We never continued on with the game, but a few days later, I got to thinking. What if I can create a story that takes the characters and (sort of) setting from the game? And thus, Oddling was conceived. I wrote the first page and a half, but soon dropped it, leaving it in my random stuff binder, which I then took on a trip to Ontario. Because we were driving, and I had exhausted all my ideas for drawing stuff, and finished all the books that were brought along, I began leafing through the binder, and lo and behold, there was Oddling! Except it was a page and a half of untitled writing. So I began writing, and soon decided that this would be a long-term project, and thus would need a title. Considering most of the characters had magical abilities and powers, they were a little bit odd, hence the name 'Oddling'. Also, anyone in that fictional world who has 'gifts' and such is considered and 'Oddling'.
     So yeah, just thought that I should let you guys know what's been going on, and give you a little heads up as to what shall be developing in the future!

Thanks for your time!
~Sivvy

Intrest Post: Bangladesh Factory Collapse: 1 Year Later

As many of you know, a year the Rana Plaza building  collapsed in Bangladesh that left more than 11,000 people dead, with 2,500 survivors. So far, each survivor has been paid $640 in compensation, and minimum wages for garment workers have been increased. But with labour getting pricier, will competitors look to other, more cheaper places to hire? If so, then these people working in Bangladesh will lose those jobs. The jobs that they already have now may not be very safe, or fair, but is still their way of earning a living. As pointed out in the video that I shall link below, maybe something could be worked out that will make it so that labour is even in all countries, so that no one gets taken advantage of? Or is that just an idea that may never come to pass?


Video Link

Math in the Real World Project

   
   

Reflections

Ah, time for another reflections post. Well, so fare I have studied and written about:

How to make syrups

How to make poultices

How to make tinctures

How to make infused oils

Hot infused oils

Cold Infused Oils

Harvesting Herbs

Growing Herbs

Macerating

Making decoctions

Making infusions

Combining decoctions and infusions

Research on marsh mallow

Research on agrimony

Research on juniper

Research on lavender

Research on calendula

Research on Yarrow

Making tea bags

Common ailments and they’re herbal cures

~Sivvy

Interests (Poetry)

Ah, one more interest post, an then everything for interests shall be caught up for now. Poetry. Another form of writing. I have written a few poems in the pats little while that are worth sharing, one being 'The Knight of Darkness' and the other being 'In the Forest'. Ever since I was little I loved reading and listening to poetry, and loved writing it too.


Do you like poetry? Who's your favourite poet? What's you favourite poem?
Leave a comment if you would like to!
Thanks again for all the time that you have given to reading these posts, and I hope that you all have a great and wonderful day!
All the best,
~Sivvy

Interests (Writing)

Why hello there, I see that you have stumbled upon this little interests post. Well, in this post I will be talking about my deep interest in writing. I love writing. It's a great way to relax, vent emotions, get your ideas out, share you knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. You can create anything you want with your writing, and you have absolute control over what you write, nobody can stop you from putting your ideas on paper. Reading other people's writing can offer you advice, ideas, knowledge, more discrete information, a way to relax, a way to escape from the stress of your daily life, inspiration, and so much more.


     Right now, I'm working on several stories.

Oddling is a fantasy story sen in an alternate universe, where any being who is not entirely human, or human at all, and has a magical power or special ability, is called and Oddling. There are two camps for Oddlings. One called Veil Valley, where the you addling can be raised and trained from birth (or whenever the can get to camp), and then sent out into the world at the age of twenty one. Disgruntled Oddlings from the camp, ones who have run away, or Oddlings that have already come of age and left, sometimes head to Jagged Spire. Jagged Spire is a camp for all those Oddlings who have felt forsaken because of their race or their heritage, and want to end the rest of the Oddlings.  It is up to a group of Oddlings from Valley Vale to stop the Jagged Spire army from wiping their kind out. But is it truly for that reason that Jagged Spire wants to end the safety of the other camp, or is it jealousy between the rival leaders? Luna and Sol are twin sister and brother guardians of Valley Vale, while a mysterious and dark figure patrons Jagged Spire. Who is this mysterious figure, and why do they want revenge?


Siege is set one thousand years after the first apocalypse. A fantasy, dystopian story, it is about taking on the hardships of life, and taking down evil governments that may or may not be lead by the older brother of one of your teammates. Every time the point of view changes, a new chapter begins. Needless to say, the chapters are very short, but many in number.



Cemetery Downs is a Steampunk/Fantasy/Horror story about the possibility of all the creatures that we fear are real, as well many serial killers. Set in an alternate Victorian Era, the storyline follows a young werewolf halfling named Misa, and her friends, who live in a home for creatures like them who have no family and/or no place to go, called Cemetery Downs. It chronicles their adventures, and want of acceptance, something that the horrors of the world rarely ever get.


I also write poetry and short stories.
If you would like to read any of these stories, I am currently working on putting what I have so far of DeviantArt, which you can find Here

Thank you for your time, and if you would like, pleas comment on what things that you have written, or would like to write!

Hope you all have a lovely day, sincerely,
~Sivvy

Interests (Herbal Candy)

     Hey, sooooo today will be a post on the interests of making herbal candy. Yes, I said it. Herbal candy. These all look very delicious, and I will include like to where I found the recipes. All credits go to the person(s) who's page I got this from.

Check out the link for this recipe and many other wonderful looking recipes here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/mountain-rose-herbs/herbal-candy-recipes-for-fall-fun/439846611858

Autumn Recipes

"Herbal Hard Candy:


Ingredients:
3 cups strong herbal tea or decoction of your creation
3 1/2 pounds of granulated sugar (about 8 cups)

Preparation:

1. Mix sugar and brewed herbal tea in large saucepan. It is best to use the biggest pan possible, as the mixture foams up and could easily overflow.
2. Boil until the mixture reaches 292 degrees (be sure to make adjustments for altitude).
3. Pour into large, shallow buttered pan and let cool.
4. Cut into pieces before the syrup hardens all the way. If you want a softer, chewier candy you can pull it like taffy.

Ideas for what kinds of tea you can use:

• Ginger
• Elderberries
• Lemon Peel
• Orange Peel
• Rose Buds
• Chai
• Holy Basil
• Goji Berries
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla Bean
• Chamomile
• Hibiscus
• Hops
• Lemongrass
• Juniper Berries
• Orange Peel
• Peppermint
• Jasmine Green Tea
• Vanilla Rooibos

Reflections

      Ah, yes, it is time for yet another reflections post. Well, the project has been progressing well, and the section on making syrups has had it's first method added. Now onto the makings of herbal candy. I have also started working on a section for gardening, and finding plants out in the wild. One must always remember though, not to take to much from any given plant or area. This is proving to be a very interesting task, and a bit of a challenge, but is still fairly fun and a great learning experience. I hope to be able to provide more exciting updates in the future, but for now, this will have to do.

Thanks for your time, and have a wonderful day!

~Sivvy

Interests

       

Sooooo, here is an update on my IWS5000 (Independent Work Studies 5000) project. I am still working on that book, and expanding my knowledge in the natural world.


             I learned how to make syrups, poultices, infusions, how to macerate herbs, and making infused oils. These are very interesting things to learn about. Also learned quite a bite about the Marsh Mallow herb. Yes, the food is named after the plant, not vice versa.


Hope you all have a wonderful day,


~Sivvy

Movie Reflection: Gravity (MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!!!!)

           Where do I start? Honestly. I like the movie, but the character of Ryan seemed to willing to give 

up. Sure she made it in the end, but how did she face the trials of getting back to people, and how did 

she cope with the problems along the way? Could she have handled things differently in space? Could 

other people have been saved, also, if she failed every landing simulation, then why was she even 

allowed in space in the first place? I truly find it amazing that Matt was able to face down his own 

imminent death, just to save Dr. Ryan Stone. Also, why couldn't they have just waited until there was 

no one working up there, before blowing up the satellite, and why did the debris have to destroy 

everything else? Couldn't the destruction of several satellites and space stations, as well as the losses of 

many lives, have been prevented?

      Anywho, I truly did like the movie, but all in all, I think it was ok. And yes, sorry if I just spoiled 

the movie for you. I guess I may as well give the ending away too. Dr. Ryan Stone makes it out alive, 

lands in some water, swims to a beach, gets up, and then the movie ends there. 

Thanks for your time, 

~Sivvy

Reflections

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! Bet you weren't expecting a post today, eh? Alas, here we are, with a post to reflect the progress on the book that I'm writing for a school project. This little ramble will include a list of all the criteria that I came up with, that is to be included within the book. As always, if you have any ideas, or information that you would like to share, or that you think should be included, go right on ahead and share it! Fresh ideas and everyone's opinions are always welcome here! The book is called "A Wealth of Natural Knowledge", just incase you were wondering :)

     So the list goes like this:



Question/Problem: Can I write and develop a book on natural and herbal medicines and remedies, as well as which plants can be beneficial and which ones can be harmful, based on the list of requirements on the list below, to help further educate people on natural and organic ways of healing?

(Just a quick note, healing is not all that I will be covering in this book.)

                                                           Things to Include


- Where to find each plant.
-It's characteristics, origins, history of usage, and the stories, myths, or fables based around it.
-How to grow each plant, and what it's preferred conditions are.
-The effects, and effectiveness of each plant, both when used on its own, or with other plant(s).
-All of the above for harmful plants.
-Different ways to prepare, apply, and use herbs and plants and their medicinal properties.
-Full coloured, hand drawn pictures of each plant.
-Cooking ideas, preparation, and recipes for the herbs/plants.
-Different names and/or variations of each herb/plant, and if possible, the reasons and history behind the names.
- An index, table of contents, and maybe even a glossary.
-How each plant was used in the past, how they aren and can be used today, as well as possible uses in the future.
- Different methods, practices, and beliefs with each plant, remedy, and mixture.


                                                                Reflections

     So far there has been progress made on the plants, Agrimony, Chamomile, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Marshmallow (the plant, not the food), some progress on the different kinds of mints, Lemon Thyme, as well as making herbal infusions, and properly drying herbs.


I thank you all for your patience and time, and wish you all a wonderful, and happy Valentines day!


~Sivvy

Interests (Book)

       Hey there. The one of the most recent projects that I have been working for school is a book on plants, both the kinds that can be used for cooking, healing etc…, and the kinds that can be poisonous and harmful. The book will hopefully cover everything you need to know about these plants. Also, here is a link to a cool website that I found,

Botanical.com


Thank you for your time, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
~Sivvy

History of Electricity (To go along with the history of Smart Meters in BC)

       Hello, I hope you all are having a wonderful day! :)
As you may have known, I did a post on as much information that I could find for the history of smart meters. However, that information wasn't too sufficient, so here is a post about the history of electricity, some ways that it is produced, and some different ways of monitoring it.


                Many people know about Benjamin Franklin and his experiment with his kite, but that's not all. He was also the first person to use the terms, positive and negative charge.
        So many other people helped pioneer the way, people like Michael Faraday, he made the discovery of Electromagnetic induction. So many more inventions would come from his discoveries and work, but they would all be fifty to one hundred years later. He never let his failures get in the way. Mr. Faraday believed that even a failure could teach you something, and that they could be learned from. He had a saying "The failures are just as the successes." The farad is the unit of capacitance, and  is named in honour of Mr.Faraday.
    Another remarkable man was Thomas Seebeck, who discovered the "Seebeck effect". What he did was twist two wires made of different metals, and heated the junction where the metals met. This created a small current of electricity that produced heat that flowed from the hot to the cold junction. What he created during the experiment is called thermoelectricity, and Thermo is Greek for heat.

   (If you would like to know more about these men, and some of the other most extraordinary people who helped pioneer the way in electricity, the link to the website where I got my information is Here.)


     So, without further ado, let us move on to some different ways of creating and generating electricity, shall we? Please keep in mind that these are only two of the many different ways of generating electricity.



Hydro:
Hydroelectricity is the making and consumption of electricity by using water to create the electricity.
Water from a headpond, flows down the intake, and pushes a turbine as it leaves the headstock. The water that flows past the turbine then exits through the draft tube, and into the tailrace. The spinning turbine powers the generator, and the powerhouse, the electricity is sent to the transformer, and then up the transmission lines.

If you would like to know more about Hydroelectricity (in Canada) click Here


Wind: Wind power is what is produced when people harness the kinetic energy of the wind by using wind generators. This form of electricity generation is gaining popularity throughout the world, but still isn't used very much, as it only provides about one percent of our global energy consumption.

As always, if you would like to know more about wind power, there is a link for you to click Right Here



I would like to thank you for your time, and wish you all a very good day. Any critique and advice you would like to give is welcome, and very much appreciated.

~Sylvie


       

Smart Meters History in British Columbia

 Hi there, as you may or may not have known, we were given the task  of finding something to write a "rant", or persuasive essay about. After that we filmed videos of our rants, I may include a link later. So, this post is to be about the history of our topics. Since my topic is fairly new, the amount of information in here may be spread a little thin. Also, please keep in mind that the meters talked about here are those in British Columbia, Canada, and therefor may be different from those in other areas.

                 I do know that some sources claim that the program's roots go back to the 1980's though whether or not that is true, I don't know. It does seem very far fetched, but it could still be a possibility.
I also know that the meters were supposed to be fully implemented into BC homes by the end of 2012, though there has still been a lot of controversy over them, and not all of them have been fully implemented yet, due to those holding out on the program, or opting out. The installation process has been carried out since 2011.


        This is all that I could find for now, but I will be updating and editing this post as if/when I find more.


Thank you for your time, if you have any advice or information or sources for information that you would like to share, please do!
Thanks again,
~Sivvy