In the spirit of risky behaviors, this picture has been used without permission.

     T.S. Eliot once wrote that "only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."  Risk.  It's pushing yourself to do something you're scared of.  It's about facing the possibility of failure.  Now, one shouldn't allow oneself to be pushed into risky behaviors.  But if it's what you want, then you should go for it and have the perseverance to follow through.  
     Here's an example.  I love performing.  And yet I take a tremendous risk whenever I get up in front of people.  And believe me, I can feel it.  It's even worse when the performance is an audition for a play.  What I'm feeling is the risk of rejection, and it's scary.
     Here's one thing I've noticed at CMU -- most of us could be more risky.  Many of us have things we'd like to do but don't.  Here's my question - why not do what you want?  Whether it's saying "no" more often, signing up for the opera (I hear there's a few male choir spots left), asking that person out, or organizing that event - why not do it?
     This campus is becoming too predictable.  Please do something risky today!  Why would you risk?  The more you risk, the freer you'll feel.  It's worth it!

CMU Dance Crew!

A Well Done Prank

     Okay -- it's time to talk pranks.  Pranks are "one of those things".  By that I mean that they are unofficial.  I'm sure The Institution would much rather we avoid them.  Nonetheless, they are an important and longstanding dorm tradition that cannot entirely be replaced by more modern techniques (just ask any alumni or faculty -- especially from the "old days.")  In my first year the entire resident population in Concord Hall decided to hold a dance party at 3 a.m. in the hallway where the exhausted Outtatowners were staying.  This year I was quite impressed with the women of the second floor Poettcker Hall res -- they microwaved  what must have been 90 bags of popcorn and then threw it in our hallway, rigging the doors so that we'd also get it in the face upon exiting.  I found out later that they had been making popcorn for weeks in advance.  
     But how does one prank someone else?  How can you make sure you're doing it right?  Never fear -- I will now present to you the basics of a well done prank.


A Well Done Prank
Step 1: (8 pm) blow up a tremendous amount of balloons.

         

Hmm.. should I pose for the picture or ignore the camera?

half-way done!

Step 2: (11:30 pm) Go to Tim Horton's

When you have 4-1/2 hours to kill, where else would you go?

Step 3: (4 am) Transport balloons into subject's room.

          

   

     It took Andrea almost an hour to get out of her room in the morning.  Incidentally, she had mentioned something about a room full of balloons a while back.  What a coincidence...!

Good morning!

      And there you have it - a well done prank, bringing joy to those around us.  Seriously, though, and before I start sounding like some advertisement, you should share the fun.  Prank someone this week for me, okay?  Good luck!

Q & A with Pastor Dan

     Dan Unrau from BC has been or pastor-in-residence for the past week.  This past Thursday, I sat down with Dan and asked him some questions about his life and his work.  Enjoy!

Has moving from Manitoba to BC been a positive or negative experience?
You know, it's been interesting.  I've always remained theologically and socially connected to Winnipeg.  Mennonite Brethren churches in Winnipeg tend to have a more mainstream theology which I can relate to.  On the other hand, I appreciate the music in BC much more.  On a given Sunday we might listen to Led Zeppelin in church.  You just don't get that here.  It's a shame.


What's the hardest part of your job?
Simply telling people I'm a pastor can be tough.  In some cases, people who have known me for a while still don't know -- it's easier in BC where the question "what do you do?" doesn't come up in conversation very often.  I find that people can clam up when they find out that I'm a pastor.  It's unfortunate.  


What do you think is the biggest spiritual issue facing people right now?
Lifestyle.  There are many Christians who really live almost the same as anyone else would.  And if we're doing that, then what difference does the Christian have from the average person?  When someone tells me that they've given up on Christianity, the first thing I ask them is if they were reading the bible and praying regularly before they decided to jump ship.  Almost none of them were.  I think we need to live differently if we expect something different.


     I really enjoyed having Dan on campus.  I enjoyed his stories, his friendliness, and his energy.  His presence here this past week added energy to the entire campus.  Even after just a week, I'm going to miss him.