Rachael Shoemaker
To confused and desperate Sims fans that read my articles: Posting comments is useless (unless you're applauding the article or making an observation yourself) because I cannot, let me repeat that, I cannot answer your questions with another comment. If you truly need to ask something and feel I have the answer, contact me by email through Suite101. Phrase the question as clearly as you can (this is important because if I don't understand what you're asking you probably won't get the answer you want) and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
I am a college student picking away at a degree in English Writing with a minor in Biology. As for credentials I have taken numerous classes in biology as well as courses in writing including fiction, nonfiction, and technical writing. In my spare time I am a prolific fiction writer and a proud nerd driven by random desires for obscure knowledge.
My areas of expertise are varied, but my primary field of knowledge is in the realm of paleontology/zoology. As a child I gobbled up every available fact I could. I was six when my mom used PBS video cassettes about dinosaurs to put me to sleep. As a freshman in college I ducked below the radar and entered a junior-level class on vertebrate zoology. The professor warned us that it would be hard and when I told him I was a freshman he told me to drop but I left the class with a solid A. I'm the kind of nerd that enjoys watching a kid's show about dinosaurs, but I can't stop myself from pointing out what's scientifically wrong with it (I mean things other than the fact that the dinosaurs are talking).
Aside from my holdover childhood obsessions I have an interest in human and comparative anatomy, diseases, space exploration, botany, aquarium keeping and other pets, and geology. I was employed for two summers as an intern with an iron ore mine.
I have become a weird authority on the Sims 2, a very silly but popular game. My multitude of articles on the game come from my own detailed research on boolprop. I won't be happy until I've created every weird monster on the Sims 2, and so far that has proven quite a challenge.
As a fiction writer I am seeking an agent and trying to sell my work to publishers. I have taken technical writing courses that examined the differences between proper journalist writing and web writing. I have a small amount of experience with writing grants as well as editing. With this background knowledge I hope to make the best of my time with this site and gain a greater, wider understanding of the real-world application of technical writing.
Latest Articles
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The Sims 3 Story Progression
This new feature of the game is recommended by the makers, but most players are desperate to turn it off! Here's what it is, why it stinks, and how to shut it off!
Jun 18, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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The Sims 3 New Menus and Getting Married
The Sims 3 has rearranged some basic elements, leaving players confused and frustrated with basic questions like, "How do sims propose and marry in game?"
Jun 18, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Infections of the Nails and Toes
There are two forms of paronychia, but both cause swelling and redness. The infection is usually found in the fingers, but can also affect the toes.
Jun 18, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Sims 3 Active Household and Edit Town
Many players may find the new neighborhood interface confusing. This guide, complete with pictures, is here to help players navigate some of the new menus.
Jun 8, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Differences Between The Sims 3 and The Sims 2
Fans of the earlier game are likely to be a little lost when entering Sunset Valley. This article is here to offer a heads up guide to Sims 2 fans.
Jun 8, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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The Sims 3 Game Review
Fans of The Sims and The Sims 2 have a new edition of their favorite game to play, but will it stack up to the originals?
Jun 4, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Phishing Scams On Facebook
Users must be on the lookout for fake login screens with the URLs 'areps.at' and 'brunga.at' and infected comments left by friends.
May 25, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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The Montauk Monster In Long Island
In May 2009 a carcass washed up on a beach in Long Island and was heralded as the Montauk Monster. Is this really a monster, frenzy over a raccoon, or just a scam?
May 14, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Mammoth Evolution
Mammoths, extinct relatives of elephants, fascinate mankind from beyond the grave. They originated in Africa like humans and spread over the Northern Hemisphere.
Mar 17, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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Third Person Point of View
This choice of narration in fiction and creative nonfiction allows the greatest degree of freedom for writers. Spend time getting to know the different types.
Mar 17, 2009
- Rachael Shoemaker
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