When I started this website, the idea was to keep everyone apprised of the latest news about my book and any developments in the case of Father Gerald Robinson, convicted of murdering Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.
The trial and subsequent book were major events in my life, but as time went on I realized that the best bloggers write something every day and I was not about to write something on the Robinson case every single day. Rather than let too much time lapse without an entry, I've taken to writing about a variety of topics that I think may interest you. Those of you who have visited this site have seen the progression.
Blogging is a strange new addition to the media world. Anybody can blog, you don't have to be a reporter or editor. You don't even have to be much of a writer. All you need is a computer and access to the web.
The nature of some blogs makes perfect sense -- such as commentaries on current events, sports or politics. There's something going on every day worthy of discussion. Then there are the bloggers who have no life but want to share what little they have with the world. They'll let you in on such mesmerizing topics as what kind of toothpaste they used today to what they watched on TV last night. And they think the world can't wait to read the next installment. Yeah, sure.
I'm planning to offer you a little more than the trivialities of my daily routine. I don't want to bore you with the mundane, and I don't want to limit the subject matter. I'll still keep you informed on any news about the Robinson case, of course.
But I will try to keep your interest as I enter blogs more frequently and write about what's going on in my life. I truly love my job as religion editor and I honestly think most of my days at work are quite interesting.
Although I'll try not to report unverified rumors, I did hear one today that needs to be checked out. Supposedly Fr. Michael Billian, the power broker in the Toledo diocese whose title is episcopal vicar, may be appointed pastor of a large suburban parish. If that's the case, it would be major news. But for now it's merely a rumor. So treat it as that. I'll get back to you as soon as I can confirm or deny it.
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An American Treasure: I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my heroes today, Ernie Harwell. I spent a day with Ernie about 10 years ago, when he was a young 79. Now he's 89 and still going strong. The guy is humble, smart, funny, engaging, witty, and kind. The baseball hall of famer and longtime voice of the Detroit Tigers will be speaking in Toledo on April 30 and I am writing an article for the April 21 edition of The Blade. I don't want to scoop myself but once the article is published I will post more about Ernie. Perhaps I can even include audio of the interview, which I recorded on a digital recorder.
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Family news: Janet and my daughter Dana went to Rockford, Illinois, today, for a women's conference that my daughter Lisa helped organize. So I'm kind of a bachelor for a few days. However, I am also watching my new dog, Scotty the Schnoodle, and my daughter's dog, Lulu the Bichon Frise. So I've got my hands full and won't be going out on the town at night... At best, the dogs will be buddies, won't tear up the house, and in the evening I can sit home and read, watch a movie or write in peace.
I'll post pics of my new pup soon. He is such a cute little dog (actually medium sized) with a great attitude.
Sylvania, Ohio, April 12, 2007