Sunday, December 20, 2009, 7:31 PM
Sports, Music, Movies, Celebrities, Atlanta, In the News, Stop the Presses
By Kevin Moreau

Dear Santa ...

With Christmas right around the corner, I’ve been busy composing my wish list for Santa Claus. But these aren’t for me; rather, what follows are my fondest holiday wishes for some of my fellow Atlantans. I was hoping to work some of these in during my exclusive interview with the jolly old elf, but I ran out of time. (Check it out on page 13 of this week's Sunday Paper.)

For Mayor-elect Kasim Reed: The courage, political capital, allies and resources to keep and enact his campaign promises and usher in a new era of safety for our citizens.

For the Georgia legislature: The wisdom and willpower to finally close the book on our outdated “blue laws.”

For CNN: A revamped prime-time lineup that features thoughtful analysis of the day’s events, allowing it to challenge Fox News and MSNBC in the ratings. Its insistence on sticking to the middle of the road plays into its self-image as the unbiased “network of record,” but fewer and fewer people outside of CNN headquarters share that view—and I’d argue that even its staunchest supporters don’t want or expect that kind of perspective-free content. I’m confident that the Atlanta-based institution can offer sharp, insightful commentary and still hold on to its status as “the most trusted name in news.”

For Michael Vick fans: Actually, your Christmas gift came two weeks ago, when the onetime Falcons quarterback scored two touchdowns against his former team during the Philadelphia Eagles’ 34-7 rout of the Dirty Birds at the Georgia Dome.

For Atlanta Falcons fans: A giant bottle of aspirin, and tickets to see some real contenders in action. The Hawks are playing exciting basketball these days, and the Thrashers are looking competitive as well.

For Atlanta music fans: New albums from Ludacris, Big Boi and André 3000. Continued dominance of the hip-hop universe. And ever-increasing accolades and success for the city’s deep bench of rock, indie-rock, underground and country talent.

For Atlanta’s growing film and video industry: More and more major features and TV shows shot across the metro area and the state, providing showcases for our top-notch actors and behind-the-scenes stars. (Perhaps we could dial down the reality shows, though.)

For Tyler Perry: What do you get for the man who has everything? Maybe his own TV network, talk show, magazine, record label and whatever else it takes to become bigger than Oprah Winfrey.

For our readers: A safe and happy holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous 2010. See you next week.