Tough all over

Sometimes it's hard to see the whole picture. Humans often take a narrow view of things, and it's good to be reminded that we are not alone in having fallen on hard times. In fact, everyday, people around the world suffer more than most of us can ever imagine, and that's when times are "good." 

Now that tough times have landed in our backyard, we're reminded that our entire world is in crisis. So this week I've tried to accentuate that.

With the Sundance Film Festival wrapping up, I've linked to more video and film than I usually include. I may include a feature to that effect soon, or simply make it more of the regular mix each week.

What would readers of this blog like to see? Please, leave acomment or e-mail me at riograndereport@live.com.

My Social Security adjudication, scheduled Wednesday, was postponed at the last minute. the judge fell ill.  It was frustrating, as the time had been moved up an hour earlier in the week. It's criminal how I was required to turn hundreds of forms in on time, wait year upon year, and then they cancel my hearing the day of. I was so ready for the whole process to be finished. Hard to tell how long it will take to reschedule.

What have your experiences with similar government agencies been like? I'd like to hear about it, and share it here. Please leave a comment or email me at the above address.

Top Story

WalMart cuts 11,200 jobs... by Nicole Maestri Reuters San Francisco

Utah

...help homeless via tax returns by James Thalman Deseret News

'Slumdogs of Utah' Forum letter The Salt Lake Tribune

Stamps for fast food Forum letter The Salt Lake Tribune

Jobless claims, durable goods point to weak growth Staff and News Services The Salt Lake Tribune

Nation

Borders cuts 164 positions The Associated Press

...30% of Americans rapidly approach poverty...  current.com

Families struggle to afford food... by Jason DeParle New York Times

World

Suicide rate on rise since start of recession by Owen Bowcott guardian.co.uk

Thousands of British jobs axed by Katie Allen guardian.co.uk

German unemployment rises... BBC News

Europe cold weather kills dozens "Most of the victims have been homeless or elderly...."

BBC News

...severe child poverty 'going up' News article and video. BBC News

The ever growing army of London's homeless a 1989 film for the program Newsnight by British photojournalist Don McCullin. To watch the entire film, go HERE.

...richest 10% are now 100 times better off... by Ameilia Gentleman and Helene Mulholland guardian.co.uk View the report by National Equality Panel

[1st and 2nd photos: Fotosearch]

Until next week
Your editor