Super Science Saturday#3

Hello, Fellow Kitchen Chemists and Mad Scientists,

Today, I'm going to do something different for Super Science Saturday. Normally, I post a video of a super cool science experiment, but today I'm going to post some video clips from a really great show Sid the Science kid.

If you're a kid, teacher, or parent you are going to love this show. Not only does it teach Science in a really entertaining way, but the singing and dancing cracks me up. I love that we get to stand up and shake our grove 'thangs' every few minutes. It's great exercise. And for those of you who know me, you know how much I love to shake my 'groove thang'. I almost don't mind sitting and watching the boob tube with the kiddos anymore, especially since I know that they're learning and exercising.






This clip illustrates the rump shaking part. If I were to pick one of the kids that I was most like, I'd have to say that I'm like Gabriella. What do you think?



And last but not least, this show promotes loving your mommy. How can I not 'give love' to a show that talks about 'mommy love'? Again, I find myself feeling bad for the dads of the world, but not too bad. Sid's dad is in the show, he just doesn't get his own song. So it's not a total blow off for the male figure. And besides, the mom song is only a few seconds.
Enjoy, moms!

Tip Tuesday and Waaaasup Wednesday Combined

Since I ranted yesterday, today I will combine Tip Tuesday and Waaaasup Wednesday. Here goes.

Tip# 2
Don't eat yellow snow!Hehehehehe


And,Waaasup, followers! Here's the scoop. Right now, I'm working on two stories at once: Owl, Be Home By Morning and Lily's Pad. You've already heard about Owl, Be Home by Morning, so I'll tell you the premise of Lily's Pad.

In Lily's Pad, Lily the frog, gets lost trying to chase a whizzing dragonfly. After she loses the dragonfly, she suddenly realizes that she doesn't know where she is. After a brief second of panic, she remembers a tip that her mother told her, "Follow the lillies til' you find ten, and you'll find your way back home again". Long story short, Lily will follow the lily pattern of numbers, until she reaches her pad/home.

So what do you think of Lily's Pad? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

PB's Get No Love

I love a good chapter book just as much as anyone else, but why is it that aspiring picture book authors just don't get the "love" when it comes writing websites? I mean I totally get that chapter book authors write like 40,000-90,000 more words than a PB author-but man, PB writers write, entire stories, beginning to end, with less than 1,000 words. And sometimes, they even do it in rhyme. Now that is real talent!

Not that I'm saying that writers of other age groups aren't talented. To be honest, I love writing of any kind. One day, I'd like to write for other age groups, too. I'm just saying that I'm tired of the MG, YA, and A authors acting like their stuff is more important to society. Get over yourselves already! I mean if weren't for PB authors, those people would have never discovered the joys of reading to begin with. Am I right? Or Am I right?

So If I solicit feedback on a writer's website, please critique it. Don't snub me because I write for small children. And,don't snub me because I'm new to all this. Help a sista out! We all need help! It's the right thing to do:)

And in return, I promise to read your multiple query letter posts, over and over again, even though I'd rather pour honey all over myself and run through a bear's den. Sorry-it had to be sad.

Super Soap Smackdown Part Deux

When it comes to writing, no one really talks about the genius of soap opera writers. These people create new and fresh stories on a daily basis, yet no one would even recognize them on the street. Legions of fans watch their shows every day, yet no one even knows their names. Sure, they have their own yearly awards. And sure, ocassionally, a person gives them a shot out on the soap's personal website or in the Soap Opera Digest. But it's not like people go to Super Soap Weekend to see the writers. And it's not like they have their own fan clubs or merchandise.

In this scene in particular, the writers have really gone above and beyond the call of duty. There's love and fighting and legal jargon-the makings of any good novel-and I don't even know the names of the people wrote this scene. To me, that's a travesty. And I, for one, intend to do something about it.

So from now on, when I see a truly fantastic catfight or dramatic scene, I will post it on the blog. Not only that, I will try to find out the names of the writers of that episode or scene. It's time for these geniuses to be acknowledged. They deserve their day in the "blogosphere" sun.

FYI-the writer of this scene was probably Richard Culliton-head writer at AMC in the early 2000's.

Super Science Saturday

It's obvious when watching this video, that these boys are having a blast. With a few, common household items, they are able to inflate a balloon. It has all the fun of magic, yet all the predictability of science. Not to mention, there's the possibility of the balloon popping, looming in the distance. And what little boy doesn't like a good explosion?

So how does this experiment work? Well, it's simple. When the baking soda and vinegar combine, a chemical reaction creates a gas called carbon dioxide-the same gas that is expelled from our lungs when we breathe. So in a way, this is the same way that any human being would blow up a balloon. It's just a little more creative.

It's a super way to introduce gases to your students. Because gases are invisible to the naked eye, the balloon is a great way to SHOW the gas. It's not as cool as lighting your own farts, but your butt will thank you for opting to go in another direction.

So enjoy, fellow Mad Scientists and Kitchen Chemists. And,remember,Science is awesome! Lighting your own farts is not!

Waaaasup Wednesday

Waaaasup, followers! Thanks for stopping by. Since you're here, let me tell you what I'm currently working on.

WIPS (works in progress)
My main three writing projects are as follows: The Bedbug Beat, Allie the Numbertarian Alligator(working title), and Let's Go Fishin'. All three stories are picturebook(PB) manuscripts(MS) for children, primarily 8 and under. Two out of the three stories is written in rhyme, which is not for the feint of heart. It's actually a big pain in the rump. But when inspiration comes, you have to accept it on its terms. It's a gift from the Writing Gods and must be cherished.


Where I am in the flowchart of getting my work published?
For those of you who don't know, there's an unofficial flowchart of sorts when it comes to getting published. Here are the steps according to me:1.write 2.edit(a lot) 3. story is reviewed by peers("beta"ed) 4. Some more edits 5. Maybe even hire an editor, only if you're just getting started. Most writers, literary agents, and editors recommend just taking classes to learn your craft. It's definitely cheaper, and you'll learn to do it yourself. 6. Send out query or cover letters with your manuscript 7. Rejections or letters of acceptance arrive in the mail months and months later 8. Book deal(maybe, but probably not) 9. published(maybe, but probably not) 10. book signings.etc.(again, maybe, but don't hold your breath. This is only for the creme de la creme)

Right now, I'm in step 3. Each of these stories is being "beta"ed(a.k.a read by a group of peers, usually writers or editors of the same genre and age group). All three have had positive reviews, so far. Right now, I'm just working out the kinks.

So stay tuned, I hope to be sending these babies out soon. Together we can find out what sticks and what hits the fan. As the stories progress down the flowchart, you'll be the first to know. So stop by often, to check it out.

Breaking News-Unicorns are REAL

Finally, scientific proof that unicorns really do exist. Check out the video of this REAL-no joke-unicorn.This could be how the legend of unicorns was actually started in storytelling. This is huge!

Soap Opera Smackdown Sunday

As a woman who loves daytime television just as much as a good book, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get inspiration from hilarious catfights like this one. They're action packed. They're ridiculous. But most importantly of all, I would never have the guts to have a catfight in real life.

And isn't that why most of us read,to go on a journey that we wouldn't normally be able to in real life? That's why I read anyway.

So let's all get inspired together! Kick back and watch a soap. Your work will be better for it.

Super Science Saturday #2

This week's "Super Science" experiment is really fun to make, and really cheap to create-my two main criteria when choosing a science experiment. So if you enjoy Kitchen Chemistry as much as I do, you're in for a real treat.

Enjoy, fellow Mad Scientists and Kitchen Chemists! And remember,Science is cool;)

Super Science Saturdays

After reading a few blog posts about spicing up blogs, I have decided to try a few of the tips each week. I mean who couldn't use a little more spice in their lives? I know that I could.

Anywho. One of my favorites tips was to write about certain topics on certain days. So in honor of Science and Saturdays, Saturdays will be known as Super Science Saturdays. Since I write about a variety of topics, some educational, it seemed fitting somehow. Not to mention, Science is awesome!

So feel free to chime in with your thoughts. What do you think of Super Science Saturdays? Do you have a tip for spicing up blogs? Dish the dirt. Sharing is caring, my friend.

Experiment #1
Here is a super, cool Science experiment for you mad scientists out there. Not only will you be experimenting with water, but you'll be reusing an item that would normally end up in a landfill somewhere-a bottle.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.It's the right thing to do!

Computer Crash

Ever wonder why they call a computer dying, a computer "crash"? Well I know. Because when your computer dies, you can't help but feel like you've been blind sided by a two ton vehicle that blew through a stop sign.

As a human with technological needs, you come to rely on your computer. To some extent, loosing you computer is like breaking up with a boyfriend.

Seriously though, think about it. All week long, there hasn't a moment when I didn't wonder 'When will my computer come back(from Staples)? Should I get a new computer? What in the world am I going to do if my new computer doesn't make me feel the way that my old computer did(user friendly)?

This "crash" has caused me serious damage,both mental and physical.

My hands are stiff, stiff because they long to caress the one thing that will make everything right again-my keyboard.

My mind is racing, racing because I have a million images and stories flitting through my brain, and no way to capture them.

I feel awkward, the kind of awkward that a person feels in a crowd of strangers when they're not quite sure what to do with their hands or how to stand. Should I stand straight or lean? Should I fold my arms or does that make me seem uncomfortable with the situation?

%$#@(Golly Gee), I should just go sit in my old computer chair. Maybe reminiscing with the two, deep depressions that usually hold my butt cheeks, will get me through this intensely uncomfortable period in my life?

On second thought, I'm not waiting one more minute for that recovery disc to to it's job. This relationship is over. Sayonara, old computer. I'm moving on to a bigger and better computer. One with more ram and memory. Right after you give me back my stuff-a copy of my hard drive. I'm not leaving you with a thing!