My Christmas list is posted below the jump for easy perusal by my mom and dad. If you're not them, please move along. Nothing to see here. :)

Well, I suppose you all can buy me presents if you want to. I won't say no.

Also, if there's anything I'm missing on here, you can let me know that too!

Did a little housekeeping on the ol' blog today. Most notably, you'll see the new header graphic and some subtle shading around the site. Nothing major, but it was nice to learn a few new tricks with Photoshop. Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas on other ways I can improve the layout around here.

Get well soon, Jiri.

By now, I imagine most readers of this blog have heard that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer collapsed during their game Monday night. Team doctors immediately spring into action and were able to shock his stopped heart back to life with an automatic external defibrillator. Thank goodness.

That's one of my boys out there giving his all and risking far more mundane injuries every night on the ice. When one of them goes down like this, it can't help but shock you. I've been following the news closely, and at this point, it appears that he's going to be OK even if is future hockey career is uncertain. I'm grateful.

Get well soon, Jiri. We're all pulling for you.

Dear Friends,

Remember how during Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people were left to suffer basically because they were poor? It affected me in a really profound way and I pledged at that time to do something about it. I'm still working on ways to lift millions of Americans out of poverty all at once, but I think I've found a pretty good way to make an impact on at least a few people in my local community. To be successful, I need your help.

On Saturday, November 19, I am taking part in the Fannie Mae Foundation's Help the Homeless Walk-a-thon on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The gimmick is pretty simple. I walk a couple of miles as part of a gigantic community of people dedicated to making a difference, and you pledge 25 bucks to show your support and raise some money for a great cause. Please make a contribution today.

Click here link to make a secure online contribution of $10, $25, or more.

Specifically, I am walking to support the work of Mount Carmel House, a transitional homeless shelter for women located near my apartment. Last year, they helped more than 40 women get back on their feet. That might not sound like a ton, but it's a heck of a lot more people than I helped last year sitting on my couch.

I have always believed that we have a deep spiritual obligation to help those in our communities that need it most. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina reminded me that things you say you believe in don't mean a whole lot unless you back them up with your actions.

I hope you'll join me in supporting this terrific cause.

Sincerely,

Todd

P.S. If you're in Washington and would like to join our team for the walk-a-thon, we'd love to have you. Use the link to go to my contribution page. Then click "My Team Page." Then click "Join Our Team." As an added bonus, the Fannie Mae Foundation will donate a dollar to Gulf Coast reconstruction efforts for every registered walker.

Click here link to make a secure online contribution of $10, $25, or more.