Fandom Library, Wednesday, May 21st

[afraid_of_marshmallows]

Another library shift, another afternoon of research. This time, however, she was researching restaurants. Two weeks in a row at number one was pretty awesome, and Cal really did deserve to go somewhere nice. Arden was still uneasy about going into Baltimore, considering that was how Callista had found her, but there were other cities full of restaurants. New Orleans. Louisville. Atlanta. DC. New York. And that was just the East Coast. Any of those cities would have amazing restaurants, it was just a matter of finding which one had the best meals that matched up with her budget. Thank the goddess they lived in a civilized age where she could just look up menus online, rather than having to actually, you know. Call someone. Like a monster.

Summer Shenanigans [Wednesday mid-morning]

[sith_happened]

Everyone was back in the park today, with several stations set up around the area: one with buckets suspended in the air with numbers hanging from them, one with six tables covering up lumpy objects with checked tablecloths, and most intriguingly/disturbingly, a waffle iron on a stool in the center of a red circular rug.

"Welcome to Shenanigans!" Anakin announced. "Today you will be working in small groups today as you make your way around a variety of team building activities! Listen for your names!"

Team #1 Slime Punk
Thor
Steve M
Luma

Team #2 Slime Queens
Vi
Percy
Hannibal

Team #3 I am Slime
Rey
Belle
Gray

Team #4 Slime Squad
Henry
Jaina
Eleanor

Team #5 Slime Staff
Aphra
Stark
Jon

Team #6 Slime Pots
Steve R
Summer
Lana

Ethical Dilemmas, Thursday, (Per 1)

[deathsmajesty]

Considering everybody knew where to meet and how to get there, Liliana didn't offer the several minute's grace she had last week, starting her lecture at nine am exactly. People were welcome to continue to help themselves to breakfast, of course - there were mini-omelettes in bacon cups, vegetarian mini-omelettes, mini quiche bites, hashbrown bites, and a variety of breakfast crostinis available for the hungry, courtesy of Ignis, as Liliana certainly didn't cook - but she was going to continue lecturing while they did.

"So, today, we have our first ethical dilemma," Liliana said. "It's taken from the short story Those Who Walk Away From Omelas. This story opens upon Omelas, a wonderful society where there is no hunger, no violence, no kings, no gods, no masters. They are not a simple people, they have advanced technologies, they've cured common diseases, they have art and literature and science, and are sophisticated as any of us. But, more than anything else, they are happy. Comfortable. All children are loved and wanted, all consenting relationships are celebrated, every person is cherished, living not a life of pointless luxury, but joyful abundance. Scarcity does not exist here.

( Those who walk away... )

The end of her lecture, she sat back and looked at the class. "So, today's ethical dilemma is a simple question: go or stay? Do you stay and participate in mindful happiness, or are you one of the ones who walks away? Answer that and prepare to defend your choice--but. Remember my rules. You are answering for this exact scenario only. You cannot stay and work to free the child, or tear the city down brick by brick. if you leave, you do not get to return with an army, or declare you're going to one of the surrounding towns. "Go forth, alone and into darkness, or stay and participate in society. Those are your only two options."

[Hey, head's up! Under the cut is part of the text of TWWAFO, specifically extreme neglect and abuse of a child. Be safe!]

American National Park Tours with Sam Eagle, Thursday 5/22, period 2

[but_mostly_america]

Once again, Sam had his class assemble outside Portalocity.

“Today we shall be traveling to St. Louis” he said. “In Missouri! To Gateway Arch National Park, the smallest National Park! Come along, through the portal, quickly now.”

Because it took so long to get this very large class through a portal, obviously.

Once everyone was assembled with a view of the arch itself, Sam began to speak again.

“This park was established in 1935 as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. To celebrate westward expansion! It was given its current name in 2018. If you would like to learn more, and I recommend you do, there is an entire museum to visit! You can also, of course, ride a tram to the top of the arch.” And back down again, too!

“I also recommend visiting the Old Courthouse. A building of much historical import!”

“Please, explore the park. Do not venture into the city itself. If you miss the return portal you will be on your own.”

Sam would absolutely leave you here. Without hesitation.

Philosophy of Food, 3rd period

[sharp_man]

The Danger Shop this week had been programmed in two halves - on one side, there was a formal dining room with fine china and silver. On the other, a neat blanket was spread out over grass, with a well-crafted wicker basket in the middle. The dishes there were sturdier and the silverware plainer.

Hannibal stood at a table between the two halves in a lovely summer suit.

He straightened up and nodded at the students. "This week, we're not talking about food; we're talking about how other things relate to food." He waved between the two halves of the classroom. "What sorts of food does each of these settings demand? What sorts of conversation and manners? What culture do you expect of each?"

He gestured at the table behind him, which held all the food. "Take some food, and sit where you like to eat it; move between the two, if you like. But think about this - when you choose your food and seat, is it only because of taste? Or is there a reason you prefer one over the other? What behavior do you feel is warranted in each place? What is most appropriate and most comfortable? Let us discuss it."