Words into what?! WOW!!
By Emily S. and Audrey A.
In Words into Wow, the class bringing you this very newspaper, you could write articles, or reviews, take interviews, capture photos, or compile the articles together onto one website. The class is taught by Sarah Blount. In the beginning of class, everyone participates in warm-up games that are related to what we learn during class. After the warm-up, Sarah teaches or talks about something that we need to work on. Then, students go in their separate ways to complete articles. Students have the freedom to write about anything they want. This class is open to anything, especially creativity and opinions. To many word-loving students, Words into Wow is very fun and enjoyable. It is even a favorite class of some! Words into Wow is a wonderful class for those who can put their thoughts and opinions into stories that will be shared on a student-run, online newspaper. Students who signed up for this class were interested in writing and making things that could be shared with many people. In this class, you can learn how newspapers are made and how they work. You can also learn how to write an article and come up with a headline for it. “This class should inspire people to inform and entertain!” Sarah says.
From sketches to store shelves
By Sierra S.
Laura Kane opens up about her inspirations, illustrating fashion, and working in the industry.
Laura is the fashion illustration teacher at Outside the Box. She has previously had three years of industry experience designing and making newborn, infant and toddler dresses for TJ Maxx and Marshalls. She also assisted in the making of soft toys at the Hasbro toy company. Laura graduated from Framingham State College in 2009 after studying apparel design.
I asked her a few questions about her experience with the fashion industry at its core.
Sierra S.: What about the fashion illustration aspect of the fashion industry pulls you in?
Laura Kane: I love creating and converting 2D drawings into real life.
Sierra S.: What is your favorite part about working in the industry?
Laura Kane: The most rewarding part of my industry experience is seeing prints and toys I designed appear in stores.
I also asked her about illustrating fashion, her inspirations, and designing clothes.
Sierra S.: Why do you teach fashion illustration at OTB?
Laura Kane: I’ve never had the chance to teach an illustration course and I wanted to try it!
Sierra S.: How long have you been drawing fashion illustrations?
Laura Kane: “Since I was about eight years old.”
Sierra S.: What are your inspirations when drawing?
Laura Kane: Movement. I imagine how the dress would look on a runway.
Sierra S.: Are there any particular details that you add to your illustrations?
Laura Kane: I draw big feet for some reason!
Sierra S.: I think I heard you say you design clothes, if so who do you design for?
Laura Kane: I mostly design for myself but I also do custom work on a one on one basis.
Sierra S.: What would you say your design style is? Also what type of clothes do you create?
Laura Kane: I like designing elegant, dramatic clothes that make the wearer feel strong and confident.
Sierra S.: Are there any critical skills needed for fashion illustration?
Laura Kane: Patience, creativity and willingness to practice are critical skills needed for fashion illustration.
Her advice for aspiring designers is “Be true to yourself and strive for perfection.”
Laura is the fashion illustration teacher at Outside the Box. She has previously had three years of industry experience designing and making newborn, infant and toddler dresses for TJ Maxx and Marshalls. She also assisted in the making of soft toys at the Hasbro toy company. Laura graduated from Framingham State College in 2009 after studying apparel design.
I asked her a few questions about her experience with the fashion industry at its core.
Sierra S.: What about the fashion illustration aspect of the fashion industry pulls you in?
Laura Kane: I love creating and converting 2D drawings into real life.
Sierra S.: What is your favorite part about working in the industry?
Laura Kane: The most rewarding part of my industry experience is seeing prints and toys I designed appear in stores.
I also asked her about illustrating fashion, her inspirations, and designing clothes.
Sierra S.: Why do you teach fashion illustration at OTB?
Laura Kane: I’ve never had the chance to teach an illustration course and I wanted to try it!
Sierra S.: How long have you been drawing fashion illustrations?
Laura Kane: “Since I was about eight years old.”
Sierra S.: What are your inspirations when drawing?
Laura Kane: Movement. I imagine how the dress would look on a runway.
Sierra S.: Are there any particular details that you add to your illustrations?
Laura Kane: I draw big feet for some reason!
Sierra S.: I think I heard you say you design clothes, if so who do you design for?
Laura Kane: I mostly design for myself but I also do custom work on a one on one basis.
Sierra S.: What would you say your design style is? Also what type of clothes do you create?
Laura Kane: I like designing elegant, dramatic clothes that make the wearer feel strong and confident.
Sierra S.: Are there any critical skills needed for fashion illustration?
Laura Kane: Patience, creativity and willingness to practice are critical skills needed for fashion illustration.
Her advice for aspiring designers is “Be true to yourself and strive for perfection.”
Piece by Piece
By Emily S. and Audrey A.
Mumbo Jumbo Mosaics is taught by Kathy Jederlinich. Mosaics are just pieces put together. They can be flat, or they can be on things like plant pots. This class inspires people to have an open mind and use their inner creativity. Students create their own form of mosaics. They can make whatever they want out of whatever is available. Students often use materials such as paper, plastic, ceramics, wood, and other materials. Ripping up paper and gluing it on cardboard is a popular thing to do. Different patterns and animals are often created. Kathy encourages people to make mosaics outside of class as well as in class!
East Meets West Meets OTB
By Gina K.
Enter room 210 of Graf Hall, and you will see an atmosphere of serenity as eleven students paint on cloth or paper, learn Chinese words and songs, eat mango ice cream and other Chinese snacks, make boxes or dolls, or tie string into dragonflies or Chinese knots.
All these activities bring some part of the Chinese culture to Outside the Box. Luh Jang Chen, the instructor for East Meets West: Chinese your way, explains why her activities are so varied.
The reason, she says, is because when babies first learn, they use the senses. They pick up an object, they try to stick it in their mouths. They want to learn. And so Luh Jang Chen tries to recreate that method of learning for learning about the Chinese culture.
She has taught the Chinese language for about twenty years, but this class was her first time teaching the culture.
Emily S., a student in East Meets West: Chinese Your Way, says that she thinks it is a really fun class.
Alexis, another student in East Meets West, says that she would do the class again if she had the opportunity. Luh Jang says that she would like to teach it again if kids were still interested.
All these activities bring some part of the Chinese culture to Outside the Box. Luh Jang Chen, the instructor for East Meets West: Chinese your way, explains why her activities are so varied.
The reason, she says, is because when babies first learn, they use the senses. They pick up an object, they try to stick it in their mouths. They want to learn. And so Luh Jang Chen tries to recreate that method of learning for learning about the Chinese culture.
She has taught the Chinese language for about twenty years, but this class was her first time teaching the culture.
Emily S., a student in East Meets West: Chinese Your Way, says that she thinks it is a really fun class.
Alexis, another student in East Meets West, says that she would do the class again if she had the opportunity. Luh Jang says that she would like to teach it again if kids were still interested.
Chemistry
By Zachary B. and Charlie B.
Chemistry is a class where we get to learn about chemicals, chemical reactions, compounds, about the periodic table, ect.. In this fun chemical class, we get to learn from just off-the-board-teaching and workshops. The workshops consist of experiments in the chemistry lab. We get to observe chemical reactions and use chemicals for tons of other purposes.
In the classroom: We sit down and talked about what we might of learned in our workshop, we learn new things about atoms and individual elements in chemicals, ask a lot of questions, and discuss the topic. Our awesome teacher, Mr. Milner, also gives demonstrations of chemical reactions. One example was him putting pure Calcium in water so we could observe the chemical reaction it created.
In the Lab: In the lab we get to handle the chemicals and perform the workshops. But before we even get to touch anything, safety comes first!! We put on shoes, long pants, goggles, gloves, and possibly even a gas mask if the fumes are toxic. One workshop, we did in the lab on our first day in Chem. was taking a mixture of activated Charcoal and Salicylic Acid and separating them using strainers, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. It was very interesting and cool.
To wrap this up I’m going to share our personal opinions.
“Chemistry is cool, especially when we test and learn about different chemicals.” ~Charlie. B
“My first thought on chemistry was everything I expected and more. We get to do lots of fun workshops with chemicals, and I really enjoy that. We learned about the periodic table which excited me because when I started out, I had no clue how to use one. We learn some on individual chemicals which is great because I study Aromatherapy, and we need to know chemistry, and the stuff we learn is also so very interesting. I have been very happy with how class has been going. We have a great teacher, and if we listen, we have great fun. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to take this fun class.” ~Zachary. B
In the classroom: We sit down and talked about what we might of learned in our workshop, we learn new things about atoms and individual elements in chemicals, ask a lot of questions, and discuss the topic. Our awesome teacher, Mr. Milner, also gives demonstrations of chemical reactions. One example was him putting pure Calcium in water so we could observe the chemical reaction it created.
In the Lab: In the lab we get to handle the chemicals and perform the workshops. But before we even get to touch anything, safety comes first!! We put on shoes, long pants, goggles, gloves, and possibly even a gas mask if the fumes are toxic. One workshop, we did in the lab on our first day in Chem. was taking a mixture of activated Charcoal and Salicylic Acid and separating them using strainers, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. It was very interesting and cool.
To wrap this up I’m going to share our personal opinions.
“Chemistry is cool, especially when we test and learn about different chemicals.” ~Charlie. B
“My first thought on chemistry was everything I expected and more. We get to do lots of fun workshops with chemicals, and I really enjoy that. We learned about the periodic table which excited me because when I started out, I had no clue how to use one. We learn some on individual chemicals which is great because I study Aromatherapy, and we need to know chemistry, and the stuff we learn is also so very interesting. I have been very happy with how class has been going. We have a great teacher, and if we listen, we have great fun. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to take this fun class.” ~Zachary. B
The story of acting and storytelling
By Marc C.
In acting and storytelling, we learned a variety of ways to improve our acting.Some of these techniques included changing volume, posture, rhythm, and pitch when we talk. Each of these techniques helped to make us better actors by engaging the audience. We participated in quite a few different exercises in class. One particular exercise was very interesting to me. In this exercise, we pretended we were waiting for the bus. Our teacher, Rod Davidson, said something like: Pretend there is a pesky fly and it just won't leave you alone. You would do that, and say, swat at the imaginary fly and then he would say: freeze! While you were frozen in place Someone from the audience would come up to the front of the classroom and try to match the position that the first person is frozen in. Then the the first person would go back to the his seat, and the second person would “wait for the bus”. I found it really interesting how Mr. Davidson could think up scenarios really quick. When it was my turn, I came up to the front and assumed the position my classmate had fairly easily. Then I waited for the “bus”. Mr. Davidson said: “ You see the bus. You wave toward your friend. And then you realize the bus is not stopping.” I pretended I was running after the bus. He said “freeze!” and that was the end of my turn. I have just shared with you a key memory of my acting and storytelling experience.
Amateur Geology for the Geologically Amateur
By Gina K.
The desert can be a thing of beauty, in many places. Eastern Oregon is not one of the places many people would consider beautiful. While some may love the dry, hot, summer air, others may find it disgustingly warm. And while some may love the endless hills and sagebrush, others might think it is boring and dull.
But there are hidden pockets of beauty that anyone can appreciate, and those are the rocks. It is hard to argue with the fact that while leafy trees may look nice and provide shade, a dense forest of them obscures the nice rocks that can be more easily found in the desert.
Amateur Geologists, also known as ‘rockhounds’, comb these places for rocks to take back with them.
Agates and obsidian are much easier to spot in the sagebrush-covered landscape of Eastern Oregon. A little area called ‘Stinking Water Creek’ has many agates to be found. Glass Butte, another popular rockhounding site, has obsidian in many colors. Rainbow, pumpkin, mahogany, black, gold sheen, and double flow obsidian cover the hill. Rainbow obsidian comes in colors of pinks, blues, and yellows. Pumpkin obsidian is orange. Mahogany is mahogany colored, sometimes with black streaks. Gold sheen has a gold sheen, just like the name, and double flow is also just like it sounds.
Glass Butte is about 50 miles from Burns, with Stinking Water also nearby.
But there are hidden pockets of beauty that anyone can appreciate, and those are the rocks. It is hard to argue with the fact that while leafy trees may look nice and provide shade, a dense forest of them obscures the nice rocks that can be more easily found in the desert.
Amateur Geologists, also known as ‘rockhounds’, comb these places for rocks to take back with them.
Agates and obsidian are much easier to spot in the sagebrush-covered landscape of Eastern Oregon. A little area called ‘Stinking Water Creek’ has many agates to be found. Glass Butte, another popular rockhounding site, has obsidian in many colors. Rainbow, pumpkin, mahogany, black, gold sheen, and double flow obsidian cover the hill. Rainbow obsidian comes in colors of pinks, blues, and yellows. Pumpkin obsidian is orange. Mahogany is mahogany colored, sometimes with black streaks. Gold sheen has a gold sheen, just like the name, and double flow is also just like it sounds.
Glass Butte is about 50 miles from Burns, with Stinking Water also nearby.
Asking About Arduinos
By Charlie B.
In Bit by Byte, students learn, build, and program an Arduino computer. It takes place during July 7th through July 18th on the O.S.U. campus in Outside the Box. Student Will B. likes this class a lot and said it's fun and hard work. His favorite thing that he has accomplished is making the computer, and he can’t wait to program it. He feels the reason he chose this class was because he loved programming video games in Adventures in Learning, so he thought it would be fun to make and program a computer. After being burned, one thing he wishes was different was that they had safety gloves.
OTB Sensational Science
By Zach B. and Maria M.
Let’s talk about Out of The Box’s Sensational Science Class. EEEC Sensational Science is a class about Exploring Ecology and Evolutionary Concepts. We, the students, get to learn about the ecology of different animal species, ecosystems, and why all of them are important. We get to learn about evolutionary concepts in organisms and a bit about the world as well.
A quote from one of a several awesome teachers is about her view of this class:
“Sensational Science is a great way for students to think like a scientist and get real hands on experience about what scientists do.” ~Natalie H.
Following this quote, we really get to be hands on. They bring in whatever organisms we’re studying, and we get to learn about each of them, really experience what we are holding, conduct observation experiments, and much more. We also get to play with data tables and are given worksheets that really get us thinking about it. An example of a hands on workshop with a species is amphibians. We get hold and study them.
Currently we are studying about amphibians, their important role, and how they contribute to the ecosystems of the world. We study individual species and the entire classification of amphibians in general. One example of one of the species is a Pacific Tree Frog. We also get to see the species and discover what they do, why they’re important, why we should save them, about habitats, breeding, migration, what the specific species does, and much more.
Before we wrap this up I want share a quote from a fellow classmate, and my first and now current viewpoint of the class.
“Sensational Science is a really fun hands on class, and we get to handle animals and other things that we are actually learning about, and it’s really cool. Yay.” ~Susie C.
So here is my personal experience with it: “So, when I first started the OTB program and saw I had this class I wasn't very excited. I wasn't a very life sciences kind of person. So I didn't really thin I would enjoy this class. But the day we really started the class I learned a lot more than I thought I did and my opinion change. I actual realized I kinda did like life sciences and what were doing is fun. After several more days of the class I really found it was one of my favorites and enjoyed it. I even got excited to have the class after my first.” ~Zach B.
A quote from one of a several awesome teachers is about her view of this class:
“Sensational Science is a great way for students to think like a scientist and get real hands on experience about what scientists do.” ~Natalie H.
Following this quote, we really get to be hands on. They bring in whatever organisms we’re studying, and we get to learn about each of them, really experience what we are holding, conduct observation experiments, and much more. We also get to play with data tables and are given worksheets that really get us thinking about it. An example of a hands on workshop with a species is amphibians. We get hold and study them.
Currently we are studying about amphibians, their important role, and how they contribute to the ecosystems of the world. We study individual species and the entire classification of amphibians in general. One example of one of the species is a Pacific Tree Frog. We also get to see the species and discover what they do, why they’re important, why we should save them, about habitats, breeding, migration, what the specific species does, and much more.
Before we wrap this up I want share a quote from a fellow classmate, and my first and now current viewpoint of the class.
“Sensational Science is a really fun hands on class, and we get to handle animals and other things that we are actually learning about, and it’s really cool. Yay.” ~Susie C.
So here is my personal experience with it: “So, when I first started the OTB program and saw I had this class I wasn't very excited. I wasn't a very life sciences kind of person. So I didn't really thin I would enjoy this class. But the day we really started the class I learned a lot more than I thought I did and my opinion change. I actual realized I kinda did like life sciences and what were doing is fun. After several more days of the class I really found it was one of my favorites and enjoyed it. I even got excited to have the class after my first.” ~Zach B.
OTB & AIL comparison and contrast
By Zach B.
So, I wanted to share my thoughts on this years OTB program. OTB (Outside the Box) is a program that 8th and 9th grade students in the TAG program can attend. We get to sign up for classes over the computer to attend and participate in for two weeks.
I’m going to share what classes I got with you all. My first is Chemistry, second is EEEC Sensational Science, Lunch, Words in to Wow (where I write the articles), and Stitch-able soft circuits. Our two weeks are almost done, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. All the classes I go,t even though they weren't the ones I was hoping to get, have been super awesome and lots of fun.
Compared to last years program, AIL (Adventures in Learning), they're both awesome. In both programs, you get to choose wonderful classes and have lots of fun. So, I really can’t decide between both because I also really enjoyed last year's classes.
The only thing I might think of changing about this program is our dining hall. This year's is pretty good, but not as good as last year's, in AIL. This year in OTB, we get to go to one restaurant in the dining hall where the food changes every day, but it isn't a huge variety, and I love variety and options. Last year, we had about 6-8 different restaurants and a mini mart with Ice Cream. So, there was more options and variety.
Other than the dining hall, I wouldn't change anything else in both. Both are awesome and fun, you get to meet new people, and learn about stuff you choose. If there are any potential AIL or OTB students or parents who have students who may receive this opportunity, it is well worth the money, time, and effort. Now, this is my personal view, but if you sign up I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun too.
I’m going to share what classes I got with you all. My first is Chemistry, second is EEEC Sensational Science, Lunch, Words in to Wow (where I write the articles), and Stitch-able soft circuits. Our two weeks are almost done, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. All the classes I go,t even though they weren't the ones I was hoping to get, have been super awesome and lots of fun.
Compared to last years program, AIL (Adventures in Learning), they're both awesome. In both programs, you get to choose wonderful classes and have lots of fun. So, I really can’t decide between both because I also really enjoyed last year's classes.
The only thing I might think of changing about this program is our dining hall. This year's is pretty good, but not as good as last year's, in AIL. This year in OTB, we get to go to one restaurant in the dining hall where the food changes every day, but it isn't a huge variety, and I love variety and options. Last year, we had about 6-8 different restaurants and a mini mart with Ice Cream. So, there was more options and variety.
Other than the dining hall, I wouldn't change anything else in both. Both are awesome and fun, you get to meet new people, and learn about stuff you choose. If there are any potential AIL or OTB students or parents who have students who may receive this opportunity, it is well worth the money, time, and effort. Now, this is my personal view, but if you sign up I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun too.
Growing Back the Reputation
By Charlie B.
Plants vs Zombies 2 is a new video game that you can get on your, iPhone, iPad, or iPod. It is when crazy Dave, after eating a delicious hot sauce taco, wants to go back in time to eat it again, but you end up in ancient Egypt, the Wild West, and many different times with zombies. I think it’s a great follow up to Plants vs Zombies; for one, the levels are more laid out, and there are multiple bosses and worlds. It also includes new plants such as the Bonk Choy and the Laser bean, but still keeps some old plants like the wall-nut and the spike-weed. Overall, I think it is a great game that everyone should try out.You can find Plants vs Zombies 2 in the app store on any "i" device.
Magyk Book revIEw
By Zachary B.
Today's book review is about Magyk, by Angie Sage, one of my personal favorites. If you love fantasy and magic, I know you’ll love this.
Magyk (by Angie Sage) is a great book for anyone who loves magic, fantasy, and adventure. I discovered the book through OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books). OBOB is a program where us kids read books selected by the officials to remember details and compete.
Magyk was the first book I read in this year's program.
Magyk is about a boy named Septimus Heap. He was the youngest of the Heap family. Because he was the seventh son of a seventh son, he was said to have great magical power.
Septimus Heap was born into a familial household marked with a bright, red door. Soon though, he was swept off into the midnight snow, sleep-drugged by the midwife, likely to never see his family again. Silas, his father, was on a walk outside in the forest and discovered a baby buried in the snow. So he decided to take her back with him. On his way back, he saw someone quickly running past him. Not realizing it was his son being taken away, he kept walking. He entered the house to a crying Sarah (mother) telling him that his brand new son had been taken. He told him about the baby and ran trying to find her. With no success in finding him, he returned home and handed the found baby to his wife. They named their new found baby "Jenna". Later assuming Septimus is dead, they tried to leave him in the past, concentrating on their new found baby girl, Jenna.
It briefly goes through Jenna’s life growing up. It later ends up in the setting of present day, her tenth birthday. Many important events occur, leading them on an adventure. The protagonists, a young girl, an army boy, and a snake-boot-wearing wizard must escape the evil sorcerer that has returned to take over the Wizard Tower. They flee, dragging along one of the "Young Army" soldiers named Boy 412.
This is about the first (small) part of the book. If you are curious about the book and would like to know more, I highly encourage you to read the book and find out what happens yourself. You will be enveloped in this compelling storyline, with its wonderful mystery and exciting adventure. Believe me, if you choose to read it, you won’t want to set the book down.
I hope you found this book report helpful. And I hope I have encourage you to take the plunge.
Magyk (by Angie Sage) is a great book for anyone who loves magic, fantasy, and adventure. I discovered the book through OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books). OBOB is a program where us kids read books selected by the officials to remember details and compete.
Magyk was the first book I read in this year's program.
Magyk is about a boy named Septimus Heap. He was the youngest of the Heap family. Because he was the seventh son of a seventh son, he was said to have great magical power.
Septimus Heap was born into a familial household marked with a bright, red door. Soon though, he was swept off into the midnight snow, sleep-drugged by the midwife, likely to never see his family again. Silas, his father, was on a walk outside in the forest and discovered a baby buried in the snow. So he decided to take her back with him. On his way back, he saw someone quickly running past him. Not realizing it was his son being taken away, he kept walking. He entered the house to a crying Sarah (mother) telling him that his brand new son had been taken. He told him about the baby and ran trying to find her. With no success in finding him, he returned home and handed the found baby to his wife. They named their new found baby "Jenna". Later assuming Septimus is dead, they tried to leave him in the past, concentrating on their new found baby girl, Jenna.
It briefly goes through Jenna’s life growing up. It later ends up in the setting of present day, her tenth birthday. Many important events occur, leading them on an adventure. The protagonists, a young girl, an army boy, and a snake-boot-wearing wizard must escape the evil sorcerer that has returned to take over the Wizard Tower. They flee, dragging along one of the "Young Army" soldiers named Boy 412.
This is about the first (small) part of the book. If you are curious about the book and would like to know more, I highly encourage you to read the book and find out what happens yourself. You will be enveloped in this compelling storyline, with its wonderful mystery and exciting adventure. Believe me, if you choose to read it, you won’t want to set the book down.
I hope you found this book report helpful. And I hope I have encourage you to take the plunge.
Escape Artists at it Again
By Charlie B.
Puck and Kiwi, two mischievous rabbits, found a way out of the enclosed cage they were kept in. Puck decided to go for the hay, jumped up on the table, and crawled into the box of hay. When I came downstairs, Puck had settled down in the box. Quickly grabbing Puck, I pulled him out only to have two feet on my chest, Puck springing away into the playroom, and dashing for a fort. After catching the bunny, I soon noticed Kiwi gnawing on the pool table leg, dashing towards her. She soon reacted, ran around in circles, and finally, a towel fell on her and she was caught and put back in her hutch. I will just wait and see what happens next!
Deities of the world
By Marina W.
Hel, the two faced goddess
In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of the realm, Helheim. She rules over the neutral souls of the dead, which is most of the population. Hel is also the youngest child of the evil god Loki and the giant Angboda. She is usually described as a horrible hag with half of her body being one of a living person and the other half as a corpse.
Akuma, the demons
An Akuma is an evil fire spirit with a flaming head and fiery eyes. They also carry giant, terrifying swords that they swing round as they fly through the air. They use the swords to chop human heads off and grill them as a tasty snack. If you notice one of these fiery demons, it's best to act like you didn't see them and walk towards the nearest fire extinguisher.
Furies, the birds of justice
These three, blacked robed, bat winged, whip wielding goddesses are known for their rough justice. They are defiantly some of the scariest goddesses in Greek mythology. The goddesses punish evil in ways only a mad man could think of! One of their victims was forced to be left on an island with a table full of food; he could never eat it though because harpies would always swoop down and steal his meals.
Tiamat, the chaos dragon
She used to live happily in the salt water joined by Apsu, the western water god. Their peace was destroyed when a bubble of silt popped and a couple of beings, who soon gave birth the noisy gods, put Apsu into a permeant sleep. Tiamat, left alone, became a force of chaos, destroying anything the gods tried to create. Finally, she was slain by a son of a god called, Marduk.
Tane the letter of light
Tane is the oceanic god of light. Every day, he lifts the dark curtain of sky to let the light come into the world. He is also the god responsible for the forest and trees in the world. Tane also invented the tasty Tui bird.
Less Strokes In us and u.s.
By Zachary B.
I practice Aromatherapy and Herbalism, which are alternative health approaches. But I follow health news in general, so I thought I would share a cool fact I found. The numbers of strokes in the U.S are going down, according to the studies.
If you don’t know what a stroke is, let me fill you in. A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack." If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage. (Google Search Result in definition)
So now that you know what a stroke is, you're probably thinking what I’m thinking. This is good; less people are dying of brain damage. Just thought I would share, since less people dying is a good thing.
All information about strokes decreasing come from this article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/16/us-usa-stroke-decline-idUSKBN0FL2K220140716
If you want to read it for full details, be my guest.
If you don’t know what a stroke is, let me fill you in. A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack." If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage. (Google Search Result in definition)
So now that you know what a stroke is, you're probably thinking what I’m thinking. This is good; less people are dying of brain damage. Just thought I would share, since less people dying is a good thing.
All information about strokes decreasing come from this article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/16/us-usa-stroke-decline-idUSKBN0FL2K220140716
If you want to read it for full details, be my guest.
aromatherapy awareness
By Zachary B.
Many of you guys may not know this, but I am learning aromatherapy. A natural therapy which can aid conventional medicine and be used for enjoyment. I realize that many of the students may not know or care about what it is. But I do. And maybe some of you will to. Also parents, if you are reading this and use essential oils, you might want to read this too.
I have realized there are lots of false, dangerous aromatherapy claims being made with EO’s which are unsafe and could potentially harm people. So I’m here to help educate you all on safety. Now, I better state this now before its too late. I will be talking about some companies that spread this misinformation, and if you are associated with any of these companies, I want to let you know to please take no offense, as this is not directed at you.
Some of the companies that have been spreading misinformation and dangerous practice are Young Living and doTERRA, which both have great oils, but some of the information is potentially harmful. Let’s start with application methods.
Inhalation: Inhalation is when you inhale a bottle of essential oil for smell and possible therapeutic use. It means to smell it in a method. Inhalation is the first and most common application method. Sometimes, some body care products that smell like plants are made with their EO. Check your label; you might find out your's does. Methods of Inhalation are straight from the bottle, through diffuser, misting them in air, in cotton ball or tissue, and steam inhalation. Lots of times, they are used in massage and care products because they smell good and the smells have positive effects on your emotions through your lymphatic system. Other times, it might be for a cough, a breathing issue, or emotional aid. I love the smell of EO’s, and I love using them in my body care products and in rooms as deodorant and as stress, anxiety, and emotional aids.
Topical: Topical use is when you use them on your body. So, lots of your lotions, creams, toothpaste, and deodorants might contain these for smell and therapeutic benefit.
If you use an EO topically, you need to dilute it in a carrier oil which is a fatty oil. So, your common olive, coconut, jojoba, almond, and avocado (I could go on and on) will all work. Any fatty oil. A dilution chart is located above in the pictures. Generally, you use 1-2% and .25% with young kids, elderly, and people with sensitive skin. People use them topically in lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, and other products. People also might use them topically for pain. Oils are made of organic compounds and chemicals, so sometimes they give benefit. Some benefit skin. Some pain. Some have cooling effects. I love using them topically for my skin and as cologne or deodorant, or when I might be coughing. I love them.
Oral: The other route you may of heard of. I strongly suggest you never ingest oils unless under the care of a naturopathic doctor. A ND with the required training of aromatic medicine. Some people may say they put it in their water and in capsules, but it is very unsafe unless a doctor is doing it and has training in using them the right way. Also, oral is rarely ever needed. You can put them topically for anything that might be used oral. The only time you might be ingesting it is in small amounts used by companies as food flavoring agents. Only so many are safe for that, and you should be experienced before you attempt it.
Now lets talk about unsafe information. People who practice Rain Drop and Aroma Touch (which is a type of undiluted massage) are really at risk here. Oils directly on skin can cause toxicity (rarely), sensitization which is where your immune system is involved and you can never use them again, and irritation. Many will say its a detox, but there is a chance for a minor to major irritation or possibly chemical burn with hot oils. This is why we dilute. To avoid this.
Other people might argue that that's the British method. There are no such methods.
I have realized there are lots of false, dangerous aromatherapy claims being made with EO’s which are unsafe and could potentially harm people. So I’m here to help educate you all on safety. Now, I better state this now before its too late. I will be talking about some companies that spread this misinformation, and if you are associated with any of these companies, I want to let you know to please take no offense, as this is not directed at you.
Some of the companies that have been spreading misinformation and dangerous practice are Young Living and doTERRA, which both have great oils, but some of the information is potentially harmful. Let’s start with application methods.
Inhalation: Inhalation is when you inhale a bottle of essential oil for smell and possible therapeutic use. It means to smell it in a method. Inhalation is the first and most common application method. Sometimes, some body care products that smell like plants are made with their EO. Check your label; you might find out your's does. Methods of Inhalation are straight from the bottle, through diffuser, misting them in air, in cotton ball or tissue, and steam inhalation. Lots of times, they are used in massage and care products because they smell good and the smells have positive effects on your emotions through your lymphatic system. Other times, it might be for a cough, a breathing issue, or emotional aid. I love the smell of EO’s, and I love using them in my body care products and in rooms as deodorant and as stress, anxiety, and emotional aids.
Topical: Topical use is when you use them on your body. So, lots of your lotions, creams, toothpaste, and deodorants might contain these for smell and therapeutic benefit.
If you use an EO topically, you need to dilute it in a carrier oil which is a fatty oil. So, your common olive, coconut, jojoba, almond, and avocado (I could go on and on) will all work. Any fatty oil. A dilution chart is located above in the pictures. Generally, you use 1-2% and .25% with young kids, elderly, and people with sensitive skin. People use them topically in lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, and other products. People also might use them topically for pain. Oils are made of organic compounds and chemicals, so sometimes they give benefit. Some benefit skin. Some pain. Some have cooling effects. I love using them topically for my skin and as cologne or deodorant, or when I might be coughing. I love them.
Oral: The other route you may of heard of. I strongly suggest you never ingest oils unless under the care of a naturopathic doctor. A ND with the required training of aromatic medicine. Some people may say they put it in their water and in capsules, but it is very unsafe unless a doctor is doing it and has training in using them the right way. Also, oral is rarely ever needed. You can put them topically for anything that might be used oral. The only time you might be ingesting it is in small amounts used by companies as food flavoring agents. Only so many are safe for that, and you should be experienced before you attempt it.
Now lets talk about unsafe information. People who practice Rain Drop and Aroma Touch (which is a type of undiluted massage) are really at risk here. Oils directly on skin can cause toxicity (rarely), sensitization which is where your immune system is involved and you can never use them again, and irritation. Many will say its a detox, but there is a chance for a minor to major irritation or possibly chemical burn with hot oils. This is why we dilute. To avoid this.
Other people might argue that that's the British method. There are no such methods.
Lastly, they may argue it's only dangerous if they are not Pharma Grade, therapeutic grade, or certified therapeutic grade. There are no grades or governing bodies with grades. It's just a marketing term to trick you, and I would generally stay away from those companies.
Now, if you have gotten this far, I hope I haven't scared you. EO are great when used safely, and as long as you follow guidelines, you should be fine. Safe practice is wonderful and joyful.
I do have to bring up that if you are pregnant or nursing, try to avoid oils. And to be careful with kids. They are generally not used until two, and some are still unsafe. Here is a good child guideline. http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/02/07/essential-oils-and-children/
If you are interested in learning more. You might try looking for a local aromatherapist which has completed training under the AIA http://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/ and or NAHA https://www.naha.org/.
Here are also some schools that teach aromatherapy safely.
http://www.atlanticinstitute.com/
http://aromahead.com/
http://www.naha.org/education/approved-schools/
And some great oil retailers with safe information.
http://www.stillpointaromatics.com/
http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/
http://www.naturesgift.com/
https://www.auracacia.com/
and many more out there.
Thank you for reading.
Now, if you have gotten this far, I hope I haven't scared you. EO are great when used safely, and as long as you follow guidelines, you should be fine. Safe practice is wonderful and joyful.
I do have to bring up that if you are pregnant or nursing, try to avoid oils. And to be careful with kids. They are generally not used until two, and some are still unsafe. Here is a good child guideline. http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/02/07/essential-oils-and-children/
If you are interested in learning more. You might try looking for a local aromatherapist which has completed training under the AIA http://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/ and or NAHA https://www.naha.org/.
Here are also some schools that teach aromatherapy safely.
http://www.atlanticinstitute.com/
http://aromahead.com/
http://www.naha.org/education/approved-schools/
And some great oil retailers with safe information.
http://www.stillpointaromatics.com/
http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/
http://www.naturesgift.com/
https://www.auracacia.com/
and many more out there.
Thank you for reading.
LET it sail, let it go parody
By Marina W.
The ships pop up on the board tonight
All shippers are scene
A kingdom of ships
And I looks like I’m the queen
The wind is howling like this swirling ship inside
Couldn’t keep it in, shippers know I’ve tried
Don’t let them in, don’t let them hear
Be the quite shipper you always have to be
Conceal, don’t share, don’t leer them know
Well know they know!
Let it sail, let it sail
Can’t keep it quite anymore
Let is sail, let it sail
Turn away and ship hard core
I don’t care
What they’re going to say
Let the ships go on
The critics never bothered me anyway
It’s funny how some distance
Makes every ship seem good
And the critics that once controlled me
Can’t stop me at all
It’s time to see what I can ship
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me I’m shipping!
Let it sail, let it sail
I’m one with the love and hate
Let it sail, let it sail
You’ll never see it sink
Here I stand
And I will ship
Let the shippers free
My power flurries through the ear into the mind
My soul is spiraling in broken bares all around
And one thought ships like a fiery blast
I’m never stopping
The past is in the past!
Let it sail, let it sail
And I ship all day long
Let it sail, let it sail
The quite shippers gone
Here I stand
In the perfect ship
Let the shippers free
The critics never bothered me anyway!
All shippers are scene
A kingdom of ships
And I looks like I’m the queen
The wind is howling like this swirling ship inside
Couldn’t keep it in, shippers know I’ve tried
Don’t let them in, don’t let them hear
Be the quite shipper you always have to be
Conceal, don’t share, don’t leer them know
Well know they know!
Let it sail, let it sail
Can’t keep it quite anymore
Let is sail, let it sail
Turn away and ship hard core
I don’t care
What they’re going to say
Let the ships go on
The critics never bothered me anyway
It’s funny how some distance
Makes every ship seem good
And the critics that once controlled me
Can’t stop me at all
It’s time to see what I can ship
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me I’m shipping!
Let it sail, let it sail
I’m one with the love and hate
Let it sail, let it sail
You’ll never see it sink
Here I stand
And I will ship
Let the shippers free
My power flurries through the ear into the mind
My soul is spiraling in broken bares all around
And one thought ships like a fiery blast
I’m never stopping
The past is in the past!
Let it sail, let it sail
And I ship all day long
Let it sail, let it sail
The quite shippers gone
Here I stand
In the perfect ship
Let the shippers free
The critics never bothered me anyway!
Lettuce Ditch These Pesticides
By Zachary B.
Research shows that pesticides may be linked to the death of bees, some small mammals, and birds. No harm has show yet, but they are taking precautions. I personally know there are some chemicals in these herbicides and pesticides that very well could cause harm to animals and insects. So I am definitely against using them.
What StatesmanJournal says: “It's part of a region-wide mandate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued last week to phase out the class of pesticides, called neonicotinoids, from wildlife refuges in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii by January 2016.
The local refuges are moving even faster, giving farmers until the end of this year to stop using the seeds.
The three local refuges – Baskett Slough, west of Salem; Ankeny, south of Salem; and William L. Finley near Corvallis – were created to protect Dusky Canada Geese.
The refuges have contracts with a handful of local farmers to grow forage for the geese during the winter.”
Now, many of you may be thinking that since there is no harm, why not still use pesticides? My response to that is to question why you would want to take even the chance of harming them. One quote to back up my thought. : “We have not seen any ill effects, but we're not taking any chances," said Laila Lienesch, deputy project leader for the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex.”
After reading some of the information I have shared, you might be thinking ‘Well, how are we going to get rid of the pests without our pesticides?’ I have news for you: there are other alternatives. There are some commercially available pesticides from health food stores and natural stores that would probably carry some pesticides made from animal-safe, organic compounds from fruits and plant extracts. Some examples of where you might find them can be Market of Choice or Natural Grocers, or possibly some nurseries. One more alternative available is Essential Oils (EO’s). They are highly concentrated natural extracts from plants through distillation, cold expression, and solvent extract. Many of these can be found in Natural Grocers and Market of Choice by the health and beauty care section. A brand I recommend you check out is Aura Cacia. These natural plant extracts can be used in synergy with other bases to make bug and pest sprays which are not only safe for environment but misted in the air wouldn’t cause very much problems with animals and the ecosystem. Many of the scents will negate certain creatures and you can research whether one does online. Recipes for them can also be found online. Many of them may say to only use a single company’s oils, but the store bought ones work just fine. I have used these to success with bug sprays many times and they’re very efficient.
I hope this has educated you in the dangers of pesticides and what we can do to change.
You can check out the pesticide full article here: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/07/16/pesticides-linked-bee-deaths-banned-refuges/12742413/
What StatesmanJournal says: “It's part of a region-wide mandate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued last week to phase out the class of pesticides, called neonicotinoids, from wildlife refuges in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii by January 2016.
The local refuges are moving even faster, giving farmers until the end of this year to stop using the seeds.
The three local refuges – Baskett Slough, west of Salem; Ankeny, south of Salem; and William L. Finley near Corvallis – were created to protect Dusky Canada Geese.
The refuges have contracts with a handful of local farmers to grow forage for the geese during the winter.”
Now, many of you may be thinking that since there is no harm, why not still use pesticides? My response to that is to question why you would want to take even the chance of harming them. One quote to back up my thought. : “We have not seen any ill effects, but we're not taking any chances," said Laila Lienesch, deputy project leader for the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex.”
After reading some of the information I have shared, you might be thinking ‘Well, how are we going to get rid of the pests without our pesticides?’ I have news for you: there are other alternatives. There are some commercially available pesticides from health food stores and natural stores that would probably carry some pesticides made from animal-safe, organic compounds from fruits and plant extracts. Some examples of where you might find them can be Market of Choice or Natural Grocers, or possibly some nurseries. One more alternative available is Essential Oils (EO’s). They are highly concentrated natural extracts from plants through distillation, cold expression, and solvent extract. Many of these can be found in Natural Grocers and Market of Choice by the health and beauty care section. A brand I recommend you check out is Aura Cacia. These natural plant extracts can be used in synergy with other bases to make bug and pest sprays which are not only safe for environment but misted in the air wouldn’t cause very much problems with animals and the ecosystem. Many of the scents will negate certain creatures and you can research whether one does online. Recipes for them can also be found online. Many of them may say to only use a single company’s oils, but the store bought ones work just fine. I have used these to success with bug sprays many times and they’re very efficient.
I hope this has educated you in the dangers of pesticides and what we can do to change.
You can check out the pesticide full article here: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/07/16/pesticides-linked-bee-deaths-banned-refuges/12742413/