Intellectually Inferior Christians

David Sklansky has issued a challenge to Christians. He is willing to wager $50,000 for anyone who can pass a polygraph exam on two tenets of Christianity: 1) that Christ rose from the dead, & 2) that those who do not profess faith is Christ will not enter Heaven. The second part of the wager is that he and the challenger will both take the math portion of either the SAT or the GRE in half the normally allotted time, and whoever scores lower will pay the other $50,000.

His premise is that people who agree with those two basic beliefs of Christianity are less intelligent than those who do not. Of course, all it would really prove if Sklansky won the bet is that Sklansky is better at a math test than the individual challenger. In case you didn't know, Sklansky has written several books about the mathematics of Poker and describes himself as a child math and logics prodigy.

A few quotes from Sklansky in the thread:

Their beliefs make them relatively stupid (or uninterested in learning). Or only relatively stupid people can come to such beliefs. One or the other.

The condescension of otherwise intelligent people toward those of us of faith is annoying and amusing at the same time.

And I really can't even conceive of someone who can legitimately pass that polygraph doing great on the exam. The only way it is conceivable I could lose without getting cheated is if I am rustier than I realize or if I happen to make the occasional careless error that is impossible to fully guard against.

So, if someone gets past the polygraph and then does, in fact, best Sklansky on the test, he'll blame it on the challenger cheating or his own rustiness.

It's a "no win" bet for any challenger because of the parameters of the wager. not to mention that many of us who could probably give him a run for his money on the test are too smart to wager $50,000 on such a proposition.

For the record, I believe the two things he includes in his polygraph portion, and at one time, I think I could have been in the game on the math test. I took both the SAT and the GRE in my school career. I missed one question each on them. On the LSAT, I missed one question in the Logical Reasoning section and aced the Logic Games section.

Even if Sklansky could get a perfect on the test and a challenger, let's say me, only missed one, Sklansky would have won his $50,000, but how can he honestly say the challenger did not do "great on the exam"?

A Plot Full of Intrigue

Okay, so I took my car back to the repair shop again. They had the right valve this time, but after installing it, there was still a problem with the car. Turns out, I need the computer replaced. The guy said he can get the part for about $45, so it'll be back to the shop one more time. I decided to go ahead and have them replace the Fuel Level Sensor as well. I've been driving around for almost a year without a working fuel gauge. It'll be nice not to have to keep my eyes on the trip odometer the entire time I drive. After putting all this work into the car, I'm pretty sure I'll be driving it until it just won't go any more.

Valvular Relief

I took the Intrigue in to have the Check Engine light checked out. Turns out that a valve has gone bad in the system of the SAIP. I guess I should be glad it's not the pump gone bad already.

This probably means I won't be going out and buying a different car afterall.

Cars

Nope, not about the Pixar film. A few years ago, I bought a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue that had about 19,000 miles on it. After I drove it for 30,000 miles, the Check Engine light came on. I took it in and had the Secondary Air Intake Pump replaced. About 30,000 miles later, the Check Engine light came on again. Again, it was the Secondary Air Intake Pump (SAIP). That one lasted 2 days before going bad. SAIP #3 survived about 2 weeks before I had to take it in yet again. The Check Engine light came on the very next day after SAIP #4 was installed. Since I knew what the problem was, and knew it really didn't affect my car's performance, I ignored it until I had to get it fixed in order to pass the annual vehicle inspection. So, I took it to a different shop this time and had SAIP #5 installed. I got the car back Wednesday evening. Saturday night, after only 150 miles, the Check Engine light came back on. If it's the SAIP again (and I'm sure it is), I think it's time to get rid of this car. Other than this problem, the car has been pretty good for me. I've had a couple of tires blowout, and my Fuel Level Sensor went out this past year, but the only real issue has been the SAIP.

I wanted to drive this car until it just wouldn't go any more, but I can't put up with replacing the same part over and over and over again.

Luther

Jody and I watched Luther last night. Beautiful movie. I checked up on some of the history today, and there are a few overly dramatized inaccuracies, but for the most part, the story is correct.

Two very interesting points to me were Luther's stating that he had not read the New Testament even though he had been a monk for some time and Cardinal Cajetan saying that the Bible is too complex even for most Priests to understand so providing it in the language of the people would be a bad idea. Those two points illustrate a lot of the reason why Luther (and Calvin and Melancthon, etc.) was deperately needed in the 16th Century.

I'll Pass on the Nachos

My wife got Nacho Libre from Blockbuster, and we watched it last night. Actually, I watched it all. Jody gave out about halfway through. I'm not sure if that had more to do with the muscle relaxant she had taken or the overall stinkitude of the movie. I tend to like Jack Black, but this movie was plain boring.

I lost count of the number of different accents Black used. I can remember hearing more of a Spaniard tone early in the movie. At other times, he did get more of the Mexican accent right (I'm sure there are a variety of Mexican accents, but I'm familiar with a large number of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, and the accent is fairly consistent). At one point, Black has an Italian accent. It was distracting.

If you want to see a good Jack Black movie, check out Orange County or School of Rock.

Put Another Log on the Fire

One of the things I like about our new house (we moved in April) is the fireplace. A family friend doesn't use her fireplace any more, so she offered us some firewood. Yesterday, I borrowed my dad's truck and loaded a little more than a third of a cord, hauled it home, unloaded it, and stacked it neatly. I have to remember to open the flue each time before I light the fire, but it has been nice having a fire in the fireplace. I also appreciate that it has a gas ignitor, which eliminates the struggle of getting the fire blazing.

Rating NFL Players

Adam Schefter writes over at NFL.com that Marvin Harrison is a better Wide Receiver than Terrell Owens. I don't necessarily disagree with his conclusion, but I definitely take issue with his methodology. Schefter argues that Harrison's superior stats mean he's the better receiver. That's way too simplistic of an approach. Harrison has been playing in a completely different system than Owens all these years. Yes, the West Coast offense that Owens had played in before coming to Dallas features the passing game, but it's not primarily known as a deep-threat offense. Also, the nature of the West Coast offense is such that it involves the Running Backs and Tight Ends more in the passing game than the Colts wide-open approach.

Harrison may be the better Receiver, and he's most likely the better person, but just looking at the raw numbers isn't the way to prove it.

Wally World and Jack Daniels

I was in southern Louisiana this week for the funeral of my Aunt Sue. Before I began my trip back yesterday, I headed to the Wal*Mart in Denham Springs, LA to pick up some Diet Dr Pepper, snacks and ice for the drive. When I got back to where the soft drinks were, I wasn't surpised to see beer & wine in the store, but I was somewhat shocked to see bottles of liquor right next to the Doritos™ display. Right there among the variety of goods available at just about any Wal*Mart store in America sat Jack Daniels, Absolut Vodka, Bacardi Rum, and most of the major name liquors. I had no idea that any state allowed liquor sales in regular stores.

The biggest issue I had with it was that it has been so long since I've bought any liquor that I had no idea if the prices were good enough to justify buying some.

The Return of The Calvinator

I've been on sort of an unannounced hiatus from my two blogs. No real reason.

That's all about to change.

I have been amazed that I've still been getting about 120 hits a week on here even though I haven't posted in awhile.

New posts coming Friday both here and on the Theatre blog.

Pretty Unique

Was pointed to a website that tells you how many people in the United States share your name. I don't know if they just use statistical models based on the commonality of the names or if they use some database.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 78 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

At only 78 people, that means my name is only shared by 0.000026% of the population of the U.S.

Insomnia

While I'm waiting to get sleepy, let me make a few recommendations:

Book: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I finished it a couple of days ago. It sort of gets weaker toward the end, but after years of reading fiction, I have come to the conclusion that ending a book might be one of the hardest things out there.

Film: Thank You for Smoking. Rented this one from Blockbuster and thoroughly enjoyed it.

TV: "Heroes". I have really liked the first three episodes of this show. I'll have to catch episode four on NBC's website tomorrow. I had a meeting tonight and forgot to set the VCR.

Music: Altar Boyz Off-Broadway Soundtrack. I purchased this one from iTunes. I appreciate the humor, and quite honestly, some of the lyrics are great.

"Everybody Fits"

Somedays, you just can't begin
You feel, outside looking in
It's like, you're the odd man out

Let me, help you
End your doubt

It doesn't matter
If you're different and out of place
It doesn't matter
If there's acne upon your face
It doesn't matter
Take my hand and then
You will see
Everybody fits in God's great

Fam-a-laay

Strangers
Seem to, stop and stare
Wonderin'
Why you're, even there

Feeling
So left out and wrong
I'll show
You that
You belong

It doesn't matter
If you have a gigantic nose
It doesn't matter
If you're born with eleven toes
It doesn't matter
You can trust and
Believe in me
Everybody fits in God's great

Fam-a-laay

In the family of God you'll learn
That there is no such thing as others
All the woman and men on Earth
Can be your
Sisters and your brothers

Sisters and your brothers!

It doesn't matter
If you're wrinkled and old and grey
It doesn't matter
If you face Mecca when you pray
It doesn't matter
Won't you listen and
Here my plea, everbody fits
It doesn't matter
If you're yellow or white or red
It doesn't matter
If you're pregnant and you're unwed
It doesn't matter
'Cause the truth it can
Set you free, everbody fits

Everybody fits!

It doesn't matter
Every murderer on death row
It doesn't matter
Every prostitute that you know
It doesn't matter
Welcome to the
Fraternity, everybody fits in God's great

Fam-a-laay, you and maay
We fit into the fam-a-lay... yeaaah!

Our State Fair is a Great State Fair

Don't miss it. Don't even be late.

Today, well actually yesterday since it is after Midnight, I ventured into the world of the State Fair of Texas. I was accompanied on this journey by my wife, our four daughters, my wife's cousin and her husband, and their three children. We only spent four hours there, but it seemed like more. It wasn't bad, really, it just seemed like it was more than 4 hours.

I ate two Fletcher's Corny Dogs and a Funnel Cake. Not too bad when I think about it. I didn't get any deep-fried Oreo's™ like I did last year, but that's mainly because I didn't see the place to get them.

I highly recommend going to the fair on OU/Texas gameday. The only bad time was when we had to buy some more fair coupons, which are required for riding rides or buying food and beverage. We were trying to get some at about the same time that all the football game attenders were arriving at the park. They were all, it seemed, trying to get coupons to buy their lunches and probably a beer or two or twelve before they entered the Cotton Bowl (you can't buy alcohol in the stadium for some inexplicable reason). Once the crowd started making its way into the game, the fair was great. No wait for rides. You could walk the Midway without ever touching another person. It was the most empty I've ever seen the fairgrounds on a day the Fair is open.

After we got home, I was pretty tired, and I almost fell asleep on the living room couch, but when I finally tried to go to sleep in my own bed at 10:30, all of a sudden, I was wide awake. It goes back to my weird sleep patterns.

I'm gonna go back upstairs and read a little to see if it will help put me to sleep. I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. So far, I am really enjoying it.

Celebrity look-alikes

There's a fun website where you can see what celebrities you look like. My brother mentioned this on his AOL Journal once, but I stumbled across it again recently. I decided to upload a pic of two of my friends from Kiss Me, Kate, Tyler & Josh.



According to the My Heritage site, Tyler (left) looks like:

Jesse Metcalfe (61%)
Clark Gable (57%)
Tom Welling (57%)

Actually, there were more, but they were either folks I had never heard of or women. In fact, his top match was Britney Spears, but I thought I wouldn't embarrass him by mentioning it . . . OOPS!

Josh (right) comes back as:

James Van Der Beek (74%)
Ron Howard (67%)
Joe Rogan (67%)
Hal Sparks (62%)
Rob Schneider (60%)
Tom Cruise (59%)

I don't have a recent enough photo of myself to get a good reading.

Waiting with Breath Abated

Along with millions of others, I am anxiously awaiting the release of Book 7 and Movie 5 (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix) in the Harry Potter franchise. In the meantime, I regularly listen to PotterCast to keep abreast of the latest in Harry Potter news. The recent Broadway FilkCast was right up my alley. As I've posted before, I am a huge fan of Broadway Show Tunes.

If you're a Harry Potter fan, you owe it to yourself to check out PotterCast. I would recommend listening to as many of the past episodes as you can as well. There is a veritable gold mine of information in that more than a year's worth of offerings from Melissa, Sue, & John.

Related to my enjoyment of all things Potter, I took one of those quizzes you can find on the web to tell me which HP Character I am most like.

You scored as Albus Dumbledore. You are very wise, observant, and analyctical. You have a very "well-organized" mind, which makes you function in a calm and fair manner. Though you get angered easily, its rare of you to ever act our of temper. You are constantly seeing the good in people and are naturally forgiving because of it. You're easy to please and a great person to learn from. Albus Dumbledore 78% Oliver Wood 69% Hermione Granger 66% Lord Voldemort 63% Sirius Black 59% Remus Lupin 56% Luna Lovegood 50% Ron Weasley 47% Bellatrix Lestrange 47% Percy Weasley 44% Harry Potter 41% Severus Snape 38% Neville Longbottom 31% Draco Malfoy 9% Harry Potter Character Combatibility Test created with QuizFarm.com

I am pleased with the top slot, but how on earth did I wind up more like Percy Weasley than Harry?

Are We Not Men?

De over at The Thinklings has written:

I’ve been thinking about [I Corinthians 13:11] a lot lately. It’s time I posit my theory of manhood. It’s very simple:

We all need to grow up

Go read the rest of it.

Lost and Found

I previously wrote about losing my good nail clippers during our move to our new house. Today, I found them. They were in the cup holder of my car under a pile of business cards and pens. In 6 months I hadn't cleared out that stack.

I guess they had made it to the new house, but they never made it in the new house.

I'm just glad they're back. I've attached them to my keyring, so I'll always have them with me.

I Should Be in Bed

I routinely get into odd sleep cycles. Some nights, I'll climb into bed before 10pm. I usually wind up waking up between 3 & 4am when I do, but I can usually get back to sleep with little difficulty. Other times, I'll do what I've done tonight—stay up way too late. I've been drowsy for more than an hour, but I just haven't ascended the staircase to get to my bed. I'll be pretty tired in the morning.

I Knew I Could Count on My Brother

He nailed the reference in the previous post. Here's the exchange:

UNCLE BILLY
Well, good morning, Mr. Potter. What's the news?

He grabs the paper from Potter's hand.

UNCLE BILLY(CONT'D)
Well, well, well, Harry Bailey wins Congressional Medal. That couldn't be one of the Bailey boys? You just can't keep those Baileys down, now, can you, Mr. Potter?

POTTER
How does slacker George feel about that?

UNCLE BILLY
Very jealous, very jealous. He only lost three buttons off his vest. Of course, slacker George would have gotten two of those medals if he had gone.

Lost three buttons off [my] vest

Yesterday was Report Card day for Calvinatorettes I & II. Eldest is in Second Grade. Younger is in Kindergarten. Calvinatorette I obtained straight A's and was named Student of the Six Weeks for her class. Calvinatorette II got all top marks (they don't assign letter grades in Kindergarten) and was also named Student of the Six Weeks for her class.

I am glad to see that my girls have adjusted well to the government school. Deciding to enroll them was one of the toughest decisions that my wife and I have made.

Bonus points if you can properly identify the reference in the Post Title.

I Have Been Immortalized

My good friend, Moose, drew me in a cameo over at Casey and Scotty. Even though the voters of Kaufman County didn't make me a Judge, Moose has.




UPDATE: It has been pointed out to me that this strip isn't very funny if you don't know the context, so you can check out the previous strip HERE.

At a Loss for Words

Well gang, I'm not bleeding in a ditch. I've just been busy and distracted. I also haven't had anything I particularly wanted to write about, so I have neglected this place. I'll try to be better.

Getting in Shape Update 76

Last week was not good because of a Wednesday trip to a minor league baseball game. Much better this week. My wife did a great job cleaning up around our exerciser, so maybe I'll finally climb back up on there.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 237.5

Today's Weight = 235.5

Weight Loss in the Past 2 Weeks= 2.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 31.5 pounds

More Prayers Requested

My former Pastor, Tom, has had some heart problems. I just got an e-mail telling me that he had two stints put in a couple of weeks ago. Please keep him, his wife Mary, and his family in your prayers.

Good Advice

There are always at least two sides to every story.

Don't believe everything you hear.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

******************

And one that is one of my dad's favorite sayings:

There's always something you don't know.

K-Bob Still MIA

Happy Birthday Kristi!

Wherever you are.

Getting in Shape Update 75

Ate after dinner too often and snacked a bit too much during the day.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 236.0

Today's Weight = 237.5

Weight Gain in the Past 2 Weeks= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.5 pounds

Help a Friend

One of my friend's pets is in contention for Pet of the Week at The Dallas Morning News. I would appreciate if you would go vote for Dori HERE.

Look for the "Vote For This Week's Favorite" Image and click it. Vote for Dori.

Voting ends Thursday August 10th, so don't dawdle.

Oh, Please

Let it rain, and rain, and rain.

Thunder and lightning right now and a few sprinkles.

We need rain . . . desperately.

Six Flags

My oldest three girls, my wife, and I all went to Six Flags over Texas yesterday. A family friend and her daughter went along as well. Long day. HOT. Lots of fun. The girls actually made it all day without any major fits. Somehow, I avoided getting any sunburn despite not having put on any sunblock.

The lines were not bad at all. Made it from queueing up for the Titan to off the ride in 30 minutes. Batman was about the same. My only real complaint of the day is that they charge $15 for parking. Come on, you charge almost $50 to get in the park. Do you really have to tack on the outrageous parking fee?

I was exhausted by the end of the day. Thankfully, my wife let me sleep in this morning.

A Great Feeling

Yesterday, I was out with my three oldest daughters at the Terrell Library end of Summer Reading Carnival. As we were walking, my 5 year old said "You're the greatest dad ever." I don't know what prompted it, but I felt wonderful hearing that.

**************

Thanks to Steph for pointing out my typo.

Getting in Shape Update 74

No commentary this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 236.5

Today's Weight = 236.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 31.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 73

Did better not snacking or eating in the evenings after dinner.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 236.5

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 30.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 72

Didn't eat all that well. Didn't drink very much water. Still not exercising (and won't be able to until Kiss Me, Kate opens.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.5

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Nature Abhors a Vacuum

It seems that I always tend to find ways to fill up my "free time." Last night, I did not have rehearsal, but I had a meeting to go to. Tonight, I don't have rehearsal until 9pm, but I have a meeting before that.

Things should lighten up once Kiss Me, Kate closes, but I know that there will still be lots to claim my time and attention. I'm not the kind of person who always needs to be doing "something," but I'm also not the kind who can sit at home every night.

Casey & Scotty is back up

Moose got back from his trip and got the server issue resolved.

the "missing" July 9th strip

The current strip

Server Problems in Andbait

Moose is having some problems with his hosting for Casey & Scotty. I certainly hope that it gets worked out in time for the scheduled return tomorrow.

In the meantime, why don't you show your support for him and Casey by voting for the strip. Really, it takes less than a minute to hit all three sites.

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Getting in Shape Update 71

I had feared the worst after eating way too much brisket and too many hot dogs, not to mention the ice cream.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 238.5

Weight Gain in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 28.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 70

Kind of an up and down week. Unfortunately, I wound up more up than down.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 237.0

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Gain in the Past Week= 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Slight variation at Casey & Scotty

For the first time since Moose left town, the strip was a little different today. For some reason, it reminds me of old Bugs Bunny™ cartoons.

See today's strip

Don't forget to vote for C&S at the various comic sites:

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Getting in Shape Update 69

I decided to move the weight report to Fridays for a variety of reasons.

Back headed in the right direction.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 237.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 30.0 pounds

Casey & Scotty

My good friend, Moose, is on a business trip followed by a vacation, so he's put Casey & Scotty on hiatus until he gets back.

He left us with a cliffhanger on Sunday. As a long time reader of the strip, I have to wonder if this may finally resolve what was teased in September 2005. When that strip appeared, Moose promised that it would make sense eventually.

BTW, please continue to vote for C&S at the various comic sites:

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Bands that Don't Exist, but Should

Use comments to propose band names that aren't real, but would be cool names for a band. No, I'm not starting a band. Just something I thought might be fun.

My opening suggestion:

Herman Muenster (There is a sax player who uses this name in a band called Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine)

Getting in Shape Update 68

I had hoped to drop a little lower than this, but all in all, it's not as bad as it could have been. This is a good lesson that I can never give up on paying attention to my weight.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 230.5 March 26, 2006

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Gain in the meantime= 7.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Not a Bandwagon Fan

Before the Dallas-Miami NBA Finals Series, I heard some national media types picking the Heat and saying that they thought the Heat were simply the better team with better talent. I thought they were crazy then, and I believe my view has been vindicated after 2 games.

What's particularly amusing and annoying at the same time is that the same "experts" now downplay Avery Johnson's role in the Mavericks' success. If Miami was the better team in their view, how come Johnson doesn't get credit now for being the better coach. I like Pat Riley, and I was a huge fan of the Showtime Lakers in the 80's, but the Little General has shown that right now, he is the best coach in the NBA. He deserved his Coach of the Year award, and he has proved it beyond any doubt in the playoffs.

On paper, the Heat were better than Dallas at two positions, Center (Shaquille O'Neal) and 2 Guard (Dwyane Wade). Beyond that, the Mavs were and are better at every position, and Dallas' bench is far superior to Miami's.

It won't shock me if Miami wins 2 of 3 at home, but this series is

O-V-E-R!!

Some things aggravate me

I am a regular reader of The Thinklings, and I have occasionally posted comments on their blog. All of a sudden, this week, I am bumping up against their SPAM filter. For some reason, my attempts to comment are now seen as SPAM. The message tells me to e-mail the blog admin to try to clear it up, but they don't have an e-mail address for a blog admin.

Back in the Saddle

Now that The Odd Couple has closed, I have to get focused on dropping the weight. Despite my assurances to you to the contrary, I did, in fact, put on a few pounds during rehearsals and the run of the show. I figure rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate should help, but I have to get my eating back under control. Meal portions haven't really been a problem, but I've been snacking far too much and eating after dinner. I also need to get back on track drinking water.

I'll resume weight updates next Tuesday. You can expect my new starting weight to be higher than the last update I posted HERE.

Clearing out the study so I can get back on the Gazelle to exercise is also a priority.

That's What Friends Are For

Something I was listening to got me to thinking about how I came to be friends with the people who have been my best friends at various points in my life. I don't really remember all the details, but it is interesting to me.

My best friend in High School was Jay Champion. He moved to our town in 5th Grade, and before long we started hanging out, playing video games, and playing tennis. For us, I think it was just the simple fact that when he started our school, I was friendly to him. Maybe it was because I had also been the "new guy" just a few years before. We stayed good friends all through High School, and we still talk occasionally.

In college, my best friend was not one of my Fraternity brothers, but a young woman who I called K-Bob. Her real name was Kristi Ramer. We met when I was hanging out in the lobby of the North Russell dorm at Baylor University. There was a group of us that played Spades regularly, and Kristi and I developed a friendship fairly quickly. We lost touch a few years ago, and I can't remember her married name, so I can't Google her to find her. We used to get together and play Trivial Pursuit or watch "Jeopardy!"

I can remember the details for how I met my current best friend, Rod Martin, much better. Our first day in law school, the faculty hosted a BBQ dinner for First Year students. Rod and I found each other sitting in the student lounge waiting for the dinner to start. We immediately started talking politics, particularly drug policy. Despite our initial disagreement on that issue, we soon discovered that we agreed on almost all issues. I spent hours and hours at Rod's house during law school. We would play video football and talk and talk and talk.

Obviously, there are a lot more details to all three of these stories, but that's pretty much the jist of how I met those three particular friends.

Well, That's One Way to Lose Weight

I think I may have cut off about a pound of hair this evening. After I got home from the cast party for the closing of The Odd Couple, I got out my beard trimmer, and used it like clippers to cut my hair short. I used the guard in what I would call a #1 setting. I'll try to get a pic up soon.

Two Weeks Later

The Texas Rangers are still in First Place. In fact, they've been in 1st all month (and yes I know for a couple of days they were percentage points behind Oakland, but they were never any games back).

Their road record is an amazing 10-5. They need to do better at The Ballpark in Arlington, though.

Oh, it's called Ameriquest Field now? Gee, I didn't know. ;^)

A Milestone

My car turned over 100,000 miles last night. It hit 99,999 right before I got to the theatre for our final preview performance of The Odd Couple



The magic mark wasn't hit until I was on the way home.



I bought this car on my birthday in 2002. In the 3 years, 8 months, and 17 days from then until yesterday, I've put over 80,000 miles on it. Not too shabby.

Please Pray

The wife of my Best Friend has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.


Read Rod's Blog Entry about it


Please pray for Sherri, Rod, Dolly, Archer, and Haley.

My Car is in the Garage

Jody and I made some headway on getting stuff out of the garage and into the house. I was able to move all the stuff still out there over to one side, so I am finally able to park my car in the garage. I guess now I need to get a garage door opener.

Parking in the garage may seem like a minor thing, but it's been something I've wanted for a long time.

First Place Texas Rangers

I know it's still way early in the season, but I really just like saying that.

In fact, I like it so much, I think I'll say it again.

First Place Texas Rangers

The Good Nail Clippers

I'm sure you've heard your mother or wife say something about the "good scissors." Well, I have a pair of Good Nail Clippers. And they are missing since the move. I know they made it to the new house because I put them in my own pocket and carried them. They are, however, temporarily missing. They would go missing occasionally at the old house, but that one was a lot smaller and only had a few places inanimate objects could hide.

I miss them.

When Christian Conservatives become Legalistic Liberals

I have long believed that the fundamental tenet of Conservatism is a belief in smaller Government. Conservatives are supposed to support lower taxes and less Government involvement in our day-to-day activities. A Conservative does not believe it is the Government's job to protect us from ourselves or to guide and direct our morals. Those jobs fall to the Family and the Church, respectively.

There are some issues, however, when even the best intentioned of Conservatives slips into a Big-Government Liberal mindset. For some reason, many folks who are otherwise solidly Conservative in their political outlook think that we have to prevent people from participating in the "evils" of gambling. Now, why the Government should protect people from their own stupidity is beyond me.

I've heard more than one Conservative refer to gambling as a "Tax on the Stupid" or a "Tax on people who are not good at math." First, gambling is not a Tax of any kind, and calling it one waters down the principled Conservative opposition to new and/or higher taxes. Second, there are all kinds of entertainments out there that may be just as stupid and money-wasting as gambling, but we don't hear the clamor to outlaw them.

Some argue that gambling breeds crime, but like many things that are claimed to be causally linked, the proof is very hard to make. Poverty is said to cause crime, too, but Conservatives rightly counter that it's not the role of Government to protect people from poverty.

It is time for Conservatives to stop confusing what may be a sin with what should be a crime.

***
THANKS to DK for pointing out my typo to me.

Summer is Here

I know that we are merely a month past the official start of Spring, but here in North Texas, we have already had the unofficial start of Summer. Last week, it topped 100 degrees. I wrote about the Texas heat HERE, but that was June. This is April for cryin' out loud.

Over the weekend, I put up our pool. It's one of those with an inflatable ring around the top that then rises as the pool fills with water. I believe it is supposed to fill to 3 feet, but because of a slight incline, it is only about 2 1/2 feet, which is perfect for my three older girls. The water was a bit cold, and after my girls' playing in it yesterday, a bit cloudy as well. I'm not sure why it's cloudy, but I'll wait before getting too antsy about it.

I also got my first sunburn of the year. It isn't bad, but my shoulders and upper back are a little red.

I enjoy having the pool because I love to jump in it after mowing the yard to help me cool down more quickly. We didn't put it up last year because we were thinking we might be selling our old house sooner than we did.

Water filter Update

I managed to find some parts at Home Depot to replace the one I broke. We now have filtered water going to the ice maker. That's a very good thing because the water here is bordering on undrinkable.

Almost Completely Out

We've almost removed all of our stuff from our old house. It's a good thing that the buyer is my niece, or we'd have been in trouble trying to vacate.

Now, we just have to make some headway on getting all the stuff moved in where it goes in the new house. I'm thinking we need to throw a bunch of stuff away. We couldn't do that before the move because much of it was boxed up. I am really considering imposing a rule that if something hasn't been touched in six months, it goes out the door.

Special items and mementos will be excluded.

A Pox upon Me for a Clumsy Lout

Last night, I was installing a line filter for the ice maker. I went to Lowe's and bought the hardware I needed to do the job and headed home to finish the task. Everything was going well until I proceeded to assemble the first connector. I applied teflon tape to reduce the risk of leaking and tightened the part. Once I got it hand-tightened, I thought that I should get it as tight as possible. So, I got a pair of pliers and began really torqueing that thing down.

Did I mention that the parts in question are plastic?

You have probably already foreseen where this is heading. As I tightened and tightened, I heard that dreaded sound:

CRACK!

I had broken the plastic. I went ahead and finished the connections and tried it out, but obviously, the cracked part leaked like a sieve.

After work today, I'm stopping by the Home Depot on the way home to see if they happen to have a part I can use as a replacement. I can order replacement parts from the manufacturer of the filter, but they cost more than $11, and I'd have to wait until the middle of next week for them to arrive.

For My Friend, Sherry

I chatted on AIM with a friend yesterday, and then I stumbled across this. She'll really appreciate it.

If the video doesn't play for you here, click the image again and another window should open and play it.

New Theatre Blog Button

Thanks to Moose of Casey and Scotty comic fame for creating my new button you can find to the right.

Now, go check out his comic and vote for it.

Immigration Issues

Now that the Senate has killed the Immigration Bill (at least temporarily), I'd like to address this. I am convinced that we are going about the effort to stop illegal immigration the wrong way. Enforcement plans always seem to focus on the illegal immigrants. From an economic standpoint, in the Supply and Demand model, the immigrants are the Supply. They are the cheap labor that employers (mainly agricultural, restaurant, and hotel if you believe the anecdotal claims) hire because, supposedly, Americans don't want those jobs. These employers represent the Demand portion of the economic equation.

We should have learned from years of failed enforcement efforts that stemming the tide of the supply of illegal immigrant workers is impossible. For every illegal we catch and send back home, dozens replace him. We can't stop or even realistically slow down the supply pipeline unless we build a concrete wall between the entirety of the border with Mexico.

In order to win this battle, if it can be won, we must go after the Demand side of the equation rather than the Supply side. If there are no jobs to be had for illegal immigrants, much of the impetus for their coming is removed.

So, if we really want to stop or greatly reduce illegal immigration, the solution is to enforce stiff penalties against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Make it hurt. Heavy fines for first offenses. Subsequent offenses should include jail time. If we really care about this issue, this is the only way to solve it.

My Favorite TV Show

I grew up a TV-head. When I was in school, the television would be turned on the minute I got home, and I watched it until I went to bed. I did my homework with the TV on. It stayed on while we ate dinner. In short, I watched a lot of TV growing up.

Now, I don't. Admittedly, that's because I spend almost all my leisure time on the computer, but my TV viewing time has declined from my childhood average of between 40 to 50 hours per week. These days, not counting sports, I only watch 1.5 hours of television each week. Two-thirds of that time is spent on Lost. This show is intelligent and entertaining. It reminds me of Twin Peaks before it got too weird.

Other good links:

Oceanic Flight 815

The Hanso Foundation

The Fuselage

Lost Forum

Lost Podcast Also available via iTunes

Moving, Part the Second

Well, we got the beds in the new house, but there are still tons of boxes and other stuff piled up in the garage of the new house. We're also not out of the old house completely, yet. It's a good thing that my niece, who bought our house, is patient.

The new neighborhood seems to be very quiet, and it is really dark in the house with the lights out.

I've already met my neighbors on either side of me, but I was so focused on the moving that I don't remember their names. Our 7, 5, & 3 3/4 year olds have made some friends and went and played at a house across the street yesterday.

My wife told me last night that she doesn't ever want to move again. Not because she loves the neighborhood and house so much (although she does), but because she doesn't ever want to have to pack everything up and move it again.

Moving is the Pits

One of these days I am going to learn to hire a moving company to get my stuff moved from Point A to Point B. This was not one of those days.

I rented a U-Haul 26 foot truck and started loading it about 3:30 this afternoon. At about 7, I hadn't made much progress. Thankfully, my father and my brother-in-law showed up and helped load while my mother and my sister helped my wife get more stuff packed up. We got the truck loaded about 9:15, but we can't get into the new house until the morning because we gave the sellers a day to get the rest of their stuff out. The rest of our stuff is going to require at least one more load of that truck.

I am dead tired, but I'm just not sleepy, yet.

Okay, so it's nothing more than an excuse

I will be suspending the posting of weight updates until I get done with The Odd Couple. I'm not gonna let myself gain weight during that time, but I am not going to be actively attempting to lose weight, either.

Oscar is supposed to be "husky," and that's what I am right now. I could probably afford to lose the 8.5 pounds I've gained in the past month, but I'm just not going to be focusing on it.

Have no fear. Once that show is over, I'll get back on track.

Of course, if all goes well, I'll be in a musical or two right after The Odd Couple closes, so I'll be dancing and getting some exercise that way.

The Odd Couple

I was cast as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple in Rockwall. More HERE.

Getting in Shape Update 67

Another bad week of not paying attention to what and how much I was eating.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 228.0

Saturday's Weight = 230.5

Weight Gain in past week = 2.5 pounds

Weight Gain in past 4 weeks = 8.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 36.5 pounds

Let's face it. I'm pooped!

I got home from work yesterday and promptly took a 4 hour long nap. Because of that, I found it incredibly difficult to fall asleep last night. Thus, I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning.

AH, the cascade effect of things we do.

I won't be able to sleep in tomorrow morning because I have to be at the County Republican Convention at about 8:30. I'll be serving as Parliamentarian. The last time I was a Parliamentarian was at the 1996 State Republican Convention in our Senatorial District Caucus. I fear that my knowledge of parliamentary procedure is a bit rusty.

Next week is likely not going to provide any sort of respite, either. I have court three days, and then on Friday, we are supposed to close on the purchase of the new home.

Auditions for The Odd Couple at Rockwall Community Playhouse are next Monday and Tuesday nights.

Ace-Deuce Suited is NOT a Good Hand

My wife and I got a few days away from home and went to the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City/Shreveport. My dad is a frequent slots player over there, and he got us a comp room. Wait, let me clarify that. He got us a "High Roller" suite on the top floor of the hotel. I believe the suite may be about as big as our current house.

I played in the weekly Monday evening Hold 'Em tournament last night. Seventy-four players vied for a top prize of $5816. The top nine positions would win some money. I got off to a good start and relaxed for a bit. Made a few less than brilliant plays and went into a bit of a hole, but then got a string of good hands.

I made it to the final table of 10 players in second chip position. Blinds and antes were eating my stack away until one hand when I was in the small blind. We were down to seven players, and everyone had folded around to me. I looked down at Ace-Deuce of Diamonds. I had 2 choices at that point. Call the big blind, which would have been just $2000 more in chips, or go All-in with about $25,000. If i win the hand, I'm back in a solid position to last to some good money.

I went All-in, and the big blind quickly called me.

He had a pair of Jacks.

I didn't catch an Ace, three Diamonds, or the 3-4-5 I would have needed to make a straight. Finished 7th, and won about 2 1/2 times the amount I had paid to play.

It was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Getting in Shape Update 66

The drive just isn't there right now. When I first decided to lose the weight, all it took was a decision. I think it was easy to get started in the first place than it will be to re-ingite the burners.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 227.0

Today's Weight = 228.0

Weight Gain in past week = 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 39.0 pounds

Second Blog

I've created a new blog to keep track of my theatre stuff.

There I Am . . . Up on the Stage

I'll still mention acting and theatre items here, but I'll go into much more detail over there.

The Upside of Losing

Now that my campaign is over, I will have a little more time to pursue my main hobby, acting. I will be auditioning in a couple of weeks for a production of The Odd Couple at the same Theatre where I appeared in Neil Simon's Rumors. I'm also planning on auditioning for Garland Summer Musicals. If I get cast in one or both of their shows, I get paid. Ensemble members get a small amount, but featured roles get a pretty nice check.

After that, my "home theatre" is doing Grease, and I may try out for that show.

I guess what it boils down to is that I need something to do, and now that politics is over for a while, I can get back up on stage if all goes well.

Movin' On Up

Our family will soon be moving to a new house. We finally got a "Yes" to our offer on a house in Forney.



The house has almost 3000 square feet, which will be a 150% increase in the space we will have. We'll finally have adequate closet space, and plenty of room for all our stuff.

I am looking forward to being able to park my car in a garage. At our current house, we have had to use the garage for storage, so my car has never been inside it.

The new home will only cut a small amount of time and mileage off my commute, but I believe it will add up. It should mean about one less tank of gas every month, and at current prices, every little bit helps.

Disappointed but not Discouraged

Some of you may not know that I have spent the past few months in an effort to gain the Republican nomination for Judge of a newly-created Court at Law for Kaufman County. The Primary election was this past Tuesday, March 7th. My bid was unsuccessful. Looking at the final results, I can honestly say that I don't think there was anything I could have done that would have resulted in my winning the nomination outright or even my leading in the vote count among the four candidates. It is apparent that a substantial number of Democrats crossed over and voted in the Republican Primary in Kaufman County. In 2002 & 2004, approximately 3100 people voted in the Republican Primary. This year, that number more than doubled to 6800.

Both the candidate who obtained the most votes and the candidate in second are former Democrats who switched parties for this election in an effort to get elected. I don't begrudge them this decision. It was the only way they would have a chance of winning this position, so they had to do what they had to do.

What is disappointing to me is that despite the cross-over voting, I should have been able to run stronger and challenged for second place and a spot in the Run-off election. My failure to do so probably stems from three main reasons: 1) The Democratic cross-over; 2) The fourth candidate in the race siphoned off some of the "true Republican" vote; and 3) I refused to believe that the cross-over was going to be as significant as it turned out to be, so I ran a traditional targeted Primary Campaign focusing almost exclusively on people who had a history of voting in the Republican Primary. The second and third reasons combined are probably the most important ones. If the fourth candidate had not been in the race, I believe I would have received the vast majority of the votes that went to him. Those votes alone would not have put me in second, but if I had run a more broad-based campaign, I might have drawn the extra few hundred votes I would have needed to make the run-off. However, despite the adage that "anything can happen in a run-off," I believe that the leading candidate has too strong of an ability to turn out his voters, so it probably would have only resulted in my focusing five more weeks on a race I was ultimately destined to lose.

I don't know if I will seek elected office again any time soon, but as the title of this entry states, I am not discouraged. I ran an honorable, clean campaign, and I am proud of everyone who helped me in any way.

Getting in Shape Update 65

It's time for serious re-focus and re-commitment.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.5

Today's Weight = 227.0

Weight Gain in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 40.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 64

Just didn't have the discipline this past week not to snack.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 225.5

Weight Gain in past week = 3.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 41.5 pounds

Looking for the Weight Update?

My wife suggested that I move my "weigh-in" day to Saturday because that's the day she goes to Weight Watchers. I agreed, so this week's weight post won't be until Saturday, but I will say that if I don't do much better between now and Saturday, I will have gained.

Will on Free Speech

Today's George Will Op-Ed, "Less Freedom, Less Speech" (Wash. Post, registration required) sums up my thoughts fairly well.

I remember disagreeing with my Criminal Law professor about the constitutionality of "Hate Crimes" laws. Will writes:

American legislators, using the criminal law for moral exhibitionism, enact "hate crime" laws. Hate crimes are, in effect, thought crimes. Hate-crime laws mandate enhanced punishments for crimes committed as a result of, or at least when accompanied by, particular states of mind of which the government particularly disapproves. Governments that feel free to stigmatize, indeed criminalize, certain political thoughts and attitudes will move on to regulating what expresses such thoughts and attitudes -- speech.

First Amendment rights are not absolute, but I believe we have gone much too far in the attempt to protect people from being offended by what others say.

For several decades in America, the aim of much of the jurisprudential thought about the First Amendment's free-speech provision has been to justify contracting its protections. Freedom of speech is increasingly "balanced" against "competing values." As a result, it is whittled down, often by seemingly innocuous increments, to a minor constitutional afterthought.

As has been attributed to Voltaire, I agree with the sentiment expressed as "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Political Correctness is not just a tool to create a more polite society, but is a calculated effort to squelch the voices of those with whom people disagree.

The Old Gray Hair Just Ain't What it Used to Be

While I was getting my hair cut Tuesday, the barber looked down at the top of my head and said, "Hmmm . . . you have a few gray hairs up here." Now, I'm not vain about my hair. In fact, I have been willing to do dramatic things with my hair in the past without worrying too much about it. I mean, hey, it grows back.

What has caught me a little off guard is that my father didn't go gray until he was 55 years old, after he had open heart surgery. I'm sure he had some gray hairs up there before that, but I don't remember any being noticeable.

I guess I should be glad, in a way. My whole life, people have thought I am younger than I really am because I have somewhat of a "boyish" face. Maybe some gray hair will get people to realize that I truly am a "grown up" now.

Getting in Shape Update 63

Water intake was poor this week. Exercise was non-existent.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 0.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

Weight Loss Disappointment

I was really hoping to have hit the 50 pounds lost mark by my Doctor's Appointment on Friday, but that obviously didn't happen. Ah, well. I know I will get there, and beyond, but my impatience is kicking in.

Update on House Buying

Ugh! Apparently, the Realtor® had set the listing without discussing it with the bank. The house is in foreclosure, and the bank said our full asking price offer wasn't high enough. We bumped it a little last night, but if they don't accept that, we'll have to walk away from the deal.

Getting in Shape Update 62

Had some ice cream last night at an event, but it didn't seem to hurt. For all I know, It may have helped shock my system into burning some more fat.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.5

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

House Hunting

Today, my wife and I went to look at houses. We only got to the 2nd one. Our Realtor® and we rushed to get an offer put together on House #2. It has been turned over to the bank as a foreclosure, but it's still in good shape. House is only 3+ years old. Nice neighborhood. Lots of space and a decent sized yard.

We are supposed to hear tomorrow if our offer has been accepted. If it is accepted, I'll fill in more of the details about it.

I feel like boasting

My two oldest girls took some sort of reading/vocabulary assessment this week at their homeschool co-op. Erin, our First Grader who is approaching her 7th birthday, is reading at a Fifth Grade level. Hannah, our Pre-Kindergartener who is nearing her 5th birthday, is reading at a First Grade level. Right now, all my girls love reading and/or being read to. I hope this continues. I know firsthand the great value in being a reader throughout life.

Things that make you go GGGRRRRRR!!!!

Okay, so the Postal Service raised the rates for postage about a month ago. I rarely grouse about the price of postage because I know the U.S. still has the best mail delivery system in the world and the cost of postage has not risen at the same rate of inflation, making what we pay a relative bargain.

What chaps my hide is that despite the fact that the change was over a month ago, they USPS still doesn't have 24 cent stamps available. So, if you need to send a postcard, you have to use a 23¢ stamp with a 1¢ stamp. If you are still finishing up your 37¢ stamps as well, a letter over 1 ounce will require 4 stamps (unless you happen to have a 3¢ stamp lying around). I understand that they want to deplete the supply of 23¢ stamps before making 24¢ ones available because nobody would buy the existing inventory otherwise, but they should have done a better job leading up to the change so that there would not have been as much 23¢ inventory to clear out.

Getting in Shape Update 61

Okay, someone explain this one to me. I wasn't very good this week with food or water or exercise, but I still lost weight.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.0

Today's Weight = 222.5

Weight Loss in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 44.5 pounds

It's About Time

I think it's about time that I put up a new Profile Pic. I've had people tell me that the current one is the "Funny Teeth" one, and I've noticed that on some computers, the mouth does look a little odd.

It's also not terribly accurate because I haven't had a goatee in more than 3 years.

I'll try to get a new one up in the next few days.

Getting in Shape Update 60

I am really discouraged. About the only explanation I can think of is that I didn't drink anywhere near enough water this past week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 221.5

Today's Weight = 224.0

Weight Gain in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 43.0 pounds

Blessed Rain

It started raining during the night. We need it. Actually, we need it to rain non-stop for about a week.

Getting in Shape Update 59

I guess it's better than gaining half a pound, but I was disappointed. I thought I would have come in a little better this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 221.5

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.5 pounds

For my Semi-Regulars

I apologize for not posting anything but the weight update these past few weeks. Life has been hectic. In fact, I really ought to be doing something else right now.

I'll try to be a bit more regular, but for now I present The News, in brief:

Our family has been visiting a different church that is significantly closer to home the past few weeks. Theologically, it differs from my views in a few small areas, but not so much to make it unacceptable.

For the first time in a long time, none of my girls have been sick for almost a month.

Work has been hectic, as usual. I'm still enjoying it, but I could use some extended time off. I haven't taken more than a day at a time since Christmas 2003.

I got a chance to see my best friend this past week. I was happy to loan the use of my cable service to him while he was in the D/FW area and couldn't find a hotel with the SciFi Channel so he could watch the final part of a three-part Battlestar Galactica arc. There's a good chance that Rod and Sherri will be moving to the metroplex in the near future. I really look forward to getting to spend lots of time with them.

My niece and her husband signed a contract to buy our house, but we aren't closing until the end of April, so Jody and I haven't found a new place, yet.

Getting in Shape Update 58

I did a lot better avoiding snacking this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.5

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 57

A small step in the right direction.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.0

Today's Weight = 224.5

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 42.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 56

A good start to the new year and the new focus on finishing the journey.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 226.5

Today's Weight = 225.0

Weight Loss in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 42.0 pounds

New Year's Revolutions

No, not Resolutions.

This year, I will lose the rest of the weight I need to lose to get down to 190 pounds.

This year, I will be more consistent with reading the Bible and praying.

This year, I will spend more time playing with my family and less time playing on the computer.

I think that's more than enough to keep me busy for the next twelve months.