Gaining Perspective on Backyard Rivalries

As I was flying somewhere over the South Atlantic, the best thing I found to pass the time was the movie "Ratatouille". Even with the great seat back tv screens and near-decent selection, "Ratatouille" was the only thing that seemed to pass the time. In the movie, Anton Ego famously orders up "some perspective" and a bottle of Cheval Blanc 1947.

Today, as I was driving near Ann Arbor, I noticed a barn with "Go State" on the roof. Michigan State is a bitter University of Michigan rival. Growing up in Ann Arbor, I've always been a Michigan fan.

Somewhat disappointed about the show of Spartan love not far from the University of Michigan, I was reminded of the movie quote on perspective when I found the barn this evening on Google Earth.



I gained some perspective and learned it wasn't just a state barn. Instead, it provides some insight to the "backyard brawl" mentality that fuels this rivalry- one that divides houses, both figuratively and even literally for at least one week a year.

Speaking of perspective, either the Michigan Wolverines or the Michigan State Spartans and their fans will get a dose of perspective after the two teams meet on the gridiron this Saturday at 3:30 at the Big House in Ann Arbor.