Tech Tip: Google Art Extension

Tech Tip: Google Art Project for Chrome

I love art, so this tech tip is totally up my alley. This chrome extension “Google Arts & Culture,” as it’s called on the chrome web store, is easy to install and adds an extra bit of flair with every new tab I open. I think these come from the same Google photos and art archive that is used for ChromeCast for tv. It really reminds me of another extension called Stumble Upon which I guess has now moved to Mix. I haven’t used this in years, but basically what I remember of it is with each time you reload a page it takes you to a new website- of which there are seemingly endless in number. I recall being a teenager and finding some very cool websites this way. Before I discovered sites like Reddit and before Facebook became prevalent where it incorporates links from other sources, this was how I accessed obscure sites. I recall one in which it had a ton of envelope icons, each different from the other, where if you click them it would open a random, out of context handwritten or typed letter. It was so fun to see the different fonts and styles of writing people had, and each seemingly used a different utensil. Some even had pictures or stamps. This was quite fun. Websites like that one and this one are great tools for exploring the internet. I’m happy to have beautiful photographs, paintings, and drawings before I access the internet site I intend to. The only drawback is the fact that the icons of frequently visited sites are no longer there to easily open my most used websites. This is a small disadvantage for the visual treat that this tool allows, though!

(Image Source: Screenshot by me, Google Arts & Culture Extension)

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Learning Challenge: Taking Up "Single-Tasking"

“Single-tasking Is the New Multi-tasking” by James Hamblin for the Atlantic

It is indeed becoming increasingly more complicated to “check out” or “go off the grid” these days, and somehow being seen struggling trying to satisfy many tasks at once is just a price to pay to be considered successful. I totally relate to the “my brain has too many tabs open” meme below the embedded video. Technology is such a double-edged sword. On the one hand, so much valuable knowledge is at our fingertips. On the other hand, so much irrelevant time wasters are too. Somehow, also, it’s impossible to separate yourself from these social media sites that drown so much time. Since even employers are using these platforms to reach their desired audiences, it’s almost like you’re expected to have a visible public online presence to be considered suitable for a position in a modern world that is so entrenched in these communication systems. I love the quote that “maybe this is life mimicking internet” to explain his observation of his inability to focus on one thing at a time. I’m not surprised at all with the statistic that overall negative college GPA’s are associated with students who use social media and text. It’s bizarre to think that the type of smart phone I had entering college the first time years ago had limited internet access and no apps, I can definitely vouch that my grades reflected this lack of distraction.

I think I might have to take up this man’s suggestion for “single tasking” or “tab-less Thursdays” as he calls it to remedy my overly stressed and overwhelmed brain. I think the problem with being so inattentive is the fact that we have so few moments to have thoughts of our own when the thoughts are being dictated by a thousand things in our environment. Sometimes after a long night of homework and my brain is blank I realize how much time had passed since I’d had an original thought that wasn’t for the purpose of engaging with some stimulus that I was obligated or coerced to engage with. Even in that moment, I’m still compelled almost against my will to continue to think about the thing that I was working on rather than “opening a new tab” for a space with my own thoughts! Also, as hard as it is I think I need to try to regain the discipline I had as a freshman the first time years ago before the modern smart-phone and try to not let this device dictate my attention span.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Growth Mindset: Giving Grades

“Why Do We Get Grades In School?”  video by PBS Studios

In this video by PBS Studios, it discusses the origin of what we students are so fondly familiar of: letter grades. According to our informative host, it seems that a professor named Ezra Stiles is behind this polarizing practice that has made students dread report card day for centuries. It’s interesting to learn that the system wasn’t standardized for widespread use for some time. I myself think it would make a world of difference if we were still assigned value to our academic efforts with “descriptive adjectives” instead of the number scale we are so used to seeing. I can see how systems for grading performance and improvement in school is important and necessary, but it is a shame that it holds so much weight in terms of someone’s mental health. Most intriguing were questions 3 and 4 in this short video: Do grades really matter? Are they actually effective tools for helping students learn? I think they are in a sense, a single paper blueprint for the type of student someone is, but as this woman states it tells a limited story about someone’s educational journey. A high GPA does, in theory, require a vigorous work ethic but I find it hard to believe that someone can deduce who a person is from a paper alone. I appreciate that this woman discusses the difference between those who succeed with and without having proved themselves in a standard classroom because as she notes there are those who “conform” and climb the ladders of a career and those who are “visionaries” who make their own ladder.

I am all about Alfie Kohn’s perspective on creating creative and critical thinkers through “qualitative accounts of student performance.” This concept of hands-on versus hands-off teaching with a goal of encouraging students to chase personal improvement rather than arbitrary grades makes me consider those progressive teachers and mentors in my life who have helped me to pin less of my self-worth on a standardized system. I think of progress reports from my childhood when narrative type breakdowns of a students progress was more prevalent, and one on one conferences with gifted instructors of mine who worked to target and correct where my work went wrong, and professors that give sufficient opportunity for making up academic losses with the intention that we actually go back and work on our weakest areas. There are advantages and disadvantages, but I think even if our schools are entrenched in a quantitative system so long as there are teachers that help their students in the ways listed above there will be students better equipped and more enthusiastic for their futures.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: Jakata Tales by Ellen Babbitt

These readings are very much like the last readings, barely differing at all in method and style. I like that there are so many short stories to read since some rather than others stick with me. What makes some more compelling than others is hard to say, but I guess if I find the content of the story makes sense and shares a moral message in a clever way I like it more. Otherwise, I guess small things make a story charming in its own way. For example, some choices the writer makes isn’t what I would do myself but I suppose it keeps it interesting. In the first story, “How The Monkey Saved His Troop,” I thought it was funny that the author would choose to describe mangoes like peaches. Something about this comparison seems a little unusual to me and I don’t know why. This story in general confused me a bit, since logically the conclusion seemed a little far fetched since the human was sure they would shoot the monkeys. It does feature animals as main characters though, which is something that I for some reason associate with the Jakata Tales and prefer the stories that use creatures instead of humans. I think this is why “The Brave Little Bowman” wasn’t one of my favorites. I liked the one about the lion and the wolf a lot, it was sad but it’s tragedy like this that makes you feel so sad for characters that like the wolf dream too big. Something about lions or monkeys or whatever as main characters I suppose takes me back to childhood when I read stories like this. If I were to write a story based on these Tales I would surely be inspired by these stories that I have read since I was little.

Bibliography:

Title: More Jataka Tales
Author: Ellen C. Babbitt
Source: Web

(Image Source: The Wise Goat and The Wolf, Web)

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Reading Notes: Jakata Tales by Ellen Babbitt

The readings this week, “More Jataka Tales,” are very much like those we read weeks ago that were written by Buddha. You can see how they were inspired by the original multiple mythologies we were introduced to in message and style, as they in a short number of simple lines had a moral lesson within. Each was unique but they had similar elements as far as method is concerned, with clever use of language and certain contexts that gave rise to an ethical conclusion. It’s a toss-up whether my favorite of these stories were more overt ad obvious or whether it is the more witty and obscure of these that left a more lasting impression.

For example, between the first two stories “The Girl Monkey and the String of Pearls” and “The Three Fishes,” the first created a situation in which the tables could be turned on the character that was trying to be caught for her moral turpitude. In this case, the crime that was trying to be brought to light was theft, and through a contrived situation the monkey in question was essentially a “victim” of entrapment in which she unknowingly confessed to her peers when she bragged that she had a necklace of pearls when they only had glass beads. Whereas, in the second “The Three Fishes,” the principle of the story is more exaggerated from the start and choice of character names literally differentiates them based on the characteristics these names elicit: thoughtful, very thoughtful, and thoughtless. This simple word (or name) choice drives the moral message of the story home from the very beginning this way by then building character profiles as the story progresses that made themselves apparent from the initial introductions in which the reader associated and inferred future events based on first impressions. Lo and behold, as was expected the fish named “very thoughtful” was as one could assume the hero of the story whose prudency saved himself and his fish friends.

I guess in the grey area would be the stories that are more obscure and whose messages aren’t so cut and dry as the author seemed to intentionally leave an air of uncertainty and confusion for the purpose of dramatization when in the finale the message unfolds. This is similar to the context driven technique I talked about above, but instead of the reader being I suppose “omniscient” or “in the know” (even if through a hunch that the author provokes) they are kept out of the loop until the “big reveal.” I think the stories that fall under this category would include but are not limited to “The Tricky Wolf and the Rats” or maybe “The Otters and the Wolf.” Some of these may fit in a number of these categories, or not in one indefinitely but these are some general similarities or procedures I can detect between the several of them.

Bibliography:

Title: More Jataka Tales
Author: Ellen C. Babbitt
Source: Web

(Image Source: The Three Fishes, Web)

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Learning Challenge: Intensity vs Consistency

“Intensity versus Consistency” by Simon Sinek

I really enjoyed this video by Simon Sinek that talked about intensity versus consistency. He made some compelling points that dials down to how we allot our time and the results of said schedule. His examples of working out and going to the dentist, where doing at little every day to maintain either our muscles or teeth is more effective than one vigorous appointment for either. This concept of consistency is also romantic relationships go the distance, since as Sinek points out it’s the little things like kissing good morning (x) amount of days more than the grand gestures that gives two people that lifetime kind of love. I have never thought about how intensity and short-term gratification sizes up to it’s companion, consistency and long term results. Sure, consistency is a commitment that requires more time and effort but in contrast to intensity, it's more reliable. How he tied in these examples to life at a company was enlightening and made me mentally compare the types of business models America is more prone to. This translates to the culture of our immediate environment and our educational system as well if one really analyzes how greedy we’ve all become at pursuing personal ends through shortcuts. I liked his appeal that we should look at our community in our work or school or society as a place to build a communal vision together at pace that is natural. This very much translates into any area of life if one really realizes that purposeful attention and time, even a little every day, yields more valuable results that we’re all trying to unnaturally attain through intensity.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: Epified, Krishna (Part B)

Epified: Krishna, Part B

- Brahma, upon observing Krishna share the food off of his plate with his fellow cowherders and friends was surprised and perplexed at his generosity. To test the young man, he kidnapped the cows and villagers for the equivalent of one year, but Krishna created replicas of the lost creatures and people from himself and fooled all involved. In the end, Brahma bowed down to Krishna’s divinity after the ordeal.
- Against the warnings of his friends and brother, Krishna vowed to try and ride the vicious bull Hastin. To become acquainted with the beast before Poornima, Krishna played music for him and fed him sweet straw until after an amount of time he trusted him. When the time came, Krishna mounted him and shocked his audience who learned a lesson of kindness through his example of befriending the wild creature.
- After being denied by his parents when he asked to marry his soulmate Radha, Krishna was brought to the family priest, Gargacharya who told him the truth of his birth and fate as the deliverer that the sages have anticipated, the savior of Dharma.
- Kansa organized an event called Dhanur Yajna and sent his servant Akrur to invite Krishna and Belram in one final attempt at altering his impending destruction, but Akrur ended up spilling the beans on this plan when he went to fetch them since he was starstruck by Krishna. Stepping up to face his fate, Krisha went along despite the pushback of the gopi’s and cowherder’s of Vrindavin who were saddened and scared to see him leave the village.
- There was a warm welcome for the brothers in Mathura and on the off chance they got on someone’s wrong side, the were quickly able to solve disputes and became known for their kindness. Krishna even healed a deformed woman of her disabilities from a hug.
- Kansa tried to kill Krishna and Belram by trampling with an aggressive elephant called Kuvalayapida in one final attempt at changing the grave prophecy fast approaching, but this creature was no match for Krisna who rendered it unconscious with a single punch. In a last ditch effort he even sent wrestlers before the brothers reached the event, but again they were no match. They then proceeded to participate in the Dhanur Yagya, with Krisna lifting the divine bow shocking the crowd. This object was made by Lord Shiv and was meant for Vishnu. While stringing the instrument, it snapped and with this omen of imminent death Kansa set his army on the brothers but once again to no avail. Before he was able to flee the scene, he took his last breath after the brothers successfully attacked him.
- Krisha freed his grandfather Ugrasen and his birth parents Devaki and Vasudev who were all locked up by the tyrant Kansa, and Ugrasen was made king of Mathura and the family was together in one kingdom again.
- Angered at the news of his ally’s death, Jarasandh (king of Magadh) wanted to wage war against Mathura. Since Krishna wanted to keep his citizens safe, his grandfather agreed to have divine architect Vishwakarma build the city Dwarka for the Mathurans so that their enemy would find an empty city upon his next attack. In this new location, Krishna was crowned King. Knowing the fate of Jarasandh was well away in the hands of Bhima the Pandava, he didn’t kill Jarasandh and his city though he could have.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Krishna, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 13, YouTube)

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Reading Notes: Epified, Krishna (Part A)

Epified: Krishna, Part A

- Against the odds, Krishna was born despite so many attempts to prevent it. He went on to become a king and had many friends and foes who did not know of he wasn’t part of their world.
- An aakaashvaani fortold the cruel ruler Kansa of Mathura that the eighth child of his cousin Devaki and Vasudev. Rather than kill them after learning of his fate, Devaki talked him down from the ledge of that decision and he decided instead to kill all the children of this couple instead in a show of his demonic ruthlessness. He managed to slay six of them. The seventh fetus was transported from her womb to that of Rohini (Vasudev’s first wife) by the goddess Mahamaya and many suspected she suffered a miscarriage. The eighth child she bore came with a great spectacle- and in devalok the gods and animals were joyful at the thought of Vishnu’s eighth incarnation until word got to Kansa.  
- Vasudev held his beloved child but felt a divine urge to embark with his newborn to the Yamuna, so in the downpour he set out with his son. Once arrived, he beheld it’s vicious waters and from it emerged a serpent which used it’s body to shield the man and his child while he walked through the waist-deep river. On the other side was a cowherd camp where he found Nanda’s wife who just gave birth to a baby called Maya, and he switched their babies.
- When Kansa awoke from a nightmarish rest, he approached the couple’s cell full of anxious thoughts having heard about the boy slayer being born but noticed the baby was a girl upon arrival. He laughed out loud at the thought of a little girl bringing about his demise, and when he was about to kill the child from Yashoda she transformed into Durga. She criticized Kansa for his foolishness for underestimating her strength on account of her womanly form and reminded of the many demons (more mighty than him) that she had already annihilated. She also admitted to Kansa that the eighth incarnation of Vishnu was alive and safe, and that at the appropriate time they would meet and their fates fulfilled.
- Nanda’s wife, Yashoda, was surprised to find newborn Krishna in place of the baby girl she had remembered birthing but loved him and another boy she had been elected to take care of like her own children. After hearing about the many newborns being slaughtered by Kansa in Mathura in his anxious attempt to kill his future assassin, she became all the more protective of her children. So many people—merchants, travelers, holy men, and many more visited Gokul to see her kids, including a woman named Putana whom her children took to quickly and became close to the family. Until one night, she turned into a wicked demoness with intentions to kill Krishna with her poisonous breast milk. However, the tables turned and baby Krishna ended up sucking her strength, powers, and the hatred in her heart from her in the process. This is when it became apparent to his adoptive mother that he was different.
- Krishna was known in the neighborhood as a naughty kid who with his friends got into trouble and was known as the boy who stole butter. In an attempt at disciplining her boy after learning he was eating mud, when Yashoda went to examine his mouth saw not mud but the entire universe within—sun, moon, stars and all creatures and galaxies and cosmos connected by strings stretching eternally. It was at this point she came to terms with the fact that he was the Bramand itself.
- After learning of collective dreams urging the citizens to move elsewhere, Nanda and his subjects evacuated Gokul for Vrindavan, where Krishna and Balram explored endlessly. Krishna had an innate talent for the flute, and while playing one day he heard the sounds of his friends playing cease and upon investigation found that the poisonous air in the lake of Kalia the snake had made them all unconscious. Krishna with his rhythmic music played the snake back into the deep which in turn cleared the water and the atmosphere of poison. This is only one of many different monstrous terrors sent to the town from Kansa that Krisha ended up overpowering against all odds.
- Inda brought torrential rain upon Vrindavan after feeling neglected with Nanda agreed with Krishna’s appeal that they would instead worship the Govardhan Hill. The people ran to Krishna to seek shelter from the storm, who lifted the mountain with his litter finger making  it like an umbrella and urging Indra to put his pride aside and ask the mighty god of gods his forgiveness.
- Krishna was enamored with a Gopi named Radha, who was equally devoted to him as proven from a prank to drink scalding milk that was said to be an order from Krishna himself that resulted in Krishna’s somehow taking in the blisters and pain from the show. She also allowed him to lick her feet when he was ill since it was said that was the only thing that could cure him.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Krishna, Part A (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 1, YouTube) 

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Wikipedia Trails from Drona to Draupadi

Drona:

In my core and extra credit reading assignments this week, I watched the draw along videos by Epified for parts A through C of the Mahabharata. After being reminded of the conflict between Drona and Drupada I thought I would research more about this character who is so prominent in the story. Some interesting tidbits I learned from his Wikipedia page had to do with the details of his mystical conception and birth, marriage and family, and his talents as a teacher. It also mentions his mistreatment of Ekalavya who wanted to be his student but was refused. There seems a bit of karma in the story of how he stole the potential future for the exceptional young archer in the same way that his childhood friend Drupada revoked from Drona the prospective part of his kingdom that he once offered him.

Drupada:

Speaking of Drupada, I followed to his Wikipedia page to learn more about him. The summary of his history with Drona was similar to that of Drona’s page, but emphasized the wording which he used to humiliate him in their confrontation where he called him a beggar because the difference of status had gotten to his ego. This also went into the back in forth he had with his childhood friend turned foe and how the cycle of vengeance just kept circling since he got his when he was captured by Arjuna of the Pandava clan and taken to Drona who smited him by taking of his kingdom what he thought he was owed. In this it says he did the sacrifice that begot him his twins after the event of him being taken by Arjuna, and that the motive was to have a daughter to marry Arjuna and a son to slay Drona. I’ll have to review and see if this matches my understanding from the PDE and Epified video version of the story.

Dhrishtadyaumna:

Drupada’s first child from the grat yajna (Putrakameshti, a vedic ritual fire sacrifice) was Dhrishtadyaumna. I was interested to see if I could get any more information to do with him and his sister to help me shape a story I could write of them, either of their birth story or something more speculative like how they felt about each other or their identities. Interestingly it said he and his sister were born and immediately grew to adulthood with their full set of skills, his being martial and religious. He was prophesied to bring Drona’s eventual demise but also was his student confusingly. He was the commander of the Pandava army in the battle of Kurukshetra. After he beheaded Drona as predicted, Arjuna attacked him but his attempt was intercepted by Draupadi and Krishna. Lastly, in the analysis it speaks on his mindset regarding his siblings and his lack of respect for them on account of his understand of himself as superior given his godly parentage. That is, the sons Satyajit and Shikhandi.

Draupadi:

I feel like I know already a fair amount about Drapadi from the two versions of the Mahabharata I have read. Mainly here on her Wikipedia page, I wanted to find any new information on her relationship to her brother particularly if it’s available. While this page had a lot of information about her I could come back if I needed a refresher, I didn’t find anything new that really enhances what I have in mind for a story based on her and her brother in my Storybook so I will have to keep on with a different kind of search later.

(Draupadi; Image Source: Wikipedia)

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Extra Credit Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part C

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

• Karna learned of his origins of his adoption. He went out to find a teacher and was denied by Drona on account of his not being a kshatriya, which really disappointed him but for the sake of honoring the parents who raised him he never corrected him. In his search for another teacher, he came upon one who in contrast with Drona, would refuse to teach a kshatriya. This teacher is was an avatar of Vishnu, Parsharam and Karna learned the art of war, including the use of the most devastating weapons in the world.
• One day a scorpion stung Karna, but so as not to disturb his sleeping teacher on his lap he ignored it. Instead of impressing Parsharam, he instead was suspicious and accused him of being a kshatriya as no Brahmin’s would have been able to suffer so silently. Thus, he sent Karna away and cursed him saying that he would not be able to use his skills in the future when he most needed to.
• The Pandavas and Kauravas learned from Kripacharya and Drona, they had a tournament to show their skills. Karna out-did Arjuna in his archery skills to Arjuna’s frustration but was refused the title of victor. When the Pandava’s tried to perform against him, their teacher Kripacharya intervened and demanded that they must learn of Karna’s lineage since he had to have royal ancestry to proceed. He told what he knew of his story, and Kunti fainted after hearing it. Duryodhan declared Karna king of Anga.
• The story of friendship turned foe between Drona and Drupad, disciples of the same teacher, tells a story of forking morals and ambitions leading to different paths. Drupad always promised Drona he would give him half his kingdom once he acquired one despite the fact that Drona had never cared much for material things or money except in the case that he need it to care for his wife and son Ashwatthama. Drupad was crowned king of Paanchal, but went back on his childhood promise and humiliated him. Afterward he was invited by Bhishma to train the Pandavas and Kauruvas at Hastinapur in the art of archery and arms.
• Arjun was the best archer, and Bheem was the strongest, and Yudhisthira with his wisdom was up next for the throne at Hastinapur much to Duryodhan’s dismay and jealousy. He devises with Karna and Shakuni to get rid of the 5 brothers.  He planned to set a palace for the brothers at Vanvrat on fire and to burn them to death, hoping it would be believed an accident. Vidura warned them and realized upon the completion of the building that was made of combustible material. The cousins escaped through a contrived passage.  
• Bhima was the pillar of strength for his family while they were in the forest, supporting their weak frames, fetching water for them, and keeping watch in the night. They settle in the city of Ekachakra after wandering far and put on disguises as Brahmins to prevent detection from the Kauravas. This place apparently had a problem with an asura called Bakasur who had an agreement with the city that human sacrifices must be made periodically. Kunti met a man who was scheduled for this duty and said no one had been able to kill the asura, and she assured him her son Bhima would take his place. The son of Vayu ended up defeating him and everyone celebrated.
• Drupad in anticipation of Drona wanted a son who could face him so he held a Yagya and invited sages to offer prayers and grant him a son. From the sacred fire came the fraternal twins, Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of Drupad and his twins in Episode 26, Youtube)

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Learning Challenge: Open Heart + Open Mind = Open Dialogue

“Open Heart, Open Mind” by Jake Morgan and Neal Walia

I chose this video after I realized I recognized a name—Neal Walia. It took me a second to realize this was a video from an event called TEDxOU, and that though my only memory of him was as a teenager who knew a friend of mine, he obviously went to OU at some point! To see him speak here with Jake Morgan in this talk about understanding mental illness through empathetic storytelling was very interesting! It’s so cool to see that this event was held on OU's campus. Their message of connecting with our OU family on more than just the surface is one that should be taken more seriously by our students who so often needlessly suffer alone with the weight of personal problems. They shone a light on the fact that even the most stable seeming of individuals could be harboring a secret that they feel shame or anxiety about- like Neal’s bipolar disorder or Jake’s clinical depression. For two guys who seem on the outside such perfect examples to admit such truths behind the veil of their star-student personas shows how even those who most successfully cover their internal challenges are much like the rest of us who are actually visually a mess.

The stigma behind mental health problems leads to students bearing a load of shame in the shadows. The conditions that arise from chemical imbalances in the brain such as the ones they spoke about are all too common, but as they said are “not usually advertised on a stage.” I can say personally that this is true. They put a humorous spin on connecting through such a sad shared experience, but as Jake stated: “The statistics are there to show we aren’t alone, but the dialogue isn’t.” Their emphasis on how our ability as humans to empathize as not only logical but biological was something I didn’t know, so now thinking back to the many stories that shed light on such conditions I have such respect for the author giving their readers that ability to put on the shoes of someone so affected. As hard as it is, being vulnerable and putting our experiences on “paper” so to speak is key to starting a conversation about mental illness which is so often invisible.It is SO hard to be explicit about mental illness, so I really appreciate this video. Especially knowing these words were spoken in my own community puts my mind at ease and gives me encouragement that the project that they oversaw (whenever this video was shot) might have helped someone. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part B

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

• Dhritrashtra marries Gandhari, who blinds herself (permanently but without physically disabling herself), Pandu marries Kunti and Madri. Kunti has a secret from her past that ends up progressing the story. [I’m realizing how important flashbacks are to this story.]
• Through speaking a mantra shared with her by Durwasa, Kunti summoned Suryadeva (the Sun god) and after being bathed “in his light” was left with his child. Scared and unwed, she felt obligated to abandon the child. She placed him in a basket and on the bank of a river and asked his godly father figure to watch over him and the waves took him away to her anguish.
• While in the woods, when Pandu was hunting he mistakenly fired an arrow at a hermit couple who were in the middle of a love-making session. After misfiring, the hermit man cursed Pandu before he died since they were more than defenseless but distracted by their moment of passion. The moment Pandu has sexual relations with a woman, because of the Hermit’s curse he would die. In his devastation, he sent word that he would not return to Hastinapur and would stay in the forest forever.
• To give hope to Pandu for his despair that his brother Dhristrashra would be seated on the throne indefinitely without an heir of his own, Kunti revealed to him her gift of being able to summon a god to give her a child.
•  Kunti called upon Yama first, Pandu’s first-born son Yudhishthir who would be known for being calm and collected. Kunti then ushered Vayudev, the wind god, who gave her a son as strong and quick as air—Bhima. Then she called Indra, who gave her a son who would be known as a great warrior and archer—Arjuna. [I thought the videos descriptions of these supernatural births were done very well. The PDE version of these events was more straight-forward, but the way this video set up the scenes with drawings of each character involved with the voiceover of their titles and specific characteristics made it more special.]
•  Kunti, after refusing to use her mantra to have more children herself helped Pandu’s second wife Madri summon the Ashwin twins, who gave her Nakul and Sahdeva. [I thought this was especially touching that Kunti would use her own gift to give another woman a chance at motherhood. It’s almost like a strange form of adoption.]
•  After being cursed with celibacy after what happened in the forest, he forced himself on Madri in a moment of weakness and succumbed to death that was awaiting this abandonment of control. Madri chose to share her husband’s fate by following him into the flames at his cremation ceremony.  [It seems so sad to me that just after he was given children, he was so soon taken away before he could help raise them. Even sadder that the twins’ mother, Madri, who is their remaining parental figure would leave them orphaned. I can’t remember if the PDE mentioned guilt as a motivation for her to sacrifice herself, but I feel like given the circumstances it could have been likely.]
•  Kunti adopted Madri’s children and took the twins’ and her three boys out of the forest where she had lost so much and left for Hastinapur. [In this version, her sacrifice and commitment as a mother seem especially apparent.]
• The drawn-out scene at Hastinapur with Gandari’s pregnancy and birth is a strange one. She gives birth to a lifeless mass of flesh. To bring his prophecy to life and give her the hundred sons she was promised, Ved Vyasa returned and divided the lump into a hundred pieces and soaked them in vats until it was time. The firstborn from the vats, Duryodan was sensed to be demonic to everyone but his mother who on account of her blindness did not sense. [There seems to be underlying symbolism with the parents’ lack of sight and their ability to dismiss the obvious omens that surrounded their children.]
• Duryodhan felt left out since Bhima was favored by his grandfather Bhishma, a feeling that would turn into hate. This along with his mentor Shakuni (Gandari’s brother’s) advice would be the fire behind Duryodhan’s motive to destroy the Pandava children before they could take Hastinapur from him.
•  His first attempt was to put a sleep-inducing substance in the Pandava’s food, which subsequently led him to tie up Bhima’s hands and feet and pushing him into a lake. After fighting off deadly serpents, he found himself in ruler Vasuki’s realm, Naag Lok. He called him a grandson on account of their mutual relative Chief Aaryak, and he gave him a magic potion that would give him matchless strength and that he would become a hero remembered throughout history.
• Bhishma appoints the brahmin Drona as the Pandava’s teacher. Yudhisthira’s skill was as a horseman behind the reins on the battlefield, Madri’s twin’s talent was as swordsmen, Bhima was as predicted an all-around powerhouse with a mace and Arjuna wielded all weapons with utmost precision but preferred his bow and arrow and was likewise perfect in hand-to-hand combat.
• Arjuna and Ashwatthamama, Drona’s son and disciple as well, were shown the use of devastras—divine weapons that control the elements.
• The story of Ekalavya, a nishaad boy who was not a warrior, prince, or kshatriya but a simple huntsman. He claimed his teacher was Drona, but it turned out that he ,was only his teacher indirectly—through the inspiration of looking toward a figure he had formed in his image after Drona denied him as his student on account of his being only a forest dweller. This turn of events of this self-taught archer stunned both Drona and the disciples he had accepted.
• The guru put all justice and fairness aside when he asked the boy to cut his thumb off for him which he did promptly, making him physically unable to hold the title of the world's greatest archer. [This was dumbfounding, how Drona could put his principles aside and disrespect the very person who looked to him as an idol is totally demeaning of all Ekalavya’s hard work and devotion. Totally sickening and against all virtue and good consciousness.]

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Screenshot by me of Kunti in Mahabharata Episode 9, Youtube)

Leave a Comment Reading, Week 9

Growth Mindset: Beyond School

I can think of many areas that I have a healthier attitude toward the concept of a “growth mindset” outside of the classroom. After giving it some thought, it is indeed incredibly transferrable to just about any area of one’s life. For me, my first thought is toward my many relationships. Whether romantic or familial, maintaining these connections requires just that—maintenance. Somehow, I’m very capable of letting my networks blossom on their own time, but when it comes to my progress in school, I have always had a hard time with the fact that I am a textbook “late bloomer.” With skills in general, it’s easy to see myself as someone who is always slow to start and consider this a failure. I didn’t grow accustomed to speaking for myself so many years after my twin sister that some thought I was mute. I also was second to learn how to bike and swing by myself and took an extra 4 tries to pass my driver’s exam. By these credentials, it’s easy to fall into the trap of a fixed mindset since I have never had a history of picking stuff up on pace with my peers. However, after learning that I am not alone in this struggle (supposedly Einstein never learned to drive, and he’s a certified genius) I have given myself more grace. Another area where I have adopted a “growth mindset” is a little more personal, but on my healthy living journey. It’s not easy to be the epitome of health and fitness overnight, and I have come to terms with the fact that small steps like choosing to do light exercise (walk to work/school) and choosing less fattening options for meals will show results after a while. I know I have done it once, back when I was extremely disciplined and enthused with the process, so I know I can do it again if I just utilize the same “growth mindset” I didn’t know I was using before! 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Typing Test Tech Tip: A Little Above Average

I told myself at some point I would try Tech Tip, and I figured now was as good a time as any to try it out. I went to the Typing Test that was suggested on the assignment overview page. The screenshot I took is a little hard to see, but I had 73.46 word per minute with 97.35% accuracy. I was glad to see that even while I'm feeling down and out since I'm sick that my scores were still a fair amount above the average, which can be seen on the upper right-hand corner just below my results.  I liked the little blurb it had me type, it was very encouraging. I then went to Typingtest.com to compare my skills with a different website and found I had similar results with both the short 1 minute version and 3 minute version: about 70 words per minute with about 5 mistakes. I liked that I could choose between about 8 different types of text. It featured "Aesop's Fables," but I went with "Zebra- Africa's Striped Horse" (my favorite zoo animal since I was little) for the first and "The Enchanted Typewriter" for the second.

I have always considered myself a fairly good typer since I grew up with good computer classes. I loved my teacher, Mrs. Fellers. As a staff kid I always got to school early in the mornings, and in exchange for turning on and sanitizing all of her computers, she would allow me to practice my typing on the kid-friendly programs of the late 90s. I don't remember much about it, just that it was like a video game with characters like alien creatures. When another teacher replaced her when she retired, I lost my enthusiasm for putting in this extra effort every morning since I didn't have such a relationship with the guy and also he got rid of the fun typing games that got students enthused about enhancing their typing skills! Really a bummer. I also used to be an avid AIM and MSN Messenger user in the 2000's, so some of my speed and accuracy might stem back to this too.

(Image Souce: Screenshot by me. Keyhero)

Leave a Comment Tech Tip, Week 9

Famous Last Words: When Flu Season Strikes

This weekend while I was with my family, I caught some sort of severe cold, moderate flu, or sinus infection (I'm not sure which). I haven’t been this sick in quite some time. I’ve been so miserable that even making this post and completing other assignments for this and the rest of my classes has been a major struggle. I was actually sent home by one of my professors on account of how bad I must have looked, which was actually a huge relief since I could suffer within the confines of my own apartment without an audience. I didn’t even know that such bad sinus pain could cause my eye sockets and ear canals to hurt. My lymph nodes are swollen, my nose is stuffy, my chest is congested, and I have a little bit of nausea. My fever comes and goes, and I don’t know whether it’s due to my body being imbalanced and inflamed from illness or if it’s the over the counter medicine I’m on, but I can’t focus for anything. I feel guilty about everything I have neglected and I think I need to go back to class tomorrow but considering how little I feel I have recovered even while resting at home I’m not sure I’ll be firing at full cylinders for a while. I also miss having an appetite for food, not to mention the ability to smell and taste. 

In the meantime, between being passed out and awake long enough to take more medicine I managed to do today’s “More Mahabharata” assignment. I have always liked the Epified channel on YouTube. It also reminded me of the other videos I had been meaning to get to in the class playlist and came upon one that was Harry Potter related. With the onset of cooler weather, and my having been a dedicated viewer of this series every Christmas since I can remember I thought it was appropriate to watch this video “Harry Potter Music (Indian Version) | Tushar Lall (TIJP).” It brought back so many memories and I loved the original spin they put on it with the traditional instruments, it was a great tribute to the iconic song. The production of the video was likewise impressive. It also reminded me of a Storybook that I found back in the first week called “Hogwarts: The Loyalty of Brothers.” The link looks broken now, but I remember bits and pieces of it and thought it was such a creative take on the Indian Epics and could really see where the author could draw parallels between the stories. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part A

Mahabharata, by Epified on YouTube

• The visuals of the narrator drawing along with the descriptions is a feature of this channel’s videos I have noticed and really enhances the viewers understanding of the scenes.
•  Also helpful is a short sentence about the next video in the playlist line up. It makes for a nice transition to the topic of the upcoming video.
• It is an account of how Karma functions; through this lens of karma, each event is more easily seen as a chain of cause and effect.
• Puts in perspective the motive behind Ganga killing Shantanu’s 8 children in the Ganges river in order to “free” the celestial spirits from the curse of living mortal lives for a crime committed at a time prior. This also makes sense why she made Shantanu promise that if they were to wed that he would resist ever questioning her choices.
•  Hastinapur retrieved its long-lost prince Devarat, King Shantanu’s son who was trained and taught by some of the wisest and most skilled in war. At the sight of his father’s romantic advances being denied by Satyavati, he decides to go reason with her himself. When he could not convince her fisherman father, he took an oath that he would never marry nor procreate and was henceforth known as Bhishma—“he of the terrible oath”.
•  His father’s response is what gave rise to his boon that he would be able to choose the time of his own death.
• After Chitrangad dies, Vichitraveerya becomes King and Bhishma goes to Kashi and kidnaps three women—Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. This story is sad because it shows the sexism of a society that shuns women who are taken like these princesses were. Poor Amba was rejected by the man she loved since her having been taken against her will somehow meant she belonged to Bhishma. No one should be shamed under these circumstances. It’s sad that the Sage Parshuram couldn’t fulfill his commitment of defeating Bhishma for Amba.
•  After Vichitravirya died having had no children to succeed him, Satyavati told her secret that she had bore a child before she met Bhishma’s father, King Shantanu, named Vyasa. He was meant to give the widows of Vichitravirya children, but the shock and grief along with his not so pleasant looks made them hesitant. Due to this fear, it was said that her closing her eyes during the act would result in a child that was born blind. The second sister’s paleness would result in a child born with bad health. The third woman who was sent in the place of Ambalika, a servant, welcomed him with an open mind and heart.
•  Ambika had Dhritarashtra, who was blind. Ambalika had Pandu, who was pale. The servant had Vidura, who grew to be one of the wisest and knowledgeable and was known as an avatar of Yama, the God of truth and death. These three boys grew up under their Uncle Bhisma’s care. The rivalry between the first two boys, Dhristarashtra and Pandu. With this many contenders for the Hanstinapur throne, it of course was sure to stir feathers. Though Dhritarashtra was on the throne with his brothers presiding over the kingdom, who “called the shots” was unanimously understood to be Dhritarasthra’s brothers.
• These brothers (Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Vidura) children would be major players in the war of the Mahabharata.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part A (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Epified, YouTube Channel)

Leave a Comment Reading, Week 9

Week 8 Progress

I think I worked out through the Progress Chart that even with some snags I have found in my schedule in the past that I am still about a week ahead in points thanks to my dedication to doing extra credit assignments. Even with some missed opportunities to make even more points, I think that it has helped that I pushed myself in former weeks to stay ahead even when I was behind, if that makes sense. I actually thoroughly enjoy the extra credit assignments, particularly those to do with HEART or Growth Mindset if it isn’t already apparent by how full those tags are. My weekly routine is pretty lax on the core assignments, so I think it’s lucky that I don’t find the extra credit assignments a chore when making up points for passed deadlines.

I would like to look into doing different kinds of extra credit assignments in the coming weeks and might try to incorporate Tech Tip or Wikipedia Trails to bring some variation to my extra credit options since I often choose between a regular two or three. So long as I keep up with my makeup assignments if I happen to not complete some main assignments on the schedule, I think I will thank myself in the long run. I want to avoid falling behind, so I would feel pretty defeated if I fell below a good 10 points ahead at any given time. I am really grateful for this week for reflecting and planning, it’s a good rest before pushing myself to the end of the semester!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

Leave a Comment Week 8

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

The comments that I have received on my stories so far have been very constructive. They are not overly critical but still do well to give suggestions for correction. I think it helps that the Feedback Gallery and the assignments that incentivize interaction with one another’s blogs has helped us to know how to give the most useful comments on people’s pages. I can speak personally that both these resources and learning from the students reading and responding have all contributed to my own commenting skills. I still tend to steer away from negativity but for the most part have challenged myself to give sincere critiques when the situation calls for it. For the most part, though, I think I have some very creative and talented classmates and have enjoyed taking inspiration from them.

Having the opportunity to be a virtual wallflower since our blogs are public has been a unique experience since so much of school is independent. I have learned more about students who I recognize from former and current classes as well as gotten to know some strangers at least at surface level. Somehow it seems easier to connect online behind a screen where you can let go of inhibitions that prevent genuine interaction when offline. I have edited my Introduction a couple of times since it first went up and am pleased with the changes I have made. I think with the customizations I have made to my blog it is a space that people can see who I am, both aesthetically through the visuals and navigation, but also through my blog posts, stories, and comments.

(Infographic I chose because it reflects my thoughts on offering candid praise and criticism; Image Source: Kim Scott, Twitter)

Leave a Comment Week 8

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Overall, I feel satisfied with my sites at this point of the semester. As far as my blog goes, I became comfortable quickly and am quite happy with the formatting choices I made as far as the layout is concerned. After some googling, I found this customizable template that I downloaded for free from Georgia Lou Studios and finagled with which is why it might seem visually different than some which used the ones that came pre-installed on the platform. My project on my Google site has a way to go, but it’s still early so I anticipate making some changes here and there with font and photos when I start writing stories.

I have thoroughly enjoyed both epics that we have read in this class. The Mahabharata seems a little more mystical and metaphorical than the Ramayana which I like since each episode is a like a clue to the moral message, but the Ramayana is story of romance and unrequited love and betrayal that is so classic. One regret is not writing many stories and opting to make up the points by doing the extra credit assignments. Since I am pushing myself to do poetry instead of prose, the Thursday due date has been a time struggle since this takes more time and effort. My anxious, perfectionist soul has continuously prevented me from producing a weekly post since I can’t bring myself to publish anything if it isn’t the best writing possible. I suppose the extra credit assignments that I have tended toward (Growth Mindset/ HEART) are helping me to work on abandoning these self-imposed expectations. Though I haven’t written many, it is still my poem from week 4 that I am most proud of. The reading notes post strategies have been useful for me since they are short and sweet and remind me of the parts that I found most important and can return to when I go skim them for inspiration later.

In looking forward, I realize I need to get the show on the road with my Storybook now that we have finished both myths. When I go to write, I want to try to not put too many restrictions on myself as far as planning goes because in the past, I have realized that this is a sure way to pigeonhole myself into having writers block. Trying to fit some perception of what I want from my writing doesn’t necessarily produce such writing. Also, I have been proactive with accumulating extra points which has prevented me from beating myself up for not keeping pace with the assignment due dates. I intend to continue to take it day by day and do as much as I can when I have the time. I am also very grateful for the grace period. So far, no suggestions!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos) 

Leave a Comment Week 8

Growth Mindset: The Cycle of Brain Chemistry and Learning

“Learning with Passion and Enthusiasm” by Unknown

This video talks about the connection between brain chemistry and learning. According to studies, the chemicals in the brain that produce feelings of passion and enthusiasm (endorphins, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters) are related to the process of learning. While dopamine and endorphins are commonly associated with delight and interest, the other neurotransmitters relay information to areas of the brain responsible for memory. Scientists who have studied these in people interacting with various stimulants (cocaine, looking at expensive versus cheap cars, shopping) have noted that there is a parallel between the speed of information processing and levels of dopamine. What they have found, unfortunately, that different kinds of “fun” produce varying effects on these chemicals. “When we are planning a trip with our friends, or when we have an unexpected inspiring conversation with a stranger, our brain releases neurotransmitters in abundance and we start recording with all of our senses in high definition… to make it a creative and memorable experience.”

Thus, to have learning experiences that extend beyond the short-term gratification of our general outlets for entertainment (shopping, interacting with others, daydreaming) one must examine whether it generates excitement and how much. This video drives home for me the nuances between the levels of enjoyment and how it affects retention rate. It makes sense that the most lasting learning is in the period from infancy through childhood when one has no shortage of curiosity and enthusiasm. Looking back at my own life, this video answers some questions for me about what must be behind my senioritis this semester. I suspect the novelty of college has worn away after a couple years. I suppose this is also why long-term couples who leave the “honeymoon” stage have such a tough time recapturing their former spark. In the same what that happiness and learning promote one another, it seems that the sluggishness of the one must discourage the other. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Learning Challenge: A "To-Do" List for Taking Yourself Less Seriously

"Be Happy," video by Monica Sheehan

Some of my favorite bits of advice in this video are so simple yet they are speaking into my soul about how significant the small stuff really is. Things I could really start doing more of like showing up, not isolating myself like the hermit I am always prone to being. Also, pamper myself, face my fears (this would entail silencing my secret demons and phobias), and limiting television are all very practical advice for me. Sometimes I find myself glued to time-wasters like games and shows that serve me in no genuine way. Others which I have more of a proclivity toward and just need to practice more frequently include setting up a realistic schedule, live in the moment (rather than the past or some possible future), accept that life has its ups and downs, and remind myself to not focus on the negative aspects of situations. Some other honorable mentions include “have a sense of wonder,” “do things you’re good at,” “be open to new ideas,” “let people know how special they are,” “money doesn’t buy happiness,” and “want what you have.” A "to-do" list like this is an important arsenal of wisdom when so often in this tense world of pressure and expectations we tend to take ourselves and others too seriously. Something tells me the people who spend more time on achieving these mental and physical health-related goals have more happiness than those who waste these god-given gifts in the pursuit of shallow pleasures like or money or fame, often at the expense of the wellbeing of themselves or worse, others. The song accompanying the short video, “New Soul, by Yael Naim, is an appropriate soundtrack to a slideshow of suggestions for being happy. We are all young souls in a sense, experiencing all the highs and lows of life and learning lessons along the way as we age: “finding [ourselves] making every possible mistake.” What a good message from this activity. Sometimes even just simply taking a break from the daily grind of doing assignments to “achieve” arbitrary academic grades like watching a video like this is just as enlightening for the mind. I truly think that we would all be better off with a daily dose of happy little tips like Monica Sheehan has provided here.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

Leave a Comment Learning Challenge, Week 7

Famous Last Words: Taking the Good With the Bad

I feel like my life has been set on the spin cycle with the safety lock on. By this I mean I can relate all too well with my poor iPhone that, unfortunately, found itself stuck with my sheets and pillowcases in the washing machine. This event that ended my week really sums up how I have been feeling as of late, so I was the least bit surprised by my slight error that caused my cell phone to be swimming in suds on Saturday. On top of mid-semester exams, barely scraping by with enough money to make rent, and the shadow of stress from a serious financial burden from only weeks ago still on my shoulders, it’s been a shaky start to this spooky month to say the least. I know I have racked up plenty of extra points for a cushion in this class which is making my missed due dates a little less daunting, but I’m ready to start fresh for Week 8.

As the sun sets on this week, I'm trying to remain positive and resilient. Having just completed the last section of the Mahabharata, I feel even more confident that closing this chapter will help me regain focus and feel less compelled to dwell on this past week where I wasn’t ahead of the curve. Instead of being concerned about making up academic losses, I’m going to try and pat myself on the back for prudently putting in the effort of extra credit assignments in the past for such a time as this. I really liked the Mahabharata and I’m ready to now spend my time picking it apart with additional resources as an aid. I have started by coming through on my personal promise to return to Mahabharata related videos in the MLLL YouTube playlist to see how they can enhance my understanding of the epic. “Mahabharata Meets Game of Thrones” is one that caught my attention since the craze for that series swelled just recently with its final season. The way this video likens the characters to their GOT counterparts is so clever and adds a new dimension to how I understand them. I can really see how this relation between stories came about since they concern themes of family versus foe, good versus evil, peace versus war, and so on which I touched on in my last reading notes post. Up next “The Mahabharata(“Abracadabra” by the Steve Miller Band),” which tries to hit some of the main points of the epic to the tune of this song from the 80s!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

Leave a Comment Famous Last Words, Week 7