Mission Statement

Well, in the continued loser tradition we have a new page. Critique it, make suggestions, or laud it, but certainly participate and make use of it.

There is now a forum area in sounds (the old music section), words (the old books section), and films (the old films section). I've also archived stuff from the forum and placed it in these respective catagories. As we develop more info, we'll harvest info from the postings give them their own proper pages as they develop. Also, the new intake section is conceptually a place to post anything having to do with food, drink and travel. So if you have a favorite recipe (say liquor cake), a restaurant or wine recommendation, or even travel tips this is their home. A second new area is the faith section. Many of our discussions deal with the theology and matters of the heart - hopefully this section will facilitate those discussions. You guys should all be familiar with the other areas (except for you Henry Winkler - the Fonz is not, was not, and will never be a loser). If anyone has pictures to contribute they would be welcome.

The new post window may take some getting used to - if there is much gnashing of teeth over it we will consign it to HTMLHELL. I kinda like it, but I made it and I guess that explains it. You have to select the section you want to post to with the radio buttons. Otherwise, it's just like the old posting system except now it's in its own precious little window.

As always this page exists to foster community among a group of diverse and ever broadening friends and in some cases strangers. If you think it is a good idea continue posting and creating content for it. It is only going to get better.

- Your Erstwhile Webmaster

About the Loser Friends

The term "Loser Friends" was coined some several years ago by Russ. He had been asked where he would be sitting during chapel at Abilene Christian University one morning, and as legend has it, replied that he thought he would sit with his "loser friends." It must be noted that Jay Stokes is ultimately responsible for the development Russ' otherwise forgettable description. As is not uncommon with Jay, he latched on to that phrase. He repeated it. He nurtured it. He gave it plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and watered it often (but not too often.) Yes, Jay loved that phrase, and basking in the warmth of Jay's love, the phrase took root and grew. As all living things are inclined to do, the phrase "loser friends" has evolved beyond recognition. The Loser Friends have certainly become a dynamic entity, and that is good. Who exactly are the Loser Friends? That, indeed, is a difficult question. There are old Losers and new ones, friends of Losers, husbands and wives of Losers, friends of friends of Losers and husbands and wives of these friends of friends. There are parents and even children of Losers. Many people have become Losers. Anyone can be a Loser, if there is Loser in thier heart. Except Henry Winkler. The Fonz is not, and can never be, a Loser. (Sorry, Fonzie.)

Jay's response: To give proper credit where said proper credit is due, our man David Everett Stults deserves more "props" than I for nurturing our nominclature. During that famous day in chapel in January of 1991, Russ did say to me he was going to sit with his "loser friends", namely his old high school buddies Cory Curtis, Teull Green, and Karl Reinsch. Dave walks up and asks me where I'm sitting and I told him with Russ and his loser friends, at which Dave instantly replied, "Well, I want to be a Loser Friend, too." That, more than anything other event, was the point at which the Loser Friends, with a capital L and a capital F, was formed.

As the semester progressed, Dave, Russ, myself, Arthur, Ben, Matt Fortson, Greg Loe, Dianna "The Flash" Dolzalek, Donnetta Dolzalek, and a few others began sitting together frequently in chapel and calling ourselves the LF, again probably more because of Dave than anyone else. Also, that group and a few extended others would come over to my apartment every Wednesday night for dinners where we ate a common meal together - further forging our kinship and identity.

Thanks to Jay for the clarification.