I'M THINKING.....

*Pat Robertson seems to have totally lost it. The Haitians are enduring a horrific tragedy because they "got together and swore a pact with the devil?" Really? What a stupid thing to say. It's hard to believe that Robertson is a Yale Law School graduate. I don't think that any U of L law grad would ever make such an idiotic comment.

*Speaking of the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, I for one am sorry to see my fellow alumnus, Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, retire. I haven't always agreed with Senator Dodd's politics, but he is an engaging public speaker, an affable fellow, and he's always been a good representative of the law school.

*I'm looking forward to seeing the expansion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium next fall. Charlie Strong, the new U of L football coach, has definitely got game when it comes to recruiting. Let's hope that the influx of top talent will translate into wins on the field.

*I am cautiously optimistic that Coach Rick Pitino will, over the next couple of months, mold the Cardinals basketball team into a tournament contender. It seems to happen this way every year.

*I'm pulling for a Colts-Vikings Super Bowl. It's hard not to be a Colts fan living in these parts, and I have also admired the Minnesota Vikings since I was a wee lad. It's funny that three of the four remaining NFL teams play their home games in domes.

*The New Year's Resolutionists (my term) have swarmed into the gym in a big way. I hate to be selfish, but it just can't go on like this. There are too many people on the machines and in the locker rooms. I'm looking forward to a smaller crowd at the Y once the majority of the Resolutionists revert to their old habits.

SOME NEW YEAR'S WISHES

With the new year having just begun, it is my fervent hope that 2010 will be a brighter year than 2009 was. Personally, the past year has been a pretty tough one, and I look forward to sunnier days ahead. Here, in no particular order, are just some of the things that I would love to see in the coming year:

*A resurgence of the Louisville Cardinal football program under Coach Charlie Strong;

*A successful NCAA tournament run for the Louisville Cardinals in basketball;

*A Super Bowl win for the Colts or the Bengals;

*Real progress on an East End bridge over the Ohio River;

*More eating, drinking and entertainment options in downtown New Albany;

*More bans of smoking in public places;

*An end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;

*An end to the influence of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban;

*A renewed sense of compassion and understanding in our nation and throughout the world;

*Health and happiness to all friends and family.

These are just some of the desires that immediately come to mind. Here's hoping that you and those you care about have a wonderful 2010.