Reading Notes: The Monkey King

Chinese Painting - 2016

Here is a link to the story.

Monkey is born out of a stone egg.
stone monkey climbs waterfall to iron gates that are curtained by waterfall.
--
Monkey faces his own mortality and ventures out in search of 1 of 3 ways to achieve immortality.
--
Is given his name Sun Wu King (look up to see if its possibly significant? maybe find something to use as a character name in a story?)
He learns the art of eternal life and a power to fly
he is banished for showing off
Gets into a fight with a giant devil because he took his children and attempted to invade his home.
the following stories are stories about his fights with the king and queens and to the nether world.
--
I think this will be good to do as a story for the portfolio



Bibliography:

This story is part of the The Monkey King unit. Story source: "The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book, ed. by R. Wilhelm and translated by Frederick H. Martens (1921).

Tech Tip: How to Screenshot

SCREENSHOT!

     I don't know about you all, but having the ability to screen shot or take snap shots of something on my computer is very handy. It actually saved my grade once when it came to doing a submission for a class online and I took a screenshot that I was in the middle of the submission when the clock struck 12 (Note: don't procrastinate).

So I wanted to share a Tech Tip of how to screen shot on your computer!
*It is different depending on the type of computer you have

     Windows:

     In Windows, PrintScreen key copies the whole screen image, as a graphic, onto your invisible Clipboard, so you can paste into an e-mail message or any other program (“This is what I’m seeing! What do I do now?!”). If you add the Alt key, you copy only the front window.

     Apple:

     On the Mac, press Command-Shift-3. (Command is the key with the propeller on it, next to the Space bar.) You hear a snapshot sound, and you get a graphics file on your desktop—a picture of the entire screen image.

     *If you press Command-Shift-4 instead, you get a crosshair cursor; you can draw across just one portion of the screen. Or, if you now tap the Space bar, you turn the cursor into a little camera icon. You can now click on just one window or toolbar that you want to copy.

     BONUS:

     In both cases, you can hold down the Control key to copy the image to the Clipboard instead of leaving a file on the hard drive.

This is a snippet of my computer screen as I write this blog to demonstrate the action.
2016

If you want to learn more fun Tech Tips, check out this link!

'25 More Tech Tips 7 Tricks'
By David Pogue of the New York Times
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/25-more-tech-tips-and-tricks/?_r=0

Reading Post: Fables of Bidpai (Part B)

Illustration by: E. Boyd Smith - 1908

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/bidpai-hare-fox-and-wolf.html

2016

The Hare, the Fox, and the Wolf:
This story works great because of the cleverness of the Fox. Think about using this story but mythological characters stead of the wolf and the hare. Maybe a sheep and something else?

The Sparrows and the Snake:
Just seems like another story. Does not have a very interesting plot or lesson.

The Frog, the Crab, and the Serpent:
another story about an animal trying to take care of its young, but the young get eaten and the mother this time as well.

The Blind Man and the Snake:
I liked this story for its simplicity. Its very different from the other stories in this series of fables. It teaches the lesson of trust and simple arrogance.

The Camel Driver and the Adder:
An even better story than the previous. The characters are a little different, but this would be a great story to write and use with just changing the characters and adjusting the words. Teaches a good lesson and is the perfect length.

The Tortoise and the Geese:
teaches about the consequences of talking to much. I good story, but not the one to write about.

The Scorpion and the Tortoise:
Nothing really to note. Another fable that did not strike too much interest.

The Crane and the Crab:
I thought I saw the ending to this before it ended, but the crab at the end was a very nice twist.

The Lean Cat and the Fat Cat:
Good story. It's about being content with what you have.

Three Bird Stories:
These short stories were well written and very concise, but provide no real interest in replicating.

The Partridge and the Hawk:
From reading this story just in the beginning, I am realizing that A LOT of the stories in this class are about animals and people trying to make friendships and offers with one another in a very short and upfront demeanor. People today are not like that what-so-ever anymore. This story, like many others, demonstrates that the food chain is very prevalent in deciding who survives these stories and who doesn't. Even thought the hawk in this story is not well and the partridge is well, the partridge still dies. Maybe I am missing a theme in these types of stories, but logically it does not make sense.

The Crow, the Jackal, the Wolfe, and the Camel:
Don't ask me why, but before I read this I already have high expectation from the title alone.
After having read the story, I am pleased with the lesson. It teaches of naïve behaviors and the outcome. Yet another story about the food chain and it's weighing balance in fable stories. This would be a good one to write about as well because it is good and has length.

Three Fish:
A story that demonstrates quick wit being the savior of ones own life.

The Lion and the Hare:
This story is a good ending read to the series of fables. It teaches about ignorance, naïve behaviors, arrogance and cleverness. I like the idea of writing about this one as well.

Bibliography:

Author: Maude Barrows Dutton

Title: The Tortoise and the Geese and other Fables of Bidpai

Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/search/label/Unit%3A%20Bidpai

Reading Notes: Fables of Bidpai (Part A)

Griset illustration of La Fontaine
from The Gardener and the Bear
http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/bidpai-gardener-farmer-tyrant.html
2016

Reading Notes: Fables of Bidpai

Based on the introduction, flip a story to be like taking this class. Thousands of books and stories to be read and not a single person can read them all. So a class is assigned to read them and even they can't read them all. It took 20 years of different classes to complete the work.

Rustic and Nightingale:
Being rewarded for stopping a menacing behavior. (Not very interesting)

The King, the Falcon, and the Drinking-Cup:
a character with a companion (think animal) that saves his life twice from poison but is killed by his master. Master learns of poison and drinks the water to be with animal

The Two Travelers:
a story about bravery versus cowardly personalities  (rewards bravery)

Poor Man, Rich Man, Young Man:
3 part stories of each man
poor: aspirations for future development
rich: disregards the poor and ends up poor
young: aspires to be lazy and cared for and withers away only to realize mistakes

The Merchant and His Iron:
man lends iron, iron is eaten by rats, sparrow hawk eats rats, man tells sparrow eats boy, offers to return boy for lost iron.

Gardener, Farmer, Tyrant:
-The Gardener and the Bear
Better to have a wise enemy than a foolish friend.
Think of a funny and short story that replicates this.
Use the fly as a good analogy as the wise enemy.
-The other stories did not spark any interest for stories.

The King, the Hermit, and the Two Princes:
sons fights for wealth of their father, father keeps is from them, one learns of the spoils going dry and the other learns of nobility fand unselfish livelihood. Flip this into something more modern like trust fund kids and oil money. The father needs a person to give the money to until then.

Three Stories about Apes:
1) Don't mess with other's business
2) Smart bird pesters the foolish apes, ends up dead.
3) Greedy hog overlooks his manners as a guest.

The Ass, the Lion, and the Fox:
a very interesting read, but I'm not too sure what it entirely means just yet. I will need to reflect more upon the story to grasp the full theme.

Bibliography:

Author: Maude Barrows Dutton
Work: The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/search/label/Unit%3A%20Bidpai

Feedback Focus

Reading Out Loud:

So I tried this technique out by reading to my dog. I made a point to read it to my dog since I typically like to proof read out loud anyways, but I wanted to make it more direct than just reading to the open air. I found that by doing it this way, I was focusing more on the inflection in my voice and attempting to make the story run smooth. I was able to read the passages and notice more about the flow of dialogue compared to just general reading. Definitely a 5 star on my ranking for how to stay focused with reading passages. It helps to jot notes while reading to you dog, fish, cat, whatever. They won't mind, I promise. :)

Copy-and-Delete:

For this technique I actually put the text of 'What Makes Lightning' into Written? Kitten! I liked this source by the way because it generate a new image as you write. But in terms of paraphrasing after each paragraph, I noted that I don't form complete sentences. I see that I try to cut down the authors writing. This is a good way to take notes of someone else writing if you are trying to provide feedback, such as if the author is staying on topic, if the character developed and emotional change, and just noting general notes of a story's progress. This will be a good way to take notes for weekly readings for a variety of different classes and being able to recall information without having to reread a paragraph or story. This isn't a good focus tool for proof-reading your own writing, but great for taking notes of others. 4 stars.

Use a Timer:

I didn't like this method what so ever. I caught myself paying more attention to the timer than to the readings. It may be my inner ADHD and useful for others, but I am not a fan. This is good for cutting corners on reading and getting the general gist of stories, but I don't find it useful for retaining focus on your own writings or providing a good way to give feedback. 1 star.

http://writtenkitten.co
2016

Reading Notes: Sindbad (Part A)

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-first-voyage.html- 2016

Young and foolish character with a fortune with a heart for sailing and adventure. Explain a little more about his merchant bargaining past. Purchases boat with fortune with a buddy of his to set sail around the world trading merchandise. Think about where he gets his passion for the sea and sailing from. His Father? Brother?

*Que Shipwreck* Possibly the Kraken?

Come up with a cool island name that relates to future plots. *Think KONG Island*

Meets the head honcho of the island. Possibly a tribe leader or a king?
Brings home riches from a successful trip of trading. Brings joy to his family, purchases land and slave. (Place: Bagdad)

Grows idle in life and seeks adventure. Gets marooned on an island by his crew, finds riches and gold galore, but not successful at leaving the island.

Need to come up with a cool way for him to leave the island.
He could be left stranded on the island for many years until he is found again and trades some riches to be rescued. Keeping the rest of the island hidden.

Steals a ship and comes back to find the island underwater/ruined by nature?
Maybe it has not been inhibited by a variety of venomous snakes that are huge in size.

Bibliography:

The Voyages of Sindbad comes from the story source 'The Arabian Night's Entertainments' by Andrew Lang.
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-first-voyage.html

Tech Tip

Today's Tech Tip is brought to you in part by:

https://www.bitmoji.com - 2016

What is it?

Bitmoji is a emoticon that you create based on your own looks. It's your own personal emoji!
It comes with a wide array of different stickers that let you express frustration, sass, optimism, happiness, sadness and many other emotions! The app is completely free that you can download onto a iPhone/iPad.

Where can you use it?

Bitmoji is capable of being used on Google Chrome, Snapchat, Facebook, Android devices, Apple Devices, etc!




What's the best part?

Although the app is free, there are in-app purchases for theme packs, like GhostBusters, Kim Kardashian, XMen, Food, Blingmoji, movie themes and so much more!





Question? Comments? Concerns?

If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll get back to you!

Reading Notes: Sindbad (Part B)

Illustration by G. Dore
http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-fifth-voyage.html

Sindbad: Part B

Thinking about doing a story about a boat that sales the oceans and never reaches a port but stumbles upon an island. Find a huge bird egg or a mysterious pit / volcano. Bad thing happens as people of the ship engage with it. People are left stranded on island. Finds something joyous to do on the island. Someone else finds joyous activity and it becomes a competition. The activity may actually become a resource that they compete over and take advantage of.
Another boats comes and saves the man. Displays arrogance and a lack of understanding in his continuous travels that are life threatening.

Embarks on his last voyage, possibly to set sail for life in the Indian Ocean?

Bibliography:
The story source of The Voyages of Sinbad comes from The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang.
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-voyages-of-sindbad.html

Tech Tip: How to use Giphy.com

This week tech tip is brought to you in part by: Giphy.com

http://giphy.com - 2016

Giphy.com is an EXCELLENT choice if you are looking to give your tweets, FB posts, blog or any other social media post a boost!

For those who are unaware, GIFs are like animated stickers. They came in a variety of different categories and display actions, wrote movies/TV shows, contain art and design, and so much more!

http://giphy.com/categories - 2016

If you're looking for something more specific, you can always use the search bar located at the top of their website.

BUT AUSTIN, HOW DO I USE THESE WONDERFUL ANIMATED STICKERS CALLED GIFs?!

Easy!

1.) Find the Gif of you choice that conveys what you are looking for.

          *I'll attach my favorite GIF at the end of this post :)

2.) Click on the image

3.) Select the Iframe Embed and copy it. 

          *You can push the [Command] + [C] keys to shortcut copy the text.

http://giphy.com/gifs/justin-beyonce-slay-i-3o6gb7cN7bwDxAbnS8 - 2016

4.) Paste the selected text in the social media platform you choose to use.

5.) Experience glory as you have posted your first gif!

Authors Note:

This is my favorite GIF ;)

"Cause I Slay" - Song: Formation by Beyoncé Knowles

Reading Notes: The Story of Beowulf

Creative notes on the Epic:

Try to remember what you've read of Beowulf in the past.

Themes: Individual Identity vs. Family Reputation/Heritage

A lot of bravery, strength and courage is deemed necessary and almost the foremost goal to be a hero as told in the Epic.

Examines the difference between a warrior and a king.

** Creative Note** Think about making this into a modern day military story. Focus on the family "Military Brat" that transitions into upholding the family name/lineage as a military man/woman.
-Make note to demonstrate the high authority and ranking of the M.B. father to emulate in sorts the difference between a warrior and a king (or, a Lt. Colonel and a private).
-Make note to demonstrate that the M.B. finds passion in community efforts, sympathy & emotion while the father is cut-throat, demanding and stiff.

Symbolism to focus on:
The 3 monsters Beowulf fights - what does each monster represent
Grendel: Think resentment to people, not remorseful ; demonstrates Beowulf's superhuman strength
Grendel's Mother: Revenge, perhaps? ; the use of the sword (dying strength)
**Creative Note** Think in the defense of M.B.s fellow private, the ongoing struggle to protect his fellow starts with hand-to-hand combat and then grows in intensity/or/start with weapons and move to h-t-h to keep in modern.
Dragon: Fully loaded protection and weaponry (demonstrates Beowulfs aggression, age, and his greediness for the Dragon's treasure...DING DING * Drop in values) Killed the Dragon Obvi, but died of wounds.
**Creative Note** The M.B. can die in battle after amending through the ranks/or/die a good man that amended through the ranks and retains the noble and perfect association as the Epic's hero.

The Golden Torque - a bond from one family to another
** Creative Note** Think about the M.B. in battle with a fellow private and attempting to save his fellow man. Receives a token of their appreciation for his efforts in war. (Finding comfort in another families home and lifestyle?????)

Keep in mind that Beowulf represents this idea of the perfect hero in the Epic.
-Pay attention to the growth of Beowulf into a more perfect hero (think values)
-Hrothgar is the person who helps develop Beowulfs maturity and creates this stability with the Epic's hero. (Think M.B.'s Mother?? perhaps another relative or friend?)

Bibliography - The Story of Beowulf
Author: Strafford Riggs
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/search/label/Unit%3A%20Beowulf

Feedback Thoughts

I like to think that I have a pretty thick skin when it comes to reading feedback and comments on my writing. As a students under the Gaylord College, I am very accustomed to writing and having a variety of different people read, judge, critique and provide feedback of my works.

One thing that I've always noted about doing feedbacks myself is that nobody likes a grammar nazi, but people do appreciate the help as needed. When people go crazy correcting grammar, they typically aren't actually reading and absorbing your story because their soul focus is correcting you.

I enjoy feedback when it displays an interest in the story or the writing. I try to find interesting points in other people stories, especially characters. If I find an interesting character or want to know more about a character I will be sure to note it.

I cope with negative feedback by remembering that  everyone has different viewpoint to their own creativity. When I have had other people who are very negative in their feedback after a view comments I will quit reading them.

Ways to give feedback
http://www.tipsforlawyers.com/young-lawyers-feedback-or-not/