"Conserve, reuse, recycle."

Semrau's point is most clearly revealed when he said that we should "use what [we] have until it can no longer function."  In stating this, he sets the reader up for the rest of his narrative, which tells the story of his life and his future plans.  Semrau's deliberate withholding of information adds an unexpected twist to his story.  By not initially revealing the big picture, it changes the way the reader views Semrau's attendance of medical school.  The reader is given the impression that he is going to attend medical school as a student, making it appear that he plans to reuse his mind by venturing into a arduous new career field.  An unexpected twist comes, however, when the reader realizes that Semrau is actually attending medical school as a cadaver.  This twist gives the reader a whole new meaning to the word "reuse."  Instead of just reusing his mind, he is reusing his entire being "until it can no longer function."  He is a living example of his belief in reuse.  Semrau's method of writing is very effective because the reader is able to fully grasp how far Semrau is taking his beliefs in the necessity of reusing.

"Savior of the Nations, Come"

     The hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" focuses on Christ's coming to Earth, both when he was born of the virgin Mary as a man and when he will come again as our Lord and Savior.  Luther states, "Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth."  Luther is in awe of Christ's humility and selflessness in leaving Heaven's glory to come to Earth, being born into the worst possible conditions.  He also writes of Christ's sinless life; his awe-inspiring miracles; and his conquering of sin, death, and the devil.  In addition to writing about Christ's birth and life on earth, Luther addresses the glory of heaven that awaits believers.  He claims, "Boundless shall Thy kingdom be... [and] Glorious is its light divine," expressing his anticipation of heaven's grandeur.

     To place emphasis on Christ's glory and purity, Luther frequently uses description, making Christ's righteous characteristics stand out.  In the 2nd stanza, Luther describes Jesus as "pure and fresh," giving the reader a visual representation of Christ.  Later on, he describes Christ's glory, saying "High the song of triumph swell."  The reader can picture the praise of Christ's righteousness growing and "swelling," as he returns to Earth. 

Sermon Diagnostic

1. Pastor Borghardt referenced Jesus 26 times in his sermon on the Saints. He used the verbs makes, slain, took on, saved, died, rose, reigns, does not push, came, and lives.

2. Pastor Borghardt and Jonathan Edwards preached contrasting sermons.  Although they shared a similar goal, converting unbelievers to Christianity, they differed when it came to the means they used to persuade their audience into conversion.  On one hand, Edwards focused on condemnation and the wrath of God, almost completely ignoring God's saving grace.  He hoped to make sinners obey Christ out of a fear of punishment.  On the other hand, Pastor Borghardt preached the gospel of Christ's death and resurrection as the payment for our sin.  He taught that sinners are saved by faith, not by works done out of fear. 

"Law banning items from rearview mirrors is being rethought"

1. This article discusses the new bill that will allow drivers to hang items from their rear view mirror.  Although many people never realized it was illegal, this bill will prevent them from possible ticketing.  The bill claims that hanging objects will be allowed as long as they don't obstruct the driver's vision, and police will have the ultimate decision of if the object is safe or not.
2. "The bill doesn't specify what size items must be before they are considered too big, and gives officers discretion to pull over drivers."  The lack of specific regulations on size make purely objective.  There is technically no legal or illegal size for objects hanging from the rear view mirror; it is solely based on the police officer's opinion.
3. I disagree with the ban.  Small objects, such as air fresheners and prayer beads, can not possible obstruct the view of the road.  They have no effect on a person's ability and are not hurting anyone.

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

1. Mitch Albom makes it clear in this article that it is not LebBron's race but his attitude and actions that are causing the nation to view him with disapproval.  The "race card" is an over-used excuse that LeBron James manipulates in order to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

2. I agree with Albom.  LeBron's actions were self-motivated and prideful, and "ego knows no color."

3. Albom's strongest point in this essay is his use of anecdote.  He tells a story that contains the same events as those of LeBron's, but the main character is white. The reader is able to look at LeBron's actions without having his race cloud their judgment. Through the telling of the story, the reader still feels the same emotions towards the offender and gains an understanding that no matter the skin color, those actions are still egotistical and selfish.