Thursday, March 14, 2013
AKKerani and Mental Health Awareness
A Love Affair With Yarn
If you've read my DeviantART journals, you'll notice that I have a lot of interests. For the most part, I'm a crafter. I love knitting and creating works of art in yarn as my hobby, a thing to do to keep me sane.
It's a passion that has brought me to the place I'm at today, a love of color, and creativity, paired with a desire to show people that they have potential to do the same.
When I found AKKerani on DeviantArt.com, I thought I'd hit the fiber-art jackpot: a love of fashion combined with a passion for spreading awareness about mental health and anxiety, and other socially minded causes. We're here to say that people suffering from very real problems like anxiety or mental health diseases are not alone, and that they can find help through proactive activities like knitting or crocheting.
Making A Difference
I'm writing today on behalf of AKKerani to say that we need help. We've grown significantly over the past few months with followers and awareness but we'd like to do more. In this digital age where if you're not trending you're not existing is a stigma that can cripple small businesses like ours.
But it's not about the numbers, it's about the story we're trying to spread, to be a little blessing for someone. Currently, we're trying to create partnerships with other like-minded organizations such as ActiveMinds, To Write Love on Her Arms, and other mental health awareness groups making positive changes in the lives of so many people.
Seems like everywhere you look, celebrities and big-business owners are jumping on the socially-conscious bandwagon. Good for them, I'm all for helping your fellow human beings, reaching out and saying, "I care. I will stand up for this cause." It's also called being responsible for the world you live in. But showing you care doesn't necessarily mean you have to run after the latest celebrity trend. (Although, if we could get Tyra Banks' attention, that would be pretty sweet. :D )
I'd like to show you AKKerani: https://www.akkerani.com/
I'm so happy to be a part of a small group of people who are so creative, so passionate, so absolutely incredible to be around because it gives me an opportunity to do something good for someone else. And the best part is we're people just like you who love to create, share, and inspire others with our art.
A Call to Action
I won’t lie, we do need to sell our products to survive. But you don't have to buy something to show you care.
Right now, AKKerani needs a voice. Your voice.
I want to do something really amazing. If anyone here on DA who sees this post and says, "Wow, this is awesome." I'd like to hear from you. I need 3 people. Just 3 people to do one simple thing: Use your voice. We've all heard of the Ripple Effect, and 6-Degrees of Separation.
Say hi on Twitter, re-post our articles on Facebook, +Fave/Journal about your favorite AKKerani things here on DA, or show-off our flower hair-clips on Pinterest.
You coming to our website shows that our cause means something, that you do care, that believing in the little knitting-group-that-could is as simple as a comment, a +Fave, a Tweet.
And that's simply amazing. And that's what really matters.
Our followers prove everyday that there is strength in numbers, but it’s the voice that truly makes the change. And once you speak up, it'll spread on its own, coming back to us tenfold, and touching other groups that need the same support.
And when you're ready, you can buy something, for yourself, for a friend, for someone who needs their spirit lifted. To tell them that they are not alone. To proudly wear something we've made and say, "This place is great. You should check them out." That's it. That's all it takes to make a difference.
So spread the word, we'd love to meet you, and know that we're here to help.
Leave me an awesome comment below, I'd love to hear from you.
-Allison
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Spindrift
This is a review for the webcomic "Spindrift" by Elsa Kroese
Spindrift
For the latest page go here:Spindrift - Latest Page
Question: What do you get when you put a soap-opera, high-fantasy, interesting family dynamics, a spunky heroine, angels and demons, your favorite comic books, militant warfare, with the internet in a blender and then hit "Liquify"?
Answer: You get the beautiful and wonderfully illustrated web-comic "Spindrift".
Set in a plane of existence, far far away, "Spindrift" is populated by people with wings that appear on demand, tribal animal-like nomads tattooed with strange symbols, and of course their meddling gods. What does "Spindrift" mean? That you'll have to find out for yourself.
The story bounces between the beautiful-winged Alar people and the tribal nomads the Ilidrei, and a young woman, Morwenna, who's a cross between both. Abandoned by her mother to be raised in the home of her armor-smith uncle and cousin, Morwenna has been segregated to not have wings like the rest of the Alar. But for her Ilidrei father, who's facing civil war among his people, the key to saving them lies in gaining an upper advantage, even if that means jeopardizing the family Morwenna would do anything to protect.
I can say proudly that I've been a fan of "Spindrift" for over a year, and every time there's an update I run as fast as my wireless mouse can get me to it's gorgeous pixels. I can just sit there and drool over every page for an hour, it's that good. The time and effort that's put into this comic is amazing and it shows in the quality. Sometimes, updates are delayed due to the authors busy schedule, but she's always conscientious about letting them know ahead of time.
Now, I do have a confession to make. I've only started reading comics/graphic novels seriously for the past two years, and searching out web-comics for the past year. That being said, I'm seriously addicted now, and it's like my soap-opera where every week is "Cliffhanger Friday".
Unlike a full-fledged comic book, where everything is spiffy and printed and ready to buy, this one is different. Like most web-comics, they're a product of love for the story and artwork being presented. Updates for "Spindrift" are usually every Thursday, sometimes every two-weeks.There's no knowing for sure who will be the star of the page each week, and the unresolved plot line means that you're always in for a surprise.
The expanding roles and depth to each character is a treat in itself, and I can only say that I await eagerly for the next installment. If "Spindrift" is ever professionally published and printed as an omnibus or volume series, I would be more than happy to put my money where my mouth is and buy a few hardcover copies. Autographed, of course.
Spindrift is also on Facebook, Twitter, DeviantART, and on the web. Sneak peeks and line-art of the comics can be found on their DeviantART group page.
-BurnTheMidnightOil
Spindrift
For the latest page go here:Spindrift - Latest Page
Question: What do you get when you put a soap-opera, high-fantasy, interesting family dynamics, a spunky heroine, angels and demons, your favorite comic books, militant warfare, with the internet in a blender and then hit "Liquify"?
Answer: You get the beautiful and wonderfully illustrated web-comic "Spindrift".
Set in a plane of existence, far far away, "Spindrift" is populated by people with wings that appear on demand, tribal animal-like nomads tattooed with strange symbols, and of course their meddling gods. What does "Spindrift" mean? That you'll have to find out for yourself.
The story bounces between the beautiful-winged Alar people and the tribal nomads the Ilidrei, and a young woman, Morwenna, who's a cross between both. Abandoned by her mother to be raised in the home of her armor-smith uncle and cousin, Morwenna has been segregated to not have wings like the rest of the Alar. But for her Ilidrei father, who's facing civil war among his people, the key to saving them lies in gaining an upper advantage, even if that means jeopardizing the family Morwenna would do anything to protect.
I can say proudly that I've been a fan of "Spindrift" for over a year, and every time there's an update I run as fast as my wireless mouse can get me to it's gorgeous pixels. I can just sit there and drool over every page for an hour, it's that good. The time and effort that's put into this comic is amazing and it shows in the quality. Sometimes, updates are delayed due to the authors busy schedule, but she's always conscientious about letting them know ahead of time.
Now, I do have a confession to make. I've only started reading comics/graphic novels seriously for the past two years, and searching out web-comics for the past year. That being said, I'm seriously addicted now, and it's like my soap-opera where every week is "Cliffhanger Friday".
Unlike a full-fledged comic book, where everything is spiffy and printed and ready to buy, this one is different. Like most web-comics, they're a product of love for the story and artwork being presented. Updates for "Spindrift" are usually every Thursday, sometimes every two-weeks.There's no knowing for sure who will be the star of the page each week, and the unresolved plot line means that you're always in for a surprise.
The expanding roles and depth to each character is a treat in itself, and I can only say that I await eagerly for the next installment. If "Spindrift" is ever professionally published and printed as an omnibus or volume series, I would be more than happy to put my money where my mouth is and buy a few hardcover copies. Autographed, of course.
Spindrift is also on Facebook, Twitter, DeviantART, and on the web. Sneak peeks and line-art of the comics can be found on their DeviantART group page.
-BurnTheMidnightOil
Friday, September 7, 2012
This is a review for "Zero Sum" by B. Justin Shier, Amazon Kindle Edition.
Available here:Zero Sum by B.J.Shier
"Did you know for the low cost of twenty thousand souls you could be the proud owner of a Kraken?" - Dieter Resnick
It's the aftermath of the first real battle in Dieter Resnick's life.
Elliot College is in shambles after the shadowy organization known as Talmax attacks without warning, leaving friend and foe alike, dead. As a result, Dieter's training in the elite magus squad IKAM is sped up, and it's do or die trying to survive orientation.
In the second book of the Zero Sight series by B. Justin Shier, we're plunged deeper into the world ruled by magic, vampires, were's, and old wrongs. Unfortunately for Dieter, it's a little more complicated than that.
For one, he's hearing a freaky-sounding voice in his head, and it isn't entirely friendly when it comes to his self-preservation or that of others.
For two, Dieter's weft-link with Rei Acerba, the vampire Princess, is acting up, making him feel out of control of his emotions, and igniting blood-lust he's frightened will become too easy to accept.
And third, oh yeah, he's the only one that can save the world.
"I love this one. He beats himself up ahead of time." -Gaston Spinoza.
Enter the mercenary Spinoza, whose idea is "Pain = Gain" is synonymous with "Learning Skills = Broken Bones." He pushes the Lambda house to face a stark reality: War is not for the indecisive or the weak-willed. As the elite group of students train together, they learn that the only way to survive this war is to rely on each other.
Shier leads us further into the world of the Conscious, the Magi, and the use of Mana or magic, to you Imperiti (humans). The study of war leaves little time for socializing, something that Dieter wishes there was more of between him and his weft-partner Rei.
But when a surprise attack is the only means to destroy Talmax's hold in the desert Southwest, a cross-country road trip to Las Vegas could turn ugly before the Lambda house can even make it past Elliot's gates.
The only complaints I really have about this book is the editing. I wish Shier was hiring for one because I'd do it in a heartbeat, but I hope to God he gets one soon. He's gotten better than last time but there are still a few tweaks needed in the continuity and spelling department. Other than that, it's a well imagined story and describes the pitfalls of new relationships and coming to terms with one's identity in a way that is relatable to a young adults and teenagers. There are still unanswered questions about Dieter's past, what's in store for his future, and if he can trust the people that are teaching him.
I'm looking forward to the next installment and the expanding world of Elliot College and whether or not Dieter will survive the next semester. Saving the world? No problem. Graduating? We'll see...
B.Justin Shier well written blog can be found at http://www.bjshier.com
-BurnTheMidnightOilReader
Available here:Zero Sum by B.J.Shier
"Did you know for the low cost of twenty thousand souls you could be the proud owner of a Kraken?" - Dieter Resnick
It's the aftermath of the first real battle in Dieter Resnick's life.
Elliot College is in shambles after the shadowy organization known as Talmax attacks without warning, leaving friend and foe alike, dead. As a result, Dieter's training in the elite magus squad IKAM is sped up, and it's do or die trying to survive orientation.
In the second book of the Zero Sight series by B. Justin Shier, we're plunged deeper into the world ruled by magic, vampires, were's, and old wrongs. Unfortunately for Dieter, it's a little more complicated than that.
For one, he's hearing a freaky-sounding voice in his head, and it isn't entirely friendly when it comes to his self-preservation or that of others.
For two, Dieter's weft-link with Rei Acerba, the vampire Princess, is acting up, making him feel out of control of his emotions, and igniting blood-lust he's frightened will become too easy to accept.
And third, oh yeah, he's the only one that can save the world.
"I love this one. He beats himself up ahead of time." -Gaston Spinoza.
Enter the mercenary Spinoza, whose idea is "Pain = Gain" is synonymous with "Learning Skills = Broken Bones." He pushes the Lambda house to face a stark reality: War is not for the indecisive or the weak-willed. As the elite group of students train together, they learn that the only way to survive this war is to rely on each other.
Shier leads us further into the world of the Conscious, the Magi, and the use of Mana or magic, to you Imperiti (humans). The study of war leaves little time for socializing, something that Dieter wishes there was more of between him and his weft-partner Rei.
But when a surprise attack is the only means to destroy Talmax's hold in the desert Southwest, a cross-country road trip to Las Vegas could turn ugly before the Lambda house can even make it past Elliot's gates.
The only complaints I really have about this book is the editing. I wish Shier was hiring for one because I'd do it in a heartbeat, but I hope to God he gets one soon. He's gotten better than last time but there are still a few tweaks needed in the continuity and spelling department. Other than that, it's a well imagined story and describes the pitfalls of new relationships and coming to terms with one's identity in a way that is relatable to a young adults and teenagers. There are still unanswered questions about Dieter's past, what's in store for his future, and if he can trust the people that are teaching him.
I'm looking forward to the next installment and the expanding world of Elliot College and whether or not Dieter will survive the next semester. Saving the world? No problem. Graduating? We'll see...
B.Justin Shier well written blog can be found at http://www.bjshier.com
-BurnTheMidnightOilReader
Friday, May 18, 2012
Review for "The Iron Druid Chronicles: Tricked" by Kevin Hearne
This is a review for "The Iron Druid Chronicles: Tricked" by Kevin Hearne, Amazon.com Kindle edition:The Iron Druid Chronicles: Tricked by Kevin Hearne
Author Page: Kevin Hearne on Amazon.com
"The best trick I ever pulled off was watching myself die." -Atticus O'Sullivan
"Tricked" is book 4 in the Iron Druid Chronicles series (IDC for short), set in modern day Arizona and various planes across mythology and belief. Kevin Hearne, an English teacher in Arizona, is one of those seriously underrated authors who've only just come into the spotlight, thanks to the enormous support of his fans. If you haven't heard of his work, I highly suggest you try his first book, "Hounded" or at least the sample of the first few chapters, available on his website and on Amazon's Kindle Store.
Book 4 picks up where "Hammered" left off. Atticus O'Sullivan, the worlds only living Druid, is on the run from vengeful thunder gods and the wrath of the Norse pantheon after aiding and abetting tall-blond-and-Viking vampire Lief Helgarson in the murder of Thor. Don't worry, not that good looking one, this Thor's a real jerk. It seems like whatever Atticus did in the previous months has only encouraged the beginning of Ragnarok, not prevented it, and he's getting some unwanted attention.
"Die angry at maximum volume." Atticus O'Sullivan
In a deal to save his tattooed skin, Atticus agrees to help Navajo deity Coyote in return for faking his own death. Not only would this keep the Tuatha De Dannan off his back, but also the Norse from seeking revenge. Atticus shouldn't have got his hopes up. Coyote wants to provide clean energy for the Dine people, but in order to provide capital for the project, Atticus has to convince the local elemental to provide the gold. And we all know "Whoever has the gold, makes the rules." As soon as the project is started, havoc breaks loose, in the form of amped-up Skinwalkers, the Navajo equivalent of the Boogeyman.
"Guilt ferrets are bastards." -Atticus O'Sullivan
Add into the mix beautiful and flirty red-headed Granuaile, Druidess-in-Training to Atticus. Book 4 builds on the potential for romance between these two, but getting attacked by Skinwalkers almost every night doesn't leave much time for training. Native American Navajo mythology plays a larger role than the Irish pantheon this time around, but we do get a closer look at Atticus' past, including how he first came to America, the origin (or end?) of Sasquatch, and an emotional journey of his family experiences.
"Bacon is the Way and the Truth. Got it." - Oberon the Wolfhound
This book is definitely more emotional and exhausting this time, you'll feel like you've run miles and swung swords with Atticus, avoiding death-by-vampire only to be chased by Hel itself. Thankfully, Oberon's running commentary keeps it enjoyable, and will make you laugh out loud to the internal dialogue that only Atticus and the reader can hear. Warning: unexplained and unavoidable bouts of laughter will occur, warn your cubicle neighbors during lunch break.
The various shenanigans and political power-plays Atticus finds himself in this time around is a non-stop thrill ride that will leave you wanting more. And Hearne obliges with a preview of "Hunted" as the epilogue, with Ragnarok on it's heels.
I highly recommend reading Kevin's blog at http://www.kevinhearne.com/writers-grove/
-Burn The Midnight Oil Reader
Author Page: Kevin Hearne on Amazon.com
"The best trick I ever pulled off was watching myself die." -Atticus O'Sullivan
"Tricked" is book 4 in the Iron Druid Chronicles series (IDC for short), set in modern day Arizona and various planes across mythology and belief. Kevin Hearne, an English teacher in Arizona, is one of those seriously underrated authors who've only just come into the spotlight, thanks to the enormous support of his fans. If you haven't heard of his work, I highly suggest you try his first book, "Hounded" or at least the sample of the first few chapters, available on his website and on Amazon's Kindle Store.
Book 4 picks up where "Hammered" left off. Atticus O'Sullivan, the worlds only living Druid, is on the run from vengeful thunder gods and the wrath of the Norse pantheon after aiding and abetting tall-blond-and-Viking vampire Lief Helgarson in the murder of Thor. Don't worry, not that good looking one, this Thor's a real jerk. It seems like whatever Atticus did in the previous months has only encouraged the beginning of Ragnarok, not prevented it, and he's getting some unwanted attention.
"Die angry at maximum volume." Atticus O'Sullivan
In a deal to save his tattooed skin, Atticus agrees to help Navajo deity Coyote in return for faking his own death. Not only would this keep the Tuatha De Dannan off his back, but also the Norse from seeking revenge. Atticus shouldn't have got his hopes up. Coyote wants to provide clean energy for the Dine people, but in order to provide capital for the project, Atticus has to convince the local elemental to provide the gold. And we all know "Whoever has the gold, makes the rules." As soon as the project is started, havoc breaks loose, in the form of amped-up Skinwalkers, the Navajo equivalent of the Boogeyman.
"Guilt ferrets are bastards." -Atticus O'Sullivan
Add into the mix beautiful and flirty red-headed Granuaile, Druidess-in-Training to Atticus. Book 4 builds on the potential for romance between these two, but getting attacked by Skinwalkers almost every night doesn't leave much time for training. Native American Navajo mythology plays a larger role than the Irish pantheon this time around, but we do get a closer look at Atticus' past, including how he first came to America, the origin (or end?) of Sasquatch, and an emotional journey of his family experiences.
"Bacon is the Way and the Truth. Got it." - Oberon the Wolfhound
This book is definitely more emotional and exhausting this time, you'll feel like you've run miles and swung swords with Atticus, avoiding death-by-vampire only to be chased by Hel itself. Thankfully, Oberon's running commentary keeps it enjoyable, and will make you laugh out loud to the internal dialogue that only Atticus and the reader can hear. Warning: unexplained and unavoidable bouts of laughter will occur, warn your cubicle neighbors during lunch break.
The various shenanigans and political power-plays Atticus finds himself in this time around is a non-stop thrill ride that will leave you wanting more. And Hearne obliges with a preview of "Hunted" as the epilogue, with Ragnarok on it's heels.
I highly recommend reading Kevin's blog at http://www.kevinhearne.com/writers-grove/
-Burn The Midnight Oil Reader
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Review for "Zero Sight" by B. Justin Shier
Welcome to my book blog!
This is a review of the Kindle Edition from Amazon.com: Zero Sight-Zero Sight Series Book 1-by B. J. Shier
B. Justin Shier is an indie author, who moonlights as a writer when he's not interning at medical school. "Zero Sight" is his first book. (Fair warning: this book contains mature language)
"I could see the yearbook inscription now, 'Dieter Resnick, least likely to be stabbed dead in a bar fight."-Zero Sight, book 1 by B. J. Shier
And that's just the least of his problems. Meet Dieter Resnick, heir apparent to Jim Butcher's "Harry Dresden", with his snappy one-liners and comic timing.
This 17-yr-old guy has a big list of things that can, and do, go wrong in his everyday life. His deadbeat abusive father, school bullies, and AP classes in school beat the crap out of him every chance they get.
The book starts out with a school yard fight, between Dieter and the "Splotches" a clique of kids that dyed their uniforms with bleach to defy teachers, and we learn Dieter has a unique ability. Imagine being able to anticipate and physically see motion and force, before it happens, making you able to dodge strikes and punches without being hurt. This is Dieter's "Sight" an intent-based ability that has the annoying quirk of being available only when his adrenaline is running.
"It was all happening ridiculously fast. Where was the long melodramatic speech? where was my chance for a pithy retort?"
But the fight turns ugly quickly, and Dieter is left broken and bleeding, facing his worst enemy, who want's to kill Dieter for humiliating him in front of the entire school. Just when Dieter is ready to lose consciousness, something weird happens, the gang student is killed and the science classroom they're next to explodes leaving Dieter alone with the consequences.
When Dieter wakes up in the hospital, he's suspicious about his gift, and isn't sure how to handle it. That's when the chance to leave Las Vegas is dangled in front of him: a recommendation to a private school, in far-away Connecticut, he leaps at the opportunity for a new life.
"I was feeling a tad intimidated about starting school, especially at a college that was advertised as the academic equivalent of ancient Sparta."
We're quickly led cross-country in a bus from Nevada to New York, meeting a strange companion along the way, and on to Elliot College, a Hogwarts-like school where kids apprentice in controlling their powers and fight against others bent on controlling human normals.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, and bought the second in the series, "Zero Sum" quickly after. I rate this book at a 4 out of 5, mostly because it's the first in the series, we're getting introduced into a new variant of urban fiction, where people in charge are the people with magic, and we're not quite sure what's in store for the people desperate to get to Dieter before Elliot College can.
I highly recommend reading Mr. Shier's blog at http://www.bjustinshier.com/
This is my first book blog review, I hope to make a review at least once a week.
I'm also found on DeviantART at: BurnTheMidnightOil on deviantART
I'd like to know what you think of the book. Leave a comment below.
BurnTheMidnightOilReader
This is a review of the Kindle Edition from Amazon.com: Zero Sight-Zero Sight Series Book 1-by B. J. Shier
B. Justin Shier is an indie author, who moonlights as a writer when he's not interning at medical school. "Zero Sight" is his first book. (Fair warning: this book contains mature language)
"I could see the yearbook inscription now, 'Dieter Resnick, least likely to be stabbed dead in a bar fight."-Zero Sight, book 1 by B. J. Shier
And that's just the least of his problems. Meet Dieter Resnick, heir apparent to Jim Butcher's "Harry Dresden", with his snappy one-liners and comic timing.
This 17-yr-old guy has a big list of things that can, and do, go wrong in his everyday life. His deadbeat abusive father, school bullies, and AP classes in school beat the crap out of him every chance they get.
The book starts out with a school yard fight, between Dieter and the "Splotches" a clique of kids that dyed their uniforms with bleach to defy teachers, and we learn Dieter has a unique ability. Imagine being able to anticipate and physically see motion and force, before it happens, making you able to dodge strikes and punches without being hurt. This is Dieter's "Sight" an intent-based ability that has the annoying quirk of being available only when his adrenaline is running.
"It was all happening ridiculously fast. Where was the long melodramatic speech? where was my chance for a pithy retort?"
But the fight turns ugly quickly, and Dieter is left broken and bleeding, facing his worst enemy, who want's to kill Dieter for humiliating him in front of the entire school. Just when Dieter is ready to lose consciousness, something weird happens, the gang student is killed and the science classroom they're next to explodes leaving Dieter alone with the consequences.
When Dieter wakes up in the hospital, he's suspicious about his gift, and isn't sure how to handle it. That's when the chance to leave Las Vegas is dangled in front of him: a recommendation to a private school, in far-away Connecticut, he leaps at the opportunity for a new life.
"I was feeling a tad intimidated about starting school, especially at a college that was advertised as the academic equivalent of ancient Sparta."
We're quickly led cross-country in a bus from Nevada to New York, meeting a strange companion along the way, and on to Elliot College, a Hogwarts-like school where kids apprentice in controlling their powers and fight against others bent on controlling human normals.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, and bought the second in the series, "Zero Sum" quickly after. I rate this book at a 4 out of 5, mostly because it's the first in the series, we're getting introduced into a new variant of urban fiction, where people in charge are the people with magic, and we're not quite sure what's in store for the people desperate to get to Dieter before Elliot College can.
I highly recommend reading Mr. Shier's blog at http://www.bjustinshier.com/
This is my first book blog review, I hope to make a review at least once a week.
I'm also found on DeviantART at: BurnTheMidnightOil on deviantART
I'd like to know what you think of the book. Leave a comment below.
BurnTheMidnightOilReader
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