Beginning Gourmet Cooking Techniques | Tuesday, 1st Period

[sharp_as_knives]

This week, the class met at Portalocity, where Hannibal handed out a list of fruits and vegetables. "The first lesson to buying good produce is whenever possible to buy things which are local, organic, and in season. It's healthier and tastes much better. That said, there are some foods it's more important for than others. Also please note that if and when you move elsewhere, you'll need to compile your own list, as growing seasons change."

He held up one of the lists, drawing a line down it with one finger. "This will tell you what we can expect to find here in September. I've also listed some simple reminders about choosing each, and will go into more detail once we arrive. Instead of cooking today, you will each be choosing your own produce to purchase and bring back." Which did not involve heat, and hopefully some of the more hopeless students — Isabelle — would manage without too much difficulty.

He frowned faintly at them all. "I expect you to stay close and pay attention while I'm speaking. If you have questions, please see me, Sparkle, or Zhari."

He waved them toward the portal and hung back with Anna. "If you're unable to come, I'll use the video so you can do your best to choose; it goes directly to the classroom." He smiled gently. "I won't hold against you what you have no control over."

History: An Exploration of Overlooked Historical Events ; Tuesday ; Period 3

[1stinkinpercent.livejournal.com]

This week, Riley wasn't late. He still took a few moments to style his hair with his fingers before the students arrived but his time management skills were much improved so he wasn't looked harried and rushed at the start of class today. Success!

"Welcome back," he greeted with a nod. "It looks like we all didn't decide that this island was too insane to run away so we're all back here to enjoy each other's company again. I'd say that's a moderate success."

You hadn't run into anything too strange yet, Riley. Don't get cocky.

"So today, we're gonna jump right into things. We're going to start with something called The Voynich Manuscript. Anyone heard of this? Probably not, right? The only reason I know anything about it is that a friend back home is a cryptographer and a pretty good one and even he can't figure this out."

Riley passed out a sheet with some information about the manuscript. "This manuscript is written in an unknown language complete with some pretty detailed illustrations and no one has managed to crack it yet so no one knows what the heck it's saying. Of course, this means people come up with all sorts of off the wall theories and speculation because they can. And you and I can't say they're wrong because maybe they're right. Most people think that the manuscript is addressing topics of medieval or early modern medicine just due to the illustrations that are in the manuscript but again, it's not for certain. At times, the pictures do make you think that the book is about medicine but then you'll find drawings of astronomical charts or things that look like sunflowers and you're back to the drawing board."

Riley stopped for a moment and let everyone skim the worksheet. "And then, of course, a lot of people seem to think this manuscript is a complete and utter hoax. People point to being unable to read the freaking thing as supporting evidence for not meaning anything at all while those that think it's real say it's too sophisticated to be fake. The bottom line is no one knows. Today, we're going to try and replicate the Voynich Manuscript. Basically, I want you guys to think of something you want to say to the future and write it in code. Then, we're gonna put them in this box -- "

Riley pointed to an old shoe box that was sitting on his desk. " -- and I'm going to take the box and bury them somewhere here on the island. At some point in the future, someone's going to dig them up and they'll find your letters and they'll most likely wanna know what they say so they'll try and crack the code. See how hard you can make it for them and if you need any help with ways to write your words, let me know."

Ethics [Tuesday, September 10, 2013]

[sith_happened]

Today the students found themselves in the Danger Shop that had been configured to look like a busy sidewalk in the heart of a major city. "Today we're going to talk about charity," Anakin said when everyone had gathered around. "Some people donate money or time to charitable organizations. Some people give a dollar or two to people who ask for it on the street. Some people figure they've worked very hard for their money and don't owe it to anyone else. There are arguments to be made for either of them, and as I said last week, I'm not here to tell you that you're a terrible person because you don't give ten percent of what you make to the Red Cross or Bruce Wayne's orphanage charity or something.

"What I will tell you is that along this street are panhandlers you can give money to, as well as a food bank where you can either give a donation of money or of time. There's also a coffee shop if you choose not to do any of those activities. Students, feel free to ask each other about the choices you're making--I certainly will--but please don't harague each other if someone makes a choice that isn't yours."

He smiled. "When you're finished with class, I will also give you a list of charities that are across the causeway if helping fake people today inspires you to help real people throughout the next week."

Hand-to-Hand Combat and Self-Defense, Tuesday

[notajaegerbomb.livejournal.com]

Raleigh was in front of the class today with Max, but Herc was nowhere in sight.

"There was a last minute thing back home that Mr. Hansen had to do," Raleigh said. It was PPDC business, not that Raleigh had been told, though. "Which means we're on our own for class today. We're going to go over the basics of self defense that everyone can use."

There was even a fun hand out for everyone to look over! Check that out!

"Step one is to be aware of your surroundings," Raleigh said. "Is the area not so great? You're probably going to want to be more vigilant then. Step two is being loud when someone comes after you. Shout stuff."

Like encouragement. Maybe your next attack. You know. Normal stuff.

"And three, go for the weak spots on the body. Nose, eyes, throat, groin--" That one got a wince. "--knees and shins. If someone is attacking you, you can't be afraid to do them enough damage to get to safety."

He smiled brightly. "Okay, how about you guys pair off and go over a few moves on the worksheet?"