Random notes and thoughts heading into the final week of February, a month that can’t end too soon:

(L-R) Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, winner of Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Motion Picture, for 'Birdman' and actor Michael Keaton attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball
(L-R) Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, winner of Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Motion Picture, for 'Birdman' and actor Michael Keaton attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
loading...

I will pay the price today for staying up well past midnight to watch the 87th Academy Awards but it’s an awards show I never miss.  “Birdman” was the big winner of the night taking home four Oscars including one for Best Picture with four Oscars also going to “The Grand Budapest Hotel” although most were in categories few care about.  Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) & Julianne Moore (Still Alice) as expected won best actor and best actress with J.K. Simmons and Patricia Arquette taking home bronze statues for their supporting roles.

The show itself was okay as host Neil Patrick Harris had his moments but at times things moved along just a bit too slow.  I thought one of the highlights was Lady Gaga’s singing tribute to the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music”…she was outstanding and it was neat when Julie Andrews came on stage just as she finished to present the next Oscar.  While I admit to not seeing “Birdman” my favorite movies of those nominated were “Whiplash” and “American Sniper.”

Toms River North senior Jordan Craig scored 20 points, grabbed 12 boards and blocked three shots to lead the Mariners back to the SCT semifinals.
Toms River North senior Jordan Craig scored 20 points, grabbed 12 boards and blocked three shots to lead the Mariners back to the SCT semifinals. (Photo by Bill Normile)
loading...

I took in a long weekend of basketball, spending Saturday & Sunday at Brookdale Community College for the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Basketball Tournament.  The best game of the weekend was the final one yesterday before the Toms River North boys pulled away from Wall to earn a semifinal berth against top-seeded CBA on Wednesday. The Mariners got a big effort from Justin Craig who scored 20pts and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 68-56 victory.  The other semi will find Rumson facing Neptune, who knocked out defending champion Point Beach.

The girls final four will take place tomorrow night at Brick Memorial with top-seed St. Rose facing Middletown South before Manasquan battles St. John Vianney.

Some of you might remember a year ago my daughter was one of the dancers to participate in THON, the annual 46-hour dance marathon at Penn State University which raises money to fight pediatric cancer.  As a senior Alex was part of an effort that raised a record $13.34 million as my wife and I stood on our feet for the final 24 hours in maybe the most inspiring event I’ve ever witnessed.

Well, Alex has graduated but we still followed this year’s THON which ended Sunday with students raising just over $13 million.A bit less money but no less worthy of saluting the latest student run philanthropy in the world.

More From 92.7 WOBM