Outside Reading October 10

For this assignment, I am not going to talk about a book or magazine I read. I am going to talk about the presidential debate that occurred on Tuesday. I thought that the debate was very interesting. It was pretty even, but I think that Obama essentially won the debate. The thing that bothered me about McCain was that he dodged a lot of questions. For example, when they would talk about something that he didn't agree with, he would try to change the subject. He would talk about issues that both parties agree on so he would appear more popular. I don't why this bothered me, but he always referred to whoever he was talking to "friends." This made me mad because it was like he was trying to sound like a father figure to the listeners. I support Obama and think he will make the right decisions as the next president. Also, the fact that McCain picked Sarah Palin as his vice president made me lose all respect for him. The only reason he did it was to try to win votes from Hillary supporters. Those are my thoughts on the Presidential Debate.

Siddhartha Blog Assignment 3

Dear Julius,

I have a problem. One of my friends Siddhartha is having some trouble. He is trying to find enlightenment. I understand this search, but the only problem is that he is trying to do it without any help. He thinks that no one can teach him how to find self, not even the Buddha. The problem that I have with this is that he is affecting others in this process.
He left his father and his best friend, Govinda. He always obeyed his father, but he decided to go against his father's best wishes and leave his house. When Govinda decided to pledge his alliance to the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha decided that he needs to go his own way. This made Govinda pretty upset and confused because they had been friends for so long. He has left all of his luxeries, including his friends, to find self. How can I help him. - Whattodo

Dear Whattodo,

I understand how Govinda may be confused and a little angry. The thing that she needs to understand is that Siddhartha needs to make his own decisions. Its too bad that it has to affect other people. Maybe you just need to tell Govinda that he needs to move on. He shouldn't think about the past, but he shoud try to live in the present. He should come to terms that what they had was good, but its over now and he shouldn't dwell on it. You need to tell Siddhartha to think about what he is doing. Maybe he doesn't realize how much of his decisions are affecting other people around him. If he did so, maybe the others would be more understanding and accepting of his decisions. Hope that helps.

Outside Reading October 8

For my outside reading, I decided to read an article in the school newspaper, Zephyrus. The article was titled, "Driving Restrictions Stereotypical." The main idea of the article was about how the new law on how for your first six months of having your license, you can only have one non-family member in the car at a time. I think that this law is not necessary. Although I understand that teenagers cause the most number of accident related deaths, but that doesn't mean that they are caused by having other students in the car. I think that it should be a personal choice that the parents should make. As long as your parent's are okay with it, and you are following correct legal procedures, you should be able to have as many students in the car as you want.

Siddhartha #2 Part 2

I can see that Siddhartha's departure is affecting Govinda. Govinda doesn't understand that it needs to be Siddhartha's decision on where he wants to go. Govinda has followed Sid for a long time, but it is time that they broke away. Once Govinda understands that it is Siddhartha's decision, he will not have as much trouble with Sid's leaving. I understand that Siddhartha wants to find self alone, but his search seems very disorganized. Maybe if he planned it out, he would have better success. But it is Siddhartha's choice, so he can do what he pleases.

Siddhartha #2 Part 1

G - Hey Sukuma, I need your advice.

S - Sure, what's your problem.

G - Well, my best friend Siddhartha wants to leave me. I have always followed and supported his decisions, but now he doesn't want to hear from the Buddha. He wants to go his seperate way.

S-Why doesn't he want to hear from the great Buddha?

G - He claims that the Buddha cant teach him anything.
S - Well, that is his own decision. You have chosen your path to follow the Illustrious One. You need to let him chose his path. You have become independent, which is good. You are finally growing up.
G - Thanks Sukuma. I understand now.
S - No problem

Siddhartha-Part 1

In part one of the book, Siddhartha, you learn what the book is going to be about. At first, Siddhartha is a Brahmin's Son. He is brought up to always obey his parents. One of his friends name is Govinda. They both decide that they want to follow the Samanas. At first Siddhartha's father doesn't agree, but he finally gives in. They go to live with the Samanas and learn their way of life. Siddhartha sees that everything he is being taught he could have learned elsewhere. He decides to learn about Buhdism. He likes it, but would rather teach himself. He leaves everyone only to feel alone.

My Avatar

My Avatar's name is Sukumar. Its Sanskrit meaning is "handsome." You can tell by the picture that I am very good looking. I am very responsible. I am very prompt is always on time. I am pretty young; only sixteen years old, but is as mature as a grown man. My best friend's name is Siddhartha. I am not mentioned in the book, but I am always there. You do not see me, but I see everything that the reader does.