Boise State Blue and Orange Spring Football Game 2012

SOUTHWICK BURNS CANDLE ON BOTH ENDS, WHILE PATTI TAKES THE CAKE AS MY AIR APPARENT...

Red-shirt junior starting QB hopeful, Joe Southwick, started and ended strong with successful throws on both his first and last throws of the Offense's come from behind win (22-19) over the talented D-Line. While Joe highlighted well his accurate and deliberate arm with yards by catches down-field, all seemed to be to wide open receivers.

Nick Patti, the much anticipated Boise State's new Orlando and 1st ever 4 star recruit was a relief for many of the packed west side bleachers as they seemed to unanimously confirm the hype with his play. With many holding their breathe on each of his possessions, swagger was seen, pocket presence provided, and long receptions recorded. Patti produced more than stats on this April evening, he provided what most came to see, hope.

Boise State Football fans have been spoiled for several years now as the football program has evolved and become the buzz of national headlines and bywords of SEC bowl blogs. Oversights, and under-sights have plagued the chances of this gritty organization, which has shown resilience and most recently been the subject of more "if then" statements than any other team in recent memory. Scrappy Boise State now resurfaces with a lingering black eye from 2 years ago, a fresh broken nose from last season and still catching its breath from a gut-check by the expected off-season fleecing of much of the successful coaching staff. In their defense, many of whom left realizing BSU, and by extension they themselves, may never again be in the situation they were in these last few seasons, especially with no more Moore.

College and professional sports is littered with evidence of grass is greener mentality. Truth is, with the money element, it will always be. What we had with Martin and Moore, Petersen and crew was rare and seemingly uncontrived at the time. What we had was special. What we enjoyed is over..."Unless!" Echoes of this word could be felt when UCLA came a knockin' and the ramifications of the NFL absorbing Oregon's coaching staff might have on Petersen were thought of. Petersen has doubled down on Boise by turning down some serious coin.

One question that must be answered on Petersen's quest for greatness surrounds this years QB slot. Will this be a total rebuilding year giving Southwick his stage and red-shirting Patti to take the helm as they enter the Big East in 2013? Or, will they split the position evenly while Petersen hedges his bet? With many talented linemen returning, it will inevitably be a tough decision to make. Whether rebuilding this season or not, Boise State will not start the season in the top ten and therefore the red-shirt hand may be forced. During this game, however, the similarities between Moore and Patti were palpable as balls were thrown crisply, authoritatively, and to seemingly well covered receivers in coverage as another piece to the 2012 jigsaw snapped into place.

-Darron Smith

Trip Taylor Bookseller Poetry Reading

   I guess I'll start with how I found out about this poetry reading. I had some extra cash in my pocket (bad news) and needed to find a new book (worse news). I remember walking by an old used book store months before but couldn't remember exactly where. As I ordered a latte I asked the barista if she was familiar with it. Luckily, now, I had directions.
   The weather was nice, but not great, so I hurried along down town to my destination. And, hidden in between random shops was this almost invisible entrance to an almost invisible bookstore. Now, if you've never been to a used book store I highly recommend it. The first thing you notice how compact the store is. Tall shelves loom overhead and it's hard to understand the 'order' in which the books are arranged. And then the smell hits you. It's as if you have stumbled into a very old attic that hasn't had a visitor in years. I, personally, love this smell; it's comforting to me. And being surrounded by books is another favorite thing of mine. So I saunter slowly up and down the rows and am overjoyed when I realize there is an upstairs.
   It's not until I finally stop myself at three books that I head to the front desk. The woman there is lovely. We chatted for a bit, and when I told her of my passion for poetry, she told me about the poetry reading every first Thursday.


   I showed up with a friend a bit early and noticed that it was mostly older men, a couple middle aged. This should be interesting. I thought to myself. But it was! To warm up most of them read old poetry from famous poets. Some of their poems were fashioned in the styles of old poets. With topics ranging from depression in the rain to how the beautiful fragrance of just one flower and liven your room.
   I was kicking myself for not being prepared, for not bringing any poetry of my own to read. But it also felt like a privilege to be in this tightly knit group, even for just an hour, to hear their words. I know that I will most definitely be there next month, standing at the microphone reading my own work, and maybe even becoming friends with some of the other authors. This book store is amazing and I absolutely recommend it.

Ruldope Records

      Whenever someone dies before their time it's tragic. Friends and family get together and mourn the loss of their daughter, sister, best friend. It leaves us awake at night; maybe remembering the last thing we said to them. Or, maybe, wondering what that person would want us to do to carry on with our own lives. Sometimes, with the right people mourning together, they create something magical.
   If I had to describe RulDope, I would just have to say it's an artist's dream. Their vision is this: "music, art and life". In 2010 three friends got together to try and live out their deceased friend's legacy.

   RulDope has worked with such (well known) groups as: Atmosphere, Paramore, The Cab, Uh Huh Her, Gardening Not Architecture, Gym Class Heroes, DRUGS and Living Legends (just to list a couple). Their goal is to introduce musicians and artists that we DON'T know, but SHOULD know. Just because it's insanely difficult to get signed doesn't mean the world shouldn't hear your music/see your art.

   One artist, for example, is a hip hop artist hailing from Portland, Oregon. 2Shea's music has a relaxing feel to it, clever lyrics and catchy beats. But, as a female, she doesn't get much attention. Which is a sad mistake on  behalf of the people that are now missing out. Check her out on Facebook under 2Shea (musician/band).

   The genius behind this company (from Top to Bottom):
   Sara Rooker, Ciera A. Lagges, Haleigh Hoff 

For more info go to: www.ruldope.com





R.I.P. Noelle