Culture Shock, Thursday, 6/12, Period 2

[shiroi_tiger]

Really, the students of Algren's Culture Shock class ought to be getting used to their teacher showing up looking disgruntled by now.

And Algren didn't even have any particular reason to be disgruntled today. He just figured that it was better to be prepared for any potential Fandom-being-Fandom moments by behaving as though he was the island's most cranky man well in advance.

"Today we're covering the last stage of culture shock. We've been amazed, confused, annoyed, frustrated, defeated, depressed, and hopelessly lost. It's about time we get around to actually coming to terms with the fact that we're here." No, he wasn't at this stage yet, himself. He wasn't planning on ever being at this stage himself if he could help it. "Reaching this stage doesn't mean that you've necessarily mastered the new culture. It simply means that you've accepted that you're here, and you're as comfortable as you're ever going to get. It's an acceptance of the fact that, though you might not understand everything, you really don't need to understand it all in order to be able to get by. You might not fall in love with your new surroundings, but you'll survive, and you know it."

He nodded at a random student in the room.

"You. Name one aspect of Fandom that you thought you were never going to overcome when you got here, that you've learned to deal with, since. For me, it would have to be the technology. I won't ever understand why everything from an oven to a toothbrush has to be electrical nowadays, but at least I've come to terms with the fact that it all seems to be."

Electrical toothbrushes. Honestly.

[OCD is on the way up! Have at thee!]

Magick on the Fly - Thursday, 6/11 - Period Four

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

"Today's lesson isn't so much a lesson as it is something to think about."

She held up her wand, ebony with silver on either end, its length the same as the distance between the tip of her middle finger and the bend of her arm.

"I'm sure you've seen my wand before today and you will more than likely see my wand after as it tends to make an appearance during the more unfortunate events that occasionally occur on the island. My wand is many things, of course, but most often it is used for the preloaded charm I've placed on it which allows me to freeze an object, or living being, in a suspended state in time and space.

"Quite a trick, hmm? Well, perhaps to some of you. To others, of course, perhaps not so much. Regardless, the concept remains the same: a preloaded spell can be endlessly useful to you for a variety of reasons.

"All the events and troubles we've mentioned before? Well, you can avoid them with a pre-loaded spell. A ring that's set to tell you if poisons entered the air, a bracelet made of charms to provide a shield from harm, a hairclip that will counteract any drugs or spellwork used to muddy your mind to make it clear once more so you can function. These are things that you work on and prepare when you have the time and the energy and use at a moment's warning to assist you. Even if your spellwork is accomplished simply and easily, a preloaded spell can be used to give you warning when you wouldn't be consciously looking or to perform magic in a way that a combatant wouldn't know to look for or guard against.

"So today, I'd like you to try and figure out preloaded spells that could be a part of your daily attire or kept on your person without trouble which would be useful to you. Work with each other and try and point out flaws or specifics that might be ill considered. Try to allow for what you can actually do or think of as possible and start from there. And remember: be practical. Setting something on fire is flashy and impressive but seldom the actual solution to anything."

[ocd up!]

Library [after first period]

[gudspellr-claud.livejournal.com]

Claudia, polka dot leggings, red flamingo shirt, cowboy boots and all, walked into the library, planning to spend the day organizing things by dusting each page of People magazine individually.

...or maybe just by reading People magazine. Hush.

[OOC: The OCD fled in terror from Claudia's shirt.]

How to Dress Like a Pop Star [Class 5] [Period 3] [6/12]

[likeabeachball.livejournal.com]

Today, the classroom had a very different feel. Shiny copper fixtures, cogs and gears, steam pipes and valves. All with a flair that was very Victorian, as well.

"So today, I have a subject of real important. Something that is really key. Dressing up your head. Now, this is sort of along the lines of accessorizing. But with one main focus. Now, I have great hair, and it comes at a cost. I use a lot of different products, and really, I could fill up a seven week course just about how to take care of your hair. So really, the key about hair is... make it your own. Hair is never just hair. It's part of you. It's part of your outfit. But, if you want, there's also this other thing."

Vince put a white cowboy hat on his head. "Hats. They all suit me, because I'm gorgeous. You might have a bit of more trouble. But remember the big rules. Confidence. Lack of fear. You'll be great."

"Today's new style is something a bit different, but that's what's great. Steampunk is this great fashion trend, it's a futuristic retro, which is beautiful. It's the future, as view from the Victorian past. Isn't that ace? It's all corsets and top hats and goggles and brass fittings and bloody big pocket watches and... well, it's great. There's some pictures you can look through on the tables. I want you to do that, but bring in the equally interesting culture of religious formal dress. So... popes, priests, shaman, any of that. Extra points for extra creativity. Got it? Great. Have at it!"

[ooc: OCD first, please Open!]