Hey Readers!

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, but I have some big news-a-brewin'!

Be sure to check back soon.

God Bless!

We all must move on

First of all, Happy Hannukah to all my Jewish friends.  In the language of your peoples, "Chag Sameach". I've been to my fair share of bar mitzvahs and can finally successfully pronounce my hard "Ch" that is so seemingly prevalent in the Hebrew language.

Tonight my family and I mourned the death of my late uncle Harry.  Over liver, beans, and sweet potatoes we shared all of our great memories of him.  When I was very young I wasn't able to play basketball very well.  Uncle Harry would pick me up and help me to slam dunk.  It brought me so much youthful confidence to be myself and try to succeed.  I'm sorry if this post is a little morose, I am just having trouble coming to terms with this all.

In death, we must find our will to continue.  In his memory I vow to do the following.  I WILL succeed in academics at Connecticut College next year.  I WILL continue to respect my parents.  I WILL continue to follow the gospel. I WILL continue to love myself and those around me.

God Bless

R.I.P Uncle Harry Zitner

Last week, my uncle Harry Zitner passed away.  He was 85 years old and is survived by his wife Eileen, his sister Evelyn (my Grandmother), his son Milton (my father) and by me.  While he was quite frail later in life, he experienced his time on earth to the fullest through horse back riding, hiking, and was an avid amateur chess player.  His love for life was only surpassed by his love for God.  He was a family man who cared for the sick, tended to the broken-hearted, and ensured other people's happiness over his own.

Tonight, my parents and I will reflect.  Maybe I will blog about it later.

God Bless

ROCK ON

So recently a friend of mine introduced me to heavy metal.  I digress, it took me a little bit but I fell in love. I know what you all must be thinking, "Now Michael, most heavy metal bands feature lyrics filled with hate and satanism."
I quickly learned that is certainly not the case.  There is a rising trend in modern heavy metal that favors following God's word and promoting it!  The combination of down n' dirty music and inspiring lyrics really caught my ears!  Previously, the "heaviest" band that I listened to on a consistent basis was Sum 41.  This blog post is dedicated to my new favorite Christian Metal band out there today, Zao.  Spread the word!



Bludgeoning guitar parts, throbbing drums, and screaming vocals.  Not what I expected to love.  Boy, was I wrong.  Since I assume most of you won't be able to understand the singer's heartfelt lyrics - here are the lyrics to the song "The Rising End"

Bombs rain down like heaven's tears, the earth shall die and disappear; (and today) we wish the sky was grey, (for now they're) just
black and empty
Ripped and torn from inside out, things too dark to think about, no miracles, no bleeding hands, God has parted...
And when the end she comes, rains down on everyone, fire from the sky, and when the end she rides, breathing out suicide, life and
death are one
As a flame burns to touch the sky, so it shall be with man's cry, and this night all will pass away, (and this night we shall die as
one)

The religious undertones are obvious.  And that's what I love about Christian Metal!  Upon an initial reading the song seems quite dark.  However, it is obvious that vocalist Daniel Weyandt is deeply concerned about the Godless state of the world today.  He is witnessing destruction and violence all around and reflects on the effect it has had on the earth.  What I think is most important, however, is to read between the lines and see this man as a devout Christian deeply concerned with the state of the world.  Awareness is key to spreading the gospel and eventually we will have peace.  In the meantime - rock out to some killer tunes!

God Bless

P.S.  I hope there are Christian Metal-heads at Conn!

Classes!

In keeping with my exponentially growing excitement about Freshman year, I went on to www.conncoll.edu (well, it is my home page currently!), checked out the available courses, and picked out the top 5 classes I would want to take and why!  The following course selections are in no particular order...

1.

ITALIAN  406  CULTURE OF MODERNITY  Introduction to recent critical debates on Modernism and modernity, and an analysis of works by Modernist Italian authors, their precursors, and their followers.  Emphasis on the relation between literature and the visual arts, literature and sexual politics, and literature and history.  Some reference to Modernist movements developed elsewhere.  Works by Sibilla Aleramo, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Benedetta, Italo Svevo, Antonia Pozzi, Eugenio Montale, and others.

Enrollment limited to 16 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 4.  P. Sica

 I've been learning Italian on my own (and with the help of my loving mother, of course!) for the last 5 years or so.  Upon entering next year I hope to forego by beginner language requirement and go right for the gold.  Ever since I was a little kid I have been interested in Italian culture.  We cannot ignore society's recent trend towards modernity and modernization - so I would love to learn about it in a Italian context! Bellissima!

2.
MUSIC  217, 218  SERVICE-LEARNING PRACTICUM IN MUSIC  Service in an area school or after-school program to enhance understanding of instrumental pedagogy, by tutoring on the recorder, or band or orchestral instrument (minimum two hours per week).  Readings and discussion of issues of pedagogy.  Specific tutoring assignment developed in consultation with instructor.  May be repeated for credit.  Two credit hours.  Staff

My father has always told me that "Music brings everyone together".  I've been teaching myself various musical instruments at about a rate of one per year.  I find great joy in teaching these arts to my various friends Later in life, I may want to be a high school music treacher and this seems like a great introduction to the field.


3.

COMPUTER SCIENCE  310  ROBOTICS  An introduction to the design and control of autonomous robots.  Design issues such as wheels verses legs, actuator placement, the use of sensors for perception, controller selection, and wiring will be covered.  Students will develop control schemes and use programming skills and machine learning to generate programs for controllers.

                Prerequisite:  Course 212, 215, or 219.  G. Parker

This past summer, I taught myself Python and HTML.  I definitely want to continue my education in computer science when I arrive in New London next year.  Hopefully, I will be able to take this course (I'm certain I will be able to).  Robots are the future!  Maybe I can create a robot that will take care of my mother when she is older!


4.

HISTORY  224  CONFUCIAN TRADITIONS  A history from Confucius to contemporary times focusing on philosophical and religious dimensions of the tradition in comparative perspective.  This is the same course as Philosophy 213/Religious Studies 208.  Course 224 may include an optional section that will meet for an additional hour each week to discuss supplemental readings in Chinese.  Students participating in the foreign language section will receive one additional credit hour, pass/not passed marking.

                Open to juniors and seniors; and to freshmen and sophomores who have taken Course 115; and to others with permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 7 and is a designated Writing course.  S. Queen

While I am thoroughly schooled in the theory and practice of Christianity and other western religions, my knowledge base in eastern traditions is severely lacking.  I understand that Confucianism is a very humanistic religion that focuses on human morals and respect.  My father says the religious studies professors at Conn are wonderful.  On a side note, word around the house is that the chapel is absolutely BREATHTAKING!

5.

CHEMISTRY  214  ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY  Fundamentals of analytical chemistry.  Introduction to sample preparation, separation techniques, volumetric, electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.  Laboratory work combines classical and instrumental methods of analysis.

                Three hours lecture; four hours laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Course 104 or 204.  Enrollment limited to 12 students per laboratory section.  D. Lewis, M. Ronau, and Staff

We can't forget the physical sciences!  Simply put, I just LOVE chemistry!  It will be necessary for me to explore this interest in what makes the world tick, chemistry!



I hope you enjoyed that.  Any Camels reading this, could you reccommend me some courses I didn't include on the list?  Who are good professors?

Peace!

Giving Thanks

In honor of our forefathers, I would like to give thanks to the following people:

Mom: Every year you cook the turkey.  Every year you teach me new things.  Every year you wipe my tears when I am upset. Ever year you inspire me.  Thank you for all your trust, love, and respect for me.  When I am at college next year I will be sure to sing your praises, to both my colleagues and the high heavens.  I look forward to another years worth of lessons, both in life and in academics.

Dad:  Sometimes you give me a hard time and sometimes I argue back.  At the end of the day, you are the biggest influence on my life and I wouldn't be here today without your guidance and support.  I don't couldn't have appreciated you more when you took me to Connecticut College this past year to engage in the campus tour.  I will miss our Friday Night Dad+Son Movie Time Tradition, but perhaps we can go to the Gaarde for my birthday next year!


Without our parents, we would be but nothing!  That is why every year, I pay thanks to my Mom and Dad.  You should to!

God Bless,

Michael

P.S.  This whole next week is going to be leftovers for every meal, and I couldn't be more excited.  Who is with me?!

Reflections

I am still in a little bit of disbelief that I am done with my college application process.  I could have made the choice to send in other applications, I already have completed all the necessary materials My Mother, who is my college advisor, mentor, teacher, and friend, only requested that I apply to one safety school: Penn State University.  I appreciated the gesture of safety, but I know in my deepest of hearts that I won't need "luck" to get into Connecticut College!

As a reward, she let me take yesterday off.  She said I deserved it for working so hard. It was quite relaxing.  I woke in the morning to the smell of pancakes, my favorite!  I took a jog in the afternoon even though it was a little cold.  Later on I spent a couple hours on the official website of the Connecticut College Newspaper, The College Voice.  I read a very interesting article on "Digital Signage", it sounds kind of like a downsized version of those digital billboards on Route 22!  Either way, I'm sure it would be an interesting addition to an already beautiful campus.

I'm tired and I have to take a Math exam at 9 A.M.  Better get some beauty sleep!

Until next time!