Back up and Review Final Say

 

(Image Information: N/A Baker Mayfield is and should be everyone's hero as he takes on the entire country to become the best quarterback to ever walk the planet)

The first post on the weekly announcement was a picture of nemo in at his house. That poor guy went through so much and I'm glad to see him finally resting up at home. 

The video I watched was the gif of the wheel-shaped diagram featuring the 12 zodiac signs. Now, I personally am not a believer of the zodiac signs as I believe anyone can relate to virtually anything and any situation in some way. However, I respect those who do believe in it, I think it's a pretty cool way to predict our behaviors or even the future by looking at the beautiful stars.

Now, as this is my last post for this course, I just wanted to finalize my thoughts. It has been a tough semester with my mother going through surgery, and my parents actually moving to Michigan on such short notice. Everything is fine though, as my sister and I are well old enough to handle our own once we both graduate from OU. Or I hope, at least. This course was honestly just a lot of fun as I was able to explore areas that I have not been able to. Writing seems to be something I very much enjoy as the more stories I wrote, the more I found myself writing longer and longer. Anyways, this is it. What a strange semester it has been but I'm glad I was able to finish it.

Peace.

-Simu Kang

Wikipedia Trail: Death Note to Izanagi

(Image Information: Searching the Seas with Tenkei https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izanagi) 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Note

-Death Note is the name of the anime show that I just finished watching. For any fans of anime, thrill, and seat-grabbing action, then this is the show for you. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinigami

-Shinigami is the name of the grim reaper in Eastern Asia. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izanami

-Izanami is the Japanese goddess of both creation and death. Pretty powerful, huh?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izanagi

-Izanagi is the husband of Izanami and one of the original creators of the world. 

Microfiction ExC

 

(Image Information: L-zonc 135 Pages Death Note: https://www.amazon.com/L-zonc-Pages-Death-Notebook-Feather/dp/B00RX1CCS2)

Short Story

Just another normal day of going to work, Michael had no idea what would happen to him today. On his drive to work, Michael was suddenly stopped by a black notebook that was thrown onto his front windshield while stopped at a stop light. He immediately got out of the car confused, and grabbed the strange looking notebook. 

"Command Note"

When he opened the notebook, the front page was filled with writing. As Michael read on, his eyes widened. 

"Rule #1 of Command Note: The name of the person you write down on this notebook shall obey one single command of the user's choice"

Power. That was all Michael could think of. 

Tweet: 

No one: 

Literally no one:

Big 10: Anything and everything for you Mr. Ohio State! 

Author's Note

Have you guys ever seen the anime show called "Death Note?" My goodness, what an incredible show! I finished the entire series in three days and I wish I could have been more productive. BUT, it was well worth the time I put in. It was simply one of the best shows I have ever watched and it just keeps you on the edge of your seat for 37 episodes. Anyways, I wrote the story as I was thinking about the show and it has similar angles to it. The tweet refers to the Big 10 committee kneeling down for Ohio State and changing the rules in their favor of getting into the conference championship. 

Microfiction

(Image Information: Itachi background photo https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/326159197990039503/)

Short Story

It's 5 o'clock in the morning. Conversation got boring. We weren't getting anywhere. She went to her bedroom. I couldn't follow. I stayed in the living room. What more could I have done? Hours after hours, we'll never understand each other. 

*Girl screaming

What? What was that? I rush down the hall way and swing the door open to her bedroom. I find her on the floor just laying there, face-down. There's a pool of blood where she is lying. The window is open, curtain dancing in the wind. A dark figure paused as they were escaping through the window. 

“Come find me.” He says as he disappears out of the window. 

What is going on? 

Tweet: 

Gyms must remain open during the pandemic. The constitution guarantees freedom of the press.

Author's Note:

HAHAHA, okay, the tweet is AMESOME. You have you admit. Okay, fine, I'll admit that I stole that tweet. It's so golden, though, that is actually one of the best tweets I have ever seen in my life. For the short story, I started off with the T-Pain's song and then just ran with the story. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write a murder mystery or what, but remembered that I just recently watched an anime show called Death Note and went with something similar. 

Reading: Sita Sings the Blues B pt 2

  https://www.sitasingstheblues.com/soundtrack

(Image Information: Poster for Sita Sings the Blues: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sita_Sings_the_Blues)

-Sita sings the blues on the shore of the river. She gives birth to twins, Lava and Kusha. From Valmiki, they learn to sing the praises of Rama.

-Nina calls Dave in India and begs him to take her back. The narrators debate Sita's devotion to Rama. Sita sings the blues again, looking at Rama's picture.

-Rama hears the boys singing in the forest. He learns they are his sons, and they learn Rama is his father. He asks that Sita once again prove her purity.

-Sita calls upon Mother Earth to prove her purity and take her back into the womb. Sita sings about her love for Rama one last time, and then leaves them behind.

-In New York, Nina reads the Ramayana and works on the film. You see Chandra the moon god, Vishnu rubbing Lakshmi's feet and the final credits roll.

-The way this story is told and the way I listened will have an effect on how I would tell stories in person from now on. My story telling just isn't up to where I thought it was and I want to be able to make my words come to life. 

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues B

 https://www.sitasingstheblues.com/soundtrack

(Image Information: Sita Sings the Blues https://www.sitasingstheblues.com/)

-Dave breaks up with Nina by email when she is in New York. Her heart breaks and she burns with grief.

Sita tells Rama she is pregnant. Meanwhile, a laundry man (a dhobi) beats his wife, accusing her of being unfaithful and comparing her to Sita.

-To protect his reputation, Rama tells his brother Lakshmana to take Sita into the forest and abandon her. 

-Sita, now very pregnant, sings the blues again. Lakshmana, weeping, takes her into the forest and abandons her. Nina is living in Brooklyn, and she dreams about Dave.

-Sita thinks it is karma from a past life that is bringing her grief. She would kill herself if she were not pregnant. Valmiki rescues her.

-Sita sings the blues on the shore of the river. She gives birth to twins, Lava and Kusha. From Valmiki, they learn to sing the praises of Rama.

-Nina calls Dave in India and begs him to take her back. The narrators debate Sita's devotion to Rama. Sita sings the blues again, looking at Rama's picture.

-Rama hears the boys singing in the forest. He learns they are his sons, and they learn Rama is his father. He asks that Sita once again prove her purity.

-Sita calls upon Mother Earth to prove her purity and take her back into the womb. Sita sings about her love for Rama one last time, and then leaves them behind.

Tech Tips: bloggerprofile

 For this tech tip, I decided to go with the bloggerprofile. In this exercise, I was able to change my profile picture that displays to the world. I chose the picture of my cat, Ziggy, who is sitting on the recliner in such position that is so human. This picture is my profile picture for numerous other accounts that I have on the internet and I think it is a decent representation of how I feel most of the time: relaxed and annoyed. 

(Image Information: Personal Photo of my cat, Ziggy. Photo taken sometime in 2018) 

Microfiction

 Short Story

Father Francis is walking down the lane near the town park, whistling to himself. It was a dry and chilly evening as he took his usual walk after dinner. All of a sudden he hears a faint scream in the distance. He turns to face the path at once to look for any danger. He sees nothing and then runs down the path. There he sees two people. One struggling and the other calm. The calm girl turns at the sound of Father Francis, her hair is tangled, her face is pale, her hands are blood soaked and cut. She drops the other person as Father Francis drops to the floor in shock. Her eyes are as black as the eyes of the devil. As Father Francis is unable to move in shock, she disappeared into the dark. 

Tweet:

No one:

Literally no one:

Colin Cowherd when Baker throws a TD: Well, I didn't like the way Baker grabbed the football there. Really resembles the way he grabbed his crotch back when they played Kansas.

(Image Information: Eagle's Smackdown of Colin Cowherd https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/eagles/eagles-twitter-carson-wentz-colin-cowherd-philadelphia-dumb-20180124.html)

Learning Challenge: Time Management

 The Myth of "Too Busy" by Time Grahl

https://booklaunch.com/the-myth-of-too-busy/

(Image Information: 5 Effective Time Management Tips https://www.moneycrashers.com/effective-time-management-tips-skills-techniques/)

-Recently, I know I have been trying to come up with excuses as to why I can't get some of my stuff done and not having enough time seems to be the number one reason. I have taken a new job and new hours and it has been a bit difficult with time management. However, I do like the mentality this article presents which is, "you're not too busy, you should just try prioritizing your time." Easier said than done, but I realize that being busy is something that happens but we are able to control our own time. No longer will I carry the "I'm too busy to --" excuses to the ends of the earth. 

Wikipedia Trail from Baker Mayfield to Dan Marino

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker_Mayfield

-Baker Mayfield is our beloved former quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners, now the Cleveland Browns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Browns

-This is the NFL team in which Baker plays quarterback for.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Van_Pelt

-Alex Van Pelt is the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Marino

-Dan Marino is the legendary former quarterback of the Miami Dolphins. 

(Image Information: Focused Baker Mayfield https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/focused-baker-mayfield-downplays-browns-statement-victory-we-did-not-set-out-to-be-9-3/)

Microfiction

 Short Story

One cold night, a priest and a nurse walked out of a bar. No one saw them go in, nor did they know where they came from. No one saw where they sat, what they drank, or what they even talk about to each other. Did they do anything? Was anyone waiting for them? As a curious bystander walked past them, he was so shocked by what he had seen he dropped to his knees, foams coming out of his mouth. The priest and the nun were both faceless. No eyes, no nose, no mouth, nothing. Who were they? Were they ghosts? Or even demons?

Tweet

No one:

Literally no one:

Carson Wentz: *turnover 

Author's Note:

(Image Information: Jalen Hurts https://nflmocks.com/2020/09/29/jalen-hurts-carson-wentzs-eagles/)

I thought about going with something with more horror and excitement for this little microfiction. What better combination for a horror story than the Catholic priest and the nun themselves? The tweet is something I came up with after watching the Eagles v.s. Seahawks game. Man, Carson Wentz is a turnover machine. I'm honestly not really sure why the Eagles still have him as the starting quarterback but I believe it's time for Jalen Hurts. #Untamed 

Reading Notes: Paley. Sita Singing the Blues

 

Paley. Sita Sings the Blues  by Nina Paley: https://www.sitasingstheblues.com/soundtrack

-In the cosmos, the SHiva in a ring of fire, Brahama, Lakshkmi and Vishnu were resting on Shesha, Surya the sun god, Chandra the moon god, and the beating heart of the universe, and the Bhumi the earth goddess.

-I loved the entirety of Greek mythology and that is a big reason why I chose to do notes around gods and goddesses.

-In San Fancisco, we are able to see Nina, her boyfriend Dave, and their cat. They all seem to be happy as the boyfriend just landed a job in India.

-The couple then starts to argue about the date of the Ramayana and whether the story is true or not and also where the story even took place.

-The King Dasharatha had three wives and four sons and Sita being the daughter of janaka, rama's wife, Dasharatha is forced to send Rama into exile by Queen Kaikeyi and he dies of grief after Rama leaves.

-Back to San Francisco airport, Nina kisses her boyfriend goodbye as he leaves for India. 

Tech Tip: Browser Tune Up

 Brower Tune-Up

I used spellcheck for the first time on one of the papers that I am writing for a class and it just felt magical. 

Growth Mindset

 It is not about how one falls, but rather how one gets up after falling. The human brain is a magnificent factor of our lives. How we interpret certain situations and apply certain logic, is how the human society functions. Personally, I have spent the last four years at the University of Oklahoma trying to grow and mature in the mind. Your attitude, motivation, and thoughts all base on your mindset. I once was an intelligent, but extremely lazy individual. School was a breeze up until I came to OU. When I first realized that I would actually have to keep myself on schedule and be responsible for studying and ultimately my own life, I was very intimidated. Trying to keep up the same mindset every day in order to motivate myself was not easy at first. I kept finding myself wanting to go back to my old habits and keep on letting the world rotate around me. At the end, the more I thought about my future and how I want to be successful in order to support those that I love in the future, the more I was motivated with a positive mindset. 

(Image Information: We all fall down in life https://www.joshloe.com/2018/09/16/keep-getting-up/)

Wikipedia Trail from Starcraft to Blizzard Entertainment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarCraft

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_of_StarCraft#Protoss_factions

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Kerrigan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment

I was excited to read and research more up on one of my favorite games growing up. Starcraft is a strategic PC game that requires an extremely high APM and concentration. 

(Image Information: Sarah Kerrigan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Kerrigan#/media/File:Sarah_Kerrigan_(StarCraft)_in_Zerg_form.png)

Revenge of the Fallen (Rosinante's Revenge) Pt 2

 Author's note: This is the part 2 to the story I began writing a couple weeks ago. This is a story about a king who was overthrown by his evil little brother and plans to take revenge and the kingdom back. I was inspired by C.A. Kincaid's version of the Mahabharata where the story is told in an Indian hero epic style. I enjoy Greek mythology a lot and I wanted to incorporate Zeus' lightning bolt into the story somehow. This is the final part to the story Revenge of the Fallen (Rosinante's Revenge) and whoever is reading this, I hope you enjoy it. 

(Image Information: lightning Sword Girl https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/lightning-sword-girl/fhainigknemaecndimopjmcankknlcjd)

 "But... wait, what even is that?" Raul was as confused as ever staring at the lightning-charged sword his brother was holding. 

*Flashback to a week ago*

Worried about the upcoming battle, Rosinante wondered by the creek, alone under the moon. Suddenly, there was a burning smell and the hair on the back of Rosinante's neck began to stand. As he turned slowly, he saw, a floating man with a beard and long curly hair standing over him. The man had on a white cloth with a gold belt around it and holding what seemed to be electricity around his hands. 

"Who are you?" asked Rosinante.

"I am Roku, the god of lightning and well... revenge. Every here and there I watch from above and help anyone who's been screwed over and you my friend, hit the jackpot," answered Roku in a friendly manner.

"Look, I know about your situation and I figured I'd help. There is absolutely no way in hell you're fighting your brother's ginormous army. Also, there may or may not be a traitor amongst your little knights."

"What??? Who is it? You have to tell me!"

"Me telling you won't solve anything. We just need you overpower you a bit and everything will go your way. Here," Roku then grabbed the hilt of Rosinante's sword with his lightning-charged hands.

Then, a roaring thunder boomed as a huge lightning struck Rosinante's sword, blinding everything around him.

*Back to the battle*

"It matters not little brother. Your tyranny is over!" 

Rosinante then raised his sword and pointed it at his treacherous little brother. A dark thunder cloud started to form and swirl around the sky above Raul and his army. Then... BOOM! A dark blue lightning came and struck Raul and his army, blasting them to absolutely nothing.

Not able to believe what just happened in front of their eyes, the five knights dropped to their knees in utter belief. Then, one of them stepped up to King Rosinante and took a knee right in front of him. 

"My Lord, as worthless as I am, forgive me for my foolish acts. It was I who betrayed you. I have nothing else I can say. Finish me off too, my Lord." said the knight with tears in his eyes.

"Raise your head, I am not to judge you for your actions as I have led all of you to a hopeless battle, keeping this secret from you all."

The sky cleared once more and the sun began to rise over the mountains. It was over, the evil  tyrant was defeated. The King then took the kingdom over, and the king and his people lived happily ever after. 

Reading Notes: More Mahabharata

(Image Information: Bhima and Kichka https://www.kidsgen.com/fables_and_fairytales/indian_mythology_stories/bhima_and_kichaka.htm)

 Indian Myth and Legend: Mahabharata by Donald A. Mackenzie; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/pde-mahabharata-pandavas-in-hiding.html

 -Toward the end of the year, Kichaka, Queen sudeshna's brother, begged her to send the beautiful maid to him and tries to rape her also. When Bhima finds out, he makes a promise to take revenge and after taking Draupadi's spot in the dark, he crushed Kichka to death and rolled his corpse up into a ball. Yikes. 

-When their exile finally came to an end, the people wanted to burn the Sairandhri on Kickaka's funeral pyre. After learning from King Susharma of Trigarta that Kichka is dead, Duryodhana decides to attack King Virata.

-The song of Virata, Prince Utara took Brihannala to be his charioteer, and Brihannala made Uttara get the weapons back. After putting on his armor, Karna rode out to confront the chariot and they dueled. Both were injured but alive. 

-As time passed and battle drew closer, Yudhisthira and his brothers start to prepare for war. Using, shikhandi, a soldier who wore women's clothes as Shikhandin is a born woman who changes gender, Arjuna is able to injure Bhishma enough to make him retire from the battle and await death lying on a bed of arrows.

-Bhisma's mother, the goddess ganga, sent swans to warn Bhisma in order to delay his death until the solstice, with a truce in the fighting until his death.

-The Kaurava survivors (Aswatthaman, Kripa, and Kritavarman), raided the Pandava camp in the night and slayed Dhrishtadyumna and all the Pandava army except for Yudhisthira,  all his brothers, and Krishna.

-Every one of Draupadi's sons are now dead and Abhimanyu is dead as well along with hundreds of sons of Dhritarashtra.

Microfiction

(Image Information: Beware of Ghosts https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beware-of-ghosts-spooky-notebook-make-school-cool-notebooks/1133762591

Short Story

One cold evening, Arpit was on his way home in a subway from work. As he got off work late, Arpit was one of the last passengers on the subway just about every night. However, this night was different. As people existed the subway, more people seem to get on the subway, slowly filling up the space around Arpit. This did not make any sense as it was very late at night and the subway never filled up this late on his way home. Then suddenly, the train started slowing down and every person in the subway starting turning towards Arpit. Arpit slowly raised his head as he felt eyes on him. Then he saw, every person was staring at him with blank eyes. 

“Wha….”

Terrified, Arpit pushed his way through everyone and forced the door open and ran out. 

-End

Tweet

No one: 

Literally no one:

The ball when Russell Westbrook shoots: Aight, imma head out 

Author's Note:

The first story, my goodness, gave me chills down my spine. While writing the last few sentences, I could not stop shaking. Haha, I may be a weak-minded person when it comes to horror genre but I actually love watching horror films. They are actually my favorite movies to watch. I just wanted to write a story that has a bit of scare to it. The tweet is something I came up with while scrolling through Twitter. This form of meme is pretty popular and I thought Westbrook made the perfect fit even though he is one of my favorite players in the NBA.

Reading Notes: More About Mahabharata

 Indian Myth and Legend: Mahabharata by Donald A. Mackenzie; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/pde-mahabharata-pandavas-in-hiding.html

(Image Information: Muddy Amazon brown-haired girl hiding behind a bush in the woods https://stock.adobe.com/images/muddy-amazon-brown-haired-girl-hiding-behind-a-bush-in-the-woods/159711394)

-Because of the fact that Prince Vidura's mother was a slave girl, though he was half brother of King Pandu and of King Dhritarashtra, he could not reign over Hastinapura as king.  Suspicious of the cruel plot of Prince Duryodhana, Prince Vidura tells Pandavas and Queen Kunti to be careful of the palace at Varanavata.

-The palace at Varanavata's beauties were indescribable, however, all the furniture and tapestries were soaked in oil and the palace and roof were built only of wood or such other material as would easily burn.

-I like a strong antagonist to a story with an plan evil enough to wipe out the entire protagonist group. 

-Thanks to his wisdom and goodness of his heart, Prince Vidura was not able to keep his nephews the Pandavas from his mind. 

-Prince Vidura came up with a plan and set a very skillful miner to Varanavata to dig an underground passage which led from the floor of the palace into the woods outside. 

-The work was done by night and by day the miner hid his work by covering the mouh of the passage with wooden planks.

-Purochana, the mean captain had no clue that the Pandavas were planning to flee.

-Purochana was also waiting on a moonless night to burn the palace down with the people inside, which somewhat gave a deadline to the miner to finish the passageway.

-When the night came, the Pandavas and Queen Kunti walked through the passage into the forest.

-Wanting revenge, Prince Bhima crawled back to the guardhouse where Purochana the wicked captain lived, and set fire to the house.

-Purochana and the guards were engulfed and perished in the fire. The ending would make a great movie ending as it shows the burned down city and one would think the protagonists are dead, but instead they see in the horizon, a family walking from the forest, alive. 

Reading Notes: Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends

Marie L. Shedlock: Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends http://freebookapalooza.blogspot.com/2016/07/shedlock-eastern-stories.html

(image information: plot twist https://zoemmccarthy.com/writing/12-story-twist-ideas-part-1)

-The story of the Earth falling in got crazy and reached the lion's ears, the mightiest animal of them all. He then took the little hare and showed him that it was a fruit that fell on a leaf and made a noise that scared him away. 

-Moral of the story is, that little issues can be exaggerated by the media and it is the president's job to make sure the people do not freak out. 

-The Monkey and the Crocodile story is actually what inspired me to write my first story, "Get out of the way, Frog." A crocodile dwelling in the Ganges wanted to eat the heart of the great king of the monkeys. The husband of the crocodile wanted to help, so he came up with a plan to eat the monkey. 

-When the crocodile saw the Monkey sitting on the bank of the Ganges drinking some water, the crocodile tricked the Monkey into thinking there were amazing fruit on the other side of the water and offered him his back to ride on to cross the water.

-As soon as the Monkey got on the back of the crocodile, the crocodile started drowning the Monkey. Realizing the trouble he is in, the Monkey decided to pull an UNO Reverse card and tricked the crocodile into thinking he kept his heart in a fig-tree, with clusters of ripe fruit. 

-After the dumb crocodile believed the Monkey's heart actually existed on the outside of his body, the Monkey got off the crocodile's back and made fun of him from the top of the trees.

-I love stories that involve the victory of an underdog or just a nice trickery against the antagonist. 

Wikipedia Trail from Kyler Murray to

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyler_Murray

-This is the year I finally decide on an NFL team to be a fan of. It has been a tight race between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals over the past few years. I ultimately decided on the Arizona Cardinals so that's how I began this Wikipedia trail.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Big_12_Championship_Game

-This was the game that got Oklahoma into the playoffs in the 2018 season. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CeeDee_Lamb

-CeeDee Lamb is one of, if not, my favorite football player.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NFL_Draft

-2020 NFL Draft saw CeeDee Lamb be drafted 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

(Image Information: Lamb #2 in 2019 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NFL_Draft)

Reading Notes: Shedlock. Eastern Stories an Legends Part A

 Marie L. Shedlock: Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends  http://freebookapalooza.blogspot.com/2016/07/shedlock-eastern-stories.html

(Image Information: Mother Monkey Attack Crocodile to Save baby; https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fza.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F307652218290482646%2F&psig=AOvVaw0stHgLx1LcfO-c_gvwLEYY&ust=1604682212246000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwi20Jab8evsAhVF_KwKHW00CD0Qr4kDegUIARC6AQ)

-The little hare was scared after seeing a fruit fall on a leaf and made a noise. Thinking the Earth was falling in, the little hare warned his older and bigger brothers. The brothers then told bigger animals, then the bigger animals went on to warn... well even bigger animals.

-The story of the Earth falling in got crazy and reached the lion's ears, the mightiest animal of them all. He then took the little hare and showed him that it was a fruit that fell on a leaf and made a noise that scared him away. 

-Moral of the story is, that little issues can be exaggerated by the media and it is the president's job to make sure the people do not freak out. 

-The Monkey and the Crocodile story is actually what inspired me to write my first story, "Get out of the way, Frog." A crocodile dwelling in the Ganges wanted to eat the heart of the great king of the monkeys. The husband of the crocodile wanted to help, so he came up with a plan to eat the monkey. 

-When the crocodile saw the Monkey sitting on the bank of the Ganges drinking some water, the crocodile tricked the Monkey into thinking there were amazing fruit on the other side of the water and offered him his back to ride on to cross the water.

-As soon as the Monkey got on the back of the crocodile, the crocodile started drowning the Monkey. Realizing the trouble he is in, the Monkey decided to pull an UNO Reverse card and tricked the crocodile into thinking he kept his heart in a fig-tree, with clusters of ripe fruit. 

-After the dumb crocodile believed the Monkey's heart actually existed on the outside of his body, the Monkey got off the crocodile's back and made fun of him from the top of the trees.

-I love stories that involve the victory of an underdog or just a nice trickery against the antagonist. 

Review Week 10

 https://twitter.com/DSAArchaeology/status/1321612383459172352

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X31Xn500Ow&feature=youtu.be

My sister and I said goodbyes to our parents as they moved to Michigan this past weekend. Watching the video of the old man and his doggo companion was comforting. 

(personal photo of Lake St. Helen; photo taken in August 2020)

Week 9 Story: Revenge of the Fallen

 Author's note:

I got an idea for this story after reading the C. A. Kincaid's version of the Mahabharata where the story is told in an Indian hero epic style. The story includes many buildups for a final battle that I really wanted to include in my own story. This is just the first half of the story I plan on writing. I have a good idea of where I want to take this story with some twists and superpowers as well (Greek mythology stuff maybe). Family betrayal is one of the oldest conflicts in the book and I wanted a brotherly rivalry that ends in death in my story. I hope to continue on my story after getting some feedback on it. 

Story Source: C. A. Kincaid http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/search/label/Guide%3A%20Kincaid.%20Mahabharata

(Image Information: Brothers fight; https://elllo.org/learn/eng/L02-beginner-23-GregTodd-Brothers.htm)

Revenge of the Fallen

It had been two long years since the treacherous night the kingdom was taken over by the traitor, Raul. Being the younger brother of the former king, Rosinante, Raul grew his strength and army quietly for years under the protection of the king. Having a history of malicious behavior starting at a young age, Raul planned to overtake the kingdom to serve him for years. Much has changed in the kingdom under the tyranny of Raul; countless starving people on the streets, corrupt king and his servants living off the blood and sweat of the people, and much more. However, what Raul did not know was that King Rosinante and his five loyal knights were still alive in a nearby mountain, hoping to take over the kingdom one day.

“It’s already been two years…” whispered the King to himself.

King Rosinante and the five loyal knights have been preparing the past years to take the kingdom back. As they were only six men total against an entire army, they knew they had to be smart with the preparations.

“The one thing we have is the element of surprise. As far as my younger brother knows, we are all dead. It’s been two years, I do not think Raul still has us in the back of his mind. We attack tomorrow at sundown.” said King Rosinante to his knights.

Though they were just six men, the five loyal knights were once the most feared men in all of the kingdom. The king also had a reputation of defeating countless men in battle. Knowing what they are capable of doing themselves, the knights and the king was confident in taking the kingdom back as long as they could catch Raul and his men off guard.

The next day came, and the preparations were set. The king and his knights made their move and climbed over the castle wall as the sun was going down. However, when they climbed over the wall, ahead of them stood an entire army of Raul’s soldiers.

“Welcome brother! Long time no see!” shouted Raul from behind his army.

“But how?! You’re not suppose to know that I’m alive!” the king shouted confused.

“Well maybe one of your “loyal” knights isn’t so loyal. We knew of your survival from the day I took over this kingdom. We’ve been preparing for your invasion for the last two years! Now come, I will gladly put you all out of your miseries!” shouted Raul as he raised his sword.

-To be continued

Reading Notes: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City Part B

C. A. Kincaid: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City

http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2014/05/reading-guide-week-1-kincaid-mahabharata.html

(Image Information: 18 Days of The Mahabharata War - Summary of the War; https://vedicfeed.com/18-days-of-the-mahabharata-war-summary-of-the-war/)

-After twelve long years of hiding and living in the forest, the Pandavas made plans to spend a year in disguise at the court of King Virata. As Yudhishthira learned the art of gambling and disguised himself as Kanka, a gambler.

-After the year is almost over, Kichaka, Queen sudeshna's brother, begged her to send the beautiful maid to him and tries to rape her also. When Bhima finds out, he makes a promise to take revenge and after taking Draupadi's spot in the dark, he crushed Kichka to death and rolled his corpse up into a ball. Yikes. 

-At the end of the exile, the people wanted to burn the Sairandhri on Kickaka's funeral pyre. After learning from King Susharma of Trigarta that Kichka is dead, Duryodhana decides to attack King Virata.

-The song of Virata, Prince Utara took Brihannala to be his charioteer, and Brihannala made Uttara get the weapons back. After putting on his armor, Karna rode out to confront the chariot and they dueled. Both were injured but alive. 

-For the great battle to come, Yudhisthira and his brothers start to prepare for war. Using, shikhandi, a soldier who wore women's clothes as Shikhandin is a born woman who changes gender, Arjuna is able to injure Bhishma enough to make him retire from the battle and await death lying on a bed of arrows.

-Bhisma's mother, the goddess ganga, sent swans to warn Bhisma in order to delay his death until the solstice, with a truce in the fighting until his death.

-The Kaurava survivors (Aswatthaman, Kripa, and Kritavarman), raided the Pandava camp in the night and slayed Dhrishtadyumna and all the Pandava army except for Yudhisthira,  all his brothers, and Krishna.

-Every one of Draupadi's sons are now dead and Abhimanyu is dead as well along with hundreds of sons of Dhritarashtra.

In my next story, I will be focused on writing a build up for a big major event that happens in the story just like the battle in Mahabharata. Really enjoyed the way this story was written, especially the way the stories made the characters seem like war hero characters. That certainly made it easier for me to read the story. 

Reading Notes: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City Part A

 C. A Kincaid: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City 

http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2014/05/reading-guide-week-1-kincaid-mahabharata.html

(Image Information: Bhima and Hidimba; https://www.kidsgen.com/fables_and_fairytales/indian_mythology_stories/bhima_and_hidimba.htm)

-A long time ago, there existed a king named Vichitravirya in Hastinapura long after the reign of King Bharata. He had two sons: Dhritarashtra, the older and blind son, and his brother Pandu, who became the next king. 

-The teacher of the two boys were named Drona and the Pandavas were his best students and aroused the jealousy of Duryodhana.

-Duryodhana grew even more jealous when his father decided that Yudhishthira would be the heir to his throne, which caused Duryodhana to make a plot to kill the Pandavas and the mother, Kunti.

-After finding out Duryodhana's plot to kill and take over, Vidura who is the half-brother of Pandu and Dhritarashtra warned the Pandavas and they escaped the first through a hidden tunnel. 

-The Pandavas and Kunti ran away to the forest disguised as brahmins but as Bhima watched over the members of his family sleeping, the monster Hidimba and his sister Hibimbi made a plan to eat them. However, Hidimbi falls in love with Bhima when she sees him. She warns Bhima about her brother and Bhima fights with Hidimba and kills him. 

-Duryodhana learns that the Pandavas are still well and alive and that they are allied with King Drupada. Bhishma who is the son of King Shantanu and the goddess Ganga, urged Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas. 

-When Yudhishthira realized that he is not a match for Shakuni and he could not refuse, he lost everything including his brothers, himself, and even Draupadi. 

-King Dhritarashtra grans Draupadi a boon and asks that he free Yudhishthira. He granted her another boon which she asked for the freedom of Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. 

I chose this version as it is a lively and exciting version of the Mahabharata with a focus on the Pandavas as epic heroes. It was extremely easier to read and comprehend the storyline as the names were still confusing, but a hero epic story is always an easier read when it is written focused on the main heroes in action. 

Wikipedia Trail from Waco, TX to Waco Siege

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco%2C_Texas

-I first thought of this city when I was talking to my friends about Baylor University and their football team. I searched up Waco in Wikipedia then thought of the Waco Siege.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel_Center

-Mount Carmel Center was a large compound used by the Brand Davidians religious group during the Waco Siege.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Koresh

-David Koresh was the American cult leader who played a central role in the Waco Siege.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege

-Waco Siege was the law enforcement siege of the compound that belonged to the religious sect Branch Davidians lead by David Koresh. 

(Image Information: David Koresh in 1987; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Koresh)

Learning Challenge: HEART

 Nothing makes me happier than looking at my schedule and seeing all the work crossed out and having that moment of relief. This week, I really want to finish all the work assignments for Week 5 on that due date, rather than having to use the grace period the next morning. I have been doing a lot better with my time management as my mother is doing better and I have more time to stay here in Norman to get work done. So, my goal this week is to get all assignments and extra credit assignments before the grace period which has been interfering with my work in the morning. 

(Image Information: Are we Living in a Post-Happiness World?; https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/sunday-review/joy-happiness-life.html)

Microfiction

Little Gnomeo

There once was a high school Freshmen student named, Johnny. Johnny was an A+ student who was involved in numbers of extracurricular activities. One day, Johnny and his friend, Ray, were hanging out and were invited to a party that night. Having never drank alcohol before, Johnny was incoherently drunk when the cops showed up to bust the party later that night. Johnny began to run, but was caught up quickly by the police car. When the police officers got out to chase him, he began running around them in a circle in order to avoid them. However, being so drunk, Johnny thought he could hide in a front yard of a house nearby and pose as a garden gnome. Johnny said to the police after crouching down in front of the house, "You can't see me, I'm a gnome.' The cops then tackled Johnny and Johnny was arrested. 

Tweet:

Me being a lifeguard: *Blows whistle* alright everyone out of the pool, I just saw lightning

dude swimming: *continues to swim and pretends not to hear*

Me: hey man get out

dude swimming: *continues to ignore*

...

dude swimming gets fried in the water by lightning

Author's Note:

So the first story may sound bizarre and childish. However, this is a story of how I, myself, got in trouble with the law for the first time in my life back in Freshmen year of high school. It is actually a much longer and funnier story when told in person but since it was a microfiction, I decided to keep the length to a minimum. I actually have been thinking about implementing this story for my next project. I think people will find it interesting and it's sometimes good to read about other people's drunk mistakes. The tweet was thought out when I remembered the times as a lifeguard in high school. Man, were some people just so stubborn. If a lifeguard sees that a storm is coming in and lightnings are all over the sky, then you should probably exit the pool. 

(Image Information: Personal Photo of my roommate, Ben, when I went to visit him at his internship in Houston; photo taken July 2020)

Week 8 Progress

 Looking back, I am not too happy with my progress. I have not been able to complete part of my projects and I am currently missing a lot of points. In order to get back in track, I will have to complete every bonus assignments from here on out. Looking forward, I will complete every weekly assignment and also the bonus assignments on Sundays. Though I have been juggling life between family, job and school, but I realize that it is my responsibility to take care of my grades. 

(Image Information: Roger Federer: Transformation of a Tennis Star; https://www.thedailybeast.com/roger-federer-transformation-of-a-tennis-star)

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

 Overall, the quality of the comments and feedback have been great as everyone has been so caring and nice about them. The comments have been very encouraging and it motivates me to do better in my next projects. I believe I am leaving the right and positive messages in my comments and feedback to others. It has been very interesting to read other classmates' projects and it has been helpful in a sense that I am getting good ideas from reading others! I believe the feedback assignments are useful for everyone as feedback is important in bettering ourselves. 

(Image Information: Because I feel safe, I can learn from my mistakes; http://growthmindsetmemes.blogspot.com/search/label/Feedback%20Cats)

Week 8 Reading and Writing

 Overall, I could be happier with the assignments. The effort and time put into my assignments could be improved but I am trying my best. I am however, happy with the way my project website looks. I enjoy the simplicity that makes it easy to navigate through the website. I plan on getting more creative with the details of my stories as I have read my classmates stories and I could definitely improve on getting the reader's attentions. The Mahabharata has been my favorite story to read so far, especially the second half of it. Like most others, I do enjoy when the story gets more spicy. The final big battle was a fun read and nudged me in the direction of Indian epics. One thing I do need to improve on is actually taking a look at my notes while writing my stories. As soon as I can continue to fit more time into this class, I will have a successful time completing these projects and the course. 

(Personal Photo of my two cats. HOW are they this adorable..; photo taken November, 2017) 

Wikipedia Trail

 Moon Landing Conspiracy 

(Image Information: Why won't the conspiracies die? https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/moon-landing-anniversary-taibbi-conspiracy-theories-861239/)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_landing_conspiracy_theories 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Apollo_astronauts#Apollo_astronauts_who_walked_on_the_Moon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_evidence_for_Apollo_Moon_landings

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Race

I chose and read to explore the topic of the moon landing conspiracy after watching a YouTube video on it late night. Of course I do not actually believe we faked the moon landing but the proof and evidence is nevertheless super interesting to read up on. 

Microfiction

(Image Information: It never gets old. #OUDNA; Photo from Instagram,  @ou_football)

Love goes on, forever

It feels good to move back home after two years. It was the last place I saw her alive, the last place I kissed her goodbye, and the last place I would hear her say, “I love you, T—see ya tonight.” Never did I think those words would come back to haunt me. She died that day of a heart attack shortly after arriving at work.

Tonight, the fireflies came out for the first time this summer. As I planted flowers, a grandpa and his granddaughter walked by on their way to fish at the lake. I guess life goes on with or without us. It’s good to be home.

Tweet

After this weekend, Sam Ehlinger has now lost to four different OU quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and this year, Spencer Rattler. #TexasSucks

Author's Notes:

The first short microfiction was just a made up story after watching an episode of Psych where Juliet almost dies after her and Shawn are trying to solve a case against Mr. Yang. A loss of a loved one is something we all go through and sometime a story involving it is a good story. The tweet comes from after this weekend as OU went down and beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry game. To be completely honest, I had absolutely no expectations from our team this year as we are rebuilding but it is good to know that Texas STILL sucks! 

Growth Mindset: SAFM

 

(Image Information: Godfather Baby; https://makeameme.org/meme/if-you-need-c2nbx9)

SAFM:

S - Stop

A - Asking

F - For

M - Money

I made this acronym to motivate myself as I am financially trying to be stable for myself. Getting a job at the pharmacy as a technician was a first step to this acronym. My family was never rich and as a person who learned the value of money early on, I believe it is everyone's own responsibility to financially uphold themselves if possible. 

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part D

R. K. Narayan, The Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/pde-mahabharata-life-in-forest.html

(Image Information: Indian Fantasy Epic https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-india-baahubali-film-2017-story.html)

-Even though Yudhishthira wanted to make a peace agreement, he was worried about the safety of Krishna to arrive at Hastinapura as his emissary. According to Vidura, Krishna wants peace and justice rather than a lavish reception. While Duryodhana plans to take Krishna captive, he rejects Krishna's offer of peace and does not listen to his mother, Gandhari's plea as well. 

-After realizing that Krishna is impossible to take prisoner after he manifested himself in his divine form, Duryodhana gives up trying to capture him. Before he left, Krishna tried to give truth and convince Karna of his parentage and get him to leave Duryodhana, but Karna says no. 

-Before the big battle, Yudhishthira goes to both his teachers, Bhishma and Drona for advice. Bhisma compares the invincible Arjuna to "the destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga." Arjuna is still unable to overcome Bhisma however and after nine days of fighting, the Pandavas visit Bhisma at night to tell him that unless he is killed in the war, the carnage will carry on until the end of the world. 

-When Bhisma is confronted by Sikhandi, he refuses to fight because she is a woman and he abandons all his weapons. Against the rules of war, the Pandavas rain down the unarmed warrior with thousands of arrows until he is covered in them from head to toe. Bhisma does not actually die until much later by his choice and remains laying on the battlefield until the end.

-Drona positions the armies in a formation known only to him, the iron disc of war, which nobody knows how to break open, apart from Arjuna. If only Arjuna can be diverted away from the central battle, Drona promises victory. Arjuna has a 15-year old son, Abhimanyu, who, by listening to his father while still in his mother’s womb, has learned to force an entry into Drona’s battle formation. 

-As Arjuna is called to a diversionary battle far away, Yudhishthira entrusts Abhimanyu with the task of opening a breach in the disc. Abhimanyu succeeds, but when Bhima and Yudhishthira try to follow him into the opening, they are stopped by Jayadratha, a brother-in-law to the Kauravas, and the breach closes behind the young Abhimanyu. He is then killed in bravery.

-Karna possesses a magic lance, the gift of Indra, which will kill any living being but can be used only once. He keeps it until he uses it for Arjuna. Drona continues to challenge the Pandava armies, killing thousands. The Pandavas knows his  weakness, however, which is the love of his only son Ashvatthama.

-After the war, when Krishna exited the chariot, it burst into flames. Only his presence kept the celestial weapons from destroying it earlier. Krishna reveals that the gods allowed this war to relieve Earth of her big burden. Duryodhana was the incarnation of Kali, lord of the 4th age.

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part C

R. K. Narayan, The Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/pde-mahabharata-life-in-forest.html

(Image Information: Bahubali Movie Review; https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/bahubali-movie-review-22546.html)

-As they are living in the forest, Yudhishthira summoned the brahmins to lament his fate and he told the deposed rajah to call upon the sun god.

-Surya then came upon Yudhishthira and gave him a copper pot filled with food for his brothers. The Pandavas had to live there for twelve years and all the food they received were divided into portions separated into some for themselves and the holy men. While they lived in the forest, they visited holy shrines, bathed in holy waters, and even performed their devotions.

-When Krishna came to visit the Pandavas living in the forest, Draupadi wept and begged asking why her husbands were not helping her. Krishna comforted her by saying that Krishna would help the Pandavas and help Draupadi be king once again.

-Before the Pandavas left the forest, Yudhishthira summoned the goddess Durga and promised the goddess of Dharma that the Pandava brethren and Draupadi would remain hidden during the years of their exile.

-The wanderers' weapons were concealed in a tree and together they went toward the city of Virata to conceal themselves. They possibly spent twelve years in the jungle if the  Kauravas discovered their whereabouts. 

-Bhima soon won much renown by reason of his matchless strength. The rajah was very proud of him and did not take him to the apartments of the women where he then wrestled with caged tigers, lions, and bears, and slayed them each one by one with single blows each. 

-The war begins and the drums were sounded. I’m going to have to include an epic battle scene for my next story for sure. Bhishma advanced to make the attack on the Pandava army. He went bravely cutting through the enemy legions.

-Bhisma declared that he would be fighting until the very end. 

Comment Wall

 

(Image Information: Personal Photo of my cat, Ziggy (September 2019)

https://sites.google.com/view/

taeamsportfolio

Microfiction: An Unexpected Friendship

 An Unexpected Friendship 

    There once lived a cat and a mouse in a house. They played chase & run every day. The mouse believed the cat wanted to catch and eat him and ran from him every day. What the mouse did not know was that the cat actually considered the mouse a friend. The reason for the chasing was that the cat wanted his owner to see that he hated the mouse and would not try to get another cat to replace him, that could possibly kill the mouse. 

Source: Tom & Jerry

(Old Twitter 140 characters)

    As expected, Kansas State University football team is 1-1 after games against Arkansas State and Oklahoma. 

-The first story is what I believe to be the truth of Tom & Jerry. When you watch the show with that on your mind, it will change your perspective entirely. The second story was a short tweet that is a bit sad. This past week, the OU football team lost to a 0-1 unranked Kansas State for the second year in a row. Kansas State had played Arkansas State, a FBS team, and lost. As a 3rd ranked team in the nation, it was quite an embarrassment for us to lose at home like that. I hope to see improvements from our football team and I still believe! 

(Image Information: Sooners blame no one but themselves; https://www.normantranscript.com/sports/ou_football/ou-football-sooners-blame-no-one-but-themselves-for-upset-loss-to-kansas-state/article_6ca03854-0051-11eb-b121-cbd65a45d9f5.html)

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

 Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html 

-Due to the fact that Prince Vidura's mother was a slave girl, though he was half brother of King Pandu and of King Dhritarashtra, he could not reign over Hastinapura as king. 

-Suspicious of the cruel plot of Prince Duryodhana, Prince Vidura tells Pandavas and Queen Kunti to be careful of the palace at Varanavata.

-The palace at Varanavata's beauties were indescribable, however, all the furniture and tapestries were soaked in oil and the palace and roof were built only of wood or such other material as would easily burn.

-I like a strong antagonist to a story with an plan evil enough to wipe out the entire protagonist group. 

-Thanks to his wisdom and goodness of his heart, Prince Vidura was not able to keep his nephews the Pandavas from his mind. 

-Prince Vidura came up with a plan and set a very skillful miner to Varanavata to dig an underground passage which led from the floor of the palace into the woods outside. 

-The work was done by night and by day the miner hid his work by covering the mouh of the passage with wooden planks.

-Purochana, the mean captain had no clue that the Pandavas were planning to flee.

-Purochana was also waiting on a moonless night to burn the palace down with the people inside, which somewhat gave a deadline to the miner to finish the passageway.

-When the night came, the Pandavas and Queen Kunti walked through the passage into the forest.

-Wanting revenge, Prince Bhima crawled back to the guardhouse where Purochana the wicked captain lived, and set fire to the house.

-Purochana and the guards were engulfed and perished in the fire. 

-The ending would make a great movie ending as it shows the burned down city and one would think the protagonists are dead, but instead they see in the horizon, a family walking from the forest, alive. 

(Image Information: Forest fire; http://forestfiredetection.com/en/articles-news/38-how-to-escape-in-case-of-forest-fire)

Reading Notes: Mahabhrata Part A

 Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition; http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

-Vyasa is the name of the author of the Mahabharata who arranged the Vedas. He did not trust any to write it down as no one was worthy of the task. 

-Brahma appears to tell Vysa that the god Ganesha would be his scribe. 

-"Vyasa is not only the composer of the Mahabharata; he is also a character in the epic."

-A king named Uparichara of Chedi so devoted to asceticism was feared by the gods themselves of the possibility of robbing them of their powers. 

-Indra was sent to bribe the king with offer of a crystal car capable of carrying him through the sky only for him to use not any other mortals. 

-It was quiet disturbing and just kind of weird to read that Uparichara was flying across the sky when his semen fell into the river and impregnating a female fish. 

-This made me realize I must be more extreme with creativity of the details of the stories I will be telling. 

-Anyways. the two children of the king and the fish, a boy and a girl, were caught by a fisherman.

-The king accepted the boy and left the girl to be with the fisherman's wife. 

-The girl grew up and while she was ferrying across the rishi Parashara river, the rishi persuaded the girl to yield to his embraces and stay a virgin and lose her fishy smell.

-She agreed and a child was born on the island and was named Dwaipayana for being born on an island, and called Vyasa because he wrote the Vedas. 

(Image Information: Satyavatai on Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyavati)

S