Since the opinion inbox is overflowing this week, we’re commenting on a host of topics, both political and otherwise. A take on the belated movie critics Siskel and Ebert, we’ll start with five thumbs-up picks followed by items that deserved thumbs down:

Break a Leg: Props to the student-actors competing in the Maine Drama Festival, which held its regional competition last weekend. States are being held next weekend with local schools Cape Elizabeth and Windham among the finalists, and we wish everyone luck. No matter how they finish, the creativity required to conceive and produce many of these performances shows our school kids are rich with talent. Props also to the Maine Principals’ Association for hosting the competition. We love the idea of playoffs, complete with regionals and finals, to showcase high school thespians.

Deft Drivers: Now that it seems the worst of the winter weather is over (fingers crossed), it’s time to thank municipal plow drivers. Old Man Winter had them out there just about every other day, and we appreciate their hard work and long hours clearing the roadways so everyone could go about daily routines.

Dapper Dan: At this writing (prior to the March 18 show), we toast Dan Foley, the Gorham resident and Scarborough postal worker, for surviving yet another episode of “Survivor.” We also want to thank that rogue ocean wave that Foley said stripped him of his “manties.” Thank goodness we won’t have to watch Foley in his Speedos every Wednesday night this spring – if his early conflict with fellow tribe members doesn’t do him in first. Go Dan!

Walmart Wages: The mega-retailer’s raising of its minimum wage to $9 this year and $10 next year is worthy of some free market praise. Yes, organized labor and politicians have been pressuring companies, but American capitalism works best when the marketplace dictates prices and wages, rather than lawmakers. We just hope those “rollback prices” don’t increase commensurately, as well.

A Big Move: We were glad to see that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will halt the use of elephants within three years. Many people are repulsed when seeing regal animals such as the elephant made to perform tricks for the crowd. While we’re all for zoos that show elephants in a sprawling natural habitat, the circus can surely go on without them.

Cain Mutiny: Yes, Emily Cain is a Democrat who lives in the 2nd District, but even us 1st District residents remember her nonstop TV ads from the 2014 campaign. Surprisingly, Cain has already declared her candidacy for a second try for House of Representatives, which she lost to Republican Bruce Poliquin. Regarding her extremely early announcement, we are aware Cain is a vocal performer, so we think she must miss having a voice. Either that or she misses the spotlight. Either way, we think she declared too early, since voters are sick of nonstop campaigns.

Cold Council: Jeers and boo-hisses go to the five Gorham town councilors who last week voted down a dedicated space at the town’s community center for the Lakes Region Senior Center. We find it inexplicable they (councilors Sherrie Benner and Bruce Roullard voted to allow the space) could deny the seniors a room of their own in the town’s new community center. We hope all the town’s seniors remember this vote come November.

Snow Job: You know who you are, the negligent out there who leave dangerous ice and snow on your vehicle and sidewalks. Show some common sense and empathy for others and clear it.

Press Release for Pre-Release?: We agree with the Windham legislative delegation of Sen. Bill Diamond and Reps. Mark Bryant and Patrick Corey, who say the state should have made its intentions known a little more publicly regarding the proposed construction of a women’s pre-release center adjacent to the Maine Correctional Center. We feel any kind of prison expansion is something people want to know about. The Department of Corrections should understand that.

–John Balentine, managing editor