Merry (late) Christmas!

Hey guys! 221 (get it, Sol? :D) apologies for dropping off the face of the blog for so long! It's been crazy... schoolwork and so many auditions and competitions >.< Anyways, I miss you guys a lot! I hope you all had a great Christmas!

Evil Twins

Hey everyone:

So, today I was informed by my fellow knights that apparently I have an evil twin that I had forgotten about, and we all know about Baldr's evil twin Jeffrey. So, I was thinking we should all tell each other about our evil twins! Or, if that sounds boring, have our evil twins describe us.

Yours in randomness,

Laga

P.S. The blog post box has no fun fonts, and this makes me sad. =(

Hello again... yeah, remember this?

...the blog? To keep us in contact with each other while our lives go separate ways and so that even as we become increasingly more swamped with school work, we still have a quick, easy, and collective way of catching up. What, are you guys all on Facebook instead? Apparently that's where Baldr is, dunno about Mira and Laga besides that they're probably "busy." Don't mean for this to sound sour or rude, but really?
Missing you,
Sol

Quick Hullo from a Busy Sol

REALLY busy.
But that's not the point.
The point is,
today's the anniversary,
and this week is anniversary week,
and no one's posted anything yet,
so I thought I'd just remind you.
Someone please gets us going...
Maybe Mira, because she came up with the idea?
I know we're all super-busy, but I'd appreciate if we could get something started.
Really have to start math and history and government homework now, so ciao!
Sol

Important Question!!!

Okay, I've been in a pretty much constant 2-day debate with everyone that disagrees with me on this, and just to let you know, I AM right and I can prove it.
Here's the question:
Can color exist without light?
A sub-question that has opened up is:
Is there such a thing as utter darkness, or no light?
Or, to rephrase the first one,
If I have a can of red paint and I close the lid tight enough that no light gets in, is the paint still red?
(That last example is thanks to my brother. It's the best example I've heard all week, including those from kids two or three years older than him, so... nifty-cool, brother!)
Enthusiastically,
SOL

REMINDER!

Hello guys, long time no chat :D Sorry to have dropped off the face of the earth for the past couple weeks; it's been really crazy. I would stop and tell you about, but I'll resist the temptation less you fall asleep in the middle of the prestigious essay. Anyway, just a reminder, our giant debate is on the 8th! Three more days! Let's make this an amazing event!

Happy Halloween!!!

I think those pictures speak for themselves...
Mu-ahahaha!
Evilly grinning,
SOLLLLLLL

Pie crust

I know this is irrelevant, but Laga, may I please have your mother's pie crust recipe? :)

Quote That Was Meant for the Knights

This should be our motto.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
Whether or not you agree with the last part, you have to admit that it describes us perfectly! Let's go Knights!
Fervently yours,
Sol

French Bread recipe

Now I know I am not the only Nordic deity who has a fondness for baking... this is a recipe that I found while procrastinating *cough* browsing the internet. If you have the time, try it out! I'll follow suit as soon as I find a Saturday that I'm not jumping around VA for my motley group of reasons.

HOMEMADE FRENCH BAGUETTES, yields four 16-inch baguettes
Tweaked from Artisan Breads Every Day, Peter Reinhart

I can’t be entirely sure whether it made the critical difference or not, but I used this pan, instead of a baking sheet. Also, don’t be alarmed by the extensive instructions – there’s a lot of waiting time and a bit of planning involved, but everything else is pretty simple. Just please, pleasebe extra careful when pouring in the hot water for the steam pan (see below in ‘Prepare for Hearth Baking’ section for more detail). Steaming water WILL splatter, so I definitely recommend using a watering can with a long spout, standing back and covering up those arms and hands!

Music Pairing: Yann Tiersen, La Noyee

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour
• 2 tsp salt, or 1 tbsp coarse kosher salt
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 2 cups lukewarm water (about 95 degrees)

Method

Prep Day: Combine all ingredients in bowl of mixer, set with paddle attachment, and mix on lowest speed for 1 minute until well blended and smooth. Dough should form a coarse, shaggy ball. Let rest, uncovered for 5 minutes. Switch to dough hook and mix on medium-low speed for 2 minutes. Dough should be smooth, supple, and tacky but not sticky.

Knead dough by hand on lightly floured work surface for 1 minute, then transfer to a large clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and immediately refrigerate overnight or up to 4 days.

Baking Day: Remove dough from refrigerator 2 hours prior to baking. Gently transfer to lightly floured work surface, taking care to degas it as little as possible. Divide dough into 10-ounce pieces for baguettes.

Form Baguettes: Pat each piece of divided dough into a thick rectangle. Fold the bottom half to the center and seal the seam. Fold the top half to the center and once again seal the seam. Roll the top half of the dough over the seam to create a new seam on the bottom of the loaf. Rock loaf back and forth to extend it to desire length, 6-12 inches. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the same folding process: bottom to center, top to center, and pinch to create a seam. With seam side underneath, gently rock loaf back and forth, with hands moving out toward and increasing pressure at the ends, to slightly taper the loaf until baguette is the length of baguette pan (or baking sheet).

Mist top of dough with spray oil, loosely cover with plastic wrap, and proof at room temperature (preferably in a couche, or improvise on a clean linen towel, dusted with flour – leaving 3 inches between loaves so fabric can be bunched up to create “walls” for support while proofing – I placed my prepared towel and loaves on my baguette pan to further aid in keeping its shape, as shown above) for about 1 1/2 hours, or until increased to 1 1/2 times its original size.

Prepare for Hearth Baking: About 45 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place a sheet pan, which will serve as the steam pan, with a 1-inch rim on shelf under which baguettes will be baked. Remove plastic wrap from the dough 15 minutes prior to baking. Gently roll dough onto baguette pan. Just prior to baking, score the dough 1/2 inch deep with a serrated knife or razor. Transfer loaves to the oven, pour 1 cup hot water into the steam pan. Always use an oven mitt and wear long sleeves when adding water to the hot steam pan to prevent steam burns. It’s also advisable to cover the oven window with a dry dish towel to prevent backsplash from hitting the window and cracking it – but remember to remove the towel before closing oven door! Using a watering can with a long spout when pouring the water into the steam pan provides control and distance from the hot steam.

Bake for 12 minutes, then rotate pan and bake for another 15-25 minutes, until the crust is rich golden brown, the loaves sound hollow when thumped, and the internal temperature is about 200 degrees in the center. Cool on wire rack for at least 35 minutes before slicing or serving. Best eaten the same day, or heated briefly in the oven the next day if crust loses its crispness.

Announcements

Name the book: "Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you."

AND now I may begin MY announcement. And it is: " Joshing! Raillery! Badinage! Vituperation! Anathema! Gauche! Thank you!

In other words... they are random words that I picked out from the definitions of my vocab words. It's funny, some of the words in the definitions I find are cooler words than the vocabulary word itself. ^_^

And... goodbye ^_^

America's education

We all know that there are programs that work specifically to get the children of America interested in education again. However, lately I've been thinking... is the lack of interest in education fully the children's fault? Nowadays, the job of a teacher is not regarded as a desirable job; many people think of it an occupation with a low pay check and a lot of work- a default career. As a result, they don't work hard to actually TEACH the kids. Classes become harder, grades fall, and school gains a bad reputation. Now, if the kids who are already disinterested in education go to school and don't LEARN anything, what reason is there that they would become interested again? Many teachers I have met over the past year show definite signs of this... one even told my friend to her face that the only reason he was teaching World History was because he couldn't be the track coach otherwise.

I believe that America shouldn't just be concentrating on getting the children interested in education again- they should be working on making the job of being a teacher a respected, desirable occupation again. What are everyone's thoughts on this matter?

SILENCE IS GOLDEN *crosses out "Golden"* PLASTIC

Honestly people! Get posting! It feels like only Laga, Sol, occasionally Baldr and I have been posting!!! Get the mimes! The Harry Potter! The feathers!

Anniversary of the Knights (Blog)

This blog was created November 8th of last year. In order to commemorate it... I don't know, actually, but I think we should do something special that day (it's a Tuesday this year). Something where everyone gets on the blog and we can discuss current issues relating to our Cause, or something. How does that sound?
Going to write my French essay,
Sol
(I know, weird way to end, but it's true!)

Goats

My friend just got a pet goat. Hahahaha the irony i:)

You can teach an old language new tricks...

Especially when the internet is involved. Heya everybody!!! Happy fall (almost). Anyway, just looking at the latest stuff in 393 Views, I started thinking. We, as knights, obviously advocate the remembrance and use of old and dying words, but still accept and honor English as a shifting, growing language. (By the way, did you know that "boomerang child" and "fist bump" have been added to some dictionaries?) So, as one wonderful author put it, we all have a vote on how words are used, and slang can become standard through common use. So everyone, what are your favorite slang terms? What made up words do you use? And finally, on the internet side of things, what are your favorite emotocons?

Jetlag

This is the view of Seoul from one of the tallest restaurants in Seoul. They have helicopter landing pads on top of nearly every other building!

Penguins!

Philosophy?

Does anyone have any good philosophical questions they'd like to share? I've been exploring lots recently and have hit something of a dead end. Your comments are greatly appreciated. =)
Two weeks left of summer! (For me at least!)
Ciao for now...
Sol
Sol
Sol

OYSTERS!

Ok everyone! Be like oysters! If you want to know why, GET ON THE BLOG AND ASK! ;^_-

Another Opportunity for a Medal!

And this time, Laga doesn't have to be the only winner! You weaklings (in a nice way) have a chance!!!!
The deal is this - watch the movie Waiting for "Superman," and you will get a Medal. The show is a documentary - but don't let that stop you because it isn't boring at all - about the failing public school system in America, how we could theoretically fix it, and why it's so hard to fix it. As a Knight you should feel obligated to watch it. In fact, I really shouldn't be offering a reward, but it can't hurt. Ready, set, go.
And plus if you refuse to watch it I will secretly blackmail you. I know where you live. Yes, all of you.
Especially Innocent Smiles,
Sol

Hmp

Hi everyone! I'm posting for two reasons:

1. To say, "Hmp!" Because NO ONE HAS COMMENTED OR POSTED FOR SUCH A LONG TIME!

2. *Cough Cough* To humbly invite everyone to follow my new blog, Where the wind blows. It will be a blog where I'll be posting recipes, pictures from various places that I visit, and where people can go to have helpful discussions. I want this blog to be a place where people can help each other. Please join in! :)

Loves,

Mira

ps. You might have noticed that this post was signed as Sunflower. I changed my profile name for my new blog. Sorry about that ^-^

Summer!!!

Hey everybody!!!

I haven't posted in FOREVER, so I just wanted to post something. Since it's summer, I have been doing fun stuff, and have a lot of fun summer goals, like learning morse code. So, I'm just wondering what you all have planned for summer fun?

-Laga

Some Philosophy for You

Do you think that everything is physical? Meaning, from a scientific and empirical viewpoint, is everything made of matter, or are there some things - like thoughts, perhaps - that don't really exist, in the physical sense? Opinions please.
Or chew on this - Plato thought that all physical objects are inherently defective, and the only way to get an idea of the true form of an object was through thought (thought was supposedly closer to the divine/true-ness of the universe.) His idea was "why look at the stars when you can think about them?" Opinions please.
Thoughtfully and ardently,
Sol

WORLD WAR THREE BILL?!!!!

Apparently, the US government is trying to pass a bill right now. If the bill is passed, Obama and anyone who sits in the White House will have the right to declare war against any individual, group, country (that includes Israel), church, synagogue, or political affiliation they wish for ANY REASON. This is UNDOUBTEBLY against the Constitution, and cannot be allowed to pass! They're trying to pass it without anyone knowing, but if enough people find out, they won't be able to pass it. Please inform everyone of this!

Let's begin

All right, because no one has started any conversations or wars, I am hereby posting this post as the the beginning of a vocabulary war! Yes, I know, it sounds dull, and I would call it The Battle of Extremely Long Creative Colorful Interesting Rare Words That Are Likely To Never Be Used, but as you can see, it is quite a mouthful. And calling it BELCCIRWALNBU is just strange. So anyway, let's begin! :D

Questionaire of... nothing.

Here's to random questions! Laga, Sol, have either of you kept contact with Mrs. Goodwin or Mrs. Mehner?

To the sunshine! (But not to the humidity!)

Mira

Mark Twain Quote

Because he's a genius, and all his quotes are memorable and amusing. And I'm bored, and felt like posting.
"I am different from Washington; I have a higher, grander standard of principle. Washington could not lie. I can lie, but I won't." Thoughts?
Or, by Elie Wiesel - "Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another."
How about, "The only reason people get lost in thought is because it is unfamiliar territory."
"Always remember you're unique, just like everybody else." 

Shakespeare jokes

I was just reading act one in Romeo and Juliet, and I found this part amazingly funny.
Sampson: "... I will bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace to them if they bear it."
Abram: "Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?"
Sampson: "I do bite my thumb, sir."
Abram: "Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?"
Sampson: to Gregory, "Is it the law of our side if I say ay?"
Gregory: to Sampson, "No."
Sampson: "No sir, I do not bite my thumb at you sir; but I bite my thumb sir."


Ahahaha!

For All You Monty Python Fans (Everyone)...

Ever wonder, "What IS the average air speed velocity of an unladen swallow? (European, of course)?" Or "What IS the capital of ancient Assyria? (There were four, actually)?" Well you can find those answers at http://style.org/unladenswallow/. So the next time you need to cross the Bridge of Death and the Gatekeeper asks you three questions... you'll be ready. =) Enjoy.

Random Post!

Okay, hi y'all. I just felt like posting... but I don't know what to write about. Um, happy spring. Yay for rain and grass. I learned about Norse mythology in Socratic the other day. It was entertaining. Today is Thor's day, tomorrow is Freya or Frigg or Frigga's day, and thank goodness for that. This week was Chivalry Week for 9th graders. I might be going to NYC with my dance company next year. My birthday is in 10 days. AP test a week from tomorrow (Odin, you empathize with me on that one, I believe). Thanks for putting up with the random narrative. Assuming you DID put up with it. =)))
Sunrays and Moonlight,
Sol

Through the Looking Glass

Out of curiousity, have you all read this book? I started reading it online in English class due to being excused from the test for my disadvantage of having missed a day because of illness. It was very entertaining, and I vaguely remember someone (I believe Evan Airs?) In fourth grade pronouncing it as "creepy". Any opinions?

Spring!

ODE TO SPRING Spring has sprung! The grass has riz! I wonder where the birdies is? The little bird is on the wing, But that's absurd! Because the wing is on the bird!

:D

It's my birthday!! What do you think, Sol? Can I have a medal of honor? :D

Model United Nations

I just had the most enjoyable experience in debate. Here in Virginia, an annul debate competition is held: MUN. In other words, Model United Nations. True to its name, students choose to represent the countries of the world and are seperated into committees. An issue is given, and the committes' responsibilities are to find plausible solutions in order to solve the issue. I myself represented a the South Korean Minister of Communication in the issue of Joint Crisis. The interesting thing was, I was a spy for North Korea, according to my portfolio. As Laga and Sol are aware, I am quite adept in my ability to... convince people of certain things. So it was quite enjoyable for me to be a spy, although it was quite frustrating, as I was not able to argue for the Republic that I really wanted, as I was supposed to be for North Korea. Anywho, leading to the question: Is there MUN in Utah? If there is, I highly recommend it for everyone. It was such an amazing experience. BLOOPERS As Sol and Laga are also aware... I am a silly goose-goose. So I was destined to make some mistakes. *I spilled all the water in the water pitcher. Ok, so, I was pouring water, and it wouldn't come out. They were beginning a vote, and I panicked. I tipped the pitcher as far as it would go, the lid fell off, and... splash. *Not really a blooper, but near the end, when I revealed my identity as a spy and went over to the North Korean Committee to tell them all of the deep dark secrets, a guy playing the North Korean dictator came in to view one of the votes. The first option was an all out invasion of South Korea. The second was to nuke them. Everyone began to vote for option 1, when the guy playing the North Korean dictator said, "All those who vote for option one die." What do you think everyone voted for? ^-^ *Our countries ended up blowing each other into pieces with nuclear weapons. And for the record... my birthday is in 5 days!!!! :D April 8

Story Time!

Okay Folks, once again, sorry about the hiatus. I am almost done figuring out how magic works here (a million thanks to Sol and her genius explanations). Now, I have a few questions for everyone.

Firstly, how does color work? Is it that the object absorbs most rays and throws back the ray of the color it is, or the other way around? This is going to be important.

Secondly, can anyone think of a way a magic user could mess around with sound that would be interesting? (keeping in mind that sound is an illusion put up by our brains as a way of interpreting the vibrations of air particles by our eardrums) And no sonic booms please. That is way too cliche.

Thirdly, if a magic user (a different kind) had the power to mess around with people's memories by twiddling with the neuron connections, what would you think? How would you use this power? How can I explain all this in a world without significant scientific knowledge?!?

Thanks for reading. Here's hoping most of all these crazy questions get answered! =)

~Laga

The Opening of a Socratic Discussion

What is a Socratic discussion, exactly? As used in my high school, it's a way of expressing ideas, exploring answers, and broadening minds. Each Socratic discussion begins with a thought-provoking prompt and develops (theoretically) into a deep, logical maze of possibilities. So, who's up for doing that on this blog? As long as everyone is respectful, involved, and eager, we will be able to have a great time. Anyone who's interested (which is hopefully everyone), please share your ideas through the comments of this post.
The prompt is: What makes history, people or ideas?
Okay, yeah, it seems circular at first. Impossible to answer. Like the question What came first, the chicken or the egg, or What came first, the phoenix or the flame? But let's explore this. There are good arguments for both sides - let's discuss it!
Thanks.
Smiles.
Sol.

Story Time! : Sol

Okay now, shifting gears. Figuratively.

The following is an excerpt from a story Laga and I are working to compile and perfect, so please! - help us perfect it. We've got a bunch of these random scenes that have yet to be strung together, so if you want more, we'll be happy to oblige. Enjoy and critique! Even criticize, I really don't care.

At five years of age, an important day came for Apollo - his Creature Bonding day. At precisely 2:33 p.m., which was the time Apollo was born exactly five years before, his mother fetched him from his room and together they made their way towards the capital city. They rode Grenich, his mother’s Doom Creature who was in horse form. Apollo had never been to the city of Doomopolis before, and when they got there he was blown away by the sinister beauty of the city. Black towers rose up towards the sky from the fortress that served as the king’s home and the capital building. An eerie mist twisted itself around the towers, making the air chilly and foreboding. At this age, Apollo was mystified and entranced by that feeling, and he instantly feel in love with the city. At the drawbridge, Apollo was sent in, alone. As he walked across the dark iron drawbridge, he looked up with wonder at the towering black brick edifice. He stepped through the massive entryway into a welcoming hall, that was no more welcoming than the outside of the capital. So of course, Apollo loved it. It was strangely similar to the outside, actually. Black bricks that appeared to be slightly wet, and even some tendrils of mist swirled inside the cold hall. There were no tapestries or pictures on the walls, and no carpets on the floor. It was a barren wasteland of a building.  A double door stood at the end of the hall, and when Apollo reached it he stretched out his arm to turn the knob. But the moment his hand touched the icy metal, a voice just as cold rang out behind him.

“Not that door, Apollo.” Apollo jumped and looked around for the source of the voice. It seemed to be coming from the walls around him.

“On your left,” it commanded. Apollo turned. “Your other left, boy.” And indeed, once he was facing the right direction he found a door which had certainly not been there before.  He pulled it open to find himself in a chamber, identical in everything but size and shape to the hall before it. But, it was not empty. Inside it was a kindle of kittens - about twenty young black cats with intense blue eyes. They were behaving normally - mewing and climbing over each other, play fighting and some trying to nap while others pounced on them - but they felt different. Apollo closed the door behind him and sat down next to the group. Something told him that these animals were not really cats. But then, what were they? The voice boomed again, as if it had read Apollo’s mind.

“These are Doom Creatures, boy,” it said. “Hasn’t your mother told you anything?”

“No sir,” Apollo responded loudly and clearly, wondering how he had suddenly gained courage enough to talk to the strange thing.

“Hmm! Mothers nowadays are terribly irresponsible.”

“Yes sir,” said Apollo, feeling it was a good idea to agree. “May you please explain what she has not?”

“As mothers have declined, five-year-olds have flourished, I see! You are very polite for a young boy. Yes, I can indeed explain. You have seen your mother’s Doom Creature, I trust?”

“Yes sir.”

“Well, she and everyone else over five years of age in this grand nation has one. It is a Doomian’s companion for life, and one can barely survive if his Creature is taken away from him. Now that you are five, it is time for you to choose your own friend. Simply stay quiet and listen carefully to the ‘cats’ and one is sure to stand out to you. It may not be that it comes over to you, or seems any different visibly, but you will be able to tell. Close your eyes now, Apollo, and wait.”

He did. After a minute or so, he could no longer here mewing, though he was sure the kittens continued to frolic. A few seconds of this odd silence, and then he opened his eyes, knowing exactly which Creature was the right one. A kitten in the middle of the pack, looking nothing special and identical to his neighbors, was giving of an indescribable feeling, and Apollo knew, somehow, that this was the one. He stood up and walked to it, hardly disturbing the scuffles. Apollo carefully scooped up the kitten and held it close. 

“Very good, Apollo,” the voice said. “For most people, it takes much longer. The faster you choose your Creature, the stronger the bond between you is. That means if you were ever separated, it would be ever more devastating, but that chances of that are extremely low. You have nothing to worry about. You are excused, Apollo. Oh! I almost forgot. His name is Aidan.”

“Thank you, sir.” Apollo left, stroking the fur of his new companion. “Aidan,” he whispered. “Aidan. Aidan, my very own Doom Creature. I love you, Aidan.” The young boy ran out to his mother, proudly holding the kitten. “Look, Mother! My Doom Creature. And the voice said our bond is extra-strong because I found him quickly.”

“That’s nice. Now, get on Grenich, we have a long ride back.”

Story Time!

A note from the author:
Hey folks! Thanks for all the great comments, and sorry quality has been a bit lacking. I don't have a lot of practice writing action scenes, and am trying to work out a few problems with the universe here right now. Namely, I can't really figure out the magic system as much as I need to. So, I won't be posting anything today. I am going to figure this out, fix my last two episodes, and get back to you in a week or two. Thanks for your patience! -Laga

Story Time!

Episode Two: My Story (Still needs a real title)

After this act of defiance the gaurd halted, looking surprised and angry. Then, glancing nervously at his captain, he punched the boy square in the face. He had good reason for this decision; officers who lost face reflected badly on the control of the government, and anyone who made the government look bad in any way disappeared. This man was not one to put himself in danger over a troublemaking boy, anyway.

As the boy stumbled back, the gaurd reached for his baton. (Isn't this one of those little metal club things policemen use?) Alonzo jumped to his feet. He watched, horrified, as the man viciously struck the boy, causing to fall onto the pavement. Some of the kids from the group had started forward, but Alonzo got there first. Before he knew what he was doing, he had jumped up and grabbed onto the baton. The officer, not expecting to find the whole weight of a surprisingly heavy boy hanging from his baton, dropped it. He was quick enough to grab onto Alonzo's arm, though. As Alonzo began to struggle against his grip, he saw the other kids rushing to their fallen friend out of the corner of his eye. Thinking quickly, he slammed the baton he was holding into the stomache of the man, darting away when he let go.

As this was going on, one boy from the group had hefted his friend over his shoulder, fireman-style. They all quickly ran toward the front door, as Alonzo ducked for a side entrance he had seen behind a cart of almonds a few weeks ago. As he ran out the door, which luckily wasn't hooked up to the emergency alarm system, he glanced behind him. The officer who he had fought was following, of course, still out of breath and gasping. Surprisingly, though, none of the other men had left their posts. They stood stoically as panicking people rushed to their platforms, and didn't even move toward the front door to catch the other kids. Frowning, Alonzo ducked out the door and ran down the alley.

The End of Part Two

Story Excerpts, With Holes, As Requested

Okee-dokee. This is really jumpy, and screwy. What I did was I copied some parts of my story that seemed especially messed up. Text highlighted in red is the stuff I don't like, blue is posing questions for me to answer and expounding on the red text's lack of fluency. The whole story is littered with these comments, so if you want more, that is NOT a problem. And again, it's jumpy and there are missing parts in-between, so if anything about the plot or characters isn't clear, just ask in the comments of this post. Thank you for whatever you comment, and please critique (and criticize - I really need help!) everything that pops into your head. =)

~~~

~~~

Princes Lewis and Connor mourned for the death of their mother, and Prince Joshua grieved over the loss of both parents, but neither pain was as great as Benjamin’s. He blamed himself with a good reason, too. After all, it was he who had angered Maria so much as to go off and kill as many people connected to him as possible. He clearly remembered the words Maria had spoken, when she had taken him from the banquet hall where they had been dining and into an adjoining chamber-

“Have you no respect? You wouldn’t last one minute in the outside world, you fool. Sometime, you will learn that everything has a consequence. For example, the comment you made just now, during supper.” She had paused maliciously, in mock consideration. “I believe it means that you deserve a fate worse than death… how would you like to see all your friends die around you, before you yourself are murdered?” His heart had felt as if someone had dipped a paintbrush into scalding hot water, then pulled his thumb over the top of it, spraying a vicious rain of drops into Ben’s core. 

* Too wordy, not terribly clear either. Rephrase.

She didn’t really mean that, did she? All for a joking remark at the supper table… And he could have sworn he’d seen her eyes glow red before she turned and marched off. Ben decided he must leave the area for his own safety from Maria, and also because he wanted to avoid his friends.

* Who have just been condemned to die at the hand of Maria Thornway? I don’t think so…

Surely they would never forgive him for as long as he lived! He would probably never forgive himself, at any rate. But where could he go? Suddenly he had remembered a cousin Joshua had spoken of in a distant kingdom… was it called Thrwren? He would go there.

~~~

~~~

Heart hammering in her chest, Katie made her way slowly down the stone spiral staircase. When a servant opened the door into the vast ballroom, every one of the seventeen princes bowed deeply to her. She curtsied in return, and the small band at the back of the room started a fast song for the tango.

* Really? 1800s + tango?

 The first prince held out his hand and he and Katie swept out onto the dance floor. He introduced himself as Prince Timothy, and Katie learned that he shared many of her likes and dislikes. She enjoyed the dance with him, and when the song ended she was smiling. Her spirits somewhat higher than they had been an hour ago, she went to dance with the next prince, but to her immense disappointment, found him clumsy and distant. The next few princes were all like him. There were some that seemed pleasant, yet none really touched her heart. After an hour or so,

* Again, terribly abrupt. Add more details of the other princes, and esp. Timothy

Katie had danced with every prince except Zachary. He held out his hand, and Katie cautiously took it.

“This castle is too small,” he remarked once they had begun to dance. “And it’s too airy.” Katie fumed. This castle was quite large, and it wasn’t airy at all – the few windows there were actually were hardly ever opened, and when they were it was just for a little while. Katie wished that the castle was airy, though, because she liked the feel of a breeze lifting her hair and the ways that sunlight could make a small room like her own seem larger and happier.

Prince Zachary continued. “My castle is much more closed in. There are just a couple windows and they’re always closed, no exceptions. And my castle is gargantuan; there are hundreds of rooms, all the size of this one. Oh, and did I mention that you look terrible in purple? The seamstresses from my castle can fix that up, though. What about pastel yellow? That would be-”

“Er… actually-” Katie started, but Zachary ignored her and plowed on.

“Once you move into my castle-”

“I’m sorry,” Katie said, trying to keep anger and impatience out of her voice, “but I don’t think I want to marry you.”  

“Look, Katelyn, I don’t want to marry you either. Neither of us has any choice; it’s just connecting kingdoms by marriage.” He frowned, but persisted, “We can’t change that.”

“Yes, we can,” Katie said desperately. “If we both stand up to our parents, they won’t have any choice! Why are you siding with them? You can get out of marrying me, if you stand up to them!”

“I…” he hesitated, looking distressed, “I can’t do that, Kate.”

* Expand this scene!

She glared silently.

Neither talked for the rest of the song. When it was over, Katie left without thanking him for the dance and sat on a bench by the wall. After a few minutes that seemed like hours, Joshua came over and sat next to Katie. She had been trying not to cry, but a few tears had made their way down her cheeks. Joshua took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She mopped her wet eyes, grateful for her beloved cousin’s company. 

* Or Timothy?  Anyway, reword that passage, seems unnatural.

“I was not aware that you didn’t know the purpose of this ball,” he began gently. “Your mother made Zachary seem like the best choice, and hoped you yourself would choose him, so that she would not have to explain to you that you were marring him, no matter what you decided. She may be crafty, but her plan didn’t work this time, did it?”

“No, Josh, you’re wrong.” Katie said with an uncharacteristic bitterness. “It did work; I will have to marry Zachary. Well, no, I didn’t choose him, and in that sense you were right, but it doesn’t matter. There’s no way to get out of it.” Tears were trickling down her cheeks again. Josh placed his arm around her shoulder. Slightly comforted, she took a deep breath and cleared her thoughts. What could she do? Zachary was a coward and her mother was more powerful than anyone else she knew…

~~~

~~~

Democracy in the Middle East

You've probably heard of all that's going on in the Middle East.
Southern Sudan votes to secede.
Tunisia pressures their leader into exile.
In Egypt, riots lead the president to step down.
In Algeria, people are becoming restless to follow Egypt's example.
And in Yemen... same thing.
And in Iran.
Crazy, huh? And it all started - funnily enough - on Facebook. Social networking has connected people to such an extent that all this has been able to happen. Who'd have guessed?
Remember learning about the Red Scare, when capitalist countries like the US feared that communism would spread like falling dominoes to the nearby countries? (Which never happened, by the way.) Now it seems like democracy is doing the same thing. And, while we're on the subject, is that good or bad? A democracy may be preferable to a dictatorship, but... well, rule by the people can be dangerous, right? So, this may not be the optimal solution, but is it a step towards capitalism and republics in the Middle East?
Okay, I'm just so hyped about this. Sorry if I'm droning on. But please leave any profound thoughts in the comments of this post... I'd love to be able to get a good discussion going!!!
Zealously yours,
Sol

Story Time!

Author's Note: This is an excerpt from my 13,000 word story, with 

which most of you are probably somewhat familiar. Please comment, 

critique, criticize - anything that will contribute to the story's success. 

Thank you, and enjoy. 

When they reached their destination – the king and queen’s rooms –  
Katie was released and allowed to wander the sitting room while Helena  
went to find King Griffyn. When she returned not two minutes late,  
Katie’s father was at her side. The king was tall like his wife, and  
he had a beard and head of hair that was black streaked with silver.  
His eyes were pale blue, and they seemed to penetrate Katie’s soul as  
she resolutely returned his fierce glowering.
“Father,” she said with sarcastic respect, as she rose and curtsied.
He did not reply, merely crossed his arms and frowned. He seemed to be  
much larger, and (though she hated to admit it) more intimidating than  
Katie remembered. She clenched her jaw and folding her arms in  
mimicry, if only to try to convince herself that she wasn’t frightened.
“Your recent behavior has been deemed unacceptable.” He said in a low,  
dangerous tone.
“By whom, Your Majesty?” Katie was really pushing it. She knew her  
father was already angry, but it was just so tempting to be a pain.
“SILENCE!” He roared. “Do not speak until I command you to do so.” He  
was practically trembling with anger. Katie inhaled quickly and  
stepped back, defeated.
“Your recent behavior has been deemed unacceptable,” he growled,  
speaking louder now. “Naturally, the ideal consequence would be  
expulsion from the kingdom. Regretfully, we are not authorized –“ he  
hesitated and Katie knew he was thinking about Lord _______ and the High  
Council. “- to preform such an act. However, we have been permitted to  
confine you to your chambers until said behavior is amended and any  
conflicts resolved. You may now speak.”
“Okay,” Katie said, treading cautiously with carefully-chosen words,  
“May I inquire to the validness of a matrimonial act between myself  
and Prince Zachery, if such a consequence is instated?”
“Said matrimonial act will proceed, minimally affected by… absence of  
the betrothed.”
“And my lessons?”
“All regular events in which the princess partook would be terminated.”
Katie nodded curtly.
“May I be excused?”
King Griffyn frowned again, and then rang for a servant to escort her  
to her room.

Mind-Breaking News for Sol and Laga.

I have met a new debating partner here in Virginia. But the shocking thing is, he thinks like me. :0 I told you I'm not illogical! Just logical in a different way. Here is my proof. ^-^

Story Time!

Hey folks. So I was thinking, you know how some authors used to write little "episodes" of stories, which would then be read on the radio? And how sometimes when they were all done they would publish it as a novel? Well, if no one minds, I would like to do something similar on here every other week. If any of you dislike the idea, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, please give me critiques and ideas. I really need both. Thanks, and now onto:

MY STORY (needs a real title)

Alonzo sat on a hard metal bench in a corner of a dirty, crowded train station. Normally he tried to avoid such public places, but it was winter and he wanted to warm his hands. He kept an eye on the crowds while he held his hands out to the vent in the wall. People roamed around the booths selling food, maps, and paperbacks, waiting for the next train departure. One group stood out in the crowd though. They were not dressed according to the codes. Many of the girls were wearing woolen skirts and cotton blouses instead of their work clothes, and only one nervous boy was wearing the knee-high boots that most men wore.

As Alonzo idly watched the odd group, one of the girls approached a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties. The girl seemed to speak ernestly for a moment, and pressed a sheet of paper into the woman's hand. The woman, looking frightened and angry, dropped the paper and walked briskly over to the gaurds who stood watching the crowds. As she began speaking and gesturing toward the girl, Alonze rose warily from his seat on the bench. He had learned that whenever there was trouble with an officer, it was safest for an Anaglasian immagrant like him to get out of the way.

Meanwhile, the girl had returned to the group, looking anxious. One of the gaurds approached the group. He appeared to be trying to interrogate the girl, but before he could say much, a tall boy stepped forward and began to speak energetically to him. When the gaurd pulled out his handcuffs, the young man jumped in between him and the girl. He placed a firm hand on the gaurds shoulder. "Stop!" he said emphatically. (This sentance feels so awkward. Please help!)

How will the gaurd react? Who is this mysterious group of kids? Who is Alonzo?

These questions will be answered in our next exciting episode. (At least, more exciting than this one.)

This I Believe

There's a website, which you may have heard of, called thisibelieve.org, and it is the product of a radio show idea that asked listeners to write an essay on something they believed in, then read it on the radio. My class recently listened to a few (you can hear them on the before-mentioned website) and there are some really good ones. So anyway, what I'm getting to is - let's start a "This I Believe" challenge, like the November Thankful Challenge, shall we? Just name things in which we believe; for example, the power of words, or the power to change the world, or immortality, or miracles, or reincarnation, or the power of rubber bands - you get the idea. Whoever agrees, please leave your comment of what you believe in, on this post.
Smiles, as usual,
Sol

Ribbon Cutting for Quote War

Okay, it has officially started. Some clarifying rules:
1) All quotes must be left as comments on this post to be counted (please don't leave any non-quote comments)
2) All quotes must be (somewhat) memorized. Absolutely NO looking up a quote online or in a book and copying it down in the tournament. As long as the wording is close to the real quote, you're good, so don't stress too much about remembering the exact thing.
3) All contestants are limited to three quotes at a time. Once you've submitted your three, you must wait for another person to enter in at least one before you can do more. Agreed? Excellent.
Let the Quote War begin!!!
--Sol/Queen of Everything/Super Orc/High Priestess of Doom

The Official Start of the Quote War!!! (Finally!)

No more talk, no more saying "we should" or "suppose we, someday..."
The Quote War, Quote Faire, Quote Extravaganza, whatever you wish to call it, is OFFICIALLY opening this Friday. You've known it was coming, so finish up your frenzied studying of quotes and we start in two days. Anyone challenging this proposition? No? Excellent.
I remain,
Yours,
And figuratively in existence,
Sol

Theatre. and also stuff.

Hello everyone, sorry for my tardiness, I was just learning how to use... the potty.
Well anyway, this post is to talk about one of my favorite subjects: the theatre. Acting is the oldest form of entertainment. Theatre as we in America know it started in ancient Greece, with a man named Thespis, who won a play competition back in 534 BC. I is from his name that we have received the term "thespian". Plays were performed in hillside amphitheatres by a chorus and several masked actors. As the Greek society declined, the Romans rose up and took theatre into their own hands. Plays were much the same as they had been with the Greeks but, instead of dramatic tragedies, they preferred a, shall we say, more physical humor.The word "play" (as a stage performance) came from the Romans. At the fall of the Romans, theatre fell two, becoming something mainly for traveling bands called jongleurs. Well, I know I haven't even gotten to the master yet, but I just got bored. So, for those of you that still care, The Hale Center Theatre Orem is now playing "The Foreigner" which I highly recomend. I also recomend Random Acts of Culture on youtube.

Over and out,
Baldr god of (as of now) theatre.

Hurray!

The author of the discontinued series has begun to write it again! Yippie! :D ^-^

Reviving the Cause

Salutations!
I notice we're hitting a slump in activity here, fellow knights. In the hope of getting everyone re-excited, I propose starting the Quote Competition, which was mentioned a month or two ago.
I would also like to (re)urge everyone to set a little time off every week to write something on the blog - a post or a comment, anything. And please check the blog every few days; it's not difficult to keep on top of, so... no excuses.
Additionally, on the matter of Education. Does everyone agree that that should be one of our official concerns - the declining quality of education and the lack of attention being paid towards it in America? (I already sent out an email mentioning this but I didn't get replies from everyone...)
So, put your Knight-approved thinking caps on and let's put some more life and effort into this noble organization.
Lively-ly and enthusiastically yours,
Sol
PS. In December we had eleven posts. So far, January has had... three. Hop to it, my fine feathered friends.

393 views!!!!

I was just browsing through the blog when I noticed... we've gotten 393 views! I propose that we try to post more things about our noble goals (improving the english language, government, etc.) perhaps about one per week per member? Just as often as you can. Then when people view our blog, they can read about our goals.

2011!

It's kind of queer how people are always so eager to embrace the new year, never hanging on to the old one to say more than "Glad that's over with" or "Well, that was an okay year." (The exception may come next year, what with these "2012 = doom" ideas going 'round.) Rarely, if ever, does one hear "How sad I am to see 2010 go. I really am not excited for 2011." And then there's the whole "new year's resolutions" business. I personally think that one should be at liberty to make new resolutions any old time - why bother changing with the calendar? - but I have to admit that it can be a good idea. Think about all these people starting fresh and deeply pondering about how they want to live. A time of rebirth, undoubtably, kind of like the season of spring. So, those are my thoughts on the new year. I'm inviting everyone to leave any resolutions they want to share as comments on this post.
Here's to 2011!
--Sol