Tom Harley lives with his wife and dog in New York State. He plays bi-weekly games of Scrabble with his brother, who cheats. Lately he has taken up playing Splendor with his wife. She lost badly at first and was getting discouraged, so he gave her some pointers. Now he can’t beat her. Why did he do that?

Tom is also a practicing Jehovah’s Witness for many years. He has many an anecdote to share with regard to spiritual life and is author of two special-focus books—one a defense the faith in Russia, and one a defense of it in Western lands.

In his lighter moments—and he tries to stay light throughout, even on serious topics—he loves self-deprecating humor. He also likes the kind of humor where you make fun of yourself. He loves hyperbole. He also likes wild exaggeration to make a point.