Random Thoughts
There has been a lot of news this week that I had to put on the back burner, until now. Let’s call this the potpourri blog.
Idol Is Back
This is the time when I start watching American Idol. I’m not a big fan of seeing the no-talents enjoying their 30 seconds of fame. I like to wait until the field is whittled down. I’m sorry to report, however, that our local contestant, Joey Catalano, 25, from Mays Landing, did not make it to the final 24. A courier for the Hamilton Twp. School District by day, Catalano is already a professional singer, as a member of the band Cheers and the trio Haley’s Comet (which appears often at Harrah’s Eden Lounge; pictured is Joey with fellow 'Comet' Arielle). So when you see Cheers performing, give Joey an extra measure of applause for his efforts.
Strike Over!
The writers’ strike is over in Hollywood. It didn’t come soon enough to salvage 24 for this season or Heroes, but at least we will get to see the Academy Awards with all the stars in attendance. I’m so happy for the Juno trio of director Jason Reitman, writer Diablo Cody and star Ellen Page. My Oscar predictions will be running in the Feb. 21 issue of AC Weekly.
Sixers Take Five
The Sixers played some decent basketball before the All-Star break, winning five games in a row at home, including a nice victory vs. Dallas. They might even climb up to .500 ball during the second half of the year. With the energy of the young kids, choreographed by wily veteran point guard Andre Miller, the team is suddenly fun to watch. They even have a good shot to make the playoffs, even if it will be a one-and-done series against Boston or Detroit.
Obama Takes Delegate Lead
It was no surprise that Barack Obama zipped past Ms. Clinton in the delegate race with his expected victories in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia this week. The W’s are next, Wisconsin and Washington on Feb. 19, and Clinton figures to perhaps edge back in the lead. If not then, perhaps on March 4 when the hefty delegate states of Ohio and Texas are up for grabs. Then, on April 22, the last big prize, Pennsylvania, has its primary. Clinton has the governor, Ed Rendell, in her corner.
I’ve been listening to all the political pundits who suggest that if the race is not decided for both the democrats and the republicans by April, that chaos and nasty in-fighting will dominate the political headlines. I disagree. If the American people are still seeing debate and discussion among multiple candidates right up until the conventions, how is that a bad thing? If anyone decides to play dirty, you can bet the people will let the candidates know how they feel about those tactics. We don’t want dirty tricks; we want honest discussion about the issues. I’m enjoying a political race that is actually a race this year, aren’t you?