The Art of Ma; Thursday, Second Period [11/05].

[sake_shinigami]

In the classroom that morning, with the usual circle of comfy pillows at the center and the usual offerings of tea and hot cocoa, the students would also find a variety of small potted trees waiting for them, as well as their teacher with his usual sleepy, beatific smile on his face.

"Welcome back, ducklings ♥," he said. "My apologies for missing the last few classes; I had some other business to attend to, but assure you, I am very pleased to be back, and I'm sure Miss Smith-sensei did a fine job exploring the Art of Ma with you in my absence ♥. And just as she explore an extention of the Art of Ma in the medium of film with you, this week, we'll be exploring it in the medium of...horticulture ♥. Specifically, the art of bonsai, and how one may cultivate the growth and shape of a small tree to an aethetic degree to be pleasing to the eye, to the soul, and to satisfy the particular values of using negative space to emphasize the unique beauty of the plant and how it grows ♥."

With that, taking up his newly acquired Nanao-chan VII for an example, he talked a little about the philosophy of the bonsai, the particulars of pruning it effectively, and how one must shape a bonsai to acheive a desired form, just as one might shape their life in hopes for a particular outcome.

"One might find, however," he added with a faint chuckle, "that the bonsai is far more receptive to your plans than life will ever be, although, just as life may surprise you when you try to shape it, so may a bonsai tree ♥.

"For today's class," he concluded, "I'd like you all to take the time to get to know your bonsai, to start figuring out how to care for and shape it, and they are yours to keep and care for for as long as you'd like, though at the very least until the end of the semester, where we can see how you have shaped your bonsai...and how it may have shaped you ♥. Any questions?"

Functioning Governments, Thursday, November 5, 2020

[heroic_jawline]

Steve was on time today, but still in his Captain America uniform because he hadn't had enough time to change from getting through the portal. "We normally like to convey some level of expertise in this class," he began with a wry smile, "but sometimes the best way to understand just how messy and ridiculous democracy can be is to watch it as it's unfolding. Elections were held on Tuesday and because of the Electoral College, which we've explained earlier, despite one candidate being ahead by several million popular votes, we still don't know who is going to be president yet. There are also a few Senate seats that are up in the air as well."

"Somehow that man keeps getting elected," Tony added, looking haggard. Because, God help him, he'd been awake for most of this.

"We'll do a class later on why people vote against their own interests," Steve said, handing Tony another coffee, "but for now, you get to watch live TV and watch democracy work."

Complete with crazy people yelling for votes to stop being counted in some places and be counted faster in others!

"Feel free to ask questions as they come up."

Though they can't explain the crazy people.

Intro to PE, Thursday Period One

[wrongkindofsith]

Today class was in the onsen, because sometimes you just had to have an onsen class.

"So, this week is stressful," Magnus said slowly. "And things are tough. So... Spa day?"

Cara was already in the tub. "Just close your eyes and relax, the water will do the rest."

"We brought face masks--the good skin kind. And some Enya tracks." Because Magnus.

"And earplugs."

"But Enya!" Magnus said like that would change her mind.

Surprise, it didn't. "Exactly."