The competition had nothing to do with me or Skulduggery — it was all to do with an educational video game designed to teach you maths and have, you know, actual fun while you do it. Incorporating historically accurate aspects of Native American tribal life and culture, the game was called Spirit Lake, and the competition was to find someone to become a character in it, using your name and likeness. Here's what I said about it at the time:
"And if this works like they hope it will, this could be the beginning of something huge. This could revolutionise teaching, and learning— not just in America but across the world— and it could be just the thing that's needed to help struggling students make that singular, all-important leap. This could change people's lives."
The competition was a great success. I got in some hilarious responses, and also some heartfelt ones, and while it was not easy to pick a winner, a winner I did pick.
And now I'm going to do it all over again.
These same awesome people — people who include the mother and sister of my personal (Twitter) friend, UFC champion Ronda Rousey* — have another game in development, called Forgotten Trail.
SO — if you like the idea of having a video game version of yourself teaching kids maths across America, give me your reasons why. In no more than thirty words, explain why you should win, and send your entries to skulteams@hotmail.com. You can enter as many times as you like, you can be any age, from any country, and the winner will be announced at the end of July.
Good luck!
* Yes, Ronda does count as a friend**.
** By friend I don't, of course, mean someone I've ever actually met, but that's not what's important here***.
*** What's important is that we're PALS. Some might say buddies. Kindred spirits, perhaps. I might even go so far as to say I've taught her everything she knows****.
**** I haven't ACTUALLY taught her everything she knows, but she knows that I would have, if ever I knew something that she didn't already know. Such as writing*****.
***** Although seeing as how Ronda's autobiography has made it to the New York Times bestseller list — a list I have yet to ACTUALLY grace — this probably isn't the best use of my, or her, time. But even so, I am sure there are PLENTY of things I could teach her. Though probably nothing useful or, you know, not-imaginary, like unicorn-taming, or yodelling******.
***** I'll shut up now.
Posts
4,893 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 4893 Newer› Newest»star: gotta go to the shower, but what happened? ^_^
@Conductor: :) Okay! Have fun.
@Elleni: Transableism. :P But yeah.
Nothing really happened. They just proved me wrong. My world now looks different. It's weird when that happens.
ok ^_^ be back in a bit :)
:) Bye.
I really need to go sleep now. :(
(Taia - It is possible to be intolerant to one thing and promote another, in the same respect that if I would insult someone's intelligence, does not mean I would be simultaneously insulting their religion.)
Liliana: Mmm... Yes, you are indeed.
Bethany: Should I invite her back in?
Lily: *she nods*
*Wakes up with a pink marker mustache and and whipped cream in his hair*
*Shakes his fist at the sky with a look of rage on his face*
I'll get you for this, Dug!!!
(Hello, John.)
*hugs Star*
Sleep well. :)
@Elleni: If Star meant transableism as in BIID(Body Integrity Identity Disorder), it'd be like, wishing to be disabled? Like people might wish they were paralysed or wish they were amputees. Not sure what would be proven wrong there, though. ^^
MSD bc sleep
@Elleni: When people call themselves trans-disabled and have the desire to like cut their hand off or whatever because they don't feel happy in a fully functioning body.
Everyone was being horribly negative towards the whole concept, and Mystics In sans was like "This is horrible. Imagine if someone said the same things to transgender people. I can't believe this is happening on AVEN of all places" and I came on five pages late like "yeahhhh I'm a sixteen-year-old able-bodied cos gender. You expect me to blindly accept that transgenderism is a Thing just because people say it is even though I have no experience of it myself, but if someone tries to do the same with transableism they'be obviously wrong? What is the difference?" and someone actually like pointed out the difference to me . . so I was kind of like "OMG SO THAT'S WHY TRANSGENDERISM EXISTS" and "omg I was wrong how embarrassing" and "omg. Omg. now I know how to work out whether things are Things or not. Omg. I don't have to just struggle blindly not knowing whether what the fuck people tell me is true or not. Omg" and then I was like "people weren't being horrible and unaccepted after all" and then I was like "I HAVE BEEN HOODWINKED except no I was just wrong" and then I was like "OMG THE WORD MAKES SENSE" and just like - yeah. Entire mindset of "how the fuck do I deal with this shit people except me to blindly accept" partially refuted.
Well, maybe not but still.
*cisfemale
Tried to type 'cisgender. Phone didn't like it. I meant 'cisfemale,' though.
*▲WORLD
Not word.
*laughs hysterically*
My cats are the most adorable things in the whole world.
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH <3
xD Blake :)
Agreed, Sophia, but generally a comment on one's intelligence would probably lead to implications about the legitimacy of opinions and conclusions they tend to form. What I meant to say is that people tend to extend certain aspects of a person to include all aspects of that person, sort of. Like you find somebody who you don't like, and you're more inclined to dislike what they say or do - even though you might feel differently if it came from somebody else - because of that prejudice you put on. Idk. :)
@Elleni: :P Yeah
(Taia - That would surely depend on the person whom you were talking to?)
*purrs*
My knee and elbow hurt. -.-
@Sophia: Yep, I agree with that, too. But generally speaking, people's thoughts/feelings/behaviour can be quite easily influenced? Idk.
*hugs Dugggggggggggg*
back ^_^
*Pounces on and glares at Dug, shaking the whipped cream out of his hair*
Taiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaia!
*hugs*
How are youuuuu and yous eyessssssss?!
Whipped cream! :D
*eats some*
*Takes out a pink marker and starts to draw a full beard on Dug's face*
@Star if you're still here/visiting later: Not sure I follow your point?
(but don't let me keep you up! Sleep, etc!)
I was going to say something about Transableism being currently considered a mental disorder, but then
I think depending on which diagnostic manuals you look at, transgender might be, too.
Idk. I'd be interested to hear what that difference is. ^^
(But not now be sleep. *nods* :P)
*pretends that last sentence made sense?*
*autocorrect*
@Dugglyn: I'm good! My eyes need to rest! :P
How're you + eyes?
NOO NOT MY BEAUTIFUL FACE! D:
*struggles, probably causing the marker to go all over her face*
I'M GREAT, SITTING UNDER MY FAVORITE IN THE SHADE CAUSE ITS
HOT AND EATING ICE CREAM AND WATCHING MY ADORABLE CAT. MY EYES ARE SLOWLY MELTING AND DROWNING IN REFRIED BEANS! :D
Oops, caps lock XD
@Dugg: !!!!!!!!!
A OAUME
:) :) :)
*Finishes the beard and gets off Dug with a nod*
*Wonders where he can find some whipped cream to put in her hair*
*AWESOME! :P
(???)
*jumps up and hides behind a rock*
NA NA NA BOO BOO YOU'LL NEVER FND ME!!!
*Rises from the shadows behind dug, and as he stands above her the shadowy visage of a great winged demon forms around him*
*Really it's just smoke and mirrors but Dug doesn't need to know that*
Is that so?!
(Ooh shiz, it's a tornado watch now.)
AHHHH
*covers her head with her hands and runs away*
*Chuckles as Dug runs and walks off to wherever his feet take him*
*stops*
*peaks out from under her arms*
No whipped cream?
*slowly lowers her arms*
Oops I got watch and warning mixed up XD
Hi...
Hey Zaf! Is everything okay there?
I know my grandparents and aunts and uncles are all good, any damage for or around you?
Hi Fitz! How are you?
*staring*
Fera, I know my pink beard looks ridiculous but honestly, it's rude to stare.
*stares more*
*frowns*
European candy is weird.
Thank you ^_^
Huh?
I just ate some fizzy bottles and jelly babies. The fizzy bottle flavors were odd!
And I didn't like the jelly babies.
But Crunchies are the best!##
I said thank you, or is it weird to say thank you in america? :P
No that's not what I meant! :P,',',',', I mean, why are saying thank you?
cuz i feel like it ^_^ *hugs* :D
Okay!
*hugs back*
I'm supposed to be writing an essay due tomorrow, I should go. Pie!
F-fine thank you...uh...who are you?
((I'm fine, its raining light/moderate now we just have an hour and a halfish left in our tornado watch-Zaf
k dugglyn, do that essay, i'll be just here chillin *waves goodbye*
am glad you're fine zaf ^_^
Ah, I forgot we hadn't been introduced. I'm Dugglyn Carzainia! Huge fan, btw.
Not a fan that cools you down, a fan like a ..fan.
procrastinating... :/
dugglyn: GO DO IT! :D
MEEEH!
what is it about anyways? ^_^
@Zaf How are you? How is Danni?
Also, how are you, Duggy and Fera?
hey kas, i am fine myself, how are you? :)
Tired.
Hey Kas! I'm procrastinating!
@Fera it's a literary analysis on a short story, I chose The Landlady by Roald Dahl.
why, what did you do? ^_^
Nothing.
@Duggy cool.
Meh, not cool! It's due tomorrow!
dugglyn: sorry haven't read it, can't help ^_^
I know what a fan is. Both types, you don't look like one that cools people down...I mean...you aren't one.
((Dunno I barely hear from her.-Zaf
@Duggy oh, well, at least it's cool because you're a fan! :P
How are you, Zaffy?
Well of course you know what a fan is, you're brilliant. But ya know, just thought I'd make it clear because you never know, I could be a cooly downy fan!
@Kas XD
@Fera, that's okay, I know what I'm doing i just don't want to. Plus I'm not good a analyzing things, idk how I got into honors.
That...would be impossible.
((Okay I guess....-Zaf
dugglyn: I am good at analyzing, wish i could help ;_; ^_^
@Zaf Are you sure?
I'm here if you ever want to talk...
@Fera 'She seemed terribly nice…’ ‘And what about supper, my dear?’
what would you say about that that supports Roald Dahl foreshadowing Billy's death? (Billy is the main character) i just have a hard time wording it. like, it's really creepy that she does that because it's too perfect but idk how to say it so that it sounds good.
I don't know Fitz, stranger things have happened and do so alarmingly regularly.
Commenting to let you guys know just how awesomely crazy/carzy you are.
OMG THOUGH THAT WHOLE DISCUSSION THING IS JUST AWKWARD. @.@ (*coughstillagreewithStarandtherestofyallsbtwcough*)
*not here at the mo, sorry*
*Hugs Tama*
Carzy! :DDDDDDD
Don't feel like you need to help Fera!
Hey, Tami. How are you?
dugglyn: I still don't really know the context so i might be wrong, but i would say: By sneaking persuasive words that are out of context, such as "terribly" in the sentence, Roald Dahl highlights the importance of a certain dialogue. This implies the death of Billy's death, which happens later in the story.....but i have no idea how a supper would imply anything, unless i know the context :p :D
hey hopey ^_^
It would be impossible just by the fact you do not have a single atom in you that could turn into metal or plastic.
okay, thanks!
Also, has anyone had Rowntree fizzy bottles? They say they're from the UK.
nope, haven't even seen them, i live in the uk :D
@Dugg I tend to avoid fizzy snacks like that.
*hugs Dug back*
:) And nope, haven't heard of that.
@Kas: *shrugs* I'm good, but my mood could change at any moment, so meh.
*waves at Frank*
How is everyone doing? I guess I'll be on for a bit.
Tami, I'm tired. It's really late, and I should head to sleep.
Good night!
'Night Kas! *hugs* Sleep well. :)
hey hopey! :)I am glad to hear that :) how are you hopey? :) *hugs*
bye kas ^_^
*hugs Frank back*
My answer is still the same that I told Kas.
How about you?
*hugs Frank back*
My answer is still the same that I told Kas.
How about you?
I am just happy cuz you came on ^_^
XP
Except it seems like we're the only ones on now.
How are your exams going? Almost finished?
Hmm, weird.
and Kas, they're not actually fizzy, idk why they're called fizzy bottles.
I am not bothered by it though ^_^ Yeah I've finished all of them, i am off this week, don't have to worry about anything :) WBU? :)
Oh never mind. Hi Duggy. How's that assignment/essay thing coming? ;P
Hopey: *going :P
Yay for finishing! :)
Since I don't have school, I'm just doing normal everyday stuff. The usual. :P
#Mylifeissoboring *first time using hashtags* XD
hopey: DO NOT EVER USE THEM AGAIN....just kidding :p ^_^ When are you gonna be coming back to normal? :)
Meh. :P Coming as in coming along, as in still in process as in never mind. XP
hehe :p :)
hmm? ^_^ or do u not know/want to answer? :)
*shrugs in response to the question*
Don't know. Might happen suddenly, or gradually, but right now I don't know.
ok :) *hugs*
Sorry for the late reply. Got distracted. ^.^'
it's ok hopey *hugs again*
*hugs back*
:)
hehe :) been practicing dancing more than before due to exams finishing ^_^
Cool. :) Hope that means more videos! ;P But no rush. ^.^
haha, it does mean that, how'd you know ;) :D Well, my style is all based around rushing it if you know what i mean :p
The first thing I thought were your dance videos when you mentioned it. XP
*rolls eyes*
Yes, I know what you mean. :P But that's not what I meant anyway. XD
*laughs at how often we're using the word 'mean'*
Yeah, we are using it quite often, but i mean it's just two people who are bad at making themselves clear, i mean what do you expect :p And i know that's not what you meant XD What DID you exactly mean btw? :P
Okay, are you honestly asking or trying to make a point? XD
I'll answer anyway.
I just meant you can take your time getting the videos uploaded. :P I can wait, so there's no need to rush.
hopey...i almost fell asleep just then ^_^
I was just messing with you, making the point of how much we use -mean :p I'll get them up quite quickly anyways ^_^ haven't recorded any new yet though *sigh* :)
You should sleep then. *nods*
And it's okay. Take your time. :)
I don't wanna leave you though ^_^
It's fine. You need your sleep.
I can entertain myself off blog. :P
mehhh i don't have school :p and well, it's just that you've finally come back on here after days ^_^
*shrugs*
I do that sometimes. You'll get used to it.
But really, it's really late for you. You should sleep...
Good /night/, Frank. :P
*hugs*
Sleep well. :)
i see ^_^ well, i might fall asleep in a minute ^_^
*sigh* ok ok :p thank you, have a good day hopey :) *hugs*
Onwa: Hmm. I would somewhat disagree. Would you like help up?
Yes.
Manuel: (can I just make up two charities.)
Haribo I can give or take, but Town trees sweets are the best. Have you tried Rowntree's Randoms?
*Rowntree's
(Hello.
Yes I have, Star. I do not usually enjoy foods like that, but they are amongst my favourites. I also recommend the Reversy Percy sweets from Marks and Spencer.)
Liliana: *the creature nods enthusiastically, licking Liliana's face again before pouncing at Onwa, tail wagging*
Bethany: *she moves to the door, opening it* Claire, you can come in now.
Claire: Finally. Oh, wow. Why is the floor so black?
(Yes, Jaimie.)
Onwa: *jumps, catching it quickly, holding it at arms length*
Um. Hello small creature..
*looks very out of her depth*
*she isn't a very compassionate person and has never had to deal with a pet, thus she doesn't exactly know what to do*
Because stubborn vampires who keep getting forced asleep don't give up without a fight.
Manuel: Okay.. there's the world wide health distribution charity..
(Just gonna say, that's me with babies. 'Hello small creature.')
(I have absolutely no idea what I am like with children, as I have no experience with them. However, I am aware that there are some who annoy me.)
*the creature keeps trying to lick Onwa's face, wriggling in her grip*
Liliana: He just wants to say hello.
Bethany: She had her cute bald head.
Claire: Oh a vampire, how adorable.
Lily: Okay...
(Babies always cry when I'm near them. They don't like me.)
Onwa: *sighs slightly, rolling her eyes and bringing the creature to her chest/neck, holding it gently*
*blushes slightly* *mumbles*
Manuel: What was the other one?
(I do not see why they would do that.)
*the creature licks Onwa's face*
Claire: That was sarcasm. I'm more bothered about not getting eaten when I fight a vampire.
Bethany: ... I didn't fight. Not really.
Lily: I wanted healthcare and poverty.
Deleted comment?
Just mine, Kassy
Why delete, Gem? :/
It was a double comment from yesterday which somehow posted again.
So excited for this interview!
Might leave the now and go get lunch before it...
I'm in London!!!
... Heathrow Airport at least... This is the closest I'll be to you UKers in a long time probably. Anyone here by any chance? Too bad I can't go outside anymore... I'm stuck here for 6more hours.. This is crazy. My friend didn't want to go around carrying luggage though.
Onwa: *rolls her eyes, enduring the greeting, keeping her mouth firmly closed*
She doesn't have to fight me..
Manuel: Poverty.. Hmm..
*Google's*
Hello, nice people who son't spend ten minutes detailing the torture of their friend and then say they would be justified carrying it out because their friend said a very mean thing and apparently thus makes her deserving of having her teeth filed etc.
I'll stay here for a bit. It's less insane. :P
... And they call /us/ crazy... :P
Not really here. Going to bed. Have a good day to you guys. :)
*deletes both double comments*
*glares at wifi for posting three times right before she sleeps*
@Tama: Yeah. They think you're more insane than they are. Whut.
:) Fours.
@Star: Trying to avoid thinking about teeth filing now because that sounds HORRIBLE O_O
Yay one more final today then one more tomorrow morning and I'm free until September....-Zaf
@Taia: XD
That was just one example.
I wasn't paying attention for most of it, I only caught the end of it, but they said that they could pull her teeth out so all her nerves were like hanging on, and they said they could file her back teeth beacsuie they were the most sensitive ones, and they said that they could force a heated iron bar between her teeth and then it would burn through the sides of her cheeks and it would be all scorched and it would never properly heal so she would have permanent holes in the sides of her mouth. And then they were saying they could fill her motuh with salt and give her nothing to drink so she'd be sooo thirsty, and also all the salt would get into her wounds and argh. And also, they said you could stick pins into the pallet at the top of her mouth. And then they were describing how you could lie her down on a table to do all this torture, and how if she tried to move, pins would stick through her hands and pin them to the table.
. . .
Yeah.
@Zaf: YAY! :)
(*hails hot water bottles*)
@Jai: hot water bottles are gorgeous. :)
(@star yes. Yes they are.)
I haven't used one for a few years now though . . .
(I use them in winter usually.)
(Hey peoples?)
(Hey Garr.)
@Star: ...Do take care around your friends :P
*hugs Zaf* YEEEAAAAHHHHHH :)
(*also some quiet protesting because I have to go to classes again for four weeks, having finished exams. :(*)
(Hey Sil / Jai (whichever you prefer now? *offers bro hug?*
Hows things going for you? )
(Hey Taia *offers bro hug*
Hows things for you? And long time no see / speak / yeah either of those )
(Jai. *bro hug* eh. Exams and stress.)
@Taia: XD Thanks.
(I shoudl do. Or I'll get hit with a brick. :P)
:) Hi Rhos! :)
(okay Jai
And hows the exams going?? )
(Hey Star! *bro hugs* hows thongs for you? :) )
@Rhos: :/ Alright. Think I didn't do too well on my chemistry today. Was very tired . . .
How're you? :)
Also: Hi Jai! Hi Star! :)
Hi Gar! C:
*accepts & hugs back*
*bro*
Yeah! It's good to see you! I've been in exams panic/study/survival mode.
Currently in 'oh my god I need a short eternity of rest' mode :P
Otherwise, grand, thanks! :)
How're you doing?
WBD/MSD -- homework >:/
(aww Star, well here's to hoping you didn't do what you think (?) and have done better :)
And as for myself, could be better.... Could be worse :|
So kinda in the middle really )
(Ahhh that makes sense Taia
What's it like being in exam panic mode? And the sleeping mode thingy??
And thats great :) as for myself, its above *points to it* )
@RHos: Well, I haven't. It's okay. I'll just have to do super-well on the next chemistry one.
:/ Well . . . at elast it could be worse. :)
(okay, well there's you target deadline motivation thingy
To do better at the next one :)
And yeah it could be worse :P
But in all honesty I'll be fine
Trust me on that ;) (I'm the master of being fine ) )
(@Rhos my first mock is Thursday. It's French.
I have done no revision for any of them.
THAT REMINDS ME!!!
Okay so our next art thing is 'inspired by art' and miss says we should have a theme early on to get good grades so I'm like 'oh okay I'll do books I'll do Skulduggery'. Then she says 'don't do anything fantasy you won't get good grades' so that was that idea shot in the face with a nuclear missile. Now my friend tried suggesting themes but it has to be something we're interested in/passionate about.
What I'm interested in and can portray as art; Skulduggery
What I'm passionate about but can't portray in art: how much my life sucks sometimes.
So yeah. Considering how sh*t my first two things are and that I'm basically guaranteed to get a bad grade on this third one I say I've definitely failed. Yey.)
(hello !)
*hugs Star*
I'm sure you did at least PRETTY well.
Because, y'know, you're you. :)
@Gar: Weeellll, Exampanicstudysurvivalmode is pretty much what it says on the label? It's a lot of panic and internal screaming and desperately still trying to learn everything on the morning of the exam. :P
Which is usually joined by general exhaustion and confused sleeping patterns.
In summation, I guess it's tiring? :P
And-- :/ Good that you're fine, but I hope you move into the better zone soon, rather than the worse end. :) ^^
(studying forensics in psychology
tis awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
(Jai... *hugs*
Well good luck with your French mock (French is a evil language.... Well hard but you know what I mean :P )
And with the art
Your choices are really good (well the first one anyway )
It is a bit of a pain not being able to do fantasy stuff....
So themes
Is there anything else you're interested in??
(so we can work from that to potentially make an idea?)
(Hey Chloe.
*hugs Garr back*
Things I like?
Skulduggery.
Fantasy books.
Frozen.
Films.
All of which falls under fantasy and therefore can't be used.)
(AND I SANG DEATH DEATH DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL EVIL EVIL SONGS)
(Hey Jai and everyone ^.^)
(Hey Chloe :)
Sounds fun :P )
Well that explains that then Taia :D
The exam panic doesn't sound all that fun really....
So good luck with yours :)
And well get some sleep too?? (when you can?)
And yeah...
I think i will sooner or later *smiles*
But as I said to star, don't worry I'll be fine (honestly) )
(how art everyone?)
(brb
food must bnow be eaten out the kitchen -_-)(
(well Jai not all films are fantasy? (well maybe they are.... )
So.... Hmmm.....
Drat... I'm fresh out sorry....... :/ )
That sucks, Jai! :(
Could you try looking at some other artists' and finding something you'd like to look at that way?
Oooorrr you could do the 'subtly inspired by Skulduggery but good luck guessing it' approach. Like, you could focus on the elements, as an elemental magic reference, or something? Idk. :/
HEY THERE, CHLOE!
*huglets*
(I plus one to what Taia, said Jai
Its a good idea :) )
(back!)
Mine?
(@Garr yeah. That's my reaction.
@Taia mehhhhhhh.
It's so hard >-< I'm trying to avoid getting bad grades, trying to avoid seeming like I'm copying my sister, trying to avoid not being me in my art.. I'm thinking about it so much that it's going wrong..)
(*huggles Taia*
you can de3d rhos
I was so hung over sunday morning -_-)
Damn!
Well timed Chloe
Well timed *jokingly glares*
So anyway how be you?? ) (been a while since I used my line lol )
@Gar: Yeah. :P
Oh, I finished them! Last exam was Thursday. :)
And- I'll certainly try. Thanks. :)
@Jai: O_O
You sure? Ruling out films could be quite limiting?
(*hands the ded rights to rhos*
im good thanks
you?~)
(my friends cant believe I went on a busy road for my driving lesson XD)
(@Taia not my choice. No fantasy, no fiction type stuff. Its 'too limiting and never done right')
(*cant art*
*only cartoons*
*cant help*)
(thank you Chloe
And Jai I get what you mean (sort of... )
So I still plus one to Taia's idea )
So ded time
Well this ded is an odd kettle of fish really for I ded to
Individuality
Because well its amazing to be an individual, thats what we all are really
We're not clones! We're unique, you'll never find to people exactly the same
And well that makes life more interesting you know
Because, with differences in the world, there's no boringness
Everything can be new in some way :D
And i ded to those times to when you work hard to achieve something and well it isn't worth it in the end and all that effort you expended isn't wasted because it helps you become better at something :)
So there we have it
(hear hear!)
(*jumps for apple*
*cant reach it*
*criesa*)
(that's great Chloe :) (you feeling how you do )
And for me
I'm fine (sorta?) could be better could be worse but as I say
I'll be fine (I always am ) so don't worry bout it really :)
And how was the driving lesson?? )
(you're welcome Taia
And yay for finishing your exams :D
How do you think they went ? )
(twas good
twas a surprise
message me
if you decide you want my help)
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