10th Grade

This year has definitely been a change from the past three years of junior high. Certain aspects of high school that I like better, and some not so much. Since I have completed one semester of high school, it is safe to say that we are allowed more freedom here. Most of the teachers are more laid back, probably because we, or at least most of us, are more mature. The homework is not as bad as many alumni made it out to be. I'm not saying high school is easy by any means, but the homework is not absolutely impossible. Another thing I found that I liked more in high school, than in junior high was that there are tons more organizations students can be a part of.

On the downside of high school life, I am still a little jealous that the seniors get open campus and the juniors and sophomores do not. I understand the reasons why we are not allowed, so it will be so much better when I am a senior. Also, back to the homework, it is not the material that is hard, but the amount of homework we are assigned. Once again I ask, why do teachers encourage us to join extracurricular activities, yet load us with homework every night and on weekends? It is a question i may never understand. Overall high school all that I expected it to be, and I like it.

Fate & Superstition

In Julius Caesar, fate and superstition played a critical role in everyday life of the Romans. They believed that the Gods controlled their fates, and that whatever was meant to happen to them would. The people of Rome knew that fate sealed their destiny.

Another aspect of life they clearly believed in was superstition. Soothsayers were never doubted and could always be counted on to provide the public with omens if they saw them. An example of a prophecy in the play was when the man told Caesar to be "beware of the ides of March." Other omens were the storms, the owl in daylight, and the lion in the city. Another great example of supernatural events was when Caesar's ghost appeared to Brutus and warned him of his demise. Clearly Shakespeare used fate and superstition as a key element in his plays.

Leadership

In the tragedy, Julius Caesar, leadership is the theme. Julius Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, is thought to be too powerful and his fellow politicians conspired to assassinate him. Many people thought he was a great leader, although others did not agree and thought he would abuse his power.

In relation to this play, people in today's world have mixed emotions about our nation's President-Elect, Barack Obama. Millions of citizens, wishing for change in the U.S.A., think he will be great, and others believe he lacks the experience to lead our nation. Regardless of your personal views on him, we can only hope he changes our country for the better.

Habit 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD

Reading this chapter has really opened my eyes, or should I say my ears when it comes to listening. After reading this habit, I have realized that I often exhibit poor listening habits. One style that I tend to do, pretend listening, could hurt me in the long run. I want to be the type of person that my friends choose to confide in, and if I do not change my habits, they will not open up to me with their problems and revere me. From now on, I will work on listening to people, not just hearing them.

In the coming days, I am going to choose to not talk as much, and try to listen more. I am known to talk very much and by shutting my mouth, I may learn something I might have missed if I had kept flapping my gums. By working on Habit 5, I will not only become a better listener, I will further my relationships with various people.

7 Habits

In the book 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Teen by Sean Covey, I have learned a lot about myself. While reading this book, I have learned that when life knocks you down you have the power to be proactive or reactive. I could choose to give up on whatever was holding me back, or I could get up and try again until I succeed. I really liked the quote made by Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, who said, "People are just about as happy as they make up their mind to be." I think this is a great statement because people can either choose to be pessimistic, or they can "choose to see the glass half full."

As I have progressed through this book, I have read about thinking with the end in mind. Without having a set goal, I would never succeed in anything. So I wrote a mission statement that would help to lead me in my most important tasks of the day. Some "rocks" in my everyday life are doing homework, getting my chores done, and finding time for my family. This book has helped me to see what my top priorities are, and how I should react to difficult situations when they happen to occur.

Sci-Fi as a Genre

I enjoy reading science fiction because the author can create a world that nobody has ever been too. I have read many sci-fi books, and I have enjoyed most of them. Although I did not like The Time Machine by H.G. Wells at all, they are usually very entertaining. I thought that The Time Machine was very dull and boring. Other than that, the genre is usually very gripping because the author can make anything happen that he imagines. Science fiction is by far one of my personal favorite genres out there!

My Thoughts on the Upcoming Presidential Election

I would like to see Senator John McCain become the next President of the United States of America. Although I fully support his views on many issues including abortion and the war in Iraq, I disagree with his standing on A.N.W.R. I think that we need to drill in Alaska so that America can start to become more energy independent and to save the American people some money of gas. I believe that Governor Sarah Palin would make an excellent Vice President. Due to Senator McCain's vast experience in politics, as well as fighting in the Vietnamese war, he will be able to lead our country in a positive direction as the next president.

Arthur Knight

Arthur Knight is different from most vampires; he is a hero. "Born" in 1790 by an unknown sire, Knight was abandoned and struggled adjusting as a newborn vampire. He was twenty-six when he was turned into a vampire and has several unique abilities. Other than being able to fly, run at incredible speeds, and have immeasurable strength, he has special powers other vampires do not. He is able to project fire from his hands as well as read peoples' minds. Along with not aging, this vampire does not require sleep like humans do. Like any other vampire, he has a bloodlust, but he refuses to kill a human being. Knight can be killed with a wooden stake through his unbeating heart, and becomes sick when he is exposed to large quantities of garlic. When the term vampire is brought up, the assumption of an evil monster pops into everybody's minds. Arthur Knight is a Christian an does not stray from his beliefs that he, like anybody else, can save his soul. His most formitable opponents include other vampires, werewolves, and demons. His strong beliefs lead him to believe that if he is ever destroyed in battle, that he will not go to Hell. Knight lives in the modern world and has a job like anybody else. Living in New York City, he is a wealthy doctor by day and a vigilante by night. He never kills human criminals, but he will not hesitate to put to death an evil entity. He scours the globe in search of evil. Arthur Knight is one of the world's most matchless heroes, due to how he goes about his life.