Response to Sharon Mazer

I'm not sure how I feel about this article: muscular men putting on spectacles to convert people? Hmm. When did religion turn into a ticket-buying-come-see-something-crazy kind of deal? The Power Team call themselves "fishers of men", or perhaps the circus would be interested in their show as well.
Now I'm not saying that what they're doing is wrong, but I don't think this is the way God would want his word passed along. Then again I have to take into account the way society has changed, through technology and various forms of entertainment; but, is this the right way?
The Power Team's performances are said to be sometimes breathtaking, showing the power of the human body. But with enough practice couldn't anyone do these things? Couldn't anyone put on a spectacle such as this, without the preaching? If so, wouldn't those that only came to the spectacle to see these crazy things done, feel more comfortable not listening to someone preaching their own beliefs?
I think I've actually seen this. In my high school we had a program one day when these really big guys came in and ripped phone books, blew-up and popped hot water bottles, and talked to us about drugs and alcohol. I didn't know it at the time that I was being exposed to something with an underlying message, but I do remember being drawn in by these crazy feats that these men were putting on.

Response to Sedaris

This was quite an interesting read. Drawing me in from the very first line, making me laugh, think, and feel. The author's way of writing is realistic, while reading the story I didn't feel like someone was talking about something or describing a way of life for someone, but that the author was talking to me, down-to-earth, face-to-face, just good writing. This is the kind of writing I enjoy the most, as if the audience is there with the author and the author acknowledges that instead of talking or trying to impress some invisible force.
For my own writing I've always thought I incorporated this in some way. Even in my less structure, journal-like, story-like writing I've always felt the presence of my audience. When I feel passion, hate, annoyance etc., about a topic I like to get that feeling across. (Take my last blog for example, I was getting worked up.)
Sedaris's writing is funny and sarcastically witty, taking on tones of "so-what?" and "ha, oookk??", all the while making a point, showing a feeling, a thought, a fear, and irony. I truly enjoyed this read.