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.