When I started this blog a short time ago, I made up my mind that I would not let the real world intrude upon my small internet home of baseball geekery. This was to be my escape from the issues of the real world -- a place where I could get lost in the world of earned run averages and runs batted in. Unfortunately, some things are just too big to shut out.

The tragic news from South Asia has left me shell-shocked. With each news report, my sadness grows along with the death toll. Worse yet, this may be just the beginning. The situation seems destined to get a lot worse before it gets any better.

I am not usually one for donations. It is not for a lack of charitable instincts, but rather from suspicions that my donation wouldn't make it to the right place. In light of the growing devastation, my suspicion feels like a petty luxury. Today, I made a small donation to the Red Cross via Amazon. Amazon has served me well in the past, and I trust that my donation will reach those who need it. I wish I could do more.