The "Pragerhead" experience

I think it was Janice last night who compared us to 'Deadheads,' those die-hard fans who are willing to travel anywhere the band the 'Grateful Dead' is performing.

That's us, Pragerheads, Dennisheads ... We braved the cold, the snow, the slush, the long trek from the Cleveland Clinic or Church parking lots to hear Dennis speak on one of his favorite subjects (and ours), Happiness. Thankfully, members of the Solon Chabad, invited us to share the experience.

When Dennis took up the microphone last night he wanted to know right away who in the audience had never heard him on the radio. Quite a few people raised their hands, and Dennis wondered aloud, "What are you doing here then?"

I was mystically jealous of those people who had never heard Dennis on the radio. These were first-timers, 'virgins,' as it were. They were about to experience those "Wow!" moments the way I did when I first heard Dennis Prager on the radio, when I first heard "I prefer clarity over agreement," or even "Write that down, Alan!" - that kind of wisdom which only comes from long-dead grand-parents or even, say, Will Rogers or Homer Simpson.

I knew what was coming and I silently begged these people to pay very close attention because they were about to have their worlds changed forever.

But then, like any good experience, I found myself enjoying re-living those same moments, just the way I would if I were listening to a favorite song, or watching for the billionth time one of my favorite movies.

I didn't care if I knew I was going to hear something I had heard before, I was actually listening for it, waiting for it, and, of course, hoping that everyone else would revel in it, too. And, yes, I think they did.

Last night's Happiness lecture reminded of the time, a number years ago, when we had tickets to hear Victor Borge. We were polite, an appreciative audience, (in Asheville, NC, the stage set outdoors on the terrace of the Biltmore estate, overlooking the Smokey Mountains). But we didn't really come alive until Borge started doing his old routines, the ones that first made us laugh all those years ago. We fairly screamed when the elderly Borge fell off his piano bench while his beautiful opera singer belted out some aria or another. It was the 'old' stuff that drew us there in the first place. The kids in the audience even got the jokes. I don't think you can get enough of a good thing.

There was another process going on in my mind when I should have been listening to Dennis. I love watching couples, not necessarily married couples, it just has to be two people who know each other well. I like to observe their body language when they are sharing the same experience. They are subtly sharing it with each other through whispers, side glances, and the hardly-noticed leanings into one another, as if to say, "Did you hear that?" They don't usually turn fully frontally and face their companion because that might be too much of a distraction or intrusive. Most of these communications, of course, are designed to go unnoticed by anyone else.

I can see why this sharing of the "Dennis Prager experience" is analogous to the Deadhead one, and why we are then drawn to communing with each other every month at our Dennis Prager Group meetings.

But I think my most memorable and perhaps profound "Wow!" moment last night came when Dennis spoke of the minister who surprised his congregation one Sunday when he told them, "God isn't enough." From our human beginning God knew that He wasn't going to be enough for us, that we were going to need other people. It just so happened that Adam needed a wife (don't they all!) but more importantly God knew that Adam needed someone other than God Himself. Who would have thought! Even Will Rogers would have appreciated that revelation!

Pragerheads come from very diverse experiences, some religious, some secular and some combination of secu-religious ones, but Dennis reminded us last night where happiness needs to come from and that we owe it to other people to at least act happy even if we're not feeling it at the moment.

Dennis also spent a good bit of time on how the Chronically Unhappy and 'Moody' people can have an adverse effect on children, too. I felt empathy for the young father in the audience, the one who was looking for advice on how to keep a three-year-old from becoming a chronic complainer. (I'm not sure if the young father ever heard someone say, "If you don't stop that crying I'm going to give you something to REALLY cry about!" The line worked on me as a child so I used it on my kids.) Dennis did his best to offer advice but in the end he fell back on the one staple and really ancient tenet: You'll figure it out.

Like most important experiences I will regurgitate pieces of the evening over time and it will be as though I am just tasting these morsels for the first time.

I also feel a little like a pearl diver who already knew what was inside that crusty old shell but then was surprised to find there were two pearls this time. One pearl looked a lot like all the other pearls and then there was this new one, one I hadn't ever imagined before.

I look forward to hearing from you about the other pearls you found last night. Send me your emails or log on here yourself and we can all re-live the night.

View from a VIP table - from Mary O

Hi, Dianne,

Please feel free to pass this along to all the Prager people that might be interested.

I had the privilege of attending the VIP dinner before the Townhall program. My husband Mike (who I just about dragged there- he's a Democrat!) and I were a few minutes late so we just sat at the first table we saw that had 2 empty chairs. The event started with the WHK General Manager thanking us for coming. He then introduced a Deacon from St. Augustine's Church in Tremont who gave the invocation and blessing of our meal.

Michael Medved thanked us all profusely for our dedication and sacrifice of giving up our evening to watch The BARACK OBAMA INFOMERCIAL that was being broadcast that night. Everyone, of course, laughed at that one!!

The food was excellent but the company was even better. The 8 others at our table were much like our own Prager group,(perhaps some of them were Pragerites?), because it was a mixed group of younger, older, male and female from different walks of life. All very nice and all very passionate about our upcoming election. I'd say there were probably about 50 people in the room including many from WHK/Salem Broadcasting and I kept looking around for "our man Dennis" but I couldn't see him at first.

I was just finishing my coffee when Michael Medved came up to our table to say hello. We spoke briefly about "getting the message out" about the importance of the choices in this election. We all told him what a great job they were all doing.

At this point I'm getting a crick -in -my -neck from turning around to look for Dennis. Finally ---there he was!! I grabbed by husband's leg and said "OH MY GOD HE'S HERE!"

After dessert the WHK station manager (who's name I can't remember) thanked everyone again for coming and said that everyone was welcome to come up and have their picture taken with Michael and DENNIS.

Now, I have to tell you all that I am in awe of Michael Medved's intellect and recall of history. I admire so much the way he takes on so many disagreeable people that call into his show with such a command of historical facts and pertinent information, and I just marvel at the way his show is both educational and very entertaining.

But let me be honest here, --to me there's just something about Dennis! Sometime at one of our meetings I'll have to explain where "my head was at" when I first started listening to talk radio and just happened to stumble upon The Dennis Prager Show.

Anywho.... As I was standing in line to meet the guys, I was thinking to myself "Self, what could you possibly say to Dennis Prager to thank him for all the clarity, humor, passion, integrity and moral guidance that he gives you every time you listen to him? Is there any way you could ever convey what a different way you have of looking at the world since you started listening to this man, reading his books, buying his CD's. Maybe you could invite him over for a meal, or ...???"

OH! it's my turn to meet them. So I walk up and shake Michael Medved's hand and tell him that I'm a big fan and then I turn to Dennis and politely shake his hand and then I blurt out "would you mind if I gave you a hug??? My husband is over there and he says it's OK." Dennis laughs and says "are you sure he says it's OK? Where is your husband? I point to Mike who is looking at me like "you are nuts" but is waving and laughing and says "It's OK, Dennis." So he gives me a big bear hug and then I stand between him and Michael Medved and have my picture taken. I tell them that I am sending this picture out as my Christmas card to all my Liberal-Democrat family and friends. They both thought that was so funny!! (I'm not sure if they were laughing at me or with me, but I don't care.)

It was a great experience and an awesome night. It was definitely the most hopeful I've felt about this impending election in months. There was such a positive energy in the air. We then went into the main room for the Townhall event and Mike is muttering something about, "I hope nobody finds out about me being at this (Republican) rally." But lo and behold there are 2 other Firefighters in the room that come up to us and slap Mike on the back.

By the time the evening was over I could tell everyone there was feeling more positive about the outcome of this most important vote. I could tell Mike was getting caught up in the excitement of the evening and was happy to see him standing and applauding with everyone else when Joe Lieberman walked up to the stage.

When we went next door to Hoolihan's for a drink to wait for the parking lot to empty out, I asked him what he thought of the events of the evening. He said "you know I have to admit, these guys are very clear on their message and I admire the way they present the facts with such passion. I've been very torn about which way to go on this election, but I have to tell you, after tonight I'm definitely voting for McCain/Palin."

Good Night!!!

Mary O

Prager Group NEO Field Trip!

Melissa had a great idea for a Dennis Prager Group Field Trip:

The Ben Stein movie "Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed" will be playing at the Regal Cinema theatre in Middleburg Heights.

This theatre is less than a block from the I 71 exit, at Bagley Road. After the show we go for coffee nearby at the Panera Bread, 18324 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.

It looks like the movie runs from the 18th of April through the 24th. I'm available for a Friday or Saturday or Sunday (April 18, 19, or 20), so if anyone else is interested please let us know!

I was disappointed that I didn't get to see Ben Stein when he was in town recently so this is like having a second chance.

This email also serves as a reminder about this week's 2 PM Dennis Prager Discussion Group meeting at the Panera Bread cafe in the Golden Gate shopping center in Mayfield Heights (Mayfield Road (Rt 322) and I 271. That's April 13!

See you then!

_________________________________________________

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed
Opens April 18, 2008
Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min.
PG - thematic material, some disturbing images and brief smoking

Ben Stein follows his journey around the globe where he discovers that scientists, educators and philosophers are being persecuted in a modern day witch hunt because they dare to go against the theory of evolution. These pillars of education are being fired, ridiculed and ostracized for merely challenging Darwin’s theory; proposing that life on this planet could be a part of some intelligent design and not random chance. This thought-provoking film not only forces us to question what we have been taught but challenges us to ask--What else is being kept from us?

Read More Director: Nathan Frankowski Genres: Science & Technology, Culture & Society

After the "fall" - so to speak.

The March 9 Dennis Prager Group meeting happened, in spite of the Snowfall of 'aught 8.'

Some of us were lucky enough to be married to people who had big and powerful snow blowers, the kind that cut through 17" of fluffy stuff like a hot knife through butter! To the right is my house in North Ridgeville; notice the sharply defined snowbanks?

Then there were others (Sonino John Paul, for example) who may not be able to dig out their cars yet.

We six - we adventurous six - met at Kerry's Westlake meeting room but there should have been seven. Angie, Dan, David, Phil, Melissa and Dianne were there but Kerry was missing. Our dedicated Cincinnati, Ohio, leader, Jim Searcy, looked up her phone number and I called but there was no answer. It's funny how time changes you; in an earlier age I would have been irritated that our hostess wasn't there, but now I just worried that something bad had happened to her.

And, it had. We learned later that Kerry's mother had passed away, quite suddenly, and the burial was in southern Ohio. Kerry tried to let me know that she wouldn't be there but I never saw the email.

But, in the meantime, we six headed off to the local Applebees to have the meeting, and left a note for anyone who showed up. We're still of a mind that it could be some not-so-serious reason, after all, that kept Kerry away... maybe the time change?

Truth be told, these meetings can take place anywhere. It could have been a parking lot if it had been a lot warmer and someone brought food and drink. It's the dynamics, the ripple effect caused by a gathering of Conservatives, that leaves me exhilerated, hopeful, and always more informed than when I arrived.

If only I could roll the video tape for you instead of having to rely on a bank of dusty memory chips. The Elections and the Candidates took center stage, to be sure, but the 'key' light was on Hope, hope that Republicans take the presidency.

We each have differing concerns and levels of concerns over what will happen in the next eight months but we ultimately agreed that there should be a gathering of Dennis Prager Discussion group people on election night, '08. We have time to decide where the meeting will be but mark your calendars now for the 1st Tuesday of November, 2008.

And to Kerry, our sympathies on losing your mother.

We'll see you all next month, on April 13, at Panera's Bread at the Golden Gate Plaza, in Mayfield Heights.

Don't forget to use this blog to let us know how Dennis has been changing your thinking, or just what it's like for you living like a Conservative in a world of Liberals.

My best to you all! Keep the faith! And God Bless America!

Blog documenting the quasi-religious Obama phenomenon

I must confess I haven't spent as much time over here as I'd like, being quite busy with my own blog. But having just heard Dennis quip about how all the Obama talk about changing the country "Scares the living daylights out of me" and having had the same reaction myself, I think that Prager listeners would appreciate this blog, "Is Barack Obama the Messiah?"

The title question is asked in jest on the site which is an ongoing documentation of over-the-top religious imagery and references to Barack Obama and his presidential campaign in news, commentary, art and popular culture. From the strange feeling in Chris Matthews leg to Michelle Obama's "broken souls" you'll find it here, along with all manner of collectivist drivel from the usual suspects, Oprah, Gary Hart, Huffington Post, Time, etc.


My favorite portion is on the right side-bar and is entitled "Heretics & Unbelievers". It features sane analysis which demythologizes what amounts to mob hysteria, deftly revealing it as such. There is some truly good comedy writing here; all good horror movies contain large doses of humor -- let's just hope this one doesn't end with this empty suit sitting in the Oval Office. That will be truly horrific for this nation and not funny in the least bit.

"BASEBALL, DENNIS AND THE FRENCH"

As promised, I proudly share "BASEBALL, DENNIS & THE FRENCH."
by Paul Croshaw.

Hello,

My name is Paul Croshaw and I'm the producer of the documentary BASEBALL, DENNIS AND THE FRENCH -- which features Dennis Prager.

You all are "hardcore" Prager fans like me. And the websites and blogs you all have created are really good. Like you , it's become my mission to promote Dennis Prager and Judeo-Christian values. Most of you are leaders of Prager discussion groups and I want to know if you would forward this email to your members.

It's a Special Update e-blast with a unique fundraising request. Read the Update and if it's appropriate, I would really appreciate it if you would forwarded to your members and anyone else who cares about the values we share. Some of you, without solicitation, have already donated to help make this film.


Thank You! I would also be happy to link your website or blog on my website. Let me know -- I'm flexible.

Again, thank you so much and if I'm ever in the area I would love to come to a meeting.

Paul Croshaw, Producer http://www.BaseballDennisandtheFrench.com

First Prager Group meeting of 2008!

It's official! Our first meeting of the New Year will be at Angie and Dan Hall's house at 7 p.m. on January 19, 2008.

What a great way to kick off 2008, hanging out with other Dennis Prager fans!

Please RSVP to Dianne and I'll forward directions to you. As long as you can get to I-480 West you'll find that North Ridgeville is very easy to get to.

Spouses and Significant Others will, of course, be welcome, too.

If you have an idea for a food or drink item you'd like to bring just let us know that, too.

Have a happy New Year, Everyone!

Best regards,
Dianne,

Prager Group NEO logistics and Group Photographer

Welcome to the Dennis Prager Discussion Group in northeast Ohio!

Dennis Prager changes lives.. at least that's how most of us - members of the Dennis Prager Discussion Group NEO - seem to feel.

We thought we would start this new Prager Group NEO blog, and we hope you will find

• 1) a comfortable place to share your conservative views
• 2) others who just might feel the way you do

This blog won't be a substitute for our face-to-face meetings in the future, it's rather a place to begin getting to know one another.

It might also be a way to tell others about the group and get people to turn their radios on to the "Dennis Prager Show," where CLARITY trumps AGREEMENT.

We can share our favorite Dennis Prager radio moment or moments, how it changed us, changed our thinking.

Just like Dennis says that we can have an impact on his thinking, we can have an impact on each other's thinking.

Blog away!

____________________________________
For anyone who accidently found their way to our blog and don't know Dennis like we know Dennis, "The Dennis Prager Show" is a three-hour live radio program airing Monday-Friday, rain or shine, on holidays, too, from Los Angeles, CA, on KRLA radio. In our northeast Ohio neighborhood, WHK radio, 1420 AM carries the program. Check your local stations for the one/s that carry Dennis' program on the Salem Radio Network.

Over time you will meet the members and perhaps become a member yourself. We'll be posting upcoming events as they are planned and most importantly we will try to share the most meaningful lessons we take away from listening to Dennis' program.

But wait! You say you can't get Dennis on the radio where you live! Technology to the rescue:

You can listen to Dennis Prager on your computer, through podcasts downloaded through I-Tunes. It's a lot easier than you might think; just go here for step-by-step instructions. (If you're still having trouble, send us an email and we'll try to help you.) Once you've downloaded and installed the I-Tunes application, you're half way there.

Read more about Dennis with an introduction right from his web site at PragerRadio.com

"...Los Angeles Times

'An amazingly gifted man and moralist whose mission in life has been crystallized - 'to get people obsessed with what is right and wrong.'"ToastMasters "One of America's five best speakers." Radio/TV Personality Tom Snyder" To my mind, Dennis Prager is the best radio talk show host in America.'

Buzz Magazine'
One of the ten most powerful people in Los Angeles. . . a moral compass."

Radio and Television
Dennis Prager is one of America's most respected radio talk show hosts. He has been broadcasting on radio in Los Angeles since 1982. His popular show became nationally syndicated in 1999 and airs live, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to Noon (Pacific Time) from his home station, KRLA. Widely sought after by television shows for his opinions, he's appeared on Larry King Live, Hardball, Hannity & Colmes, CBS Evening News, The Today Show and many others.

Books
In August of 2003, Simon and Schuster reissued Dennis' totally revised seminal work on anti-Semitism, Why the Jews, co-written with Joseph Telushkin.

Happiness Is A Serious Problem, was published in February, 1998 by HarperCollins and was best seller for fifteen consecutive weeks on the Los Angeles Times best seller list Think A Second Time(HarperCollins), 1996 contains 44 essays on 44 different subjects. Bill Bennett called it "one of those rare books that can change an intelligent mind." USA Today columnist and professor of law Susan Estrich called it "Brilliant, a tour de force."

The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism, Simon and Schuster, co-written with Joseph Telushkin has been translated into nearly a dozen languages, and is the most widely used introduction to Judaism in the world. It is still a best-seller in paperback over 20 years after it's release...."