Super Friday

      Today is, unfortunately, the last day for Geek Week, and I am quite sad at this.  I will admit that some of them frazzled me a bi
t, because I didn't know if I would be able to finish on time, but I enjoyed it so much.  Who knows?  Perhaps I'll do this again next year.
      Since today is Friday, and a lot of people love Fridays, I thought I would make today Super Friday.

      Superheroes have been around for a long, long time and have been enjoyed by kids everywhere.  They bring hope and happiness, and it is something adults and children both can enjoy.
      There are a lot of different kinds of Superheroes, like: Captain America (FUN FACT: Captain America was created during World War II to bring America hope.), Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Superman, Green Lantern, etc..  Recently, Marvel Studios has been creating more and more heroes like The Guardians of The Galaxy and much, much ore.
      I think kids and adults enjoy Superheroes for different reasons.  I think kids like them because they're just really cool and big and strong, but I think adults like them because it's something they watched as children themselves.
      So, today, instead telling you so much about why I think people like Superheroes, I'll tell you about some that are my favorite, and let you decide if you'd like to read the comics or watch the movies.  I'll tell you a few characteristics about why I like them, but won't give a huge back story, because it should be up to you whether you would want to read them.

       First would be Wonder Woman.  I have adored Wonder Woman since I was really little.  I even have a Wonder Woman cup! Wonder Woman is this kind of kick butt, major iconic character for me.  As a little kid, she set in the idea that a woman can do anything.  She's an amazonian, given, and Amazonians are pretty awesome and a little scary at the same time.
 

       Clark Kent, AKA Superman, is this sort of tall handsome reporter from Krypton.  Ironically enough, his only weakness is Kryptonite.  He's very much in love with Louis Lane, a fellow reporter.  But, he doesn't allow his feelings for Louis to get in the way of him saving the Metropolis area frequently.

       Captain America came about in the 1940's, in the midst of WWII, to bring hope to the American people.  He was a scrawny guy who really wanted to be a soldier, to fight for the cause, but was told many times that he would not be a fit soldier.  Finally, he was allowed to be a soldier, but was also asked to partake in a experiment to make the world's first super soldier.  From there, he is in S.H.I.E.L.D. and is an agent of sorts.

      Thor is probably one of my all time favorite Superheroes.  I mean, he's sort of an alien, but he can control thunder!  How cool is that?!  He also has a love interest, but that is totally beside the point.  He's the son of Odin, brother of Loki, and is just really really awesome.  (It should be noted that I have only seen the movie.)

       I like many other characters, but to keep this short and not 20 minutes long, I'll just say the fourth favorite, and that would be Black Widow.  I don't really know how to describe Black Widow, honestly.  She's very... snarky.  Like Captain America, she is part of S.H.I.E.L.D., but is less willing to follow direction than he is.  What struck me funny was that she can speak Russian in the Avenger's movie.
     

      To add to my love of Superheroes, they have a Lego Marvel Superheroes video game! (Which is super fun by the way!)

Lego Thursday

      Today is Thursday, August 27, 2015.
      AKA Lego Thursday!

      My brother and I really like Lego's, and he builds with them quite often.  (I can't, because I become too frustrated.)  So, naturally, I asked if he would want to help me with this little exposé.

      While I wrote my paper for school, I gave him the time to make a couple of structures.  During one of my breaks, I asked what he was making, and he said, "A phone holder, a control holder (for Wii remotes), and a zip line box."

      Lego's are small building bricks that can connect to one another.  Children use these in their playrooms, making silly creations.  This toy can "create anything, and build everything," (I looked up what Lego users say about Lego's.) and can, "help you understand how to be creative and build things on your own."  I think that that statement is spot on, because it is important that we teach children from a young age how to use critical thinking skills, and give them a chance to show their creativity.
Some of the stuff my brother builds truly astounds me, and I'm always pleased to see what he's built.

      Not only do you have generic Lego, Lego users, who also play Minecraft, have Minecraft Lego's, which I thought was really fun to build.  They sell sets at Toys R Us and Books A Million!.
       To add to my brother's holders and zip line box, I decided to be a kid again and play with the Lego's.  On Pinterest, a popular social media site, I saw ways to incorporate Lego's in the classroom.  As a future teacher, I wanted to see if this could be useful.
       I built a bacteria model, which can be easily copied, and, for all you chemistry lovers out there, I made molecules.
      Here is my bacteria model, which I am quite proud of:

      After doing this bacteria model, I thought that this is a very smart way to represent parts of the cell, and could do this as an activity.  In Biology, you learn about plant and animal cells, so doing an activity similar to this could be very beneficial rather than just drawing a model.

      The molecules were harder to do, but if I were a chemistry teacher, or if I home schooled my child and were in the chemistry unit, or just simply wanted to show some examples, I'd use Lego's to show examples of bonding and such.

       And, for your personal enjoyment: my father fooling around with the Lego's.  Enjoy!

Busting Myths Wednesday

      Here we are, at day three of the fabulous Geek Week.  I really enjoyed the time and thought I put into this, because, at my house, we are total dorks and love experiments.

      With this being said, today is Busting Myths Wednesday!

      Mythbusters is a television show where they use the scientific method to see if they can bust a myth.  An example of that would be: If a woman wears high heels, does it affect her driving?  (It's not a make up example either.  This was on an episode.)

      

      So, my brother, two sisters and I decided to do a little myth busting ourselves.  It may not be as glorified and explosive as the television show, but we had a good time. 

      If you want to try these at home, these are kid friendly, fun experiments that do not take much time if done properly.  Most times I ask what they think will happen, and at the end, ask what really happened.  This is teaching them skills that they will later learn in science classes (scientific method.)

      Experiment #1: Does vinegar dissolve the shell off of an egg?  

      For this experiment you will need:

      -An egg straight from the carton (each child could get one, or you could only use one.  We only used one, since we had three children participating.)

      -A measuring bowl

      -Vinegar

      First, set your egg in the measuring bowl.  Once that is completed, pour vinegar in the measuring bowl until the egg is completely submerged.  Leave the egg(s) in the measuring bowl for 24 hours (one whole day), then the make your observations.  Do NOT take the egg out yet.  Leave it in for another 24 hours, and then, when the next day is over, make your final observations.    

      Observation? It does dissolve the shell off an egg!

       The final product should look like this:

      Note: I would use gloves when performing this experiment, because it can make your hands smell very bad. 

      Suggestion: Try bouncing the "naked" egg like a bouncy ball (lightly.  Please do not throw the egg, for it will pop.)  Also, take a tooth pick and watch it explode!

      Experiment #2: Which could give the copper penny a bluish tint the best: vinegar, soda, or lemon juice?
      This will require an adult, since you will have to cut a lemon in half.
      You will need:
      -lemon juice
      -vinegar
      -soda of your choice (I used Cherry Limeade.)
      -small measuring bowls

      First, you would pour the liquids into three different, small measuring bowls.  Then, place a penny in each bowl (do not use the same penny.)  Like the egg experiment, I let them make predictions and then observations.
      You should let the pennies set in the liquid for 3-12 hours.  I only kept them in there for three.
      Observation? Neither lemon juice, cherry limeade, or vinegar turn the pennies blue, but lemon juice seems to corrode one penny.

      Experiment #3: If I put a tic-tac in a bottle of Cherry Limeade soda, will it explode like Mentos and Pepsi?
      You will need:
      -Tic-Tacs
      -Cherry Limeade
      -a bottle (I used a small, glass milk bottle.)

      This is the simplest experiment I can do.  We figured if a Mentos will explode a Pepsi, then a Cherry Limeade soda and a tic-tac should do the same.
      First, pour the Cherry Limeade into a bottle.  Next drop the tic-tac into the bottle, and observe.
      Observation?  It does not explode, but the tic-tacs do get a little bit bigger.

Time Lord Tuesday

      It's Time Lord Tuesday!

      Today marks the second day in Geek Week; it's also one of my favorite topics.
      Anyone who has read my Doctor Who: Eccleston, Tennant, and Smith Era posts, knows just how much I adore the British television show.

      Doctor Who is one of those shows that are truly crazy and unpredictable.  And, it's no use trying to guess what's going to happen next, because you will more than likely be completely wrong.  If it's a Moffat episode, we Whovians call it a Moffat loop.

      I have watched some of the classic series, but am at the Third Doctor, so I will tell you about what I know well (9-11.) 

      

      I began Doctor Who with the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston.  Nine regenerated (The Doctor gets a new body and personality, while having all the same memories, whenever he gets into a fatal situation.  One body dies, another is born.) right after the Time War, a time period in the Doctor's life that he isn't proud of and wishes he could forget.  I think since he just came out of war, and has killed more than he would care to admit, he tries to make up for it by saving all these people in the universe. 

      When I first started watching the show, the first thing I was drawn to was his sarcasm.  He's a hero, but at first glance you wouldn't think it because of how rude and frank he is.

      The first series of the new Doctor Who series is also where we meet Rose Tyler, who is a very important person in the Doctor's life.  She shows the Doctor that he isn't all bad, and helps him grow as a person.  They go on many adventures, see many things, and become great friends- though us, Whovians, saw there was another factor to them.

      Ultimately, he regenerates trying to save Rose.

      Hello there, Mr. Tennant!!!

      David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor, following Christopher Eccleston.  Contrary to the sarcastic, always running Nine, Ten was very funny, yet broody and serious.  I suppose that's something we love about him.  I'm not going to lie- my two favorite characteristics about him is A) his hair B) his accent.

       His companions are in this order: Rose, Martha, and Donna.  I already went over Rose with Mr. Eccleston.  The only difference is with the Tenth Doctor, there was much more of an unspoken romance between him and Rose.  I do believe I cried a river when he and Rose parted ways.  

       Martha was next.  A lot of people like 

Martha, but, personally, I do not like her because she is always coming on to the Doctor when he is still getting over Rose.  Don't get me wrong, though!  She's brilliant!  But, after a short run with The Doctor, she leaves him and joins U.N.I.T. after helping The Doctor one last time.

       Donna had a longer run than Martha.  At first I didn't like her very much, but she proved to be companion worthy when we see her the second time.  (She refused to join The Doctor the first time, but eventually does join him as his companion.)  Donna is different than the other companions.  She is sassy, and doesn't just follow The Doctor.  Oh, the two of them had a wonderful run.  

       

         I was sad to see Ten go, but excited to see what happens next.  

        This.  This is what was next.  

        Eccleston was a tiger.  Tennant was a Tiger (like the character from Winnie the Pooh.)  Matt Smith was an uncoordinated house cat, whose famous saying, "Bow ties are cool", is forever seared on my two hearts.

         If I have to pick my favorite Doctor, it would be the Eleventh, because he is just so childish.  He's carefree, yet so serious at the same time.  

        In first episode, The Eleventh Hour, we also meet his long time companions: Amelia Pond and Rory Williams.  Oh, I loved Amy and Rory.  For the longest time, they were the focus for Eleven, and he was content with his best friends- The Legs and The Nose (Impossible Astronaut saying.)

         Then he meets River, and, Oh. My. God, I didn't think it could get any better!  They had such a relationship, The Doctor and River Song.  I mean, they actually were together together- openly admitted too!  River was... something else.  She was sassy, full of life, and hell in high heels.  In other words, she was one of the most important people in Eleven's life, part of his little family.

        Then, when Amy, Rory, and River were all gone, we meet Clara Oswald.  The Impossible Girl.  A lot of people don't like Clara, but I really don't know why, because she fits so well with The Doctor.  She's really snarky, and keeps him in check.  And, unlike all the other companions, she doesn't live in the T.A.R.D.I.S. with him.  She still maintains her life, and goes on adventures with him.

       

         And, so, here we are.  At number Twelve.  I can't say much on Peter Capaldi, because I only just met him a few days ago.  However, I can say: Clara is still with him.  She is still snarky.  And I think I am going to like this guy.

         

Minecraft Monday

      

      Today starts of the beginning of Geek Week!  I'm very excited, not because I can just rant about the awesomeness of being a geek, but I can tell you about some of the topics in Geektopia.  

The picture above is the world my brother and I designed.

      Around my house, Minecraft (PlayStation edition) is one of our favorite video games that get played frequently.  We like it, well, because there is no objective.  Well, in survival there is.  In creative, there isn't. 

      When you begin the game, you create a "world" (we call ours "Adventure Time".)  Once that's done, it's basically whatever you wish from there.  With this game, you can create a variety of structures, like: castles, mansions, farms, townhouses, bridges, pools, etc..  It isn't hard to learn; I, a person who doesn't play video games because I can't learn the controls, learned this fairly quick. 

      You have a character- I believe the boy is called Steve and the girl is called Alex, but you don't have to stick with one image.  You have a wide range of "skins" which gives you your own personal look, and sets you apart from other players.  

      Once you learn the basic controls and have a skin, you can start building!  This is my favorite part, because it's like a blank canvas- I can build whatever I want.  You don't have to settle with just wood or stone, though, because you have entire selections of different building materials.  Not only that, but you also have accessories like flowers, trees, carpets, spawn animals or monsters, etc..  From there it's all you.  You can play on survival or creative and break or build until your heart's content.

      Adventure time is a sort of community world at my house, because my brother, sisters, and I all build on it.  We have a church, Iron Golems, Zombies, Skeletons, multiple houses, a few towers, a couple mansions, an agricultural company (we felt the need for one) next to a farm, and tree houses.  

      Minecraft isn't only a game, though.  There are some studies that show that the game helps ADHD children learn techniques to control their energy.  I'm a firm believer that it could have a place in the field of mathematics to help teach area and perimeter (and probably in a few other areas.)  I'd definitely recommend it to families and in some areas in the education system.  

      It should also be noted that this is one of the only video games I play without getting frustrated.  I'd warn you, though, your child may kill someones virtual chickens and rip up a carpet without permission.

How Art Helps Mental Health

      ***ATTENTION: If you do not believe in mental illness, or criticize those who have a mental health issue, I suggest you go click the little x in the right corner.  Thank You.***

      I've heard a lot of different arguments about art.  The most popular among the "haters" is: "These so called "artists" need to get a real job, instead of doing nothing."  (Which, FYI, it's really hard work to make something pretty.) 
      I've heard that Fan Art is not real art. (Which, it totally is.  It takes as much effort and creativity to create a piece from an existing T.V. show, book, song, etc..)
      I've heard that art is pointless, and that schools shouldn't be offering it.
      This is why I chose this topic, since it such a hidden controversy. 
      I have a friend who is going to college, studying to be an art therapist.  I had never heard of the profession before, but art therapy is commonly used throughout other therapy options for those who cannot voice their feelings. 
      (If you read my previous post, The Truth About Self Image: Positive vs. Destructive, then you will know my viewpoints on therapy and such.  If you haven't, then I suggest you read it, because this is sort of a follow up post on it.)
      It was suggested to me by my doctor that I use art to give my feelings a voice. 
    

 

      When I first was diagnosed with PNES, I did this piece.  I never gave it a name (partially because I'm horrible at that sort of thing), and I didn't feel the need to.  When I showed it to my doctor, he made me draw random things in our sessions, like: trees, houses, fields, etc..  Finally, he asked me to take a shading pencil, use my left hand (since I am right-handed), and scribble some emotion out.  At first I thought what you are probably thinking: "That's weird.  Like, really weird."  But, I did it, and the pit in my stomach started to alleviate. 

      Art relieved my anxiety and depressed feelings.

      Soon (after getting supplies and such), I began to make it a little more routine to do my art.  This was also around the time I got into Doctor Who, so I also did Fan Art.

 

Top left: "Angels Take Manhattan"

Top right is a Cyberman

Bottom left: "Come Along Ponds"

Bottom left is a portrait of Ten and Rose

 

 

      The art actually helped my pain. 

      It gave me a voice when I was voiceless. 

      It made it a little bit more manageable.

 

 

      I think that art therapy is a brilliant way to help anyone.  Yes, I'm biased on this.  I think that it should be used more.  I also think that it should be incorporated more in the schools.

      There is scientific proof that art helps improve mental health.  There's a quote from a jazz artist: "Then why am I so screwed up?" (Huffington Post interviewed a few people about this subject.) "But without music I'd be a lot more screwed up and would be missing the thing that gives me the most happiness in my life." 

       To me, his quote says something.

       But, then again, it's all in opinion.  You all know my opinion- that art helps your mental state, but the question is: what's your opinion?