Donovan 2

Ok. I've had a chance to get over the shock, but I'm still trying to decide what it means to trade your eleven-year quarterback to a division rival. He can tell the Redskins 1) all about the Eagles offense, 2) much about the defense and 3) special teams, 4,5,6,and 7 ALL about Andy Reid. That should be worth lots to the Redskins. On the other side, the Eagles will know 1) all about Donovan. You do the math. Here he is in the recent past, facing his future team.

Donovan - WTF?

In NFL Team Management 101 (which is as far as I got) they told us to try not to trade a player to your division rival because you play them twice a year and you'll have to get past them to win your division AND they'll tell their new team all your secrets. And obviously don't trade the quarterback because he knows everything about your team. That's head coach Andy Reid (who has been very protective of his quarterback ever since they started going together in 1999) talking with Donovan McNabb telling him "I brought you here and I'll never trade you, but if I do, you won't turn your anger into laser-focused desire that you never had before and destroy us on your way to your first Super Bowl win with your new coach, will you?" Donovan's thinking "Let me sleep on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."

Spring

A lunchtime walker makes her way across the Capitol Plaza Park located between the State House Annex and the State Library in Trenton, New Jersey where flowers have begun to bloom. It is Springtime and a polarizing filter and a little fill-flash help bring the scene all into balance.

From Haiti with Love

Maria Rose Michaud, 19, in her new home in the Yardville section of Hamilton Township,where she lives with her adoptive parents Rev. Jean Michaud & Marie Michaud. The Michauds first heard of Marie Rose from a family friend who cared for her when her mother died. After nine years of bureaucracy and red tape, the Michauds, with help from Congressman Chris Smith were finally able to adopt Marie Rose and bring her to the US. The final complication was that on the day her adoption became legal, the devastating earthquake hit Haiti.

From left, Rev. Jean Michaud speaks to media in his home, watched by Congressman Chris Smith, Michaud's wife Marie & their adopted daughter Marie Rose Michaud. Michael Mancuso/The Times

Happy (belated) St. Patrick's Day!

I know St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, but I am half-Irish wanted to share this. The three judges sip a contestant's offerings in the Jameson’s Irish Coffee Contest at Buddy’s Shamrock Pub in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. From left, Curt Yeske, Jack Rafferty (former longtime mayor of Hamilton Twonship, New Jersey) and Keith Hamilton, Mercer County Freeholder. Michael Mancuso/The Times

It Happens Every Spring

Well, I guess lots of things happen every Spring, including a young kid pitching to his dad. I just wish Spring (minus the torrential rain) would get here already! BTW, his name is Eli Morales, in case he makes the majors one day, you saw it here first.

Back from Iraq

Is four months a long time? That's how long member of the 6th Airlift Squadron were deployed in Iraq, separated from family and friends back home. But today, they returned and met those family and friends on the tarmac at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Thank you for your service!