Thoughts of Summer and Warmer Temperatures

I’m back better than ever after being out a couple of days for a minor medical procedure.  Actually better than ever is a big egotistical but let’s just say: I’m back.

Let me share some thoughts on a few subjects:

It arrived in my mailbox Tuesday and it’s certainly something that helps beat the winter blues, at least for some. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues features two dozen beautiful models with 24-year old gracing the cover. She just happens to be the current girlfriend of Derek Jeter.  The swimsuit issue garners great attention and is quite controversial because some feel it’s inappropriate for a sports magazine and feminist groups argue it promotes the concept that women are a product for male consumption.  Let’s be real here for a moment. 

The swimsuit issue dates back to 1964 and while the pictures are provocative they appear in a magazine that you don’t have to purchase.  If you are a subscriber like me then “SI” gives you the opportunity to not have the swimsuit issue delivered and receive a credit for an extra issue at the end of your subscription.  By the way according to records the most cancellations the magazine has ever received in one year was 340.

There is a sports angle to the current issue as appearing in it are tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and ultimate fighter Ronda Rousey.

I saw in this morning’s Asbury Park Press that the owner of the burned-down Funtown Pier in Seaside Park wants to rebuild but says it only makes sense if he can operate large thrill rides which would require a change in the borough’s current ordinance.  To me this is quite simple and it comes down to this.  Is Seaside Park a resort town that wants to bring tourists and their dollars back? 

If the answer is yes then recognize you need Funtown Pier rebuilt.  If the answer is no then don’t expect much traffic on the south end of the boardwalk or town.

I’m sure many will gather today at the Lakewood Funeral Home to say goodbye to both Sam Christopher and the end of an era.  A legend in the newspaper business for some six decades Sam was both a colleague and friend and in a fitting tribute the Lakewood BlueClaws named their press box after him several years ago as the team had no bigger supporter. 

I’m glad he got to spend many summer nights in his seat in that press box because as the saying goes “where else would he have wanted to be?”  The BlueClaws home opener is April 9^th and you can be sure Sam will be watching. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if he threw out the first pitch.