The Bible and the Breathalyzer
Current mood: drunk

I think everyone knows the admiration I have for Mars Volta. Been in love with Mars Volta since....oh, I dunno.....Auburn and the Rachael-Niki Boh-Lee J- Tedrick days. Their lyrics are so overwhelming and you really have to wrap your head around what the fuck is going on in these guys minds when they come up with this shit. But over the past year, I forgot about the group. And here recently, in the shadows of the unrest I've been feeling, I revived them for myself. I've been downloading and remembering what drew me to this band in the first place. I had never heard this song before, and to be perfectly honest, this isn't a song. It's more spoken-word. But if I ever had a band and I were the lead singer, I'd definitely give this one a go. Possibly in a Mitch Hedberg fashion.

Most of you will find the following lyrics disturbing. But download the track, and give a listen as Omar leads the word. It's quite.....inspiring. In a sick and demented fashion.


The Bible and the Breathalyzer - Mars Volta


Among the tattered dwelling of the new found home,
in the furthest cramped corner sat the shell of a
goat head strangled in copper wire, scraped of
it's insides, unwashed behind the ears, fueling
the crooked names spoken by leeches. To a thinning
cowlick's fat his crippled limp, dragging along
the hump of the floor. Sobbing from the smacking
mouth of the demagogue wells, making wisecracks,
spilling from the corners with their pink
flinches, second glancing their every move. It ate
pickled nose cartilage that fell from the
ceilings, a porkskin drizzle unnerving the humans,
while it read aloud from it's favorite books, in
glossylalia slang and hierospecks truths,
following a slow and patient wait, a mocking their
hair as it was glued to their upper lip combover.
Under the wall, the ships smeared by faithfully
talking the magnum fanatics and their bottles of
scalp soup. They cooked up a tardis smudge on
their eyes, a lunar antidote that powdered
underneath the oncoming pestilence of their idling
fingers. It wrote them a seance, penetrated their
every dependant desire. It hacked off the central
headpiece to the collective. It wrote them a
message in the marrow of the knife, with the
extension of Baphomet* transfusion. Glued to the
animals, perversions of their former selves,
patiently biting their fingernails looking for a
clue. As soon as it failed to appear, the faithful
fell under the spell of public execution. It had
been an eternity filled with useless ritual, and
all for nothing, promising salvation, but only
[ Lyrics found at www.mp3lyrics.org/7Tfv ]
flags came swarming around for a better taste.
What was left were the scraps, dressed in animal
skin, defiled servants holding their breath,
fatherless culprits blaming their kin, waiting for
an answer. They thought a day would come, or a
giraffe might choke in midair squeal, some sort of
indication. Only it was the hands of the followers
that had left their markings in neatly packed
dunes filled with the decapitated remains, found
sealed in sand. It only stained the conscious for
a brief moment, then came disgust. Realizing there
was nothing to it, people began collapsing in
collective states of drought. Palm-size vents
heating in the chest, cluttering the graph, a
bladder full of remains. Nothing became of them
because nothing was the reason, an apathetic
display dripping into vats of obesity. The feud
had been sucking teeth for some time now, but the
only baggage that paraded about was the curtain
epidermis unfolded in an inebriated suit. The fit
came suffocating, feathering the boa-constricted
paleness, frostbitten, and shovel-faced. It came
before them in utter confidence, flares of pink
owls in the nest of albino eyelids blinking out
chemical obscurities to the blind. It bloomed into
a hemmorrhaged contraption that impopulated the
disenchanted, one by one. All the churches were
converted into quarantine facilities, inside them
grew bacterial stubble compacted by larvae,
contracting and teething. A newborn litter
degradively sufficient, running from the horse
collarbone, amongst the murmuring femurs wimpering
in fractures. "Are you the polaroid shot you
thought you were?", it said with a coy smirk.
With the position now vacant, it waltzed right in
and made itself at home. Seduced by the empty
nominations at the altar of broken ballot boxes,
closer to that nothingness that everyone seemed to
embrace. As it pissed all over them, the sigh of
relief steamed off the soaking depressants, an
impending sleep was on it's way.

Currently listening : De-Loused in the Comatorium By The Mars Volta Release date: 24 June, 2003

8:28 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Pre-game rituals and other superstitions of collegiate baseball and soccer athletes
Current mood: accomplished

For those of you who have any interest in the area of Sport Sociology, human ritualistic practices, or religion and sexuality, feel free to stick around for a bit. Those of you who have absolutely no interest in those aforementioned items, theses, and research-y goodness, you might wanna hit the back button on your browsers.

I've decided to post my Master's Non-Thesis Project manuscript (the notorious "Non-Thesis Thesis") here for those of you who might be interested in what made it seem as though I'd mysteriously vanished for the better portion of five months.

Let me remind anyone who crosses this blog with malice or negative intent: This manuscript is COPYWRITTEN. The contents therein belong to ME, Rachael F. Price. If you have designs of plagarising or "borrowing" information and claiming it your own or using without properly citing me, I might just find you and rip your arms and legs off. Then beat you to death with them.

ANYHOW.....without further ado.....





RUNNING HEAD: PRE-GAME RITUALS AND SUPERSTITIONS

Pre-game rituals and other superstitions observed among collegiate baseball and soccer athletes

Rachael F. Price

Graduate Student

Auburn University at Montgomery



Table of contents

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

Review of Literature 6

Methods 13

Results 15

Discussion 18

Acknowledgements 19

References 20

Appendices 21



Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the believed effect of certain pre-game rituals and superstitions on the outcome of sport performance. Participants were baseball (n = 106) and soccer players (n = 51) from three schools. Each athlete was given a confidential questionnaire concerning his pre-game ritual use and superstitious beliefs. The primary activities studied were behaviors of a sexual nature and use of prayer. Results show a large percentage of baseball players believe that abstention from sex prior to a game helps by conserving strength and energy. Soccer players believe also that the main effects of sexual abstention on performance are because of energy and strength conservation. No significant differences between the two groups were noted, however baseball players were more likely to use prayer while soccer players were more inclined to believe that what they ate before performance helped to positively affect game outcomes.



Introduction

Many athletes face daunting tasks when it comes to performance on the field. A collegiate or professional athlete must be attentive, focused, and mentally prepared, depending upon his or her sport, as well as being physically sound to make crucial plays. This mental and physical focus necessity places high anxiety upon a player and could cause potentially detrimental effects on the individual or team's performance outcome. Over the course of time, many athletes, from Olympians to modern day baseball, football, hockey players and many more look to the help of superstitious beliefs, fetishes, and rituals to influence win and loss potential. Some athletes believe that dressing in a specific order, carrying specific items, or wearing certain clothes or jewelry will have a positive influence toward game outcome (Fredrick, 1998). Other athletes believe that abstention from specific activities, such as sexual behaviors, alcohol consumption, illegal substance consumption, and others will have an effect upon performance. Such athletes as boxer Mohammed Ali placed emphasis on abstention from sexual contact leading up to a game or match because it will help prepare one psychologically due to buildup of anger and aggression (Fischer, 1997). As far back as the time of the Greek and Roman Empires, religion has played an integral part in an attempt to influence performance outcomes (Baker 2005). The use of religious rituals as a means of perhaps eliciting spiritual assistance has been utilized for boosting morale and affecting game outcomes due in part to socio-psychological effects it might have upon the player or teams (Burnett, 2005). More so during modern times has the use of prayer become more and more popular as a pre-game religious ritual. Prayer is used by athletes in many professional and collegiate sports as a means of dealing with the uncertainties of sport outcomes and enacting divine intervention for performance (Lee, 2005).

The purpose of this study was to explore pre-game ritual use and superstition practices of collegiate athletes. Sexual behaviors, specifically abstention from sex, and religious practices, such as prayer, were the primary activities investigated for athlete's attitudes regarding effects on game outcomes. The present study is also an attempt to partially replicate Fischer's (1997) study to determine if sexual abstention is perceived to aide in performance outcome of specific athletes.



Review of Literature

The definition of superstition and superstitious belief is very unclear. Research by Rudski (2003) suggests that those who are superstitious believe that crediting actions are suitable ways of explaining supernatural causes through natural means. Superstitions are often described as illogical, but the lack of scientific evidence negates the notion that these beliefs or actions are groundless (2003). Other definitions provided by Rudski's research determined superstition and superstitious beliefs to have an emphasis on religion. One such definition describes superstition as "Unreasoning awe or fear of something unknown, mysterious, or imaginary, esp. in connection with religion; religious belief or practice founded upon fear or ignorance" (Oxford English Dictionary, cited in Rudski, 2003, p.432). Later definitions suggest that superstition is nothing more than repeated actions that will control luck and other variables (2003).

Because the term has been used synonymously to explain things such as paranormal beliefs [ghosts], astrology, spiritual and religious miracles, fetish use, and ritual performance, it is still unclear how such practices are formed, maintained, how they interact with mental constructs, and the effects of such interactions (Rudski 2003). Superstitions help to provide the world's view through practice of religious beliefs and are sometimes shared socially as an expression of potential bad luck through certain objects or numbers. Others may involve personal experiences of the occult, such as telepathy or clairvoyance, or may promote actions, rites, and rituals, or may involve fetishes and other lucky charms to invoke positive luck in indeterminate situations (2003).

Rituals are very common forms of superstition used to promote a person or team's performance outcome. Burnett (2005) defines ritual as a cultural standard or repetitive activity that is symbolic and helps human affairs. These standards will usually involve supernatural ideas as well as objects and profane acts (2005). Coakley (2003) states that it is difficult for sociologists to discern the nature of the ritual, be it a religious act, such as prayer, or superstition and magic. Magic refers to the recipe-like rituals an athlete or other performer conducts that should elicit sudden and practical results whereas superstitions are those ritualistic acts performed regularly to provide the performer with a sense of control over the situation or challenge (Coakley 2003).

Much of the reviewed research suggests superstition and superstitious beliefs to have a background involving religion. Coakley defines religion as the shared beliefs and rituals focused on specific aspects of human existence like birth, life, death, and is a culturally affecting phenomenon providing humanity with a sense of connection with others as well as with spiritual gods (2003). With vastly differing religious beliefs found around the world, sociologists try not to prove either correct; instead, they hold each religion and belief system to be true in its own right. These beliefs and rituals hold meaning to those who practice them as it provides connection to faith on a sacred and supernatural level. Religion affects cultures by providing a nature of acceptance, love, and judgment, by which most create and commit to social norms that may marginalize or condemn others. Some religious belief systems segregate things sacred and profane, as those things sacred are to have a direct connection to the spiritual Savior (2003). In the face of uncertainty, the challenged performer may call upon religious actions to provide that direct connection to his god or gods, with one such action being prayer.

Prayer has many definitions, but is commonly thought to mean a mental or spoken word or form of communication to God or other worshiped beings and objects (Lee 2005). Those using prayer in doubtful times may request God's intervention, safety in competition, and promise of victory. This vehicle for dealing with the indeterminate aspects of competition have been used throughout professional, collegiate, and municipal adult and youth sports groups and have been met with many opinions concerning the legality of this practice. Prayer in athletics can cause the rise of such problems as coercion, individual isolation, team disunity, and denying right to pray (2005). Many in the United States have taken to the courts the battles concerning prayer and athletics and various rulings have been made to remedy the likelihood of coercion as well as denial to the right to prayer. The issue of focus when coupling prayer and athletics is the athlete's personal freedom to participate. Many laws and concepts in the United States Constitution state clearly that the federal government must not force nor prohibit engagement in religious ritual or beliefs (2005). It is difficult to determine whether practice of prayer has a religious or otherwise magical overtone due in part to numerous religious systems and wide array of superstitions free for our participation (Coakley 2003). Regardless, we shall not be denied our right to practice, nor will we be forced into participation of others religious practices and beliefs (Lee 2005).

Several studies have sought to determine what a person believes to be superstitious, what forms of superstition are most prevalent and amongst who, and how or why these superstitions and actions effect those promoting them. Rudski (2003) studied the relationship between religious beliefs and conceptions of superstition among 170 undergraduate students. The participants were given two 28-item surveys using a 7 point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = neutral, 7 = strongly agree) for assessment. The first survey involved a fictitious character, while the other concerned the answering participants beliefs (2003). The results determine that men determined religious belief to indicate a superstitious person, while women were not as likely to do so. Also, the independent t-test conducted to compare seven factors (religious belief, psi [the ability to foresee events, outcomes, or the future in ways such as telepathy, clairvoyance, or precognition], traditional superstitions, superstitious behaviors, divination, alternative life forces, and nature) revealed higher reports of religious belief, psi, divination, and superstitious behavior in women. Men scored higher on the test in regards to alternative life forces or extraterrestrials. Lastly, participant results show that traditional culturally transmitted beliefs were high indicators of superstition in fictitious characters, however, this created dispute, as those participants indicated greater superstitious nature in others but not for themselves when considering religious beliefs (2003).

Very often one will notice the use of superstition and rituals performance before and during sporting events. It is no rare occurrence to see an athlete don a lucky article of clothing or conduct a series of motions or actions before he or she takes the field. Frederick conducted research involving three collegiate athletic teams (football, gymnastics, and track) and the usage of superstitious behaviors amongst them (1998). Surveys were conducted to determine the effectiveness of superstitious behaviors on several variables (importance of success, locus of control, sport anxiety, and religiosity). Of those surveyed, the football athletes were more likely to participate in clothing related superstitions and prayer. Gymnasts were more likely to use appearance based superstitions as well as practices involving eating, group cohesion, and prayer were mainly used. Also, gymnasts had a higher occurrence of somatic anxiety than the other teams. Track participants were more likely to engage in superstitious activity that involved clothing, lucky charms or fetishes, and ritual action, and showed higher levels of worry and concentration anxiety than football players and gymnasts. The results of this research indicated that the type of rituals or superstitions used are dependent upon the type of sport the athlete plays. Those playing football and gymnastics focused energy upon the aspects of prayer, clothing, and pre-play food rituals, while the track athletes were the only group observed to use lucky items and specific routines or markings before performance. Lastly, the study sought to determine the effectiveness of these superstitious actions. The results found little support to suggest a relationship between ritual use and the surveyed variables, thereby concluding that religiosity, locus of control, sport success and anxiety do not promote superstitious ritual practices (1998).

Many sports and athletes go through rigorous routines before their competitions. One such group of athletes is hockey players. One study used exploratory and descriptive study techniques to analyze the pre-game preparation techniques of a professional hockey team. Hogg (1995) interviewed 15 hockey players between 21 and 32 during the preseason and regular season. The series of interviews of the individual players were conducted over a six-month period and were approximately 25 to 60 minutes in length each. The primary interviews did not have formal questions for the players. Instead, the author asked each athlete to describe in as much detail what he does after arriving at the venue right up to the first play of the game. The secondary interviews, conducted midway through the regular season, had a more formal line of questioning used to verify the concepts and clarify and gain elaboration from the players' descriptions from the first interview (1995). Upon completion of data analysis, researchers determined that the players engaged in five pre-game preparatory phases. The hockey players (a) arrived, (b) dressed, (c) participated in pre-game on-ice warm-up, (d) made necessary off-ice adjustments to equipment, (e) and then performed a team ritual that included the return of the team to the rink two minutes before game time and skating around their goalkeepers on the designated side in a pattern that mimicked the flight of bees around a hive. The players focus on these events to prepare the body, get a feel of the environment, and prepare the mind. Many of the players surveyed felt that if they did not prepare in such a way, it would give rise to mishaps (1995).

While many sport teams and athletes go through vigorous ritual practices that include specific behavioral actions before performance, some may decide to omit habits or routine practices that they practice daily. Fischer (1997) developed a study to observe pre-game ritual habits with a primary focus upon the abstention of certain activities and habits among male college athletes. Group varsity athletes, including football and baseball players, individual athletes, including track participants, and non-athlete controls were given anonymous surveys regarding their engagement in certain ritualistic behaviors before play. The study also looked into how much each player believed the ritual or superstitious action aided his performance. Each participant was asked to answer questions regarding demographic information, varsity sport and position played. Further on, the study referred to questions regarding sexual tolerance, religious tolerance, participation in certain rituals or practices, and how his participation in the mentioned behaviors affected performance or game outcome. Results from this study find that football players were more sexually active than baseball players and non-athletes, group athletes (football and baseball) were more religious than individual athletes and non-athlete controls and believed more so that religious beliefs were what really lie behind their life approach. It was also noted that despite the increase in religiosity, there was not a decrease in the frequency per month of engagement in sexual behaviors (1997). Upon analysis of ritual use, the authors found football players were more inclined to abstain from sex up to twenty-four hours before performances and believed this abstention helped their performance by offering conservation to strength and giving the athlete more energy. Football players also were more likely to participate in pre-game activities or behaviors that involved eating of the same foods, prayer, and abstention from drugs and alcohol before games. Baseball players were more likely to wear the same articles of clothing before games. Other added rituals practiced by the athletes were taken into consideration. Only about one-third of those surveyed reported use of rituals not listed in the questionnaire. Some of the rituals mentioned were listening to the same music, dressing in a specific order, touching specific objects, sleeping, visualization, practicing a warm up in a specific sequence, and other idiosyncratic rituals. Because of limitations to data, further information concerning individual athletes (i.e. track) is unavailable, but what information is provided suggests that those athletes use fewer rituals than their group athlete counterparts (1997).



Method

Subjects

For this study, a total of 157 male athletes between the ages of 18-24 took part in the survey concerning pre-game rituals. Of those participants, 106 were baseball players and 51 were soccer players from NAIA and NCAA Division III, Great South Athletic conference schools.

Procedure

Athletic directors and head coaches of baseball and soccer teams from three schools were contacted by phone or email for permission to conduct the survey concerning pre-game rituals. Sample informed consent releases, sample questionnaires, and further information regarding the purpose of this research was given to directors and coaches when requested. Once each team had been contacted and all coaches agreed to participate, times were set up for meetings with the players to administer questionnaires. Each meeting took approximately 30 minutes. No team member was given a questionnaire until he returned signed informed consent. All completed questionnaires were submitted to the proctor in order to protect confidentiality.

Surveys

The administered survey was derived from an instrument used in research conducted by Fischer (1997) concerning pre-game habits and rituals. Adjustments were made to the earlier questionnaire to apply to the sport teams under investigation. Participants were asked to complete a 23-item survey, with initial questions related to marital status, age, sport, and position played. The second portion of the survey asked each participant to indicate how he felt about sexual behaviors, indicate his personal sexual habits, and rate his feelings toward religion. These questions were assessed using a 5-Point Likert scale to determine tolerance to each issue. The next section hosted questions concerning individual participation in several possible pre-game superstitious or ritualistic acts. Questions regarding consumption of the same foods, wearing the same articles of clothing or jewelry, prayer, sexual abstention, abstention from alcohol or substances, and belief of effect to performance outcomes by use of superstition and rituals were asked. Subjects were asked then to list or describe any other pre-game superstition or rituals he practiced and how he believes it affects his or his team's performance.



Results

The number of returned surveys from the six teams varied from 14 to 43. The participating soccer teams returned the fewest surveys, due in part to having fewer players per team. In total, there were 106 baseball and 51 soccer surveys.

Mean age of all participants was 19.75. Mean ages were approximately 19.88 and 19.47 years of age for baseball and soccer, respectively. When asked about marital status, most respondents answered that they were single with no exceptions or in a relationship where they were not cohabitating. No baseball players surveyed and one soccer player was married. No participants reported being divorced.

Table I shows results of means and standard deviations for the variables of player age, intercourse frequency, and religiosity of athletes. Data determined baseball and soccer athlete's mean intercourse frequencies to be approximately three times per month. Baseball players were found to be more religious and feel that their religious beliefs were what really lie behind their approaches to life more so than soccer players. Greater religiosity did not positively correlate with lesser frequency/month of sexual intercourse among the participants (r = 0.19 ; p < 0 .02, df =153).

Table II lists the differences in ritual use and believed effectiveness of the specific rituals used by the two groups. Please note that a lower mean score indicated a higher frequency of ritual use.

A focal point of the current research was to determine if baseball and soccer athletes abstained from sex prior to performance. Of the participants, baseball players were more likely to abstain from sexual intercourse before play and were more likely to believe that abstention had a positive effect on the outcome of their performance. More specifically, baseball and soccer players, judging upon mean values, "usually" abstained from sexual activities prior to performance (usually = 2).

Another focus of this research was the use of religious practices and prayer amongst baseball and soccer athletes. The results yield that baseball players "always" used prayer as a measure to help performance (always = 1), while soccer players "usually" used prayer as a performance promoter (usually = 2). Most baseball players believed that it either "definitely" or "probably" helped improve their performance, while most soccer players thought that prayer "probably" aided them (definitely = 1, probably = 2).

Of the other rituals examined, baseball players were more likely to wear the same clothes during a performance and abstain from drugs and alcohol the night before a game. Soccer players were more likely to consume the same foods pre-game than the baseball players.

Table III describes the believed effects of abstention from sex twenty-four hours before game time. Of the baseball players surveyed, 31% believe that abstaining from sex pre-game will help through energy conservation. 31% also believe that abstinence had no effect at all. 28% thought it increased energy, 19% felt it helped improve concentration, 16% thought it sharpened reflexes, and 15% of those surveyed felt it made them more aggressive during performance. Of the soccer players surveyed, 32% reported that sexual abstention aided them through strength conservation. 30% reported it helps by increasing energy, 20% felt it made them more aggressive, and 16% of those surveyed believed that it increases reflex response and improves concentration. Only 24% believed it had no effect whatsoever.

No significant differences were determined in the surveyed athletic groups in regards to pre-marital sex, extramarital sex (concerning self or spouse), frequency of intercourse per month, religion, religious belief and influence on life approach, eating the same foods, wearing the same item of clothing or jewelry, belief that prayer helps performance, pre-game sexual abstention, positive effect of pre-game sexual abstinence, pre-game abstention from drugs and alcohol, or positive effect of pre-game drug and alcohol abstention. Significant difference was determined, however, in belief that specific foods will help game performance and practice of prayer. Soccer athletes were more likely to believe that the consumption of specific foods before a game or match would have a positive effect on game outcome (p < 0 .01, df = 155, F = 7.02). Baseball players were more likely to pray before a game or performance (p < 0 .01, df = 155, F = 14.53).



Discussion

It is often assumed or expected of those who are unmarried and claim a higher level of religiosity to practice abstinence or to have a lesser frequency of sexual activity because of the implications presented by certain religious doctrines and beliefs. In this research, however, the data suggests that those unmarried participants who are of a higher religious nature had a higher frequency of intercourse per month. This might be explained by the pressure and insecurities present when taking into consideration the fraternal bond in all male sport teams and the competitive nature of those attempting to achieve status within a sporting group (Curry, 1996). Those who do not live up to the demands of masculinity could affect the fraternal bond amongst other aspects and risk being further characterized as effeminate (1996). Further research might possibly be conducted in the future to investigate perceived religious beliefs among female athletes of similar sports (softball, soccer), how it affects sexual intercourse frequency, thus comparing and contrasting the results with that of the male athletes. Also, it might be suggested to compare different religious faiths and see how each belief system might affect pre-game ritual use and sexual practices among athletes of both genders. Because it remains unclear the extent an athlete will go to ensure enhanced play, the need for continued research to determine the pre-performance activities athletes of other sporting types is indicated. Regardless of the lack of knowledge we have about the multitude of pre-game rituals utilized among athletes, it is certain that athletes will continue to participate in these rituals and rites to promote positive game outcomes.



Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr. Chelsea Ward and Dr. Erin Reilly for their contributions to this study and the related data.



References

Baker, W.J. (2005). Religion. In D. Levinson & K. Christensen (Eds.), Berkshire encyclopedia of world sport (Vol. 3, pp. 1247 – 1256). Great Barrington: Berkshire

Burnett, C. (2005). Rituals. In D. Levinson & K. Christensen (Eds.), Berkshire encyclopedia of world sport (Vol. 3, pp. 1266 – 1272). Great Barrington: Berkshire

Coakley, J. (2003). Sports in Society (8th Ed.) Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Curry, T.J. (1996). Fraternal bonding in the locker room. In D.S. Eitzen (Ed.), Sport in contemporary society: An anthology (5th ed, pp. 79 – 97). New York: St. Martin's Press.

Fischer, G.J. (1997). Abstention from sex and other pre-game rituals used by college male varsity athletes. Journal of Sport Behavior, 20, 176 – 184.

Frederick, C.M. (1998) Superstitious behavior in sport: levels of effectiveness and determinants of use in three collegiate sports. Journal of Sport Behavior, 21, 1 – 15.

Hogg, J. (1995) Precompetitive preparations in professional hockey. Journal of Sport Behavior

Lee, J. (2005). Prayer. In D. Levinson & K. Christensen (Eds.), Berkshire encyclopedia of world sport (Vol. 3, pp. 1215 – 1218). Great Barrington: Berkshire

Rudski, J. (2003). What does a "superstitious" person believe? Impressions of participants. The Journal of General Psychology, 130, 431 – 445.



APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: TABLES I, II, III
APPENDIX B: INFORMED CONSENT
APPENDIX C: SURVEY OF SPORTS RITUALS


APPENDIX A

Table I

Means and standard deviations for age, frequency of sexual intercourse each month, and religiosity in college baseball and soccer players

Age Intercourse Frequency/Month Religiosity
Sport N Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD
Baseball 107 19.9 1.4 3.1 3.7 2.3 .81
Soccer 50 19.5 1.5 3.4 4.0 2.6 1.0

Table II

Differences between baseball and soccer players' use of rituals and belief in usefulness

Ritual 1 2 3 4 5
Same Food Same Clothes Prayer Believe it helps Abstention from sex Believes it helps Abstention from drugs/alcohol Believes it helps
Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD Mean StD
Baseball 3.1 .81 2.2 1.1 1.7 .90 1.9 .99 2.0 1.2 2.7 1.2 1.4 .87 1.5 .89
Soccer 2.9 .97 2.6 1.2 2.4 1.3 2.4 1.24 2.3 1.2 2.8 1.1 1.6 1.1 1.8 1.0




Table III

Number of baseball and soccer players who believed abstention from sex 24 hours before a game helped performance

Effect Baseball Soccer
Conserve Strength 33 (31%) 16 (32%)
Increase Energy 30 (28%) 15 (30%)
Sharper Reflexes 17 (16%) 8 (16%)
Better Concentration 20 (19%) 8 (16%)
More Aggressive 16 (15%) 10 (20%)
No Effect 33 (31%) 12 (24%)

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Application and fulfilling the mission

I suppose I'm posting this because one of the hardest things I have to do is write about myself, the things I've done, and the things I want.  Yes, I'm completing a doctoral program application.  It's probably the most difficult thing I've done since applying for chancellor.......

*cough*

Anyhow, I would like the masses to read the things I wrote.  Thankfully the requirement was only 500 words.  My word count yielded 622 upon last check.  I'm really not great at this kind of thing.  Upon examination of my statements, I feel more like the mentally handicapped.  Please equip me with the necessary padding and a helmet.

And now, for your viewing pleasure......

"Quality education is of absolute importance to me.  It is what drives me on a daily basis.  Since 2000, I have been on a quest for knowledge within the realm of exercise science and physiology.  I achieved a major milestone August 6, 2005 when I received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Auburn University Montgomery.  This December, I will reach another academic marker when I receive the degree of Master's in Exercise Science.  Reaching these goals has not been easy.  The attainment of these degrees has been physically demanding, psychologically consuming, and financially draining.  Despite these things, I still achieved.  Knowing what I know now, hopefully, has given me the necessary tools for continuing on through the Health Education program at University of Alabama Birmingham.  This task will not be simple.  I find that I rarely seek the obstacles that follow the path of least resistance; this will inevitably make me a stronger person.  The strong person I become from these paths learns the greatest lessons in the end.  My goal now is to one day assist others who are on a quest for knowledge.  I am certain I will obtain this through completing the Health Education curriculum for which I have applied.

During my time as an undergraduate, I took on jobs of many sorts.  I participated in work-study assisting a chemistry professor.  I worked retail.  I did the necessary things to sustain myself.  It was in 2004 that I realized my passion through my first practicum experience.  This particular practicum placed me in a fitness setting in the Montgomery area.  I was afforded many opportunities at the facility.  I had the chance to learn how a club functions, to see the daily happenings of the fitness world, how to properly interact with the patrons of the facility, grow as a part of a working family, and most importantly, I found my desire to teach.  As I watched professionals working with others to achieve their health goals, I began to want the same thing.  Even something as simple as watching an aerobics instructor and the amount of work they put into classes to encourage and motivate participants became the force which moved me.  With these things in mind, I took initiative and became certified to personally train individuals and teach aerobics classes.  I decided that if I could do this until my degree was complete, and not lose the love and the feeling that I derive from instructing others, this would be my calling. 

Two and a half years later, I have progressed to a position of Graduate Teaching Assistant at Auburn University Montgomery, where it is my job to teach undergraduates the appropriate methods and techniques of conditioning as well as weight control.  In my spare time I work for Montgomery Cardiovascular Associates in phase two cardiac rehabilitation as an exercise physiologist.  I am still an aerobics, yoga, and Pilates instructor.  I will always love these things, especially the persons I work with to achieve heightened well-being.  However, I want to know and do more.  I want to discover new things and explore various aspects of health.  I want to learn more about how we are impacted by disease and the effect it has on our lives.  I would like to understand why some are prone to alcoholism or drug abuse.  I would love to better comprehend human sexuality and the significance it holds to physical and mental health.  These things will be offered to me in the health education curriculum.  All I need is the chance to show how hard I will continue to work in order to keep my dream of becoming a prosperous educator.  If given this opportunity, I am perfectly confident that my efforts will be successful at UAB.

Yeah....der der der.

In OTHER news......

Working Monday and Tuesday with Anne Jordan-Reynolds on the stats analysis of my thesis/project.  LORD DON'T SLOW ME DOWN.

I have a test Wednesday night.  My emergency medical care class is proving more and more that mine and Michael's assumption of our program of study is a big fucking joke is TRUE.  Bless you, AUM.  I'm going to be screwed when I go out into the real world.

Thursday - hair day.  Need I say more?

Friday - COMPREHENSIVES.  Yes yes.  The day of reckoning.  The day I get to prove to my professors that I haven't been fucking off every single day of the past four semesters.  The day that determines whether or not I will receive that diploma December 16.  I'm hitting the books hardcore this weekend.  I've gotten out my old cardiac rehab notes, my kinesiology notes, and exercise physiology notes and all necessary texts.  I have to find the online research methods materials for that question on the exam.  I think I have my work cut out for me.

Did I mention that Friday is also the BTU performance in Birmingham?  I told Brooks last night that no one should expect me to be conscious from 4pm(ish) until dinner.  I have to let my brain rest.

And now.....I'm taking a break from the computer.  Gonna go to lunch with Rob.  Go by campus and hit up the library and weight room.  Then I'm going to study.  I might actually work on my project.

Like I said.....

"Lord don't slow me down."

Currently listening : Stop the Clocks By Oasis Release date: 21 November, 2006

11:13 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

On my mind.....part two.

I don't even know where to begin.  I feel its humourous that I should find myself here again, under what I perceive to be very similar circumstances from the first time, but the outcome is going to be different: this time, I LOSE.

I gambled.  I lost.  So what, right?  Pick up and move on like you said you were going to in the first place, Rachael.

WRONG.

I realize that in my last posting, I made some pretty strong, and dare I say "rushed" statements.  Some were spot on.  Some, I learn, would haunt me.  Guess who's gonna take the blame for my big mouth?  Yeah, that would be me.  Let's take for instance this:

"And you.  I didn't make a mistake; I don't regret anything.  But I will say I'm sorry.  It's just not right.  Why?  Because in those false hopes and meaningless things that I bought into and lost out in the instance prior, I experienced that same thing I unintentionally dealt you.  You can be bitter; I will understand.  If you hate me forever, I will understand.  I. Completely. Understand."

As I have more time to think about the things I've done to sabotage myself, and you, and most importantly, US, I've become sick of myself and slightly physically ill as well.  I can't eat.  I can't rest.  I can't enjoy ANYTHING right now.  Why?  Because I know, deep down, I was wrong.  I did make a mistake.  That mistake was not even trying.  I do regret something.  My regret comes in the constant reminder that I never gave you the chance you wanted and how I wouldn't compromise when it came to "making things work."  Now I have to live with the fact that I did this and there's no way to repair the damage.  Everything else from that paragraph still applies.  If you hate me, can never forgive me, so on and so forth, I completely understand.

Upon further consideration, parts of my first paragraph from the former post addresses you and the situation at hand as well:

"A deluge of feelings I wasn't expecting took me by storm and it made me realize that past decisions DO catch up with you.  The small things that you think are easily shrugable will come back and make you think...I never realized that you paid that much attention.  I don't mean in general.  I mean in regards to those things I say or said, do and have done.  I should have given up on false hope and meaningless things when I had the chance to be part of a differing perspective.  You tried...."

There are several instances from this that I have to change, because every situation differs in dynamics and mechanics.  The emotion I'm struggling to describe can best be summed up as gnawing distress arising from the tremendous weight I have forced myself to bear.  My heart is extremely heavy, and I wish I'd let it lead instead of my head. 

I'm finding out that my laxity in this situation has caused more harm than a "formal" reaction ever could have.  Hopefully, in the future, I'll be more inclined for proaction rather than doing nothing and awaiting dispersion.  It's a sad fact that I have to learn the hard way.

Effort for Absolution: Attempted.

In closing, I leave you (all) with this.  Only a few of you will understand why I find this so amusing.....

Currently listening : Champagne High By Sister Hazel Release date: 15 May, 2001

2:56 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

On my mind....
Current mood: contemplative

I've had a lot on my mind lately.  I've also had, and currently have, a lot happening around me.  Everything feels strangely familar, yet I don't have a clue what things really are or what I should expect from the things in which I interact.  Perhaps I'm having a severe malfunction of perception.  Either way, the instance is all too fast, not fast enough; never just right.  Not that I'm expecting change toward a happy medium.  I'm just making a general observation.

A deluge of feelings I wasn't expecting took me by storm and it made me realize that past decisions DO catch up with you.  The small things that you think are easily shrugable will come back and make you think.  It's profound.  I'm certain I've experienced these epiphanies before, but never to such a degree that all I feel is an emotion best verbalized through the word "bittersweet."  I think it comes in the realization that I made a mistake.  A mistake recognized by a simple glance, a glance of misappropriated longing.  And particular attention to detail.  I never realized that you paid that much attention.  I don't mean in general.  I mean in regards to those things I say or said, do and have done.  I should have given up on false hope and meaningless things when I had the chance to be part of a differing perspective.  You tried.  And you were graceful.

Maybe I'm reading too much into my own twisted emotion.

And you.  I didn't make a mistake; I don't regret anything.  But I will say I'm sorry.  It's just not right.  Why?  Because in those false hopes and meaningless things that I bought into and lost out in the instance prior, I experienced that same thing I unintentionally dealt you.  You can be bitter; I will understand.  If you hate me forever, I will understand.  I. Completely. Understand.

Yeah.

I realize that I have essentially nothing holding me back now.  Adapted and Psych-Coaching is over.  Project halfway completed.  One class to teach and one more lecture before graduation.  Major job prospect on the horizon, with the first interview to come Thursday.

So.

Alone time activated.  I think that about covers it.

OH.....By the way, good luck to you in your future endeavors.  Getting out of here, writing a book, whatever.  Remember this, jerk-ism is for only a moment, but psychopath is forever.  Consider this closure on my behalf.  REAL closure.

All of this stopped mattering about two hours ago.

Currently listening : Singing in My Sleep CD5: Closing Time (Basement Acoustic Demo)/ Delicious/ Erotic City/ Air That I Breathe By Semisonic

6:45 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Happy Birthday America - Panama City Styleeeee!
Current mood: amused

First off, let me say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (albeit late) to the ones like Niki-Boh (girl, I miss you!), Tanner (I got the running man ready to go for you), and Daniel (the only man I'll let pour salt down my pants on the fourth of July).  Speaking of which, let me also say that the management of Buffalo Wild Wings must be terrorists since they threw us out of the establishment on AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY because we, in a very enthusiastic manner, expressed our undying love for this country.  As Candi said, they MUST be members of the Taliban.  Bastards!

So yeah!  PANAMA CITY!!!  I left for PC with Brooks on the Saturday evening before the fourth and made it down to the beach in record time.  We left around 5:45 and rolled in around 9.  That's driving the speed limit AND stopping a couple times.  Met up with Brooks' sister and her friends and then went to La Vela to meet up with Kate and Dani (who fucking ROCK MY FACE OFF) and had a wonderful evening dancing the night away in the underground room and then making fun of girls who were allowed to sing with the band playing upstairs even though they seemed to be far-from-qualified.  Fun evening, and only the beginning.  The next day we went to the beach at mid-day and that's where my agony began.  I got super sunburned and it didn't really bother me until I left.  Which was good and bad, and included later in this post :)  Anyhow, Sunday night we returned to La Vela with Kate and Dani and much of the previous night's shennanigans ensued.  Got in around 6am and I immediately passed out from total exhaustion.  Monday morning (er.....noon) we went to the strip, got daquiris, and proceeded to the beach behind La Vela.  Oh my god, the beach was FUCKING AMAZING.  Complete with beautiful water, hot sand, and an unrelenting sun.  I'm not lying when I say there was nothing short of a fuck-ton of people there.  After a couple hours drinking on the beach, swimming, attempting to steal a boat anchored in the gulf (arrrrrrrrr boat!), and my heart deciding to stay behind in the sand, I had to begin my journey to Montgomery.  I hated leaving, but I knew I had to return since Michelle and Jeremiah were having a party and I promised I'd be there.  I said my goodbyes and reassured myself I'd go back as soon as possible. 

I made it back to town around 8:30 and everyone could tell I'd taken in too much sun as I swear to god I was glowing in the dark.  After a couple drinks, the effects of all the sun hit me and I got SICK.  Had to go home, and thankfully Rob was there to give me a lift.  I got up Tuesday afternoon in my own personal hell (literally) to many missed phone calls and barely any recollection of what occurred the evening before.  I'd honestly forgotten what being SERIOUSLY BLISTERED was like.  Most of the pain is gone, but upon getting overheated I still get nauseous and of course, I'm peeling like a fucking snake.  And how I miss Panama City and the beach.  I plan on going back for my birthday while everyone else is at Dragon-Con.  So folks, be ready!

Anyhow, Fourth of July, Happy Birthday America - FUCK YEAH!  Trina and Brannon came by and hung out and we went in search of food.  What's more American than wings and beer? (Or in our cases, wings, diet soda, and wild turkey)  Trina and I had zero alcohol (as we were both suffering sunburns and wanted no further dehydration), and Brannon managed to consume over $40 of Wild Turkey in two hours.  During that time it seems like a reunion of AlaRavers past showed up to join us.  Shawn, Julie, Candi, Maria, Daniel, Bryan (Oz) and a bunch of others came to BWW and we had our own little birthday party for the USA.  Seriously, we were just trying to be patriotic and the management wanted to usurp upon our good time!  It ended badly, with all of us being asked to leave the restaurant.  After parting ways with the AlaRaves reunion crew, Trina, Brannon, and I went back to the house and watched a few episodes of Red Vs. Blue and then they left.  I passed out shortly after they set off for Wetumpka, and I slept as soundly as my sunburned body would let me.

Not much happened the remainder of the week.  Had to work Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.  Completed an online job application Thursday and was called Friday to schedule an interview.  Went out with Sherman and Sabrina that night to pre-celebrate and Saturday I went to Birmingham to hang out with Brooks.  The night consisted of attending his sister's party where there was much alcohol consumption, and then it was off to the Station where dancing and further alcoholic events transpired (please refer to the Alcohol + Altoids picture) and then back to his and Patrick's place.  Got up Sunday, hung out and played Street Fighter II Turbo (FUCK YEAH!) and went to retrieve supplies for Brooks "cook-out" he was having Sunday evening.  Since I had to be back in Montgomery I took off around 4 and made it back in time to catch a coffee break with Sherman and then hang out with him and Rob for the rest of the evening.  Monday was my interview, and now I'm waiting on them to tell me whether or not they want me or not.  I'll know sometime Friday whether or not the position is definitely mine.  So for now, I wait.  And when I do find out, the party is DEFINITELY on.  Everyone please clear your schedules!  Excitement YAY! :D

I think the only thing that could possibly add to this growing excitement is the return of Oasis to the states.....but I think that might put things over the top.

And one more time for good measure.....

HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY AMERICA, FUCK YEAH!  hahahaha

2:07 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Dealings of the Department of Defense, Dreadlocks, Darvocet, and the Dancing Queen
Current mood: contemplative

First thing's first - I'm not dead.  I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  Haven't been abducted by aliens.  Nothing of the sort.  I'm very much alive and kicking, thanks.  The lovely month of May brought a much needed pseudo-break from school.  I received A's across the board in Cardiac, Kines, and Sociology of Sports and Phys Ed.  My GPA jumped; I say I'll leave AUM in December with a master's degree and a 3.9 overall.  I am mothafuckinbadass.  Kthx.  In other scholarly-relative news, I submitted a proposal to Institutional Review last week.  I've decided that my area of research will be the sexual and religious pre-game habits and rituals (ie. superstitions) of baseball and soccer players in the Southeast.  Dr. McCord had several other IRB proposals awaiting her "OK" before she could view mine.  She didn't seem to give me any reason to think I'd need to have a full board review of my proposal, so hopefully by week's end, I'll have the go-ahead to start data collection and further literature review.  With this in mind, I need my psychologically and sociologically versed brothers and sisters to lend a hand.  Any assistance in this study will earn you an honorable mention in the closing credits of my thesis project.  ;)

Work has been amazing the past few weeks.  With the break from school, I picked up more aerobics/yoga/pilates classes at Maxwell and Gunter than I could shake a small stick at.  Good for me now, and in the long run.  I'm staying in shape, reclaiming my aerobic capacity (since having pneumonia, it's been kinda lacking), and I'll have money from May and June's shifts to keep me out of the hole in July and August.  The only negatives is having to wait on Shannon to get paid for May and June for US to get paid.  Ohhhhh, trickle-down effect, how I love thee!  And there's more of a negative aspect to this than having to wait for pay.  As of Friday, 30 June, HQ AETC will discontinue certain services offered to Air Force personnel and whatnot.  One of those services is MY service.  So once again, I'm second job-less and my aerobic certs have expired.  This is going to make it even harder to land a teaching gig here in this fucking place.  Coach Thornton mentioned adding pilates, sculpting, and possibly an aerobic circuit class to the Wellness department, but only after 30 September when the fiscal year begins.  This doesn't help me one bit, seeing as I'm (with luck on my side) out of here to pursue other things after Winter holiday.  This is just how the story goes.  The Department of Defense has ONCE AGAIN fucked me over.

And it gets better folks.  Listen to this.....

I'm considering enlisting.  Either Air Force or Coast Guard.

Yes, I've lost my fucking mind.

What's prompting this insane notion?  I was talking to Rob the other night about the hurdles I shall have to jump in order to NOT default on my loans and such while I break after graduation.  If I default, I cannot receive further monies until I repay the initial debt.  That's going to take a long time as-is.  I don't have insurance.  I'm having several health issues.  I don't have steady income.  I want to do things and see the world.  I want security that I'll be able to continue my education and earn my Ph.D, I want to be able to go to the doctor and have my blood/lab work done or just SEE a physician for problems without having to worry about any outstanding balances having to be paid in full before I can get the meds I need or have a check-up, and I want a job that I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll be gainfully employed and bringing home a steady salary six months after my initial hire.  There are so many things I want and this is one opportunity for me to actually GIVE THEM TO MYSELF.  I realize there are not-so-great aspects where the military is concerned.  And at this point, the plusses are outweighing them.  For the time being, however, I continue to weigh my options and go with the flow.  Whatever I am to do, it will come to me.

So the health problems.  I went for my annual.  Mild cervical dysplasia.  Yeah, gentlemen, don't ask.  Re-check in six.  Fab.  The real concern - my knees.  Ironically, I was taking my mother to her rheumatologist appointment last Tuesday when the serious problem occurred.  I've been having issues with the lateral meniscus of my right knee since 2003, thanks to a tragic dance-team rehearsal.  Something I've been living with, it's only evolved to something problematic, so we're going to leave this on the back burner whilst I delve into the other thing ailing me.  After mom's appointment, we go for coffee.  As we're departing I notice that the back of my left leg, right above the knee is very sensitive and starting to swell.  I thought nothing of it as I'm prone to having easily-rupturing blood vessels.  As I reach down to feel if it's hot, I notice the size of the thing has to be greater than the size of a half-dollar, and it's growing by the minute and increasing in heat.  Eventually, as I sit with mom awaiting her MRI, it became painful to flex my knee or even sit there with pants touching my leg.  So after MRI, we find a Doc-in-a-Box-esque establishment and I see the on-call orthopaedic.  At the time, it was just swollen, hot, and painful.  No bruising and the ortho said it wasn't in a location for possible vascular issue.  He sends me on my way with 20 darvocet and a prescription to have an ultrasound, as he suspects it's a fluid-filled cyst that has developed on a lateral tendon and was irritated by some stimulus that resulted in pain and swelling.  Three days later and half of my mother's hydrocodone later I develop a MASSIVELY massive bloody looking hematoma (or bruise, if ya nasty) over the sight of the knot.  The knot hasn't grown in size, yet it's still about quarter sized, hot, and painful.  The pain is starting to resonate into my hamstrings, and I'm having what I can only imagine is circulation issues as I'm experiencing "tingles" through the shank of my leg and into my foot.  I'm absolutely terrified by this.  If it is only a cyst, that's fine; I'll have it removed when I can.  If it's some other vascular issue (that could mean cardiovascular repercussion) such as deep-vein thrombosis, then I'm FUCKED.  I'm already pre-disposed to having CVD, PVD, and other vascular issues, especially since my dad died from a heart attack and he had a peripheral blood clot when he was a little older than I am, so this is just GREAT.  What do I do?  This "life" thing is becoming increasingly difficult as days go by.

In more positive news, my activity course at AUM is nothing short of FANTASTIC.  I love my students, and hopefully they love me.  Teaching (actual teaching - lecture and all) yoga and pilates makes me incredibly happy.  Having students who actually care about the subject matter makes work so much more bearable.  I hope they take something away from the course, because I know I certainly will.  Ahhhhhh rapport!  I'm currently thinking of asking the department head if I can offer the class again in Fall.  That would rock, and the students who couldn't enroll for the Summer class could catch it before I leave.  It's highly unlikely that I can convince Dr. Williford to let me teach that as opposed to Principles of Exercise and Conditioning, but it's worth a shot.

With all the class instruction, cardiovascular training, and time to myself that I've had, I've worked myself back to that point where I'm ready to being dance training again.  I fit into the melodia pants I bought in March and that made me feel pretty good.  I put on my hip scarf and a tank top and got some new ideas for photos.  So after I get my hair re-colored this friday, I'm going to my mother's to retrieve my tie-in dreads and I'm going to have Rob shoot me again.  Once I start dancing again, I'll maybe be brave enough to let Rob shoot me in movement and pose.  Speaking of dancing, I really want to perform.  I'm back to the point in my life where my expression is in need of release as per a performance based outlet.  I've considered theater again, but there's really nothing here in Montgomery to do theatrically.  Dance is what's pulling me right now, but there aren't troupes around here to participate with.  And I'd love to perform with Patrick and Kevin and the BTU guys when they do live stuff, but everytime I mention something about dancing, I don't know, I feel like maybe the idea isn't such a good one.  Perhaps I'm not what they had in mind, if they had an idea for a dancer in mind to begin with.  No offense guys!  I just don't know if the idea faded or wasn't really practical in the beginning.  Whatever be the case, I have to find that outlet for expression.

Until then, I'm keeping busy.  This weekend shall be busy, as per usual.  Thursday night I might hit Auburn (for the first time in FOR-FUCKING-EVER!) and visit Ben since he just celebrated the big 2-2.  Friday I have work and a hair appointment, and I'm trying to get together with some friends here in town and have a formal-night-out.  You know, dress up, dinner, drinks, general hell-raising after.  Then Saturday is up for grabs.  While visiting Birmingham last night and hanging out with Patrick and Brooks, Mr. B mentioned that he was going Saturday to Panama City and Club La Vela and there might be the availability for some Rae Rae type crash space?  Either way, I haven't been to La Vela since Monk played their three summers ago and just to take a day trip (night trip, rather) down to the club and party with familar people would be awesome.  Panama City would be a great change of scenery.  Sunday is the obvious day of rest, and Monday is Michelle and Jeremiah's 3rd of July party.  That looks to be a knee-slapping, drunken good time.  As per usual.  And Fourth of July promises to be the day of recovery before the short work-week resumes Wednesday.

And yes, Corey, at some point in this time frame, I will play WoW. 

Ahhhh.  Busy times.

So the run-down:  Teaching 7+ classes a week.  Feeling stronger than ever.  Knees are about to give on me.  Left leg may fall off.  So close to graduation that I can taste it.  May join military.  Still need insurance one way or the other.  Not dead.  At least not at the time of posting ;)  Want to dance.  Want to dance at La Vela.  And busy.  Forever busy.

My god, Man!  Mission Hill totally just referenced OASIS.  There was a girl standing in queue outside a night club and in an attempt to get to the front, she claimed to be the supermodel currently dating Liam Gallagher.

Fucking fantastic.  Still don't care much for Mission Hill, though.

So non-sequitur.  I amaze myself, sometimes.

Back to the shadows.

Currently listening : As the Rush Comes By Motorcycle Release date: 27 April, 2004

7:31 PM - 11 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Taken from Kate; reformatted for your pleasure.
Current mood: complacent

Really Long Survey (over 200)

What is your name?: Rachael Fawn Price

Are you named after anyone?: no, my parents just got really creative.

What's your screename? RedWhenExcited18.  Unless you watched Whose Line Is It Anyway? religiously, as I did, then you probably think my screename is an attempt to display perversions or something obtuse like that.

Would you name a child of yours after you?: I doubt it 

If you were born a member of the opposite sex what would your name be?: that's something I've never asked.  And something I've never thought about.  I'm pretty sure though that I wouldn't have carried on my father's first and middle names.

If you could switch names with a friend who would it be?: I think I shall remain Rachael.  Unless I acquire a friend named Ginger, then I'll switch ;)  If we're speaking of surnames, I've always been fond of "Gallagher" and I've thought once or twice of actually changing it.  And I keep thinking....if most people I know can't spell my first name properly (giving that they leave out an "a" or "e"), then they're CERTAINLY going to fuck up 'Gallagher'!

Are there any mispronounciations/typos that ppl do w/ your name constantly?: r-a-c-h-A-e-l.  not racheal.  not rachel.  not rachal.  RACHAEL.  Commit that to memory.

Would you drop your last name if you became famous?: See two questions above; same thing applies.

Basics
Your gender:: female

Straight/Gay/Bi:: hell, i don't know.

Single?: yes

If not, do you want to be?: I really don't have time for trivial things such as these.

Birthdate:: September 6, 1982

Your age:: 23

Age you act: the age which indicates maturity, but also an age which suggests my inability to act as such.

Age you wish you were: i'm happy with 23, and looking forward to 24.

Your height:: 1.7018 meters.  Convert THAT!

Eye color: brown

Happy with it?: absolutely

Hair color:: dark auburn with blonde and red-violet (fade to PINK) highlights.

Happy with it?: i am :)

Lefty/righty/ambidextrous:: righty

Your living arrangement:: currently residing in Montgomery, Alabama with a good friend, Mr. Rob K.

Your family:: it depends on what you mean by "family."  My first inclination would be to tell you all about the family I've developed in my 23 years of experience in this world.  The comings-and-goings of people who have made lasting impressions on my life and those who will forever be a part of me, those are the members of my "modern family."  But, if you're speaking about the people I directly (and indirectly) descended from, then I suppose I'd tell you that I didn't know much about my father with the exception that he was a very intelligent man, but for some reason unknown to me, never quite utilized his full potential and thus achievement was rare, and i believe with all my heart he loved my mother till the day he died, regardless of their divorcing and remarrying.  My mother is a woman of will, very strong, also intelligent, but will quickly tell you that she isn't a brain.  She's from a traditional farm-esque family, a country girl, if you will, and the harsh conversion to modernism is apparent in the stories she tells me of poverty and having nothing when her parent's ability to work ceased to be.  She's the youngest of eight siblings.  Dad was the youngest of three.  I suppose this sets me up to marry an only child, like myself.

Have any pets?: I have myself.  Somehow, I manage to keep me occupied.

Whats your job?: Graduate teaching assistant/someone's bitch at Auburn University Montgomery.  I also teach aerobics classes at Maxwell/Gunter

Piercings?: multiple piercing in the ears, nose, tandem in the tongue, belly button, nips.

Tattoos?: five, strategically placed

Obsessions?: OASIS, electronic music, pie.

Addictions?: OASIS, electronic music, pie.

Do you speak another language?: I believe I made a feeble attempt to learn another language once....

Have a favorite quote?: nothing's coming to mind.

Do you have a webpage?: no

Deep Thoughts About Life and You in life: I sometimes wish that people could or would just let me be without feeling the need to provoke me or jostle me to such a degree that it takes me away from my purest state.  Action with provoked or instigated emotion is definitely NOT a true depiction of my self.  It's only an illusion to what I truly am; what i truly wish to be; and that's free.  Unadulterated.  Uninhibited.  Unprovoked.  Being.  Calm.  Peaceful.  Tranquility is something I find myself so close to truly knowing, feeling, and seeing, and then it's torn away from my grips by those who wish to animate me.

Do you live in the moment?: i find this concept hard, since i tend to be a planner, but I try.  it's the way of free-will, no?

Do you consider yourself tolerant of others?: OVERLY tolerant.  someone kick me, please.

Do you have any secrets?: yes.

Do you hate yourself?: no.  i often find reasons to be disappointed with myself, but no, i can't say that i hate me.

Do you like your handwriting?: no

Do you have any bad habits?: of course.  would you like the list?

What is the compliment you get from most people?: it's the hair.

If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called? i wouldn't let someone make a movie about me, for I don't think I could handle an outsider's depiction of what I'm like.

What's your biggest fear? failure.  incompletion.

Can you sing?: i could, once upon a time.

Do you ever pretend to be someone else just to look cool? everyday.  who is this person i am, anyway?

Are you a loner?: i wouldn't necessarily say "loner," however, I do like my "me" time.  And a lot of it.

What are your ..1 priorities in life?: making MYSELF happy, learning as much as possible with the educational opportunities I'm afforded, discovering who I truly am, finding life-long companionship, and keeping a cheesy fucking grin on my face every step of the way.

If you were another person, would you be friends with you? good question.  i don't know.  sometimes i think that i'd probably hate me because of how much attention i need, but other times I think that I probably couldn't help but love me and require my own friendship. 

Are you a daredevil? not really

Is there anything you fear or hate about yourself? i fear my compulsive nature.  i have a tendency to go overboard.  A LOT.  quite frightening.

are you passive or agressive? i'm very passive-aggressive.  yeah.

Do you have a journal?: um....no.  i keep a sketch pad though.

What is your greatest strength and weakness? strength and weakness - my ability to change (in terms of mentality, physical stature, emotion), whether we're talking sides of issues or whatnot, I always give benefit of the doubt and try to see the big picture instead of having a firm and final opinion.  This is good and detrimental all the same.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Emotionally and mentally, I wouldn't so easily give myself away; I seriously wish I were a "harder" person in terms of human-human interactions.  Physically, i'd drop another thirty pounds.

Do you think you are emotionally strong?: no.  i'm about a click away from emotional peril.

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing in life?: i don't feel it necessary to discuss my regrets.  Not at this time anyway.

Do you think life has been good so far? The past few years have made up for any dissatisfaction I may have had earlier in life.  So yeah, it's been good.  And it's (hopefully) getting better, man!

What is the most important lesson you've learned from life? The only person I have to concern myself about is ME.  Work to make the self happy and everything else will fall into place.  Don't force things.  Work to attain your personal legends.  Focus.

What do you like the most about your body?: i guess i sorta like my hair.  and shoulders.  my back.  abs are coming along nicely.  but mostly, I appreciate how well my body has managed to hold up seeing as how i placed so many external stressors on it.  i'm still very capable of performing high-endurance activities, and my power/strength are AMAZING, to me anyway.  like i said.  coming along quite nicely.  just gotta keep it up.

And least?: ugh....my FEET.  i love feet....they bear the weight of your body and soul, they step on and GET stepped on....in essence the feet are miraculous....forces of nature....but mine?  in constant need of pedi-curing.  it's almost pathetic.

Do you think you are good looking?: to the untrained eye

Are you confident? no.

What is the fictional character you are most like? i'd say i'm like the main character in this French film Rob and I saw a couple months ago.  I perceived the girl to be intelligent, and have many things going for her.  But she was so fucking stupid to the ways of the world that she didn't know or possibly didn't CARE to do what was right for herself.  She conspired with bank robbers, they dicked her over, she almost found herself stuck in Greece and her only option for getting by was submitting as someone's sex slave.  Later in the film she goes home with two young men from a discotheque, and they're very wealthy and powerful, vying for her to stay and let them take care of her but she didn't......I seriously feel sometimes as though I'm someone like that.  Not taking what's best when it's presented to me and putting myself in preventable, very compromising situations.  I really wish I could remember the name of that movie.  So that I could recommend that you all DON'T SEE IT.  That bitch was so stupid.....jesus.

Are you perceived wrongly? Yes.  Too many people have the wrong idea about me and they know absolutely NOTHING.....

Do You...

Smoke?: no

Do drugs? not so much.  anymore.

Read the newspaper?: occasionally

Pray? no.  not to your god, anyway.

Go to church? NO.

Talk to strangers who IM you? no

Sleep with stuffed animals?: no

Take walks in the rain? yes.  sometimes it's fun.

Talk to people even though you hate them? Sometimes I don't even know why I answer the phone.

Drive? yes; LOVE IT.

Like to drive fast? until I almost lost my license :)

Would you or have you ever?

Liked your voice? yes

Hurt yourself? a long time ago

Been out of the country?: no

Eaten something that made other people sick? yes

Been in love?: i'm not sure.

Done drugs?: yes.  several.

Gone skinny dipping? no

Had a medical emergency? yes

Had surgery?: no

Ran away from home? no

Played strip poker? yes

Gotten beaten up? no

Beaten someone up? yes

Been picked on? good god, yes

Been on stage?: Yes, and I miss it so much

Slept outdoors?: Yes

Thought about suicide? once or twice.

Pulled an all nighter? Yes

If yes, what is your record? Are we talking total hours awake?  In that case 42 hours.

Gone one day without food? yes

Talked on the phone all night? yes

Slept together with the opposite sex w/o actually having sex?: Yes

Slept all day?: today, as a matter of fact

Killed someone?: no.

Made out with a stranger? i have

Had sex with a stranger?: No.

Thought you're going crazy?: all the fucking time.