Several Thoughts on Pandas, Politics and Pro Football

Would that I understand why I sometimes just don't feel compelled to write when it's something I truly enjoy. Nevertheless, I'm going to give a "go" tonight and try to comment on a few things that's been happening...don't count on it being too fresh!

PANDA'S

Well, a little guy in China fell off a tree or something and seriously injured himself. They were showing pictures of him and he looked so sad, however, the good news is that they were planning extensive surgery on him to repair the breaks and cracks. Haven't heard an update but I'm sure they'll publish one when it's completed. The good news about Pandas is that they are multiplying and the efforts being made through out the world to protect this endangered species is awesome.

Don't forget to visit the websites in the U.S. for viewing the Pandas entrusted to our care: www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas or www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station

I guarantee a lot more relaxing than watching anything on national TV!

POLITICS

Very interesting that Joe Lieberman lost his Senate bid to a relative unknown. The reason given is that he supported the war in Iraq and President Bush and the good people of CT were "fed up." Another reason that's been touted is that the Democrat Party of CT has been taken over by more vocal liberals and they wanted to pound the heck out of any moderate. I think a lot of people who are much more knowledgeable about politics than I am, could have possibly missed the point and that is: It was a Primary, folks, and not a particularly good turn out of the party faithful who have supported Lieberman for his social and economic liberalism through the years. Another thing is if the terrorist plot uncovered in London had occurred the day before the Primary and not the day after, Joe would have probably won handily.

People need to be constantly reminded why we are in this fight. It's hard to keep their focus on the necessity to destroy these fundamentalist who have sworn to kill us and bury our society. I wish we could all join hands and sing together, but, sweethearts, it ain't gonna happen! Although I've taken some pride in staying open to what's hip and opening new doors the younger generation has created, I do find that there is a generation or more out there that wants everything tidied up in quick installments, just like a mini series. That mentality became apparent during the O.J. trial; people attached themselves to a TV not because it was a news story about a brutal murder, but more that it was akin to a "soap opera" that they had to see played out. It was though these weren't "real" people!

Well, hopefully, there are enough Americans who do understand this real and present danger and that they are committed to see it through. We continue to make progress in Iraq for the very freedoms we cherish; let's hope we have the courage to make it real for every Iraqi.

PRO FOOTBALL

I think the Titans Defense looked very sparkly the other night against the Saints. Very energized! Billy Volek looked good! He kind of breaks my heart in that he's out there playing ball and winning while having to juggle all the press and hoopla that's going on about Vince Young. But, Billy is doing the job he knows and he's doing it well...what a professional!

The Vince Young cheerleading has made me more than nauseous. It's really overkill here. There's a sports writer from Houston who has done the most promotion that Vince IS the second coming and I'm not sure why he's writing for the Chronicle; he ought to be VY's press agent. I'm sure he's a good kid with a variety of talent and a fantastic future in Pro Football, but come on, he's not played in a real game yet and in the back of mind the 12 Wunderlich score is lurking. Can he ever learn a complicated Offense? They kept it simple for him in Texas, but that will last about one snap in the NFL. We'll see. Jeff Fisher made it simple for McNair for many years. Brian Billik (?sp) is understanding the need now that he's a Raven.

Now, how 'bout my fair haired boy from Vandy? Jay Cutler looked good on his first outing with the Bronco's. It also sounds as though the Denver fans are ready to grant him Elway status even if only temporarily until he has his first interception. Any Sunday, kids, any Sunday!