|
busb posted:
Let's make this one a bit more interesting, shall we? I am now accepting bets (in 5-Galleon increments!) on the outcome of this duel! Please let me know in the West Wing (Room 23B) if you'd like to place a wager. After the duel ends, the pool (minus half a Galleon for every 5 bet, rounded up) will be divided between the winners based on their bets. Good luck, one and all!
|
# ¿ Aug 22, 2017 14:57 |
|
|
# ¿ Apr 19, 2024 13:53 |
|
Can't do fractional Galleons (I checked) so that's really the best I can do while keeping the barrier to entry as low as possible, I'm afraid to say. Also I plan to use the 'profits' to reward students' future hard work, so.... distinguish yourself! (Not to be flip, but I did give it some thought before deciding on this approach so that people can participate even if they don't have as many Galleons as others.)
|
# ¿ Aug 22, 2017 16:37 |
|
Grandicap posted:Dude, that's a 10% house cut. That's an absurd margin of profit. The house rake is usually less than 1%. Grandicap posted:And by dude, I mean Professor Dude. No disrespect meant. Credit where due to Grandicap for this well-reasoned feedback, once again. I had a good think this afternoon and have updated the betting pool rules accordingly to increase everyone's potential winnings: quote:I am now accepting bets (in 5-Galleon increments!) on the outcome of this duel! Grandicap, look out for a token of gratitude from me via owl later today. To the rest of you, take this as a lesson - nobody is above occasional questioning, not even your professors... as long as it's delivered with respect! Continue to excel, and your efforts will be rewarded.
|
# ¿ Aug 22, 2017 21:29 |
|
Prof. Podima's Extra Credit Assignment #1 As new students at Hogwarts, you've clearly heard plenty of stories about History of Magic from your families and friends - boring drudgery personified, sitting in a sweltering room barely staying awake as you listen to a ghost droning on about ancient magical events that you couldn't care less about. Well, I'm pleased to tell you that I plan to take a bit of a different tack this year. Let's begin with a focus on more recent history - specifically, the events of twelve years ago. All of you have heard the tales of heroes and foes that came from Hogwarts each in their own time, and returned twelve years ago to do ferocious battle upon the very stones of the school they once learned at. I feel it's important to remember that those who committed great and foul deeds alike did so not as a product of their Houses or upbringing, but thanks to their own hopes, dreams, and impulses - for good or ill. THAT'S what shapes history - the actions individuals take. Your extra credit assignment for this month: Write and submit (in this thread) a 150-300 word (flexible limit if you feel inspired) essay about one of these two things from 12 years ago: - A hero NOT from Gryffindor - A villain NOT from Slytherin I want to hear about how their choices and eventual fates have influenced how you want to spend your time here at Hogwarts. What did you learn from them, and how will you apply it? Those who make creative choices about the subject of their writing shall be judged more favorably. The one who submits the best essay, by my judging, will win points for their House! Please make your submission by 7 PM ET on Wednesday (~23 hours from now). Deadline may change depending on when the actual month-end deadline is, as I need time to judge. Good luck! Podima fucked around with this message at 01:29 on Aug 23, 2017 |
# ¿ Aug 23, 2017 01:14 |
|
I discussed with Prof. Mudd and I think we agree his assessment was a bit hasty. No hard feelings, it happens. ##veto Professor Aldous Mudd Excellent extra credit submission, keep them coming!
|
# ¿ Aug 23, 2017 02:45 |
|
Quite a variety of submissions so far, thank you all! I do need to move the deadline up to 6 PM EDT - that's a bit more than 5 hours from now - so that I have time to judge and award points prior to deadline.
|
# ¿ Aug 23, 2017 17:40 |
|
That last one is juuuust past the wire but I'll allow it. Judging starts now!
|
# ¿ Aug 23, 2017 23:32 |
|
More detailed critique of each submission to come later tonight assuming the Headmaster doesn't lock the thread, but for now let's get right to the fun stuff. You all did very well - VERY well - but there were a few of you who struck upon the point I was trying to make with this first assignment as you start your time here at Hogwarts. While history is filled with memorable names and magnificent or terrible people, there's no need to drive yourself ragged trying to follow in their footsteps. It's not just the big names that change the world, but also the quiet people in the background that never find their way into the history books. Remembering what they've accomplished - and learning from it - is important, too. To that end, the top two people that have won points for their Houses in this extra credit assignment are Keane (Gryffindor) and Mulberry Evergreen (Slytherin)! ##award Gryffindor Slytherin, Professor Burgundy should be by shortly to take care of you as well. Again - will spend more time poring over each submission, but excellent showing from all to begin. I look forward to seeing what else you can accomplish this year!
|
# ¿ Aug 24, 2017 00:32 |
|
##Approve Professor Burgundy
|
# ¿ Aug 24, 2017 00:37 |
|
Quidthulhu posted:*smiles smugly and opens a chocolate frog* You didn't submit an assignment, what are you on about?
|
# ¿ Aug 24, 2017 01:19 |
|
Individual Assessments A good essay in terms of structure, and well-written to get the point across. I also appreciate the choice of subject, as previously mentioned - veering away from the well-known witches and wizards involved twelve years ago is a recurring theme you'll see praised in my assessments for this assignment. My largest concern with this essay is that it felt a bit indistinct in the conclusion, and a bit self-congratulatory. You certainly make a strong statement, but it's not so much about how you PLAN to apply what you've learned - you seem to indicate that you've already learned all you need from the past? A stirring missive, but a bit more general than I wanted. Painting the antagonists with this broad of a brush makes it difficult to draw constructive lessons from their actions. Still, the passion you show here is worth recognizing. I look forward to seeing this applied elsewhere throughout the school year! (Have you considered following the Auror lesson track? Something to keep in mind for future years.) I appreciate your choice of subject as something that is clearly very personally meaningful to you! As a foreign exchange student, your perspective on how things developed in France will be invaluable to your peers whose families experienced a very different course of events. You've also clearly taken the right sort of lessons to heart - it doesn't take an obvious hero to make a difference. UNFORTUNATELY, you veered too far from the prompt - I specifically asked for an essay that addressed a participant in the events from twelve years ago, and this goes a bit further back than that. I like your choice of subject here - many people focus on Luna's role and yet gloss over her father's crucial involvement in what happened twelve years ago. His work with the Quibbler played an invaluable part in bringing the wizarding world forward to where it is today. I only wish you had made the connection to your own plans and actions a bit more concrete as part of the conclusion. Still, well-researched - I look forward to seeing your performance in my History of Magic course. Frankly an excellent submission on many merits. Your choice of subject is profound, as is your willingness to acknowledge even Squibs' importance in the events of twelve years ago. Arabella Figg's work is not well-documented (much to my personal disappointment), so I appreciate the effort taken to research her. If only you had taken a little more time to frame the conclusion in a more personal light, you might have certainly won points for Ravenclaw here! It was a very close thing. Keep up the good work. ((OOC: Also, kudos to you for being the first to submit a fancy-looking essay!)) I admit it, I chuckled at the pun. This was an unorthodox, if a bit casual, submission - and a refreshing point of view on someone else whose contributions are frequently overlooked by history. We certainly all could learn a great deal from Fortescue's example! ...if anyone knows who posted this submission, please let me know privately. I am quite concerned for their welfare, and would like to ensure they have the support they need to excel here at Hogwarts. Also, I assure you - the corned beef here is excellent, and most definitely not stoat. I've already mentioned how this hit upon the key point I hoped to deliver with this lesson, so well done there. I also appreciated the willingness - and bravery - to submit such a personal essay in a relatively public forum. While it is a bit meandering in construction - perhaps try to tighten that up for future formal essays - it IS easy to read and clearly follows the author's train of thought very organically. I suggest you take a bit of time to look deeper into the history of those who may have worked behind the scenes in Slytherin twelve years ago - perhaps a worthwhile personal research project? I would be quite interested to learn what you find out. Now THIS is a research paper, hah. I did enjoy reading this, since my personal focus has been largely upon the UK versus the rest of Europe. The care taken to tie this to recent events is also notable - good to see you thinking about the past alongside the present, as befits a good student of history. I will say that I think you spent a little more time on unnecessary details than you needed to here - perhaps think about how to streamline your writing. Also, this ended up being a bit more of a statement on Hufflepuffs in general rather than what I was looking for - something more personal. Still, your devotion to your House is commendable! An unconventional approach here, focusing on the ramifications of someone's death rather than their actions in life. While you're not wrong - Cedric Diggory's death set quite a lot of events in motion - it's not quite what I was hoping for. Still, I applaud the fresh perspective taken here. Think about how you can tie what you learned here - how one person, even involuntarily, can change the course of history - to your lessons here at Hogwarts. ((OOC: Also the little portrait is DARN cute!)) What can I say? This is an excellently composed research paper, and was another very close contender for the prize. I can tell that you personally feel a strong personal connection to Luna Scamander and her role in the war - as befits someone recently sorted into Ravenclaw. Similarly, I enjoyed the attention to detail and time taken to include proper citations. HOWEVER, as the professor for Care of Magical Creatures, I regret to inform you that it is actually spelled "Crumple-Horned Snorkack." You may want to correct that if you still plan to submit this to the Quibbler. Ha. Kudos to you for the bravery to choose the subject you did. I appreciated the unorthodox approach here, and this was another strong contender for the prize - the recognition of unsung heroes was also appreciated. Unfortunately, your writing was a bit difficult to follow, even though its coverage of the subject matter was quite comprehensive. I commend you for choosing something that most students of your age likely have little reason to think about!
|
# ¿ Aug 24, 2017 02:37 |
|
Deadline seems good to me!
|
# ¿ Aug 24, 2017 13:57 |
|
Good to see you all settling in well, and extra-good to see some of you helping out with our little pixie challenge this month! It's been long enough since Prof. Burgundy assigned his own extra credit assignment for people to get some solid work done there, so here's another one to occupy your attention. Prof. Podima's Extra Credit Assignment #2 Wizards and witches the world over have spent their lives studying the wondrous magical creatures that inhabit the nooks and crannies of this world - and we keep discovering new things about them every single day. Isn't that incredible? But I've learned that these discoveries can come from even the most unexpected places - it doesn't take a formal expedition to learn something new, after all! Each of you brings an unique set of experiences with you to Hogwarts - though those twelve years (or so) that came before your arrival may seem to have passed in a twinkling for you, there's certainly nuggets of wisdom to be unearthed there. We don't ask for blank slates at Hogwarts! Let's see what insights you can dig up to share with your fellow classmates. Your extra credit assignment for this month: Choose a magical creature from the index of your Care of Magical Creatures textbook (or something not on the list that you feel fits the theme) that you personally encountered before you came to Hogwarts. Write and submit (in this thread) a 150-300 word (flexible limit, as before) essay describing something interesting you personally observed about that magical creature. Note that this experience doesn't have to be something already documented in your textbook - it's possible you've discovered something new that others haven't! As before, creativity will generally be rewarded. The best essay will earn points for their House! Please make your submission by 8 PM ET on Saturday (~27.5 hours from now). Good luck! Podima fucked around with this message at 03:40 on Aug 26, 2017 |
# ¿ Aug 25, 2017 21:26 |
|
Excellent work all around! I'm a bit pressed for time tonight so once again individual evaluations will come later. All of those who took part in my extra credit assignment have clearly demonstrated that they bring their own unique experiences and insights to this school, particularly where magical creatures are concerned. I want you to take that idea and expand it further - what is unique about you and your life to this point, and how can you use that to help others learn and grow? The professors aren't the only ones doing the teaching at this school - your fellow students have just as much to share as we do, and in some ways perhaps more. Keep that in mind over the months to come, and it will serve you well. That being said, I particularly loved the story from Paris Mudd - well-written, memorable, and relatable... but most of all, it's caught upon the central tenet of my approach to Care of Magical Creatures. Our relationship with the creatures of this world should not be that of a superior, or even necessarily a guardian. Instead, it is our responsibility - perhaps even our duty - to find whatever common ground we can so that we can work together to coexist in this strange, beautiful, and terrible world. Well done. ##award Slytherin
|
# ¿ Aug 27, 2017 01:33 |
|
Yeah drat that was incredible. Great work! ##approve Professor Burgundy (also post more cat pictures. that goes for everyone.)
|
# ¿ Aug 27, 2017 01:46 |
|
I JUST randomly ran across that on Facebook the other day and dang it's really funny.
|
# ¿ Aug 29, 2017 23:10 |
|
Individual Scoring for Extra Credit Assignment #2 I enjoyed this quite a lot, for multiple reasons - first, that you chose a magical creature NOT from the index I provided, which shows initiative. Secondly, I like the message you wove into the narrative (and can just imagine the stuffed version now ) And third, I liked that you kept the story simple, concise, and to the point. ((Also tarrasques are basically my favorite dumb D&D monster ever.)) Solid citations, I appreciate the attention to detail. I'm not sure that boggarts would become incontinent under any circumstance other than where that is someone's greatest fear, though - they have never been noted as needing to defecate naturally. Brave of you to out your greatest personal fear in a public venue like this, I will say! Very well written, all told - coupled with an important message. I appreciated reading this! It recognizes an important lesson that many members of the wizarding community have yet to learn themselves. There is quite a great deal that we can learn from the nonhuman members of our wizarding community, and it's a shame that many would overlook that out of pure prejudice. I applaud your willingness to delve into the less savory side of studying magical creatures - certainly, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Every creature in this world strives to survive in its own way, even if that might seem repulsive to observers without context. It's an important lesson you've brought to the fore for us today, and I thank you for it! (Also, you're integrating better than you think. Don't fret.) A ray of sunshine on a gloomy day indeed - in fact, it's a bit nasty outside as I write this, heh. You certainly do well to approach magical creatures without judgment or concern, which is a commendable tactic. One piece of advice I would provide - think about how your next bit of study could be approached a bit more academically. Your style of writing is pleasant to the reader, but if you have any interest in a professional career that requires write-ups, you'll appreciate the opportunity to practice writing a bit more formally. Much like Comtois, I commend your creativity in going off-list. I am a bit perturbed by your mention of your 'third eye,' though - perhaps we could discuss this communication method at a future date? Making mental contact with unfamiliar creatures can be a dangerous thing for those unprepared as to what they might face, and I want to ensure you're not putting yourself at unnecessary risk. I do admit to a bit of curiosity as to what you learned, though! ~~~ Really, you all did excellently once again. But there were three that I feel were at the front of the pack - Comtois, Keane, and Ozols. It was a tough call, but I think between the three I'm giving the nod to Comtois for what I admit are mildly selfish reasons. (Tarrasques really ARE the best, and the personal touch of a stuffed tarrasque is too adorable for words.) I encourage the other professors who have yet to award points to take Keane and Ozols' submissions into consideration, though! ##award Slytherin
|
# ¿ Aug 30, 2017 01:45 |
|
Meinberg posted:I'd like to introduce folks to New World Magischola, a live action experience loosely based in the world of Harry Potter. Muggles from all over the country and all over the world come together to play wizards in college and have wizard college experiences, ranging from attending classes to saving the world from horrifying abominations from beyond space and time. Everyone involved brings their all, and create stories together that will remain with them for the rest of their lives, in an environment that is open and accommodating for all sorts of folks. ((Can confirm this is hella cool - I haven't personally attended but I know quite a few people who have. Multiple times, in several cases!))
|
# ¿ Aug 30, 2017 01:46 |
|
##approve Professor Novis ##approve Professor Burgundy ##approve Professor Mudd - first one only, not second Sorry, but I've been pushing myself to make sure I hit those deadlines every month, and would appreciate other professors being held to the same standard. I'm fine with letting one go because of magi-technical issues last month, but not both.
|
# ¿ Aug 30, 2017 02:51 |
|
busb posted:Time is a bit awkward this week because of my delayed resolution. I'm going to make a Sunday 9pm EST deadline. The other option is a 36 hour deadline for Friday night... Preference would be Sunday yeah, 36 hours is a bit tight for planned extra credit stuff.
|
# ¿ Aug 31, 2017 15:59 |
|
Getting this assignment out early in the month - I look forward to seeing what you come up with! Prof. Podima's Extra Credit Assignment #3 Prof. Novis looks a bit grumpy this month, doesn't she? I can understand, given that both my classes were selected for special attention last month. Let's give her a pleasant distraction AND see what we can't do to encourage a cooperative frame of mind for one and all, yes? P.S. Welcome, Prof. Novis! We're all thrilled to have you here. Your extra credit assignment for this month: Share your favorite "potion" (mixed alcoholic beverage) recipe with the class and explain why you enjoy imbibing it, with bonus points if you include a practical demonstration of its brewing! Note that if your submission is good enough, I may give brewing it a go myself and share the results. I'm sure that'd be fun for everyone! P.S. If you prefer non-alcoholic potions or perhaps alchemical creations of a different sort, feel free to submit something to that effect! As always, creativity is worth rewarding. Your deadline is, let's say... 5 PM ET on Sunday (like two and a half+ days from now?) Good luck!
|
# ¿ Sep 1, 2017 04:34 |
|
bowmore posted:Professor Podima, we are not legal drinking age If you don't tell, I won't!
|
# ¿ Sep 1, 2017 04:51 |
|
I don't feel this detention is being assigned in good faith, but will defer to the majority as needed. ##veto Prof. Novis
|
# ¿ Sep 1, 2017 16:37 |
|
Extra Credit #3 Individual Grading: Malibu and Pineapple is a time-honored tradition indeed (and one I fondly remember from my younger days), and this seems very much like a crowd-pleaser! Certainly a stealthy slayer, though. Your wizard parties must be something to remember! Hahahahaha this was quite excellent. A good study of historical writings, especially ones that I myself am likely to find personally relevant. I know you were working on a photographic demonstration - even though it's past deadline, I should be quite interested in seeing it nevertheless! Well written indeed, and excellent academic representation for Ravenclaw! I give you full credit - this is a simple but effective drink, and one that I would certainly be interested in trying myself. Excellently described. Now I'm thirsty - sadly, no gin to be found in my temporary dwellings! Perhaps upon my return home. Also, the inclusion of fresh black pepper is an intriguing idea that I think many might otherwise avoid. A well-traveled recommendation indeed, and one that clearly comes from the heart. I'm quite motivated to seek out more of the same for myself, though it sounds like it'd be a difficult endeavor. I can only hope that the wizard pictured alongside you ((i have to assume you are the lady here OBVIOUSLY)) enjoyed it half as much as you seem to have! This is, politely described, an atrocity. I commend you for your bravery in sharing it, but this is frankly horrifying. I hope nobody else follows in your footsteps here, and applaud your willingness to tread where fools dare not. Kudos for the effort both in creation and documentation, but urgh. This gave me a big goofy grin from the start and never stopped. Incredible effort and attention to detail, as well as creativity! (I LOVE the bottles being stored in the hat.) It sounds like you had a ton of fun with this assignment, which is absolutely what I was hoping for. Furthermore, BLENDO SMOOTHIE is quite advanced magic indeed. WELL DONE! I highly encourage other professors to choose their favorites (and have made recommendations for which ones I feel are worthy of recognition), but from my end Evergreen has truly impressed me. Many others put in quite a commendable amount of effort, but her joyful effort made me happy in a way that is difficult to explain. ##award Slytherin
|
# ¿ Sep 3, 2017 23:21 |
|
##veto Prof. Mudd I don't hold with punishment for legitimate effort put in, even if it ended up as more of a cautionary tale.
|
# ¿ Sep 4, 2017 01:59 |
|
##approve Mudd
|
# ¿ Sep 5, 2017 23:06 |
|
##approve Prof. Nova ##approve Prof. Burgundy ((JUST got home from a very long dark and rainy drive, so I apologize for this being a bit rushed - will add more to it after I get stuff unpacked a bit, but deadline looms. Apologies to other professors for getting this in so late)) Mulberry - your assignment submissions have been quite good thus far (as evidenced by the points you've earned for your House) but I have to reluctantly admit I noticed some illicit material in your possession as part of your recent recipe demonstration. I think you and I had best have a discussion about that and make sure you're not starting down a dangerous path... ##detention Mulberry/MMT
|
# ¿ Sep 7, 2017 01:53 |
|
Kashuno posted:DRINK INGREDIENTS: (( St. Maarten - hopefully they can recover from this hurricane. ))
|
# ¿ Sep 7, 2017 02:30 |
|
While you students are busy pursuing matters of... the heart? I suppose? I feel the need to call this out as an excellent submission, for both inclusion of a notable foreign language at the start AND a well-concealed Mana-Beast in the background. Well done!
|
# ¿ Sep 8, 2017 05:25 |
|
bowmore posted:Made in memory of Fred Weasley after the battle of Hogwarts, The Cracked Weasley now stands on any half decent drink menu throughout the wizarding world. Tried this out today and it was an excellent drink for a nice end-of-summer breezy day! Thanks again for the excellent recipe. ##award Gryffindor
|
# ¿ Sep 9, 2017 20:46 |
|
Murmur Twin posted:I believe in superstitions, but only the "good luck" kind My, my, quite a momentous event! The hatching of a dragon is a rare thing indeed - I think we can find a place for him at school, at least for now. We'll see how quickly he grows, though!
|
# ¿ Sep 10, 2017 18:12 |
|
King Burgundy posted:Still going back through old entries to spread the love around, this month I am awarding this one: Bit disappointed by other events this month, but I'm hopeful that we can talk things out. In the meantime, ##approve Prof. Burgundy
|
# ¿ Sep 12, 2017 01:44 |
|
Evergreen, I've been thinking - if you're going to take on the responsibility of rearing a newly hatched dragon, you'll need a crash course in what that involves. Also, let's get you a fireproof smock and some heavy gloves, you'll thank me later! ##tutor Mulberry Evergreen (Care of Magical Creatures)
|
# ¿ Sep 12, 2017 17:23 |
|
Per tradition and by popular demand... I am now accepting bets (in 5-Galleon increments!) on the outcome of this month's duel! Please let me know in the West Wing (Room 23B) if you'd like to place a wager. After the duel ends, the pool (minus 5%) will be divided between the winners based on their bets. Good luck, one and all!
|
# ¿ Sep 15, 2017 17:15 |
|
Well done on the exams, everyone! Keep up the good work in the back half of the year! It might seem a bit redundant but I have to commend Slytherin's performance in the exams - Ravenclaw did quite well too, but that's their wont as the noted studious house. Good work to the house for exceeding my expectations! ##award Slytherin Also, not to put too fine of a point on it, but I am thoroughly thankful for everyone who sticks around and continues to put in effort for the back half of the year. That's the most important thing of all, in the end. If you're still reading this, thank you for that. Please, stick around and continue to make the rest of this school year an interesting and exciting time!
|
# ¿ Sep 18, 2017 01:19 |
|
##approve Prof. Burgundy
|
# ¿ Sep 18, 2017 01:19 |
|
busb posted:Good work everyone! Add a note here is what I am proposing for the end of year. Month 12 will occur as a regular month to complete the Quidditch draw. What will then occur will be an extra quasi month 13, which will comprise of exams and the end of year ball only. As long as the "real time" portion gives enough time for everyone to participate, this seems fine? But how do you plan to modify the exam formula to skip accounting for effort, given that that was a key portion of strategy for midterms? It seems like cutting out effort will make a big difference.
|
# ¿ Sep 18, 2017 01:39 |
|
peramene posted:Aww. I'm happy to discover I've made an impression. It has certainly been my best effort to keep up my attendance and to help struggling students. However - This is a fairly weak attempt at subverting the spirit of the headmaster's challenge. I'm disappointed in you. Consider what you could instead be doing to advance intra-house relations, like your peers!
|
# ¿ Sep 21, 2017 22:26 |
|
I say, I've got a bit of a Kneazle infestation this month, and I could use a good stick to calm 'em down. You there! Would you mind helping me out? ##detention Hepzibah ##confiscate Bamstick ##approve Professor Burgundy
|
# ¿ Sep 22, 2017 02:59 |
|
|
# ¿ Apr 19, 2024 13:53 |
|
I've had quite enough of you targeting poor Mulberry! ##veto Prof. Novis
|
# ¿ Sep 22, 2017 03:17 |