Alexis Cohen during an American Idol audition

Alexis Cohen, 25, from Pennsylvania, who auditioned twice in American Idol for a shot at stardom, was killed in a hit-and-run accident last Saturday. According to Cohen’s mother, Mindy Dallow, her daughter was walking to get something to eat when she was struck. Her body was later found on Bay Boulevard near Dupont Avenue around 4 a.m. She was then pronounced dead at 6:35 a.m. at the Community Medical Centre in Toms River.

Daniel Bark (left) charged of Alexis Cohen's Death speaks with his attorney, David Glassman at the Ocean County Justice Complex

Cohen was nicknamed “Glitter Girl” after auditioning in American Idol. During her Season 7 audition she proudly declared ‘I march to the beat of a different drummer.’ After being rejected twice the idol hopeful was known for her angry outbursts after the audition (see video below). Dallow claimed that her daughter was planning a third audition in June was preparing for a call-back audition.

The perpetrator, 23-year old Daniel Bark was arrested Sunday evening in Atlantic Highlands. Bark was charged with leaving the scene of the crime which killed Cohen and is expecting additional charges of aggravated manslaughter, death by auto and eluding. The Superior Court Judge Wendell E. Daniels said these complaints could be accompanied by a bail of $150,000 on top of the $35,000 bail that is holding Bark in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

According to Bark’s attorney, David Glassman, stated that Bark is on suicide watch in the County Jail. I quote “He’s having an extremely difficult time mentally coming to terms with the fact there’s an allegation that he caused a death,” Glassman said. “His family wants the victim’s family to know their heart-felt condolences go out to the victim.” During the trial, Bark was fighting back tears and said nothing other than “Yes, sir,” when the judge was asking him if he understood his rights.

Finally, I was able to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince yesterday! And boy was the movie awesome! I haven’t read the book yet, though, I’ve wanted to so many times but I just could not find the time. The movie was not really what I’ve expected. I must admit that I was expecting more of the action we’ve seen in the earlier Harry Potter movies but unfortunately, Voldemort’s character didn’t show up in the movie which I think is one of the movie’s drawbacks.

What I like about the movie was it’s usual magical semblance, stunning cinematography, and its unparalleled characters. Harry and Ginny’s romance is just an added bonus. I just loved the part when Ginny fought her way through a blazing fire when Harry was going after Bellatrix Lestrange oblivious to the fact that he’s obviously no match for the evil Bellatrix and the Death Eaters. I must admit I felt sad when Dumbledore was murdered by Professor Severus Snape. I knew that this scene would happen but I guess I’m just not fond of watching evil triumph over good. For those who haven’t watched the movie I suggest for you to do so. You’ll definitely be missing out.

Here’s an overview of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie from fandango.com. Let’s set aside Las Vegas Show Tickets for now.

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings.

Harry Potter stars: David Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint

Recently the Vatican praised the new Harry Potter movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” over its clear representation of good vs. evil. The movie also received a two thumbs-up from the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano on its display of adolescent love. The newspaper further stipulates that the movie achieved the correct balance and made the stars more credible to its audience.