Novel Journal: Angels and Demons

'"And God?" he asked. "Do you believe in God?" Vittoria was silent for a long time. "Science tells me God must exist. My mind tells me I will never understand God. And my heart tells me I am not meant to."'


I really like this line, because it pretty much sums up my own views on God. As a student interested in science and having been raised in a somewhat religious home, I feel that both science and religion can support each other and exist together. Whose to say that God didn't create science? Perhaps this all-powerful being used the "Big Bang" to create the universe. I don't think it's fair to say that only one is right. I would like to believe that one day science could truly prove God's existence, because I do have a hard time believing in something not entirely proven. And I feel that way with more than just religion. I find the existence of antimatter rather amazing; just that something can be made from nothing and that matter can be cancelled out. I think God may be something simply too big and complex us to understand. Although, that may just be a more scientific perspective and science is trying to make God complicated. Religion seems to see God as more simple, but I don't see why 'anti-science, religious people' wouldn't want to know how a great being is watching over everyone. I understand that they might think that if science can prove God exists then people might think science is above God, but science isn't a being, it's a method of understanding things. If something could give you answers about God wouldn't you want it? If someone could give you information that proved what you believe in is true wouldn't want it? From a friend or enemy? Anyways, I think it would be good to have people of all beliefs work together to solve our questions.

Book Review

The book Blade of Fortriu, by Juliet Marillier, is the most emotionally attaching, fantasy book I've ever read. As there are several separate, yet connected, plot lines it remains interesting all the way through. The story is set in about 500 A.D. in the Scottish Highlands and has remarkably accurate descriptions of the lifestyle of the time. It is also based on a historical war of a pagans versus the Christian Gaels that invaded the Pictish land. In the story one plot line is about a young lady, Ana, who is being sent away by King Bridei to marry an unknown chieftain who, in exchange, will pledge allegiance to the King. Ana's reluctant, Gaelic escort, Faolan, is known for his cold, detached, and isolated behavior. Faolan finds himself intrigued by Ana, unfortunately he is bringing her to her new husband if all goes well. Faolan is also the King's personal bodyguard, spy, emissary, and assassin. As emissary, he is responsible for making sure the treaty goes as planned and that Ana is safe in the residence of her mysterious husband.
Across the country, the beloved King of Fortriu, Bridei, is waging war against the Christian Gaelics that have occupied the southern lands for years. He plans to push them towards the shores and force them back across the sea away from his lands forever. With the help of his druid and his mystical wife, he plots the perfect time to strike and commences the process of his lifelong dream.
This book is amazing for it's complicated story lines and unexpected events. It includes history, romance, action, and even some magic. The characters are easy to become attached to and the heart-wrenching events Ana and Faolan experience will force every tear within you to fall. The Blade of Fortriu is a wonderful tale that has the ability to make you cry or smile and laugh throughout the entire story.

Afghanistan

I generally don't spend very much of my time thinking about the problems in Afghanistan. Perhaps I should but it's simply not something that crosses my mind often. When the topic comes up, I will discuss it with others but after the conversation is over I don't really think about it anymore. Because I haven't looked into why troops are there and what they're really doing there, I don't feel I can form a true opinion on the topic. I would like to say we shouldn't be in Afghanistan and that we should stop fighting, but if we really are helping then I suppose it may be a good thing that we're there, but I honestly don't know enough about the situation.

Blog Ideas

I would much rather write about very open ended topics so that I could write about almost anything I want. If it's too specific I may not be interested in it and might not be able to find a way to make it personal and interesting to me. I think we could write recommendations on our blogs about books, movies, music, like we did on the back wall during English Lit. Some topics could be vacations or field trips, favourite activities, or school issues (and anything to do with fantasy!). I think the blogs should be marked on completion, but should have some sort of thought and effort put into it. Mindless gibberish probably shouldn't get much of a mark.

Superpowers.....hmmm....

If I were to obtain a superpower it would have to be telekinesis. This would allow me to move things from a distance, unfortunately contributing to laziness. I would also have the ability to fly, in a way, by telekinetically moving myself. I would be able to control people to make them do my bidding...not that I would ever do this, but it's possible. I could also take advantage of others with superpowers by controlling them and forcing them to use there powers however I want. Telekinesis would enable me to play very effective pranks on others, for an example, levitating objects to give the impression of a ghost. I could even attempt to immitate Yoda and pretend I'm using the force. My mutated form of telekinesis allows me to not only control minds, but to erase and replace segments of memory within the person. I would be able to contribute to the medical field by controlling even the smallest instruments in a surgery. Finally, I could prevent major crashes and collisions by controlling the movements of planes, cars and boats. Those are the reasons I would want telekinesis as a superpower.