As many other internet go-ers, I stumbled over the concept of buying things over the internet.
As I was looking around, I noticed how the values of a book is graded. When you buy a book from a store you usually pay around 7 British pounds for it, or 100 Swedish crowns. After that book has been read once, if it is a pocket-book, it will re-retail for around 3 British pounds.
Isn't that crazy? We pay so much for a new book, and after one read, it is barely worth anything.
And even though it might sound a bit weird, I get a bit emotionally attached to all my books. Recently I decided to sell my Hunger Games trilogy through the Swedish Ebay "Tradera" against better judgement.
I thought it wouldn't be so bad, since I did not enjoy the series particularly much. But when it came down to it, I do not want to send them off! I read them, cried over the protagonists, and hated the antagonists. Now someone else will put them in their bookshelf. The only comfort is that the series had clashing colored covers and did not fit in well with the rest.
All that is left is to package them, and then ship them away...
So I ask you, dear reader; how do we value books? It is not so much about their story after the first read. We hand them off to a new pair of hands to grasp them, and cling to the pages, ripping their hair out over the plot twists, just like you did the first time you read that exact, same passage.
How do we know they do not just become a pretty addition on someone else's bookshelf?
And why do we care?
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-12-07
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
NaNo Day 7 Wrap up - It's been a week
And my story is progressing too fast. (To get to some motivational mo-jo, scroll down a bit)
We all have our problems when writing. If you don't plan ahead, you might be lost and the plot is a dead end. If you do plan ahead (which I did this year) you might rush the very first bit. This is both because I am not an avid writer, I don't sit down 365 days a year and just, write, and also because I knew where I was going.
When you have a specific goal in mind, and it is right there, so close you can actually touch it, you don't think "Oh hey well I really like this road better, it has pretty flowers next to it!" *and there is today's first failed metaphor*. So in other words, I rushed past some big parts in my character building and exposure phase. Because I want my story to say BAM! I am HERE! Read ME!
So the problem? Now my part that I had anticipated being 5000 words is a mere 2000. Well done.
So what do you do? Should you revise it?
NO! Follow this NaNo rule when we are talking segments in the begining. The plot isn't set in stone. It is a first draft for goodness sake.
Leave. It. Alone. (for now I know it hurts trust me)
So motivation to keep going? I guess I promised that yesterday because I actually felt motivated, but them I realized it was past midnight and I was tired.
MOTIVATIONAL-THINGY-UNO;
Do you know how many words you had 7 days ago? Zero! Nothing. You had absolutely nothing. Now look at the tiny little "infant-seed-child-novel" you have started. (Do not picture what that thing would look like literally) It is your baby! It is frowned upon to dislike babies. You can only do it on others peoples, but only after they are gone and can't hear you. You can't be the parent and the mean single friend! Think about that!
MOTIVATIONAL-THINGY-DOUS; (I am so sorry I don't speak Spanish at all)
Do you know how many words there is in the first version of Romeo and Juliet? 25599!
Do you know how many words there are in A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer, one of the most best selling books of all time and one of my favourites? 32404!
(And you International Baccalaureate students; One Extended Essay can be maximum 4000 words. A novel of 50000 is approximately 12,5 EE's!)
MOTIVATIONAL THINGY-TREISE; (I should just stop but I can't)
Not writing one day doesn't make you a bad writer. Not writing two days in a row doesn't make you a bad writer. Not even if you don't write for three whole days, does anyone get to call you a bad writer. The only bad writer is the person who never writes. Don't be that person.
That's it. Hold on to the little facts. Think percentage wise. Punch out how many percent done you are right now. Your word count, divided by 50000. Now promise to write at least one percent today. And another tomorrow.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-11-07
We all have our problems when writing. If you don't plan ahead, you might be lost and the plot is a dead end. If you do plan ahead (which I did this year) you might rush the very first bit. This is both because I am not an avid writer, I don't sit down 365 days a year and just, write, and also because I knew where I was going.
When you have a specific goal in mind, and it is right there, so close you can actually touch it, you don't think "Oh hey well I really like this road better, it has pretty flowers next to it!" *and there is today's first failed metaphor*. So in other words, I rushed past some big parts in my character building and exposure phase. Because I want my story to say BAM! I am HERE! Read ME!
So the problem? Now my part that I had anticipated being 5000 words is a mere 2000. Well done.
So what do you do? Should you revise it?
NO! Follow this NaNo rule when we are talking segments in the begining. The plot isn't set in stone. It is a first draft for goodness sake.
Leave. It. Alone. (for now I know it hurts trust me)
So motivation to keep going? I guess I promised that yesterday because I actually felt motivated, but them I realized it was past midnight and I was tired.
MOTIVATIONAL-THINGY-UNO;
Do you know how many words you had 7 days ago? Zero! Nothing. You had absolutely nothing. Now look at the tiny little "infant-seed-child-novel" you have started. (Do not picture what that thing would look like literally) It is your baby! It is frowned upon to dislike babies. You can only do it on others peoples, but only after they are gone and can't hear you. You can't be the parent and the mean single friend! Think about that!
MOTIVATIONAL-THINGY-DOUS; (I am so sorry I don't speak Spanish at all)
Do you know how many words there is in the first version of Romeo and Juliet? 25599!
Do you know how many words there are in A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer, one of the most best selling books of all time and one of my favourites? 32404!
(And you International Baccalaureate students; One Extended Essay can be maximum 4000 words. A novel of 50000 is approximately 12,5 EE's!)
MOTIVATIONAL THINGY-TREISE; (I should just stop but I can't)
Not writing one day doesn't make you a bad writer. Not writing two days in a row doesn't make you a bad writer. Not even if you don't write for three whole days, does anyone get to call you a bad writer. The only bad writer is the person who never writes. Don't be that person.
That's it. Hold on to the little facts. Think percentage wise. Punch out how many percent done you are right now. Your word count, divided by 50000. Now promise to write at least one percent today. And another tomorrow.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-11-07
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
NaNo2013 Day 6 Wrap-up - Don't worry
I am still alive.
Today I cannot help but be in a split mindset. I have been pouring my heart and mind into my novel these last days. Today I had a day off and spent every minute writing at the library. Reached 12,000 words, which is great because I will definitely fall behind this weekend when me and the boyfriend are going away. Not actually leaving my computer behind but to be honest I don't want him sitting right next to me on the train when I am writing.
So there is what I want to talk about today. Are you secretive about your NaNoWriMo participation? I know my mother would not understand why I am doing it and won't let me put time off for it, so is anyone in the same situation? The only person that I have told of my participation is my boyfriend.
To be honest I don't think I am ready to have people read my first draft. Or ask all the questions about it.
What's it about?
Do you think you can really write 50,000 words in a month?
Who are you writing about?
Can I read it now?
Can I read it when you're done?
I have no idea what it is about yet. I mean I know, but I can't formulate it until I am done. Or close.
To be scared of someone picking on something that you devout so much time and effort in is natural. That is the point of this post. What you write is worth writing. Once you have written it, you get to self critique it, but don't worry too much. Don't try to compare your first draft to finished works by published artists! They have revised that piece so many times, and had it checked by editors over and over!
That one scene that you think is too short? Add to it! Go with your gut, and don't think back too much.
That character that is a bastard to everyone? You can decide when he goes away. This is your own novel!
I've decided to share some of my motivation-tips tomorrow, so hang in there for that if nothing else. Today's goal (6th) is 10,000 words. That is one fifth of your novel. If not today, then do it tomorrow. Prioritize differently then. Split the time with watching television. Welcome back tomorrow, good night NaNo:s!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-11-06
Today I cannot help but be in a split mindset. I have been pouring my heart and mind into my novel these last days. Today I had a day off and spent every minute writing at the library. Reached 12,000 words, which is great because I will definitely fall behind this weekend when me and the boyfriend are going away. Not actually leaving my computer behind but to be honest I don't want him sitting right next to me on the train when I am writing.
So there is what I want to talk about today. Are you secretive about your NaNoWriMo participation? I know my mother would not understand why I am doing it and won't let me put time off for it, so is anyone in the same situation? The only person that I have told of my participation is my boyfriend.
To be honest I don't think I am ready to have people read my first draft. Or ask all the questions about it.
What's it about?
Do you think you can really write 50,000 words in a month?
Who are you writing about?
Can I read it now?
Can I read it when you're done?
I have no idea what it is about yet. I mean I know, but I can't formulate it until I am done. Or close.
To be scared of someone picking on something that you devout so much time and effort in is natural. That is the point of this post. What you write is worth writing. Once you have written it, you get to self critique it, but don't worry too much. Don't try to compare your first draft to finished works by published artists! They have revised that piece so many times, and had it checked by editors over and over!
That one scene that you think is too short? Add to it! Go with your gut, and don't think back too much.
That character that is a bastard to everyone? You can decide when he goes away. This is your own novel!
I've decided to share some of my motivation-tips tomorrow, so hang in there for that if nothing else. Today's goal (6th) is 10,000 words. That is one fifth of your novel. If not today, then do it tomorrow. Prioritize differently then. Split the time with watching television. Welcome back tomorrow, good night NaNo:s!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-11-06
Friday, October 18, 2013
Who ARE you?!
NaNoWriMo. Would you stop getting so close to me?!
I have found a general idea. I have a setting. Now if my main characters would just come together that would be real sweet of them. But no of course not, they gotta heave their ulterior motives, plot twists and general quirks that "make them realistic". Let me introduce you to problem person numero uno;
Meet Main character #1;
She is a mid-twenty year old, above average achiever. She is clear on the worlds politics, and understands what ambition means. Being brought up in the world where children are placed with promising young adults she was at a generally young age educated by a woman that tainted her whole life. She is genetically near perfect, with a strong bloodline. She places on the outer edges of the Prospect Triangle, ensuring her a safe life as one of the many corporations future heads. She is at peace with this and understands why the new world needed to replace the old one, the one where uneducated, barbaric people ruled "countries". She is knowledgeable, and reads much. Her preoccupation up to the age of 15 was studying basic foundation knowledge as other humans, but has since taken tests and landed a spot in a corporation working with evaluating children and placing them in households of matching adolescents. The only point on the Triangle where she is failing is the Social Adaptive Capabilities, where in casual conversation she is easily distracted and not clear in speech. She is ignorant to any conflict around her, yet is fascinated by the months Fairytales that come to her household of the time. She discusses them well with colleagues, and takes a special interest in articles with "past-progressors". These are old fairytales that have been reprinted. They feature things such as pop culture, art and other ingenuity that no longer seems to come out. She even learnt to read sheet music from a much earlier era as a passion. She also has an interest in baby things, such as shoes for tiny feet, and small mittens. She harbors a collection of them in her stow-away keep-safe. She is proud of her genetics but doesn't brag about results from the tests she has taken. Has promised herself that one day she will meet her Mother and thank her.
That is the introductory person, the person we meet before the plot has started.
The next person is Main character #2;
He is the Notor of Fairytales. Basically a journalist in our language, yet to be published for a long article, still working his way up but has since started given up on progressing past official documents. He is snide, rude, and often serious. He employs heavy sarcasm in his speech, a function often lost on the people around him. He pities the screwed up, wind-up people who strive for greatness and feels its just an imaginary carrot the corporations dangle in front of their noses. Loosely expresses this opinion in his papers but all sarcasm is lost in the readers. He was one of the most promising males in his division. This scored him an official job, and access to the function of marriage, something reserved for the very top ranking people. He and Female Antagonist are married, she will be introduced later. It is not a happy marriage because she is if possible the driest person ever. He does love her though, through all of it. They are one of the stories sub-plots. He is aware of all official things.
I can't decide completely on the perspective. I want to write it in the beginning as her story but then I am realizing that his story might have more to say. Probably going to use both in NaNo and then when I edit choose one that works best.
That's it for now. At least I have something to show for working so hard!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-18
I have found a general idea. I have a setting. Now if my main characters would just come together that would be real sweet of them. But no of course not, they gotta heave their ulterior motives, plot twists and general quirks that "make them realistic". Let me introduce you to problem person numero uno;
Meet Main character #1;
She is a mid-twenty year old, above average achiever. She is clear on the worlds politics, and understands what ambition means. Being brought up in the world where children are placed with promising young adults she was at a generally young age educated by a woman that tainted her whole life. She is genetically near perfect, with a strong bloodline. She places on the outer edges of the Prospect Triangle, ensuring her a safe life as one of the many corporations future heads. She is at peace with this and understands why the new world needed to replace the old one, the one where uneducated, barbaric people ruled "countries". She is knowledgeable, and reads much. Her preoccupation up to the age of 15 was studying basic foundation knowledge as other humans, but has since taken tests and landed a spot in a corporation working with evaluating children and placing them in households of matching adolescents. The only point on the Triangle where she is failing is the Social Adaptive Capabilities, where in casual conversation she is easily distracted and not clear in speech. She is ignorant to any conflict around her, yet is fascinated by the months Fairytales that come to her household of the time. She discusses them well with colleagues, and takes a special interest in articles with "past-progressors". These are old fairytales that have been reprinted. They feature things such as pop culture, art and other ingenuity that no longer seems to come out. She even learnt to read sheet music from a much earlier era as a passion. She also has an interest in baby things, such as shoes for tiny feet, and small mittens. She harbors a collection of them in her stow-away keep-safe. She is proud of her genetics but doesn't brag about results from the tests she has taken. Has promised herself that one day she will meet her Mother and thank her.
That is the introductory person, the person we meet before the plot has started.
The next person is Main character #2;
He is the Notor of Fairytales. Basically a journalist in our language, yet to be published for a long article, still working his way up but has since started given up on progressing past official documents. He is snide, rude, and often serious. He employs heavy sarcasm in his speech, a function often lost on the people around him. He pities the screwed up, wind-up people who strive for greatness and feels its just an imaginary carrot the corporations dangle in front of their noses. Loosely expresses this opinion in his papers but all sarcasm is lost in the readers. He was one of the most promising males in his division. This scored him an official job, and access to the function of marriage, something reserved for the very top ranking people. He and Female Antagonist are married, she will be introduced later. It is not a happy marriage because she is if possible the driest person ever. He does love her though, through all of it. They are one of the stories sub-plots. He is aware of all official things.
I can't decide completely on the perspective. I want to write it in the beginning as her story but then I am realizing that his story might have more to say. Probably going to use both in NaNo and then when I edit choose one that works best.
That's it for now. At least I have something to show for working so hard!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-18
So life rant.
Time to loosen up the joints and get back to writing. November is approaching faster than ever and my typing is going to crap,,, Spelling, speed and everything there is. Basically, I feel incomplete. And I need to rant.
I am not old. I am not at risk of reaching a point in life where it is too late to change totally. But, after a few hours alone in my room I am having an existential crisis. Here's the deal right now. The show-down. The whole picture.
I am approaching 20. That's not necessarily old. But in five years I'll be 25 and five years after that 30. Holy crap, by then it is too late. I have to have my life together by then. Being raised by divorced parents I need to have a family, stability and yes, I need children by then. I also don't want to rush such a thing with someone I don't know.
So: I need to know the person for like 6 months before you can say that you are a couple. Then the next step is cohabitation. That is at LEAST one whole year of dating. After that comes engagement, and I think you should live together for at least a year before you go into that just to be sure of what you are getting into. After that step is definitely children. God darn that topic. You can be as torn as you want about it right now, but you sure son't want to be the old mom later on, so after engagement I say 6 months to a year before you could be expecting. Then when the child is a toddler, maybe 6 years old, marriage. That is my plan. It gives you time to start a career and get a steady job before anything else. And let's be honest, you don't want to be fat or ugly in wedding photos. So you should definitely be like 30 when that happens.
Counting backwards, that means;
29; marriage
23; child
22; engagement
21; cohabitation
20; dating
19; introduction
That's it. That is all. I fully understand how unrealistic it is that things follow this meticulous plan, but come on! Can't things just go the way you plan for once? Why shouldn't they?
It scares me, I will willingly say so. That means I should be meeting the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, right now. Holy cow... I do have a boyfriend, but I am nearly 100 percent sure it is frowned upon to say stuff such as "So hey, before I turn 24 I want a baby. And just so you know, I expect a proposal before then! Yea. So no. Probably going to die alone. Rant over for now.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome
I am not old. I am not at risk of reaching a point in life where it is too late to change totally. But, after a few hours alone in my room I am having an existential crisis. Here's the deal right now. The show-down. The whole picture.
I am approaching 20. That's not necessarily old. But in five years I'll be 25 and five years after that 30. Holy crap, by then it is too late. I have to have my life together by then. Being raised by divorced parents I need to have a family, stability and yes, I need children by then. I also don't want to rush such a thing with someone I don't know.
So: I need to know the person for like 6 months before you can say that you are a couple. Then the next step is cohabitation. That is at LEAST one whole year of dating. After that comes engagement, and I think you should live together for at least a year before you go into that just to be sure of what you are getting into. After that step is definitely children. God darn that topic. You can be as torn as you want about it right now, but you sure son't want to be the old mom later on, so after engagement I say 6 months to a year before you could be expecting. Then when the child is a toddler, maybe 6 years old, marriage. That is my plan. It gives you time to start a career and get a steady job before anything else. And let's be honest, you don't want to be fat or ugly in wedding photos. So you should definitely be like 30 when that happens.
Counting backwards, that means;
29; marriage
23; child
22; engagement
21; cohabitation
20; dating
19; introduction
That's it. That is all. I fully understand how unrealistic it is that things follow this meticulous plan, but come on! Can't things just go the way you plan for once? Why shouldn't they?
It scares me, I will willingly say so. That means I should be meeting the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, right now. Holy cow... I do have a boyfriend, but I am nearly 100 percent sure it is frowned upon to say stuff such as "So hey, before I turn 24 I want a baby. And just so you know, I expect a proposal before then! Yea. So no. Probably going to die alone. Rant over for now.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome
Sunday, October 6, 2013
1st edition cover page for NaNowriMo 2013 novel
Here's the first edition of the cover I have made, because it looks awfully empty without it!
Okay, so I lied!
I didn't update as planned, but who ever does? I did however spend a lot of time thinking about my novel. It's such a long way until November, but still it's just around the corner and there is so much to do! Let's make a NaNoWriMo check list of what needs to be done (okay I just really want a good reason to postpone actually developing the idea at this point because usually that's where things get messy, untidy, and unclear)
Things a novel need:
- A title. A strong, poetic, special, non-cliché title. This does not necessarily need to be in place as writing begins.
- A setting. Work with geographical, historical and social. You can be ambiguous about one of three when writing, but choose wisely otherwise you'll end up being the bed-headboard-book-equalizer because you so uneven in yo language not even IKEA could assemble you straight.
- A main character. Or many, I mean let's be honest, isn't dual-narratives becoming a real thing lately? But be careful, or you might end up with half-naked characters (figuratively speaking).
- A plot. At least something that remotely resembles it. There are different types of novels, character based, plot based or setting based. (I made the last one up completely, it sounds awful, but the idea is there nevertheless) What did you start out with? It will be obvious to the reader what was there first; plot, character or setting.
Things I need:
- Lists. Of everything that could/would/should/might/will happen.
- A cover. I want to imagine the world and DO I wish I could draw. I have the hand-eye coordination of a one-winged seagull. Of course, they don't have hands at all... Poor things.
- Caffeine. Coffee is fine. Red Bull is better.
And what of this do I have as of this moment? Nada. Like literally nothing. I mean literally, as in there is so little substantial material written down right now we might as well not. Fret not. The day will come when ideas start coming to me again. Until then, I will blog selflessly in denial of the passing of time.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-06
Things a novel need:
- A title. A strong, poetic, special, non-cliché title. This does not necessarily need to be in place as writing begins.
- A setting. Work with geographical, historical and social. You can be ambiguous about one of three when writing, but choose wisely otherwise you'll end up being the bed-headboard-book-equalizer because you so uneven in yo language not even IKEA could assemble you straight.
- A main character. Or many, I mean let's be honest, isn't dual-narratives becoming a real thing lately? But be careful, or you might end up with half-naked characters (figuratively speaking).
- A plot. At least something that remotely resembles it. There are different types of novels, character based, plot based or setting based. (I made the last one up completely, it sounds awful, but the idea is there nevertheless) What did you start out with? It will be obvious to the reader what was there first; plot, character or setting.
Things I need:
- Lists. Of everything that could/would/should/might/will happen.
- A cover. I want to imagine the world and DO I wish I could draw. I have the hand-eye coordination of a one-winged seagull. Of course, they don't have hands at all... Poor things.
- Caffeine. Coffee is fine. Red Bull is better.
And what of this do I have as of this moment? Nada. Like literally nothing. I mean literally, as in there is so little substantial material written down right now we might as well not. Fret not. The day will come when ideas start coming to me again. Until then, I will blog selflessly in denial of the passing of time.
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-06
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Dealing with structure (when used to non-structure),,,
I am referring to life. Life organization, planning, having a goal, dreams, routines, customs, rules, ete. I like to think my life is ordinary. I wake up, go to work, go home, eat, watch TV, move to the computer, move to the bed, and read, then sleep, and then wash, rinse and repeat. However this has led to me having some issues with control. I like having things in order. I like time schedules, and clocks and notes and lists and other pseudo-psychotic ticks. You want to know what happens when things change that I can't affect? Boom.
I am lost, I help helpless, and weak, and oh God, are those paper clippings on your desk? A tidy workspace is a haven for productivity. *cleanliness is next to Godliness*.
Of course I am kidding. I suck at structure. Someone actually has to hold me to a routine at work for me to do it. Double standards such as making independent decisions versus "you-better-check-with-someone", are tearing me apart.
And yesterday we introduced a completely new system. Great. I'm not going to panic. Sigh.
HOW CAN YOU CAUSE SUCH DISARRAYMENT AND THEN LOOK THE OTHER WAY?!
WHY WON'T YOU TAKE SUGGESTIONS?!
*heavy breathing*
Okay. I'm fine. But responsibility on the workplace is important. I'm just not up there enough yet to be able to call someone out on it. I was clean out insulted today, because they didn't think I had the knowledge to be on our new systems, because I've only worked there for about 5 months, which was completely uncalled for, just because management thought I'd pick it up faster than someone who has been wokring on the same basics and resisted change for years on end. Ha to you, but I also hope you get over it soon.
As usual, I am more two-sided to a story than a 4 year old.
Well, no more talk about work tonight. I'm working on my plot for NaNo this year, so better get back to that. I'll probably make an update on it on Friday!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-02
I am lost, I help helpless, and weak, and oh God, are those paper clippings on your desk? A tidy workspace is a haven for productivity. *cleanliness is next to Godliness*.
Of course I am kidding. I suck at structure. Someone actually has to hold me to a routine at work for me to do it. Double standards such as making independent decisions versus "you-better-check-with-someone", are tearing me apart.
And yesterday we introduced a completely new system. Great. I'm not going to panic. Sigh.
HOW CAN YOU CAUSE SUCH DISARRAYMENT AND THEN LOOK THE OTHER WAY?!
WHY WON'T YOU TAKE SUGGESTIONS?!
*heavy breathing*
Okay. I'm fine. But responsibility on the workplace is important. I'm just not up there enough yet to be able to call someone out on it. I was clean out insulted today, because they didn't think I had the knowledge to be on our new systems, because I've only worked there for about 5 months, which was completely uncalled for, just because management thought I'd pick it up faster than someone who has been wokring on the same basics and resisted change for years on end. Ha to you, but I also hope you get over it soon.
As usual, I am more two-sided to a story than a 4 year old.
Well, no more talk about work tonight. I'm working on my plot for NaNo this year, so better get back to that. I'll probably make an update on it on Friday!
By Yours Truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-02
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013
I'm going to do it!!! Last time was in 2011, and I only made it about halfway, to circa 30000 words.
This time, I'm going for gold. Now I just need to find something to write about.... Plot updates coming soon
By Yours Truly
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-01
This time, I'm going for gold. Now I just need to find something to write about.... Plot updates coming soon
By Yours Truly
ETBlogsHome 2013-10-01
What I know and don't know
A couple of years back I was like any other teenager. I wanted to get a DSLR camera, and so I did (after much saving). I got it when I was 13, and since then... Well, let's just say that it hasn't been used much. I am a sucker for new challenges. However, if things get too hard, or there are no answers, I bore easily. Take this example of one of my first photos:
It is washed out, and bland, but I was so happy I understood lens flare! (This is also a good example of how opportunity meets luck)
However I progressed, and learnt that even though nature photos are "nice", I wanted "fun". And to me, fun means straight out life caught on camera! This is an example photo taken a while after winter passed.
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It is washed out, and bland, but I was so happy I understood lens flare! (This is also a good example of how opportunity meets luck)
However I progressed, and learnt that even though nature photos are "nice", I wanted "fun". And to me, fun means straight out life caught on camera! This is an example photo taken a while after winter passed.
An that is what colour coordination looks like. This was in aperture priority mode (AV on my PENTAX), 5.6 F, shutter speed 1/400 sek and an ISO of 200, no zoom, no flash. The light is actually coming from behind Mollie, but thanks to the low ISO, light envelops her even with a relatively normal shutter speed.
Here is another example;
This photo was also taken in aperture priority mode, 4 F, shutter speed 1/40 sek and ISO 1600, with a 18-55 standard kit lens, zoomed all the way in. The high ISO allows for bad lighting, but a high shutter speed as well. The aperture is relatively low, giving a very blurred background, and its manually locked to focus on a very small spot around eleven o'clock.
This picture on the other hand;
is taken with ISO 400, 8 F, and shutter speed 1/125 sek. It's also worth to mention it's taken with a 55-300 kit lens. The "higher" aperture allows for the black to be blacker. The low ISO makes sure the colours don't get washed out. Shutter speed is balanced to show contrast and definition to the details of the birds and trees. SO. Balance huh? Can't be that hard!
Everyone loves to see "Don't do this things". Here you go:
The lens is all wrong! This is the 18-55 lens. It is paired with a high ISO of 180, and a too low aperture of 6,3. It was taken in full manual mode, all zoomed out and no flash. Below is comparatively an image taken under the right circumstances:
This was taken with the 55-300 lens, zoomed out, without flash. The ISO is lowered to 800, and the aperture is 5,6. It was take on my cameras "Portrait mode" which means all I change is the ISO, and this is done on feel and trial and error.
This is an example of placement and alignment. The settings are identical. ISO 800, F 5,6, shutter speed 1/2 sek taken at 42 mm zoom with the kit lens. Many times you dont need to photoshop things like this, but to make them more attractive you could tilt them, or add a black and white filter, which is the cheepest editing trick you can do, but it works!
Well that last one might be over done to prove a point, but see what a little shuffling and black and white can do? Here are some examples of over worked photos:
I think that's all for today!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
I guess the world doesn't actually end...
if you fail high school.
"Oh no, but without an education, you don't have anything!" I've really come to realize how boldly overstated that phrase is. Sure, things were looking, to say the least, like sh.t when I got my results. Didn't pass math or chemistry. Cried some (this on the other hand is a bold understatement), tried to snap out of it (a very lean attempt it was, but an attempt nevertheless), and then entered limbo (this is the phase where you simultaneously feel like a huge failure and want to do it over again, and being generally mad and saying things like "To -bleep- with high school, I'll just live on pasta for the rest of my life").
About a week after I'd gotten my results and some really good advise from my ex-mentor everyone in Sweden got their University application results. Turned out, I still got competence enough to get into my second choice of uni. I also landed a secondary replacement place for my primary uni; I thought that was quite an achievement (which it really was, and allow me to boast for a second *drumroll* done.)
Once August finally rolled around I had prepared myself for everything. Not really, quite the opposite. There were too many ways things could go. I'd already gotten into one university, which I could choose to enroll in. I wouldn't know until the sixth if I'd gotten in on my first choice, which would mean going there but the odds of that were so slim. Or, if I got really lucky I might get a continued contract with IKEA. That would according to me at the time, be my best choice. And then August sixth came.
I couldn't believe it when I saw that I got in to molecularbiology in Lund, with two failed IB subjects! Great, now I knew what I was going to do.
That was until the 16th. This was a Friday (just before Saturday and Sunday). Finally I was going to get turned down from IKEA. But then of course that didn't happen for God knows things shouldn't be easy! I got offered a full time contract until February. At least I had the weekend to think about what I was going to do.
That I did. You cannot count the amount of times I wanted to change my mind about everything! Work for a year, earn some money, relax a bit, and just have a general study break. Or jump right back into school. In the end, with the help of the best person in the world, I decided.
University can wait. It turns out, the world can be lenient with you as long as you manage to stick to your gut about something.
I'm not advising everyone to not go to university, but in a worlds where more people have Bachelor degrees than ever, they become interchangeable. Employers require work-life experience!
So here I am, with the first grown-up decision ever. I think it's going to be one good year.
By yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-08-21
"Oh no, but without an education, you don't have anything!" I've really come to realize how boldly overstated that phrase is. Sure, things were looking, to say the least, like sh.t when I got my results. Didn't pass math or chemistry. Cried some (this on the other hand is a bold understatement), tried to snap out of it (a very lean attempt it was, but an attempt nevertheless), and then entered limbo (this is the phase where you simultaneously feel like a huge failure and want to do it over again, and being generally mad and saying things like "To -bleep- with high school, I'll just live on pasta for the rest of my life").
About a week after I'd gotten my results and some really good advise from my ex-mentor everyone in Sweden got their University application results. Turned out, I still got competence enough to get into my second choice of uni. I also landed a secondary replacement place for my primary uni; I thought that was quite an achievement (which it really was, and allow me to boast for a second *drumroll* done.)
Once August finally rolled around I had prepared myself for everything. Not really, quite the opposite. There were too many ways things could go. I'd already gotten into one university, which I could choose to enroll in. I wouldn't know until the sixth if I'd gotten in on my first choice, which would mean going there but the odds of that were so slim. Or, if I got really lucky I might get a continued contract with IKEA. That would according to me at the time, be my best choice. And then August sixth came.
I couldn't believe it when I saw that I got in to molecularbiology in Lund, with two failed IB subjects! Great, now I knew what I was going to do.
That was until the 16th. This was a Friday (just before Saturday and Sunday). Finally I was going to get turned down from IKEA. But then of course that didn't happen for God knows things shouldn't be easy! I got offered a full time contract until February. At least I had the weekend to think about what I was going to do.
That I did. You cannot count the amount of times I wanted to change my mind about everything! Work for a year, earn some money, relax a bit, and just have a general study break. Or jump right back into school. In the end, with the help of the best person in the world, I decided.
University can wait. It turns out, the world can be lenient with you as long as you manage to stick to your gut about something.
I'm not advising everyone to not go to university, but in a worlds where more people have Bachelor degrees than ever, they become interchangeable. Employers require work-life experience!
So here I am, with the first grown-up decision ever. I think it's going to be one good year.
By yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-08-21
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Using and abusing social media...
is generally a hot topic. Based on your generation, location, and most of all your personality you'll stand by a specific boundary where using turns into abusing. Of course this goes for most any thing. Language into cursing, comedies into offensive material, and should children be allowed to play with toys with loose plastic eyes or not?
As humans I believe we are bound to conflicts, confrontation, and collectivism. We identify a "problem", create the "problem" and then we take a stand against or for it, often divided into two sides relying on the counter arguments or the other side.
Passivity and "agressivity" have become driving forces in debates. You have a problem? Well, we have a problem with you having a problem!
That's the way it's always been, and look how well that's worked out!
We need change, development is the only way forward!
Rome wasn't built in a day!
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! (Okay, fair enough, I added this one our of pure sarcasm/irony who knows what is what anyways, none of you people reading it certainly.(And you should always have an even number of arguments. I'm a sucker for even numbers))
*Ahem*... Right, back to the point. Social media is expanding, and you can't find a respectable company that doesn't have a Facebook page. Television? Sure, there are advertisements on there, you've probably come across one or two. Amish? Maybe not so much social media.
My generation (in general) is constantly connected. Internet to your phone, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, Tumblr, Stumbleupon, etc etc etc. I spend countless hours each day either in front of the computer or my phone! Break at work? Of course I'll bring my phone to play Candy Crush Saga for 10 min. Lunch? I'll check Instagram, then Tumblr, then Facebook, then over again.
So am I a user or an abuser? I would say that if I did not have a semi-respectable job to go to each day, I'd be an abuser. Now my main focus in life is not technology (even though I technically spend 7 hours a day at work on les interwebs too). It's purely for recreational use. But then again, that's what all the druggies call it, isn't it?
Well, this has been a lot of fun, if you feel like sharing your thoughts on social media and our use of it feel free. There is no toll charge on the comments box!
By yours truly, ETBlogsHome 2013-08-04
As humans I believe we are bound to conflicts, confrontation, and collectivism. We identify a "problem", create the "problem" and then we take a stand against or for it, often divided into two sides relying on the counter arguments or the other side.
Passivity and "agressivity" have become driving forces in debates. You have a problem? Well, we have a problem with you having a problem!
That's the way it's always been, and look how well that's worked out!
We need change, development is the only way forward!
Rome wasn't built in a day!
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! (Okay, fair enough, I added this one our of pure sarcasm/irony who knows what is what anyways, none of you people reading it certainly.(And you should always have an even number of arguments. I'm a sucker for even numbers))
*Ahem*... Right, back to the point. Social media is expanding, and you can't find a respectable company that doesn't have a Facebook page. Television? Sure, there are advertisements on there, you've probably come across one or two. Amish? Maybe not so much social media.
My generation (in general) is constantly connected. Internet to your phone, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, Tumblr, Stumbleupon, etc etc etc. I spend countless hours each day either in front of the computer or my phone! Break at work? Of course I'll bring my phone to play Candy Crush Saga for 10 min. Lunch? I'll check Instagram, then Tumblr, then Facebook, then over again.
So am I a user or an abuser? I would say that if I did not have a semi-respectable job to go to each day, I'd be an abuser. Now my main focus in life is not technology (even though I technically spend 7 hours a day at work on les interwebs too). It's purely for recreational use. But then again, that's what all the druggies call it, isn't it?
Well, this has been a lot of fun, if you feel like sharing your thoughts on social media and our use of it feel free. There is no toll charge on the comments box!
By yours truly, ETBlogsHome 2013-08-04
Sunday, July 28, 2013
How we assure male dominance...
is disgusting, to say the least. I'm sure most people are aware of the unfairness of this concept. Hey, I mean, I'm not judging you if you aren't. So what sparked my interest in this? Mainly watching too many hours of YouTube. It IS a source of education, and don't you dare speak against that. However uncontrolled it may be, there are people with worthy opinions on there.
I'm no feminist and never will be due to my short attention span and lack of motivation to stay on one subject for more time than it takes for a squirrel to cross the road, but, I believe in it. Not the burn-all-typically-feminine-products kinda thing, but the access to information and dismembering of taboos.
I read an article on mothers breastfeeding in public. I heard about the Texas senate banning all feminine hygiene products. God knows I've heard most everything on the rape case in the United States where the boys were let off as "victims". It disgusts me that this damn country gets away with shaming women like this!
The not so newly sparked rape-culture concept has been hot on many sites such as Tumblr for months, and even years, but is now making it to the popular blogs. The users of Tumblr are mainly people between the ages of 15-25 ish, meaning that we make up a big part of the online community. The fact that there are some people that still disregard the existence of the debate, and even politicians and media broadcasters, shows pure ignorance. It's time for a change...
The taboos around sex, menstruation, breastfeeding, abortion, and the list goes on and on, are purely ridiculous. How a spokesperson dares to humiliate half of the worlds population is beyond me. The propaganda that is shoved down children's throats called "abstinence" as an only choice.. Are we too far gone to save the next generation from making the same chauvinist society we live on today? Can we change society's values when our children aren't educated in the right of all no matter the romantic attraction to another human being? *sight*
I wish we had an answer right now. As it is though, we don't.
There needs to be less biased information available through education. There needs to be a more diverse set of representatives in boards and media. Can this change today? No. Will it change tomorrow, or even in the coming years? No.
All we can do is hope that taboos are lifted, and justice can be served in the future. I, for one, can't wait for the small things to change. If we turn the pyramid of power around, and there will be no going back to personal intrusion and ignorance of the masses.
By yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-28
I'm no feminist and never will be due to my short attention span and lack of motivation to stay on one subject for more time than it takes for a squirrel to cross the road, but, I believe in it. Not the burn-all-typically-feminine-products kinda thing, but the access to information and dismembering of taboos.
I read an article on mothers breastfeeding in public. I heard about the Texas senate banning all feminine hygiene products. God knows I've heard most everything on the rape case in the United States where the boys were let off as "victims". It disgusts me that this damn country gets away with shaming women like this!
The not so newly sparked rape-culture concept has been hot on many sites such as Tumblr for months, and even years, but is now making it to the popular blogs. The users of Tumblr are mainly people between the ages of 15-25 ish, meaning that we make up a big part of the online community. The fact that there are some people that still disregard the existence of the debate, and even politicians and media broadcasters, shows pure ignorance. It's time for a change...
The taboos around sex, menstruation, breastfeeding, abortion, and the list goes on and on, are purely ridiculous. How a spokesperson dares to humiliate half of the worlds population is beyond me. The propaganda that is shoved down children's throats called "abstinence" as an only choice.. Are we too far gone to save the next generation from making the same chauvinist society we live on today? Can we change society's values when our children aren't educated in the right of all no matter the romantic attraction to another human being? *sight*
I wish we had an answer right now. As it is though, we don't.
There needs to be less biased information available through education. There needs to be a more diverse set of representatives in boards and media. Can this change today? No. Will it change tomorrow, or even in the coming years? No.
All we can do is hope that taboos are lifted, and justice can be served in the future. I, for one, can't wait for the small things to change. If we turn the pyramid of power around, and there will be no going back to personal intrusion and ignorance of the masses.
By yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-28
Sunday, July 14, 2013
I'm constantly asking myself....
How my life situation reflects on my surroundings.
We all have times when we feel a need to be in control. (Or at least I do quite often). Everyone has their way of dealing with stress. Some common things that people do to relieve this is;
- Eat
- Cry
- Exercise
- Eat
- Talk
- Publicly humiliate the item or person that is the source of the stress
- Eat
I've developed a bit of a tweaked way of ... "dealing".
It's not compulsive, as much as it is needed! So don't you dare judge me, you, ....butt-scratcher! (warning nsfw)
I organize my bookshelf. A lot. I'm not talking like okay, I feel stressed, tear down all books, put them back up. We are talking majorly changing the appearance and organization. It makes me feel.. in control.
Here's what I'm going to do! Below are some of today's and yesterday's organizations. I feel as if when I confess this to no one in particular, I'll be able to at least stop a little.
Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-14
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-14
Saturday, July 13, 2013
*silent sight* Here's the deal,,,
One of the hardest questions but also most interesting questions I find myself faced with in recent times is one that many others are asked everyday too. It may be asked of a friend, family, companion (thank God not animals), or anyone close enough to speak to you. It's not a personal question, but it is a private one.
It's a question I HATE to the deep depths of my so-called-soul and all the way into middle earth, hell or whatever lies beyond.
If you've been reading some of my recent posts, I have mentioned where I am in life; just after high school.
So here's the question I dread:
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
*shivers down spine* Ugh. Where do I begin. I want to be successful, have an amazing progressive career, with opportunities in many countries, have a partner, and at some point (maybe) "offspring". I will not settle with being a housewife. Mostly because of television shows such as "Desperate Housewives" and its ever-present stream of new editions.
I want to be a scientist. Now the actual question is how do I get from here, to there?
The constant "from point A to point B" approach seems to be as old fashioned as toothpaste in a jar. Whatever happened to trial and error experiments in basements that won Nobel prizes?! Oh that's right, there never was such a thing.
What I have in mind is a simple, old-fashioned approach. The educational system however has another thing in mind. First you have to compete for a place to get an education. Then once you get in, the things in university are basically the exact same things you learnt in high school. So you become in debt, and lazy, and then you are free to move on. Next step is finding a job. Oh wait, you can't get a job without five years of work experience!
Great. I love when the government and companies get to screw with my life, but touch my fluffy little clouds of dreams, and things will get messy.
*sight* Now what? Complaining certainly won't get you anywhere! Better get back to bending over backwards to please the system.
Thought by yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-13
It's a question I HATE to the deep depths of my so-called-soul and all the way into middle earth, hell or whatever lies beyond.
If you've been reading some of my recent posts, I have mentioned where I am in life; just after high school.
So here's the question I dread:
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
*shivers down spine* Ugh. Where do I begin. I want to be successful, have an amazing progressive career, with opportunities in many countries, have a partner, and at some point (maybe) "offspring". I will not settle with being a housewife. Mostly because of television shows such as "Desperate Housewives" and its ever-present stream of new editions.
I want to be a scientist. Now the actual question is how do I get from here, to there?
The constant "from point A to point B" approach seems to be as old fashioned as toothpaste in a jar. Whatever happened to trial and error experiments in basements that won Nobel prizes?! Oh that's right, there never was such a thing.
What I have in mind is a simple, old-fashioned approach. The educational system however has another thing in mind. First you have to compete for a place to get an education. Then once you get in, the things in university are basically the exact same things you learnt in high school. So you become in debt, and lazy, and then you are free to move on. Next step is finding a job. Oh wait, you can't get a job without five years of work experience!
Great. I love when the government and companies get to screw with my life, but touch my fluffy little clouds of dreams, and things will get messy.
*sight* Now what? Complaining certainly won't get you anywhere! Better get back to bending over backwards to please the system.
Thought by yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-13
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Something I've come to realize...
Is that internet stalking is VERY easy. I'm sure most of the people on the "inter-webs" have Facebook accounts, and if not, you know what it is unless you've lived as an eremite for the last 5 years.
It's not only Facebook though. With a phone number, you can basically find out all there i to know about a person. You can find basically every ounce of information this person has ever used on this magical platform of hopes and shattered dreams. Now, I'm no tech-geek/freak, but I could still dig up a lot of information on any given person.
Today there are so many databases accessible to anyone who has an internet connection. Phone numbers, names, addresses, birth dates, relatives an family trees, hobbies, photos, and what music we listen to.
I'm not saying this is all bad, I mean how else would you know what to get your second cousins great aunt as a Christmas present? But do we really have the need for all of this; that's the question.
In my work at a call-center there comes a time when you accidentally miss out on taking, let's say, their e-mail address. Even without asking the client anything, I can see their caller ID, and punch in these numbers in our own database, and see every order they've made for years. With this information I then get their name. With their name I can easily find their address. And of course their Facebook if they have one. Linked to this is often an accessible e-mail address, and if not that some people link their workplace info, and that website usually has a website, and sometimes if the person is important enough their work-email is ready to find.
Scary? Reality. I would never dream of abusing this, but there sure are people who would.
In an age when "cat-fishing" becomes more and more common and insecure people take to the internet to create fake identities, we need to be careful what we put out there. This is of even greater concern as a younger audience than ever before is entering the world-wide-web. Countless 12 year old's have iPhones, iPads and laptops, and they haven't realized just how small the world is. It might feel huge, but with the developments in connectivity and a trait of always being accessible we are closer together than ever.
So my thoughts? Maybe we should stick to sending birthday gift cards to our far-off relatives, and let go of our need-to-know-everything-despair. Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-11
It's not only Facebook though. With a phone number, you can basically find out all there i to know about a person. You can find basically every ounce of information this person has ever used on this magical platform of hopes and shattered dreams. Now, I'm no tech-geek/freak, but I could still dig up a lot of information on any given person.
Today there are so many databases accessible to anyone who has an internet connection. Phone numbers, names, addresses, birth dates, relatives an family trees, hobbies, photos, and what music we listen to.
I'm not saying this is all bad, I mean how else would you know what to get your second cousins great aunt as a Christmas present? But do we really have the need for all of this; that's the question.
In my work at a call-center there comes a time when you accidentally miss out on taking, let's say, their e-mail address. Even without asking the client anything, I can see their caller ID, and punch in these numbers in our own database, and see every order they've made for years. With this information I then get their name. With their name I can easily find their address. And of course their Facebook if they have one. Linked to this is often an accessible e-mail address, and if not that some people link their workplace info, and that website usually has a website, and sometimes if the person is important enough their work-email is ready to find.
Scary? Reality. I would never dream of abusing this, but there sure are people who would.
In an age when "cat-fishing" becomes more and more common and insecure people take to the internet to create fake identities, we need to be careful what we put out there. This is of even greater concern as a younger audience than ever before is entering the world-wide-web. Countless 12 year old's have iPhones, iPads and laptops, and they haven't realized just how small the world is. It might feel huge, but with the developments in connectivity and a trait of always being accessible we are closer together than ever.
So my thoughts? Maybe we should stick to sending birthday gift cards to our far-off relatives, and let go of our need-to-know-everything-despair. Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-11
Saturday, July 6, 2013
So life isn't always easy....
Today I got the results for my high school examinations and the International Baccalaureate program.
A few days back I posted a little list of options for me depending on how I scored. Where I landed in this list was "below expected" or "huge disappointment". I ended up getting a total of 29.. (and I got a three in chemistry and a two in maths.) So to say the least, I now have a whole year to look forward to keep studying the exact same thing, and hopefully score better.
The thing is, the Swedish system is somewhat changeable - I get to "transform" my points into the Swedish scoring system, and the results aren't half bad. A 29 on a scale to 42, tranforms to a 17,73 out of 20. Huh, who would have known this would all pay off? Thing is, I don't have access to courses that require Maths above C, or Chem that reqrires passing.
This means I might get into my second choice! (depending on how tough the competition for places is this year..)
I also have the option to send off the papers I did badly on to regrading. In best case scenario this could get me up one grade, so maths is screwed........ But chemistry! I could possibly pass.
So I'm going to keep my fingers crossed when the component grades come out that there is some small chance to pass.
Keep your fingers and toes crossed for yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-06
A few days back I posted a little list of options for me depending on how I scored. Where I landed in this list was "below expected" or "huge disappointment". I ended up getting a total of 29.. (and I got a three in chemistry and a two in maths.) So to say the least, I now have a whole year to look forward to keep studying the exact same thing, and hopefully score better.
The thing is, the Swedish system is somewhat changeable - I get to "transform" my points into the Swedish scoring system, and the results aren't half bad. A 29 on a scale to 42, tranforms to a 17,73 out of 20. Huh, who would have known this would all pay off? Thing is, I don't have access to courses that require Maths above C, or Chem that reqrires passing.
This means I might get into my second choice! (depending on how tough the competition for places is this year..)
I also have the option to send off the papers I did badly on to regrading. In best case scenario this could get me up one grade, so maths is screwed........ But chemistry! I could possibly pass.
So I'm going to keep my fingers crossed when the component grades come out that there is some small chance to pass.
Keep your fingers and toes crossed for yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-06
Friday, July 5, 2013
On a completely different point..
I love reading!
So what I've prepared for today is a one-hundred-percent spoiler filled review of the first book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Here it goes;
So what I've prepared for today is a one-hundred-percent spoiler filled review of the first book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Here it goes;
Now, Suzanne Collins is a genius. She employs a brave female lead
character, an ever fathomable dystopian setting, and the constant force of evil
of a metaphorical and illusive prison. What struck me most in book numero uno
was Katniss Everdeen. And no, not her snarky sex appeal and glistening pride.
The humanity Collins manages to give this character, what with the annual
reaping for the 74th Hunger Games that brings the Capitol to its
knees. Suppressing 12 separated districts, making them unbelievably reliant on
each other and all the while keeping a well-fed, luxurious state in the center turns all the focus on the collective outsider-ness. As in any good teen story
these days, we have the impossible love. Aah – the love triangle.. Where hath
thou been, since Twilight escaped the internet poets wrath? As our protagonist
struggles with keeping a family alive, Gale, our now unreachable, impalpable,
eye smothering beast, develops into a hunk in the eyes of our beloved female
lead. What could possibly go wrong, what with the world literally crawling in
the dust of deception?
There we go, little sister selected to die, big
sister volunteers instead (which the movie if you’ve seen it clearly misrepresents),
Peeta Mellark is chosen (ooh another boy crush maybe? Cause I totally did not
already spoil the triangle details) and off they go into the city hall.
Basically, we have made it through 50 out of 450 pages. Here, we see the mayor’s
daughter Madge give Katniss the come-to-be-important Mockingjay pin. Enough of
that, time to visit the heart of terror and evil; The Capitol awaits our fellow
warriors. Now, during the time of the training, we are also more introduced to Haymitch
the drunkard, booze soaked, liquid ball of hope and joy. All the while, Katniss
thinks “Oh no, is Peeta going to try to kill me?” and gets no reassurance from
anyone. The Hunger Games start, and off they go!
Both District 12 fighters survive the initial
killing spree and Peeta joins the Careers from Dist 1 and 2. Forest fires burn,
and we see mutts, or mutations as tracker jackers. All the while Katniss teams
up with little Rue from District 8, and plans to blow up the others food
supply. Then oh no, she is half deaf and little miss Primrose look-alike dies. Peeta
is injured, sad kisses in the caves and praise from the coach. Now all we need
is a little Capitol involvement and we are all set to go for the grand finale!
Surely, when Collins planned this part, she was in a
rush. The book is literally almost at its end, and now it’s time for the plot
twist: two victors from the same District can be crowned. Aaw what jolly good
news for our star-crossed lovers. Yea. Right. Peeta and Katniss struggle to the
Cornucopia, or the-big-thing-in-the-middle-of-the-arena, and kill Cato, the
last of the Careers. All is over and well! No. Did you really think so? The
Head Gamemaker and President Snow have other plans. Either way, with some
poisonous nightlock berries the two will off themselves in protest to the
Games. The Capitol intervenes and it turns out that someone (Snow) is a bit of
a cranky-pant who holds a grudge like a fat lady holds a note. Peeta loses his
legs, and Katniss one eardrum. As a sort of punch line, the two winners are
forced to return as lovers to their homes, and live sadly ever after. Or until
book number two picks up literally hours after the first ends.
So stay tuned for that, I bet you’ll feel equally
spoiled with tough constructive criticism from yours truly
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-05
Thursday, July 4, 2013
National Pride....
Is mostly frowned upon in Sweden. Which is why we often have a hard time understanding for example the fellow Americans that circle the internet. Now don't get me wrong, I don't disrespect you or anything, it is just so... different from how I've been raised!
In Sweden for example, the national anthem is not taught in school. And if a school does, it is mostly as a joke, or maybe we know the chorus. It is not sung at graduation really, not at the end of the year, and definitely not at assemblies. Sure, the somewhat older generation knows it, and sings it on let's say 1st of May celebrations. But not in the same way.
Pride. With it comes so many complex issues, issues that we can't, or won't deal with. There have been instances where Swedes have been called out as demeaning against non native citizens for singing it at church, Hell, we aren't even allowed to go to church with primary school anymore. Now I know that some people use the anthem as a tool, and misuse it, but to not even teach us it?
We are widely known as "skippers". "Passive". "Kinda there, kinda not there". Any of these ring a bell? As our beloved country Switzerland, we remain non-hostile. That is until you start bickering about sports I'd say! Apparently, (and I say that because I know nothing what so ever about sports), we were once pretty good. Or are, what do I know. This brings on a sort of "pride", or how some would take it "joy". It's not the collective-ness of it that Americans on TV show.
I wouldn't go as far as saying that we as a country are losing our identity, but how long will it be until being Swedish can only be identified as having a piece of cardboard and paper stamped with our name and a birth date with a European flag on it? Can't we at least try to export more potatoes? Throw some IKEA into the world! Assemble, minions! Or how about that car you've got? Bet that three-point seat belt that saved your life last month doesn't feel that bad, huh? And ABBA.. Let's stop that ship right there, maybe we should invest in exporting earplugs. Let's all take pride in our countries, and not stuff it in others faces! (see the intended irony of this point right here? Good, good, you got it)
Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-04
In Sweden for example, the national anthem is not taught in school. And if a school does, it is mostly as a joke, or maybe we know the chorus. It is not sung at graduation really, not at the end of the year, and definitely not at assemblies. Sure, the somewhat older generation knows it, and sings it on let's say 1st of May celebrations. But not in the same way.
Pride. With it comes so many complex issues, issues that we can't, or won't deal with. There have been instances where Swedes have been called out as demeaning against non native citizens for singing it at church, Hell, we aren't even allowed to go to church with primary school anymore. Now I know that some people use the anthem as a tool, and misuse it, but to not even teach us it?
We are widely known as "skippers". "Passive". "Kinda there, kinda not there". Any of these ring a bell? As our beloved country Switzerland, we remain non-hostile. That is until you start bickering about sports I'd say! Apparently, (and I say that because I know nothing what so ever about sports), we were once pretty good. Or are, what do I know. This brings on a sort of "pride", or how some would take it "joy". It's not the collective-ness of it that Americans on TV show.
I wouldn't go as far as saying that we as a country are losing our identity, but how long will it be until being Swedish can only be identified as having a piece of cardboard and paper stamped with our name and a birth date with a European flag on it? Can't we at least try to export more potatoes? Throw some IKEA into the world! Assemble, minions! Or how about that car you've got? Bet that three-point seat belt that saved your life last month doesn't feel that bad, huh? And ABBA.. Let's stop that ship right there, maybe we should invest in exporting earplugs. Let's all take pride in our countries, and not stuff it in others faces! (see the intended irony of this point right here? Good, good, you got it)
Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-04
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
As D day is approaching,,,
I can't help but wonder what it all is going to mean.
Now you see, I am an International Baccalaureate (not sure if former yet) student who was in the May 2013 exam session. That means, that during two weeks of exams, basically my whole grades for every subject were determined. Yea, sucks, I know. So we are LITERALLY the ONLY high school graduates in Sweden who do not know if they passed yet.
Jesus Christ, my nerves are killing me. I just went on an all-out rampage trying to locate my log in information to even access this life-determining thing. I found them, thank you very much for wondering!
So what's in my future? I have NO clue.
Basically I need to score REALLY well all-in-all to get into the universities that I applied to. I need to get at least a 31/42... And that's not even my first pick, where I estimate I'll need a 36!
So, if I get a 36 or above: UNI in Lund. Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Great, I love this option.
And if I get between a 31 and 35: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in Borås. Idk, I can live with it, but would much rather do something else.
Below 31: .... This is considered a massive failure. 24 is passing dang it. I know I can do better! IF this happens, I will spend a year studying Physics, because then I can apply to dentistry maybe or other courses in Sweden.
The thing is, what I didn't know when I picked IB, is that since we can only select two out of Bio, Chem, and Phys, we are not eligible for ANY formal university program in Sweden. Just wonderful. I have to study physics for a year, even though it might not be any part in the program I am interested in.
My biggest wish though, is to get to continue working at IKEA for another year or so. I know, you risk getting all comfy in earning money, but if I get an extended contract, I can study physics, (retake Maths or Chem if needed) and even try applying to the US and the UK! God, I hope this happens, and if not, I'm going to try to get a job at another sector in IKEA.
There you have it. My die hard plan, structured by yours truly.
//ETBlogsHome 2013-07-03
Now you see, I am an International Baccalaureate (not sure if former yet) student who was in the May 2013 exam session. That means, that during two weeks of exams, basically my whole grades for every subject were determined. Yea, sucks, I know. So we are LITERALLY the ONLY high school graduates in Sweden who do not know if they passed yet.
Jesus Christ, my nerves are killing me. I just went on an all-out rampage trying to locate my log in information to even access this life-determining thing. I found them, thank you very much for wondering!
So what's in my future? I have NO clue.
Basically I need to score REALLY well all-in-all to get into the universities that I applied to. I need to get at least a 31/42... And that's not even my first pick, where I estimate I'll need a 36!
So, if I get a 36 or above: UNI in Lund. Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Great, I love this option.
And if I get between a 31 and 35: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in Borås. Idk, I can live with it, but would much rather do something else.
Below 31: .... This is considered a massive failure. 24 is passing dang it. I know I can do better! IF this happens, I will spend a year studying Physics, because then I can apply to dentistry maybe or other courses in Sweden.
The thing is, what I didn't know when I picked IB, is that since we can only select two out of Bio, Chem, and Phys, we are not eligible for ANY formal university program in Sweden. Just wonderful. I have to study physics for a year, even though it might not be any part in the program I am interested in.
My biggest wish though, is to get to continue working at IKEA for another year or so. I know, you risk getting all comfy in earning money, but if I get an extended contract, I can study physics, (retake Maths or Chem if needed) and even try applying to the US and the UK! God, I hope this happens, and if not, I'm going to try to get a job at another sector in IKEA.
There you have it. My die hard plan, structured by yours truly.
//ETBlogsHome 2013-07-03
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Well. I'm back!
Hey I know the internet has missed me, so glad to say I am here again! Or even if you haven't necessarily missed me I sure have missed inflicting my unwanted voice and opinion to anything and everything.
See, the point of this post-y thing right here was not just to inform you that I am back.
Recently I joined what some refer to as "adult life". I don't know, I guess having a job implies responsibility, and care, and some other grown up things. I am not really ready for that I think! I love getting to ask how, or why, a MILLION times! (decision making has never been my strong point) Nevermind that, here's what I'm getting at;
I am going to write.
.... Wow, isn't that great, inspiring, and jeez all the enthusiasm! (I am definitely excited about this, but whenever I do write, it mostly comes out in a sarcastic tone, at least in my own head so never mind that if you hear it too. shhhhh it will go away.)
Soooo.. Write what? As much as I absolutely love writing, I have a hard time completing big projects. I've tried writing a lot of times before. And I mean A LOT. We are talking more times than most people have fingers and toes, together (let's not get all exclusive to 20 finger toed people, other numbers are people too).
Nowhere easier to start than going back to the basics of writing. Reviews. Since I have a love for books, there will be a lot of ground for me to build off of.
Until next time;
.... I'll figure out a signature punchline later... //ETBlogsHome 2013-07-02
See, the point of this post-y thing right here was not just to inform you that I am back.
Recently I joined what some refer to as "adult life". I don't know, I guess having a job implies responsibility, and care, and some other grown up things. I am not really ready for that I think! I love getting to ask how, or why, a MILLION times! (decision making has never been my strong point) Nevermind that, here's what I'm getting at;
I am going to write.
.... Wow, isn't that great, inspiring, and jeez all the enthusiasm! (I am definitely excited about this, but whenever I do write, it mostly comes out in a sarcastic tone, at least in my own head so never mind that if you hear it too. shhhhh it will go away.)
Soooo.. Write what? As much as I absolutely love writing, I have a hard time completing big projects. I've tried writing a lot of times before. And I mean A LOT. We are talking more times than most people have fingers and toes, together (let's not get all exclusive to 20 finger toed people, other numbers are people too).
Nowhere easier to start than going back to the basics of writing. Reviews. Since I have a love for books, there will be a lot of ground for me to build off of.
Until next time;
.... I'll figure out a signature punchline later... //ETBlogsHome 2013-07-02
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