Surprise rules

In the world today, the three biggest problems are the inflation of gas prices, facebook stalking, and BYU's intramural sports. In the latter, the Intramural referees have usurped the power to make up rules for the softball world. It's true! This term, a new "surprise" rule seemed to be added for each game we played. For example, did you know, if you catch a fly ball and your momentum carries you out of bounds, the base runners get to advance one base? Did you know it is an automatic out if you bunt, do anything like a bunt, or even mention the word "bunt" during a game? Did you know that infield fly balls are automatic outs "for the safety of the players?"

With bunts and fly balls eliminated, line drives appear to be the safest choice. However, I wouldn't bother memorizing these rules because they'll change by the next game.

I imagine that the refs have a quota to make up at least three new rules for each game they work. Afterward, they get together at Krispy Kreme and share the best ones. Imagine them eating donuts while we are withering in pain. And due to the "you-must-be-happy" rule, you're not allowed to complain. If you complain, albeit reasonably, you will be issued a yellow card and your team will be forced to play shorthanded. Thus they force your team to put on a smile or suffer the consequences. Frankly, I would rather be stalked on Facebook.

Kristi Cisney
Roy

Honor code review

I used to believe in the Honor Code; to me it was a symbol of respect and integrity. But unfortunately that view has been tarnished. When I lived on campus there were underage guys with alcohol. Did I mention on campus? I reported it and then I was persecuted. The person I reported it to knew these guys and when I went to report it was told that they were "cool."

I was later told by my bishop, "Friends don't tell on friends." Then you have these girls suspended for these pictures on facebook. The question is, "Whose bad side were they on?" Those guys with alcohol weren't suspended. The enforcement of the honor code is completely inconsistent.

Also, is it right that the "[e]xtent that misconduct is known" is a factor of punishment? So if someone was really on my bad side I could just make flyers advertising their misconduct. The Honor Code in its current state is merely a political vehicle for people to carry out their own agenda. Something needs to change.

Ryan Dew
Provo

Sudoku solutions

I occasionally enjoy a break doing the Sudoku puzzles in The Daily Universe. However, my understanding is that any Sudoku puzzle should have a unique solution. Fairly often the puzzles in The Daily Universe have multiple valid solutions. This is bothersome to a would-be solver because at some point you must guess: logical inference cannot lead to a unique solution because there is none. (Alternatively, you might notice that the puzzle admits several solutions, but except in the simplest cases that is quite difficult and, in any case, is probably not the task you thought you were about.)

The easy puzzle from July 27 is an example. I have enclosed five different valid solutions - there may be more if I made a mistake in my reasoning. The numbers in black are given or forced (I believe) by the given entries. The numbers in red indicate the different valid solutions.

I don't know from what source The Daily Universe gets these puzzles, but I and (I suspect) many others would appreciate it if you would change to a source that provides puzzles with unique solutions, or screen the puzzles from your present source for uniqueness. (That is difficult for human beings, but computer programs capable of making that determination almost instantly are readily available. One can be found at the Web site sudocue.net.) Most people who do Sudoku puzzles are trying to give their brains a bit of logical work or play and want to avoid guessing. You shouldn't run puzzles that require guessing.

Roland Monson
Provo

Editor's note: The Daily Universe creates Sudoku puzzles using a software program. In researching this topic, we found Sudoku puzzles can have more than one solution, especially the easiest levels.

Forget yourself

As a college student I have noticed a common trend among my generation that I find unsettling. There seems to be a tendency for students to be so self-involved that they don't notice any problems around them, or if they do, they just don't care.

Everywhere on campus I see students with their headphones on, submerged in their own world and unaware of others around them. The world has only reinforced the focus on ourselves, and consequently, I believe, we have become apathetic toward the plight of others.

However, there are moments that surprise me and give me hope. As the nation stood in shock and mourning over the horrific shootings at Virginia Tech, college students across the nation united through facebook, immediately creating groups to show their support and offer their prayers and condolences.

Also hundreds of students take service trips each year through organizations such as Kaiizen and HELP International to poverty-stricken countries, offering humanitarian aid in those countries. Experiences offered by these organizations open people's eyes and allow them to forget themselves for a moment, but more needs to be done.

We are the future. We need to forget ourselves, become involved with the world around us and make a difference.

Nate Nefb
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Unkind deeds

"Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others (Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Need for Greater Kindness" ,Ensign, May 2006)?" These words by President Hinckley sum up some storming emotions that have been unsettling me for over a month. Twice now, one of my non-member friends living in Provo has been the victim of unkind deeds committed by BYU students. Because of shame I feel due to the actions of some BYU students, I am less proud to say I am a BYU student. I thought Cougars were above passing undue judgment and meanness to others. I hope I am not mistaken.

I feel a great load on my shoulders to try to change my friend's misconceptions about Mormons and BYU now that he has been the victim of a fistfight and his truck being keyed. Both incidents were dealt by BYU students for no apparent reason. How could anyone honestly justify such blatantly awful actions?

You never know how far reaching the consequences of your actions may be. Remember you represent the Lord's church. Also, remember that President Hinckley wants "the lives of our people [to] become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship (Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Symbol of Our Faith," Ensign, April 2005, 2-6)." Act accordingly.

Kristi Nielsen
Ephrata, Pa.

Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Aug 2007