Yobo’s brother kidnapped
During the off-season for the EPL, news of player signings tend to dominate the headlines and tide the fans over until the games start again. Sadly, Everton made the news this week for a tragic reason. Joseph Yobo, one of Everton’s starting defenders, recently confirmed that his brother has been kidnapped in his home country of Nigeria.
Authorities are assuming that this will be like many other kidnapping cases in the impoverished region, wait for the ransom, pay it, and he will be returned. It is hard to imagine that there are cultures where this is commonplace and where it is almost an accepted practice. So sad.
Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah in Richmond
While getting lunch with an old college friend today at Big Al’s Sports Bar I noticed an athletic looking guy walk in. His haircut was a little strange, but I didn’t give it much more of a thought. Later, our waiter (who was a legit sports fan, so that was fun) came by and asked us if we were UFC fans. We both said we are familar with it, but not really “fans” and he pointed at the athletic guy with the strange hair and said that he was the winner of the Ultimate Fighter (a reality tv show on Spike).
A google search later, and sure enough, today I was sitting 10 feet away from Amir Sadollah. Apparently Amir just won the UFC sponsored Ultimate Fighter 4 days ago - and I didn’t see a bruise or cut on him (not that I really looked close).
I haven’t watched mixed martial arts fighting in a few years, but one of my old roommates liked it and we’d watch matches frequently. Kind of fun. He was very kind to the fans that came up to him (took a few pictures and gave out some signed photos). Seemed like a humble and very likeable guy. Glad he is representing Richmond and Tucker High School well and hope he continues to. So the next time I cross SpikeTV while flipping channels, I’ll take a moment to see if Amir is on and root for one of Richmond’s own.
So what did you buy with your Christmas money?
I’ve been debating whether or not to post this as it is far more personal than I usually choose to share in this public forum, but it has just been on my heart, and I wanted to share with the few that read this little blog…
A couple days ago I got a letter from Jackline (a child I sponsor in Kenya through an amazing organization called Compassion International). The letter was fantastic and heartwarming, but when I got to this line I just stopped and thanked God for my ability to help her.
“Thank you for the christmas gift […] I purchased a mattress. Thank you for your support to my life.”
If anyone has ever thought about sponsoring a child, I strongly recommend it. I’ve spent some money over the last 12 months: An iPod Touch, a new iMac, a wii … but by far the best money I’ve spent was on Jackline and I’m thrilled that for the financial cost of a wii and a couple games I can provide the finances for a marked improvement in the quality of life for a child in need. It is humbling that an extra $20 at Christmas buys her a mattress, a luxury I completely take for granted (in fact I have one in my house that sits unused in a guest bedroom).
I live a very blessed life, and I thank God for my letters from Jackline as she helps keep me grounded. I also had to smile as she closed the letter with:
“Many people are now planting their crops during this rainy season. Are you planing your crops?”
What easy lives we live…
Family time
Had a great night with the family last night, got some good photos out of it too. All the kids are my cousin’s kids and they are adorable.
A new idea in polling…
I just ran across quibblo.com and was curious to test it out (thus it ends up here).
