Islamic Art

Wow! On a school field trip today we learned about Islam and Islamic Art, which is amazing!!!
There are three types we learned about: Geometric Art, Arabesque, and Calligraphy.
When Islam started Mohammad the Prophet told the artists not to draw things with people or animals in them because those were kind of like idols, so the artists had to think of something else to draw.
Geometric Art came about because artists looked at the sun and the moon, which are circles, and drew shapes inside the circles and created patterns with the shapes. They also made the eight pointed star which is really cool. The moon is important to Muslims because it is circular and you can make shapes with it, and their calendar is lunar.
Arabesque consists of ornate flowers and vines, sometimes in a pattern, and sometimes not. It can be very beautiful, and it has a really cool name.
Calligraphy is when Muslims write things very prettily. I had my name written by a Muslim Scribe and it was very cool! I've always thought the Arabic alphabet was beautiful and it makes sense that they use it as an art.

Mer Philosophy :: Bella and Tara

Mer Philosophy :: Obama Inauguration

Happy belated Inauguration Day!!! Recently, for those of you who don't and do know, Barack Obama was inaugurated! (Which means he is now President of the United States of America). The Inauguration Ceremony was all great and all, but the best part of it was obviously Yo-Yo Ma, the best cellist in the world!!!! (besides me, of course) According to Stephen Colbert, the host of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, Yo-Yo Ma is president because he was on the T.V. at exactly 12:00 pm, when the president is inaugurated. I wonder what would happen if Yo-Yo Ma were really president? Would we become the United Cellos of America? That would be cool, but sometimes you just have to take a break from classical and play a song or two of David Bowie or the Beatles. What do you think would happen if he were president??
Anyway, I think having Obama as president is an amazing step in American History. It shows we're finally over slavery and discrimination.
Some cool things about Obama: He's from Hawaii, He was inaugurated the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day...

Books :: Faeries of Dreamdark_Blackbringer, by Laini Taylor

This book is absolutely AMAZING!!! Just like Artemis Fowl, it is fantasy and totally clever and new. In this book, a faerie lass named Magpie Windwitch has to rid the world (I think it takes place here on Earth, humans are mentioned and very accurately described) of devils, the product of an evil creating elemental. I know, it sounds kind of confusing, but you have to read the book to understand it. So read the book, please!!!! I couldn't put it down (well I had to, eventually, for homework and eating and sleeping and going to the potty), it's just so intriguing. I can't wait for the second book, Silksinger, to come out... it's coming in September after the author finishes another book. Speaking of the author, she is very cool! She has an awesome website(http://www.lainitaylor.com/) and pink hair!! Go to her website!!!!!

Books :: Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer

Hi, I've always loooved this series. At first I thought it sounded stupid and wouldn't give it a chance, but then I was convinced to read it and now it's one of my favorite series'. I suggest to everyone to read it and fall in love like I did. I mean, this series is so unique and amazing and it's a joy for everyone. Whenever I'm feeling down, I read an Artemis Fowl book and feel better. It's true!!! Artemis Fowl Therapy, that's what I've called it [but beware, it's addicting!!! :) ].
Anyway, this books about this criminal mastermind who's only twelve (by the sixth book, he's actually 14). He learns about the "Fairy" community and kidnaps Captain Short of the LEPrecon (Lower elements police reconassaince - is that how you spell reconassaince???). They start off enemies but become friends - eventually. Read the book, please!!!
Also, go to these websites if you're interested: http://www.eoincolfer.com/ for stuff about the author and his other books, http://www.artemisfowl.fangathering.com/ for fan fiction and art, http://www.artemisfowl.com/ for other Arty stuff!

Mer Philosophy :: How do Mer People "Go to the Bathroom"?

All right, I have pondered this question for a very long time, and because it is about Mer people, I decided to have this one be my first real entry. Anyway, in Disney's "The Little Mermaid", they never have to go potty. Anyway, one of my friend's theories was that they peel off their tails, and another one thought maybe they just didn't go at all. I mean, they barely ever show Mer people eating, either.

The Beginning

Hi, so this is my first ever blog... I want it to be about random, cool things, and philosophical stuff, and I'm also going to write about books I've read and I'm writing right now.
Thanks!!! 8)