And here’s a closer-in shot:

There are a few things I feel the need to point out:

1. Note the relative size of my picture as compared with that of Newt Gingrich, winner of the South Carolina primary. I’d say it’s about 8-1, wouldn’t you? Seems fitting.
2. Notice the juxtaposition: I’m usually the guy smiling, and Newt’s usually the guy with his mouth open screaming.
3. OK, Broadway it ain’t, but improv is sure fun.
4. If you live in the area, and haven’t come yet, you’re missing it!

• People matter the next-most.  We wrap our lives up with so much “stuff”, and we have so many gadgets, and often find ourselves spending a lot of time in our own little cocoons (ahem…blogging…).  But we have in this life a golden opportunity to do things that take on eternal significance (read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6), and so many of them involve the way we interact with—and influence—people.

• One of the secrets of life is to find the right balance.  It’s true in ministry, and it’s true in life.  Here’s a guy who didn’t practice this principle:

• Time flies—and I mean, it really, really flies.  I knew 50 would come one day, if Jesus tarried and my health was good, but I had no idea that it would come so quickly.

• And as one of my final posts will suggest, since life does fly, can I urge you to live it?  Live life. You only get one go-round on this earth.  And you get no points for knowing who’s won Dancing with the Stars every season.

My favorite YouTube Video of all time, I think:

Counseling Techniques Guaranteed to Work, posted December 2, 2008

My favorite funny metaphors, posted August 27, 2008:

Unfortunate Metaphors

My favorite funny piece that wasn’t supposed to be funny, the inimitable John Daker, posted June 13, 2008:

Sing it, John

Best sports funny, posted December, 2007

Giving Him the Business

And finally, the funniest thing I ever wrote personally, from August 17, 2006:

Planet Inflation

Have a few good laughs, y’all…

My Ten Favorite TV Shows of All Time (In No Particular Order)

• Sanford & Son
• China Beach
• Hill Street Blues
• Seinfeld
• The Office
• M*A*S*H*
• The Rockford Files
• ER
• Hawaii Five-O
• Jeopardy

Ten TV Shows of Which I’ve Never Seen an Entire Episode (and in Some Cases, Not Even an Entire Minute)

• Friends
• Cheers
• American Idol (not counting the first episode of a given season, where the doofuses who can’t sing but think they can make for some genuinely funny television)
• Lost
• The X-Files
• 24
• The Simpsons
• CSI Anywhere
• The West Wing
• Survivor Anywhere

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3… Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s OK. )

6. Teaching Math In 2010
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de las producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?