Dedicated to my junior and senior year history teacher in high school, I came up with this plot on the bus last week. I was reflecting on life and my recent visit home, at which point I visited my old high school. I was walking around, looking for the teachers I knew, when I spotted this guy in Civil War garb. Who in the world would do this but that teacher? When a teacher says "I want history to come alive for my students," they don't do half of what this guy does. Not only does he occasionally teach class in American Revolutionary War/ Civil War garb (as in, the military uniforms) but he shows pictures during the class. Pictures he took while he was in Europe, visiting these places. My freshman year, he led a hike on the AT to raise money for animal shelters; my senior year, he rode his bike across the United States. Unique guy. So, I thought, how funny would it be if a real Civil War soldier would run into him while he was in the middle of one of these classes?
On the day of the South's surrender, there is a reenactment going on in that area. Through a crack in the time-space continuum, some of the soldiers are transported through time. Some of the original Civil War soldiers are transported forward (discovered after the surrender is over and people are counting those left on each side). One unlucky soldier ends up on a prep school campus hundreds of miles south of his cohorts. When he sees another person in Civil War garb, he gets excited, thinking there is someone else there with him. It turns out that its a history teacher who was wearing the garb during a lecture. The poor soldier doesn't get it and the teacher tries to get him back in time.
The teacher is successful in getting the soldier back in time...but he goes back too. He goes back to the revolutionary war. He tries to not let anyone know that he is from the future but, during one of the battles (probably the battle of Bunker Hill), he gets really excited and it slips out, polarizing the battle.
On the day of the English's surrender during the revolutionary war, the teacher is propelled from the battlefield yet again.
“Surrender is almost magical.”
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
WebComic!
So, my friend and I are starting to write a webcomic together. Obviously, I'm the author :P It takes place at a research University, the most prestigious in the country. A kid gets accepted because of his blog, which is so philosophical and analytical that the dean of the College of Natural Science admits him and backs him. The kid didn't get into any schools so he decides its a great opportunity.
I feel like I'm lacking some huge plot problem, though. Every good plot has a major underlying problem or...something. I'll have to meditate on it during Socy (which is Sociology 1000. My freshman year, I took Sociology 3xxx which counts as Sociology 4xxx here. Soo... yay. This should be a breeze. I don't look forward to Geography though. I'm already having nightmares about maps...x.x)
To class!
I feel like I'm lacking some huge plot problem, though. Every good plot has a major underlying problem or...something. I'll have to meditate on it during Socy (which is Sociology 1000. My freshman year, I took Sociology 3xxx which counts as Sociology 4xxx here. Soo... yay. This should be a breeze. I don't look forward to Geography though. I'm already having nightmares about maps...x.x)
To class!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Living with Maine Coons
When my boyfriend and I decided to adopt two Maine Coon mix kittens, we had no idea what we were getting into. My cousins had had a Maine Coon and we both had significant cat experience, but since Maine Coons are one of the largest breed of cats they come with a unique set of needs.
Feeding:
Buy your Maine Coon a normal dish, no matter how many. Feeding is completely normal, with the only exception being the problem with the water dish. I don't know how common this is with Maine Coons (or if this is just some weird thing that happens in my house), but they love water. Which means they will dip their tales and paws in their water dish to drink. So clean the water bowl often.
Litter:
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a Maine Coon is finding a litterbox big enough. It sounds ridiculous for me to say "buy a huge litterbox" but I kid you not. My six month old Maine Coon kittens were too big to use a normal size litterbox, making do by scrunching up. You will feel crazy but your cat will thank you.
Grooming:
Brush often. As long haired cats, obviously they shed. I never had a problem with my allergies with them, as I do with my two other cats, but so help me god do they shed. If you don't regularly brush them and dust, your home will quickly be coated in cat hair. Again, I don't know if this water fascination is a problem with my cats or if its a Maine Coon thing but it is possible to eventually bathe a Maine Coon. If you see they have an interest in their water bowl (playing in it and stuff) and if they try to play with you while you're in the bath, gradually introduce them to flowing water and eventually a bath. They just need a rinse, no soap, and its more for the adorable wet cat look, and to brag to your friends that you can bathe your cat. It does come in handy if an accident occurs though.
Claws:
Maine Coons have enormous claws, in my experience with my kittens, and they must be regulary trimmed to keep under control. This wasn't observed by the shelter we got our kittens from so my kitten wasn't able to walk properly. His claws would stick to everything. Once, I opened the door to the apartment and scared him. He took all the bedclothes with him when he fled. Plus, trimming claws lessons the damage to furniture and carpets. Beware leather, though, and that goes for any cat. My poor leather chair...
Traveling:
Maine Coons are super smart. You can train them to walk on a leash; both my Maine Coon mixes are capable of it. Unlike a dog, you don't lead the cat but the cat leads you. This helps transport issues, as long as the harness is firmly affixed to the cat. They will be much calmer in the car if they're not caged, and that's a general cat note too. My cats actually liked going to the vet, after we leash trained them (well, they liked the waiting room with the other animals. the actual seeing-the-doctor bit is equally as bad). You should start gradually, first putting the harness on (and leaving it on) and eventually putting on the leash. I was forced to put my cats in a harness in the pet store parking lot. Bad idea. My kitten (its always my kitten that misbehaves, never my boyfriend's lol) tried to run into traffic (four times) before we wrangled him into the car.
As far as long distance travel, take heart for it can be done! A few weeks after adopting our kittens, my boyfriend and I had to drive across the US. We set the litterbox up in the trunk, with the backseat folded down so they had access. Put the food and water dishes in the cupholders. Put their leashes on, and set out. They only protested for the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes, which was quite impressive considering we were driving for about 16-18 hrs a day. They really enjoyed having a litterbox in the trunk and it made them much calmer, even when we went to the vet. Beware, though, and bring air freshner.
Questions?
Post!
Feeding:
Buy your Maine Coon a normal dish, no matter how many. Feeding is completely normal, with the only exception being the problem with the water dish. I don't know how common this is with Maine Coons (or if this is just some weird thing that happens in my house), but they love water. Which means they will dip their tales and paws in their water dish to drink. So clean the water bowl often.
Litter:
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a Maine Coon is finding a litterbox big enough. It sounds ridiculous for me to say "buy a huge litterbox" but I kid you not. My six month old Maine Coon kittens were too big to use a normal size litterbox, making do by scrunching up. You will feel crazy but your cat will thank you.
Grooming:
Brush often. As long haired cats, obviously they shed. I never had a problem with my allergies with them, as I do with my two other cats, but so help me god do they shed. If you don't regularly brush them and dust, your home will quickly be coated in cat hair. Again, I don't know if this water fascination is a problem with my cats or if its a Maine Coon thing but it is possible to eventually bathe a Maine Coon. If you see they have an interest in their water bowl (playing in it and stuff) and if they try to play with you while you're in the bath, gradually introduce them to flowing water and eventually a bath. They just need a rinse, no soap, and its more for the adorable wet cat look, and to brag to your friends that you can bathe your cat. It does come in handy if an accident occurs though.
Claws:
Maine Coons have enormous claws, in my experience with my kittens, and they must be regulary trimmed to keep under control. This wasn't observed by the shelter we got our kittens from so my kitten wasn't able to walk properly. His claws would stick to everything. Once, I opened the door to the apartment and scared him. He took all the bedclothes with him when he fled. Plus, trimming claws lessons the damage to furniture and carpets. Beware leather, though, and that goes for any cat. My poor leather chair...
Traveling:
Maine Coons are super smart. You can train them to walk on a leash; both my Maine Coon mixes are capable of it. Unlike a dog, you don't lead the cat but the cat leads you. This helps transport issues, as long as the harness is firmly affixed to the cat. They will be much calmer in the car if they're not caged, and that's a general cat note too. My cats actually liked going to the vet, after we leash trained them (well, they liked the waiting room with the other animals. the actual seeing-the-doctor bit is equally as bad). You should start gradually, first putting the harness on (and leaving it on) and eventually putting on the leash. I was forced to put my cats in a harness in the pet store parking lot. Bad idea. My kitten (its always my kitten that misbehaves, never my boyfriend's lol) tried to run into traffic (four times) before we wrangled him into the car.
As far as long distance travel, take heart for it can be done! A few weeks after adopting our kittens, my boyfriend and I had to drive across the US. We set the litterbox up in the trunk, with the backseat folded down so they had access. Put the food and water dishes in the cupholders. Put their leashes on, and set out. They only protested for the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes, which was quite impressive considering we were driving for about 16-18 hrs a day. They really enjoyed having a litterbox in the trunk and it made them much calmer, even when we went to the vet. Beware, though, and bring air freshner.
Questions?
Post!
Monday, November 16, 2009
There's Frosting on My Scone!
I can tell you why America is fat, I found the reason this morning. It was 6:30 am and I needed to find something to eat for breakfast that wasn't a granola bar. Which means going to Starbucks, unfortunately, since nothing is open at that time. Starving, I ordered a cheese bagel and scone. Cranberry scones are usually delicious, having the right amount of sweet and tart. After I ordered it, I realized it had icing. Icing! Its not even 7 in the morning, why would I want sugar like that? Besides, who needs the extra calories? Its delicious as is, leave it alone.
This fascination that Americans have with adding sugar to everything is probably at least part of the reason people here are fat. There is just no need for it, sugar just adds calories. At 7 am, something that sweet is completely gratuitous. It doesn't make it taste better except that people are used to having something that sweet and can't eat anything less. We should be weaned off sugar, or so, because it is a completely unhealthy habit.
This fascination that Americans have with adding sugar to everything is probably at least part of the reason people here are fat. There is just no need for it, sugar just adds calories. At 7 am, something that sweet is completely gratuitous. It doesn't make it taste better except that people are used to having something that sweet and can't eat anything less. We should be weaned off sugar, or so, because it is a completely unhealthy habit.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Song on My Mind
The original purpose of this blog was to theorize on topics, much like my friend's journal that she keeps to better her writing. I can't think of too many interesting topics because they mostly come to me through random conversation (although, I did just think of one. What makes a person gay? My boyfriend and I were talking about that last night). I do have one thing that I'd like to say. I have a story in my heart and a song on my mind and they're just not coming out! I've been sitting in this coffee house for HOURS these past few days but I just can't think of anything to write. My boyfriend offered to do characters for me if I did the plot. Come to think of it, I may make him do the characters and the plot and I'll put it together. I'm good at that. And the plot will change :D My problem is that I suck at characters. I have something to say and I want to just SAY it, not have to pussy-foot around. Its frustrating. WRITERS BLOCK.
What I am considering is writing some short stories on here, even though this is a philosophy blog. Since no one follows it yet, it really doesn't matter. The only thing I'm scared of is people ripping my stuff. It might be a good idea, just so when my computer crashes, I don't lose ALL my work.
I do have to say, though, that I just made the most wonderful shifter druid for Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition. Longtooth shifter, in case anyone is interested. PM me if you wanna see the character sheet :) (feel free to rip that). The character's name is Oak, and name is Ash. Totally not intentional. I wanted to name the character Ash but that's my name so :( second best. I think I'll go come up with a long, complicated wolf name for her. Ciaoooo!
What I am considering is writing some short stories on here, even though this is a philosophy blog. Since no one follows it yet, it really doesn't matter. The only thing I'm scared of is people ripping my stuff. It might be a good idea, just so when my computer crashes, I don't lose ALL my work.
I do have to say, though, that I just made the most wonderful shifter druid for Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition. Longtooth shifter, in case anyone is interested. PM me if you wanna see the character sheet :) (feel free to rip that). The character's name is Oak, and name is Ash. Totally not intentional. I wanted to name the character Ash but that's my name so :( second best. I think I'll go come up with a long, complicated wolf name for her. Ciaoooo!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Stupidest Women say
that rape is the girl's fault. I was shocked, to find out that some girls believe that rape and abuse is the girl's fault. According to a classmate of mine, "the girl should know better and back out of the situation." Excuse me. Really? That classmate of mine (a girl, I might add) believed that because a girl didn't back out of the relationship, she incurred whatever she got. Sadly, a girl who was most likely abused was in the class. She almost started crying. It was terribly sad.
Let's talk about how rape and sexual abuse is NOT the girl's fault. Men are generally stronger, that is the most terrifyingly real fact. It is so easy to overpower someone, especially when the person is so much stronger than their victim. Its also extremely easy to overpower someone with words. Take a girl looking for love. If a guy convinces her that he loves her, he has complete power over her. I've heard horrifying stories of that happening; of the girl being desperate, the guy sweet talking her, and the physically and sexually abusing her after kidnapping her. How is that her fault? Is it her fault because she trusted him? That's crazy. That would mean that no one should trust another person because everyone has the potential to be crazy horrible.
Ways to avoid such things happening, beyond not trusting someone, well there aren't any. That is why its so scary. There is virtually no way to predict what could happen. That case I mentioned earlier about the abducted girl? They were dating for several years before he abducted her. I think the best advice I can give anyone, dating wise, is to sincerely listen to people's warnings. If the guy's friends are saying to get out of the relationship, gtfo (more than likely). They know him, they have known him for longer than you. They can give you a fairly good warning. I know that from experience. Obviously, there are exceptions but I'd give a fair ear. Also along those lines, don't date someone because you're flattered that the guy asked you out. Don't live in awe and have respect for yourself. Obviously, again, this is advice is occasionally not accurate. People told me to break up with one of my boyfriend's and he was one of the sweetest guys I know (but shhh, he doesn't want anyone to know haha). That's dating advice on how to possibly avoid a bad guy. In my opinion, from my experience. Oh, one last thing. Don't always listen to your parents. They have your best interests at heart and most of the time they get it right but sometimes they're very wrong. They don't always know the specifics of the relationship. I was in a bad relationship and my parents didn't want me to break up with the guy. They thought he was nice and didn't believe me when I told them he was bad to me. Guys can be real suave sometimes. I guess what I'm trying to get down to is to always listen to everyone but the choice is ultimately up to you.
Don't EVER blame someone for them being hurt, though. Including yourself. The victim doesn't "ask" for it or whatever the excuse might be. They could be so careful, the guy could appear so sweet, but there might be something else.
Let's talk about how rape and sexual abuse is NOT the girl's fault. Men are generally stronger, that is the most terrifyingly real fact. It is so easy to overpower someone, especially when the person is so much stronger than their victim. Its also extremely easy to overpower someone with words. Take a girl looking for love. If a guy convinces her that he loves her, he has complete power over her. I've heard horrifying stories of that happening; of the girl being desperate, the guy sweet talking her, and the physically and sexually abusing her after kidnapping her. How is that her fault? Is it her fault because she trusted him? That's crazy. That would mean that no one should trust another person because everyone has the potential to be crazy horrible.
Ways to avoid such things happening, beyond not trusting someone, well there aren't any. That is why its so scary. There is virtually no way to predict what could happen. That case I mentioned earlier about the abducted girl? They were dating for several years before he abducted her. I think the best advice I can give anyone, dating wise, is to sincerely listen to people's warnings. If the guy's friends are saying to get out of the relationship, gtfo (more than likely). They know him, they have known him for longer than you. They can give you a fairly good warning. I know that from experience. Obviously, there are exceptions but I'd give a fair ear. Also along those lines, don't date someone because you're flattered that the guy asked you out. Don't live in awe and have respect for yourself. Obviously, again, this is advice is occasionally not accurate. People told me to break up with one of my boyfriend's and he was one of the sweetest guys I know (but shhh, he doesn't want anyone to know haha). That's dating advice on how to possibly avoid a bad guy. In my opinion, from my experience. Oh, one last thing. Don't always listen to your parents. They have your best interests at heart and most of the time they get it right but sometimes they're very wrong. They don't always know the specifics of the relationship. I was in a bad relationship and my parents didn't want me to break up with the guy. They thought he was nice and didn't believe me when I told them he was bad to me. Guys can be real suave sometimes. I guess what I'm trying to get down to is to always listen to everyone but the choice is ultimately up to you.
Don't EVER blame someone for them being hurt, though. Including yourself. The victim doesn't "ask" for it or whatever the excuse might be. They could be so careful, the guy could appear so sweet, but there might be something else.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Creativity and Self-Improvement
The most incredible feat is to work to better oneself. If something is difficult for you, work on it. Make it part of your life until it is no longer difficult. If you're bad at writing, write until your writing improves. If you're bad at math, work the problems until your mind is numb. I have a friend who (falsely) thought she was bad at writing. So she started writing in a diary, every day. Not only did it help her work on her arguments for papers but she also discovered things about herself. Not only is it admirable to do so, but it really does make you a better person.
Knowing this, why would anyone not try to work on themselves? I honestly can hardly think of it. Is it because the person is afraid of the unknown? Or is it because they want to be special and tell everyone what they can't do? That last seems plausible to me. It would be kind of like a badge "I can't do something that you can do. Isn't that hilarious? Its so easy!" If its so easy, then why not try it?
Knowing this, why would anyone not try to work on themselves? I honestly can hardly think of it. Is it because the person is afraid of the unknown? Or is it because they want to be special and tell everyone what they can't do? That last seems plausible to me. It would be kind of like a badge "I can't do something that you can do. Isn't that hilarious? Its so easy!" If its so easy, then why not try it?
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