The Importance of Language

I am in a very interesting linguistics class right now, The History of the Germanic Language.  We are studying how languages change, specifically how the Germanic languages have changed and developed over time.  Currently we are talking about reconstruction of languages - looking at similar languages we can reconstruct the older, shared language from which they …

The Power of Religious Theatre

Yesterday in Sacrament meeting a speaker shared an experience about when he lost his young son and how the Spirit helped him and his wife deal with the loss.  It was a powerful experience, and as I felt the spirit of his testimony I was reminded of a similar experience I have had.  No, I …

Why, How, Details. The order and process of teaching.

I have talked before about working for a tech support organization and about KCS (Knowledge Centered Support).  For the last two years with this company I have been a trainer in charge of developing, maintaining, and giving trainings.  It has been a lot of fun and has been one of the biggest factors in helping me …

Mormon Mythology, or A Plea for your Stories

We have all heard the stories.  A friend of a friend heard it once in a Testimony meeting. Or an Elder you knew on the mission says his father knew a guy.   These stories that seem just a little too far-fetched to be true, but make enough sense that they might be true.  Mostly these …

The Parable of the Autobahn

"For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you." Doctrine and Covenants 78:7 "Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory.  For he who is not able to …

More of my musical roots – Folk music

This week in one of my literature classes we were discussing irony, and the teacher played a song that has long been one of my favorites: Outside of a Small Circle of Friends by Phil Ochs.   It's an older song, a pretty obscure song, so it didn't surprise me that I was the only …

Why you should go see New Play Project in Provo, UT

Yesterday I wrote about my experience with New Play Project, a non-profit theatre organization based in Provo, UT.  We have been around for 4 years now with the main purpose of helping to promote, produce, and perform new plays in the Provo area.  I have been with New Play Project for 3 years now and …

Theatre in the classroom, or What I’d love to teach

I have a hard time reading drama. I don't picture things very well in my mind and I often get confused as to which character is which when they are speaking. I love to watch plays though - and often enjoy seeing a play that I didn't get much from when I read it. How should we teach theatre in the classroom to help students benefit from it?

The President’s Back-to-School Speech

On Tuesday President Obama gave a national address to students, his Back to School speech.  I remember last year when there was unbelievable outrage at the President wanting to speak to students.  He was slammed by opponents and pundits who claimed he was using taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate the youth of the nation.  Many parents …

Know-it-all-ism and What to do with student like me

"Are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all ?" - Prof. Severus Snape I have been thinking a bit about know-it-alls, "Besserwisser" (better-knower) as the Germans call it.  I have been accused of being a nerd, and I will freely admit it, but lately I am beginning to …