You'll have to pardon the ol' Life Sherpa today, for he is not in a very joyous holiday mood.

Looking back on the last week or so since Thanksgiving, the vicious and nasty rumblings of modern life have thrown a wrench into my normally upbeat psyche.

First, the season starts off with a man working at a Wal-Mart being trampled to death by insane holiday shoppers. Then, people who try to help the guy get stomped on as well. And worst of all, when the managers tried to shut down the store, the shoppers got angry and almost rioted.

Let's quit worrying that as a society we have lost the true meaning of Christmas; let's be worried that we seem to have lost the true meaning of humanity.

Somewhat on the same subject, didn't we hear for months during the presidential election that everything, led by the economy, was going to hell in a hand basket? Weren't people wailing and gnashing their teeth about life in this country being as bad as anyone could ever, ever remember?

Funny, but shopping revenues were up about 3 percent on the day after Thanksgiving and malls are jammed with customers.

Gee, I guess all we Americans need to be happy is change - and low, low prices on flat-screen televisions.

Toss into this malaise (thank you, President Carter) the fact that the Green Bay Packers and the Missouri Tigers have had some mind-boggling losses because they can't seem to defend against the pass or hold onto the Football - and you have one shaky start to the most wonderful time of the year.

But according to readers of this column, at least one bright spot still shines: Kurt Warner.

After including the former Rams (now with Arizona) quarterback in my list of things to honor for Thanksgiving, I received several phone calls and e-mails. Here is a sample:

Dear Life Sherpa: Regarding (your Nov. 25) article, I agree 100 percent about Kurt Warner, a class act if there ever was one. A few years ago, my grandson was receiving treatment for cancer at Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Kurt spent a good amount of time at the hospital visiting kids. You and Kurt are both class people.

- Phillip Wells,

Dellwood

Dear Life Sherpa: Thank you for your kind remarks about Kurt Warner in your column. Kurt is a class act. I was so proud that he was a part of the St . Louis Rams and must admit, I cheer for Arizona when the play the Rams, and celebrate when they win.

- Barbara D. Jones, Maplewood

Dear Life Sherpa: It's hard to defend sports as a character-building activity when you see the lack of civility that's been added, all the trash-talking and in-your-face reporters trying to be the story. So thanks for (including) Kurt Warner.

- Mike Meyer, Fenton

Dear Life Sherpa: Thank you for your kind remarks about Kurt Warner. What wonderful people he and his wife are.

- Jim Zirbas, Bridgeton

So it's official. There is much love in this town for Kurt, and knowing that is doing wonders for my sullen mood. Also, I received other nice e-mails about the Thanksgiving column. They were less weighty, but welcome nonetheless:

Dear Life Sherpa: Just had to give you kudos on choosing mozzarella cheese as something to be thankful for. This St. Louis thing for provel is beyond me. I don't consider pizzas with provel to be the real thing. Maybe it's because I'm a Wisconsin native and a true cheesehead. Go mozzarella!

- Kris Lokemoen, Florissant

Dear Kris: Go Packers!