Plus Letters to the Editor &
American Idol: The Durb Watch
Well … was it good for you? What a wild day May 14 turned out to be, after all. James Durbin Day turned into something more than that when Mayor Ryan Coonerty presented our American Idol idol with news that 2011 was officially James Durbin year. (Does that mean we all get the day off work every May 14? Thanks Mr. Mayor.) Durbin was also handed a surfboard, instead of a key, to the city—it came emblazoned with an image of his fist raised, rocker style. “There’s one thing I’m gonna need—a teacher,” mused Durbin. “I think I’m about the only person in Santa Cruz who doesn’t surf. I just sing good.” Make that really good. Writer Lisa Jensen, who’s been penning our weekly “Durb Watch” online, chimes in on all the wild happenings in Durbland of late. And continue to send us your thoughts—online and at le*****@gt******.com. And James: Thanks for the fun “day.” Let’s see how the rest of your year unravels. Onward …
From fun we move to frightening. That’s one way to look at Geoffrey Dunn’s take on Sarah Palin. In his bold, revealing and downright provocative new book, “The Lies of Sarah Palin,” the local writer delves deep into Alaska politics, Palin’s history, and how the former vice presidential running mate’s questionable actions (and ethics) continue to raise eyebrows. Discover more about Palin, as well as an excerpt from Dunn’s book.
The Blues Festival is in the news, too. The area’s robust musical romp hits Aptos again this Memorial Day weekend. The line-up is particularly impressive this year, and writer DNA shares his thoughts with us beginning.
Meanwhile, in News, take note of why Assembly Bill 575 has many nurtritionists and dieticians across the state up in arms. The bill is currently being revamped, but what’s behind the controversary? Read on.
Enjoy the rest of the issue. More next time …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
American Idol ‘Sucks’
For the last three seasons of American Idol, any contestant that has heard the phrase “You are the one to beat!” from the judges has lost. Two weeks ago they gave that kiss of death to James Durbin and I knew he was a goner. And so he was. American Idol sucks.
Nick Haflinger
Santa Cruz
Best Online Comments
On—what else?—James Durbin:
Way to to James. I am from Sarnia Ontario Canada, and I have been watching you throughout the season, and you are my American Idol. You have so much heart
and soul, and you sing it with great thought and care for others who you are singing too. I know for sure that you will be a
bigger star than you ever dreamed of, and that’s a “good” thing. We’ll be watching for your albums to come out. Good luck in all your endeavors.
L. Anne
Canada
James, hang in there. I thought that you were the most amazing contestant in the competition. All original, you had to do it your way. That is what tells me that you are an artist and an entertainer. I felt the hurt that you were feeling on stage. OMG, I
really did feel that you did get robbed. You are Season 10’s Adam Lambert. I would love to see you together. Heidi and Hunter are so lucky to have you in their lives!
Sheryll Punneo
Liberty, Missouri
You had my vote every week. I was dissappointed you were voted off. I know you have a great career in front of you. The record companies would be fools not to sign you. I wish you the very best. The best is yet to come for you.
Karen Puleo
Santa Cruz
James, I have watched you from the beginning get better and better. You had me out of my chair when you sang the theme song to Heavy Metal. I would buy a concert ticket if you were to perform right now. When you are onstage you are electric. I am just a middle-aged mom who was 20 in the ’80s, you do that music proud! I will be looking forward to the music that you will surely create. All the best to you.
Trina
Memorial Day Deadlines
Good Times offices will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen 9 a.m. Tuesday. The following holiday deadlines will be in effect for the June 2 issue:
Display and Class Display advertising deadlines will be 4 p.m., Thursday, May 26.
Classified advertising deadline will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 27.
Editorial Calendar, Music and Events deadlines will be noon, Tuesday, May 24.
There’s still some Durb watchin’ left in us. Things we learned recently: 1. Durbin’s hair can withstand a hometown procession and a Boardwalk concert for a crowd of thousands. (Good to know.) 2. He digs Zoccoli’s. He ate two sandwiches there before heading to Louden Nelson Center on James Durbin Day. 3. Durbin was hit by the recession—he was just one of many people who became unemployed by the recession here. In fact, when he got laid off from his job at Domino’s Pizza (on Clares Street) in Capitola, his fiancée convinced him to audition for Idol. As he put it:“Two days later, I said [to her], ‘let’s go wait in line for 28 hours.’” Meanwhile, during a conference call with reporters, Durbin noted that he wants to make an album like rock’s Dio or one that has hints of the records Ronnie James created with Black Sabbath. (Some insiders are advising Durbin to consider a more “pop” approach.) More updates (and video coverage of D-Day online) at goodtimessantacruz.com.
