The Food Network has pushed me on my way to becoming a food snob. Because the Food Network is a channel that both my wife and I can enjoy, I watch a lot of it. And I've learned a lot, and grown in my appreciation for good food. But, you know those "meat & potatoes" kind of guys? Well, I don't even like potatoes. I'm a meat guy.

One of the reasons for the obesity problem in America that often flies under the radar is the fact that there is now so much good tasting food so widely available to us.

That's why we have award shows and employees of the month. It's the closest we'll get.

As I was waiting in Villa Park for 6 hours yesterday to get my MAC repaired, I visited the local Dollar Tree retail store, where everything is $1. Everything includes sunglasses (which I bought), an 8-pack variety pack of Now and Later's (which I bought) and a hardcover children's book about the story of Adam and Eve.

My wife and I were running in our neighborhood, and as we ran past one house, a little boy playing outside said, "Mommy, what are they running away from?" I thought it was absolutely adorable, and pretty good logic for a 3-year old. I mean, why else would you run? I then immediately begin planning my next Saturday run to include sacks with dollar signs on them. Joggler, you've been trumped.

I mean, historians believe in the existence of a historical Jesus. So, why does "belief" seem to be the outward profession we often look to when separating the religious from the not? I think it's another flaw of Americanized Christianity that reads scripture in translated English, and without a 1st Century Jewish perspective. Now, if you've ever been to a sporting event, you're probably familiar with the scripture verse, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." The problem is, that "belief" in Greek, is "pistos", which really means trust. Trusting in Christ, that he is who he said he is. That his victory over death ensures the atonement of sins for those who believe. Everyone believes in Jesus. But, do you believe what he did?

Today is the premiere of the new ABC television series, FlashForward. ABC has built this show up to be its LOST replacement, and because of that, some friends and I have already created a podcast dedicated to this show. Our theory is that most TV show podcasts come out a couple of years into a series - after the show has become a hit. So, because of the investment ABC is making in this show, we are trying a "first to market" strategy, gambling in hopes that, if the show does well, we'll be in the driver's seat in terms of fan podcasts for the show. So far, the strategy seems to be working. We've already got the attention of the writing staff of the show, and have even set up an interview with Quenton Peeples, the executive story editor of FlashForward for tomorrow, to talk about the premiere. I've read the Robert Sawyer book that the show is being adapted from and it's a terrific premise. Check out the show for yourself tonight at 8/7 Central on ABC. And if you like it, go to iTunes and check out our Flash Forcast podcast.

For all you teachers out there, Teachers Recess is a must-visit new resource. Now, teachers from all across the country have a place where they share ideas, curriculum and encouragement. The site is quite new. So, it'll take a few dozen youngens to get on board and get this thing started. But, my goodness. The possibilities. The best ideas in the world for getting children engaged in an otherwise boring subjects are about to spread like wildfire. Amen!

I have noticed that people often make decisions that completely undervalue the worth of their time. Let's say you know of a gas station 10 miles away that sells gas for $0.10 less a gallon than your neighborhood gas mart. You think you're beating the system, but let's do a little math.