What do Tomiichi Murayama, Hugh Grant, Elaine Soncini and Ricky Watters have in common?
Each has made a public apology, but for what and to whom are uncertain.
Japan's Prime Minister Murayama apologized (sort of) for his nation's role in World War II - a half-century after the surrender. He was only about 21 at the time, and most of the slimeballs responsible for Pearl Harbor and the other Japanese atrocities are long gone, as are most of their victims.
Hugh Grant was caught with his pants down and felt it necessary to go on national TV a few times and apologize to everyone in Movie-TV Land. Why, Hugh? What does this have to do with the world at large? If he owes anyone an apology, it might be his girlfriend. Not the hooker, now an international celebrity raking in big bucks.
Elaine Soncini apologized to her radio audience for having "known" in a biblical sense the Cherry Hill rabbi whose wife was murdered. What has that to do with those who tune in WPEN for the big bands? If anyone deserves an apology, it's the rabbi's wife, who's no longer around to receive it.
Ricky Watters is the Eagles' new alleged superstar who compounded disgraceful play on opening day with post-game arrogance. He belatedly issued a begrudging apology. Fans don't need it, Ricky; the way to make it up is to kick butt tomorrow in Phoenix.
A-SURFING WE WILL GO
Some TV viewers are hysterical about the upcoming switch of Channels 3 and 10. If they want to know where to watch their favorite programs, all they have to do is look in the papers. The program will be just as bad, no matter which channel it's on.
As for your favorite local news programs, you can be sure that no matter what the channel, Larry Kane will be just as pompous, the anchorwomen will be just as perky and the empty-warehouse fire of the day will continue to lead the Sunday evening news.
CHILDWATCH
The parents of more than 85,000 school-age children work in Philadelphia. There are licensed after-school programs for fewer than 4,000.
