I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen.
Quote of the Day
“To write well and speak well is mere vanity if one does not live well. The source of justice is not vengeance but charity.”
— St. Bridget of Sweden
Today’s Meditation
“Creation’s initial monarchy would not achieve God’s purpose—nor would the Davidic monarchy—but something later would. A New Adam—Jesus—would reign, as had been foreshadowed in the garden and in the courts of Solomon. The New Adam, the new Davidic monarch, would reign with His bride, the New Eve, and she would be a real historical woman, whom Revelation would identify with the Church. She would be mother of the living. She would be advocate of the people. She would be queen mother. She would be Mary.” —Scott Hahn, pg. 85An excerpt from Hail Holy Queen
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The daily examination of conscience is an ancient Catholic practice. It’s very simple, and it’s designed to help us identify our sins and weaknesses so that we can improve and grow stronger in the spiritual life, while providing an excellent ongoing preparation for regular Confession. It consists of taking a few minutes at the end of the day to prayerfully review our actions in the light of God’s commandments, followed by the Act of Contrition.1. Reflect on the victories and losses
Actively reflecting on the high and low points of the day can help you live more intentionally and bring a renewed sense of resolve into the following day.
Review your actions, words, and thoughts today. Did you actively guard yourself against temptation? Where did sin creep in?
In what moments did you practice virtue and moral courage?
Were you attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings today? Where did you feel His inspiration?
Ask Him for the graces necessary to follow His Will more purposefully tomorrow.
2. Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.3. Practice gratitude
It is God’s love that has brought you into existence and to this exact moment. Practice looking for His hand in your day.
Where did you feel His loving gaze upon you today?
What people or moments helped you see God in your life?
Thank God for all these moments!
Ask Him to help you recognize His blessings and providence tomorrow.
4. Renew your commitment to Christ
Remember: our Faith is founded upon a Person—Christ! Renew your personal love and devotion to Him.
Thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and our call to be His disciples.
Tell the Lord of your desire to know Christ more personally.
If possible, set an intention for your day tomorrow. Ask Our Lord to guide you in this act.
Pray a Hail Mary, Our Father, or another beloved prayer.
Rest with God
[He] made the Bear and Orion, the Plei′ades and the chambers of the south; Who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number.— Job 9:9-10Compline (Night Prayer)Want to help your organization reach thousands of Catholics? Click here to consider sponsoring future Night Prayers.
Taya Kyle (b. 1974) – Widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, Taya Kyle turned personal tragedy into national service by advocating for veterans and military families. She founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation to support those affected by combat-related stress and relationship strain. Taya speaks powerfully about sacrifice, patriotism, and love of country, reminding Americans that freedom is never free. Her strength, grace, and continued devotion to service have made her a voice for the military community and beyond.
In 2015, Taya Kyle competed against world champion shooter Bruce Piatt at the American Sniper Shootout—and won. Using TrackingPoint technology, she showcased how far wounded warriors and spouses could go with determination and support. The event raised awareness for her foundation and highlighted her unshakable grit.
The Ford Motor Company sells its first car, marking a milestone in American industry. Henry Ford’s innovations in automobile manufacturing will soon transform transportation.
Every day offers a new chance to grow—so explore stories filled with real-life inspiration, practical wisdom, and ideas that fuel your next step forward. Discover uplifting content curated to support your personal growth, and join thousands of readers who visit our site daily for motivation, insight, and a positive boost.
“Much of what grows does so beneath the surface, invisible until the moment it breaks through into the light.”
It can be discouraging when you’re putting in effort and not yet seeing results. But that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Growth often occurs in layers — below the surface, slowly, quietly — before it becomes visible. Trust the process you’re in, even when it’s not yet showing. The breakthrough is often closer than the silence suggests.MORE INSPIRATION
You’re always one blessing away from a brighter day… and a bigger life. May these stories, affirmations, prayers, and insights lift your spirits and inspire you to lift others.
Our next Annandale Virginia Comic Book , Sports Card and Pokemon Show
is SUNDAY AUGUST 9… 9:30am-3pm at the Annandale Virginia Fire House Expo Hall 7128 Columbia Pike 22003
We will have a wide selection of Gold to Modern Age Comic Books, a large selection of Pokemon singles and packs & Plushies , Sports cards -vintage to the present including the “HOT” cards, and Sports Memorabilia . Plus Hobby Supplies for all your collecting needs and some Rock & Roll LPs and CDs
Hopefully something for Everyone!
Hope to see you SUNDAY AUGUST 9 !
Admission $3; 12 and under Free with adult adm.
shoffpromotions.com Nick 301-318-4464pnshoff@aol.com
****The stage will not be available due to safety issues***
***Trading can only be done outside and to the side of the show bldg.***
Welcome to The Pregame Lineup, a weekday newsletter that gets you up to speed on everything you need to know for today’s games, while catching you up on fun and interesting stories you might have missed. Today’s edition is brought to you by David Adler.
We’re over 100 games into the season now, and Chicago just keeps winning. The White Sox might be one of baseball’s biggest surprises, but right now, they’re just good.
If the playoffs started today, the White Sox would be the No. 2 seed in the American League, behind only the Rays. They’re seven games over .500 at 54-47, and they’re in first place in the AL Central.
Coming off three straight 100-loss seasons, they’re an honest-to-goodness postseason contender. It would be a great story if they can pull it off.
So what’s their secret? How did the Sox turn things around so fast?
He explains how the White Sox unlocked the potential of players like Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas. They’re helping different players get better in their own way, and everyone on the team is buying in.
“They give us all the research and information so we can try to be at 100 percent,” Vargas said.
For him, the adjustments were about adding bat speed. Vargas has added 3.5 mph of bat speed with the White Sox this season — the most of any big leaguer.
“We focused on bat speed last offseason. I think this year it’s helped me a lot,” said Vargas, who became a first-time All-Star this season. “It was about bat speed and having all the tools I can use to help me with my swing and help me be more aggressive at the same time.”
For Montgomery, the adjustments were about getting the ball in the air more. And by now, he hits the ball in the air — and pulls the ball in the air — at one of the highest rates in the Majors. That’s how he’s been able to hit a team-high 24 home runs this year.
The energy is just different around the White Sox now. Even their hitter meetings are more engaging, thanks to hitting coach Derek Shomon.
“It’s hard to describe, but it’s like being in school,” said catcher Kyle Teel. “You’re sitting in class and you start zoning out, but then you have that one science teacher who’s hilarious and keeps you locked in the whole time. It’s like that in our hitter meetings.”
The Chicago Bandits meet the Portland Cascade tonight with a spot in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Championship Series on the line.
The AUSL Play-In Game starts at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The winner of the game advances to the league finals to face the top-seeded Utah Talons in a best-of-three series. The Talons defeated the Bandits last year to win the AUSL’s inaugural championship.
We have a full preview to get you ready for tonight’s matchup at Davis Diamond in College Station, Texas, including the Bandits and Cascade’s head-to-head results this season and the keys to the game for both teams.
The Bandits went 16-9 in the regular season, including winning four of their five games against Portland. The Cascade finished the year 14-11, but they’ll have to play their best game of the season tonight against a team that had their number.
For all the info on the 2026 AUSL postseason, go here. And for complete AUSL coverage, go here.
A NEW TOOL FOR 1 OF BASEBALL’S BEST
When one of the best hitters on the planet starts swinging a new bat, you pay attention.
The bat is an extension of the hitter, after all. So when Juan Soto, after eight-plus seasons using one type of bat, started swinging a completely different stick this season, we had to find out why.
In mid-May, Soto started experimenting with a “hockey puck knob” bat. And he kept using it through the All-Star Game.
“I think the balance of it helps me a lot,” Soto explained to us. “Definitely I’m all about balance with my bats. We started talking [with the Mets] about how we can get more balance in my bat, but so it actually doesn’t lose the thickness and how hard the ball can jump off of the bat. So we’ve been just messing around with it and it feels great.”
If you don’t know the type of bat we’re talking about … Here, we’ll show you:
We asked Soto if he’d ever experimented with his bat like this before, and he gave us an emphatic “No.“ Never.
His bat had always been the same, traditional, 34-inch/31-ounce construction, no matter what team he played for.
But this season, the Mets superstar decided it was time to try something new. But why the hockey puck knob? And more importantly, did switching bats pay off for Soto?
The Angels are reportedly expected to make starters Reid Detmers and José Soriano available before the Trade Deadline, but that’s not all. Shortstop Zach Neto could also be dealt.
According to ESPN, people who have spoken with interim general manager John Mozeliak in recent days say he is “very open to trading controllable players if the right offers materialize.” That includes Detmers and Soriano as well as Neto.
Neto’s limited range at shortstop is a drawback, but he could fetch the Angels an impressive haul as a power-hitting middle infielder with three-plus years of control remaining, especially in a trade market short on right-handed bats.
Per Baseball Reference, the 25-year-old ranks fifth in WAR (13.4) among players who have played at least 50% of their games at shortstop since the beginning of 2024. He’s swatted 19 homers this season, third most at the position behind CJ Abrams and Colson Montgomery with 24 apiece.
Right now, the Astros superstar leads the American League in all three Triple Crown categories, with a .328 batting average, 34 home runs and 77 RBIs.
Alvarez is 20 points ahead of Yandy Díaz in batting average, and four home runs and six RBIs ahead of Ben Rice.
He also has a chance to win an MLB Triple Crown. Alvarez leads Kyle Schwarber by one home run for the Major League lead, and CJ Abrams and Jordan Walker by one RBI. He trails Otto Lopez by just four points in batting average.
The last MLB-wide hitting Triple Crown was by Mickey Mantle in 1956.
Only 10 different hitters have won a Triple Crown since RBIs became an official stat in 1920. And before Miggy in 2012, the last hitter to do it was Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. The other legends on the list: Frank Robinson (1966), Mantle (1956), Ted Williams (1942 and ’47), Ducky Medwick (1937), Lou Gehrig (1934), Jimmie Foxx (1933), Chuck Klein (1933) and Rogers Hornsby (1922 and ’25).
RJ Hamster 