The Spirit Carries On

“I used to be frightened of dying,
I used to think death was the end;
But that was before,
I'm not scared anymore…
I know that my soul will transcend.

I may never find all the answers…
I may never understand why…
I may never prove…
What I know to be true,
But I know that I still have to try.

If I die tomorrow,
I'd be all right…
Because I believe,
That after we're gone,
The spirit carries on.”

--Dream Theater from the song “The Spirit Carries On,” 1999.

A few updates:

Last weekend I went on a Cursillo. This is a men’s retreat that is ecumenical in nature, but it is put on by a local Catholic Church. Out of respect to the group who spoke and to the people who may wish to take this journey, I will only say that I benefited quite a bit from going.

I came looking for a few answers and I think I found them. Or at least I am on the way to find them. Can we ever really fine all of the answers we are looking for anyway?

Last spring something really happened to me that was unexplainable. Since the stroke, which frankly woke me up a bit, life has been better. I cannot explain it, but it has been better. I really believe I was touched by the spirit and I was saved in a way that involves God reaching out to me. I think I have taken a spiritual path in my hopes to gain understanding. This path was not one I was willing to walk, but I am moving forward on it just the same.

Something truly happened to me; I would dare say something miraculous. This does not mean I will judge others or become holier-than anyone, but what it means to me is that there is an inner peace and comfort that I have not felt before. I have gained spiritual growth and even understanding of myself. Greatest of the gifts I was given lst spring was a sense of purpose and peace.

Update 2:
In another update of sorts, I am continuing to work on a federal Teaching American History grant with our PTHS grant writer John Mehlberg. We have submitted it and t looks good. Last year we made it to the final reading, which is impressive for a first time submission from what we are told. This year, we are hoping to accomplish our goals as we read our comments for improvement and have made the grant better by tightening up some loose ends.

Update 3:
Jen has her dress, of which I have not seen, and will see on the wedding day. I am so looking forward to being married to Jen. She has been wonderful. I am about to hit the diet hard and have tux fittings in June and go from there. Reception Hall is taken care of; Church is set; wedding party have been selected; and cats have been told.

Something more controversial or curmudgeon-like next time, I promise.

Chicago Bears Free Agents: Its Now or Never

“Sunlight fall down on the fields...
Sunlight fall down over me;
Work all day be all that I can be: yeah-heh.
Say I can say words only simple,
Say I can say words only clear;
But, oh I can feel your heart is beating near. Yeah-heh

No, no, no, Don't pass me over

No, no, no, Don't pass me by

See, I can see good things for you and I...
Yeah, good things for you and I”
--The BoDeans, from the song, “Good Things.”

Having had less than 24 hours to digest the Chicago Bears Free Agent moves, I was at first alarmed at the lack of effort acquiring a safety. I was then miffed that there was no solid Offensive Line acquisition. Then it struck me, when I looked down the list of free agents, no real “impact” offensive lineman is readily available in the free agency. There are some “project guys” who have potential, but we tried that last year with Omiyale and the work is still in progress. The effort for Omiyale may pay off, as he has the size and the speed. Safety is another matter, where there are a few “better than what we already have” guys out there, there is no “worth a ton of money impact” players.

So having rested and reflected on the whole thing, I think the Chicago Bears made some really great moves.

Now, I do not believe in the Daniel Snyder (of the Washington Redskins) philosophy of building a team by buying big-name free agents. He’s tried it; it does not work.

The negative feeling pervasive in me, about the Bears management, is, as Elvis would say, “Now or Never” for Jerry Angelo, Lovie Smith, et al.

If the Bears win a Super Bowl in this manner, I am all for it. Let’s face it, the Patriots piecemealed a Super Bowl team three straight years by adding players at key positions, as did the Saints. The Cowboys tried, and failed, but their owner is truly a jerk who still cannot find a running back.

So in the "free agent era" that is now the Bears only method of gaining talent. Lvie's last hurrah may be years off if all works out from the moves of this weekend. His last hurrah could be mid-season if the moves do not pan out.

The first move is perhaps the Bears most bold. Julius Peppers is among the most dominant if not THE most dominant defensive line pass rusher in the league. This was a smart move. The Bears have wasted quite a few free agent moves and picks on the D-Line, but Peppers on the squad will solidify them. Guarding Peppers should free up Harris, and vice versa, and both should make for more safety and linebacker sacks, let alone sacks for each other. Peppers is an instant impact player that will fit in well and should help the “cover two;” the reason being is that if pressure is put on a QB, the post patterns are less effective.

The second key player, Chester Taylor, is a smart move as well. Bringing in experience from working in the Vikings system, Taylor is a utility guy that could shine under the right system. I still think Forte is an impact player, so sharing the load will not be an issue. The Bears will, more than likely, say goodbye to Kevin Jones and Adrian Peterson. But with Wolfe, Bell, Forte and Taylor (and an experienced Taylor at that) I think the running position can flourish, especially in Martz's system.

The other player brought in, Brandon Manumaleuna as a blocking tight end, is another smart move. I will be honest; I do not know much about this player. He worked well in San Diego which says something, considering how strong their running backs consistently play. As a blocking Tight End, he could make an impact on the running game without an investment of an offensive lineman. I would like to see Beekman inserted back in the line, and towards the end of last season, Shaffer came on strong. The good thing about Manumaleuna is that his insertion offers more two tight end sets and leaves Olsen the opportunity to be used as a big receiver. Will this strain the impact of Hester? Sure, but Martz made it clear, Hester will be utilized as more of a kick returner in his scheme, rather than a receiver: thus, Ron Turner’s ridiculous “Hester Experiment” is official over. Thank Goodness, as we all knew what the conclusion of that hypothesis would be.

So the Bears can go with Aromashodu and Iglesias as starters, use Olsen in the two tight-end set, and use Bennett as a slot and possession receiver, as he should be.

As far as the coaching moves, I have high hopes. In retrospect, I think Tice as an offensive line coach has some common sense. He played the position, probably never should have been a head coach in any situation, and could be a positive influence on a relatively young line. I think every Bear fan knew Marinelli would take over as the Defensive Coordinator. No surprise. I have made it clear in my past comments that I think Mike Martz is a crybaby and a bit of a weasel. I hope I am wrong, and if I can separate his personality flaws from his football intelligence, I may be a fan someday. His track record (with the exception of Detroit) is proven to be strong.

I call this weekend’s move a huge upgrade for the Chicago Bears, and, honestly, I think they need it. There are no tomorrows for Angelo, Lovie, and the rest.

In my world, August and the Pre-Season is just around the corner, and I cannot wait.