Is it in the Cosmo(s)?

There has been much talk in the media about BYU's gaudy rise in the polls for college football.  Many are saying they have a shot at the BCS and even the National Title.  I, for one, believe if BYU wins out they will play for the National Title.  I would normally not be so optimistic, but my belief goes beyond reason.  It is based upon karma, crazy coincidences, and ultimately the cosmos.  Here's why I believe:

1.  Coincidental Shutouts

In 1985, a year after BYU won the title, they had two shutouts in a row that year.  The scores: 59-0 over Wyoming, and 44-0 over Utah State.  They hadn't had two shutouts in a row until this season. The scores: 59-0 over UCLA, 44-0 over Wyoming.

2.  Poll Rankings

The last time BYU was ranked this high, this early, was in 1984: the season they won the championship.  Near the end of September they were ranked 7th in one poll in 1984.  This year they are ranked 7th in one poll at around the same time.

3.  Oklahoma-Michigan

In 1984 BYU could have played Oklahoma (okla. declined the invitation to the holiday bowl), who was ranked extremely high that year.  In fact, many believed Oklahoma should have been ranked number 1 ahead of BYU until they lost to Washington.  Once again, Oklahoma is a national contender.  Interestingly, the last time Michigan was 6-6 in a season was the year they lost to BYU in the NC game.  Michigan is having a similar year and probably won't do better than 6-6.

4.  The Washington Controversy

In 1984, the big controversy was Washington, despite having one loss, should still have been number 1.  The most controversial game BYU played this year was at none other than: Washington.  (the infamous unsportsmanlike conduct flag).

5.  BYU had a few good seasons before the NC year.

BYU had established itself the few years before 1984, which helped vault them into national contention early on in the season.  The Cougars, this year, came into the season with the nation's longest winning streak.

Well, there you have it.  There are too many parallels to deny.  It's in the Cosmos. 

(I reserve the right to delete this post if we lose to utah state tonight.)

Can Procrastination Help Preclude Perfectionism?

I have a theory.  I call it efficient procrastination.  But first...

Perfectionism.

Often, when I want to get a big jump start on a paper or a presentation, I commonly find myself spending a lot of time.  In some cases, probably too much time.  I notice this, specifically, when I have to write a paper or when I'm preparing for one of my mock trials.  In doing such, I end up reading and researching, probably more than I need to.  Typically, despite how much effort, it still causes stress the day before, because I fear it's not quite yet perfect.  On the upside, I do feel, despite how bad the stress level becomes, I know because of the extra preparation, I'll make it through.  Question: is it worth the long term stress?  I'm not so sure, especially if I engage in what I call efficient procrastination.

Efficient Procrastination.

First, an illustration.  Last year, I had a paper due  after finals for my mediation class.  It was a 6 page paper for a pass/fail class.  Earlier in the semester, I did a sufficient amount of research to write it, but saved the writing for after finals.  I had one day to write the paper before it was due.  So that's what I did.  I spent 5 hours in one night writing the thing.  Turned it in, and didn't look back.  Now, if I had started writing it earlier on, I would have spent twice as much time for a paper that didn't count for much.  

Thus, I've learned, sometimes procrastination really does pay off.  I'm not saying that you should start writing a paper at 4am when it's due at 7am, because that may cause panic/ulcers/or worse: a very bad grade.  I am merely suggesting that sometimes putting things off forces me to spend less time on it.  Case in point: I spent a ton of time researching for my first mock trial.  Then, when it came down to writing my direct examination, I hardly used any of the material I read... I realized I should have started writing my direct before I went on this rabid reading frenzy.  I should have procrastinated.  

I have implemented this strategy in my Negotiations class when I have to write a one 4 page reflective paper a week.  I typically start a day before its due, knowing that this still would give me enough time.   As such, I get it done, and at the same time spend the first 5 days of the week not worrying about it;  when typically, it would take me a few days and several hours to write one measly, meaningless 4 pg. paper.  You see, the secret to efficient procrastination is that you still give yourself sufficient time to finish the assignment and do a good job.  Heck, I'd argue you could still do a great job.  In truth, efficient procrastination is really the cure to help avoid the habit of an excessive compulsive behavior... known as perfectionism.

Identity Crisis

After growing up with the freckles and the blazing red hair, I feel I have earned the right to be known as a red head.  However, a few years ago, the red hair started to fade into a more mainstream brunette variety, and I feel part of my image and identity have been infringed.  I could handle it better if my hair turned red to gray in my mid 50s, but instead, it already changed in my mid-20s.  Now, those who meet me, don't know me as a redhead.  And I feel left out.  I feel this is another splinter of my continuing mid-20s crisis.  In addition to heartburn and a receding hairline, I can no longer claim my redheadedness.  But, I am trying to maintain a semblance of positivity, as I fight to maintain my identity as a redhead.  So far, desperation has not completely enveloped me into going to get my hair dyed... but the temptation is strong.  For now, I will continually point out to people the freckles on my arms as proof.  Proof, that, in my ideal world of hopes and dreams, I will be remembered not only as "that guy," but also as "that guy with red hair."  

B-l-o-o-d

This week I was somehow assigned to be in charge of a blood drive for our ward.  This is kind of ironic, considering I could not think of anyone worse for the assignment.  

For starters, I have bad luck when it comes to nurses using needles on me.  It started in the MTC when they tried to draw a little blood and they had troubles drawing blood out of my vein.  After poking me a few times, they still couldn't draw any blood, and I had to come back for a second visit.  I told them to try the left arm, and viola, blood came out without a problem.  On subsequent occasions when I've had to have my blood drawn, I always point out that my left arm should be used; however, some stubborn nurses still go for the right arm, saying there shouldn't be a problem.  Almost always, they miss, and have to go to my left arm.  This frustrating endeavor has made me sick of needles and I abhor the idea of getting my blood drawn.

I have never donated blood.  But as the one responsible for being the new ward blood-drive recruiting zealot, I feel almost obliged to acquiesce.  However, I don't think I will.  Even after meeting with the Red Cross representative telling me how much blood is needed, I just don't think I can stomach it.

So I have decided to come up with a compromise to rectify my guilt for not participating in blood drives:  I'm going to sign up to be an organ donor. 

Back to my Roots.

Back To Arizona!?

First, for all those dedicated readers of my blog, I apologize for, well, never writing blog entries.  I will hopefully be changing that soon.  So, recently, I have decided- at least for now- to take the bar in Arizona.  This meaning, I would have to find a law job in Arizona or Nebraska, as the Arizona bar waives into Nebraska.  If by December I find a job elsewhere, then this may change.  Otherwise, I'm hoping that I will land a job in Arizona.   For those of you who don't know, I lived in AZ during high school, up until my mission.  Since my family moved from AZ to Utah during my mission, I never really moved back home.  Hopefully, I will come home at last.

The Root of All Evil.

One of my next crazy endeavors is that I intend to apply for Deal or No Deal.  Lately, two acquaintances I know from EFY have appeared as contestants on the show.  So, I say, hey, why not?  They appear to love former EFY counselors.  Right now, for those who want to be supporters on my show (meaning you get to fly to LA and be there cheering me on), I am currently taking bribes as to who to list on my application as supporters.  Hopefully, by the end of August I will finish the video I intend to make.  I will keep you all posted as to when or if I send in the application and whether I got chosen.  So why am I doing this?  Money.  Of course.  And maybe for a little attention.

Who Steals Plants?  Honestly.

My job this summer has not always been the most arduous. In fact, there is typically way too much downtime.  Also, my co-worker, Tony and myself, we have no office.  As a result, we decided to daily reserve the same study room at school.  After a while, and as a result of pure boredom, we decided the room needed a plant.  So I bought a 3 dollar plant from Wal-mart, named Duke.  To our dismay, a week later, Duke was gone.  Surprisingly, we found Duke sitting at the front desk in the Creighton Law Library.  I thought, you know, after pummeling me with debt, Creighton should have the decency to leave my 3 dollar plant alone.  So I stole Duke back.  The next day, Duke was uprooted again-- and put in the same place.  I decided to forget about it, and let Duke stay there until my internship ends.  But I swear, if they neglect watering my plant, there will be blood.

Root for the Tigers.

After an abismal beginning to the year, the Detroit Tigers appear to be back on track.  Surprisingly, not so much because of their veterans.  Sure the veterans have been playing better, but it was the rookies that sparked the turnaround.  Although most have been sent back down to the minors, I would like to thank Clete Thomas, Matt Joyce,  and Armando Gallarraga especially for helping the Tigers keep the season alive.  This week Gallaraga pitched 6 perfect innings and has been the Tigers most consistent pitcher.  Joyce is hitting homers all over the place and Clete has speed and a high batting average.  Now the Tigers are in the hunt.  And they couldn't have done it without the help of these surprisingly upstart rookies.

Tidbits

American Idol rigged by Wikipedia?....
So I was reading about American Idol on Wikipedia. It lists all of the former winners and where everyone got voted off. When I scrolled down to Season 7, it showed D. Hernandez, Amanda Overmyer, and Chikizie as being voted off. However, it also showed in the May 21'st box, highlighted in green, the winner of this season's AI. According to Wikipedia, Ramiele would be the next AI. I was going to post the link, but apparently Wikipedia caught it's mistake and has since removed Ramiele as the winner... thank goodness for that.

Clever 12 yr. old applies for West Virginia coaching job.
You'll have to go to the link itself to enjoy this story....

Oh the Madness...
I fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams last week when I attended a few March Madness games in Omaha. And now I understand firsthand why a 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed. The disparity between Kansas and Portland State was crazy ridiculous. PSU didn't stand a chance.

Tampa Turbulence.
If I could have been anywhere last week to watch the madness, I would not have minded Tampa Bay. Two 12 seeds and two 13 seeds all won in Tampa.. one of the most amazing feats I have ever seen in one city. When Western KY sunk that 3 in overtime, you had a feeling the rest of the day in Tampa would be special. And it was.

Spoke Two: Hula-hoopers Anonymous

The hooping started in Egypt 3,000 years ago, with participants using grapevines and grasses. Later, in England sticks were used. It transformed to plastic in the 1950s. Now you can get the normal everyday hula-hoop at Wal-Mart or customize your own. It's now an undying fad. Someone will always want to hula-hoop.

It's true. I can hula-hoop. At first, this was not something I really would broadcast to everyone, but now I don't care as much. It's just something I can do without much practice. In fact, all of my siblings can hula-hoop without much effort. I had to laugh a few years ago when I came across a website hooping.org. At the home page it had read, "for the underground hula-hooping community." Apparently I am not the only one to shy away from the talent.

I don't have much footage of my hula-hooping ventures, because well, I really don't do it too often. However, I do have this:


And also this:



I found some interesting hula-hooping records here.

It started with a talent show in Michigan. Ironically, the only time I'll bust out the hula seems to be when some sort of talent show comes up. Typically I can't think of anything else to do. So I just hoop it up. My new trick is hula-hooping while balance boarding. Anyway, perhaps when another talent show comes, I'll dust off the hula-hoops and perform once again.

Spoke One: MICHIGAN FOOTBALL

Lately, I've come to the realization that my favorite sports team is indeed Michigan football. I've followed closely the whole ordeal with RichRod(Michigan's new coach), have become addicted to Mgoblog (Michigan's most prominent blog), and have also become a fan of watching the recruiting wars unfold. In particular, I'm excited about Sam McGuffie, Michigan's highly-touted and dynamic RB. How could you not be excited about this:

Or this:

Brian, at Mgoblog, does a great job of recruiting analysis here.

In reality, it's extremely hard to predict recruits. Mike Hart was a 3 star running back, but turned into one of Michigan's most consistent players over the last 4 years. I am a bit concerned our bowl streak may be in trouble this year, mostly because we don't have a QB. But hopefully, like RichRod did with recruiting, he'll be able to pull out his wizard hat and surprise us all. Go Blue.