So far, the project is going fairly well, I'd say. We had a minor setback today. They're putting a net up on the weight deck, which makes it impossible for us to set up anything right now. Still, with any luck they'll have it up by Monday. Otherwise, I swear I'm going Lord of the Flies on them till they put it up (ha ha, just kidding). Also, yet another minor irritant, they took up the tape that we put down yesterday. Still, we will persevere like the conquering hero's we are!
I guess I'll describe what we're going to do for the project. We are going to have several cabins, with each having symbols and such to represent each god. We are also going to have a family tree for the gods and their children. The forest in Camp Half-Blood will be there, too. We're going to have various monsters and creatures in it. The entrance to the Labyrinth will also be there as well. We are also going to have the attic. I'm going to be dressed up as the Oracle! Pretty cool, huh? This project is going to be difficult, and I'll probably have a pyschotic breakdown at some point. Get the straight jacket ready in advance (ha ha)!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Post Secrets: "The Truth Shall Set You Free"
When the author of this story was talking about Catholicism, I found it kind of hard to relate to. I don't know much about any religions, so I can't really judge. I believe something is there, but that it is vast, indefineable, and unnameable. Sort of a belief that everything is one and that its all interconnected somehow. But I'm off topic, so back to the matter at hand.
While I'm not Catholic, I believe that the concept of confession is a good one. Personally, I don't think that it has to be a priest that you confess to. It could be anyone you know, or even just saying it to no one. The point is that you can get things off your chest. It doesn't just have to be "sins." It can be secrets, good things in your life, or anything in general that you need to talk about.
For some people, they just can't bear telling their secrets to anyone. If that's so, Post Secrets is perfect for them. You can get your secrets off your chest without having to reveal who you are. Its sad that we can't reveal our secrets for fear of what others will say, but its quite understandable. People can be very judgmental, and so its hard to tell others anything. Also, people have a tendency to gossip and spread secrets about others, some that aren't even true. Because of these undeniable facts of human nature, Post Secrets provides an outlet for necessary catharsis.
By revealing our secrets, even anonymously, it helps us to accept them and move on. You can say truths that you could never reveal to anyone if they knew it was you. For example, if you're from an extremely religious family, it would be really hard for you to say that you're atheist to them. When the author talks about the Catholic church she attended as a child, she talks about how it was "a magical place," because of the stained glass and statues. A lot of times its the atmosphere that creates the religious experience. In reality, the most amazing cathedral that exists and that can't hoped to be replicated is nature. The beauty of it is truly awe-inspiring, but rarely noticed.
The author talks about looking "for spiritual inspiration outside the Catholic tradition." While I don't believe in any of the religions out there, I can sort of relate to this part. I believe that whatever religion your belief's lie with, you should be able to choose the one that reflects what you believe, not what others think you should. Or if none of them are anything like your belief's, you shouldn't have to go along with any one of them. I guess I got on to a bit of a tangent there, so sorry about that. Well, hope I didn't bore you to tears with this blog. Peace out!
While I'm not Catholic, I believe that the concept of confession is a good one. Personally, I don't think that it has to be a priest that you confess to. It could be anyone you know, or even just saying it to no one. The point is that you can get things off your chest. It doesn't just have to be "sins." It can be secrets, good things in your life, or anything in general that you need to talk about.
For some people, they just can't bear telling their secrets to anyone. If that's so, Post Secrets is perfect for them. You can get your secrets off your chest without having to reveal who you are. Its sad that we can't reveal our secrets for fear of what others will say, but its quite understandable. People can be very judgmental, and so its hard to tell others anything. Also, people have a tendency to gossip and spread secrets about others, some that aren't even true. Because of these undeniable facts of human nature, Post Secrets provides an outlet for necessary catharsis.
By revealing our secrets, even anonymously, it helps us to accept them and move on. You can say truths that you could never reveal to anyone if they knew it was you. For example, if you're from an extremely religious family, it would be really hard for you to say that you're atheist to them. When the author talks about the Catholic church she attended as a child, she talks about how it was "a magical place," because of the stained glass and statues. A lot of times its the atmosphere that creates the religious experience. In reality, the most amazing cathedral that exists and that can't hoped to be replicated is nature. The beauty of it is truly awe-inspiring, but rarely noticed.
The author talks about looking "for spiritual inspiration outside the Catholic tradition." While I don't believe in any of the religions out there, I can sort of relate to this part. I believe that whatever religion your belief's lie with, you should be able to choose the one that reflects what you believe, not what others think you should. Or if none of them are anything like your belief's, you shouldn't have to go along with any one of them. I guess I got on to a bit of a tangent there, so sorry about that. Well, hope I didn't bore you to tears with this blog. Peace out!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Post Secrets
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I chose this blog because I find that it's really honest. An animal will never hurt you the way another person can. I think it means that someone in this person's life hurt them badly, and so they chose their dog because they knew the dog wouldn't hurt them like that. It caught my attention because its very true. Human beings can be extremely cruel and fickle. A dog, however, is very loyal and will always love you. Dogs are far kinder than people.
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I picked this one because I feel the same. It would be really nice to have one day where no one's talking to you, arguing with you, and making me hate them. Silence is definitely an undervalued commodity in today's society. I think it means that this person's life, like most people's is pretty hectic. Because of this, they want silence. I think everyone feels like this, they just hide it better.
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This one caught my interest because it makes me realize how much our family's views affect us. If your family is religious, you would find it hard to admit your an atheist. The opposite is true, as well. I don't believe in God as is described by all the religions of the world, but I just wish we could ignore religion. It causes so much strife. Religion really depresses me.
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I chose this one because it shows just how many people want to die. I guess they don't think about what it's like for those left behind. Even so, I understand that they feel like no one cares, and that they're all alone. I wish no one had to feel this way. They just give people medication, like that makes it all better. It doesn't.
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I chose this one because it is a good example of what we'll do to impress others. I'm sure plenty of people lie about stuff like this to impress people. I'm certain I have, though I can't remember when. It's always better to be honest but honestly sometimes it feels like we have no choice. Though truthfully, it can end up backfiring on you quite drastically when caught. Still, theres tremendous pressure to impress others.
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I chose this one because it really caught my attention. We all lie to ourselves on a daily basis. Whether its to make ourselves feel better or to impress others, our lives are full of lies every single day. We lie to ourselves most of all. If we lie to ourselves so much, its hard to distinguish between the lie and the truth. Even if we lie to everyone around us, we should at least be honest with ourselves.
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I chose this one because it made me laugh, and I also agree with it. Though, personally, I tend to feel like telling them that I worship Satan (ha ha). I'd love to see what they would do. It's a weird thing to want to do, but I have to get my kicks somewhere, don't I? I'm unclear if the person who wrote this meant it in a serious way or as a joke, though. I'm guessing its meant more humorously.
It says, "I think I'd love myself if I was skinny."
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This one caught my interest because I think its so sad. I think its a reflection of how bad our society is that we believe we have to be skinny. Everyone is perfect no matter what others say. If our society's values didn't believe that you have to be skinny, then I believe it would solve a lot of these kind of problems. Its really sad when just because you aren't skinny, you can't love yourself. It would be nice if we could just accept each other and ourselves.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Visual Literacy
The lamb in this photo represents silence. Silence of the Lambs, get it? A bit of a stretch as a visual example, but in my mind, it works. Ignore the visor and stuffed animal in the background.
This represents opportunity, because college is an opportunity.
The bladed thing in the photo is a cigar cutter. It's really sharp, so it could cut off your finger. Thus, it represents danger.
This is a picture of Google. Google is a help because you can use it to find a lot of stuff.
This is life because it is a picture showing living things (trees).
This is knowledge because its a book, and it contains knowledge inside it.
This is a picture of my Grandma, sleeping. It represents boredom, because you have nothing else to do, which is very boring, so all you can do is sleep.
This is a picture of my Dairy Queen visor, which represents Dairy Queen. DQ is my own personal hell, and extremely depressing for me to even think about (I work at Dairy Queen). Thats why it represents depression.
This picture represents gender because there is a guy and a girl standing next to each other.
This picture shows diversity because there is a living cat, and a stuffed animal. One's alive and is a cat. The other is inanimate and a rabbit. Also, one is purple and the other is orange and white. So, they are diverse.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
IRA: Beyond the Shadows #3
Summary (Chapters 59-68):
It is the wedding day of Kaede, Empress of Seth. Her fiance comes up with some lies about her and Solon (they used to be involved). Solon is forced to watch, but as they're about to rebel against Kaede, he escapes quite easily from his prison and stops them. Kylar has left Cenaria, and whilst on the rode, he encounters Durzo (Durzo trained Kylar, as well as being the former holder of the black ka'kari that Kylar now has). He and Durzo head on their way to the Chantry, so Durzo can meet his daughter, Uly.
Meanwhile, Dorian has to dispose of the aethelings. He uses the concubines to lead them into rooms, then has Vurdmeisters kill them. He also has the younger ones killed, as well as inducing abortions on the pregnant concubines. One of the pregnant concubines managed to get away. All told, Dorian has killed 146 children (these are all his deceased father's children). Garoth Ursuul, the previous Godking's funeral is held. Some of the concubines throw themselves on the funeral pyre (this is a Khalidoran tradition). Dorian hears news that Logan Gyre, Jenine's husband who she thinks is dead, is still alive (Jenine still loves Logan). Jenine and Logan were married only a few hours before the Khalidoran invasion, and she thinks he's dead. However, Dorian doesn't tell her and continues with his and Jenine's wedding.
Kylar and Durzo arrive at the Chantry. Before entering, Kylar hides the ka'kari. They enter the Chantry, where Vi and Elene are. Vi is the wife who wed Kylar against his will (he was unconscious at the time). She did so to resist the compulsion the previous Godking put on her. The Chantry decides to involve Vi and Kylar in their politics. Female magae are forbidden from marrying, but some magae who are married object to this and are campaigning to be allowed back into the order. Because Vi is married, they want her to become the leader of them, basically. Kylar and Elene finally see each other again (Elene is the girl Kylar loves). Kylar proposes to Elene, and she says yes. They kiss, and Kylar pukes. The earrings that married Kylar and Vi basically make it impossible to be involved with anyone else, even though Kylar doesn't love Vi and has no physical relationship with her either. He refuses to cheat on Elene.
Logan pressures the Lae'knaught into agreeing to his demands that they attack Khalidor with them, and he finally forces them to agree. Vi and the Chattel (the group of married magae who want to be back in the order) continue to train together. Kylar and Elene are married. Kylar and Vi's relationship continues to have problems.
Analysis:
Well, I'll try not to bore you with my analysis. I think I've accomplished that quite efficiently with the summary (ha ha). The lengths human beings will go to get what they want, or how they will discard their morals amaze me. For example, in order to have Jenine marry him, Dorian lies about Logan being dead. Also, discarding his morals, he has all of the aethelings killed. Granted, he feels bad about it and doesn't enjoy it, but still. I suppose you could call this the human ability to adapt, but on the other hand you could use it to prove that we lack a firm grasp of morality. A bit of both, I suppose. Well, thats about all I have to say. Peace out!
It is the wedding day of Kaede, Empress of Seth. Her fiance comes up with some lies about her and Solon (they used to be involved). Solon is forced to watch, but as they're about to rebel against Kaede, he escapes quite easily from his prison and stops them. Kylar has left Cenaria, and whilst on the rode, he encounters Durzo (Durzo trained Kylar, as well as being the former holder of the black ka'kari that Kylar now has). He and Durzo head on their way to the Chantry, so Durzo can meet his daughter, Uly.
Meanwhile, Dorian has to dispose of the aethelings. He uses the concubines to lead them into rooms, then has Vurdmeisters kill them. He also has the younger ones killed, as well as inducing abortions on the pregnant concubines. One of the pregnant concubines managed to get away. All told, Dorian has killed 146 children (these are all his deceased father's children). Garoth Ursuul, the previous Godking's funeral is held. Some of the concubines throw themselves on the funeral pyre (this is a Khalidoran tradition). Dorian hears news that Logan Gyre, Jenine's husband who she thinks is dead, is still alive (Jenine still loves Logan). Jenine and Logan were married only a few hours before the Khalidoran invasion, and she thinks he's dead. However, Dorian doesn't tell her and continues with his and Jenine's wedding.
Kylar and Durzo arrive at the Chantry. Before entering, Kylar hides the ka'kari. They enter the Chantry, where Vi and Elene are. Vi is the wife who wed Kylar against his will (he was unconscious at the time). She did so to resist the compulsion the previous Godking put on her. The Chantry decides to involve Vi and Kylar in their politics. Female magae are forbidden from marrying, but some magae who are married object to this and are campaigning to be allowed back into the order. Because Vi is married, they want her to become the leader of them, basically. Kylar and Elene finally see each other again (Elene is the girl Kylar loves). Kylar proposes to Elene, and she says yes. They kiss, and Kylar pukes. The earrings that married Kylar and Vi basically make it impossible to be involved with anyone else, even though Kylar doesn't love Vi and has no physical relationship with her either. He refuses to cheat on Elene.
Logan pressures the Lae'knaught into agreeing to his demands that they attack Khalidor with them, and he finally forces them to agree. Vi and the Chattel (the group of married magae who want to be back in the order) continue to train together. Kylar and Elene are married. Kylar and Vi's relationship continues to have problems.
Analysis:
Well, I'll try not to bore you with my analysis. I think I've accomplished that quite efficiently with the summary (ha ha). The lengths human beings will go to get what they want, or how they will discard their morals amaze me. For example, in order to have Jenine marry him, Dorian lies about Logan being dead. Also, discarding his morals, he has all of the aethelings killed. Granted, he feels bad about it and doesn't enjoy it, but still. I suppose you could call this the human ability to adapt, but on the other hand you could use it to prove that we lack a firm grasp of morality. A bit of both, I suppose. Well, thats about all I have to say. Peace out!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
IRA: Beyond the Shadows #2
Summary (Chapters 14-58):
News of the former Godking, Garoth Ursuul's, death reaches Khalidor. Because of this, the aetheling's (the throne worthy sons) will begin fighting in order to attempt to claim the throne. This disrupts Dorian and Jenine's escape plans. They are forced to rush their plans. Dorian ends up having to use the vir (an evil power bestowed by Khali, the Khalidoran's goddess), that he swore not to use again. In the end he is forced to claim the throne in order that he and Jenine can survive. Dorian learns that his family has been creating monster-like creatures called krul to fight for them. They fashion bodies for them and imbue them with the spirits called 'the Strangers,' spirits that desire to have flesh once more. They hate all life and hunger for human flesh. The wild men are rising and in order to defeat them and protect his people, they must raise the krul. Dorian asks Jenine to marry him. She considers for a few days, and then agrees. But according to custom, the concubines of the previous Godking have to throw themselves on his funeral pyre, unless they're claimed by the new Godking. To save their lives, Dorian must claim them, which could prove to be problematic for Dorian and Jenine's relationship.
Feir Cousat enters Ezra's Wood (a.k.a. the Hunter's Wood) to attempt to retrieve Ceur'caelestos (a.k.a Curoch). He exits with a hilt exactly like Curoch's, and tells Garuwashi that he will make him a copy of Curoch, so he can't kill himself because he lost his sword. To Ceuran's, thats like losing your soul. Their method of suicide is basically like the Japanese hari kari. Kylar and Logan go to see the dead Lae'knaught that Kylar lured into Ezra's Wood. They all died attempting to escape. Vi Sovari is on her way to the Chantry (a school for female magae). Vi is a former wetboy and also a magae, though not formally trained.
Solon Tofusin, a magae, and member of clan Tofusin (the former ruling house), heads home to the island of Seth. There, he learns that Kaede (the woman he loves) is now empress. He also learns of the tyranny of his brother, the former emperor of Seth. Kaede married him and then killed him in his sleep on the night of their wedding. He learns that Kaede will be wedding Oshobi Takeda, the Mikaidon (the keeper of civil order in Hokkai, the capital of Seth).
The new Queen of Cenaria, Terah Graesin, plans an attack on the Ceuran's laying siege to them. It is a stupid plan and it won't work, so Kylar scares her into calling off the attack (in the guise of the Night Angel). Before he does so, however, he witnesses Terah in an incestuous sexual relationship with her brother, Luc. He comes up with a plan so that neither Garuwashi, nor the Cenarian's, have to surrender (Logan signs a treaty with Garuwashi under Terah Graesin's authority). Vi arrives at the Chantry, so she can be initiated and begin training. Little does she know, the leader of the Chantry has plans to use her for her own ends (I will reveal more later). Because Vi bonded Kylar with the wedding earrings in order that she didn't have to obey the Godking, she and Kylar have a bond and can communicate with each other, sort of (it's kind of like a dream). Terah Graesin moves up her coronation. Momma K, the Shinga who leads the Sa'kage, commissions a bard named Quoglee Mars well known for his honesty, to make a song that reveals the truth about Terah (including the fact she sent her sister to prison, where she died, so that her secrets wouldn't be revealed). Luc Graesin hears it at the coronation and runs out. He goes to Terah's room, where Kylar had flirted with her so he could get her alone and kill her, and attacks her. In the end, Luc can't kill her. Kylar makes it look as if he attacked Luc and Terah. He kills her and is put on trial. He's sentenced to death by the wheel, a very gruesome way to die. He dies and is brought back. Because of the ka'kari, he is essentially immortal and so each time he dies, he is brought back. Before he comes back, he discovers that each time he dies, someone he loves dies. A life for a life (the price of his immortality). He wakes up in the Gyre crypt and leaves Cenaria.
Analysis:
Since my summary is hellishly long, I won't bore you too much with my analysis. I consider this series to be an interesting look at human nature in general. There is so much corruption in the universe in this book. This reflects the corruption of our own world. Well, I think I'll end by explaining to you a bit more about what the Sa'kage is. It's basically like a huge crime syndicate that controls every illegal activity (assassinations, prostitution, extortion, theft, etc.). Any illegal thing that a gang or mob or something like that would control, they do. Well, I won't torture you any more with my ramblings.
News of the former Godking, Garoth Ursuul's, death reaches Khalidor. Because of this, the aetheling's (the throne worthy sons) will begin fighting in order to attempt to claim the throne. This disrupts Dorian and Jenine's escape plans. They are forced to rush their plans. Dorian ends up having to use the vir (an evil power bestowed by Khali, the Khalidoran's goddess), that he swore not to use again. In the end he is forced to claim the throne in order that he and Jenine can survive. Dorian learns that his family has been creating monster-like creatures called krul to fight for them. They fashion bodies for them and imbue them with the spirits called 'the Strangers,' spirits that desire to have flesh once more. They hate all life and hunger for human flesh. The wild men are rising and in order to defeat them and protect his people, they must raise the krul. Dorian asks Jenine to marry him. She considers for a few days, and then agrees. But according to custom, the concubines of the previous Godking have to throw themselves on his funeral pyre, unless they're claimed by the new Godking. To save their lives, Dorian must claim them, which could prove to be problematic for Dorian and Jenine's relationship.
Feir Cousat enters Ezra's Wood (a.k.a. the Hunter's Wood) to attempt to retrieve Ceur'caelestos (a.k.a Curoch). He exits with a hilt exactly like Curoch's, and tells Garuwashi that he will make him a copy of Curoch, so he can't kill himself because he lost his sword. To Ceuran's, thats like losing your soul. Their method of suicide is basically like the Japanese hari kari. Kylar and Logan go to see the dead Lae'knaught that Kylar lured into Ezra's Wood. They all died attempting to escape. Vi Sovari is on her way to the Chantry (a school for female magae). Vi is a former wetboy and also a magae, though not formally trained.
Solon Tofusin, a magae, and member of clan Tofusin (the former ruling house), heads home to the island of Seth. There, he learns that Kaede (the woman he loves) is now empress. He also learns of the tyranny of his brother, the former emperor of Seth. Kaede married him and then killed him in his sleep on the night of their wedding. He learns that Kaede will be wedding Oshobi Takeda, the Mikaidon (the keeper of civil order in Hokkai, the capital of Seth).
The new Queen of Cenaria, Terah Graesin, plans an attack on the Ceuran's laying siege to them. It is a stupid plan and it won't work, so Kylar scares her into calling off the attack (in the guise of the Night Angel). Before he does so, however, he witnesses Terah in an incestuous sexual relationship with her brother, Luc. He comes up with a plan so that neither Garuwashi, nor the Cenarian's, have to surrender (Logan signs a treaty with Garuwashi under Terah Graesin's authority). Vi arrives at the Chantry, so she can be initiated and begin training. Little does she know, the leader of the Chantry has plans to use her for her own ends (I will reveal more later). Because Vi bonded Kylar with the wedding earrings in order that she didn't have to obey the Godking, she and Kylar have a bond and can communicate with each other, sort of (it's kind of like a dream). Terah Graesin moves up her coronation. Momma K, the Shinga who leads the Sa'kage, commissions a bard named Quoglee Mars well known for his honesty, to make a song that reveals the truth about Terah (including the fact she sent her sister to prison, where she died, so that her secrets wouldn't be revealed). Luc Graesin hears it at the coronation and runs out. He goes to Terah's room, where Kylar had flirted with her so he could get her alone and kill her, and attacks her. In the end, Luc can't kill her. Kylar makes it look as if he attacked Luc and Terah. He kills her and is put on trial. He's sentenced to death by the wheel, a very gruesome way to die. He dies and is brought back. Because of the ka'kari, he is essentially immortal and so each time he dies, he is brought back. Before he comes back, he discovers that each time he dies, someone he loves dies. A life for a life (the price of his immortality). He wakes up in the Gyre crypt and leaves Cenaria.
Analysis:
Since my summary is hellishly long, I won't bore you too much with my analysis. I consider this series to be an interesting look at human nature in general. There is so much corruption in the universe in this book. This reflects the corruption of our own world. Well, I think I'll end by explaining to you a bit more about what the Sa'kage is. It's basically like a huge crime syndicate that controls every illegal activity (assassinations, prostitution, extortion, theft, etc.). Any illegal thing that a gang or mob or something like that would control, they do. Well, I won't torture you any more with my ramblings.
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