DIY: Hawaiian Hula Girl Costume

Hey guys! Here is the first post of my new "Do it Yourself Series". Please check out my book reviews and academic help posts! Coming Soon: My One Direction Concert Experience Story 

Thank you so much for all the pageviews, I'm up to 312!

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So I've been working as a C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) at a day camp for kids ages 3-5. I've done a total of five days so far, and I love it! The kids are so adorable and funny. The activities my group takes part in ranges from art to science to swimming and more! I made friends with the other C.I.T.'s in my group too. Tomorrow is Halloween in July Day at camp. Every Friday there is a different fun theme. For Halloween in July, my friends and I are dressing up as Hawaiian Hula girls. I decided to create a Hawaiian Hula girl costume tutorial, that's affordable and will make you the bomb-diggity at any Halloween rave. 

Hawaiian Hula Girl Costume DIY Tutorial

Materials: Bright-colored top, bright-colored skirt, flip flops, flower lei, tropical flower (preferably a fake one so it won't wilt on you), bobby pins, and a colorful ponytail holder.

Step 1: To make a Hawaiian flower clip, take your fake tropical flower and one bobby pin. Depending on your flower, you could either crazy glue it to the bobby pin or you could attach it somehow without glue. My flower had a plastic piece jutting out of the back so I hooked the closed end of the bobby pin around it, and it created a tight hold. Once you've created your flower clip, stick it on the side of your head toward the front. 

Step 2: For a hairstyle, put your hair into a side ponytail or a side braid. 

Step 3: For makeup, use pastel colors like pinks and greens to give a summery look. I went with some bold eye shadow and a light pink lip. Makeup doesn't matter TOO much for this costume, so don't worry too much about it. 

Step 4: To add some extra flair, you could wear a grass skirt over your regular skirt. You could also accessorize with a flowery bracelet, headband, and/or earrings. Holding a coconut with some punch in it and a straw sticking out would be pretty cool. Depends on how all-out you want to go.

"Magic or Madness" Book Review 7/7/13

Title: Magic or Madness

Author: Justine Larbalestier

Genre: Fantasy

Date Published: 2005

Star Rating: 2/5.

Heeeeeello. I haven't posted in a long while and I'm sorry about that. It took me a long time to get through this novel... way longer than it should have. Clocking in at 304 pages, this "fantasy" story should really be labelled as realistic fiction... because it pretty much is. Fifteen-year-old Reason Cansino is sent to live with her grandmother in Sydney after her mother is put in the psych ward. Reason has grown up thinking her grandmother, Esmeralda, is an evil witch. When she goes to stay with her, she finds some rather curious items in her grandmother's home that include: a cat carcass, a key, and a pile of black jackets (dare I add, the significance of the black jackets are never actually explained...). A "love interest" is introduced as well; Esmeralda's neighbor Tom. Now Tom is quite a catch. He's obsessed with fashion design, to the extent that he makes commentary on men's outfits while on outings. So back to that key that Reason comes upon. It unlocks a mysterious door, and when Reason goes through it she magically steps into New York City! 

Cool! Magic! That's what I'm talkin' about! Not so faaaaaast *cue singsongy voice*. The next hundred something pages are spent following Reason on her adventures to night clubs and fancy restaurants in Times Square. Justine Larbalestier must have been really hungry while writing this book because on almost every other page, she's just describing food in great detail. At least the woman can write in the sense that she's talented at description. But by the fourth depiction of kasha (European cereal/porridge) I was a little tired of hearing about it. There is seriously like one whole chapter dedicated to Tom ordering food at a diner. The waitress asks 5-6 questions (i.e. "what kind of soup you want?") and all I'm thinking is "this is a most unfortunate waste of paper". Finally, some mention of magic resurfaces when Reason must flee her grandfather who threatens to steal her magic away from her. During the 'final battle' legitimately nothing happens. Reason's grandmother and grandfather see each other, and they stare at each other for a good ten pages, and I heard a thousand violins and whatnot and then Reason somehow ends up back in Sydney. At this point, I wanted to put the book to better use as firewood. I want my time back that I spent reading this piece of junk. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because the writing wasn't bad. However, the story was a joke. I wouldn't recommend this to anybody I like, to spare them from the never-ending food descriptions and nonsensical nightclub scenes. I can't spend another minute ranting about this book because it just frustrates me. WARNING: DO NOT READ= my review in a nutshell.

'Tis time to end yet another conflict! 

HAGS (Have a Great Summer for those who aren't aware... no I am not calling you a hag), be a Potterhead, sing like a Mockingjay, respect the nature, and above all... be your magickal self!

Blessed Be!

~The Black Rose Librarian aka Sam ^_^

Find me on GoodReads! @XBlackRose07

"We Have Always Lived in the Castle" Book Review 6/11/13

Title: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

Author: Shirley Jackson

Genre: Horror? I'm actually not sure on this one. We'll just go with Speculative Fiction

Date Published: 1962

Rating: 5/5

Yay! I finally got around to reading this novella by one of my favorite authors ever! And boy am I glad I did. We Have Always Lived in the Castle was just... fascinating! The tale centers around the Blackwood family consisting of sisters Mary Katherine and Constance and their Uncle Julian. From the very first paragraph , told in the first person from Mary Katherine (Merricat)'s point of view, we learn that the rest of the Blackwood family is dead. The chilling tale centers around the daily routine of the Blackwood sisters and the obstacles Constance must face after being convicted of poisoning her parents. Everyday is pretty much the same except for the days when Merricat goes into town to buy groceries. It is obvious that the townspeople despise the Blackwood's and a popular trend for the young boys of the town is to tease Merricat about Constance being a murderer. When Cousin Charles comes to visit, everything changes for the sisters. Charles seeks change in the Blackwoods' lifestyle, something that is alien to the sisters. The climax of the novella occurs when the Blackwood house is set on fire. By the conclusion of the story, it's obvious that Merricat is not sane. She acts like a ingenuous child on the outside and her thoughts demonstrate that of a mentally disturbed individual. For example, Merricat's fantasies that she tells Constance about. She reminisces about how they will visit the moon on her Pegasus where tasty plants grow. When Merricat is in town she imagines in her mind that she is walking on their dead bodies. She has a dream that her family is still alive and is seated at the dinner table where she orders them to "bow down to Merricat" and they obey her every command. It also becomes apparent that Merricat is the true murderer of her parents. Constance acts as a matronly figure to Merricat, even taking the blame for the murder. Even though Merricat is "crazy" and a murderer, I still felt really sorry for her. It's almost like she's an innocent child that doesn't know right from wrong. Shirley Jackson uses the motif of isolationism throughout the story. The Blackwoods are virtually cut off from the rest of the world, and they shut out all outside influence and refuse change of any sort. Jackson wrote We Have Always Lived in the Castle towards the end of her life and I think she was trying to tell us something. People may say she's "crazy" or a nutcase because of he content of her work, but I think she was just severely misunderstood. What I gather from all of the stories I've read by her, is that she feels trapped inside her own mind because she's different and she's isolated from society in that sense. I respect Shirley Jackson so much, and I appreciate her work because I understand it. I think only certain people can truly appreciate We Have Always Lived in the Castle because they understand it. I am one of those people, and I can honestly say that Shirley Jackson is brilliant. There will never be another author like her. I sincerely hope that wherever she is now, she is happy and at peace. I apologize for the somber tone of this post, but I refuse to poke fun at Shirley Jackson's achievements. Thank you for reading this, and hopefully I convinced you to check out We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

Enjoy your summer, be a Potterhead, sing like a Mockingjay, and above all... respect that nature!
~Sam 
aka The Black Rose Librarian ^_^

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" Book Review 6/3/2013

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Genre: Fantasy

Year Published: 2011

Hello! I became interested in reading Miss Peregrine's  because my school librarian wrote an article in the school newspaper recommending it. Besides the overall positive reviews I've came across on GoodReads regarding this novel, the cover itself is enticing. Creepy little girl levitating, the black and white, the font used for the titling... I had high expectations. I was anticipating a chilling read that'd keep me engrossed from start to finish, especially because of the unnerving vintage photos Riggs includes within his pages. I'd like to share some of these photos that I found particularly haunting:

There are many more, I assure you. They're really interesting to look at and all BUT (caps on that BUT) there is a catch. The actual story...to put it lightly...was pretty stinky. Miss Peregrine's involves sixteen-year-old Jacob who has always been taken by his grandfather's fantastical stories of his childhood. Jacob's grandfather explains how he grew up at an orphanage in Wales along with children that had superpowers. When Jacob's grandfather is mysteriously killed, Jacob's therapist Dr. Golan persuades his father, a bird watcher, to visit the orphanage. At this point the story is slow and dragging but the pictures are cool! After what seems like forever, Jacob discovers the orphanage is nothing but a pile of rubble. It was bombed by the Germans in World War II. But the suspense doesn't end there! Now, Jacob is magically trapped in a time loop and stuck in the year 1940! I'll admit, this concept seemed quite cool at first. However, as the story progresses, it just gets downright lame and confusing. It turns out that Jacob's grandfather really was telling the truth about the whole kids-with-superpowers thing and Jacob himself is super-ish! He can time-travel! Oh and also, his grandfather was killed by monsters. The monsters now wish to eat Jacob. Um... 

Yeah... at this point I could my head cocked to the side and my jaw went askew and I might have drooled a little... it was definitely a "wait what?!" moment. Just when things were beginning to get interesting, you had to totally mess with my mind Sir Ransom. This book had a lot of potential. My theory: the author was inflicted with  a serious case of Writer's Block about three quarters of the way in, and just tossed together a cruddy, nonsensical resolution. Plus, there were so many flaws throughout the text. Who edited this?! Honestly, it's so messy that it should be taken off shelves around the world and be fixed up. I have read that the novel is being adapted into a feature-length film possibly directed by TIM BURTON. This must be a discrepancy, because I don't believe it for one minute. Nope, nope, nope. I mean, Tim Burton can turn ANYTHING into gold. I just don't understand why he would even bother taking on the project of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children because guess what? NOTHING and I repeat NOTHING even remotely scary occurs in this book. NO THING. Not even a little creepy! The photos lie. The cover lies. The reviews lie. Hardcore horror fans like myself, don't waste your time. Try Coraline, The Exorcist, or Rosemary's Baby. 

It is that time once again my fellow bookworms... let's end this conflict here and now!

Stay in school, be a Potterhead, soar like a Mockingjay, respect the nature, and above all... be your magickal self!

~The Black Rose Librarian

aka Sam ^_^

Weight-Training Guide

Weight-Training Guide

·    Spotters help adjust the machine, help lift the weight, and make sure person is doing exercise correctly.

·    Focus on breathing, posture, and speed when exercising.

·    Overload is when one needs to do more lifting in order to benefit from weightlifting (increase resistance).

·    Progression is when the amount of training needs to be improved gradually.

·    8-12 reps per set.

·    Repetition is doing an exercise one time.

·    A set is a group of reps with a period of rest at end.

·    Increase weight after 15 reps if it is too light for you. Decrease weight after 8 reps if it is too heavy for you.

·    You should strength train 2-3 times per week.

·    Shoulders back, belly in when weightlifting.

·    Reps should last two seconds.

·    Muscular strength and endurance are being worked in the weight room.

What muscles does each station target the most?

Leg curl= hamstrings

Leg extension= quadriceps

Chest press=pectorals

Overhead press=deltoid

Pull down= latissmus dorsi and trapezius

Arm extension=triceps

Bent leg ab board=rectus abdominus

Arm curl=biceps

Squats=gluteus maximus

Pull-ups=lats, traps

Bench press= pecs

Leg press=glutes

Cable crossover=pecs, triceps

Ultimate Frisbee: Rules of the Game

Hey guys!
This post is a continuation of my study guides series. I have my Phys. Ed. final exam tomorrow so I made this Ultimate Frisbee rules list. I'll also be posting a weight-training guide.

Ultimate Frisbee

·       Field is 70 x 40 yards with end zones 25 yards deep.

·       Each point begins with opposing teams on either end zones facing each other. The defense “pulls” the Frisbee to the offensive team.

·       Points must be scored in the defensive team’s end zone.

·       Frisbee advances by being passed between teammates.

·       Thrower= person with disk. Marker= person guarding thrower.

·       Stall count is 10 seconds. If thrower does not toss Frisbee within the 10 second stall count, then it is a foul and a turnover occurs to the opposing team.

·       Other Fouls= out of bounds, drop, block, interception.

·       After every score, players may be substituted in and out.

·       No physical contact allowed between players.

·       Players must play man-to-man defense.

·       Players call their own fouls.

·       Spirit of the Game: sportsmanship and fair play is a must in Ultimate.

Helpful Videos--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjeheLUjL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk_9tpTpLdk

Nuclear Chemistry

NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

Outline:

Nuclear Reactions= matter converted into energy.

Nuclear decay particles= Table O

Decay reactions= Table N

Artificial vs. natural transmutation

Fission= division

Fusion= coming together

Notes:

Penetrating abilities—

(least to greatest)

Alphaàbetaàgamma (in order on Table O)

Transmutation is the change of a nucleus from one element to another.

Natural transmutation—nucleus spontaneously decays; only one reactant.

Artificial transmutation—nucleus changes with help of some other particle; two or more reactants; non-spontaneous.  Particle accelerators can be used to give changed particles enough energy to overcome the electrostatic repulsion that exists between two nuclei.

Nuclear reaction is mass to energy;  a billion times more energy than a chemical reaction.

Small massàlarge energy

Exposure to radioactivity can cause cancer.

Nuclear waste has a long half-life.

**Chernobyl/Three Mile Island/Japan after 2011 earthquake

Fission reactions= artificial transmutation

Splitting of nucleus into two nuclei

Nucleus must have high atomic number

Neutrons collide with heavy nucleus

Uncontrolled fission reaction is an atomic bomb

Fuels are uranium

Pros of fission= fuel will last longer than fossil fuels; doesn’t contribute to air pollution, global warming, or acid rain

Cons of fission= fuels/products are radioactive, which poses a health risk; possibility of nuke accident; possibility of theft from nuclear reactor to make nuclear weaponry.

Fusion (coming together) reaction is combining of two nuclei to make one heavier nucleus.

Energy released is much greater than that in a fission reaction.

Mass of new nucleus is less than that of the two nuclei because a lot of the mass is converted into energy.

Sun gets its energy from a fusion reaction.

Hydrogen bombs use fusion to get a fission reaction to take place

Fuels for reaction are hydrogen isotopes.

H1- slowest H2&3-fastest

Pros of Fusion= inexpensive fuel; produces no harmful radioactive waste.

Cons of Fusion=high activation energy required.

Carbon 14 used for radioactive dating.

Cobalt 60 can be used to treat cancer.

Radium also used to treat cancer.

Uranium 238 and lead 206 used for dating rocks.

Iodine 131 used for detecting/diagnosing thyroid disorders.

Technetium 99 used to determine location of brain tumors.

Gamma radiation used in food preservation.

Half-lives cannot be changed by external factors.

(1/2)(t/T)

t= total time

T= half life

3 types of half-life problems:

1.    Going forward in time

2.    Going backwards in time

3.    Radioactive dating

Going forward in time

1.    Use this formula~#HL=t/T

2.    Plug into formula using values given.

3.    Once you find product, cut the amount of substance in half that amount of times.

Going backwards in time

1.    Use this formula~#HL=t/T

2.    Plug into formula.

3.    Once you find product, double the amount of substance that many times.

Radioactive Dating

1.    Use the percentage given equivalent to one Half Life value.

2.    Look up the nuclide on Table N and identify its actual half-life.

3.    Times actual half-life by one half-life to come up with your product.

Useful Links:

http://www.sciencegeek.net/Chemistry/taters/Unit1NuclearChemistry.htm

http://www.mybookezz.com/ebook.php?u=aHR0cDovL21pc3Rlcmd1Y2guYnJpbmtzdGVyLm5ldC9wcmEwMzUucGRmCk51Y2xlYXIgQ2hlbWlzdHJ5IFByYWN0aWNlIFNoZWV0IOKAkyBTb2x1dGlvbnM=