You’re right – it does touch on a lot of other matters. I tend to notice, however, that I can be distracted by them. And, in this case, would it make sense for me to publicly bend down and eat the crumbs, after the communion assistants have left? Would that be too big of a show? Would I then be a distraction to other people and their experience of worship and communion? And how would I consume crumbs in a situation that wouldn’t be quick (i.e. there are a lot of crumbs)?

As you probably realize, I make an effort to avoid crumbs, and to consume (personally, publicly, and quickly) the very few that I drop. Once, years ago, this led to a funny incident, in which I inadvertently reached over to pick up and put in my mouth a “crumb” that proved to be a piece of foam rubber mixed with dirt that had fallen off somebody’s winter boot. I still ate it, lest anybody misunderstand the symbolism.

Thanks for the info about the dollar stores! I’m just too use to being able to walk half a mile and run into one – NYC spoiled me in that way.

I understand what you’re saying about the technology here. I am also use to an Ivy League budget – I got my undergrad at Cornell 6 years ago. I also have worked as a web designer for the last seven years or so. So whenever I notice web design issues, usability, or anything that is online related, I tend to write about it. It’s been my bread and butter for awhile so I tend to notice those things more than others.

Though even with some of the “backward” elements of the technology here, the technology in the classrooms is fantastic. I am use to overhead projectors, chalkboards, and having to squint to try to see a formula a professor wrote on a chalk dust covered board. LTSP’s classroom facilities are a completely different animal and I’m actually going to be able to take courses in a facility that is up-to-date and modern. Earlier today, I was trying to figure out what everything in the Distance Learning Room actually did. LTSP has many lovely toys that I’m curious to see in the flesh.

Moving past the info, I’m the communications director at LTSP so I’ll run into you in the next day or two (also doing the class recordings so you’ll see me in and out of the room). I got to skim through your blog, hope you keep on writing about your experience. Let’s chat, interested in hearing more of your story. And yes, parts of the technology we have are quite behind the times. I came from UPenn via WHYY (public broadcaster) 9 years ago, and was shocked to see DOS programs in a number of places. More the inertia of users rather than the tech team, though there’s the challenge of having the technology in the background that’s equivalent to the outstanding academics of the school while not having an ivy league budget (or tuition). And I can say that having been in the medical center at Penn where things were state of the art – I still am amazed at the quality of the seminary’s faculty. And I say this not because it’s my job!

Anyway, welcome to LTSP, I hope to get to know you as you continue your journey.

- John