EDITORIAL by Dhiren Shah
Hello Readers,
The world’s best singer Lata Mangeshkar died on February 6, 2022 at the age of 92. In 1974, the Guinness Book of Records listed Lata Mangeshkar as the most recorded artist in human history, stating that she had recorded “not less than 25,000 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in 20 Indian languages” between 1948 and 1974. She has sung and created a record by singing over 50,000 songs that no one can beat. 50,000 songs means that for 60 years she averaged more than 2 songs each day without any holiday or weekend for over 60 years. That includes learning the songs, rehearsing the songs and recording the songs in different music studios.
How she did it is beyond my imagination. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other ministers, chief ministers of two states, the governor of her state and almost every top star in Bollywood came to pay her respect. She had been offered many times by Hollywood legends to crossover, but she stuck to Bollywood. Her songs are all over WhatsApp and other social media. I will miss her, but will continue listening to her songs. She has received the most prestigious awards from Indian government and Bollywood industry. I, and Local Talk will pay tribute to the soul of Lata Mangeshkar and offer condolences to her family, friends and fans.
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has been arrested at the age 85 for a motor vehicle accident. He has been in the news lately, collecting petitions to run for a councilman at large seat. However, he went to jail and served about 18 months, and per what Judge Feinberg wrote in her order, “Sharpe James is forever disqualified from holding any office or position of honor, trust or profit.” Can he expunge his records like other inmates have done? I don’t know.
There is a rumor that he can be pardoned by Governor Phil Murphy, which I don’t think will happen. As per the rumors, Murphy is preparing to transition to the national political stage once her last term as Governor ends. If that is true, then Murphy would not take any chances and have controversy ruin his ambition. Back to the accident, James knows his moves. His accident breathalyzer test came back negative. So, he was not drunk despite being handcuffed.
Why is the city of Newark the dirtiest city in America? It is not the responsibility only of the administration, but the people who live in the city as well, and people who visits there regularly and occasionally. I remember my childhood days. I used to live in the city 300 miles away from Mumbai (then called Bombay). When we visited Bombay, we made sure that we crossed the roads with discipline, and in my city, you could cross the road anytime those days. People parked their cars nicely in Bombay than in my city. Why, because our mind is set with our behavior. When we visit New York, we do not throw paper on the road, but throw it in the dustbin. So why not to behave the same way in our city we live?
Yes, the administration is at fault too. In Newark, by way of the mayor’s instructions, the police will not allow homeless people in the Central Ward. Does the administration and the police act the same way when it comes to West, South and North Ward? The East Ward has the best neighborhood watch and that’s why there is less crime and less dirt there.
As the election approaches, Debra Salters and Anthony Diaz have emerged as possible contenders for mayor. We will see how it pans out for them as well as others in the coming weeks.
Every year, we patiently wait for the Super Bowl to crown the best team in football. However, this year is very special. Due to the coronavirus, we have been stuck mostly in our houses the past two years. Finally, we have a little better news and might be able to walk or visit without masks. This year, two underdog teams are playing, after great games throughout the playoffs. It is very hard to predict Sunday’s game, because both teams do not have a clear track record.
Have a wonderful week.
I’ll talk to you next week.
