tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50219784046506091342024-02-06T20:58:34.457-06:00Tiger BytesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-62581810371115102492010-05-28T15:15:00.002-05:002010-06-24T13:55:26.088-05:00A note to our Tiger Bytes readers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mzFBJ-mvC_8l5rozDYRjoJEPbqeJrMU3Swbm2P2rPWABaIjpwKR0ak0V53_wVJbo3LSsFZ8O4MvKevGFQgJnW6siaZVKQ9dOZcKFnBWZ8OvpMW8MHxUZJZk3RBS_j4dNuSG5hg2O2VQ/s1600/goodbye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476065536632133138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mzFBJ-mvC_8l5rozDYRjoJEPbqeJrMU3Swbm2P2rPWABaIjpwKR0ak0V53_wVJbo3LSsFZ8O4MvKevGFQgJnW6siaZVKQ9dOZcKFnBWZ8OvpMW8MHxUZJZk3RBS_j4dNuSG5hg2O2VQ/s200/goodbye.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you may recall, we posted a survey back in April to gather your thoughts about this blog. Just shy of the one-year anniversary of Tiger Bytes, we wanted to find out what you liked, what you didn’t, and how much of a role Olivet’s official blog plays in your lives.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Your feedback was interesting, candid, and incredibly helpful. We found that there are a few features our readers really like, while the other weekly articles could easily slip away without much hubbub. </div><br /><div>Since Tiger Bytes’ inception, we’ve also been measuring the traffic to this blog. It’s clear that we have several faithful readers, but in comparison with our other University channels, the readership is relatively small and has not grown over time. Meanwhile, traffic to <a href="http://www.olivet.edu/">http://www.olivet.edu/</a> continues to increase every month, and the number of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OlivetNazareneUniversity">Facebook fans</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/olivetnazareneu">Twitter followers</a> we have has skyrocketed over the past year. </div><br /><div>It is for these reasons that ye old Tiger Bytes writers are signing off for now. We’ve had a lot of fun with this blog and getting to know you. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve uncovered a lot of trivial trivia together. Perhaps someday, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting you face-to-face in a Tiger Bytes reunion. </div><br /><div>Your favorite features are not going away, but will simply be moved to other places, like <a href="http://www.olivet.edu/">http://www.olivet.edu/</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OlivetNazareneUniversity">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/olivetnazareneu">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/olivetnazareneu">YouTube</a> . And now that we have more time on our hands, we’ll be introducing new features in each of those places. Be sure to check us out! </div><br /><div><em>(Cue Boys-To-Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Good-Bye”)</em> </div><br /><div>Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and an awesome summer! And don’t forget to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OlivetNazareneUniversity">stay in touch</a>. </div><br /><div>All the best, </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HQb7YMSNhzJht-f1mBRHvDOjF5GGWykJ-mvXT8aV_686H5-BOoK8_gMuDe1N3zeIhx0TcZ2nH0A547DMAbtr7yS9pCeMVNujIj2CVpEsZ0XO-ZYg3AiG6CbLufSApS4wjDKG9cvlGVI/s1600/Heather+Day.jpg"></a><br /><div>Heather Day, editor </div><br /><div>(on behalf of writers Casey Manes, Kate Morgan and dozens of guest bloggers) </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>P.S. We didn’t want to leave you hanging on our <a href="http://olivetnazareneu.blogspot.com/2010/05/trivia-tuesday-geeks-unite.html">final Trivia Tuesday</a> answer. On May 25, 2006, in Madrid, Spain, 300 self-proclaimed geeks arranged themselves to form a human replica of Pac Man. Now <em>there’s</em> a good use of time.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-67993200110621839302010-05-28T09:22:00.000-05:002010-05-28T09:32:27.684-05:00Five on Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI47mv_AePhQ8A1_eTI1QJdg-h5bfyWG80NkugigCrYKEGHQEYruMcqwuqGP71MDvVBJwBguOaL2gwd89z-qTYH7k_yq1QU6Pcrjgy0QRj5QlhYU0s_JVvrvrVReQPftAHogK3Ri-P-2I/s1600/donnie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI47mv_AePhQ8A1_eTI1QJdg-h5bfyWG80NkugigCrYKEGHQEYruMcqwuqGP71MDvVBJwBguOaL2gwd89z-qTYH7k_yq1QU6Pcrjgy0QRj5QlhYU0s_JVvrvrVReQPftAHogK3Ri-P-2I/s200/donnie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476328524301776706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>Featuring Donnie Johnson, director of graphic design</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />1. How did you become interested in graphic design?</span><br />I was first drawn to graphic design through my participation on the high school yearbook staff. I loved the end product after a year’s worth of work. The satisfaction of creating a book that would preserve so many good memories seemed like a great career to live out my life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?</span><br />I always thought being an architect would be a cool job. Even up to the time of choosing a college major, architecture was at the top of the list. But for some reason that extra year of a five-year degree seemed like an eternity to me at the age of 18.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. What's the best part about having your son, Logan, on campus as a student? </span><br />As a dad, it’s probably the first time in my life that I know more about what’s going on in Logan’s day than his mom does. He stops by my office in between classes a couple times a week. It’s fun being in the loop for a change.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. You won the marketing office’s fitness challenge last year (trophy pictured above). What’s your favorite way to work out? </span><br />If there’s an awesome trophy to be won, I usually go for some type of cardio equipment like a treadmill or an elliptical machine. Then I can listen to a fast-moving music playlist to keep me motivated and help the workout go quickly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. What's the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon?</span><br />Saturday’s are my day to catch up on things around the house, like yard work and washing the car. It’s also a good day to tackle repair projects. Somehow simple do-it-yourself projects always end up taking me hours and hours after several trips to the hardware store. If I can get through everything on my to-do list on a Saturday, the rest of the week is a breeze.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-70428673872070455952010-05-27T14:49:00.002-05:002010-05-27T16:15:44.115-05:00Throwback Thursday - 1997<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAamZC45ZDlsbCoz2_0Cocq9y8hhuj3ekkMLVm3pHRxA3INGK5JdIXH6aifwetUOSQT0CwCLMUsa9iRmaO4MLyjvkRlmCR5ZjpSlTH1HspSFxcLYNcqchnsvj-J67nBSXnAj6Alh5RePA/s1600/med.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAamZC45ZDlsbCoz2_0Cocq9y8hhuj3ekkMLVm3pHRxA3INGK5JdIXH6aifwetUOSQT0CwCLMUsa9iRmaO4MLyjvkRlmCR5ZjpSlTH1HspSFxcLYNcqchnsvj-J67nBSXnAj6Alh5RePA/s400/med.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476039649776091554" border="0" /></a><br />We're always proud of our students -- perhaps never more so than when they volunteer their time to serve others abroad and domestically. Opportunities to serve have long been a part of the Olivet experience -- we recently sent teams out to Argentina and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116916795002243#%21/group.php?gid=116916795002243&v=wall">Thailand</a>. In this picture, Jodi Dennis assists with an operation at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland.<br /><br />(Photo from The Olivetian, Vol. 65, No. 1.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-1478547661203703082010-05-25T10:00:00.004-05:002010-05-25T10:14:40.972-05:00Trivia Tuesday: Geeks unite!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKclC6Xe8s_RDlDKmklDXqL_Vqa04-Qp9rrbmGnBOrVVtPhLnkaudkv8cvy7S1nCAoGXQTDcrEI3nxvCjOEtZ0Cgomif7ucCHRnVevn6d5EzHjW2Ui9Xxcwlu2OrWfzoXsx8yHzSu-es/s1600/geek.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475223335531346802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKclC6Xe8s_RDlDKmklDXqL_Vqa04-Qp9rrbmGnBOrVVtPhLnkaudkv8cvy7S1nCAoGXQTDcrEI3nxvCjOEtZ0Cgomif7ucCHRnVevn6d5EzHjW2Ui9Xxcwlu2OrWfzoXsx8yHzSu-es/s200/geek.JPG" border="0" /></a>Don your pocket protectors and put the icing on your <em>Episode IV</em> commemorative cake — it’s Geek Pride Day!<br /><div><br />Held on the anniversary of the theatrical debut of <em>Star Wars: A New Hope</em>, Geek Pride Day is a relatively new phenomenon that has been gaining momentum since its inception in 2006. This year, celebrations are planned around the world, including festivals in the U.S., Canada, Israel, France, Belgium and Romania. Fittingly, it shares the same day as two other science-fiction “holidays”: Towel Day (for fans of <em>Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy</em>) and Glorious 25th of May (for fans of Terry Pratchett’s <em>Discworld</em>). </div><br /><div>So how exactly does one go about celebrating his/her inner geek? Wired.com suggests recognizing the <a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/05/5-reasons-to-be-proud-on-geek-pride-day/">five reasons to be proud of your geekiness</a> , which may lead you to reciting the “<a href="http://lalawag.com/2010/05/24/celebrate-geek-pride-day-2010/">Basic Rights and Responsibilities of Geeks</a>.” Associated Content offers helpful party tips, such as competitive gaming, a local film festival or even Star Trek costumes. </div><div><br />Or perhaps you can recreate the very first Geek Pride Day celebration. </div><div><br /><strong>On May 25, 2006 in Madrid, Spain, 300 self-proclaimed geeks arranged themselves to form a human replica of a favorite video game character. What character was it?</strong> </div><div><br />Take a guess in the comments section, and we’ll post the correct answer next week. </div><div><br />Answer to <a href="http://olivetnazareneu.blogspot.com/2010/05/trivia-tuesday-we-interrupt-this.html">last week’s question</a>: The series finale of <em>Friends</em>, which aired May 6, 2004, attracted 52.5 million viewers. Congrats to Megan for guessing correctly.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-12247712272418363522010-05-21T15:02:00.006-05:002010-05-21T15:17:34.391-05:00Guest Feature: Design is Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fQAGRm8Pu9G7NdEF-w8XbAWUkHESfFOLziKDi-wWNyH9QhePxEa4MIPgst5aayGYMhT91YbGpoaaiSuoZqirFKO2fc2zvIxxUgQdG3EFQkSB3wNCn4rSL5LiebqJe4oyheBMbtd35Ek/s1600/Blog-Example.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473816487575272802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fQAGRm8Pu9G7NdEF-w8XbAWUkHESfFOLziKDi-wWNyH9QhePxEa4MIPgst5aayGYMhT91YbGpoaaiSuoZqirFKO2fc2zvIxxUgQdG3EFQkSB3wNCn4rSL5LiebqJe4oyheBMbtd35Ek/s320/Blog-Example.jpg" border="0" /></a>By Matt Moore<br /><div><br />I love conversation. By nature, I’m an outgoing person, and I love to talk to people. But I have to admit, I often cringe when someone asks me, “So, what do you do for a living?” </div><br /><div>It’s not that I don’t love being a graphic designer. It’s just that at this point in the conversation, I often find myself trying to fudge my way out of designing a sign, brochure, or flyer for the individual I’m speaking with in order to keep free-time for my family. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Don’t get me wrong. I’m flattered by the fact that my title gives you the instant confidence that whatever I would produce for you would be a stunning visual advertisement for your various endeavor. And generally speaking, I like to help those around me as much as possible. I’m from the school of thought, however, that says “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; show him HOW to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime!” </div><div><br />At some point, you may be asked to produce a print piece to advertise your business, church or activity. If you utilize a few simple tricks, you can make any design a winner. </div><div><br />I like to think of design as being like life. For starters, life is better — and so is design — if you keep it simple. Use lots of pictures (especially on the cover if designing a brochure) rather than lots of text. </div><div><br />Ever read the owners manual for your blu-ray or smart phone? Me either. No pictures! You bought it in the first place because it LOOKED cool, right? It’s the same thing with a brochure or poster. Good photos will produce better results over long, boring descriptions. If you want to talk about your vacation, isn’t it easier with good pictures? And you can get photos anywhere. Use your own or pull some from a Flickr gallery of a friend — with their permission, of course. Just don’t sell ‘em, OK!? </div><div><br />Another key in design is limiting fonts (rule of thumb: no more than three fonts per piece). There are some good free font sites like 1001freefonts.com and fontfreak.com that are “no strings attached’ sites with fonts that can really punch up a layout. Use a “fun” font to draw attention to the title of your project; use a plain font like Arial, Franklin or Times for body copy. </div><div><br />When it comes to the amount of copy, put yourself in the audience. Ask yourself, “Do I really want to read all of this text?” Again, design mimicks life, and it’s always better to LISTEN than to ramble. Besides, the project is ultimately for the audience and not you. </div><div></div><div>If you want your piece to be readable, limit the amount of text you put over your pictures. Nothing makes a brochure look more amateurish than hard to read text over a photo. Compare it to having a phone conversation with a loud TV in the background. </div><div><br />And be sure to maintain consistent borders throughout. My kids need consistent boundaries to make it look like I’m a decent parent. Your artwork needs consident boundaries to make it look like it knows what <em>it's</em> talking about.<br /><br />Lastly, get help. (I’m always happy to share my opinion!) Just like we have a Heavenly Father we can go to for help, there are unlimited resources all around us for ideas. Of course, I’m in NO way comparing the Trinity to billboards, print ads and the Internet, but a simple Google search will reap great rewards in aiding any design project. Just like a simple prayer before a meal or a five-minute devotional before bed can reap great rewards in life. </div><div><br />We tend to make things a little more difficult than they have to be. Design can be pretty easy. Life is a little harder. There are always ways to make both simpler. Look for them and it might surprise you what you can do with each.<br /><br /><em>Matt Moore is an ONU graduate, a graphic designer within Olivet’s Office of Marketing Communications and an all-around nice guy.</em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-78382814280782161302010-05-21T08:10:00.003-05:002010-05-21T08:19:52.546-05:00Five on Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxjOU6Lu7vVFPHEsCOjyfN7pBmgyCl-SqCfc2VQ2aI6VsfAVdImoelPm7rBbCL_2FAQxW8iD3B_Ei_A5omDfHKJreyMLif8qxitCAQ7cuhoF5Xwo6P86BhIBXsJGrH7t3Jxh_0FzazzE/s1600/Family+Pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxjOU6Lu7vVFPHEsCOjyfN7pBmgyCl-SqCfc2VQ2aI6VsfAVdImoelPm7rBbCL_2FAQxW8iD3B_Ei_A5omDfHKJreyMLif8qxitCAQ7cuhoF5Xwo6P86BhIBXsJGrH7t3Jxh_0FzazzE/s200/Family+Pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473710784115733778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Featuring Liz Gray, help desk technician</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. What have you enjoyed most about your job? </span><br />Hmmm, that's a tough question. At first I would have to say that it was hard to get used to having my phone number on everyone's speed dial, but I guess I would have to say my favorite part about my job is simply just meeting new people and being able to help them with their computer problems. I have made a lot of friends here at Olivet simply by just being patient and helping them out with their questions and computer issues. While I am by no means a computer genius, I just love helping people in general.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. What's one of the most frequent questions you get at the help desk? </span><br />Outside of normal "chaos control" for large outages, I would have to say the top questions we receive at the help desk are pertaining to password resets. Usually Network accounts, Blackboard, OASIS and Datatel. Next I would have to say would be questions regarding software utilization and how to's on a very wide variety of software, mainly Microsoft Office, GroupWise, Blackboard etc. A lot of the other issues are able to be resolved by just simply restarting the computer. We do, however; get a few funny questions once in awhile that should be directed to other departments like:<br /><br />- "The power is out, and my computer will not turn on."<br />- "Our golf cart is not charging. Can one of your guys come over and look at it?"<br />- " Is Google's website down?"<br />- "Can you reset my facebook password?"<br /><br />It's always great to get those -- it makes you laugh and it helps you try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. So much is related to technology that people often call without even realizing what the actual problem is. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Your family makes pure maple syrup. Can you tell us a little about that process? </span><br />Yes, my family has made Pure Michigan Maple Syrup for at least five generations. People who make maple syrup are often referred to as "sugarmakers." Each year in early spring, we go out to the woods for the start of maple syrup season, which generally lasts from mid-February (just before the snow melts) to early April depending on how well the weather cooperates. We "tap," or drill a small hole into the trunk of a tree (this does not hurt the tree and can't be drilled within a 3 inch radius of the hole from the year before or it will suck air) and then insert a spile to catch the sap that begins to collect in the hole. The spout is then connected to a bucket or to plastic tubing, which is what we use. The tubing stretches through the woods, to collect the dripping sap. Sap straight from the sugar maple tree is about 98 percent water and two percent sugar. Other sap starts to "run" or flow out of the holes when the weather is just right. The sap runs best when there are cold nights (with temperatures below freezing) and warm days (with temperatures above freezing). Once the sap is collected, it needs to be boiled to get rid of the excess water right away to make the maple syrup. Maple syrup as its finished product is approximately 33 percent water and 67 percent sugar.<br /><br />We use an evaporator fueled by fuel oil along with a reverse osmosis machine so it heats the sap more consistently than wood heat. The reverse osmosis helps to speed up the process and use less resources at the same time. An evaporator consists of two or more large, specially designed pans that are filled with sap. It kind of works like the float system in the back of your toilet. These pans sit over a fire of burning wood or fuel, which heats the sap and causes it to boil. As it boils, some of the water in the sap turns to steam, which rises out of the syrup shack. It makes the air smell so good outside! The sap becomes thicker and sweeter as it boils.<br /><br />We know the maple syrup is ready when its temperature reaches seven degrees Fahrenheit above the boiling point of water. This process requires a lot of time and energy, because it takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of pure maple syrup! Once the maple syrup is thick enough, it is filtered to take out "sugar sand," which accumulates as sap boils. Sugar sand is just minerals and nutrients that concentrate as the excess water is boiled away. If it is not filtered out, the maple syrup will appear cloudy and taste gritty.<br /><br />After the maple syrup is filtered, it is put into containers for sale. From there it can be made into other tasty maple treats like maple sugar, maple syrup candy, maple cream, and even maple jelly. Pure maple syrup is great on pancakes, waffles, french toast, baked beans, steamed rice and veggies, and other foods. My favorite is on vanilla ice cream!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. What would a perfect afternoon with your boys include? </span><br />Since we are originally from Michigan, we were surrounded by outdoor activities. Not that Bourbonnais is not a great place, but we used to live where many people vacation. After moving here I quickly realized that we were very spoiled in growing up in Michigan. I would have to say that I have missed the beaches there, so a perfect afternoon would be spent at the beach, 78 degrees, a small breeze, a picnic snack, maybe a sand castle or two, no cell phones, and lots of fun photos to scrapbook and look back on later. As a side note, I mentioned to Ethan that we could go to the beach when we visit Nina and Papa, and he corrected me saying, "Mommy, you did say the wrong thing. That's silly, we don't say beaches, we only can go in pools, and tub-tubs." While it was funny to me that he would say that, I realized, he has never really been to a beach to swim. The whole idea was just foreign to him and totally caught me off guard.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Your husband recently accepted a church position in Michigan - Congrats! How would you ask people to pray for you during this time of transition?</span><br />Yes, the church we have accepted is located in Elmdale or Clarksville, Michigan, in which we are very excited and thankful about because it is just a few hours from both sets of family, hooray! We have seen how God has worked through this whole situation and as each day gets closer, we see His appearance in each day all the more. Things seem to be happening pretty quickly as far as our timeline goes and it seems rushed at times.<br /><br />We would most likely be moving sometime in June -- just as Nate is finishing up a class and starting another, which is foreseeably going to be a little stressful. There are a few details that we are still waiting to hear back on so I guess I would ask for prayer for the rest of the details to fall into place as the Lord would have them to, for safety in our move, that the last month will be as stress-free as possible, and that this move would not be too tough on our children. I don't expect it will be too hard on them because they are pretty young yet (Ethan will be 4 on June 16, and Aiden will be 1 on July 15), and we are planning on getting Ethan and Aiden a puppy for their birthdays. I think Nate is more excited about the puppy than the kids will be, but we don't have a lot of worries in this. We know 100% that this is where God is leading us and we are constantly reminded through Romans 8:28-39 that God is with us and He will take care of us, if we are faithful to carry out His calling. I know we will miss our friends and jobs here at Olivet very much but are very excited to start this new chapter in our lives.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-88516322051362229092010-05-20T12:54:00.004-05:002010-05-20T13:41:59.068-05:00Throwback Thursday - 1980<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rKq57pDPMUMOrP_Xy-8ucBzWHrZu6W-8Atv2XTyYIW80GBQvK0lV6-arHBbRqwe9JNQ_hshoWDAOzUzK5xsuSTyR2cwFTYjlA_Zgr5T3kSss_cIeP458vJCoKZNF4M3e_vxcPyR0rjI/s1600/stained+glass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rKq57pDPMUMOrP_Xy-8ucBzWHrZu6W-8Atv2XTyYIW80GBQvK0lV6-arHBbRqwe9JNQ_hshoWDAOzUzK5xsuSTyR2cwFTYjlA_Zgr5T3kSss_cIeP458vJCoKZNF4M3e_vxcPyR0rjI/s400/stained+glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473412249218099490" border="0" /></a><br />If you follow us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#%21/OlivetNazareneUniversity?ref=ts">facebook </a>or <a href="http://twitter.com/OlivetNazareneU">twitter</a>, you know we try and <a href="http://twitpic.com/1pdw40">spif up</a> the campus every spring and summer for the upcoming new school year. In the spring of 1980, the University put the final touches on the Kelley Prayer Chapel. Above, art professor Jim Thompson assembles the stained-glass window that's now displayed above the entrance of the chapel. Kelley Prayer Chapel was dedicated as part of the 1980 ONC Commencement activities.<br /><br />(Photo from The Olivet Collegian, Volume 48, Number 5)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-88619234765624348562010-05-19T15:55:00.009-05:002010-05-19T16:03:06.181-05:00Word of the Week Wednesday: Soi-disant<span style="font-weight:bold;">Soi-disant</span> (adjective)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pronounced</span> swah-dee-ZAHNG (the NG is not pronounced, but the vowel is nasalized) <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Definition:</span> Self-proclaimed, so-called <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Example Sentence:</span><br />Sherry realized she must have left her cookies in the oven a bit too long when she had to scrape furiously to get their charred remains off of her <span style="font-weight:bold;">soi-disant</span> nonstick baking sheet. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczvQ3QmgIfzlUZ1qMi7omW_4jdEIams7VAPmzLZ3nnvnLyGioT_tyAin69wiXyQsfEtnRVLQIFbGwto8GqRYm8Fnvw1qCgZkOtwECdvm62-iqgMuEAj0LEo4wvexfxYS4koTu9poX040/s1600/burnt+cookies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczvQ3QmgIfzlUZ1qMi7omW_4jdEIams7VAPmzLZ3nnvnLyGioT_tyAin69wiXyQsfEtnRVLQIFbGwto8GqRYm8Fnvw1qCgZkOtwECdvm62-iqgMuEAj0LEo4wvexfxYS4koTu9poX040/s200/burnt+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473089558176677394" /></a><br />---<br />Toast. Braids. Fries. Shall we say kissing? <br /><br />It all sounds more intriguing when you add a little French.<br /><br />According to Merriam-Webster, “Soi-disant,” which is literally translated, “saying oneself,” is one of hundreds of French terms that entered English in the 17th and 18th centuries, during the period known as the Enlightenment. <br /><br />Other examples of French words that became English staples during that time frame include, “crepe," "vis-a-vis," "etiquette," and "sang-froid." <br /><br />Perhaps then, like now, people believed they could sound more sophisticated just by adding a little French twist.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-86341996650956001262010-05-18T13:04:00.004-05:002010-05-18T13:57:49.603-05:00Trivia Tuesday: We interrupt this program<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhqM47t5pNqX08qjt07Plm7hetoyODXuSKo8tGw599I5Do0mPPowFbgo4s04vklpunPjox_uWWKALPMAMARqUYm0Hw9mLteqGg60k3xiS4PXbA7QDX3HKUkqwlBFfKEugkMlGD-deDw4/s1600/tv.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhqM47t5pNqX08qjt07Plm7hetoyODXuSKo8tGw599I5Do0mPPowFbgo4s04vklpunPjox_uWWKALPMAMARqUYm0Hw9mLteqGg60k3xiS4PXbA7QDX3HKUkqwlBFfKEugkMlGD-deDw4/s200/tv.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472681524700568690" border="0" /></a><br />While our spirits have been dampened by a near-empty campus (not to mention the near-constant rain we've been receiving!), we still have many things for which to be grateful. Last weekend we celebrated life with an incredible group of teens from across the region and this week we've welcomed pastors and lay leaders to campus for a time of renewal. These are good days!<br /><br />We have to admit, though, there's something else that makes this time of year so special: We love our TV finales. Yes, your dear Olivet bloggers are a bunch of TV junkies. From discussing the search for answers on <span style="font-style: italic;">LOST </span>to cheering on Bret Michaels in <span style="font-style: italic;">Celebrity Apprentice</span>, we take our TV (almost) as seriously as we take our work.<br /><br />Many know that the 2010 Superbowl that pitted the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts recently took the crown of "Most Watched Television Event" away from the 1983 series finale of <span style="font-style: italic;">M*A*S*H</span>. But since many of you already know that, we'll ask a different question.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What was the most-watched TV show finale in the last decade?</span><br /><br />Take a guess in the comments and check back next week for the answer.<br /><br /><br />Answer to last week's question: 3 secondsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-6412575545045913182010-05-17T13:02:00.002-05:002010-05-17T13:07:31.640-05:00This week at Olivet<em>Events on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University for the week of Monday, May 17 through Sunday, May 23:<br /></em><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PALCON</span><strong><br /></strong>Monday, May 17 - Thursday, May 20<br /><br />The 2010 Pastors and Leaders Conference is built around the theme "Rooted in Missional Passion." In preparing clergy for ministry for the second decade of the 21st century we will build upon the foundation of holiness tradition and address sacred ways to reach our postmodern culture. The invitation to participate is open to all clergy who continue to follow God’s glorious call upon their lives.<br /><br />For more information, visit the <a href="http://palcon2010.org/olivet-nazarene-university">PALCON website</a>.<br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><em><br /></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-91124552329745256802010-05-14T08:35:00.005-05:002010-05-14T12:41:55.141-05:00Five on Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d7S7n0Bdnsg-g492Sk-IJLipJ_s0wV6QL109R5ypuvFfRVYmZ8A1w1eE1uSA_08tYXLaioeDxsSJmmJnDK5kZUuoi9z1pL2x_74k-T49ldkb25a3otShUCB5x9vr5MBp8NzAvXtcwQw/s1600/Matt+Foor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d7S7n0Bdnsg-g492Sk-IJLipJ_s0wV6QL109R5ypuvFfRVYmZ8A1w1eE1uSA_08tYXLaioeDxsSJmmJnDK5kZUuoi9z1pL2x_74k-T49ldkb25a3otShUCB5x9vr5MBp8NzAvXtcwQw/s200/Matt+Foor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471122159556424002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Featuring Matt Foor, controller</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span>1. What is your role as controller?</span><br />My role is to help coordinate and oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the University. The tasks are quite varied, and on any given day you may find me helping a department chair with budget issues, advising student government leaders about their student activity funds, working with auditors to reconcile financial reports, completing government-required reports so the school can receive federal funding, talking to bankers about treasury/cash management, and making sure "the bills get paid" in an efficient manner. I work with an outstanding staff and work for leaders with great vision. I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution to the ONU community and do my part to make this a better place for students.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. You're participating in Vision Walk 2010. How did you get involved with this?</span><br />Vision Walk is being held in Chicago on June 13, and I am participating with my family. The purpose is to raise awareness and funds for eye diseases. We are so close to having cures to help those who struggle with being able to see. With God's help, the researchers can continue to make strides with adequate funding. Since some of my family members, including my wife, have to deal with vision difficulties, this is something I want to do to show my support for them. The 5K walk will start at Soldier Field and wind through the Museum Campus.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />3. What's one family vacation you'd like to take?</span><br />This is an easy question. Disney World! We have started planning and saving for a trip. Our kids are getting to the age now where they travel better and enjoy vacation time. Beth and I have started telling them all the fun things there are to do there, and their excitement seems to grow each day. Our son is already studying the map of the parks and is asking questions all the time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. You and your wife both graduated from Olivet. How did you meet?</span><br />Beth and I met at Olivet, but were in different classes and had different friends. We knew each other just well enough to say "hi" in the hallways and cafeteria, etc. After we graduated, we both had jobs in the same town, went to the same church, attended the same small group, and she lived right next door to my sister and brother-in-law. So by then, our paths started crossing more ... then we started dating ... then we fell in love, and the rest is history. It was all part of God's plan and I am so thankful that we met at ONU and are now able to share the rest of our life together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. You're an Ohio State fan married into a Michigan family. How have you managed to remain on good terms with the in-laws during OSU's current winning streak?</span><br />I keep my mouth shut. :) Seriously, we have been kind to each other about our "differences." I knew my wife truly loved me when she, a Michigan fan from birth, pulled many strings to find tickets to a Buckeye football game for our tenth anniversary.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-37363253663419847302010-05-13T13:25:00.004-05:002010-05-13T13:56:17.348-05:00Throwback Thursday - 1943<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL8z5qS0Va1Yx3Sb3v5nnsvefpOxHJgBWVlgBfqqnmp3PUn8Vr9h_NTVyeVIEZV-behCWUP7EoQbqBvhTDMY4QKkdils6VrPdIXdl6rBM5SU1_zfv9dnte7XvV-9wRz0woMkGlRKIcYM/s1600/military.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL8z5qS0Va1Yx3Sb3v5nnsvefpOxHJgBWVlgBfqqnmp3PUn8Vr9h_NTVyeVIEZV-behCWUP7EoQbqBvhTDMY4QKkdils6VrPdIXdl6rBM5SU1_zfv9dnte7XvV-9wRz0woMkGlRKIcYM/s400/military.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470822781815393074" border="0" /></a><br />Like other colleges and universities of the time, Olivet saw many of its brightest students leave to serve the country during World War II. But letters to professors and University staff kept the community connected. Above, troopers Harold Stinehelfer and Warren Davidson, who were classmates at Olivet, were stationed together in 1943 as part of the Army Air Force Band. They wrote:<br /><br />"We are enjoying the wonders of God and full salvation. We are inspired this lovely Sabbath day to write this message to the students at Olivet. We want to praise and glorify God for the way He has led the lives of these two Christian soldiers. God has been with us since we left the halls of dear old Olivet. He has kept us together as two workers in the field serving the Lord as well as Uncle Sam. ... Our testimony has been spread throughout the band. We are letting our lives shine to the Glory of God."<br /><br />(Photo and text from The Olivet Collegian, Volume XV)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-16147327628023289692010-05-12T09:35:00.003-05:002010-05-12T09:56:14.774-05:00Word of the day: Palimpsest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMGT0jTrI0WTJ50VqtzYpLOpBGoH5Isz7hTQG4Yz3-FNMG78S4gIYg_9WabhrcUIb06NGgHrHynrbrESDgYhDYyoyDYsxIUCP4qqZHODqoEDtBxCnzKH3WQnFxX5KCJX33cL3gz1pLAs/s1600/boy+tears.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470394865123523874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMGT0jTrI0WTJ50VqtzYpLOpBGoH5Isz7hTQG4Yz3-FNMG78S4gIYg_9WabhrcUIb06NGgHrHynrbrESDgYhDYyoyDYsxIUCP4qqZHODqoEDtBxCnzKH3WQnFxX5KCJX33cL3gz1pLAs/s200/boy+tears.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Palimpsest (Noun)
<br /></strong>
<br /><strong>Pronounced:</strong>
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<br />PAL-imp-sest
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<br /><strong>Definitions:
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<br />1: writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
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<br />2: something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface
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<br /><strong>Example Sentence:</strong>
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<br /></strong>As Judy observed the eyes of her new boyfriend fill with tears at the end of <em>Sleepless in Seattle</em>, she teased him about what a palimpsest he had turned out to be.
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<br /><strong>Did you know?</strong>
<br /><strong></strong>
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<br />According to Merriam-Webster, writing surfaces were once so rare that they were often used more than once. Their commentators explain, “‘Palimpsest’ originally described an early form of recycling in which an old document was erased to make room for a new one when parchment ran short. Fortunately for modern scholars, the erasing process wasn't completely effective, so the original could often be distinguished under the newer writing. De republica, by Roman statesman and orator Cicero, is one of many documents thus recovered from a palimpsest.”
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<br />Today, the word can be used to describe anything that is “more than what meets the eye.”
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<br /><em>Definitions and pronunciation taken from Merrian-Webster Online</em>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-35748366731842251802010-05-11T15:35:00.003-05:002010-05-11T15:41:34.809-05:00Trivia Tuesday: National Barbeque Month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuXrBo5UkC3tHqnEv1frt4MQN2wcmjjSNKgXsGufSjuj9VFPnuUumYbR3HqWSClAIPxfcdrnRflCHjEaKF58e6uXJY3HkhMpF3CP1euSN1voF4yKx_qJJjIXN-Oz6oHrfp3CnReAtBeM/s1600/barbeque.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470115324542539746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuXrBo5UkC3tHqnEv1frt4MQN2wcmjjSNKgXsGufSjuj9VFPnuUumYbR3HqWSClAIPxfcdrnRflCHjEaKF58e6uXJY3HkhMpF3CP1euSN1voF4yKx_qJJjIXN-Oz6oHrfp3CnReAtBeM/s200/barbeque.JPG" border="0" /></a>If you were to ask, "Which month is National Barbeque Month?" most folks would tend to go with July, since an Independence Day barbeque is almost as ubiquitous as a Thanksgiving Day turkey.<br /><div></div><br /><div>You might be surprised to discover that May is, in fact, National Barbeque Month. And when you consider what a cool month it is, I dont think that we can begrudge it its tasty title. </div><br /><div></div><div>May heralds the imminence of summer. The weather warms consistently. Flowers come to full bloom. Pollen takes flight in all of its invisible and active forms — yet fails to dissuade most Northerners, long besieged by the cold winter months, from wanting to get out from under the shelter of their roofs. And really, what better approach to getting reacquainted with the great outdoors, neighbors, friends and family than the aroma of slowly grilled meat crusted with a sweet and spicy glaze? </div><br /><div></div><div>While barbequing over a gas grill has many advantages — temperature control, convenience, etc. — its hard to argue that barbeque tastes a whole lot better (if done correctly) over charcoal.* Sadly, the art of charcoal grilling is fading in favor of the convenience of gas grills. But to those who abide by the sanctity and superiority of charcoal grilling, we offer this Trivia Tuesday question:</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>You know when the coals are hot enough to add the meat when you cant hold your hand over it for more than how many seconds?</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div>Take a guess in the Comments section and we'll post the correct answer next week.</div><br /><div></div><div>Answers to <a href="http://olivetnazareneu.blogspot.com/2010/05/trivia-tuesday-colorful-commencement.html">last week’s question</a>: 1C, 2F, 3A, 4F, 5B, 6G, 7I, 8D, 9H, 10E. Kudos to Megan for her correct answers!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-53207598676649984342010-05-10T09:50:00.002-05:002010-05-10T09:53:24.550-05:00This Week at Olivet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVqpUBp5OT_bpa0XeXZRwx_VutDBw0kOVVaqdRC-kIzadMJepwmkTmny0tO_cLUAACbWHbWGQUK8PyfVCW-66oea-F9xmREsFoefEs133KrZuEvb26x6coxlflXk4Js0JjJM0goim9uo/s1600/May+1o0.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469654546486332450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVqpUBp5OT_bpa0XeXZRwx_VutDBw0kOVVaqdRC-kIzadMJepwmkTmny0tO_cLUAACbWHbWGQUK8PyfVCW-66oea-F9xmREsFoefEs133KrZuEvb26x6coxlflXk4Js0JjJM0goim9uo/s200/May+1o0.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Events on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University for the week of Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16:<br /></em><br /><strong>Block 1 Classes begin<br /></strong>Monday, May 10<br />7:30 a.m.<br /><br />For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar, call 815-939-5201.<br /><br /><strong><em>Editor’s Note:</em></strong><br /><br /><em>As you can imagine, activity on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University slows down quite a bit during the summer months. We will continue to post “This Week at Olivet” throughout the summer, but only on weeks where public events are scheduled. Olivet business offices remain open throughout the summer months, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-46517826242371726682010-05-07T15:47:00.003-05:002010-05-07T15:59:37.311-05:00Guest Feature: Lessons learned, memories made<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyFBXvxawP_n8Dj9i2tU8VYU5R_Rwx6cCYa3y6fAttCvuMiWfjZRjcu_WGg6FG2IqCXuqJ-gVVBuAfB7Ow9Yay1Ba4mB1ak-y1TeRdZewkS3-s-QFNZ5q7cuusG_TCCcnxdzPZlQBuT0/s1600/amy+duerrewaechter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468635069040452210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyFBXvxawP_n8Dj9i2tU8VYU5R_Rwx6cCYa3y6fAttCvuMiWfjZRjcu_WGg6FG2IqCXuqJ-gVVBuAfB7Ow9Yay1Ba4mB1ak-y1TeRdZewkS3-s-QFNZ5q7cuusG_TCCcnxdzPZlQBuT0/s320/amy+duerrewaechter.jpg" border="0" /></a>By Amy Duerrwaechter<br /><div><br />As I sit and reflect of my time at Olivet Nazarene University, on the verge of graduation, many memories flood my mind. </div><br /><div>I look back on all of my first things I did on campus: move in and unpack, eat everything in the cafeteria (only to realize that I would be eating this every day for the next few years), and going around to all of the buildings to find my classes for the next day. I remember discovering that to “fit in,” I needed to take <em>two</em> cups at the cafeteria and that I shouldn’t carry a purse. </div><br /><div>I also remember meeting so many people my freshman year. Back then, I never would have thought that they would still be the people I turn to at the end of my senior year. These were the friends that truly became my family. </div><br /><div>And Olivet Nazarene University became a home away from home. I have grown and learned — in more than just academics. </div><br /><div>As a freshman, you are encouraged to get involved, but I didn’t think that the activities I joined would have any serious impact on my life. I joined Omega drama ministries simply figuring that this traveling team would be something fun to do that would get me involved. My first team consisted of seven people. These seven people have made the most impact on my life. They have morphed into roommates, fellow co-workers, team leaders and best friends. </div><br /><div>The following year, my involvement with Omega changed from just being a team member to a team leader, and currently I serve as director of this ministry. This ministry has changed the way I view everything I do. It has given me leadership experience, and every year I have grown in ways I could never have dreamed possible. God has led me to meet some of the most amazing people, and each team has become a family of people to trust and experience the year with. I can honestly say that if I did not get involved in this one activity, my entire experience at Olivet would have been different. </div><br /><div>When people say, “Get involved,” they mean it. My advice to new students? Get involved in something, anything. It’s worth it. </div><br /><div>When I visited Olivet, and had the tour of the campus, I was told that the professors here truly care about the students. Coming from a small private high school that was important, but I was skeptical if it would actually be played out and true. But let me tell you: the professors here are some of the best people in the world. </div><br /><div>There was a Saturday afternoon I was working on a project and was having problems. So I called my professor, and he came onto campus — on his day off — to help me. </div><br /><div>So many times, I would run to my professors for advice on something outside of the classroom, and they were always willing to lend a listening ear. When professors say that they are here to help us, they mean academically — but also in everyday life situations. If you are a current or future student, take advantage of the wonderful people around you. They have so much experience and knowledge to share.</div><br /><div>So often, friends and academics are what most people think of when they think of college experiences, but there is one more aspect that I cannot leave out. Throughout my time at Olivet, I have been able to grow spiritually. </div><br /><div>God has blessed me in so many ways. I look at how He works situations out, and I am amazed at His provision. God has been with me through everything. If there is one thing that He has taught me the most in these last few years, it is to surrender everything to Him. This is a very hard thing to do, since I tend to want to be in control of everything, but He has always been faithful in providing for me, when there seems to be no other way. </div><br /><div>As graduation nears, I am looking at my empty apartment, and all of the books scattered on the floor, and boxes being taped up. It just makes me think how thankful I am for my time here at Olivet. </div><br /><div>It is because of the friends who have become family, the education I have received, and the God that provides for me that I know I will be successful in whatever tasks that come my way in the years to come.<br /><br /><em>Amy Duerrwaechter will graduate tomorrow from Olivet Nazarene University with her bachelor’s degree in photography. Following graduation, she will work as a graduate assistant for Olivet’s Office of Annual Giving as she pursues her MBA through ONU’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies.</em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-7352583786470965172010-05-07T11:42:00.000-05:002010-05-07T15:47:00.328-05:00Five on Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZvIq_8WejmqS5yLDUg3E-GVT5u9X69OLgzVSv3y40FNSrrvAFUCgjlO9CsfcA87QEYfecIGIOdO_rkHSMLw_LvrMj6V3P_ZuRx8BKKtA_wkIYkze1zbslmB_1DeLpLdrI0DQiEbiweU/s1600/books.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468624669118658082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZvIq_8WejmqS5yLDUg3E-GVT5u9X69OLgzVSv3y40FNSrrvAFUCgjlO9CsfcA87QEYfecIGIOdO_rkHSMLw_LvrMj6V3P_ZuRx8BKKtA_wkIYkze1zbslmB_1DeLpLdrI0DQiEbiweU/s200/books.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Featuring Kathy Boyens, director of library and resource center</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">1. What do you enjoy most about your job?</span><br />Working with just great people (Olivet faculty and staff are the best in the world!), helping students and learning something new every day. Library work can be challenging because of the many changes - due especially to constantly changing technology - but at least you can never complain about being bored!<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">2. What's one book you've read recently that you would recommend to others?</span><br />Actually, there are two. One is a children's or young adult novel called <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Wednesday Wars</span>, written by Gary Schmidt, an author and professor at Calvin College who visited Olivet in late March. Not only is the story engaging, but many of the characters demonstrate a great deal of moral courage. The other recommendation is a book of short stories (not all are so short!) by Pulitzer Prize-winning Jhumpa Lahiri called <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Unaccustomed Earth</span>. While she describes lives caught between cultures of India and the U.S., her stories about families and relationships resonate with readers of any cultural background.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">3. What are your thoughts about the Kindle?</span><br />Very cool - I'm enjoying mine tremendously. It's convenient and easy to read, but also dangerous, because it's so easy to download more e-books with just one click on Amazon!<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">4. Outside of work you serve as music director at your church. Why are you involved in this ministry?</span><br />It must just be ingrained in me. My father was a pastor and my mother was the church organist and children's choir director for many years. It's truly a spiritual experience to be able to lead a congregation in worshiping God through music.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">5. What advice would you give the Class of 2010?</span><br />Be true to who you really are and, at the same time, be open to new ideas and new experiences. In trying something new, you learn more about yourself and others - and you may just uncover a hidden talent or passion!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-13386877570250306622010-05-06T14:06:00.003-05:002010-05-06T15:04:14.308-05:00Throwback Thursday - 1995<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG6kMhQyBUwRAOQSxKr4d7wuzddF0SRJqezwSSz8CwqPDJeyCa_HC9_3VxH4wh8O26f-hX4wdkGdWu2ft4qTuZ0fJfBleAsv9wOhXfbIPLK2xfq03DVKkZ_8K3ifJVd1EvUUpYoNOCmk/s1600/graduation011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG6kMhQyBUwRAOQSxKr4d7wuzddF0SRJqezwSSz8CwqPDJeyCa_HC9_3VxH4wh8O26f-hX4wdkGdWu2ft4qTuZ0fJfBleAsv9wOhXfbIPLK2xfq03DVKkZ_8K3ifJVd1EvUUpYoNOCmk/s400/graduation011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468235900842095138" border="0" /></a><br />We find it difficult to believe that it's once again graduation time on campus. But the bleachers have been put up and the lawn has been marked up and - it has to be said - the campus looks absolutely beautiful as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2010.<br /><br />While finalizing plans for this 97th Olivet Commencement, we take a look back at the ceremony of 1995. Above, President John C. Bowling and General Superintendent Paul Cunningham enjoy a moment of quiet before leading the processional.<br /><br />Congrats to the Class of 2010! Today's graduates are tomorrow's Throwback Thursday participants!<br /><br />(Photo from The Olivetian, Vol. 62, No. 5)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-14295673033935900912010-05-05T10:38:00.004-05:002010-05-05T10:42:02.691-05:00Word of the Week: Alma Mater<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oTSyyt-EYnodfJE4LsCypgzjdO-Z-gWyKIHP5a5dIOk1rOlY51VnYw04jRDcPtsh7D-EXyDKzCgGx5Eb0xihjim1tBIsbpxaYIl6UneCVWdhRJAIAJZNU0Y3WQWSE7RMTiByUVqs-OA/s1600/Hi-mom.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467811101287126466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oTSyyt-EYnodfJE4LsCypgzjdO-Z-gWyKIHP5a5dIOk1rOlY51VnYw04jRDcPtsh7D-EXyDKzCgGx5Eb0xihjim1tBIsbpxaYIl6UneCVWdhRJAIAJZNU0Y3WQWSE7RMTiByUVqs-OA/s200/Hi-mom.gif" border="0" /></a><strong>Alma Mater (Noun)</strong><br /><br /><strong>Pronounced:</strong><br /><br /><div>al-mə-ˈmä-tər<br /><br /><strong>Definitions:<br /></strong></div><br /><div>1: A school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated<br />2: The song or hymn of a school, college, or university<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Example sentence:</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>As the convocation drew to a close, the entire congregation stood to sing Olivet’s alma mater, which was written by the Class of 1939’s Byron Carmony. <br><br></div><div></div><div>-- </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so this word may not be <em>completely</em> unknown to the majority of our readers, but we couldn’t think of a more perfect word for this week. </div><div><br />For one thing, no Olivet graduation ceremony would be complete without the singing of Byron Carmony’s “Alma Mater, Olivet.” And in the last hours of their ONU experience, graduates are sure to spend plenty of time this week reflecting on warm memories from their alma mater. </div><div><br />Interestingly enough, the very origin of this word makes it a good fit for this first week in May. “Alma mater” means “fostering mother” in Latin — just in time for Mother’s Day. </div><div><br />Like a nurturing mother, we’re proud of our graduates and wish them all the best in this next chapter of their lives. </div><div><br />And to the all mothers of the Class of 2010: thanks for loaning us your babies for the last few years. They’ve sure done you proud! </div><div><br /><em>Definition and pronunciation taken from Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary.</em> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-39235390186641234862010-05-04T10:40:00.007-05:002010-05-04T11:05:25.231-05:00Trivia Tuesday: Colorful Commencement<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkrmxcicP7iCDyQ6XQYLpOYO5jsxzO5KZSZBw7ZtzHi3UI3DU01cpP26z9Mh4jHWZVNzr_YdsQo0KI7w_CBSElnvxnFZyHD2dwlV6QdTRp6y-N59YHfTMWQ46446mPPvxqN-KuLMZYkY/s1600/graduation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467442025185475634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkrmxcicP7iCDyQ6XQYLpOYO5jsxzO5KZSZBw7ZtzHi3UI3DU01cpP26z9Mh4jHWZVNzr_YdsQo0KI7w_CBSElnvxnFZyHD2dwlV6QdTRp6y-N59YHfTMWQ46446mPPvxqN-KuLMZYkY/s200/graduation.jpg" border="0" /></a>The bleachers are up, and the commemorative program is off to the printers. It’s official: Graduation is just around the corner!<br><br /></div><div align="left">This year marks Olivet Nazarene University’s 97th annual Commencement ceremonies. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Though several things have changed over the years, the academic regalia remains largely unchanged. The Class of 2009 will don black robes and black caps — and colorful tassels that designate their specific academic field. The color of these tassels, which also appear on the trim of the hoods worn by master’s and doctoral graduates, are consistent with the colors worn at colleges and universities throughout the United States.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>How well do you know your academic regalia? Match these colors with the appropriate academic fields listed below.<br><br></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left">1. Light blue</div><div align="left">2. Drab</div><div align="left">3. Orange</div><div align="left">4. Brown</div><div align="left">5. Pink</div><div align="left">6. Apricot</div><div align="left">7. Sage Green</div><div align="left">8. Golden Yellow</div><div align="left">9. Citron</div><div align="left">10. Scarlet</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br>a. Engineering</div><div align="left">b. Music</div><div align="left">c. Education</div><div align="left">d. Science</div><div align="left">e. Theology</div><div align="left">f. Business</div><div align="left">g. Nursing</div><div align="left">h. Social Work</div><div align="left">i. Physical Education</div><div align="left">j. Fine arts</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br>Take a guess in the comments section, and we'll post the correct answer next week.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br>Answer to <a href="http://olivetnazareneu.blogspot.com/2010/04/trivia-tuesday-beep-beep-beeeeeeep-beep.html#comments">last week's question</a>: "Hurray! It's Morse Code Day!" Congrats to Megan on her awesome Morse Code translation skills.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-28175961042292744912010-05-03T10:06:00.001-05:002010-05-03T10:07:49.261-05:00This week at Olivet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy-qn-uoJdeB9y72HlSaL-sralqSl9cJkppZbkO929uSK_Q5J5GY2_qrOBeHiGrFALs4nyGXWOVbJhI8a2mpvtautiCkJJuGQhB8iQCZNH_Tj1Rcpy2hob6tTQXh9yYTOyfXbbuoGdgI/s1600/grad.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy-qn-uoJdeB9y72HlSaL-sralqSl9cJkppZbkO929uSK_Q5J5GY2_qrOBeHiGrFALs4nyGXWOVbJhI8a2mpvtautiCkJJuGQhB8iQCZNH_Tj1Rcpy2hob6tTQXh9yYTOyfXbbuoGdgI/s200/grad.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060674122904290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Events on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University for the week of Monday, May 3, through Sunday, May 9:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baseball</span><br /><br />Thursday, May 6<br />1 p.m.<br />Snowbarger Park<br />ONU vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Softball</span><br /><br />Thursday, May 6<br />Time to Be Determined<br />Snowbarger Park<br />ONU hosts CCAC Tournament<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baccalaureate Service</span><br /><br />Friday, May 7<br />7:30 p.m.<br />McHie Arena<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Commencement</span><br /><br />Saturday, May 8<br />9:30 a.m.<br />Esplanade<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SCHEDULE OF COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES SPRING 2010</span><br /><br />Friday, May 7<br /><br />1 p.m. Social Work Pinning Ceremony<br />Location: Kresge Auditorium<br /><br />2 p.m.<br />Nursing Pinning Ceremony<br />College Church of the Nazarene<br /><br />2:30 p.m.<br />School of Theology and Christian Ministry Graduation Chapel<br />Kelley Prayer Chapel<br /><br />4:30-6 p.m.<br />Phi Delta Lambda dinner and induction ceremony, Mr. Jeff Enfield, President<br />Nash Banquet Room, Ludwig Center (by invitation only)<br /><br />7:30 p.m.<br />Baccalaureate Service<br />Dr. John Bowling, President, speaker, Leslie Parrott Convocation Athletic Center<br /><br />PLEASE NOTE: Graduates will sit with family and friends during the Baccalaureate Service. Graduates, dressed in their academic robes, should be seated in the Convocation Center no later than 7:15. Only trustees and faculty will march in the academic processional for this service. Graduates and their families are reminded that there will be open seating throughout the Convocation Center. Line of march for trustees and faculty forms at 7 p.m. in front of Burke Administration Building. In case of inclement weather, line of march will form in Birchard Gymnasium.<br /><br />9-10 p.m.<br />President’s Reception for Traditional Degree Candidates and their families<br />Chalfant Hall<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 8</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CONVOCATION FOR TRADITIONAL DEGREE CANDIDATES</span><br /><br />8:45 a.m. Line of march for degree candidates and faculty forms at the Admissions Center<br />9 a.m. Prelude, Concert Band<br />9:15 a.m. March begins<br />9:30 a.m.Commencement Convocation for Traditional Undergraduate Students<br />Mr. Hugo Chan, Attorney at Liau, Ho & Chan, Hong Kong, China<br />Milby Mid-Campus Esplanade/closed circuit TV viewing in Larsen Fine Arts Center<br /><br />In case of inclement weather, the Commencement Convocation for Traditional Undergraduate Students would be held in McHie Arena, with line of march forming in Birchard Gymnasium. Overflow seating would be available in Chalfant Hall for closed circuit TV viewing.<br /><br />12:00 Noon<br />ROTC Commissioning Ceremony<br />Fortin Villa<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CONVOCATION FOR SCHOOL OF GRADUATE AND CONTINUING STUDIES DEGREE CANDIDATES</span><br /><br />1-1:30 p.m. Line of march for Graduate and Continuing Studies degree candidates and faculty forms at Burke Administration Building (In case of inclement weather, line of march will form in Birchard Gymnasium.)<br /><br />2 p.m. Prelude<br /><br />2:15 p.m. March begins from Burke Administration Building<br /><br />2:30 p.m.Commencement Convocation for School of Graduate and Continuing Studies degree candidates<br />Leslie Parrott Convocation Athletic Center<br />Dr. John Bowling, President, Olivet Nazarene University, speaker<br /><br />Overflow seating is available in Chalfant Hall for closed circuit TV viewing.<br /><br />Reception for School of Graduate and Continuing Studies graduates and their families to follow immediately after the convocation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-37711695272639302102010-04-30T15:26:00.004-05:002010-04-30T15:38:51.145-05:00Five on Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg3n9KwhmnYYE42ZjVkMBV6vVIGlKFDTzXCxC8S2mfPUCh76nu0FBHGPn0mXifSSr4AXCVEVVuKvSdZ7YstNTvZDL-ypMzz8u3qzpEUrxXs0e_73QLHGiUmk-jMQ-_ITRzC80G9nbNLI/s1600/liz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg3n9KwhmnYYE42ZjVkMBV6vVIGlKFDTzXCxC8S2mfPUCh76nu0FBHGPn0mXifSSr4AXCVEVVuKvSdZ7YstNTvZDL-ypMzz8u3qzpEUrxXs0e_73QLHGiUmk-jMQ-_ITRzC80G9nbNLI/s200/liz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466032323191622754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Featuring Liz Agan, a junior graphic design major</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />1. Why are you studying graphic design? </span><br />I've always loved art and I love computers. The reason I chose graphic design is because it combines two things I love.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. What would you tell a student who was considering Olivet?</span><br />Olivet is a great place to meet new friends for life. I've learned a lot in my art classes that will help me in the real world. Having a Christian environment is a wonderful blessing because I know that my professors care not only about my school work but also about my walk with Christ.<br /><br />If you are looking to grow in your knowledge and faith Olivet is the place to be.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. What was it like growing up in a family of three boys? </span><br />Crazy. I grew up playing sports and video games instead of Barbies. But I loved every minute of it! :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Classes are over and exams are underway - what do you have planned for the summer? </span><br />This summer I am taking classes from Olivet during May term. After that I'm going home to spend much-needed time with family and to finish all the details for my wedding. I getting married in August!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Congratulations on the upcoming nuptials! What do you most enjoy about your fiance? </span><br />There are so many things I love about him, so it's hard to choose ... He loves Jesus with all his heart and he makes me laugh a lot. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-46186293654035774022010-04-29T13:37:00.003-05:002010-04-29T15:21:46.145-05:00Throwback Thursday - 1973<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGf5Z5GVxOYEnvK6g0y3NN6uf77fOei5NADVjsxH0k60999T57l5BmzaA1mXN9leudOk_5zm-UyBYQHolXds08fez9qqOVOer6P8K32taXDuKUsT-0pna-i4bEZht9KEkzftbGcAMmUE/s1600/74-Softball-Pic.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGf5Z5GVxOYEnvK6g0y3NN6uf77fOei5NADVjsxH0k60999T57l5BmzaA1mXN9leudOk_5zm-UyBYQHolXds08fez9qqOVOer6P8K32taXDuKUsT-0pna-i4bEZht9KEkzftbGcAMmUE/s400/74-Softball-Pic.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465635528972208066" border="0" /></a>As this year's Tiger softball team continues to <a href="http://www2.olivet.edu/athletics/news.php?c_id=11&n_id=6991">dominate the diamond</a>, we take a look back at life pre-intercollegiate softball. While the gear and uniforms might make it seem a little casual, the play was certainly competitive during the intramural competitions. Here, Fran Reed takes a big swing at an incoming pitch.<br /><br />(Photo from the 1973 Aurora.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-25422802728530597042010-04-29T10:45:00.005-05:002010-04-29T11:04:44.184-05:00Guest feature: Gardening 101<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukrDxiJDHcj18j-8cluFr4cPVGgYdgP-Hgv8BtI74NINJQSvxh80UhN6IRmgp24bAoNmbyCD_cw1HZ1Xn0yS91Ql5ZbcatbhlsxMkY_InKkXxC8_-hc1Rds2VnHtiROGplfCYNXnEhAs/s1600/garden.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465586927293897458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukrDxiJDHcj18j-8cluFr4cPVGgYdgP-Hgv8BtI74NINJQSvxh80UhN6IRmgp24bAoNmbyCD_cw1HZ1Xn0yS91Ql5ZbcatbhlsxMkY_InKkXxC8_-hc1Rds2VnHtiROGplfCYNXnEhAs/s200/garden.JPG" border="0" /></a>By Becky Williams<br /><div><br />Spring has officially sprung, and signs of new life are popping up everywhere. </div><br /><div>Perhaps you’ve determined <em>this</em> will be the year when you finally take part in the horticultural world for the very first time. Or maybe you’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to garden in the past and now you wonder if there’s any hope for your not-quite-so-green thumbs. Either way, my hope is that this article will provide you a few, simple tips that will put you well on your way to a successful planting experience. </div><div><br />Gardening, to me, is therapeutic. It amazes me how God can take a little seed or plant, and it will grow into this luscious vegetable or fruit. It’s fun to get outside in the garden and “get dirty” — then a few weeks later, bite into a juicy, delicious, red tomato that I (and God) grew! </div><div><br /><strong>Let’s start with the basics </strong></div><strong><div><br /></strong></div>All plants can be divided into two categories: perennials and annuals. <div><br />Perennials do not die after one season; they come back on their own from year to year. Perennials are great for landscaping, and require less maintenance. A couple common examples of perennials are hostas and tulips. </div><div><br />Annuals, on the other hand, must be re-planted each year. Most garden vegetables, beans and seed flowers fall into this category. While they are a bit more work then perennials, annuals offer you variety and additions to your color palate each year. </div><div><br /><strong>It’s all about the timing</strong> </div><div><br />In order to have a successful garden, you must sow in the proper season, which varies from plant to plant. </div><div><br />Right now, the gardening rule in our Midwest climate is to not set out any plants that will be affected by cold nights. My advice is to hold off until after Mother’s Day, when frost is far less likely. The hardest thing about this, I know, is seeing all the nurseries with the bedding flowers and all their colors. It makes you want to buy them and plant — but be patient and WAIT! If you <em>do</em> decide you must buy them now, put them inside the garage or under an awning at night so they are protected until you plant them. </div><div><br />Conversely, there are a few plants that should already be in the ground by now, such as root plants (i.e. potatoes, carrots and early peas). Some people use the rule: Plant your potatoes Palm Sunday weekend or Easter weekend. But those dates change every year —so it’s not a terrific guideline. Basically, they can be planted earlier than most plants since they are covered with soil.<br /><br /><br /><strong>There’s hope for you!</strong> </div><div><br />Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s all well and good, but I can’t grow a garden because [fill in the blank].” </div><div><br />But as the old saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” </div><div><br />What if you live in an apartment with no yard? Try container gardening, also known as patio plants (the more in vogue name). You can get pretty large containers and even grow two to three things in one pot. </div><div><br />What if you have heavy shade throughout your yard? Definitely check with a florist or nursery worker to find out what plants will do well in your local climate or even in your particular yard. There are a lot of beautiful perennials that do well in the shade — so don’t give up and think that nothing will work. </div><div><br />What if the squirrels, rabbits, bugs, etc., are enjoying the “fruits of your labor?” Well, the rabbits have been having caucuses in my backyard already, so chicken wire around my vegetable garden is the ONLY thing I’ve been able to use to keep them out. Some plants will get bugs on their leaves, etc., and you will have to buy a liquid or powder spray, sold at garden centers. You might even bring a leaf in to the garden center so they can see what specific disease or spots you are dealing with on the plants. </div><div><br />What of if you don’t have a lot of time to keep up with gardening? Start with a small space or container gardening first. Once you get the weeds under control and the plants mature, you might be surprised how little time the maintenance really takes. </div><div><br />What if you have a “seedy” history of killing every plant within your care? Try a cactus. (Just kidding) Outside plants are quick to tell you if they need a drink of water (leaves wilt, turn brown, flowers droop, etc.) So, if we go through a drought season, keep them watered, but don’t drown them. If we’ve had plenty of rain and you “talk to them” on occasion, they will thrive! </div><div><br /><strong>Off you go!</strong> </div><div><br />The best advice for a novice gardener? Just dig in! Literally. The joy of gardening is its simplicity, and you’re sure to pick up a few tricks of your own along the way. You CAN do this. </div><div><br />Finally, if all else fails — if gardening really intimidates you or time is really an issue — support your local farmers market. These are wonderful, and the best of whatever is in season will be right at your finger tips! </div><div><br /><em>Becky Williams works in Olivet Nazarene University’s Office of Development and fields gardening questions daily from co-workers who aspire to grow bountiful gardens.</em> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021978404650609134.post-23871966998542676362010-04-28T11:20:00.003-05:002010-04-28T11:25:30.440-05:00Word of the Week: Puerile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bu7qfvB3NJys6f7iiB0x-e38SF7RsLCUs2T-Pf5H-8xSEnJY6WLee_Sks-6_BNctve0eTyOO4C_7dNjkHmR4t04ySDXzJMPRAUUBOVP3AfgxtiWmvHgeRYa66ZamNnN78BghmJwZ2Q0/s1600/whoopee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465224216936163250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bu7qfvB3NJys6f7iiB0x-e38SF7RsLCUs2T-Pf5H-8xSEnJY6WLee_Sks-6_BNctve0eTyOO4C_7dNjkHmR4t04ySDXzJMPRAUUBOVP3AfgxtiWmvHgeRYa66ZamNnN78BghmJwZ2Q0/s200/whoopee.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Puerile (adjective)</strong><br /><br /><strong>Pronounced<br /></strong><br />PYUR-ul<br /><br /><strong>Definition<br /></strong><br />1: juvenile<br />2: childish, silly<br /><div><br /><strong>Example Sentence</strong></div><br /><div>Brian misinterpreted Julie’s polite smile as an indication his flirtatious behavior was well received, when in reality, she thought his antics were pathetically puerile.<br /><br />--<br /></div><div>According to Merriam-Webster, “Puerile can describe the acts or utterances of an actual child, but it more often refers (usually with marked disapproval) to occurrences of childishness where adult maturity would be expected or preferred.”<br /><br />If you’ve ever experienced the disapproving looks of someone more “sophisticated” or “mature” than you, you know how uncomfortable it can be to cross the line from silly to immature.<br /><br />Where exactly is that line? It depends largely on the situation, atmosphere, and the persons on the receiving end of your behavior. For example, a whoopee cushion would send a room of ten-year-old boys into hysterics, but would threaten your credibility if utilized at a sophisticated dinner party.<br /><br />If laughter is what you’re after, know your audience and utilize smart, comedic timing.<br /><br />Stick to this strategy and you’re sure to be the life of the party rather than the puerile pain who never gets invited.<br /><br /><em>Definitions and pronunciation taken from Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary</em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0