(Originally published Sept. 2007)
I am not going to lie to you. The DALMAC was a real pain in the butt - literally.
But here’s what it also was: An opportunity to take in all the scenery our beautiful state has to offer, a time to build companionship with friends and to make new friends alike, all while accomplishing something you may not have thought you could do.
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, I participated in my fourth bicycling tour. I was joined by five friends - Tom Bryde, James Bryde, Jon Williams, Michelle Stahl, and Mark Stahl - during a four-day quest from East Lansing to Mackinaw City.
Besides a four or five-day bike ride, what exactly does a typical DALMAC experience entail? To help provide an answer, here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
What exactly is the DALMAC?
It is a bicycle tour founded in 1971 by former Sen. Dick Allen. Dick Allen Lansing (to) Mackinaw. Get it?
The event, organized by the Tri-County Bicycle Association (TCBA), has since grown to over 2,300 bicyclists. Riders are given a choice of five routes, ending in either Mackinaw City or DeTour Village. This year, my friends and I opted to do the east. Our daily destinations consisted of Shepherd, Houghton Lake, Gaylord, and, ultimately, Mackinaw City.
Doesn’t food and lodging get expensive? How do you get your luggage from one point to another?
Riders don’t have to carry their own luggage. The DALMAC isn’t THAT hard core. Luggage, sleeping bags, and tents are transported via semi truck and dropped off at a new destination every day – always a local high school or junior high school. My favorite part? DALMAC feeds you. The food isn’t half bad either. Chicken one night, pasta the next, and lots of choices. All this is included in your registration fee.
They can even bring you back.
I can tell you precious little about DALMAC mornings. The 6 a.m. wake up calls always left me wandering in a dream-like haze. Listening to “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” by Manfred Mann blast from the Shepherd High School cafeteria speakers made for a surreal experience. Did that really happen? I… don’t… know.
Memorize this "cycle" and you will have all you need to know for a successful DALMAC:
Eat, bike 60 or 70 miles or so, set up tents, shower, eat, sleep, repeat.
Not everybody camps though. Mark and Michelle conveniently had family along the route and stayed with them. I’d chastise them, but I “cheated” on the third day, utilizing a hotel reservation with Jon once I reached Gaylord.
Bicycling for hours on end sounds deathly boring. How do you pass the time?
• Sing random songs and recreate lyrics. For example: “And I would bike 500 miles, and I would bike 500 more...”
• Get creative. I named our rag tag group of bikers, “Team Salsa,” and even came up with a catchy slogan - “Team Salsa! Show me your lightning bolt!”
• Play games. Try the pirate game. Whenever you see a sign with an “AR” in it, scream it out loud like a pirate.
“CARR wash!”
“ARRnie’s ARRts and Crafts!”
“Wal-MARRt!”
What is the Century Option?
On Day 4 of the east route, riders have the option of detouring into the west route, totaling up 100 miles in one day. Months ago, James and I made a commitment to accomplish the feat.
Thirteen miles into Day 4, we found ourselves at the cross roads. Go straight and do the normal route at 77 miles. Turn left and travel 100 miles. Here we faced a moment of truth.
A group of five gung-ho bicyclists — real Lance Armstrong types, I thought — were making their way towards us. We agreed they were turning left. Sure enough, they did. About 50 yards down the road, they turned back.
“We just realized this was the Century route,” one of them said. “We’re not THAT CRAZY.”
James turned to me and said, “Well, we’re stupid. Let’s go.”
I’ll confess I was having some serious second thoughts about two-thirds of the way through, but the scenery alone made the Century Option worth it. We made our way up along the Lake Michigan shore line, and flew along M-119 through its famed “Tunnel of Trees” at 30 mph. Moments like these make the DALMAC priceless, despite the hills and headwinds.
How fast can that two-wheeled baby go?
This question is best answered five miles into Day 4 of the east route in the form of what DALMAC affectionately calls, “Lose Your Breakfast Hill.” In one of the few occasions where I was able to consciously break my gaze of sheer terror and glance down at my odometer, it read 40 mph.
Would you recommend the experience?
Absolutely. As evidenced by the two AARP card holders that blew by James and I on that last day, almost anyone can do it. You will be surprised at what you are capable of. Train early and often. And be sure to sign up early, the routes fill up fast.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Rees' Pieces: Take lessons from the elders in your life
(Originally published February 2007)
“The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”
— Andy Rooney
This week, as part of our year-long series, “The new age: Living longer in Mid-Michigan,” each of our 12 newspapers has profiled a different senior citizen — ordinary people touching our communities in big and small ways, proving that age really is inconsequential. I could not help but reflect on the elders who have made a difference in my life while I was growing up. These are people who have had a hand in shaping and molding me into the person I am today.
Leo Barron – Leo was my next door neighbor up until I moved away in the fifth grade. He seemed ancient to me. Leo taught me the importance of imagination. Despite failing eyesight, his zeal for life was infectious. He loved kids. He once organized a neighborhood circus made up of my siblings and other neighborhood kids, acting as the ringmaster. We didn’t care that the tightrope never actually left the ground or that our lion was actually my dog, Black Beauty. He had a way of making us forget these things. He later taught me gambling games. But I digress...
Mrs. Moye - My kindergarten teacher. She was a good teacher, yes, but in my 5-year-old eyes, she was evil personified. But we must find redeeming qualities in everyone, so I will say this: She taught me the value of discipline ... by placing me under her desk whenever I would act up. Which was often.
Lester Norton - Lester was a retired math teacher who attended my church. He took the time and effort to tutor me in the fine art of algebra. It was obvious that I was connecting with the subject as easily as I would with Hebrew, but Lester never gave up on me though he had plenty of opportunities. It was far from flying colors, but I passed. Thank you, Lester!
Grandma and Grandpa Dyer - My grandparents — the late Frank and Janet Dyer — were instrumental in stoking my creativity. I remember while growing up, they would talk us grandkids into burying pieces of macaroni into the ground, insisting “macaroni trees” would spring up. The following week, we would excitedly rush into their backyard to see the final product.
“That darn Grandpa, he must’ve mowed over them again,” Grandma said.
Due to her recent passing, my Grandma Dyer has especially been at the forefront of my thoughts lately. We hear all the time about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. She was one of those people. In February of the year 2000, my grandmother had to have her legs amputated. During a long and painful rehab, she made a vow: “I will walk into church next year on Easter Sunday.” Doctors were skeptical. A 70-year-old double amputee walking? Unlikely. She was fitted with artificial legs. She faced a long and painful rehab. But sure enough, on Easter Sunday, 2001, she walked into the sanctuary of Pennway Church of God. Amazingly, during the entire ordeal and even after losing my grandfather to a heart attack, I never heard her complain once. She is one of the most upbeat people I had ever known.
Grandma and Grandpa Rees - My grandfather, Harrison Rees, lives by the mantra, “Stay happy,” which he repeats often in written correspondences and in his speech. I am convinced that doing so means remaining rooted in love. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Loving one another? He and my grandmother, Lorraine, have been living that example for years. And it endures in their children. As a result, they have created a family dynamic that I look forward to being a part of year in and year out. No small feat.
Great Grandma Irene – She’s pushing 100, yet she is still spry as ever. She still lives at home by herself. She diligently puts work into her garden every day. Simply put, she is inspiring. Her patience and commitment day in and day out is something worth emulating — both professionally and socially.
As we continue our series, it is my hope that you take the time to consider people in your own life. Thank someone this week.
“The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”
— Andy Rooney
This week, as part of our year-long series, “The new age: Living longer in Mid-Michigan,” each of our 12 newspapers has profiled a different senior citizen — ordinary people touching our communities in big and small ways, proving that age really is inconsequential. I could not help but reflect on the elders who have made a difference in my life while I was growing up. These are people who have had a hand in shaping and molding me into the person I am today.
Leo Barron – Leo was my next door neighbor up until I moved away in the fifth grade. He seemed ancient to me. Leo taught me the importance of imagination. Despite failing eyesight, his zeal for life was infectious. He loved kids. He once organized a neighborhood circus made up of my siblings and other neighborhood kids, acting as the ringmaster. We didn’t care that the tightrope never actually left the ground or that our lion was actually my dog, Black Beauty. He had a way of making us forget these things. He later taught me gambling games. But I digress...
Mrs. Moye - My kindergarten teacher. She was a good teacher, yes, but in my 5-year-old eyes, she was evil personified. But we must find redeeming qualities in everyone, so I will say this: She taught me the value of discipline ... by placing me under her desk whenever I would act up. Which was often.
Lester Norton - Lester was a retired math teacher who attended my church. He took the time and effort to tutor me in the fine art of algebra. It was obvious that I was connecting with the subject as easily as I would with Hebrew, but Lester never gave up on me though he had plenty of opportunities. It was far from flying colors, but I passed. Thank you, Lester!
Grandma and Grandpa Dyer - My grandparents — the late Frank and Janet Dyer — were instrumental in stoking my creativity. I remember while growing up, they would talk us grandkids into burying pieces of macaroni into the ground, insisting “macaroni trees” would spring up. The following week, we would excitedly rush into their backyard to see the final product.
“That darn Grandpa, he must’ve mowed over them again,” Grandma said.
Due to her recent passing, my Grandma Dyer has especially been at the forefront of my thoughts lately. We hear all the time about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. She was one of those people. In February of the year 2000, my grandmother had to have her legs amputated. During a long and painful rehab, she made a vow: “I will walk into church next year on Easter Sunday.” Doctors were skeptical. A 70-year-old double amputee walking? Unlikely. She was fitted with artificial legs. She faced a long and painful rehab. But sure enough, on Easter Sunday, 2001, she walked into the sanctuary of Pennway Church of God. Amazingly, during the entire ordeal and even after losing my grandfather to a heart attack, I never heard her complain once. She is one of the most upbeat people I had ever known.
Grandma and Grandpa Rees - My grandfather, Harrison Rees, lives by the mantra, “Stay happy,” which he repeats often in written correspondences and in his speech. I am convinced that doing so means remaining rooted in love. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Loving one another? He and my grandmother, Lorraine, have been living that example for years. And it endures in their children. As a result, they have created a family dynamic that I look forward to being a part of year in and year out. No small feat.
Great Grandma Irene – She’s pushing 100, yet she is still spry as ever. She still lives at home by herself. She diligently puts work into her garden every day. Simply put, she is inspiring. Her patience and commitment day in and day out is something worth emulating — both professionally and socially.
As we continue our series, it is my hope that you take the time to consider people in your own life. Thank someone this week.
Rees' Pieces: Join the digital revolution
(Originally published January 2007)
I must admit when I first saw Time Magazine’s cover for its annual Person of the Year issue, I was a bit skeptical. With its glimmering square front and center reflecting my own distorted image back at me, it was eye catching, if not a bit odd. Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2006 was ... “You.”
I scoffed. Wait ... me? No, everybody.
Upon closer investigation, I found the magazine was actually talking about Internet users. Apparently, according to the magazine, large scale collaborations such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and MySpace is revolutionizing the world — finally providing voice to the citizens in an unprecedented way.
Time editor Lev Grossman wrote, “It’s about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes.”
It’s not the first time Time Magazine has gone this route. In 1966, the 25-and-under generation was cited; in 1975, American women were named; and in 1982, the computer was chosen.
For the un-tech savvy who have no idea what I am talking about when I toss about such terms as “Wikipedia,” I sadly inform you that you are technically not Person of the Year. I will, however, offer this mini-glossary for your benefit:
• YouTube is a popular free video sharing Web site which lets users upload, view, and share video clips. Under the tagline of “Broadcast yourself,” YouTube has gained massive popularity over the past year and has also enabled people to humiliate themselves more quickly and efficiently than ever before, but more on that later.
• Wikipedia is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia project. Here’s the catch: Visitors are allowed to add, remove, or otherwise edit and change its content to help build the encyclopedia.
• MySpace is a social networking Web site offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg, folks.
The magazine profiles some 15 people who are involved in some way or another in the cyber “revolution.”
Congressman Mark Foley’s scandalous wrong doings were exposed by a man named Lane Hudson through his Web log (AKA blog. Definition: a user-generated Web site where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order).
Another blogger, Capt. Lee Kelley, 35, shares a soldier’s eye view of Iraq and the war effort through his blog, “Wordsmith At War,” at http://wordsmithatwar.blog-city.com/
Amateur photographer Ali Khurshid shares images of his native Pakistan — a place not normally thought of for its beauty — on Flickr, a Web site where anyone can post his photos, view another’s and swap comments and critiques.
Husband and wife duo Warren Murray, 34, and Leanne White, 32, have sprung into fame with a video podcast called “Crash Test Kitchen.” — a Web version of a TV show. They are not chefs and they make mistakes. Lots of them. They can be seen at www.crashtestkitchen.com
However, it seems for every one of these people above, there are a thousand people uploading videos of themselves on YouTube playing a flute with their nose or dancing in their underwear.
With everything that has happened in 2006 and all the movers and shakers — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Chinese leader Hu Jintao and North Korea’s Kim Jong-il were front runners — it is tempting to dismiss Time’s decision as an awfully silly choice. I did. Remember, Time bases its decision on who (or what) it believes most affects the news and our lives.
But the more I think about it … the more I like it.
The Web allows us to do more things — and to be more things — than was ever thought possible a mere five years ago. The possibilities are truly endless.
The Internet allows you to become involved in small, more subtle ways. At the Lansing Community Newspapers and Lansing State Journal, we enable you to have a voice. On our Web site at www.dewittbathreview.com you will notice at the end of each online story, there is feature called “story chat.” Clicking on it allows you to post a comment about the story. This allows you to provide feedback on your community’s top issues and maybe even engage in some friendly debate with fellow readers.
Take, for instance, this week’s story on DeWitt’s library board rejecting a proposal to put a new library in a Bridge Street office building. Do you agree with their decision? Do you believe building a new library is even necessary? Go online this week and let us know.
Oh yeah, and congratulations.
I must admit when I first saw Time Magazine’s cover for its annual Person of the Year issue, I was a bit skeptical. With its glimmering square front and center reflecting my own distorted image back at me, it was eye catching, if not a bit odd. Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2006 was ... “You.”
I scoffed. Wait ... me? No, everybody.
Upon closer investigation, I found the magazine was actually talking about Internet users. Apparently, according to the magazine, large scale collaborations such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and MySpace is revolutionizing the world — finally providing voice to the citizens in an unprecedented way.
Time editor Lev Grossman wrote, “It’s about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes.”
It’s not the first time Time Magazine has gone this route. In 1966, the 25-and-under generation was cited; in 1975, American women were named; and in 1982, the computer was chosen.
For the un-tech savvy who have no idea what I am talking about when I toss about such terms as “Wikipedia,” I sadly inform you that you are technically not Person of the Year. I will, however, offer this mini-glossary for your benefit:
• YouTube is a popular free video sharing Web site which lets users upload, view, and share video clips. Under the tagline of “Broadcast yourself,” YouTube has gained massive popularity over the past year and has also enabled people to humiliate themselves more quickly and efficiently than ever before, but more on that later.
• Wikipedia is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia project. Here’s the catch: Visitors are allowed to add, remove, or otherwise edit and change its content to help build the encyclopedia.
• MySpace is a social networking Web site offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg, folks.
The magazine profiles some 15 people who are involved in some way or another in the cyber “revolution.”
Congressman Mark Foley’s scandalous wrong doings were exposed by a man named Lane Hudson through his Web log (AKA blog. Definition: a user-generated Web site where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order).
Another blogger, Capt. Lee Kelley, 35, shares a soldier’s eye view of Iraq and the war effort through his blog, “Wordsmith At War,” at http://wordsmithatwar.blog-city.com/
Amateur photographer Ali Khurshid shares images of his native Pakistan — a place not normally thought of for its beauty — on Flickr, a Web site where anyone can post his photos, view another’s and swap comments and critiques.
Husband and wife duo Warren Murray, 34, and Leanne White, 32, have sprung into fame with a video podcast called “Crash Test Kitchen.” — a Web version of a TV show. They are not chefs and they make mistakes. Lots of them. They can be seen at www.crashtestkitchen.com
However, it seems for every one of these people above, there are a thousand people uploading videos of themselves on YouTube playing a flute with their nose or dancing in their underwear.
With everything that has happened in 2006 and all the movers and shakers — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Chinese leader Hu Jintao and North Korea’s Kim Jong-il were front runners — it is tempting to dismiss Time’s decision as an awfully silly choice. I did. Remember, Time bases its decision on who (or what) it believes most affects the news and our lives.
But the more I think about it … the more I like it.
The Web allows us to do more things — and to be more things — than was ever thought possible a mere five years ago. The possibilities are truly endless.
The Internet allows you to become involved in small, more subtle ways. At the Lansing Community Newspapers and Lansing State Journal, we enable you to have a voice. On our Web site at www.dewittbathreview.com you will notice at the end of each online story, there is feature called “story chat.” Clicking on it allows you to post a comment about the story. This allows you to provide feedback on your community’s top issues and maybe even engage in some friendly debate with fellow readers.
Take, for instance, this week’s story on DeWitt’s library board rejecting a proposal to put a new library in a Bridge Street office building. Do you agree with their decision? Do you believe building a new library is even necessary? Go online this week and let us know.
Oh yeah, and congratulations.
Rees' Pieces: Bullying can make kids hate school
(Originally published February 2006)
I sometimes tell my friends that if they don’t know Jesus Christ when they die, they will end up in my middle school.
I was half joking.
In preparation for an interview with author Jodee Blanco, I gave a quick read to her best selling book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.”
Her book is the center of Grand Ledge High School’s All-School Author Program. Blanco’s memoir describes her experiences through fifth to 12th grades when she was teased, shunned, and at times physically assaulted by classmates.
Reading the book evoked a swirl of emotions in me — sadness, anger, and even guilt — as I recounted my own experiences in middle school.
There were several counts against me in the social hierarchy of junior high school. I was “the new guy,” having moved back to the area after spending a year in North Carolina. I was notoriously shy. I played clarinet.
In an effort to get noticed, I would make silly jokes. It only resulted in a label. It’s well documented — countless times, in fact — in my yearbook.
“You’re a weirdo.” Or, if I were lucky, “You’re cool, but weird.”
I was the subject of a near constant barrage of teasing. I had my arm broken after being shoved into a wall in gym class.
One day, while walking home, some classmates asked to see my clarinet. Desperate to be liked, I complied. A five-minute game of “keep away” ensued.
Yes, I hated school. How can kids be so cruel?
Blanco offers a theory in this excerpt from her book: “My classmates sense my desperation and amuse themselves by taking advantage of it. They need me ... All they have to do is make everyone see me as an outcast. Then they can say to the popular group, ‘We have a mutual interest. None of us likes Jodee.’ It confirms their social status.”
This couldn’t be true ... could it?
This is where the “guilt” that I spoke of earlier comes into play. In my class, there was this pimple-faced boy with long red hair. A friend and I nicknamed him “Red-head Lez.” The name stuck. He just wanted to be our friend. How could I do such a thing? I was shocked. I was a bully and didn’t even know it.
Bullying won’t end until we educate our children about the long term consequences of how they treat one another.
At Neff and Wacousta elementary schools, there is a pilot program called “High Hopes for No Put-downs,” combining the theme of respect with skill building activities. Every year at Hayes Middle School, students sign a Safe Schools Proclamation, pledging civility towards one another. It’s a good start.
Despite the hellish experiences, the stories of Blanco and I had a happy ending. Other children weren’t nearly as fortunate.
Let’s insure that kids in Grand Ledge schools have a happy ending, too.
I sometimes tell my friends that if they don’t know Jesus Christ when they die, they will end up in my middle school.
I was half joking.
In preparation for an interview with author Jodee Blanco, I gave a quick read to her best selling book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.”
Her book is the center of Grand Ledge High School’s All-School Author Program. Blanco’s memoir describes her experiences through fifth to 12th grades when she was teased, shunned, and at times physically assaulted by classmates.
Reading the book evoked a swirl of emotions in me — sadness, anger, and even guilt — as I recounted my own experiences in middle school.
There were several counts against me in the social hierarchy of junior high school. I was “the new guy,” having moved back to the area after spending a year in North Carolina. I was notoriously shy. I played clarinet.
In an effort to get noticed, I would make silly jokes. It only resulted in a label. It’s well documented — countless times, in fact — in my yearbook.
“You’re a weirdo.” Or, if I were lucky, “You’re cool, but weird.”
I was the subject of a near constant barrage of teasing. I had my arm broken after being shoved into a wall in gym class.
One day, while walking home, some classmates asked to see my clarinet. Desperate to be liked, I complied. A five-minute game of “keep away” ensued.
Yes, I hated school. How can kids be so cruel?
Blanco offers a theory in this excerpt from her book: “My classmates sense my desperation and amuse themselves by taking advantage of it. They need me ... All they have to do is make everyone see me as an outcast. Then they can say to the popular group, ‘We have a mutual interest. None of us likes Jodee.’ It confirms their social status.”
This couldn’t be true ... could it?
This is where the “guilt” that I spoke of earlier comes into play. In my class, there was this pimple-faced boy with long red hair. A friend and I nicknamed him “Red-head Lez.” The name stuck. He just wanted to be our friend. How could I do such a thing? I was shocked. I was a bully and didn’t even know it.
Bullying won’t end until we educate our children about the long term consequences of how they treat one another.
At Neff and Wacousta elementary schools, there is a pilot program called “High Hopes for No Put-downs,” combining the theme of respect with skill building activities. Every year at Hayes Middle School, students sign a Safe Schools Proclamation, pledging civility towards one another. It’s a good start.
Despite the hellish experiences, the stories of Blanco and I had a happy ending. Other children weren’t nearly as fortunate.
Let’s insure that kids in Grand Ledge schools have a happy ending, too.
Rees' Pieces - Jesus Christ: New movie star
(Originally published March 2005)
I have a confession to make.
When I wrote last week’s news story about “The Passion of the Christ,” I wasn’t being totally objective.
Don’t get me wrong, I did my best and essentially did a good job.
But the bottom line was that, to me, the subject matter that the movie dealt with — the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life — was the most important truth a person could know.
Judging by the killing it made at the box office (pardon the pun), I’m not alone.
In its first five days, the film pulled in a staggering $125 million.
With subtitles, extreme violence, and no stars, how did director and co-writer Mel Gibson pull it off?
He put in at least a dozen appearances before preview audiences of thousands of Christian evangelical church and media leaders.
Smart, considering Christianity is easily one of the most organized sub groups in America, with bookstores, radio networks and TV stations. By opening night, at least $10 million in opening tickets had been sold.
It is driven by people who are passionate about “The Passion.”
But hyping the message is not what this column is about.
The hype and controversy aside, how is “The Passion of the Christ” as a movie?
In two words: Violent and powerful.
The largely international cast is generally solid, all around.
I concede that the movie did not have much to offer in regard to story or character development.
Although sprinkled with several flashbacks of Christ’s life, I can see how a viewer who is unfamiliar with the Gospels might get lost with the who’s who and what’s what.
At first glance, it appears critics are possibly justified in their allegations that the film is anti-Semitic. At times, the Jewish high priests are depicted as a snarling bloodthirsty lot.
But then again, the Roman guards are disturbingly nasty as well, taking obvious delight in the pain they inflict in the blood bath leading up to the crucifixion.
I read an interesting point of view from a People magazine interview with Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern, who played Jesus’ mother Mary.
Herself a Jew, Morgenstern says she would not have taken the role if she felt it was anti-Semitic.
Of the movie, she said, “The Jewish people aren’t blamed. It’s the political, religious leaders who are awful.
It’s easy to manipulate a poor people,” she said.
Morgenstern grew up under Romania’s totalitarian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
“Ceausescu was mad,” she said. “Who’s guilty because we were starving? (People said,) ‘The Gypsies!’ So we have to be very careful, and the film speaks very clearly for me about manipulation.”
Several issues have been bought up over the accuracy of the story. Yes, Gibson took several dramatic liberties with some scenes in the film, but in a film like this, pinpoint accuracy isn’t so much important as the act itself.
With nearly half the film devoted to the torturing and crucifixion of Christ, Gibson certainly delivered on his promise.
“I wanted to impress on the viewers the enormousness of this sacrifice, the willingness — and the horror of it. I wanted to overwhelm people with it,” Gibson said in an interview with Readers Digest.
Mission accomplished.
It will most certainly be too violent for some, and I wouldn’t recommend the film to anyone under 13 years of age.
For viewers, it will either be a “sickening death trip” (The New Yorker) or “a very great film” (Roger Ebert).
In this case, the violence is the strength of the story.
I would argue that regardless of religious affiliation, the film’s theme of hope, love and forgiveness would resonate within almost anyone.
I have a confession to make.
When I wrote last week’s news story about “The Passion of the Christ,” I wasn’t being totally objective.
Don’t get me wrong, I did my best and essentially did a good job.
But the bottom line was that, to me, the subject matter that the movie dealt with — the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life — was the most important truth a person could know.
Judging by the killing it made at the box office (pardon the pun), I’m not alone.
In its first five days, the film pulled in a staggering $125 million.
With subtitles, extreme violence, and no stars, how did director and co-writer Mel Gibson pull it off?
He put in at least a dozen appearances before preview audiences of thousands of Christian evangelical church and media leaders.
Smart, considering Christianity is easily one of the most organized sub groups in America, with bookstores, radio networks and TV stations. By opening night, at least $10 million in opening tickets had been sold.
It is driven by people who are passionate about “The Passion.”
But hyping the message is not what this column is about.
The hype and controversy aside, how is “The Passion of the Christ” as a movie?
In two words: Violent and powerful.
The largely international cast is generally solid, all around.
I concede that the movie did not have much to offer in regard to story or character development.
Although sprinkled with several flashbacks of Christ’s life, I can see how a viewer who is unfamiliar with the Gospels might get lost with the who’s who and what’s what.
At first glance, it appears critics are possibly justified in their allegations that the film is anti-Semitic. At times, the Jewish high priests are depicted as a snarling bloodthirsty lot.
But then again, the Roman guards are disturbingly nasty as well, taking obvious delight in the pain they inflict in the blood bath leading up to the crucifixion.
I read an interesting point of view from a People magazine interview with Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern, who played Jesus’ mother Mary.
Herself a Jew, Morgenstern says she would not have taken the role if she felt it was anti-Semitic.
Of the movie, she said, “The Jewish people aren’t blamed. It’s the political, religious leaders who are awful.
It’s easy to manipulate a poor people,” she said.
Morgenstern grew up under Romania’s totalitarian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
“Ceausescu was mad,” she said. “Who’s guilty because we were starving? (People said,) ‘The Gypsies!’ So we have to be very careful, and the film speaks very clearly for me about manipulation.”
Several issues have been bought up over the accuracy of the story. Yes, Gibson took several dramatic liberties with some scenes in the film, but in a film like this, pinpoint accuracy isn’t so much important as the act itself.
With nearly half the film devoted to the torturing and crucifixion of Christ, Gibson certainly delivered on his promise.
“I wanted to impress on the viewers the enormousness of this sacrifice, the willingness — and the horror of it. I wanted to overwhelm people with it,” Gibson said in an interview with Readers Digest.
Mission accomplished.
It will most certainly be too violent for some, and I wouldn’t recommend the film to anyone under 13 years of age.
For viewers, it will either be a “sickening death trip” (The New Yorker) or “a very great film” (Roger Ebert).
In this case, the violence is the strength of the story.
I would argue that regardless of religious affiliation, the film’s theme of hope, love and forgiveness would resonate within almost anyone.
Rees' Pieces - Crutcher's agenda: Storytelling
(Originally published March 2005)
Major spoiler alert! If you desire to know nothing about the ending of the film, “Million Dollar Baby,” it is highly recommended you stop reading now and move on to the news briefs. You have been warned.
What does a controversial novel for young adults and the Oscar winning film, “Million Dollar Baby” have in common? Read on.
Much debate lately has been centered around the novel, “Whale Talk,” by Chris Crutcher. For those who have not picked up an Independent in the last few weeks, I offer the “Cliff Notes” version.
“Whale Talk,” is a book selected by Grand Ledge High School as the center piece of its comprehensive reading program. It tackles positive and realistic themes related to racism and abuse. The problem? The book has its share of profanity. Some parents don’t like that. Some have even called for the removal of the book from the curriculum.
I admit I have not read “Whale Talk,” but I do believe that high school principal Richard Pochert and other educators at the school knew what they were doing when they selected this book.
“Million Dollar Baby” stars Hilary Swank as Maggie, a female boxer who is paralyzed from the neck down after getting a sucker punch. Clint Eastwood plays Frankie, a veteran trainer who becomes her best friend.
Maggie is a semiliterate waitress whose family is stupid, cruel and selfish. She saw prize fighting as her only way to free herself from “waitressing for the rest of my life.”
A few days after the tragic accident, she says she feels “frozen.” She persuades a reluctant Frankie to assist in her death.
The film has been attacked as a thinly disguised argument in favor of euthanasia.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association joined the critics. A spokesman commented, “The movie is saying ‘death is better than disability.’”
In a USA Today commentary about films, author Michael Medved said, “Both Million Dollar Baby,’ and
‘The Sea Inside’ portray assisted suicide as an explicitly and unequivocally ‘heroic’ choice.”
In his interview with the New York Times, Eastwood responded: “I’m just telling a story. I don’t advocate.
I’m playing a part. I’ve gone around in movies blowing people away with a .44 magnum. But that doesn’t mean I think that’s a proper thing to do.”
These attacks are unfair and the same goes for “Whale Talk.” Crutcher, like Eastwood, is just telling a story.
Whether you agree with the methods of the storytellers or not, the important thing is it opens important issues for discussion and makes people think about the issues.
Was Frankie’s choice to assist Maggie in her death the right decision? Maggie and Frankie seem to think so. I do not.
What do you think?
Major spoiler alert! If you desire to know nothing about the ending of the film, “Million Dollar Baby,” it is highly recommended you stop reading now and move on to the news briefs. You have been warned.
What does a controversial novel for young adults and the Oscar winning film, “Million Dollar Baby” have in common? Read on.
Much debate lately has been centered around the novel, “Whale Talk,” by Chris Crutcher. For those who have not picked up an Independent in the last few weeks, I offer the “Cliff Notes” version.
“Whale Talk,” is a book selected by Grand Ledge High School as the center piece of its comprehensive reading program. It tackles positive and realistic themes related to racism and abuse. The problem? The book has its share of profanity. Some parents don’t like that. Some have even called for the removal of the book from the curriculum.
I admit I have not read “Whale Talk,” but I do believe that high school principal Richard Pochert and other educators at the school knew what they were doing when they selected this book.
“Million Dollar Baby” stars Hilary Swank as Maggie, a female boxer who is paralyzed from the neck down after getting a sucker punch. Clint Eastwood plays Frankie, a veteran trainer who becomes her best friend.
Maggie is a semiliterate waitress whose family is stupid, cruel and selfish. She saw prize fighting as her only way to free herself from “waitressing for the rest of my life.”
A few days after the tragic accident, she says she feels “frozen.” She persuades a reluctant Frankie to assist in her death.
The film has been attacked as a thinly disguised argument in favor of euthanasia.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association joined the critics. A spokesman commented, “The movie is saying ‘death is better than disability.’”
In a USA Today commentary about films, author Michael Medved said, “Both Million Dollar Baby,’ and
‘The Sea Inside’ portray assisted suicide as an explicitly and unequivocally ‘heroic’ choice.”
In his interview with the New York Times, Eastwood responded: “I’m just telling a story. I don’t advocate.
I’m playing a part. I’ve gone around in movies blowing people away with a .44 magnum. But that doesn’t mean I think that’s a proper thing to do.”
These attacks are unfair and the same goes for “Whale Talk.” Crutcher, like Eastwood, is just telling a story.
Whether you agree with the methods of the storytellers or not, the important thing is it opens important issues for discussion and makes people think about the issues.
Was Frankie’s choice to assist Maggie in her death the right decision? Maggie and Frankie seem to think so. I do not.
What do you think?
Rees' Pieces: Threats against councilman foolish
(Originally published June 2004)
I have been following the East Scott Street saga for quite some time now, and I can understand why people are angry and oppose the plans to narrow the street.
But resorting to vandalism, obscene gestures, and threats?
You know who you are. I’m talking to you.
Your actions are deplorable, not to mention low.
A quick recap on events over the past couple months: the city council has been in a swirl of controversy over its decision to narrow East Scott Street from 41 feet to 33 feet, as part of its reconstruction project.
At the center of it all is Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey Fitzgerald. At the May 10 meeting, the council was voting on a change order to keep it at its current width.
Fitzgerald went door-to-door surveying the east Scott neighborhood. He found that the vast majority opposed the narrowing, but that didn’t stop him from voting against the change order. He stated he had to do what he felt was best for Grand Ledge as a whole.
The change order failed, 4-3.
This, as you can imagine, upset many people. There was an uproar in the audience. One man, nearly knocking over a chair, yelled at Fitzgerald and openly called for his resignation.
At the most recent meeting on May 24, Fitzgerald gave a most disturbing report. His car had been “keyed” — which is using a key to scratch up the vehicle. People would drive by, waving, and then flash the middle finger. He reported threats against his wife, and children.
I’ll say it again. Deplorable.
Whether the council is right or wrong on this isn’t the issue.
Agree or disagree, there is a right way to make your voice known.
Posting a political sign in your yard is the right way.
Speaking out during the public comment portion at meetings is the right way.
Writing a letter to the editor is the right way.
Did you really think threats against a councilman was really going to help your cause?
You’ve given the citizens of East Scott Street and Grand Ledge a black eye.
At the last meeting, Fitzgerald once again was on the opposing end of a change order that failed 5-2.
While Fitzgerald denies it to be true, you may have even swayed his vote against the change order even more. Changing his vote now would make it look like you have power.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
I have been following the East Scott Street saga for quite some time now, and I can understand why people are angry and oppose the plans to narrow the street.
But resorting to vandalism, obscene gestures, and threats?
You know who you are. I’m talking to you.
Your actions are deplorable, not to mention low.
A quick recap on events over the past couple months: the city council has been in a swirl of controversy over its decision to narrow East Scott Street from 41 feet to 33 feet, as part of its reconstruction project.
At the center of it all is Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey Fitzgerald. At the May 10 meeting, the council was voting on a change order to keep it at its current width.
Fitzgerald went door-to-door surveying the east Scott neighborhood. He found that the vast majority opposed the narrowing, but that didn’t stop him from voting against the change order. He stated he had to do what he felt was best for Grand Ledge as a whole.
The change order failed, 4-3.
This, as you can imagine, upset many people. There was an uproar in the audience. One man, nearly knocking over a chair, yelled at Fitzgerald and openly called for his resignation.
At the most recent meeting on May 24, Fitzgerald gave a most disturbing report. His car had been “keyed” — which is using a key to scratch up the vehicle. People would drive by, waving, and then flash the middle finger. He reported threats against his wife, and children.
I’ll say it again. Deplorable.
Whether the council is right or wrong on this isn’t the issue.
Agree or disagree, there is a right way to make your voice known.
Posting a political sign in your yard is the right way.
Speaking out during the public comment portion at meetings is the right way.
Writing a letter to the editor is the right way.
Did you really think threats against a councilman was really going to help your cause?
You’ve given the citizens of East Scott Street and Grand Ledge a black eye.
At the last meeting, Fitzgerald once again was on the opposing end of a change order that failed 5-2.
While Fitzgerald denies it to be true, you may have even swayed his vote against the change order even more. Changing his vote now would make it look like you have power.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Rees' Pieces: No press or parades — just heroes
(Originally published May 2004)
Imagine being able to do what you love — writing, acting, playing video games, whatever — and getting paid millions of dollars to do it.
Then imagine walking away from it all and switching to an occupation where you put your life on the line every day.
I’m not sure if I could confidently say I could. Could you? Be honest, now.
That’s precisely what Pat Tillman did.
Tillman was a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals.
In May of 2002 — eight months after Sept. 11 — Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, soldiers sent to where the fighting is toughest.
There was no press conference, no parade and little fanfare.
He simply wanted to be treated like any other soldier, fighting for a cause he believed in, and rightly so.
All of the soldiers serving overseas left behind a treasure far greater than anything of monetary value — their loved ones.
On Friday, April 23, Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice — his life.
U.S. Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Beevers said that Tillman was killed in a firefight at about 7 p.m. on a road near Sperah, in Afghanistan, about 25 miles southwest off a U.S. base at Khost.
One thing that came out of this tragedy is it jolted America back into reality. There are many more like Tillman, and they are dying every day.
It has become almost commonplace in the media to see these recurring stories. As we watch the news unfold, it’s easy to become numb to the mounting losses.
Unfortunately, it took a familiar face like Tillman’s to once again make us stop and consider the sacrifices of those serving with him.
Being a civilian, I will never truly understand the sacrifices our men and women in the service have made so we can enjoy our freedoms. But I can let them know how much I appreciate it. And so can you.
If you see a military person as you wander the community, take the time to shake their hand and say thank you. I’ve been told it means the world to them.
One opportunity is a “Thank the Troops” party, taking place next month on Saturday, May 22, at Fitzgerald Park at 1 p.m. Everyone there will have an opportunity to sign a banner, so they can say thank you in their own special way. From 1,500 to 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, including several troops from around the area.
Whether you agree with the war or not, you can still support and encourage those who have entered the service of our country.
We mustn’t forget those who have given their lives while serving.
Catching a touchdown pass as time expires or hitting a lead off home run in extra innings — that’s clutch.
But Pat Tillman and all other servicemen like him?
That’s heroism.
Copyright 2008 Scott Rees
Imagine being able to do what you love — writing, acting, playing video games, whatever — and getting paid millions of dollars to do it.
Then imagine walking away from it all and switching to an occupation where you put your life on the line every day.
I’m not sure if I could confidently say I could. Could you? Be honest, now.
That’s precisely what Pat Tillman did.
Tillman was a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals.
In May of 2002 — eight months after Sept. 11 — Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, soldiers sent to where the fighting is toughest.
There was no press conference, no parade and little fanfare.
He simply wanted to be treated like any other soldier, fighting for a cause he believed in, and rightly so.
All of the soldiers serving overseas left behind a treasure far greater than anything of monetary value — their loved ones.
On Friday, April 23, Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice — his life.
U.S. Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Beevers said that Tillman was killed in a firefight at about 7 p.m. on a road near Sperah, in Afghanistan, about 25 miles southwest off a U.S. base at Khost.
One thing that came out of this tragedy is it jolted America back into reality. There are many more like Tillman, and they are dying every day.
It has become almost commonplace in the media to see these recurring stories. As we watch the news unfold, it’s easy to become numb to the mounting losses.
Unfortunately, it took a familiar face like Tillman’s to once again make us stop and consider the sacrifices of those serving with him.
Being a civilian, I will never truly understand the sacrifices our men and women in the service have made so we can enjoy our freedoms. But I can let them know how much I appreciate it. And so can you.
If you see a military person as you wander the community, take the time to shake their hand and say thank you. I’ve been told it means the world to them.
One opportunity is a “Thank the Troops” party, taking place next month on Saturday, May 22, at Fitzgerald Park at 1 p.m. Everyone there will have an opportunity to sign a banner, so they can say thank you in their own special way. From 1,500 to 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, including several troops from around the area.
Whether you agree with the war or not, you can still support and encourage those who have entered the service of our country.
We mustn’t forget those who have given their lives while serving.
Catching a touchdown pass as time expires or hitting a lead off home run in extra innings — that’s clutch.
But Pat Tillman and all other servicemen like him?
That’s heroism.
Copyright 2008 Scott Rees
Rees' Pieces: The 'breast' Superbowl ever
(Originally published February 2004)
It was inevitable.
The day was bound to come when television would have degenerated so much that it would leave me shaking my head in disbelief, uttering “When I was a kid, this would’ve never happened.”
I didn’t expect it to happen when I was 25.
By now, I am sure you have heard about the now infamous Super Bowl halftime show, featuring pop artists Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.
For those who haven’t, I offer a recap:
The two singers were performing a flirtatious duet to end the halftime show, and at the song’s finish, Timberlake reached across Jackson’s leather gladiator outfit and pulled off the covering of her right breast.
(Let’s pause and get the giggles out of the way. Place your favorite joke here — the boob tube, breast-case scenario, etc.).
The CBS network issued a statement, saying it had no indication that this was going to happen and apologizing to anyone who was offended.
The NFL followed suit with similar sentiments and stated it is unlikely that MTV will produce another Super Bowl halftime.
The Super Bowl halftime show, which also featured P. Diddy, Nelly, and Kid Rock, was produced by MTV, CBS’ corporate cousin in Viacom.
MTV issued a contrite statement in which it apologized, saying the incident was “unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance.”
This may be true, but it certainly doesn’t excuse the actions of Timberlake and Jackson.
In a statement, Jackson claimed it was a last minute stunt gone awry and was never meant to go so far.
According to Timberlake, it was unintentional and simply a “wardrobe malfunction.”
Umm ... okay.
The timing was curious — especially considering the context of the song, titled “Rock your Body.”
It ended with the line, “Cause I gotta have you naked by the end of this song.”
Indeed.
Let’s be honest. It was staged, whether MTV, CBS, or the NFL wants to admit it.
Jackson was partially covered by a sun shaped, metal nipple decoration — just in case, right?
And I’m sure Timberlake wanted to make sure his name went down on the list of most notable halftime acts.
The CBS network and the NFL deserved what was coming. They asked MTV to produce the halftime show, not Disney.
MTV has a track record of crude and outrageous stunts. Who doesn’t remember the shared kiss by Britney Spears and Madonna at the last MTV Music Awards?
Basically what it comes down to is, ahem, exposure. The apologies are merely obligatory.
Is Jackson sorry for hyping her brand new CD coming out in March?
And Timberlake? Is he sorry for topping his ex-girlfriend Britney?
The Federal Communications Commission is conducting an investigation with potential fines of up to $27,500, which if applied to every CBS station, could amount to millions.
But shouldn’t artists face consequences? If not, stunts may become steadily worse, as they consistently try to one-up one another, in an effort to not fade from the public eye.
I could be overreacting, but this isn’t MTV — it’s the most watched sports event of the year, with 90 million viewers tuning in. There should be standards.
When we have to screen our kids from the halftime of a football game, we know it’s really time to evaluate ourselves.
But there is one thing I’m sure we can all agree on — the real boobs in all this were the ones who actually forked over the $20 to watch the pay-per-view “Lingerie Bowl.” I hear it was a bust.
It was inevitable.
The day was bound to come when television would have degenerated so much that it would leave me shaking my head in disbelief, uttering “When I was a kid, this would’ve never happened.”
I didn’t expect it to happen when I was 25.
By now, I am sure you have heard about the now infamous Super Bowl halftime show, featuring pop artists Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.
For those who haven’t, I offer a recap:
The two singers were performing a flirtatious duet to end the halftime show, and at the song’s finish, Timberlake reached across Jackson’s leather gladiator outfit and pulled off the covering of her right breast.
(Let’s pause and get the giggles out of the way. Place your favorite joke here — the boob tube, breast-case scenario, etc.).
The CBS network issued a statement, saying it had no indication that this was going to happen and apologizing to anyone who was offended.
The NFL followed suit with similar sentiments and stated it is unlikely that MTV will produce another Super Bowl halftime.
The Super Bowl halftime show, which also featured P. Diddy, Nelly, and Kid Rock, was produced by MTV, CBS’ corporate cousin in Viacom.
MTV issued a contrite statement in which it apologized, saying the incident was “unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance.”
This may be true, but it certainly doesn’t excuse the actions of Timberlake and Jackson.
In a statement, Jackson claimed it was a last minute stunt gone awry and was never meant to go so far.
According to Timberlake, it was unintentional and simply a “wardrobe malfunction.”
Umm ... okay.
The timing was curious — especially considering the context of the song, titled “Rock your Body.”
It ended with the line, “Cause I gotta have you naked by the end of this song.”
Indeed.
Let’s be honest. It was staged, whether MTV, CBS, or the NFL wants to admit it.
Jackson was partially covered by a sun shaped, metal nipple decoration — just in case, right?
And I’m sure Timberlake wanted to make sure his name went down on the list of most notable halftime acts.
The CBS network and the NFL deserved what was coming. They asked MTV to produce the halftime show, not Disney.
MTV has a track record of crude and outrageous stunts. Who doesn’t remember the shared kiss by Britney Spears and Madonna at the last MTV Music Awards?
Basically what it comes down to is, ahem, exposure. The apologies are merely obligatory.
Is Jackson sorry for hyping her brand new CD coming out in March?
And Timberlake? Is he sorry for topping his ex-girlfriend Britney?
The Federal Communications Commission is conducting an investigation with potential fines of up to $27,500, which if applied to every CBS station, could amount to millions.
But shouldn’t artists face consequences? If not, stunts may become steadily worse, as they consistently try to one-up one another, in an effort to not fade from the public eye.
I could be overreacting, but this isn’t MTV — it’s the most watched sports event of the year, with 90 million viewers tuning in. There should be standards.
When we have to screen our kids from the halftime of a football game, we know it’s really time to evaluate ourselves.
But there is one thing I’m sure we can all agree on — the real boobs in all this were the ones who actually forked over the $20 to watch the pay-per-view “Lingerie Bowl.” I hear it was a bust.
Rees' Pieces: Handling the rough patches of life
(Originally published Jan. 2004)
Last September, I went to hear author Mitch Albom speak on the MSU campus about his latest novel, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.”
The first 200 people in line get an advance copy of his novel.
I was so excited! I have been reading Mitch Albom’s in the Detroit Free Press since college. He is easily one of the most influential writers in my life as a journalist.
In short, this was a big deal.
As I drew nearer and nearer to the door, my anticipation was growing deeper and deeper. I was going to make it!
But then the unthinkable happened — the door closed.
As I stared through the window, I watched as the advance copies flew away before my eyes. A startling realization washed over me.
I was number 201.
Consequently, I spent most of the evening beating myself up, especially for my bonehead move of going to the wrong door at first. I very well knew that a free book was at stake here. I should have jogged from the parking lot. I should have arrived a little earlier.
How could I have been so stupid?
But as Mitch spoke, I mellowed.
Mitch talked about the inspirations for his new novel, which is about a tough old man, a war veteran, who thinks his life has been insignificant, and his job — fixing rides at a seaside amusement park — is inconsequential.
On his 83rd birthday, the old man dies while attempting to save a little girl from falling cart. He arrives in heaven and meets five people whose lives he had unknowingly impacted during his time on earth (a’la “It’s a Wonderful Life”).
Important lessons ensue.
As he makes his way through heaven, he is consistently nagged by one question: “Did I save the little girl? Did my life end with redemption?”
Mitch said he was partially inspired by a story that his late professor, Morrie, always told him (If you haven’t read his non-fiction “Tuesday’s with Morrie,” do it!).
Here is the story he relayed:
The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand ol’ time. He’s enjoying the wind and the fresh air — until he notices the other waves in front of him, crushing against the shore.
“My God this is terrible,” the wave says. “Look what’s going to happen to me!”
Then along comes another wave. He sees the first wave, looking grim, and says to him, “Why do you look so sad?”
The first wave says, “You don’t understand. We’re all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be next to nothing! Isn’t it terrible?”
The second wave says, “No, you don’t understand. You’re not a wave, you’re part of the ocean.”
The point was that everybody is connected with one another and, whether we realize it or not, we influence one another, for better or for worse. All lives influence others.
“What if Heaven isn’t the Garden of Eden?” Mitch asked. “What if Heaven is a place where people are waiting for you — some you know, some you don’t ... and they explain things to you. Where someone can explain to you, ‘Here’s why.’ That is the greatest gift God can give you — to understand why,’”
He then read some passages from his book, which was truly moving.
As I was sitting there listening, a thought hit me — by simple act of going to the wrong door, could I have inadvertently affected the life of somebody else?
What if number 200 was going through a particularly rough patch in her life and was looking for something — anything to hold on to?
What if that book provided her with just the hope she was needing at that point in her life?
Could being number 201 serve a more noble cause?
Last September, I went to hear author Mitch Albom speak on the MSU campus about his latest novel, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.”
The first 200 people in line get an advance copy of his novel.
I was so excited! I have been reading Mitch Albom’s in the Detroit Free Press since college. He is easily one of the most influential writers in my life as a journalist.
In short, this was a big deal.
As I drew nearer and nearer to the door, my anticipation was growing deeper and deeper. I was going to make it!
But then the unthinkable happened — the door closed.
As I stared through the window, I watched as the advance copies flew away before my eyes. A startling realization washed over me.
I was number 201.
Consequently, I spent most of the evening beating myself up, especially for my bonehead move of going to the wrong door at first. I very well knew that a free book was at stake here. I should have jogged from the parking lot. I should have arrived a little earlier.
How could I have been so stupid?
But as Mitch spoke, I mellowed.
Mitch talked about the inspirations for his new novel, which is about a tough old man, a war veteran, who thinks his life has been insignificant, and his job — fixing rides at a seaside amusement park — is inconsequential.
On his 83rd birthday, the old man dies while attempting to save a little girl from falling cart. He arrives in heaven and meets five people whose lives he had unknowingly impacted during his time on earth (a’la “It’s a Wonderful Life”).
Important lessons ensue.
As he makes his way through heaven, he is consistently nagged by one question: “Did I save the little girl? Did my life end with redemption?”
Mitch said he was partially inspired by a story that his late professor, Morrie, always told him (If you haven’t read his non-fiction “Tuesday’s with Morrie,” do it!).
Here is the story he relayed:
The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand ol’ time. He’s enjoying the wind and the fresh air — until he notices the other waves in front of him, crushing against the shore.
“My God this is terrible,” the wave says. “Look what’s going to happen to me!”
Then along comes another wave. He sees the first wave, looking grim, and says to him, “Why do you look so sad?”
The first wave says, “You don’t understand. We’re all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be next to nothing! Isn’t it terrible?”
The second wave says, “No, you don’t understand. You’re not a wave, you’re part of the ocean.”
The point was that everybody is connected with one another and, whether we realize it or not, we influence one another, for better or for worse. All lives influence others.
“What if Heaven isn’t the Garden of Eden?” Mitch asked. “What if Heaven is a place where people are waiting for you — some you know, some you don’t ... and they explain things to you. Where someone can explain to you, ‘Here’s why.’ That is the greatest gift God can give you — to understand why,’”
He then read some passages from his book, which was truly moving.
As I was sitting there listening, a thought hit me — by simple act of going to the wrong door, could I have inadvertently affected the life of somebody else?
What if number 200 was going through a particularly rough patch in her life and was looking for something — anything to hold on to?
What if that book provided her with just the hope she was needing at that point in her life?
Could being number 201 serve a more noble cause?
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