Friday, April 26, 2019

Tech Tip: Blogger Design Templates

Tech Tip

You can play with the design, not just the information on the blog to impact the experience of the reader. You do this by changing the color scheme, back ground image, and more. 

To do so you click the link in the top navigation bar or go to the website. Then, click on the design options menu and choose theme. Click the customize button to see different themes. Example-- Travel

Then you can change these further by customizing the background, widths, layout, and color. 

I went and played on my blog and I changed the color scheme slightly. I wasn't quite happy with it, and now I might be! I change my blog a lot. It changes like my mood to be honest. 

Story Week 14

Revised Story

Princesses through out history tend not to rule. Their brothers steal the throne because of misogynist rules, but that does not mean they do not have any power in high society. Often, they negotiate their marriages to make peace with foreign powers and their husbands regard them as the most important part of their life. This aspect of this life makes them increasingly vulnerable.

Megan and Harry, part of the English royal family, were a happy couple with three beautiful children until Megan was kidnapped by the Spanish prince Ferdinand. Ferdinand's sister, Cressida Bonas, was broken up with Harry's cousin, and he leaked ill information about her to the press. She was devastated she lost her spot in Buckingham Palace and was humiliated. Ferdinand repeatedly tried to get Megan to leave Harry for him, but she refused.

Harry went to war with all of Spain for Megan. He spent many years when he was younger in the army in Afghanistan and was very skilled. First during the battle of Madrid, Ferdinand sent the solider Sebastian to fight the rest of the English soldiers, and went to fight Harry. But he couldn't defeat him by himself. So, Diego, Ferdinand's brother, who was incredibly mighty and giant, decided to join the battle, to face off directly with Harry. He joined later because Ferdinand's Father sent him to Southern Spain and it took him time to get to Madrid. He devastated the English Army, but Harry was able to defeat him. His defeat doom Ferdinand. Without Diego, Ferdinand was easily defeated.

Harry, winning the war, and continuing English dominance over Spain, began to search for Megan. He found her safe and true. They were able to return to their family and continue raising their young children, along with bringing the royal family to modernity. They will remain happy until the next scandal William creates or the next crash Harry's grandpa causes.
The British Royal Family

Author's Notes

So I used the story of Kumbhakarna from Ramyana. As a quick review, Kumbhakarna is Ravana's giant brother who sleeps for 6 months and had to be awoken. I changed the story and made it modern and secular. Also, I added some of the drama of the British Royal family because in a modern world, princes would not go to war because one cut off a princess's nose, so I wanted to give it a sense of plausibility. I added the first paragraph to place the story in pre-modern time and to add more to the plausibility factor. 

Revisions

So turns out William has been cheating on Kate despite the fact that she has been suffering to give him heirs and is so out of his league. I changed the story from William and Kate to Harry to Megan. They are more fun anyway and are actually in the twenty first century so I was able to update some parts of their life. I also went in and corrected some sentences. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Reading Wednesday

Sita Sings the Blues By Nina Paley

Dave is terrible and breaks up with Nina by email while she is in New York. She doesn't take it well and grieves. 

Sita tells Rama she is pregnant. A laundry man beats his wife and accuses her of being unfaithful--most damning he compares her to Sita. Sita incredibly pregnant is abandoned in the forst by Lakshmana. 

Nina moves to Brooklyn and dreams about Dave, She begs him to take her back, despite his shittieness. 
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Brooklyn Sites: The Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn BrownStones, Solder's and Sailor's Arch, Brooklyn Borough Hall, and Coney Island

Rama learns about his sons. Sita would kill herself if she wasn't pregnant when she was abandoned. Rama asked Sita again to prove her purity. Mother Earth did and she took her back into the earth. She still loves Rama despite everything. She leaves everything behind. 

In New York, Nina reads the Ramayana and decides to make a film about it. She relates to Sita. 

The narrator, Chandra rubs Lakshmi's feet???

Extra Credit Reading

Paley Sita Sings the Blues


Lakshimi rises fro the sea. The cosmos: Shiva in a ring of fire. Brahma, Lakshima, and Vishnu rest on Shesha, Surya the Sun God, Chandra the moon god, the beating heart of the universe, and Bhumi the Earth God. 

In San Fran, Nina is happy with her boy friend until her boyfriend gets a job in India.

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San Francisco

King Dasharatha has three wives and four sons. (Rama's dad) Sita goes into exile with him. Ravana stole Sita. Some narrators think he is good but others don't. Ravana was devoted to Shiva. 

Dave calls Nina and invites her to India. She goes. They don't kiss in public or bed. It is like when Rama was cold to Sita after he rescued her because she lived in another man's house. Sita survives a test by fire proving her fidelity. 

Nina works in India for a little with Dave. But she goes back to New York for a week. 



Reading Week 14

Free Reading

Saraswati- Stories of the Goddess of Wisdom by Sanjana Kapur

There are many different stories in this one comic book. The first one is the "Birth of Saraswati." It tells how the Goddess was born. She emerged from Brahma's meditation. Brahma then grew new heads to gaze at her like one of those 360 cameras on shark week---- not creepy at all. Her start like this set her up to be very wise.
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Saraswati

In "Saraswati Becomes a River" the world is threatened by the fire of Vadavagni that could destroy everything. The fire consumes everything. The Devas were worried so they asked for help and she becomes a river to carry the fire away after Bramha told her to. She carried the fire to the ocean where it was extinguished but not in the river???

The comic book also talks about the story of King Prabhanjana. He was cursed to become a tiger. It also talks about how she was cursed by Vishvamitra. He cursed her to be filled with blood and therefore the river. Everything turns out because the sages are able to reverse it. 


Sunday, April 21, 2019

Growth Mindset, week 13

Growth Mindset

How to Spark Creativity When You're in a Rut by Priscilla Claman

I chose this little article because since Spring Break. I have been fighting not to go into summer mode. Hopefully, this article will help me with some tips or tricks! But, as we all know, I am a harsh critic so we will see!
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Mood

First point that I feel is a great one and want to comment on-- as a new person you feel like you have to look at things differently. Recently an organization I am in did elections and I asked why do we only have this revival of ideas during this time. We would be so much more efficient if we did it more often. I like where this is heading. 

Everyone has creativity when  they are confronted with new problems-- true. Maybe less so in todays age because it is so interconnected. It easier to google or ask others. But when else do you have sparks of creativity. 

Grooves --> ruts. Maybe but it isn't sustainable to always be the new person. My parents tried to do that to me. It sucks. 

Her questions aren't the best but I see her intentions..

The best solution she offer was share what you know. Some of them were kinda bad tbh. But conversations spark creativity and innovation. Different perspectives reveal so much!!! I am going to try to do this one more. I tend to isolate myself when I get busy and that is so bad. 

Friday, April 12, 2019

Storylab Week 12

Writers Write

Why Method Writing Makes You a Better Author  Amanda Patterson

Actors use method acting--- some do, only the really intense and traditional ones. The definition of method acting also sucks. Method actors do not leave their character and live. Their definitions basically just normal acting. 

Their perspective about using method for writing is interesting though. I think it is already good writing. I don't remember the exact quote but basically it says every character an author writes has a piece of them. SO is this version of method writing real? Or is it just normal writing? Does this author know what method is? 

What's the Difference between an Autobiography or Memoir? Amanda Patterson

So I read this because I recently read an article that life is sexist (who would have thought) and that women writing about their life are more likely to be filed as memoir and men are more likely to be filed as an autobiography even though they site themselves more. Women can barely mention themselves and still be filed as a memoir. Annoying!

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Me

Autobiography's have to be focus on an entire life, the feel of a historical document, specific dates, and written by a famous person.

A memoir can be written by and one and is representation of a memory. It focuses on a memory and more emotional. They are not interchangeable. 

I bet why women are filed more as memoirs because people think they are more emotional and that's so annoying.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Free Reading Week 12 B

Nala and Damayanti

Agni gave Nala power over fire and he used it to get to a voice hethought was Damayanti. It turned out to be Karkotaka, the king of Serpants. He bit Nala and changed him into a Dwarf. He gave him a robe so he could turn into his former self but he had to learn his lesson and redeem himself first. He journeyed to Aydohya. 

His father in law searched for them. He found his daughter at a holiday. She was incredibly sad. She returned to her children so they wouldn't be orphans. 
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The Family


Damayanti found out where Nala was. She said she wanted to marry his master to get to him. Her mother and her made a plan.  

Nala worked hard to rid Kali out of his body.He became skillful at dice so Kali left when he played. Nala's wrath stoped and Kali entered a tree. But he was still a dwarf. 

Damayanti was upset that Rituparna did not come as fast as he could. Varshneya (Nala) came with him. Damayanti was sure of who he was. They confronted him and he confessed. They all rejoiced and made up. He saw his brother and got back his kingdom. They went back home escorted by a large army and with great treasures. They regained their renown and Nala performed every holy rite with devotion and munificence. 

Monday, April 8, 2019

Free Reading Notes Week 12

Nala and Damayanti

In Nishadha, Nala was great at commanding armies. He also was cultured. Next door, there was the mighty Bhima who was childless. One day a Brahman came to his court and was welcomed well and soon he was given a daughter, Damayanti and three noble sons. Nala fell in love with her. He wooed her with swans and they fell deeply in love.  They had issues visiting each other ebcause Bhima's castle was guarded by celestial beings. 

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Castle or Manor

The gods made it hard for them to get married--they wanted her to marry a god. Kali really wanted to marry her. He vowed to take revenge for being rejected and a mortal being chose over him. He promised to to be the bereft of his kingdom and of his bride. 

For 12 years, Nala and Damayanti had a great life. They had a daughter Indrasena and a son Indrasen. Then one day Nala forgot to wash his feet before praying so Kali possessed him. Then he summoned his brother to play dice with him and the wicked spirit Dwapara entered the dice. He played betting away his life for months. Damaynti sent her kids to her fathers. He bet away everything that they had nothing. Kali then made him abandon his wife in the woods. 

A serpent tried to kill her but she was saved by a huntsman. He wanted to take advantage of her but she cursed him and he fell dead. She then found a holy place. They told her that she would see Nala again in splendor and his sin would be forgiven, then the holy men disappeared. She continued looking for Nala until she made it to Sunanda, another queen. She found refugee there. 

Nala and Damayanti Donald Alexander Mackenzie

Friday, April 5, 2019

Week 11 Story

Downtown Story

A young couple moved to New York City to work on Wall Street. The wife, Pam, was a stock broker, and the husband, Eric, worked in a firm. They were from the West Coast, so none of their family and friends were from the area. They had no emergency contacts or anyone to rely on. Pam was incredibly scared that they would have no where to turn in case of an emergency. Also, New Yorkers keep to themselves and don't go out of their way to help strangers often, so they couldn't hope for random acts of kindness.

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New York City
Pam was concerned they didn't know anyone so she forced Eric to make friends. He made friends at the gym, work, and a alumnae association. Their names are Jacob, Daniel, and Andrew.

Years later Pam and Eric started their family and had twin girls.

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Cute Twins
They were incredibly happy. Their career were going great and loved being parents. However, when the young family was going to the park one day, their uber was involved in a car crash. The girls were unscathed, but both parents were hurt.

The friends Pam forced Eric to make, stepped up during the time it took Pam and Eric to recover, and helped take care of the girls until their family could come and visit. Jacob would stay with the girls during the morning because he worked in the afternoon. Daniel would take the girls with his kids during the days, and Andrew watched the girls at night.

Author's Note 

I based this story off of the Hawk and the Osprey. I stayed pretty true to the story, but I changed the characters to people and setting to New York City. I did this because I could see this situation arising there. Its really scary to move to a place without connections, and someone has likely been forced to make friends before. In the actual story the Hawk is threatened by a hunter, but because I changed them to people, that was a lot less realistic. A car crash is more realistic and is something 1/3 experience in their lifetime.

Eastern Stories and Legends Part D

Eastern Stories and Legends

The Crow That Thought It Knew

The Bodhisatta became a marsh crow named Viraka the strong. There was a famine and people could not give food to the animals. The crows went to the woods. A crow became Viraka's servant because he didn't know how to fish. Eventually he became emaciated but he died trying to fish. His wife realized he was missing.

The Judas Tree

Brahmadatta, the King of Benares, had four sons. The sent for the charioteer to see a judas tree. He showed them one at a time and the tree was in different stages. They were confused why it was all different and their dad told them to be more specific with their questions.
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A Judas Tree

River-Fish and the Monkey

The Bodisatta wasborn in the family of a landed proprietor. He became a wealthy man. He took up some of his dad's business after his dad passed away. He was generous but his brother was greedy. He was trying to trick his brother out of money, but the spirits were on his brother's side. A fisherman gave him a fish with the parcel of money so he got it back.

The Dreamer in the Wood

Buddha lived alone in the woods. He ate wild fruits, flowers, and leaves. A divine being Sakka asked him to be free of malice, hatred, and greed. He understood why and made the tree bear fruit perenially and if he stayed there he was without disease.

The Rice Measure

Btahmadatta was king in Benares and the Bodisat was his valuer. He got a peasant to value things for him. A horse dealer bribed the valuer to see if he was corrupt. It ashamed the king and he drove out the fool.

The Poisonous Trees

Bodhisatta was born a merchant. He was trading with 500 wagons. He came to a town that had a poisonous what-fruit tree outside of it. Some people ate it but the Bodhisatta saved them.
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Mango
 

The Well-Trained Elephant

The Bodhisatta was born a white elephant. He got so much praise that the king got jealous. The king challenged him. The king tried to get him killed. He made him work really hard. He divided his kingdom in three portions. 

The Wise Physician 

Kisagotami had a fairy tale life. But her son died. She went to Buddha for answers and he could help him. He sent her to get some ingredients. He taught her that the living are few and the dead are many. Our system is not permanent. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Notes Week 11 Eastern Stories and Legends Part C

Eastern Stories and Legends

The Hawk and the Osprey

Two hawks lived on a lake by a lion and an Osprey and a Tortoise. The hawks were going to get married and she asked if he had any friends. She was worried that they didn't have any support. She pointed out they had great neighbors. He went out and made friends.
She had two sons and they were threatened by hunters. The osprey helped by putting out their fire. When he got tired, the tortoise he put mud on the flame then dragged them into the water. Then the lion came to scare them away. 

Grandmother's Golden Dish

The Bodisat was a dealer in tin and brass. He went round selling his wears. A wealthy family became poor. Only a girl and her grandmother were left and they served others for hire. They had a pot of gold but it was so dirty they didn't know it was gold. They tried to trade it for a pit and the Bodisat revealed its true worth. He gave them $1,000 and everything he had.
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An EXPENSIVE Gold Dish

The Elephant That Spared Life

The Bodisat was born a nobleman's son, Prince Magha. His parents got him married. He was a good guy. He was very giving and always kept the Commandments. When the King charged robbers without inquiry he reminded it was important to do so.  They were not trampled by Elephants in response.

How the Antelope Was Caught

The King of Benares had a gardener named Sanjaya. An antelope liked to hang in the garden. He and the king tried to catch him with honey and led him into the palace. He showed the antelope the danger of greed and let him go back.

The Banyan Deer

The Bodisat came to life as a deer. He was pretty. The king of the area loved meat. The people wanted to catch them so they didn't have to hunt anymore. The king promised the king of the Deer his life and he changed places with a young mother. The king gave everyone their lives because he loved the selflessness. The Pupil Who Taught His Teacher
Buddha was born into a Brahim family and was known as a Dhamapala or law keeper. HE was sent to study with a famed teacher became a chief pupil. The eldest son died but the Dramapala did not cry. Instead he was concerned. The teacher went on a journey. It was not the custom for children in his family line to die. The Brahmin made him feel better. 
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A Deer

The  Man Who Told a Lie

Four divine beings came to Earth. The Gods started talking to a false priest.  The fourth God realized he was lying and he was crushed by the spikes of his wreaths because he lied. He made a confession and begged for mercy but no one could pry it from his head. He prayed and the Gods showed up and took it off.




Friday, March 29, 2019

Story Laboratory Week 10

EmpoWord: Telling a Story

"We're all stories, in the end"- Steven Moffat, Doctor Who
Reading this quote in an English accent makes it even better. It can be applied and can be thrown to so many situations. That's why I love British TV.  

Narration is incredibly significant in every culture. We are constantly telling stories or being influenced by them. Historians, Chemists, Musicians. It make it interesting though you have to make it deliberate. 

Mood- Emotional dimension which a reader experiences while encountering a text

Narrative pacing- the speed with which a story progress through plot events, Can be influenced by reflective and descriptive writing.

Tone- The emotional register of the text

Scope refers to the boundaries of the plot, primary focus. Where and when does it begin and end? and what is the focus. Background information plays a role. 

If you think how you would respond in situations it can help. Also, try not to be too broad so you do not bore you leader or add too many details. Foreshadowing also keeps your reader into your story.  It works with the sequence and pacing. Your climax has to be just right, 

In medias res- in the middle of things --- map out your story to help
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Writing is fun

The point of view shapes how your reader experiences the story. It also affects how your write. You have to make it believable and not fake. Stream of consciousness is wild.


Empo Word Shane Abrams

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Eastern Stories and Legends Part B

The Bull That Demanded Fair Treatment

The Bodisat came to life as a bull, and a Brahmin treated him like his son. He was treated so well that he thought no other ox could drag the weight he could. There was a bet made with a squire and a hundred carts were filled to see who was stronger. The bull won and the Brahmin won 2000.

The Bull That Proved His Gratitude

When the Bodisat was still a bull, his owners stopped at an old woman's house and they gave him to her. He became friends with the village children. The Bodisat was grazing and a village cattle owner wanted to buy him but could not find the owner so he tried to take him. The children stopped him. 
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Cows

The Horse That Held Out to the End

Buddha came to life as a small thoroughbred horse and was made the King's Destrier. He was treated well. A knight wanted him for a fight. When they were taking of his mail he passed away. He was buried with great honors. 

The Monkey That Saved the Herd

Buddha was reborn as the King of the monkeys, all 80,000 monkeys. He warned the monkeys about poisoned trees and haunted lakes. They came to a haunted lake and got around the haunt by using straws. 

The Mallard That Asked for Too Much

Buddha was born a Brahmin and was married to a bride and they had three daughters. After his death he was born a Golden mallard. He was determined to give his golden feathers to his family so they could live comfortably. One by one they would take one and became wealthy. The mother was scared that they could not trust him and they should pluck him clean. The daughters refused. In greed the mother plucked them against his wish and then they became cranes feathers, worthless. 

The Merchant Who Overcame All Obstacles

Buddha was born in a merchant's family and he grew up and began trafficking with five hundred carts. He arrived at a desert 20 leagues across. The sand was very fine and hot. They had to travel at night.  After one night they ended up at the same encampment they were earlier. But they found a stream and made an oasis. They sold they fares there. 

The Elephant That Was Honored in Old Age

Buddha was a Prime Minister that served the King. There was a great Elephant who served as a messenger. SHe earned many great ornaments until she grew old and they were taken away. One night she was not yoked to the cart and it made the King mad. She plead her case that she was not an Oxen and hearing that the King restored her to her former place of honor. 

The Faithful Friend

The Bodisat became the Brahma-datta's minsister. At that time a dog would do to the state elephant's stable and eat the rice that fell. The animals became friends. A peasant bought the dog one day, the the elephant became depressed. The bodisat knew why and the King was very thankful. 
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Elephant

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Eastern Stories and Legends

The Hare That Ran Away

Buddha was born again as a lion and was helping his fellow animals. He had to help Hare who was always scared something dreadful was going to happen to her. She thought this so much she believed it after hearing a heavy fruit fall behind her. She ran into old brother hare who started following her. The tiger, then the camel, the camel, the buffalo, and the deer followed suit, until they ran into buddha the lion. The lion made the hare show him where the Earth was falling in and calmed the situation. 

The Spirit That Lived in a Tree

Buddha was re-born as a Tree-Spirit. The king there wanted to live in a palace only supported by only one column so he could be the chiefest of all kings. In kings park, there was a great tree that was worshiped and he wanted it cut down. Many people protested this action. The spirit who lived in the tree was determined to protect his children. He made a plea to the king to cut him down gently so his children that grow at his feet would not be killed. The king was moved by this sacrifice so he did not cut him down. 
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Baobab Tree

The Hare that Was Not Afraid to Die

Buddha was born a hare and lived in a wood, He lived with three friends, Monkey, Jackal, and Otter. The hare taught them many wise concepts: moral law should be observed, alms should be given to the poor, and holy days should be kept. Jackal stole fish from the fishermen and stole from the the lizard. He thought he was virtuous because of this.  The monkey ate mangoes before the due season. They were going to give it the Brahmin and he got together with the Monkey, Jackal, Otter, and the Hare to solve the area.

The Parrot That Fed His Parents

Buddha was reborn in the shape of a parrot and excelled all other parrots. His dad was the leader of the flock but he wanted him to take over. Each day he lead his flock to Himalaya Hill to eat rice. There was a man who tried to drive away the parrots but he couldn't stop them. He was scared that there was not any crops left so his master wanted him to catch the bird. He talked with the Brahmin to clear up the situation. 

The Man Who Worked To Give Alms

Buddha was born a merchant named Vissaya who loved giving alms. He gave 600,00 men what the needed. He was so giving Sakka, the King of the Gods, grew suspisious that he would dethrone them and make himself Sakka. So Sakka began giving like crazy until they had nothing so they began mowing the grass for them. Then they started talkin, Sakka realized that he did not want his position.

The King Who Saw the Truth

The Wisdom child who would become Buddha was born a King. He was a virtuous man and wanted to do anything and everything for his people. Sakka wanted to test his resolve and see if his words were vain. The king was going to give his eyes to a blind Brahmin. Because he was so giving, he was given eyes that see perfect and absolute truth. 
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Eyes
Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends







Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Reading Notes Week Nine

Duryodhana comes to visit and mock but he ends up needing their help to escape the gandharvas. Another prince tries to kidnap Drupada. Then they have to try not to fight the cattle. 

They fight Duryodhana. Arjuna is scared but everyone persuades him to. Bhishma leads Duryodhana's army. He is super old. The battle goes back and forth until Bhishma dies.Bhishma refused to fight a trans man Shakhandin. So he put his guard down and everyone shot him down with arrows. He didn't dies immediately and begged for peace afterwards.

The leader that goes after him, Drona, is killed too. Drona's son and an elephant have the same name. This causes a lot of confusion, and leads to Druapadi killing Drona because his dad died. Karni leads the army after him.

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An Indian Asian Elephant
Druapadi put Karni in charge because he believed unlike the others he had no secret love for the Padvavas. Karna and Arjuna face off and it leads to many draws until Arjuna wins, killing his half brother. He didn't know that though.

Ashwathman, the kid with the same name as the Elephant, killed all the sons of the Pandavas while they were dueling Drupada. He told Drupada right before he died. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Reading Notes, Week 9

Reading Mahabharata 2

Bibliography 

Pandu had five sons: Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and Nakula and Sahadeva (the twins). His brother became king after Pandu died and he had 100 sons. Damn. Drona trained them. Karna challenged Arjuna and matches him exactly in skill. 

Yudishthira was named heir apparent instead of Duryodhana. He tried to trap the other fam in a burning house, but they escaped disguised as hermits. Arjuna won Drupada in an archery contest, but she marries Yudishthira because he is the oldest. He then becomes a king of his own kingdom. 

Yudishthira plays dice against Prince Shakuni, his uncle. He loses everything and Draupadi, and everyone goes to the forest in exile for 12 years. 

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Chariot



Thursday, March 7, 2019

Week 8 Progress

Thus far

I like how consistent I have been. I was very skeptical of blogs and my ability to get into it at first. I dreaded any work I had to do. (Disclaimer: I was also very sick the first two weeks, so I could have also just been grumpy. I am unsure.) I have not missed any assignment other than one, but that was on purpose. I have recently started working 20 hours a week and I had a midterm and a paper. So I chose to skip two blog posts and make up for it in extra credit. Having 20 hours a week taken out of my time has been quite a transition, but I am proud that it has not affected me too much. 

I am proud of my weekly routine I have developed. It is not the original one I planned though. I planned to knock everything out in two days during times that no longer work for me. I also cannot sit down and work on things for hours well so I have no idea what I was thinking. Doing a little each day instead has been a much better decision and it is much better way for me to actually learnt he material and absorb the stories. 

I want to try to avoid having to skip blog posts again. It was my second week working, so I hope I will be more adjusted in the future. I also hope I will hope I will have my schedule ahead of time, this time, not two days before, so I can plan ahead if I ever have as busy of a week. 

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Current Mood

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

So we need to have a chat


I always get so excited that I get a comment. But I really don't get that many? I go to other people's posts and see that they have like double of mine and its kinda sad. I am I missing out on something?? Are my posts keeping people from commenting? 

This is such a fun graphic--Take time to read it!

Personally my comments tend to end up looking like each other. I sometimes fall into a format. I need to step outside of that format more often. I still use content inside of it that pertain to the post but I should try to communicate my comments in different ways to be more successful.

I like that I am starting to see familiar faces. With that, I am learning whose styles of writing I really enjoy writing and I look forward to reading them. Thankfully there is no one I genuinely hate reading, but I still give them good feedback. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Website and Blog layout

I am very happy with my website. I like the lay out and the pastel colors. I have never been to Greece, but it reminds me of less sing song Mama Mia. I feel very comfortable with the visual appeal with it and the layout it not too overwhelming. I also like how the website is set up where I can add so many pictures. 

My blog lay out is fun. I am not as please with it, but I don't know how I can change it. Every time I change it, I hate the changes. I might continue to mess around with it, but I am overall happy with the message it communicates. I might add more pictures to my posts to separate text blocks. The pictures also make it so much prettier.

My favorite picture because words do have POWER

My reading notes were not helping at first but as the semester has progressed I can see how I made changes. I am proud at how I saw my behavior needed to change to help my studies. I hope I will see them affect my notes outside this class one day. I take all my notes one paper currently because of very strict anti-computer rules in the majority of my classes, so they haven't yet. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Mahabharata Part C

Mahabharata Part C

Pandavas were exiled in the forest for a 12 years and hung out with sages. Krishna comes and hangs out and told them what Draupadi said about her situation. She questions god she is so angry. Arjuna goes off on his own to to acquire weapons to face Duryodhana.

     Arjuna's dad Indra brought him to celestial cities for five years. He hung out with Urvashi a apsara who was beautiful and exploded the Himalayas. While he was gone his brothers  were were at Kamyaka. They met back together in the himalayas.
     Hanuman is still here and is the half brother of Bhima. Bhima stumbled upon him in the forest and he recounted the stories of Rama.

Duryodhana was humiliated in front of the Pandavas again. He tried to fight with the celestial spirits and his courtiers and royals ladies were taken prisoners. Karna fled but promised to kill Arjuna. When he was born he was born he was clad in armor and they were a tour of invincibility. So Indra, works to protect Arjuna. They had to take the tokens of invincibility from him by trading them for an invincible dart.

Draupadi face great danger in the forest and was taken by Jayadratha, Rajah of Sindhu. Bhima spared his life but cut of his hair and made him a slave.

The final year of their exile was spent in hiding. They went to the court of King Virata and entered his service. Draupadi was almost raped but none of her husbands could help because they were hiding. Bhima defended her in secret.

Duryodhana and his allies attack King Virata and steal his cattle so the Pandavas come to his defense. When he found out about Arjuna fight he offered his daughter. This fight made war almost inevitable. Arjuna married off his son and made the alliance greater. Krishna goes on Arjuna's side, but he kept trying to be a peace maker at the battle of Kurukshetra.

Karna still does not know the Pandavas are his brothers. Krishna reveals the secret to him and tells him to go to them in peace. He went to their mother and talked to her.

All got to together to fight. He also do Yuyutsu to join him. So many people joined him. Krishna talks Arjuna to fight becuase he did not want to fight his relatives. Abbimanyu, Arjuna's son, went after Bhishma's prowess. On the eighth day, Ghatokacha slayed Durodhana's son.

The Battle

 

Bibliogrpahy

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Week 6, Story Laboratory

Advice to Writers ---- bibliography 

So this piece is some interviews and quotes from writers giving advice. I am so excited because my future will contain so much writing. I would like to also write a book one day, so these snippets of a master's mind are valuable paragraphs. Personally, I ended up looking for reallyu interesting thoughts or individuals I respected. 

Richard Russo gave some advice about thinking about what you have to do today. When you think about an entire novel, it is overwhelming, but pacing yourself with the three pages on Monday-- it is incredibly achievable. It is useless to worry about the future, it will only slow down the current process. Even not working on a novel, this is important. I change my mind so much. If I worry about the end, I won't get through the middle that shapes the end naturally. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda critique our current society and my study habits with a story of his childhood. He encouraged creators to learn to stay in their head present and not get distracted. It is so easy to get distracted with how fast the world spins and the millions of tiny screams of the world vying for my attention. His friend distracted himself for three hours with a stick and this inspired him to step his imagination game. When I was younger, and I would just sit there and think with myself, my world meant so much more to me. It was so much more entertaining and I thought so deeply about so many concepts. Now I don't have time for any of that, or I am constantly distracted during that time. If I allow myself to check out of reality more, my conceptualization of reality will be so much more fulfilling and my work that much more original. 

Elie Wiesel said writers write because they have to. I wonder if he thought that because his world was mostly one before the high speed of technology. His imagination was not stiffed by the workaholic nature of our society. He said the characters would suffocate him if they did not escape so I wonder if that means if in all of his characters, a piece of his own character or personality lays. He is one of my favorite people and authors to ever exist, so I am incredibly intrigued by the guess into his genius. 
Elie Wiesel at different stages of his life


Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Mahabharata Part B

Mahabharata

Vidura was never considered eligible for king because his mom was a handmaiden, but he was a member Dhritarasthra's court. However, he was loyal to the Pandavas. He kept them from burning alive in Duryodhana's plot. The Pandavas moved back into the wilderness and faced dangers there like a monster. The monster's sister like Bhima and wanted to marry him and decided to rescue him from the monster, but Bhima could not leave his family. Bhima fought her brother and slayed him, then married Hidimbi. They had a son. 

The rest of the family left and was taken in by another who pestered by a cruel chief named Baka who required high taxes. The queen wished Bhima was there and then he appeared. He defeated the chief with a tree. The family came out of hiding to win the fair bride in Panchala, Draupadi. 

Drupada hoped Arjuna would marry his daughter, so he made a great bow because of the great Pandava archer. Many men tried, and Karna was able to pull back the bow. Arjuna did it still disguised as a brahmin but Drupada recognized him. Their mother accidentally promised all her sons to Draupadi, so all five became her husband. She had a son with each of them. Her father used them to secure his kingdom.

Life with 5 husbands is hard and Arjuna messed up and went on a exile in the jungle for 12 years. He met Ulupi, the daughter of Vasuki, king of Nagas, and spent time with her. They had a son named Iravat. Vasuki had gifted that he would never be overcome with any animal of the water. So when he was bit by the crocodile that was actually a nymph he won. The crocs coulc not be nymphs unless he dragged them to shore. 

Arjuna marries Chitra, the daughter of the King of Manipur and they have a son. The king was scared to have his daughter marry him because he wanted the royal succession to live on, so the son stays in Manipur. He also married Krishna's sister by stealing her, Subhadra, who was going to marry his cousin Duroydhana. She had one son with him, Abhimanyu. 

Arjuna and his BFF Krishna defeated the demon Maya. He built a palace for them and made their cousin even more jealous. Their uncle Durodhana could not find his way around it well. As the Pandavas became so powerful their wife's dad decided to declare himself supreme ruler. He invited his enemies to his palace to tell them and when they objected they slayed them. 

Parcheesi can cause a gambling addiction. He invited Yudhishthira to play against Duryodhana. He lost everything, even his wife, which was illegal. She was not a fan of the circumstances for she did not do anything wrong and was being punished. Bhima swears terrible oaths and tries to get revenge. There is a second match but it went just as bad. 

Image result for parcheesi
Parcheesi: It is only $29.95

Bibliography 




Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The Mahabharata: Part A

The Mahabharata Public Domain Part A

The Mahabharata was written by Vyasa. It contained everything a man should know of the earth and of heaven. Brahama told him that Ganesha would be his scribe, but he couldn't stop moving his pen.
      There was a king called Uparichara, King of Chedi, who was incredibly devoted to asceticism. They sent Indra to bribe him with a care because they were threatened on his devotion. One day he was fly and his semen fell into a river, and ten months later, two children, a boy and a girl, were caught in a fish. The king took the boy, but left the girl to the fisherman. She was beautiful but smelled like fish. One day the rishi Parashara persuaded to yield his embraces that if she did she would lose her smell, but she had to remain a virgin. She had a baby called Vyasa. 

King Bharata was the sire of King Hastin who built Hastinapura. King Shantanu, the grandson of King Bharata, had a beautiful wife, the goddess Ganga of the Ganges river. She killed 7 babies, and this ruined the father. He broke their wedding vow, and she took the last baby. When she finally returned she left a power youth named Devavrata. 

Satyavati, Vyasa's mother, becomes the love interest of King Shantanu. Her father refused to consent to her marrying him until he promised that her son would be inherit his throne, but he could not do that because of his son and left. Devavrata then denounced his claim to the throne became Brishma  then so the Satyavati and the king were married. They had two sons Vichitravirya and Chitrangada. when Shantanu dies, he does not become king. 

Bhishma became responsible for finding his brothers. He went after the daughters of the king of Benares- Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. He was the best archer so he was able to seize all the maidens so one of the girls might marry his brother. Amba was rejected by Bhishma, and she took refuge in a hermitage. She prayed for so long his destruction, Shiva, told her to slay him and asked for a new body.  Despite two wives, the genealogy did not carry on and no children were produced. Vyasa then became married the women and had children with them and a handmaiden. The son with no defect was named Vidura and was the incarnation of Dharma. Pandu (the pale one) was eventually put on the throne. 
King Pandu married two wives: Kunti and Madri. Kunti had a son out of wedlock with Surya, the God of the Sun. She sent it down the river in shame and it was adopted by Radha and Adhiratha who could not have children. Pandu went hunting and accidentally killed a sage in disguise. He took vows of celibacy and hid in solitary because had been cursed to die in his wives arms. He died in Madri's arms and she was buried with him. His sons were the Pandava brothers, the five princes. 

His blind brother took the throne for him until the princes came to age. His wife became the mother to a hundred sons, the Kauravas, the eldest Duryodhana. Duryodhana was to be an evil man. Kunti brought her sons from the mountains to Hastinapura where they would live with the Kauravas. Duryodhana hates his cousin and he attempts to kill Bhima, the second oldest Pandavas. Bhima goes to the Underworld king Nagas and becomes supernaturally strong but kept it a secret form his cousins. 

Drona was a teacher to the cousins. He was friends with King Drupada but they grew to hate each other. Pandavas are better students and this causes more tensions. The oldest P Yudhishthira was a spear man and scholar. Arjuna was the best warrior and they were the most jealous of him. Bhil wanted to be one of Drona's scholar. He was aboriginal. 

Now that the boys have completed their education they will compete in a tournament. In a mock fight Duryodhana takes it deadly serious and Arjuna is the best. When Arjuna wins, Karna, appears and neither knows they are brothers. Karnu joined the side of Duryodhana. Karnu got help from the sun and people doubted Arjuna. Since the boys are done, they had to pay, and he demanded that the boys bring revenge against King Drupada.  The cousins could not agree when to attack and the Kaurvas were defeated. The Pandavas rushed against them and overcame them. Drona took half of the kingdom because the Kaurvas failed. Duryodhana was jealous of their successes.  He planned to set fire to the palace. 
Mahabharata


Bibliography









Friday, February 15, 2019

Week 5 Story: William and Kate

William and Kate 

Princesses tend not to rule. Their brothers steal the throne because of misogynist rules, but that does not mean they do not have any power in high society. Often, they negotiate their marriages to make peace with foreign powers and their husbands regard them as the most important part of their life. This aspect of this life makes them increasingly vulnerable.

Kate and William, part of the English royal family, were a happy couple with three beautiful children until Kate was kidnapped by the Spanish prince Ferdinand. Ferdinand's sister, Cressida Bonas, was broken up with William's brother Harry, and he leaked ill information about her to the press. Ferdinand repeatedly tried to get Kate to leave William for him, but she refused.

William went to war with all of Spain for Kate. First during the battle of Madrid, Ferdinand sent the solider Sebastian to fight the rest of the English soldiers, and went to fight William. But he couldn't defeat him by himself. So, Diego, Ferdinand's brother, who was incredibly mighty and giant, decided to join the battle, to face off directly with William. He joined later because Ferdinand's Father sent him to Southern Spain and it took him time to get to Madrid. He devastated the English Army, but William was able to defeat him. His defeat doom Ferdinand. Without Diego, Ferdinand was easily defeated.

William, winning the war, and continuing English dominance over Spain, began to search for Kate. He found her safe and true. They were able to return to their family and continue raising their young children. They will remain happy until the next scandal Harry creates or the next crash William's grandpa causes.
The British Royal Family

Author's Notes

So I used the story of Kumbhakarna from Ramyana. As a quick review, Kumbhakarna is Ravana's giant brother who sleeps for 6 months and had to be awoken. I changed the story and made it modern and secular. Also, I added some of the drama of the British Royal family because in a modern world, princes would not go to war because one cut off a princess's nose, so I wanted to give it a sense of plausibility. I added the first paragraph to place the story in pre-modern time and to add more to the plausibility factor. 

Bibliography 



Thursday, February 14, 2019

Nine Ideal Women: Part B

Promila

Indrajit was married to a beautiful girl named Promila who loved him dearly. Indrajit's brother, Birbahoo, was killed by Rama. His old nurse was sent from his parents to tell him. He had to go to the capitol and avenge his family, but promise to return that evening. When he did not return that evening, she decided to set out. Everyone tried to stop her because the enemies camp was along the way. She dressed as a knight and headed toward Lanka. She was stopped by Hanuman, but she used her brain to freely pass. 

The next day. Indrajit planned to fight Rama. That night they prayed to their family god Agni. Indrajit went without weapons because he went to pray. Lakshimana crept in to kill him because he was scared of his brother facing him. Indrajit defended himself with the altar ornaments then tried to run to get his sword but his uncle was holding the door. His uncle was on Lakshimana's side however. 

After Indrajit died, Promila asked permission to go with him, She could not live without him. Their souls raised together to god. 
Promila riding to Lanka

Sakuntala

When the sage, Menka,  broke his vow of celibacy he abandoned his daughter to the Sakuntala Bird. Kanva and Goutami found her and raised her naming her after the bird. She was incredibly beautiful. 

She and her sisters were talking one day when they were approached by the great Maharajah Dushmanta. He was enchanted with Sakuntala and wanted her to be his queen. He waited many days for her father to come home. He could not wait any longer because his kingdom needed him so Goutami consented for him and they married. He gave her a ring and told her that he would send for her. 

Many months passed and she was expecting. Her parents wanted to send her so their child would be born at his estate, But she begged to keep waiting. She was scared to go to an unknown kingdom. So she went with her "uncles" and her aunt. 

When they got there, the king acted like he never married Sakuntala.  She went to give him the ring, but it was gone. They left the city and went to the forest. 

Two fishermen tried to return a ring that they had actually stolen from Sakuntala to the king and his memory was restored. He spent four years looking for her, vowing not to rule without her. Until one day he passed two ladies and a little boy. He found a boy playing with a tiger cub. He led her to his mother. Where he finally found Sakuntala. They returned to the palace until their son could rule, then lived a simple life.

Bibliography 

Nine Ideal Indian Women, By Maharanee Sunity Devee 



Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Nine Ideal Indian Women:Part A

Sita

The King-Farmer named Janaka was childless. One day he came upon a gold pitcher in the ground with a baby girl inside. Everyone rejoiced and welcomed the baby girl. She was incredibly beautiful. A year later, King Janaka's wife gave birth to a daughter and his sister-in-law gave birth to twins. 

Many people wanted to marry Sita. The great Brahamin Parashurama left a bow and told him to grant her hand to who ever breaks it, if someone did before he returned. Prince Rama showed up at about 16 years old. He and Sita fell immediately in love, and he was able to break the bow. A Sun-Prince for a Moon-Princess! Janaka and Mithila were very sad about losing their princess. They would miss her greatly. 

As they were leaving, Parashurama was returning and met the the marriage procession. He wanted to fight Rama for marrying Sita and breaking his bow. Parashurama challenged him to string him another bow, and Rama did it easily, defeating Parashurama without a fight. 

Keykaya, one of Dasaratha's favorite wife, was found in a disorderly fashion. She told the king a terrible statement, that she wanted Rama to be banished and he son Bharata to be crowned. Rama had to go because it was his duty, and Sita and Rama's brother went with him. 

While they were exiled, the pair were in in the woods, away from civilization. A woman, Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, approached Rama and tried to seduce him. He told her he was already married and to try Lakshmana, he cut off her nose. Maricha pretended to be Rama, dying, but Lakshmana did not leave until he drew protective lines on the ground. An old Yogi approached Sita, who was actually Ravan Sita. The yogi was extremely starving, so Sita gathered him some fruit and pulled her out of the lines by her outstretched arm. Ravan then took Sita on his chariot to Lanka, where he begged her to marry him, but she refused.
Sita asks Rama to get the Golden Deer

Sita while in captivity became friends with Sarama, the wife of Bibbisan, and told her of the plans of the her rescue mission. Sita listened to the entire battle between Rama and Ravana. Rama refused to look at her, and he wanted to know if she was still true to him. He doubted her fidelity, but she passed a test by fire (Agni). 

Rama and Sita returned after 14 years, and Bharata welcomed them. Everyone but Queen KeyKeya welcomed them and Rama forgave her and thanked her for the lessons he learned. 

Rama decided to desert Sita but couldn't do it himself and made his brother do it. She was taken in by the sage  Valmiki and gave birth to Lava and Kusha. The boys were not told who their father was growing up. When her sons defeated their uncle and confronted their father and learned of their royal blood, Rama asked for Sita to returned. Sita did not want any reconciliation and returned to her mother, Mother Earth, because she could give no other proof of her chaste than fire. 

Bibliography 

Nine Ideal Indian Women, By Maharanee Sunity Devee 

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Story Lab: Words

Ted Ed Videos: Grammar


I love grammar. Celts in Britain were protected by the Romans from the Angle Saxon until the Roman Empire fell apart. The, the island was invaded and Old English was formed. Old Norse eventually worked its way in with Viking influence. French aristocracy also brought in Latin and French influences. They usually were to sound fancy. Peasantry has a connotation in Saxon original words, and nobility connotations has its origins in French and Latin.

Tense tells past, present, or future. Simple is not continuous or ended. Imperfect is ongoing. Perfect is completed. These rules work with every tense. Other languages have different tenses. Some do not have tense. Are there different ways of looking at time?

Many books have created Cong Langs, Constructed Languages-- like Tolkien's Elvish. They are real languages because they have real grammar. Also, they change over time and become many languages. Also, they have exceptions.

There are 170,000 words in English vocabulary. About half of it's words are stolen from other languages. English lends words to other languages too. Also, it combine words too-- spork. Obsolete words also get new meanings or the opposite meaning through irony. Ordinary people make the decisions of what words catch on.

The semicolon can exert more force than a comma. It can join independent clauses that at are connected, bringing fluidity to paragraphs.  But, don't put them in front of a conjunction.

When showing possession apostrophes belong next to the noun. But after s is an stylistic issue. Just stay consistent. Also, its only takes an apostrophe when it is a contraction.

There are few linguistic universals. Differences on these are debated. Writing was standardize very recently of one way to speak. Speech is much more adaptable because we use it quickly. Descriptiveness gives an insight to the way mind sight works. Grammar is a mind sight of life.
Words

Author's Note

So I love Grammar--- give me some sentences to diagram, so I chose to watch these videos. However, I enjoyed the history of language videos more. My favorite parts of my Latin class is learning words that have come from my vocab words. It was interesting to learn about other words origin stories. 

Bibliography

Does Grammar Matter?- Andreea S. Calude

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Ramayana: D

Ramayana D

Rama and the army of monkeys and bears had to get across the water to Lanka. So Rama prayed to the God of the Ocean and he sent him to Mala, the son of Vishwakarman, the divine artisan. He built him a bridge to construct bridges, "Rama's Bridge," so the armies could cross.

Ravana had great powers of illusion and he was using them to cause Sita despair. He pretended to be a monkey who came with news that Rama had been slained, but Sita knew it was a trick.

Rama's army advances and attacks Lanka. Indrajit, the son of Ravana, used his magic and became invisible. But Garuda saved the day with his mighty power. But, Ravana's best warrior is his brother Kumbhakarna, but he was asleep and had an enormous appetite. He then defeated Hanuman and seized Sugriva. He and Indrajit made an almost unbeatable team. Hanuman carried the Medicine Hill back Lanka to help. Indrajit used his magic to make it appear Sita has been slain, but Vibhishana tells Rama what is happening and makes him aware of a place where he can ambush Indrajit. Lakshmana then slays Indrajit. Ravana tries to enact his revenge on Lashmana for killing his son,  but he did not suceed because Hanuman returned. 

The Gods planned for Rama to defeat Ravana, so Indra set his chariot and charioteer, Matali, to help Rama. Agastya gave Rama words of advice, and Rama fought the demons Ravana made. Then using the Brahma-weapon, Rama defeated Ravana. 

Mandodari, Ravana's chief wife, morns his passing. Then Vibhishana conducts lights Ravan's funeral. Rama then ebgins to search for Sita. Sita demands to test her honor because she lived in another man's house. She calls upon the fire-god, Agni, to test her fidelity to Rama by fire. The fire proved Sita true and Rama finally believed her purity. 

Rama and Sita fly back to Ayodhya in the chariot that belonged to Ravana. Their exile has ended and they return just in time so Bharata did commit suicide. After 14 years of exile, Rama is crowned king. 

The sorrows of Sita had not ended and Rama sends Sita into exile because he doubted her fidelity. She soon in her exile gave birth to two sons, Lava and Kusha. Valmiki, the sage, taught them of their father, but never told them of their connection. Rama realizes the connection and confront fronts Sita. She told him that she never thought of anyone but him and returned to Heaven. 

After Rama's brother Lakshmana left, Rama decided it was time for him to return as Vishnu. He tied up his lose ends, and returned to the the heavens in his own form with his brothers.

Rama

Bibliography

Monday, February 4, 2019

Ramanaya Part C

Part C

 Hanuman, the messenger of Sugriva, disguised himself as a beggar to overtake Rama and Lakshmana when they wandered about the lake country. He was the best of the monkeys and who they were seeking. He agreed to help them find Sita. Hanuman's brother, Vali, behaved very badly, and Rama felt sorrowful and revengeful for his friend Sugriva.

The wife of King Vali, Tara, learned Rama had aligned himself with the other side. She begged her husband not to fight Sugriva. Vali goes out and fights Sugriva and Rama hides until he ambushes. He kills Vali very dishonorably. All grieve for the dead king and Sugriva becomes King. However, he cannot help him until the rainy season ends. Also by terms of his exile Rama has to stay in the wilderness and he finds it very hard to sit there and wait.

Sugriva sent out expiditions in all directions after the rainy season ends. The party that went south includes Hanuman, Anganda, and Jambavan. Eventually, they found a vulture named Sampati who told them information after hearing about his brother Jatayu. He told them that Sita was in Lanka. The journey was very difficult and Hunuman was the only one who could make it to Lanka. 

In Lanka it was very hard to find Sita. She was hidden in a grove of ashoka tree guarded by rakashasis, not in the palace. He also watched Ravana try to persuade Sita to leave Rama for Ravana. Sita had never met Hanuman before so at first she rejected him as a trick from Ravana. Then he showed her the ring of Rama and she believed him. She refused to be touched by any man other than Rama so she would not let Hanuman carry her away but she sent him with a token proving her existence. Ravana had only allowed her 2 months to live if she continued to refuse him.

Hanuman was not happy with just finding Sita, he smashed the Ashoka grove. Prince Aksha captured him and brought him to his dad. Ravana then set Hanuman's tail on fire. The fire spread to all of lanka and burned the island. Sita stayed safe, and Hanuman left to bring a rescue team.

Hanuman and his army returned to where King Sugriva and Rama were. They decided to march on Lanka to get Sita.

Ravana gathered a council to decided what to do. They didn't know where to give back Sita or not. Ravana's younger brother, Vibhishana, alone opposes war. He is kicked out because of his view and goes and joins Rama.
Vibhishana bowing to Rama
Bibliography:
Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

Storybook research

So I decided to look further into Nala Damayanti. It is related to the Hindu story of Nal and Damayanti, so I looked further into it. It is very close to Nala Damayanti.They both contain themes of love, deceit, and war. Nal and Damayanti were destined to struggle as a couple. While Nal was a great ruler and a high intellect, their kingdom was attacked by four planets and destroyed their wealth. They fought for happiness and their kingdom.

Their story is also related to Odysseus and Penelope's relationship. It is a subsection of Homer's Odyssey. Penelope waited 20 years for her husband's return, despite 108 possible suitors. She is a symbol of fidelity because of this long Chasity.

These two stories relate to Nala Damayanti. I wonder how their love despite the circumstances would interact with a family of lesser circumstances. I like how it has been redone and influenced other stories I am familiar with so I could place it in another region of the world. Also, King Nala lost everything in a gambling match. I could use this failure and transform it into a more modern turn and talk about their struggles they overcome. Addiction is a struggle millions struggle with and this story captures it.
Nala Damayanti

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Feedback Strategies: growing with criticism

Growing with Criticism

Why Do So Many Managers Avoid Giving Praise? 

This was an interesting article. The managers they interviewed hated giving positive criticism or praise. They only wanted to do their job and make sure everything was right. I understand that. Every job I have had, I have sat in a limbo where I have not been told I am not doing anything terrible, but I don't know if its exceptional. Its so sad that people are scared to be nice because they don't to single someone out or make the relationship between manager and subordinate different. I hold an office on campus and after reading this, I will work hard to give praise because what we do is volunteer and I might as well boost people for doing something they don't even have to. I don't know if I have done this, because I have never consciously felt the fear some managers described, but I hope I have not. Praise makes everyone feel better, even you.

Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job!

So, I didn't like this article. I know people worked hard to find this information, but it goes against what is taught in almost any psychology class. Also, it is so pessimistic of the world. We should tell good job for the little victories, so the giant failures do not seem as harsh. Also, not every parenting trick is going to screw a child up when they are a toddler. Is the later emotional development that really is make or break. Also, their citations are questionable. In academia, the University of Northern Iowa is not held in high esteem, and they only had one other citation. Thus, I'm going to continue saying good job to children when they learn something new in a scary world where they are trying new things they don't know how to do when they do them right. 
How I feel about the articles


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