reduse.REUSE.recycle

“Reuse provides maximum function for given material and energy input.”

In the article by Waldemar R. Semrau, he discusses his career path in life and references it to the old saying ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’ In this article, he leaves some background information out. Although it may cause a hint of confusion, I think it does the article well. If there had been excess information about him, readers may have concentrated more on that knowledge aside from the point he had been trying to make. 

He starts his story off telling of his childhood dream to be a surgeon, and continues by illustrating working as a Engineer. After numerous years of working in this field, he then again decided that he wanted to be a surgeon and attempted to pursue it. He believes he would be a good example of reusing, because he is 75 years old and has had multiple jobs.  By occupying himself with so many jobs, Semrau says he is ‘reusing’ his work life. He is not just retiring after being employed in one job like most people do; he continues to keep working, much like reusing a can or a water bottle. By telling this story, Semrau is trying to say that we should not waste our talents, but to keep using them.        

   

Savior of the Nations Come!

             Reading the lyrics to many songs does not give you the same effect as when you listen to the song. It makes it harder to detect the author’s true tone towards the matter they are writing about. This song is different though. It has obvious feelings of joy and thankfulness that it made evident within the first few verses. Luther states, “Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child!” He is giving thanks for all of the wonderful things that Christ has done! His ecstatic writing remains through the whole song while and reading this song made me feel happy that Christ is my Savior.

 His use of rhyming makes his song even more harmonious; especially when he contrasts hell with “the song of triumph swell.” This particular part of the song shows the true defeat of eternal death in hell. Also, the repetition of the last verse emphasizes that his true purpose of the song is to give praise.

             I think that this whole hymn together is an example of pathos. By writing this hymn, Luther is declaring his jubilant emotion towards our Savior. He tries and definitely succeeds at making his impression, which I think is a strong and inspiring gesture.

Borghardt vs. Edwards

Reverend Borghardt's sermon mentions Christ a total of 23 times.

He talks about Christ taking on death, making us holy, slaying, making us alive, living, coming, making, smiling and reigning in his sermon.

The difference between Edwards’ sermon and Reverend Borghardt's sermon is evident. Although they both preach towards the same goal of hoping their congregation will come and remain in the faith, they take completely different approaches to the matter. Edward revolves around the general topic of what will happen if we do not believe and harshly describes the cruel punishments of non-believers on judgment day. Borghardt, on the other hand, stays on the calmer side, describing how Jesus saves you. He makes you feel better about yourself. Both sermons have the same overall effect, but I personally enjoy Borghardt’s approach better.

Rearview Mirror Decorations

Rearview Mirror Article

In the article, the argument of whether the law against decorations hanging from rearview mirrors should be disregarded or kept. Helms talks about how some drivers have been pulled over for having items from their mirrors, while others have gotten away with it for numerous years and also how that if drivers are allowed to decorate their rearview mirrors, then it should be specified as to what they are allowed to hang from them.

            Helms discovers “Richard Pentecost has driven for 30 years with a rosary hanging from his rearview mirror and has never been stopped or ticketed for it -- even when police pulled him over for other infractions.” This makes me laugh a little, because government has told police departments to enforce it, but they clearly have separate opinions about the law.

I, myself, am not a fan of decorations hanging from a rearview mirror. Building up trashy necklaces and dangly things can begin to look dumb and unorganized. Despite my opinion though, I do not believe that this should be illegal. People should be smart enough to make their own decisions as to what is acceptable to hang from their rearview mirrors and what not to. Like a beach with no lifeguard with signs that say “Swim to your own Risk”, drivers should know what the risks are if they hang fuzzy dice from their mirrors. It should not be a law that needs to be enforced. So what is the solution to all this chaos? Do not let drivers who are stupid enough to obstruct their vision on the road. It is as easy as that.

It's not race, LeBron James, but it might be you

Mitch Albom's Article

In this article, Albom is trying to make the point that race does not and should not affect ego, popularity or income. Also, although the question of does my race affect the outcome may be there, do not ask it. The question makes the situation awkward and questionable.

 I completely agree with Albom on this one. Although some African Americans are still being criticized for their race to date, society has become a lot more open and almost sympathetic towards their race. Majority of athletics are dominated by the black race and people still pay attention to sports, so we must not care as much. Recognizing this, LeBron should not have even asked the question. He knows the answer and by asking it he probably just made a lot of interviewers feel almost awkward towards the matter because they do not want to offend him or other black athletes.

Albom makes his point even more viable when he brings up the topic of Brett Farve. Similar things have happened to Farve but he is white. This proves that income and ego outlook is not based on color because although LeBron and Farve are different race, they have been in the same boat.