I haven't blogged about our debate yet! I meant to do this ages ago, but caught up with a bunch of stuff. I thought the debate, though stressful, was a good learning experience. I had never debated like that before, all organized with the rebuttals and Q/A sessions. It was nice to be able to go through that, even though I didn't necessarily like it at the time. It was a very high stress situation, which was not really my cup of tea, but afterwards I think it was good for me to try.
As I am not a confrontational person and did not have a really strong opinion on the matter, I was happy to just share information at the beginning of the debate. I am not very good at thinking on my feet, which is why I did not want to be in the Q/A section of the debate. Even the rebuttals would have been a bit nervous-making for me. So I was happy with my position, though I did sort of feel like maybe I should have said something later. However, I feel like I really brought forth valuable information and contributed to the group in that way, talking also for at least 4 minutes.
The thing that was the most difficult was Heidi being gone. Originally, it was supposed to be me, Heidi and Katie for the first 15 minutes of the debate presentation. Everyone else had their slot to talk too. This was to try to make sure everyone got the chance to say something since it was such a big part of everyone's grade. However, with Heidi not there, it meant Katie and I both had to talk at least 7.5 minutes each. This was very difficult because neither of us had planned on talking that long. We thought we together would cover 10 minutes, and Heidi the other 5. So, in our debate, Katie and I did cover ten minutes together as planned...only Heidi wasn't there. This then got screwed up because other people had to jump in out of place, messing up our order. So although it was planned fairly well, it did not do as great in practice because of this inconvenience.
However, I know this is not Heidi's fault or anything, and in no way blame her for this or am angry. I just wanted to point out why we were so low on time and why things weren't as smooth as they could have been.
Other than that complication, I thought the debate went fairly well, better than I thought. Although I was nervous, it was good for me to share the information and to participate in something I otherwise would have never participated in. It was a nice activity even though it was not one I normally would have liked.
Sarah
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Christmas With Wartburg
Considering a lot of my time has been spent in Christmas With Wartburg rehearsals lately, I figured I better blog about them. So far I have mostly enjoyed these rehearsals. I have not enjoyed the amount of time they have taken out of my schedule, but actually being at rehearsal is nice because I get to hear the choirs. I am very impressed by them, as I am still used to hearing high school choirs. I haven't been able to make one of their concerts yet, so getting to hear them through this is really convenient and enjoyable. I also have a good amount of friends in the choirs, so it is nice to be able to support them by telling them how much I like their songs.
I also like being around the choirs because I used to be in choir in high school. I wasn't that great but did it mostly for fun, however, now I don't have the time to be in a vocal ensemble at Wartburg, especially with being involved in Wind Ensemble. I do miss singing a bit though, as it was a part of my life since fifth grade. It is just great to be around singers again during these rehearsals, especially when they are singing Christmas songs.
Besides being around the choirs, rehearsals haven't been as bad as I thought because I am used to long rehearsals like this. They remind me of being in the pit in my high school musical "Bye Bye Birdie." Being in the pit was pretty fun, but it did take up a lot of time. This is similar to Christmas With Wartburg, only I like it much more than the pit. At least with Christmas With Wartburg you are still "on stage" and not under the stage and hidden the whole time. Also, we get solo pieces, where in musical pit you usually play background/transitional music the whole time.
All in all the rehearsals aren't as bad as I thought. Everyone was saying how long and frustrating they would be with the choirs, but I don't believe it to be that bad, especially after working in my high school musical. I just hope the performances will show how hard we have been working, for it really does take a lot of work and coordination to put this together. Everything seems to be running fairly smoothly though, so I think it will go well. Hope to see you there!
Sarah
I also like being around the choirs because I used to be in choir in high school. I wasn't that great but did it mostly for fun, however, now I don't have the time to be in a vocal ensemble at Wartburg, especially with being involved in Wind Ensemble. I do miss singing a bit though, as it was a part of my life since fifth grade. It is just great to be around singers again during these rehearsals, especially when they are singing Christmas songs.
Besides being around the choirs, rehearsals haven't been as bad as I thought because I am used to long rehearsals like this. They remind me of being in the pit in my high school musical "Bye Bye Birdie." Being in the pit was pretty fun, but it did take up a lot of time. This is similar to Christmas With Wartburg, only I like it much more than the pit. At least with Christmas With Wartburg you are still "on stage" and not under the stage and hidden the whole time. Also, we get solo pieces, where in musical pit you usually play background/transitional music the whole time.
All in all the rehearsals aren't as bad as I thought. Everyone was saying how long and frustrating they would be with the choirs, but I don't believe it to be that bad, especially after working in my high school musical. I just hope the performances will show how hard we have been working, for it really does take a lot of work and coordination to put this together. Everything seems to be running fairly smoothly though, so I think it will go well. Hope to see you there!
Sarah
A College of Which Church?
The article we read in class the other day, "A College of Which Church?" by Mike Townsley and Professor Bouzard was really interesting and controversial. I've heard a few of my friends talk about this article before I read it and they all thought that Mike Townsley was really rude and completely wrong. So, when I read it, I was ready for him to be completely off-base and ridiculous. However, I did not find him to be as horrible as they made him sound. Yes, I think he made a lot of claims that were not very well supported, but some of what he said would have bothered me too. For instance, it would have been a little frustrating to me to go to Chapel and hear someone say they decided to believe in a "savior" that's better than Jesus. I strongly believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and to denounce this in a church service would quite upset me.
I know I am very conservative on the matter, but I in no means dislike other religions or other people of other religions because of this. And neither does Townsley. He said that it would be fine to interact and learn about other religions outside of the church service setting. I believe this to be completely true. However, Professor Bouzard's counter to this accusation was really good. Quoting the ELCA constitution and therefore proving that Townsley was only partially informed was a great pull to his argument. He also said that truth can be found in every person, no matter what religion they are. Although I believe that every religion has a nice aspect to it that can be learned about, I think Christians should be very careful in how much they filter into their own beliefs, for they could easily be swayed into thinking that the other religion is Heaven-leading too. For this reason, I believe that we shouldn't have those people speaking in a Christian service. Sorry if this sounds completely prejudiced. I really am not trying to be, but when it comes to my beliefs I get fairly defensive. Again, I have no problem talking and learning from them outside the church, and do not by any means think they shouldn't go to Chapel in general. I just don't think that they should speak at a service, making it look like the church advocates their religion.
The things about Townsley that made his argument flawed were mostly twisting information to fit his own argument. Not only did he only quote part of the ELCA contract, but he also said a "verse and prayer from another religion" was quoted during Holy Communion, omitting the fact that it was during a memorial service of a 9-11 attack. In this circumstance, I personally wouldn't have a problem with this quotation as long as it was during something like this. This twisting of information reminds me of State of Fear and how each side of the debate took information to meet their own needs. Also, as Professor Bouzard pointed out, Townsley did not speak to any of the pastors or religion faculty--a serious blow to his credibility and argument. In addition, making the claim that Wartburg is not a Lutheran-based college at all was extreme. I believe Wartburg has great ministry opportunities to give here, and to say that it is not meeting those expectations is quite ridiculous.
Townsley had many problems with his argument, and I believe that he could have done a better job of supporting his claims and with more thorough research. However, the point that he made about someone speaking at a Chapel service about how Jesus was not the only way to Heaven was something that I found to be fairly valid. In the other cases I believe the Professor Bouzard was correct in what he was saying. Also, Professor Bouzard just had a better argument in general that was much more credible than Townsley's.
Sarah
I know I am very conservative on the matter, but I in no means dislike other religions or other people of other religions because of this. And neither does Townsley. He said that it would be fine to interact and learn about other religions outside of the church service setting. I believe this to be completely true. However, Professor Bouzard's counter to this accusation was really good. Quoting the ELCA constitution and therefore proving that Townsley was only partially informed was a great pull to his argument. He also said that truth can be found in every person, no matter what religion they are. Although I believe that every religion has a nice aspect to it that can be learned about, I think Christians should be very careful in how much they filter into their own beliefs, for they could easily be swayed into thinking that the other religion is Heaven-leading too. For this reason, I believe that we shouldn't have those people speaking in a Christian service. Sorry if this sounds completely prejudiced. I really am not trying to be, but when it comes to my beliefs I get fairly defensive. Again, I have no problem talking and learning from them outside the church, and do not by any means think they shouldn't go to Chapel in general. I just don't think that they should speak at a service, making it look like the church advocates their religion.
The things about Townsley that made his argument flawed were mostly twisting information to fit his own argument. Not only did he only quote part of the ELCA contract, but he also said a "verse and prayer from another religion" was quoted during Holy Communion, omitting the fact that it was during a memorial service of a 9-11 attack. In this circumstance, I personally wouldn't have a problem with this quotation as long as it was during something like this. This twisting of information reminds me of State of Fear and how each side of the debate took information to meet their own needs. Also, as Professor Bouzard pointed out, Townsley did not speak to any of the pastors or religion faculty--a serious blow to his credibility and argument. In addition, making the claim that Wartburg is not a Lutheran-based college at all was extreme. I believe Wartburg has great ministry opportunities to give here, and to say that it is not meeting those expectations is quite ridiculous.
Townsley had many problems with his argument, and I believe that he could have done a better job of supporting his claims and with more thorough research. However, the point that he made about someone speaking at a Chapel service about how Jesus was not the only way to Heaven was something that I found to be fairly valid. In the other cases I believe the Professor Bouzard was correct in what he was saying. Also, Professor Bouzard just had a better argument in general that was much more credible than Townsley's.
Sarah
Friday, November 26, 2010
Stressed and Sick
I am getting very worried about getting all of my work done. I was looking forward to Thanksgiving break because I thought I could get caught up before Christmas with Wartburg really got going. But, I didn't know I'd get sick.
Yep. I'm sick. And therefore have gotten hardly any work done. I am very nervous for our final project for this class as well. I have read Timeline before, but haven't paid much attention to the science. I re-read the part where they explain the science of quantum mechanics, and think I understand it fairly well. However, I am not sure I can evaluate its accuracy by myself because I'm not real scientifically minded. And there's apparently not an article on Timeline in our book. I really thought there was, but there isn't and now I have no idea where I'm going to get sources.
I am also worried about my other classes. I have projects in them too, and haven't started them. And I haven't practiced my piano in two days. I am just very nervous to come back to school because I know I won't have time to work on these things because of Christmas with Wartburg. However, now I'm sick and can't concentrate very well on my work. It's very frustrating to want to just spend time with your family during the holiday but be sick and bogged down with work instead.
Sorry for the depressing blog. I am just very frustrated and have no idea what I'm going to do. I think part of the reason I'm sick is because I lost so much sleep this past week trying to get all of my work done. I really don't want to be up late all next week if it made me sick once, but know that that's probably what will happen considering I'm already behind. Hopefully I'll be feeling better soon and will be able to get my work done.
Sarah
Yep. I'm sick. And therefore have gotten hardly any work done. I am very nervous for our final project for this class as well. I have read Timeline before, but haven't paid much attention to the science. I re-read the part where they explain the science of quantum mechanics, and think I understand it fairly well. However, I am not sure I can evaluate its accuracy by myself because I'm not real scientifically minded. And there's apparently not an article on Timeline in our book. I really thought there was, but there isn't and now I have no idea where I'm going to get sources.
I am also worried about my other classes. I have projects in them too, and haven't started them. And I haven't practiced my piano in two days. I am just very nervous to come back to school because I know I won't have time to work on these things because of Christmas with Wartburg. However, now I'm sick and can't concentrate very well on my work. It's very frustrating to want to just spend time with your family during the holiday but be sick and bogged down with work instead.
Sorry for the depressing blog. I am just very frustrated and have no idea what I'm going to do. I think part of the reason I'm sick is because I lost so much sleep this past week trying to get all of my work done. I really don't want to be up late all next week if it made me sick once, but know that that's probably what will happen considering I'm already behind. Hopefully I'll be feeling better soon and will be able to get my work done.
Sarah
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I am a little worried about the debate tomorrow. I have never done a debate before, and am not a very confrontational person. In high school it was a big deal for me to talk in class, let alone challenge someone else's ideas. I have never done a formal debate like this either, with rebuttals and question/answer sections. It will definitely be a different experience tomorrow.
I also have never written an annotated bibliography. I think it's good though that we're doing this because it seems like a nice, quick, easy way to get information. It seems like it will be nice to just have the source and then talk about what they said underneath it. It will also be different from an essay because you won't transition into different ideas and worry so much about the flow. I am also excited that this bibliography won't have an introduction or conclusion. I always find those the hardest to write when I write essays. It seems like it would be much easier just to write down the meat of the paper. I definitely understand the value of the introduction and conclusion. I just never have much to say in each of these paragraphs. Anyway, it will be a good experience to complete one of these, especially in a basic freshman course like this, because it will give me something to look back on a reference to throughout my four years here.
I think that both the debate and the bibliography will teach me a lot about different ways to present an argument and information. I have never done either one, so I am a bit nervous for how they will come out. But I think all in all it will teach me something, which is the most important thing.
Sarah
I also have never written an annotated bibliography. I think it's good though that we're doing this because it seems like a nice, quick, easy way to get information. It seems like it will be nice to just have the source and then talk about what they said underneath it. It will also be different from an essay because you won't transition into different ideas and worry so much about the flow. I am also excited that this bibliography won't have an introduction or conclusion. I always find those the hardest to write when I write essays. It seems like it would be much easier just to write down the meat of the paper. I definitely understand the value of the introduction and conclusion. I just never have much to say in each of these paragraphs. Anyway, it will be a good experience to complete one of these, especially in a basic freshman course like this, because it will give me something to look back on a reference to throughout my four years here.
I think that both the debate and the bibliography will teach me a lot about different ways to present an argument and information. I have never done either one, so I am a bit nervous for how they will come out. But I think all in all it will teach me something, which is the most important thing.
Sarah
Friday, November 12, 2010
State of Fear
First off, before I start talking about State of Fear, I would like to mention that I am writing this post and it is not a Sunday night. I'm pretty proud of myself because I actually remembered to blog! I often times forget about them until Sunday, which isn't like me since I'm normally very on top of things. Anyway, besides that, I am also very excited to be finished reading State of Fear.
It was a good book, and I actually did enjoy most of it. I think it was just difficult for me to get through the assigned readings. I did get the book finished on time though, and I thought it was pretty good. I thought Crichton made a fairly good argument and it was entertaining as well. I didn't like it as much of other books of his that I've read though mainly because it focused more on the political and large corporation part than some of his other stuff. It also didn't seem to have as much action as Timeline or Jurassic Park. So, although it wasn't as exciting it was still a good read. It was nice reading something for a class that wasn't necessarily great literature. It's been a long time since I got to read a book like that for class.
As for the global warming part of the book, I cannot say what I really believe. I have been sort of skeptical about global warming from the start, but I think that's mostly because my parents are highly doubtful of it. I haven't done the research to form an opinion for myself yet, and I don't want to say it doesn't exist simply on the basis that my parents don't believe in it. It was therefore very interesting reading State of Fear and then reading the article "Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid" in our book. They were both so different but both seemed like they could be right. I think doing research on this topic will help me formulate an opinion. It's kind of nice that I get to do the research because I've been wanting to for a while anyway to figure out what I think but I just don't have the time. This assignment will force me to do the digging anyway, so that's a plus.
I suppose this is a part of the college experience. The whole figuring out your own opinion and becoming your own person type of thing. I'm excited that I get to do some of that for this class, even if it's only on one topic for now. Hopefully by the time I graduate I will have learned a lot about this world and will be able to defend what I believe more effectively.
It was a good book, and I actually did enjoy most of it. I think it was just difficult for me to get through the assigned readings. I did get the book finished on time though, and I thought it was pretty good. I thought Crichton made a fairly good argument and it was entertaining as well. I didn't like it as much of other books of his that I've read though mainly because it focused more on the political and large corporation part than some of his other stuff. It also didn't seem to have as much action as Timeline or Jurassic Park. So, although it wasn't as exciting it was still a good read. It was nice reading something for a class that wasn't necessarily great literature. It's been a long time since I got to read a book like that for class.
As for the global warming part of the book, I cannot say what I really believe. I have been sort of skeptical about global warming from the start, but I think that's mostly because my parents are highly doubtful of it. I haven't done the research to form an opinion for myself yet, and I don't want to say it doesn't exist simply on the basis that my parents don't believe in it. It was therefore very interesting reading State of Fear and then reading the article "Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid" in our book. They were both so different but both seemed like they could be right. I think doing research on this topic will help me formulate an opinion. It's kind of nice that I get to do the research because I've been wanting to for a while anyway to figure out what I think but I just don't have the time. This assignment will force me to do the digging anyway, so that's a plus.
I suppose this is a part of the college experience. The whole figuring out your own opinion and becoming your own person type of thing. I'm excited that I get to do some of that for this class, even if it's only on one topic for now. Hopefully by the time I graduate I will have learned a lot about this world and will be able to defend what I believe more effectively.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Reading
I've noticed that I've written quite a few blogs about music. I guess this is understandable because I'm music major, but I've decided to write one about other things I really enjoy. Considering you wanted us to write these blogs to get to know us better, I'm going to see that you see me not just as a music person.
I love to read. I love reading particularly fantasy or science-fiction novels. Or at least something with some action in it. I hate the really girly middle school books or the super mushy romantic ones. I find them to be quite boring, and would rather read something with some more creativity and edge-of-the-seat scenes. I guess I've already written about Harry Potter, and that's a fantasy novel. But I would say that Michael Crichton is actually one of my favorite authors. I haven't read too many of his works yet, but have liked what I have read (Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Timeline, Prey, and now almost State of Fear). My favorite would definitely have to be Timeline (though I believe Jurassic Park to be just about as skillful). Prey and The Lost World were okay, but I wasn't as big of a fan of them.
Other than those genres, I also like to read Christian books. I haven't read too many of these yet, but do like C. S. Lewis quite a bit. I thought his book Mere Christianity was quite skillful, and is probably the best argument for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity I have ever read. I also thoroughly enjoyed The Screwtape Letters. It is about an elder demon giving a younger demon directions on how to tempt Christians. It was very enlightening and creative. I love these books because they help deepen who I am and what I believe.
I love that reading can enlighten your opinions of yourself, others, and the world around you. It has always been something I could do for hours on end and not get bored. It is nice to know that no matter what changes during college, my books always stay the same.
I love to read. I love reading particularly fantasy or science-fiction novels. Or at least something with some action in it. I hate the really girly middle school books or the super mushy romantic ones. I find them to be quite boring, and would rather read something with some more creativity and edge-of-the-seat scenes. I guess I've already written about Harry Potter, and that's a fantasy novel. But I would say that Michael Crichton is actually one of my favorite authors. I haven't read too many of his works yet, but have liked what I have read (Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Timeline, Prey, and now almost State of Fear). My favorite would definitely have to be Timeline (though I believe Jurassic Park to be just about as skillful). Prey and The Lost World were okay, but I wasn't as big of a fan of them.
Other than those genres, I also like to read Christian books. I haven't read too many of these yet, but do like C. S. Lewis quite a bit. I thought his book Mere Christianity was quite skillful, and is probably the best argument for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity I have ever read. I also thoroughly enjoyed The Screwtape Letters. It is about an elder demon giving a younger demon directions on how to tempt Christians. It was very enlightening and creative. I love these books because they help deepen who I am and what I believe.
I love that reading can enlighten your opinions of yourself, others, and the world around you. It has always been something I could do for hours on end and not get bored. It is nice to know that no matter what changes during college, my books always stay the same.
Owl City
Owl City is my favorite band. It is project by a guy named Adam Young, and rather than having a real band, Adam mixes all his songs on his computer. However, when he performs live he brings live musicians rather than just his computer full of mixes. Owl City has always been an inspiration to me ever since I found out about the band a little over a year ago.
Although the project has been around since 2007, I didn't discover it until 2009, a little before it got big with his single "Fireflies." Its the only song by him that I've heard on the radio, however, others of his songs I find to be equally amazing. I have since seen him live and have bought all his Owl City CD's. Me saying that I actually have a favorite band is a thing in itself, considering I love so much music. But Owl City definitely is my favorite because he is just so uplifting and cheerful.
I'm not sure if you noticed, but this Adam Young is the same Adam Young I often quote in these blogs. He is just one of the most inspiring people I have ever had the honor of reading and listening to his work. He is such and optimist, and his music definitely portrays that. Although I often time don't understand his lyrics because they are so abstract, it is impossible not to smile while listening to his music. It is so unique. It isn't necessarily pop, electric, or techno, but rather a sort of mix of them all with lots of happiness thrown in. This music makes me better appreciate the power of music and how it can completely change your mood around. Owl City can always cheer me up, and Adam Young always provides the challenge for me to be more optimistic. In the midst of all the stress from college life, Adam is an inspiration and reminds me with his music and blogs to look at the brighter side of all situations.
Although the project has been around since 2007, I didn't discover it until 2009, a little before it got big with his single "Fireflies." Its the only song by him that I've heard on the radio, however, others of his songs I find to be equally amazing. I have since seen him live and have bought all his Owl City CD's. Me saying that I actually have a favorite band is a thing in itself, considering I love so much music. But Owl City definitely is my favorite because he is just so uplifting and cheerful.
I'm not sure if you noticed, but this Adam Young is the same Adam Young I often quote in these blogs. He is just one of the most inspiring people I have ever had the honor of reading and listening to his work. He is such and optimist, and his music definitely portrays that. Although I often time don't understand his lyrics because they are so abstract, it is impossible not to smile while listening to his music. It is so unique. It isn't necessarily pop, electric, or techno, but rather a sort of mix of them all with lots of happiness thrown in. This music makes me better appreciate the power of music and how it can completely change your mood around. Owl City can always cheer me up, and Adam Young always provides the challenge for me to be more optimistic. In the midst of all the stress from college life, Adam is an inspiration and reminds me with his music and blogs to look at the brighter side of all situations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)