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."

Ho Hum, I'm In New Orleans

When I said I was taking spring break this year, most people questioned: when is that? And, from what are you taking a break?

To them, I, well, don't know what to say. However, I'm in New Orleans and having a blast trying all the food and spirits I can, without going into a gumbo coma.

Andi, Rebecca and I finally made it to the big easy last evening, prior to a trip to Bourbon Street and to Coop's Place. More on both later.

We arrived and checked into our hostel, India House Backpacker's Hostel, and promptly were checked in by the desk attendant.

Soon after we took the Canal Street Car to Bourbon street and took the desk attendant's suggestion on what gastric pleasures to induce ourselves with.

He suggested Coop's Place and we took the bate. After finally finding the place we sat down, or rather, sat with complete strangers - three girls from Minnesota who had been to New Orleans several times, well, it seemed they had been everywhere, several times.

I ordered the red beans and rice with two piece Cajun fried chicken, mmmmmm. Let's just say the breading on the chicken was the best I've had anywhere, in a long time.

After dinner we headed back to the hostel and had a restful night, for the first time in 2 days.

This morning we awoke early and made our way to the street car and to the French Quarter.

We toured around the historic parts, seeing neat buildings, the river, graveyards and whatever else New Orleans had to offer us.

As we sit it is 84 degrees, sunny and nice.

Tonight we are heading back to the historic district, bar hopping and seeing whatever else there is to see.

More on this later. . . .