Week 9: Chess Match

 It was the final game of the chess world championship and it was anyone's game. The competition was between two chess legends. David, a masterful attacker who had the white pieces for the final game, and Gary, a masterful defender with the black pieces. 

While this may have seemed like any other ordinary world championship, there was bad blood between the two competitors. It was not just that both of the competitors had grown up playing each other, or that each had never been world champion. Their competitive relationship had gotten personal. 

As the match was about to start David thought about the bad blood between them. First starting with when David's wife left him for Gary. He thought about how he did not blame his wife for leaving him. After all, she was an independent woman with an associates degree who could make her own choices. Additionally, David realized that he was not the most supportive husband. But the real gut punch was the fact she left him for Gary, his mortal enemy.

"What did I ever do?" David thought, "For as far back as I can think Gary has been a thorn in my side. Not just in chess, but in life, as well. Nonetheless, today will be the day I defeat Gary once and for all."

Gary also thought about the bad blood between David and him. How Gary did not even like chess, but the only reason he had decided to begin playing chess was to get revenge on David, the chess club president at the time, for calling him fat in middle school. He also did not even like David's ex-wife, in his opinion she was uptight, but the only reason he had agreed to date her was to get revenge on David. 

"Words hurt," Gary thought, "And today I will get my final revenge on David."

The game then started and David made his first move.

chess

Author's notes: 

This story is based off of the battle between Ravana and Ramayana in the Ramayana. I decided to have David represent Ramayana and Gary represent Ravana. 

The story has many parallels between the original story. In my story Gary "steals" David's wife similarly to how Ravana steals Ramayana's wife. Also Gary is a masterful defender and David is a masterful attacker which parallels how Ravana is defending against Ramayana in the battle. 

Also I had the beginning of the beef between Gary and David be because David was mean to Gary similarly to how the reason Ravana even begins to mess with Ramayana is because he was mean to his sister.

Bibliography: "Myths of Hindus and Buddhists: Ramayana" by Sister Nivedita

Reading Notes: Nivedita Ramayana Part B

 Hanuman killed a bunch of Rakshasas in Lanka but was captured and then he escaped and burned the city down. Hanuman then told Rama about what he had done and that he had found Sita. Then they began forming the army to lay siege to Lanka. Ravana's younger brother, Vibhishana, tells Ravana to give back Sita, because the Rakshasas will lose the battle against Rama. Vibhishana then joined Rama and Rama promised that he would rule Lanka once Ravana was killed. The army then built a bridge to get the army across into Lanka.

The monkey army was beaten back by Indrajit and Rama and Lakshman were wounded. Hanuman then got an herb to revive the monkeys who have died. Garuda came and revived the monkey army. Ravana woke up his brother Pot-earwho was the best fighter. Pot-ear was then slain by Rama. Indrajit then killed many of the monkeys, but he was killed by Lakshman after he had an illusion of Sita being killed. Also Hanuman got more herbs to heal the army. Rama then killed Ravana and Ravana's was mourned by Vibhishana, Rama and everyone else. And Ravana was given a hero's funeral.

Sita was glad to see Rama, but Rama refused to take Sita back since she lived with Ravana for almost a year. Sita then built a funeral pyre saying that she would die if she was unfaithful. She did not burn though because she was faithful and Rama took her back. Rama then returned to Ayodhya and became king. Sita then went into exile because of the rumors surrounding Sita. Rama then had a horse sacrifice and found out that Kusha and Lava were Sita's sons. Sita then told Rama that she was always faithful to him and she was received to the earth. Time then came to Rama and asked him how long he thought he would rule over the humans. At that Rama decided it was time for him and his brothers to ascend to heaven.

Horse

Bibliography: "Myths of Hindus and Buddhists: Ramayana" by Sister Nivedita

Reading Notes: Nivedita Ramayana Part A

 Valmiki decided to make the Ramayana and meditated until he saw the entire story. Then he made the story and had Rama's sons spread it. Dasharatha did not have a son so he had a horse sacrifice. Ravana was oppressing the gods so Vishnu was born to kill Ravana. Vishvamitra was the reason for Rama's and  Lakshman's love for strife. Rama breaks the bow and wins Sita. Rama was the favorite son. Manthara convinces Kaikeyl to use one of her boons to get Rama sent into exile. Sita and Lakshman follow Rama into exile. In exile they built a house to live in.

Dasharatha died grieving for Rama as was foretold since he killed someone's son in a hunting accident. Rama's brother tried to give back the kingdom, but Rama would not accept. The three spent 10 years in the forest doing various adventures. Rama killed Ravana's brother and 14 thousand rakshasas. Ravana stole Sita by using a golden deer to lure Rama away. Then Lakshman also left Sita when he heard Rama crying out for help. Jatayu the vulture died trying to stop Ravana from taking Sita.

Rama and Sugriva the monkey make an alliance. Rama decided to help Sugriva win his kingdom back from his brother Vali. After winning the kingdom back, Sugriva helped Rama find where Ravana lived. They found out Ravana and Sita were in Lanka. Hanuman crossed into Lanka and caused trouble. 

Deer

Bibliography: "Myths of Hindus and Buddhists: Ramayana" by Sister Nivedita

Week 8 Progress

 I would say the thing I am most proud of is the stories I have written. Every story I have written I have tried to make it distinct from any of the other stories I have written. Additionally, I have tried to only loosely rely on the epics I have written to influence my stories. What I mean is I use the epics to determine my overarching plot and the characters, but I always try to make the endings to the stories I write different from that of the epic I am basing it on.

I would say the thing I need to work on is my time management. I have not done a good job following the schedule I set for myself at the beginning of the week. Often I will just work on this class when I have an hour or two of free time. This has worked so far, but I would like to follow a set schedule.

I would say the hardest part of this semester has been finding inspiration for my writing. Often times I will sit and think for a while about what to write about. However, I have found that when I begin to write I am able to figure something out and end up writing an enjoyable story.

HTB

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

 For the most part I have found people's comments to be helpful in my own writing. And the comments that I find the most helpful are the ones that name specific ways I can improve either my writing or the layout of my blog/portfolio. For example, someone gave me the idea to add a dividing line between my story and my author's notes/bibliography. 

I have also found that my comments have improved throughout the semester. At first I was not really sure what to comment, but as I have given comments and received comments I have learned how to be specific and how to add good details to my comments. I still somewhat struggle with giving constructive criticism, because it feels kind of rude even though it is helpful in the long run and I enjoy receiving it myself.

I have enjoyed writing comments on people's introduction posts, because it helps me to get to know the people in the class. Being an online class, it is easy to feel detached from one's classmates, but the introduction posts and the commenting portion of the class helps foster a connection.

For my image I selected the below picture, because constructive criticism is something I need to work on giving.

Constructive criticism cats

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Throughout this class I would say that my favorite reading so far has been The Mahabharata, This is because I felt like the battle between the two families felt so much more personal. I also really enjoyed the battle at the end as it truly felt like a battle where both sides experienced loss. 

What I noticed from my writing as the semester has progressed is that my best stories are the ones where I really feel inspired by what epic I read that week. My best stories are also the ones that I feel like I can relate to the most. For example, I really liked the story about deadlifting, because that is something I related to. On the other hand the story about the meat shop felt kind of rushed and there was not really a lot of inspiration behind that one, so I felt it was not that good.

I also noticed that I enjoy writing stories that are not very serious and have a lot of ironic humor in them. For example, I enjoyed writing the one about the time traveler giving a peasant a lottery ticket for answering his riddles, because it was somewhat satirical and funny. On the other hand, the story about the poker night was not too funny and had a more serious tone. As a result, I did not enjoy writing that one as much. 

I have included the picture from the deadlifting story I wrote for week 3, because it was the one I enjoyed the most. This is because it combines something I have an interest in and some comedy due to it being over the top.

Deadlifting

Finally, I look forward to writing more over the top somewhat comedic stories for the rest of the semester as I feel like this is what I enjoy doing the most.

Week 7 Story: George Wins the Lottery

George, a peasant living in feudal times, sat on a rock looking up at the night sky. This was his favorite part of the day, because he was able to gaze at the stars and not have a worry in the world. As he gazed up he saw a shooting star and wished for a life of luxury. Maybe not even a life of luxury he thought. Maybe just a life where he had enough.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash and a metal box appeared in front of him. George could not believe his eyes. Out of the box stepped a man dressed in clothes George had never seen before. The man also had a face of bewilderment. Before George could speak the man said, "What year is it?" "It is 1020," George replied. "Oops I must have mistyped the numbers," the man said to himself.

Before the man could ask another question George asked "Are you here to grant my wish?" "You are here to bring me riches correct?" Looking to have some fun, the man replied "Why yes I am, but you must answer my three riddles." "Ok," replied George.

"What is your name?" asked the man. "That's not a riddle," said George. "Do you want riches or not?" asked the man. "My name is George," George replied. "Correct." answered the man. While he was correct George wondered how the man knew his name.

"What is your profession?" asked the man. "I am a farmer for the local lord." "Correct again!" replied the man. "Only one more question and the riches are yours. Being a farmer you should know this next one easily." 

George could not believe what was happening soon he would have the riches he needed to lift his family out of poverty and improve his town. "How long does it take to grow corn?" asked the man. "What's corn?" asked George. Realizing his mistake the man hesitated. "Umm... Incorrect..."

George was crushed. "But do not despair George. Since you were able to answer two of my questions I will still give you riches, but in a different form," the man said. From inside the man's pocket he pulled out a piece of paper. "These numbers are very important and one day they will bring you and your family riches as long as you hold on to them," said the man. 

With that the man departed back into the metal box and the box vanished as suddenly as it had arrived. And while George was excited, he was somewhat sad. If only I could read he thought to himself.

Lottery ticket

Author's Notes: I was inspired by the riddles at the lake story in the Mahabharata, and I wanted to add a fun twist where the protagonist did not get all of the riddles right. I was also inspired by the Monty Python and the Holy Grail bit where they have to answer weird riddles at the bridge in order to cross.

Bibliography: Public Domain Edition of the Mahabharata "Riddles at the Lake" by Donald A. Mackenzie Link

 

Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE Part D

Shikhandin get her revenge on Bhishma, Arjuna and Bhishma fought and everyone watched and Arjuna killed him by tricking him. Arjuna was sad about killing Bhishma. With his dying breath he tried to make Duryodhana stop the war. Arjuna's son died. Bhima also lost his son because of the celestial arrow Karna had. Drona died because he was was tricked by the Pandavas because they said his son died when he actually didn't. Bhima then drank the blood of Duhshasana fulfilling his vow. Arjuna then killed his brother Karna.

The Kauravas then began to flee once Karna was killed. Duryodhana then hid underwater. But he came out and lost his fight. Ashwatthaman then raided the Pandavas with the help of Shiva. Arjuna then took the jewel from Ashwatthamann's head. Yudhishthira then became the king. Arjuna followed the horse that Yudhishthira sent out to attone for his sins. Arjuna was then killed but came back to life. The horse was sacrificed and Yudhishthira became the king. Krishna was killed by a hunter by being shot in the foot. Then the Pandavas went to heaven and everything was alright.

Mongoose

Bibliography: Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore, Public Domain Edition of Mahabharata link

Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE Part C

Pandavas go into exile again after losing the gambling match. There were good and bad things about exile. Arjuna goes on adventures to get the weapons that the Pandavas will need. Arjuna then had a vision and got a new bow. Arjuna lived in Indra's city for 5 years where he trained. The Pandavas saved Duryodhana and they were nice to him afterwards even though they were in exile. Karna and Arjuna become rivals. Karana loses his invincibility but he gains the ability to kill a strong foe. Yudhishthira answered some riddles. 

The Pandavas hid for their 13th year of exile otherwise they would have to spend another 12 in exile. The exile ended and a war with the Kauravas was about to start. Krishna, however, tried to have peace. Karna discovers the Pandavas are his brothers. However, he does not betray the Kauravas. Arjuna does not want to fight but he does. 

Answering riddles

Bibliography: Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore, Public Domain Edition of Mahabharata link

Week 6 Story: Poker Night

It was another Thursday night and Zak's longtime friends were about to arrive. As Zak finished setting the table for another relaxing poker night the first guest arrived. It was David, Zak's longtime friend from high school bringing his famous chips and dip. Next came Eli and Dave, twin brothers who Zak had met at the gym in college. They brought the beer. Finally came Shalashaska another longtime friend of Zak and David.

Once the four guest had arrived they chatted for a few minutes and then sat at the poker table. The buy in was only $20 dollars, because David's wife told him if he gambled more he would not be allowed to come to poker night anymore.

 As Zak was about to deal Eli chimed in, "Shouldn't we wait for Hue?" "I don't think he's coming. He texted me earlier saying he has to help his kids with homework tonight", said Zak. "That's alright", said Dave. "He's busy with his new job, and I am sure he's stressed with his wife expecting in a few months."

"His wife is pregnant again?!" exclaimed Shalashaska . "I didn't know that either." said Zak. "Well I am sure he just forgot to tell you since he has been busy recently, but I still am surprised. They announced it to their family a few weeks ago. I only know because I am dating Hue's sister, and it's not like she told me to not say anything."

"Whatever," said Zak. "Let's just play poker."

After the game had ended and all the friends had left Zak wondered if his friend Hue would ever come to another poker game again. It's unlikely he will come to one while his wife is pregnant , and once his kid is born he will have double the responsibilities he has now. And as he thought this he felt saddened. After all, poker night was how his friends and him were supposed to keep in touch, but Hue could not even make that.

Poker Night

Author's notes: This story is loosely based on the gambling match between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana. But instead of the focus being on gambling the story focuses on dialog that happened during a group of longtime friends during their poker match. The primarily focuses on how one of their longtime friends Hue hasn't shown up for a poker match in a month and how their has become a distance between him and their friends due to Hue having to take care of his responsibilities. 

Bibliography: Pubilc Domain Edition of The Mahabharata by Donald A. Mackenzie Link

Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE Part B

 Vindru warns the sons of Pandu of Duryodhana's plot to kill them. The Pandava brothers move into the forest with their mother. Bhami marries Hidimbi (Rakshasa) after he kills her brother.  They then had a son and Hidimbi left. In hiding the pandava brothers go on various adventures. The princes wanted to marry Draupadi. The daughter of Drupada. Karna tried to win Draupadi, but she said she did not want to marry him.

Draupadi then marries all five of the Pandava brothers. The Pandava brothers were then invited back to the country and they ruled the southwest part of it which was prosperous. Arjuna then goes into exile for a bit and has some adventures. He then had a child Iravat with the daughter of the king of nagas. Arjuna then continues on his adventures and marries a bunch of women and has kids with them. 

Arjuna and Krishna help Igni burn a forest so he can be restored. Maya builds a palace for the Pandava brothers since Arjuna saved his life in the burning of the forest. Duryodhana was acting like a clown in the palace that was built and he became angry. Yudhishthira gambled everything away.  Then the princes went away.

The Princes Gambling

Bibliography: Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore, Public Domain Edition of Mahabharata link

Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE Part A

Devavrata (Bhishma) has the powers of 8 gods. Vyasa is the composer and main character of the Mahabharata. Ganga became Shantanu's bride only if he never treated her badly. Vyasa is the son of Satyavati. Satyavati marry's Shantanu and gives birth to Vyasa. Devavrata became Bhishma (the terrible) because he said he would not marry or claim the throne so Shantanu can have Satyavati as his bride. Amba lights will be reincarnated to defeat Bhishma.

Pandu is Vyasa's pale son who becomes king. Dhritarashtra is his blind son. Vindru is Dharma as a human. Karna is the son of Pandu's wife. Pandu died from a curse because he killed a brahmin.

Dhritarashtra becomes kings and his and pandus sons become rivals. His son Duryodhana became evil. Duryodhana hates Bhima because he's powerful. Bhaima gets strength. Arjuna is the best warrior. Karna and Duryodhana became friends.

Sun God

Bibliography: Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore, Public Domain Edition of Mahabharata link