Every day I get up at 5:00 a.m., walk the dogs, and then sit down to read the New York Times.  It's my ritual.

I've never understood how anyone could be in the business world, offer insight and advice to clients, and not be informed about what's happening on the world stage.

After I'm done with the Times I move over to the Internet and go to a directory in my browser called "Daily Vitamin".  In it are short cuts to a list of the top 25 viral videos, the Daily Beast and Mashable.

If I'm feeling really news hungry, then I go read the WSJ as well, just to see what insights they have that the NYT missed.

It only takes two hours, but at the end of it, the day seems slightly more in control, and, usually, I've found some articles to forward on to people who will find them helpful/interesting in their days.  At least, that's what I hope.

Another part of the ritual, and what sparked me to write this post, is coming across the report of casualties - "Names of the Dead" as the Times puts it bluntly.

Each day, I'm cruising through the paper (I use the Times Reader) and I go past that page.  Then, I stop, go back, and I read each name.  Why?  Out of respect for those people that lay down their lives for the US.

Whether or not you agree or disagree with why we're wherever we are -- those people are still dead and there's a family and friends somewhere crying their eyes out.  Here's today's list:

COX, Nathan W., 21, Specialist, Army; Fremont, Calif.; 101st Airborne Division.
HOTCHKIN, Gunnar R., 31, Pfc., Army; Naperville, Ill.; 20th Engineer Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps.
JOHNSON, Joseph D., 24, Specialist, Army; Flint, Mich.; 20th Engineer Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps.■

I wonder if Gunnar had kids.  He's 31.  Nice name.  He was an engineer.  I wonder how and why he died.

I don't spend more than a minute, but I make a point of stopping, reading, acknowledging, respecting, thanking, and then, I move on.

I love mornings, and I love reading the paper and trying to be informed.  And, each day, I acknowledge those who's lives have ended in some far off land, far from home.  Thank you Nathan.  Thank you Gunnar.  Thank you Joseph (I wonder if he was a Joe).  Sadly, tomorrow, there will be more.