The Tempest

Oh, Shakespeare! How I dote upon your genius!

Recently, in fact, for today, I have had to re-read The Tempest. It is by far one of my favourites of Shakespeare's works. It is his last written play, and the epilogue of the play is Shakespeare's own farewell to the theatre.

Now my charms are all o'erthrown
And what strength I have 's mine own,
Which is most faint. Now, 'tis true
I must be here confined by you
Or sent to Naples. Let me not,
Since I have my dukedom got
And pardoned the deceiver dwell
In this bare island by your spell,
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands.
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant,
And my ending is despair
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself, and frees all faults.
As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free.


Wonderful words. "Let your indulgence set me free." Shakespeare's epilogues call the audience to clap, as the play aims to please. In Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck's ending soliloquy calls the audience to forgive the faults, and count the play as nothing more than a dream. Here, Shakespeare is asking us to put our hands together, and release him from the theatre. He bids the audience goodbye, one last time. Clever, isn't it.

Could Shakespeare ever truly be free from his scripts? Is asking for our indulgence, as the audience, really going to 'set him free?'

Perhaps not.

December 10, 2010. From the Director of 'Across the Universe', comes The Tempest.



I know what I'm going to be doing in a few weeks!

Word of the Day: Spirit

Quote of the Day: "Well, that's just maddening the unhelpful!" Johnny Depp, as Captain Jack Sparrow

Have you Heard the Bells?

I can't decide which version of this song I like better.

You don't really need to pay attention to the clips in the second one. I'm interested in the song, not the pictures, persay.





The first version is by Casting Crowns, the second by MercyMe. They are very different. Yet they are both awesome!

Also, a poem I have written. It snowed in Ancaster. I hold to the hope that the weather is making up for last year.

The days be bitter and the nights be cold

As flakes fall softly on the streets alight 

And window’s corner be they new or old

Bid fog and frost in panes’ winter delight.

There, ministry seeks frost’s cold design

Of stained glass mirrors and candle’s light show

The frozen tears and journey thus here shine

Against warm breath or eyes with golden glow.

For in the flakes a grace it doth now fall

To mittens, rosy cheeks and childish faith

Where peace be yours and goodwill to all,

Chime voices sweetly, the world to bathe,

And the street suns bid the white guided down

Upon grasses green and cement walks brown.

Word of the Day: Scrupulous

Quote of the Day: "Advent means coming to understand what it is to be in expectation of the Life of Jesus, and living thus." Pastor John

F Sharp

F Sharp isn't a particularly nice sounding note. I never liked playing it on Flute because it always had this awkward sound which screamed "I don't belong here!" On Piano, it just gets caught up in the nice sounding Bb major, or F major keys. And if the finger accidently hits it, the F Sharp just sounds all wonky and uncalled for, thus screwing up an entire song, and causing an over-all annoyance to all listeners.





See what I mean? It's just a terrible note. It sounds awful. All I want to do is have it diminished into an F.  Especially on the last note. I just want it to be a good sounding note.

Word of the Day: Soup

Quote of the Day: "I'm always waiting on Dorm 17!" Amanda, quoting God.

Life Lessons: Proper Underwear Identification

With Andrew Hoover

That was crazy when that man became pregnant, eh? Oh, hello perfect segway into undergarment identification. Everyone knows that November is underwear identification awareness month, therefore I must provide my expertise on the matter. There comes a time in everyone's life when they find themselves rummaging through a ghetto washing machine, humming the mission impossible theme song, and coming to the realization that nothing in the washing machine is yours. Your mind goes blank, your hands start to shake, a single tear rolls down your anger stricken face! You then make the assumption that some crazy, deranged man has stolen all of your laundry! But then you see it. A white, ragged, "ghetto fab" pair of Toronto Maple Leafs underwear! SCORE! The clothing thief has left a pair of your underwear. You then start racking your mind as to why he has left this particular pair of underwear! You pull it of the washing machine, extremely angered, and start flailing it around in the air. You will then look at the holey underwear and decide that you must throw them away. With rage you throw the underwear into the trash can, fall to your knees, and break down crying. As you pull yourself together you will stand up, and open the next washing machine. Surprise! You find out that you actually use the washing machine beside the one you just opened. Then you learn that the clothing thief has the exact same pair of torn up, "ghetto fab", Toronto Maple Leaf underwear as you do. 


As  underwear idetification month comes to a close, I encourage you to double check the washing machines. Lets make undergarment identification month every month. Lake this world a happier place, safe from undergarment thieves. 


"Ode to the Undergarment"


Undergarment, undergarment, how I love the.
100% cotton, as cozy as can be.
When I put you on, I feel so rad,
When you rip in the butt I feel so sad.
I love my undies so much I have a shrine.
Yo yo underwear you're so cool, yo so fine.
I'd rather have underwear than a sharp knife.
Oh sweet undergarment stay in my life!


Stay classy introweb.
Remember, there are crazy underwear robbers. 
And they will steal your underwear. 
Beware. 


Word of the Day: Intonations

Quote of the Day: "Don't blame Nietzsche's disciples for what his theories have become. Blame Freud." Dr. Faber

The City Harmonic

Nice sounding name, isn't it.

Well, this is an introduction for The City Harmonic. The band is made up of a bunch of guys. The drummer is a friend of mine, Josh VanderLaan. So, because I think they are pretty fantastic, I'm asking you all to watch this video.



Amen. Amen. Amen.

Word of the Day: Clandestine

Quote of the Day: "Nice socks!"

I Wish I had Funny Stories to Tell Too!

I'm considering making 'Life Lessons with Andrew Hoover' a weekly thing.

Thoughts?

Word of the Day: Sunrise

Quote of the Day: "I hid under your porch because I love you." Dug (from Disney's UP)

Words from Andrew Hoover

Hello readers (and Mom),

Today you have the special priviledge of reading the random thoughts of Mr. Andrew Hoover, the comic relief of Dorm 24.  I cannot be held responsible for anything he says. And the worst part is, I now have to make him coffee.

Here it goes:

Good morning readers, I come to you from a black hole. Well I'm not really, but that remids me of a poem I wrote in grade 4. It went a little like this.


Dear life you are falling down a black hole.


Thats as far as I got on the poem because I didn't know what a black hole was. I also didn't have life. As I sit here in a orangey-brown chair that reminds me of the last time I vommited (I'm not complaining, it was a rather enjoyable experience) thoughts of the thug life cross my mind. Back in my thug life days I had many dangerous encounters. I once microwaved a grilled cheese sandwitch, peeled it apart, and threw it at a window. It did not stick. I was upset. I was so upset. I was very very upset. I will now share a few lyrics from my hit rap group "No Breaks". . .


I love all my dogs
I love to bark with them
I love all my dogs but I hate the system.


I will now introduce my latest segment entitled "Life lessons with Andrew Hoover".
There comes a time in everyone's life when they find themselves standing beside a water bed with a sharp pencil. Now, there comes that time in everyone's life when they need to make that tought decision as whether to drop the pencil or PENETRATE THE TIP OF THE PENCIL DIRECTLY INTO THE HEART OF THE WATER BED LEAVING THE WATER SPEWING FROM THE CENTER. Stab the water bed. Don't look back, don't take a second look, stab that bed. You do not want to look back and think to yourself "I should have stabbed that bed". I've been fortunate enough to have experienced this before. I stabbed the bed. No regrets. I still drool over the thought of the water spewing out of that bed. Stab the bed. Do it.


I leave you with this thought to rattle in your brains! If you could only eat lucky charms or cheerios for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Think of the consistancy. Think of the children. Think of John F. Kennedy. 


My name is Andrew James Hoover,
and I approve this message,
Aliens exist,
Trust me, I worked at a shoe store.




Word of the Day: The

Quote of the Day: "Fisher Price is Apollonian." Aaron Vedder

How to Act

Enjoy!

Word of the Day: Paraprosdokian

Quote of the Day: *There actually isn't anything to put here today, Dr. Loney and Dr. Faber weren't all that funny. It could just be because I am tired and couldn't pay a lot of attention in class. Oh! Wait! I have one!*
"My face is perfect, mathematically speaking." Emily Groot

Blessings, Prayers, and Papers

I am sitting in the Crown office, currently, mucking my way through a paper on John 13:1-17. This is the story where Jesus washes the disciples' feet. I'm a little overwhelmed, and slightly antsy, and I really just don't want to be writing this paper right now. That is slightly problematic.

This morning I was on the Student Life panel for Campus Visit Day. It was pretty cool. I got to answer some questions about Student Life at Redeemer within the dorms. Myself and another guy were the representatives of the RAs. Students seemed really receptive. But the most fun was watching the parents' expressions as they listened to everyone ask questions and then listen to members of STLife try to answer them. I remember my Campus Visit Day. Oh goodness, do I ever remember NOT wanting my parents there. I remember not paying attention to much until I got to experience one of the classes. It was English 222 with Dr. VanRys. I remember being really excited because they were talking about a Leonard Cohen song against 'The Lady of Shallot.' Right then, I knew. This was my school. I think I even took notes in that class.

Looking back, I'm glad my parents came along. I would not have listened enough to the information sessions. I don't think I paid too much attention to the session on Financial Aid, or Dorm Life, or any of that. But regardless, 3 years later, I am sitting in an office in the school, writing a paper, after encouraging other prospective students to come here.

I'm sure the right choices will be made. There is a difference in Campus Life this year. I cannot really explain it, except to say that God is moving in the hearts of those here at Redeemer. Last night, I was watching a movie with a friend of mine, and the five people who were sitting at the kitchen table, suddenly got up (2 guys from Chad and Nathan's dorm and 3 girls from my and Amanda's dorm) went downstairs and closed the evening in prayer. Emily came back upstairs and I asked her what had happened, and she told me this: "We decided that before someone leaves at the end of every night, we're just going to go downstairs and pray, thank God for the day, and be in fellowship."

WOW.

It's been an honour and a pleasure to be with these people this year. I feel like God has blessed Amanda and I with a wonderful group of girls, and an extended family in Chad and Nate's dorm, where we have the most incredible brothers and sisters in Christ. Amazing.

Word of the Day: Hermeneutics

Quote of the Day: "I want to start the class off thinking about Bottom." Dr. Loney

Before the Advent season

I have started listening to Christmas music.

I know that it is only the 14th of November. I know that it isn't cold enough for snow. I know that it is too early to put up the Christmas tree (though, I will likely do that this week, too). I know that black Friday doesn't happen until after the American Thanksgiving. I know that Remembrance Day was only 3 days ago.

I know that the Advent season has not started yet.

But what is wrong with being excited about the birth of my Saviour?

Christmas isn't some secularized tradition to me. It isn't about presents, or finishing exams, or snow, or Christmas trees (although, these are fun parts of the holiday season). It is about the fact that in a little over 40 days, I get to celebrate with my family and friends the fact that my God became human in order that He should die for my sins. He died so that I can have life.

My playlist is not filled with songs about Santa Claus. I get tired of the songs about snow and sleigh-rides (though, the romantic - and romance in the literary sense, here - idea of it all, is fun, and does add to the joy of the season). I'm not concerned with Frosty the Snowman, or the Grinch who stole Christmas, mostly because these things don't define Christmas.

Yet, as I look ahead to the Advent season, I can't help but be excited. Excited for lighting candles, for reading through Isaiah in preparation. For seeing family. For finishing exams (goodness, those are coming up quickly). For seeing houses lighted up. For seeing God's creation asleep under a blanket of snow. I'm excited to be a part of the body of Christ as it celebrates the coming of Jesus. He is the greatest gift there is.

That aside, I love snow, and wouldn't mind if Ancaster got some of that this year.

Word of the Day: discourse

Quote of the Day: "God created woman, and placed her in front of Adam, and he said, 'Wo! Man!' " Pastor John

Remember, Remember.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

These words were written to honour the men and women who died in order that we may have freedom. They were written in order that we should remember. 

This year, I also think of the men and women who have given their time to be part of the American and Canadian Armed Forces. I have had several friends who have joined the Navy, the Army, and Search and Rescue squads since I began University. I thank God that they are willing to be trained so that if the need should arise, they will step up to the call and serve.

But Remembrance Day takes a special meaning on for Christians. This day honours those who gave their lives in order that we may life in freedom. Sounds an awful lot like Christ, doesn't it.

I thank my God and Saviour that I may life in a country that allows me to worship freely, to pray freely, and to live in freedom. 

Today I was at Walmart with a friend. At 11am, the speakers started playing The Last Stand. The entire store paused for a moment of silence. Every man, woman, child stopped and stood in meditation, in respect for those who had died. For those who had died and so that we may live. 

Christ died also that we may live. Honour him.

Word of the Day: Exegesis

Quote of the Day: "Why doesn't anyone ever say four sixths? It's such a good fraction!" Jenny Guild

Heaven-song By Phil Wickham

This video was shown to me by Jenny, one of my lovely girls. Listen to the lyrics. Revel in God's glory and power.

Word of the Day: propellant

Quote of the Day: "I want you to tell me who decided that blue was the boy colour and pink was the girl colour!" Ezra Branderhorst

The World Wide Web (among other delightful things)

I recently discovered something really exciting about Blogger. They have added a Stats button on the top of the page that allows you to view information about your blog. I've always been curious to know where my teeny-tiny neck of cyberspace has made it to, that this button actually intrigued me.

And I learned a few interesting things about my readers.

1) My most avid reader is my mother.
2) Sugarnuggets comments on my blog most often.
3) The two websites that direct readers into my blog most frequently are: My Facebook Profile, and Erica Akers.
4) Someone in China read my blog. I thought that was cool, and then I wondered how they would be able to read it.
5) My blog gets average of 10 hits a day. And the most commonly read entry? The Big Bug With Lots of Legs.

Really, very useless information to you all, however I found it quite interesting.

Also useless, is this painting. I typed in 'a funky painting' in google images. It's called 'a funky tree'. It was the first one that came up. Useless.

Word of the Day: moue (a pouting grimace)

Quote of the Day: "I'm a woman, therefore I'm manipulative by nature."

The Lame Shall Walk

God really does make the lame able to walk again.

Amanda's roommate of last year has been in France. Her mother has had MS for 25 years. Recently, she has undergone surgery in Costa Rica, and has, since, slowly been able to regain use of her muscles. Her story can be found here.

Praise God.

Word of the Day: sturdy

Quote of the Day: "I feel like I am in a parallel universe!" Emily Groot

Education

Here is a video that I find very interesting. He has a very good speech on Modern Education.

Happy Friday!

Word of the Day: Identicle (yes, one of my teachers spelt identical that way.)

Quote of the Day: These things are so needy, emotionally. If you don't bring them flowers every day, they turn off on you." Dr. Loney on overhead projectors.