#Geography quiz for all ages | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

icarusthelunarguard · 14 days

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This Week’s Horrible-Scopes

It’s time for this week’s Horrible-Scopes! So for those of you that know your Astrological Signs, cool! If not, just pick one, roll a D12, or just make it up as you go along. It really doesn’t matter. Better yet! Check out “Heart of the Game, Fredonia” - they can sell you those D12’s with the symbols on them! Get in contact with them on Facebook, shipping to the U.S. only, and tell them “Shujin Tribble” sentcha. “Hail, Hail, Fredonia!” Home of the Blue Devil!

With the end of Summer, it’s time for Back To School Season. And since we can’t offer you discounts on paper and pens, how about we give everyone their own Jokes for Higher Education? Or… Just… School-Aged Jokes.

Aries

We’re quizzing you on Geography and Culinary Arts with this one. What US state has the smallest drinks? Mini-soda. The best part is - it’s always refreshingly cold up there. So This Week… It’s properly pronounced, ME - KNEE - ZOH - DAH. Ask anyone who lives there. Preferably not in the middle of winter, though.

Taurus

Your joke will be quizzing you on Cardinal Points. A woman walks into a library and asks the librarian if they have any books about paranoia. The Librarian blinks once, leans forward and whispers, 'They're right behind you!' So This Week… Do you know why they’re called Cardinal Directions on a compass? Neither do we. Guess we’ve all got some pre-class homework to do.

Gemini

Your joke is based on Astronomy and Gastronomics. Why does a moon rock taste better than an Earth rock? It’s a little meteor. So This Week… There’s still plenty of opportunities to have a great outdoor grilled steak! It’s super easy. Ya gitcher 1-inch thick 'berta beef - top sirloin. Let’er sit fo’ 15 minutes. Salt and pepper heavily, grill’er at 400, 4 minutes total. Flip each minute t’ get them good grill marks. Let’er sit 2 minutes. Down the hatch. Do NOT screw up my dinner!

Cancer Moon-Child

Let’s quiz you on your knowledge about the man who brought us Dynamite; Mister Alfred Nobel. Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? He was outstanding in his field. So This Week… Remember The Scarecrow in the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz”? Ray Bolger’s face was permanently lined by wearing the Scarecrow's makeup. So there MIGHT actually be something to the whole, “Stop Making That Face Or It’ll Be Stuck That Way” warning.

Leo

We’re pitching you into Sociology and Linguistics for this one. What do all the cool kids learn at school? Alge-BRAH. So This Week… Try to pick up some Current Day Lingo and make a middle-schooler cringe. Bonus Points if they laugh!

Virgo

We’ve dropped you into a Creative Writing Class that’s doubling as your Pre-Law training. After a thief was caught stealing all the punctuation marks from the courthouse’s keyboards, the defendant is expecting a long sentence. So This Week… You never trained to be a touch typist. Now might be a really good time to practice.

Libra

Pre-Law, Pre-Med, what’s the difference? Well, you’re getting both Pre-Med and Civil Engineering mixed together for yours. Why can't a nose be 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot. So This Week… Do you know what a “Brannock Device” is? Looks like someone else has some pre-class homework to do.

Scorpio

Engineering is one thing, but how about Mechanics for you? Why did the student show up to school covered in wrapping paper? His teacher said he had to be present! So This Week… We told you it was Temporal Mechanics already! Stop groaning.

Sagittarius

For you we’re combining Astronomy and Photography and we’re expecting good things out of you. What do you call a second-place trophy in an astronomy contest? A constellation prize. So This Week… Second Place isn’t bad when you consider all the other entries into the contest. At least you beat out the kids who submitted a so called Full Moon picture of the Department Head’s split pants.

Capricorn

You’re getting a joke based on Herpetology, Speech Therapy, and Computer Science. What's a snake's favorite subject in school? Hiss-tory! So This Week… At least we didn’t say they liked programming in Python, spelled with the Greek letter π. Can’t you just be grateful for a change?

Aquarius

There isn’t a specific course for your joke, just more of a, “You Learned this Already” moment. Little Johnny raised his hand and asked, “Teacher, can I go to the bathroom?” His teacher, not appreciating being interrupted, replied, “Little Johnny, may I go to the bathroom?” Little Johnny looked confused and upset, saying, “But I asked first!” So This Week… Did you know that in the 70’s men could order pants from a catalogue that had built-in urine padding? Yeah - it was fashionable for men to wear slacks with built-in diapers. Think about your Grand-pa wearing those now. You’re welcome!

Pisces

We’re giving you one of the most recently created sciences that always has something new to tell everyone regarding Cartagrophy. What did one tectonic plate say to another when they bumped into each other? Sorry, my fault. So This Week… Remember what Lex Luthor’s scheme in the first Superman movie was? Blowing up the San Andreas Fault to make a new coastline. WAY in the North was an area called, Teschmacher Peaks. If you don’t think she was deserving of that area, might we suggest you find the August 1981 cover of Playboy Magazine and judge for yourself.

And THOSE are your Horrible-Scopes for this week! Remember if you liked what you got, we’re obviously not working hard enough at these. BUT! If you want a better or nastier one for your own sign or someone else’s, all you need to do to bribe me is just Let Me Know - or check out the Ko-Fi page ( https://ko-fi.com/icarusthelunarguard )! These will be posted online at the end of each week via Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, Discord, and BLUESKY.

#parody #horrorscope #funny #horoscope #humor #comedy #heart of the game fredonia #back to school

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nilesh336 · 22 days

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Download Tiranga Apps: A Guide to the Best Options

In today's digital era, apps have become integral to our daily lives, offering convenience, entertainment, and connectivity. Among the numerous apps available, Tiranga apps hold a special place, particularly in India. Tiranga, meaning "tricolor" in Hindi, refers to the Indian national flag, and apps bearing this name often carry patriotic themes or national significance. This tiranga apps download explores some notable Tiranga apps and provides a guide on how to download and use them effectively.

What are Tiranga Apps?

Tiranga apps are digital applications designed to promote and celebrate Indian heritage, culture, and nationalism. These apps can range from flag-themed utilities and educational tools to games and social platforms that emphasize Indian pride and unity. They often feature the Indian flag's tricolor design and aim to instill a sense of national pride among users.

Popular Tiranga Apps

Tiranga Wallpapers and FlagsThis app offers a wide collection of high-quality images of the Indian flag, along with various patriotic wallpapers. Users can personalize their devices with these images, showcasing their national pride. The app is user-friendly and allows easy downloading and setting of wallpapers.

Tiranga QuizThe Tiranga Quiz app is designed for those who want to test their knowledge about India’s history, geography, and culture. With a range of quizzes on various topics related to Indian nationalism and heritage, it’s both educational and engaging. It’s a great tool for students and anyone interested in learning more about India.

Tiranga Patriotic RingtonesThis app provides a selection of patriotic ringtones featuring popular Indian songs and national anthems. Users can set these ringtones for their calls and notifications, adding a patriotic touch to their daily communications.

Tiranga Stickers for Messaging AppsIdeal for those who want to add a patriotic flair to their conversations, this app offers a variety of stickers featuring the Indian flag, national symbols, and other patriotic imagery. These stickers can be used in popular messaging apps to express national pride.

How to Download Tiranga Apps

Downloading Tiranga apps is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

Choose an App StoreMost Tiranga apps are available on major app stores such as Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iOS devices. Open the app store on your device.

Search for the AppUse the search bar to type in the name of the Tiranga app you’re interested in, such as "Tiranga Wallpapers," "Tiranga Quiz," or "Tiranga Patriotic Ringtones." Ensure you’re downloading the official app by checking the developer’s information and user reviews.

Download and InstallOnce you’ve found the desired app, tap on the download or install button. The app will be downloaded and installed on your device automatically.

Open and ConfigureAfter installation, open the app and follow the setup instructions. Customize the app according to your preferences, whether it’s setting a new wallpaper, selecting a ringtone, or exploring the quiz features.

Benefits of Using Tiranga Apps

Cultural AwarenessTiranga apps promote awareness and appreciation of Indian culture and history. They serve as educational tools that help users learn more about their nation.

Patriotic PrideUsing these apps can instill a sense of pride and connection to the country, celebrating national symbols and values.

Entertainment and EngagementMany Tiranga apps offer interactive and entertaining content, such as quizzes and games, making them enjoyable for users of all ages.

CustomizationApps like Tiranga Wallpapers and Stickers allow users to personalize their devices with patriotic themes, adding a unique touch to their daily digital experience.

In conclusion, Tiranga apps are a great way to celebrate and promote Indian nationalism and cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in enhancing your device with patriotic visuals or engaging in educational quizzes, there’s a Tiranga app to suit your needs. Downloading and using these apps is a simple process that can enrich your digital experience while fostering a deeper connection to your country.

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quizboxing · 2 months

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Exploring the Excitement of Quizroom: Where Knowledge Meets Adventure

In the realm of interactive entertainment and intellectual challenges, Quizroom emerges as a beacon of excitement and engagement. This innovative concept combines the thrill of a quiz with the immersive experience of an escape room, offering participants a unique blend of cerebral puzzles and collaborative problem-solving. Let's delve into what makes Quizroom a must-try activity for enthusiasts of all ages.

What is Quizroom?

Quizroom brings together the best elements of traditional quizzes and the immersive nature of escape rooms. Participants are immersed in a themed environment where they must unravel a series of puzzles, clues, and challenges—all while answering trivia questions that test their knowledge across various topics. This fusion of mental agility and teamwork creates a dynamic and exhilarating experience that challenges both intellect and intuition.

The Adventure Unfolds

Imagine stepping into a meticulously designed room, each corner filled with cryptic clues and brainteasers waiting to be deciphered. Your mission: to solve puzzles that lead to the next clue while tackling trivia questions that range from history and geography to pop culture and science. Every correct answer not only advances your progress but also adds to the overall excitement of the adventure.

The beauty of Quizroom lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned quiz enthusiast or someone looking for a new way to bond with friends and family, the experience promises something for everyone. Each challenge encourages collaboration, communication, and creative thinking—qualities that are essential for navigating both the quiz and the room's puzzles.

Why Choose Quizroom?

Beyond its entertainment value, Quizroom offers several benefits for participants:

Intellectual Stimulation: Engage your mind with thought-provoking trivia questions and intricate puzzles that require logical reasoning and deduction.

Team Building: Foster teamwork and camaraderie as you work together to solve challenges under pressure.

Adaptive Difficulty: Quizroom experiences can be tailored to accommodate different skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate and contribute meaningfully.

Memorable Experiences: Create lasting memories with friends, family, or colleagues as you celebrate victories and overcome obstacles together.

Joining the Quizroom Community

In Copenhagen, Denmark, Quizroom has gained popularity as a go-to destination for those seeking interactive and intellectually stimulating entertainment. Located conveniently at Gothersgade 101 C, Quizroom offers a variety of themed rooms designed to transport participants into different worlds of mystery and adventure.

Whether you're planning a team-building event, a birthday celebration, or simply a fun outing with friends, Quizroom provides an unforgettable experience. Step into a world where every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered, and every answer brings you closer to unraveling the ultimate mystery.

Embrace the Challenge

Quizroom invites you to embark on a journey where knowledge is your greatest asset and collaboration is key to success. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the allure of solving puzzles and mastering trivia in a captivating setting is irresistible.

To learn more about Quizroom, upcoming themes, or how to book your adventure, visit QuizBoxing.dk or contact us at [email protected]. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable experience filled with excitement, discovery, and the thrill of victory.

Conclusion

Quizroom is more than just a game—it's an adventure that combines the thrill of discovery with the satisfaction of intellectual achievement. Whether you're seeking a new challenge or looking to strengthen bonds with friends and colleagues, Quizroom promises an experience like no other. Dare to test your knowledge, sharpen your wits, and unlock the mysteries that await within the captivating world of Quizroom.

Discover the thrill of Quizroom today at Gothersgade 101 C, Copenhagen K. Adventure awaits!

#Quizroom

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learnersbridge · 3 months

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Why Choose Educational GK Toys from Learners Bridge For Your Kids?

Introduction: Welcome to Learners Bridge, your one-stop destination for educational toys that inspire curiosity and learning. In this blog post, we’re excited to introduce our collection of General Knowledge (GK) toys designed to make learning fun and engaging for children of all ages. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, our GK toys offer a fantastic way to foster a love for learning while exploring the world around us.

Enhance Cognitive Development

Our GK toys are carefully crafted to stimulate cognitive development in children. By engaging in activities that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory recall, kids can strengthen their cognitive abilities while having fun.

Explore Diverse Topics

With Learners Bridge GK toys, children can explore a wide range of topics, from history and geography to science and culture. Our toys are designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration, helping kids develop a broad understanding of the world.

Foster a Love for Learning

At Learners Bridge, we believe that learning should be enjoyable. That’s why our GK toys are designed to make learning fun and exciting. By incorporating play into the learning process, children are more likely to retain information and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Promote Social Interaction

Many of our GK toys are designed for cooperative play, encouraging social interaction and collaboration among children. Whether working together to solve a puzzle or competing in a friendly quiz game, our toys provide opportunities for kids to engage with one another and build important social skills.

FAQs:

Q: Are your GK toys suitable for all ages?

A: Yes, we offer a range of GK toys designed for different age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens. Each toy is carefully selected to ensure age-appropriate content and activities.

Q: How can I incorporate GK toys into my child’s learning routine?

A: Our GK toys can be used in various ways, such as part of homeschooling curriculum, supplemental learning activities, or simply as fun educational toys for playtime. Get creative and explore different ways to integrate GK toys into your child’s learning routine.

Q: Are your GK toys safe for children?

A: Yes, safety is our top priority at Learners Bridge. All of our toys are made from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards.

Conclusion:

Ready to take learning to the next level? Explore our collection of GK toys at Learners Bridge and ignite your child’s curiosity today. With our engaging and educational toys, learning has never been more fun!

Visit Learners Bridge to browse our selection of GK toys and start your learning adventure.

#education #educational videos #educational toys #educational games #educational blog #gk toys

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quizardapp · 7 months

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Mastering Knowledge with Quizard: A Fun Dive into Quizard App, Game, and Quiz

Welcome to the exciting world of Quizard! In this blog post, we'll explore the wonders of Quizard, a unique app that combines education and entertainment seamlessly. Whether you're a trivia enthusiast, a student looking to spice up your learning routine, or just someone who loves a good quiz, Quizard has something special for everyone. Let's dive into the fascinating realms of Quizard, the Quizard App, Quizard game, and Quizard quiz, and discover how they can enrich your knowledge while providing a thrilling experience.

Quizard: A Brief Overview

Quizard is not just another app; it's a learning adventure that makes acquiring knowledge fun and engaging. Whether you're a history buff, science geek, or language lover, Quizard covers a wide range of topics to cater to diverse interests. The app is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to all age groups. With a plethora of quizzes and games, Quizard ensures that learning is not only educational but also entertaining.

Quizard App: Your Pocket Learning Companion

The Quizard app is your go-to source for a wide variety of quizzes on different subjects. It offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to navigate through topics effortlessly. The app's interactive features make learning an enjoyable experience, and its compatibility with various devices ensures that you can carry your pocket-sized learning companion wherever you go. Dive into the Quizard app and unlock a world of knowledge at your fingertips.

Quizard Game: Turning Learning into Play

Learning becomes a game with the Quizard app. The Quizard Game feature adds a layer of excitement to the educational experience. Challenge yourself or compete with friends as you answer questions on various topics. The game format not only tests your knowledge but also enhances your retention through a dynamic and entertaining approach. Quizard proves that education can be just as thrilling as your favorite games.

Quizard Quiz: Test Your Knowledge, Have Fun

Quizard quizzes are designed to cater to different difficulty levels, ensuring that both beginners and experts can find quizzes that suit their knowledge base. The quizzes cover a wide array of subjects, including but not limited to science, history, geography, and pop culture. Engage in Quizard quizzes to test your knowledge, discover new facts, and challenge yourself in a captivating way.

In conclusion, Quizard is not just an app; it's a revolution in the way we approach learning. With the Quizard app, game, and quiz features, education becomes an immersive experience, blending seamlessly with entertainment. Embrace the world of Quizard to master new facts, challenge yourself, and have a great time doing it. Download the Quizard app today and embark on a journey of knowledge and fun!

#quizard #quizard game #quizard app #quizard quiz

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jeenamaria · 1 year

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Mobile Apps Made Simple: A Beginner's Guide to Enhancing Your Business

Have you ever seen a family who should be enjoying time together but instead are all on their phones browsing while concentrated, bored, or even excited? Because we live in the age of technology, a smartphone could indicate that a person is checking the news, working, gaming, enjoying themselves through social media, shopping, conversing with a buddy, or perhaps doing their schoolwork.

There are numerous advantages to having a mobile application for your business. Developing a mobile app that suits your vision could assist you in increasing brand loyalty, improving customer interactions, and remaining relevant, up-to-date, and on the leading edge of new technology. Hire app developers in India for developing one. But what does it all mean? How can an app improve customer or client relationships? Let's just say that people nowadays WANT to save time; time is a vital asset, therefore finding ways to save it for people is critical - and a business application could achieve exactly that. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of mobile applications for your business.

1. Increases brand recognition

With a branded app, you can easily spread the news about your company. It allows folks to learn more about who you are and the services you provide. Furthermore, apps allow firms to strengthen emotional ties with their customers. A branded app informs consumers about your company and makes it simple for them to do business with you with a few taps or clicks.

2. Allows for customization

You can customize your services with an app to cater specifically to your target market. For example, you could create a quiz to learn more about your consumers' preferences so that you may tailor your content and notifications to them. This makes it easy to create tailored experiences that keep customers returning and attract new users to your app. It will also provide you with useful data about how users behave, which you can use to better your marketing techniques and learn more about your consumer base.

Recommended reading: Best Mobile App Development Programming Languages in 2023.

3. It saves time

In terms of time savings, studies have shown that an application outperforms a website. A website may take a long time to load or may just crash at some point during your process. An app could simply save your consumers' time by providing them with quick and easy access to your company's services.Regarding app-based payments, a study from 2019 projected a rise in mobile app transactions, increasing from 41.8% in 2019 to an estimated 52.2% by 2023.

4. Better engagement rates

Business apps may also be required to increase people's participation in your company. One method is to create app-only promotions, offers, or innovative campaigns to enhance people's engagement with your app and business. Businesses can reach a larger target audience by using an app. An app can raise awareness of your company and make it easier for customers to find and utilize your products or services. You are no longer bound by physical geography; you may now reach a larger audience, regardless of where they are in the world.

5. It helps to grow your business.

A mobile business application could also aid your company by increasing relevance, familiarity, trust, and credibility through your business-customer relationship. You may utilize an app to assist you manage your customer connections by tracking how they use it and learning more about it. The app would provide you with precise and convenient customer insights. For example, you may modify your app based on which features your clients use the most and which are the most popular. That might undoubtedly assist you plan and strategize your app's future growth. If your app was flawless, you could simply build a marketing campaign by determining the best approach to gather information and feedback from your clients.

Also, read Upcoming Trends in Mobile App Development.

6. Marketing support

If you're concerned about marketing, you should absolutely consider creating your own mobile app, as it might be an amazing marketing tool. A tailored mobile app expands your communication options. The software allows you to manage contact information, specialized messaging, and even engagement mechanisms like promotions, contests, and campaigns. You can distinguish yourself by personalizing them with your own colors, logos, and taglines. Another advantage is that a mobile app is inexpensive to market. This implies you could be saving money internally by using your business app because it eliminates the requirement for actual marketing goods and can reduce the expense of live marketing campaigns.

Conclusion

Apps could also improve employee efficiency by enhancing communication and engagement while decreasing data processing. You can also monetize your app by displaying adverts targeted at in-app purchases. There is also the "effective frequency" technique, which developers employ to calculate marketing rates: Customers are more likely to know and remember your brand if they recognize your marketing message, participate in campaigns, or interact with your app. Customers' expectations and wants, as well as technology, are always growing and updating, emphasizing the importance of being ahead of the competition in application marketing. It's more crucial than ever to maintain your app competitive by satisfying consumer needs, expanding your business, and recruiting new users. With the rise of the digital landscape, you must widen your thoughts and perspective on business development. Furthermore, in order to stay on top of your brand and obtain the greatest results when establishing an app for your business, you must stay up to speed on all new app upgrades with the help of app Development Company In India.

#app Development Company In India #app #applivation

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lukehapper28 · 1 year

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Game On: Exploring the Thrilling World of Interactive Wall Games

Interactive wall games have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a unique and immersive experience for both children and adults. These games are typically played on large-scale interactive walls, which respond to touch, movement, and other inputs from players.

Interactive wall games are a perfect fit for a variety of settings, from family entertainment centers and museums to schools and corporate events. They offer a fun and engaging way to learn, socialize, and exercise, and can be customized to suit a wide range of interests and age groups.

What are Interactive Wall Games?

Interactive wall games are digital games that are played on a large-scale wall or projection screen. The games are designed to be interactive, meaning that players use their bodies or other objects to control the game. The game responds in real-time to player input, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

The types of games available for interactive walls are diverse and can be adapted to fit any age group or interest. Some popular interactive wall games include virtual sports, puzzle games, educational games, and interactive art installations.

Advantages of Interactive Wall Games

One of the primary advantages of interactive wall games is that they promote physical activity and exercise. Unlike traditional video games that require players to sit and stare at a screen, interactive wall games encourage movement and physical engagement. This makes them an excellent choice for schools, gyms, and other settings where physical activity is a priority.

Interactive wall game are also great for socialization and team building. Many of these games are designed to be played with multiple players, encouraging collaboration and communication. This makes them an excellent choice for corporate events, team building exercises, and other group settings.

In addition, interactive wall games are highly customizable, making them an excellent choice for businesses and organizations looking to promote their brand or message. These games can be branded with custom graphics, logos, and messaging, creating a unique and memorable experience for players.

Examples of Interactive Wall Games

One popular example of an interactive wall game is a virtual sports game, such as virtual soccer or basketball. These games allow players to use their bodies to control the ball or puck, creating a realistic and engaging sports experience.

Another popular example of an interactive wall game is an educational game, such as a geography or history quiz. These games can be customized to suit any age group or educational level, making them a great choice for schools and museums.

Interactive art installations are also a popular type of interactive wall game. These installations allow visitors to interact with and manipulate digital art in real-time, creating a unique and immersive experience.

Conclusion

Interactive wall games offer a unique and engaging experience for players of all ages and interests. They promote physical activity, socialization, and learning, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of settings, from schools and museums to corporate events and family entertainment centers.

Whether you're looking to promote your brand, educate your audience, or simply provide a fun and engaging experience, interactive wall games are a great choice. With their high level of customization and wide range of available games, there's sure to be an interactive wall game that suits your needs.

#interactive wall game interactive wall games

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kvizzing · 1 year

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Quiz for School Students

Kvizzing.com offers an exciting and engaging Quiz for School Students that is designed to test and enhance their knowledge on a wide range of subjects. Our quiz is suitable for students of all ages and covers various topics, including science, history, geography, literature, mathematics, current affairs, and much more.

#Quiz for School Students

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amberfaber40 · 2 years

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Free Printable Country Fact Sheet For An Easy Geography Lesson - Layers of Learning

Grab this free printable country fact sheet to write cool country facts all in one place.

Free Printable Coloring Pages of People All Around the World

Need geography printables for kids? Download these 18 printable coloring pages of people all around the world today! Click here!!

12 Jobs for Geography Majors | The University Network

Here are the jobs you can get as a geography major – geographer, cartographer, photogrammetrist, urban planner, landscape artist, GIS specialist, and more.

Vintage World Globe

A finely designed world globe with intricate details and geography. Classic spinning globe with metal stand that is more durable and great for office, study room, kid's bedroom, and classroom desktop decoration. It will also make a great gift for your relative and friends. Globe Diameter:14cm/5.52inch Base Diameter:11.5cm/4.53inch

Global Geography Worksheets 4 Latitude | PDF | Latitude | Equator

Can You Beat This Infuriating A To Z Geography Quiz?

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, via a world of pain.

Free Seven Continents Printables

School Notebook - Geography

Quiz: Can You Name Every One Of These Countries By Their Capital On A Map?

How worldly are you?

Set of geography symbols

Set of geography symbols. Equipments for web banners. Vintage outline sketch for web banners. Doodle style. Education concept. Back to school background. Hand drawn style

Printable Landform Flash Cards

World Map

Geography This exploration is for all ages, as the colored smilies show. You can do the Country Fact Sheet with your whole family together! 1st thru 4th grades 5th thru 8th grades 9th thru 12th grades Western Europe is the first unit in the Mapping Our World geography course from Layers of Learning.The Country Fact Sheet is a geography printable that can be used with any of the geography units from Years 2, 3, and 4. Those years focus on learning about a variety of countries from all around the world. It s first introduced in the Western Europe unit. Layers of Learning has hands-on explorations, maps, printables, and lots more activities in every unit of this family-friendly curriculum. Learn more about Layers of Learning.Years 2 and 3 of Layers of Learning are a survey of countries around the world, and we like to keep a written record of a lot of what we learn. The Country Fact Sheet is just one of the ways we record what we’re discovering in our geography time. It’s a place to record the information they are reading from our country studies all on one page.Step 1: Library ResearchBefore you begin exploring, read a book or two about the country you’re studying in a library book or in an atlas. Here are some suggestions of atlases we like to keep on hand for our country studies. Your library likely has atlases you can borrow too. The colored smilies above each book tell you what age level they’re recommended for.As Amazon affiliates, the recommended books and products below kick back a tiny percentage of your purchase to us. It doesn’t affect your cost and it helps us run our website. We thank you!DK First Atlasby Anita GaneriChildren’s Illustrated Atlasby DKStudent Atlasby DKStep 2: Country Fact SheetHere is a printable country fact sheet if you want to try this with your kids. A printable country fact sheet to fill in.Search the internet, look in an atlas, or go to the library for books, then spend an hour reading and writing down fascinating facts, drawing maps and flags, and just satisfying your curiosity about countries. Fill out the country fact sheet as you go, then fill the backside of the page with more interesting things you discovered along the way. As you work, discuss the similarities and differences between the country you live in and the country you’re studying. If possible, find some stories from the countries too. Many countries have traditional folk tales, fairy tales, myths, or legends that kids love to listen to. Famous art and music is another fun focus. We have our television attached to our computer with an HDMI cable (making our big screen function as a computer monitor so everyone can see it well), so I pull up famous art from the country using a simple internet search. Sometimes we watch YouTube videos of traditional dance or music, travelogues, or other informational videos too.By the end of the week, you will have all learned about the country by researching, discussing, and writing. It’s a fun way to bring other cultures and places a little closer to home.Step 3: Show What You KnowRead the interesting facts to each other, presentation-style. See if some of the things you found out overlap. Did you find any information or fun facts that no one else in your family did?Additional LayersAdditional Layers are extra activities you can do or tangents you can take off on. You will find them in the sidebars of each Layers of Learning unit. They are optional, so just choose what interests you.Writer’s WorkshopWrite a simulated letter, imagining you are visiting the country you studied and writing home about the things you are doing and seeing.Additional LayerMake a traditional recipe from the country you are learning about. We love to cook food from the country we are studying and then give our presentations at the dinner table.ExpeditionWhen we can’t go visit a country in person, we go visit the Layers of Learning YouTube playlists and get a little peek through video of what it’s like there.Try family-style homeschooling now with free samples of four Layers of Learning units when you subscribe. You'll get to try family-style history, geography, science, and arts with your children.NamePlease enter your name.Email AddressPlease enter a valid email address.Subscribe!Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.You can unsubscribe any time.

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pinercommerce · 2 years

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State quiz for kids

#State quiz for kids movie

#State quiz for kids free

These quizzes online have been created to bring kids entertainment and to help them learn about new things! There are also sports quizzes for teenagers to enjoy and to further their overall general knowledge of the subjects.

#State quiz for kids free

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#State quiz for kids

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realtylong · 2 years

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State quiz for kids

#State quiz for kids movie

#State quiz for kids free

#State quiz for kids movie

#State quiz for kids

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hecticcheer · 3 years

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Hyponatremia (unfinished T/M/A fic)

Fiveish months ago I tried to write a fic based on this scenario post I made. I’m super definitely never gonna finish it, and, it just kinda trails off at the end? Also it’s very rough. Features some American measurements in brackets that I’m too lazy to convert, if that gives you an idea. But I figured I’d post it anyway on one-slice-of-cake>no-cake principle.

As for the plot... uh. Jon has a headache; Martin tries to help, but makes it worse. For *checks notes* ~4200 words. If it has one saving grace, it’s that you can mmmmostly understand it without prior knowledge of T/M/A? Long as you know Martin’s living in the Archives to hide from an evil worm monster, you should be good.

As usual, Jon was the first person to join Martin down in the Archives that morning, sometime between seven and eight. And, no more unusually, Martin had twelve-plus hours of nervous energy to work off, and nobody to shed it on but his boss. “Morning. Sleep well? Tim said you still had some work to do when we left for the pub, but I didn’t see you when I got back so you can’t have made too late a night of it.” (Jon shook his head.) “Shame you couldn’t join us, by the way. Elena and Clarisse and them destroyed us on geography, and Sasha says you’re pretty good on maps and that. Maybe you could’ve saved us.”

“Doubt it,” said Jon. Martin waited for him to add more to that thought, but instead he just sort of stood there. Pinched one nostril shut and inhaled experimentally through the other. Trying to figure out which one was clogged, maybe? Tim said Jon’d said he had a headache; maybe it was a sinus thing. Not that this was exactly reliable intel. On pub-quiz Wednesday Tim always regaled him and Sasha with Jon’s latest excuses not to join them. They were always bad, but some were so bad Martin suspected they weren’t so much Jon’s lies as Tim’s lies about Jon’s lies. Probably not a great idea to mention this one, then. He’d stick to the first excuse Jon had allegedly given:

“Did you finish what you were working on?”

Jon closed his eyes, for a bit longer than the average blink, but not long enough to count as a proper wince. “Not even close.”

“Oh. What… was it?”

“Cabinet of statements from 2003. Or at least, nominally from 2003, though by my count less than a third of them actually date from that year.”

“Yikes. Need any help? Extra pair of hands, or.”

“Not right now.”

“2003,” Martin mused—“are you still looking for Mr. McKenzie’s statement?”

A short, but hearty sigh. Enunciated, practically. He didn’t open his mouth until afterward, but Martin could see his nostrils flare around it. “No. Three days ago, when I started to look through the cabinets marked 2003, I was looking for Mr. McKenzie’s statement. Now I just want to find out which statements in there I can’t send straight to the discredited section.”

Jon stood in the open doorway to his office by this point, hand on the knob as if to remind Martin of his eagerness to close it behind him. Even so Martin tried to peer past him into the office, looking for a discard pile of statements he might offer to shuttle away himself. This was pretty hard to do surreptitiously, though. He’d hoped his eyes would land at once on the tallest pile, at which time he could point to it and say, Are those the discredited ones, then? But from his vantage point all the piles on Jon’s desk seemed taller than usual.

“Right,” Martin said instead; “good luck.” He smiled weakly and returned his gaze to Jon, meaning to restore eye contact before he remembered how seldom Jon looked at people’s faces anyway. At this moment both his eyes were covered by the hand not on the doorknob. It would’ve been weird, he figured, to just duck out now while Jon couldn’t even see him, so Martin told himself to wait until he opened his eyes and only then back off.

But then Jon just stayed like that, for ages, with his fingers on one temple and his thumb on the other, blocking all possibility of sight. Eventually Martin felt like he had no choice but to say, “Are you alright?—or, I mean, how’s your head, by the way? Tim said….”

“It’s fine.”

“Ssssso it—doesn’t still hurt, then?”

“I’m fine, Martin. Thank you,” Jon said, but in one of the least thankful-sounding tones of voice he had. And then he closed the door, without even waiting for Martin to back up.

—

“Thought you might like coffee this morning instead of tea. It’s got more caffeine, and, that’s supposed to help, right? Plus I remembered what you said on your birthday about tea having tannins just like wine does. Of course, for all I know coffee might too—”

“It does.”

“Oh. Well… maybe the caffeine’ll cancel it out and you’ll break even? Or, I don’t know, maybe if you already have a headache they can’t trigger one.”

Jon’s answering Hm sounded pessimistic. Sure enough, as soon as Martin had finished his sentence he said, “I’m not that lucky.”

“Probably not,” Martin agreed with a laugh. “Still, least it’s hydration. Though caffeine’s a diuretic, so if I recall correctly you only get about half, volume-wise. That mug’s about… [twelve ounces,] I’d say? So it probably counts as about [six toward your sixty-four].”

“Yes, yes,” replied Jon, picking up his bottle of water and shaking it. When he set it down again, one look confirmed what Martin had suspected from the sound it made—it was nearly empty.

“Oh hey, look at that! Looks like you’re doing a pretty good job even without…” he trailed off, realizing too late that the most logical end to that sentence was my help, and that that was a pretty pompous way to refer to a coffee he was pretty sure Jon didn’t even want. So instead he said, “I’ll go refill that for you.” And before Jon could look up Martin scurried off to the break room with it.

The water dispenser should’ve been changed yesterday. When the water got this low it took ages to fill even a mug, much less a tall bottle like this one. It startled as a trickle, and by about halfway up the bottle slowed to a glorified drip. In his mind he pleaded with the water spout not to make so much noise; promised it he’d put in a new one as soon as he’d returned Jon’s water to him, mouthed encouragements to it. Not much farther, just to the top of the M, come on, you can do it. (The bottle was an Institute freebie, with Magnus Institute inscribed on it in black-bordered green letters. Martin had one just like it somewhere in his flat. Worm bait now, he supposed.)

By the time he brought it back Jon’s eyes were on the statement in his hands. Skimming, by the looks of it, rather than either actually reading or pretending to.

Martin endeavored to set down his refilled water audibly, but not painfully loudly. But Jon’s answering “Thank you” took him so much by surprise that at the last moment his wrist jerked and the bottle fell over.

“Ah! Sorry, sorry.” It had a lid, so, not an actual disaster? Jon did snarl at him though, or at least at the noise. His hands flew up as if to cover his ears, but he seemed to reject that idea halfway through. Just closed his fists around thin air, then leant his temple on one of them and sighed through his nose. “Sorry,” Martin said again. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

Jon’s emphatic blink seemed to stand in for a nod.

“Anyway, here’s a further [sixteen ounces] for you, looks like, or thereabouts,” ventured Martin, patting the side of the water bottle with one hand while holding it down with the other so it definitely wouldn’t topple again. “I’ll just leave you to it then.”

“Mm.”

“Good luck.”

—

After his stunt with the water bottle Martin had too much distrusted himself to risk making another big noise with the door, so he’d left it with its tongue sticking out rather than latching it. This meant he made almost no sound when he entered again. The first thing he noticed was that the water in Jon’s bottle still reached the top of the M. It still sat in the same place, too—not out of Jon’s reach but far enough away (Martin had told himself at the time) not to seem an imposition on his space. Almost definitely not where one would set it if one intended to pick it up again soon. His coffee seemed to have fared a bit better though. Half empty, one might say. Optimistically.

The second thing he noticed was Jon himself, who sat with his elbows on the desk, his chin on the heels of his palms, and his fingers arranged around his eyes like fence posts. Like a child peeking out at something they’re too scared to look at directly—except that his eyes were closed.

Martin snuck back to the other side of the door and knocked on it, gently. “Hey, uh, Jon?”

He didn’t look up, and opened his eyes for only a second before shutting them again. But he did drop his hands, threaded his fingers together and set them on the table, and bit his lip. “What, Martin.”

“Er—well, I know you said you’d given up looking for Marcus McKenzie’s statement, but I just realized I never asked if you’d thought to look in the discredited section. I mean, from what he said on the phone it didn’t sound like he took his dad’s statement all that seriously, so, maybe Gertrude put it in there, as, like, corroborating evidence that it wasn’t paranormal, and McKenzie senior’s statement just got misfiled?”

“Martin, I invented the discredited section.”

“Oh.”

“Anything else you wanted to say?”

“Oh, uh, nothing important. Just wondered if you’d like me to take that mug away.”

Instead of responding verbally, Jon picked up the mug and made what seemed a valiant effort to drink a little more of the coffee inside it. From what Martin could tell, he barely managed not to grimace in disgust.

“Do you like coffee? I’m not a big fan of it either, to be honest. Oh, well. If you can’t force that down you’ve still got plenty of water there, I see. Besides, it’ll wash out the taste.” (With an actual heh heh, which came out more like a small dog panting than like human laughter.)

Dramatic, snarly sigh from Jon. “Think I’ll pass. It seems to make it worse, if anything.”

“Oh. Sorry about that; must be those pesky tannins. I’ll just take your cup now then.”

But Jon only tightened his grip on it. “Water, I meant. The coffee’s fine. Not exactly my favorite beverage in the world, but, you were right. It’s a good idea.”

“Oh. Thanks, I’m glad you.” Martin smiled, then frowned. “Wait, water makes it worse?”

“Seems to.”

“Really? Are you sure it wasn’t just—too cold, or something.”

His laugh sounded bitter, hollow—theatrically so, in fact. A perfect Ha ha ha, except he didn’t say those words, didn’t enunciate them like Sasha sometimes did when Tim made a bad joke. He just made the exact sounds they were invented to transcribe. “No, Martin. I haven’t just been giving myself a brain freeze every time I.”

“…Right, of course not. Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” For a few silent seconds Martin picked at a notch in his thumbnail, carved there earlier this morning by a stubborn paperclip. Part of him wanted to tear the nail off and have done, but he knew it would bleed if he did. Nothing to clip it with in the Archives, obviously. “Are you sure you won’t try again? This water’s quite tepid, actually, since I got it literally from the bottom of the barrel—”

“Martin—”

“Sorry, sorry. Just thought it was worth—”

“Don’t you have something better to do.”

“Er… no, actually. Pretty much finished with everything, at the momen…t. Though if you’d like to give me another assignment I’d be happy to—yeah. Do that, for you. Or I mean, for the sake of the Archives; I don’t mean it’d just be, like, busy work. Not accusing you of that or anything.”

“Are you comfortable leaving the Archives?”

For half a second Martin heard this as a hint—an offer? a threat?—that Jon meant to have him transferred to another department. Then he wondered if Jon was hinting it was time Martin found somewhere else to live. “What, like, permanently?”

“No—just as long as it takes to track down and interview Georgie Barker about her role in the statement Ms. King gave us.”

“Oh. Yeah, I think so, uh. Thank you for asking? I mean, Prentiss said she was done with me, right. At least, me personally. And she already knows I’m here, so it’s not like.”

Jon replied shortly, “Yes.”

“I’d like to listen to Ms. King’s statement first, though, if that’s alright. What’d you say it was about? The Cambridge Military Hospital?”

Another short, emphatic, nose-directed sigh. Couldn’t be too stuffed-up then, Martin guessed. “Technically, yes, though Ms. King insists the building itself had nothing to do with it.”

“Huh. What was it about, then?”

“She alleges that a woman she hired to help film one of her ghost stories peeled the skin off her arm.”

“Oh my god! I mean, did you—was she okay? Did she show you her arm? Did it seem to have—you know—skin?”

“Her own arm, not Ms. King’s.”

“Oh.” Martin sighed for himself now, though with relief rather than exasperation. Managed a tiny laugh, as well. “Okay, well, that’s. Creepy as hell, but, not nearly as bad as.”

“Mm. Nor nearly as verifiable as your version.”

“T…rue, no, I guess not. Anyway do you have the tape? I’d like to listen myself, if that’s.”

Jon pointed to a small stack of tapes on the bookshelf to Martin’s right. Sure enough, the top one had M. King, 0161704 sharpied across the label on its side. “Ah! Found it. Thanks.” He had a tape player squirreled away already; on another day he might’ve pretended otherwise, but for the moment he was too relieved not to have to make a pest of himself by asking to borrow one to worry whether the absence of that request might make Jon suspicious.

Besides, Jon seemed pretty… absorbed in himself, this morning. By the time Martin turned to face him again one of Jon’s hands had crept back up to his face, where its fingers now seemed to comb the hairs of his left eyebrow. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Jon do that before, plus doubted the hairs in question needed his help to lie flat. Jon’s eyebrows had always struck him as quite neat. Plus Martin had tried that with his own eyebrows plenty of times before the mirror in his youth, and knew it didn’t work very well even if you licked your finger—which Martin assumed Jon hadn’t. So he figured he should file this behavior in the same box as the earlier fist-clenching-to-avoid-covering-ears thing. As, like, headache-soothing for people who don’t want to look weak. Or unprofessional, or something to that effect.

This gave him a sense of foreboding when he thought too hard about it. But Martin needed so badly to keep this job, now that his flat wasn’t safe anymore. It seemed wiser not to look directly at abstract threats like that. If he could make Jon feel better then it wouldn’t matter, right? Or at least could be put off til next time.

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Don’t recall saying I was,” Jon muttered.

Martin winced. He had said he was alright—Martin was certain. When he’d first come in that morning, he’d said he was fine when Martin asked, and then he’d closed the door. Didn’t seem worth correcting him over it, though. So Martin just said, “Try to drink something while I’m gone, yeah? Kool-Aid, for all I care, just. You really don’t look like you’re feeling all that well. And any kind of drink other than alcohol should—oh.”

He looked up, hearing Jon swallow what sounded like a lot more than the tiny sip of coffee he’d managed before.

“Well. Great. Thank you for obliging me.”

Jon continued to gulp down water, while staring right at Martin. He paused in swallowing to breathe, but even then did not remove the mouth of the bottle from his own mouth. When he tried to resume drinking it made him cough instead, and even then he didn’t set it down.

“O-okay, well, I’m sure that’s plenty, don’t—?” Hurt yourself, Martin wanted to say, but feared that would sound patronizing. The bottle was more than half empty now. Jon paused for air again. “For god’s sake, Jon, stop—that looks like it hurts—you don’t have to—?”

At last he slammed the empty bottle on his desk—more loudly than could possibly be comfortable for a man with a headache. Leant his elbow on the table, and between pants huffed a laugh and said, “Care to refill it for me?”

On a sort of autopilot Martin chirped, “Uh—sure! No problem I’ll just,” and rushed off with it to the break room. This refill took much less time, since he’d remembered to change out the thingy. But it still took long enough that by the time he got back he worried, “You’re not going to chug this one too, are you?”

“No,” said Jon, eyes and hands both busy now with a statement hitherto hidden by his elbow. He did not reach out a hand to take the bottle from Martin.

“Okay, I’ll just. Leave this here then. See you after the, uh. Yeah.”

—

And lo, it was as he had feared. Chugging [sixteen ounces] of water did indeed make his headache worse. By ten it seemed to count turning the page of a statement as an exertion worth pounding over. True, by lunch time it seemed to have backed off a bit—until he sat back down at his desk with his fork and plate. On his way to the microwave he’d thought he must be on the mend: his head throbbed a little harder than when he’d been seated, but not so much he’d have noticed the difference had he not set out to pay attention to it. Some food, maybe an ibuprofen or two and he’d be fixed, he’d told himself.

Once he got to the break room, though, he noticed something else odd. His limbs were weak. His knees seemed made of jelly, and wobbled beneath him every time he shifted his weight; his arms were steady enough, but when he set down the pizza box on the counter after retrieving it from the fridge he felt a surge of relief, which he hardly understood until he’d transferred a slice from the no-onion half onto a plate and picked up the latter to put it in the microwave. Even these tiny movements made his arms, neck and chest ache like they do when you hold your breath too long. He leant his elbows against the counter and gulped down air until his mouth felt so dry he couldn’t bear to keep it open. Wondered if he should sit down; he felt a bit dizzy. But he had less than 30 seconds left to wait for the microwave, which he figured couldn’t hurt him.

It didn’t, but the walk back to his office did a bit. Moving his legs’ sluggish muscles made his whole body ache—again like it does when you run too long and have to stop for breath. He figured it must be in a similar spirit that his head waited til he’d sat down to unleash its onslaught. Before leaving his desk he’d grown used to thinking of his heart beat’s faint buzzy shocks like the second hand on a clock, criticizing him under its breath from where it watched behind his eyes. This was… a great deal worse than that. He tried to time the beats against the ticking of his wrist watch, but couldn’t seem to focus on that and breathe at the same time. They were fast, though, at least at first. His heart rate did seem to calm down fairly quickly, but he could swear it never got all the way back down to its earlier rate—at least not before his attention shifted from the speed to just. How much it hurt.

Was that what made his slice of pizza so tasteless? When he cut his first bite, on its way to his mouth he thought he caught a whiff of the red onions with which its tip must have shared space, and only his horror of Tim asking What was wrong with that part, then? when he brought the otherwise-empty plate back to the sink stopped him from scraping that bite off his fork and trying again higher up the slice. But when he finally forced himself to eat it? Nothing. No onion taste, thank god, but everything else too seemed… muted. Hardly worth how the exertion of chewing made his head hammer after each swallow. Jon knew the taste of food was hardly the point of eating it, but? In the absence of everything he normally liked about cheese and meat and bread and vegetables, the fact the cheese squelched in his mouth made him wish he’d never left his bed. The way leaves of soggy spinach flapped over the sides of even his neatly-cut rectangles. His stomach tightened in revulsion, so that in his throat he could feel each swallowed lump shifting from foot to foot, waiting to be let in. Not to mention how the effort of cutting it shook the whole damn table.

He told himself he could skip the crust. If Tim asked about it, Jon’d just tell him it’d gone stale. Just get through the… other part, the crumb, the filling. Between throbs the ache in his tired jaw merged with the one behind his eyes. Why didn’t it always hurt to chew? Did the pleasure of tasting food give you enough endorphins to cancel it out? Would everyone have this problem all the time if we had to live on, say, dry toast?

Right, okay, close enough. Ibuprofen now. No, you idiot—other drawer. In the fantasy versions he’d rehearsed of this moment he clapped four of them from his palm into his mouth at once, and swallowed them dry. But his blister pack turned out to have only three left. Which was fine! Just fine. Better, probably, after so little lunch.

Also, dry-swallowing was kind of a misnomer? He’d never really thought about it before, but. Turned out it would only work if your so-called “dry” mouth had spit in it. As it was the pills stuck to his tongue, leaving streaks of spicy burnt-orange when he tried to claw them back toward his throat with his teeth. When they got far back enough on his tongue he had to concentrate not to gag, and they still stuck—even when he turned his nose to face the ceiling and thumped on his chin with his hand (which, ouch)—at that point he gave up and unscrewed his water. Allowed as little of it in his mouth as would let him swallow these damn things, and wash their stains off his tongue. And it still made his head throb harder.

Jon imagined shooting whoever next told him to stay hydrated. He derived little joy from the fantasy, though; couldn’t not think of the loud, sharp noise it would make.

Returning the plate could wait, he decided; not like it would attract worms in the thirty minutes it’d take for the pills to kick in. Meanwhile he’d just… keep sorting. He took a statement off the top of the pile in front of him and blinked at it over and over, until his vision resolved into a shape he told himself hurt marginally less than the others. 9720406, Nathaniel Thorp. Christ, 1972? “Misfiled” was practically an understatement for that one. And here he’d thought Gertrude had kept that part of the century in relative good order. Still, he stuck it on the all other years pile and reached for another. 0130111, David Laylow. Nope—still not 2003. 0002610, Jennifer Wong. 0910203, Lisa Jones. 0081711, Donald Gately. 0100912, Lawrence Mortimer. 0152101, Uzma Rashid. Ha!—0030707, Seymour… Backsides. Wait a minute. Hadn’t he seen a prank statement with that name before lunch? He grabbed a stack off the 2003 pile and found… Rashid, Mortimer, Gately. Had he switched the—? Look in the unsorted pile again, he told himself. Under where he’d found Mr. Backsides’ tale he uncovered statements 0031212, 0032504, 0031809, and so on. Great. After Seymour he must’ve got mixed up. There was no more unsorted pile—not on his desk, anyway. He’d have to pull some more out of the… open filing cabinet which stood across the room with its tongue stuck out at him. Yeah, well, that could wait too. For now he’d just. Check his email.

#a shifty tract #to be clear hyponatremia is uh. too little sodium in blood. it is the 'eat more salt' ailment #it's very common w/ dehydration so any diuretic (i.e. med that makes you pee more) can cause it?#my plan here was to have martin complain to tim and sasha that he Broke Jon and when he mentions jon said water made it worse ('god why #('didn't i just believe him?') tim as the only Sports Guy in the archives recognizes ah-ha! electrolytes!#and either get him himself or tell martin to get him some trail mix and sports drink #and have jon drag his feet since every other suggestion his coworkers have given him over the last few days of headache &c. has been Garbage #but eventually cave out of pure frustration--enjoy the taste of salty raisin and stale pretzel so much he grins til his face hurts--#and figure out it must be 'cause he switched adhd meds recently #(...tho apparently it's rare for them to have this effect BUT THEY CAN! i have two data points)#nonsearchable tma tag

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jeannereames · 4 years

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Map-making as World-building

Quiz any of my former students, and they can probably confirm my love for maps. My most recent academic article used digital mapping heavily to demonstrate my primary argument. In virtually all my classes, I state (multiple times) that it’s hard to overemphasize the importance of geography on history, particularly in antiquity. Where people build cities, where they make roads, where they sail and trade, what sort of agriculture they could pursue…all are shaped by the land itself.

That same is true for historical fiction, whether genre or not. A recent article in Writer’s Digest gave me Thinky-Thoughts not just about maps, but how I, personally, utilize them in story construction. Perhaps it will be of interest for others, whether readers or (especially) writers, even if you have no intentions of publishing.

As some of you may have noticed, if you read the “fine print,” the lovely map at the front of Becoming (which I wish had also been at the front of Rise) was drawn by my very talented niece, Selena Reames, a professional artist. How cool to have two Reameses in one book? She also put up with her aunt’s rather exacting placement…”No, that’s too far west…that’s too far south.” Ha. Yet working with her helped me understand how much artistry goes into map-making. (Besides in the front of the first book, the map can be found on my website dedicated to the Dancing with the Lion series.)

Although a lot of action in both novels takes place in only three places (Pella, Mieza, and Aigai), a number of other cities and sites do show up, especially in the second book (which is why I wish the map had been put there too). Some readers don’t care, maybe a lot of readers don’t care, but it’s important to know how far away these various places are, which affects how quickly people can move between them.

Maps matter to timing events. To that end, let me share a site that I make copious use of, both for regular historicals as well as historical fantasy.

ORBIS: the Stanford Geospacial Network Model of the Roman World (Use Chrome for best results)

Yes, this is aimed at the Roman world, but can be used for other eras in the Mediterranean, and other areas not in the Mediterranean. While improvements to boats and wagons—not to mention those famous Roman roads—did affect travel speed, as well as where people could go, you can still get a ballpark estimate. Furthermore, this site allows one to choose method of transport (land, ship, riding, walking, cart, etc.), and speed (military, normal/trade, etc.). One may have to think about changes to place names, etc., but a writer can waste…er, spend a lot of time playing there.

It can ALSO be used for historicals and fantasy set in pre-modern periods, even if not in the Mediterranean, or if placed in one’s own world. Analogize. Look at miles/kilometers and terrain. Travel in mountains or forest/jungle/desert is obviously tougher than through fields, and paved roads are better than dirt, which are better than goat tracks. You also need to think about sailing seasons, and not only in cold environments. The threat of storms can make travel impossible for parts of a year.

And don’t forget it’s all general. If you’re traveling by horse with members in the party who aren’t used to day-long riding, that will slow down everybody. An inexperienced rider doesn’t just hop on a horse and go for hours. It’s not a car. I used to be a decent rider as a kid and teen, so I knew how to sit a horse, move with it, etc. But I hadn’t been riding in over two decades when I went for a 2-hour trip on Naxos, and boy, was I sore after! Experience, recent time on horseback, even age matter.

Also, ancient wagons weren’t equipped with shock absorbers, so well-maintained roads sped up travel, while poor roads slowed it down—could even halt it entirely if a wheel got stuck in a rut, came off, the axel broke…not to mention the “stuff” in the wagon (if hauling breakable objects, such as pots) had better be well-packed with straw.

With an historical such as Dancing with the Lion, the map is set. We might be able to add a few fictional places, but for the most part, we describe real space at a particular point in history.

When writing fantasy, even fantasy heavily influenced by real history, maps are unmoored and we have more freedom. Yet that can feel overwhelming to writers who don’t spend as much time as I do with maps (and climate and agriculture and battlefields, etc.).

Yet making maps—as that Writer’s Digest article describes—can help an author think about her story, even shape the plot.

My current MIP (monster-in-progress) is a projected 5-book epic fantasy series with the working title Master of Battles. When I describe it, I’m always torn on HOW to describe it. The elevator pitch is, “A fugitive shaman fleeing his wicked teacher falls over a balcony into the bedroom of a quirky prince, setting off a prophecy that will change their world.” But what I REALLY want to tell you about it the super-cool world. I not only threw up the historical pieces (events/kingdoms) but also the geographical pieces, to see where they landed.

I steal a lot from history, then hang intentionally obscure or less-known names on places and peoples, which will likely amuse Those Who Recognize but mean nothing to those who don’t. Yet I’ve mixed up the time eras, and geography too.

Creating the map was part of the fun, and that, in turn, yielded different possible outcomes.

First, if you look at our globe, you’ll notice landmasses bulk in the northern hemisphere. We’re “top heavy.” I flipped that; their world is “bottom heavy.” I also moved whole continents, in addition to changing the size of them, in order to alter outcomes. Among the biggest reasons for the massive death among indigenous populations when Europeans showed up en masse to the Americas owed to a lack of disease resistance. I think most people are aware of that; what most aren’t aware of is why.

Domesticated animals. As Coronavirus has taught us, disease can jump from animals to us. The Americas did not have horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep…all were imported after 1492 as part of the “Columbian Exchange.” (No really, it’s true; most folks don’t realize that.) In return, we gave Europe key crops (maize, potatoes, peppers, squash, chocolate, tobacco). But American natives just had far less resistance to small pox, etc…diseases that Europeans, Asians, and Africans had developed immunity to millennia before.

What if the Americas weren’t isolated, but had those domesticated animals earlier, and thus, disease resistance? Might make conquest harder. Also, landscape affects how warfare is conducted. As Alexander discovered in India, the phalanx doesn’t do well in a jungle, nor does cavalry. Imagine the Macedonian pike- and cavalry army trying to fight in the Amazon.

As much as I love geography and its impact on history, we must beware of geographical determinism, which is a form of proto- and not-so-proto-racism. While geography affects what we develop (sometimes for surprising reasons), as I constantly tell my students, human beings are enormously creative. If we don’t have X available, we develop Y instead, or we just figure a work-around to not having X. Therefore “civilization” should never be defined by what any given group of people has or doesn’t have, technologically speaking. The term “civilization” is problematic in the first place, but I do my best to uncouple it from specific technology (be it the wheel, iron-working, gun powder, etc.).

Take something as “basic” as writing. What is “writing” except “representative reality”? A symbol (or group of them) stands in for a word. The earliest “Old World” writing systems (Sumerian, Egyptian, Harappan, Chinese) developed symbols that were drawn/incised on a flat surface, be it clay, papyrus, stone, silk… But what if the “symbol” isn’t a mark? What if the symbol is, instead, a system of knots tied in a cord? Isn’t that also “representative reality”?

Hello, South American quipu. Or the wampum of the North American Great Lakes people. (And yes, the Chinese used knots for record-keeping, as did the Hawaiians.)

We have to remember to keep our minds open.

Back to my games with maps and continents.

I moved South America across to, roughly, where Africa is—only there’s no isthmus and North America smooshed up all along the southern side (so it’s essentially one big wide continent not unlike Eurasia). Then I moved Africa to where South America is, and the northern areas are a series of larger and smaller island masses (think Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines). Europe is truncated all along the north, there’s not much to Siberia at all, and the Mediterranean/Black Sea basins are longer, divided into two seas split by a sizeable archipelago. There are no Himalayas, so China was never cut off from Persia and India. In their world, the really massive empire (Shim) lies in the east, not the west (Rome). And oh, yeah, there’s a huge-ass rain forest on the southern continent full of Very Different People. And different trade.

That’s just a few of the changes I made.

Play with geography, and completely change history.

To make it more fun, on their world, not one but two sub-species of humanity survived: Aphê and Ensāni…one of whom has a functional prehensile tail. (Because who among us has never wished for a third hand?)

Hopefully, that makes readers curious about the Master of Battles series. But also, I hope it inspires other writers to think about the huge impact that geography—and therefore climate, agriculture, contact/trade, and even disease—can have on worldbuilding, and plotting.

#maps #world-building #writing advice #maps in fiction #historical fiction #historical fantasy #fantasy worlds #map-making #affect of geography on history #dancing with the lion #dwtl #master of battles

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phroyd · 4 years

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Rest In Peace, Alex! - Phroyd

Alex Trebek, who became known to generations of television viewers as the quintessential quizmaster, bringing an air of bookish politesse to the garish coliseum of game shows as the longtime host of “Jeopardy!,” died Nov. 8 at 80.

The official “Jeopardy!” Twitter account announced the death without further details.

Mr. Trebek had suffered a series of health reversals in recent years, including two heart attacks and brain surgery, and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019. He continued to host new episodes of his show until production was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and then filmed socially distanced episodes that began airing Sept. 14.

For more than three decades, Mr. Trebek was a daily presence in millions of households, earning near-rabid loyalty for the intellectual challenge of his show, in which questions were presented as answers and answers were delivered in the form of questions. By the time of his death, “Jeopardy!” was one of the most popular and longest-lasting programs of its kind in TV history.

Mr. Trebek, the self-made son of a hotel chef, had no sequined co-presenter to match Vanna White on host Pat Sajak’s “Wheel of Fortune.” His show neither attracted nor allowed histrionics, no galloping, shrieking contestants such as those summoned to “Come on down!” on “The Price Is Right” with Bob Barker. Even the “Jeopardy!” theme song, one of the most recognizable jingles on television, was restrained in its dainty dings.

There was no “hot seat” like the chair for contestants on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” with Regis Philbin — a show that “Jeopardy!” purists disdained for its elementary subject matter and inflated prize money.

On “Jeopardy!” there were only questions and answers — or rather, answers and then questions — leavened by the briefest of banter before Mr. Trebek directed his three contestants back to business.

He became known, a reporter for the New Republic magazine once observed, for his “crisp enunciation, acrobatic inflections [and] hammy dignity” as he primly — and with precise pronunciation — relayed clues in categories such as “European Cuisine,” “U.S. Geography,” “Ballet and Opera,” “Potent Potables” and “Potpourri.”

“The folding type of this cooling device became accepted in China during the Ming dynasty,” Mr. Trebek might declaim, as competitors raced to buzz in with the reply, “What is a fan?”

“Jeopardy!” was the creation of singer and talk-show host Merv Griffin, whose TV empire also included “Wheel of Fortune” and “Dance Fever.” His wife, Julann Griffin, proposed the show’s conceit. If players provided questions instead of answers, she said, then “Jeopardy!” would be safe from the high-profile cheating scandals that plagued TV quiz shows in the 1950s.

The Griffin brainchild aired on NBC from 1964 to 1975, then returned as “The All New Jeopardy!” from 1978 to 1979, both times with the stately actor Art Fleming as host. Mr. Trebek took over when the show was revived in syndication in 1984, also serving during his first several seasons as producer.

Much like his program, Mr. Trebek indulged in few frills. He favored conservative suits. When he shaved his signature mustache in 2001 — “on a whim,” he said — his viewership erupted in titillation.

The most exuberant flourish about the show might have been the exclamation mark in the title. Mr. Trebek, for his part, emitted few if any exclamations as he led contestants through the first round of clues; then a second, higher-stakes round dubbed “Double Jeopardy!”; and then “Final Jeopardy!,” in which players could wager all or some of their earnings on a single stumper.

“My job,” he told the Associated Press in 2012, “is to provide the atmosphere and assistance to the contestants to get them to perform at their very best. And if I’m successful doing that, I will be perceived as a nice guy and the audience will think of me as being a bit of a star. But not if I try to steal the limelight! The stars of ‘Jeopardy!’ are the material and the contestants.”

(Perhaps the show’s greatest stars were Ken Jennings, who reigned over the grid for 74 shows in 2004, claiming $2.5 million in winnings, and Watson, the IBM computer that defeated Jennings and another champion, Brad Rutter, in 2011.)

Fans who attended tapings of the show received a rare insight into Mr. Trebek’s dry humor when he held forth with them during commercial breaks, cutting up about how he didn’t “like spending time with stupid people,” which resulted in his having “very few friends.” He often regaled the crowd with tales of his DIY home-improvement projects.

He said his breakfast consisted of a Snickers and Diet Pepsi, or a Milky Way and Diet Coke. And he was not always as staid as he might have seemed, once tearing his Achilles’ tendon when he chased a burglar from his hotel room in 2011.

But to most “Jeopardy!” viewers, Mr. Trebek was akin to a neighbor they saw every day without becoming intimately acquainted. In a tribute to Mr. Trebek after his cancer diagnosis was announced, Jennings affectionately described him as “a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a Perry Ellis suit.” One of the few clues to his past was his slight Canadian accent.

George Alexander Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, on July 22, 1940. His father was a Ukrainian immigrant, and his mother was French Canadian. In a memoir published in July, “The Answer Is . . . Reflections on My Life,” Mr. Trebek described a childhood marked by poverty and illness, including a painful form of rheumatism that he developed after falling into a frozen lake at age 7.

Mr. Trebek said that he considered becoming a priest but did not enjoy his experimentation with a vow of silence. “I was a very good student, but leaned more toward show business than anything else because I had a way of entertaining the class,” he told the Toronto Star. “I wasn’t the class clown, but always prominent — even when I was quiet.”

He said he was nearly expelled from boarding school and then dropped out of a military college after three days because he did not wish to subject himself to a buzz cut.

Mr. Trebek began working at the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. while studying philosophy at the University of Ottawa, where he graduated in 1961. As a broadcaster for radio and television, he delivered coverage in English and French, reported on news, weather and sports, and hosted “Reach for the Top,” a popular teen quiz show.

In 1973, Mr. Trebek came to the United States as host of “The Wizard of Odds,” a short-lived game show created by fellow Canadian Alan Thicke.

“It was canceled on a Friday, and I was disappointed, of course,” Mr. Trebek once said on “The Dan Patrick Show,” a sports talk program. “It was replaced the following Monday by a show called ‘High Rollers,’ which I also hosted. . . . After two and a half years, it was canceled, and it was replaced by another show which I hosted. So I have the either great honor or dubious honor of having replaced myself on three different occasions.”

Mr. Trebek, who became a U.S. citizen in 1998, also hosted shows including “Double Dare,” “The $128,000 Question” and “Battlestars.” He subbed for Chuck Woolery, Sajak’s predecessor on “Wheel of Fortune,” bringing him to the attention of Griffin. For a period Mr. Trebek hosted “Classic Concentration” and “To Tell the Truth” while also presiding over “Jeopardy!,” where he reportedly commanded $10 million a year.

As “Jeopardy!” host, Mr. Trebek participated in national contestant searches and shepherded the first teen, senior and celebrity tournaments. He also contributed clues, drawing from his knowledge in such arcane fields as oil drilling and bullfighting. He personally reviewed all clues before taping a show and claimed that he could answer about 65 percent of them correctly. If he judged one too difficult, he asked writers not to use it.

“I’ll say, ‘Nobody’s going to get this,’ ” he told the New York Times in a 2020 interview. “And they usually take my suggestions, because I view myself as every man.”

By the time Mr. Trebek completed 30 years as host, “Jeopardy!” reached 25 million viewers a week. His Emmys included a lifetime achievement award, and, in 2013, he ranked No. 8 in a Reader’s Digest poll of the most trusted people in America. Jimmy Carter, the highest-ranking president on the list, arrived at No. 24.

A ubiquitous presence in pop culture, Mr. Trebek appeared in the “Got milk?” advertising campaign, in films including “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992) and on television shows including “The Simpsons” and “The X-Files.” In a memorable episode of “Cheers,” Mr. Trebek welcomed as a contestant the postal carrier Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger), the sitcom’s most undesirable bachelor, in a round of “Jeopardy!” with categories including “beer,” “mothers and sons” and “celibacy.”

Mr. Trebek was spoofed on “Second City Television,” the Canadian TV sketch show, and “Saturday Night Live,” with comedian Will Ferrell, as his impersonator, barely containing his contempt for dimwitted contestants on “Celebrity Jeopardy!”

“I’ll take ‘Swords’ for $400,” Sean Connery, portrayed by Darrell Hammond, intoned in a Scottish accent when the category of clues was in fact “ ‘S’ Words.”

Mr. Trebek’s first marriage, to Elaine Callei, ended in divorce. In 1990, he married Jean Currivan. A complete list of survivors was not immediately available.

Little changed about “Jeopardy!” as the years wore on for the show, for Mr. Trebek and for fans. Newfangled topics, such as twerking, were occasionally introduced. Over time, contestants revealed themselves to be more familiar with Dan Brown, author of “The Da Vinci Code,” than with the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the New Republic noted. And Mr. Trebek was called upon to learn to rap to read certain clues.

But mainly the show stayed “comfortable, like an old pair of shoes,” Mr. Trebek once said. In its constancy, it became all the more comforting for the legions of fans who turned to “Jeopardy!” for its promise of clear right and wrong answers in a world where the matter of what is true was increasingly subjected to partisan debate.

“There’s a certain comfort that comes from knowing a fact,” Mr. Trebek told the Times in July. “The sun is up in the sky. There’s nothing you can say that’s going to change that. You can’t say, ‘The sun’s not up there, there’s no sky.’ There is reality, and there’s nothing wrong with accepting reality. It’s when you try to distort reality, to maneuver it into accommodating your particular point of view, your particular bigotry, your particular whatever — that’s when you run into problems.”

Phroyd

#alex trebek #jeopardy #rip

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dreams-in-a-jacelyns-head · 3 years

Text

This Person x and x This Moment

As I took in the view from the twentieth floor, I saw lights all over the city, twinkling like shards scattered on a dim-lit floor. It was in fact amusing, how we awe at these masking lights, watching them from a distance that suits us. As beads of gold carelessly thrown across a newly scythed lawn, those shimmery windows were just a façade to all the stories brewing inside. Nonetheless, they say essence is the freight of vantage; and could I be any different?

Perhaps I was, and I wasn’t again. I was, after all, a human. But of a girl hailing from a semi-metropolitan, I lacked the charm, if that the correct word would be. And it wasn’t unusual for girls my age to still be deficit; girls who still had a couple of years to glow up. And again, I wasn’t the only one in my grade either, I was pretty decent. But somehow, I was also the only one to be not enjoying our one and only prom night.

And please remind me why did I bring that up again when I could have just stared into the chasm of eternal city lights. Maybe, it was a technique learnt in the world that induces satiation with repetition. A rule which charismatically, then intricately murders the true sense of something- executioner of words – semantic satiation. Fourth year was actually a sunless sky, helping the clock from midday to six without giving a feel of the day, before it finally came from behind the curtains – it was Showtime.

I remember the day we went prom-dress shopping, I was really excited. A happy concoction with leaves of laughter and the sugar of our bond, in my mind. A memory bound to make me rejoice, but amidst this unnerving, frivolous noise, it somehow made my headache. I had thought myself to be really lucky when I found myself a dress that refined my body. But what was the use when I was sitting in isolation, surrounded by no one but blurry, receding music and chaperones, with their drinks spiked, puking and fooling all around.

The next day after we got our dresses, Drunvala was asked to prom by a boy one year senior to us. It wasn’t a grandiose proposal, still something soft enough to tickle anyone’s heart, specially when it comes from a boy who failed elementary grade from the school of romance. When the blood rush finally quieted in Drunvala, the results of the class quiz were announced. A bet had been settled between Miroslava and her academic rival that if she scored the higher then Rei, her rival, would have to be her date. It was quite easy to look through his anguished countenance when his inside was filled with joyous anxiousness. And well, talking of Sylvia, she already had all her faith invested in a lover. That made my crowd, leaving just me. I started losing the heart to go. As a matter of fact, I knew - despite all my friends falling short of orders in convincing me that they would not desert me – I was going to be all by myself again.

What happened next are miserable blabbers of tacenda. I was really happy for my friends, and I didn’t want to ruin for them what was being ruined for me. And so, the miserly me was sitting out of prom, dusting the same blue dress I would have otherwise never entertained a stain on. I couldn’t really see the fun others did in the fourth year. Maybe all my fun was killed in the course of over-expectations. Maybe it didn’t seem fun at all because fun in my estimate was over-ambitious. It’s all a play of perspective.

“My goodness, Silvestra, such a beautiful dress! Let’s go in, why are you sitting here?” Arabelle had just walked out of the main hall with her group of friends. This was the same girl who had convinced about a dozen guys to ask her to prom, then rejected them. Other drones of her swarm stood by the door, snickering about something as they always did.

“What’s the need of a walking Grammarly in a fun gathering anyway?” Myles chuckled from among the swarm. Arabelle held a laugh, glaring at him. He shrugged, smirking.

“Thank you, Arabelle, but I’m completely fine. Was just here to get some fresh air.” I knew I was getting some comment from someone sitting out here like that. I wondered why I wasn’t home yet. Ah, yes, I didn’t want my girls to carry that load of iniquity.

“Okay, Silvestra, see you! I’ll be waiting for you inside.” She waved a hand at me, then laughed to something Myles said, it intertwining with the boom of music inside.

“I understand that the wind is pretty today, Miss Argen, but it is something that would return.” A deep voice startled me out of my thought and agony.

“Yes, Mr. Everhearth.” I couldn’t have said but a simple yes to what a teacher said to me. He was our homeroom teacher and took Environment and Geography.

“Ah, but then again, the wind would not be pretty again today.” He said, leaning against the railing. I looked up. Had it been some other teacher, I would have stood up and greeted them. But it was different with Mr. Everhearth, and for everyone. There were no formalities and yet everyone respected him. Not out of any fear or sheer requirement, but a genuine respect and admiration I doubt any student would ever have for any teacher. He met eyes with me, sighed a smile and sat next to me, cross-legged and about a metre apart. “Let me tell you a secret.” He said, while taking something out of his pocket and tossing it into his mouth.

“What’s that?” I raised my eyebrows and glanced at him.

“Hm? These are dried cardamom leaves. They help me calm after a long day. You want?”

“Well, I was talking about the secret, but I guess I can’t reject a mind-calming offer right now.” I received two-three from him and started chewing on one. “So, then?”

“Eh? How do I place this? Would you believe me if I said I’m just eighteen? I mean I’ve heard I don’t look my age.”

“Honestly speaking, Sir, it’s no great marvel. It would have been had you said you were in your thirties.”

“Yes, so I justified my age which I won’t believe would be a barrier now.”

I frowned. “I’m afraid, Sir, I’m unable to identify the meaning of what you’re trying to say.” Mr. Everhearth was accustomed of saying eccentric things that could be interpreted twice. It was often hard for other students to truly get his words.

“Miss Argen, now that it has been confirmed that I’m, too, a mere boy your age, why not vent all your thoughts to me?”

My eyes poured after his speech, a doubtful sorrow making his image blur in front of me. I looked down in an attempt to hide what had come upon me. But, it was Mr. Everhearth after all, the man who had the ability to exactly predict and warn us about our behaviour the entire day after recognising our problems in the subject. My lips quivered as I quietly began, “This-“

I was halted by his sudden, and seemingly aggressive movement. He got up and walked away with the briskness of the same wind that was making hair raise on my skin. Simply putting it, I was devastated. When I finally tried opening up to someone, he walked away? And he puts up that play of being a good teacher and the like? But, he indeed was really patient. Was it my fault, did I break the composure of the man who never lost his tenacity? Is really everything in this world just my fault? What do I do wrong every time that I get to places like this? Or, if it isn’t my fault then why does the world seem to falling apart in front of my eyes?

I sat with my shoulders drooping over my body, my palms holding them up just to prevent them from falling. The night had turned into a gelid blanket, giving warmth to the smiles and cold to the cries. It had just been forty-five minutes since the prom started, and fifteen minutes since Mr. Everhearth had left. For some reason I couldn’t understand, the latter felt a lot heavy. It seemed like I had been sitting solitary for hours. All of me was really cold. It felt colder when my tears ran down my neck. This specific tear, however, stopped halfway, when it seemed to have been integrated into some warm clothe. I looked over my shoulder and saw that a brown blazer had come over it. Mr. Everhearth sat next to me, that one metre still separating us.

“The night has abruptly turned rather icy. Here, take this, it will help you calm.” He said, handing me something febrile over-brimmed in a wine glass. Maybe as an outcome of the bewilderment he saw on my face, he continued, “Pardon me, Miss Argen, for leaving this sudden and being out for the entirety of seventeen and a half minutes. I just couldn’t find chamomile somewhere nearby so I had to rush home in order to brew it. I must have caused you some great troubles, I sincerely ask forgiveness.”

His face was adorned with mild panic, trickles of perspiration racing down his temple. And I deliberately use 'adorn' because it was novelty to discover an expression of consternation on a countenance that seldom relinquished equanimity. I carefully sipped the tea, making sure it wasn’t too hot for my tongue to take.

“You don’t need to worry about that, Sir. I’m glad you’re so concerned. But, Mr. Everhearth, there’s a café on the ground floor that serves Chamomile Tea, there weren’t any needs to take this much trouble.”

“Wait, there was? Why didn’t you tell me that before? I could have returned in just five minutes.” He seemed down on learning the fact.

“Well, how would I know where you were going.”

“I couldn’t just leave you behind like that, Ms Ar-“

“Upon my humble request, can you please call me Silvestra?” Listening to this, that mild trepidation returned to his face.

“But that’s… I can’t… I can’t call you by your name, Miss Argen.”

“I possibly don’t see a major issue in that, Mr. Everhearth, and as far as I can recall, you said you would try to fulfil any licit wish that a student makes of you. I don’t see what’s so ‘illicit' in asking you to call me by my name?”

“Okay, Miss” he hesitated for a moment, “Silvestra, I think I can’t argue ahead.”

“Drop the honorific, too, please.”

His eyes widened the instant I said this. He started scratching against the collar of his black turtle neck. In the dim moonlight I could make out that his cheeks and ears had put on the same shade as my calming tea. As soon as he noticed me looking at him, he turned his face away.

“With much due respect and cordiality,” he started, slowly moving his face to look in front. “But I can’t possibly call you by your first name, not of now, at least. Please accept my heartfelt apologies on the matter.” He said, looking down, now scratching his nails.

Not of now? What does he mean by that? Did I actually request something illicit?

“Well, Miss Argen” he spoke up upon relaxing a bit. Normal colours had tiptoed back into his face. “I couldn’t just leave you behind like that. I had to get you something that would warm you up when I was asking you to recount on something downhearted.” He smiled.

This person was so concerned about me when he’s just my teacher. Which teacher in the world would go to his home, which God know was how many miles away, to bring a Chamomile Tea just because one of his students was sad? It’s sinful thinking this, but my friends never came to check on me, and this one teacher hadn’t the heart to leave me? I must have done something really good to deserve a person like him. I was sure that I could trust him.

“How was your fourth year? Were all your expectations fulfilled?” I asked, mounting my legs in front of me, binding my arms around them. Then, I remembered that he was just the age adequate for high school.

“I never had any, no fourth year, no prom. I was just given the education necessary for me by the age of 15, and then by 16, I had started working. I was hired to this school this year itself, and you were my first batch, as you must know.”

“And still you’ve got all the students to love you.”

“Yes?” He seemed happy on hearing this. I nodded affirmative.

“I can’t say how it was for me. It is supposed to be great, anyway it’s our last year in school. But maybe it was just my mistake, always being the solitary reaper, sowing and harvesting by and for myself. Maybe it’s a shortcoming on my end.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I said that.

“What happened?” He was looking directly into me, I knew that for sure. But I didn’t have the courage to meet eyes with him, or anyone, not even with my own self. He had turned towards me now, and reached out a hand. “May I?” He calmly asked. When I indicated a yes, his hand came over to direct my chin to look at him, then wiping off my tears with the tenderness of dandelion with his coarse fingers. “Give me your pain directly from your eyes, Silvestra.”

This locution made tears sprout from my eyes with a will to never end again. He sole looked at me, with the patience of the Sun as he looks upon the seeds while they grow up into beautiful woods.

“You saw the grandest proposal, didn’t you? Well, who didn’t, it was all over Instagram. No one could have had the heart to let it down. I’ve liked him, the boy who was proposed, ever since middle school. It happened the day, no, right before I was going to walk up to him. He was in tears.”

“What a waste – pardon me for that.” He said, leaning his hands against the floor. “Skylar has been giving you mixed signals ever since middle school, dating you intermittently, breaking your heart every time, and you’re still not ready to give up on him? Always remember one thing, Miss Argen : the right one will never play these begrimed tricks on you. He would have been sitting next to you right now instead of me, had he been good for you.” All of this information above, which was correct, was predicted by him. Now you know his skills.

“No, sir, it’s just my fault. Everyone knows that I like being alone, and that I don’t like people interfering in my business. It’s just that, no one is to blame.”

“I don’t agree there, Miss Argen, no one likes to be alone. That’s just a fact they accept when they don’t have anyone. You prefer being alone because you can’t break your own heart, you can’t fail on your own expectations. Because everything you do has already been anticipated by you. The people closest to you will never let you down. They can’t, because it’s not in them to let you down. The people who lie in the intersection of strangeness and kinship, will. When you apply this in practical life, your list of dearest ones almost empties. But the ones that are left, are the one to whom you’re the dearest. And they are the ones who truly matter.”

“My list seems to be empty now, just one name there.”

“Then you’re really fortunate to have that one person. There are people whose lists are completely devoid of this proximity. You should cherish this person forevermore, Miss Argen.” He said, gripping my shoulder with a formal affection. “Now, now, Miss Argen, the night is running out. And I can’t permit any of my students to not enjoy their prom night.”

“No, sir, I’m fine this way.” I quietly started.

“Oh no, you’re not. I think you could use some touch up. Let me call in reinforcements.” He laughed and dialled someone on his phone.

Seriously? I really couldn’t believe this guy.

“The best of evening to Your Lordship, kindly allow me to represent myself as- yes, Your Kingship, I understand that you have showered your kindness upon myself by registering an unworthy name on Your Lordship's contact list, but my stance shall make it imperative for me to bother you with a formal representation. Could Your Lordship be bothered by yet another request of this pauper? – Yes, Sir, Could Your Kingship take the trouble regarding a do-over for an acquaintance of mine? – I thank Thee with the most humble emotion that has ever came upon me – I shall most joyously wait for Your Lordship’s company.” The call ended.

What was that?

“Mr. Everhearth, I’m sorry for this, but why did Thy Highness take the trouble of engaging in the most noble conversation with a paragon who shares Thy Highness' kinship?” I laughed heartily. The horror in his face melted into a curve of satisfaction.

“Well, it made you laugh, so it was worth the troubles.”

This was followed by the sound of the door opening. From inside entered a lean, but muscular man, wearing a formal two-piece with a t-shirt inside. His long, tar, hair was half up, and with his hand slid in his blazer pockets, he seemed to be descrying a friend. When his eyes fell on me, he raised a brow and gave me a grin of superiority.

“There’s one girl of the like at every prom.” He said, approaching me slowly and with an air of grace. I didn’t quite like his remark.

“It’d be better if you elaborate on your remarks.” My tone was firm.

He chuckled, looking down on his black nails, then crouching next to me. “I don’t have that kind of time. Anyway, as a child, I always sewed my toys back when they broke. You know how unfamiliar new toys feel, right? Consider yourself lucky that I know how to fix-up broken dolls. Hm, now let’s see…”

I didn’t want to seem like a problematic child, so I quieted down and started looking for Mr. Everhearth. He was leaning against the wall next to the door. He held several flowers in his hands and was moving them rapidly.

“You’re good to go.” The man backed off.

“What, already?” What speed, I thought.

“Ah-ha!” He said, then looked back. “Earth, you did that, didn’t you? No, of course you did.”

“What?” Mr. Everhearth quickly put the flowers away, flabbergasted.

“This.” The man held up a cardamom peel. “You put this on her head.”

“Oh, well this?” He laughed to me. “Put that back, Havelock, that’s her crown for crying the most tonight.”

I was going to kill this man.

“Or wait,” he continued, “Give it here, I’ll incorporate it into this.” He revealed a rigid jasmine and leaves garland and attached that peel to the conspicuous side of it.

“What’s that?” The man, Havelock, was as confused as me.

“Well, if she agrees,” he started forward with unrushed, gentle steps, then at an appropriate distance, kneeled down on one leg. “…That’s the crown that my prom date adorns.” He had held both his arms in front, and on them sat that beautiful tiara. In that one moment, I saw Mr. Everhearth. There, in the glow of Artemis, he looked ever-beautiful. Or maybe, it was just in this moment. His ebony hair, with countable streaks of light mints on the rear, cascaded down in a modest invitation. His dusky eyes, with a freckle of that same mint, could go to any extent when it came to his students. On his either cheek, I could make out a reflection of the Viking Rune of Growth, what he always wished for his students.

“You can’t be serious, Mr. Everhearth.” Disbelief and shy mirth had condensed in my eyes. My calves, for the first time, felt that my body was too heavy for them to support.

“Well, I did say I can’t permit my students to back out of their one and only prom. Of course, it’s totally up to you, you’re surely welcomed to slap me across my face if you'd like but it was totally worth a try. I would have done this even if you were a boy, with appropriate disguise, not to mention.”

“The school might kick you out for this.” I said, my legs ready to fall apart any moment now.

“Don’t care, doesn’t matter.” He said with a pretence of tiredness.

“Your poor school will kick out a prodigy like Earth? Not in a million years. It literally has it’s prestige built on the name of 'Mr. Everhearth’.” I heard Havelock say in the background, but I was in no position to look away from the eyes of Mr. Everhearth at this moment. My mind was an ocean then, thoughts swimming past in catches and seclusion. Was it even appropriate? Nothing mattered right now.

“Yes.” I said meekly as my knees gave up. Though I didn’t hit the ground, I was held midway.

“I can’t let any of my students fall when I’m right there with them.” Mr. Everhearth was holding me up. He decorated my hair with the tiara with every ounce of endearment.

“Good choice, Miss Argen.” Havelock stopped filming and walked towards us.

“You filmed the entire thing? And call me Silvestra.” Is this what you call your best day?

“Well, I had to, my best friend just made a prom proposal. And call me-“

“Chart-busting Makeup Queen.” Mr. Earth interrupted with a sly grin.

Havelock, no sorry, Chart-busting Makeup Queen was already on his way out of the floor. He held his first two fingers along with his thumb, all while walking, saying, “You’re going to pay for this, Mr. Everhearth. Later.”

Then I remembered all of a sudden. “But aren’t you our DJ?”

“Karma will take care of that.”

“You know him, too?” Karma was a boy two years junior to us.

“Well, he’s my little brother.

“Ah, not a long time is left to the night. If we head early we might catch one dance.” Mr. Earth had walked ahead, his hands warming themselves in the cover of his pockets.

Dance? With Mr. Everhearth? “Sir, I’m afraid I’m not a very good dancer.”

“So? Just follow my lead” He looked back at me and smiled. “Here, walk ahead.”

The hall was tepid and pleasant, a lot more than outside. It reminded of the apricity that escapes the shelter of clouds on a winter morning. We walked up to where the crowd was. Arabelle had on her head the chaplet of Prom Queen and was dancing to the superhits remix on the floor. It wasn’t out of our expectancy, more like we foresaw this. There was no chance anyway, but I was glad I, for once, wasn’t the Prom Queen. I wasn’t ready to part with my fragrant coronet until it was ready for the decomposers to gain their nutrition from. All my friends, too, were doused in the tunes with no care in the world. Karma was already up there, handling his job with dedication. I didn’t expect him to nod to me while I just noticed him. Be that as it may, as the lights lost their supremacy and the music changed to that which is played in royal ballrooms, I realised that it was a response to Mr. Everhearth's cue. I took his hand and held him like I had seen Belle do in Beauty and the Beast, and we began swirling around the room. All the students subsided and fell into a round crowd as we danced amidst them. One time, we came shoulders with Myles and Mr. Earth seemed to be trying so hard to resist, but he finally said –

“Seems like no conventicle could ever work out without semantic knowledge. Oh, wait, do you even know what 'conventicle' means? Doesn’t seem like it. What was the word you used? Yes, ‘gathering’, how quotidian! Yeah, so, no gathering could ever be possible without semantic knowledge.

“That was not necessary?” I cackled, letting my head fortuitously rest upon his shoulder.

“Why,” he beamed with a dash of excellence and another of ascendancy. “Isn’t it my job to make my students learn lessons? And that reminds me, you’re already well-versed with the basics.”

“I might step on your feet.” I feebly pinched his blazer while watching my steps. I did it. I stepped on his feet.

“Ah,” he sighed, pins of ascendancy still crafting him, “Why else do you think I built them so strong?”

I thought must have resembled those girls who looked up to their mister with a shy smile of devotion. But from Mr. Earth’s face I could make out that my face right now of was when I lean on the window sill and watch the Hunter's Moon when it ,by happenstance, falls on my birthday. I didn’t want that night to end. Maybe that’s what you feel when you’re genuinely happy. Maybe final year was not that bad, after all. Maybe. It’s what all this world rests on.

#deaddivine #abstract #literature #traditional art #spilled thoughts #portrait #prose #poets on tumblr #painting #pastel

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