Canada Is Not That Strange And Other Biases | Wednesday | Period 2

[just-add-starch.livejournal.com]

Fraser back in the classroom today, looking relaxed and refreshed after the holiday break. He smiled and nodded as the students filed in.

"Welcome back. I hope everyone had a good holiday. Today, we're going to talk about something a little close to home. I'm sure all of us have been new to the island at one point or another. And I'm sure all of us have heard different stories and legends from people who might have been here longer than you. So, my question for today is what's the strangest thing you've heard that's turned out to be false? Did someone tell you the ocean burped chocolate? Did someone tell you one of the teachers was a three headed hydra?"

That one, Fraser admitted, could be true one day.

"Conversely, what's the strangest thing you've been told that's turned out to be true? In talking about things like this, we can see firsthand how urban legends begin. They might take root in a small fact but grow when people embellish the fact to make it seem like it something more than it is. Let's discuss."

So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 13, Period 3

[tricksy-spy.livejournal.com]

The class had been notified to meet in the Danger Shop, and that was where they found Aly who was looking slightly gleeful as she made sure the final settings were correct.  Once everyone had come in, she turned to clasp her hands in front of her and greet the students.

"Good day, everyone.  We're talking about explosions today.  Mostly because I like them, but also because they an be a great strategic weapon in a street fight.  We won't have time to cover all types of explosives - there's another class for that this term - but I very quickly want to mention pipe bombs and molotov cocktails - two types of improvised explosives that you can pretty much make anywhere.  They are both nice bombs, but they're a bit sloppy.  They're street weapons more than tactical weapons, and they can't necessarily be directed towards strategic goals." 

"This isn't to say that there isn't a place for that type of weapon.  In a revolution, you use any weapon you can get your hands upon.  But unless you're planning on simply erecting barricades in the streets and never moving beyond that - and that rarely works as an overall strategy - you're going to have to move to a more strategic outlook."

"We did this twice while fighting in the Copper Isles.  The first time," a shadow and then a look of triumph crossed Aly's face quickly, "we destroyed the Rajmuat slave docks.  It was a message to the King and to his Spymaster - that they couldn't stop us and they couldn't continue to profit off the labour of slaves.  The second time, the capital's armory was blown up to distract the soldiers for a bit while we set up for the endgame.  Strategic use of explosives - they're a means to an end.  Not the end itself."

"What I've done today is given each group a structure to decide how to destroy.  We're not focusing on the actuality of the explosives this time.  Let's assume that you have an co-conspirator who can handle the making of the bombs.  What I want you to do is decide where to place them and discuss the possible problems with destroying these bridges and forts and the possible issues that may arise while attacking them."

"If you have someone in your group who has the magic to deal with the situation, that's fine.  You can use that, but I'd like you also to look at the problem without magic."

"After you've made your plan, the Danger Shop has all these structures programmed in.  You can choose where to want to place your devices and see how big an explosion you can make."

"Questions?  Ideas?  Worries?"

Cultural Appreciation, Week XIII [Wednesday, Periods 4 & 5]

[atreideslioness]

Today's portal took the students to Kentucky, of all places, for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert.

( Basically I was building on the work of everybody I worshipped: the rock opera parts from bands like the Who; the marriage of classical and rock from bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Queen; the over-the-top light show from bands like Pink Floyd...I always wanted to do a full rock opera with a full progressive band and at least 18 lead singers. )

"I've got your tickets here...go on in, get some concessions, and enjoy the show."

[OOC: Musicians are in places, light cue A and OCD...GO!]

Library [12-1]

[imonscholarship.livejournal.com]

Wow, Dan was late coming into the library today. He had no one to blame but himself. Well, himself and too much Gossip Girl reading last night. So lame.

Boom-De-Yada Science - Danger Shop, Wednesday, Period 1 [Week 13]

[worsethanaunts.livejournal.com]

The Danger Shop was set up like an old cinema. There were 3D specs for everyone to wear to watch the film that was playing. The general premise was that a giant squid was attacking a small coastal town, similar to Mandibles but with more tentacles. The cinema employee may have been holographic, but the popcorn and drinks he was selling were from the real world.

Before the movie started, the Doctor's face appeared on the screen. He adjusted the camera and then stood back. "Hello! If you're watching this, I'm unable to make it to class. As your adult supervision for this hour, I'm obligated to provide you with something to do. The food and drinks aren't required, but I thought I'd be nice. Put your 3D glasses on and watch the movie. Come ready next week with five facts about giant squids. And since it will be your exam," he added with one of those annoying smiles that suggested he was hiding something, "wear sensible shoes."