A new level of crooked...

To start off, I think people are idiots. The human population as a whole is self-centered, greedy, lazy, and are not very pleasant to be around. There are, of course, the exception to the whole, but it seems they are far and few. The one thing that really frustrates me are "Christians" that will judge others but forget to turn their own judgmental eye on themselves. I understand people make mistakes (and make a bunch myself), but the moral compass of many church folk is plain backwards and defeats the entire purpose of them having religion or trying to convert others to it. Case in point...

My buddy Dennis works in NM, but his family is currently living in UT until his oldest son graduates high school (which was scheduled for this month). His son made a few bad decisions and skipped a few to many days of school, which led him to be 0.25 credits short of graduating. Dennis went to the school to find out what could be done so his son could graduate. The PUBLIC SCHOOL principle said it was out of his hands and this matter could only be handled by the administration. Dennis urged the principle, asking what could be done by his son or the family to allow a few absences and to get in good standing. Dennis basically then offered a bribe. The PUBLIC SCHOOL (The state of Utah is ran by the mormon church) mentioned there was a "cause" that Dennis could financially support, to help students go on mormon mission trips. Remember, this is a public school. Dennis whipped out his checkbook, signed a check and magically his son is now going to graduate. He just bought a graduation for his son by supporting a mormon cause. What does this say about: the UT public school system; the mormon church; Dennis offering a bribe; the school actually accepting it?

I am currenlty so amazed by the crookedness, I don't know what to say. I may look back at this in a few days and realize it isn't a big deal....but I doubt it.

Adam

Description of Rugby Positions...

Needless to say, this was written by a Forward. Still funny all the same...probably because I am not a winger.

THE FORWARDS

There are eight forwards. They take part in scrums, lineouts, rucks, and mauls - essentially everything that is meaningful in the game. The close physical work necessary for the forwards engenders a sense of comradeship not shared by the prancing, self-centered and effeminate backs. The game has evolved, thank goodness, with multi-phase possession allowing the forwards to demonstrate their running ability with the ball.

Props and Hookers
The front row is the cauldron, the foundation for all good rugby play. The front row is noted for their power and good looks, like no necks, battered ears, and S-shaped noses. Such players are noted for their intelligence and longevity well into their forties.

Second Row
The second row is the engine room where the power flows. The second row - or lock forward - is tall, with plenty of leverage strength in the legs. He must be productive in the lineouts as a jumper or supporter. Mobility is added plus. The second row is much appreciated by the front row for their power in the scrummage but they are generally not as good looking as the front row.

The loose forwards
The loose forwards include the #8 and the flankers. The loose forwards are respected by the front row for their mobility, fitness, defense and support work. The loosey must have tremendous fitness and ball fetching instincts which are not completely understood or trusted by the props and hooker, who are perfectly content to scrummage all day for the ball.

The Scrum-half
The little scrum half provides the ball to the backs when the forwards are damn well ready for the strutting backs to knock it forward. The forwards have grudging respect for the scrum-half because he trys hard and is not afraid to get dirty with the rest of the scrummies. The wise scrum-half will drink and buy beers for the scrummies to maintain his favored position with the forwards.

THE BACKS

The Flyhalf
It is rumored that the Fly has the best vision, hands, kicking ability, and overall tactical decision making ability on the side. The forwards do not understand or trust this individual. The hard-working scrummies generally expect and anticipate a knock forward from the fly so they can have the pleasure of another scrum-down.

The Centers
These hombres are supposed to be deadly tacklers, with strong running instincts and good hands. Alas, the centers are lumped in there with the prancing flyhalf. If the fly doesn't knock on, surely one of the centers will muff it up so the scrummies can experience the joy and satisfaction of another scrum-down.

The Fullback and Wingers
These guys may as well be from Mars. They are allegedly fast with excellent striking ability. They are supposed to score lots of trys, catch the high ball, and counter attack with flair. But the stark reality (well understood by the forwards) is that the fullback and wingers prance and preen more than the inside backs. They don't get dirty and are always playing with their hair and pulling on their collars. In fact their sexual orientation has been called into question on numerous occasions. Some props think fullbacks and wingers are "real purdy."

I have the very best wife

So for my birthday, my wife bites the bullet and takes me to Austin, TX to watch the West Regional Club Rugby Semi-Finals. This may not mean a lot to the normal Joe, but to me...True Love! Being that I live in the armpit of New Mexico (actually the USA, but who is being specific?) there is no local rugby action for me to be a part of. I actually only get to watch the rugby I Tivo on Sentanta Sports. So Karri decides that the entire herd will travel to Austin so we can (as a family) watch rugby together.

I won't go into details (I'll try to post pictures later) but the entire weekend was a GREAT success. There was a tremendous amount of rain on Saturday, so rugby was limited, but we did get to go swimming in the hotel pool (A+ from the Kids) and eat out at the Cheesecake Factory (A+ from Karri). We then all watched a movie together that evening, then went out to the Austin Blacks home pitch to watch the Albequerque Arrdvarks advance to the finals in Denver by defeating a tough Tempe, AZ, team.

This couldn't have been an easy trip for my fantastic wife, who carraled kids all morning long Saturday (sitting in the Armada) as well as all morning Sunday (again, sitting in the Armada) but she kept on a happy face and really showed me how much she loves me.

I couldn't have asked for a better 30th Birthday trip...and this doesn't even go into the gift that she gave me! Another Blog Post later I guess....It is the BEST GIFT EVER! (and yes, I must yell)

Toodles,
Adam

Funny Story

So we were in Target and I see this shirt. I am amazed that they have a shirt promoting magic shrooms and laugh loudly and decide I need this shirt. My wife looks at me like I am retarded when I declare the shirt must be mine. I quiz her about why she thinks the shirt isn't that funny (minus her never taking drugs) and she says that it just states it is a fungus...not that funny. I thought a minute then got it...fungi or fun guy. Maybe one to many drugs in my past?