Beckond Blog: Tuesday, August 12, 2008

South Weber Daze
Current mood: jolly

Have you ever been on the job, in church or school, or standing in the middle of a crowd of people, and suddenly you look down and you aren't wearing any pants? Have you ever sat down to Thanksgiving dinner only to find there is no turkey? Or even worse, have you ever busted open a Twix only to find one crispy cookie topped with a caramel nougat and dipped in rich milk chocolaty goodness? I hate that.
In each of these experiences, you know something is supposed to be there, and the absence of that thing makes you feel weird. Such was the plight of the BECKOND boys on Saturday, August 9, at our South Weber Days gig.
The day before we had an amazing practice, and were excited to get out and play for our family, friends, and fans. Upon arriving to South Weber, we were standing in front of the stage where we would play, and discovered we were not wearing pants. Actually, we discovered the people who provided sound had no monitors, no microphones, no extension chords, no power strips, no mic stands, and basically no clue as to why we were not impressed by their sweet sound-system.

They finally dug up some wireless mics, and we decided to improvise. Trent set his half-stack behind the drums so Brody could hear him play, Brad was off to one side with his equipment facing Brody and I, my amp was in front of Brody's kit so I could hear what I was playing, and poor Jared had to sit down by the mixing board with his keyboard so they could hold one of the wireless mics above the keyboard's speakers. It was pretty ghetto, but to be honest, I had a blast!

A lot of old friends who I haven't seen in years came by to see us, and we added three new additions to the band! Three pre-teen kids came up and asked if they could come up on stage. Wish granted, and the rest of the time they head-banged and mild-moshed on stage next to us. We are thinking of making them a permanent addition to the band, and may try giving them tambourines or kazoos to take our music to the next level.

To all of you who came to support us, we thank you. To all of you who were patiently waited for us to set up our gear, who came up and told us you enjoyed the show, or who have been with us all the way, YOU ARE THE BEST!! Thank you for your support.

Special thanks and hearty shout-outs go out to Brandy Lee for taking amazing photos; Trevor Hansen for keeping us sane and taking care of the nitty-gritty; Michael Illum for use of his truck; Joe Facer for recording video of the show; Kelly Mikesell for running 100 yards to his home to grab us extension chords and power strips; Marc Uhrey (my dad) for running home to get a mic-stand; Ryan Stringham for being my mic-stand during Broken; Every single person who turned out to see us; My band mates for being good sports and enjoying the curveballs we've had thrown at us.

We are going to be working on some recordings, and we have some more shows in the mix, so stay tuned!

Now, I think it's time for me to go and put on some pants.

Beckond Blog: Monday, August 04, 2008

Song Lyrics
Category: Music

I wrote this blog to give people an idea what I'm singing about. Maybe someday people will actually be able to hear me singing?

BROKEN

I wrote these lyrics while thinking about an indigent man that Yuni and I would always see outside of the grocery store we go to. He had a piece of cardboard that read, "Disabled veteran. Please help." People would avoid him by driving out another exit or not looking at him, which made me realize how we are sometimes like ostriches. "If I don't see you, that means you don't exist." In a way, we all have situations where we are disabled ("broken") just like the man outside of Smiths, and people look the other way. I wanted to explain in these lyrics how we have the tendency to see what we want to see, or not see what we don't want to see.

(Verse 1)
I alone, the one you won't look at on the street
Just a man abhorred by this society
It's so easy close your eyes
And you'll see I'm not really there

(Chorus)
The face of the faceless
The eyes of the blind
A man broken
Beyond the lies
And the hate in your eyes
I stand broken

(Verse 2)
I alone, the one
You chose to never see
Vacant eyes that hide
Sheer animosity
It's so easy
Close your eyes
And you'll see I'm not really there

(Chorus)
The face of the faceless
The eyes of the blind
A man broken
Beyond the lies
And the hate in your eyes
I am broken

* * * * *

NEW WAVE

One of the reasons Trent and I became friends so quickly years ago is because we both share a love of cars. Not just any cars, though. They have to be fast! We made up our own little racing club called "Facehater Racing," mostly to mock this group of high-school kids that formed their own racing club called "Team Red." So, in the chorus where I sing "facehater," it's mostly just an inside joke.

(Verse 1)
Smell the smoke
See the steel
Touch the chrome
Feel the wheel
Two on the strip
Spin tires for grip
Then pull back

(Bridge to chorus)
It's time to put your money where your mouth is
I see the fear in your eyes, though you talk big
So shut your mouth, get in the car, let's do this

(Chorus)
Facehater
Facehater
Give me power
Give me speed
Give me everything
I need

(Verse 2)
Drop the clutch
See the scenery blur
Hear the scream
Of the engine's thunder
They're head to head
Burning through tread
Eating track

(Repeat bridge to chorus)

(Repeat chorus)

* * * * *

SLIM JAM

I spent four years of my life in Mexico. I love that country and its people. Everyone knows that there are hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants living here in the US. In my job, I work with many of these people. Some of them have shared with me their stories about when they crossed the border. One man explained to me that there was one stretch of the journey where he had to climb over the cadavers of people who didn't make it and were left to die in the desert. Heavy stuff. Thousands of families are divided because of the illegal crossing into the US, but the reason for coming is always the same: to find a better life. In the process, wives and children are left behind, and sometimes forgotten. It's pretty sad.

(Verse 1)
Tread softly, for you tread on my dreams. Tread lightly.
Move quickly, and place your every step exactly.
Speak softly, and try hard not to breathe too loudly.

(Bridge)
I'd give anything
I'd give everything

(Chorus 1)
All that I ask
Just give me the chance
To see my life through some other eyes
Through some other eyes

(Verse 2)
Suddenly, you realize that your wife and family
Have sadly become no more than just memories.
The irony—with them your life was full, now you're
Empty.

(Repeat bridge)

(Chorus 2)
All that I ask
Just give me the chance
To live my life on the other side
On the other side

(Sung through extended bridge)
Through some other eyes . . .
Through some other eyes . . .

(Ending)
Don't let me fade, now . . .
It's all I ask
Don't let me fade, now . . .
And don't just let me slip away
Don't let me slip away

* * * * *

EXILE

I met my wife while working on my graduate degree in Mexico. We were married, and I eventually brought her back to the US when I was hired at my job. She wanted to go to an English-speaking ward (congregation) when we arrived to SLC. After going there only a few times, it was very apparent how superficial people's "good intentions" were, especially with my wife. They treated her very poorly, but always with smiles and seeming politeness. Hiding behind their facades, their words dripped with honey while inside they boiled with poison. Plaster saints thinking they were perfect saints.

(Verse 1)
Smiling faces feigning friendship
In a place that should feel like home
No more than bogus kinship
Concealing gnashing teeth and foam
Is this really what you teach?
Do you practice what you preach?

(Chorus)
You preach of virtue
You preach of brotherhood and love
Paint yourself holy
First in line for Sunday worship
You live a plaster saint
So take your friendship

(Verse 2)
Smiling faces hiding loathing
Using truth to conceal your lies
Dressed in religious clothing
I see indifference in your eyes
Love one another
You say it with your tongue in cheek
You call me brother
Then turn around and call me freak

(Chorus)
You preach of virtue
You preach of brotherhood and love
Paint yourself holy
First in line for Sunday worship
You live a plaster saint
So take your friendship

And take your "innocence" and "charity"
I don't need your fake interest
It's all hypocrisy

You think you're right,
But you can't see you're all blind
You can't see . . .
Me

* * * * *

EMPTY V

My grandpa was my best friend and hero. He passed away while I was doing my graduate studies in Mexico.

(Verse 1)
Seasons change—scenery turns to shades of rust
Heroes fade—their body's grounded turn to dust
A eulogy honoring a man so brave
I gaze upon his coffin in an open grave

(Verse 2)
In solemn reverence, I stand amidst the bitter cold
And quietly watch as grass, and earth, and leaves of gold
Cover up a man whose life gave me the chance to live
And whose death stained my memory

(Chorus)
And for just a moment, I felt time stand still
A hush of reverence cross the sky
And I know somewhere in heaven I heard an angel sing
I heard an angel cry

(2nd Chorus)
And for just a moment, I reflected on this man
His image flashed across my eyes
How could you leave me here alone?
You were my hero!
But even heroes die

* * * * *

6-4-4

A song about overcoming weakness, trials, you name it.

(Verse 1)
Breathe in deep
Shake it off
Your mind needs focus
Now's the time
To react
This is your moment

(Chorus)
Oooooh!
Innocence
Oooooh!
Innocence

(Verse 2)
Step by step
You advance
Into the fire
Breathing in the flames
Of your desire

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
Look ahead
Pay no mind
To what's behind you
Sweat and pain
Are your friends
They're what define you

(Chorus)

* * * * *

WHIT

I'm going to stop telling people what this song is about because I want them to have their own interpretation of its meaning

(Verse 1)
In the darkness I can hear you standing o'er my bed.
I can't see you, but I feel your steps inside my head.
It's three and thirty in the morning; night is black as sin.
Still I hear your lifeless movements, my nerves are wearing thin.
As trepidation pours over me, all I want to do is go to sleep.

(Chorus)
Sleep I will forsake
Or slowly go insane
You keep me awake!
You keep me awake!
¡Jamás dormiré!
You haunt me . . .

(Verse 2)
And I know you flash a toothy smile, because you know full well
That your illness is my weakness; I have to lash out before I burn out!
And your ever-present, never-ceasing racket has bored a hole in me.
All I want to do is go to sleep.

(Chorus)
Sleep I will forsake
Or slowly go insane
You keep me awake!
You keep me awake!
¡Jamás dormiré!
You haunt me . . .

Beckond Blog: Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Tribute to You
Current mood: thankful
Category: Sappily thankful Blogging

Before I start this blog entry, I would like to personally thank each and every person that has come out to support us at South Ogden Days and The Avalon Theater. We truly have the best family and friends in the world. THANK YOU so much for helping us to make our music work. (High-fives all around!)

In other news, we have a new addition to the band who has taken on a lot of responsibility and helped us move forward even faster. Trevor Hansen, longtime friend of the Wintle boys, has agreed to be our manager and has wasted no time in getting things done. He was a driving force in our Avalon gig, and is pulling strings left and right to get Beckond on the map. When you see him, give him a "good game" and tell him he's a stud.

For those of you who couldn't make it to the shows, let me give you a little recap. The South Ogden show was supercalifragilisticexpiali-SWEET!! A lot of people turned out, and we felt like we were clicking on all cylinders. We had some frustrations about the show at the Avalon, but all-in-all, the response has been positive. Once again, we have the greatest family and friends in the world.

If you missed the Avalon show, Comcast will be playing it on Comcast On Demand in about a month. You just go to music on the menu and search for the program "Band Wagon." The more people watch us, the better off it is for us, so tell everyone to check us out (and to wear dark glasses to soften the glare from my forehead . . . yeouch!!).

Where this is the first time I've been in a band, there are a lot of things I hadn't experienced until now: the adrenaline that surges the veins when stepping on stage, the camaraderie felt between band members after a great show, the anticipation of putting your creations in front of people you may or may not know and waiting for the reaction, saying stupid things between songs . . . (You can't win them all!) Everything about performing is exhilarating! Seeing people's reaction to all the hard work makes it worth it.

There is this feeling I can't quite describe when Trent and Jared play the intro to Silent Scream and then the entire band explodes into Broken. From that point until I have the honor to join Brody on the drums at the end of Whit, I feel alive. I have the great honor and privilege to play with four extremely talented musicians. It's a great feeling.

Those of you who have been with the band since the beginning recognize the old favorites (even though they are different), and have seen the band progress and change. Now, we are proud to show old and new fans alike the new music we have been working on, and are even more exciting for what is to come. It's time to get on this train now, because it's going to be a fun ride.

We have big plans for the future and are excited to have all of you along with us. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Thanks for driving long distances to see us. Thanks for BEING there! You all rock!! (Except for that one kid that said singing sucks and that I should scream. To you, I say: SHUT UP, FACEHATER!!)

Can't wait to see all of you at our next show!

Ryan

(After reading this, does anyone else feel like singing camp songs and hugging random strangers?)

Beckond Blog: Sunday, May 11, 2008

First Show Is in the Books and My Neck Hurts!
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Music

Beckond's first gig with the new lineup is officially in the books. Hooper was definitely not ready for the face-melting wall of sound their cows were going to be hit with. I heard some dairy farmers had to sell butter the next day instead of milk because their cows' udders were shaking so hard from the blistering frequencies of two axes, a bass, keys, and a monster drum-kit that their milk churned to butter. Boo-yeah! Hooper Butter-Churners UNITE!!

We were all very excited to finally play a show. Two flatbed trailers were placed together to make a stage behind our host's home, and we spent a long time setting things up, checking levels and mics, etc. The band "Coveting Aymie" opened up with three of their songs and got the crowd ready for us. They were good sports, and their guitarist hooked me up with some ibuprofen to calm ann emerging headache. Needless to say, good guys all around.

The time finally came, and Trent started playing the opening riffs to Silent Scream. As soon as the first heavy chords broke in, I realized I was witnessing a long-time dream of mine coming true.

Our set including some old favorites as well as a couple of newer songs. The set included Broken, Exile, Slim Jam, New Wave, Empty V, and Whit. To be honest, playing was a little difficult due to sound and light issues, but all-in-all, those in attendance seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.

The night came to a close way too soon, but the adrenaline pumping through my veins wouldn't let me sleep for another couple of hours. Plus, I head-banged so hard I think I partially screwed my neck off. I couldn't move the next day! I'll have to start doing some exercises, starting slow with head-swaying, move on to bobble-heading, then do some no-no-no's, and ease in to straight on banging!

Everyone who took the time to catch the show: THANK YOU!! You rock!! We'll be playing again soon and throwing out new tunes to make things interesting.

Stay tuned to this blog for Beckond updates, shows, etc. Something big is starting! Make sure you are a part of it! See you soon!

-Ryan

PS. I heard butter is half off in Hooper for a limited time . . .

Beckond Blog: Monday, May 05, 2008

Beckond Revamped: First Show!
Current mood: rockin
Category: Music

Hello Family, Friends, and Beckond Fans:

How is everyone doing? Ryan here. I've been meaning to do this for a while, but have not gotten the chance to do so until now. My first show with Beckond is coming this Friday. I feel electricity in the air and am eager to go out and "melt some faces" with some heavy rock & roll. It has been a pleasure playing with Brody, Trent, Brad, and Jared; four talented musicians with a love for music. I feel honored to share a stage with them.

I would like to formally introduce myself and tell you a little about me. First of all, I'm not as mean as I look in our pictures. I'm much worse. When I'm not venting anger through heavy riffs, I'm kicking kids off of their bikes and stealing suckers from toddlers. I intentionally change lanes without using my blinker, and I like to yell "NOT" at the end of all my sentences. I ocassionally walk up the down escalator, and always try to offend people with my harsh language. Don't come around me if you don't like hearing words like "stupidhead" or "uglyface."

To be honest, I'm a little kid trapped in an adult body. I love being around people and having good, wholesome fun. Music has always been an outlet for me, and being a part of Beckond has been a great way to shove frustrations into lyrics so I can sing them out. I've been singing since I was 3, thanks to my brilliant mother. I began playing guitar with the sole purpose of singing love songs to girls, and because you can't carry a piano with you anywhere you go.

My musical influences are quite varied. I listen to a myriad of different styles of music (except country), but my favorite bands are Breaking Benjamin, Thrice, Mew, Dave Matthews, and Jars of Clay, with a number of Mexican rock groups mixed in. I think my voice has the same quality as Dan Haseltine's from Jars, but dig it when people can sing like James Hetfield (which I cannot). I think my voice gives Beckond a different sound, and hope you all like it.

I am married to a beautiful mexican girl named Yunuen. She is without doubt the best part of me. I met her while studying a master's degree in interpretation and translation in Guadalajara, Mexico. I currently work at Primary Children's Medical Center as a medical interpreter, and I love what I do.

Cars are my passion. Trent and I became good friends while working at an undisclosed government job, mostly due to the fact that we share so many common interests--namely fast cars. We would spend countless hours discussing and comparing different cars in our little tuner minds. Time well spent! Trent is a man I deeply admire.

I am stoked for our upcoming show and hope you can all make it! We have been practicing hard to bring you all a tight show with new songs, and new versions of Beckond songs you already loved. So, keep your calendar open for this Friday, and please come up to me and say hi if you get the chance. I'm the mean looking bald guy that tries to play guitar as well as Trent.

Wishing you well,

Ryan

Yuni's Graduation: July 29, 2008

Yuni looked so pretty in her Cap'n Gown . . . er, cap and gown.  (Yarrrrr!)

Tan bonita.  Tan inteligente.

I'm so proud of my espocha hermocha!

Brother and Sister Berry

Ricardo and Bethany Oporto, Kenya and Victoria

Oscar and Carol Mancilla

Rick, Yuni's ESL teacher

DANG IT!!

I got a speeding ticket yesterday. It is my very first. I felt really bummed about it, but figure the 82 dollars I had to pay will probably plant a flower somewhere in Salt Lake County, so I actually did the city a favor! Anyway, the ticket experience will be filed under "Suckage" in my list of life experiences. Boooooo to the man! Booooooo!

Yuni's First Car!!

I should have put these pictures on a while ago, but haven't had much time to do so. Yuni is now the proud owner of her very first vehicle! I wish everyone could have seen the look on her face when we drove it home. She's never had a car that was all her own, and now . . . ta-daaaaaa! She's a great driver, and passed her road test with a 96%! I think I got a 94 on mine. Te felicito, mi amor, por tu nuevo coche! La mera verdad es que lo mereces. Besos!

Yuni's Turning 27!!

It may be hard to believe, but my beautiful wife is not 22 like many people seem to believe. No, she has been blessed by the fountain of youth to look much younger than she actually is (unlike me). I look every one of my 28 hard-earned years. Not Yuni. She glows with youth and vibrance, and has a sparkle in her eyes that reflects the youthfulness of her heart.

On May 3, we had a little get together with some of Yuni's close friends here in Utah. Fun was had by all, and I rediscovered how much I like humus! Yuni's birthday still isn't for another week, but I wanted to let her know how much I love her and that she is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me! FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS MI AMOR!!

Goodbye to Brett

Brett Favre announced his retirement today. Tis a sad day indeed for cheese-heads all the world around. He will be sorely missed.

I feel sad, for some reason. Typical guy when it comes to sports, I guess. It will be interesting to see in what direction the Pack decides to go after this. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

ENTRY #38: A FAMILY LEGEND

Picture a man older than sin. Now picture that person in overalls with a cigarette hanging out his mouth; mix in a shotgun, a big scary house, and dogs . . . lots of maniacal dogs. Add them together and you get the cruelest, most ruthless villain to ever take part in the history of the Stone family: Andy Anderson.

The name Anderson sends chills up and down the spines of all the Stone family progenitors. He was without doubt the oldest, most callous man alive. No one knew what his secret to longevity was. The word on the street was that he had made a pact with the Devil. We didn’t know, but anyone that mean had to be somehow related to the devil . . . a distant cousin, maybe.
He was ugly enough to make paint peel and more ill tempered than a badger on a bad day. The lips covering his toothless mouth were carved permanently downward, as if gravity were the cause of his eternal frown. Beady, bloodshot eyes darted back and forth in his bony face, and the only thing blacker than the soot on his unwashed hands was the freezing piece of coal in his chest where his heart should have been.

Anderson derived some kind of sadistic pleasure from making other’s lives miserable. He would leave his water on to flood my grandparent’s house, curse and swear at my grandma as she worked in the garden, and hide in the shadows of his porch pointing his shotgun at us while we played outside. Then, he would laugh—an insane, raspy sort of laugh that sounded as if he were choking.

The only person I knew that wasn’t intimidated by Anderson was Jason. Jason was my cousin and best friend; he was also the toughest kid I knew. Reared on a farm in Hooper, Utah, his entire life he had bailed hay, roped cattle, and rode horses. He was a force to be reckoned with, even at such a young age. Nothing and no one could scare Jason.

One hot summer afternoon, the entire family was having a BBQ in my grandparent’s backyard. In the waning sunlight Jason pulled out his new treasure: a real leather football. It smelled wonderful, and immediately we were getting ready to play catch.
It was common knowledge there was an inherent risk to playing catch in that backyard. Countless Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, and other “throwable” items were lost over the barbed-wire fence separating Anderson’s yard from my grandparent’s. Once over the fence, they were gone forever—dog fodder, as my Dad used to say.

To make matters worse, those who dared to take one step in Anderson’s yard were faced with certain death: either he’d sick his ferocious animals on you or he’d get the shotgun. No one was certain how many children had died trying to retrieve their toys, but we were all sure that the number was in the hundreds. Even with this knowledge, the mere thought of tossing the “ol’ pigskin” around was far too much temptation for two young boys to handle. The game was on.

Oh! Those first few throws felt glorious! The leather was so soft; the spirals so perfect! It felt like throwing a nice, soft—
What? A hail-Mary pass? Are you sure? It’s fourth and eight with only ten seconds on the clock? Maybe you should throw it— You want me to? Me? How ‘bout I run, and you throw— Ok. I’ll throw. Ready? DOWN . . . SET . . . HIKE!

Jason shot into motion and I dropped back a few steps preparing to pass. The invisible defense was coming at us hard; I was almost sacked at the line of scrimmage and Jason was forced to run a new route: instead of turning towards the plum tree, he veered left towards the barbed-wire fence. Just at that moment, the invisible defensive-end hit me hard, causing me to throw off balance. Like a wounded duck, the pass slowly lifted in the air, wobbled a little, then dropped smack dab in the middle of Anderson’s backyard.

We looked on in horror, knowing that any moment a pack of rabid wolf-dogs would come charging out and destroy Jason’s beautiful new ball. Then he did the unthinkable—he jumped the fence. Now, I stood alone looking on in horror, knowing that any moment a pack of rabid wolf-dogs would come charging out and eat my cousin.

Jason was frantically looking through the tall weeds to find the ball. At that very moment, the bloodcurdling bark of an infuriated canine shattered the evening stillness. With no time to lose, Jason grabbed his ball and leapt for the fence.
The barking drew closer.

I frantically looked for the dog, but I couldn’t see. Sweat was in my eyes and my heart was beating too fast. Jason’s face reflected pure and utter terror. He rushed to the fence, threw the ball over, and—

My dad came out from hiding. With tears of laughter streaming from his eyes, he said, “I’ve never seen two boys move so fast!” The rabid dog was my father.

Jason scrambled over the fence, then stood there looking happy to be alive. Even though we didn’t see a clash of the titans between Jason and Anderson, that day will forever be etched in history. That was the day the myths were proven wrong. That was the day the “idea” of Anderson was shattered. Jason may not have stood face-to-face with the meanest man alive, but he did what no other child had ever done. He had entered Anderson’s yard and made it back alive—unscathed, even. From that time forth, Jason became the only child we knew of that had successfully entered the yard of the cruelest, most ruthless villain to ever take part in the history of the Stone family, and lived to tell about it.

Journal Entries

One of the greatest classes I have ever taken was my English Composition class for my master's degree, taught by my mentor Richard Finks in the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. One of our major assignments was to write 40 different essays on a number of different subjects, each with the purpose of helping us "stretch our writing muscles." I will periodically post some of these journal entries, 1) because they took a lot of time to write and I like them, and 2) they are like little windows into my life, showing inner feelings, wants, and needs. I hope you enjoy them!

The First Book of Ryan (Christmas Letter 2007)

An account recorded by Ryan, son of Marc and Lanae, concerning the great blessings he and his wife have received in the two thousand and seventh year since the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. And it came to pass that I Ryan, son of Marc, did begin my epistle in the twelfth month of the seventh year of the reign of Bush. And I did write my epistle on digital plates in the language of my father with the purpose of sending a Christmas record to family and friends.

2. Now behold, in the sixth year of the reign of the Bush administration, a sign was seen by all men, for pigs did fly. Wherefore it did come to pass that I did wed Yunuen, my beautiful Lamanite princess, and we did tarry in the land of her fathers for some time. And behold, we did travel to diverse places and did see and do many wondrous things, such as voyaging to Guanajuato to see the morbid mummies, and to the great City of Mexico where we did eat a milanesa sandwich that was exceedingly scrumptious. And we did also travel to Puerto Vallarta on a sweet action deal to stay at a resort for a few days. And it was inexpensive. And we did enjoy our stay exceedingly much.

3. And it came to bass that I did graduate from my master’s classes and did begin to send forth documents proclaiming my need for employment. Nevertheless, Yunuen and I heard from no one, and we were sore afraid for my school loans were threatening to overthrow our bank account. And lo, Yunuen did continue to remind me to pray with faith that we might be blessed with a great blessing.

4. And it came to pass that the Lord heard our prayers, and a job fell like manna from the heavens. And the job was to be a medical interpreter at Primary Children’s Medical Center, which was much to my liking. And the job was good.

5. Therefore, I did pack our things, and journeyed in my car for the space of three days. And despite the superiority in performance of my vehicle, I did arrive to the land of mine inheritance with an exceedingly sore bum.

6. And it came to pass that Yuni did leave behind the land of her fathers, and flew up to Utah a month later. But lo, it did so happen that the immigrationofficerites did conspire against us, and did barre her from entering the Land of Deseret. But behold, the Lord did soften their hearts, and they did let her pass. And I did call them jerks for the space of many months.

7. And now, it did become necessary for us to make a secret combination with a Gadianton Lawyer who agreed to bring our case before the immigrationofficerites. And behold, there was a great battle, insomuch that the ground was soaked by the amount of ink used to print all our immigration forms. And Uncle Sam did gather all of our money, and he did use it to buy exceedingly expensive toilet seats.

8. Now it came to pass that Yuni and I did pray night and day that the Lord would bless us with her residency, for we knew we had broken no laws and that our purpose was just. And the day did come when we stood before one of the chief judges of the immigrationofficerites, and we did find favor in his sight, insomuch that he did grant her free passage into this land for as long as she lives. And we did eat, drink, and make merry. Now behold, that last sentence was a joke.

9. And it came to pass that a few days thereafter Yuni did find employment in the land of Wells Fargo as a moneychanger and did practice speaking the language of my fathers. And lo, she did also give service in the Ronald McDonald Charity House, wherefore she was kept exceedingly busy.

10. And it also came to pass that Yuni was called as a second councilor in the primary, which did make her happy because of her love for children. And she did cook exceedingly well, wherefore I became large in stature.

11. And I was called as a ward clerk, which did make me exceedingly happy because I did long to be the man who walks up and down the church aisles with the clicker-thing. But behold, our branch president did inform me that there is no clicker-thing. And I wept.

12. And now, as the time comes to close my epistle, I do say unto you mine brethren and sistren, and unclesren and auntsren, and grandparentsren and cousinsren, and friendsren—remember. Remember, remember that we love you and think about you and wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Best Quarterback of All Time?

I listen to sports radio for two reasons: 1. I like sports, 2. I don't like listening to music stations.  The last two weeks I have been mildly annoyed by all the analysts and fans that have been calling Tom Brady "the best quarterback ever." Don't get me wrong, I think he's a great quarterback. This season he broke a number of records that were nothing short than amazing, plus he's won three Super Bowls and has three Super Bowl MVP Awards. He is, without doubt, a great quarterback. But, is he the best ever?

Whatever happened to Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino, and Terry Bradshaw, just to name a few? What about Peyton Manning, a quarterback who has put up impressive numbers without having the amazing front five that Brady has? And what about my favorite quarterback of all time, Brett Favre?

In this last year, Favre became the most accomplished quarterback of all time. In the NFL, he holds the record for career passing yards, career passing attempts, career completions, career touchdown passes, career wins as a starting quarterback, and is second in consecutive games started.  For the Packers he holds the records for career games played, career passing yards, career passing attempts, career completions, and career touchdown passes, thus becoming the most accomplished quarterback in Green Bay history.

Some people argue, "He is also the career leader in interceptions!"  Yeah, and Babe Ruth led his era in strike-outs.  Does that take away the fact that he was one of the greatest home-run hitters of all time?  Not at all.  

My argument: Brady is good, but he is not the best.  Will he be labeled the best by some?  Certainly.  Will he forever be remembered among the greats?  No doubt.  Is he the greatest quarterback of all time?  Not in my opinion. 

I LOVE FOOTBALL!!

Football is my family's sport. On my mom's side of the family, my grandpa, uncles, and cousins all played football. In high school, I played. It is a sport that runs deep in our veins and there isn't a bigger football fan out there than my mom. She used to attend her brother's football games and never missed one of mine. I love seeing her get into a game, and the best part is she has a deep understanding of the way football is played!

The Green Bay Packers have been my team ever since I was little; once again, thanks to my mom. She used to tell me stories about my uncle Devon, when he played at BYU, and how he was offered to play for Green Bay. Due to his family situation and a shoulder injury, he decided to continue his education and get a master's degree in civil engineering instead of helping the Pack become an even more dominant team. Needless to say, from that time forward, my mom was a Green Bay fan.

I was disappointed they lost to the Giants in the NFC championship. Favre was rocking all year long until that game. I decided I would rather clean my bathroom with my tongue than see the Patriots win the Super Bowl. So, in the Super Bowl I was all for the Giants.

I must say, this Super Bowl was absolutely amazing! The hype, the records, the perfect season, the pressure, the dynasty, the Mannings . . . everything came together to make this one of the most highly anticipated games of the decade . . . maybe of the CENTURY! What made it even better was the pride--everyone from fans to sports analysts were choosing the Patriots as the new world champions. It makes you wonder if these guys ever rented or watched the Might Ducks trilogy?

I'm sure the Giants spent the last two weeks carefully analyzing movies like The Mighty Ducks, Kicking and Screaming, Rudy, Remember the Titans, and Miracle. They were underdogs in every sense of the word! The Patriots oozed confidence, and you could see that most of them were already envisioning themselves as the only team to win 19 games in one season. Overconfidence killed the Pats.

Super Bowl XLII was one of the best defensive games I have ever seen. The Giants stopped Tom Brady, a man that was being touted as "the best quarterback ever" by countless fans and analysts, and neutralized the NFL's highest scoring offense. What was witnessed by all was what I like to call "The Mighty Ducks Factor."

The moment the Patriots scored with 2:40 left to play, putting them ahead of the Giants, they lost. In their minds they had won, but there was so much time left to play. The following two minutes showed an underdog team pull together (with the help of a miracle or two) to slay the mighty Patriots! Manning, who has dealt with comparisons to his older brother his entire career, won a Super Bowl and the MVP trophy, putting him right next to his brother in the winner's circle. However, while Manning played the game of his life, I felt like the real MVP's were the defensive linemen.

Many people are angry or disappointed by the outcome. For me, it's the reason why I love sports.

It was a great game, and I feel very happy for the Giants.

President Hinckley's Viewing

Yunuen and I had the opportunity to go to President Hinckley's viewing yesterday. My boss helped me by switching schedules with me so I was able to get off early. I flew by, picked Yuni up, and we walked from our apartment to the Conference Center.

I couldn't believe how many people were there, or how many people arrived while we were waiting in one of the many lines that had formed outside. After a while they started letting us into the main auditorium to get out of the cold, and then row by row, took us to the third floor where President Hinckley's coffin was being kept.

As we were walking toward the open foyer where his open casket was on display, I began to feel an amazing feeling of peace and tranquility. The casket was decorated beautifully with flower arrangements; however, there was nothing Gaudi or flashy. Everything was very humble, very respectful, and very simple. The prophet's body was dressed in white, his facial features gaunt and sunken. Spectators wiped tears, smiled, paused by his coffin, and looked on his earthly remains with contemplative silence.

Yuni stood and looked upon President Hinckley with grateful eyes. She wiped a few tears from her eyes, and smiled up at me. I felt completely at peace, and felt the Spirit whisper to my heart, as it has many times in the past, that the church is true.

It was an unforgettable and precious experience.

The Passing of a Prophet

At about 8:30 pm on Sunday night, I received a call from a good friend of mine informing me that President Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away.

I feel a deep sadness in my heart. This news, I’m sure, has affected millions of others as it has affected me. The world lost one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth, and even though the church will continue to progress and will move forward as it always does, and solace can be felt in knowing that he is once again reunited with his wife; however, I feel this loss will be present in my heart, and the hearts of millions, for a very long time.