For a myriad of reasons I just decided (like five minutes ago) that I’m going to take a Summer sabbatical on this blog. I can’t guarantee that I won’t post sporadically in the next couple months should something strike a cord with me, and I’ll definitely be back on a regular schedule at the end of August, but for the next couple of months I’m not going to be concerned about posting on this blog.

Instead I’m going to take this time to streamline its focus, its design, and its writing. I’m also going to take some time to polish off some other things that really need my full attention.

I’ll still be responding to comments, and continue to read and interact with all 200+ subscriptions in my RSS.

I’ll also still be utilizing Twitter and Tumblr.

Hope you all have a great Summer!

Our favorite third wheel is back.

He’s right you know. Our national debt is a disgrace.

Ross Perot, business leader and former presidential candidate, announced today the launch of “PerotCharts.com,” a public information website that contains objective, factual information about the current economic crisis in America. The site is being launched as an alert and appeal for American citizens to inform themselves about federal government spending. Perot said, “The U.S. national debt reached $9.4 TRILLION on April 30, and it is increasing by more than $1 billion every day. We are leaving our children and grandchildren with debt they cannot possibly pay.”

PerotCharts.com consists of three major components: a video featuring Ross Perot discussing the purpose of the website, a blog where new charts and other information are posted daily for study and comment, and a narrated chart presentation explaining the economic problems our country faces.

The website is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. Most of the data and research for the charts is gathered from official government sources.

“The economic crisis facing America today is far greater than anything since the Great Depression,” said Perot. “Our federal government continues to spend us deeper into debt. The American people must get directly involved and demand an end to deficit spending. This website will provide information for citizens to do just that.”

On a related note, I was watching this 1992 Presidential Debate with Ross Perot, George Bush Sr., and Bill Clinton. Things sure haven’t changed in the last 16 years. We have a candidate running on the platform of “change” from a Bush presidency, and Ross Perot is talking about the national debt.

If only Dana Carvey would rejoin SNL.

See more Mute Math studio recording videos here.

Tonight a few friends and I were talking about muscle cars. There were lots of possibilities thrown around, but my dream muscle car was an easy choice… a shiny black 1967 Camaro SS (as seen on Better Off Dead). It’s the perfect combination of size, design, and muscle. When my dad uses the term “boss”, this immediately comes to mind.

What’s your favorite muscle car?

**UPDATE**

1. Looking at that picture makes me wish I knew what a carburetor was.

2. What constitutes a muscle car?

(ht: The Deloach)

After turning 50 last year, and after being talked out of a pony-tail and a Harley, my dad decided to enter his first triathlon. There were about ten of us that thought it was such a great idea that we’d do it ourselves. The old man was the only one to actually follow through with it though.

What a stud.

On Saturday my dad entered the Flag City USA Sprint Triathlon. 750m SWIM, 23k BIKE, 5k RUN (.466 mile SWIM, 14.29 mile BIKE, 3.1 mile RUN). His goal was simply to finish the race. God must have wanted to make him stick to that goal because halfway into his swim his timing mechanism got knocked off his leg by a wild swimmer. No official scores or times for this guy. Only a sense of pride and purpose.

However, thanks to modern technology, the time-stamps on our cameras can give us an idea of how well he did. He can now feel even more proud that, not only did he finish the race, he did quite well for a first-timer.

Swimming - 19 minutes
Biking - 40 minutes
Running - 27 minutes
TOTAL - 1 hour 26 minutes

That places him 58th overall and 4th in his age group (Men 50-54).

Again, what a stud.

My dad continues to be an inspiration in my life. I couldn’t think of a better Father’s Day weekend than to have my father continue to show me how anything is possible. Great job dad! I hope I can be half the father to Tanner that you are to me!

Rick Reilly is best known for his back page column in Sports Illustrated. Recently he moved to ESPN where he will contribute to ESPN.com, SportsCenter, as well as a new column called “The Life of Reilly” in ESPN The Magazine. For his first column he chose to write a touching story about his father.

Read his story here.

Herbie Fully Loaded – 4/5 Really Liked It
Watched this because Tonia and Tanner were watching it for the 17th time one evening. It was surprisingly fun to watch. It had that mac guy in it (who was great) and Lindsay Lohan showed what could have been had she not taken the paths she took later in life.

The Constant Gardner – 4/5 Really Liked It
Slowly paced but in the end you’ll be happy you saw this one. It’s a great love story, as well as a great testament to taking action against injustice. To my surprise there was very little gardening going on.

What Would Jesus Buy? – 3/5 Liked It
Could have been so much better. I agreed with the premise, and I even laughed a few times, but it was lacking that punch that could have made this a real winner. It did reinvigorate my quest to kill santa however.

Walk Hard – 3/5 Liked It
I laughed out loud a lot during this movie, especially during the first 30 minutes as they parodied Walk The Line. But then they started showing male appendages and I did a few dry heaves. It also seemed to drag on there at the end, which is weird for a 90 minute movie.

Kite Runner – 5/5 Loved It
It took a good 10 minutes to get used to the sub-titles, but this was a great movie. I may end up reading the book even though I know how it turns out. It’s just a well done movie of a really great story.

Punch-Drunk Love – 3/5 Liked It
Quirky movie, but after it gets rolling the second half is pretty good and you find yourself enjoying the characters. Adam Sandler did a really good job in this one.

Stealth – 2/5 Didn’t Like It
A Tonia special—she loves the action flicks. Too bad this movie sucked. It’s hard to imagine given the stellar cast, but man… so bad. Possibly the worst ending line in a movie ever. I did have fun laughing at it with Tonia though.

The Insider – 4/5 Really Liked It
How can you go wrong with Russell Crowe and Al Pacino? I’m not sure how I missed this movie nine years ago, but it didn’t disappoint. It’s kinda scary how powerful the tobacco companies are. Major props to guys like Jeffrey Wigand who are willing to put their lives on the line for what’s right.

Jon Foreman’s fourth and final EP in his solo project, Summer, was released yesterday. As with the previous EP’s Fall, Winter, and Spring, this album is chock full of soulful reflection.

1. A Mirror Is Harder to Hold

“I could try to point the finger but the glass points in my direction.”

2. Resurrect Me

“I’ve become an empty shell of a man I liked so well.”

3. Deep In Your Eyes

“There’s a river in my veins. It’s been looking for you.”

4. Instead of a Show

“Quit playing religion games. There’s blood on your hands.”

5. The House of God Forever

“God is my Shepherd. I won’t be wanting.”

6. Again

“You are God of the present tense.”

I’ve really enjoyed this side project by Jon. Summer could be the best of the four when it’s all said and done. After listening through a few times I really enjoy the flow. Every track has a feel of its own. Resurrect Me might be my favorite of the entire project with its uptempo feel. It could easily be on a Switchfoot album. And the final song of the final EP, Again, wraps it all up beautifully as we are “turning our hearts back You, again.” The only thing that feels awkward is the fifth track, Instead of a Show. But then again, I’m not sure it would feel comfortable in any lineup.

As a matter of fact, let’s use that song as a catalyst for your opportunity to own this EP for FREE. Leave me a comment with your feelings on Instead of a Show. You can listen to and read the lyrics here. On Monday night I’ll chose a random comment and mail you your own copy of Summer.

We’re practically an old married couple at this point.

I was searching around for a fun picture of the two of us to post. I’ve already used this and this, but the one posted above from our recent vacation is my current favorite picture of the two of us. And it probably most exemplifies our life after 9 years of marriage, 15 as a couple.

Such love. Such joy. (Such forehead!)

We’re two pea’s in a pod.

You’re Still The One — Shania Twain