This week, we remembered the events that transpired on Sept. 11 those 12 years ago. Our hearts and prayers remain with the families and friends of those whose lives were tragically cut short.
September is rolling onward, and is it just us, or is Gainesville feeling breezier lately? If it is, we’re definitely OK with that. We’re still not OK with pumpkin spice Frappuccinos, however — pumpkin is only acceptable in latte, pastry, bread and pie form. Period.
Moving on: Here’s your hurry-up-and-get-here-autumn edition of Darts & Laurels.
Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote an editorial for The New York Times describing his opinion on what should be done in Syria.
“We must stop using the language of force and return to the path of civilized diplomatic and political settlement,” he wrote.
He also described his relations with President Barack Obama as “marked by growing trust.” Of course, some people don’t appreciate being lectured on democracy by the autocratic former KGB official.
Whether you agree or disagree with what Putin wrote, it was a bold move to publish the editorial in an American newspaper. It reinforced his point about the need for civilized discourse and his willingness to strengthen Russia’s relationship with the U.S. For that, we’re giving Putin a we’ll-accept-that-olive-branch LAUREL.
Next, we’re throwing a seriously-just-stop DART to noted bigot and former Gainesville resident, the Rev. Terry Jones. Jones was arrested in Polk County after police found him riding a car with a smoker full of 2,998 kerosene-soaked Qurans attached to the back. His organization, Dove World Outreach Center, had planned to burn the books in a park.
We’d like to remind Jones of one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most eloquent quotes: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.” When are you going to learn, Jones?
Yesterday, Harry Potter fans rejoiced when news broke that J.K. Rowling will be making her screenwriting debut with a Harry Potter spin-off film. The film will be based on the fictional author of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Newt Scamander.
A LAUREL for you, J.K. Rowling, you go, J.K. Rowling! Look at you, gettin’ back in the saddle and doin’ new things. We’ll be in the front row at the premiere — probably sometime in the year 2025 or so.
Finally, a DART to all the haters criticizing “Wrecking Ball” because it’s a damn-good song, and Miley Cyrus looks great in the video. Sure, the whole “screw-you-dad-it’s-not-a-phase” attitude is still pretty obnoxious, but her new look and sound is starting to grow on us.
So this weekend, don’t be afraid to belt that chorus with the windows of your car rolled down — we know it’s stuck in your head.
Have a lovely weekend!
A version of this editorial ran on page 6 on 9/13/2013 under the headline "Darts & Laurels"
