Odie Pahl- A Day in the Life

Remembering 9/11/01

2011-09-11T10:01:00.000-06:00

Of course with any major event that is experienced in our lives, we look back and think about what we were doing when it took place. With Sunday’s remembrances for 9/11, I looked at what I was doing and where my life was when I heard for the first time of the plane crashing into Tower One of the World Trade Center. The names read, the six moments of silence, touching music, and the eloquent words spoken by leaders both present and past touched my heart deeply.
Just ten years ago, I watched with others to see our lives changing irrevocably and forever. Our contentment and nonchalance that violence was not going to touch America and the fear of terrorism, war, or that the threat of fanatics taking away our security on home turf was no longer a distant thought. The Towers being attacked, the Pentagon in flames, the heroes going down in Pennsylvania, the last Tower falling, and the death toll climbing brought us together in solidarity, pain, and patriotism.
We have learned a lot in the last ten years. The tributes both nationally and locally on Sunday have once again allowed me to remember what has been lost, endured, and treasured in my life. Listening to how survivors or the loved ones of the almost 3000 people, who perished that day, have coped and subsequently moved on in their lives was so moving. The children and grandchildren born after the tragedy give me hope for a better future for all of us. Those victims are in our memories with each smile or mannerism repeated through the generations to come.
The realization of unbearable loss of those people who died are multiplied by the first responders who gave their all, and the ones lost in the subsequent war on terrorism ripple in our public consciousness like the memorial pool at Ground Zero
Seeing our nation, mourning their deaths, yet celebrating their lives and heroics- humbles me. We truly will not forget that Tuesday, ten years ago and hopefully the recollections from that awful day will keep us strong, focused, and dedicated to the freedom we all deserve.

New Year, New Me???

2011-01-05T10:30:00.000-06:00

Okay, this year I did not even think about New Year Resolutions. Yeah, I did run through the "getting in shape", "learning not to procrastinate", and my all-time favorite, "spending within my means" scenarios, but the truth is that I am older and wiser. I know that making a list with all my potential improvements will remain a list for the next year with only a hint of guilt for not following-through.

I have gone with a new approach. I am trying to be better in some way everyday. Maybe it will be eating right, or doing a project early, or maybe just not buying that book or gadget that I was dying for in the first place. Or maybe it will be thinking about the act and deciding that I really do want it and will make it work accordingly.

Like me, I am sure you know what I am talking about as January 1st comes around each year and a new plan is needed to make a fresh start. However, I have a feeling that it is not necessary to restart or begin over again, but maybe like tortoise and "keep a-goin".

The point being that I am going to live in the present in a meaningful way- each and every day. No matter worrying or planning out what will never be accomplished from a insignificant man-made list. I do have to do all those things I mentioned, but for me and not because I am suppose to do it. Quality, not quantity is my new philosophy.

I will work on my weight and exercising to be healthier and live longer. I will whittle away at my "to do" list a little at a time, and I will use my money to make my life better and the people around me. Making time to enjoy my pursuits as well as handle my responsibilities. So, I will pursue my classes, finish paying my credit card debt, work and volunteer on a regular basis while allowing myself some all important "me" time for writing, creating, and actually relaxing on occasion.

With a new granddaughter, two wonderful grown daughters with their own lives, and a husband of a gazillion years, I have learned that they are what makes my life whole. Having that in mind, I know that they are my priority this year and every year. If I miss with them, I miss completely. So, I believe that this year there will be a new me. It will one day at a time even if it takes all year. Persistence is the key...

Life is What You Make It...

2010-10-12T17:33:00.000-06:00

I have not posted a blog since July. It is now October and the weather is turning to the cool crispness of Autumn. This summer I was preparing to be a grandmother for the first time and although I certainly feel way to young to be one- the prospect was wonderful. Instead of feeling older with a Grandma next to my name, I feel miraculously alive in an amazing way. Suddenly, I have so many reasons to be everything I can be and more. This gift is not lost on me either. All the great plans for the future mean so much more with a new life to share it with(as long as her parents will put up with me). Let the adventures begin.

So, on July 23rd at about seven minutes to midnight my first born gave birth (just minutes before being 10 days late) to her first born, Olivia Belle. At nine pounds, eleven ounces, 22 inches long, and did I mention almost 10 days late(?) my husband and I became grandparents. Life as we knew it changed once again. Blessed beyond measure over the years with family and friends to enrich our lives, the next chapter began.

However, this does not mean all things, all the time are copacetic. The majority of the time it is a great life. I might not have as much money as I would like, my last few classes for my degree are stalled because of funding, a little too much credit card debt, and some house repairs that keep popping up on a daily basis, yet I remain a happy camper.

Do not get me wrong- financially speaking life can be rough. I keep waiting for the proverbial pot-of-gold to land in my lap and allow me to fulfill my dreams, but I have come to realize that if it never gets here I will be okay. I keep dreaming and learning while I am finding time to do what I want to do for me. Putting things on hold until the right circumstances appear is crazy. Tomorrow I might not be here and I will only be a memory to the ones I love. Nope, not me...I am going to enjoy it while I can...until next time.

Relay for Life Gurnee/Wadsworth, IL

2010-07-16T11:14:00.000-06:00

So,last Saturday night the communities of Gurnee and Wadsworth once again came out in force to celebrate another successful Relay for Life. This is a homecoming of sorts for so many people each year. By my last count there were well over 70 teams participating and many more who volunteered in one way or another. At last count, they had not reached their goal dollar-wise, but donations are still being accepted into August.

Many of the people sharing their time, are friends and acquaintances that come out like myself to honor the ones who have had cancer or to remember the loved ones we have lost. Either way- the number are far too many!

Seeing the survivor lap in the opening ceremony and luminaria with glowing lights around the track or in the bleachers will choke anyone up. If that was not emotional enough, when the looping footage of all who have been touched by cancer appears on the big screen, the love and strength are palpable as everyone continues to walk in the darkness and charged silence.

I was just a lightweight this year in the volunteer department, because of the impending birth of my granddaughter. I worked the accounting tent for awhile, donated some money, and walked for a bit on the track, but being part of this amazing event for even a little bit makes me feel part of the effort and so proud of my neighbors and friends.

This year the RFL was headed by Heidi May, Samantha May, and Megan Kile. They did an awesome job!! Hot as it almost always is, the Warren Township High School athletic field (Home Sweet Home), the weather held for the 12 hour walk. Lightening, dark clouds, and humidity, was all-around Gurnee, but above the track not a cloud in sight. It was wonderful!

Entertainment, silent auctions, and lots of donated food to feed the masses, it was a feel good night for all! A time to give, to meet with friends, and exercise those muscles does not seem like an obligation, but an honor instead. Next year, I will be there for the whole thing as we all work again to eliminate cancer forever. Until next time...

July 1st- New Chapter

2010-07-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

I am one of those lucky ones who have a little over a month off during the summer, because I work in a school district. Until this state goes to an all-year school system, my pay gets stretched out into a full year. Despite public opinion, this does not give me more money for less work, but a paycheck all year to compensate for my not getting the opportunity to work at my job. Like teachers, I have no say on when I work per se- I work when the school year permits.
Having said this, I know I am blessed with a period of time that I can refresh, reconnect, and reconfigure my life. Sure there are some routine and mundane chores that I could tackle and sometimes do, yet just some down time to reeavulate what I am doing with my life is really, really good.
I realized just recently that with this time off configured as it is, I am doing this introspection at the half way point of the year. I planned all my me-work just after the summer solstice, which seems significant to me. I have plans to work-out more, eat better, organize my growing pile of stuff, and concentrate on my writing.
There is another reason this time seems so significant as the beginning of a new chapter- I am going to be a grandmother for the first time. My oldest daughter is due very, very soon. As I look back at my pregnancy with her about the same time of year, I do become retrospective. All my hopes, fears, and plans were not much different than hers are now. I have the joy of knowing those feelings have worked out for the most part, well.
Also, realizing that the human spirit is resilient when overcoming the bad things and forever hopeful for the yet to be. I relish each part of this new chapter in my life. Until next time...

Can't We Just Vote on It?

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-06:00

Would it be so terrible when this nation is faced with a pressing issue that may affect life as we know it, that we just get out and vote on the option at hand? There are polls to analyze polls and political commentators all over the news telling us what we think and how we should think.It is just getting really old.
Take our first ever health care bill to be signed into law recently. Wouldn't it have been much easier to just poll the American people and see what they really wanted? Don't get me wrong- I was for the legislation, but I grew weary trying to sort out all the political maneuvering going on in this constituent's name. Even a straw poll would have given a real voice to the voters and isn't that what we really want?
I know we voted these politicians into office, yet something happens once they get in the fray that really worries me. Special interests, political alliances, and bargaining for their little piece of the pie becomes more important than the people back home. They are our representatives or are they? I sometimes wonder what happens to those statesmen when they get the party call to unite.
So, would it really be so bad if we really did a vote on these big issues and then have the legislature hammer out the details? How easy would have been if they knew right away that regardless of the party line- the citizens of this country wanted health insurance to be available for everyone? Then they could have dealt with that alone without tagging all the other stuff that came along with the bill to get it passed.
I am sure there are other topics that could benefit from a nice clear vote with majority rules. Education, War, outsourcing jobs, immigration laws, and what about dare I say- bailing out Wall Street ever again??? Yep, let's vote on it!
Until next time...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

Okay, once again I was up until after 3am wrapping, separating, and organizing all the purchases I made in the last 24 yours. Ever since, Mike and I were married(December 26th), shopping for the holidays have been a chaotic,marathon with last minute dashes to find just the right present in my budget.
In the early years, the last paycheck before Christmas was the budget, but now it is not necessity- more habit. The good thing about that time of wrapping after candlelight service is putting in one afte another movie classic to keep me company during the wee hours. This year the original Bishop's Wife and Holiday Inn. I finally had to order them, because even though there are hundreds of channels on cable- none play those movies anymore. Heck, not even the Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life! What is up with that???
Anyway, the gifts are open and a calm is settling into the day. It is just enjoying the time with friends and family, basking in the warmth of those I love. It really is the best feeling.
Gifts are just a small part of what Christmas is all about. When raising the kids, that thought sometimes became a bit clouded with the search for that favorite toy...the Cabbage Patch year was the worst!
Take time, at least today to count your blessings, and that includes the people around you. Life is good, not always easy, but there is plenty of love to smooth those rough spots that come up. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to you and yours!! Until next time....

Thanksgiving- A Time for Reflection

2009-11-24T22:38:00.000-06:00

So, things are not great. Money is tight. Work has become routine and life isn't quite going the way I planned. However, I am financially getting by. I have a job that is pretty secure and there is hope in the future. I believe that my dreams can come true.

I have two marvelous daughters who are finding their way in this crazy world. The economy is improving. I am whittling away on my degree and I am learning exactly who I am. Not bad in my fifth decade on Earth. I am in a better place. Learning even as my bones begin to moan and slow.

Peace is out of reach for the world and my soul tonight. Yet, the tools for me personally are within my reach. It is same for our country's leaders, as well. If we stop the judging of others, learn to take responsibility for our actions and trust that we can make a difference when we care enough- we will change for the good.
Until next time...

School Days

2009-08-27T14:19:00.000-06:00

Here I am sitting at my computer contemplating the end of another summer. Today is the perfect day to do this, because quite frankly it is a very dismal, introspective day in a school year that is winding up the first week of 2009-10.

If you know me, you are aware that I am a school secretary by day and fulfill my itch for writing in the off hours however few they are. I love the kids, the events, and the irresistable climate of education wafting through the halls. Yet each August as I prepare for teachers and students to return, I must also deal with registration and the ensuing problems that arise.

Having nothing to do with the teachers or their special charges, registration is a dance between the parents and the district of residence. In the ideal situation, parents will register in a timely fashion, demonstrating their residency, and paying the school fees that seem to climb regardless of the promise of free public education.

The truth is: it costs a lot of money to educate our children. Just look at a private institution's tuition and you know we are getting a good deal. Those schools do not do much more than public schools do when it comes to curriculum. The difference is in who is paying for it.

Back to registration. Schools want registration to be completed as soon as possible so they can make plans for the coming year. Knowing how many kids helps immensely to order books, desks, determine bus routes, and plan for teachers and classrooms. Most parents understand and comply. Sometimes they cannot pay the entire amount, but they do their best.

Proving residency is a big hang-up these days. In my district, this is done by showing a current signed lease and two major bills sent to the current home in the last month. They even had an incentive if turned in by the deadline. Some lucky family was selected for a visit to the local indoor waterpark. Seems simple enough, doesn't it?

Well, five days into the school year, people are still registering. Of course, new residents have an excuse, they weren't here, but the registrar is still taking returning students as well. What is up with that? This year there had to have been 20 registration days and people are still coming in. This is unbelievable to me.

If it was only a money issue, I can certainly understand having a limited budget. This is not the problem in my district. There are fee waivers and payment plans to help with the cost. If it was the scheduled time for registration conflicting with work schedules, I would be sympathetic too. However, the times and days have been all over the board to try to accommodate this problem.

So, why is this not important to some parents? Or why is it so hard to validate their address with school officials? A student is entitled to a public education in the school district they live in, not in a school district they want to attend.

For parents who have alternative living arrangements that cause them to make their homes with others, there are affidavits that verify the information with the homeowner or landlord. Parents who cannot do this need to go to the school district which reflects their address and register there. Problem solved.

Wakegan-Past and Present

2009-07-13T15:42:00.002-06:00

I have lived in Waukegan for almost my whole life, which are more decades than I am ready to admit (at least in print). I have read some of the stories that people have been sending in for the celebration of 150 years of Waukegan’ s history and have written about some of my own memories in local papers in the past.

Against popular opinion, I love Waukegan. I always have. Even when the downtown area became a ghost town and all my memories as a kid, teen, and young adult were erased by an economic blight that seemed to go on for too many years. I am a former Bulldog who went to school when WTHS was not Warren Township High School, but Waukegan Township and some of our politicians were teachers there. West Campus and East Campus was one school and our colors were purple and gold-no green.

I remember taking the bus downtown on Saturdays and even to the Belvidere Mall to see a movie. Hein’s, the Globe, and Waukegan Dry Goods were my stomping ground for clothes, with lunch at LakeView Restaurant or fries and a coke at Woolworth’s lunch counter. I told you- I go way back.

Scooping was my social realm as soon as my friends and I could drive. Or dancing at the Wild Goose- who remembers that? Movies at the Genesee or much later working shows with pride after its renovation, I have been part of it all.

I suffered through the demise of the Lakehurst Mall. It saddened me when it finally closed. Although Lakehurst killed downtown Waukegan, it was disappointing that it had the same fate with the rise of Gurnee Mills. As a teen I worked there, as a young mother I brought my daughter, and as a columnist I documented its demolition with tears in my eyes.

The News-Sun has been my family staple throughout my life. As a child, my mother worked for the circulation department and I was first published on its pages. I have read it faithfully regardless if I agreed with its comments or who was being quoted. It is how I learned what was going on in town.

My history in Waukegan is a similar story as our current mayor. Certainly, the specifics of our lives are varied, but the timeline is basically the same. His dad was the mayor when I was a kid and as a young adult. Although, my mother was a great fan of the first Robert Sabonjian, I was not. Not that he was not a good man or a great politician in his time; rather we did not share the same vision.

However, I am glad that the current Robert Sabonjian has taken the reins and is trying to lead us to a better place. It is not going to be easy. Like most municipalities in this country and especially in this state, Waukegan is hurting financially. The status quo is not acceptable anymore. Politics and special interests can no longer dictate policies in government anywhere.

Jobs are in great demand. The mayor reported that Waukegan’s jobless rate is at 11.2%and holding. No one wants to join the unemployment line. Most of the city’s residents do not want their services cut and would actually like to see improvement s in their neighborhoods for safety, as well as, aesthetic reasons. We want to be proud of our town.

There are few draws to Waukegan these days. So, when there are some events or venues that do bring people to us, we should keep them alive. Regardless of the financial climate, we cannot ignore the positive because of a lack of monetary gains. The Municipal Band that plays in a beautiful bandshell at the Lakefront throughout July is an event that should be allowed to flourish. The Genesee Theatre and MainStreet calendar items are priceless in their goodwill and public relations. A nice way to show off what works in the city. The old adage, "cutting off the nose, to spite face, works well I think here.

None of this will happen unless we are willing to do things differently. I would like to see, a city hall working together to bring us to a better place. Compromise and the more importantly, forgetting about partisan politics, while concentrating on public service. Our new mayor does not have all the answers. He needs to hear from his constituents and know what we are thinking. Yet, we elected this man because we believed change was possible. How about allowing him to do his job?
Until next time...

Sumertime and the river is spreading...

2009-06-23T09:46:00.005-06:00

I heard lots of complaining about the lack of real summer heat this June. Well, we are officially into the summer season (as of Sunday) and we have heat. What a difference a few days make! With this heat, thunderstorms, and lots of mosquitoes, which is why I could easily go back to the unseasonably cool weather we experienced earlier.

I did mention thunderstorms and lots of local flooding, didn't I? The river continues to rise and is spreading allover the area. The deluge of last Friday night has created a nightmare for homeowners, the local grade school, and many municipalities throughout the county. Add the road construction that is currently underway and travel remains the pits for all the residents.

Don't get me wrong- I love summer. Slowing down, if only a little, taking some time to be outside (humidity and bugs aside), or enjoying local seasonal events. Sometimes, we look forward to things like summer vacation so much that we forget about the here and now.

Every day has good and bad in it, but if we focus on what we are doing while we are doing it- life will not throw us the curves that sideline most of us. Waiting for the perfect time, person, or situation only puts us in a holding pattern that we may never leave until we make the big exit at the end of our lives. Let's not waste the time we have left.
Until next time...

Jeff Hoke...a music man

2009-03-27T16:48:00.003-06:00

A friend and mentor to my daughter died last Sunday afternoon from complications from diabetes. The scary thing about this death- he had no idea that he had it. At 42 years old, Jeff Hoke was taken from us way too soon.

An amazing musician and a gifted percussionist he taught many young people including my daughter not only to trust their talent, to always do your best, and to love the music they made. He expected them to be disciplined, but allowed them to be themselves. Each one of these were major gifts. His humor, tempered his anger if you did not work at their craft he was passionate about, but he loved them all as family. He made them better people and good musicians. I will be grateful I shared a little bit of his world.

Jeff leaves a wonderful wife, Beth, and two daughters (Sarah and Kelly), his parents, and immediate family, but there are a legion of others who loved him well, who miss him greatly, and will keep his life-work going because it mattered so much to him.

Yep, you never know when life is going to throw you a curve or cut it short. Let the people you love know that they mean the world to you, take time to enjoy and play when you can, be passionate about something, and don't be afraid to take a chance.

When someone leaves us there is always great sorrow because a piece of us has gone away with their passing. They may be in a better place with all the answers, while we remain on Earth to pick-up the pieces and ask why this happened to us.

Let's take each minute as the gift it is and remember we only have the present- the past and future is just an illusion. BE HERE NOW! As Jeff always said, "Make It Happen". Words to live by, because you never know.

Bernie Madoff and other dastardly criminals in the news.

2009-03-13T19:39:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you, but these criminals who apologize in court for their past transgressions are making me a little sick. Is there anyone who take them seriously? Hearing Bernie Madoff, plead guilty and his less than heartfelt apology to the victims who lost their life-savings to his avarice and seeing his contrite demeanor in front of the judge was not at all convincing. This has to be just a manipulation to preserve the wealth in his family's name, which hopefully will never come to pass.

I am sorry- the performance was not that good. It sure isn't going to help his reputation in any way. His wife, children, and grandchildren have a lot of baggage to deal with, while Bernie will be living out his life in some federal prison. How could he do that to them?

OJ Simpson is another one who cried like a baby in court saying, he did not know he was doing anything illegal. What the heck?! Do you know he still receives a pension from the National Football League? Even worse, he does not have to give a cent of that to the Brown or Goodman family toward the 30 million dollars he still owes them. What kind of life has he given his children? Maybe, his crime this time was not horrible, but at least his cocky attitude will be shelved for awhile.

So, how about Rob Blagoijevich and his media tour or speech to the Illinois Legislature before he was impeached? Do I really have to say more?
Until next time....

We Finally Have A Winner!

2008-11-09T20:12:00.002-06:00

A new day is upon us and I could not be any happier. A much needed change has swept this country and the result is President-Elect Obama. I admit I had goosebumps when darkened my ovals in the voting booth. As I waited to cast my ballot in the machine, I really had tears in my eyes. Not since, my first presidential election way back in 1972 have I felt so full of promise and truly inspired with hope for the future.

With the election over, I also experienced a general sense of relief from all those ads that seemed to permeate television and radio for what seems like years. I think there should be a specific time limit for all campaigning. Maybe a month before a primary and then not until after the political conventions. Local candidates for office may have one ad per day from primary to election day. Do you know what I'm saying?

The only thing that disappoints me is the space is already filling-up with holiday commercials. If you know me, you have heard my tirade on the Christmas season starting right after Halloween. Geez,Louise- it is irritating. Until next time...

Election Madness!!

2008-10-23T08:55:00.002-06:00

Things are so strange these days. The economy is wallowing in danger of collapse, our country is involved in two wars, and we are suffering from global warming, but we still are obsessed with Sarah Palin's wardrobe expenditures, who used to be an anarchist in the 60's, and the co-hosts who are arguing on The View. Wake-up People!!

Nothing is going to get better unless we are willing to put some effort into our problems and prioritize when finding the solutions. Aren't you as sick as I am on character assassinations between political candidates or playing the blame game with who is responsible for what fiasco in the government? How about if someone just anyone would tell me how they are planning on fixing our domestic issues, leading us to peace in my lifetime, and stopping poverty in the United States and than the world!!!

We know what went wrong in the last eight years, so let us figure out what is going right, work on that, and implement the changes we all want to see for the next four!

Until next time...

It's been a long time...

2008-09-07T17:44:00.002-06:00

Okay, it's been so long since I have posted to my own blog that I could not remember my own password. Talk about bad!! I cannot believe the summer is over. I would like to say I accomplished a lot in the last four months, but it would be a complete lie. Sure some of the basics got covered and I did relax a bit, yet all my good intentions did not come to fruition. I am healthy and relatively happy. Things are okay, I'd say.

I love autumn though and it is nice to have evenings cooling off even when the days are hot. If the mosquito population would die off, I would be happy. There is nothing I dislike more than hearing the buzz and the slap of another onslaught of those pests.

I am also getting excited about the election countdown and looking forward in just 60days having a new president-elect staged and ready. Hey, George-parting is such sweet sorrow,NOT! Good riddance, and ciao, ciao for now! Heck yeah, we are ready for change! Bring it on!!

Later on personal preferences. Until next time...

So, what are you doing with your $600?

2008-05-02T18:50:00.002-06:00

I know what my share of our $1500 will be going towards when it comes in the mail and it won't be a purchase. Nope, I will be trying to make ends meet. Yeah, I know the cash is suppose to buy some major item or two thar the household would not be able to otherwise see in this recession. Yes, it is finally called a recession!

Instead of buying all the things I have only dreamed of in the last few years, I will be putting my windfall toward the bills I barely cover each month. Since, my credit card bills and their monthly minimum payments doubled a few years ago as did my weekly gas cost, I will forgo the new carpeting I need for another year.

Quite frankly, getting $1200 per married couple and $300 per minor child doesn't even make an extra mortgage payment in my world. My little compact car will cost more than that to run this year. Especially, if a gallon of gas stays around $4.00.

Add to that total: the cost of health care, college tuition, interest rates on credit cards, insurance premiums, and even corn (using it as an additive in gasoline has increased the price at the supermarket) and I wonder how bad the economy can get before it gets better.

Thanks, President Bush for nothing and I mean nothing.

The Beginning of a New Day

2008-03-21T09:11:00.002-06:00

My hibernation is over. Like a sleepy mama bear, I have shook off my winter's sleep and joined the living. Flu, colds, headaches, and middle-aged aches and pains be gone! As Ghandi liked to say, "Be the change you want to see in the world" or something like that. The point being, it starts with you (or me)whatever shoe fits.

I am sitting here at home having my first day off of my spring break. It happens to be Good Friday and the official first whole day of spring and I am watching a snow storm covering my budding daffodils. We are supposed to get about nine inches by Saturday. Isn't life an amazing experience?

Someone replied to my weather update of a major snowfall coming my way by laughing and saying, "Yeah, and they say we have global warming". Although, I dearly love this person I was aghast by this statement. Hellooooo! Spring snow storms happen a lot, but the extreme weather patterns we are experiencing are a sign of the times. We are hurting our planet big time and until we recognize this truth there will be far more to come. We can count on that!

The good news is that I do not have to be back at work until March 31st. The not-so-good news (I am learning not to state negatives)- I have no money to do anything with my free time. So, I am being forced to work on myself Spring is a time for new beginnings. I will keep you posted how that goes. Until next time...

More Than A Politician

2008-02-06T10:38:00.000-06:00

Maybe What We Don’t Need is a POLITICIAN in the White House. On morning television a while back there was a segment that reported on a past president who continues to be a leader in this country and the world in a very unpolitical way. An interview conducted by Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America profiled, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. He was hawking his latest book, and talking about his works of service since he left the office over 25 years ago.

This amazing man has dedicated his life to making a difference. Not a politician, as much as a statesman, Carter has worked tirelessly to help the poor, broker deals to manage peace in troubled countries, promote racial equality, and work on solutions for our complex environmental issues. A small part he was given a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He was asked if he would have altered his decision- not to invade Iran during the hostage crisis that dominated his last year or more in his presidency, which probably caused him his re-election.

Carter agreed his negotiations for the 52 Americans in a diplomatic dialogue versus militarily probably did cause him an early retirement, but he believed he did the right thing. Noting that he continued the process after his political defeat with all 52 people being released on his last day of office, they were all alive without having to take any innocent lives in the process. It was not a popular strategy at the time, but he stands behind it.

Apparently, it was the right resolution for the situation in retrospect. If you have lived long enough to remember when Jimmy Carter became President and the subsequent jabs at his moral character (his lust in his heart comment) or strength and lack of it when dealing with the Middle East conflicts (yes, it was an issue back then too-only the players slightly change), you have seen one administration after another fumble with any one the same circumstances that Carter did. Yet, not one of them has done better at it. Carter appears to be a good man, maybe not a good politician. Being a little too honest, a little more independent, and maybe just a bit more intelligent than some of his predecessors or successors, he has become the very model of what a true statesman seems to be. His lack of support from fellow Democrats over the years is still a bone of contention with him and he noted that in his interview.

According to Merriam-Webster, a statesman is a wise and skilled person involved in fixing the policies and conducting the affairs of government. A politician is just an individual engaged in government and politics. A very essential difference, don’t you think? Carter’s credentials speak for themselves. Maybe, just may be during the next election we should step back, peruse the candidates, and research just who is running for the highest office in the land. Is it for the power it affords, the prize itself, or is the ultimate candidate from either party bringing some real ammunition for making this country the best it can be?

Jimmy Carter was also congratulated on having been married for 61 years. Jokingly Carter added that it has been happily to the same woman. Diplomacy definitely remains one of his strong suits.
Until next time...

2008-Going to be Great!

2008-01-12T19:55:00.000-06:00

At least that is what I keep telling myself. Besides focusing on the Now in my life that I mentioned in my last blog, I am looking at my attitude. Although I see myself as a positive person, I do tend to limit my wants at least in my head. No more, I am going to think big and go for the gusto in this Part II of life. Why not? The more good things I attract the more I will be able to share. So, think about that when you set your goals this year. The Sky is the Limit!!!

Certainly that is what the political candidates are doing as the primary season has finally begun. Pull out all the stops and hope for the best. I have to say I am already sick of all the posturing, spinning their versions of what America needs and how they propose to do it better than anyone of the other candidates.

I say Republican, Democrat, or Independent-whoever can deliver on a promise to end the war, concentrate on our poor, our economic problems, our racial strife, and the education of our children has my vote! Who is up for that challenge? Until next time...

Be Here Now- My new Mantra

2007-12-02T11:27:00.000-06:00

When I was just a young teen many, many moons ago, I remember running across a book called,BE HERE NOW, by Ram Dass. Being young and very impressionable, I ingested every word, without necessarily understanding exactly what he was into- psychedelically speaking.

You see, Ram Dass was Dr. Richard Alpert in his earlier life. A scholar, professor, and very upwardly mobile educator in the academic community coming from an influential Jewish East Coast family. He had the beauty, brains, and money that put him at the top of his game in the 60's. His name was connected with Harvard, Stanford,and UC-Berkley just to name a few. He seemed to have it all.

He began a friendship and eventually a working relationship with Timothy Leary when they began to experiment and research with LSD(via the psilocybin mushroom) much to the chagrin of contemporary moralists. Of course, at the time he seemed very cool to the youth of the day trying to navigate the changing mores, like me.

If that was his only claim to fame, I would not be writing about him in this blog. Nope, the downfall of Dr. Alpert(in the minds of some)was only the beginning of his story. After making a trip to India, Ram Dass became an enlightened teacher of a different sort. Studying and subsequently practicing ancient philosophies, he returned to share his own take on the meaning of life. Hence, the birth of Baba Ram Dass (meaning Servant of God).

For the next four decades, Dass has become a spiritual teacher who has influenced many of our modern-day thinkers. A stroke about 10 years ago may have weakened the voice, yet it has not dimmed the light that shines around him.

So, while reading one of my gazillion books on becoming a meaningful person from the inside- out, I revisited his initial study of living in the present. Taking away some of the "Age of Aquarius" prose of the time that may prejudice some readers, he is as we said back then, Right On!

We spend way too much time worrying and planning for the future or blaming our troubles on the past. We rush through our daily lives in a blur of activity that has nothing to do with what is really important. Wouldn't it be nice if we just lived in the moment? Trusting that our lives will enfold the way they are supposed to without constant manipulation from us or others.

Think of a world where we stopped to enjoy our family or loved ones, the classes we are taking or teaching, the jobs that we have chosen to make a living at each day, or even the notion that we can improve our lives and those around us right now- today. Jumping off the fast track and taking time to smell those proverbial flowers we all heard about.

That is my take on it. I am not hankering to go to India and study with a guru, but I do think I am going to practice some of their teachings. My Christian upbringing is not really different from what these ancient wise ones were saying anyway.

If you peel away the self-righteous leanings of current religious affiliations, it seems like God is saying the same thing to all of us. The approach may be different, but I believe we are here to learn valuable lessons to share with the next generation using whatever version we are told.

Live in Peace, be tolerant of the differences while honoring the spirit that connects us all, and most importantly live in the present. That is all we really have, you know!
Namaste...Until next time.

"They" are driving me crazy!

2007-11-11T18:49:00.000-06:00

Here we are in that wonderful gap of time between Halloween and Thanksgiving which should be the culmination of harvest time. Autumn has reached its peak of perfection and just a little bit more. The leaves have dropped their colors and the nip in the air has finally taken hold.

We are really lucky the temperatures have been mild for this time of year. I remember in the early 90s a cold wave that knocked me for a loop. Below zero temperatures while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner that rivaled any January hard freeze. Yep, this is a great fall. We have a lot to be grateful for, despite the world's problems.

So, much to my disappointment, while shopping for Halloween candy at the last minute, I spied shelves almost empty because they were setting up Christmas items already. Now, in my neck of the woods trick or treat hours are on the Sunday before Halloween, so this was on the October 27th. What's up with that?! Fall decorations were already reduced and shoved on the end caps like yesterday's news; replaced with holiday red and green everywhere.

Driving home from a meeting the next evening or so, I switched on the radio to hear Delilah, a DJ who takes requests, gives advice, and pretty much rambles about whatever she pleases after 7pm. I have been hooked on her for years and can usually find her in any part of the country I am in at the time. The first song to air after some commentary was "Let it Snow".

Sure enough my favorite easy listening station promptly started their 24/7 holiday rotation on November 1st and that means Delilah even plays only holiday music. I took a stand last year that as much as I like the station, I will not listen to it until the day after Thanksgiving. It makes me cranky, but it is the principle of the thing. Starting that Friday, I am all over those Christmas carols and holiday tunes. For the month before, CDs only.

What is wrong with our society? Could we just live in the moment for a change? We are so fixated on the future, we take no time to enjoy the present moment. Whatever happened to trick or treating on Halloween, celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday of its own, taking the time to savor the seasons while in them, and then enjoying the Christmas holidays through New Year's Day without seeing Valentine's Day goods hovering around the corner before my Christmas tree even comes down?

I was in neighboring Libertyville when they were putting the garlands around the lamp posts on Milwaukee Avenue almost two weeks ago. The public works people were working right next to the banners with the fall leaves on them. I have to say it looked stupid to see the two competing with each other down the center of town and both looked out of place.

I am not sure who "They" are when sharing my thoughts on this crazy practice, but I do know "They" better watch out when I do find out who is dictating this course of events that seems to get earlier and earlier every year.

I believe the secret to enjoying life is being aware of the NOW, releasing the past as the past, and letting the future take care of itself. Yep, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. Until next time...

The Measure of a Man

2007-09-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

Over 30 years ago, I had the extreme pleasure to meet the parents of a friend when we visited him in Iowa City. Dr. Albert Hieronymus and his wife took my fiance and I into their family where we remained until his death earlier this month. A dear sweet man who was gentle as he was intelligent, real as he was talented, and loving as he was renown academically and in his community.

On the outside, Al looked like an Iowa farmer, if I had to categorize him by first impressions. Working with the Earth, did turnout to be one of his passions, but he was so much more than that. A professor at the University of Iowa until his retirement in 1987, he also developed the Iowa Basic Skills Test. He was married for 63 years to the mother of his five children, Wilfreda, was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. His door was always open and he always had an extra hand to help someone out.

I had the chance to see him for the first time since his wife died this June. More frail and sedentary(with the years taking toll on his 89 year old body), sadder and maybe lonelier than he was when he had his soul mate by his side, and yet he was still a vital force in his family's lives and a big part of all their hearts. His fragility made little difference when he greeted us at his home.

His memorial service this weekend was filled with people he touched in big and small ways. Each with a special story about what he meant to them. Although, I could not be there I shared with his son, John (still a dear friend), how I felt about the loss of this very special man. All who knew him was better for being able to share time with him. I am just one of a multitude who will miss him dearly.

Six Years and Counting...

2007-09-09T13:19:00.000-06:00

Tuesday marks the sixth anniversary of 9/11. When you think of all the changes that have happened since this national tragedy took place, it seems much longer. Yet, in my mind's eye I can't help but wonder how could that morning be so long ago?

Counting the lives lost on that day(3047) and from the War in Iraq(3753), the cost is very high indeed. 6800 people have died fighting this war on terrorism with no end in sight. I pray for each and every member of our military over there, but I can not say I think it is right to continue to send over the precious future of this country as a sacrifice in a political operation.

Being proud of the men and women who feel so strongly that they are doing the right thing is one thing. Allowing the government and different branches of our Armed Services to manipulate these young people by promising incentives to get them to join the ranks is whole other one. These soldiers are doing the right thing, yet because of politics these kids are being destroyed. Almost 4000 have died since May, 2003. How many more have been maimed, psychologically damaged, and re-deployed over and over again with little to show for the minimal progress reported by our military leaders?

Recognitions for 9/11 victims, first responders, and our military personnel are one way to show the public has not forgotten these brave souls. I would like to see our government put an end to the killing by bringing our citizens home. Let the Middle East countries deal with their own problems in their own way. Let's start healing America. Until next time...

Open Letter to Anonymous

2007-09-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

Open Letter to Anonymous

Hey, I received a comment from an anonymous post that was amazed I would suggest writing for a paper that I called a rag. The following is my open response to that anonymous person explaining how I could have the audacity to suggest an idea that I know I could write quite easily and maybe bring back the kind of newspaper that people actually enjoyed reading. At one time I was proud to write for my hometown newspaper. Now, I don't even recognize it.
###
Dear Anonymous:
The paper has turned into a rag. As I said there are some good writers already at the News-Sun as I used to be, but they are buried by the tabloid and sensationalism that permeates the publication. It makes me very sad not as a writer, but by being a lifetime reader (until very recently) for the lack of content in its present state.

I want the paper to be better and I think there is a chance to save it from being the rag it is now. I keep suggesting ideas that can be used with or without me that would interest the average Lake Countian. Only, if the management was willing to take the hard road and make it a quality paper again.

I have nothing to lose not writing for the paper or writing for it. I have proven my worth as a writer, I have made some very wonderful friendships, and gotten a lot of respect from some very good people in Lake County. You have come into this area quite recently and have no idea what makes this community tick, but I do. This isn't just some overinflated ego talking; it is the truth. You shortchange the intelligence of the people who purchase your paper or even still subscribe to it.

Take a poll of your readers to see if they are enamored by the format, choice of headlines, and byline pictures with writers heads cut-off. The present version that is filled with nonsense about topics with no substance or (keeping the paper orientation the same) going back to real stories for people that actually like to read. I know what scenario would win without a doubt. That is the paper I want to write for.

Each idea that I gave was mentioned with me writing it because I love to write and I would love the challenge, but any good writer could do it. Don't sell my suggestions short because of my comments. There are plenty of professionals right there to choose from. Each editorial not published, each suggestion not taken, each commentary on local news ignored or cut, shows how low the standard has become. Even the News Hound can't carry a discussion online without reverting to childish bullying.

People keep asking me to write another column. I said I couldn't do it the way the paper is now and that your paper made it clear they didn't want me to. I keep hoping for change, but I am not holding my breath. Don't think my $180 a month loss is worth begging for a chance to bring this paper back to the land of the living. Yet working for a quality publication that is respected throughout the county is definitely a priceless feeling to only dream about at the present time.

The people I know (from all walks of life) know why I left in the first place. I have been honest about my departture from the start. Even doing an editorial apologizing for leaving like I did. It was never published either.

Are you up to the challenge for making the Lake County News-Sun a winner? Prove to me I am wrong! Make it more than a rag and kick the Daily Herald's butt. Right now it is the better paper and it doesn' even cover all of Lake County. That paper has no heart, but at least people have something to read about instead of looking at the pictures.
Not afraid to use my name,
Odie Pahl draft

The Buzz in Lake County

2007-09-02T10:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Ya' All!
I've been thinking again and two thoughts come to mind. First and foremost, I have given the Lake County News-Sun a fair shot for the last couple of months when I re-subscribed to the troubled newspaper. Although there are some fine journalists and very decent photographers who are lost in the obnoxious format somewhere, I have to say there is no hope for this daily. I am canceling my subscription for the last time. My husband doesn't even look at it anymore.

I do have to mention that I have tried to contact the paper with suggestions on how to get the readers of old interested in reading more than the obituaries (tell me the truth, you go there first right?!) or movie times, but to no avail. They do not like me anymore. Maybe because I do speak the truth and I am convinced I could class the paper up just a bit, regardless we don't converse. Even responding to The News Hound, which I thought would be interesting, turned out to be just an ego-thing for the anonymous perpetrator of this feature. The News-Sun is just a rag and the Daily Herald needs some serious life zapped into it. Or is it time for a transplant? Either way the readers are left with nothing much.

So, I give-up on having a voice in Lake County other than this site I am writing on now. It is a shame that the News-Sun has become a shadow of greatness and the Daily Herald doesn't care about us on the North Shore. How a paper can dismiss 100,000+ readers is so beyond my comprehension I can't even to hazard a guess what is going on through their simple minds. Unless, maybe they have a secret arrangement between the publishers not to cross into each other's territory. Hmmmm? Could that be it?

Second- no, I did not forget about my precious second thought. Wouldn't it be great to have a totally online daily Lake County paper? Not just the reworking of the tired old rags we have going on these days, but an au courant version that lets the people, who use the internet, a spot to check on things and stay up-to-date with the local news!!

What do you think? I am really going to look into doing this. Let me know if you think this will fly. Heck, I have never tried to be a publisher before. Until next time...

The 100 Year Flood is Here Again

2007-08-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

Since living in the Gurnee area, I have experienced about four floods which is about three more than I should have when referring to a 100 year flood or even a 20 year flood pattern. I am blessed that it has never touched my home. For all the people who continue to be threatened by the DesPlaines River or farther west by the Fox River, I keep you in my prayers.

For all the volunteers who have chosen to help with sandbags in our community center either at schools, churches, or private homes, we are all in your debt. For all the businesses who opened up their hearts and donated goods,food, and assorted supplies during the sandbag process, thank you for keeping the teams going.

Also, the employees of the Village and District 56 Schools, who went far beyond what a paycheck is required, You are the BEST!!! The hours, the physical labor, and most importantly the dedication and commitment you showed is nothing less than heroic. Finally, for the others who dropped their daily responsibilities to help a community in need...Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is what life should be about,isn't it?

Gurnee is a great community and I am grateful to be part of it. We will overcome this latest adversity as we always do-TOGETHER! This is what makes Gurnee an absolutely amazing place to raise a family and I am proud to be connected with all of you. Bless you all. Until next time...

Gurnee Days 2007

2007-08-11T10:23:00.000-06:00

It is that time again. Gurnee Days Weekend is here and that means the weather is hot!! In almost 30 years of participation, I can remember only one cool and rainy parade day. Most of the others have been 90+ degrees and this woman who wilts in the sun still enjoys the festivities each year.

I hope you were able to visit Viking Park to check out the tents filled with local business interests and pick up some great giveaways, the Ribfest with the Breakfast Exchange Club, the fabulous fireworks, and the wonderfully long parade on Sunday. My family has always been involved in Gurnee Days in one form or another. My oldest won a ribbon on her first birthday in the baby contest. She was named the baby with the "Prettiest Smile" and she still does.

This year the honors for the Grand Marshal duties goes to Dr. Ben Martindale who was feted at a testimonial dinner at Midlane Country Club on Thursday night. He was chosen as the 2007 Honoree by the Gurnee Days Corporation. It was a great evening with the chance to catch-up with some old friends and to get to know some new ones.

There is a large base of home-grown Gurnee residents who have made some wonderful contributions to Lake County and I am so grateful to have gotten to know them. Not to ignore the community members like myself who have made the Gurnee area home- from the highest in public office to little old me, Gurnee has no shortage of vested individuals making a difference every day. This definitely includes Ben Martindale, who during his tenure in Gurnee has contributed way beyond his administrative role in our schools.

After 20 years in Gurnee District 56, the retired superintendent is taking the reins in Round Lake. He will have his hands full with that, I imagine. Gurnee and especially District 56 will miss him bunches. Dr. Ben I hope you enjoyed your weekend and good luck on future endeavors.

My old employer, the Lake County News-Sun, will be blogging starting on August 13th with some top secret bloggers in charge named the News Hound and News Swami. I hope it will lead to some interesting commentary. Maybe, I will even have to join into a discussion or two.

In the announcement article today, they cited 12 million people who have blogs and about 57 million adults read them. I guess we will all be in good company with that kind of readership. Of course, I am very partial to this particular blogspot and they were right about it being easy to start one. Even I can do it. Until next time...

A Bit of Paradise

2007-08-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

Each year my family joins my sister-in-law's family at their cabin by a small lake in Upper Wisconsin. It is still the best few days of any summer. Rain or shine, we are just glad to be together for a little R and R. Of course, having some hot, sunny days doesn't hurt.
The picture on the left was taken when we went for a walk after dinner and before the evening's bonfire. You could hear the loon's call in the background and almost nothing else, as we called it a day. An absolutely awesome day at that!

Where in the world are we going?

2007-08-03T19:51:00.000-06:00

Here I am almost five months in exile from my column. Although, I admitted my departure for artistic reasons might have been a bit hasty, I still seem to be Persona non Grata with my former employers. A lesson learned, I guess. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Anyway, it has forced me to look elsewhere for my writing fix. Better things are on their way.

There certainly is plenty to write about with turmoil all around us. The War in Iraq keeps churning along with a death toll that continues to claim far too many. What is scary to me and should be to everyone else who cares about our young men and women fighting in this senseless battle; the psychological ramifications when these brave soldiers come home. We are in for a generation of veterans scarred emotionally and physically that will make the Vietnam War look tame in comparison. The government better take care of our own with honor and dignity. Their lives forever changed when they signed on to protect their country only to become pawns in an never-ending internal conflict. The cost is too high, President Bush.

How about our housing market? Tanking before our eyes. Or the number of bankruptcies filed this year? Twice as many as the year before. Bridges and our infrastructure? Falling apart at the seams. Yet, the stock market is working its way up to an all-time high! We have trouble, my friend. Hopefully, the bottom won't fall out on us.

My biggest concern for this week? Why does an American teacher fresh out of college need to learn Spanish in their own country to qualify for most teaching jobs these days? Most vacancies are for bilingual certification, but that is not what they are requiring in college. So what is wrong with this picture? Until next time...

Birthday Week

2007-05-05T10:23:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but every year as my birthday comes around I re-assess where my life is headed. This birthday week is even more telling because I have been making some changes in my life and trying to step out of my comfort zone. Extending myself a bit more is giving me a younger perspective on things. Same old, same old leads to stagnant thinking and even I get stuck in a rut sometimes. So, I am working on being more fisically responsible, stretching my writing more, and listening to my heart again while making life choices- I find this birthday is truly feeling like a new chapter in my ongoing story.

Through one of these interspective journeys, I find I have awakened an almost dormant need to participate in some much needed social activism. Maybe it is the war that continues to rage in the Middle East, the slaughtering of innocent lives at Virginia Tech, or the demise of our middle class life in this country, but I am not happy just commenting on the state of the world anymore. I really want to do something about it. What do you think? Until next time...

It's Spring and Times Are A Changin'

2007-04-14T08:15:00.000-06:00

The season of renewal is upon us and being the time of my birth many, many moons ago, it is also when I take stock of those many moons. Imagining myself or anyone else as a work in progress is far more beneficial than believing that we are a sum of our mistakes, don't ya think?

So, I am still fine-tuning the woman that I am and looking for more ways to improve this model as this side of the world is renewing itself. Following this vein of thought, I have been reading a lot of books on improving myself personally and how I can share those changes with the world at large.

Not to be misconstrued that I have the power to change the world alone, but by me becoming a better person it can make a difference in some small way. If more people would feel the same, we might have a chance to turnaround some of the scary trends that pervade society as we know it. I feel better thinking life is a learning experience and that each lesson learned is a chance to make that life better for everyone we touch.

I am reading one of Marianne Williamson's books and find it much more enlightening than I ever imagined. Talk about not judging a book by its cover! It could be taken in a figurative sense as well as literally. She is much more of an activist than I had originally guessed from the media blurbs I've read. I thought of her being an evangelist of sorts and much more conservative and was pleasantly surprised that she really is so much more.

I am captivated when reading about entwining a personal spiritual journey with our global concerns and how each person is responsible for where we are today. She is heading an initiative for the Federal Government to create a Department of Peace. This may sound a bit New Age to some, but after some consideration- I say why not? Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to know that the United States of America was truly aligned with the belief that Peace is what we should be fighting for and not some piece of sand in the Middle East?

Believing that the world would be much better if Peace, rather than war, was our modus operandi does not sound so far-fetched. The terrorists are trying to convince us that they are on the right-side of their God and they will do anything it takes to force their hand. How about if we allow them to do what they will on their side of the Earth?

We can work on renewing our spirit by healing what we need to heal- spiritually, economically, and in our own government for our own people. Until next time...

Doesn't the news drive you crazy?

2007-03-24T17:13:00.000-06:00

I was staying away from the news for awhile because it was just too darn depressing. Without a newspaper home for my column there has been no need for me to keep up with the local news and that was about the only reason I picked up the poor-excuse-for what-we-have-for a daily around here anyway. Having realized the fourth anniversary of the Iraqi War was at hand, I got caught up in the news allover again and I really wished I hadn't. It is not a pretty picture by any means.

Locally, a very dear man died and left the community (especially in Waukegan, IL) with a big hole in their collective heart. Hank Clark was a retired high school counselor at my old alma mater, a local historian, actor, and all-around nice guy. You knew it by just running into him on the street and seeing him in action at whatever project he was involved in only confirmed the obvious. He will be sorely missed.

A young man at the beginning of his adult life passed away also. Andrew Abbott was just 19 years old when he died two weeks ago very suddenly. When you hear about young people dying, all sorts of fears come up in a parent's mind. We just can't understand the whats and whys for such a tragic thing to happen to a family. All a parent can do is hug their children and pray they remain healthy and safe. Each day is gift.

Are you tired of the presidential race already? The games are already afoot and we still have over a year to go. Kudos to John Edwards for being honest with the American public on his wife's health issues. It appears it really was a joint decision to stay in the race and that takes a lot of courage, but I applaud them for going ahead. They have weathered some major blows in their marriage and I think they will deal with this one together too. Now, the media should take the focus off them and concentrate on the what the candidates are bringing to the table to put us back on track and not personal matters.

Boo and hiss to the White House for not being willing to share the facts with Congress and the people of this great country on the whole US Attorney firings while under oath at a public hearing on Capitol Hill. What do they have to hide? It is all about spin control and keeping us in the dark. If it wasn't politically motivated, why all the secrecy?

Another hiss-President Bush and his inability to understand that the American people want this war to end. Setting a date for our troops to start coming home and forcing the Iraqis to start fending for themselves sounds like a great idea to me. I heard Condi Rice saying in the news that leaving now would jeopardize a chance for the US to have a stable ally in Iraq. Is she nuts? No matter how many troops we send over there, the people of Iraq will not thank us or help us. Too many people have died on each side to come out of this with anything but more hatred.

More bad news-The big AirBus being paraded around last week. Do we need an airplane that big? It seems the airlines are in some heavy financial trouble and what the airports have to do to make room for this monstrousity is no small undertaking either. I say figure out how to make some more leg room on the planes we have and concentrate on some customer service while they are at it. Until next time...

Pet Food Scare is Making Us All Sick

2007-03-19T17:19:00.000-06:00

I have a headache or actually a queasy stomach and a headache. I think I am getting the flu. I was around somebody who is suffering, at the same time I'm writing this tome, with this dreaded malady I've been trying to avoid all season. Hey, wait maybe I have a temperature thing going on now that I think about it- or just maybe I am just a tad bit worried about my dog and two cats.

Being very busy this weekend, I missed the big hubbub over the recalled pet food scare which started apparently last Friday. By the time I heard and later saw the information that proved my dog, Henry, was not in jeopardy (even though there were 51 names on the list to peruse) I discovered our two cats were at risk as well. Oh my gosh, there were about 40 names on the cat food recall list too. The scary part of this whole scenario is in the sheer numbers of cans and pouches of food this product recall encompasses. It is truly amazing that my household pets were spared, but Purina has my eternal gratitude.

You think that you are doing a good thing paying the big bucks for these specialty foods to keep the pet you love in good health for many years to come, but in reality the same manufacturer is making all of them. They are so like each other that 50 different brand names are tainted because they are all coming from Menu Foods Income Fund out of Ontario, Canada. They make Eukenaba, Iams, and Nutro pet foods besides the other store brands on the list.

Does something seem very wrong with that or is it just me? Store brands, big names, and some with no imagination at all (Your Pet?) have all been infected with some toxin that can kill our beloved furry friends slowly but surely. The news reports mentioned some kind of gluten that might be responsible. What does gluten do in dog or cat food anyway? I am afraid to know what kind of meat is used.

What kind of guilt is that to carry? You lose your pet and then possibly at your own unknowing hands. That really stinks. I lost my beloved cocker spaniel after 14 years and a cat who was over 20 to old age and I was not sure I would survive the pain I felt. They were part of our family and not just some four-legged creatures who took up space. Knowing a death could have been avoided, I would be a true basket case if I was the one feeding them the poison

The other question is the same exact food going into the same cans? Are we paying premium prices when we could get the same quality with a discount label? This opens up another can of worms, don't ya think? Menu Foods has some explaining to do. Until next time...

Try a comment or two

2007-03-12T17:45:00.000-06:00

My comment button is now on. Test it out and send me something, so I know it works.
Odie

Concert for Life is Another Hit

2007-03-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

Okay, an amazing $34,000 was made for the American Cancer Society at last afternoon's concert and once again it was a wonderful few hours of entertainment. fellowship, and just plain joy (laced with a bit of pain). Hearing the music, while each survivor and present fighter against this insidious disease stood up to be counted was heart-wreching for me and the thousand or so audience members who filled St. Paul's in Gurnee to hear the original music of Warren Township High School graduate, Matt Wessel.

Matt who has performed each year lost his father to cancer when he was only 15 years old. It was this tragedy that awakened his passion for music and the rest is history. Through his concerts he has raised over $139,000 to help find a cure. Last fall, the ACS invited Wesel to perform with his group for a 20 minute set in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The event was to bring attention to cancer-related issues. Over 10,000 people attended, the 2006 Celebration on the Hill.

In memory of another Gurnee area native and Warren alumni, Kate Pedersen, who shared in the concert for the first couple of years, a prominent photo of this vibrant woman graced the inside of the program handout. A song by Matt Wessel which he dedicated to her filled the sanctuary as screens specially positioned displayed a photo scrapbook of Kate's life before being struck down by cancer at just 19 years old . Before Kate's Song, a founder of CFL and a good friend, Betsy Barnich, shared a moment with the audience on what made Kate so special to so many. As a parent, it moved me to tears all over again.

Matt and company put on a great show. He now has six CDs to his credit with a mix of new age type instrumentals, spiritual, and uplifting pieces that run the gamut. His brother, Ben, played an original piece on the piano during the second half that also knocked my socks off. The voices of his sisters rival any professional artist and all their music touches the heart. The whole family of Wessels are so talented and such great people. I hope you check out Matt's website at www.mattwesselmusic.com when you have a chance.

FBLA at Warren Township High School under the supervision of Sue Walker was so proactive with each part of the program. The silent auction and raffle prizes were awesome and must have taken a lot of time to gather. The refreshments baked mostly by the FBLA members for the break were delicious also. These are some great kids who really make a difference in this community.

Alex Reese who also is co-chair for the Gurnee/Wadsworth Relay for Life happening in July is definitely a mover and a shaker. What poise for a guy who is still in high school. He will definitely go far with that gung-ho spirit of his. Smart and compassionate are only two characteristics I can name out of the many he owns.

My only complaint- I didn't win a raffle prize. Well, there is always next year. Until next time...

Don't forget to jump ahead!

2007-03-09T20:40:00.000-06:00

Clocks need to go ahead one hour on Saturday night. Now, I reminded you-let me see if I remember.

Concert For Life

2007-03-09T19:58:00.000-06:00

Don't forget the Concert For Life being hosted by Warren Township High School's FBLA on Sunday! I will see you at 3:30pm at St. Paul, The Apostle Church in Gurnee. Matt Wessel's talents are a must see. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Alaska-2006

2007-03-07T20:45:00.000-06:00

My First Glacier

I went to Alaska last June with a group of friends for 11 days. There were a lot of firsts on this trip including: my first trip to Vancouver, my first cruise, my first walk through a rainforest, my first glacier, my first view of the Midnight Sun, my first trip to Denali, my first whale watch, my first ride on a small six-seater plane, my first 4th of July when the sun never set for fireworks, and my first experience of this grand place with a bunch of women who became dear friends. It was worth every penny!!! I have over 1300 other examples of this last US frontier. Another picture is farther down in my postings. Next fall, the same group will hit Sedona.

Looking for a Job!

2007-03-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

So, The Daily Herald has decided that my kind of column is not what they want. Well, that is fine with me, because their paper is not exactly what I thought it was going to be either. For now I will write on my blog and in the future, maybe a new gig I can be proud of doing. Between the tabloid content of the Lake County News-Sun and the blandness and uninspired writing of the Daily Herald, Lake County has some slim pickins. I hope we can start a movement in a better direction

Heck, all the stress I was experiencing, literally, made me sick in the last couple of months. Now, I am feeling great. No headache, no sore throat, and my knee is not throbbing. You know they say you are what you think and the first time in a long time-I'm good.

I have also been thinking that maybe I can report right here on my own terms. Life is good for sure. I'm grateful for the chance to continue working at my passion. The written word. Who knew 10 years ago, I would be writing in a public forum? I count each column as a major blessing.

This week I will be attending the Concert for Life as I hope everyone in this area will on Sunday, March 11th at 3:30pm. It will take place at St. Paul the Apostle Church on Hunt Club Road and Gages Lake Road. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Matt Wessel, our very own Gurnee native will be performing. If you never heard him, you need to check him out. More about him to follow. He is fantastic!

Until next time...

Independent and Working for Free-I like it!

2007-03-07T20:18:00.000-06:00

This is What I’m Talking About
Odie Pahl

Last week I was invited to a special recognition for a group of eighth graders who were learning about college from the experts in the area. The College of Lake County in conjunction with Robert Morris College, and DeVry Universities sponsored a four session Taste of College for the residents of Warren Township High School District 121. About 100 young people from Woodland School District 50 and Gurnee School District 56 attended this priceless opportunity to explore the world of higher education.

Some of you may think- eighth grade students? Isn’t that pushing it a bit? Most kids that age are struggling with the demands that are coming too quickly at them as they prepare to become high school freshmen, why give them more to worry about? Well, in this case it may be exactly what these students need to succeed in life. Most of the students who participated in this program will be the first generation to attend college in their families.

Like it or not the demographics in Lake County are a changing. Since 1990, the Hispanic population has increased by 140%, Black/African American is up 32%, and the Asian numbers are up 103%. Our communities have become truly multi-cultural in just one decade and the trend is bound to continue. These are just the figures for the Lake County website for 2000. Just think what it actually is today on the other side of the new millennium.

Another amazing fact to digest- in 2000 there were 24% adults, 25 years and older, who have completed a Bachelors of Arts degree (higher than the Illinois average or the National) and only 21.4% have graduated from high school. Those are the facts. In today’s society, the majority of adults are not college graduates. In our minority population, those numbers are even higher. Did you think the number would be higher also?

Having two daughters growing up and attending school in Lake County, I know how hard it was to pick the right college, find the funds, and explore all the options available to them. This program was started to make the process for furthering a child’s education and attaining their dreams a whole lot easier regardless of their circumstances. It is hard to make choices without having some prior knowledge on the method for doing so.

The celebration on March 1st was to mark the completion of this Taste of College by this diverse group of eighth graders, to allow their families to share in those honors, to enjoy some pizza donated by local businesses, and meet some of those local role models who took the time to demonstrate to this growing population that they do matter in their community.

School Board members, Administrative personnel from Warren, Woodland and District 56 with some very supportive- school support staff, representatives from Lake County’s government and business circles, gathered on Thursday night at Warren’s O’Plaine Campus as each and every student received their recognition certificate and shook the hand of the local dignitaries.

The names of the dignitaries are not important. It was the collective effort that should be told to the public. Having their name in the paper was not their goal at this gathering and I wholeheartedly agree.

It seems to me these incoming Warren freshmen learned as much that night as they did in the other three academic sessions put together. Their families were also privy to the good vibes pouring forth in the cafeteria. Maybe now they know there is help when the time comes to look to college for their children’s future. If they succeed, each of us in Lake County cannot fail.

How rarely do we have a chance to see cultures coming together without a hidden agenda, but for the right reasons. Yeah, that’s what I an talking about! Until next time…

Someone you should know

2007-02-16T18:38:00.000-06:00

Foreign Language Study from the Comfort Zone
Odie
I remember when I was a kid that I wanted to learn to speak French. It sounded beautiful to my ears and I used to make up my own version of the romance language accompanied with my version of the oola-la accent straight from Pepe Le Pue in my favorite Looney Tunes cartoon.

Way back in the dark ages of my childhood, it was not customary to learn a foreign language until high school. Unfortunately my interest and proclivity for grasping the nuances of French waned considerably by the time I reached my teens. Valiantly I carried on through three years of problematic study to actually use the language while on an extended stay in Montreal after high school. Much to my chagrin, no one could understand me or would not admit it if they did during my trip and the best I could accomplish is reading signs and some of the newspaper headlines.

Since then I have taken a semester of Spanish and Russian as humanity requirements in my college courses. Retention remains minimal in either language except the few commands, questions, or greetings that somehow lodged in my now middle-aged brain. I know how to say, Good day to you in Russian, I have no money in Spanish, and Where is the library in French, but that is about the extent of it.

Receiving a press release on Language Resources Ltd., about an event called FoodTalk that was happening at various libraries in Lake County, I found myself drawn to the concept and wanted to find out more. I am much better with food than learning a language, but having a chance to combine them seemed to me a winning recipe, if you can excuse the pun.

In the FoodTalk series, a particular cuisine is linked with the foreign language it pertains to culturally. The students learn through interaction. They are taught the words for the ingredients, utensils, and steps required for the making of the dish in the language it came from. Once the meal is prepared everyone sits down and eats their creations, while learning social phrases to compliment the evening. The recipe and phrases learned are sent home with the participants as review. FoodTalk is also available for private parties.

Ruth and Miles Hoffman, Co-Principals, in Language Resources have put together a unique interactive program called Comfort Zone Learning which is used in the FoodTalk series and in a full-range of language training, interpreting, translating, and cultural awareness services for businesses and individuals.

Started in 1983 in South Bend Indiana, their first client was the Bendix Corporation who needed to communicate with suppliers and customers in France. After moving to Chicago’s northwest suburbs in 1991 and their home-base in Lake Zurich, the Hoffmans have serviced many corporations and businesses locally and internationally using their Comfort Zone approach that includes: Abbotts, American National Can, Baxter, McDonalds, Motorola, Toyota, and Whirlpool. Their individual clients come from programs at local public locations, such as libraries, park districts, churches, and schools.

Both educated at the University of Chicago and have taught at the college level, Ruth and Miles have found most people need to learn a second language the way they learned their native one. First you begin by understanding what is being said, then speaking in that language, followed by reading, and writing.

They explain further. You learn to understand by following commands that are given and are rewarded for taking the correct actions. Comfort Zone Learning helps to communicate in the new language by training your ears and eyes to link phrases with actions. Foreign words don’t always correspond to words in English, but do to ideas. There is no grammar, writing, or translating words in your head. The simulations and role-playing used are based on relevant situations and topics. This seems to facilitate an understanding that most adults lose, as they get older.

They provide instruction for children, adults, and English-language learners in a myriad of languages including: Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, German, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, French, and Arabic.Language Resources Ltd., is a member of both Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce and of the GLMV Chamber.

In 2002, the Hoffmans were honored with the Community Connections Citizen Diplomat of the Year award from the International Visitors Center of Chicago for providing cultural and professional assistance to the US State Department- for sponsored visitors to Chicago.

Checkout their website at: www.language-resources.com for upcoming FoodTalk events or one their classes. The last one in the current series is FoodTalk French with a Moroccan dish on April 19th at the Bloomingdale Public Library. I can’t wait for another to come to our neck-of-the-woods. I always learn better with food, don’t you?

For My Past Readers

2007-01-28T18:17:00.000-06:00

I made this website to be able to write for the readers who I have left behind at the News-Sun and for the new readers from the Daily Herald to get to know me better. Hopefully, I will be able to cover topics that I may not be able to in my weekly column that pertains to us all, not just in Lake County, Illinois.

Since I could not continue to write for the News-Sun in its present format, I wanted another avenue for the readers who are not able to get the Herald delivered at this time, east of Gurnee. Also, just maybe to have a more open dialogue on local happenings not possible at either paper.

Eventually, I would like to provide a venue that will be pertinent for anyone who stops by. Hearing from others on topics locally or faraway, can only keep communication going in a positive direction. There is power in the Written Word. Intelligent debate may now begin!

2007-01-28T17:40:00.000-06:00

Alaska 2006-Would you believe a rainforest in Alaska?

This was a temperate rainforest in Ketchikan, the first stop on our adventure. It only rains 13 feet of rain each year. That's right 13 feet! The local school is built on poles to allow the students to have recess under the school or they would never get to play outside. No running water from wells or public water systems, the residents collect rainwater in big barrels. The water is filtered as it enters the house. While on the walk at Orca Beach, I saw the biggest slugs I have ever seen in my life. Let me just say they were creepy. Mosquitoes were like small birds when they were out. Ain't nature grand?!

Maneuvering the internet

2007-01-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

This is a big step for me. I have created my own blog. I am learning as I go. Bear with me as I learn the ropes. I have created this spot to share with whoever is interested in commentary, debate, and if nothing else intelligent dialogue. Local issues, personal annoyances, national concerns, or across the globe problems- nothing is verboten. Let's chat.

Odie Pahl- A Day in the Life

Remembering 9/11/01

Links

New Year, New Me???

Links

Life is What You Make It...

Links

Relay for Life Gurnee/Wadsworth, IL

Links

July 1st- New Chapter

Links

Can't We Just Vote on It?

Links

Merry Christmas!

Links

Thanksgiving- A Time for Reflection

Links

School Days

Links

Wakegan-Past and Present

Links

Sumertime and the river is spreading...

Links

Jeff Hoke...a music man

Links

Bernie Madoff and other dastardly criminals in the news.

Links

We Finally Have A Winner!

Links

Election Madness!!

Links

It's been a long time...

Links

So, what are you doing with your $600?

Links

The Beginning of a New Day

Links

More Than A Politician

Links

2008-Going to be Great!

Links

Be Here Now- My new Mantra

Links

"They" are driving me crazy!

Links

The Measure of a Man

Links

Six Years and Counting...

Links

Open Letter to Anonymous

Links

The Buzz in Lake County

Links

The 100 Year Flood is Here Again

Links

Gurnee Days 2007

Links

A Bit of Paradise

Links

Where in the world are we going?

Links

Birthday Week

Links

It's Spring and Times Are A Changin'

Links

Doesn't the news drive you crazy?

Links

Pet Food Scare is Making Us All Sick

Links

Try a comment or two

Links

Concert for Life is Another Hit

Links

Don't forget to jump ahead!

Links

Concert For Life

Links

Alaska-2006

Links

Looking for a Job!