My Big Fat Armenian Wedding

See revised version in my portfolio The Doctor's Revenge It was a dark and stormy night in the streets of downtown Chicago. A young doctor walked on the side walk as cars drove past, the wind whistling between the buildings and the rain falling at a 45 degree angle. The doctor was not normally out walking home this late, but he had just finished his shift at the hospital as he had to stay late to treat the victims of an unusual car wreck where the driver seemed to have been poisoned, just minutes before the car had crashed, killing the driver. Now the doctor specialized in various types of poisons, and loved to keep samples from the various poison cases, such as this, that he worked at the hospital.  His normal route home was blocked by a steadfast group of protesters who were attempting to stop the demolition of a an old hotel building. "They will never be able to save that rat-infested building," thought the Doctor. And chose a different around to avoid being h...

The Hemp-Smoker's Dream I did not like reading this story, it didn't make sense and there was very little plot to it. However, the reason why I am writing my notes about it is because of the great potential that the story has. While in its current state its terrible, there is a lot of opportunity to create the most complex, unbelievable story line ever and simply end it with, he was intoxicated as the only explanation for why the story was so ridiculous. This excuse allows the story to be random and unpredictable and have the most incredible plot twists that would never happen in real life. This story type provides the writer with an great deal of freedom to let his creative expression run wild in the story. I intend to use this creative freedom in my future writings and not limit my self to what is the norm or what a normal reader would expect from a story. So for this reason, I like the idea behind the story I read, but not the story itself as it was boring, unimaginat...

Story source:  Persian Tales ,  translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer and illustrated by Hilda Roberts (1919). The Wolf and the Goat . The Wolf and the Goat I really enjoyed this story. I think that there are many messages that could be taken from it. Firstly, all is not always as it seems, as we learn from the red paw of the wolf, and people aren't always who they claim to be. Also, this story served as a lesson for what can happen when you try to cheat someone out of what you owe them. Such as when the wolf gave the dentist a bag of wind instead of an actual gift. This is a reminder to treat all of those whom you do business with in a way that encourages respect.  I think that I could use this type of story telling where it works in a message to the reader in the story about what is wrong and what is right. This makes the story more real to the reader and they will feel as though they gained new perspective from reading the story. I liked how the au...

Mafia Kid The Physician's Revenge : Story Planning Story source:    The Arabian Nights' Entertainments   by Andrew Lang  and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1898)  I think that this story provides a lot of good material for story writing. It has a fantastic dynamic of tragic loss and satisfying revenge. I think that I could use the style of writing in this story to create a similar, yet more dramatic story involving a lot of the same themes as in this story. i plan to change the plot slightly and to make it into a modern day story involving the mafia and a doctor who is working to eradicate a disease in some are. I believe that these changes will compliment the original story well and will provide a very interesting read. I have always enjoyed stories like this that have dramatic, unexpected plot twists that foil the antagonist. I will look into whether or not I will have to agonist survive the encounter or follow a similar plot line to the original st...

Physician The Physician's Revenge I really enjoyed reading this story. There are a lot of lessons that can be learned from it and it provided a very easy and engaging read. From this story, it tells the reader that it is better to spare those who you believe have wronged you as it will be better off. Such as when the king killed the physician and then died himself because of this act. This was a very satisfying and fitting end to the story. I was very confused readying the story about where the fisherman and the genius came into play in the story and why it transitioned from the king killing the physician to the genius talking the fisherman into letting him go for a favor. It seemed as though the genius was telling the fisherman the story to soften him up to the idea of releasing him and doing as he wishes in the hope that something good will happen. This was an idea put in his head by the story of how bad things happen to those we don't spare others, so logica...

Photo from The Liver The Liver I honestly did not like how this story, as it was incredibly boring and had a poor ending. However, I believe that there is a lot of room for creative improvement. Think that I could recreate this story in a way that will make it much more entertaining to read and provide depth that will give a message that can be learned from. Such as, don't let people take advantage of you and to stand up for your self when you are being extorted. So while this story wasn't a thrilling tale, I believe I could make it better in my story telling later this week.  Image: The Liver from Un-Textbook, Illustration by Willy Pogany. 1913. The Liver

The Penultimate Portfolio All the Memes

See the current version of this story in my portfolio at the link: The Penultimate Portfolio Animal Memes The Animal Magnetism of Saint Blaise In the small Armenian town, Sebaste, something quite fascinating was occurring. Visitors from other lands, known there as Odar, have documented on numerous occasions a very interesting phenomenon known by many scholars, most aptly, as "Animal Magnetism." This phenomenon is where animals seem to be strangely drawn to someone of great virtue. The town of Sebaste is the only documented Town of this occurrence. For everything we do know about Animal Magnetism, there is still so much that we don't know.  As it appears in this case, the Animal Magnetism is surrounding one man. A man named Saint Blaise. This man was not only a saint for all the good deeds that he performed, but rather for the pure intentions for which he performed them.  Saint Blaise would ride around the town of the quaint town of Sebaste in his little c...

( Saint Blaise icon ) Saint Blaise and His Beasts: Reading A I found this story very interesting, mostly from the fact that Saint Blaise is based in a town in Armenia where my mothers family originated from. That is also why my blog has its name, in case anyone was curious. Its exciting to read something about my ancestors home land, as very few people now even know Armenia is a country.  I really enjoyed this Narnia-esque story where wild animals are drawn to a man because of his kindness and generosity. I think that it provides a very good message to many about how we should all look out for one another. I think that this is a theme that I would like to use in my story, where there is some use of the idea where animal are connects to humans because of their personality. Perhaps a story where there is a world where each person has a spirit animal. Such as, a very nice, wise old man might have an old badger for a spirit animal, while an evil criminal would have a vi...

Feedback Cat Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback I really like the idea of feedforward. It helps me have a better outlook on my future school and work. I am always worrying about messing up and getting in trouble over it at work when I need to just focus on the feedback given for my mistakes and move on. Also, I worry about receiving poor grades on exams and need to just understand that grades are just another method of constructive criticism. They let me know what I need to improve on and what I actually understand. This reading has helped me to have a much more relaxed and open to criticism than before.  Criticizing Praise   I think that this is an excellent, and while I agree that it is also not an argument against praising people, it definitely makes me wonder if it is sometimes better to limit praise to when it is really deserved. The idea of praising everyone for everything they do, even when they do something that isn't so great, ...

Sea Monsters The key features of this story are relating mystical sea monsters to real life. It makes it very realistic and engaging to read. I will use this type of writing in my story where I talk about something as if there is scientific fact that it exists. Haunted Houses in Dublin I really enjoyed learning about haunted houses in Dublin. I liked the ghost stories that were told at each location. I think that I will write a ghost story about Beowulf fighting with a Kraken in my project. Beowulf Title Fights The title hooked me on this story. Specifically the on about Beowulf vs the Water Which, I decided that I would replace the water which in my project with the Kraken. I think that the Beowulf vs Kraken Title Fight will be an exceptional name for my project. Image source: Funny Beowulf Cat by Mrs. Ramos through English 4 AP. 2014. Beowulf Cat

Cyclopes Shark Odyssey: The Land of the Cyclopes You probably believe that the Cyclopes look similar to humans, but are much bigger and have a third eye in the middle of their forehead. However, you are very wrong to think this. In Cyclopes Island east of the candy cane forest and north of the rock candy mountains, there are many species of cyclopes. There are bird cyclopes, with there 3 eyes and gigantic size. Most notable would be the cyclopes raven, blessed with the ability of 2nd sight, he is able to out maneuver large predators and have easy access to the island abundant food source of cyclopes mice. The most fearsome predator that lives on this island, is by far the Cyclopes Shark. This beast has only one eye in the middle of its pointy, brutish face. This monstrosity feeds on any that dare to venture out into Cyclopes Loch and its adjacent pools. The island flourishes year round as there is only one season. The stable weather is a blessing from the gods. Most import...

Ajax Odyssey: The Ghost of Ajax  Story source: Homer's Odyssey, translated into English by Tony Kline. 2014.      This story starts off slow and there is little going on as far as plot development. I think that what I will change about this story is starting off the story with a major event or pivotal scene where the antagonist meets the agonist. I will provide a better background for the character of Ajax. This story has inspired me to change the character role of Ajax from a man, to the cleaning agent. I will keep a similar plot line, but portray the story from the perspective of Ajax Bleach where the antagonists are strains. It will be the ghost of Ajax, but with just a slight alteration that I believe will help to create a comical story line for many to read. The story will show Ajax seeing ghosts of other popular cleaning agents, similarly to when Ajax see's the ghosts of fallen warriors.      I believe that these additions to the ...

Cyclopes Shark Odyssey: The Land of the Cyclopes I enjoyed the introduction and explanation about the life of a cyclopes. The description paints an excellent image about where this story is set. The story provides a good background on the living conditions of the cyclopes and how the gods provide everything for them so that they can do anything they can have anything without working hard for it. This is the kind of background information that I will provide in my story. The story, while providing a good description of life as a cyclopes, it quite dull. I plan on writing a much more thrilling story the at will engage the reader. I will create a story with all the elements of the four cyclopes stories where includes a description of the surroundings and background information, a plot twist, action and then a resolution to the conflict. However, the story is very interesting and has a good story line and I will most assuredly use many of the elements of story telling that were...

I think that the Canvas calendar will be helpful in managing my time. Especially since it has a reminder feature that I am excited to use. Also, all the dates are pre-added to the calendar so I don't have to take the time to do it myself. It is especially helpful for this class as there are so many assignments and due dates to keep up with. I will definitely be using this feature in the future.

I feel like I have not received a great deal of feedback in my time as a college student. The only time that I really get much feedback from professors is when I write a paper and I just get comments that something is wrong, but often time no feedback is provided on why its wrong or how to make it right. This was especially evident in my physics class. Also there have been many times at work where I wish I would receive any feedback at all just to know where I stand. So I believe feedback should be backed with helpful solutions and specific criticisms, otherwise it won't be as beneficial.  5 Tips for Taking Feedback Like a Champ From this article, It is good to realize that feedback should be taken as an opportunity to make yourself better. So it is important not to take the feedback as a personal attack. The feedback can allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.  Silence the Critical Voices in Your Head This is definitely something that I struggle ...

1. Weather Gods I am interested in this topic obviously because I am from Oklahoma, and like most Oklahomans, I have a vested interest in the weather. It was a fascinating subject that also instills terror at the same time. I would like to see what explanations have been made for why the weather behaves the way that it does. I think that there is a lot of room for clever associations and logic behind storms. 2. Sea Monsters I have always been interested by what lives at the bottom of the ocean. I recently looked up videos about what lives in the bottom of the Mariana Trench. I would like to go on a deep sea expedition some day and explore the depths. I am excited to learn about mythical sea monsters that live in secret at the bottom of the sea in many peoples imagination. I want to learn more about this subject for my own personal curiosity. 3. Beowulf I have always liked the story of Beowulf, but the last time I read anything about it was when I was 12. So my memory i...