Basic Computing Class #10 [Tuesday, Period 3, 3/18]

[mike-cannon.livejournal.com]

This week's class was in the Danger Room again, using the simulation of the Montecito's security office. Mike waited until everyone was seated before he began. "It's good to see that you're all back, safe and sound," he said, looking over the class. "Obviously, a lot has happened in the past week, but by working together as a community, we were able to safely bring back everyone who had been taken. A key factor was research that led to clues which helped the away teams know where to look."

There was a sense of melancholy as Mike continued. "Computers can do a lot when it comes to research, but they're not perfect. Sometimes, we can make connections between ideas that the computers can't even recognize. Before spring break, we looked at how a casino uses computers to store and track live camera footage to look for trouble. I can tell you from experience that they're not perfect. Today, we're going to look at an old case that's rather personal for me."

The control room sprang to life, with technicians running back and forth with urgency as Mike continued. "Fifteen minutes ago, an employee in the valet area reported seeing something disturbing. He got a glimpse of a panicked woman in the back of a cab, and she was holding up a makeshift sign that said 'help me.' As the employee moved to take a closer look, a tour bus pulled up and cut off his access to the cab, and by the time he went around it, the cab was gone. Now, if I play back the video," said Mike, tapping a few buttons on the computer in front him, "you can see the employee, and you can see the tour bus, but because there are so many cars, you can't really see the cab. The camera angle that would have given us the best view is totally blocked by the bus."

He replayed the footage again in slow motion, and the students might have noticed this time around that the employee who saw the cab was none other than Mike. "Your task today is to help find someone in trouble," he said. "Don't worry about the technical details, as we have plenty of help for that. What you need to do for this simulation is come up with a plan of finding the woman using the surveillance system and the technicians will help you put that plan into action. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. The other technicians and I can give you pointers on what our computers can do or point you in the correct direction."

[OOC: I'm borrowing the plot of the Las Vegas episode "Silver Star" today. Instructions and OCD will be up shortly now!]

Sneaky Spycraft: Period 4, Week 10

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

Having handwavily notified students that today's class was in the Danger Shop and to wear clothes that could get dirty, Aly hoped that everyone would find their way easily.  When the students entered the room, they would see that it was set up with a series of obstacles and a ropes course.  There was a 25 foot high climbing wall at one end of the room and ropes crisscrossed the ceiling in a variety of patterns.  On the floor there was a mud pit, cable walk, and other moddable obstacles.

Aly stood at the edge of the obstacles and waited for everyone to arrive.  "Okay everyone, this class is for a few reasons.  Someone mentioned wanting to learn how to work with a partner last week, and, for most of us, it was a bit of a stressful week so let's play a bit instead."  She grinned.  "At least I think it's playing.  Those of you who were in my class last spring have played with this before.  Doesn't mean you can't do it again.  The Danger Shop's safeties are on so you're not going to get hurt, but work together like that's not the case.  I haven't split you up into teams - you can go ahead and choose two or three people to work with."

"Anytime you're spying, your life is in the hands of your partner, your contact, your handler, your lover.  They screw up?  And you're going to end up hurt or dead.  Today, the stakes aren't nearly as high.  So have some fun with it."

Aly grinned, gesturing for them to pair up.

[OOC:  OCD threads will be coming is up!  I'm going to link to a few different obstacles, then you can feel free to mod whichever others you like.]

Library [3.18]

[death-of-hope.livejournal.com]

Anemone was practically skipping as she opened the library today.  No more angels, no more missing people, and she'd actually managed to help this time!  This was definately a step-up from her previous encounters with Fandom Crises.

How to Survive Your Own Cooking, Tuesday [Mar 18]

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

Lulu came into class just a few minutes late, carrying a basket with her. "Hello, everyone," she said, sweeping towards the front of the room. "In light of the events of last week, and the weekend, I thought we'd not actually cook anything today. Instead, I have things for you to snack on, and if you'd like you can share stories of what happened to you."

She put down the basket, and instructed the students to move their chairs into a circle. "I do hope that we're all back safe and sound. However, if you would like to speak to someone about any concerns you have, I will be available after class, or feel free to make an appointment or otherwise come by my office hours."

The basket held:

( Lavender Cupcakes )

( Lemon Drops )

[Sorry for this going up so late! As I said in my availability post, my 'net was out until about half an hour ago. Recipes are both transcribed from my copy of The Home Baker, which you can find here, and which I got for Christmas from my step-sister. SUCH A GOOD COOKBOOK. Aaanyway, plz wait for OCD is up!]

Ye Shall Be As Gods? – Class 10, Period 3

[last-mizrahi.livejournal.com]

Juli's musings the night before had left her unsettled still and her sleep had been restless. As such, teaching was just about the last thing she wanted to do today. Unfortunately, she rather doubted that she could just... not show for a class.

Either way, she was there, so it was a moot point.

( And onwards to... )

This was, in her own way, Juli giving them an easy class after the stress of last week. Not that she'd admit it.

[Wait for the OCD is up! Go to it!]

Lawyering Up: Class 10, Wed, Period 2

[1petrelli1.livejournal.com]

"Nice to see you all back," Nathan said as he handed out the usual packets. "Today we're talking about Internet Law, or cyber law, as some people call it. We've already covered the practical problem of how internet technology moves too fast for precedent to keep up. Now let's talk about another problem with that technology: far too many lawmakers do not understand what the internet is. I can assure you that more than one member of Congress still thinks it's a series of tubes.

"So today I want you to pretend that you're trying to advocate for a law related to the internet where you have to find a way to explain what the internet is. Metaphors, diagrams, whatever it takes. Pair up and take turns being the politician who doesn't get it. Extra credit to anybody who figures out an actual law to argue for."

[ooc: wait for OCD is up. Now if only I could make this migraine go away...]