What I'm Reading 12.17

The actions of the individual should not be weighed against that person, by any other person; it is not our duty to decide who is worthy and who is not.

This morning Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chris Henry lost his life. He was a father, someone's son and from many accounts, a changed individual. Slim's time in Cincinnati was short and full of controversy, but no one can justify the loss of an individual at the age of 26 with 3 small children.

It is a truly sad story, as his family rushed to his bedside following an accident, apparently beginning as a domestic dispute. It makes me genuinely sad, as Chris seemed to turn the corner this year, had his head set and was due to do good things.

CincyJungle: Chris became someone you root for, after being taken under the wing of Carson Palmer and others.

In other news:

Make sure to check your facebook privacy settings, now.

There are a ton of disability claims pouring in equidistant to the loss in jobs. During a supervised home visit for one of the kids I work with, the father of the boy told me he was getting a check for $64,000 in lost wages because of a back injury. Blows my mind.

Also, Rust Belt towns hit the hardest, according to the Washington Post.

Blessed are the conservative? I'm not convinced.

Something I saw on Bob and Tom show before I left work last night: 21 things that became obsolete this decade. By the way the decade ends in 2 weeks.

Also, the 15-worst states to start a business. Indiana didn't make the list! Let's hear it for NJ!

In a fledgling economy, kids are asking for jobs for Dad and other essentials.

"Am I the Grinch who stole Christmas?," asks one journalist.

A letter to the Manila Bulletin about importance of Jesus in Christmas; something I'm sure to write about sooner or later this Christmas season.

Prisons are full. So, the best way to alleviate a problem is to empty them?

AND, time to get going on some movies. Here are the 2010 Golden Globe nominations if you haven't seen them.

What I"m Reading 10.30

A lot is going on in the news and a few other things, aside from my new job as a direct support technician at a organization supporting children with developmental and behavioral challenges.

Some days, more than others, I find a ton of interesting stuff on the 'internets' and I feel that it's necessary for you to take part (you who are undefined).

For example: the largest cruise ship in the world is in Miami. The 'Oasis of the Seas' boasts 2,700 cabins and can hold 6,300 passengers.

How is this for irony: a man in Minnesota was mauled by a dog he rescued. Not exactly a plug for HELP shelter and like rescue organizations.

Speaking of Richmond (HELP shelter), on a sad note, a great man passed away this week. Audry Reichter, father of my babysitter, lived an extraordinary life as a WWII veteran and foster parent, with his wife, for more than 2,000 children since 1947. He was 87.

A Washington television station is receiving both praise and critical glances after airing a live-action video of how to properly administer a breast self-exam.

The Phillies and Yankees are even at 1-1 in the World Series.

The Baltimore Ravens, although handled by my Cincinnati Bengals, may be the best 3-3 team imaginable. I'll take them over 6-0 Denver on Sunday.

Perhaps the trade of the decade: Cleveland sent Barolo Colon and Tim Walker to the Expos for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens. In retrospect; wow!

Back to Bengals talk: Ochocinco, promoting his new book on the off-week, was on Letterman last night reading the Top-10 list.

Also on the Bengals: Carson Palmer has been the key to Cincinnati's early success.

Away from the Bengals and down to Athens, GA: a woman apparently acted like a dog to scare off a man.

Here is a story about the resurected Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman).

Is there a real Jaws out there? Check out the picture on the link.

And finally, a trailer for a new movie about John Lennon's early life: "Nowhere Boy."