#geometry was my achilles’ heel

[straightlightyagami]

i arrogantly believe if math olympiads were only combinatorics i could have been an imo gold medalist

[silent-partner-412]

so there’s a new nintendo direct out tomorrow and the fire emblem fanbase is all seemingly talking about a potential remake of genealogy of the holy war, and it seems likely that it will happen eventually and it could be announced tomorrow (not holding my breath but whatever). so i, as an fe fan who has played and beaten fe4 a single time casually, want to outline what my “ideal” fe4 remake would look like.

1. DO NOT TOUCH THE WORLD OR MAP GEOMETRY. the world design is integral to the identity of fe4 and if we don’t have all 12 chapters fully intact and connected the way they were in fe4 i will be sorely disappointed.

2. HOWEVER… i would not mind if the design of some maps changed (i hope this distinction makes sense). please for the love of god do something to make chapters like 2, 4, 9, and E more bearable. i don’t want them to be completely different, but i do want them to be less tedious.

3. make the romance and inheritance system a bit better explained, or give the player more control over it. i don’t know what this would look like, but i think fe4 has the best romance mechanics of the games that have them, and it’s achilles heel is that i didn’t get how they worked until after i beat them game.

4. add in more character interactions, whether that be through supports or other means. i would just like to see some characters fleshed out more, i honestly wouldn’t even be opposed to paralogues of some kind for a lot of the side characters that were more akin to standard fe maps. idk if that would make the game better but it’s an idea i’m not opposed to seeing explored.

5. keep all the unique gameplay elements of fe4 intact. i want the wack skill system where you need pursuit to double. i want weapons that are permanent that need to be repaired. i want the weird gold system. all of this needs to stay, perhaps altered slightly to be more accessible but not changed completely. once again, i just want the identity of this game intact since it’s by far my favorite part about the game.

6. keep the story basically the way it is. i want the two generations, i want the politics and the fucked up loptyr cult stuff. i don’t think they’d sanitize it or anything but it was an interesting story for fe standards and i hope all of it is still there.

7. add the turnwheel. fuck it. it’s a nice modern addition that makes my life easier and wastes less of my time, and it’d be especially nice in a game like this where keeping your units alive is encouraged for inheritance.

really all i want is the game to be more or less intact with modern touch ups to make it a bit more bearable to play. i love fe4 conceptually, but actually playing it was pretty rough and led to it being middle of the pack for fe games for me. i think if they do it right this game could be a masterpiece, but also they could easily fuck it up and ruin the vision of fe4 if they aren’t careful.

[morose-magnetrix]

X-Men #7 by Gerry Duggan (writer), Pepe Larraz (artist) and Marte Gracia (colorist)

Cyclops: “I am the X-Men.”

This issue, we get the secret origin of Captain Krakoa, and more importantly, building intrigue around the secret antagonist of the X-Men, Dr. Stasis. Dr. Stasis seems to be a huge fan of the High Evolutionary, as he sends out these evolved animal hybrids to fight the X-Men in order to test a theory. His troops are readily defeated by the partial team of Cyclops, Wolverine, Synch, and Sunfire, but Cyclops is mortally wounded. Dr. Stasis tells Cyclops right before he dies where to find him, a test in order to see if Cyclops will remember after he resurrects. Given that Cyclops doesn’t remember, Dr. Stasis now knows the Achilles heel of the mutants - the blindspot between Cerebro backups.

The artwork fucking rules in this one, as Larraz and Gracia majorly flex their stuff. There’s an excellent page where Cyclops uses geometry to scatter his beams all over the place, taking out easily a dozen or so of Dr. Stasis’ minions at once. 

Notable things that happen this issue:

1. Scott and Emma are adorable in the resurrection scene, where the two of them are there intimately together. It’s worth noting that Jean isn’t present, adding credence to the thoughts that Scott may be romantically involved with both of them (and Logan potentially). 

2. Scott and Jean realize that the Quiet Council has erased the memory of Ben Urich (likely Emma, from how the scene is draw) in order to hide the Krakoan secret of resurrection. 

3. Synch is hypothesized to be an omega level mutant, as he’s able to recall Jean’s telepathy despite her being in Arakko doing other stuff. Some people are claiming the data page about the Xavier brain satellites may contradict this, but I don’t think so. It doesn’t make sense to me that his power would be working that way, and even so, a satellite is still a significant distance and would imply his omega level status. Besides, I don’t think the creative team would put in ‘Synch might be an omega’ and just... take that away from us. The omega level mutant list is pretty white - it would be great to see Synch on it. 

4. We learn that Scott’s campaign to be on the X-Men was just “I am the X-Men” which is a) cocky, b) hilarious, and c) in character. 

However, while these developments are interesting, the mysterious origin of Captain Krakoa ultimately wasn’t that mysterious. We knew that Scott died in a dramatically public manner. I’m sure the developments are going to lead to fantastic stories, but this individual issue I think is only something I would re-read if I wanted to get some Cyclops content in my life. 

Verdict: Seven out of ten eye beams 

[animentality]

I fear and despise math but only because it is as the one subject in school that I did not excel in.

So it was basically like my Achilles heel and it taunted me from the shadows saying you're not as smart as you think you are.

And I was never one to like being wrong, which I never was in any other class.

Plus I was taking mostly ap and honors classes, and math was like the one class I literally just took the regular version of.

I felt like a simp in that class even though I actually did get As for Geometry and Algebra 1, I just started to lag in algebra 2/pre calc and barely skated out of there with a B+ in the end.

[avonleaace]

I thought I would add to the slowly growing number of Anne with an E fics around the place! I would love some feedback so please do pass some on! <3

Fic posted on AO3 and under the cut

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Anne of Green Gables - L. M. Montgomery, Anne with an E (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Gilbert Blythe/Anne Shirley Characters: Gilbert Blythe, Anne Shirley, Diana Barry, Billy Andrews Additional Tags: Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, gilbert hardcore daydreams about anne, Gilbert POV, anne is sad and gilbert goes out to find her in the forest, billy is a bit of a jerk, gilbert rescues anne Summary:

Gilbert asks Anne to walk home with him but they are interrupted by Billy Andrews. Gilbert goes to find her after she runs away upset. Cuteness ensues

Gilbert Blythe had been trying, unsuccessfully, to gain the good favour of Anne Shirley-Cuthbert. It was in no way easy. She seemed determined to avoid him, and any moment they had together would be cut short by her moving away or changing the subject. Gilbert could not understand it. Mnemonic devices, a Christmas present and discussions about future aspirations would have made Ruby Gillis swoon, but all they seemed to do was make Anne avoid him more. All Gilbert wanted was another moment with her. Anne was captivating. Her hair, although comparable to carrots, more accurately resembled the deep red autumn leaves. The light dusting of freckles that adorned her features reminded Gilbert of cinnamon. On special occasions, the rare spice was dusted with sugar over his favourite, apple pie. Anne’s lithe frame was thinner than that of her peers, but Gilbert already knew she would grow to be tall and slender. Anne was beautiful, smart and passionate. And Gilbert knew that he had it bad.

‘Gilbert? Gilbert!’ Gilbert snapped back into reality, tearing his gaze away from the back of Anne’s head. Miss Stacey gave him an exasperated smile. ‘You haven’t been focused lately Gilbert. Are you sure you are feeling well?’ ‘I am fine Miss Stacey. Just a little distracted is all.’ Gilbert shook himself. He should at least try to focus in class. But it was getting harder to focus with Anne in close proximity. Every moment of time spent with her made Gilbert yearn for her more.

‘As I was saying class, Geometry is a subject with many kinds of real life applications…’

Gilbert looked over at Anne again. She had turned around to help Ruby with a problem, so Gilbert could see her animated face. Anne’s desire to help others learn was admirable. She had told him she wanted to be a teacher, and there was no doubt in Gilbert’s mind that she would make a great one. She was wonderful when playing with the younger children too. They flocked to her, and how they would laugh as Anne dramatically reenacted sword fights and perilous adventures. Anne would make a great mother, thought Gilbert. He pictured Anne leading their children off to school where she taught. She was radiant and just as beautiful as the day they first met in the woods. But before she could leave, Gilbert pulled her close for a kiss-

‘Gilbert Blythe! If you cannot focus I will have no choice but to send you home. Answer my question please.’ Miss Stacey put her hands on her hips. She was an understanding teacher, but it had been a long day at school. Gilbert grimaced.

‘What was the question again?’ Billy Andrews sniggered and hastily turned it into a cough as Miss Stacey glared at him. ‘Is there not one student in this class who has an ounce of concentration left today? Who can answer my question?’

Anne raised her hand. ‘The answer is one hundred and eighty degrees.’ Of course Anne knew the answer, despite geometry being her achilles heel. Gilbert needed to catch up. The past few weeks he had been falling behind. ‘Thank you Anne,’ sighed Miss Stacey, ‘I think we are well and truly finished with our learning today. Class is dismissed.’

A din of chatter immediately rose in the room. Gilbert began to pack up his books alongside Moody. He felt sorry for Miss Stacey, but brightened immediately at the thought of speaking to Anne. Maybe today she would smile and play along instead of finding an excuse to escape him yet again.

Heartbeat quickening, Gilbert walked over to Anne, who was discussing the abrupt end to the school day with Diana. ‘I wonder why Miss Stacey was acting that way today. Oh, I just feel it must have been something tragical…’ Anne lessened her voice to a dramatic whisper- ‘Or romantical!’ Diana giggled. ‘You know that we shouldn’t gossip Anne. I’m sure that it must be her motorised bicycle malfunctioning. Or maybe she let her morning toast burn.’ ‘Oh Diana, you are my best friend, but you have absolutely no imagination!’

Gilbert stifled a laugh as he approached. Anne never failed to amuse him, and suddenly he felt a rush of confidence. ‘Anne, I was wondering if I could walk you home?’ The words tumbled out of his mouth without a moment of hesitation. Anne turned to him slowly, an expression of complete surprise etched on her face. Hope fluttered in his chest as he recognised a small smile spread across her lips. Diana beamed at him and replied for her.

‘She would love to! Wouldn’t you Anne?’ Diana not-so-subtly elbowed Anne in the ribs. Anne’s clear blue eyes met Gilbert’s and she opened her mouth to reply just in time for a rather untimely interruption.

‘Well if it isn’t the ugly orphan dog,’ Billy Andrews jeered. He strode over and swiftly grabbed Anne’s notebook. He held it in the air, just out of Anne’s reach. Her expression darkened, and Gilbert knew Billy had hit a soft spot. Anne used to be unintimidated by him, but with the ever constant taunting she had been worn down. He could see it in her expression every time Billy came close to her. He knew that Billy had come to represent all of the terrible past she had at the orphanage. Gilbert felt a surge of protectiveness. No one should be treated the way Billy treated Anne.

‘Give me my book back, Billy.’ Anne seemed withdrawn and cold.

‘Billy, give it back,’ said Gilbert, stepping forward. Gilbert knew that Billy was intimidated by him, but today he didn’t seem to show it. A wicked grin spread over Billy’s face. He took a step back. ‘And you, Blythe. Why do you even talk to her? I bet it’s because you feel sorry for her. A charity case for the good doctor.’ Billy took another step back and Gilbert glanced at Anne. He was startled to see her eyes full of tears. Her bottom lip trembled. Don’t believe it, He wanted to say. You are my friend.

‘Anne, you know that isn’t true. Billy, give me Anne’s book!’ Gilbert lunged for Billy, but he was just too far away. ‘Sure then,’ Billy replied. With a final smirk, he pulled open the woodburner and threw Anne’s notebook inside. Then he ran.

‘No!’ cried Anne, the tears finally spilling down her face. Though part of him wanted to chase Billy down, Gilbert knew that his first priority was always Anne. He grabbed some kindling and used it to pull out the flaming notebook. Gilbert stamped out the flames on the ground, but it was too late. The paper was completely charred, and pieces of ash floated in the air of the classroom. It was a sombre scene. The only noise was the sound of Miss Stacey’s motorbike starting up in the schoolyard.

‘Anne, I’m so sorry-’ Gilbert started- ‘I didn’t need your help Gilbert,’ interrupted Anne coldly, ‘And if you’ll excuse me, I want to be alone.’ Her clear blue eyes had changed to a shade of grey as she fled the room, the wind beginning to howl in the air.

‘I wouldn’t follow her, Gilbert. She won’t talk to anyone when she is in a temper.’ Diana packed her things and left, her hair ribbon fluttering in the wind.

Gilbert picked up the notebook, which was still warm to the touch. He leafed through the pages. Soot came off on his fingers as he contemplated his options.

Gilbert knew Anne. He knew every expression that showed on her face as well as he knew the seasons. Anne wasn’t in a temper. Her face wasn’t the same as when she hit him over the head with a slate. It was far more akin to her crestfallen look when Gilbert snapped at her, after his father’s funeral. Anne was truly upset. And it was with this truth he resolved to follow her.

-

Gilbert considered Anne’s direction. Anne might have gone back to Green Gables, but she probably didn’t feel like Mrs Cuthbert’s questions. His mind flicked back to when he first met her, back in the forest. He had seen her walking there a few times since then.

Gilbert ran into the Haunted forest. The trees seemed to grow taller around him. Although he knew Anne could take care of herself, Gilbert felt a flicker of worry. Where is she? ‘Anne?’ called Gilbert, ‘Anne!’ A twig snapped, and Gilbert whirled around to see a fox sifting through the foliage. It froze for a moment. ‘Did you see Anne?’ whispered Gilbert. But the fox fled.

Every minute that passed pooled as dread in the depth of his stomach. It was getting later, and Gilbert hated the thought of Anne lost in the wood. He pictured her alone and afraid and upset. Stop that kind of thinking. Gilbert tried to calm himself. She’d probably climb a tree and befriend the squirrels. Princess Cordelia of the Haunted wood… That’s it!

Gilbert retraced his steps, this time with his eyes to the canopy. Surely he could spot a girl amongst the autumn foliage. Gilbert was always aware of the presence of Anne. It was not long until he found her, perched on a branch high in a silver birch. She looked as small as a bird in the branches.

‘I watched you walk past before. I was surprised at your lack of observational skills.’ Anne kept her eyes to the sky. ‘I used to climb trees far more often when I lived at the orphanage.’

Gilbert’s worry did not go away as he looked up at her. She still had faint tear tracks down her freckled cheeks. Gilbert wanted to climb right up and envelop her in his arms, but he restrained himself.

‘I’m sorry about your notebook, Anne,’ Gilbert murmured, ‘I brought it with me, but I’m afraid that your work is ruined.’

Anne sighed. ‘It wasn’t the writing I was sad about. Gilbert … Do you really see me as a charity case?’

‘What? Never.’ replied Gilbert. He struggled to put into words the depth of his regard for her. ‘I never saw you as a charity case. You are… I am lucky to be your friend. If we are friends. You’re smart, and funny … and pretty.’ Gilbert’s cheeks felt warm.

Anne’s expression softened, but she continued to look up at the sky. ‘There was a girl, when I lived back at the orphanage. I thought we were the best of friends… But it turns out the Matron put her up to it. It was all obligation. It was all to keep me out of trouble.’

Gilbert stood, at a loss for words.

‘But you aren’t like that Gilbert.’ She finally met Gilbert’s eyes, and to his delight she was smiling again. Gilbert grinned back.

‘Aren’t you going to come down from that tree? I have to escort the Princess Cordelia home to her castle.’ Gilbert gave a stately bow.

Anne giggled. ‘Very well, fair knight!’ Anne made a step down to an odd looking branch, and Gilbert acted on impulse.

The rotten wood crumbled beneath her feet and Anne screamed. The sound pierced right to his heart. Gilbert tossed the notebook aside and lunged forward. Somehow, he caught her.

Gilbert’s heart was beating out of his chest. He could feel all of Anne’s slight frame in his arms as she curled an arm around him and buried her face in his neck. Her hair smelled like wildflowers. He had never been in such close proximity to Anne before, and it was intoxicating. Gilbert could see a dusting of freckles he had never noticed before on the inside of her wrist. It was at this moment that Gilbert realised just how small Anne was. He felt a surge of protectiveness. Billy would never hurt her again.

Reluctantly, Gilbert eased her into a standing position, while keeping a strong arm around her slim waist. Anne’s hands still shook as she grasped at his shirt, as though he was the only thing keeping her from falling again. Slowly, Gilbert lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. They were clear and blue again, but still Anne said nothing. His thumb brushed a freckle on her cheek. Oh how he had dreamed of this. The light of sunset poured over the pair, and they were lost in a golden glow. Her lips were so close, and Gilbert could feel her breath on his face … It would take a second to close the distance between them …

‘I’m sorry!’ Gilbert abruptly pulled his arm away from her waist and laughed awkwardly. ‘That was ungentlemanly of me. I was-’ Anne wasn’t listening. The golden light filtered through her now loose hair, and she didn’t break his gaze. Gilbert almost regretted letting her go. She might have actually let him kiss her. However, he had to be sure of her affection before he did anything of the sort. Gilbert scratched the back of his neck, breaking eye contact. Then Anne did something that surprised Gilbert no end.

She leant toward him, and planted a soft, sweet kiss on his cheek.

As she pulled away, Gilbert stared at her. He felt the warm sun on his face and saw the care in Anne’s eyes. If he could freeze this moment and live in it forever, Gilbert would have.

Unfortunately it was at this point Anne fell out of her trance. The moment was gone, and she looked slightly dishevelled. ‘Gilbert! Ah… thank you for catching me! I really have to leave for Green Gables now. Marilla will be worried and that is all I really have to say. Nothing romantical about this at all!’

Anne took a few steps backward. ‘Nothing romantical …’ She repeated, as though she was trying to convince herself as much as Gilbert.

Gilbert, despite his own shock, began to laugh. The comedy of the moment overtook him. Anne’s amusement was given away by the quirk of her lips.

‘Was that my imagination, Anne, or did you just fall for me?’ He reached up and touched his cheek. It was still warm.

Already stomping through the woods, Anne turned back one last time with a twinkle in her eye. ‘Shut up Blythe.’

[greenteacup-things-blog]

Math Is Hard

I think everyone has an Achilles’ Heel, and mine happens to be math.  Specifically- Praxis II Math.  I’ve passed all my other exams except for Praxis II Math- and I’m trying to decide whether to go solely with free tutorials (the Mometrix tutorials that are linked n my study guide) or Math Help.  I used Math Help to study for my Core exam and it was a huge help, but I also had to pay. What are your favorite study tools for this exam?  I am confident in my Algebra, but need to sharpen my skills in Geometry and Percentages- perhaps Probability, too. Suggestions and success stories are welcome! 

[liohnelmessi]

It's your SS again!! Okay now that you started talking about maths I'm Intrigued™. I was almost a maths major but ended up in healthcare instead. I guess the maths I learned was more pure maths than applied maths like yours in quantum physics. Vectors were a trip tho - I love those pointy fucks. What is your favourite maths class so far?? I remember taking Fourier Analysis in high school and that was the coolest shit ever :D

Oooh! This is a good question. I would say Fluid Mechanics bc this is when I’ve realised the paradox of the curl operator in a pure vortex xD 

omg!! Fourier Analysis is amazing! The only thing is that my teacher covered that whole topic (along with Laplace Transform) within a lecture xD

Geometry is my Achilles’ Heel though

I’m the opposite. I used to have hovering thoughts about studying medicine when I was in primary school but decided that I’ll just stick with the sciences xD 

P.S. How’s your Christmas holidays so far? I’m super excited rn bc I’ll be traveling to Spain tomorrow!

[hiraethshaven]

Urgent Thoughts

[Before SHS...]

Some people told me being an educator suits for me. When I was a kid my first choice is to be a professor Just like my mother.  Considering my favorite subject.  I dreamed to capture the BSED Major in English. 

After all, things have change. Umayaw ako bigla sa pagiging Professor kasi parang sa panahon ngayon ang hirap na magturo, considering one or two professional teachers told me including my mother, na ‘wag na, iba na daw kasi sa panahon ngayon.

 Before entering my Senior High School. I don’t know, I became undecided. Based on my NCAE result, it seems so accurate. HAHAHA! I almost took the GAS or HUMMS. Therefore, I ask for help. My father suggests me to take ICT in order to learn and enhance an another skills in terms of Computers. Naging Signal #1 lang naman pag brain storm ko bes. Parang alternative choice ko ito. So, when I step in College. Doon ko na marerealize tunay kong gusto. Instead of GAS, I end up to choose ICT. 

No matter how many people  underestimates any Computer Courses, kaming mag-aaral nito, it will never let us down. 

Kayo kaya magprogram at magcode. 

 BWAHAHA oops just quit my rants.

October 24th, 2017 6:53 pm

 Can’t make up my mind. I tend to have a choice about my future study courses.

I want to take Computer Engineering anyway. But people says, it doesn’t require any board examination. I’m pressured  T______T So, on the second thought, I want to try another field which is Electronics and Communication Engineering.  Same as my father. 

In spite of taking my SHS Techvocational Track-ICT, it wasn’t compatible to the latter perhaps. T______T  

On the other hand, I really doubt myself, big time. Math is my Achilles heel. Not my forte. That’s why the feeling is mutual. The subject hates me too. When I was in JHS, I failed my exam in Geometry and Calculus. So, I took computer courses enters the Mathematics less involved compare to the other Engineering fields. 

It was like choosing the following statements...

“ I want to prove myself; despite of my weaknesses, I can ” 

 or

 “  I want to prove everyone and follow my desire “

I just wanted to spill out what’s on my mind today.

Somebody else would think it’s too much early to think about. But, time flies so fast. Making decisions is not an easy task for me. From now, I surrender everything to God. In His right time, all of my questions will be answered. Although, I know,  it was still my decision, I pray na hindi ako magkamali. Mapagiisipan ko pa to ng mabuti, at the same time while prioritizing my SHS. 

Although everyone is capable to learn, there’s no an easy way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  

Jeremiah 29:1 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.