Hump Day Report: Memorial Weekend, Idol Finale
Rants and raves about burning topics that have caught my attention midweek, be it greedy corporate shenanigans, frustration or joy in regards to the Philly sports teams, a movie, show or DVD that has fired up my imagination, an intriguing personality, or what’s happening in the region. — Lori Hoffman, Associate Editor, Atlantic City Weekly.
Before I get into the more upbeat portion of my weekly column, I can’t stick my head in the sand and pretend that the horrifying stabbing deaths of two female Canadian tourists didn’t take place this week. The fact that the deranged woman charged with the crime went running after the two victims in broad daylight at 10am in the morning, made it clear she was mentally ill.
This doesn’t make the grief any less for the families of the victims, or lessen my horror at this incident taking place right outside the hospital where I was born.
It happened too fast to be prevented, but the fact that a policeman was close enough to immediately disarm and subdue the woman did prevent her from hurting others.
This crime is unfathomable at any time but coming as it does right before the beginning of the summer tourist season makes me feel like the damn mayor from Jaws. We don’t need to close the beaches; we need to be more vigilant and continue to increase the police presence in the city, as has been the plan all along.
My prayers go out to the family of the slain women. I’m going to be picking up my 84-year-old mother from Bally’s bus depot in a few weeks and I plan to be much more aware of my surroundings.
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The official beginning of the summer season takes place this Memorial Day Weekend, including the “official” opening of Revel with musical performances by Beyonce and much more. This summer will be featuring an incredibly diverse collection of entertainment options, new nightclubs, more sand on replenished beaches, and so many incredible dining options, Atlantic City is gaining a foothold as a food lovers paradise. Atlantic City Weekly’s hard copy and our Web site and this blog provide information on all that the region has to offer.
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The the winner will be ... Phil Phillips.
As much as I’ve enjoyed American Idol over the years, I found the final musical performances last night rather forgettable. I miss Skylar Laine, but there was no chance this year’s Idol was going to be another country artist. Phil Phillips should win because he is a better performer, although his anti-melody style drove me nuts sometimes, especially when he was butchering a Billy Joel song as he did again last night with a second rendition of “Movin’ Out.”
Jessica Sanchez is just too bland and her inexperience showed last night as she seemed nervous and uncomfortable, despite her impressive vocal skills.
The truth is, not that many Idol winners have been all that successful beyond Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks, with the jury still out on Scotty McCreery.
Phil Phillips wins tonight and will eventually wind up on the Lee DeWyze side of the success-o-meter rather than the Carrie Underwood side.
