Monday, February 27, 2017

Reading Notes Week 7: Kincaid Mahabharata




"The India Heroes" by: C. A. Kincaid 
 Reading Notes Part A




"Five Pandavas" Source: Wikipedia
Notes
  • Summary of characters/heroes of Mahabharata
  • More focus on the Pandava brothers
  • Pandava brothers = The Princes of Elephant City
  • Pandava brtohers: Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva
  • Duryodhana is the oldest of the rival 100 sons
  • Drona teaches the p brothers
  • Bhima kills the demons Baka and Hidimba
  • Draupadi becomes the wife of all p brothers
  • Arjuna is exiled and his adventures begin including burning the forrest with Agni
  • The first gambling match goes terribly for Yudhishthira, ends up causing p brothers to of in exile for 12 years and disguise for one year
  • P brothers have all sorts of adventures in the forrest including Arjuna getting his golden armor form Shiva, and Yudhishthira answering all of the serpents riddles


Bibliography

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Week 6 Story: Kaloo




Kaloo

"Kaloo" Source: Pixabay


The air is hot and heavy, saturated with moisture it is impossible to be dry. The deep blue water gradually turned green as the island approached. With the green water came the increasing swampy smell of the Pergonia Islands. In school  Kaloo had read in school that it rains twenty out of the twenty-four hours. The thought of a constant barrage of water made him sick as his disgust deepened. Anger and betrayal filled his heart. His own father had banished him to live life on such a vile island and despite his mistakes he felt this to be unforgivable . He could already feel the moisture seeping into his skin and dampening his flame. "I refuse to live here, I must escape this dreadful place", he thought to himself. "Fifty miles east are the red plains, take me there and I will not harm you", Kaloo shouted to the guards. "Shut it!", said the guard followed by a smack of his whip to the back of the neck. Kaloo could feel the heat begin to grow, starting in his stomach and extending to his shackled hands and feet. The iron chains began to glow as his anger grew. "One last warning, turn this boat around!" said Kaloo. "Thats enough!", said the second guard as he kicked Kaloo in the side. Kaloo gasped for air, his eyes turned red as his chains grew hotter. He felt uneasy, the same uncontrollable feeling that accompanied burning down the local market as a young boy. He rose and threw off the molten chains. The guard with the whip ordered him to stand down, but Kaloo only saw the movement of his mouth. The ringing in his ears was far to loud, as the heat began to reach his face. The guard mouthed a series of commands as his whipping arm swung back, the brass tip hurled towards Kaloo's face leaving a deep cut. Kaloo felt as though someone was controlling him. His right arm raised, in line with the belly of the guard. His arm felt as though it was going to explode, until a bolt of fire sent the guard flying off the boat and into the sea. What seemed to have taken place in a few minutes happened in an instant. The second guard swung his axe at Kaloo, slicing down his shoulder. He felt the heat in his toes and swung around kicking the guard in the temple. The kick exploded with fiery crack, scorching the guards face and knocking him unconscious. The ringing in his ears began to retreat along with the heat in his limbs. He felt a sharp pain and fell to the floor clinching his shoulder. Blood flew fast from the wound and he began to feel light headed. Kaloo fetched the medical kit below the captains wheel, fumbling around until he found thread but no needle. His right arm had lost feeling and needed to close the wound quick. He focused, searching for the heat he felt earlier in his stomach. It grew as he guided it towards his left finger. Reaching over his right shoulder he expelled a small flame, cauterizing the wound. Although the pain was immense, it was overcome by the feeling of joy. This had been the first time he was able to control his fiery power. He shackled the guard and steered the ship due east. He headed away from the island towards the vast red plains and even more importantly towards his father.




Bibliography


Authors Note
This story is loosely based off the stories of Ramayana. This story focuses on two cities and an avatar named Rama. Rama is fierce with a bow and kills many dark creatures. He ends up marrying the kings daughter after completing the challenge of breaking the sacred bow. Rama is soon exiled by his father for fourteen years. Fortunately for Rama, his wife Sita and brother accompany him. I used some characters from this story and ideas of dark and light to fuel the overlying theme.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Section D




Reading Notes D


"Arjuna kills Karna" Source: Wiki Commons

  • After Bhishma dies, Drona takes of the army
  • Arjuna promises to defend his brother no matter what
  • Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son, dies in battle
  • Krishna will help Arjuna get revenge
  • Would like to use this in my story
  • Bhima's son, Ghatokacha dies in battle
  • The Pandavas kill their old Guru, Drona
  • Karen takes control of the army after the death of Drona
  • Bhima gets his revenge from the betting scandal
  • Arjuna shoots Karna in the head with an arrow
  • Duryodhana hides under the lake using his special powers
  • Ashwattaman plans on killing Pandavas while they sleep
  • He fails and is to be punished by the gods
  • They take his special powerful jewel
  • Bhishma gives advice on how to live on after the battle before he finally dies
  • Yudhishthira claims his throne by sacrificing another horse
  • He kills the horse after it roams and becomes the king
  • A golden mongoose tells a story of a brahmin
  • Vyasa summons the ghosts of dead warriors
  • This would be a cool power to implement into the story
  • Krishna is killed by an accidental arrow to the foot
  • This is a weak way for him to go, not a fan
  • Arjuna's grandson is gifted with the kingdom after the Pandavas and Drauapadi deiced to not rule
  • Yudhishthira journeys to hell as one of his tests

Bibliography

Monday, February 20, 2017

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Section C



Reading Notes C



"Karna" Source: Wiki Commons
  • The Pandavas are exiled to the forrest, here they encounter many sages
  • This exile is very similar to Rama's
  • Krishna visits the Pandavas during exile
  • Arjuna goes on an adventure to find special weapons for the Pandavas
  • Shiva gives Arjuna the divine bow
  • For reaching the city of Hiryanyapura, Indra gives his son a special power of shout
  • Hanuman is still around!
  • Want to include I'm again in my next story
  • Threats are made between Karna and Arjuna
  • Indra steals Karna's invincible armor 
  • Karna has a special secret arrow
  • Yudhishthira answers all the riddles and is granted two boons 
  • For the last year of exile, the Pandavas and Draupidi must be in hiding
  • Draupadi is almost raped by Prince Kichaka but saved by Bhima
  • Duryodhana steal king Virates cattle but the Pandavas help him
  • War is upon the two groups of brothers
  • Krishna attempts to make peace between them
  • Krishna and Arjuna end their beef
  • Krishna turns into his godly form, Vishnu in order to make peace
  • Karna still does not know he is related to the Pandavas
  • Krishna tells Karna of his relationship to the brothers
  • Duryodhana and Kauravas vs Yudhishthira and Pandavas
  • Battle is imminent
  • Arjuna does not want to fight once he sees the other arm and the people he knows
  • Krishna persuades him to fight
  • Bhishma is the general of the Kauravas but doesn't have as much loyalty towards the Duryodhana
  • Bhishma is killed by Amba


Bibliography

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Google Timer Tech Tip




I had used google timer in the past but since I got my new computer I completely forgot about it! I use this for everything from taking study breaks, to timing how fast I can complete problems, and used it for the focus reading the other week!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Week 5 Story Planning: Kaloo





Kaloo Chapter Planning
Ideas
  • Start with Kaloo on his journey to exile
  • Headed towards the southern islands of Pergonia
  • The island limits his ability of fire by raining 20 hours a day
  • Have him try to escape his boat there
  • Has bad anger so possibly kill one of the guards
  • As punishment a guid might injure him
  • Have Agni (fire god) speak to him
Notes
"Ravana's brother Kumbhakarna good warrior, maybe lazy reminds of snorlax"
-I want Kaloo to somewhat mimic Ravana in his demeanor 
-Alos want him to meet a guy like Kumbhakarna


"I like this illusion, it solidifies their position as the bad guy"
-Again, I want Kaloo to be a shady character like Ravna

Syles
-I want this format to be similar to Rama's first chapter.
-Also want Agni to tell him not to be afraid of his power and not to let people suppress him
-Also want a lot of narrative to show the dark side and shady side of Kaloo

Character Sketch
-Kaloo: shady, mad, rebellious, and not wanting to listen to anyone
-Kumbhakarna: (attitude wise) I want this character to be opposite of Kaloo
-Gaurd: Dislike Kaloo not only for his attitude but also power

"Agni" Source: Wiki Commons




Bibliography


Authors Note
This story is loosely based off the stories of Ramayana. This story focuses on two cities and an avatar named Rama. Rama is fierce with a bow and kills many dark creatures. He ends up marrying the kings daughter after completing the challenge of breaking the sacred bow. Rama is soon exiled by his father for fourteen years. Fortunately for Rama, his wife Sita and brother accompany him. I used some characters from this story and ideas of dark and light to fuel the overlying theme.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Section B




Reading Notes Section: B


"Arjuna" Source: Wiki Commons


  • Vidura: brother of Pandu and Dhritarashtra but different mom
  • The Pandava brothers are back to living in the wilderness
  • Bhima fights a monster
  • Bhima and Hidimbi battle but are friends?
  • Bhima likes to use a club, now battles an asura named Baka
  • The Pandava brothers come out of hiding dressed as brahmins for the swaym of Draupadi
  • Draupadi will now be married to all five Pandava brothers
  • Yudhishthira finally becomes king
  • Arjuna breaks a rule involving Draupadi and is exiled
  • Arjuna goes on many journeys on his exile
  • Arjuna marries and has a baby with the King of Manipur's daughter, Chitra
  • Arjuna also marries Subhadra, Krishna's sister
  • Arjuna and Krishna help Agni burn the forrest for special weapons
  • Mayasura builds the Pandava brothers a great house which makes the other brothers mad
  • Yuhishthira wants to become supreme king
  • This is done by challenging another rival king
  • Draupadi looses the gambling match (dice game) and is a sore loser
  • Revenge is now a large theme due to Bhima
  • A second gambling match happens and it ends just as bad


Bibliography

Monday, February 13, 2017

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Section A




Reading Notes: Section A


"Vyasa" Source: Wikipedia
  • Vyasa is who Mahabharata is attributed to
  • Brhama appears to Vyasa and tells him Ganesha will be his scribe
  • Ganesha is an elephant headed god
  • Devarata/Bhishma is the son of King Shantanu and the goddess Ganga
  • Bhishma has the powers of the 8 gods
  • Satyavati, mom of Vyasa, fishy smell
  • Devarata gives up his place as king and takes the name given to hi "Bhishma"
  • Bhishma takes King of Kashi's daughters by capturing them in battle
  • Bhishma brings back the daughters for Vichitravirya but Amba cannot be his wife
  • None of the other wives bear children
  • The war will be between Dhritarashtra and Pandu
  • King Pandu's wife Kunti has a son similar to Satyavati's situation named Karna
  • King Pandu kills a deer that's having sex, deer curses him to have grief when he is happy
  • Deer is actually a sage in deer form, wtf
  • Pandu has five sons coined "Pandava Brothers"
  • King Pandu dies int he forrest, after hugging his wife
  • King Dhritarashtra has sounds coined "Kauravas"
  • Panda's brother raises his five sons
  • Bhima tries to kill one of the five Pandava brothers, uses serpents
  • Guru Drona is the teacher of the Pandava brothers
  • The guru trains the sons which makes the Kauravas very jealous
  • The Pandava and Kauravas brothers engage in a contest
  • Drona wants revenge as his payment
  • The jealousy drives Duryodhana crazy and decides he needs to get rid of the Pandava brothers



Bibliography


Sunday, February 12, 2017

Feedback Focus



Focusing Techniques Ranked:

1. Copy and Delete
2. Reading Out Loud
3. Use a Timer


Advantages:

Copy and Delete- Quick form of notes, makes reading go by faster
Reading Out Loud- Catch more details, and understand more of the story
Use a Timer- Only focusing on reading

Disadvantages:

Copy and Delete- If you don't make a note, you can forget which comment goes with what part
Reading Out Loud- Takes a long time
Use a Timer- Only reading, if you have a comment you may forget it when you are done

I was surprised by the copy and delete method, at first I thought it would be pointless and writing down notes would be better. After giving it a shot I enjoyed it, especially if I did not enjoy what I was reading. It seemed like it gave me a sense of finishing the story in steps instead of a drawn out read.
I will try the copy and delete method in the future. I have used the reading out loud method when I was younger because I would skip over a lot of information reading the stories in my head. I enjoy having a physical copy of the book and making annotations in the margin. I liked the Cat and Dog story, reminded me of a favorite childhood movie and really validated how I feel about cats.



"Cat vs Dog" Source: Flickr

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Week 4 Story: Rama




Fifteen days have passed on an imperial boat. The young Rama is shackled and heavily guarded in route to his new "home". The gaseous air floating above the blue waters of the Golpitha islands burned Rama's lungs. Rama did not resist, he accepted his temporary sentence with honor. Despite the poisonous air, the island was beautiful in its own regard. The black volcanic soil and clear waters provided a plentiful habitat for the tropical creatures. The shackles were unchained and Rama swam to shore, leaving the only faces he would see for the next five years behind. Upon reaching the black sandy shore, Rama had an odd feeling about the volcanic island. "Something is off, something is too perfect about this so called prison", Rama thought to himself. Rama decided not to explore do the receding sunlight and made camp on the shore. Exhausted from the long journey, Rama quickly fell asleep.
 "What are you doing here!", boomed a deep voice. Rama was surrounded in a dark fog, unable to speak out to the monstrous voice. "I sense something in you I have not felt in a long long time", said the dark fog surrounding Rama. Rama tried to run but his legs were thigh deep in the cold black sand. The fog closed in, seeping into his nose and lungs. The voice grew louder and louder, ringing Rama's ears. "Boom!" Rama woke in an instant, clothes drenched in sweat desperately trying to gather himself. "Boom!" What Rama thought was the voice from his slumber was coming from the heart of the island. The ground began to shake, and the lightening revealed what was hidden in the night sky. The volcano was pouring smoke from its highest point. "BOOM!" Rama looked up to see a blinding explosion. The volcano blew molten lava from its mouth, spewing hot rock and ash over the island. The trees surrounding the volcano began to smoke; the smoke soon turned to flames as the lava cascaded over them. With the lava fast approaching, Rama began to run towards the second highest hill on the island. The heat scorching his heels and back reminded him of his evil cousin, Kaloo. The hill Rama had seen from a distance was no hill, but a rocky jagged cliff. Rama tried manipulating the air to lift him higher into the face of the cliff but the heavy gaseous air was something he had never experienced. The lava was approaching fast, only a few yards away. He began to climb the loose jagged rock. The lava splashed against the cliff a couple yards below him. He leaped upwards to a notch in the cliff but his weight broke the loose rock. Holding on with one arm, his grip began to slip. Rama's sweaty palm finally slipped from the rock and he tumbled down towards the molten rock. In his head he heard the booming voice from his nightmare, "HAHAHA" yelled the deep voice. Rama was not ready to die but began accepting his fate. Out of the corner of his eye, a swooping figure snagged Rama's arm lifting him away from the lava. The gaseous air blurred Rama's vision but cleared for a split second. To Rama's surprise, a large man stood above him. Upon further inspection, the "man" had long dark fur and hands twice the size of his own. "My name is Faboo, come with me."


"Faboo" Source: Wikipedia

Bibliography


Authors Note
This story is loosely based off the stories of Ramayana. This story focuses on two cities and an avatar named Rama. Rama is fierce with a bow and kills many dark creatures. He ends up marrying the kings daughter after completing the challenge of breaking the sacred bow. Rama is soon exiled by his father for fourteen years. Fortunately for Rama, his wife Sita and brother accompany him. I used some characters from this story and ideas of dark and light to fuel the overlying theme. In his exile, Rama makes a new friend who is a monkey like human named Hanuman.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Extra Reading Week 4: Hindu Gods and Heroes



Hindu Gods and Heroes Notes

  • Pg 13-47
  • The Vedic Age: 3000 years ago in the Aryan tribe of eastern Panjab
  • Charms, magic, black magic all good ideas and used in story
  • Dyausha-pita=sky god, Prithivi Mata=earth god, Vayu=wind, Parjanya=rain god, Surya= sun god, Agni=fire god
  • Elements come back into play
  • Dyaush-pita pretty much is Zeus 
  • Personal gods and nature-powers
  • Indra and Asvina became worshipped because they were heroes
  • ^Somewhat become gods through their legends
  • Indra seems to have inherited qualities of Zeus
  • would like to do a story picturing gods going away once people stop believing and new ones coming about
  • Not much of a storyline, more history, facts and theory 
  • I can create a story mimicking the going and coming of gods using this info

"Indra" Source: Wiki Commons


Bibliography
Hindu Gods and Heroes by Lionel D. Barnett




Monday, February 6, 2017

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Section D





Section D Notes

  • Havana's brother Kumbhakarna good warrior, maybe lazy reminds of snorlax
  • Hanuman saves the day again after a brutal attack using the secret weapon
  • Definitely want to use Hanuman in my story more
  • Ravana and his son are both using powers of illusion
  • I like this illusion, it solidifies their position as the bad guy
  • Ravana's son is killed, needs to be in story to develop Ravana's character
  • Ravana is super mad about his son dying and wants Lakshmana to pay
  • Indra helps out Rama by supplying his chariot, might switch this our with something cooler
  • Rama shoots Ravana's multiple heads with arrows but it does not kill him, Ravana is stronger than I thought
  • Using the flaming weapon (powers) Rama kills Ravana
  • Gods and people rejoice 
  • Ravana's wife is in despair but could possibly be Sita? This would be a crazy twist
  • Rama is suspicious of Sita, I agree it seemed like she didn't try too hard to escape Ravana
  • Sita turns out to be her normal self after passing the trial by fire (awesome)
  • Rama returns home just in time (his brother was going to commit suicide) kind of crazy
  • Rama is King!
  • Rama is still suspicious of Sita? Sends her into exile? what??
  • Rama transcends into his non-earthly being

"Rama and Ravana" Source: MindTheNews

Bibliography:

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Week 3 Story Planning: The Four



Content
  • Sugriva and Hanuman both monkey kings I like the incorporation of animal (spirits)
-I want to use the idea of having animals with human characteristics. In addition I want to have only one Monkey King who is very likable, strong, and helpful.

  • Rama kills Vali in an unorthodox way, considered disrespect
-Use this disrespectful killing as an internal conflict for Rama, story needs to show some downfall of Rama which he can grow from.

  • The rainy season is kind of a poor excuse to halt the quest for Sita
-I want to change this to a better reason, possibly a huge storm or something. I am picturing this in a desert so a sandstorm would be a better excuse. 

  • Hanuman finds Ravana (evil one in my story) 
-Our new friend finds the antagonist, want this to have the feel of it being too easy. This should turn into a trap where Rama has to rescue.
  • Ravana is kind of an a-hole and sets Hunuman's tail on fire (even more reason to dislike him)
  • City gets set on fire due to this, plan completely backfires (love it)
-Need to show this side of Ravana in order to get the reader to dislike him. I want to give him characteristics of being slimy, persuasive, and a cheat.


Styles
I want to use more character narrative, I think this will help develop and form each character.
I also want to use some dramatic irony with the Sita brainwash issue

Character Sketch
Rama: Need to solidify his position as the good guy but also show is internal conflict
Monkey King yet to be named: A loyal companion, strong, and willing to die for a cause
Ravana: as mentioned before, shady, slimy, corrupt, and a cheat
Vali: A good character who should not have been killed



"Hanuman's Burning Tail" Source: Wiki Commons


Bibliography


Authors Note
This story is loosely based off the stories of Ramayana. This story focuses on two cities and an avatar named Rama. Rama is fierce with a bow and kills many dark creatures. He ends up marrying the kings daughter after completing the challenge of breaking the sacred bow. Rama is soon exiled by his father for fourteen years. Fortunately for Rama, his wife Sita and brother accompany him. I used some characters from this story and ideas of dark and light to fuel the overlying theme.