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...
Butterfly Garden
Magical...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Pet Food Scare is Making Us All Sick
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...
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...
Monday, March 12, 2007
Try a comment or two
My comment button is now on. Test it out and send me something, so I know it works.
Odie
Odie
Concert for Life is Another Hit
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...
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...
Friday, March 9, 2007
Don't forget to jump ahead!
Clocks need to go ahead one hour on Saturday night. Now, I reminded you-let me see if I remember.
Concert For Life
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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Alaska-2006
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!
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...
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!
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…
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…
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