Don’t Sweat The Small Names

So, you’re having a tough time keeping track of all the Republican presidential hopefuls? Dornan. Buchanan. Specter. Alexander. Dole. Nixon (checking if you were awake). Here’s all you need know to follow the action: Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole and U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas. Versus President Bill Clinton. The others are window dressing. In seven of the last eight GOP presidential primaries, the man with the most money at the beginning of the election year wins. That means Gramm versus Clinton. You heard it here first (unless Colin Powell enters the race).

Hollywood needs a dose of reality

The Hollywood lefties who produced “Priest” deserve the heat they’re receiving from Dole. Someone needs to label this garbage for what it is before critics proclaim it a “must-see.” Or it’s nominated for an Oscar. The story line, according to Dole on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” gives the absurd impression that all priests are alcoholics or gay. But there’s more. The Tinseltown producers responsible for this affront planned to release their movie on Good Friday, a day when Catholics remember Christ’s crucifixion solemnly. But the moguls decided not to when confronted by an outraged public. Hollywood routinely mocks sacred things. The loony tunes that run the celluloid asylum will continue to do so until people quit tuning in (as Dole suggests).

This point guard really knows the score

Washington State landed one of the region’s top point guards because the Cougs care for an athlete’s mind as well as his or her body. Lake City High senior Jennifer Kerns, who led Coeur d’Alene girls’ basketballers to two straight Idaho championships, picked WSU because it has “an awesome tutorial system for athletes.” Kerns admits she isn’t strong academically. Said she, “They look after you; they don’t let you slip through the cracks.” WSU coaches deserve credit for paying attention to academics and keeping a popular athlete in the area. Kerns deserves kudos for not letting big-time college sports pre-empt her education. With those smarts, she’ll succeed.

The Price was right for WSU

After seeing Dennis, George and Kelvin pack for greener pastures, it was nice to see WSU football coach Mike Price re-up last week for another five years. All his team did last year was finish in the Top 20 with an 8-4 record, including a bowl win. That may not be good enough for the University of Miami. But we appreciate it. Finally, WSU has a head coach who means it when he says he’s happy to be a Cougar. (Knock on wood.)

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