Week 15 Review

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I think we are all a little of every thing.

Week 15 Growth Mindset

The famous scene where Yoda tells Luke Skywalker, "No. Try not! Do. Or do not. There is no try."

Week 15 Reading Evaluations

My favorite reading for this semester is Ramayana. I mean, we did spend like three weeks on it so I am glad I enjoyed it. Though the epic was an enjoyable read, I really liked the different renditions of it from different authors. My favorite would have to be Sita Sings the Blues.

My advice to the new batch of students coming in next semester is to only do one reading diary a week. Since it is only two points, it can easily replaced by an extra credit assignment, something I wished I had realized sooner in the semester. This way, it doesn't seem like so much reading. Also, using bullet points in your reading diaries helps out a lot. At first, I thought the balance between all the reading, writing, and commenting was going to be difficult.  However, once you get the hang of it, it really wasn't too bad. If you decide to do a storybook project, use Wix.com, it is my favorite. Also do the tech tips all at once. I

Week 15 Reflections

       I cannot believe that this semester is basically over. I am so glad this class enabled us to tap into our creative sides. The use of blogger has actually inspired me to take notes this way. I love that you can label it  and it can be accessible on any computer without having to email it to yourself. The tech tips have definitely helped me in improving how I take notes on blogger, especially how to add YouTube videos on here. I also liked that it made me see that it is nice to write about things other than stats and research. Though we did a lot of writing for this class, it wasn't as daunting as I thought it would be. I am really proud of my story book project. It was also really cool seeing everyone else's creative projects as well. Just wanted to add this video to end the class on a high note. Have a good summer everyone!

Week 14 Labeling Challenges

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     I found this picture on the Learning by HEART blog and Professor Gibbs said that she could not find the source of it. After doing a reverse image search I think it is found in this book by Monica Sheehan. Check out this Youtube video that posted pictures of the book.

Week 14 Growth Mindset

     I made these memes last semester in Myth and Folklore and they're still some of my favorite memes to date.

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Week 14 Extra Credit Reading

       Another rendition of Mahabharata but in prose only form. I love stories in prose form because I find the writing to be very beautiful. I am glad that I read the story version of Mahabharata first as a prequel to understanding the words of Romesh Dutt. I also think the separation of stories in different books and chapters makes it easier to read as well. Book One introduces the Bharatas and the Pandavas and the war brewing between the two families. Book two introduces the brothers' wife Draupadi. 

Draupadi

Mahabharata by Romesh Dutt (1899) Find here

Week 14 Review

April 30

Week 13 Growth Mindset

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Week 13 Review

Friday, April 22

Week 11 Labeling Challenge: Happiness

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       I just made up with a friend of mine after not talking to her for THREE YEARS! After looking at old pictures, I realized that I had no idea what we were even arguing about and decided to let it go. I know we will most likely never be the friends we once were but at least there is a possibility of a re connection. 

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Week 11 Review

Mon. April 11

       I am super excited about green week! I plan on going to the Farmers Market, carnival, and food truck and concert events. What about you?

Week 12 Growth Mindset

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Week 11 Growth Mindset

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Week 10 Review

Saturday April 2, 2016

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I actually read this comic this week so it was really cool that it was on this week's announcements. 

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Week 10 Reading Diary B: Dasha Avatar The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu

Vamana:

• Bali attacks the Devas and invades the Heavens. Vishnu's avatar is that of a short-statured Brahman (midget) who goes up to Bali and asks him for three paces of land. Bali readily agrees but quickly realizes it is Vishnu but cannot go back on his word. Bali's wife then washes the Brahman's feet and he began to grow. He claims that he could cover his land in two paces and he is not worthy of his word. Bali tells him to use his third pace to step on top of his head which is more valuable than anything. He lets him go. 

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Rama: 

• It is such a weird concept to me to have such a long story like Ramayana condensed in 6 pages. The story goes from Vishnu's reincarnation of Rama to his banishment to the forest, to Shoorpanakha's attack on Sita, to the battle with Ravana, and his demise. 

Rama and Sita

Buddha:

• Prince Siddhartha, grew up with the privilege of not knowing about disease, death, etc. One day while going on a ride in a carriage, he sees a sick man and a old man using a cane to walk. Greedy for more knowledge, he desired truth. After years of meditating, he becomes Buddha-or the enlightened one. 

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Kalki:

• The tenth and final Vishnu reincarnation. It is also the shortest story in the comic book. 

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Week 10 Reading Diary A: Dasha Avatar The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu

Matsya:

• Hayagnva stole the vedas from Brahma so Vishnu appeared on earth to save the next veda. Brahma decided to save the day while also helping a devotee named Satyavrata. Vishnu's avatar is that of a big fish that continues to grow out of his habitat. 

Matsya Parana

Kurma:

• King Indra of the Sevas go to Mount Mera to ask Brahma to lift the curse of Durvasa. Brahma places trust in Vishnu to protect the people. Vishnu tells the Devas to make peace with the Asuras, cast plants and herbs into the ocean, and use mount mandera as a churn. They use the King serpent as the vessel to churn in order to obtain the nectar of immortality. Shanwantari appears with the jar and the Devas do not quarrel with the Asuras. Pleased, Vishnu reincarnates into a beautiful woman who takes the jar and gives it to all the Devas. They get into a huge battle and Drahma decides to give glory to those who were gentle and sought refuge from him and punish those who were aggressive and did not believe in him. 

Varaha:

Varaha the Boar

• Brahma tells Swayambhuva Manu and Shatarupa to take care of the earth and its children. Vishnu's avatar is of a huge boar who finds earth at the bottom of the ocean. On the way to bring mother earth to the surface, an asura named Hira challenges Vishnu but he ignores his request when they reach the top, the two get in a fight and Vishnu wins.

Narasimha:

• A continuation from the Varaha avatar. Hiranyakcashipu sought vengeance for his slain brother and seeks help from the Asuras to destroy Earth. Brahma decides to give Hira whatever he wanted. Feeling betrayed, the Devas go to Vishnu.  Hira gets upset by his son's devotion to Vishnu. His Man Lion avatar shows up and defeats Hira by splitting him in half. 

 

Narasimha the Man Lion

Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu by Amar Chitra Katha

Week 9 Growth Mindset

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Week 9 Review

Thursday March 24

Week 9 Reading Diary B: Tales From the Indian Epics

I decided to do reading diary B instead of A this week because it was not a continuation of reading diary A and the titles were more curious to me. The first story was that of Ruru and Pramadvara. It is a story of a man who instantly fell in love with a woman. He takes her to his home but she dies from a snake's bite. He prays to the gods and allows to give half of his remaining life to his wife. However, he grows to resent snakes and kills as many as he can. That is until he meets a cursed rock snake who tells him to stop being bitter and enjoy the rest of his days being happy with his living wife. I like this story because it reminds us to forgive and not live our lives with bitterness and resentment.

Indian rock snake Source

The second story was that of The Frog King's Daughter. Another story set in Ayodhya. He should have known something was up when she said that she would marry him on the condition that he will never let her look at water on the ground. He honestly believed that a frog, killed his wife and ordered an all out execution of all frogs. The frog King cursed his daughter's sons with hatred of the Brahmas. This is the second story of the series that calls for the execution of an animal race due to spitefulness.
The last story is called the Tale of the Pole Star. A King had two wives but favored the beautiful one over the good natured one. The beautiful one resented the son of the good natured one. So much so, that he went into the forest to pray for years. The god Krishna then told him to go back home and win the love of the people. The son of the beautiful one was cocky and died in battle while Prince Dhruv vindicated his death and eventually became King but then eventually turned into the pole star.



Title: Tales from the Indian Epics
Author: C. A. Kincaid
Illustrator: M. V. Dhurandhar
Year: 1918

Week 8 Time

There are simply not enough hours in a day. I feel like time is escaping my grasps. Luckily, Spring break is in T minus 2 days and I am so stoked to catch up on home works and readings. Lame, I know but I am not going anywhere this year and it would be nice to have a bit of a staycation. I am not sure if my weekly schedule starting on Saturdays is working out for me at the moment. I thought it would be put me ahead but instead it is not. I am going to have to rework it to fit my schedule better.

School be like...

Spring Break be like..

Week 7 Labeling Challenge: Time

I literally just spent an hour of my Sunday trying to read my chemistry book while listening to a book on Audible and texting like that was OK. After an hour of rereading multiple paragraphs and still not grabbing the gist of it, I had to give myself a break from accomplishing nothing. I can see why multitasking is a good thing, it is important in our jobs and in how we handle our lives. However, when coupled with technology, I can see that we do the most sometimes. So heres to Tabless Thursday and Taco Tuesday.

Week 7 Review

The passive aggressive voice is golden. Like, wait, you really just say that?

Sunday, March 6

Week 7 Reading Diary B: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata

• This guy and his gambling "skills". He has nothing better to do in the last 12 years than practice dice throwing?
• All the Pandavas disguise themselves on their last year of exile to get away from the spying eyes of their eldest cousin. 

Yudhishthira disguises himself as Kanka, a gambler. Bhima becomes a cook named Ballaba. Arjuna takes the name Brihannala and will be a dancing teacher. Nakula takes the name Granthika and works in the stables, while Sahadeva takes the name Tantripala and becomes a cowherd. Draupadi will be Queen Sudeshna's maid under the name Sairandhri. Source

• I think it is interesting that the subject of rape was brought up in both Indian epics. What is most curious is the responses in both stories. Even though Sita stayed loyal to her husband, Rama did not want anything to do with her for it looked bad to his kingdom. Draupadi almost got raped, went to one of her husbands (Bhima), and demanded vengeance. Which, he ultimately gave her quite willingly. 
• It is really messed up that upon seeing her face, the court decides to laugh off the attack rather than stand up to Prince Kichaka. Shame on them, bet they wouldn't have said that if they really knew she was a princess. 
• I definitely enjoy Draupadi's strong personality to that of Sita's. She took her punishment like a champ. Although, it must be nice to be married to five of the strongest and most powerful men alive. 
• Prince Duryodhana really is super hateful for wanting to demolish the city after Prince Kichaka's doom. 
• I am glad they decided to go to war instead of favoring peace by going into exile for another 12 years. Reoccurring pattern. 
• I wonder how old Prince Arjuna's son and his wife was. Like around 13, 14, 15 years old? Old enough to bear a son, I guess. 
• I guess King Yud makes it up to everyone in the end with his loyalty and takes everyone to heaven. Way better ending than Ramayana. 

Source. pg. 123

Story: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata-The Princes of Elephant City by C.A Kinclaid Read Here

Week 7 Reading Diary A: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata

• I like how the story starts out with a shout out to Ramayana. 
• Poor Queen Gandhari. I can't imagine having a hundred sons. 
• It is rumored that the boys' sires were actually gods.
• I can see why the eldest Kauruva hated the Pandavas so much. His father was the rightful king but due to his blindness he did not take the throne until his brother died. Then, the King's nephews still get special treatment even though they were not the king's sons. Rivalry at its best. 
• It is interesting that Prince Vidura was entitled to everything the Kauruvas and Pandavas had but could not have, and still wasn't nearly as bitter as Duryodhana. 
• It is sad that the poor family had to burn in the castle. 
• Hidimvi and Bhima, talk about love at first site. She turned her back on her brother for him and everything.
• Funny how Kunti was talking about Bhima, he appears. Looks like chief Vaca will soon meet his doom.
• Draupadi soon becomes wife of all of the sons which makes her father happy because he knows this will cause tension between the Kauruvas and Pandavas, whom he hates.
•  Arjuna ends up falling for Draupadi's sister and marries her too. She wasn't very happy about it but got over it. Meanwhile, home girl is married to four other guys.

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• Yud becomes king but ruins it all because he has a bit of a gambling addiction. After being saved from Dhritarashtra and Draupadi, the Yud gambles again, this time forcing the brothers and their wife to go into exile. 

Story: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata-The Princes of Elephant City by C.A Kinclaid Read Here

Week 7: Growth Mindset

I found this really nice blog that had a lot of growth mindset memes I have not seen before. All the pictures are from this source. Check it out!

Week 6: Growth Mindset

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Nike Proverb

An example of a fixed mindset

Week 6 Review

It took me a minute to get this but when I did, I busted out laughing. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26th

Week 6 Storytelling:The Pandu Pandas

Rama: Welcome back ladies and gents to another rendition of Inside the Locker room. I’m your host, Rama and this week, we jet to India to get an in depth look into the explosive history of the legendary basketball team, The Pandu Pandas!          

Narrator: Once upon a time, there was a band of brothers who had tremendous skill in the sport of basketball. They were under the leadership of Drona, a man known for his many achievements inside and outside the court. When Drona decided to retire his high tops, he decided that he wanted to couch the next generation of extraordinary athletes.

Coach Drona: I was great friends with their father. I came to visit him one day and the boys were just messing around, shooting hoops in the driveway. That was when I saw the brothers playing an unbelievably long game of Horse. I must have stood there in amazement for two hours and not one of them had even gotten an H. Their raw talent was unbelievable and it was in that moment, I knew I wanted to train them for the big leagues.

Rama: Five years later, when all the brothers were of age, they won their first IBA (India Basketball Association) tournament and they dominated for a very long time.

Draupadi: I am their manager and I have been working with the men for a very long time now. We actually have a running joke that they consider me their work wife and that they are my only clients because it isn’t easy having five husbands. They are just as good in character as they are in basketball. They always take the time to hang out with fans and do charity work…unlike others in the sport.

Rama: The Pandu Pandas were quickly becoming the team to beat. This very much angered an old protege of Drona, named Duryodhana. As the Pandas became more and more popular with the fans, Duryodhana gained more and more resentful towards them. Although he was very talented, even he could not compete with the dynamic talent of the five brother team. Wanting to prove to Coach Drona that he was, infact, the best basketball player in all of India, Duryodhana assembled his own team called the Anga Charioteers, and challenged the Pandas to a tournament.

Duryodhana: Before the Pandas, I was the crowd favorite. I guess the novelty of having a team of brothers became more important to Drona and suddenly all of his time and resources went to them. But I knew, I was the more talented basketball player and I fought for my right to be back on top. I was not going to be benched by those men anymore.

Rama: Wanting to ensure their defeat, Duryodhana searched high and low to look for a new rookie for his new team. Hearing so much about a student from the University of India, Duryodhana went to go visit Karna. To his surprise, Karna stood at seven feet two inches, which by far surpassed Duryodhana’s stature. If he didn’t know better, Duryodhana would have mistaken him for the Panda’s best player Arjuna. Feeling quite confident with his new rookie, Duryodhana decided to step up the stakes at the tournament and make a bet: who ever lost, would have to retire from the game for thirteen years.

Karna: Duryodhana and I figured that if the Pandas lost, they would lose their agility brought on by youth and will return to the court as older opponents who lacked practice in their years of retirement.

Rama: It was finally the day of the tournament and all of India was tuning in to either go to the arena, or watch it on TV. Although the men were confident in their game, nothing prepared them for the newbie Karna, who stood eye to eye with Arjuna. The game continued on with very little leads until it became a tie in the fourth quarter. The game actually went into overtime five different times. However, when Yudhishthira went to shoot what was supposed to be the game winning three point shot at the sound of the buzzer, he missed and the Charioteers were declared the victors. They were not gracious winners and taunted the Pandas about losing the bet. Basketball was not the same for thirteen years…

Random Citizen 1: I miss the Pandas a lot. They actually gave back to their community.

Random Citizen 2: My little boy once asked Karna for an autograph and he pushed him out of his way. HE PUSHED MY LITTLE BOY!

Random Citizen 3: The Pandas were fun to watch. When they were on the court, they moved in such fluid motion, you could have sworn they were one person playing five positions.

Random Citizen 4: My son was born the year of their forced retirement. He turns thirteen this year and I hope he can finally have a real hero to look up to.

 Rama: Alright folks, all of India has been waiting for the return of the Pandas. Some are convinced that they will not play the same as before but they don’t call it a comeback for nothing…

After the commercial break we catch up with the brothers. Stay tuned!

Twins Nakula and Sahadeva, Yudhishthira, and Bhima. Not pictured: Arjuna Source

Author’s Note: I thought it would make for an interesting read to make the story have a basketball theme when I read that Pandu had five tall sons. A team of five men plays on the court at a time so I thought it would be fun. I didn’t really stray much from the original story. In Richard Wilson’s story, The Pandu brothers were actually cousins of Duryodhana. Duryodhana’s father was the rightful King to the kingdom but since he was blind, the Pandu brothers’ father became King. This became the reason for Duryodhana’s resentment towards the brothers. I wanted to keep his jealousy and the brother’s exile. Also in the original story, Draupadi was the wife of all of the men. I didn’t think it was appropriate for her to be married to all of them in this story but I did want to regard her as the team’s “work wife”. This story was originally intended to be in story form however, due to some great feedback in the comments, I decided to write the Pandu Pandas in show format similar to “Behind the Music” but sports related.

This story is based on The Five Tall Sons of Pandu by Richard Wilson.

Week 6 Reading Diary A: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu

     The bow must be a very powerful weapon in Indian culture for this is the second epic where it signifies power. Being the oldest of a  hundred sons must be hard for Duryodhana. I can understand why he doesn't like his cousins very much. When Karna gets crowned King for his superior skills, everyone mocks him for he is not a son of a former King. I admire Duryodhana for defending Karna and for not having a sense of entitlement. It is kind of ridiculous that all of the brothers share the Princess, especially when Aruja was the only one to string the bow. It is also ridiculous that Karna did not win when he did it first. It is interesting that the Duryodhana's father, the Pandava's uncle, took pity on them and instead of them becoming slaves, allows them to live in exile in the forest. I read somewhere that the forest in Indian epics represents magical forces so if it is anything like Ramayana, they are in for an interesting journey. His treatment of  Draupadi makes me not like Duryodhana as much. Luckily he doesn't try to capture her for himself but allows her to be with her husbands. Duryodhana's need for saving tells me the only reason he hates the Pandava for probably the wrong reasons. Coupled with his father's mercy, it is most likely out of jealousy. I wonder how he will act once they are able to reclaim their kingdom.

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Story: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu by Richard Wilson

Week 5 Review

I saw this last semester and this quote still makes me smile. 

Tuesday, Feb. 16