Monday, December 25, 2006

Dear Santa

My fellow columnist, Andrew Heller, from the Flint Journal, came up with a similar idea to the column that I wrote for The Journal Standard here in little ol' Freeport, Illinois this week. Unfortunately, part of this week's column was edited out due to space constraints in the paper I'm guessing. Anyways, here is the column in its entirety from this week. Hope everyone had a glorious and blessed Christmas.

Letters to Santa

by

Roland Tolliver



For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.

—John Greenleaf Whittier

Merry Christmas Morning to You! I have intercepted some letters that were directed to Santa, but due to the public figures involved in writing these, the letters were to be made available to all. So, here is a sampling...

Dear Santa,

I always, like, loved to hear that Dorothy sing in "The Wizard of Oz," but my favorite character was that Scarecrow guy. It may be because I could, like, relate to him. So, Santa, could you, like, um, bring me a brain for Christmas?

Love,

Britney Spears

Dear Britney,

Why don’t you wait outside with Paris, Nicole, and Lindsay tonight? I’ll see if I can get a four-for-one special. Like, totally, cool, eh!

Love,

Santa Dude

Dear Santa,

I seem to have lost my way. I never should have listened to my friend Tony Rezko. It seems that I put my own power and greed ahead of the people that I was elected to serve. I was going to ask for forgiveness or maybe some way of making restitution, but what I really want is some more hair gel. Thanks.

Yours in Power,

Governor Rod

Dear Governor Rod,

I think that there are quite a few things you could use before I stuff your stocking with hair products. Maybe I could provide you with common sense, a calculator that tells you the real numbers and damage you are doing to your state, and what it means to raid the working people’s hard-earned savings (think TSP). Instead, I’ll just hold off the feds and that possible indictment for a while longer.

Wishing I Were the Prosecutor,

Santa

Dear Santa,

I really need your help. I have been in office for six years and now I’m really at an all-time low. The voters chose Democrats to lead both the Senate and the House of Representatives. My poll numbers are slipping lower than Jessica Simpson’s IQ and now Rummy has left me. May I please give me a clue how to end this mess in Iraq? Thank you.

Respectfully,

President George W. Bush

Dear Mr. President,

There are some things that even Santa has a hard time getting someone for Christmas. I hope that Mr. Gates (not Bill, but the other one, Robert) will aid you in this endeavor. Let’s face it, though, you can’t keep hiding your head in the sand. Our men and women deserve to know what the real plan is. They’re the ones stuck every day in the sands of Iraq. Mrs. Claus and I would like to see them come home safely. Our best to Laura and the twins. By the way, have they been naughty or nice this year?

Wondering Where the Answers Are,

Santa

Dear Mr. Claus,

Perhaps you have heard of me. I have written two best selling books. They loved me in New Hampshire and even in New York. I am gaining momentum with a capital "MO"! I am eloquent, suave and debonair with a flair for the spoken language. I may have made a mistake in doing real estate business with a Mr. Anthony Rezko, but I got a great deal on my mansion. Mr. Claus, sir, what I am most in need of, however, is having done something of substance in my political career, besides, become the golden child of the Democratic Party. Will you help me?

I Could Be Great in ‘08,

Senator Barack Obama

Dear Mr. Obama,

Thank you for writing. The elves have been very busy this year building a platform. Perhaps, they could help you when they’re done. It would be good to have a foundation of substance on which to build your campaign. Let’s see, you did try to make amends with Senator McCain from Arizona and you once visited that nice little town of Freeport in northwest Illinois. And you... and you... well, good luck on that, sir. I wish you the best in your quest, but be wary of Illinois politics. It not only makes for strange bedfellows, but they can turn on their own in a hurry. Say hi to Hillary if she’s still speaking to you.

In a Non-Partisan Way,

Santa

That’s all the space we have folks. May you and your families have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas Day! Till next year....

Friday, December 01, 2006

Still the Same, Only Different

Bob Seger. Where has the time gone? First concert: 1974 at Cobo Arena, where he would record Live Bullet a year later. He played for $1 for a bunch of high school students who had participated in a March of Dimes fundraiser. We also had the "pleasure" of hearing Brownsville Station and a group called, Church. It was Seger that we had all come to hear, though.

Two years later at the Pontiac Silverdome there were 76,000 of us together to hear the local legend who had made a big splash with "Live" with the Silver Bullet Band. One giant sing-a-long, as we all knew the words. "Beautiful Loser" played on the 8-track of my Mustang Ghia as we drove to the concert. After listening to Elvin Bishop sing about how he "fooled around and fell in love" the crowd waited anxiously for Bob Seger to take the stage and I can't recall how long he played, but it was most of the new album plus a few other songs.

When Seger hit it big, he headed out to the streets of L.A. for some of his most successful albums. I saw him a couple of time during those years at Cobo Hall and Pine Knob where the tickets to each concert became harder to come by. He was Michigan's answer to Springsteen, but he had been at it longer, though for years mired in the regional success without the same level of national recognition. That was until "Night Moves" anyways. He then strung together a number of successful, millon-selling albums, including "Stranger in Town," and "Against the Wind."

After a long layoff, he came back with a decent, if nondescript album, "It's A Mystery." The tour, however, in 1996, was excellent and I was able to see him again, this time at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. Then the real hiatus took place and Bob Seger became family man, motorcycle dad, and yacht captain (winning the Port Huron to Mackinaw race twice). He stayed close to home in the Detroit suburbs and took the kids to school.

The love of music apparently never died, just like Rock and Roll Never Forgets. He kept writing and culled down his 60 new songs into the 12 that appear on his newest album, "Face the Promise." I wasn't sure what to expect of the concert, as his voice sounded weaker and raspier on his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and during a few television appearances when the new album came out. He must have either a great vocal coach or some tricks to strengthen his voice because he was in fine form for the concert last night at the Allstate (formerly Rosemont Horizon) Arena.

His set was excellent and mixed with some hard rockers and his famous ballads. A few songs could have been left out, "Satisfied" and "Simplicity" weren't his best and could have added a few like "Fire Lake," "Like a Rock," and one of my favorites, "Jody Girl." All in all, though, he sounded stronger than he did in 1996 and that is saying something for the man who has gone from sweet 16 to 61. He has faced the promise and his fans are the ones who have benefited.
I hope we don't have to wait another 10 years to see him rock the house, though.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Over the Blues

Here it is the day after Thanksgiving and I'm finally back to writing. Of course, the doldrums that were left over after the Tigers lost in 5 are finally starting to subside. At least the team made a trip to the World Series after more than a dozen years of ineptitude. Michigan came thisclose to earning a trip to the BCS game. Well, maybe not that close, but close enough that they should be considered to play OSU again. More on that on another day.

There are the lingering effects of the elections to consider. The thought of four more years of Blago in office is enough to frighten many people, including me. The national elections took a "throw the bums out" mentality. Now that the Democrats have control of the House and the Senate, let' see if they can live up to their promises of bipartisanship or block everything that President Bush tries in the final two years in office. I'm betting that it will be the latter instead of the former, but maybe a wake-up call was needed for the Republicans that couldn't keep their hands out of the trough. The Dems may be looking to share in a larger portion of the pork, though it would be nice to find some real reform in politics. The odds are it isn'g going to happen.

Black Friday. Time for the retail industry to turn a profit. It would be better for our community if we had a stronger retail market. Super Wal-Mart and Big Menards will offer some shopping alternatives, but what about a higher end retail store, like Kohl's or even Target. The declining purchasing base, mid-level and high-level managers are leaving like geese flying South. These jobs will not be returning anytime soon, however. Newell-Rubbermaid, Honeywell, Titan Tire, General Casualty are each showing effects of mangement or ownership changes. The tax base is weakening and we keep incentivizing the big-box retailers.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Waiting is the Hardest Part

When a team is on a roll like the Tigers have been it is tough to sit back and watch the other teams playing to get into the World Series. Detroit, however, should benefit from the week's rest, especially Sean Casey and Joel Zumaya. They are two very integral parts of this team's success and its projected fortune once the series starts against... either the Mets or the Cards. Watching the pitching of both of the National League teams must have Detroit chomping at the bit to get back out and hit the baseball.

Much like last year's White Sox, there is the waiting while the National League Championship series goes longer and potentially wears out the starting pitchers. Detroit's young guns and old rifle, Kenny Rogers, have time to re-energize and come out slinging in the Series opener in Detroit on Saturday. The biggest question going in, once it has been decided who they'll play, is the weather. Colder weather tends to favor the pitchers, because most batters don't relish the thought of hitting a ball thrown at 100 m.p.h. when the temperature hovers around freezing.

I'm sure that the media and the folks at Fox are rooting for the New York Mets with their larger potential television audience. It would be fun to play a new team in the Series for the Tigers, but the lingering smell of success against the Cards in 1968 is sweet, also. The Carloses, Delgado and Beltan, scare me with their ability to reach the fences, but the walls at Comerica Park are quite a distance from home plate if the ball is hit anywhere but directly down the lines. Albert Pujols seems to be the biggest threat for the Cards. Neither team, however, has a pitching staff that holds up against the Detroit aces.

Another rainy day and night here at Tigers' Central in Freeport, Illinois and this doesn't bode well for the weather the next few days in Detroit as they usually have our weather 24-48 hours later. I look forward to the Series even though I can't be there or see the first game live on TV. There are at least four good reasons to believe that Detroit will once again be World Series champions and they are... Nate, Kenny, Justin, and Jeremy, and of course there is Joel, Jamie, and Todd out of the bullpen... and Placido, Pudge, Maggs, Brandon, Carlos, C-Mo, Curtis, Sean, Marcus and the rest.

Detroit in 5.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Celebrate, but Keep the Ultimate Goal in Sight

Seven games in a row for the formerly beleagured and now beloved, Tigers. I can't remember a home run as sweet as the one that Magglio Ordonez hit last night in the bottom of the ninth inning. One pitch. One swing. Delirium in Detroit and for Tiger fans everywhere.

Destiny is often overrated when it comes to sports teams. Over the last three years, however, three of the oldest teams in baseball, Boston, the Chicago White Sox, and Detroit have each made it into the World Series. Of course, Boston and Chicago had been waiting much longer than Detroit for World Series championships. Detroit has been so dismal over the past decade plus that it seems like 1984 was an eternity ago. Face it, when your team loses over 400 games in four years, it seems as if time has stood still.

Now we are there once again. Does Jim Leyland keep the same lineup for the Series? Can he bring Chris Shelton back as a first baseman with Sean Casey injured, or is he stuck with the players that he brought to the ALCS? What about the pitching rotation? Does he stay with what is working and start Nate, then Justin, then Kenny, and finish with Jeremy? Or does he tinker and put his post-season ace, Kenny Rogers, as the starter for game one now that the series will start at home in Comerica Park?

These and more questions will be decided, but first we have to find out who Detroit is going to play... St. Louis or the New York Mets? For now it is the infamous TBD.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Tonight's the Night

It's deja vu all over again. Back to 1972. The Detroit Tigers against the Oakland A's. Back then, however, the A's would win and go on to three World Series Championships. The Tigers wouldn't make it back to the Series until 1984, the "Bless You Boys" year of Sparky Anderson and that amazing 35-5 start to the season. Now here we are again. Detroit has just taken game 1 of the ALCS 5-1 and turned a record-setting five double plays in the game. And this was with their number 4 starting pitcher, Nate Robertson.

That is now four games in a row in the playoffs. Those of us who long for another championship watch actively. Hanging on every pitch. Holding our breath during the tense moments and wanting to be there to congratulate the players, like Brandon Inge, who had more hits tonight than in the entire Yankees's series.

This was never meant to be a sports blog, but at this time of the year and the Tigers still playing in October, I am fantasizing about another World Series title. I see the Tigers beating the Cardinals in 7 games like 1968. I imagine the Tigers beating the Mets, whom they've never played in the post season. I wear my Tigers jersey and remember my week at fantasy baseball camp with players from the '68 team. I close my eyes and relive my one at bat against Mickey Lolich and the hit down the first base line that drove in a run.

Most of us will never know what it is like to face a 100 MPH fastball or what it is like to hit a home run or make the winning play in a major league game. Very few in life ever do. We live vicariously through the exploits of our favorite teams. And as a lifelong Tigers fan, this year the exploits have been much more enjoyable.

Game one down. Three more wins to go before the Series. Let's go, Tigers!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Free Falling and Bouncing Back

Okay, so it has been years since the Tigers were in the playoffs. Once they clinched a spot they went into a season-ending free fall losing their last five games when a single win would have clinched the division. Was it a major league choke or was there a method to their madness? Now that they have bounced back with a win against the vaunted Yankees it appears that maybe, just maybe they have a chance to win one or both games at home. This is especially true if Randy Johnson is not up to his normal self and Kenny Rogers can keep his head in the game.

So, this was not intended to be a sports blog and in essence it isn't, however, as a lifelong Tigers' fan it is too exciting playing in October to not be enjoying the moment and sharing thoughts about it. This has been such a turnaround season after more than a decade of futility that I find myself sneaking away to read about the team, watch as much of the game as possible, and then read some more when not catching the latest sports talk radio or internet buzz.

It would be great to see Detroit face Oakland for the ALCS and then the Tigers to take on the Cardinals like it was 1968 all over again. And any Tiger fan recalls the first championship since WWII that happened that magical year of Mickey Lolich, Denny McClain, Al Kaline and the entire '68 team. For now, it is taking it one game at a time and praying that the pitching holds out and keeps the Yankees to three runs or less in at least 2 of the next 3 games. Besides, Al Kaline will be throwing out the first pitch tomorrow.

GO TIGERS!

Friday, September 29, 2006

The 20 Year Cycle

It seems that it happens about every 20 years or so. Sure, there was the blip in the system when they made the 1972 and 1987 playoffs without going to the World Series, but the Detroit Tigers have won the Series about every 20 years at least since 1945. They beat the Cubs that year then for the first time in my lifetime, they won in 1968 and again in 1984. Figuring that they are due after more than a decade of udder futility, the Tigers are in the playoffs again this year. Of course, it appears that they are trying to give away first place, a position they have held since early May. Now that the Twins, who just happen to have eliminated them from the 1987 playoffs, have caught them.

Detroit only has to win three straight against a Kansas City team that they have dominated this season in order to maintain first place and a date with the Oakland, the team that beat them in the 1972 playoffs. Either way, the goal is to win first place and not have to face the Yankees during the first round.

The hope is that in a short series the Tigers pitching will prevail. They have been strong all season with a few down weeks. The team chemistry should return to early season levels with the return of Placido Polanco at second base. He was sorely missed during the late August/early September swoon.

So, let's win three and then head to the Playoffs with home field advantage at least for the first round and possibly the second round and World Series. Of course, the success they have had on the road this year means that maybe it would be better if....

Nahhh, let's not think about that.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

A Tiger in the Tank

I've been following the Detroit Tigers all season. Unbelievable start for a team that lost 119 games just a few years ago. Here they were 10 games up at the beginning of August and looked like a sure bet to make it to the playoffs, most likey with home field advantage. Then before we know it they start looking like the 1969 Chicago Cubs. They went from winning at almost a .700 clip to dropping 2 out of every 3 games.

I have been watching the games over the internet and I don't think I've seen a victory in a month of games that I have been able to watch. What happened? Is it the pressure of playing in a pennant race among a group of young players who are short on experience? Is it that the pitchers aren't used to pitching that many innings, even though Justin Verlander, the phenomenal rookie, has been the team's best pitcher since the swoon started? Maybe it is that the novelty of Jim Leyland has worn off? Or perhaps the Twins are really the better team?

Of course, it doesn't help that as I watch the game, write for this site for the first time in more than a month, and turn to see that the Lions have lost on a last second field goal...yech! Oh well, they are only games. No life and death situations, but the third triple hit today by the Twins definitely hurt.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of 9/11. I wonder what we have learned as a nation. Do we feel any safer? or have we gone back to our complacency of worrying about the more mundane things in our lives? It is hard to imagine that five years ago today how much our lives would change within the next 24 hours of September 10, 2001. There was no indication to the general public that we would not be able to look at the world in the same way, travel freely, look at other cultures the same, or consider what the future holds for our children without some sense of dread. May tomorrow be remembered for the innocent lives that were taken on that day, for the families that were personally affected and for a nation that must now keep a constant vigil of its borders from both sides.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

The Journal-Standard

The Journal-Standard

It was nice to have the J-S write a positive story about children with special needs. This is a great program which was started through a collaborative effort. It was in the formative stages over the past few years and really meets a community need. We have been fortunate to be the beneficiaries of several endeavors through Malcolm Eaton Enterprises. It was an honor to serve on their board for three years. This is one non-profit entity that deserves the praise that it receives.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

WTVO.com - Rockford, IL

We were fortunate enough to receive our service dog, Shia, for our daughter at the same time as the Diamond-Tsingos family. It is inconceivable that a corporation that is supposedly as forward-thinking as Bally, would have the audacity and temerity to deny admittance to Robert and his dog, Anna. We have encountered few problems with acceptance of our dog and the one company whose manager did give my wife a hard time, no longer does hair cuts for our family. Most people and businesses have been very courteous and accepting of our daughter and her dog.

It would seem that a major fitness corporation would be progressive enough to realize that their acceptance of this family who has been members of their club for many years would be an act of goodwill (even knowing that it is legally mandated that they be allowed to be on the premises). Their unwillingness to follow the standard, legal guidelines only hurts their image in the community. There is enough discrimination in the world. Maybe, this Bally club is in need of new management or else they need a refresher course on sensitivity and common sense in the work place.

For more about the situation read the following from WTVO.com from July 21, 2006:
A Local Family Says Its Autistic Son Faced Discrimination by a Local Corporation

Rockford, Illinois- Susan Diamond-Tsingos had planned a trip to the gym, but says Bally Total Fitness said no because she wanted to bring her son, Robert, and his service dog.

Robert is autistic.

"It was the first time I had ever felt discriminated against and it hurt," says Diamond-Tsingos. "And it wasn`t just me; it was my son, so it was more magnified."

Diamond-Tsingos says Robert’s dog, Anna, keeps him from having panic attacks; she`s necessary for him to go out in public. Diamond-Tsingos says she explained that to the manager at the East State Street Bally Total Fitness.

"She’s not just a regular pet dog, she`s my son`s service dog and he said, `There’s nothing I can do, we don`t allow animals in the health club,`" says Diamond-Tsingos. "And I was left speechless."

Matt Messinger is a spokesman for the company.

"Bally Total Fitness is working with the family to accommodate the needs of its members," says Messinger. "The health and safety of our members is our number one priority."

But Julianne Taylor, who trains service dogs, says it shouldn`t be a matter of working things out. She believes both federal and the state`s "White Cane Law" are being violated.

The "White Cane Law" reads: "Any person or corporation who interferes with admittance of the public facilities shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor."

"If Bally`s doesn`t allow access to Anna, the next step would be to file criminal charges with the State`s Attorney`s Office," says Taylor.

"Having a child that`s autistic is enough of a challenge; you`d like to think the public is on your side," says Diamond-Tsingos.

Bally Total Fitness reps say they`re doing everything they can to accommodate Robert and Anna.

"It felt awful, it really did," says Diamond-Tsingos. "But I’m just a little person, what I am going to do."

WTVO.com - Rockford, IL

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Chicago Tribune news : Print Edition - Sunday Perspective

Chicago Tribune news : Print Edition - Sunday Perspective

This is one issue that has been around for a couple of decades now. It not only involves the concerns of parents who are worried about the mercury in vaccines, but also about the mercury in dental fillings. "It is only a trace amount," "There are no conclusive studies to prove it," are just a couple of the refrains that are often heard. Our special needs daughter began having seizures within six weeks of exposure to mercury through breastmilk. We have no way of knowing for sure whether this was the causative factor. No doctor would consider this as a cause. It is much easier to say that a condition is of unkown origin than to consider the possibility that a know toxin could lead to a life-altering condition, including brain damage and seizure disorder.

We know that the rate of autism has increased drastically in the past couple of decades and that as mandatory immunizations are forced on children there has continued to be a manifold increase in autism and autistic-like conditions. It is like swimming upstream, though, to find physicians who will even consider the possibility that mercury, even in trace amounts, can have deliterious effects on the developing brain. There is most likely something to it, at least to those children that may be more susceptible to mercury. Is there an adequate way to screen for those children? Not that is known to date. And there won't be as long as the major medical groups continue to promote the immunizations at all costs... even though the parents are the ones that have to live with it on a day to day basis.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Chicago Tribune news: Daughter's murder puts focus on toll of autism

The strains of parenting a special needs child go much deeper than most people realize. It is almost impossible to find qualified help in order to give the parents a break. It is often all-consuming of time, energy and patience. There is no way to condone what the mother did in Morton, Illinois. There are definitely mitigating factors, though, that explain the stresses that parents of special needs children are under and the overall lack of support and understanding that they deal with in trying to help their own children.

I think most people who are dealing with children with autism or autistic-type conditions have felt the stress, strain and despair of feeling as if there is little hope in coping with a child whose brain does not process social cues, does not reason, and has self-destructive or oppositional tendencies and behavior.

There is no need to jump on the advocate bandwagon and hitch a cause to the trauma of a little girl's death at the hands of her mother. There is a great need, however, for people to realize that there are thousands of mothers, fathers, siblings, and other family members who are struggling daily just to keep our own sanity.


By Meg McSherry Breslin
Tribune staff reporter

June 9, 2006

MORTON, Ill. -- For several weeks, Karen McCarron had been making teary phone calls, despairing over her 3-year-old autistic daughter's future.

Unable to get Katie to settle down for a nap on a Saturday afternoon, McCarron took her for a drive. Police say the respected Peoria-area physician and advocate for autistic children parked, put a plastic bag over the little girl's head and smothered her to death in about two minutes.

McCarron, 37, is alleged to have confessed to the crime a day later--Mother's Day--telling police she 'just wanted to end her pain and Katie's pain.' On Thursday afternoon in a Pekin courtroom, McCarron bowed her head and remained silent as her lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on first-degree murder charges.

In the last month, Katie's death has sparked a heated discussion among advocates for Illinois' disabled. Many argue that the tragedy demonstrates just how underserved the rapidly growing community of autistic families is.

'Whatever comes out of the McCarron case, it is already clear that many, many people in our community have seen something of themselves in it,' said Christopher Kennedy, legislative director for the Autism Society of Illinois and the parent of an autistic child. Concerned parents 'have communicated the feelings of despair and isolation so many of us have felt at different times in our lives with autism. ... We cannot ignore the bigger picture and the context within which this and other such acts occur.'

Yet others complain that some are exploiting Katie's death to further their agenda of expanding funding for autistic "

For the full story click on the following link:

Chicago Tribune news: Daughter's murder puts focus on toll of autism: "chicagotribune.com

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Not a Day Goes By

I finally had the chance to see "United 93" last week. It was a very inspirational movie, which was done in such a way that it felt like I was watching a documentary. The real-life type depiction of the events of that day were not played for effect with the overbearing crescendo of music to let us know that a plot turn was about to take place or that the monster was lurking in the swamp. No it was played out as if the events were taking place, in real-time, right in front of our eyes. It was emotional to hear the final calls of the passengers or see the Todd Beamer character saying the Lord's Prayer with the telecommunications operator.

To know a little of the families that these people left behind made it even mor heart-wrenching when the pilots were slain or when the flight attendants were talking about their plans for the week ahead. It appeared at first just like most of the flights that I have been on that were headed to California. People sleeping, talking, working, or just lost in thought. And then within seconds there routine flight to San Francisco became a nightmare or epic proportions.

I don't know if you have seen the movie or if you even plan to. I do know that it was time well spent and that it made me proud of my fellow Americans, who took matters into their own hands, when there was no government to look to for help.

To read a follow-up, look for The Journal-Standard on Thursday, June 8, 2006 in the Pulse section.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Two Week Update

It used to be that on Saturday Night Live the Weekend Update was just one of the best parts of the show. The past several years it has been the lone consistent bright spot. I feel like I am only getting to the sight about every two weeks for an update. Any readers out there may think that that is more than enough. Others may think that it too often. And a few of you may actually like to read more frequent updates.

The news recently caught my attention. Of course, I'm talking about the big news! The Runaway Bride, Jennifer Wilbanks, has called off her engagement to... what'shisname. I know, that's not as big of a deal as say Iran's nuke capabilities, or a new government in Iraq or even making English the national language, but hey! who could have seen it coming?!

Well, here is the text of the column that first appeared on May 5, 2005. I hope it brings some laughs and enjoyment.

The Runaway Bride from The Journal-Standard

A woman seldom asks advice before she has bought her wedding clothes.
~~Joseph Addison, 1771

For the Love of Community sent forth our esteemed colleague and seeker of truth, Al Bebach, to obtain the first interview with "The Runaway Bride" ...no not Julia Roberts, but real-life runaway, Jennifer Wilbanks. As most of you have most likely read by now, Jennifer left the week of her wedding and called a few days later from New Mexico claiming she had been kidnapped. The following is a partial transcript of her first interview.

Al Bebach (A.B.): Jennifer, you were expecting 600 guests and had 14 bridesmaids. Are you sure you weren’t heading toward Roswell, New Mexico?

Jennifer Wilbanks: Excuse me. Where is Roswell?

A.B.: It’s in New Mexico, you know, where we keep all of the UFO’s and alien stuff. Anyways, what did your fiancé say when you told him the truth?

Jennifer: First, he asked me if I was okay. Then he said, what the #*!! were you thinking or something like that.

A.B.: What happened next?

Jennifer: I just started crying and told him I wanted to come home. I didn’t tell him at first. I said that I was abducted by a couple in their forties, who were driving a blue van, when I went out for a jog. How could I tell him that I ran away? What else could I do?

A.B.: Who else did you talk to?

Jennifer: Well, I called 911 to tell them that I had been released by the kidnappers. Of course, then I had to tell the police the truth. I told them that I needed some time alone. The pressure of the wedding was just too much.

A.B.: Let me get this straight. You expected over 600 wedding guests and had 14 bridesmaids and groomsmen. You caused more than 100 police officers to search for you in addition to hundreds of friends and relatives. I know you are stressed, but what about all of those people?

Jennifer: I wasn’t thinking straight. I just wanted to run away and hide. Unfortunately, I ran out of money and couldn’t call my dad and say, "Could you forward me a little more money so I can keep running away from all of this?" I mean, he had just offered a $100,000 reward for information about my whereabouts. Everyone in Duluth was so concerned for me.

A.B.: I thought you were from Georgia?

Jennifer: That is in Georgia.

A.B.: I thought it was in Minnesota?

Jennifer: Where’s Minnesota?

A.B.: Never mind. You realize that there are a lot of people that are pretty upset with you. Ryan Kelly down at the Park Café said that it was one of the most selfish and self-centered acts he had ever seen.

Jennifer: Aw, he’s just upset ‘cause he had rented a tux and he hardly ever gets out of the café. Everyone’ll get over it.

A.B.: When did you think about running away? Did you plan it out and think up the whole story?

Jennifer: No. I just put on my jogging clothes and went out for a run and well, I just kept running. I took a bus to Las Vegas and then it took me down to Albuquerque. Like I said, then I ran out of money.

A.B.: How is your fiancé taking all of this?

Jennifer: His name is John Mason and he has been very strong about it. Sure, he’s a little, okay a lot embarrassed, as are my parents and my friends and the wedding party and most of the town of Duluth, but I’m sure he still loves me.

A.B.: I’m sure he does. I know a friend whose wife left him waiting at the altar for 30 minutes, but he knew her family and figured she was right on time based on their history. He's a podiatrist and may have a prescription you can take for those "cold feet." Anyways, I should ask what’s a few days away and a concocted story about kidnapping and a blue van among loved ones and an entire nation? So, have you heard of counseling? You know, the pre-marriage kind, as well as the stress reduction kind. We had anxiety awareness last week with free screenings. Something you might want to consider.

Jennifer: We don’t do that kind of thing down here in Duluth, Georgia. We just run and hide or hide our feelings. What is that pre-marriage counseling stuff you were mentioning?

A.B.: Just something that people do when they actually want to focus more on the marriage than the wedding. You know, the plan is supposed to be that a couple plans to stay married for their lifetime together, not just spend all of their energy on the wedding day. It is only the first day of someone’s marriage. Now that you're in hot water, which should help your "cold feet", and may face charges for your actions, has your father given you any advice about how to handle this?

Jennifer: Well, he did say that if I ever again consider gettin’ married he had one word of advice for me.

A.B.: What was that?

Jennifer: He told me that I should think about "eloping."

May your wedding day be the worst day of your marriage. Father Mike Miles, stated at our wedding in June, 1984, which meant that may each day be better than the previous one. So far, I think he’s been right.

If we can offer any advise to Mr. Mason...there are plenty more fish in the sea and not all of them are suckers.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Having Trouble Understanding Myself

There are days when I just don't understand myself. I am usually unabashedly conservative. I believe in social justice, but also that people do better with a hand up than a "handout." I support life in all forms, from conception to the final breath. I don't understand how people can be "pro-life" on the issue of abortion, but for the death penalty.

While I support the rights for hunting guns and collections, I don't understand how assault rifles, AK-47's, machine guns and other guns of mass destruction should be allowed. I find that the idea of "if they take away one liberty (gun) they'll take away all gun rights." I was an avid hunter many years ago and have no problem with hunting for sport. I took the requisite gun safety courses and enjoyed target shooting, skeet shooting, and hunting. I don't recall a time when a machine gun would have been necessary.

That leads me to my current confusion and dilemma. It seems that many of my favorite musicians tend to skew much farther left than I'll ever be. When I think about my favorite singer-songwriters, from Harry Chapin (God rest his soul), to Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Jackson Browne, and Neil Young, I have to ask myself, am I being hypocritical? Do I just like the music, or am I a closet social liberal? Or is there something much deeper than just labeling myself?

I don't think that President Bush is a "bad person" like so many hard-core liberals believe. I conjecture that he did what he thought was necessary based on information available. I do think, however, that he has been grossly mislead by his higher-ranking advisors, notably his Secretary of Defense (Why didn't we send in adequate numbers of soldiers to get the job done quickly? How could we so grossly underestimate the insurgencies that ensued? What half-truths and outright lies are we being fed? among other questions) and Vice-President Dick Cheney (How many hands in the pot do you have? Are there still financial interests in Halliburton and why are they involved in everything that even smells of Iraq?)

So now, Mr. Young has his new song "Let's Impeach the President" that has come out on the heels of his "Prairie Wind" album that was life-affirming and soul-searching about how precious life is. Neil brazenly sang "Let's Roll" about United Flight 93 shortly after the tragedy of 9/11, but now he is calling the President on the carpet. Bruce sang his melancholy and deeply personal accounts of 9/11 and its aftermath on "The Rising" but now takes pot-shots at the President any time he is in front of an audience.

I don't know, perhaps as I become older, I am less jaded on some issues and more on others. Life has a way of changing our perspective and maybe I have a certain allegiance to the musicians that shaped some of my life's journey. I do know that the last Springsteen concert I saw in Madison, was my least favorite of his. Way too much politics without offering solutions. At least when I went to the U2 concert I knew where Bono stood and there were some potential solutions offered.

So gentlemen, sing your songs, raise up the chorus, and along the way offer more than just diatribe. I'll still listen to the music, but I don't have to agree with the lyrics or the banter that offers venom, but no antidote.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt

It is National Poetry Month, so here is my attempt at some Poetic Justice. For the prose version on this topic see this week's Journal-Standard's Pulse section (For the Love of Community).

Elections belong to the people. It is their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.
–Abraham Lincoln

The charges were starting to mount,
Found guilty on each and every count;
Friends, buddies, cronies, and lies,
We’re the ones who pay, that’s no surprise.

Big Jim covered all of the legal bills,
Friendship can’t cover all of the political ills;
Mr. Warner, Mr. Ryan, and pockets of cash,
Vacations, gambling, do I need to rehash?

“I didn’t do it. I’m innocent,” he said,
Licenses for bribes and six children dead;
Cover-ups, scandals, silence the news,
If we knew the secrets, an election he’d lose.

All the good things like buildings and roads,
But how about the employees on whose backs he rode?
To an election victory with ill-gotten campaign funds,
Christmas gifts to the boss, so for governor he could run.

All of them are crooked, the public says,
Just some of them are caught on given days,
We can’t do better, there isn’t much choice,
We’re only citizens, we don’t have a voice.

But, that is where we so often go wrong,
We have the chance to stand and be strong;
We can say, “Enough is enough!”
We’re tired of putting up with your stuff.

There are good politicians, who go to serve,
There are others, who get what they deserve;
We can’t expect miracles from all of them,
We do seek those we can praise instead of condemn.

Another election will be upon us soon,
Are the choices ones to make us worry or swoon?
The campaign rhetoric will go to depths unknown,
The ads will make sure large sums of money are blown.

No real reform will occur, because people love power,
Once in office, many seek to remain in their ivory tower;
So often, the people who benefit, are the major donors,
And those trying to get by, are treated like wayward loners.

Three of the last six governors have been indicted,
Money, or love of money, has been the reason cited;
Money and power, in our land, go hand in hand,
For the top offices in the state and country are out of hand.

The playing field will never be leveled at our current rate,
Those without money are left at the starting gate;
Look at the campaign “war chest” of Governor Rod,
We know that candidate, Treasurer Judy, will be treated roughshod.

In Illinois, it is called politics as usual for our state,
We tend to accept that as our destiny, our fate;
While more jobs are lost in part for our failure to change,
I think that we let ourselves be shortchanged.

There are no easy answers to our political woes,
We’ll continue in this quandary, if we think that anything goes;
Of course, Mr. Ryan practiced those ideas for years,
Now, he continues to show no remorse, no tears.

A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize for emptying death row,
He thought his legacy would be secured when it was time to go;
And now a jury of his peers found him guilty for all he’d done,
What does it all get for us in the long run?

A sad, old man who thought he was above the laws,
Whose fancy lawyers will fault the jurors instead of seeing the real cause;
The appeals will last for years, and he’ll appear weak and frail,
Most likely, he’ll never spend a day in jail.

I feel no pity for Mr. Ryan when I think of the Willis children who died,
All because of the cover-ups and the people who lied;
To save a man’s political career who appeared so proper and prim,
And I get disgusted every time I realize that... I voted for him.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power. –Abraham Lincoln

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety. –Benjamin Franklin

Monday, April 17, 2006

Christian Faith Under Attack, Again

It seems that something usually happens around Easter to try and shake the faith of those who believe that Christ really died and was resurrected. This year we have the ever-growing myth of the DaVinci Code. What with the coming movie starring our "everyman" Tom Hanks, how could we not believe that this novelization is based on truth? It may make for a thrilling read much like Celestine Prophecy did a few years ago, but they are both FICTION with real-life locations to add to their fauxthenticity.

Now, we also have the Judas Gospel, which all but exonerates Judas for his role in Christ's crucifixion. I don't think that is what people had in mind when the Aologists were formed. It wasn't intended to make excuses for every bad action that has taken place in the Bible. IF we are to believe that there is a good and evil, then isn't it quite possible, that Jesus knew his fate was not only preordained by the Father, but that Satan might play a role in Christ's death, as well. If Judas were to be a saint and working complicitly with Jesus, why was he found to have hung himself after his act of betrayal?

Each year, or so it seems, there is an assault on Christianity and each year Easter is celebrated as the high point of the Christian faith. This year we were also able to celebrate the 79th birhtday of Pope Benedict XVI on his first Easter as Pope. Will wonders never cease?

God Bless those who just celebrated Easter and to the Eastern Orthodoxy, wishing you a glorious Easter next Sunday. Let us all pray for peace in our lifetime no matter what our religion or belief.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

It has been a time of reflection during this Lenten Season. I haven't had much time to write besides my weekly column and one health column. The past few weeks have taken me to Hollywood for the Global Diabetic Foot Conference and to Nashville to visit my oldest daughter, who is away at school.

Daily life leads to many challenges with children in school, work, writing, and finally fitting in a chance to exercise. Health has taken on new urgency with the onset of high blood pressure, which lead to some personal changes in habits and diet. No more sodas, no more caffeine, minimal white flower or white sugar, more fruits and vegetables and water. Exercise has again become a priority. In the last three months I've seen a drop in weight of almost 25 pounds, a reduction in body fat of 5% and 3" in waist size. The extra benefit has been a drop in blood pressure to normal levels without medication. I've been extolling the benefits of this combination for years, but then I "fell off of the wagon" for enough years to see the waistline expand, the breath become shorter, and the cholesterol and blood pressure go up.

Oddly enough, after watching the movie, "Super Size Me" and then the television show, "The Biggest Loser" in addition to having an antihypertensive suggested... well let's just say that it was the culmination of several things that lead to returning to a healthier lifestyle.

Back to the Global Diabetic Foot Conference: Diabetes is becoming a worldwide epidemic as more people abosrb the Western, fast-food diet. The increase in diabetes is leading to more diabetic-related foot problems and in that vein, we have a senator from Wyoming, Mike Enzi-R, who in his infinite shortsightedness, suggests making podiatric services less available to the general public as a means of reducing the budget. His sugar-coated description of making health care more affordable for small businesses doesn't tell the truth behind the deregulation of making services available. This is another case of our government reducing services under the guise of covering more people with insurance.

I urge readers to write their congressmen and congresswomen to vote against Senate Bill 1955 in order to preserve your state and federal rights to affordable and available foot care.

Friday, March 17, 2006

March Madness

It is that time of the year again when I stay up late to watch basketball, much to the chagrin of my wife. Indiana's fortunate 3 pointer, George Washington's miraculous comeback, Boston College's fortunate recovery, Adam Morrison bring Gonzaga back once again were all bracket savers. I picked 12 over 5 with UW-Milwaukee, but picked the wrong 12 over 5 with Utah State-Washington and didn't pick 12 over 5, Texas A&M over Syracuse. So much for the second round Syracuse win or for that matter, Marquette. Fortunately no money is on the line and 12 for 16 on the first day was okay. If they could all be the Minneapolis section I would have done great.

It is primary time in Illinois and next week we'll know who will face Governor of Great Hair Blagojevich. Most likely it will be JB Topinka, but wouldn't it be great if there were a major upset and Bill Brady from Bloomington gets the nod. I think it makes for fun alliteration to say Bill Brady from Bloomington. And besides, can we really rally behind an accordion player who isn't on the Lawrence Welk Show?

Let's see how today's tourney goes. Maybe a few of my upset picks will pan out.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Should he stay free or should he go?

The trial is over and the former pharmacist from Kankakee may find that justice is a bitter pill to swallow. Of course, prison food may be hard to swallow, too. Are Illinois' politicians running scared knowing that if Ryan can be convicted, then they are fair game? Or will we see that crime does pay, especially in the Illinois political game? U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitgerald seems like the no-nonsense kind of guy who won't stop with Ryan, or the middle-management cronies of Rich M. Daley.

Fitzgerald has shown a willingness to be bi-partisan when it comes to legal matters, see Valerie Plame and I. Lewis Libby. It would be intersting to see how he would proceed with the Cheney "quail hunting" incident. Is there more to the 24 hour lapse before the sheriff's office was allowed on the premises? Oh well, Atty. Fitzgerald has bigger fish to fry than checking out V.P. Cheney's hunting accident. Besides cocktails and hunting quails go hand-in-hand, don't they?

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

After the Awards

Well, it looks like the predictions were close. I should have qualified that The Squid and the Whale was my personal choice, but knew that it wouldn't beat out Crash. That's okay, though, because all of the hype for Brokeback Mountain ended up being just that... a lot of hype. The feeling that I would like to see Crash surprise Brokeback Mountain was justified after all.

Anyways, it has been a tough week for those in the acting business. Don Knotts, Dennis Weaver, Darren McGavin, Dana Reeve all within the past 10-14 days. It is strange that all four of their names begin with the letter "D". I'm sure it is just coincidental, but still kind of weird.

Just a few of Don Knotts famous scenes and quotes to end today's entry:

From Episode # 90, "Barney's First Car"
Barney: This is just about the biggest thing I ever bought.

Andy: It's a major step.

Barney: The last big buy I made was my mom's and dad's anniversary present.

Andy: What did you get them?

Barney: A septic tank.

Andy: For their anniversary?

Barney: Yeah, oh they're really hard to buy for. Besides it was something they could use. They were really thrilled. Two tons of concrete, all steel reinforced.

Andy: You're a fine son, Barn.

Barney: I try.


From Episode #91, "The Rivals"
Barney: Nice guys finish last. I know, I went through it. Little Vickie Harms. I wasn't no bigger than Opie. I met her over by the ice cream parlor. Stepped outside one day with my raspberry snow cone, there she was. She just stopped me cold. Head to foot, I was just clammy all over. I knew it was love. Icy chills just run all over me.

Andy: Sounds to me more like your show cone was leaking.

Barney: Boy I sure did like her.

Andy: She didn't like you back, huh?

Barney: Oh well no, it wasn't that so much. I don't know. It was mostly her stuck up attitude.

Andy: Yeah?

Barney: She used to walk around in long curls and print dresses and patented leather shoes and her nose up in the air. Boy she really thought she was hot stuff.

Andy: Why?

Barney: Oh her Daddy was in the civil service. Boy if I knew then what I know now. She used to do one thing that really used to burn me up.

Andy: What was that.

Barney: Well you know how I like snow cones...

Andy: Raspberry.

Barney: Right. Well there wasn't a day went by that I didn't offer that girl a bite of my snow cone. You know what she used to do every single time?

Andy: What?

Barney: She used to bite off the end, sip out all the syrup, and leave me with nothing but the ice.

Andy: The ice?

Barney: Yeah, the ice.

Andy: That's terrible.

Barney: Yeah.

Andy: Today you'd know different.

Barney: Oh are you kidding. Listen if I had a date with Vickie Harms today, and I got myself all shaved, and I went over to her house with my snow cone, you know what I'd do?

Andy: What?

Barney: The minute she opened that door, I bite off the end of the cone, sip out the syrup, and hand her the ice. What do you think of that?

Andy: Well I'll tell you the truth, Barn. If I was Vickie Harms and a thirty-five year old man come up to my house with a snow cone in his hand, I wouldn't even answer the door.


"It's not a whim anymore if you put on clean underwear." - Barney

"Like they always say...the quality of mercy is not strained, it droppeth like a gentle dew from Heaven...well, you're not talking to a jerk you know!" - Barney


"Do you have any idea how hard it is to work with someone who thinks he knows everything?" - Barney

We'll miss you, Mr. Knotts! Glad you never had to use your bullet on anyone. Now go and nip it in the bud. Yes, it is time for a little bud nipping in Mayberry in the sky!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Academy Awards 2006

It is that time of year again where the women wear dresses that are designed to stun, but often end up leaving us to say, "Huh?" The men typically wear their tuxes, except for the occasional incidence of "Duh?"

Last year we did okay with the predictions, but this year we are ready to rock and roll with our picks:

Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon, just because it was the only movie I saw with a best actress nominee and because my daughter lives in her hometown of Nashville.

Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz. I don't know why, but I do like her accent.

Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, because Truman Capote's In Cold Blood was the first creative non-fiction book that I read and couldn't put down.

Best Supporting Actor: William Hurt, still one of the best around.

Best Original Screenplay: The Squid and the Whale. I thought that Jeff Daniels should have been nominated, but this will have to do.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain just because it is going to win.

Best Foreign Film: Tsotsi. I like the way the letters rolllllll off of my tongue when I pronounce it.

Best Animated Film: Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit because it was funny and fun to watch.

Best Documentary: March of the Penquins, though Murderball may surprise.

Best Song: It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp because somewhere Heidi Fleiss is laughing.

Best Director:
Ang Lee. See Best Adapted Screenplay.

Best Feature Film: Brokeback Mountain, though wouldn't it be great if it didn't win. I mean if Shakespeare in Love can somehow beat out Saving Private Ryan ( a travesty in voting if there ever was one in the Academy Awards) then perhaps Crash can somehow pull a win out of the wreckage that is the culmination of this year's movies to choose from.

Film That Was Robbed: Walk the Line. I'm biased toward this film. I admit it without reservation!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Thanks for the Memories

Today I want to thank the readers of my column, "For the Love of Community," that is found in The Journal-Standard each Thursday. This past week I have received numerous letters thanking me for the column on Father Norbert Richter (see previous post). Your kind words and remembrances of Father Richter were so heartfelt. The pleasure I have in sharing memories and thoughts of special people in our community is well worth the time and effort to write the column each week. Of course, there is a 700 word limit for the column, so it isn't possible to always convey all of my thoughts about a person or topic. I guess that is the beauty of having another outlet for writing.

To date there are no blog sites available online through The Journal-Standard, though a recent column by one of the editors did state that they are planning on updating the website to match current trends in online news availability. It would be nice to see the paper have some of the same format as many of the major newspapers, i.e. The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, The LA Times, WSJ, or New York Times. I know that there are other small town papers that are updating their websites on a regular basis to give other voices a chance to be read.

I do see some of these changes happening in the near future. So for now, enjoy Pretzel City Logic and keep reading the column. Thanks to all of you who respond either through the written word or in person. It gives the inspiration to keep writing.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Father Norbert Richter

Happy Anniversary, PCL

It is hard to believe that it has been over a year since I started Pretzel City Logic. We've added our publishing web site Kastle Publishing since then with a link to this site. I've rearranged this sites links several times since then and hope to continue to keep it current. I've realized that I do not have the time to write for this site every day, as I do have a wife and children, a full time job, a part time profession as a freelance writer, civic obligations and am rediscovering the joys of exercising daily (well, almost daily).

The first entry was about the loss of a dear friend and mentor, Reuben Baumgartner. Today I attended the memorial service for another Freeport leader, Reverend Robert Bush of Open Bible Church and School. He and his dear wife, Irene, have served thousands in the Freeport area for more than 45 years. His passing, while not unexpected, still leaves a void in our community.

Last week it was Father Norbert Richter who died after a prolonged illness. He, like Rev. Bush, continued to serve to the best of his capacity until his final months. These two men of God, while serving different denominations, nevertheless served the same God. Both men were good shepherds to their respective flocks and will be sorely missed.

I hope that in some way people realize in our community that they have a number of quiet leaders who care passionately about them and their well being. Whether people are Christian or are of another faith, they benefit from the dedication of servants like Pastor Bush and Father Richter. We, as citizens of the area, are the better for the efforts of men and women who strive to improve the lives of those they touch.

See last week's column "He Walked By Faith" for more on Father Norbert Richter.

Friday, February 24, 2006

The Demise of the Blog

So, the Tribune thinks that the Blog is already a thing of the past? With 25 million blogs out in cyberspace, it appears to me that perhaps the Trib is engaging in wishful thinking. It is evident (by the lack of comments at this site) that while most blogs may not be widely read there are a significant number that are. Most major newspapers now have columnists that contribute regularly to blog sites. Eric Zorn has a nice rebuttal to his paper's editorial in his blog "Change of Subject."

There are a number of sites that draw higher numbers of readers, then there are those of us who rejoice when someone actually leaves a comment. That is the about the only way we know that any of our writings are being read. I realize that many people do not even know what a blog is, yet. Then there are those that feel that it is something written only by computer geeks or people with an agenda. I have found interesting reading in sports blogs from the Winter Olympics, from friends who keep us informed from far away places, news blogs, and in many cases humorous (though often sad, but true) political tales.

I don't think that the "Blog" is going anywhere soon. There will most likely come a time when freedom fighters from third world countries or those in communist countries will let people know of their plights via blogs or internet communications. I know that it is already happening in some instances and with the ever-expanding web presence in China there is no way that that many people can be "kept in check" by the government forever. The letters that were snuck out of communist countries in the days of "gulags" or the books that were brought to America or England and translated telling the stories of those who were imprisoned or politically persecuted will one day be the stories that come across the internet or via chips with information about similar atrocities. This is where blogs will be useful in disseminating the information.

For now many blogs are basically online diaries, online personal commentary pages, or a way of informing readers of what's happening in the world with a ready source of links to traditional news sites. Hey, that's a pretty good start!

Sunday, February 19, 2006

State Speech Finals

It appears that if a competitor is from the norhtwest region of Illinois then you might as well count out the chance of finishing above 5th. That is if you even make the finals. I know that there isn't a conspiracy against the local schools, but out of 26 chances to get to the finals, only four made it from the Rock Island sectional. The highest finish was a fifth place for Anna Ruch in Dramatic Interpretation and a fifth for Kadie Threloff of DeKalb in Oratorical Declamation, as well as a 6th for Freeport's Kayla Kluck in the same category. Katie Quittschrieber in Radio Speaking. The three top team finishers from Rock Island scored a grand total of SIX points in the entire competition.

I would venture that either the sectional was very week, or that the Chicago suburban teams have much stronger programs or higher profile reputations that preceed them. I would say that from what I saw and heard at the Rock Island sectional the teams were very competitive.

We'll see what happens next year when many of the local seniors graduate. The area teams are to be congratulated on having such an outstanding season. Nine categories represented for Freeport and six for Eastland-Pearl City. That is still quite an accomplishment.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Sate Speech

The wait from afar is agonizing. So far the Freeport Pretzels have one finalist, Kayla Kluck, in Oratorical Declamation, out of four possibilities. I thought that Adam Moderow would definitely be in for Oratory, but alas it seems as if the suburban Chicago area is favored over other areas. So far, to the best of my knowledge, there have been only two competitors from the Rock Island sectional to make the finals and both were in the same category. There is definitely a disparity in awarding finalist positions. That may change, but it seems that if you are from Wheaton, Downers Grove, Thorton, Glenview or Orland Park you should plan on being in the finals.

This just in: Pearl City now has two in the finals, Katie Quittschreiber in Radio Speaking and Anna Ruch in Dramatic Interpretation. Freeport has three more chances to make it to the finals. One more event where a Rock Falls sectional winner is out of the mix. Nick Hoeft from Freeport did not make the finals as I thought he would. Two more categories for Freeport.... and then there was one category....and the results are taking forever.

He Said, She Said

There was an interesting response to this week's column about the state speech tournament. One grandparent, whose granddaughter lives in the Chicago area, decided to travel in to Oak Lawn to see her granddaughter perform in her category. I'm never quite sure how far-reaching the column is or how it affects people. Sometimes it is just one person, other times perhaps no one really cares about what is written.

I realize that the column is read by more people than are attracted to this site. Of course, the column is much more established going on 8 years. One person this past week said he appreciates that I write about issues that he feels are important. I know that others have said that I am pandering to the masses, but I think that the people who felt that way are often so much farther out of the mainstream that my writing appears to be centrist.

Oh well, I've gone throught my New Age phase, through the motivational stages, visited with Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williams, Joan Borysenko and many of the other people who have been integral parts of shaping lives in one way or another. I have found that all roads still lead home and into one's self. That, and for me, the foundation that God provides through faith, words, and deeds.

The lifestyles of the "rich and famous" often fall significantly short of the messages they are putting forth. It is one thing to speak eloquently and with great enthusiasm. It is quite another to actually lead by example, whereby a loving home environment is fostered through fidelity, love of one's children, community work, and giving of our selves through our times, talents and treasures. Yeah, I know it may sound old school, but it is through these actions that peace of mind is finally closer to reality.

I'm sure that some of the people I've met who are "leaders" in their respective fields have found that many of the same attributes guide their lives. It is often the biggest names, however, that preach success, while practicing excess. We all have our own daily challenges, but for me, at least, I couldn't handle these without a strong conviction to God, the love of family and the faith to know that without these there would be no inner strength and thus... nothing even close to peace of mind.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Global Warming...I'm Starting to Believe...No Wait, I'm Not

Okay, yesterday it was 60 degrees. Valentine's Day and it's 60 degrees! I'm starting to believe in the whole global warming premise. And then today...it's down to 30 and dropping. Winter weather watch and all of that. What gives? One day I'm out walking in shorts and the next day my cheeks look like I was hit in the face with red paint after my walk.

No one knows how to dress. Is it the effects of global warming? or is there another explanation? How does this account for 25 inches of snow in the northeast? Or the record cold weather across much of Europe? Do we pull out our parkas or put on our Bermudas?

If you live in the Midwestern United States, many days you'll be able to both. Well, gotta run and find my snow shovel or was that my sand shovel and pail?

Thursday, February 09, 2006

It's Open Hunting for Votes

The election season is upon us in Illinois and other parts of the country. You see the candidates lined up throughout the state often in towns that they previously didn't know existed.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today's candidate du jour is a Mr. O. He comes to us from some suburb of Chicago and he is asking for your support. Of course, there is nothing that he won't offer you, the voters, but there is very little that he can promise. Now that Governor Rod "The Reformer" Blagojevich has received the legal license that it is unnecessary to follow through on campaign promises I won't dismiss good employees on the back of the budget or the proximity of those words, he let go a number of prison guards and wardens. Their primary offense... none that could be justified, though it seems that most of them had sinned against the Governor... they were Republicans.

But back to the candidates at hand for the upcoming primary: all of the Republicans appear to be running on the Anybody but Blagojevich campaign. Judy Barr Topinka, who is the Republican frontrunner, unfortunately, is the most like the current governor. So, given the choice between the two, I would predict that most Illinoisans will choose to stay the course rather than switch to Ms. Barr-Topinka.

I'm guessing that before all is said and done that state Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington (talk about your alliteration) may emerge as the viable option to Mr. Blagojevich. He appears to be right-center with politainment appeal. He projects wit and charm. Women find him easier on the eyes than his opponents. He has state-level experience and doesn't seem to aspire to higher office (some sites have mentioned that Blagojevich for President T-Shirts are now available!).

No matter which candidate makes it through the primary, it will be difficult to unseat the epitome of "Politainment" governors, who has a campaign war chest that is probably about the size of most towns budgets, if not more. And as we all know by now... yes, elections can be bought with large amounts of advertising, campaign appearances, news exposure, and promises to big donors. We'll find out soon enough.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Okay, So I Yelled at the TV

Yeah, I know, I can't change the outcome of a play or the game by yelling at the officials through my television set. But, a guy can try, can't he? I really didn't have a favorite for the game, but I would like to have seen fair officiating for the game. If one saw it as I did, and if you're from Pittsburgh I know these are moot points, but look... touchdown pass taken away by a ticky-tack call of offensive interference; Jerramy Stevens catch and fumble, ball rolls out of bounds at near the ten yard line of Pittsbugh, but it is called incomplete and comes back; touchdown for Pittsburgh when the ball didn't appear to cross the plane of the goal line; Seattle on the one yard line- momentum about to change- phantom holding call brings it back to around the 30. A potential swing of +17-21 for Seattle and -4 for Pittsburgh if they had decided to kick the field goal. I know that Seattle looked liked they didn't have a clue at the end of each half, but it wouldn't have mattered if the plays had been called even remotely fairer for Seattle.

The game had the appearance of a Jerome Bettis feel-good story because he was coming home to Detroit and victory. I have nothing against Mr. Bettis, heck, I'm from Detroit myself, but Pittsburgh had about 5 good plays the whole game and every time Seattle was on the move and near the goal line, an official through out a yellow flag. On the "first" touchdown pass, which was disallowed, the referee was about to call it a touchdown until the Pittsburgh defender whined to the official. "Okay, I'll call it for you if that's what you want." Come on 99 times out of a hundred that is a touchdown.

I have only missed watching one Super Bowl out of the 40 played and this was the first time that I felt that the officials took the game away from a team. I know Pittsburgh was the "feel good/underdog" story of the playoffs, but with the exception of a few plays, they didn't play like a championship team during this game. Seattle, on the other hand, had to overcome two teams in their attempt to win, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Biased Zebras. It is hard enough to beat one team, let alone two teams, in the Big Game.

At least Detroit seemed to do themselves proud in hosting the game and all of the festivities. I do hope that some of the economic development trickles down to the surrounding neighborhoods, where there are scores of homeless. Read Mitch Albom's column to get an idea and learn about ways to help. Let's hope that one of these years the Lions actually get to play in one of these games. It is nice to host the party, but it would be even nicer to have earned an invite.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Oprah, Queen of all Media

So, Oprah was duped by a former drug addict, cum author, who told her what she wanted to hear to pass along her own form of "feel good spiritualism." James Frey told her the story about addction and recovery. He wrote about suicide and police confrontations and how he was addicted to drugs and what he did to get the drugs and how he became clean and sober. It was the "gist" of the story that mattered when she called Larry King to defend her "Oprah's Book of the Month Club" author. Her word meant that millions of copies of the book would be sold. He was guaranteed fame and success. Any subsequent books would result in large advances, national or international book tours, adoring fans. In other words, he would be exchanging one addiction for another.

But, then the house of cards on which this fame and his story were built, came crashing down with a good, old-fashioned Oprah butt -whuppin' on national television. And somewhere during the course of his comeuppance, public sentiment started to shift, even if ever so slightly. Poor James Frey had to suffer humiliation in front of millions of television viewers. Oh, the shame, Oprah. How dare you flog someone when he thought he was your friend?

Of course, public perception started to change as the Smoking Gun report came to light and the truth was about to unfold. Oprah decided it was time to cover her assets. Where once the overall message was what was important in Mr. Frey's book, now it was the "truth" that mattered. Oprah doesn't like feeling "duped" but most likely, Oprah doesn't like the public to think that she is anything less than "above the fray" or is that "above the Frey"?

The whole story reminds me of a recent Scrubs episode where Jordan was conned by a repeat-offender drug addict. He gave the sob story of not being able to see his son because of a lack of money due to his hospitalization. She gives him $500 and at the end of the episode he is sitting there handcuffed after being arrested for trying to buy drugs. The storyline is that when someone is so addicted they will do anything, say anything, or be anyone they need to be in order to get the next fix. It is the same whether it is drugs, alcohol or the need for recognition, fame or fortune.

For Oprah, I'm guessing, that the fix is public approval, though she should have garnered enough over the last two decades to last an eternity. Sometimes even that isn't enough for some people. Most likely, it will be long-forgotten in a few months when the next "story for the ages" comes along.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Goodbye, Again, Newell

Levolor and Kirsch are leaving Freeport and POOF! there goes another 115 jobs in a community that can ill afford any more job losses. The first round of lay-offs or should that be let-gos will begin on Monday. Once again, an icon in the local business community is uprooting for the greener (aka-cheaper) pastures of a third world workplace and American workers are left to look for another pay cut and job in the service industry.

Joe Galli took the company for a ride and moved corporate headquarters to Atlanta. Now, he is gone and jobs are leaving. I know that we are not the only community that suffers this fate. Just read any recent business headline from many communities in Michigan, other parts of Illinois or Ohio or Pennsylvania. The "Rust Belt" is definitely continuing to live up to its moniker.

Our Governor places unusually high fees on industries like trucking and businesses fold or leave the state. Governor Granholm of Michigan paints a rosy picture of the state's condition, but it looks like she must have her head in the sand dunes of western Michigan. Flint is dying with the auto industry, just like Wixom and other cities throughout that state. There, like here, and the other Midwest states see jobs heading south for cheaper wages and in many instances much farther south... like Mexico and Central America. Where and when will it end? How many jobs can Wal-Mart supply us with?

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Ford, Schmord

So the hype begins in Detroit and around the nation for Super Bowl XL to be played in Detroit at Ford Field. How ironic that the same week that all of this begins, Ford plans to lay off another 30,000 workers and close 15 plants. But yet, in the name of vanity and all that is great about America and promoting one's name---welcome to Ford Field, the home of unemployment, and the city that time forgot in the wake of the industrial age.

Maybe the Ford family should sell the Detroit Lions and rid its obligation of Ford Field (though I'm betting that much of it was financed on the backs of the citizens of Michigan, many of whom no longer have decent jobs) and use some of that money to pay its employees and retirees the wages and benefits that they deserve. Of course, Ford's stock jumped a few pennies from the abysmal level that it currently sits at. This once proud business seems to have lost its way. How many SUV's can Ford sell anyways?

Let the game begin. Let the hordes of people bring in their cash and deposit into the coffers of Detroit and Michigan for the first time in 25 years, because it may be another 25 before the Super Bowl comes that way again.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

So Much for the Big Game Rematch

Good thing I'm not a betting man. First, New England loses yesterday. Now, the Chicago Bears take it on the chin. I did worry about the Bears' chances, especially when they started talking trash during game week. There are many intangibles in sports and one of the major ones is a sense of come-uppance. The Panthers shut down the talk on the second play of the game and finished business the way they wanted to... with a trip to Seattle.

Enough football for a while. Today was the heartbreaking tribute to the 13 miners who died in the coal mine in West Virginia. There is a nice perspective written by Homer Hickam for NPR or you can read the one that I wrote for The Journal Standard. The nation's lives change with each tragedy, but we find that we go on. It will be more difficult for the miners who are scheduled to return to work in the mine where the deaths occurred.

It looks like Judge Samuel Alito will be confirmed. I recommend the column by John Kass that spoke of the reaction of Judge Alito's wife during the confirmation hearings. I puts into perspective what the spouses of the nominees must go through since the Bork and Thomas hearings have put the political scrutiny and often outright cruelty of the interrogators into the mix. Of course, it is all politics of "us vs. them" and often has less to do with a candidates qualifications and more to do with trying to break someone's spirit.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Let's Play Some Football

I haven't sat this long in years. Fourth day without eating...nothing to do, but watch endless sports. Good news: Red Wings and Pistons win. Bad news: Michigan loses. Uncertain news: New England just fell behind by 11. They were robbed in the second quarter. Should have been offensive pass interference, instead Denver ends up with a TD on the next play. Then reliable Tom Brady throws an interception that is returned 100 yards. Next play, another Denver TD.

Have been rooting for a Chicago-New England Superbowl rematch. It was 20 years ago when the Bears emabarrassed the Patriots. It would be a lot closer this time...if it happens. We'll find out tomorrow if the Bears can make it to the NFC Championship game.

New England is on the move again...so I'm outta here.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Dumbing Us Down

Just finished watching the 20/20 special on schools in America. A few years ago while attending the Leadership Institute through Highland Community College there was a full-day discussion on education in general and Freeport in particular. One long-time (more than 30 years experience) brought out the interesting phenomenon of underprivileged children who entered her grade school classes full of desire to learn, but who by the fifth grade had lost that desire. The middle school teacher couldn't pinpoint what had happened in the intervening years, but a comment that another participant made stuck with me.

This person was asking about homeschooling, which we were doing at the time with our two oldest daughters. He said that his son had had straight A's until reaching the junior high level. The son started coming home with an occasional B and then started to see declining grades. It turned out, after some prodding, that the son didn't want to appear to be "too smart" because it went against his peer group, many of whom had lost interest in school at that early age.

The upside is that this student went on to have an excellent academic record despite the pressure of some of his peers. Many of these students never graduated, dropping out when they turned 16 or 17.

There were many ideas bantered about on the 20/20 show, including freedom of choice for schools; the issue of inept teachers who have such a deep safety net through union contracts that they are rarely fired; to teachers who are just there for the paycheck or health benefits; to too much money spent on administrative costs and luxuries. I didn't hear anything about the pressure of peers or the lack of responsibility by the parents to ensure that their children make good choices when it comes to education, whether it be public, private or homeschooling.

As it is with many of these shows that tell us "what is wrong with America" there was a dearth of possible solutions to the crisis in education. What there wasn't a shortage of, though, were the number of excuses and glossing over the facts by state school administrators, principals, teachers' unions, and politicians.

There were schools that were highlighted that did show high levels of achievement and learning alternatives that provided educational assistance leading to significant improvement in certain learning areas. It seemed like John Stossel's only suggestion was "competition" in education, such as school vouchers for students to attend private schools or charter schools. While the onus is clearly on our educational system, which is outdated by several decades, it isn't going to happen as long as parents, guardians, and responsible adults continue to abdicate more and more of the children's responsibilities to the teachers, administrators and schools. Children need advocates for their health, education and welfare and those primarily responsible should be the parents, guardians or all-too-common nowadays, the grandparents raising grandchildren.

I Can't Feel My Face

The left side of my face has been almost numb for the past few days. I have been home from work for the past few days unable to do much reading or writing due to the swelling in my face from an infection. I'm just now able to look at the computer screen long enough to put a few words down on the screen.

I've spent several hours over this time listening to the Alito hearings. I know, what a nerd! In some ways it is like listening to the Old Time Comedy Radio series. You've got the windbags like Kennedy and Schuler and then you've got the panderers like Brownback and Hagel. Are the Senate hearings just an opportunity to hear the Senators expound upon the already overactive profundity or is it to actually have a clue about determining the next Supreme Court Justice. It appears that the vote will most likely go according to each party's line and with a Republican majority and enough crossover votes, Judge Alito will become our next Supreme Court Judge.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

We Three Kings and An Old Lady

We spent the weekend in Madison for our annual pilgrimage to St. Dennis Church to see the annual performance of "Old Befana". Ken Lonnquist and his gang have been doing this show for years. Ken wrote the musical version of Old Befana 19 years ago and it has grown each year in popularity. This is a show that is appropriate for all ages. It tells an old Eastern European tale of a widow that was asked to join the Three Wise Men as they make their journey to the town of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the special child born who was born on Christmas Day. You remember the baby, don't you. They called him "Wonderful," "Magnificent," "Saviour," "Christ." Old Befana doesn't follow the Three Wise Men, instead she chooses to stay home and tend to the menial tasks. When she realizes that she should have followed them, it is too late. She then takes her baked goods, candies, and cookies throughout the land delivering them to each child on January 6th, the Epiphany, Three Kings Day, hoping that one of the children she delivers to is that "Special Child" who will make a difference in the world.

The music is entertaining, as well as the gifted vocals of his cohorts, who are professional singers, as well as a wonderful bass player. They bring together this show each year for about 3-4 weeks in December and January. We've become kind of "Old Befana" groupies, having seen the show in Madison for 4 or 5 years and once in Chicago. If you ever get the chance to see this tale (some say it is actually more than 3000 years old, preceding the birth of Christ), don't pass up the opportunity. You'll be glad you went.

For more information about Ken Lonnquist or his music, including Old Befana, go to his web site: www.kenland.com.

Monday, January 02, 2006

Happy New Year!

For regular readers (okay, you two know who you are!) I apologize for the more than one month delay since the last post at this site. The holiday rush has taken its toll, especially with the practice experiencing its busiest month in my 15 year history. Life tends to get in the way of a web log sometimes. Thank you to everyone who has written or called or just stopped to ask about Claire and her dog, Shia. We've taken Shia to two fourth grade classrooms and will take her to Claire's room on her birthday this Thursday. Yes, Claire, who was only given a few years to live when she was two, will be thirteen. God does work in mysterious ways, doesn't He? Again for more information about service dogs for children with autism or autistic-like conditions, please visit the web site at Working Class Dogs.

For regular column readers looking for some updates: Books were forwarded to my friend, Jennie, in Germany. Haven't heard back, yet, but am assuming that they are on Christmas break. Thanks for the number of responses about the 'Twas a Few Days Before Christmas column. It is always appreciated to hear from readers, either pro or con, but especially when the remarks are well-written and when they are constructive in helping to formulate new ideas for the column.

I'll look to keep up once the home computer is up and working again. For now, have a happy, safe, healthy, prosperous and generous New Year!