American History Through Film, Monday, Period 3

[screwyoumarvel]

"I had kind of a unique problem this week, selecting a film for you all to see," Steve admitted, "because this week we're covering World War 2, and...well, I lived it, in a very up close and personal way, but the version I lived isn't the version most of you might be familiar with. There is a recent film about that, but it wouldn't be that helpful to most of you," and Steve had some issues with the actor they'd chosen to portray him, "so it was right out. The other part of the problem is that there are a lot of great films about the war, so choosing just one was hard...and most of the best ones contain material not generally rated for teenagers. I think you can handle it, though. We're talking about war, and war is not pretty. With that in mind, I hope you enjoy the movie," he said, and pressed play.

Cultural Appreciation, Period Four

[toteshammered.livejournal.com]

Since the students had moved back to the, er... bouncy castles a few days previous, Thor felt that a class exploring some traditional campfire foods was in order.

And so the class had been instructed to meet by the main campfire, where they'd find a stockpile of marshmallows, hotdogs, and other roasting-over-fire goodies by the bonfire that was crackling away.

"Where I'm from, cooking food over an open fire is a matter of necessity- if you're out on a quest, for example, without any access to kitchen facilities. I'm told here in Midgard people will often create a campfire for pleasure during the summer months. And, of course, in order to properly enjoy the fire, one must have food to go along with it. I have assembled the ingredients for the traditional campfire foods of hotdogs and s'mores, as well as some more complex meals should you feel up to challenge."

Practical Philosophy, Monday

[endsthegame]

"It's been quiet," Ender said. "This week."

An important modifier on Fandom for sure.

"I'd say for most of us that's a relief - a respite, in fact," he continued. "There is often so much excitement here that the moments of calm are very welcome. On the other hand, for some of us, life on Fandom is a lot more banal and quiet than what we're used to. I've seen people wound up tight because they hadn't fought something in a few weeks. I've seen people go stir-crazy in the quiet."

Like him, but he wasn't about to add that.

"There's apparently a room crafted by scientists that is the quietest in the world. You're supposed to be able to hear your own heartbeat when you sit in it. Most people don't last more than half an hour. Of course, some philosophers would tell you that facing the quiet simply means facing yourself, deprived of all distractions. That that's the way wisdom is born."

His mouth quirked.

"What do you think?" he asked. "Is silence a friend, an enemy, a boon or just something that happens? Do you prefer the quiet or the excitement?"

Charming Your Way Into and Out of Things, Monday, Period 2

[cannotdenyher.livejournal.com]

The Danger Shop was a club today. And not just any kind of club, but one that seemed to fit the Spirit like a glove. It was shadowy and a bit noir and filled with classy people wearing late 1940s styles. "There are various types of charm to be employed here," the Spirit began. "Charm someone into buying you a drink. Charm someone into letting you buy them a drink. Charm someone out of beating you black and blue because you bought the wrong person a drink, or you took the wrong seat at a wrong table at the wrong time. Many possibilities. Keep your eyes open, and go explore."

With that, he waved the students off further into the simulation.