I worked hard to get all my reporting and writing done early this week because I have so much to do next week... I did manage to get this week's religion page done a day and a half early. And I think it all turned out pretty well...
The main story is about local churches' efforts to help alleviate the suffering of African AIDS victims, tied in with Saturday being the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
There is plenty of info online about World AIDS Day and one of the best sites on Christian responses to the AIDS pandemic is World Vision. Here's a link.
I believe it's a sin if we don't act to prevent the spread of this horrible disease, especially in underprivileged countries. I've read and heard too much about how we can make a major difference for a minimal investment.
I also wrote an article about Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on Tuesday, and included a list rounding up some of the upcoming holiday events -- Christmas dramas, handbell choirs, living Nativities, etc.
Thirdly (or fourth, depending on whether you count a holiday roundup as an article), I interviewed Kathy Troccoli, one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian music, who will be in Toledo for three concerts at Westgate Chapel next week. She now speaks about her struggles with depression and bulimia, among other talk topics. Her music is not really my style but I've always liked her personality. And besides, she was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Suffolk County, on the south short of Long Island, just like me... She's from Islip Terrace, just a few miles from my old home in N. Babylon.
But those are just "sneak previews." I hope you get a chance to read the Religion Pages on Saturday.
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Tomorrow, I'm interviewing Bishop John Spong, a retired Episcopal bishop who does not believe Jesus was God, born of a virgin, or was resurrected.
And next week in addition to my regular work I am planning on an article about the local Muslim community being so well integrated into the Toledo community in general, this tying in to an upcoming CBS News show about the local Muslims.
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I had a very enjoyable lunch today with local Episcopal clergy to explain my job and how I view the role of covering religion for a mainstream newspaper. They are a bit weary of all the news over their denomination's feuds over sexuality. There is so much more to any denomination than one issue, however hot that "hot-button" issue may be.
I understand their concerns and will try to report on the "mission" of the Episcopal Church, not just the newsy flashpoints, and be more aware of the members' frustrations with the media. Overall I think it was a worthwhile meeting and I am grateful for the opportunity to break bread with these fine people.
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I put on my music critic's hat last night and covered the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert in Toledo. This is one of the most amazing bands of all time, and that's no exaggeration. I've seen more than 2,000 concerts in my life and almost all of the big names, except the Beatles, but nobody puts on a bigger show than the TSO.
It was a challenge to write the review on a tight deadline -- I had about 45 minutes, so that means you can't really fuss over every word or phrase.
And although I'm usually hesistant to be too "gushing" in concert reviews, but I felt that this band deserved the superlatives. I don't see how anybody could complain about not getting their money's worth. The concert featured the most incredible light show, including laser lights, along with massive pyrotechnics including hundreds of color-changing fireballs, fog and smoke, and even snow falling from the rafters.
And that's before we even mention the music, which was simply remarkable.
I won't go into detail but you can read my review online here.
Hope your day has been a good one.
Toledo, Ohio
Nov. 29, 2007