It is the one month anniversary of a 50th Birthday so to mark the milestone, here is the column that originally appeared in The Freeport Focus.
This marks to us a milestone. God has blessed us to be 50 years old. --Christine Jamison Berdequez
Holy cannoli! You’re 50! --Al Bebach
My good friend, Al Bebach, decided to stick around an extra week to help me celebrate my fiftieth birthday this week. He likes to gather some tidbits and meaning from others’ lives, so this week he took the chance to interview me for this week’s column. Here goes nothing….
Al Bebach: So, you’re gonna’ be fifty, eh? I would’ve never guessed. 55, 60 maybe, but 50, nah. What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in that time?
Me: You mean besides being born, because otherwise I wouldn’t be here.
AB: Yes, of course, wise guy!
Me: I have to say unequivocally that it was meeting my beloved wife. Obviously, she wasn’t my wife when we met, but she would become Mrs. T. less than two years after we met. Five children later and I feel very blessed to still be so in love with her.
AB: What was the most memorable world event that’s happened during your life?
Me: The first one I remember was the assassination of JFK. He was killed the same day that my grandfather died. I can still see myself coming home from kindergarten around 1:00 p.m. when the announcement was made during “As the World Turns.” My mother just broke down crying and our nation’s innocence seemed to be lost that day. At age five I didn’t know that at the time. My first personal encounter with death came later that night when we found out that my grandfather had died.
AB: Who has influenced you the most in your life?
Me: Early on it was my mother. She was my biggest fan during all the sports that I played, though she was heartbroken when I gave up football for cross country as a junior in high school. She was always a big football fan. My uncle, Wayne, encouraged my running and was my friend and mentor until he died at age 23. My wife, Irena, has been the most influential over the second half of my life. I shudder to think of where I’d be without her!
AB: What is your greatest accomplishment?
Me: Thanks for asking the easy questions. I bet you’re easier on Paris or Britney. I think the greatest is staying in a loving relationship for nearly 24 years now. Helping to raise five children (and continuing to do so). Coming to know Christ helps guide all of the other accomplishments. I’d have to say that most have to do with my family.
AB: Have there been any major turning points in your life?
Me: Yeah, sure. Where do I start?
AB: Maybe just a few, I’m limited to so many words here.
Me: Okay. Getting a full ride to college definitely was one. I was the first from my family to graduate from college. Spending a year studying in Munich, Germany helped me to broaden my view of the world and gain an appreciation for good beer. My mother’s death two weeks after I graduated from college when I was 23 definitely made me grow up faster than I might have wanted to. Meeting my wife in Chicago during podiatry school comes at the top of the list. Moving to Freeport to start my own practice has influenced many of our life’s decisions. Finally, learning to be there and take care of our special needs daughter, Claire, has changed our lives in untold ways.
AB: That’s quite a list.
Me: I know. Life turns on our experiences and our circumstances. Each event, each person we meet, each decision we make affects each subsequent event, relationship and occurrence in our lives.
AB: Are you always so profound or did you get that from a fortune cookie?
Me: Ha! Ha! Maybe it is nearing the mid-century mark that has me thinking about life and its many meanings lately.
AB: What have you done that was really fun in your life?
Me: Definitely travelling through much of Europe when I was 21-22 years old. I met so many people and saw an entirely different world than I knew before that. Road trips with my wife before we were parents come to mind. Trips to Seattle, San Francisco, northern Michigan and Stratford, Ontario were memorable. The best gift I ever received for my birthday was when my beloved sent me to the Detroit Tigers Fantasy Camp for my fortieth. She totally surprised me with that one!
AB: So, given your milestone here, are you going to do anything special? Buy a sports car? Go to Europe, again, or Hawaii? Take a cruise?
Me: All of those are great ideas, but we’re not planning on any of those, yet. Maybe we’ll choose one of those ideas for our twenty-fifth anniversary. Actually, with any luck and a lot of hard work, I’ll be running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville this April.
AB: Are you celebrating or just into pain?
Me: No, no. It’s just something that I’ve wanted to do. Testing the limits kind of thing, you know? I’ve always enjoyed running and a marathon just seemed to be a good mid-life goal for me.
AB: Yeah, good luck with that. I can drive 26 miles, but to run that far. Hey, more power to ya’! Any last words you want to share before the big day, old man?
Me: I’d like to think that wisdom comes with age, but I know enough people that exhibit that old adage, “You can only be young once, but immature forever.” I also know that behind every great man is a greater woman encouraging him and working with him as an equal partner. Let’s see. It is possible to overcome adversity in life and to learn something from it and even become stronger in your faith and learn to help others. It is really easy to forget what a gift each day is, so in the immortal words of Warren Zevon we need to learn to enjoy every sandwich. Savor each bite of life like it is your last, because you never know when it will be. I guess that I’d finally like to say that laughter really is good for the soul and I know that I need to practice that as much as I preach it!
AB: Thanks, Roland, my friend. I wish you another fifty years, especially if you and your wife get that many more years together. You two really do deserve each other, and I mean that in the best way.
I guess sometimes the ground can shift between your feet. Sometimes your footing
slips. You stumble. And sometimes you grab what’s close to you and hold on as tight as you can. – from The Wonder Years
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Will to Win
The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur. --Vince Lombardi
I’ve been a “Speech Parent” for the past three years following the growth and maturation of an outstanding group of students at Freeport High School. Yes, I’ve seen competitors from some of our other local schools excel as well, but obviously there is a connection to one’s home team. Dan Stevens has done the “objective” work of describing the meets, presenting the results, and highlighting some of our top local contestants. He has the background and isn’t “attached” to any one school per se, but tries to offer a fair and balanced presentation of the students of Northwest Illinois. As for me, I admit that I am biased in favor of my own daughter and the Freeport team, though I do find myself rooting for any of the local students to also do well. It’s kind of a parochial mentality of “us” (Northwest Illinois) versus “them” (larger suburban Chicago schools) that permeates some of that thinking. But, like I said, I am playing favorites…
I spent most of my high school years in sports competitions, usually track and cross country. Like most sports, the most baskets, the most points, the fastest times, or the most pins knocked down determine the winner. It is clear cut. There is no subjectivity left to the imagination. You run the fastest, you win. You swim the fastest, you win. You pin your opponent, you win. I competed one year in “forensics,” which is now primarily referred to as speech. I was okay. Not great. Definitely not like many of our local students from Freeport, Eastland-Pearl City, Lena-Winslow and Aquin. I’m sure I’m missing someone, but you get the point. I didn’t know enough to take it as seriously as these students do. I did know enough to know when someone was better than me. I don’t remember the young lady’s name in one competition, but I can still remember how we were both scheduled to read Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” She read first and I wanted to crawl out a window, partially because she read so well that I was actually scared and partially because I was intimidated to the point of wanting to pretend that I wasn’t there. Actually, I wished I weren’t there at that point. Fortunately, no one read the same poem that I read for my other event and I actually placed. Way back in the stone ages there were only three or four events, unlike today where there are fourteen events. There are more choices, but also students with much more talent.
As a “speech parent” one of the most difficult aspects is dealing with the unknown. That unknown is a variable referred to as subjectivity. There is no way of predicting how a judge is going to score a student’s performance. One judge can give out a “1” which is the best score and another judge can give a “6” for the same performance. We don’t know who the winner is until the names are announced. There is no photo finish as it would be if two runners cross the finish line. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason, at least none that we mere mortals can understand. What I do know as a parent and frequent attendee of speech tournaments is that there is a group of dedicated students in our area and throughout the state who put in long hours after school and often during the summers, share their hopes and dreams of a brighter and more intelligent future, and gain a level of poise and maturity that many adults would benefit from emulating.
Congratulations to those that have “given their all” and maybe came up just a little short of a trip to the state tournament. There are many of us who have never even come close. No medal, ribbon or plaque can take away the effort, dedication and time that you have put into a season that will leave a lifelong legacy for your lives. You are an inspiration to those of us who look to you as the future leaders of our society. You are off to a great start and that cannot be measured by a stopwatch or the number of points scored. That can only be measured by the heartfelt effort that has shined brightly each week.
Good luck at State to all of our area’s speech teams’ members!
I’ve been a “Speech Parent” for the past three years following the growth and maturation of an outstanding group of students at Freeport High School. Yes, I’ve seen competitors from some of our other local schools excel as well, but obviously there is a connection to one’s home team. Dan Stevens has done the “objective” work of describing the meets, presenting the results, and highlighting some of our top local contestants. He has the background and isn’t “attached” to any one school per se, but tries to offer a fair and balanced presentation of the students of Northwest Illinois. As for me, I admit that I am biased in favor of my own daughter and the Freeport team, though I do find myself rooting for any of the local students to also do well. It’s kind of a parochial mentality of “us” (Northwest Illinois) versus “them” (larger suburban Chicago schools) that permeates some of that thinking. But, like I said, I am playing favorites…
I spent most of my high school years in sports competitions, usually track and cross country. Like most sports, the most baskets, the most points, the fastest times, or the most pins knocked down determine the winner. It is clear cut. There is no subjectivity left to the imagination. You run the fastest, you win. You swim the fastest, you win. You pin your opponent, you win. I competed one year in “forensics,” which is now primarily referred to as speech. I was okay. Not great. Definitely not like many of our local students from Freeport, Eastland-Pearl City, Lena-Winslow and Aquin. I’m sure I’m missing someone, but you get the point. I didn’t know enough to take it as seriously as these students do. I did know enough to know when someone was better than me. I don’t remember the young lady’s name in one competition, but I can still remember how we were both scheduled to read Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” She read first and I wanted to crawl out a window, partially because she read so well that I was actually scared and partially because I was intimidated to the point of wanting to pretend that I wasn’t there. Actually, I wished I weren’t there at that point. Fortunately, no one read the same poem that I read for my other event and I actually placed. Way back in the stone ages there were only three or four events, unlike today where there are fourteen events. There are more choices, but also students with much more talent.
As a “speech parent” one of the most difficult aspects is dealing with the unknown. That unknown is a variable referred to as subjectivity. There is no way of predicting how a judge is going to score a student’s performance. One judge can give out a “1” which is the best score and another judge can give a “6” for the same performance. We don’t know who the winner is until the names are announced. There is no photo finish as it would be if two runners cross the finish line. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason, at least none that we mere mortals can understand. What I do know as a parent and frequent attendee of speech tournaments is that there is a group of dedicated students in our area and throughout the state who put in long hours after school and often during the summers, share their hopes and dreams of a brighter and more intelligent future, and gain a level of poise and maturity that many adults would benefit from emulating.
Congratulations to those that have “given their all” and maybe came up just a little short of a trip to the state tournament. There are many of us who have never even come close. No medal, ribbon or plaque can take away the effort, dedication and time that you have put into a season that will leave a lifelong legacy for your lives. You are an inspiration to those of us who look to you as the future leaders of our society. You are off to a great start and that cannot be measured by a stopwatch or the number of points scored. That can only be measured by the heartfelt effort that has shined brightly each week.
Good luck at State to all of our area’s speech teams’ members!
In Pursuit of Perfection
It has been a while since I have posted to this site, but I have still been writing a weekly column. This column seemed to gain a "companion" from another local media source two days after this was printed. Our local congressman seemed to have a similar situation occur. Oh well, here is the column in its entirety.
The supreme object of life is to live. Few people live. It is true life only to realize one’s own perfection, to make one’s every dream a reality. --Oscar Wilde
It is Sunday evening and the Patriots’ perfect season has just gone the way of so many snowflakes in a blizzard. One could sense it coming. The pressure was mounting with every play. When Eli Manning slipped the grasp of seemingly the entire defensive line to complete the pass to the 25 yard line, destiny seemed to draw up a new game plan for the Patriots.
“It’s only a game,” we tell ourselves. And yet, it seems to be the American way, perhaps the way throughout the rest of the world, to celebrate perfection. Of course, there are those that revel at the thought of ending perfection, as if it were too much to bear the thought of someone being that good at anything. Americans are notorious for only recalling what a team or individual has done in their last game. Sadly, it tends to carry over down to the level of even elementary school, junior high and high school competitions. “Win at any cost” has replaced “just do your best” as the rallying cry for our youth. This mentality permeates our society, though, thankfully, is not totally pervasive.
How do we develop that fine balance between “everybody plays” and “it doesn’t matter who wins” to the idea that one is supposed to win, no matter what? The former takes out the whole idea of competition. When our children are taught that they are entitled to play on a team, then it doesn’t really prepare them for the “real world” that adults find themselves in. You know the one, where large corporations fire or buy out thousands of employees at a time in order to ship the jobs to foreign markets to make stockholders happy. Ask the residents of Galesburg about the “friendly” Maytag man. Ask hundreds of Freeport residents about their jobs at long-gone insurance companies, “lifelong security” at institutions like Newell or Micro Switch or Kelly-Springfield or Burgess or… the list goes on.
A time eventually comes when all of this “fair play” gives way to a sense of entitlement. If one is used to always getting one’s way, then it is expected to continue. A feeling of entitlement subsequently leads one to no longer try and improve or move beyond the status quo. One’s comfort zone then becomes a guiding force, but one that also works like a form of imprisonment. Why move out beyond one’s level of comfort when so little effort is involved to remain there? What motivation is there to grow and develop? Why would one put oneself into any type of competition when it is evident that “it doesn’t matter who wins” as long as one is taken care of? No child will be left behind because the government has mandated it? Left to the discretion of the states, what precludes them then from dumbing down their standards in order to make it seem as if “everyone is winning”? It becomes an extension of entitlement and a further step toward a socialist movement. It worked wonders for the former East Bloc countries, didn’t it?
The supreme object of life is to live. Few people live. It is true life only to realize one’s own perfection, to make one’s every dream a reality. --Oscar Wilde
It is Sunday evening and the Patriots’ perfect season has just gone the way of so many snowflakes in a blizzard. One could sense it coming. The pressure was mounting with every play. When Eli Manning slipped the grasp of seemingly the entire defensive line to complete the pass to the 25 yard line, destiny seemed to draw up a new game plan for the Patriots.
“It’s only a game,” we tell ourselves. And yet, it seems to be the American way, perhaps the way throughout the rest of the world, to celebrate perfection. Of course, there are those that revel at the thought of ending perfection, as if it were too much to bear the thought of someone being that good at anything. Americans are notorious for only recalling what a team or individual has done in their last game. Sadly, it tends to carry over down to the level of even elementary school, junior high and high school competitions. “Win at any cost” has replaced “just do your best” as the rallying cry for our youth. This mentality permeates our society, though, thankfully, is not totally pervasive.
How do we develop that fine balance between “everybody plays” and “it doesn’t matter who wins” to the idea that one is supposed to win, no matter what? The former takes out the whole idea of competition. When our children are taught that they are entitled to play on a team, then it doesn’t really prepare them for the “real world” that adults find themselves in. You know the one, where large corporations fire or buy out thousands of employees at a time in order to ship the jobs to foreign markets to make stockholders happy. Ask the residents of Galesburg about the “friendly” Maytag man. Ask hundreds of Freeport residents about their jobs at long-gone insurance companies, “lifelong security” at institutions like Newell or Micro Switch or Kelly-Springfield or Burgess or… the list goes on.
A time eventually comes when all of this “fair play” gives way to a sense of entitlement. If one is used to always getting one’s way, then it is expected to continue. A feeling of entitlement subsequently leads one to no longer try and improve or move beyond the status quo. One’s comfort zone then becomes a guiding force, but one that also works like a form of imprisonment. Why move out beyond one’s level of comfort when so little effort is involved to remain there? What motivation is there to grow and develop? Why would one put oneself into any type of competition when it is evident that “it doesn’t matter who wins” as long as one is taken care of? No child will be left behind because the government has mandated it? Left to the discretion of the states, what precludes them then from dumbing down their standards in order to make it seem as if “everyone is winning”? It becomes an extension of entitlement and a further step toward a socialist movement. It worked wonders for the former East Bloc countries, didn’t it?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Best of Dan Fogelberg
The Best of Dan Fogelberg: "1. Netherlands - Dan Fogelberg
2. Part Of The Plan - Dan Fogelberg
3. Heart Hotels - Dan Fogelberg
4. Longer - Dan Fogelberg
5. Hard To Say - Dan Fogelberg
6. Leader Of The Band / Washington Post - Dan Fogelberg
7. Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
8. Run For The Roses - Dan Fogelberg
9. Make Love Stay - Dan Fogelberg
10. Missing You - Dan Fogelberg
11. The Language Of Love - Dan Fogelberg
12. Believe In Me - Dan Fogelberg
13. Lonely In Love - Dan Fogelberg
14. She Don't Look Back - Dan Fogelberg
15. Rhythm Of The Rain - Dan Fogelberg
16. Magic Every Moment - Dan Fogelberg
17. A Love Like This - Dan Fogelberg"
2. Part Of The Plan - Dan Fogelberg
3. Heart Hotels - Dan Fogelberg
4. Longer - Dan Fogelberg
5. Hard To Say - Dan Fogelberg
6. Leader Of The Band / Washington Post - Dan Fogelberg
7. Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
8. Run For The Roses - Dan Fogelberg
9. Make Love Stay - Dan Fogelberg
10. Missing You - Dan Fogelberg
11. The Language Of Love - Dan Fogelberg
12. Believe In Me - Dan Fogelberg
13. Lonely In Love - Dan Fogelberg
14. She Don't Look Back - Dan Fogelberg
15. Rhythm Of The Rain - Dan Fogelberg
16. Magic Every Moment - Dan Fogelberg
17. A Love Like This - Dan Fogelberg"
Not Part of the Plan
My beloved has been a fan of Dan Fogelberg for a long time. Her friend Eileen introduced her to his music more than 25 years ago and when my wife found out that Dan was from Peoria (her birthplace), she was even more enchanted with this singer/songwriter.
We had the pleasure of seeing Dan Fogelberg in concert on two occasions. Once was the year we were married when he performed at the old Poplar Creek outdoor theater north of Chicago. We were able to barter up for tickets in the pavilion and thoroughly enjoyed the music in the outdoor venue during a warm late summer evening. The second time was about five years ago in Rockford, where he performed at the Coronado Theatre. This was a very intimate setting where we were able to see him much more up close.
We were sad to hear that he had advanced prostate cancer, when it was announced in 2004 and are now even sadder to read of his death at the young age of 56.
We can be comforted by listening to his music, but it is tough to realize that there will be no new original music from this gifted musician, who brought pleasure to hundreds of thousands over the years. I know that he was labeled as a "pop" musician or as one of the forerunners of "light rock," but he could play just about any type of music and could have gone either the direction of classical or big band (like his father) or country, rock, folk or any combination. He played music that thrilled his fans and from the depth of the lyrics and the purity of his voice, he most likely played that which pleased himself, also.
It is too bad that people and performers are often pigeon-holed into one genre or another and are chastised when they try something new, but in any respect it shouldn't matter if you are making music or listening to music that you enjoy.
Dan, you were truly a "Leader of the Band" and I'm sure that your father and mother were proud of your accomplishments. We will miss hearing your voice live, but know that we can always hear from you at almost any time.
Check out some of the songs from "The Very Best of Dan Fogelberg listed in the post above or go to Rhapsody.com and listen to one of my favorites, "The Power of Gold" from the album, Twin Sons of Different Mothers with Tim Weisberg.
We had the pleasure of seeing Dan Fogelberg in concert on two occasions. Once was the year we were married when he performed at the old Poplar Creek outdoor theater north of Chicago. We were able to barter up for tickets in the pavilion and thoroughly enjoyed the music in the outdoor venue during a warm late summer evening. The second time was about five years ago in Rockford, where he performed at the Coronado Theatre. This was a very intimate setting where we were able to see him much more up close.
We were sad to hear that he had advanced prostate cancer, when it was announced in 2004 and are now even sadder to read of his death at the young age of 56.
We can be comforted by listening to his music, but it is tough to realize that there will be no new original music from this gifted musician, who brought pleasure to hundreds of thousands over the years. I know that he was labeled as a "pop" musician or as one of the forerunners of "light rock," but he could play just about any type of music and could have gone either the direction of classical or big band (like his father) or country, rock, folk or any combination. He played music that thrilled his fans and from the depth of the lyrics and the purity of his voice, he most likely played that which pleased himself, also.
It is too bad that people and performers are often pigeon-holed into one genre or another and are chastised when they try something new, but in any respect it shouldn't matter if you are making music or listening to music that you enjoy.
Dan, you were truly a "Leader of the Band" and I'm sure that your father and mother were proud of your accomplishments. We will miss hearing your voice live, but know that we can always hear from you at almost any time.
Check out some of the songs from "The Very Best of Dan Fogelberg listed in the post above or go to Rhapsody.com and listen to one of my favorites, "The Power of Gold" from the album, Twin Sons of Different Mothers with Tim Weisberg.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Hitting a Few Wrong Notes
Parents are notoriously protective of their children in most cases. We're no different. We like to see our children succeed and shutter when they don't. There are times, though, when we have to let them succeed or fail on their own, because they do learn from their mistakes. Take a ten-year-old playing her first solo and then hitting a few off-key notes. The audience is very forgiving for one so young, but the child may only hear the sour notes and not realize that she had the wherewithal and spirit to continue on with the song and keep improving as she played.
Not everyone can sound like Charlie Parker when they first pick up the saxophone. Not even Charlie Parker sounded like him when he first started. It is amazing to me when one so young has the courage to stand in front of hundreds of people and play in the first place.
So, to all the budding musicians out there, don't let a few bad notes get you down. Keep on playing and one day, well, you just never know.
Charlie Parker: "1. Barbados - Charlie Parker
2. Ah Leu Cha - Charlie Parker
3. Constellation - Charlie Parker
4. Parker's Mood - Charlie Parker
5. Perhaps - Charlie Parker
6. Marmaduke - Charlie Parker
7. Steeplechase - Charlie Parker
8. Merry Go Round - Charlie Parker
9. Groovin' High - Charlie Parker
10. Big Foot - Charlie Parker
11. Ornithology - Charlie Parker
12. On A Slow Boat To China - Charlie Parker
13. Hot House - Charlie Parker
14. Salt Peanuts - Charlie Parker
15. Chasin' The Bird - Charlie Parker
16. Out Of Nowhere - Charlie Parker
17. How High The Moon - Charlie Parker
18. White Christmas - Charlie Parker"
Not everyone can sound like Charlie Parker when they first pick up the saxophone. Not even Charlie Parker sounded like him when he first started. It is amazing to me when one so young has the courage to stand in front of hundreds of people and play in the first place.
So, to all the budding musicians out there, don't let a few bad notes get you down. Keep on playing and one day, well, you just never know.
Charlie Parker: "1. Barbados - Charlie Parker
2. Ah Leu Cha - Charlie Parker
3. Constellation - Charlie Parker
4. Parker's Mood - Charlie Parker
5. Perhaps - Charlie Parker
6. Marmaduke - Charlie Parker
7. Steeplechase - Charlie Parker
8. Merry Go Round - Charlie Parker
9. Groovin' High - Charlie Parker
10. Big Foot - Charlie Parker
11. Ornithology - Charlie Parker
12. On A Slow Boat To China - Charlie Parker
13. Hot House - Charlie Parker
14. Salt Peanuts - Charlie Parker
15. Chasin' The Bird - Charlie Parker
16. Out Of Nowhere - Charlie Parker
17. How High The Moon - Charlie Parker
18. White Christmas - Charlie Parker"
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Since I've Been Gone
It finally took a new computer for me to get back to this site and compose anything. I had started on numerous occasions and had paragraphs written, but the "Old" computer kept freezing up on me and all was lost. All that was new, anyways. I can't or at least choose not to rehash everything that has gone on for the past few months, but here we are a few days from Thanksgiving and I am now writing weekly for a new newspaper (well, it is new for me).
The weekly column "For the Love of Community" now appears weekly in the Village Voices and the Freeport Focus. Both of the papers are also available online. Just click the above and it will take you to the site. There is a nominal fee (less than $25 for the annual subscription) or it is also available through mail subscription or at newspaper kiosks.
The Focus and Village Voices really promote local news with features about the people of Northwest Illinois. It is locally owned and operated with local features writers, reporters and contributors. Check it out each week.
One of the best things about being a "Theater"parent are the multiple opportunities to see my daughter perform in some extraordinary productions. Over the past four years there has been, "Bye, Bye Birdie," Studs Terkel's "Working," "The Pajama Game," and this year's phenomenal show, "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The Freeport High School theater department is exceptional with a vast array of talent and an unusual panache for a high school group. I'll miss seeing my daughter and her fellow seniors perform locally, but most likely will see some of them in the future either on stage or perhaps screen. A dad can dream, can't he?
The weekly column "For the Love of Community" now appears weekly in the Village Voices and the Freeport Focus. Both of the papers are also available online. Just click the above and it will take you to the site. There is a nominal fee (less than $25 for the annual subscription) or it is also available through mail subscription or at newspaper kiosks.
The Focus and Village Voices really promote local news with features about the people of Northwest Illinois. It is locally owned and operated with local features writers, reporters and contributors. Check it out each week.
One of the best things about being a "Theater"parent are the multiple opportunities to see my daughter perform in some extraordinary productions. Over the past four years there has been, "Bye, Bye Birdie," Studs Terkel's "Working," "The Pajama Game," and this year's phenomenal show, "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The Freeport High School theater department is exceptional with a vast array of talent and an unusual panache for a high school group. I'll miss seeing my daughter and her fellow seniors perform locally, but most likely will see some of them in the future either on stage or perhaps screen. A dad can dream, can't he?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
No Matter How You Paint It, There Must Be Substance
It has been about a month since my last column appeared in our local paper. The editor and the publisher continue to print columns about how they want the input of the readers about the numerous changes they have made in the past few months. Thursday's edition is supposed to be the "Brand New" Journal-Standard, but the 6 or 7 or 8 dozen people that have approached me about their displeasure that my column was eliminated, almost every person has stated how discouraged they are with the changes that have been made. "The newsprint is to thin or faint to read," "there is hardly any local news," "what are they thinking?" are just a few of the comments that I have been hearing. The main reason that people cite for keeping their subscription is to read the obituaries.
How ironic that the current state of the printed edition of the newspaper is one that has to do with death. A column in the current edition of Slate discusses this fact. When I started reading the column, I had a weird sense that I was reading about myself. While I no longer subscribe to any print editions of local or regional papers, I do still purchase the Sunday Tribune when it is available. Lately, it has been selling out faster than usual, perhaps due to the decreased amount of current news in the local paper.
So, how does a newspaper rectify their dwindling sales and readership? I don't profess to have the answers to this, but the first thing they have to consider is an increase in the quality of the writing. The second thing is to be more regional in their approach. Newsmagazines and magazines in general have blossomed through this approach by finding niches and serving their readership. Newspapers are still trying to be all things to all people, but the competition from the internet, 24 cable news services, news radio, and instant news sent to one's cell phones or blackberries allow us to maintain an instant stream of current news information.
To that end, it appears that the local paper has been moving away from quality in an attempt to gain more advertising, use more space for photos without substantive content, and to serve as a training ground for neophytes in the newspaper industry. There are good writers that continue to produce good work, but then what I hear frequently is that there are people that have no history in our neck of the woods, that are trying to share insights about the people and politics of the area.
Many of us were "outsiders" at one time or another in Freeport and the surrounding areas. Some of us earned our stripes by being out in the public and serving the community or building up our businesses. None of the three primary columnists that wrote for the paper for more than 8 or 9 years was originally from here, but we became ingrained in the community and chose to be here with our families. I guess one could say that we paid our local dues by giving back to the community and becoming a part of it. That is no longer the case, as I was cut from the paper (along with Sara Tortomasi) and the two "legends" who remain have seen their column space decreased or altered in some way.
Change is inevitable, but change just for the sake of change is often counterproductive. If one wants to keep the paper viable, the quality has to be there, the local perspective must remain, and the change can't be so drastic that people either lose interest, are overwhelmed, or just plain turned off.
How ironic that the current state of the printed edition of the newspaper is one that has to do with death. A column in the current edition of Slate discusses this fact. When I started reading the column, I had a weird sense that I was reading about myself. While I no longer subscribe to any print editions of local or regional papers, I do still purchase the Sunday Tribune when it is available. Lately, it has been selling out faster than usual, perhaps due to the decreased amount of current news in the local paper.
So, how does a newspaper rectify their dwindling sales and readership? I don't profess to have the answers to this, but the first thing they have to consider is an increase in the quality of the writing. The second thing is to be more regional in their approach. Newsmagazines and magazines in general have blossomed through this approach by finding niches and serving their readership. Newspapers are still trying to be all things to all people, but the competition from the internet, 24 cable news services, news radio, and instant news sent to one's cell phones or blackberries allow us to maintain an instant stream of current news information.
To that end, it appears that the local paper has been moving away from quality in an attempt to gain more advertising, use more space for photos without substantive content, and to serve as a training ground for neophytes in the newspaper industry. There are good writers that continue to produce good work, but then what I hear frequently is that there are people that have no history in our neck of the woods, that are trying to share insights about the people and politics of the area.
Many of us were "outsiders" at one time or another in Freeport and the surrounding areas. Some of us earned our stripes by being out in the public and serving the community or building up our businesses. None of the three primary columnists that wrote for the paper for more than 8 or 9 years was originally from here, but we became ingrained in the community and chose to be here with our families. I guess one could say that we paid our local dues by giving back to the community and becoming a part of it. That is no longer the case, as I was cut from the paper (along with Sara Tortomasi) and the two "legends" who remain have seen their column space decreased or altered in some way.
Change is inevitable, but change just for the sake of change is often counterproductive. If one wants to keep the paper viable, the quality has to be there, the local perspective must remain, and the change can't be so drastic that people either lose interest, are overwhelmed, or just plain turned off.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Currently Writing without a Home
I want to start off by saying how much I appreciate all of the people that read my column, "For the Love of Community" for offering your support. I find it difficult to understand how the local daily newspaper can receive dozens of letters and even more phone calls about the cancellation of my weekly column and only print one of the letters. I have spoken with numerous people who told me they called the paper and are now being put through to a voice mail. No one will talk with them, except one reader who was called back after his second letter and was informed that I "wasn't fired," but that the paper had decided to use some "new voices." So far, it sounds mostly like the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. They won't let this become a public discussion because of the heat that they will take.
So, in the meantime, until I find another home in the print world, I'll continue to try and keep up some semblance of writing skill with our "Pretzel City Logic" blog site. The following is the column that was to appear in The J-S on July 2, 2007 about the demise of the Germania Club.
So, in the meantime, until I find another home in the print world, I'll continue to try and keep up some semblance of writing skill with our "Pretzel City Logic" blog site. The following is the column that was to appear in The J-S on July 2, 2007 about the demise of the Germania Club.
Can We Fix It? No, We Can't!
By
Roland Tolliver
The room within is the great fact about the building. --Frank Lloyd Wright
Good morning, everyone. I hear there was some brouhaha about a beloved building here in Freeport recently. There has been word on the street about some conspiracies, though Oliver Stone hasn’t been here to film anything, yet. There is no grassy knoll, so I guess it didn’t peak his interest.
Another star has come to town, though, with dreams of filming a new television show. The producers are planning on calling it: G.S.I.: Germania Scene Investigation. A few of the show’s cast sat down for an interview with our curmudgeonly correspondent, Al Bebach, recently.
Al: Welcome, gang. I understand that you’ve taken your new roles quite seriously. I’d like to introduce some of the actors who’ll be in the show. There’s Bob T. Builder; his best friend,
Wendy; Scoop; Muck; Dizzy; Roley; and Lofty. These construction crime scene investigators leave no stone unturned. Let’s start with Bob. What attracted you to this show?
Bob: Well, Al, I really like to build things. I’ve been doing it most of my life. It is also fun to tear things down and rebuild them. I don’t know much about the Germania, but there have been some interesting theories about it. We want to get to the bottom of the collapse. Not literally, mind you, though!
Al: Wendy, you seem to be more than just another pretty face. You’re even wearing a hard hat to the interview. What do you do on the show?
Wendy: I’m there to make sure that Bob does his job properly. I get the permits, manage the crew and basically get the work done. Of course, I also make sure that our pets Pilchar and Scruffy are fed.
Al: Doesn’t leave much work for Bob, does it?
Wendy: No and that’s the way he likes it. Uh, huh! I work closely with Lofty to find out if any of these theories are true. Scoop, Muck and Roley are really the workhorses in this show, though.
Al: What theories are being bantered about?
Lofty: We’ll look into whether construction of the Lindo expansion weakened the Germania building or possibly that the sound from ‘Music on Chicago’ was too loud.
Roley: Yeah, and we’re going to see if the Mayor or the Publisher were anywhere near the site before the building collapsed. Everyone is a suspect on this show. Except us, of course!
Al: What about the citizens. They have a number of ideas about what happened and all of those memories.
Bob: The producers and writers have thought about that. They’ll incorporate those memories into flashback scenes. We’ll use Big Band music and try to recreate the interior from old photos and people’s stories.
Al: Will this be a reality show, documentary or a serialized drama?
Wendy: Well, Bill Kurtis isn’t narrating, so it won’t be on A&E. We’re hoping to be a companion show to CSI on CBS if that’s A OK with the CEO. We’re hoping to last long enough to be syndicated. That’s where we, as actors, we’ll make some extra money.
Al: Will you focus on any other structures for the show?
Muck: We’re thinking about looking into Cheaters and Super 8, but we like the history of the Germania building. We couldn’t help but notice how people feel connected to the building and the memories. The collapse is more of a mystery, which should keep the show interesting. We want to eventually solve the puzzle so that other historic buildings don’t suffer the same fate.
Al: So, what you’re saying is that the show is basically about preservation?
Bob: Of course, that’s why we’re mostly builders. Even we can’t save every structure, though. Didn’t you guys used to have an historic courthouse?
Al: Hey, that’s not fair!
Bob: Just trying to have some fun with you, Al. We heard there is a Carnegie Library that may need our help, though.
Al: Well, our time is just about up. We want to wish you good luck with the show and hope that you solve this mystery next season. I think we’ve heard from everyone but you, Scoop. Do you have any last thoughts for us?
Scoop: Not really, Al. I’m just here to pick up the pieces and put them into the trucks. I just do my job and hope we can find some answers.
Al: So do we, Scoop. So do we.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Farewell Column, but not Farewell
I would like to publish the column that appeared in The Journal-Standard in order to show the comparison of what was deleted and edited from the original "Farewell" column, but it was not made available online to our readers. If you read Saturday's paper in the Home and Garden section (please, how ironic, I can't get anything to grow) then you can see how altered it was from the original. Again, thanks to all who are signing the petition, calling or writing The Journal-Standard and are otherwise upset with the cancellation of the "For the Love of Community" column.
I Read It In the Sunday Papers
By
Roland Tolliver
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night. --Rodgers and Hammerstein
Dear Loyal Readers,
It feels a little strange (okay, very strange) writing this week’s column. Here I am, almost 50 years old, and I’ve never been fired from a job, or let go from anything before (unless you count being cut from the varsity basketball team my junior year, but then some men really can’t jump). So, it is with sadness and befuddlement that I share this “For the Love of Community” column with you today.
I realize that every journey has destinations, layovers and other stops and starts along the way. This journey began nine years ago next month when we shared a story about the Stephenson County Fair and how a young boy discovered how the Fair began. We’ve had many laughs and tears throughout these years about the fun, foibles, and events about our beloved community.
I think that of all of the comments I’ve heard over the years, it has been those that appreciate the stories of family with all the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that occur. We’ve grown together over the past nine years. I’ve listened to your stories and have taken them into my heart. The hundreds of calls, emails, letters, and face-to-face encounters have resonated with me, knowing that you’ve read my feeble attempts at conveying my thoughts about life, and that you’ve cared enough to share with me.
When my co-author, Dr. Steve Spyrison, and I started this column in 1998, little did we know where this would lead. I still miss his contributions and wish that there had been greater understanding before his dismissal. There have been more egregious omissions and commissions by others since then with lesser consequences. When we started freelance writing at the request of Jeff and Julie at The Journal-Standard, we took the “free” part too literally for the first two and one-half years. Hey, what did we know? We were both in the medical field.
The years have gone by fast as we’ve shared stories about birth, life, and death. I have been humbled when pastors told me they were using the columns in some of their sermons and one was read at the funeral of our dear Audrey. I was surprised when a column appeared in the Wall Street Journal’s online edition. That story generated emails from across the country and was published in multiple languages throughout the world. Other columns have appeared on "The Biggest Loser," Kingsford Charcoal, and various other websites. The wonders of the Internet!
Most heartwarming have been the letters from soldiers in Iraq and the comments from our local firefighters for my columns about the heroism of the men and women who perished in the tragedy of 9/11. Yes, the world has changed in the past nine years. That single day made sure our lives would never be the same.
I'd like a to take a few lines to offer my gratitude....
To the editors that I’ve worked with over the years: Thank you.
To those that I’ve shared the Pulse of the community with: Thank you.
To my office staff that put up with my other “vocation: Thank you.
To the readers that went out of their way to share their thoughts, stories and comments with me: Thank you.
To all of the men and women who serve our country and our communities: Thank you.
To all of the readers that kept up with Freeport and Northwest Illinois online through the columns: Thank you.
To my friends and fellow writers who shared your insights into this ever-evolving, dynamic field we call “writing”: Thank you.
To all of the grateful volunteer agencies, especially those that benefited from the books sold: Thank you.
To all of those that are asking me to continue writing: Thank you. (You may check out some online submissions and keep in touch at http://www.pretzelcity.blogspot.com/).
To Al Bebach: Thank you. You complete me!
And especially to my family, my lovely bride, Irena, our daughters, son and son-in-law: Thank you. You have been my inspiration and the source of many stories through the years. Thank you for being open-minded and encouraging! You don’t know how much that has meant, but I’ll keep trying to let you know.
So, as this journey called life takes a detour, we’ll plan on continuing to share our love of this community we call home. May God bless you and your families all the days of your lives.
In the Spirit of Community,
Roland Tolliver
If one door closes, don’t let it hit you on the way out. --Al Bebach
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Thank you for your support
Thank you to Heidi Downing for her letter supporting the column in Sunday's Journal-Standard. Maybe if there are enough people complaining about the cancellation of the column or calling to support its reinstatement, the powers that be may reconsider their decision. Here is Mrs. Downing's letter:
After reading the Editor's Notebook and From the Editor (7/8/07) I became excited about the changes coming soon to The Journal-Standard. However, I noted that one of my favorite columns - For Love of Community - was missing from the paper. Is this one of the changes I wondered. I called Lori Gray only to discover that this much enjoyed column written by Dr. Tolliver has been dropped as part of your "re-envision." The purpose of my letter is to ask that you reconsider your decision. I would also encourage others who have enjoyed For Love of Community to voice their opinion by either calling Lori Gray at 815-232-0186 or writing a letter to Mr. Analore.
Heidi Downing
Freeport
After reading the Editor's Notebook and From the Editor (7/8/07) I became excited about the changes coming soon to The Journal-Standard. However, I noted that one of my favorite columns - For Love of Community - was missing from the paper. Is this one of the changes I wondered. I called Lori Gray only to discover that this much enjoyed column written by Dr. Tolliver has been dropped as part of your "re-envision." The purpose of my letter is to ask that you reconsider your decision. I would also encourage others who have enjoyed For Love of Community to voice their opinion by either calling Lori Gray at 815-232-0186 or writing a letter to Mr. Analore.
Heidi Downing
Freeport
A Long Hiatus
I've been gone for a while from this site. My oldest daughter was married last month and I've been playing catch-up in the office and composing my weekly columns. Speaking of which... the column "For the Love of Community" was canceled by The Journal-Standard here in Freeport. No specific reason was given other than the typical doublespeak of "we've decided to make some changes" and my column was no longer part of that plan. It is interesting that I was able to submit a "farewell" column, but when it appeared in today's paper (and they didn't make it available online) it only vaguely resembled the column that I submitted. There was no mention of the reason why I was leaving. It was made to seem by their bastardized version of my column that I was leaving of my own accord. That was not the case by any stretch of the imagination.
My ten year-old daughter has started a petition in an attempt to have the column reinstated. She has more than 120 signatures so far. I envy her desire and determination. I think we have a budding social activist on our hands. I am proud of the way she has taken action. We'll see if the powers that be at the local paper take notice or continue to play this out as ostriches.
I will publish the original column on this site by Monday. It is currently on my office computer and I'm working from home tonight. I will also make the four "Wedding" columns available on this site.
So tonight I go to sleep with many questions about why my nine year-old column is being forced out when it was widely read and appreciated by the people of Northwest Illinois and online by many others.
My ten year-old daughter has started a petition in an attempt to have the column reinstated. She has more than 120 signatures so far. I envy her desire and determination. I think we have a budding social activist on our hands. I am proud of the way she has taken action. We'll see if the powers that be at the local paper take notice or continue to play this out as ostriches.
I will publish the original column on this site by Monday. It is currently on my office computer and I'm working from home tonight. I will also make the four "Wedding" columns available on this site.
So tonight I go to sleep with many questions about why my nine year-old column is being forced out when it was widely read and appreciated by the people of Northwest Illinois and online by many others.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Rumors
From Art to Art at the Freeport High School in March to the Spring play, Neil Simon's Rumors, already. I have been so remiss in getting to my own site that an entire month went by without an entry. Think that is the first time since I started this thing that I've missed a whole month.
This year's play for the high school has a fantastic set design, but I've yet to see even a moment of the rehearsals. A colleague who took pictures for The Journal Standard said that from what she saw it will be a very funny play. Knowing the actors and actresses involved, I am sure it will be. Most of the lead characters have been in previous productions from last the play last Spring to the Fall musical and Showtime these students have been active on stage in many different types of performances.
I'll write more after seeing the play, but for now I'm anticipating big laughs and much hilarity.
This year's play for the high school has a fantastic set design, but I've yet to see even a moment of the rehearsals. A colleague who took pictures for The Journal Standard said that from what she saw it will be a very funny play. Knowing the actors and actresses involved, I am sure it will be. Most of the lead characters have been in previous productions from last the play last Spring to the Fall musical and Showtime these students have been active on stage in many different types of performances.
I'll write more after seeing the play, but for now I'm anticipating big laughs and much hilarity.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Art to Art
For a more detailed account of the performances, please see the article in today's Journal-Standard by Diana Roemer.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Mea Culpa
I was informed this morning that I made a mistake in listing the second coach for Freeport High School's Speech Team for several of their championship years. I was thinking of George Enstrom, a local attorney, who is the son of the actual coach, Ralph Enstrom. The error has been corrected on the posting "Don't Know Much About Speech History" which was appropriate considering that I saw the correct name in the IHSA State Speech program and still typed in the name in my head instead of the correct name. Apologies to those who knew Ralph, whom a patient told me today, was an excellent teacher.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The Big Awards
Helen Mirren was the surest bet among all nominees. She won. Now up is the Best Actor category and Reese is looking lovely as she presents the award, which goes to...Forest Whitaker, who just recently completed a compelling story line as the conflicted, vengeful, and ultimately tragic character on "ER". He is a fine character actor, who falls easily (at least it seems so) into his roles.
Stephen, Francis, and George are together to present the Best Director Oscar, most likely to Martin Scorcese, but my sentimental favorite is Paul Greengrass, who directed United 93, but the Oscar goes to the one who has suffered the longest drought without winning, though he should have at least twice in the past (Raging Bull and Goodfellas). He finally has won for a movie that supposedly wasn't as good as the other two, but it was his year this year. Much like when Spielberg won for "Saving Private Ryan" there is a good chance that his film will not win the Best Picture Award. A lighter comedy that captured some hearts, like "Shakespeare in Love" did, "Little Miss Sunshine" has a very good chance of winning.
Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson are together for the presentation of Best Picture. The most popular film is "The Departed", but Marty just received his award, so let's see who takes home the Big Prize...
And the Oscar goes to "The Departed" which just happened to star Jack Nicholson. So the cast of stars, Leo, Matt, Jack, Mark, Alec and gang took a Boston crime lord and the police department and some switcheroos and turned it into Oscar gold.
That's all for tonight, folks. How did you do on your Oscar scorecard? Better than I did, I hope.
Stephen, Francis, and George are together to present the Best Director Oscar, most likely to Martin Scorcese, but my sentimental favorite is Paul Greengrass, who directed United 93, but the Oscar goes to the one who has suffered the longest drought without winning, though he should have at least twice in the past (Raging Bull and Goodfellas). He finally has won for a movie that supposedly wasn't as good as the other two, but it was his year this year. Much like when Spielberg won for "Saving Private Ryan" there is a good chance that his film will not win the Best Picture Award. A lighter comedy that captured some hearts, like "Shakespeare in Love" did, "Little Miss Sunshine" has a very good chance of winning.
Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson are together for the presentation of Best Picture. The most popular film is "The Departed", but Marty just received his award, so let's see who takes home the Big Prize...
And the Oscar goes to "The Departed" which just happened to star Jack Nicholson. So the cast of stars, Leo, Matt, Jack, Mark, Alec and gang took a Boston crime lord and the police department and some switcheroos and turned it into Oscar gold.
That's all for tonight, folks. How did you do on your Oscar scorecard? Better than I did, I hope.
The Al Gore Love Fest
More than 90% of Hollywood is said to vote Democrat. Based on the tribute by Leo to Al Gore, his appearance, the win for "An Inconvenient Truth" and the win for Melissa Etheridge and her song, "I Need to Wake Up" from Gore's documentary, it looks like it has been Al's night. If Hollywood can swing the vote for the next President, perhaps, David Geffen and the gang may have to bring up Barack Obama at next year's Academy Awards to help him garner some votes before the 2008 elections.
Ennio Morricone
I once sat through four of Clint Eastwood's spaghetti Westerns in one day. Almost eight hours of watching Clint light stogie after stogie, squinting, and always getting the villain. Whether it was being saved from a hanging, wearing protective steel under his poncho or dowing another shot of whiskey before firing off another round to save the town, the movies' scores stuck with me. I walked out into the evening sky with one of my best friends, Tony. We were blinded by the setting sun after spending the entire day in the movie theater. "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," "For a Few Dollars More," "A Fistful of Dollars," and "Hang 'Em High."
Clint just finished announcing the honorary Oscar to Ennio Morricone for his years of contributing haunting and memorable scores to many films, including the ones with Clint riding off into the sunset or running through a cemetery to find the hidden money.
Segio Leone is smiling somewhere as his movies once made a star of the guy from "Rawhide" and now the music that has been inspirational since the 1960's is being honored. He continues to write and perform the music that has lead to some strange and interesting takes on his scores.
Clint just finished announcing the honorary Oscar to Ennio Morricone for his years of contributing haunting and memorable scores to many films, including the ones with Clint riding off into the sunset or running through a cemetery to find the hidden money.
Segio Leone is smiling somewhere as his movies once made a star of the guy from "Rawhide" and now the music that has been inspirational since the 1960's is being honored. He continues to write and perform the music that has lead to some strange and interesting takes on his scores.
A Surprise Winner... To Some
Best Adapted Screenplay wasn't too difficult to pick out, William Monahan for "The Departed" was pretty much a sure bet, but then again so was "Cars" at least according to the critics. The surprise winner to all who thought "Pan's Labryinth" would win best Foreign Language Film...welcome to Germany's "The Lives of Others." Even a squirrel finds an acorn in the winter once in a while. Jerry Seinfeld is trying to make funny right now. Ellen has been a little too earnest in her attempt to please so far. Funniest bit, for me at least, was the song and dance routine by Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and John C. Reilly.
Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth" conveniently just won the Best Documentary Oscar. No hanging chads for this one. I understand that somewhere in Dade County people are cheering and they've decided to go completely green for Al's sake and that of our country.
Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth" conveniently just won the Best Documentary Oscar. No hanging chads for this one. I understand that somewhere in Dade County people are cheering and they've decided to go completely green for Al's sake and that of our country.
Wide Open Races to Wide Open Spaces
Another one bites the dust. I thought for sure that "Cars" would take the Animated Feature Oscar, but then it isn't wise for a podiatrist to vote against a movie with the name, "Happy Feet!" "Happy Feet" was funny, sad and had great animated action sequences, but I thought that the characters in "Cars" were more fully developed. I'm glad I didn't bet on the Awards this year. I never have before, so I guess that this would definitely not have been a good year to start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)