IT ALWAYS AMAZES me when studies come out about the human condition. This one suggests you can lose belly fat a lot better by running than by lifting weights.

I’m not a nutritionist or a doctor, but here’s my scientific response to this study … DUH.

The old spare tire tends to get a little more air in it as we get older. I can’t run or lift weights, so I settle for getting in a good mile walk every day. Perhaps if I eat better and have less stress, I’ll live to be 100, too.

There. I feel better already.

THE HIVELY FAMILY is putting on a benefit in honor of the late Rich Hively to raise money for the Quincy Area Emergency Volunteer Corps. Click here to read more about what they are doing, and why.

When Rich drowned in the Mississippi River last year, the family was helped by the corps. Now they are giving back, a great thing to see. Floyd Hively, Rich’s brother, was on the river yesterday as crews searched for missing boater John Flaiz.

We talked quite a bit about the search effort and other stories this morning on WGEM News Talk Live, click here for the link.

INTERVIEW DONE THIS afternoon with Illinois Conservation Police Sgt. Mark Wagner, who is heading the search operation for missing Quincy boater John Flaize. Updated story here.

FOR THE THIRD time in less than a year, a search is on for a missing Quincy boater. Click here for more details. Family and friends continue to hold out hope.

Here’s the Facebook page for the missing man. Prayers for him, family and friends.

MURDER SENTENCINGS ARE emotionally-charged events, and Friday’s sentencing for Phillip Diaz was no exception. Click here for the story.

Here’s a video of Antoinette Leatherwood, sister of murder victim Ian Barksdale, talking about the sentencing shortly after it was over.

Here’s a woman of uncommon composure and grace. Don’t know many people who would react like this. Peace to the Barksdale family.

IT SEEMS BEATING drug tests is big business.

After hearing about two Quincy businesses being involved with search warrants in connection with synthetic urine, I did a Google search for synthetic urine, and the results were, well, interesting.

Thirty bucks can get you “guaranteed” clean results if you have to take a drug test. Many employers require the tests and, as always, cheating the system seems to be the way to go.

And, as this guy found out not long ago in Quincy, there’s a penalty if you are caught trying to cheat your probation officer when giving a sample.

SOMEBODY IS SHOWING interest in the Washington Theater. I’d love to know who or what group it is.

The historic structure on Hampshire continues to be the topic of discussion when it comes to renovation and potential use. Click here for the latest Whig story.

I commend the Washington Theater Commission for keeping alive the dream of having it reopened someday. It still has enormous potential, but in my opinion, the city should be not be on the financial hook for renovation and reopening. A private group with resources and responsible vision should tackle the project and could really do well.

A few years ago I played with a band in several concerts on the rickety old stage. It was heartbreaking to see how the structure has degenerated, but it’s sure fun to dream.

WE HAVE A lot of fun Tuesday mornings at 7:50 on WGEM News Talk Live, 105.1 on your FM dial. Here’s the link for this morning’s show.

Basically we go over crime and courts stuff from the previous week, though we delve into lots of other areas if time permits. Big shout-outs to Rich Cain and Greg Haubrich, who make it easy for me to flap my gums, and to producer Bryce Gilbert.

The one thing you have to be careful about is spouting off without thinking about it. Believe me, it’s easy to do. Unlike print, where you generally get to look at it before it goes online or in the paper, live radio doesn’t give a chance for do-overs, and there’s been many a time where I’ve simply had to bite my tongue and move on.

Anyway, the guys at WGEM are top-notch and we get into some interesting territory from time to time, and I appreciate them letting me hang out.

GOT INTO A discussion last night about what constitutes the “end of summer.” Some say because school has started summer officially has ended. And high school football starts Friday night, always a harbinger of fall.

I say summer is alive and well. Blues In The District will still be amazing Friday night in Washington Park with Dave Herrero, and the Parrothead event the next night downtown is as summer as summer gets.

I wait until after Labor Day to get depressed about the end of summer.

I HAVE SIBLINGS visiting from the four corners of the country Labor Day weekend.

Anything in the Q-town or immediate area they must see?