I have an M.A. from Denver Seminary and a doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado in Psychology and Research Methodology (mostly statistics).

Physical Me: I was in a car accident in 2001. Since then I have shrunk 2 inches as my discs in my back continue to compress. My back hurts most of the time.

I also have severe chronic headaches (which the back does not help) and I have to take strong narcotics. On a bad back day, I fell down my stairs and received a Jones Fracture. I have a screw in my foot holding on my little toe.

Add to that severe sleep apnea and chronic sleep problems (I have to be doped up to sleep. I am also a Insulin Dependent Diabetic. Bad blood sugar days make the headaches worse.

Fun Things: Chess and music. I play a lot of chess and compose music. I also own the world's most popular brass band internet radio station. Tune in (its free) at www.allbrassradio.com

I recently published a book on Congregational Worship and I am working on a new one on statistics and chess.

I have begun taking online chess lessons from FM Valeri Lilov (he makes videos for Chess.com for you Diamond Members).

I am a Licensed Mental Health Specialist, with 3 board certifications. I have done tons of therapy with people, most of it for free for those who cannot afford it.

Employment: I have worked as a therapist, a college professor, a corporate trainer, as a pastor, and as a youth pastor and music minister. I have not worked since my 11 day stay in the hospital 2 years ago. I fall asleep easily if my blood sugar is not right and my head hurts all the time.

The State has declared me legally handicapped, but will not approve me for disability (yet). They say I should look for "lighter work". Not sure what that means.

My wife is a pastor, so we live in rural Indiana and jobs are few around here. For example, the nearest Chess Club is 3 hours away.

So if you have a job and are reasonably healthy, be thankful!

Bragging about my Son: My son is going to be a college freshman in September 2010. He is an outstanding musician and will be majoring in Music Education (Instrumental) at Western Kentucky University (Go Big Red Hilltoppers!). WKU is known for its very strong basketball program and frequently being a MAC conference contender and champion and has had appearances in the Final Four.

Academically, it has a great school for music, and my son wants to march drum corps and either work with a drum corps or teach at a school with a competitive marching and concert band program.

As many of you know, since my accident and my hospital stay with poor insurance, I do not have a job and my disability application is in appeal. Therefore, I saved my Shekels when I was working to buy my son a marching euphonium and am trying to get him a new concert euphonium before he leaves.

He is very talented. He has made several drum corps. When he was 16 he made the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, but my health kept him from marching. The next summer his mom had a minor stroke. This last summer (2010) he made the Blue Stars Drum Corps, but because we had to save money for school, HE (not me) decided not to march this summer until which college he was going to got sorted out and we knew what financial aid was coming (we had to wait for the bankruptcy because of medical bills to clear which left the poor kid in the lurch).

So needless to say, I am very proud of my son. Western Kentucky I hope will be a place where he can grow and fulfill his dreams. He has wanted to march here recently with the Santa Clara Vanguard or if at all possible The Cavaliers of Rockmont, IL. Lofty dreams of some very good corps. But he has that kind of talent. Hopefully on a pastor's salary and disability we can help him achieve his dream.

Kids today who do not use drugs, have sex, or experiment with stupid things are rare. My son is one of those rare kids, with a goal and some raw talent that I am sure Western Kentucky can help him develop.