Project Nerd Herd

The diary of six fangirls spread across the globe. Approach with caution but extreme enthusiasm. Our Intros Chloë Meredith Rachel Hannah Jemma Alison

[projectnerdherd]

On being a rather forgetful idiot

So guys, it's been a while, hasn't it? I feel so bad that I haven't been around since early September, I'll make it up with posts again! I may have at least half written a blog post, that I saved in drafts but obviously thought I'd posted. Lesson learnt there; always check! What's been happening recently? Well, personally, I went up to Scotland and then came back for a swimming competition, and that's probably been the most exciting thing in my life. Most of us are on half term this week, which has been a long time coming, and was received very gratefully (sorry Chloe!). So how's everyone else? -meredith

[schmoyoho]

In which a children’s choir, grown-up choir, orchestra, dancing paper-mache-head Shia LaBeoufs, and aerialists perform a song about Shia LaBeouf’s gruesome cannibalistic nature TO SHIA LABEOUF.

Thank goodness for the internet & thank goodness for Rob Cantor.

[katsudoff]

[the-shark-is-a-mammal]

Winner of two Academy Awards

[a-torv]

They’re beauty, they’re grace.. they’re the people from Arendelle

[dontpausefrozen-blog]

The picture of sophisticated grace.

[projectnerdherd]

Would You Rather

Pierce your nose or your tongue? nose Drink whole or skimmed milk? skim Die in a fire or drowning? drowning Spend time with your parents or enemies? parents 

Are You?

Simple or complicated? single Straight, gay, bisexual, other? straight Tall or short? tall  Right handed or left handed? left A lover of music or a lover of books? music  

Do You Prefer

Flowers or sweets? flowers Grey or black? black Color photos or black-and-white photos? colour Sunrise or sunset? dawn (my middle name :3) Staying up late or waking up early? late Sun or moon? sun Winter or Autumn? winter 10 acquaintances or 2 best friends? 2 best friends Rainy or sunny? sunny Vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream? vanilla definitely Vodka or Jack? neither

About You

What time is it? 12:07 pm Name? Jemma Nicknames? chumalum, jems

When is your birthday? 10th January

What do you want? happiness How many kids do you want? none right now, but three in future What would you name a girl? cate What would you name a boy? elliot You want to get married? in the future, definitely What kind of music do you like? mostly pop/calm/classical

Unique

Nervous habits? crying - all the freakin’ time Are you double-jointed? in my left thumb only Can you roll your tongue? i cant make the noise but i can do the straw thing Can you raise one eyebrow? yes, it occurs naturally :/ Can you cross your eyes? yes

Random

Which shoe goes on first? left Ever thrown something at someone? probably On average, how much money do you carry with you? not much

What jewelry do you wear? earrings everyday

Do you twirl or cut spaghetti? i don’t trust the people who cut their spaghetti Have you ever eaten Spam? why would i? Favorite ice cream? vanilla or salted caramel

How many different kinds of cereal are in your cupboard? only one now :’(

Last

Car ride? back from cambridge Song played? gone gone gone by phillip phillips <3 Person you saw? probs my mum Time you cried? ooh not recently - new record!  Fight? not one for physical fighting, but probs shouting at my brother for being an ass

from my personal woop woop question times!

[projectnerdherd]

Missing you, let's catch up!

I loved the start of this blog, when we did like a diary segment at the beginning with each of us telling the others what we did. So here I am asking, shall we do it again?

waffledemort thesignof-cumberbatch fishy-person crazy-like-british and Hannah (don’t know your URL Hun) tell me what you’ve been up to!

[projectnerdherd]

Chloë's Book Corner: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

OMG no activity! Dreadfully sorry everyone, let me make it up to yah with another BOOK REVIEW! This lovely week of October, let's look at the new release from author Marie Lu, writer of Legend, a fantasy novel by the name of The young Elites Genre: Fantasy Adventure Rating: 3.9 stars The kind of book... To read on a train or in a car, where you have free time to reevaluate your own personal struggles. Again NO SPOILERS HERE! YA author Marie Lu wowed us with her dystopian series Legend, and her new story, though completely different in setting, is just as enticing. I mean come on, who doesn't love lost princes, cool powers, suave parties and a sad backstory. She's got the components, all the characters and the conflict. Now on to the reading! Adelina Amouteru has been suffering her whole life at the hands of her father, but after his freak death she is arrested by the evil Inquisition, the law enforcers of her country Kenettra, where malfettos like Adelina, survivors of a blood fever, are outlawed and feared. However she is saved by the secret Dagger Society, a sect of the Young Elites, malfettos with special powers. With them she grows in power, but as Lu keeps us asking, is this a good thing? This book is good for those looking for something different. Ever wonder how the villain got to where they were in life, what made them so twisted? This is explored in the young Elites, where our heroine certainly isn't rosy and just, but selfish and broken, and instead of getting better we only see her descend deeper into her darkness. The supporting cast is really the focus of this, calling the reader to really sway focus from Adelina and think for themselves. If she hates them, are they necessarily bad? Is anyone here? That's what drives this book. Sometimes it does get a little frustrating, with us wanting Adelina to realise her mistakes and rise above them, but moving past that the whole plot is strong and the setting is as intriguing and adventurous as it sounds. Can't wait for the next one! (Damn the fact it's only just come out.)

[projectnerdherd]

Chloë's Book Corner: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

You know, even though I'm in a fairly nice country doesn't mean I stay healthy 24/7. Yep, October may be nice for sweaters, but not for people with colds. So this week, due to the fact I'm rereading the whole series in preparation for the upcoming mockingjaymovie, and the fact that I'm horrendously sick, let's review the book itself. I doubtless need to tell you that this week actually has spoilers so BE WARNED! Genre: Dystopian Rating: 4 stars The kind of book... You read when you feel that life is either a)too boring b) too nice or c) too full of stupid people. This book is a real killer (no pun intended) and takes a different approach when it comes to ending a trilogy. The previous books, hungergames and catching fire had taken the publishing world by storm, and this book went along those same lines. I enjoyed the first half of this book personally but found myself screaming towards the end. Katniss is the epitome of character development, something that makes me very envious of Collins' skills, but the ending was unfortunately, overkill (again no pun intended.) The plot follows our beloved and ferociously flawed heroine Katniss Everdeen post Quarter-quell, transported to the legendary District thirteen where she is prepped as the symbol 'Mockingjay' to head the rebellion against the controlling Capitol. However Katniss still faces adversary, and finds herself with barely anyone she can trust. Thrown into battle, with friends and enemies dying on all sides, what is she do to? Fight of course. Mockingjay, despite having a very very sad and disappointing ending of sorts, still manages to capture the destruction of a dystopian society. Not everything is glitz and glam of the future, and instead Collins shows us the reality; a hell of a lot of death. I loved this series particularly for the way it was received by young people. Popular girls at my old school would prattle on and on about how it was their favourite ever book. Thank you Suzanne for reminding me literature has the power to control anybody. That's it for this week guys! Stay tuned for more posts coming very soon, if I manage to get the others off their lazy asses ;) Links to buy: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/suzanne+collins/mockingjay/7522574/ WATERSTONES http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mockingjay-part-Hunger-Games-Trilogy/dp/1407109375 AMAZON UK

[fr0m-the-astral-plane]

On skype with theyoungauthoress Why do you socks and sandals, Canada, why? WHYYYYY

[projectnerdherd]

Chloë's Book Corner: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Uh oh, been gone a while! Apologies all. Let me make it up to you with a new review, a book I can assure you you’ll love! Introducing the Ozian spinoff, Dorothy Must Die by @daniellempaige

Genre... YA Fantasy Rating... Four stars The kind of book... That you read after watching the Classic Judy Garland version and are feeling to sweet. You need a cure for that munchkin. Paige has done something quite interesting here, turning a seemingly innocent world of the most weird and wonderful things, a place we all know of pretty well, into a dark twisted place almost unrecognisable. I personally love spinoffs, just picking up on the small things that you recognise from the original just gives me pleasure chills! The story follows Kansas girl Amy Gumm, the pink-haired nobody, as she is thrown into a turbulent world not her own. Oz. But this isn't the 'somewhere over the rainbow' place we've come to know. No, this Oz has been corrupted by darkness, or rather, Dorothy. Now Amy must work with the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, meeting boys *swoon*, fighting heroes, and then to complete the ultimate mission: DOROTHY MUST DIE. There are several things I like about this book. The cover is gorgeous, revealing something very clever if you got the hardback edition (take off the sleeve. Notice the single letter remaining resembles something?), and the title itself is the whole premise. Beautiful! The characters are vivid, our heroine isn't perfect and the plot is a blender of twists. Love love love! Okay guys, thanks for reading! Make sure to check this book out, along with its novella, 'No Place Like Oz' exclusive for ebooks. Thanks!

[projectnerdherd]

Woooh exciting news!

We’re pleased to announce that, now we’ve all had a chance to settle down with college/countries etc, the six us will be doing weekly posts on our own topics. We can’t wait for you to see them, so stay tuned!

[projectnerdherd]

Challenges

Everyone faces challenges, whether it's moving country, fighting against others or yourself, or even waking up in the morning. We as humans experience problems daily, things we don't enjoy, things we rebel against. And always, we overcome them. An alien planet becomes home. Happiness returns again. Everyone is fighting a battle. It could be small or big. But i bet you, none of us wish to be alone whilst we fight. It may not seem that way at first, but I can assure you that. Kindness is power, my mum says, and I believe this is true. No matter the battle, help others always. See someone alone? Talk to them. See someone crying, or hurting? Let them know you are there. I think if people were a little braver and decided to actually face another's battle with them along with their own, they would find that, along win helping that person, they would also be helping themselves by meeting someone to help fight their battle as well. Embracing the weird and good things about ourselves as well as important. Don't rebel against what makes you happy. I daydream actively and for years I suppressed this urge to get up and pace and talk to myself. Weird huh? And for those years anxiety was my companion. I was alone and scared and hated this thing that made me happy. Then, the moment I decided to embrace my power, my imagination, I was elated. The woman told me that I was special and that this thing that made me happy, was a gift. I was stunned. A gift? You're joking. But then I wondered... Is it true? Could it be? It was, the moment I allowed it to be. I walked out of that therapy office with the biggest smile on my face. I was myself. I fight battles, being at a new school, leaving my friends who are more my family than anything, loneliness. The others fight too. Big or small everyone's problems are important. I don't know what really inspired this post but I feel it's important. If we don't help each other, no one will. Love is stronger than fear. You are stronger than your enemies :) C xx

[newyorker]

Remembering Joan Rivers, in today’s daily cartoon.

[projectnerdherd]

Chloë's Book Corner: Legend by Marie Lu

Phew, what a week! All the nerves and jitteriness of a new school has left me so tired, but like everything in life we must soldier on. Time for another review! :) This week, let's go dystopian, with Marie Lu's novel, Legend. Genre: Modern Dystopian Rating: 3.75 stars The kind of book... You read at night after a chick flick marathon and you still want romance but don't want the pink fluffiness. I am currently rereading this book so I can continue on with the series. I bought it a year ago and finished it quickly, but unfortunately didn't have time or money to get the next book. It wasn't so gripping that I NEEDED the book RIGHT NOW, but I did still enjoy it. This book follows the parallel lives of June and Day, both similar people born in different positions of society. Set in the 'Republic' the futuristic America, June is the prodigy of the army, whilst Day is the bane of them, the most wanted criminal, and a major heartbreaker. Little do they know that soon they will be thrown together under the strangest circumstances. June's brother is murdered; Day is accused. But is this right? And could the option of new love threaten June's chance at revenge? There are a lot of elements to this story, and sometimes they don't always make sense, which Is why this book didn't get full marks. However the characters are original and interesting and manage to successfully push forward the plot without too many holes. Perhaps I should read the rest of the series to remedy this. I loved June, she's so kickass! And blonde boys? Come on, it's got my type printed on his forehead. I would recommend this book to you, as it is quirky, smushy with romance, and heart breaking all at once. Our poor characters go through some major disasters. Could they push through? Okay everyone I hope you enjoyed that. Links to buy are below and I will see you next week for another review! If you want to see your favourite book up here as well please message us at projectnerdherd on our tumblr page :) have a good one folks! http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Marie-Lu/dp/014242207X/ref=la_B004SRQ1WC_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409879381&sr=1-1 (US) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Marie-Lu/dp/0141339608 (UK) http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/marie+lu/legend/8610352/ (waterstones)

[projectnerdherd]

JustGiving - R

Hi guys,

I will be shaving my head on Saturday 11th October in memory of a very dear friend of mine who passed away due to cancer a couple of weeks ago. All money raised will be donated to the hospice who gave him and his family so much care and support in the last few months of his life. 

I have a just giving page, and so if anyone is able to donate, it would be much appreciated. Also, if you could signal boost the shit out of this, that’d be great - I really want to meet the target.  

https://www.justgiving.com/RachelPayneMyton

Thanks! 

Rachel x

[theyoungauthoress]

Congrats to Jem Carstairs

We’re all very proud of you.

[projectnerdherd]

Alright, loves?

Sorry, I haven’t been very active (and I still haven’t uploaded my video yet - I’m appalling and nobody loves me) I have literally been up to eyeballs in college work, volunteering and actual work. College starts tomorrow (TOMORROW OH MY ROWLING SOMEBODY HELP ME) and I’m am a...

[projectnerdherd]

I LOVE YOU - c

[projectnerdherd]

I'M DROWNING IN PAPER - R

Alright, loves?

Sorry, I haven't been very active (and I still haven't uploaded my video yet - I'm appalling and nobody loves me) I have literally been up to eyeballs in college work, volunteering and actual work. College starts tomorrow (TOMORROW OH MY ROWLING SOMEBODY HELP ME) and I'm am a notorious procrastinator. Chloe - say nothing. I didn't leave it all to the last week.

Anyhoo, this is just a quick update that I am, in fact, still alive. I will do my best to upload the video I did with dumbledoresphoenix at some point very verysoon. But in the meantime, I'll keep you posted on college, and other stuffs that probably aren't actually that interesting. Yay :D

SO yeah, I'm very sorry, and I'll (hopefully) speak with y'all soon,

Rachel