True Rivalry

Rivalry is common in many areas of life. Whether in the workplace, school, or on the sports field, rivalry can be a motivating factor that brings en-heightened excitement to regular competition.
You know that you have a true rivalry when the fear of losing is greater than the joy of winning. The prolonged embarrassment from losing does not fade quickly.
On the sports field, rivalry often reaches its peaks. Though fans are merely bystanders cheering on a team, fans see the victory as much contributed by their cheering as to the athletic ability of their team. In a real sense, the team's victory is their victory; the superior team reflects the superior fan.
An anticipated war on the field took place a few days ago between two arch-enemies, The BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes. This is a true rivalry because it lives true to the definition defined earlier, the fear of losing is greater than the joy of victory.
This rivalry is especially intense for me, an open Utah Ute fan living in the cougar's den of BYU fans. My future for a few weeks time is dependent on the outcome of the game. When we are defeated, I become the scape goat of laughter. When we are victorious, I become the must-avoid friend.
I was at the game on Saturday between the Cougars and the Utes. Though I am, as Bill Cosby would say it, an "intellectual, that attended college, mind you," that understands that this match is merely a game that has no intrinsic future value, I become emotionally evolved with these three hours of football. Each play, each mistake, each bad call tugs at my heart strings. The score was 13-0 at the half for the enemy, the faces of the fans were as dramatic as veterans seeing ghosts of war memories.
The 3rd quarter begins and ends with no change. The hope of even the biggest fans begin to dwindle. The 4th quarter starts, and the Utes score! Though it is just 3 points, hope is renewed. A turnover by BYU, followed by a Ute touchdown! The scoreboard reads, 13-10. BYU drives towards the in-zone. They are stopped! They kick a field goal, it's good, 16-10. The Utes get it...turnover! The anger of the hopeful fans thunders. BYU drives forward...turnover! The cheer of the mob is deafening. Utes push forward, and forward. Jordan Wynn passes long....touchdown! The Utes take the lead 17-16 with four minutes left to play. BYU receives the kick...they push down the field. A third down and long...converted. BYU enters the red zone (20 yards from the in-zone), 1 minute left to play. Jake Heaps passes to the inzone....incomplete! Another 3rd and long for the Cougars, every fan is off their chair. Stopped short! The time keeps ticking...40 seconds, 30, 20, 10, 4 seconds and BYU calls a final timeout.
BYU just needs a field goal to win, it all comes down to this last play. The thoughts of every Ute can unites, "block the kick, block the kick," consistent like the beating of every heart. The match can't end with a simple field goal. Despite the odds against missing or blocking the field goal every Ute fan knows the season can't end this way. The ball is snapped. The kicker thrusts his leg and makes contact with the ball, it launches forward and upward. Brandon Burton lunges forward...arms stretched out. The ball hits his arms, the kick is blocked! The kick is blocked! A cheer erupts from the crowd, shaking the stadium with its earthquake force. A sea of red fans break over the barrier and cover the field. Utah wins, Utah wins!
Though it was merely a one-point victory, the fans don't care. A win is a win. Arguments about bad calls, injured players and other game factors is sure to follow, but the end result will stay the same.
In the end, a true rivalry brings out the best and worst of each team. Each team plays at their best, and their worst in the course of the game. BYU's special teams fumbled a punt, had a field goal blocked, and the quarterback threw an interception. Utah's ranking offense didn't score until the 4th quarter, the quarter back threw 3 interceptions, and special teams never returned a kick pas the 20-yard line.
The reason a true rivalry will always be exciting is because despite each team's ranking, and past losses or victories, the game will always be determined in the exciting final minutes of the game. That is what makes a rivalry an anticipated and exciting game. Go Utes!

Christmas Music Protocals

November 2nd, two days after Halloween, I went to the store. I was greeted by Santa Claus, and cheery Christmas music. Too Soon? Maybe.
When can you listen to Christmas music and not feel it to be too soon? Like with everything, the opinions vary. Some say Christmas music should only be played in December. Others say that it can be played after Halloween. The happy medium, and average answer, was that Christmas music is okay after Thanksgiving, but not before it.
As an avid Christmas-music listener, it can almost never be too early. Two years ago, I started listening to Christmas music around mid-September. Crazy you say? Or is it that I just have more Christmas spirit and everyone else is a scrooge.
However, I even admit that it is strange that every store after Halloween has decked the halls with Christmas merchandise. What about Thanksgiving? While I love Christmas, it falls to second place in my favorite holiday's list. Stores, in an effort to get as much holiday buck as possible, have cleverly tossed Thanksgiving aside. It is merely a roadblock to the "money making" holiday.
Hence, the only clear solution to this conundrum is to create and market a series of Thanksgiving songs. If Thanksgiving is to stand a chance, we must have Thanksgiving music that carols the holiday's presence.
Thanksgiving day songs? Yes. Just think of the possibilities. Songs can be written about turkeys, yams, and most importantly football. Aged, 'has-been' bands like N'sync can come out with Thanksgiving albums. And don't think I forgot about Manheim Steamroller. I anxiously await there Thanksgiving album, along with a performance from Trans-Siberain Orchestra.

It's not you, its me...

"It's not you it's me," may be something everyone has said at one point in time. We may have said it in a joking matter amongst friends. But sometimes it is said in a car, a quiet sullen conversation we all dread.
"The chemistry just isn't right," a select choice of words that is meant to delicately say, "I have lost all attraction for you." This particular phrase is usually followed by "it was bad timing," equivalent to saying, "more time will not make this work."
We all know that these phrases are cliche, and they mask the real truth. Often I hear that we should just speak the truth, instead of these fabricated lies. After all, everyone values the truth.
Truth be told, when you are on the receiving end of these conversations, the last thing you want to hear is the truth. The initial message of the conversation is enough to shake anyone's self esteem, without the extended commentary reigning blows to your self worth.
Truth be told, we don't want to hear the truth. We are already thinking it. It is the awkward third wheel in the room we pretend to ignore. What we want to hear is a series of explanations that tell enough about the situation, while ignoring the personal flaws that could have attributed to it.
Truth be told, we don't want to tell the whole truth. We need these universally understood phrases to let them know the relationship is ending. Like a street light, it is signal to stop (or rather go) to which we all have been programmed to respond.
"I hope we can be friends," is almost always said. What we may be trying to say is that I hope you won't hate me in the future. The friendship is really dependent on what happens afterward.

The Five Worst Places to Meet Guys (weekly blog # 7)

Last week I wrote about the 5 worst places to meet girls. It received a good response. However, girls were asking me about the 5 worst places to meet guys. So I did some quick research and here is what I came up with.

The 5 Worst Places to Meet Guys (no particular order)

1.) At the movie, "Notebook"
At first glance this sounds like a great idea; this guy must be sensitive. However, you must remember this is a guy we are talking about. If he is going to this movie to meet girls, it is because he is out of options. This is the last attempt for this guy. He has failed everywhere else, and now has to play the sensitive emotional guy, to get a girl to talk to him.

2.) Visiting a friend in jail.
If you are talking to a friend in jail, and the guy next to him starts making eyes at you, don't batter those lashes! I know, I know, his tattoos and dangerous 'bad guy' vibe is alluring. But set the standard bar up a few notches...or in this case get a standard bar.

3.) At the drive-through window at the bank.
This sounds like a good spot. The guy works at the bank, hes got money, he's cute...but remember flirting takes time, and there is a line behind you. Don't be that annoying car that takes 20 minutes to cash a check. HONK! Hurry up! Instead go inside everyday all stalker like, until he is working at the desk. Then you can get your flirt' on.

4.) At the Hair salon, under a big dryer.
Little hint...if he is sitting under one of those big hair dryers...He's gay, keep looking.

5.) At the Santa display in the mall.
You have two options. First, you end up talking to a handsome guy waiting with his child to sit on Santa's lap. Surprised to see he is married? Really? Secondly, you happen to think that maybe Santa or one of his elves are single. Bad decision. They are elves...small elves...wearing tights. As for Santa, here is a 50-year-old, overweight man dressed up in a red suit. Not the the prime of the pickings. If you think to yourself, "Maybe I will be like one of those girls that dates the much older guy." They do that for money. This guy is not going to be rollin' the cash in. He works as a Santa in the mall. Keep looking.

As mentioned before, I am not saying it is impossible to meet Mr. Right at one of these places...it just isn't the best place to start looking for him.

American Scream

Before you start reading this do the following:

1.) Turn off the lights
2.) Turn up the sound on your speakers
3.) Right click on the youtube video link below and open it in a new tab. Then press play (or just open it in a new tab, because it will play automatically) and come back to reading this.(it is just a song, so you don't need to watch it before reading it, rather listen to it while reading)

Right click on this, and open in new tab

Ok, now you are ready to read this week's blog.

It's back. The feeling has returned, this time it's overwhelming. Like needles poking every inch of my skin, the feeling awakened me from sleep. I want to open my eyes, but that feeling chokes off my courage, and common sense. "Something is out there, you're being watched," it screams into my mind.
Aftermath of a bad dream, I tell myself. Yet, the feeling remains. What time is it? Is it morning? If I open my eyes, I will see my digital clock and it's illuminated red numbers will answer these questions. All I need to do is turn my head and look. "Don't open your eyes, it's still out there, still watching you," the feeling presses.
Don't be silly, I tell myself. Nothing is out there, nothing is "watching" you. I open my eyes. Slowly, my eyes adjust to the dark. My head is facing the wall next to my bed, with the light from my basement window shining onto it. The strange feeling that woke me up remains. Blankly staring at the wall, I try to remember when I have felt this not-so foreign feeling before. The sound of a footstep jerks my attention. Another footstep. The source of the sound blocks the light from the window. A image of a shadow begins to form, growing as it moves closer to my window, to me. Someone is watching me. The feeling was right.
My mind races. Where is the nearest weapon? Will I have time to get to it? Is it just a trick of the mind? If only I could turn my head and look around my room. Then I could see who or what it is.
An idea enters my head, the thing doesn't know I am awake. Is it worth the risk?
I slowly turn my head around, until my left ear and eye press against the pillow. Slowly, I open my left eye, my eyelid grazes the pillow case. Though my vision is blocked, I begin to make out details in my room; my dresser, my desk and chair come begin to take shape.
The quickening breath is the only sound I hear. It can hear me, it knows I am scared. It's coming for me.
"Focus," I tell myself. Don't panic. The only way I can know what's there, is by turning my head towards my window. It could be nothing...but then again what if it's not?

The song has probably stopped, so here is a link to another song. Do as you did before by right clicking on the link, and opening it in a new tab. Then press play and read on. (if the song is still going, switch songs anyways...)

Right click on this and open in new window

The feeling became stronger. Don't turn your head. But I needed to see who or what it is. A sound of movement comes from the window. I begin turning my head. I see the corner of the window. I stop. I close my left eye all to but a small slit, barely enough to see. I keep turning my head until the back rests against my pillow. I see the figure, next to my window. Who is it I ask as I squint to focus. The rough details of his face, his scruffy beard, his dark eyes begin to clear in my vision. He turns his head side to side, searching my room. A dog barks. He turns to the sound as my eyes are forced upon. Before I have time to think, he turns back, looking straight at me. "Close your eyes!" my mind shouts, but fear overcomes reason. We stare at each other. Then he slowly gets ups, his eyes still locked on mine. He straightens up, looks to both sides, and starts walking away....

This is a true story. I ended up running to my parent's room, recounting everything to my dad. We turned on all the lights, and then with makeshift weapons checked the back and front yard, but he was nowhere to be found. I learned a lesson; never ignore that feeling again.

The Five Worst Places to Meet Girls (weekly blog # 6)

It can happen anywhere. It might happen at the library while studying. Or, it could happen at church. Depending on your confidence and luck, You could get a cutie's number and a date wherever you go. However, just because it can happen anywhere, doesn't mean that every place is ideal. In fact, there are a number of places that I can think of, that would be better not to try; for time's convenience, I will name five in no particular order.
1. On the internet...while playing World of Warcraft
Hands down this is not a good place to try to put on the moves for several reasons. Not only do you have no idea what she looks like (she is not an elf), but you also know what she does at 1:30 a.m. on a Tuesday. While this is every nerd's dream...it has only happened once in documented history. Save the pick up lines for the next star wars convention.
2. At the store...in the wart medicine isle.
Guys (or girls)don't try this one. Even if a hottie comes up next to you and starts browsing. Let's just pretend that you do happen to start up a conversation; you exchange a few jokes, she smiles. Chances are she won't fall for the "I'm buying it for my roommate" line. Yet, if she does, the question should by now pop in your mind...why is she in this isle? She must have warts too. It is scientific fact that if she has warts she is a witch. You don't want to date a witch.
3. At a family reunion
Enough said...unless you are from Alabama.
4. At the Laundry Mat
Everybody has a favorite shirt, or outfit. Yet on the other hand, everybody has that one shirt or outfit that they don't want to wear...until there are no clean clothes; the laundry day outfit. When it comes done to it, you want to be on your game, playing your strengths to get that number. Sweat pants and that "Idaho is the bomb" shirt don't help your chances.
5. At Lamaze class
Here at BYU some guys take marriage and family, or elementary education classes because of the positive girl-to-guy ratio. On that same thought, I signed up for a Lamaze class. Bad decision. all the girls were either married or dating some French guy named Fiance. Needless to say I did not get any date out of that class. But I did learn to breath properly.
I want to clarify myself, It is possible to meet the girl of your dreams at any of these places. But when trying to up your odds of Friday night adventure, it is best not to start at one of these five places.

All the small things

I reached into my pocket and found 20 dollars. Wow, it was like finding money, literately. It was the highlight of my week. Certain people would say that is sad, but I believe that the small things make a day (or a week). Who can argue against that when a small plate of cookies is left on your table?
When one thinks about it, Christmas is based on that principle (that and the whole tradition/religion thing...). Children wake up and find presents under a tree upon a cold Christmas tree. It doesn't matter what present you get, some random person (Santa Clause) left a wrapped gift for you.
So based on that principle, I decided to make someone's day. I started thinking where can I make a difference. Then I noticed, anything related to hunger and food, is a good choice. The next question was where would I find hungry people on a college campus...it would be near impossible. Then while walking in a hall, I noticed a line to a vending machine. That's it, the gold mine; the last resort to quiet a loud obnoxious stomach. So, later that day when there was no one around, I bought three items (a candy bar, some chips, and a cookie) and never reached in to get them. I left with the knowledge that some lucky hungry person would walk sullenly up to the vending machine, counting the change in their hands, contemplating what item would best stop the hunger. I don't know who was the eventual person to get the gift, but I hope it made their day.