Marta Szemik's Blog, page 10
April 26, 2012
W = Weather
W is for Weather(A-Z Theme: changes through history)
Weather (n): 1. the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.
My favourite weather is of the warmer kind and the only reason I tolerate winter and the cold is because of skiing, so as much as I don't like the cold, I tolerate it because of my love for skiing. Now, the best kind of weather is skiing on beautiful hills in short sleeves. Yes, I've done it, and got a sun tan. The crisp air while the glow of the sun warms your face is the best feeling in the world.
Here are some weather photos to enjoy. (All from google - I did not take these):
We get similar lightning strikes near the forest behind our house. The entire neighborhood shakes.
I have lived through a few snow storms like this one. Coolest thing when you're a kid!
I love rain clouds and the sound of rain on a tent when camping.
Doesn't this photo make you feel little? It does for me (small font intended).
I've seen a few of these types of clouds from an airplane. Did I ever mention I hate to fly?
Now, I've never seen a tornado. I have seen a funnel cloud 2 years ago. But, when we drove to Florida in December the twisted trees along the highway in Georgia amazed me. You don't know the power of these things until you see their destruction.
I took this photo of a sunset at Lake Huron, Ontario.
Does some weather scare you? Do you have a favourite type of weather? Have you seen a tornado?
Weather (n): 1. the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.
My favourite weather is of the warmer kind and the only reason I tolerate winter and the cold is because of skiing, so as much as I don't like the cold, I tolerate it because of my love for skiing. Now, the best kind of weather is skiing on beautiful hills in short sleeves. Yes, I've done it, and got a sun tan. The crisp air while the glow of the sun warms your face is the best feeling in the world.
Here are some weather photos to enjoy. (All from google - I did not take these):
We get similar lightning strikes near the forest behind our house. The entire neighborhood shakes.
I have lived through a few snow storms like this one. Coolest thing when you're a kid!
I love rain clouds and the sound of rain on a tent when camping.
Doesn't this photo make you feel little? It does for me (small font intended).
I've seen a few of these types of clouds from an airplane. Did I ever mention I hate to fly?
Now, I've never seen a tornado. I have seen a funnel cloud 2 years ago. But, when we drove to Florida in December the twisted trees along the highway in Georgia amazed me. You don't know the power of these things until you see their destruction.
I took this photo of a sunset at Lake Huron, Ontario.
Does some weather scare you? Do you have a favourite type of weather? Have you seen a tornado?
April 25, 2012
V = Vampires
V is for Vampires(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Vampire (n): 1.a preternatural being, commonly believed to be a reanimated corpse, that is said to suck the blood of sleeping persons at night.
OK, so Vampires can't really change, can they? They are after all "frozen in time". But, through Hollywood, here's how they've changed and evolved since they first appeared on the big screens.
It would be wrong to put another vampire beside Brad Pitt. (and I had trouble adjusting the spacing of the phoots)
Do you have a favourite? For me, Angel and Spike still hold my heart, but Twilight made me a writer.
And, last but not least ;)
Although many think vampires are on the brink of extinction, there's still a huge reader and viewer audience drooling for more. A small bump in the road of over saturated markets is not going to wipe out these creatures anytime soon.
What do you think?
April 24, 2012
U = Universe
U is for Universe(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Universe (n): 1.the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2.the whole world, especially with reference to humanity: a truth known throughout the universe. If one thing is certain, it's that the universe is changing everyday as it expands. I think the universe is one of those things I don't think I'll ever be able to grasp because of its sheer size. It amazes, mystifies and scares me to a point beyond which I can ever discuss it. I'm in awe of the great space and feel blessed to be able to exist amongst it all. Here are some pictures I found on the web. There are thousands. Now, imagine me starring endlessly with my mouth open :) and enjoy!
If you'd like to learn more, this is a cool website I stumbled upon: Atlas of the Universe
Aren't these beautiful? Does the Universe scare, inspire or mystify you? Do you think there's life on other planets? [beside Alex's clone army;)]
Universe (n): 1.the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2.the whole world, especially with reference to humanity: a truth known throughout the universe. If one thing is certain, it's that the universe is changing everyday as it expands. I think the universe is one of those things I don't think I'll ever be able to grasp because of its sheer size. It amazes, mystifies and scares me to a point beyond which I can ever discuss it. I'm in awe of the great space and feel blessed to be able to exist amongst it all. Here are some pictures I found on the web. There are thousands. Now, imagine me starring endlessly with my mouth open :) and enjoy!
If you'd like to learn more, this is a cool website I stumbled upon: Atlas of the Universe
Aren't these beautiful? Does the Universe scare, inspire or mystify you? Do you think there's life on other planets? [beside Alex's clone army;)]
April 23, 2012
T = Trains
T is for Trains(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Train (n): 1.Railroads . a self-propelled, connected group of rolling stock.
2. a line or procession of persons, vehicles, animals, etc., traveling together. Trains have been an important means of transportation and communication. For the past few decades, they have also been used for entertainment and leisure purposes. While there are many types and shapes, following are a few I found on the web (there are hundreds).
As you know, I hate flying and have a big fear of boarding a plane. I also despise trains. Not as much as planes, but it's a fear that stems from remembering my great-grandfather with his legs cut off at his knees because he fell onto train tracks (a long, long time ago).
I remember him walking on his stumps when I was little.
We have these green trains in Toronto.
I must say, as much as I don't like trains, I really enjoyed the monorail in Disney. Pretty cool.
Do you like riding on the train? Would you prefer the old steam kind, or an electric one if you had a choice?
Train (n): 1.Railroads . a self-propelled, connected group of rolling stock.
2. a line or procession of persons, vehicles, animals, etc., traveling together. Trains have been an important means of transportation and communication. For the past few decades, they have also been used for entertainment and leisure purposes. While there are many types and shapes, following are a few I found on the web (there are hundreds).
As you know, I hate flying and have a big fear of boarding a plane. I also despise trains. Not as much as planes, but it's a fear that stems from remembering my great-grandfather with his legs cut off at his knees because he fell onto train tracks (a long, long time ago).
I remember him walking on his stumps when I was little.
We have these green trains in Toronto.
I must say, as much as I don't like trains, I really enjoyed the monorail in Disney. Pretty cool.
Do you like riding on the train? Would you prefer the old steam kind, or an electric one if you had a choice?
April 21, 2012
S = Sports
S is for Sports(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Sport (n): 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
Today, I'm quoting Wikipedia. After reading the history of sports, I couldn't explain it any better than they do:) Enjoy!
There are artifacts and structures that suggest that the Chinese engaged in sporting activities as early as 2000 BC.[9] Gymnastics appears to have been a popular sport in China's ancient past. Monuments to the Pharaohs indicate that a number of sports, including swimming and fishing, were well-developed and regulated several thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt.[10] Other Egyptian sports included javelin throwing, high jump, and wrestling. Ancient Persian sports such as the traditional Iranian martial art of Zourkhaneh had a close connection to the warfare skills.[11] Among other sports that originate in ancient Persia are polo and jousting.
A wide range of sports were already established by the time of Ancient Greece and the military culture and the development of sports in Greece influenced one another considerably. Sports became such a prominent part of their culture that the Greeks created the Olympic Games, which in ancient times were held every four years in a small village in the Peloponnesus called Olympia.[12]
I love to ski. Do you enjoy sports? Which ones?
Sport (n): 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
Today, I'm quoting Wikipedia. After reading the history of sports, I couldn't explain it any better than they do:) Enjoy!
There are artifacts and structures that suggest that the Chinese engaged in sporting activities as early as 2000 BC.[9] Gymnastics appears to have been a popular sport in China's ancient past. Monuments to the Pharaohs indicate that a number of sports, including swimming and fishing, were well-developed and regulated several thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt.[10] Other Egyptian sports included javelin throwing, high jump, and wrestling. Ancient Persian sports such as the traditional Iranian martial art of Zourkhaneh had a close connection to the warfare skills.[11] Among other sports that originate in ancient Persia are polo and jousting.A wide range of sports were already established by the time of Ancient Greece and the military culture and the development of sports in Greece influenced one another considerably. Sports became such a prominent part of their culture that the Greeks created the Olympic Games, which in ancient times were held every four years in a small village in the Peloponnesus called Olympia.[12]
I love to ski. Do you enjoy sports? Which ones?
April 20, 2012
R = Records
R is for Records(A-Z Theme: changes through history)
Record (adj): surpassing or superior to all others: a record year for automobile sales. (note: there are 27 definitions for this word)
Guinness World Records fascinate me. People keep trying to beat a record, or think of something new that hasn't been done, do it well, and call it a record (that is until someone else comes along and beats it).
Human achievements increase.
Extremes of the natural world become even more extreme.
Here are some of them:
Most pierced man in the world.
Longest fingernails
Longest Tongue
What is your favourite World Record? If you were to try to beat a record, which one would it be? Alex, if you're reading this today, you could probably beat the record for most blog comments;)
Record (adj): surpassing or superior to all others: a record year for automobile sales. (note: there are 27 definitions for this word)
Guinness World Records fascinate me. People keep trying to beat a record, or think of something new that hasn't been done, do it well, and call it a record (that is until someone else comes along and beats it).
Human achievements increase.
Extremes of the natural world become even more extreme.
Here are some of them:
Most pierced man in the world.
Longest fingernails
Longest Tongue
What is your favourite World Record? If you were to try to beat a record, which one would it be? Alex, if you're reading this today, you could probably beat the record for most blog comments;)
April 19, 2012
Q = Quarter
Q is for Quarter(A-Z theme: changes through history)
Quarter (n): one fourth of a U.S. or Canadian dollar, equivalent to 25 cents. (yes, there are other definitions, but that's the one I'm talking about today)
The Canadian quarter usually features the caribou on the reverse side:
And Queen Elizabeth on the obverse side:
From time to time it comes in single commemorative designs such as the following. My kids love collecting these:)
2004 Remembrance Day Quarter featuring the corn poppy.
2006 Pink Ribbon Quarter
2010 Vancouver Olympics Athletes (this one is Cindy Klassen)
2011 Legendary Nature - Orca Quarter
There are dozens of these quarters in circulation. Did you learn anything new?
Quarter (n): one fourth of a U.S. or Canadian dollar, equivalent to 25 cents. (yes, there are other definitions, but that's the one I'm talking about today)
The Canadian quarter usually features the caribou on the reverse side: 
And Queen Elizabeth on the obverse side:From time to time it comes in single commemorative designs such as the following. My kids love collecting these:)
2004 Remembrance Day Quarter featuring the corn poppy.
2006 Pink Ribbon Quarter
2010 Vancouver Olympics Athletes (this one is Cindy Klassen)
2011 Legendary Nature - Orca Quarter
There are dozens of these quarters in circulation. Did you learn anything new?
April 18, 2012
P = Publishing
P is for Publishing(A-Z Theme: Changes Through History)
Publishing (n): the activities or business of a publisher, especially of books or periodicals: He plans to go into publishing after college.
The publishing world has been evolving way before indie publishing began their movement. Did you know at one point agents didn't exist? Writers dealt directly with publishing houses (they still can). The idea of agents evolved from Hollywood. Now, I'm not an expert on publishing, but if you care to read more, read Dean Wesley Smith's blogs. He's been in the industry for a long time, and has tons of experience.
But, I do know that if not for the indie movement (writers ability to self-publish their work without agents), many great works would still be in the slush pile. We'd be deprived of talent and wouldn't have a choice.
Changes in the industry no longer take years, but months. The world of publishing is evolving. The distinction between traditionally published and self-published authors is diminishing.
What does this mean?
1. It's a great time to be a writer (that's not to say it's easy!), especially for those who write for specific niches, or short stories, and would have a difficult time finding an agent's attention.
2. Readers have more options. More reading material.
3. Not everything published is good quality. This is where we come to crossroads.
What's next?
Heck, if I knew, but I'll be watching as the industry expands and changes and I hope to be part of the change. What do you think?
Publishing (n): the activities or business of a publisher, especially of books or periodicals: He plans to go into publishing after college.
The publishing world has been evolving way before indie publishing began their movement. Did you know at one point agents didn't exist? Writers dealt directly with publishing houses (they still can). The idea of agents evolved from Hollywood. Now, I'm not an expert on publishing, but if you care to read more, read Dean Wesley Smith's blogs. He's been in the industry for a long time, and has tons of experience.
But, I do know that if not for the indie movement (writers ability to self-publish their work without agents), many great works would still be in the slush pile. We'd be deprived of talent and wouldn't have a choice.
Changes in the industry no longer take years, but months. The world of publishing is evolving. The distinction between traditionally published and self-published authors is diminishing.
What does this mean?
1. It's a great time to be a writer (that's not to say it's easy!), especially for those who write for specific niches, or short stories, and would have a difficult time finding an agent's attention.
2. Readers have more options. More reading material.
3. Not everything published is good quality. This is where we come to crossroads.
What's next?
Heck, if I knew, but I'll be watching as the industry expands and changes and I hope to be part of the change. What do you think?
April 17, 2012
O = Oooo Yes, the Big O!
O is for Oooo!
(A-Z Theme: changes through history)
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're way too young and shouldn't know what I'm talking about.
Definition: varies for each person.
Since there's no disclaimer on this blog, I'll speak in "Code" ;)
How has the O changed in history? (sorry, no photos for this post)
1. More people freely talk about it. Imagine someone mentioning it among friends in early 1900's? Even in a joke? OK, perhaps they did, but I'm sure not as openly as today.
2. More tools available to experience it.
3. Ok to experience it by yourself or with a partner and it's shouldn't be as big of a deal as it used to.
4. Proven to help loose calories.
5. Proven to be healthy for: relaxation, self acceptance, blood flow and fluid exertion.
Ok, so I couldn't think of anything else for this letter. No, I'm not going to ask questions about it, but feel free to leave comments:)
(A-Z Theme: changes through history)
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're way too young and shouldn't know what I'm talking about.
Definition: varies for each person.
Since there's no disclaimer on this blog, I'll speak in "Code" ;)
How has the O changed in history? (sorry, no photos for this post)
1. More people freely talk about it. Imagine someone mentioning it among friends in early 1900's? Even in a joke? OK, perhaps they did, but I'm sure not as openly as today.
2. More tools available to experience it.
3. Ok to experience it by yourself or with a partner and it's shouldn't be as big of a deal as it used to.
4. Proven to help loose calories.
5. Proven to be healthy for: relaxation, self acceptance, blood flow and fluid exertion.
Ok, so I couldn't think of anything else for this letter. No, I'm not going to ask questions about it, but feel free to leave comments:)
April 16, 2012
N = Name
N is for Name
(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Ahh, but what's in a name? I believe lots. Names have changed through history, some evolved, other completely disappeared, and other make comebacks once in a while. A name in a novel can have a great meaning. For example, in my current WIP I use Ty as short for Tybalt. Anyone who's read Rome & Juliet will know to equate that name with betreyal. Will the character live up to it? Most likely yes:)
Following is a list of names which have lasted through decades and are still popular today:
Male:
JohnWilliamJames GeorgeCharlesJosephFrankHarryHenryEdward
Female: MaryElizabethAnnaMargaretEmmaRoseEthelFlorenceIdaHelen
Juliet: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet." W. Shakespeare
Do you have a favorite name? Is there a history why your name was chosen?
(A-Z Theme: Changes through history)
Ahh, but what's in a name? I believe lots. Names have changed through history, some evolved, other completely disappeared, and other make comebacks once in a while. A name in a novel can have a great meaning. For example, in my current WIP I use Ty as short for Tybalt. Anyone who's read Rome & Juliet will know to equate that name with betreyal. Will the character live up to it? Most likely yes:)
Following is a list of names which have lasted through decades and are still popular today:
Male:
JohnWilliamJames GeorgeCharlesJosephFrankHarryHenryEdward
Female: MaryElizabethAnnaMargaretEmmaRoseEthelFlorenceIdaHelen
Juliet: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet." W. Shakespeare
Do you have a favorite name? Is there a history why your name was chosen?
