Keywords by David Yonke

Cancer's Unexpected Blessings

When you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change.

NOTE: This testimony has been circulating on the internet. I received it in my email this week and found the original version on the Christianity Today website. Tony Snow died July 12 at age 53. -- David

Commentator and broadcaster Tony Snow announced that he had colon cancer in 2005. Following surgery and chemo-therapy, Snow joined the Bush administration in April 2006 as press secretary. Unfortunately, on March 23 Snow, 51, a husband and father of three, announced that the cancer had recurred, with tumors found in his abdomen—leading to surgery in April, followed by more chemotherapy. Snow went back to work in the White House Briefing Room on May 30, but resigned August 31. CT asked Snow what spiritual lessons he has been learning through the ordeal.

Blessings arrive in unexpected packages—in my case, cancer.

Those of us with potentially fatal diseases—and there are millions in America today—find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence What It All Means, Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the why questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.

I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. It is what it is—a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.

But despite this—because of it—God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.

Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere.

To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life—and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many nonbelieving hearts—an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live—fully, richly, exuberantly—no matter how their days may be numbered.

Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease—smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see—but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance and comprehension—and yet don't. By his love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise.

'You Have Been Called'

Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. "It's cancer," the healer announces.

The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him to serve as a cosmic Santa. "Dear God, make it all go away. Make everything simpler." But another voice whispers: "You have been called." Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter—and has dragged into insignificance the banal concerns that occupy our "normal time."

There's another kind of response, although usually short-lived—an inexplicable shudder of excitement, as if a clarifying moment of calamity has swept away everything trivial and tinny, and placed before us the challenge of important questions.

The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing though the known world and contemplating trips to what must have seemed the antipodes (Spain), shaking the dust from his sandals, worrying not about the morrow, but only about the moment.

There's nothing wilder than a life of humble virtue—for it is through selflessness and service that God wrings from our bodies and spirits the most we ever could give, the most we ever could offer, and the most we ever could do.

Finally, we can let love change everything. When Jesus was faced with the prospect of crucifixion, he grieved not for himself, but for us. He cried for Jerusalem before entering the holy city. From the Cross, he took on the cumulative burden of human sin and weakness, and begged for forgiveness on our behalf.

We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us—that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God's love for others. Sickness gets us partway there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy. A minister friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two people's worries and fears.

Learning How to Live

Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of love.

I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was a humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He retained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. "I'm going to try to beat [this cancer]," he told me several months before he died. "But if I don't, I'll see you on the other side."

His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn't promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity—filled with life and love we cannot comprehend—and that one can in the throes of sickness point the rest of us toward timeless truths that will help us weather future storms.

Through such trials, God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don't matter so that we might devote our remaining days to things that do?

When our faith flags, he throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it.

It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up—to speak of us!

This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back and appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God.

What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place—in the hollow of God's hand.

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NOTE: The following is a from a transcript from the White House website of a press briefing on May 6, 2006, given by Tony Snow in the James S. Brady Briefing Room. I've decided to just include his comments to the media about his cancer. Toward -- David

Q Second question, why did you choose to wear the yellow bracelet today? What's the importance to you?

MR. SNOW: I had cancer last year. And having cancer, it's one of these things -- thank Terry Hunt for having provided -- I lost my old one when I was in the hospital having my last cancer surgery. It's going to sound stupid, and I'll be personal here, but -- just having gone through this last year -- and I said this to Chris Wallace -- was the best thing that ever happened to me. It's my Ed Muskie moment. (Laughter.) I lost a mother to cancer when I was 17, same type -- same type, colon cancer. And what has happened in the field of cancer since then is a miracle.

I actually had a chance to talk today with Lance Anderson [sic -- he meant Armstrong] about this. You know, it's one of these things where America -- whatever we may say about a health care system, the technologies that were available to me that have me standing behind the podium today, where a doctor who said, you don't have to worry about getting cancer, just heartburn, talking to these people -- (laughter) -- that's a wonderful thing. And I feel every day is a blessing.

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Yesterday was my birthday and after breakfast with Cara and Dustin (the rest of my children were out of state) Janet and I went to Cedar Point and rode some of the world's greatest roller coasters.
Funny how some of our entertainment is designed to scare the heck out of you. That "Top Thrill Dragster" coaster at Cedar Point is one monstrous ride: It goes zero to 120 mph in about 6 seconds, shoots you virtually straight up a 420-foot climb, then drops you almost straight down, with one scary twist midway down, and then coasts to a stop. The whole ride lasts 17 seconds, and even though it's an hour and a half wait nobody leaves complaining that the ride was too short. They're just too pumped with adrenaline.

I also spent part of the day reading "Night," Elie Wiesel's shocking Holocaust memoir. In this slim volume, Wiesel describes with a few quick strokes of the pen some of the most horrific atrocities ever conducted by humanity.
I cannot imagine what leads to such genocide except that it is proof that there is evil in this world. Some evil is on a small scale and some, like the Holocaust, on so large a scale it's almost unimaginable.

Birthdays seem less of a "personal celebration" to me as I get older. It's more of a day to reflect on your blessings and to appreciate everything positive in your life.
I have much to be thankful for and I am grateful all the time. I think it's a good thing for us to be aware of. Despite all the problems, there is so much good in this world.
When I read "Night" it makes me even more aware of the blessings and God's grace in my own life, although it baffles me how and why God did not intervene to stop the Nazis.
At church this morning, Pastor Chad Gilligan preached from Isaiah, Chapter 38, in which ailing King Hezekiah was told by the Prophet Isaiah to get his house in order, he is going to die. Hezekiah prays to God and reminds the Lord of his faithfulness and upright living. God then tells Isaiah to go back and tell Hezekiah that he's changed his mind, he is going to extend his life by 15 years.
Pastor Chad spoke of how great God is and how we should be grateful for what we've got. He then passed out cards titled "Think on it" with lines for everyone to write down 10 things we are thankful for.
I filled out my card in just a few seconds, then added a few more on the back.
What about you?
Here's a little interactive internet exercise for you: Think about 10 things you can be thankful for and mentally fill the in blanks below.
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. __________________________________________
5.___________________________________________
6. __________________________________________
7. __________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________
10. __________________________________________

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Sylvania, Ohio
August 3, 2008

As you may know from earlier entries, Blade ombudsman Jack Lessenberry wrote a column about my personal blog a few weeks ago.
My objectivity had been called into question because I expressed an opinion in my blog. This letter to the editor was published in The Blade in response:

Religion reporting is fair, unbiased

Blade ombudsman Jack Lessenberry's views of Blade religion editor David Yonke's blogs were as fair and balanced as Mr. Yonke's stories, blogs, and book on religious subjects and issues.

Mr. Yonke's constitutional freedoms did not end when he accepted a journalist position. He should not be intimidated by anyone into eliminating, or even restricting, his blogging activities.

Mr. Yonke's objective as a reporter is to present the news truthfully and, as much as possible, without offense or judgment. One of Sally Oberski's roles as communications director for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo is to manage the news as much as possible, with special emphasis on damage control.

I have read dozens of Mr. Yonke's Blade stories and blogs, as well as his book, Sin, Shame & Secrets, about the Gerald Robinson case, and have found him to be, without exception, more than fair and free of bias.

His coverage of the Toledo Police Department's success in obtaining Diocese of Toledo "secret files" may have Pulitzer Prize potential.

Indeed, the diocese is very fortunate that the local religion editor is an ethical and sensitive reporter who has uncommonly high professional standards.

Many other dioceses would be very grateful to have such balanced and unsensationalized reporting in their local papers.

Richard Rosenbaum

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

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It may be worth noting that Mr. Rosenbaum staunchly believes that Gerald Robinson did not kill Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.
Sylvania, Ohio

Aug. 3, 2008

Here are letters from two members of the Toledo chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests that were published in the Blade's letters to the editor section today. They both were penned in response to the recent column by Blade ombudsman Jack Lessenberry about my personal blog (see previous entries).
One colleague asked me today if the letters were written to support me or to attack the Toledo diocese. I really can't say. But logically, these two objectives do not necessarily present an either-or situation. The same would be true of the reverse.
I'm grateful that people care enough to take the time to write a letter to the editor.-- David

Attack on messenger a diversion

Ombudsman Jack Lessenberry’s recent column about Toledo Catholic Diocese officials challenging the objectivity of The Blade’s religion editor, David Yonke, left me wondering if this isn’t this another example of “shoot the messenger” used as a tactical diversion.

Do diocesan officials really think that no one remembers when their public relations director publicly discredited Jane Doe’s allegations against now-convicted murderer Gerald Robinson after she spoke up?

Do Catholic church leaders really think no one remembers their smear campaign alleging violations of confidentiality against their own review board’s psychologist, who went to law enforcement to report crimes?

What about the church official sanctioned by the state social worker licensing board for publicly challenging a survivor and youth minister’s “stability” in working with kids after he spoke up?

What’s Jane Doe need to make her complaint viable? Credibility.

What’s the hallmark of a psychologist’s profession? Confidentiality.

What’s paramount when working with kids? Stability.

What’s required of journalists? Objectivity.

When diocesan officials attack the character of the messenger, it’s the cheapest damage control available.

Why? Because it shifts, even if only momentarily, the focus away from the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal and cover-up by top diocesan officials that has spanned decades. Let’s not forget the two no-knock search warrants executed on the bishop’s office when church leaders cried victim and foul play.

Aren’t three books, one documentary, and two docu-dramas illuminating sex crimes against local kids, cover-up, and collusion much more telling?

How does discrediting every person who dares to speak the truth about the sex crimes and cover-up within my diocese protect kids or negate what’s still happening?

Claudia Yvonne Vercellotti
Co-DirectorToledo SNAP Chapter
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Spokesman upset at the wrong things

Toledo Catholic Diocese spokesman Sally Oberski is upset again. The last time she was upset The Blade reported that the Revs. Frank Murd and Tim Kummerer were arrested for public indecency in the 1990s.

She wasn’t upset that these priests had been secretly working around children with few people knowing of their arrests. She wasn’t upset that Father Murd had admitted engaging in sexual activity in a public place.

Come to think of it. Ms. Oberski is never publicly upset about the crimes or sexual misconduct committed by priests. She never publicly discusses the immorality of their conduct. She never discusses how these priests have broken their promises of celibacy, betrayed their positions of trust, and harmed people.

But she is upset again and has resorted to the tired old tactic of blaming the messenger. Usually she is upset with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and other advocates. Now she is upset with The Blade’s religion editor, David Yonke.

Who’s she kidding? Ms. Oberski’s job is defending the indefensible and amounts to little more than “spinning” clergy sexual crimes and misconduct.

In the case of Father Kummerer, she used her position to plead that priests who are arrested for public indecency don’t deserve “humiliation.” In the case of Father Murd, she reminded us that despite his admission he may be returned to ministry. Last year, she used her position to remind us that the Rev. David Nuss did not violate the Dallas Charter because his sexual misconduct did not involve a child.

When will Ms. Oberski stop blaming the messenger and starting using her position to do some good?

Linda Waters
Sandusky

I had never heard of the Uighurs (WEE'-gurs) until yesterday, when two members of this ethnic Muslim group in western China attacked Chinese border guards, killing 16 and wounding 16 more.
These attacks are escalating as the Olympic Games approach their 8-08-08 start.
The Olympics are an awesome sporting event, and I always feel a thrill to see the world's best athletes giving it their all. I've got my satellite network's high-def channel all programmed and ready to go, although I won't watch even a fraction of the 1,000+ hours of coverage that will be broadcast.
Having the games in China has shined a harsh light on that nation's human rights record.
Tibetans and Tibet sympathizers protested vociferously when the torch was carried around the globe, even though the Dalai Lama spoke out against such protests and urged his followers to allow the games to go on peacefully.
Now the Uighurs are using the world's spotlight on China to make a statement about their situation, and they did it by spilling blood. That puts them on equal footing with other atrocity-minded terrorists and won't get much sympathy or support from the world's citizens.
Other Muslim terrorists also have warned of pending attacks on the Olympic games, and said spectators should steer clear -- especially Muslims.
I'm hoping and praying that the games go off without incident. It would be a tragedy to turn a wholesome sports competition into an excuse for political violence, as happened at Munich.
Let the athletes hold their competition on the field, and keep the politics and hate-filled agendas out of it -- for the sake of the whole world.
As the IOC said today, the goal of the Olympics is to promote peace and harmony and to bring countries together in a positive setting. It's a noble goal and one that should be allowed to blossom and bear fruit.

Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 5, 2005

Here is little snippet of what my "to do" list looked like recently. I've checked these all off by now:

What I've been listening to:
1. This Beautiful Republic's not-yet-released CD "Perception." Great sophomore disc from these internationally known Christian rockers from Toledo.
2. Kutless: To Know That You're Alive. Nothing noteworthy here.
3. Chris Tomlin's "Hello Love," not due out until mid-September. Great worship music from the man who has basically reinvented the genre.
4. Jimmy Needham's "Not Without Love." Nice light Christian pop-rock.
5. Third Day's "Revelation," you can always count on these guys for great music with a great message.
6. Above the Golden State, self titled, new band on Sparrow, very solid pop.
7. Seabird's "'Til We See the Shore," on Credential, excellent new Christian band from Cincinnati, the singer's voice and the group's keyboard gives them a Coldplay kind of sound. Very impressive at time, although there are some weak spots on the disc.
8. Nine Inch Nails' "The Slip." I'm reviewing this for the paper. Stay tuned, we'll have the full review on Sunday.
9. Adam's Road, a self-titled double-disc by a group of six musicians who all happen to be ex-Mormons.

What I've been reading:
"Dangerous Surrender" by Kay Warren, inspiring story about how awareness of the AIDS crisis changed the life and focus of Kay Warren, wife of mega-pastor Rick "Purpose Driven Life" Warren.
Newsweek article from a few weeks about on Abe Lincoln and Charles Darwin, both born on the same exact day (Feb. 12, 1809). Which one's contributions were more important? Newsweek says Lincoln. I'm not sure you can measure such a thing.
"Early Dylan," photographs by Barry Feinstein, Daniel Kramer and Jim Marshall, birthday gift from my daughter Lisa who shares a love of Dylan's music. Great B&W photos from the 60s.
"Night" by Elie Wiesel, just finished it last weekend. Horrific but important book on the Holocaust.
"The Punch" by John Feinstein, who was my editor in college at the Duke Chronicle. Taught John everything he knows ;-)

What I've been watching:
1. The Kite Runner, terrific movie about Afghanistan and its proud people under decades of oppression, from the Soviets in 1979 to the Taliban in the 1990s.
2. Across the Universve: Fabulous fantasy flick by Julie Taymoor, creator of the Lion King on Broadway, brilliantly using Beatles tunes and lyrics to tell a sketchy but amusing tale. The cinematography and music are spectacular.
3. Curb Your Enthusiasm: One of my favorite sitcoms of all time, although it gets a little raw at times since it's on the uncensored HBO cable channel.
4. "Love at First Sight," a 20-minute short film by Ryan Smith, son of Michael W. Smith, for a new project he's working on. Will be writing about this soon.
5. Balls of Fury, a pathetic and disappointing comedy despite the presence of Christopher Walken. Don't waste your time or money, you'll get more laughs hitting your big toe with a hammer. (I watched it because a friend, whom I will not name, highly recommended it and actually went to the theaters four times to see it. I've lost a lot of respect for this person!)

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If you haven't read my stories on The Shack, here's a link. I hope you get a chance to check them out.
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Sylvania, Ohio
August 5, 2008

The debate over Dottie Zimmerman, the Toledo woman who channels St. Padre Pio, still goes on.
I'm glad to see people discussing the issue but I hope they realize that I don't necessarily agree with or condone everything I write about.
It's a big world of religion out there and I write for a mainstream newspaper, not a Christian periodical. I think I need to cover topics occasionally that are controversial and/or offbeat, although I wouldn't do so too frequently. All in perspective.
The practice of channeling dead people is as old as humanity; the real point of contention for most people about the article is that Mrs. Zimmerman was teaching religion at a Catholic school (she just retired).
Incidentally, in a sidebar article, I quoted a Toledo priest, who was speaking for the diocese, who said that each case of channeling would have to be reviewed individually before any pronouncements were made. So he did not immediately condemn Mrs. Zimmerman for channeling and I think that irked many people.
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Here's today's letter:

Church does not condone divination
This is in response to the writer of "Talking with spirits is devilish practice" in the July 28 Readers' Forum. Divination is not a practice that the Catholic church accepts or promotes. The catechism of the Catholic church clearly states, "All forms of divination are to be rejected." It goes on to say, "They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone."

The writer assumed too much from the article and should have done a little more research before he wrote. I believe that his wrath should have been directed more toward Blade religion editor David Yonke for thinking that this was something worth printing. He cast his story in a way that it is legitimate religion. I, as a Catholic, would not condone such practices (divination or channeling), and neither would anyone who is in a "Jesus-centered church."

The church speaks for itself. All one has to do is listen.

Thomas E. Rawlins

Glenbrook Drive

Mark Davis, attorney for Survivor Doe and Spouse Doe, filed a motion involving their legal battle with Gerald Robinson and the Toledo Catholic Diocese.
Here's a copy of The Blade article about the motion that was published today:

Lawyer asks court to force Toledo Catholic Diocese to provide data

The attorney for a woman suing Toledo priest Gerald Robinson after accusing him of satanic ritual abuse has filed a motion asking that the Toledo Catholic Diocese be forced to provide documents and interrogatories related to the case.

Attorney Mark Davis, representing the Toledo woman who sued anonymously as Survivor Doe with her husband Spouse Doe, said in a motion filed yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court that the diocese has not yet provided pertinent information despite repeated requests. The motion requests that Judge Ruth Ann Franks order diocese officials to "fully answer the plaintiff's requests for production of documents and interrogatories."

The diocese will have a chance to respond to the motion.

Survivor Doe, now in her mid 40s, claims she was repeatedly raped and tortured by Robinson and Toledoan Jerry Mazuchowski in satanic rituals starting in 1968.

Her civil suit was filed in April, 2005. A May, 2009, trial date has been set.

In an unrelated case, Robinson was convicted in May, 2006, for the 1980 murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl and is serving a 15-years-to-life term in a southern Ohio prison. The Sixth District Court of Appeals recently affirmed his conviction.

My week was jam-packed and I think it was extremely productive and fulfilling. Here is a little rundown of what I did:
Monday:
* I interviewed Kay Warren, wife of Rick Warren who wrote The Purpose-Driven Life and pastors the 25,000-member Saddleback Church in suburban L.A., about AIDS and the church. (You can read the article tomorrow.)

* I celebrated my birthday belatedly with my daughter Dana and son-in-law Matt at their house because they were out of town on my actual birthday.
* I Interviewed Ryan Smith, son of Christian music superstar Michael W. Smith, about his new project to promote critical thinking of movies and DVDs. (Article to run 8/16)
Tuesday:
* Drove to Cleveland to view a wonderful exhibit called Vatican Splendors, at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Not only took notes for the story but had to take my own photos because the newspaper couldn't spare a photographer. We had handout pics but they were all just single items, no scene setters and no people. I think my photos came out well. (To be published tomorrow)
Wednesday:
* Interviewed Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor; also interviewed Matt "Ro" Wrozek, Christian rapper in Toledo trio Glass City Boyz.
* Interviewed Joshua Dubois, director of faith-based relations for Barack Obama.
* Worked at home til 11 p.m. in order to clear the slate for Thursday and Friday... you'll see why in a moment
Thursday:
* Attended the 2008 Leadership Summit broadcast live by satellite from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., viewing it at CedarCreek Church in Perrysburg. The Rev. Bill Hybels, founder and pastor of Willow Creek and founder of the annual summit, is one of my favorite speakers in the world and I always try to hear him preach when I have a chance. I covered his talk for tomorrow's religion page. You can count on extraordinary speakers at these summits, even if you've never heard their names before.
I was immensely impressed with Gary Haugen, of International Justice Mission, who rescues children and families from forced labor, prostitution rings, and other horrors around the world.
Also Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, which recruits new college grads to commit two years to teaching in underprivileged schools. She is truly making a difference in this world.
* Worked an overtime shift at night on the copy desk, editing stories and writing headlines and cutlines.
Friday:
* Watched an early morning Olympic soccer match between Argentina and Republic of the Ivory Coast, a thrilling game that Argentina pulled out, 2-1, with a fantastic last-minute goal. Argentina's Messi is spectacular!
* Back to the Leadership Summit to start the day, with lectures by Craig Groeschel, the dynamic and visionary leader of lifechurch.tv, and Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and ex-Watergate figure. It'll be 35 years on Tuesday, Aug. 12, since Colson became a Christian. I think he's proved his sincerity and authenticity by now...
* Came in to the office to finalize the religion pages for tomorrow.
* Back to the Leadership Summit to hear Bill Hybels' closing lecture.
* Off to the Lucas County Fairgrounds to meet up with a friend, and possibly Ted Nugent. Check out this note on Ted's website about my article.
* Coming home tonight to a house full of dogs: we are watching Dana & Matt's two pups, so along with my dog and Cara's dog, we are being overrun by canines. But only temporarily.
That's about all for the moment... But it's enough, don't you think?
p.s. What are you doing at 8:08 pm today, 08/08/08?
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Toledo, Ohio
08/08/08

Here's the statement from John Edwards, the former Democratic presidential candidate, admitting he had an affair (he doesn't mention it was while his wife was battling cancer).
No matter what party or candidate you support, it's a good thing for the country that Edwards is not the Dems' leading candidate for president now.
What a mess this embarassment would have caused if Edwards were now the front-runner.
As for his explanation, isn't it amazing that he says he was "99 percent honest" about his affair, as if that makes everything OK? And that he was "increasingly egocentric and narcisistic." Haven't those become requirements for public office today? And that it's useless to criticize himself because he's already beaten himself up about it? As if it's beneath us to comment. He is a master manipulator, I can see that.
Nobody's perfect, of course, but when you RUN FOR PRESIDENT you can't expect the skeletons to stay in the closet! I wonder why this scandal has surfaced, there's got to be someone pressing the issue -- sounds to me like his ex-lover wants some money.
With all the indiscretions of Kwame, (W.J.) Clinton, Newt, Spitzer, et al., the Edwards news just adds to the continuing slide in public confidence of politicians. - David

By JOHN EDWARDS

In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness.

Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public. When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it.

But being 99% honest is no longer enough. I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then.

I am and have been willing to take any test necessary to establish the fact that I am not the father of any baby, and I am truly hopeful that a test will be done so this fact can be definitively established. I only know that the apparent father has said publicly that he is the father of the baby.

I also have not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby.

It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic.

If you want to beat me up - feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help. I have given a complete interview on this matter and having done so, will have nothing more to say.

Poor Reginald Peterson. He just can't get good service anymore.
The hungry 42-year-old man went into a Subway in Jacksonville, FL, and when the restaurant's sandwich artists didn't put everything on his order the way he wanted it, he dialed 9-1-1.
Then when police didn't "respond fast enough," he dialed 9-1-1 again.
Peterson ended up in jail, charged with making a false report.
Subway's staff acted quickly and locked the raving lunatic out of the restaurant, then called the cops themselves.
The manager said "it's unbelievable what people get upset about nowadays."
In an interview with a Florida paper, Peterson defended calling his actions.
"You could basically say I was going on emotions because I was a little ticked off. But I held my composure the whole time and felt that it was not right for them to do that," he told the First Coast News.
He said he didn't realize his call could land him behind bars.
Maybe he should have told police it was a theft? He could have argued that the clerk "stole" his banana peppers, or whatever it was he wanted and didn't get.
You can hear Peterson's 9-1-1 call online at Huffington Post.
Maybe he should've gone to Burger King -- where their old slogan was, 'Have it your way.'
* * *
Toledo, Ohio
August 9, 2008

The Christian Science Monitor (which is a first-rate newspaper, in case you didn't already know) had a story today that Saudi Arabia's religion police are trying to ban people from walking their dogs.
It seems that young Saudi men have been taking their dogs out for walks and while doing so were seen flirting with young Saudi women! I know, you're as shocked as I am about it.
But no need to panic.
The Commission to Promote Virtue and Prevent Vice, which is commonly called the religion police, said this is a sin against Islam, so they want to ban everyone from walking their dogs.
Here's the article. It's definitely worth reading.
Thankfully, a lot of Saudis interviewed by the CSM reporter said they believe such a ban would be ridiculous and predicted that it will be a failure if they attempt to enforce it.
It's not a sin against God to walk a dog, they assert, and the Prophet Mohammed never forbade such a thing. The only verse that the virtue cops could find to make their case actually involved a recommendation by the Prophet against buying and selling dogs and cats, not owning or walking them.

"Now don't come and tell me that dogs are a yucky creature," says Saudi-born veterinarian Maged Elhayek. "They're a beautiful creature and the more I know people, the more I love my dog."

It is unfortunately too common for people in religious authority to intentionally twist their interpretations of holy scripture or give partial truths for their own ulterior motives, and this is a perfect example. But not everyone is blindly accepting the idea.

I'm prettier than the dog, if I want to flirt with women, I'd just use myself!" says young Mohammed Al Anezi. "I wouldn't need the dog."

I applaud the Saudis who will stand up to this kind of misue of authority. It seems like a little thing in this case, but if the religion police are not questioned or challenged you could end up living under tyranny like the Talibans when they ruled Afghanistan and executed people for trivial "abuses," all in the name of religion.

Sylvania, Ohio
August 12, 2008

P.S. Here's my daughter's cute little pup Roxie, who has me wrapped around her little paw... I take her and Scotty for walks every day and not once did I feel it was grieving God's heart.

No matter what your political preferences, it is just a very cool thing that Barack Obama is going to send out a text message announcing his choice for vice president. You can know as soon as the news media, even sooner than some.
This is the kind of use of technology that I love. But the downside is that once you sign up for the veep text, you'll be on their list. Who knows how many texts you'll be getting after that.
Here's a link to sign up and be "the first to know."
* * *
Been playing some golf lately. It's a wonderful thing to get out on the green, green golf courses and enjoy the nature, trying not to torture yourself over the score. Saw some deer, fox, rabbits and more the last few times. I really love to walk and carry my clubs when possible.
Golf is a great game and in addition to being outside and soaking up nature, on the athletic side of it, it doesn't matter how good or bad you are, it is always a personal challenge. As one comedian once pointed out (I think it was Robin Williams), golf spelled backward is flog.
If you're on a roll, you know you could be humbled on the very next shot, so you never get overconfident. And when you're having a bad round, you keep thinking the next shot will turn things around.
I've learned a lot of life lessons on the golf course.

Toledo, Ohio
Aug. 13, 2008

The Chicago Tribune published an article today in which Cardinal Francis George announced a $12.7 million settlement with 16 victims of clerical sexual abuse.
The cardinal also unveiled his own sworn deposition that, to quote the Tribune, "revealed a flawed and secretive system where priests and bishops employed by the archdiocese to this day protected their own."
Here is a link to the full article.

Last November, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops elected Cardinal George to a three-year term as president starting in November, 2008.
* * *
Toledo, Ohio
Aug. 13, 2008

Had a busy weekend with little or no time for blogging. Thanks for bearing with me.
Friday was one of my all-time favorite assignments, I got to spend the day at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
It is a truly awesome museum and I go there whenever I get the chance, especially when I have visitors from out of the area. I always have to show off this American gem. It has millions -- seriously, millions! -- of artifacts on display in just about every category you could imagine. The only thing missing, for me, is the space program. They should have an Apollo capsule or space suit.
Among the artifacts are all sorts of cars, trucks, motorcycles, sleighs, fire engines, locomotives, stage coaches, and bicycles. It also has the chair in which Lincoln was sitting when he was shot, the car Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated, and Thomas Edison's last breath sealed in a test tube.
You can read my article here.
How did I get to go there for a workday?
The newspaper has been running a weekly feature called "Short Stops" this summer, about places of interest that are a short drive away. I had mentoined the Henry Ford Museum to the editors early in the summer and then this week they really needed something and asked me if I could do it. I of course said yes, although I had to rearrange my week's schedule and get everything done in four days instead of the usual five.
After visiting the museum I hooked up with Rev. John Peck, an old friend who moved from Toledo to Dearborn to pastor a church. He brought along a friend who is a minister in the inner city. It was great to see John and he and the other minister are doing some great things in Detroit.
One of their programs is called the B.O.M.B. Squad, which stands for Bring Our Men Back. It's designed to teach men to be responsible Christians and they meet at 6 a.m. on Saturdays! When the men graduate from the program they receive a sword and are knighted in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
* * *
A few notable deaths occurred recently including the great R&B singer Isaac Hayes and comedian/actor Bernie Mac. Then last Friday the man who coined the phrase "rhythm and blues" passed away: Jerry Wexler was 91.
Wexler was one of the most influential executives in rock and roll history, signing Led Zeppelin to a contract and producing many landmark albums.

Among the important recordings he produced were Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" in 1954 and "What I'd Say" in 1959; Booker T. & the MG's "Green Onions" in 1962; Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" in 1965; Aretha Franklin's "Respect" (1967); Dr. John's "Iko Iko" (1972); Will Nelson's "Bloody Mary Morning" (1974); Dire Straits' "Lady Writer" (1979) and Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" (1979).
That is an impressive lifetime achievement and a lasting legacy for someone in the rock and roll business.
* * *
I read Joe Eszterhas' new book, "Crossbearer," over the weekend. He is the tough-talking, dark-side-of-life explorer who wrote "Jagged Edge," "Basic Instince" and "Showgirls." Now he is "saved," as he put it himself.
Joe had throat cancer, was addicted to tobacco and alcohol, and just couldn't handle it anymore when he asked God for help. God miraculously cleaned him up and turned his life around.
Eszterhas now lives in the Cleveland area where he grew up and is going to a Catholic church every week and the most important things in his life are family and God.
I'll be interviewing him by phone on Wednesday.
* * *
Time to watch a little more of the Olympics. Like a lot of people I know, I am hooked on this display of athletic perfection.
What about Michael Phelps' 8 Gold Medals? He definitely deserved it, what a fierce competitor and amazing swimmer. But he's not much of an interviewee. It's been painful watching him answer questions on the Today Show live from Beijing and in post-swim interviews. He doesn't have to be a good interviewee, though. He's certainly the greatest swimmer in history to this point and that speaks for itself.
Gymnastics was great, especially the two American women winning the Gold and Silver, and the beach volleyball duo of May-Treaner and Walsh were incredible, especially when they overcame 5 match points to beat the Belgian team.
The soccer coverage has been terrific, too, with one channel showing the Olympic matches continuously without commercials. I love soccer and when I turn on the channel I have a hard time turning away.
Go USA!
* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
August 18, 2008

Woody Allen has made some of the greatest movies, from slapstick like "Bananas" and "Sleeper" to urbane comedies like "Manhattan Murder Mystery" and "Small Time Crooks" to provocative dramas like "Crimes and Misdemeanors" and "Annie Hall."

Nevermind his personal life, which has gotten enough negative publicity -- probably some of it accurate and some just wild misstatements. His worst movie, the repulsive "Deconstructing Harry," was made during the depths of his troubles (1997) and for me is unwatchable.
Allen's films are so intriguing to me because of his intelligent humor, his hilarious expressions, great casts, and his propensity to explore eternal issues. I've seen them all and some of them many times.
But a new Newsweek interview shows how heavily his atheism is weighing on his mind.
"At 72, he says he still lies awake at night, terrified of the void," the article says.
And this: "... he knows why he makes movies: not because he has any grand statement to offer, but simply to take his mind off the existential horror of being alive. Movies are a great diversion, he says, 'because it's much more pleasant to be obsessed over how the hero gets out of his predicament than it is over how I get out of mine.'"
This is a man who is not at peace, who has no faith and ultimately no hope.
He says he enjoys life, and I believe it, with his clarinet and his love of New York and Paris and his wife of 11 years Soon-Yi Previn and their 2 adopted children.
I feel sorry for Woody Allen after reading this article. You want people to reconcile their spiritual and physical lives, their eternal and mortal existence. I think this brilliant artist is trying to rationalize the big issues, bring then down to human level and understand them through his intelligence.
That's not how faith works. It takes the faith of a little child.
I once heard a good explanation of faith by Lester Sumrall, an evangelist who is now deceased. He said that to understand faith, think of child standing atop a ledge looking down at his or her parent. Faith is not standing on the edge, it's leaping into a parent's arms, trusting they will catch you.
Woody Allen is standing on the ledge, and, in his view there's nobody there to catch him. Without faith in God, he has nowhere to jump. Sooner or later, however, he's going to get knocked off whether he's ready or not.
Here's hoping -- and praying -- that Woody finds his way to faith. And consequently a peaceful night's sleep without an abject fear of "the void."
* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 20, 2008

Bad news from Canada:
Tattooed evangelist Todd Bentley, who has been holding revivals in Lakeland, Fla., has resigned from public ministry after acknowledging an "unhealthy relationship on an emotional level" with a female staff member, according to the Associated Press.

Such things happened to people in the Bible and I'm sure it's happened throughout history, but it's always a shame when ministers, preachers, priests, clerics, and other spiritual leaders get caught up in scandals.
God holds such people to a higher standard and actions and behaviors that would be shrugged off in Hollywood or the corporate world can be devastating blows to ministries, ministers and their faithful followers.
* * *
Now the good news:
It's only a game, but you know the thrills and chills that sports can deliver, and yesterday I watched the United States women's football (soccer) team defeat Brazil for the Gold Medal.
It was such a great matchup, both sides played a great game, and it came down to one great breakway goal for the United States by Carli Lloyd and a few sensational saves in goal by Hope Solo.

Final score, U.S. 1, Brazil 0.
Funny how the U.S. media have no clue about soccer. They called it a stunning upset and the like, but the USA women's team has dominated Brazil in recent years. I think the announcers said last night that the US team's record against Brazil is 22-3-2, or something close to that. Hardly an upset.
The Olympics have been such a great experience, even though it's overwhelming how much is packed into 2 1/2 weeks.
Best of all, the games have gone off without incident despite terrorist threats. It's not over yet but things are winding down and you have to give the Olympic and Chinese security forces credit doing such a great job thus far.
* * *
I interviewed Joe Eszterhas this week. He's the author of such Hollywood hits as "Basic Instinct," "Jagged Edge," and "Showgirls." But now Joe, age 63, has left Hollywood behind in more ways than one. He moved to a suburb of Cleveland, where he grew up, and after a cancer scare had a spiritual transformation.
His new book, "Crossbearer," is all about his new life in Christ.
Joe and his family go to Holy Angels Catholic Parish and he rants and complains about boring homilies and the scandal of clerical sexual abuse and coverups by bishops, but in the end he says he is a "captive Catholic" who will never find fulfillment in any other church.
I read an advance copy of the book, which comes out Sept. 2, and wrote about it for an article to be published tomorrow.
* * *
I'm looking at maybe taking a trip to Albania next spring, on a mission trip organized by my church. This is a country that was never on my "must-see" list but I think it would be a fascinating trip. Albania used to be one of the most secretive, hard-to-reach countries in the world until the fall of Communism. The people are terrific there, according to a friend who has made 3 trips to Albania, and some coastal areas are becoming popular resorts.
We'll see if the trip works out. I'm also planning a visit to the Philippines in the spring of 2010. But for now that's a long way off, literally and figuratively.

Toledo, Ohio
Aug. 22, 2008

My daughter sent me a text message a few weeks ago, which normally would not be worth mentioning, but she happened to be driving -- alone -- to Chicago. I sent a note back saying I love you but please don't text while driving. She sent me back a smiley face.
It's pretty obvious why not, but here's an Associated Press article that shows what can happen. I'm wondering if this driver finished her conversation with another text, WPS I CRSHD!
-- David
===================
MASON, OHIO (AP) -- Authorities in southwest Ohio say a driver admitted that she was using a cell phone to text-message a friend when her car went off the road, hit a mailbox and overturned.

Eighteen-year-old Sarah Stearns of Monroe was thrown from the vehicle about 2 a.m. Wednesday. A spokesman for the State Highway Patrol says Stearns has been cited for operating a vehicle without reasonable control.

Stearns was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials say they don't know how many accidents occur while drivers are texting. The Ohio Department of Public Safety says similar practices, such as talking on a cell phone or putting on makeup, fall into a catch-all category of "driver inattention."

* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 23, 2008

Mark Davis, the "Bald Eagle" attorney (his billboard slogan) who represents Survivor Doe in her civil lawsuit against Father Gerald Robinson, has filed a motion to compel the Toledo Catholic Diocese to answer questions and produce requested documents.
Survivor Doe's suit, filed in Lucas County Commony Pleas Court in April, 2005, claims that Robinson and others tortured and sexually abused her in satanic rituals when she was a child.
Davis said in his latest filing that he repeatedly requested documents and interrogatories from the Toledo diocese and its attorneys, but without result. The only correspondence he received, he said in the motion, was a suggestion for a confidentiality agreement from Tom Pletz, the diocese's attorney. That suggestion was rejected by Davis.
The motion to compel was reported in a brief newspaper article earlier this month. I thought some people who have an interest in the Father Gerald Robinson case might want to know a few details about Davis' motion.
Here are just a few of the items and questions the attorney addressed to the diocese in his motion:
* Names of employees who worked at St. Adalbert's Church [where Survivor Doe allegedly was abused], including priests or clergy, from 1968 to 1972.
* Names of all persons or entities who may have relevant documents in the case.
* Names of persons who were witnesses to any factual scenario in connection with this case.
* Names of expert witnesses the diocese intends to call in connection with a trial.
* "State if the Diocese of Toledo has ever been involved in any criminal or civil litigation within the last 10 years, state the name and address of the court(s), the case number(s); and whether you were a plaintiff or defendant."
* "State the names of all the priests, clergy, and or other employee of the defendant diocese who has been accused of sexual misconduct within the last 10 years."
* The employment history of defendant Robinson.
* State if Gerald Robinson has ever been treated for pedophilia, ephebophilia, and/or psychosexual disorders.
* "Produce any and all documents, including police reports for each and every every incident the police were called for, allegations against any priest for misconduct of any kind during the time Gerald Robinson was employed."
* All records relating to Gerald Robinson from the Diocesan Lay Review Board.
* "Produce all records relating to investigations relating to claims of Satanism, Satan worship, or Devil Worship within the Catholic Diocese in the Northwst Ohio and South Eastern Michigan region."
* * *
Those are just a few of the requests, and the answers should be interesting.
* * *
A co-defendant in the case, Jerry Mazuchowski, filed a request for an extension and was granted until Sept. 9 to respond to Survivor Doe's motion.
* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
August 23, 2008

People scoffed at Rocky Twyman when he came to Toledo in June with his Pray at the Pumps campaign, and asked God for divine intervention with gas prices.
The price of gas on the day he prayed was $4.09.
On Thursday, I saw gas for $3.44 a gallon at several local stations. Uunfortunately for me, I didn't win the gas lottery this week because I had a full tank and the price jumped back up on Friday to $3.75 a gallon.
Even at the latest price, gas is still 34 cents a gallon lower than it was the day Mr. Twyman came to Toledo with his prayer group, at the request of Rev. Mike Fortune of Toledo's First Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
I like to think Rocky Twyman, Reverend Fortune, and the others made a difference, although it's impossible to measure or prove something like this.
But thanks, Rocky, for coming to Toledo and leading a prayer for lower gas prices. It sure didn't hurt.
* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
August 23, 2008

After a jam-packed week, I have the day off today. But we've got a special event at our church called "Friends & Family Day" featuring comedian Kenn Kington. This guy is hilarious. When I went to his website, I saw that his 3-year-old daughter had been diagnosed last year with leukemia. Why is it that laughter and tears are so closely related?
After the service the church is holding a picnic, then we'll be attending a small-group Bible study where we are discussing "The Truth Project" -- a video series taught by Del Tackett.
* * *
I got an email from a regular reader who said the religion page was a "home run" yesterday. That's what I always strive for but some weeks you just want to hit the ball and get on base. I did think I had a good package yesterday with stories about Joe Eszterhas' spiritual awakening, an inside look at China and religion, a nonprofit group that tries to keep teens off drugs, and an interview with Michael W. Smith's son Ryan who is trying to raise the bar for Christian filmmaking.
Now it's on to the next week's page. Never time to rest...
* * *
Last day of the Olympics -- caught some of it last night including the men's 10m platform diving, which was a shocker when the Australian beat the Chinese favorites to win Gold. Tonight is the closing ceremonies -- I've got to Tivo them because I have a meeting. If they're anything like the opening ceremonies, you won't want to miss them!

Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 24, 2008

The 2008 Beijing Olympics were a tremendous success, both on the field and off. The athletic competition and achievements were remarkable and there were no major security problems (except for one tragic and bizarre attack on an athlete's parents, the kind of thing that unfortunately could happen anywhere, anytime).

The USA shined brightly, especially with Michael Phelps' 8 Gold Medals, but our athletes scored the top spot on the podium in men's basketball, women's soccer, men's volleyball, men's and women's beach volleyball, and several key gymnastics and track events, among others.
Last night's closing ceremonies were interesting but not nearly as mesmerizing as the opening ceremony. After 17 days of endless competition, I am glad it's over. I had a hard time prying my eyes away from the games whenever I was home and had some free time. It was a wonderful experience but overwhelming in many ways. I'm glad for life to get back to normal.
* * *
Almost as soon as Barack Obama named Joe Biden as his running mate, I got two emails from different Catholic groups. They were completely contrary to each other.
Here are the announcements...

First: "Senator Biden will make an excellent Vice-President," said Dr. Patrick Whelan, president of Catholic Democrats. "He has lived out the tenets of his Catholic faith throughout his career -- speaking out tirelessly on behalf of the poor and the exploited, encouraging peace and reconstruction in the most despairing corners of the world, and promoting personal responsibility here in the US. He is a public servant who truly believes in the common good."

Second: "The Roman Catholic group, Fidelis, says Barack Obama's selection of pro-abortion Catholic Joe Biden to be his V.P. running mate 'is a slap in the face to Catholic voters" and poses a major challenge for American Catholics.' In a press release sent out overnight, Fidelis president, Brian Burch, declared that Barack Obama has "re-opened a wound among American Catholics" by picking a pro-abortion Catholic politician like Joe Biden.
According to Burch, the American Catholic bishops have made it clear that Catholic political leaders must defend the dignity of every human person, including the unborn. "Sadly, Joe Biden's tenure in the United States Senate has been marked by steadfast support for legal abortion" he added.
= = = =
So, Sen. Biden is either a brilliant pick or a "slap in the face," depending on whom you ask. This reflects the wide range of opinions among Catholics on some key issues, including abortion.
It does not, however, reflect the fact that the Catholic Church has been crystal clear and consistent in its pro-life, anti-abortion stance. Everyone has a right to speak out but it doesn't mean their statements carry equal weight.
* * *
I wrote a blog the other day on an AP story about a girl who crashed her car as she was writing a text message. The girl was injured but survived. One reader sent me a note about a student of hers who died while sending a text message. She was traveling 65 mph, went off the road and hit a tree and was instantly killed.
This is a serious issue as people, especially young people, send more and more text messages.
As the writer pointed out in her email to me, a driver going 65 mph travels 88 feet in a second, in a car that probably weighs a ton. That's a lot of mass and velocity, and it poses a potential danger to other drivers, passengers and innocent bystanders.
Getting behind the wheel of a car is a serious responsibility and requires a driver's full attention.
So be smart and be safe -- don't do something stupid like sending text messages while you're driving. Your message can wait. Or you can call -- just keep it brief and get back to focusing on driving asap.

Sylvania, Ohio
August 25, 2008

Check out this amusing video on YouTube. I don't know how I came across it but I was looking for something about U2 and this popped up. Amazing editing job.
* * *
Last night was my daughter Dana and her husband Matt's 1-year anniversary. We went over to their house for dinner, along with the rest of the extended family, and then watched a video of the wedding. (The happy couple are going to Chicago for the Labor Day weekend to celebrate their anniversary, otherwise they would have celebrated by themselves last night, Dana informed me.)
It's amazing that a year has passed already. The video was great, extremely well done by a real pro, Ron Matanick of Toledo.
It's hard for me to watch myself on video but I guess the cameras do not lie, right? I got to watch my stint with the band, playing guitar at the reception on a couple of songs including "Margaritaville," which my pastor loves to remind me of ... all in good fun (I think). I had a blast.
The Jimmy Buffett tune is not the most spiritual choice of songs, but it's one of the few that I know how to play ;-)
Going to Matt & Dana's, I missed the opening night of the Democratic National Convention and Michelle Obama's speech, and I also missed the Nine Inch Nails concert in Toledo.
Kind of an odd combination of misses.
I'm not a fan of NIN but that group puts on an amazing show, one of the most expensive and elaborate productions you'll ever see. You've got to give credit where credit is due. And my friend John is the promoter so whenever he's in town I enjoy hanging out with him backstage.
Trent Reznor, the band's lead singer, was supposed to do an interview with me but he blew it off. I know his voice is raw and he needs to rest it but I sent him questions by email, so he could have typed out his answers if he truly cared about selling tickets and promoting his own show. I guess the word on the street about him is true, he's a bit of a pompous jerk. I don't usually believe the gossip because I've found firsthand that it's often wrong, but this could be a case where it's right.
Not that I care personally about interviewing Reznor, but his failure to come through made it a hassle to write an article in advance of the show. The interview was on, then off, then on, then off. I waited 'til the absolute last minute and when he didn't write or call I had to scramble to come up with something interesting and then stayed up writing 'til the wee hours of the morning.
I write music articles for fun and to make a little extra money in these tough economic times. But the NIN scenario was a royal pain and not worth the time or money. I did the best I could, however, with what I had. Here's the preview article.
As an example of the kind of guy Reznor is, he recorded one of his albums in the L.A. house where Manson's followers murdered Sharon Tate. Then he called the studio "Le Pig," mocking the words scrawled on the Tate mansion wall in blood. Great sense of humor, huh?
When he moved to New Orleans, he moved into a former funeral home. The guy apparently has a death fetish.
Rod Lockwood reviewed last night's concert. Here's a link.
Note that he said there were about 3,000 people at the show. This is a group that used to sell out 20,000-seat arenas. Nine Inch Nails is getting a bit rust-covered.
* * *
Sylvania, Ohio
August 26, 2008

I've been hearing about this story for more than a week now, because my daughter and her fiancee went to school in Australia and that's where this minister lives and is best known. But he's a globally known preacher, especially for writing the song "The Healer."
Nobody is perfect and lots of people hide flaws and bad habits, but how someone could present an image this far away from the truth defies logic. It just shows how things are not always what they seem and that you should never put your trust in any man or woman, only in God, because you're often going to be let down and hurt.
I've learned the hard way myself, having had several pastors in my life turn out to have been living double lives and deceiving their families and congregations. Nothing as bizarre as the story of Michael Guglielmucci, however.
(I don't know where this article was published, it was sent to me via email. I think it's from an Australian newspaper. I like to give credit when possible and googled the writer's name and found a Kim Wheatley who is a professor of English at William and Mary, but I don't think it's the same Kim Wheatley. At any rate, this is a well written article and I have verified virtually everything in it through official and reliable online sources.) -- David

By Kim Wheatley

August 26, 2008 08:00am

Michael Guglielmucci

* Pastor says he told cancer lie to hide porn addiction
* 'I'm addicted to the stuff, it consumes my mind'
* Pastor says profit from hit song will be handed over

DISGRACED pastor Michael Guglielmucci has finally told of fabricating a terminal cancer battle to hide his 16-year obsession with pornography.

"This is who I am ... I'm addicted to the stuff, it consumes my mind,'' he said of pornography in his first interview on Today Tonight since the story was first revealed on AdelaideNow last week.

"... I'm sick and this is why I had to come up some sort of explanation of what was happening in my body.''

The shame of his addiction manifested itself physically, resulting in him losing his hair and purging his body.

"I don't know how you can fake vomiting all over yourself night after night after night, I'm not that good an actor,'' he said.

To conceal the two-year cancer lie which he hid from his wife and family, he sent phoney emails to his loved ones from non-existent medical practitioners.

"I've been living a lie for a long time,'' he said.

"I've been hiding who I am for so long. "I can honestly say to you that the last two years have been hell for me physically, emotionally, but I never sat down and said ... let's try and fool the world.''

Today Tonight insisted that it did not pay for the interview from the man who has been in hiding and receiving psychiatric help since AdelaideNow revealed the web of lies last week.

Mr Guglialmucci, who claims to have written the hit song Healer after being inspired by God, also insisted that all monies received via song sales would be returned.

"I don't have any desire to attain any financial gain from that, we're already making stages to sign those royalties over,'' he said.

"I'm so sorry, not just for lying to my friends and my family even about a sickness, but I'm sorry for a life of saying I'm something I'm not ... from this day on I'm telling the truth.''

Mr Guglielmucci has written to Police Commissioner Mal Hyde offering to fully co-operate with any police inquiries into his fake illness.

A statement from Edge Church International General Manager Steve Hilder– sent to The Advertiser a short time ago - advises that the letter, written by Mr Guglielmucci's lawyer, says the police will be told "all pertinent information".

The statement also states that Mr Guglielmucci is an "itinerate minister who held a credential with the Australian Christian Churches"

"His credential was immediately suspended," it says.

"The National Executive of the ACC is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of the medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him.

"Michael Guglielmucci has not been a paid staff member of Edge Church for eight years.

"Michael has lived in three other states of Australia since leaving us and has been a minister on staff in two other churches since leaving our employ.

"He has not received any money from Edge Church International toward his alleged medical expenses."

The statement says the church understands a post office box will be set up in the name of his father, Danny Guglielmucci.

"Michael's lawyer has written to the Police Commissioner advising him of all pertinent information and notifying him of Michael Guglielmucci's intention to fully co-operate with police inquiries," it says.

"Edge Church is committed to the truth and honouring the people of our church. Our history has been one of integrity and openness. We love the people of our community (who) have been actively involved in trying to bring life and hope to the hurting and the needy and will continue to do so.

"Hope, truth and love is not just our motto, it is our life mission."

11 days for truth to emerge

Earlier, it emerged that it took 11 days before the pentecostal church exposed the details of pastor Michael Guglielmucci's fictitious battle with cancer.

Danny Guglielmucci, the father of the fallen pastor and founder of Edge Church International at Reynella, told his faithful followers yesterday the church went public at "our first opportunity".

The man at the centre of the scandal that has rocked the church, also spoke publicly for the first time yesterday. But his words only came in a written statement, which claimed the reason behind his fictitious cancer story was to hide his 16-year obsession with pornography.

"For over 16 years, I have struggled with an addiction to adult pornography. As a result of this secret life of sin my body would often break down," his confession began.

"Two years ago, I reported that I was suffering from cancer. The truth is that although I was ill, I did not have cancer but was again using the misdiagnosis to hide the lie that I was living."

The fallen preacher was a Christian superstar, who said God inspired his hit song Healer. The song became an anthem of faith for believers, many of whom donated money to the Guglielmucci cancer cause.

The church said it was unknown how much money had been raised deceptively through websites, preaching and song sales.

When asked by The Advertiser if he would go to the police, Danny Guglielmucci said he was seeking advice from church lawyers, but that an audit of accounts was taking place.

Danny Guglielmucci also said that the first he knew of his son's web of lies was on August 13.

Three days later, a meeting of the national executive of the Australian Christian Churches was convened at which his son confessed because of a dream of Jesus on the cross looking down at him saying "the truth will set you free".

At that meeting, a strategy was decided including seeking medical and legal advice. Michael Guglielmucci also agreed to take part in one exclusive TV interview.

It was only after a brief email from Hillsong Church in Sydney, which produced the hit album featuring Healer, was obtained by The Advertiser last Wednesday that church followers were finally allowed to know that the cancer was a lie.

The reason for that lie – Michael Guglielmucci's addiction to pornography – was exposed yesterday.

Danny Guglielmucci stood before 1200 people packed into the former indoor cricket arena for forgiveness, but maintained that he and the church had acted ethically.

"I have led you with openness and integrity and declare that we have not lived a lie before you," he said, before receiving a rousing ovation.

Michael Guglielmucci remained in hiding yesterday and is receiving psychiatric help.

Despite the betrayal, forgiveness was the catchcry for an overwhelming majority of those at yesterday's service.

"Obviously it was the wrong thing to do, but I'm proud that he's come out and admitted it," said 18-year-old student Daniel Sutherland.
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While researching this item I found a website where people had been posting their thoughts and prayers for Michael Gugglielmucci, and at the end is a link to a thread where people posted their thoughts after finding out his illness was a hoax.
Here is a link to that website. It shows how much people care and how gullible we all can be.
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Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 27, 2008

My article on Joe Eszterhas that was published Saturday was mentioned yesterday in the Drudge Report, one of the most popular online websites.
I got dozens of emails from around the country, and a few phone calls, from people who wanted to comment on the article and Eszterhas.
I did think it was a really good story but who knew that Drudge would pick it up. In 2005, an article I wrote about Marcy Kaptur was picked up by Drudge and got so many hits on the newspaper's website that it overloaded and crashed. That was when I quoted Marcy comparing Osama bin Laden to the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont. Rush Limbaugh read the article on the air and it got widespread nationwide play. A month afterward, I ran into Marcy and she had no gripes, said my article was accurate but everyone else blew it out of proportion. She's a class act, that's for sure.
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Sylvania, Ohio
Aug. 27, 2008

"We do not get the luxury of choosing the time or the place we were born; nor do we always have control over the circumstances into which we are sometimes thrown...All too often we allow ourselves to believe that people who accomplish great things somehow stumble on opportunity or gain an unfair advantage over the rest of us. Yet we find that most often quite the opposite is true...Your circumstances do not equal your opportunity, because your opportunity is shaped not simply by your external factors but by the internal factors of who you choose to be and become."

(Thanks to the Rev. Dave Claassen, author of "Kathryn's Fountain" and pastor of Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church in Toledo, for bringing this quote to my attention)

Watching Hurricane Gustav's path through the Gulf of Mexico is getting scary. It reminds me of three years ago, when Katrina was drawing close to New Orleans.
My wife and I were in a hotel room in Sydney, Australia, watching Fox News, the only American station we could get over there -- not even CNN! -- as Katrina approached. I have lived in Florida and visited New Orleans and I knew how vulnerable that city was to a hurricane.
Just as we were leaving for the airport in Australia, the news reported that Katrina had been downgraded and that it was veering slightly to the east. That seemed like an answer to prayer.
When I arrived in L.A. about 18 hours later, I called the newsroom and spoke with Jim Wilhelm, the city editor, and asked how New Orleans had fared.
"It's gone," he said. "The whole city is gone."
I couldn't believe it at first. I had been optimistic over the latest news before leaving Sydney. Like the rest of the country, I turned on the news and watched in horror as New Orleans lived through the nightmare that followed Hurricane Katrina.
A few months later I went to Mississippi on a mission trip with my church to repair damaged homes. We were in the Biloxi-Pascagoula area, which was 80 miles east of Katrina. There was little news coverage of this area and yet the damage was almost beyond belief. Homes several miles from the shore took in 4 feet of water. Roofs were torn apart and people's ceilings were damaged by the rain. Houses on the shoreline were totally washed away, only brick steps and foundations remained.
We fixed some roofs, walls, and ceilings for single moms and the elderly, but knew we could only make a small contribution in the midst of such overwhelming disaster. Yet for the people we helped, it meant a lot.
One thing I noticed is that when we went to Lowe's and Home Depot to buy sheetrock and shingles, the parking lot was filled with church vans from all over the country. I talked to several of the church crews and they had come from Colorado, Montana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and elsewhere to help out. The Presbyterian Church had a whole village of tents for their volunteers, set up on church property.
Several people told me that right after the storm, hundreds of Mormons had showed up and helped tear out the damaged drywall and toss out damaged furniture, TVs, etc.
When it came to government help, FEMA provided funds and trailers for people whose homes were uninhabitable. But one person told me the government put a trailer on her property soon after the hurricane but she did not get a key for another month, so she couldn't get inside it.
A FEMA rep at the Lowe's said his agency provides funds but most residents could not hire anyone anyway, because construction crews were too scarce. The church volunteers were the ones who were making a real difference, he told me.

I've read so much about New Orleans and its dikes. I don't think it could endure another Category 4 hurricane without experiencing more disaster. I'm hoping -- and praying -- that Hurricane Gustav takes a sharp turn or does a miraculous fade.

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Toledo, Ohio
Aug. 30, 2008

I am pleased to announce that yours truly has been named the best religion reporter in Ohio in the 2008 contest sponsored by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. It was for overall reporting, not a specific article.

The Blade won a total of 12 awards including three other first-place trophies. Two of the paper's first-place winners have since left for jobs elsewhere, unfortunately (Christopher Borrelli and Robin Erb). You can read the full SPJ list here or the article in The Blade here.

It's nice to be recognized for your work by peers who know what kind of effort and expertise are required.

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Toledo, Ohio
August 30, 2008

I met a woman yesterday who had an interesting story to tell about Gerald Robinson, the priest convicted of murdering Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.
This woman, whom I will not identify here, called for a hospital chaplain in October 2003 to pray for her father, who was near death in a local hospital. This was six months before the priest's arrest.
The woman's friend was in the room as well, and I spoke with her about this incident also.
Father Robinson arrived at the hospital room and gave this dying man last rites/extreme unction.
Shortly after, the woman's father died. Understandably upset, the woman asked Father Robinson if her father was in heaven.
According to both women who were there, Robinson turned away from her, went over to a dresser where he was putting away some things away, emitted a strange laugh, then turned to her and said coldly, "I don't know."
He acted very, very strangely, both women said. The woman who had lost her father said it was so creepy that she stopped going to Catholic Church.

Her friend, who is a Muslim, said the least he could have done is given the grieving woman some encouraging words, not a cold laugh and an "I don't know."

I've heard a number of stories of bizarre behavior by Gerald Robinson, but this is one of the most disturbing. As far as I know, Father Robinson has not been laicized and therefore remains an ordained priest in the Toledo Catholic Diocese.
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Toledo, Ohio
August 30, 2008

Both Barack Obama and John McCain showed good political instincts in picking their running mates, in my opinion.

Joe Biden is a veteran who balances out Obama's lack of experience, particularly in world affairs. He's got a great smile and a powerful personal story of tragedy and triumph.
One negative is that Biden is a pro-choice Catholic, which is causing a bit of an uproar.

McCain's pick of Sarah Palin seems brilliant to me, she is young, a fresh face (and an attractive one), a self-described "hockey mom" whose favorite dish is "moose stew," she's strongly pro-life and has some genuine personality.
A V.P. candidates' debate will be interesting.
To counter the Dems constant claims that McCain is "the same as Bush," the picking of an outsider like Alaska Gov. Palin brings in someone about as far from the Beltway as you could get and still be American.
The biggest negative thus far, besides her relative inexperience, is that Palin is under investigation for a possible abuse of power. (The allegation is that she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan because she was angry at Monegan for not firing an Alaska State Trooper who went through a messy divorce with Palin's sister.)
I'm sure McCain checked that out thoroughly before picking her, and if there was much of a potential problem there he would have chosen someone else.
Both parties' selections for running mates will prevent either side from criticizing the other over a purported lack of experience.
In a tight election like this, the V.P. picks could prove to be the difference in who wins the White House.
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Toledo, Ohio
August 30, 2008