hope is real...

just when you think you can't hear any more about the American economy, pending environmental disasters and vapid politicians, a burst of warmth fills your soul and you forget everything that ever bothered you for a nanosecond. ok, maybe that isn't everyone, but for all animal lovers this is the kind of story that should be on the front pages.

a tiger mom, Shakyra, gives birth to 5 cubs in a German zoo. no one even knew she was pregnant. all of the cubs were born this past August and are doing very well --