OK, so I haven’t met Sarah nor have we exchanged quaint e-mail conversations, but I thought this piece was written MUCH better than anything I do here. Besides, I know a few MSU Alumni who might appreciate insight into current campus events. You can thank Tony for linking the story first. I just wanted to add to the compliments.

…bring on another week.

Nothing particularly interesting to say this afternoon, but I wanted to thank Tony Pierce for sending traffic my way and you should go checkout his most recent photo essay.

The only thing that would get me up early on a Saturday would be yet another concert to go see in San Antonio. George Strait should be a good show.

Michelle & I will probably get into town a little early so we’ll have a chance to see her family & friends.

1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith?
As a child my parents took us to church every Sunday. We didn’t talk about faith & God as much outside of church, but my parents sent me to parochial schools until I was 12.

2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not?
I don’t go to church anymore if that’s what you mean. Organized religion turns me off completely (especially Falwell & the 700 Club). I’ve participated in many denominations (Catholic, Episcopalian, Protestant, Baptist, etc) and the infighting is worse the politics. I find the organized folks to be hypocritical and the Catholic abuse scandal didn’t make me doubt my decisions any. Still I do have my own faith in God and I’m learning to live in that faith before I go preaching to others.

3. What do you think happens after death?
Karma plays a big part I hope.

4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)?
I always liked church services during Christmas.

5. Do you believe people are basically good?
Hmmm… not sure. Lately, the world doesn’t seem like a fun place. I think the government does a lot without the public realizing it and I think the media is more subject to manipulation that it has been in the past.

Well, I discovered yesterday that somehow my corporate Amex card had been used to purchase almost $75K worth of crap. The scary part is I don’t know how my card number got stolen as the credit card is still in my possession. Fortunately, fraud protection at American Express is second to none. I expect all charges will be removed, but I still went through the hassle of cancelling ALL my other credit cards.

SIDE NOTE – If you use an American Express card do yourself a favor and sign up for their Credit Secure program. By far the smartest $8/monthly you could ever spend. Not only do you receive quarterly reports from all three credit reporting agencies, but Amex notifies you about any inquiries made on your credit or unusual expenditures.

I wouldn’t have found out about this theft without this program.