Reading Notes: Stories from Congo, Part B

Like Part A of the reading, Part B's reading centers around very dark, twisted stories. However, the main differing between the two lies in the fact that Part B's readings use the theme of Tricksters within many of it stories, a theme that we have seen in many of our other readings. This goes to show just how common the Trickster character is throughout the world. 

As I said, Part B utilizes the trickster character to propel the story and teach lessons, but the readings can be interpreted as almost macabre due to the violent ways the stories play out. Since I was able to form some sort of background for this week's story already, I doubt I will incorporate both the subject of a trickster AND have my story so dark.

Bibliography: Notes on the Folklore of Fjort, R.E. Dennet. Link

(Above is the African Leopard, present throughout many Congolese folklore:

Wikipedia)

Wikipedia Trail: From Cassava to Kidney Failure

I am writing this post right after finishing the Stories from Congo. In a few of the stories, the cassava plant is mentioned, peaking my interest considering the fact that I grew up eating it. Despite cassava cakes sprinkled with coconut being easily accessible in many specialty Asian markets, many of us do not know that it can be poisonous in its natural form, due to the presence of cyanide. Fun fact: cyanide, in extreme cases, can be used to help lower blood pressure in humans! Jumping off using blood pressure, high blood pressure can cause many health problems including that of kidney failure!

To sum up this trail, eating poisonous cassava plants may or may not reduce the risk of kidney failure. That is assuming you survive the poison first.

(The Cassava Plant:

Off the Grid)

Reading Notes: Stories from Congo, Part A

This week's reading was especially macabre, but interesting! Many of the Congolese readings that we were provided bypass the norm we are accustomed to. Where relations between lovers and family members are considered to be of the utmost importance, the Stories from Congo show that those closest to you can also be the cruelest. Some stories that revolve around the "Vanishing Wife" show that sometimes bonds shared through blood can be not as strong as those shared by lovers. Other stories show that lovers can be overly jealous. We saw examples of this of one wife trying to kill the other's child, only to have killed her own child by mistake.

The one redeeming story within this half of the section is the last story, where despite two brothers not seeing eye-to-eye, the elder brother ends up saving his younger brother's wife. This leads to their reconciliation.

For this week's story, I feel that I could use two brothers as a protagonist who are united when something horrible happens. To stay with this week's theme, I plan to make the main antagonist one of their jealous wives.

Bibliography: Notes on the Folklore of Fjort, R.E. Dennet. Link

(Estranged brothers:

ABC)

Typing Test Tech Tip

I have to admit, I have always been a fan of typing tests. In middle school, we were forced to learn how to type in a traditional way: using the home keys, covering our hands with blankets to keep from cheating, and using the cursed Mavis-Beacon software. I really enjoyed KeyHero and have used TypeRacer in high school.

As for my speed and accuracy, I will always wish I was a little faster and a little more accurate. However, I am comfortable with where I am at. It is really comforting to be a Computer Science major and seeing that, if I don't understand what I am working with, I at least know how to type at a decent speed.