Learning Challenge: The Pomodoro Technique

I have used this technique in the past before. I can admit that there is some benefit to using it, but I've realized that it's not for everyone. A major determinant of its helpfulness would be the type of task at hand. I've noticed it helping with more simple assignments and tasks that can be easily broken up into pieces. Something more long-winded like an essay or complex math problems would definitely not be the best situation to employ this technique in. 

In order to use the Pomodoro technique with better results, I'd have to use it regularly enough to become familiar with its steps and get in the groove of using it. I could see myself getting used to its breaks and losing focus on the tail-end of the 25-minute interval. So, it'd definitely take some discipline for me to use it with good results. 

I didn't know Pomodoro was a red sauce used in spaghetti! It's apparently low-calorie too. Source

Growth Mindset Challenge: Learn from Other Students (Laura)

This first picture I chose was because it helps put things in perspective greatly. I see myself as a perfectionist at times, so striving purely for progress is always a weird concept. I'm the type of person to do papers all in one go and take forever doing them. This inspirational picture kind of helps me see that progress is just fine as well and still a step in the right direction. 

The second picture I chose was because it helps me grasp the things ahead of me. I always get so caught up waiting for the perfect time or moment to do certain things, and I've come to realize that having the best possible timing is very rare. This inspirational picture helps me take those leaps of faith and remain assured that it'll all be okay, no matter the circumstances. 

Tech Tip: Cheezburger

Making this meme was much much quicker than I expected. I am glad I explored this tech tip option, as I might use it again in the future just for fun! :) Also, no watermark! Woohoo!

Cheezburger website: Link

Extra Reading: Mythical Horses

Going into this CrashCourse video, I had never read into or learned much about horses, whether mythical or normal everyday ones. This CrashCourse was rather relatable in that it mentioned familiar names/things such as Achilles, Pegasus, Michaelangelo, and even unicorns!

Towards the end of the video, however, the host, Mike Rugnetta, pushes the topic of horses and how they were written about even further. He contends that the modern day version of mythical horses and the many epics that contain them would be something like the Fast and the Furious franchise! This first made me laugh. After I thought about it for a second, it actually began to make a lot of sense. 

Do we humans praise the things that do so much for us? Is that what our modern fascination with cars is? Why do we go out of our way to pour so much time and effort in these modes of transportation that should be there to primarily perform its function? Envision medieval music videos with artists that show off their mightiest and most beautiful STEED. Imagine how goofy and relatable that would be. Comparisons like this really make me think about overall human nature and the ways we never change.

Imagine this scene with medieval horses... haha. Source

Bibliography: CrashCourse, Mythical Horses: Crash Course World Mythology #37, Source

Reading Notes: Death's Messengers

Long ago there was a giant walking along a path when a stranger jumped towards him and said "Stop! Not one step further!"

The giant said, "You, a creature that I could crush between my fingers, you want to block my way? Who are you that you dare to speak so boldly?"

The stranger introduced himself as "Death". Then, he said, "No one resists me, and you too must obey my orders."

The giant refused.

The giant and Death began to wrestle. It proved to be a long and violent battle. 

The giant finally got the upper hand and defeated Death, leaving him collapsed by a stone. 

Death was so weak he couldn't get up.

Death began to think about the implications his absence would have on Earth.

Out of nowhere, a young man walked down the same path.

The young man saw and gave help to Death; Death regained his strength.

Death asked if the man knew he was, and the man said no.

Then, Death said he couldn't make any sort of exemptions for the young man but still promised to send his messengers before the young man's death, rather than the usual abrupt extraction.

The young man was happy and saw this as a good thing; having a sign before his death would be helpful. 

Eventually, the time had come for the man's departure from the world of the living.

Death tapped his shoulder and told the man to follow him.

The man protested saying that he had not received any signs.

Death listed off the litany of signs/messengers he had given/sent: fevers, dizziness, gout, ear-ringing, toothaches, darkened eyes, nightmares, sleep paralysis, etc.

The man finally understood and surrendered to his fate.

The Angel of Death. Source

Bibliography: D. L. Ashliman, The Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales, Source