When I went to the premiere of my documentary about World War II, I felt so good about the final product. The town held a lovely premiere where people dressed up and there was a buzz in the air. PBS was ready to pick up the film to air nationally. And I stood in the back of the theater as I watched people enjoy the film.

But the moment the movie was over, the very first person out of the theater came up to me upset that her husband’s story was not one that was chosen in the final cut.

At that point in my life, I knew to expect praise and criticism. And I also knew that the film was a success because I helped people gain some insight into World War II and it also gave the survivors a platform to tell their story.

Over the years of creating music, films and blog posts, I have seen my confidence build with success, but I’ve also gained the understanding that it’s not always the response of a project that makes it a success. Instead, before I even take on or begin a project, I ask myself, who will be better because of this?

As long as I can satisfy myself with that, then it’s not predicated by someone liking my work or it receiving awards. If my work, whatever it is, can make someone better then all the other noise falls away, and I know that I am making something for the right reasons.

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I heard someone say the other day, “Have you ever noticed people won’t let you finish your sentence before they jump in with what they are going to say next?”

Conversations like these are hard.

I’ve found that it is much more compelling to talk to people who really want to know what someone else is thinking, and want to listen to what someone else has to say more than wanting to reveal something about themselves or make sure that I know how they feel about issues.

The truth is those opportunities will come when you take the time to listen to a family member, a friend, neighbor or colleague.

We are all able to do it. We are all able to close our agendas and listen. Unfortunately, those who can’t let others finish their sentences are completely unaware of the power of having conversations like that. Many of them go through their lives blissfully unaware, wondering what is wrong with everybody.

I think it’s a very simple exercise to just allow people to finish what they have to say before you jump in. You will become someone who people feel comfortable with, and you’ll be surprised to learn how much more people will share with you then.

And you’ll also be surprised how much more others want to listen to you, too.

The post Ghostwriting: The Practice of Listening appeared first on Dani Tietz.

Whether you’re still on a high from the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series or hopeful the St. Louis Cardinals will pull themselves above their lifelong rival, there is an excitement in the air. Tomorrow is Opening Day for Major League Baseball.

The great thing about the 2017 season is that, in essence, it will be similar to every other Opening Day for the last 100 years. The essential colors of the brown dirt, the green grass and ivy on the walls, the white bases and baselines are the same as they have always been. And what Jon Lester does on the mound today is similar to what Cy Young did at the turn of the century.

There’s always possibility attached to every pitch; that’s why the game has to move at the pace it does.

People say baseball is boring, but when you realize the possibilities going through the heads of every player on the field during every single pitch, you will understand why baseball moves the way it does.

The batter is trying to figure out if the pitcher is going to try to fool him with the same pitch again. The pitcher is trying to figure out if he can fool the batter with the same pitch again. The catcher is trying to figure out which pitch to call. The third baseman is wondering if he should play up or deep because the batter might bunt or swing for the fences. The shortstop is thinking about fielding a line drive and covering second if they runner on first steals the base. And every player, from those on the field to those in the dugout, is trying to figure out what their role in any of the 100 possible events that may occur within the next minute.

The great thing is that a grandfather can take his 13-year old grandchild to a baseball game and have the same experience as he did in 1966. The only things that are different, really, is the loud music and the food options. Hopefully, in 50 years, that grandchild will be able to share that experience with his or her grandchild, too.

Because unlike many other things in this world, baseball is an oasis, if you let it be. It’s a place where you can almost go back in time and the rest of the world doesn’t really matter for those couple of hours.

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And it’s not just because he’s been with Diepholz Auto for 30 years.

“When I got older, I realized how much of an impact on the community my father played when it came to the auto industry,” his son Nick East said. “If someone had done business at Diepholz, even if it wasn’t with Roger, his name was always recognized or even mentioned before that person realized we were related. He always makes a point to get involved with all of our clients, teammates, even the daily delivery drivers.”

In many dealerships, Roger’s production is what would make him stand out. But at Diepholz Auto, Roger is known for the way he puts customers at ease, according to Roberta Whittley.

He joined the Diepholz team in Jan. 1992 when Diepholz moved from a Chevy dealership to purchasing Rutledge Oldsmobile and Cadillac where Roger was a salesperson. The willingness to go above and beyond to help each customer is what landed him as the new Cadillac Sales Manager at Diepholz.

“It has been an absolute pleasure watching Roger build long lasting friendships with his clients for the past 30 years,” Diepholz Auto owner Ron Diepholz sadi. “I hate to think what it would be like not having him say, ‘Morning, Diepholz’ every morning or hearing his contagious laugh all day long. Many people are blessed to be able to spend a day with Roger working on a car deal, I have been blessed to be able to spend 30 years next to his side.”

Roger’s commitment to the organization and to the customers has remained steady. As has his commitment to spending time with his family.

“I remember as a kid who loved cars, this was one of my favorite places to be,” Nick, who now works with his father, said. “He would take me through the service area and let me see what the technicians were doing on a daily basis.

“My dad’s office has remained in the same location since I could remember in my younger years. Now he has glass walls instead of temporary dividers. I could only imagine how it was working next to him during these times, considering he can be heard throughout the entire building now!”

Nick enjoys seeing the same customers today as he did as a child while working side by side with his dad. Part of that may be because of the way Roger interacts with them.

“His personality and ability to start a conversation with absolutely ANYONE out of thin air, all whilst being 100-percent sincere,” Nick said. “He has such a positive outlook on life, that is a characteristic that I have tried to emulate as long as I can remember.”

Even when customers are in unfortunate situations—car trouble close to holidays or right before a family trip or having to purchase a vehicle after an accident—Roger finds a way to connect.

“He has this gift that I love seeing,” Nick said. “He can walk into a full-service waiting area that’s completely quiet, start a conversation with someone as he’s getting a cup of coffee, and have the entire room engaged with one another by the time he heads back to his office. It’s absolutely amazing to watch.”

Over the years, his colleagues have also enjoyed watching his unique way of solving problems.

“He is able to look at a situation and create a solution on the spot or at least put us at ease when dealing with it,” Nick said. “That’s huge in this business, being able to make important, educated decisions on the spot at any time. This is an extremely fast-paced environment, and stuff happens, and my dad handles it effortlessly.”

At the end of the day, even when Roger took calls at all hours of the day to be there for his customers, Nick knew that his heart is with his family.

The man who has a love-hate relationship with yard work and keeping his home looking great also can’t wait to get to work on the family farm with his brother Rusty any chance he gets. He’s also found his call to “freedom” in his Jeep that he purchased a few years ago as he put down a motorcycle fetish.

At this time, Roger has no plans to retire. His sights are setting on making more friends.

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:30  PRE ORDER APRIL

2/13/22

Script one:

Looking for that perfect vehicle but can seem to find it? By Pre-ordering from Diepholz Auto, It’s as simple as a visit to Diepholz Auto dot com. Pre-order the exact features you desire with the help of a team specialist, and let Diepholz do the rest.  Your new vehicle arrives exactly as you ordered. No more settling for some of the features you want. Get them all with your custom pre-order from Diepholz Auto in Paris, Illinois.  If your vehicle doesn’t have a Deipholz sticker, you probably paid too much.

Looking for that perfect vehicle but can’t seem to find it? By pre-ordering at Diepholz Auto dot com, there’s no more settling for some of the features you want. You can shop hassle-free online with Express Purchase to get the exact desired features. Your new vehicle will arrive exactly as you ordered. If your vehicle doesn’t have a Deipholz sticker, you probably paid too much.

Script two: (Extra)

If you’ve looked over our current inventory and didn’t see what you’re after, hold on. It could be on the way! This is Ron Diepholz. You can always check our inventory at Diepholz Auto dot com, but we also have an In Transit list, so you can see what’s coming before it hits the lot. Just contact our sales department to reserve or pre-order your next vehicle. It’s another way we’re changing buying for the better at Diepholz Auto.

In today’s market, finding exactly what you’re looking for in your next vehicle can be hard. But hold on. Don’t give up. At Diepholz Auto, we often have a great selection In Transit. You can see what’s coming at Diepholz Auto dot com before it hits the lot. Just contact our sales department to reserve or pre-order your next vehicle. It’s another way we’re changing buying for the better.

:30 MEMORIAL/

Lock in your deal today, with Memorial Day savings all month long at Diepholz Auto. This is Ron Diepholz, and we’ve loaded every pre-owned car, truck, and SUV in our inventory with extra savings, as well as getting you behind the wheel faster with our online Express Purchase. It’s hassle-free and available 24-7 at Diepholz Auto dot com.  If you’re looking for the best deal on a quality pre-owned, May is your month! Lock in your deal today at Diepholz Auto dot com. If your vehicle doesn’t have a Diepholz Stick, you probably paid too much.

If you’re looking for the best deal on a quality pre-owned, May is your month! At Diepholz Auto, we have Memorial Day savings all month long. This is Ron Diepholz, and we’ve loaded every pre-owned car, truck, and SUV in our inventory with extra savings. Get behind the wheel even faster with our hassle-free Express Purchase, available 24-7 at Diepholz Auto dot com. If your vehicle doesn’t have a Diepholz Stick, you probably paid too much.

:30  EV/JUNE

The future is NOW at Diepholz Auto in Paris, where you can learn all about the advantages of electric vehicles from one of our EV experts. EV’s are the most exciting innovation to come along in decades. Diephloz Auto is here to help you learn more about the future of the automotive industry and can even help you custom-build your new EV. Plug into the future at Diepholz Auto in Paris, or visit Diepholz Auto dot com and get better acquainted with EV

.

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From the Heart to the Heartland

My family moved to East Central Illinois in 2002 from West Lafayette, Ind. As a very young mother, one thing I was not willing to give up was basketball. With a 3 and 1-year-old at home, I became a junior high basketball coach at Franklin Middle School, in Champaign, prior to taking on the junior varsity position, and then varsity position at Blue Ridge High School, in Farmer City, until 2006.

With the Blue Ridge team comprised of seven members, we didn’t win a single game in the 2004-2005 season. I sent in my stats to the newspapers, like every other coach, but our team wasn’t covered in the newspapers like those we faced.

I vaguely remember being interviewed by Fred Kroner after one of our seven wins during the 2005-06 season, but if I’m being honest, I remember him more from his byline and smile in The News-Gazette than from being interviewed.

When I learned that Fred Kroner was ready to retire from The News-Gazette in 2015, I knew that it was a big deal. And I realized when the editor of The Mahomet Citizen was thinking about moving on, Fred would be the natural fit to fill in at that position.

I wouldn’t be real if I didn’t tell you that I was nervous about the possibility. Fred Kroner was an icon to me, someone untouchable, a big deal. His talent is something that many of us strive to realize, and so I didn’t know how the publication I owned, the Mahomet Daily, and how my writing would fare in comparison to his.

But the thing I never understood is why there had to be competition between the two entities: they both have something unique to offer to readers. I hoped that my relationship with the new editor, Fred, could be more like a team rather than a foe.

While Fred is the award-winning writer he is, someone who is well-known in communities throughout the state of Illinois, he quickly helped me to realize that there is something more in this world than squelching the competition.

There is friendship.

When you first meet someone, you exchange pleasantries. But Fred asked if he could interview me for an article to be in the Mahomet Citizen within a few weeks of taking his new post.

Let me reiterate this for you: Fred Kroner, the editor of the Mahomet Citizen, which is owned by The News-Gazette, wanted to interview Dani Tietz, the owner, and editor of the Mahomet Daily, which is in direct competition with his publication.

Not only that, but he also bestowed upon me the honor of telling his story in my publication in the 50th year of his writing career.

There are extraordinary things that happen in this life. This gesture told me everything about who Fred Kroner is.

Fred also suggested that we exchange stories each week to help cut down on our workload. As editors of such publications, we take on the responsibility of everything: finding stories, doing all the interviews, writing the stories, taking photographs, designing or maintaining its distribution, fielding emails and concerns.

A 40-hour work week always turns into a 60-plus hour work week, so one article that would take a few hours to produce is such a gift.

Our working relationship soon turned into a partnership when Fred decided to focus on supporting his wife, Emily, as she jumped into her dream of owning a pastry shop, Lucky Moon Pies & More. Putting in those long hours at the Mahomet Citizen was no longer feasible, but Fred still wanted to write.

It’s not just because he can string a few sentences together after listening to and regurgitating a series of events; if trained, anyone can do that. But Fred has a rare gift.

He sees people.

I’m not talking about watching a game and seeing the boy who scores the most points.

I’m talking about knowing that there is a human being standing on that court, a human being who has hopes and desires, one who has failed once or twice, one who more than likely had to overcome something, and one who is growing.

Just seeing something is the beginning, though. It takes hours, sometimes days and months, to curate a story, to listen to people talk, to try to understand all the pieces, and then to craft a story that is raw and real, informative and complete.

To do this once is luck. To do this consistently is magic.

And that’s where Fred Kroner lies: magic.

The stories Fred produces derive from something that can’t be taught, though. They come from a curiosity that causes him to listen when someone speaks, from an understanding that holds no judgment when someone makes a confession, from the attention that notices patterns or special moments, from an interest in people that makes them feel like they belong.

We all know Fred Kroner. He’s the 6’2” guy sitting at the press table who looks like he played basketball at one point.

But in all the time he showed us the world through the stories he told, he gave something more. Sure, the byline is important. A story on the front page is special. But Fred created a world where he makes people feel like they belong, no matter what.

When I interviewed Fred, I was surprised to learn that his time playing sports was short-lived. When he was the editor of The Citizen, he told me that he liked his role there because he got to write about more than sports.

Of course, after spending 50 years following sports in East Central Illinois, Fred included those highlights in his memoir. But I hope that as you read this, you will also get to know my friend, Fred Kroner.

He is a talented writer. His name has been in the newspaper thousands of times. He’s won awards. He is well-known. But he is so much more than just his job.

Fred is a visionary who consistently pushes himself outside of the box, who overcomes obstacles and who makes sure that he is producing something that not only moves the world forward, but also creates a soft place for people to share their triumphs as well as their failures.

He never forgets that there is a person sitting in front of him during an interview. Because of that, he oftentimes ends up walking beside them in the future.

It’s a gift that very few people in this world are able to offer.

We have all been blessed by Fred Kroner. And once more, we are blessed to read his story, in his words.

–Dani Tietz

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A misfiring engine isn’t just an annoying hiccup—it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage over time. Here are some quick tips to recognize and prevent engine misfires:

Recognizing a Misfire:

1. Sudden jerking or sputtering while driving.
2. Decreased gas mileage.
3. Rough idling sound.
4. Check engine light flickering or staying on.
5. Engine sound changes – it might feel like it’s struggling.

Prevention Tips:

1. Keep your spark plugs clean and replace when worn.
2. Regularly check and replace ignition coils if needed.
3. Maintain a clean fuel system to avoid clogs.
4. Make sure your air filters aren’t clogged.
5. Stay updated with your routine vehicle maintenance.

Remember, regular check-ups are KEY . If you suspect a misfire, it’s always best to see a professional. Drive safe and keep those engines purring!

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Top 10 Reasons to Change Your Oil, Presented by Bulldog Automotive: Mahomet Auto Repair Experts

Proper vehicle maintenance isn’t just about ensuring a smooth ride—it’s about prolonging the life of your car and avoiding potential future repairs. At Bulldog Automotive, we pride ourselves on being Mahomet’s trusted auto repair specialists, and we often emphasize the importance of routine oil changes. 

Here are the top 10 reasons why:

Optimal Engine Lubrication
Every engine component works in harmony, constantly moving. Fresh oil ensures these parts stay well-lubricated, minimizing friction and preventing wear.

Heat Reduction
As Mahomet auto repair experts, we can attest that an over-heated engine is a common issue. Clean oil disperses engine heat more efficiently, maintaining a cooler engine temperature.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Who doesn’t want to save on fuel? Regular oil changes ensure your engine runs smoother, indirectly improving your car’s fuel efficiency.

Removing Engine Sludge
Over time, old oil transforms into a gooey sludge that can hinder engine performance. Bulldog Automotive always ensures that such detrimental sludge is cleared away.

Longer Engine Life
A well-maintained engine has a longer lifespan. By keeping up with regular oil changes, you’re investing in your car’s future.

Improved Emissions
A vehicle with old oil tends to emit more harmful pollutants. Keeping your oil fresh means a greener, cleaner drive.

Maintains Engine Power
Oil changes help maintain the engine’s power, ensuring optimal performance on the road. This is especially crucial for those unexpected moments when you need that extra burst of speed.

Protection from Contaminants
Over time, dust, dirt, and microscopic debris can contaminate oil. Changing it helps remove these pollutants, safeguarding your engine’s health.

Warranty Compliance
Many vehicle warranties have stipulations about routine maintenance. Staying updated with oil changes, as suggested by Bulldog Automotive’s Mahomet auto repair team, can ensure you remain compliant with warranty terms.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you’ve taken a proactive approach to car maintenance offers peace of mind. With the expertise of Bulldog Automotive backing your vehicle, you can drive with confidence.

As you can see, an oil change is more than just routine—it’s a pivotal step towards maintaining your car’s health. Let the seasoned professionals at Bulldog Automotive, the pinnacle of Mahomet auto repair, ensure your vehicle gets the care it deserves. Safe travels!

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