The Trouble with Tradition

Recently in the state of Utah, the republican primary was held. In this primary, the same state senator that has been in office 36 years was voted through. In my own humble opinion (I like to think that it is open-minded and learned), I believe that anyone who researched any further into the matter would find him to be an unsuitable candidate. The man is 78 years old! His opponent was a freshman in politics and probably could have brought much to the table; his only downfall was support from the tea party. However, I feel the bulk of the win in this ancient senator's life is due to tradition. If anyone cared about more than tradition (i.e., the state of the country, the interests of the people) they would not have voted him in again.


Tradition can be a wonderful thing. As Tevye once put it, "Tradition helps us to keep our balance."  If anybody has ever been to Utah, especially the Utah County part, you will notice how much we resemble Tevye and the rest of his community. 


Nowadays, tradition seems like it ought to be something of the past (no pun intended). Take these examples:


(Disclaimer) This is not to fault anyone in particular. I place no blame or hard feelings on the people who might be mentioned here. These merely reflect my view on the downside of tradition.

Family: My parents always tried to instill in me the importance of household chores (hereafter referred to as 'jobs'). I remember never being able to go outside of the house to do anything until my jobs were done. As I grew older, I would watch my younger brothers and sisters learn the hard lesson that I learned from my parents, that is: doing your jobs is the most important thing on earth (P.S., doing your jobs is not the most important thing on earth). My favorite memory is my coming home to my youngest brother shrieking in the kitchen because my mom duct-taped him to the stool in front of the silverware basket. This forced him to precariously sit with no leg movement and unload the silverware, hoping that he wouldn't wiggle the stool and fall over. 


If I acted the same way as my parents, I might teach my children the same lessons that I don't feel are as important as others. I'd probably do my own thing and expect my kids to clean without me helping or setting an example (and all you parents know how well it works to throw your kid in a room and yell "Dont come out till its clean!"). But, because I recognize that teaching hard work by cooperation and trust works better than expectation and duct tape. The tradition stopped and changed into something better.


Business: Any business that has been around for years and years (and hasn't failed) knows this simple truth. To stay in business, you need to keep up with trends and innovation. To be fair, I have to agree that there are traditional lessons such as treating your customers well, but the bulk of failing companies lack innovation.

Government:.....I dont need to say much with government, but their old fashioned partisan arguments are bothering much of the silent majority. The tradition of politics keep things from working.

Whenever I personally hear someone say that I should do something because they have done it 'for years' or because they 'grew up doing it that way', I immediately become skeptical. Traditions should be kept due to their principles and benefits and not their common occurrences. Too commonly we look forward to the false sense of security that comes from tradition. Would that we could all "think differently."

I decided that I should start to keep my blog up again. I have read so many interesting articles and blogs lately, and it has inspired me to keep up on my own. Some of the best and objective news I see comes from blogs and NPR; they really connect people to other people. Most of the media really see the world in a pessimistic spectrum. There is a lot to be sad about, but because humans are inherently good, we can all still find interesting and wonderful things to learn. My title that I created as a 16 year-old will stay as I continue my posts: Always Look Up.


To reintroduce myself, I am now a legal adult attending college pursuing an economics degree. I plan to work my way into business sooner or later. I attend Brigham Young University for college which naturally designates me as a "mormon." I guess I'm more formally a "member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." I have to laugh every time I see a performance of "The Book of Mormon" on broadway or any other mormon parody. Let's face it, there are lots of fun idiosyncrasies about mormons, and bravo to all those who found the market and made money off of it.
I consider myself independent but I tend to favor the more conservative base. However, there are plenty on both sides who both get it right, and more who get it completely wrong. 


I like soccer, tennis, frisbee, Jazz music, and reading non-fiction. I have a bad tv watching habit as of late, and I think I could go back to more outdoor activities. Any questions?




Jeff, a character from Community (NBC) said ,"Helping ourselves is bad, and helping each other is good...just stop thinking about whats good for you and start thinking about what's good for someone else." Now, I think its great that we can still watch TV every once in awhile and see a worthwhile message such as Jeff's. The message itself is important, but I think the greater lesson we can take from it is this: Anything can be good and worthwhile as long as we look hard and not give up.


These words are very cliché and deserve to be written on the tab of a fortune cookie. However, the inherent message is true. In TV, the fictitious and unrealistic world of TV, there is still some good life lessons that we should all take to heart. I remember my parents and relatives talking about how innocent the world of TV was. We would watch some of the old black and white shows of the 50's (think "Leave it to Beaver" and "I Love Lucy") and hear about how wonderful the lessons they taught. 


I was born in the 90's and have seen the content on TV change since then. I feel like TV has evolved to take on all of the problems of today. Whether they control today's content or merely cover it, I don't know. However, the unrealistic worlds that were created back in the 50's were about as unrealistic as the sitcoms created today. I hope we recognize that we have to decide what we learn from any TV shows, experiences, or situations. Our personal philosophies are important. However, they are becoming mere whispers in a world where only certain messages are getting louder.

That's why I feel like its important to have blogs, journals, and other personal ways of expressing our views. It keeps from conformity and allows us all to continue to see personal good in the world around us. 

My take on the music

I myself have grown up as a music critic. When going on a date with a friend of mine to a choir concert, she teased me all night long because I would cringe every time someone was off tune or a melody didn't sit right with me. Thats just how it is- Its hard for me to control my emotions when it comes to music, whether displeasure or excitement. It takes alot for a song to enter into my Ipod playlists. 

Most people would say that It would be easier to be deaf than blind (true, it would be easier to "live" when living includes walking, reading, talking, etc.) but when it comes to me I think I would have a hard time living without being able to articulate a melody, tapping out a rhythm, or feeling the chills and beauty that only a dissonant chord can bring. 

A great man explained music as not just complete emotion (for example, heavy metal bands who sound like they are vomiting and exploding their instruments. . . or any emo band), nor is it complete terms and complexity (like your Chamber Orchestra, the period of the renaissance, and all the classical things that are 'appropriate' and 'structured'). Its just the right blend of emotion and musicality produced to enhance the tones that ought to be stressed. Sounds kinda complex. Yes, and yet it makes sense once it is understood. Let me elaborate-

If one were to listen to a Bach concerto, a Mozart sonata, or a monk chant, they would be able to sense some sort of structure or pattern (a.k.a cadence or stanza) to that particular piece. Very basic, very structured. The emotions seem a bit caught up in the tightness of the music. Imagine an old english setting where Women wear corset-it tightens their diaphragm and does not allow thier emotions to breath easily- Not only physically, but usually the corset is worn to make them impress, for them to do something that is not natural for them. This music is played at this setting and I believe it fits very well-The music is structured and intended to impress the structure. It is not very emotional or extreme in any case. It is safely kept to a soft, pleasant, somewhat light structure so as not to take away attention from the party it is accompanying. So, just as the corset doesn't allow the women to breath; the rules and structure of the renaissance and baroque era's dont allow the music to breath as much as needed to be complete.

If one were to compare a Chopin Nocturne, Liszt piece, Rachmoninoff prelude, Prokiev waltz, or Stravinsky ballet, The first thing that one would notice is the difference of tone of these artists. They have provided more emotion because their peices are being performed, the music deserving attention, or (continuing with the party theme)  "wearing the tux." These peices move forward with more rhythmic ideas, more complexity, and more emotional musicality to them, because they are the centerpiece. Especially with the case of Debussey, they venture forth for more dissonance, and less structure. Those who study music and can break out of the rules of the classical era will find a bigger depth and beauty to this music, because they have more room to breath. 

Modernly, the music has completely expanded beyond, well... music itself. Rap, R & B, Metal, and some Rock have been developed completely out of emotion and only are worth the lyrics, or noise, they produce. To be fair, R & B still uses some musical chords and dissonance and other such musical aspects, but as a whole, they have put on their own lyrics and thus putting on their own musical corset. But continuing with the original classical idea, there are classical music today that has just the right blend of musicality and emotion to make absolutely beautiful peices. 

Thinking about different types of music though. . . I think the most emotional, beautiful, and rich music comes from the choral world. The reason why is because everything sung can be put into a myriad of emotions- all that the human body can produce. The most natural instrument we have can produce the most natural sound and show the most emotion. Instruments just cant produce the tones and beauty that only the human voice can produce. 

Sorry for the random thought, but I just had to point that out. So, the best blend of musicality and emotion turn into the most chilling and beautiful tune. When performed in the manner that addresses both of those issues, it makes my heart stop, and makes me so thankful that I can hear! Im not sure my take on music will change anytime soon-obviously as I continue to grow it might change- but alot goes into the music that we hear, and I just thought I would point that out. 

2008

It is amazing to think that 2008 is this year. When I was 8, I had a lesson on missionary work. This wasn't anything new to me, I have had these lessons a couple times before and sung many songs about it. This time, the teacher gave us a notecard telling us our name, and the year we would go on our mission. Ever since then, I have had the year 2008 bolded, starred, and underlined in my mind. On New Years day it hit me that this is the year that my childhood has been waiting for, and only recently has it hit me again.
Rather than waltzing through the many regrets I have had througout the child-hood (wanting better grades, playing more soccer, and learning how to treat people earlier) I would instead like to reflect on many of my own, rather thoughtful, musings of sorts.
In 5 months time, I could be headed to the MTC to complete the mission task that I have been looking forward to ever since I can remember. It has been asked of me if i were scared, excited, nervous, (basically every feeling). . . and the answer I have repeatedly given has been "Well, Im not sure." Am I excited? Absolutely. Am I nervous? . . . not going to lie, I am a bit. Its a bittersweet feeling to think that the biggest goal I have had in my childhood is now coming to pass. What am I going to work on after that? Marriage, and raising a family I suppose. . . That makes me feel so old though!
Either way it feels right to be continually preparing and striving to serve a mission. It is the next step, so I ought to take it so my life can move up. Not only is my mission happening this year, but I am also graduating from my home-away-from-home (kinda) Mountain View. I have spent all sorts of time there, so it will be wierd to think that I will not be quite as welcome there anymore once I leave. Seniors ought to move on when they are out of school. Sure, come back and visit, but mostly they ought to let it be, and let the new seniors do their job. Its a hard realization to come by, but I think it is better to know of it now, rather than when we try to visit the high school every day next year. That just seems wierd. Next years seniors dont want us there anyway, it just doesn't fit.
I hope that with all I have learned that I have been able to share it with some of the classmates I have had. I have always wanted to be a teacher, but I am not planning on studying it in college. Teaching moments seem to continually pop up in High School, which seem to count for teaching in some aspect. Either way, life is coming, and its quite amazing to see it from a perspective as someone about to get ran over the train, rather than someone standing back and seeing it off in the distance. Although I never heard THAT metaphor when I was 8, I still think it applies now. I ought to write a card with the date 2010 on it, because then I will be able to look forward to the second half of my life. Most say over-the-hill is at 40, but I think its about 21. At age 21 is when one decides what to do with their life, and they continue doing it for years until they retire. Either way, in the next 5-6 years my life will probably be settled, and I can continue helping my family grow and working through all that. Until then, Ill just have to keep writing significant years on post cards, just to keep it all into perspective.

The Beauty and glory of Ernies

This morning was one of those "champ" sort of mornings. A champ sort of morning starts out with a champ (n.- meaning an amazing breakfast sandwich from Ernies), which then somehow makes your day better. When a company has that kindof a grip on their customers, one knows they must be doing something right. So why do I continually give my money to Ernies? (even though they raised their prices).
Ernies has a chill sort of atmosphere. The guys who work there are fun people. They dont ever seem angry or agitated. They hire people like Aaron Boswell, Mckay Vowells, Danny Stewart, and others that are fun-loving people. They also have big screen TV's with ESPN all the time.
They have amazing food. It takes a little time for them to make a sandwich, but the quality of it makes the wait worthwhile.
They aren't huge. They have 2 stores. The owner is in control and knows what is going on with the stores and knows how to improve them.
So, Ernies is amazing because of the chill atmosphere, the closeness to the customer, and the great sandwiches they produce.

Stud Co Pt II

So. . . i made it past primaries!!!!. . .. now comes the hard part. Why is it so hard?
--the teams are stacked. Usually the best team gets most people on stud co.
--My good friend is on the other team. His ideas and mine go so well together, and I was planning on being on his team as well.
--My opponant and I are squared off. I am going to have to pull off some sick stunt if I want to win
--Im going to be in New York, as well as half my team.. . . that is never good.
Sooo. . .it just seems like I am starting a big climb up a big hill. We'll see how it goes.

Stud. Co.

For the past week, I have been swamped with many things. Next week I will be in New York; Next week is the end of 3rd term; But the biggest thing that continually makes me nervous for the future is the occasion of student council elections. Why does this agitate me so?
First of all, I am involved with them. I am running for a student body position.
Second, it has taken much time to prepare for these elections. Posters and portfolios need to be made, and they do take some time to get through. Interviews followed, and this week primaries will take place.
This also stresses me out because I feel obligated to be on it next year. I have already spent a year on student council and have enjoyed it immensely.
It is also one of my last high school goals. At the end of 9th grade I wrote some goals that I wanted for high school. Getting on Student Council is the biggest, and last goal that needs to be accomplished.
So. . . these are reasons to why student council is so important to me, and why I really want to be on it next year.

Biology

Last month contained Valentines Day (Feb. ) and Easter is coming right up. With these two holidays comes much love, rejoicing, and of course, chocolate. Pounds and pounds of it! Bunnies as big as Mount Rushmore are now being stocked on the grocery store shelves. None of this "hollow" stuff, no, that bunny is "choc" full of chocolate. This brings up the curiousity of the effect of chocolate on the feminine minded among us. Why is chocolate so good to them? Don't get me wrong, chocolate does taste good (especially when added to cookies or pancakes) but its not mood-changing good. Is it?
I think there is something biological about it. The molecules in the chocolate must mix with the estrogen in the feminine body which produces a euphoria and temporary relief of any pain they must be experiancing at that point.
Chocolate has also been known to have small amounts of caffine, which has been known as "addictive"
Chocolate is usually given as a gift (usually comes with roses.) So when the women in question is eating this chocolate, they are probably thinking of the fine lad that gave it to them, which produces a happy thought, which can change a dark mood.
Although men do not get the blessings out of chocolate that most women do, most can attest that it does make the best tasting milk, as well as the most thought out apology.

Its all good

Yesterday was a terrible day. Everything seemed to take a wrong turn (except my driving: I have quite an innate sense of direction). I could go on and on about what went wrong, but to you, the reader, it would be long winded, pessimistic, and mostly boring. So for the sake of analytical thought and a more interesting blog, here are the reasons as to why my day went bad.
I let the bad things get to me. This gave them greater presence in my mind and weighed it down. Yes, bad things did happen, but because I gave into the whole "Im-having-a-bad-day-so-I-should-expect-bad-things-to-happen" state of mind. Imagine my surprise when, (huzzah), bad things kept happening to me.
Secondly, I tried to blame others for my bad day. "Tyler made my day bad. Rory made my day bad. Clint made my day worse. . . " all that did for me was give me a helpless feeling. When people start to blame others, they seem to lose the mentality that they make their own joy. They start to pretend their lives are out of their control, becuase "so-and-so" made my day bad.
Finally, I lost focus. I was at work and put too much hope in going home. This made me perform worse at work and that is when bad things started happening. When anybody loses focus in what they are doing, they tend to do worse, and then feel worse afterword.
Those are the facts. Now, What could I (or people in general) done better?
Obviously, I could''ve done the opposite of what I actually did (the reasons stated above), but that doesn't help after it has all already happened. Here's what I would suggest doing. (and it makes a good quote too)
" When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and fine somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom {which you have} and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, and you feel. . .light" (that actually came from Lorenzo Snow)

Roses are red, violets are blue. . .will you marry me? *(a Rich-worthy blog)

Why is the universal symbol of marriage a wedding ring? I mean, sure, it looks pretty, and it looks nice on the "ring" finger, but wouldn't you think that there should be a bigger symbol for marriage? I mean, marriage is a BIG thing! It can completley change 3 lives: yours, your wifes, and her mom.
But anyways, I think that the wedding ring became the symbol of marriage because men everywhere (especially on the BYU campus) were getting tired of asking women out hearing the same answer:
"Oh, no thanks, I'm married"
Sometimes this were true; other times the men tried to use cheasy pick-up lines which allows the girl (its written in the bible somewhere) to blatently lie.
Not only that, but when a man has actually found a wife, he would not be comfortable with other men asking her out. So what he did was went to the store, found the smallest, yet most expensive thing and decided to throw it on a specific finger. Now, his wife is subject to his "circle" (because a ring has no beginning or end) and will not be asked out by other men, unless, of course, they are blind.
But why a ring? why not a watch? or a necklace? or a nametag. . . well, the answer here can come from the girl's standpoint. A gold or silver ring basically matches every single outfit. Diamonds form all colors when the light hits them right, so it will match with everything the girl can think of. Also, watches are more non-chalant and might not be noticed. (note: watches can either go on the left or right arm and everyone wears them on one or the other. Rings can go on 9 fingers, until it becomes subject to one) I think the Hawaiians did the smart thing though. They just picked a flower, and threw it on the left ear if she were single, or the right side if she were taken. Aloooooha!
Thus the ring becomes the socially accepted way to tell if a girl is married or single. Now men everywhere will know exactly who is married, who is not, and who is lying that they are.