Post Election Thoughts

For weeks I talked about how much I was looking forward to Election Day coming and going. We were all tired of the constant barrage of campaign
garbage being thrown at us and could not wait for it to end. However to be honest yesterday was kind of like the day after the Super Bowl…you talk about the election/game, offer your opinion on the results and speculate as to what’s in the future.

It’s a horrendous time for the newspaper industry with readership and advertising dropping by staggering levels but this historic Election gave them a shot in the arm…even if it was temporary. If you went out yesterday afternoon looking to buy a newspaper you were probably greeted by empty racks as people gobbled them with the headlines trumpeting Barack Obama’s victory. Some papers printed extra copies to meet the demand as no doubt issues from November 5th will become collector’s items. Copies of the sold-out New York Times were being sold on eBay from as low as $10 to as much as $199.

The annual football game between Toms River South and Toms River North is always a special one for the schools but the 35th edition of what’s called “The Civil War” is front and center even more this year. As expected the North Mariners are a power again and after losing their opener have won six straight games. The South Indians have been like the “Cardiac Kids” with several games going down to the wire. They are 4-3 and could earn a state playoff bid with an upset victory. Adding to the rivalry is that MaxPreps and Nike have picked this game as part of their National Road Tour and they’ve has been in Toms River all week, taking videos of practice and pep rallies which you can follow on their web site…MaxPreps.com.

For many summers on the 2nd avenue beach in Seaside Park I was greeted by a warm smile and sweet Italian accent that belonged to Priama Cumella, the friendliest and nicest beach attendant there ever was. She would always comment about things I said on the radio and loved talking about her family. Mrs. Cumella or “Mrs. C” as I called her died Tuesday at the age of 82. My family sends their condolences to hers, especially her son Charlie who I grew up with. I will think of her fondly every time I walk onto the beach.