We received a tip about the secrets lurking around in the special collections in the BYU library on BYU Campus.

“On the first floor of the library is the special collections room. I’m not sure what is in this room that needs to be so heavily protected, but let me explain what happens when you go there.
You get to the room and you ask for a book. You pretty much have to know everything there is to know about the book you want. So you tell them the information

Then you fill out paper work … Paper work, for a book.

Then you give them your ID card.

Then have to go put your stuff in a locker. You aren’t allowed to bring phone’s, water bottles, or pens into the room.

Then you go back to the desk where you asked for your book, and you wait for them to get your book and press the button so you can enter the secret CIA vault.

Then they slide a window open, set your book down, and you can come and get it.

When you read, there must be absolute silence. Some of the books have to be set on foam pads to protect them.

And then when you return you book you set it at the window and wait for them to unlock the door from behind the desk again.

And in addition, you are not allowed to check out a single item from the special collections… even if its just a 200 page leisure book.”

Has anyone found anything *special* down there that’s worthy of the CIA-like treatment given to everyone?

As part of BYU’s College of Life Sciences, there are 15 live aquariums in the basement of the Widtsoe building.  They are built into the walls, and anyone who would like can wander down there and peek around.  Some of the aquariums are empty, (or the fish are very good at hiding) but with 15 tanks there are still quite a few interesting things to look at.  If you finding that you sit by the same certain someone every class period, but aren’t sure how to expand your relationship, this is the sort of place that is easy to invite them to go and check out with you.  It’s close by, unitimidating, too public for NCMO, but private enough to have a good conversation.  Plus there’s all sorts of crazy fish.

Sunday, October 19th 2008 Elder Richard G. Scott will be coming to BYU. This perhaps is the biggest secret yet to be released by Y Secrets. The fireside will be held at BYU’s Tanner Building room 151. Doors will open at 5:00 pm and everyone should be in their seats by 5:30 pm. Those who plan to attend should dress in their Sunday best.

Here’s the only requirement to attend the fireside: YOU MUST SPEAK PORTUGUESE. Elder Scott will be holding this fireside for Brazilians here at BYU and those who speak Portuguese. If you fall under any of these categories feel free to attend.

Since there is a high density of LDS people going to Utah Valley, getting that suit pressed and cleaned is up on the priority list due to how often LDS members wear suits. Since college students (and nearly everyone living in Utah Valley) is cheap, getting dry cleaning done doesn’t happen very often (but should).

To save some dough, head on over to BYU Laundry services and save some money. Drop off your suit, shirts, or other articles of clothing, and get them done on the cheap.

Dry cleaning services are available at the BYU Laundry (AXLB). For questions about dry cleaning, call the BYU Laundry at 422-6034. They are located near the old deseret towers and across the street from the Student Health Center.

The group is: Awkward Engagement Pictures Rock My Socks

Making beautiful music together. They met at a guitar class

I stumbled upon this gem a little while ago, and have now spent many hours browsing the pictures posted there.  You also need to to read the comments people leave.

Very funny, very BYU.

Beating the summer heat or breaking out of a cold winter day is easy when you can take a dive in one of BYU swimming pools. The BYM swim team practices often and has meets regularly during season. How can you get in on the swimming action and cheer on our fearless swimmers?

Reader John writes in and mentions the following on how to get in and see these athletes:

“Many people come to me, as a former four-year member of the BYU swimming team, and still ask how much it costs to get into a BYU swim/dive meet. Or they even ask if they need to get to bring their “All Sports Pass” to get it. Here’s a secret.. It’s completely free. Yeah, a sporting event that doesn’t require a dumb pass or a ticket. And this is the real stuff as the men and women are normally ranked in the top 30 teams in the nation. So, there’s always something watch. Plus, who doesn’t like watching people in swim suits? Yeah… I thought so.”

So round up your friends and support the swim team!

The new deli in the Tanner addition is a little expensive and thats no secret, but there is at least one thing that a cheap and worth it.  Hot Dogs!  The hot dogs in the deli are about $1.70 and are big.  They’ll fill you up and are really tasty.  The dogs are only available after 11 am, but who wants to eat a hot dog for breakfast anyway?

Looking for cheap Sushi in Provo?  We got a tip from Yamada Tarō that DeMae’s on Center Street has half price sushi on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We’ve looked into it and give it our full recommendation.  They have some tasty authentic sushi as well as an assortment of dishes for less courageous eaters.  If you haven’t tried sushi yet it’s a great place to test your pallet, and if you are still unsure you can take a peek at their menu online.  A side benefit to the discount is that the restaurant is very quiet on regular price days, so it’s a great place for an intimate conversation if you aren’t worried about the price.

It’s no secret that the brand spanking new deli/restaurant is open for business in the Tanner building. You can get anything from sandwiches to cold beverages, but is it the best value for your money?

Reader Jonas noticed a slight price difference between the vending machines and the new deli restaurant.

“You can save money by going to a vending machine instead of purchasing a drink at the deli. For example, a chocolate milk at the deli costs 1.69+tax while the same exact chocolate milk costs 1.40 at the vending machines right down the hall.”

So it looks like you spend more to wait in line?

Vending machines-1, Deli-0

Parking is a never ending problem on campus. The secrets of finding the best places to park need to be revealed. Recently reader “Jenny” noticed that students don’t realize that a new Y lot is available this semester that was previously a G (graduate) lot. She says, “the parking next to the RB is scarce at best after 8:00 AM, but strangely, the parking across the street from Wendy’s always has parking available. It’s even a shorter distance to walk to the Tanner building than most RB parking.”  Thanks Jenny for that tip. I’ve included a map for those that may not know of the change. Yah for more parking!

The BYU Parking office has a policy of dropping one parking ticket per Academic School Year, supposedly with no Questions asked.  Your appeal just needs to be within 14 days of the date of ticket issue.

The easiest way to appeal your citation is to go to the Secret BYU Citation Lookup and fill out the form.

We warn however, that sometimes talking politely to an actual person is the best way to work your way through these things.

You can visit the Parking Services office at 2120 JKB, or call (801) 422-3906.

We all realize that not all drinking fountains are created equal.  For some reason, certain spouts are fantastic, while others taste like bad breath in a copper can.

I’d like to list some of the oasises (oases?) that I’ve found, and please let us know the ones that you have found.

• The fountain on the 1st floor TNRB in the vending machine room is best in the building.
• In the library, on the third floor as you go towards “Interlibrary Loan,” there is a drinking fountain that almost always tastes good.

I’m sure there are a lot more, but those are the ones that stand out in my mind.  Where is your favorite drinking fountain?

Example of MormonAdz

If you have been at BYU for a while you probably know about Divine Comedy.  They are a comedy troupe that performs about 4 times a semester.  They’ve had on and off years and who knows how they will be this year.  I would recommend going to see their new stuff.  If you don’t feel like spending ten bucks for a date you can always watch some of their best stuff on their website DivineComedy.net.

My favorites are the Lord of the Engagement Ring, Crowdwalker, and zoobing.  Thers are in the pre-2007 category and they are hilarious.  Look at the MormonAdz as well.  They mock what is sacred to BYU.

One of the best things I like about BYU creamery is their ability to make a decent meal at a good price. Although some student’s argue that Wendy’s, Subway, and Burger King is cheaper, the Creamery seems to make real food that doesn’t leave you feeling like you had a “processed” meal.

For this post, I’m singling out my favorite secret at the creamery. The kids meal there comes with a cheeseburger (or hotdog, hamburger, or grilled cheese), fries, drink, and a child’s size ice cream. Best of all, it’s only 3.29. I don’t think any of the chains can beat this deal.

Have you ever tried to get to North Provo/Orem area after a BYU Football game? Maybe your family is in town and you have all planned to meet up at Tucano’s. You’re running late because you stayed at the stadium talking to some friends and your family is there already because they didn’t go to the game. What should you do?

Here’s a pointer… If you’re on 900 E, get onto N Temple Dr. Head East on N Temple Drive and take a left onto Iroqouis Dr (1200 E). Go all the way down on Iroqouis Dr, it’ll curve to the right and up a hill. Next, take a left onto Navajo Dr. This street will take a sharp right up the hill. You’ll be able to see Foothill Dr. Get onto it for a while. You’ll go down a huge hill, past a stake center and through a couple of lights. This street becomes Orem Center St which is directly south of the Riverwoods Mall where Tucano’s is located!!!

There is absolutely no traffic via this way after a football game! Enjoy!