Karaoke For Fun And Profit #2 [Tuesday, Period 5, 5/20]

[mike-cannon.livejournal.com]

The nightclub set in the Danger Room was a bit more lively today, with holographic bartenders pouring drinks and holographic wait staff taking orders. The same tables just off the dance floor were reserved for the students, but the remaining tables were filled with patrons.

"We're going to get some practice performing for an audience today," said Mike. "Don't worry, they're all holograms, so they're going to be on their best behavior. And, in honor of some special members of today's audience, we'll be working with the music of one of the greatest performing artists of all time, Elvis Presley."

After handing out copies of the song catalog, Mike went on. "One of the things that makes karaoke so easy is that your standard karaoke machine is pre-loaded with both music and lyrics. You select a song, the music starts playing, and the lyrics are displayed on a screen for you. You also get some kind of cursor, usually a bouncing ball, to let you know where you should be at. This is important -- don't get ahead of the bouncing ball! I was at a karaoke bar on the Strip one night, and this tourist got on stage and started reading the lyrics to 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?'  instead of following the cursor. I was cringing, just waiting for it to end, and someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and there's the King of Rock and Roll wanting to know who is butchering his song."

There was a coughing sound from the holographic audience.

"Okay, he wasn't the real Elvis," added Mike. "He was a really good impersonator, or I was really drunk. Tequila Joe's used to serve these big 50 oz. frozen mudslides... Anyway, go ahead and pick out a song to perform. I'll start things off. Now, I'm going to do a song that was originally written by Paul Anka and was a big hit for Frank Sinatra, but Elvis added it to his live performances in the seventies." Mike got on stage and, after the lights went down and the music started, he started singing "My Way."

[Please wait for the OCD.]

Library [5.20]

[death-of-hope.livejournal.com]

The library was open, yet there was something odd.

After a few moments, it would be come apparent that the usual library aide was missing.  Instead of an Anemone flitting around in the stacks, Gulliver sat at the desk with the library keys around his neck, and a small hand-lettered note was taped to the check-out:

Not well.  Please see Gulliver with any questions.


[OOC: Attack of RL, so we're running OCD-Free.  Please to be modding your library experience!]

Blending In - Week 2

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

Aly didn't try any shenanigans with her class this time just waited for them to arrive at the front of the class.  "Afternoon, everyone," she said with a grin.  "Welcome to class two.  Aka the class where we start to do stuff."

She pointed to the board which had seven rules written across it.

1. No matter where you are, act like you belong.
2. Behave purposefully.  Especially if you have no purpose.
3. Blend in.  Become a "gray man."
4. Develop assessment skills by practicing even in circumstances in which you are merely a bystander.
5. Learn to trust your instincts to make decisions.  Right or wrong at first, they will get better.
6. Never second-guess your decisions at the time.  Do analyze them later.
7.  Improve your memory.

"Those of you who've took my classes on spying will hopefully recognise those.  If you don't, well, pay more attention next time.  For the rest of you, these are several of the main rules I use for spying, and they're just as usual for trying to blend in.  The connection should be obvious," she teased, "so I won't try to explain it."

"For today then, I want you to read the rules and ask any questions you have about them.  How they're applicable, when they're applicable, what they mean, anything at all."

"And then-"  she flipped on a projector and two pictures were set side by side on the screen.  "The goal is to fit in.  Talk it over with your neighbour, use the rules we just discussed, and come up with a way to go unremarked upon at these two gatherings."

[OOC: OCD is a coming!]

Courtly Dancing and Defence: Week 2

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

"Hello everyone," Aly said, making her way into the classroom slightly late.  "You probably were expecting someone else, a man for one thing, but Professor Ambrose has been called back to his home for the term so you have me instead.  My name's Aly for those who don't know me."  She glanced around the room with a smile and measuring look for each of the students."

"I apologise there wasn't a class last week for you all, but I'll be more than happy to make up for that in the coming weeks.  Now I normally teach spying and such so the sneaky aspects of this class definitely appeals to me, but for now, I'd like you all to introduce yourselves - name, age, year, why you took the class and then two things different about you."  Aly grinned.  "And then you can feel free to ask me a question."

She flipped a switch and the music of a jig filled the room.  "After that, feel free to pair up and dance. I'd love to see where you all are."

Intergalactic Justice, Tuesday Period One

[notjustaworm.livejournal.com]

"Gooood morning, children," Jim greeted the class, in classic upbeat fashion. "Today? Cows!"

He had a preoccupation, yes. As did the farmland area that the Danger Shop had adopted as its form du jour, featuring a herd of cows that was truly stellar in size.

"...And plans. Planning is a very important part of exacting justice across the universe," he said, holding up a finger, "Because you don't want to end up caught stuck between the Dangerous Zone of Great Danger and a black hole without some kind of 'plan'." He made the airquotes accordingly. "Make sure you have a lot of these 'plans', because things never really go the way you want them to go. And remember always, always-- have a plan B."

He took out his (still simulated) blaster. "EAT! DIRT!"

One of the cows got pulverized in the ensuing onslaught. He spun the blaster, blew the complete lack of smoke from the barrel, and shoved it back. "Buuuuut there's always the hope it won't get to that." He didn't sound too hopeful about it, really. "For today's assignment, you have to plan. And work as a team. My suggestion is you find someone who compliments your strengths, weaknesses, and makes a mean omelette just in case you and your little buddy get a little hungry travelling through the universe."

He brushed away a tear. "I MISS PETER."

And composed himself. "--Anyway, we're under attack, so pick a cow or two, herd them down over towards that catapult over there, and launch them. Trust me, you'll find it's great thinking ahead later!"

It wouldn't be.

[ ocd up! ]

Networking to Success, Wednesday, Period 1 (5/21/08)

[1petrelli1.livejournal.com]

"Networking is about more than meeting people," Nathan said once the group had gathered. "It's learning how people you meet can be useful to them and - just as important - how you can be useful to them.

"One of the first ways you can be useful is by being what's called a connector. You may not be able to help someone in front of you, but you know someone who can. Think of it like when your doctor gives you a referral, only more personal and less likely to involve needles."

Nathan grinned. Nathan liked to think he was funny.

"Today I want you to connect. Take people in the group and introduce them to other people. Don't just give names, help make the connection. State why you think the two of them will get along. 'This is Jane Smith, she breeds Dalmatians. Jane, this is my good friend John Doe, he's looking to buy his kids a puppy.' For the purpose of the class you can make it up if you have to, but bonus points to anybody who can remember anything from the introductions you did last week.

"The more connections, the better," Nathan said. "It earns good karma for when you'll need something later on. So good luck and Lana and I are here if you have any questions."

[ooc: OCD up!]