Perhaps you’ve heard of a television program called “Biggest Loser.”  I hear it’s a competition to see who can lose the most weight in about 3 months.  Well, this idea has inspired me. 

I don’t need to lose any weight; in fact, if I did I might look like a beanpole.  What I do need to do is gain a few pounds, so I’m starting my own competition called “Biggest Gainer.”

The object of the competition is to see who can gain the most weight in the month of April — not fat, just solid body mass.  The prize is…personal fulfillment, including more strength, more energy, and more glances while in the cereal aisle at the grocery store (if that’s what you want).  Who’s in?

Here’s my game plan:

1. Eat three full meals each day, including lots of “healthy” fat, protein, and carbs (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pasta)
2. Eat 1-2 healthy snacks each day
3. Lift weights 3-4 times each week
4. Run 2-6 miles three times each week (or will this make me lose weight?)
5. Any other suggestions?

The competition begins April 1st and ends April 30th.  Those who prefer to shrink rather than expand their circumference may also participate, but to win they must lose twice as many pounds as I gain.

Just so you know, I don’t fret much at all about my weight, but I really enjoy a challenge, and this one will test my fortitude.  It will also make me healthy and strong.

What do you think?

Have you ever wondered what the correct pronunciation of the official Church magazine “Ensign” is?  I think it’s so important that I thought I’d attempt to clear it up here.

To hear the correct pronunciation please click on the link below.  It will be well worth your time, I promise.

Ensign Pronunciation

Okay, maybe it’s not that important, but the editors of Ensign have thought it important enough to publish the correct pronunciation many, many times, even back in the ’70’s.  Below are just a few examples I found during a brief online search.

January 2005

“The name of this [Ensign] magazine if pronounced en-sine, not en-sun or en-zine.”

April 2001

The Ensign (preferred pronunciation: N’sign, not N’sun)

July 1979

Pronouncing Ensign

How do you pronounce Ensign?

Patricia Robbins
Gulfport, Mississippi

It is pronounced En’ sine. Although most dictionaries acknowledge either en’ sun or en’ sine as acceptable, some dictionaries (and common usage) seem to reserve en’ sun for the military rank and en’ sine for the banner or emblem. “And she (Zion) shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven” (D&C 64:42).

January 1977

Ensine

You people in Salt Lake City should hear the way many pronounce the name of your beautiful magazine. We hear: (1) Ensine, (2) Ensun (Navy), (3) Enzun. I get so tired of listening to #2 and #3 that I could scream. I wonder if you could note in the magazine the correct way to pronounce the name of the magazine?

John C. Barlow
Rupert, Idaho

Congratulations, #1 it is!

June 1975

Ensine or Ensun?

Please tell us the correct pronunciation of the Ensign. Some people call it “the Ensine” and some call it “the Ensun.” Which is correct?

Harold Collier
Chicago, Illinois

We pronounce it En-sine because it most accurately reflects the pronunciation Church leaders give to the word “ensign” when they read it in scriptural passages.