Bravo to the efforts of U.S. Olympians. Team USA certainly has some cheering to do with athletes snatching up medals left and right, currently leading the medal count. Downhill skier Lindsey Vonn nabbed her first gold medal Wednesday, with fellow American Julia Mancuso, who won silver, right behind her. Speed skater Shani Davis and snowboarder Shaun White grabbed repeat golds. White continued to entertain the crowd with a higher scoring victory lap after he had secured first place. But even those who didn’t quite make the podium deserve congratulations — just to compete on an international scale is an achievement worth applauding.
Boo to the cancellation of a Tempe staple. The Circle K Tempe Music Festival, originally scheduled for April 9 and 10, was nixed because no headliners agreed to perform. Forty potential acts turned down the festival. Why no love for Tempe Beach Park? It’s no Times Square in New York City, but the festival has been a place for Valley music lovers to see performers like John Mayer and Fergie since 2003. In lieu of hiring on B-list acts, organizers have decided to postpone the event until next year. Until then, our iPods will have to suffice.
Bravo to the reopening of the Tempe History Museum. With a name change and an extra 12,000 square feet, the museum is on track to open its doors Feb. 27, complete with an exhibit on the relationship between ASU and Tempe. The College Town exhibit examines everything from the University’s growth to student life and hangouts like Casey Moore’s Oyster House. Next time you pass the corner of Rural Road and Southern Avenue, check it out. Who knows what interesting fact you’ll learn about ASU.
Boo to sickness. Maybe it’s the shift in weather or a barrage of schoolwork, but there is something in the air that has us feeling the sniffles around campus. The week in general seems to have branded itself with under-the-weather feelings. We’re looking forward to the rest and relaxation the weekend offers to get ready to jump back in to the workflow next Monday. We’ve already got five weeks under our belt — only 10 (plus finals) left to go.
Bravo to the arrival of spring training. Pitchers and catchers report within the next few days and games begin in two weeks. Fifteen teams will make their way to the Valley, and elite teams such as the Angels, Cubs, Dodgers and Giants all will be spending time in Arizona for the month. Players hang out in Scottsdale and on Mill Avenue, and odds are the guy sitting in the car next to you that looks like Manny Ramirez actually is Manny Ramirez. So get your sun tan lotion ready, buy some cheap outfield seats and skip a class (or two) to enjoy America’s pastime.
