Outside Reading Reflection

     As a reader I have learned that I a great vocabulary and I understand complex plots. I like read to a lot and when I really like a book I have a tendency to read fast.  I mostly read science fiction books , but I also like to read adventure books, picture books, autobiographies, some biographies, and mystery books. Those types of books appeal to me the most because it stimulates my imagination. I have a very big and creative imagination and science fiction books and many other types appeal to my imagination.  I am, however, surprised that I am able to understand the complex writings of a playwright like Shakespeare.  I normally don't read Shakespearean plays, but we were required to read it and I ended up really liking the book. 

     Outside reading has helped me a little when it came to recognizing where to put commas and other punctual mistakes.  Sometimes when I am being really meticulous I look for punctual errors. It makes me feel good because I'm getting better at recognizing when a comma is needed or not.

      

Macbeth Perspective

     That was a horrible dream I had last night.  I can't get Duncan's face out of my head.  It's like reliving those events every night.  I think I'm losing my mind slowly.  At least I'm the king though.  It feels nice to be wealthy and popular.  Wait.  With wealth and popularity comes envy and jealousy.  Since Banquo's children are to be next in line for the throne then I shall make sure he has no children to inhabit the throne!
    I know what I will do.  I will hire a group of murderer's to kill him and his heirs and that way I can kill two birds with one stone. Banquo you have been a very trustworthy and great friend to me, but I must do what is necessary to retain my reign!  If that means that I have to have you killed then so be it!.

Letter to my Classmates

Dear Block 4 classmates,

                                    I have had a great first year with you guys.  It has been great to have share a class with such fun loving, caring, and studious classmates and friends.  We had a rough start in the beginning of the year.  It was hard adjusting to each other’s personalities, a brand new teacher, a different way of learning and not to mention the ox load of homework received on a daily basis.  As the weeks passed we became more and more acclimated to each other and our great English teacher Dr. deGravelles.  We participated more and even looked forward to going to class at times.  I must say the hardest book that we have read this year was Lord of the Flies.  It was the most confusing book I read during my freshman year.  Though it was hard to understand and slightly boring, I came to like the book.  It was interesting in a twisted way.  There was so many allusions in the book and once you connected one idea you couldn't stop.  It was like a wild fire once it spread there was no stopping it.  We continued on into the final parts of the semester and as it came to a close we started looking more like mature high schooler's.  I think everyone, (besides the Biology Honors students)  would agree that Dr. deGravelles midterm exam was the most frightening exam we had.  It turned out that it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be and we all did pretty well on the test. 

    Coming into the second semester was probably the hardest thing this year because you have to translate all the hard work, study habits, and initiative into finishing out the school year strong.  Most of did well of closing out this year strong.  Some of us poorly and that includes me, but that stories for another day.  The second semester flew by quickly with many laughs and two new additions to our English class crew.  We were lucky enough to get to awesome new students named Lele Keller and Peyton Gutierrez.  I'm sure they enjoyed the end to their freshman as much as me and our other classmates enjoyed it.  Overall I think I had a great freshman year in Dr. d's class it has been a very tough road and I have learned a lot from my mistakes.  I hope that I can do even better in 10th grade.  Farewell Dr. d's 4th block  English class!

                                                                                                                                 Sincerely,

                                                                                                                               Jerry Dunbar, Jr.

                                                                                                    

Evalution

     This fourth quarter has been the worst performance of my high school career.  I'm always prepared for class having my material on my desk ready for the days lesson, but when the class starts it seems that I cannot stay focused. I'm not the type of person to ask to go get water when I don't need nor do I ask to go to the bathroom when it is obviously not an emergency.  Lately I have not been checking my email so that has really hurt especially since teachers have been emailing showing their concern over my grades.  I appreciate that, but it seems that I still could not get it together in time.  I'm ashamed at my poor effort this quarter, but I am optimistic about next year because this has been a great teaching lesson to me.

     As the fourth quarter wore on I became more and more pessimistic in my classes.  I stopped taking notes. I did however continue to participate because in some cases I was sincerely interested in the topic at hand.  I like d Macbeth but I really disliked annotating especially when I had tons of other homework every night so sometimes I couldn't get to annotating, but that's no excuse.  Work that is assigned is meant to be finished and sometimes my work simply wasn't finished. I think I did great when it came to giving my peers the attention and respect needed when they were confused on something in class.  However, I would get off topic sometimes because I was worrying about the wrong things.  I should have been more focused. 

     I would say that 60% of the time I was focused on the work that was given to me.  As you might have realized I have a very hard time focusing on classwork especially when it is to be done independently.  I completed the work assigned most of the time. I stayed on task when working on assignments and I tried my best to not to disturb other while working.  

     I saw significant growth in the first months of school.  As the year wore on however, I began to deteriorate. I stopped turning in homework. I didn't pay attention in class.  I hope to improve and to keep improving next year so that I may have a successful high school career.

WrAP and other Literary things

I knew it was going to be a hard year going into high school especially since there was going to be a new curriculum and a new teacher.  I tried to mentally prepare myself for this class because English is my worst subject.  Unlike the other subjects we take on in high school English just does not come to me as naturally as the others.  I have always had trouble with writing papers and I did especially bad on the Literary Analysis receiving a 77 C.                      The first paper we wrote in Dr. deGravelles class was the Literacy Narrative.  I remember writing that paper especially because it was all about my 7^th grade experiences in English.  I thought that paper was very well written.  The grade I received was much unexpected I believed I deserved a better grade. That was until I looked through Dr. d’s comments and noticed just how many mistakes I made.  For one thing I didn’t turn in most of the materials that were asked for so that kept me from having a higher grade on the paper.  I also failed to place correct punctuation marks like commas and sometimes semicolons.

Then we wrote the Profile Assignment.  This writing assignment was the hardest paper we’ve had all year.  It required you to either interview or observe something closely to infer characteristics about the person or place that the author does not say directly.  I did horrible.  My ideas were screwed up and I ended receiving a D in that area.  When it came to everything else it was a mixture of B’s and C’s.  I literally bombed this paper.  The paper was not organized at all, my sentences were choppy, short, monotonous and predictable which made the paper boring and hard to read. Once again I did not do well at placing commas in the correct places, I didn’t conclude my piece of writing, and I failed to turn in all the necessary materials.

On the Literary Analysis we were to choose a short story annotate it, create a thesis statement, gather quotes that supported our thesis statement, and interpret what those quotes meant to us.  I feel that I did especially well at interpreting the quotes.  However, I did not do as well when it came to relating the information to my thesis statement to support it, using the correct punctuation at the at the appropriate time, and I did not create a proper conclusion.  On the Literary Analysis my conventions were not as great as I thought they were.  I made simple mistakes which caused more harm than good. My Sentence Fluency and Organization both received C’s and looking back over the analysis I can tell why.  Some of the sentences were choppy and hard to read, some sentences should not have been in a certain paragraph, or I just overused a certain sentence structure. For example, while analyzed quotes I continuously started each new analysis with “This quote means…”.                      

The last paper we did was our Global Issues paper.  This paper was by far my best typed paper.  I did almost everything that was asked of me in a very correct manner.  I was surprised that I got a B in the Voice category, but then it dawned on me that in certain parts the required voice which was business formal was not there. Other than that there is nothing else that I can say about that paper.  I worked hard and I got the grade that I deserved.                                   

Overall I did pretty well on most of the assignments assigned to me.  I believe as the quarters passed by my organization of my writing improved greatly, my sentences flowed a little smoother, and became a little brighter.  Out of all the traits of good writing I believe my conventions, voice, and word choice were the ones that showed the least amount of improvement.  I also think that I need to work on how to conclude a paper for that has been one of the main causes of my grades being so bad on most of my papers.

Common Errors List:

1. COMMAS

2. Conclusions

3. Ideas

4. Quotations

5. Citations

6. Turning in required materials

"Lets Stay Together" by Al Green

     When we were assigned this particular this as homework I could not think of a song to use. I brainstormed for several hours and I finally found the perfect song to use. I decided to go with the song "Lets Stay Together", which is sung by Al Green.  The poem is 20 verses long. In this song a couplet can be found in the verse,

'Cause you make me feel so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you

In these verses the words new and you rhyme with one another. When I analyzed these verses on a deeper level I came up with the conclusion that Green is trying to say that the woman that he's with gives him a new type of feeling and that feeling is so amazing that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. 

In this song there is some repetition also. The words 'good' and 'bad' are repeated several times throughout the song. When Green repeats these words I believe he's trying to emphasize the fact that no matter what he and his partner goes through they will tough it out and pull through and end up still being together.

"Caught Between the Pages" by Marlene Carvell

     This week I decided to read a new book. I went to the library in hopes of finishing a series that I recently started, but sadly I was disappointed to find out that someone had already checked that book out. So, I went on a book hunt.  Most of the books I flipped through were boring and weren't very exciting.  I was about to give up until I found this book entitled "Caught Between the Pages".  This book is written by Marlen Carvell and by skimming through the book I can infer that it is a very exciting and compelling type of book. 
     In this book the main character PJ is a know-it-all type of student who thinks he's above doing homework.  He's constantly not turning in assignments and he is always being bullied by the older and much more taller captain of the soccer team. He is also nagged by his English teacher Mrs. Jordan to do better not just in her but in all of his classes. This constant bullying and pressure from his teacher causes him to have not care about anything. If he doesn't start to take responsibility for his actions then he will surely fail.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

      For outside reading I decided to finish reading the book I started a couple of weeks ago entitled The Son of Neptune.  This book is by Rick Riordan, who is by far one of my favorite young adult writers along with Walter Dean Myers and P.C. Cast.  I love his books and I have read every book that was included in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.  I thought that series was great.
     So far in The Son of Neptune Percy has been trying to regain his memory and he has had a very unsuccessful time doing so.   As I progressed through the book I learned that Percy lost his memory because of Hera who is the wife Zeus the ruler of all gods.  Percy experiences many things while trying to regain his memory and once he finally does. He feels vindicated in a way.

The Zine Year Book

     Lately, I have been reading the book entitled "The Zine Year Book".  I have been reading this book to entertain myself.  So far this book has proven that it could entertain me with it's wild and wacky stories that it contains.  The little snippets of stories from various books written by different authors.  Most of the stories are about miscellaneous things including but are not limited to: friendships, alcohol, injuries, and many other things.  Some of the zines are funny, others are sad, and most are just flat out confusing.  I like this book and I believe others should give it a read if they have the time.
     There are many things that a zine can be about.  In Dr. deGravelles class I am in the process of creating a zine about the research I gathered on North Korea and there nuclear weapon program.  I plan to inform others of North Korea's ambitious and kamikaze like behavior.  I also plan to let everyone know the danger that North Korea threats to not only the United States but other countries like Australia, South Korea, and many others.

Sadies and Karnival Knight

     The Sadies Hawkins dance is coming up soon.  Along with the Sadies dance Karnival Knight is also coming up soon and I'm very excited for both of these events.  I cannot wait to enjoy a evening of dancing and good times with my friends.  I hope that I have a great experience with my friends from Episcopal at my first Sadies dance experience.  This weekend should be awesome.

     Along with the Sadies dance Karnival Knight is going to be a first time for me also.  I've never been to Karnival Knight nor have I heard of it until this year.  I wonder to myself what I will be able to do at Karnival Knight. I hope that there will be rides for me to ride and many other fun things to do.  I can't wait until Karnival Knight!

The Bob Love Story: If It's Gonna Be, It's Up To Me

     For my outside reading I decided to read the autobiography about legendary NBA basketball star, Bob "Butter bean" Love.  Bob Love is a very inspirational player.  As a child Love had a very bad stutter, which caused people to misunderstand what he was saying.  He was constantly teased about it and this constant teasing  caused him to become an introvert.  He found comfort in sports though.  He excelled in baseball, football, and basketball.  His best sport was football where he played the quarterback position.  However, Love's speech impediment obscured his dream of playing in the NFL for he could not successfully deliver the plays to his teammates in the huddle. 

     Though he could not play football Love learned to excel in basketball.  He began working on his jump shot and his defense.  Love became a threat on his team.  Love actually attended school in Louisiana. His story shows how no matter what your situation you can overcome it if you believe. 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

     Yesterday I was very bored and I didn't have a thing to do.  I decided to watch all the Harry Potter movies in order to end my boredom.  I began with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and I finished with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I must say that the movies that are very enticing and dazzling to the eye because of the special effects and combat that takes place throughout each movie.  I loved the books and I like the movies even more.

     I didn't have any more time to watch another movie so I had to end my movie day watching Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.  This movie in particular was very good.  It was also very sad because Harry's very good friend and mentor, Albus Dumbledore, dies.  He is killed by a good friend of his who turns out to be a traitor, Severus Snape.  I loved the first 7 movies and I hope that I'm able to finish the series next weekend.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

     I simply adore Greek mythology.  I find it very intriguing and entertaining.  This week I am reading a book entitled The Son of Neptune.  It was written by the author Rick Riordan who is personally one of my favorite authors.  He is a very talented author.
    This book is very awesome.  I love how Riordan incorporated all different kinds of facts about Greek mythology in this book.  It is a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested.  This book is a very good book to read in you leisure time also.

Jeremy Lin a.k.a. Linsanity!

     Lately in the NBA world there has been talk over the Asian sensation Jeremy Lin.  Jeremy Lin is Harvard alumni who dreamt about playing basketball in the NBA. Lin spent four years at Harvard earning his degree in economics.  Lin was very hardworking maintaining a 3.1 GPA while averaging 16.4 points per game.  Though Lin did what he needed to do on the court and the classroom he was still undrafted by any team in the NBA draft.  Though Lin was undrafted he would be not be denied and he continued to persevere and improve is skills as a player.  He added fifteen pounds of muscle to his body weight.  He also increased his vertical jump by six inches and 

     On February 4, 2012 Jeremy had his New York Knicks debut.  He made a major impact by scoring 25 points and leading the Knicks to their first win in 14 games.  As they progressed further in the season Lin became an even greater leader. In the next 12 games the Knicks posted a record of 9-3 because of Lin's great leadership.  I hope to continue to see him succeed in the NBA.  

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga

     In the book Nervous Conditions  there are many surprising things that occur throughout the book.  None, however, were as surprising as Maiguru actually leaving Babamukuru for five days.  I think that when she did this it showed Babamukuru that she was serious.  It showed him that he would have to deal with her outspoken nature and respect or she would leave him permanently. 

     As we continue to read this book I grow more and more interested in the book itself.  I love the feeling I get when I make a connection to the book.  Interpreting everything that happens in this book is a challenge itself though.  Even though the connections we have to make are challenging I like them because they help me grow intellectually.  I hope that the material that we are covering will help me on the next level of learning.    

Track Meet

     Yesterday Episcopal had a very successful and exciting track meet.  We started the track meet off very good by placing first in the High Jump and the long jump.  Jarrell Rogers won the long jump by jumping an incredible 20 feet 9 inches.  Will Jones won the high jump by jumping an amazing 6 foot 4 inches.  I was personally pleased to here that my teammates were able to place first in such highly competitive events.  Mike Henry also did well in the discus placing 3rd with a throw of 119 feet. 

     Overall Episcopal did amazing in our first meet even though it was just a practice meet.  Everyone did great.  I loved the sense of competition that was all around you.  I believe that the coaches were very pleased with our performances.  I think they also took a liking to the way we supported each other during the events we competed in. I personally liked the way that we all supportive of each other and how we can talk to the coaches with ease.

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga

     Lately we have been reading a book entitled Nervous Conditions.  The book was written by the author whose name is Tsitsi Dangarembga. The book is based on the life of a girl named Tambu and her family.  In the 1940's, which is around the time period that Dangerembga placed Tambu, their was much inequality between men and women.  Tambu lived in Rhodesia or modern day Zimbabwe.  She lived with her mother and her father and her many siblings who all helped on around the house, in the fields, or helped cook dinner.
     In the chapters that we read for homework Nyasha's disrespectful actions leads her to be physically and emotionally, and possibly mentally damaged from the harm her father inflicted on her.  I couldn't believe Nyasha had the audacity to strike her father in his face.  That was very surprising, but what I couldn't understand is the way that the father dealt with the situation by taking his daughters head and bashing against the floor. I understand that his daughter disrespected him and I understand that she needed to be disciplined, but that form of discipline was just cruel and scary.

OwnagePranks

 Yesterday my friend Charlotte told me that I should go on YouTube and watch a video named "Chinese Take Out Prank".  I told her that I would take at look at the video.  I typed the phrase into YouTube and hoped for the best.  I didn't know what to expect so I clicked on the most appropriate video and what I listened to was by far the funniest thing I've ever heard.  In the video, someone prank calls random Asian oriented fast food restaurants using a fake Vietnamese accent.  It is simply hilarious to me.

     After watching that video I went on the maker of OwnagePranks official YouTube page and watched more of his videos.  I learned that he is not limited to the Vietnamese accent he can also impersonate a black man, a country bumpkin, an Indian man, a British man, and much more! My favorite video by OwnagePranks by far is "Chinese Take Out Prank".  I loved how persistent the guy was on making sure the prank was funny.  The only thing I wish to happen is for the maker to lengthen the videos a little more.

Burned by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

     Last week I read two books in one week.  I am proud of myself because I have almost finished the House of Night series.  I am currently reading the book entitled Burned which is by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.  In this book Zoey's spirit is shattered because of Heath's death by the hands of Kalona.  As Zoey struggles to keep herself together in the Otherworld Stark, her love interest, is on his way to help saver her.
     This book is filled with more emotion than the other books.  I believe the characters show their vulnerable sides in Burned especially when they do not know what to do in tough situations. Since the main character is in a coma like state some of the lesser main characters step and introduce their struggles to the story.  I really like how the Cast duo transitions from one character's point of view to the other.


Reading Log:

Saturday: 100 mins Burned by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Sunday: 50 mins Burned by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Research Paper

     On Tuesday February 14th, 2012 at 11:59 PM all of Dr. deGravelles classes will be finished with writing their very own unique research paper!  I'm so excited to be done with this research paper.  We've done a lot over these past four or five weeks.  We have created note cards for noodletools, we created a research question, we created a thesis statement, an outline, and many other necessary components to creating a very well written research paper.  It has been a tiresome and very tedious process.  I am glad that it is almost over with. 

     However, I am also worried about what grade I shall earn.  I am concerned because as you have already have learned from a recent post, I have been becoming a bit more lazy like I did last semester.  So on some parts of my research paper things aren't as great and I need to revise some of those areas.  That's what I have been doing this weekend and hopefully it pays off.

Freshman Year

     My freshman year is steadily coming to a close.  I sense that the end of the year coming and it is coming very close.  It seems like only days ago I was writing my first Profile Assignment  in the class of Dr. deGravelle's class.  I've had some great experiences and I have had some experiences that nearly crushed me.  I wouldn't have gotten through those experiences without using the advice and help from my friends, teachers (especially Dr. d), my parents, and God.  I remember coming into high school wanting someone to hold my hand.  I scared out of mind, but as I eased into high school I began to become more and more independent.  I began to take the initiative to do my work by myself without someone telling me to do it.  Though I may have gotten my work done I won't say that I didn't procrastinate at times.  I mean everyone procrastinates.

     At the beginning of the third quarter I did very well by turning all of my homework.  However, I have been regressing back to my lazy ways by not completing my work.  That all changed today when I got almost all my homework finished.  When I am done posting this final blog post I will finish my note cards and head out to go to sleep.  I can't wait to share my thoughts next time!

Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

     I continue to read the House of Night books for one hundred and fifty minutes each week.  I am reading each   book swiftly because they're so good!  By now you should know that I am reading the books in the order that they were published.  As of now, I have finished reading the fifth book in the series, Hunted.  This book was very intense and at the end it had a very chilling conclusion.  Neferet has fully turned to the dark side, sorry for the Star Wars pun, and has fully embraced Kalona, a fallen angel, as her king.  Zoey and others hide from them throughout most of the book until Zoey has a near death experience causing Zoey and her friends to return to the House of Night where Neferet and Kalona await their return.  To make a long story short Zoey and her friends return and then flee again.  Once they flee the second time Neferet and Kalona follow them.  Zoey, her Grandma, Sister Angela, Aphrodite, and Stevie Rae banish Neferet and Kalona using the power of love. 

     This book was very good in my opinion.  Kristin and P.C. really know how to transition from part of the story to another.  I love how that almost every main character has a side story that is told.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Tempted.

Second Semester Worries

     This semester I told myself I would better academically.  So far it hasn't worked out too well for me.  So far I managed to get 4  A's.  Sadly those four A's have not come out of my core classes.  I told myself over and over that I was going to do better than I did before, but I can't seem to get over the hump and become more productive with my time.  It seems as if I'm procrastinating even more than before.  I've always been a procrastinator, but I never thought that I would get to the point to where I am up every night doing homework at 1 o' clock in the morning.  I need a way to push myself and get my homework done faster than the speed that I am doing it. 

     I've decided that from this day forward that I will strive harder than I have to get the grades that I believe that I deserve.  I promise to myself that I will have the initiative to do the work that is assigned to me.  I will get my priorities in order so that I can get my school work done with so that I may succeed leaving more time for me to do the things that I want to do. 

This I so solemnly swear. 

Jerry Dunbar, Jr.

Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

     This week I am reading the book "Untamed" which is written by P.C. Cast and her daughter Kristin Cast.  "Untamed" is the fourth book in the series House of Night.  In this book Zoey's friends have completely turned their backs on her.  Eventually she gains their trust back and they help her confront the new evil that has been reawakened by their evil priestess Neferet.  

     I absolutely love this book.  The plot was great. I like the unexpected surprises that were located through out the book.   P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast really outdid themselves this time with "Untamed".  I hope they do an even better job with the fifth book in the series "Hunted".  I can't wait to get my hands on that book. 

Reading Log:

Friday 25 mins used on Articles

Saturday 75 mins used on Articles

Sunday 50 mins used on "Untamed"

The Death of a Legend

     On Sunday, January 22, 2012, former Penn State head coach and football genius died from his battle with lung cancer.  Joe Paterno was 85 when he finally kicked the bucket.  He was known as a very caring coach who loved to win and his records showed just how much he loved to win.  In fact, in his 46 seasons of coaching Joe Pa' racked up 406 wins.  He is one of the greatest and most well known collegiate coaches of all time.  He truly cared about his players.  It was said that he would always ask his players if they needed anything that he would be there to help them.  He was inspirational to the university itself.  He helped revolutionize the game of football itself and for that he will always have a special place in the heart's of football fans abroad.
     Now that Paterno has passed I hope that others will finally accept that he was a genuinely good guy.  I hope that they don't try and tarnish his image just because one mistake he made.  Don't get me wrong it was a very bad mistake, but like all humans we are prone to trip up and make a mistake every once in a while.  It's expected of us because it is our nature.  I hope that anyone who had anything negative to say will see the good in Joe Paterno.  I pray that Joe Pa' also knew God before he left this Earth and that his soul resides in heaven where it belongs.

R.I.P.
Joseph Vincent "Joe" Paterno

Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

     This week I reading a book entitled Untamed.  The book was written by the mother daughter duo consisting of P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.  They work particularly well together because the third installment in the series House of Night was very engrossing.  I could not put the book down.
     I thought the book was very well written, except for a few grammatical mistakes here and there the book itself was was written well.  The word choice could be very barbaric at times with the characters using words that should not be said in public but other than that the words they used fit the character's perfectly from the traits  they showed. I loved the story overall.  I never wanted to put the book down because of it's characters who always surprised me when they did something that did not fit the personality they personified in the first book.  For instance, Stevie Rae who is usually calm and nice curses at one of the girls in the book and gives her a very mean glare.  P.C. Cast and Kristin really did a great job on the creation of this book and the series it belongs to.

Twisted by Gena Showalter

The book that I am reading this week is entitled Twisted by Gena Showalter.  It is a very good book with some amazing characters.  Twisted is involved in series of books and it is the third book in that series. The main characters of this book are Aden, Victoria, Riley, and Mary Ann.
The book starts off by talking about how Aden is becoming more of a vampire and less of a human. It also recaps the events of the last book.  Basically Aden has died twice in the matter of 2 weeks.  Both times he managed to cheat death.  Now that he's alive he is suffering the repercussions of cheating death.  Aden and Victoria must find a way to change back to their normal selves before it is too late. 

Episcopal's Freshman Boy's Team

     On Saturday, January 14 Episcopal's Boy's Freshman team had won their into Catholic High's championship game.  They had two upset wins over two teams who were supposedly better than them.  Episcopal's first test came against Brother Martin whose star player was 6 foot 5 inches tall.  This massive man child sported a man like beard along with a full mustache.  He looked very intimidating, but that didn't stop the Knights from giving him all he could handle.  In the first half Episcopal's defense limited the giant to just 10 points. The Knights went on to win that by a whopping 14 points.  Episcopal's next challenge would be against Teurlington Catholic.  Unlike Brother Martin they didn't have anyone over the height of 5'11, but each and every one of their players played very aggressive.  Episcopal came out with winning on their mind. In the first quarter they went up by 10 points. Gradually the Knights continued their slaughter of this team until they finally won by an unbelievable 30 points.
     The Knight's had one final test and that test's name was Catholic High.  The Episcopal Knights and Catholic High Bears faced off at 7:30 pm.  This game was supposed to be the Knight's for the taking, but for some reason they just couldn't seem to get it together. Everything was working well for the Knights in the first half.  They were up by six and it seemed the championship was theirs.  That was until the Bears came alive in the third quarter. They took the lead into the fourth quarter.  It seemed that all was over until the Knights started a comeback. Paul Johnson hit a very clutch three to cut the Catholic High Bears lead to just 2.  Finally, a shot had been made in the Knights favor and it seemed that they had more energy than the previous quarters. With 1 minute left on the clock the Knights scored a basket and also received foul call on that basket. Catholic High's lead was cut to just 2 points again! The Knights had one final chance to win the game. They in bounded the ball quickly and they passed to one of their best three point shooters. The rotation on the ball was perfect and looked like it was going in.  Sadly, it rimmed out and the Knights lost the game.  The lost was heartbreaking but it was also a learning experience.  Next time they'll finish the Bears off once and for all.

LSU Game

Last night was a clash of the titans type of game between two football juggernauts of college football.  Number one LSU was trying to close their perfect season with a win in the BCS championship last night against number two Alabama.  This was supposed to be LSU's time to shine.  Unfortunately their shine could not compete with Alabama's.  Alabama completely dominated the field last night.  They played so well that their defense caused LSU to score not a single point.
This was a heartbreaking lost to LSU.  I felt so sad for seniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarret Lee for this would be their last season before they enter the NFL draft.  They both had an amazing career at LSU and I hope that all their hard work will pay off in the future allowing them to fully achieve their dreams of playing in the NFL. They have a very bright future ahead of them.  I pray for them both to have a successful career.