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