He's here, the Phantom of the Opera

Hi - I just have to say, the Phantom of the Opera is a wonderful movie. And did you know that they all really do sing opera, they are not just actors opening their mouths at appropriate times (they're not pulling an Ashlee Simpson). Yes, and Otto was kind enough to get us the Soundtrack so now I can put myself though the emotional rollercoster of a movie as often as I wish. The songs are really good, but I my heart is just torn over the whole situation. Ah, well.

Things I'm Learning Pt 1

"I heard a shout. Starting, and looking half round, I saw the lion just in the act of springin upon me. I was upon a little height, he caught my shoulder as he sprang, and we both came to the ground below together. Growling horribly close to my ear, he shook me as a terrier does a rat. The shock produced a stupor similar to that which seems to be felt by a mouse after the first shake of the cat. It caused a sort of dreaminess in which there was no sense of pain nor feeling of terror, though [I was] quite conscious of all that was happening...This peculiar state is probably produced in all animals killed by carnivora; and if so, is a merciful provision by our benevolent Creator for lessening the pain of death."

- David Livingstone, Missionary Travels, 1857

I am always encouraged by things I find in my Psych textbook that point to God as the Creator. Also, in Psych class I am learning about the brain. Let me tell you, it is a strange thing to try and grasp. Sort of like thinking about eternity. Now, granted I haven't read all the information on it yet, but from what I know, I was wondering how our thoughts are able to trigger the neurons. I can understand how a hormone or other outside stimulus can affect the neurons, but what about thoughts, and are thoughts controlled by neurons as well? Hmm, well maybe in another "Things I'm Learning" column I'll have more answers.

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Other things I'm learning:
* Oatmeal doesn't cook the same in styrofoam bowls (I'm going to have to experiment with that).
* My History professor is a nut.
* I need to remember to bring something to do during Econ lecture



Well, I'll keep you posted - whether you like it or not :)

It's been awhile

Here's an update: The rest of my winter break was great, and I came back to Drake last Sunday the 16th. Since then I have started my new classes, here is the lowdown on those:
Math 100 - Calculus III: I am enjoying this class, the professor is interesting enough. Calculus is so fun!
Acct 042 - Accounting Part Deux: This class will be better than last semester's accounting class because of the new professor, she seems nice enough.
Psy 001 - Introduction to Psychology: This class is good, my professor always wears really cute clothes, I know some girls in that class, the material is easy enough, soon I'll be able to interpret dreams (jk).
Hist 002 - Passages since 1750: My professor is a nut, so I'm not sure if that will be a good or a bad thing, for example, today she sent everyone home after 20 mintues or so because the room was stiflingly hot and her glasses were sweaty :)
Econ 002 - Microeconomics: Laura's in the class with me, she can testify to how boring of a professor we have. He is very fond of his day job, and this class is sort of a place where he can talk about how great his business is. I miss Prof. Boal!

Let's see, other things to look forward to this Spring semester:
*Intervarsity *Bible Study *Volleyball *Opportunity for internship (though bleak) *DASS (Drake Actuarial Student Society) meetings.

Bye

Romans 8:18-23

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.