Cover Photo - photo credit: Thomas Leuthard via photopin cc,;photo credit: ★ jox via photopin cc; photo credit: spaceabstract via photopin

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Chromebook Review

For Christmas I received a chromebook from my parents. In this article I'll be talking about how I found it so far...

The first thing I noticed about the chromebook was how light it was. At a weight of 1.1kg and as thin as 17.5mm,  it's amazingly light and thin.You can carry it to school, college or a friend's house with no hassle but a small shoulder bag, backpack or briefcase. But it still maintains function with just enough space for your average USB and SD card ports.

Another feature is its speed. I use the Samsung Chromebook with starts up in less than ten seconds, so there's no wasting time waiting for your laptop to load. You're working, playing or catching up with friends in no time. And if you need to take a break, just close the lid. When your ready to open it again, it's available instantly. 

This laptop is very portable due to it's size, but it's just added to when you don't need to carry round a charger. With six and a half hours of battery, it should last you all day. But even if you need more, the charger is small and sleek so you don't have a heavy load. 

The Chromebook is able to be personalized. From your icon picture that greets you on entry, to your chosen wallpaper and Google Chrome theme you have a choice of preloaded pictures or your own images. Additionally  when you create an account your apps, bookmarks and preferences are automatically synced  so it always feels like home. 

Many people are put off the Chromebook by its lack of software such as iTunes, Spotify and Microsoft Office, instead it relies on apps from the Chrome Web Store. But there's no need to worry, the web store holds apps for all your needs. From Aviary photo editor to documents, slides and sheets on Google Drive to media player and store Google Play, you're covered. To make sure you're up to date, the Chromebook updates automatically and you can even change from the Stable channel to a Beta or Devolpment channel to get the latest technology, before its even released.  

In conclusion, I love it. Google have redesigned the computer and made it faster, sleeker and thinner. What more could you ask for? 

Friday, 21 September 2012

Back to School

September. The month of the year where the holidays are over and you're forced to settle in a new routine. It's the month of early mornings, homework and never ending Mondays. But don't despair, we've come up with five top tips to help you back to school. 

Tip 1 - Make a Timetable
Timetable aren't only for classes. Draw up a schedule of all clubs, groups, activities and commitments you have. This will give you an idea of your free time and help you balance work and play. It may be an idea to buy a planner so you can timetable day to day.

Tip 2 - Cover your Books

Your books get a hard time. You lug them around in your bag and dump them at home or in your locker. They get damaged, torn and spoilt in a matter of months. By covering your books the can last for the whole year. Use whatever materials at hand and get to work. Wrapping paper, fabric, paper bags and playing cards are only a few examples. After affixing your cover, add a coat of glue on top to secure your design. Make your own labels to avoid confusion and you could even add ribbon to the spine for an extra detail. To hold timetables and notes, glue round three sides of paper, attach to your book and slot in your files.

Tip 3 - Personalise 
Nothing's worse then losing equipment and have to hand out for replacements. Use permanent markers and home-made or shop bought labels to stamp your name or initials on your gear. Addionally, when lend out stationery, make sure you give a clear return time so you can guarantee you'll get it back.

Tip 4 - Lockers
At school you're guaranteed to acquire textbooks, exercise books, pens, highlighters and other equipment. And do you really want to be lugging it  around all day? The solution - A locker. A safe place to keep your things until you need them. With loads of locker decorations on the market (whiteboards, shelves, pen holders) there's plenty of room to customize.

Tip 5 - The Bag 

Even with a locker, you're still going have to carry things around. You need to ensure you have a practical bag. If you can, go for a rucksack instead of a tote. There are lots of cool designs and even the drabbest bag  can be personalised. Use button badges, patches and anything else to hand to give your bag your own touch.!


Thursday, 2 August 2012

An Inspiration - Olympic Atheletes

 Normally I reserve this space for inspirational writers, but the overwhelming effort, commitment and hard work delivered by Olympic athletes deserves to be recognized.

The Olympic Stadium 
The early morning sun shines down on the newly built Olympic Park in the heart of Stratford. The world holds it's breath as the first day of London's third Olympic is about to commence. All over the country excitement builds, drum rolls start. The crowd take their seats, and suddenly the final buzzer yells out its ear piercing sounds and suddenly the water is filled with excitement. It's begun...



With Some Angolan Athelets
With some Russian Athletes
The Olympic Swimming Pool  
The Aquatics Centre is bursting to the brim with athletes from all over the world trying to make their mark on history. Seeing the likes of Michael Phelps pouring their hearts out over one of the most important races in their life opened my eyes to the true spirit of the Olympics. That it's the effort you put in that makes you succeed in sport and earn respect. The Olympics can teach us what attitude we should have in life, how we should cope with disappointment and success. I was lucky enough to meet some Russian and Angolan athletes  It was amazing to see their support to their fellow athletes and fans. It is easy to imagine the amount of determination and hard work they hold in their events. I would love to be as talented as an Olympian and as inspired to achieve my best. My trip to the Olympics has taught me a lot and has even inspired me to take up sailing. I can only hope one day I may be able sail half as well as any Olympian.








Monday, 25 June 2012

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

'Mockingbird'
Caitlin has been an only child since the death of her brother Devon. Somehow, no one else seems to understand her. No one else seems to be able to answer her questions. With her dad always crying, her mum   not to be seen and Devon gone, the world in a confusing place. When she reads about closure in the dictionary she is convinced that it will make things better... But are things always black and white?

Mockingbird is insightful novel that gives you an amazing understanding of Asperger's syndrome, it's impacts and how you can overcome it. It also finds time to give you a look into the terrible, life ruining effects of death and how it tears everyone involved a part. Overall, this book made experiences many have not been through seem real. Although it brought a tear to your eye, the amount of hope Caitlin held was incredible. The story was true to life and you could really feel her emotions. An amazing book!

Friday, 22 June 2012

The Theodore Boone Series by John Grimsaw


'Theodore Boone'
John Grimsaw is a best-selling crime author. Normally his novels are not quite to my my taste, but Theodore Boone is a completely different. It follows the life of Theodore, a budding lawyer who lives in the heart of Strattenburg. His family own the law firm Boone & Boone, and although Theodore is only thirteen, he already spends more time in Strattenburg court then anywhere else. Soon he's facing murder, abduction and a whole load of complicated crimes in between...

'Theodore Boone: The Abduction'
The Theodore Boone series is an amazing set of books. It's a fabulous mix of law, thriller and teenage fiction.  It's a refreshing change from Nancy Drew or The Famous Five. I can't wait for the next book!

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Angel by L.A Weatherly

'Angel'
Angel is probably my second favourite book of all time! (After Amy&Roger's Epic Detour - review to come). The story isn't as gothic as the front cover at all. It is a love story (always a good choice) and before you think it, no it is not like Harry Potter. It is a magical journey of two lives that meet and the journey of their friendship and more. It is a trilogy and I cannot wait to get in to the second and third books! 

I really loved reading about the situation Alex was in, by having all his licenses and credit cards on different surnames and the danger and difficulties he faces, a little mix of action! Normally I wouldn't choose an action book, but I think I liked the twist of it, I will definitely try some more now! 

I also really enjoyed travelling through the states with Alex and Willow with the hunt of the Church of Angels behind us. 

In this book, there is a "Church" of Angels, but it isn't anything like a normal church. It is more focusing on the worship and craziness of the people with "Angel burn", showing how bad the Angel burn actually is, by it becoming equivalent of a religion, which in some people's cases is the most important thing in their lives!

I was devastated when the end of the book came, if a book is around 700 pages, you kind of expect the story to be finished (in some cases...) but not this one! I jumped up and down and wanted to run to the shops to by 'Angel Fire'! This book made me do something I haven't done for quite a while: miss a load of homework and not mind (much!), stay up way later than appropriate and turning to the book, even if I only had a couple of seconds to read! And of course, very reluctant to stop! 

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone,  that's how amazing it is!

Sunday, 10 June 2012

An Inspiration - The Brontë Family

Outside the Parsonage
The Yorkshire Moors
Welcome to the first post under our new feature 'An Inspiration'. The aim is to provide our readers with a look into some of the most inspirational figures of our time and before. If possible, we will visit their home towns and report our findings on the blog. Any suggestions of people to report on would be helpful, and we will try to find someone that will interest everyone of our readers. We hope you enjoy!


The rain was lashing down on the Yorkshire moors as our car travelled towards the small town of Haworth. It was a sight that had inspired the Brontë family to write such books which in many people's opinions, make them some of the best writers and poets to set foot on British soil. We already knew it had been the home to the Brontë family in the 19th century, but we hoped the Brontë Parsonage Museum we tell us more.
The Yorkshire Moors
The Graveyard
Patrick Brontë was the parson of Haworth so the family lived in the village church. Luckily, the museum was based there so we could explore their real home. The first thing we saw was a beautiful graveyard overgrown with grass and flowers where Patrick would have undoubtedly performed many a burial. Although Emily Brontë is world famous author, you may not know she had a part to play in the teaching of the very school you pass on your way into the museum. Photos were not allowed to be taken indoors, but there was a lot to be learnt. Here's what each room taught us:
The Dedication
Mr Brontë's Study - Most Parish Business was performed here, Patrick had many meals alone in the room. Many belongings he used for work are displayed and even in old age, he was seen sitting before the fire, upright as a solider.
Dining Room - Most of the world famous books were written here, it was were Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were created. When night fell, and the rest of the family were asleep; the sisters were known to gave gathered round the fire and discuss writing. Emily is believed to have died on the sofa. After Emily and Anne's death, Charlotte still spent many an hour here, alone.
Kitchen - It was the heart of the family. The children would be told stories, read German, write poetry and bake bread.
Mr Nicholls' Study - Originally it was used for storing coal. In 1854 it was converted to Charlotte's husband's study. A window, fireplace and doorway were all added.
The Servant's Room - The Brontë's servants were seen as almost friends of the family. Local women, Tabitha Aykroyd served them for thirty years. Martha Brown assisted Tabitha and remained into Patrick Brontë's death.
Charlotte's Room - Main bedroom, it is where Mrs Brontë died. Aunt Branwell taught the girls domestic skills and needlework in the room. When Charlotte married, this was their room. She, like her mother, died here nine months later.
The Children's Study, later Emily's Room - The Brontë children played, studied and imagined new worlds here. Emily lived here in her final years.
Mr Brontë's Bedroom - Patrick Brontë moved here after the death of Mrs Brontë. When Branwell became an alcoholic and a danger to the family, he was moved here as to be watched over. Branwell also died here under the wath of the whole family in 1848.
Branwell's Studio
For a large stretch of time, it was used as a bedroom. In the late 1830s, it became Branwell's studio and you can see his work displayed here.

|The Brontë Medow 
A Bench in the  Brontë Meadow
After visiting the museum, it is now possible to visit the Brontë meadow. It is a site that has been restored to show the beauty of the moors the Brontë's both enjoyed and were inspired by... For example, the dry stone walls are suspected to have been built sometime in the 17th century!
In the Brontë Meadow

In Haworth
And finally, the town of Haworth can offer more information about the Brontë family. With bookshops stuffed full of the Brontë's masterpieces and even council estates named after the world famous characters, be sure to visit. In my opinion both the Brontë Parsonage Museum and the town of Haworth can offer an interesting and helpful exprience to any writer, poet or historian. Five stars from me!   
The Heathcliff Council Estate