Sunday, July 9, 2017

I Learned Something!

I had the opportunity to take a summer course with a great teacher that I had over the school year for extra credit. She did an amazing job at creating the class to be interactive and creative towards the students. The class, as you all know, is a summer course but she had the ability to make it fun to the point where it didn't feel like the class was taking over my summer.

One of the most enjoying assignments I had was "The Challenge: What is Intelligence?" blog (Here).  It definitely wasn't an assignment for the faint of heart, as my teacher stated. This challenge required an open mind, which I did not have in the beginning. I didn't understand the story, it was completely confusing. Until I read it about five more times and decided, I guess I'm missing something. That's when it clicked. The realization was amazing. I felt like I finally discovered what it was my teacher was trying to get us to understand. She definitely showed me how to read between the lines, be open to something different than normal and to realize that not everything is normal.

Another great assignment was writing an Amazon review. I wrote it as a blog (Here) because I do not have an account... Yes, I know that's depressing. I not only had the opportunity to write a review about an amazing product (I've never done it before!) but I also grabbed an opportunity to show people my style, who I am. I love to show people that it's okay to be you and if you're crazy than jeez, show it off to the world! Shoes can define how weird you are and that is truly great. This assignment allowed me to showcase my writing skills in a way that would encourage people to be who they are.

I think reviews are just my thing because writing a book review on The Sword of Shannara as a blog (Here) and also on Goodreads was pretty great too. But I also have to say that I love books. So, who knows, maybe I'm a freak? I love writing book reviews because I want to encourage people to read. There is just something about reading, transporting someone to another world that brings a smile to my face. With a book I'm capable of believing I'm the main character fighting trolls, being an assassin. How is that not great?  Freedom is not only in The United States but also in Barnes and Noble, where I can read and buy books. My teacher taught me how to write a review in the best way to inform others of how great a book can be. The ability to creep your way into others minds to make them read that specific book.

All in all, I loved the entire class because it was very interactive and entertaining. You did a great job, Mrs. Fuerst! You helped me to grow in my ability to open up to the idea that stories can be weird and different than usual. That the only way to understand it is to be open to the thought that humans may not always be the main character. I also want to thank you for helping me to understand how reviews are written and to pull people in to read or buy a product. Also, on how to use a review to enccourage people in a way.




Thursday, July 6, 2017

Shoe Freak Review

Just before school ended I ordered a pair of shoes to wear to prom and oh my goodness, I love them!They are not only comfortable but just plain ole adorable! If you are looking for something weird and unique I will tell you this... GET THESE SHOES!!!

They matched my dress perfectly and with a 3 in heel I was instantly taller than most of my friends. They're not overly flashy so they didn't take away from my dress, they were perfect. I searched around for hours on Amazon trying to discover something that would be excellent for the outfit and I saw these and about died. I can't tell you enough how much I love them. 



They fit my personality and style just like a glove and were just about as comfortable as a glove in winter during a snowball fight. Our prom started at 8:30 and ended at midnight. Although we left at 11. That is a long time to be on your feet in 3 inch heals. But I didn't feel a thing! They are so comfortable and literally have padding built into the shoe. The straps don't dig into your toes and fit just right. 

The colors built into the shoe match not only my dress but the multitude within the shoe. When, at first, you buy this shoe some would think they're hideous with too many colors. But it works! It's great!  




See? Does it not work perfectly or what?! 

The shoes are well made and have lasted a long time. I wear them as much as possible and try to match them with all of my outfits. The shoes arrived in alaska within a week, I believe that was on time. They were definitely worth the money. 

Be an Informed Consumer

Have you ever bought something and it turned out to be a real piece of crap? Well, let me inform you of the great tricks and techniques I have learned over the course of this unit.

1) Remember to Always check the Reviews


When I buy something from Amazon such as a pair of earphones I always check the reviews. The reviews tell me what real life people thought about the product and these thoughts play a huge role in what I buy. From reading their opinions I decide is this worth my money or should I search around for a little while longer? Product reviews are the best way to understand what you are buying.

2) Look at the Price of the Product


When shopping for a product compare the store's prices to other online sites. Take into consideration if it's a rip-off or maybe even a scam. You never know if one store jacked up their prices while you could get an even better deal, for cheaper, with discounts at another store.

3) Always check Consumer Reports


This to a degree is the same as checking reviews on any other store but to a degree is different. On Consumer Reports you know the reviews are true and accurate. The reviews are not written by a person who was paid to write a great review. Which leads to tip number four.

4) Know the Difference Between a True and Fake Review


Every once in a while we get that feeling, when reading a review, that it is a little sketchy. It makes you wonder is this real or fake. With product reviews, you always have to understand the difference between a spruced up fake review and a great personal review. It takes a time to learn the difference and maybe even some testing but soon the ability sort of grows on you. One tip is to "beware of extremes", usually overly enthusiastic reviews and ideal language.

5) Always know the Store Policies


Not knowing the store policies can create a serious hole in your wallet not to mention a basement full of unusable, useless stuff. Some stores do not allow refunds or returns. Which really sucks if you get a fish tank with no fish tank in the box. So remember to always read the sign that states the store policies. This also goes along with their other policies such as a posted price does not always mean the true price. If someone accidentally puts a $999 T.V up for $9.99 then, please, out of the common sense of your heart, understand that this is not the true price.

Watch this video to understand your consumer policies as well.

And this wonderful site gives us the top 10 sites for the best professional reviews.



Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

My House Talks to Me....

I read just earlier today a story called There Will Come Soft Rains and then moved on to learn some sideline details about smart homes (Smart Homes).

Smart homes and futuristic stories aren't really my thing but hey? When you need to get something done, you got to get it done.

What do I think about smart homes? Are they beneficial? Well, I personally can get out of my bed and turn off a light or even close the drapes but for people with busy lives? I guess it might be helpful to them. I most definitely would not want my house talking to me. I would feel like I'm constantly being watched and questioned every day. Would you like me to make you toast? Would you like me to turn off the lights?

No, thank you. I am good. Besides, the good thing about not having these things is that I can walk around all over my house, close my drapes and maybe learn some new cool stuff about it. Or I might see a dust bunny and decide I need to clean the house. And oh my goodness I just realized I probably need to do that soon.

I would love to get one of those Roomba cleaners though. First off I do admit I hate cleaning the house. It's boring and I just don't feel like getting out of bed to deal with it. But most of all I want to see it chase my dogs around the house. They already hate it when I vacuum because the noise scares them half to death and they do this weird running in circles and barking thing. It's quite funny. So, I would have to say I would enjoy a Roomba. It would give me great joy in life. A joy that nothing else could give.

Overall I will pass on the "smart homes" thing. It's kinda a neutral thing, I guess. I don't want to become too lazy and incapable of doing things that are easily completed. But what about the Roomba?! Sorry, not today... (sad face).

Monday, June 26, 2017

The Sword of Shannara Review

My dad read The Sword of Shannara (Book #1) as a kid and loved it. He then recommended the book to me. So, before reading, I looked on Goodreads to see what some of the reviews were. To be honest many of the reviews scared me but in my eyes, the book seemed very interesting so I read it.

I don't always like to determine what I'm reading off of the reviews given because I don't always agree with the reviews. And I don't want to miss out on a book that could actually be really great. These were a few of the reasons why I decided to stick with it. And I'm very happy I did.

The book was not the best book I've read all though I enjoyed it very much. Terry Brooks was precise in his writing and he added many details. His book was also fast paced. He didn't drag out circumstances, journeys, etc, All though I love having many details in my readings I believe there is only a certain amount needed. He could have shortened the book having fewer details that weren't needed. Besides that, Terry Brooks is a great writer and I love how he created a perfect picture in your mind.

The characters caught my mind right from the get go. He created a perfect persona of who the characters were and you couldn't help but fall in love with all of them. Even the evil characters were mind blowing. Menion Leah was my favorite character. His continuous humor, smart alec comments, and continued hope and faith in his friends couldn't help but make you love him. He cared for everyone and would die for any of them.

All though the book is quite long I do recommend reading it.  Don't let the size scare you away.

As I've heard the second book, The Elfstones of Shannara, is a great book as well. I will be moving on to that one right after I finish Of Mice and Men.

Friday, June 23, 2017

How to Become the Bestest Googler in 5 Ways


1) The Common Sense Quotations of Googling


Remember that really weird poem you read like a year ago? I think it was something like "If it can fly, it should die" but the title, oh my goodness, you just can't remember! Well, here's this quick tip that just brings you to your knees; simply type in the line of the poem with quotation marks around it and BOOM search, search, search. Let me tell you, you'll find it quick. The title of the poor death of all winged creatures is "A Poem about Bugs". Creative, right?

2) Too Many Words? Just Leave Out a Few


Have you ever had to listen to a person or video and the person just never stops talking? Have a hard time focusing or paying attention? Well, Google has the same problem, sorta. So the moral of the story state as few words as you possibly can and Google will work hard to find your answer.

3) Asking a Question Never Ever Works With Google


We're just going, to be honest here. Stating a question in Google search never works. For some reason, even though you have no idea what the answer is, it wants you to state the answer to your question. How that's possible? I have no idea. What they tell me, think like the author, think predictively. I guess it works....

4) Don't Worry About Spelling. God Bless Spell Check


What would we do without spell check? I would have to admit to the many issues I would have. Life would be sad but yet, maybe a little more simple? So, the great thing about Google search is that if you spell antediluvian (an-ti-də-ˈlü-vē-ən) wrong it will gladly correct your misspelling. What a relief.


5) Use a Hyphen When Typing is to Hard


As if Google wanted to help you out a bit it decided to allow you to use hyphens to make life easier. It said I'm going to allow people to search "Mustang -cars" because it is hard to type in "A mustang car". Instead take away the pain of typing an a and just add a hyphen! Whoo!!


Some other helpful sites: