Reviewing:The Blog

Earl heading to Outer Banks; over cooler water

2010-09-02T16:18:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Earl was again downgraded to a Category 3 storm, but still packing a powerful punch. At 2 p.m. sustained winds were at 125 miles per hour after reaching a high of 145 miles per hour at 8 a.m. The hurricane will move over cooler waters as it moves northward, slowing down the winds and intensity. But it is still expected to be a Category 1 hurricane when it slams into Nova Scotia on Saturday.

Earl's projected track will make a glancing blow at the Outer Banks, then move northeastward off shore. Cape Cod will also get a glancing blow early Saturday morning.

But the entire East Coast from Cape Lookout northward remains under a hurricane warning. Although the chance is remote, Earl could deviate from its expected path and turn inland.

From the desk of the Assistant Editor...

2009-02-23T13:08:00.000-05:00

Thank You!

For risking your life for us every day,
For fighting the bad people away,
For taking time out of your life to help us,
For making sure we don’t get hurt,
For doing a truly amazing job,
For being outstanding with your work,
And for putting others before yourself,

Arianna Cantor
Grade 8
St. Bridget Parish School

Ill-timed illness no excuse for Flyers

2009-02-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

By Joseph Turkos

In a possible preview of the Eastern Conference finals, the Boston Bruins skated into the Wachovia Center Wednesday for their first bout with the Flyers.

Still infested with Influenza, the flummoxed Flyers fell, 3-1, to the Eastern Conference leading Bruins. The Bruins entered the game leading the league in points with 80.

Playing the Bruins could not come at a worse time as the flu bug has been running through the Flyers locker room. The latest victims, captain Mike Richards, right winger Scottie Upshall and defenseman Braydon Coburn, all were scratches because of the flu bug.

Flyers head coach John Stevens knew the depleted, weakened Flyers, who returned from a road trip where they went 1-2, would face a physical, healthy, opportunistic Boston squad.

“They have a very committed team. They don’t take chances,” Stevens said of Boston. “Most of their, if not all of their chances, in the penalties that they draw come from checking people off the puck and when you do that you’re gonna win a lot of hockey games.

“And they gave some gifted offensive people that are committed, right now, to the checking so when those pucks turn over. … they have people that can hurt going the other way.”

After an evenly played but flat first period, the teams spent most of the second period in the flyers zone. Dictating play in the third period, the Bruins broke a 1-1 tie en route to their victory.

While some players joked about becoming the next victim of illness, nobody used a thin lineup as an excuse.

“Obviously, Richards is our captain, one of our top players. We’d love to have him in the lineup,” forward Joffrey Lupul said. “But basically stuff like that can happen anytime. Last year in the playoffs we lost Kimmo Timonen before Game 1. Those are the things you’ve got to be able to overcome.”

While no expects a Wally Pip, Lou Gehrig scenario on Broad Street, this is the time for depth to emerge. Just look up I-95.

New Jersey tops the Atlantic Conference without the services of the great Martin Brodeur, who suffered a torn elbow muscle in November. Backup Scott Clemmensen has skated in and is 22-10-1 in net for the Devils.

Stevens said: “I think anytime somebody goes down it’s an opportunity for somebody else.”

That time in now, or more precisely, Saturday. The Flyers return to the ice, in Boston.

where nothing is ever put straight

2009-01-30T15:20:00.012-05:00

I cursed my own internal alarm clock when I saw the time. 3:00. I had originally set the clock radio for five minutes later. I reached and set it for another 15 minutes. I even debated just skipping my obligation and sleeping in. It was no good. Time to get ready.
For 17 years, in Philadelphia, the Friday before the Super Bowl was reserved for the debauched, decadent and dumb. For the first time ever, I would join the crowds to witness The Wing Bowl.

I’ll allow Wikipedia to explain more succinctly.

“Wing Bowl was the brainchild of WIP radio host Al Morganti, who came up with the idea when it became apparent the Philadelphia Eagles were not going to make the Super Bowl anytime soon. It is also suggested that Morganti was fed up with the Buffalo Bills going to the Super Bowl and not winning. The first Wing Bowl was held in the lobby of the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel in Center City. Carmen Codero walked away with the inaugural title, receiving a hibachi as his prize.
Entry into Wing Bowl can be gained in two ways, the first of which is successfully performing an "eating stunt" on air during The Morning Show at the 610 WIP studios with Morganti as judge. The other way to gain entry to Wing Bowl is to win a "Wing V" wing-off in which five contestants eat as many wings in two minutes, with the winner gaining automatic entry into the Wing Bowl.”

Since then, the bowl has moved to many other locations, like the Spectrum finally arriving at the Wachovia (then First Union ) Center in 2000 . It was a sell-out crowd. All the shenanigans are broadcast live in 610 AM WIP. Outside media coverage has grown to the point where every one of the major Philadelphia television stations has covered the event. The NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates all air live reports from the event during their morning news. Features on the event also appear in Inquirer and Daily News as well as a host of newspapers in the surrounding counties. Reuters also sent a reporter to the event, no one is sure why.
But why did we all have to be there at four o’clock in the sodding morning. I grabbed a coffee at Wawa before heading out on the road. A Pennsylvania State Trooper and the manager were discussing the bowl while I paid.
“I’m going there,” I said.
“You’re crazy,” said the Wawa manager.
“At this time in the morning, probably,” I replied.
As I sat in my car, eating my donuts, I saw a NBC10 news truck pull into the parking lot. Looks like I wasn’t the only one looking for an early morning pick-me-up.
One early high point of the day, is the joy of driving on a near empty I-76. This driving euphoria was quickly quashed by the traffic waiting to pull into the parking lot. The gates do not open until 4 a.m. and will not allow anyone without tickets. Thankfully, media get special dispensation. After finding the press entrance and credentialing, we were given free reign to tour the floats being built, talk with competitors, and ogle Wingettes. (I didn’t ogle, I was too fatigued. I sure.)
I believe 4 a.m. is still way to early in the morning but hey, you only live twice. Along with Morganti , Angelo Cataldi, former Eagle Hugh Douglas, former Phillie Mitch Williams, and five-time Wing Bowl champ Bill “El Wingador” Simmons gave commentary during the competition. This year, Cataldi and Al Morganti limited this year’s competitors to amateur eaters only, as opposed to previous contests which featured professional eaters; although, there were a few former champions in the mix this year. Wing Bowl contestants were selected for their ability to complete various challenging eating stunts before they devour the chicken wings in the annual competition at Wing Bowl.
While ploughing through the teams and their entourages, I ran into a colleague, S----, from NBC 10. We worked together during last year’s soapbox derby. Surprisingly, it was the first time at this event for both of us.
Of course, eating seemed like a sideshow to the entrance parade which seemed to last two hours with commercial breaks. Some people followed the Roman theme complete with phalanx of centurions. Some went the neighborhood ethnic route, like the Acidic Jew and The Gavone. It was a bizarre pimp and ho party meeting Halloween. I could not look away. (The debauchery that happens around here will go unmentioned; everyone has heard about it and guess what it’s true.) Arson Arnie got the most attention when he tried to smoke out the place. Had I known we’d be recreating the Battle of the Somme, I’d have brought a gas mask.
Everyone put in their ‘best’ effort. (Best is really a relative term, here) Of course, it didn’t hurt that the winner of best entourage would receive an Apple Vacation to Cancun or Punta Cana for the eater and everyone in the entourage!
Please note, it wasn’t until the parade started that I stopped asking myself, “Why am I here?” Also a phone call from my cousin in the stands who spotted me didn’t hurt. Plus Tommy Conwell (above, left)and LeCompt played halftime and boy did they sound great. As he passed by, I made sure to tell him that he was good. He was moving some equipment and I wasn’t sure he heard me until he looked over at me.
“Thanks, man.”
The eating competition took a total of 30 minutes. By the end of the first 15 minutes, many of the odds on favorites were eliminated including Gentleman Jerry who announced that this would be his last Wing Bowl. Super Squibb, from New Jersey, took an early lead and did not let up. He would eventually win by a margin of 23 wings. John Squibb a.k.a. Super Squibb of Berlin, NJ, devoured 203 Buffalo Wings to capture WIP’s Wing Bowl 17. Squibb goes home with a Mini Cooper, a $7,500 diamond ring courtesy of Steven Singer Jewelers and a crown decorated with miniature chickens. Runner-up Not Rich finished with 180 wings. Only three people, including the police entry, were eliminated by the ‘You Heave You Leave’ rule. Bowl Commissioner Pat Croce kept in eye on things.

In the end, the nine to one odds maker stunned everyone. A women got to ride a hog; and I needed a cigar, some food and some sleep.
For more on Wing bowl, check out Philly.com, NBC10.com, and 610 WIP's web site.

Manayunk's Mainstay

2009-01-07T14:58:00.003-05:00

After coming back from my holiday coma, I rememberd all the things still needed to be faced...and went back to sleep. Thankfully, some good news came to my desk this morning.

A.I. Poland Jewelers, 4347 Main St. would like to announce that it has made Comcast's Best of City. A 5 minute video on Poland Jewelers can be found on Comcast's digital On Demand menu. The piece can be located by going onto the On Demand menu and clicking on Get Local. Click on Best of the City, and then on Style and Shopping. Look for PHL a.i.polndjwlrs and view. The program is in advance of the store celebrating its 110th year in Manayunk, run by the Poland family. Throughout all of the economic times of the last century, Poland Jewelers has served the neighborhood and is still going strong today.

Poland's has always been the place to go in Manayunk. These guys even outlived the Great Depression and later on during Manayunk's Dark Times when tumbleweeds blew through Main St. and Pitcher's Pub was a rough and tumble bar. (At least, that's how it seemed when I was a child.)
Sadly, we do not have Comcast so someone let us know how this little piece is.

A New Year's Day alternative: Old Time Hockey

2008-12-30T11:05:00.002-05:00

By Joseph Turkos

Instead of spending this New Year’s Day watching a bunch of meaningless college bowl games, here’s a better way to spend your time while nursing that New Year’s Eve hangover: Watch hockey. The NHL Winter Classic to be more specific.

Now I know it’s hard for many Philadelphia fans, except for the hard core puck heads, to watch a hockey game that doesn’t include the Flyers, who -- as of this post -- are 0-2 on their current Western swing. But the Winter Classic is something special.

This year’s game will pit the host Blackhawks (20-6-7) against the Detroit Red Wings (23-7-5).

Played on an outdoor rink, the first installment of the classic took place on New Year’s Day 2008 at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium where the Buffalo Sabers hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins. A great idea by the NHL brass, this wasn’t the first time that the NHL experimented with regular-season outdoor play.

In November of 2003, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadians in the Heritage Classic. That game was played at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium in temperatures that hovered around -22 degrees. Talk about Old Time hockey.

Professional hockey players from all points north talk about growing up playing hockey on frozen ponds, an experience that escaped many hockey fans.

Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the late 70’s and early 80’s, I wasn’t exposed to too much hockey. At that time there were few organized leagues and the game wasn’t played at the high school level. But armed with a hockey stick given to me by my uncle and sporting my new ice skates (the figure-skating kind), I, along with a few friends, would head to the local basketball court that, during the winter, was flooded and doubled as a hockey rink. There we would attempt to play ice hockey. The experience still resonates in my mind.

The play wasn’t pretty or highly skilled, but it was fun, especially when it snowed. And while I never had plans of playing organized hockey, the experience helped to cement my interest in the game.

I watched last year’s classic and with the snow falling, the thoughts of my early, albeit crude, hockey experience rushed back like a slap shot.

The first puck will drop on this year New Year’s Day classic at 1 p.m. on the configured rink at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Unfortunately snow isn’t in the forecast. But with temperatures expected in low 30s and with two of the Original Six teams on the ice, we’re sure to see an exciting, well-played and entertaining hockey game.

And don’t forget, Penn State and USC kick off at 5 p.m.

Second Savior: Niittymaki saves Saturday for Flyers

2008-12-20T22:02:00.004-05:00

By Joseph Turkos

Flyers fans may have wanted to ask for their hats back after prematurely celebrating an apparent hat trick by Jeff Carter in the third period of the Flyers’ 7-1 thrashing of the Washington Capitals Saturday at the Wachovia Center.

It turns out that all they had to do was wait another eight minutes until Scott Hartnell’s goal, his 13th of the season and third of the game, prompted a second shower of hats.

When Carter appeared to bat in a floating puck in the third period of Saturday’s game, the sellout crowd began throwing their hats on the ice. It turned out that the goal was actually scored by Hartnell.

In addition to the five goals scored by Carter (24) and Hartnell, the Flyers also received goals from Joffrey Lupul (11) and Simon Gagne (17), as the Flyers dismissed the Southeast-leading Capitals.

Saturday’s game possessed every component of an exciting hockey game: scoring, great goalie play and fighting. And boy, was there ever fighting.

At times the game had the feel of the movie Slap Shot, just without the Hansen Brothers. But then again, Donald Brashear may be the next best thing.

Brasher, the former Flyer, was involved in six on-ice altercations Saturday, including two fights, two roughing penalties, an unsportsmanlike conduct and a game misconduct.

The third fight of the game (between the Flyers’ recent call up, Josh Gratton, and the Caps Matt Bradley) exemplified the frustration of Washington. That frustration was no doubt the lingering effect of last year’s first-round loss to the Flyers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season. The Capitals may have been looking to prove something on Saturday. A fact that was not lost on Flyers head coach John Stevens.

“We ended their season last year. There was a lot of motivation for them,” Stevens said. “They felt like we stole something from them and they wanted to make amends.”

And as for the Capitals All-Star winger Alexander Ovechkin, he may as well have spent Saturday in Cuba, welcoming his countrymen as Russian warships entered Havana Bay.

Ovechkin, the league’s third leading scorer (43), was held to one shot on the day. And of his three hits, he ended up on his backside twice.

But the true star of the game was Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki. Niittymaki, starting his second game in a row after Marty Biron missed the game with the flu, faced down 48 shots. Washington shot on goal 25 times in the first period alone, breaking the record Flyers’ home record for allowing shots on goal, 22, which was sent Dec. 28, 1975 against Boston.

“I have seen him good but he was great,” Stevens said of Niittymaki.

With the Flyers leading 1-0 in the first period, Washington went on the power play three times, but Niittymaki kept the Flyers in the game, turning away shot after shot.

“He was sensational and when your goalie plays that well early and he allows your team to regroup, he was the reason we won,” Stevens said.

After yielding five goals in the Flyers’ 5-2 loss to Montreal Thursday night, snapping the Flyers’ five-game winning streak, Niittymaki’s strong start on Saturday allowed him to leave Thursday behind.

“You just have to go save-by-save and I looked up and it was twenty-something saves, so I actually think it was good for me after the Montreal game.” Niittymaki said. “And I got a few good saves to start feeling better.’’

A short memory is a valuable asset for a goalie to have. It’s even more valuable if he’s your backup.

Comments can also be mailed to jturkos@ingnews.com

It ain't over 'til ... you know

2008-12-15T20:16:00.002-05:00

By Joe Turkos

Watch out Broadway Blueshirts, the Philadelphia Flyers are playing their best hockey of the season. Their latest victim: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flyers skated past the Pens, 6-3, in a Saturday matinee at the Wachovia Center.

Finally, the play on the ice was more interesting than watching security escort two groups of Penguins’ fans from section 219 or listening to the boos every time Crosby touched the puck.

The Flyers (15-7-6) entered Saturday’s game tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with the Penguins (16-9-4) with 38 points, just four points behind the division-leading New York Rangers (19-11-2) 40 points.

After Joffrey Lupul’s wrap around goal just over five minutes into the first period, it was clear that the team was not going to experience a hangover from Thursday’s night’s come-from-behind victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Against Carolina, the Flyers trailed the Hurricanes, 5-1, heading into the third period. The Flyers tied the game on a goal by Simon Gagne (15) with 1:84 to play. Gagne also scored the game-winning goal in the shootout.

Interestingly enough, on Saturday, the Flyers led the Penguins by a score of 5-1 after two periods. The thought of Thursday sat in the back of the minds of some of the players and their coach.

“In a hockey game you never relax until it’s over,” Flyers coach John Stevens said.

“Now that power plays are so dangerous and there are so many good offensive players in the game certainly tonight we knew that we had to keep playing the same. Hopefully close it out and we did.”

Even though Pittsburgh cut the Flyers lead in half by the end of regulation, the Flyers received power play goals from Mike Knuble (12) Jeff Carter (21) to stave off the Pittsburgh threat. One of Pittsburgh’s third-period goals also came via the power play.

With the win over Pittsburgh, the Flyers increased their winning steak to four games, this after starting the season at 0-3-3. And while Thursday’s win may have been exciting and may have carried over into Saturday, continually having to come from behind isn’t something to make a habit.

“It was a great comeback but it’s not something we’re gonna do all the time. Maybe it’s possible once or twice a year,” Lupul said of Thursday’s victory.

“It was a good game but it’s also a good lesson to our team and a lot of teams. The way the NHL is now with penalty calls and stuff, the game is never over.”

Lesson learned.

More sad news

2008-12-10T11:09:00.002-05:00

Manayunk-born character actor Robert Prosky passed away this week. While for the past 50 years, Prosky lived in Washington DC, he never really forgot his roots. Earlier this year, Prosky appeared at the Walnut St. Theater in a production of Arthur Miller's The Price. Prosky believed it was one of Price's most unrated works. He performed with his town sons John and Andy.
Prosky when in town would hold a Q&A night for fans. One year, he gave it at Old Academy Players. He was surprised to learn that they had kept all programs from shows he performed in.
"There were shows I don't even remember doing," Prosky said in February.
Throughout his long career, Prosky fielded many questions but I believe I got him with one he couldn't answer. He seemed pretty appreciative of the challenge.
I took up an invitation by Prosky to visit him backstage after a performance of The Price. As I waited in line to go to the green room, I told a lady there I had been invited by Mr. Prosky. She was polite if not a little bemused. It was Mrs. Prosky.
I personally delivered the story I wrote from our phone interview. Prosky was gracious and quiet almost contemplative. Boy, could he act.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Prosky family.

Save A Prayer

2008-12-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

We learned today that Brian Hickey, of City Paper fame, was seriously injured in hit-and-run incident in New Jersey over the Thanksgiving holiday. Hickey, who lives in East Falls, had left City Paper after a four and half year stint to be the campaign manager for John Dougherty's failed State Senate run.
I read Hickey's column in my early days. I've even knocked back a few with the man himself, notably during Fellow Fallser Matt McClure filed bid for a City Council nomination. We last corresponded during Obama run for the Presidency.
We send out prayers and sympathy to Hickey and his wife and hope he pulls through soon. I'll keep the Jaegermeister cold for you.

Weekend Whirligig

2008-11-28T12:23:00.003-05:00

A lot going on this weekend. Citizens For a No Kill Philadelphia are based here in Roxborough. Garrett Elwood is sincere in his desire for Philly to reach this goal.
Also tonight, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in Canal View Park in Manayunk. Our favorite politicians, City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr and State Rep. Kathy Manderino are said to be making an appearance. For more details on Classic Holidays in Manayunk, click here.

Personally, I'll see you at the Flat Rock Saloon, have a Christmas beer. Holidays are finally here.

Gobble! Gobble!

2008-11-26T12:09:00.002-05:00

The Hooters are back in town playing their Pre-Thanksgiving concert at the Electric Factory. Last year, they gave out their newest album "Time Stand Still". This time around they are releasing a double-live album, "Both Sides Live", half was which was taken from their performance at last year's concert. Hooray!!! Stay tuned Black Friday and I'll let you know about some things happening events out and about Our Town.
For now here's Christopher Titus talking about a Thanksgiving and his mom. Be thankful you're not from his family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Farewell, Madam Councilwoman

2008-11-19T16:50:00.003-05:00

As you may already know, former fourth district councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell had died. She was a polarizing figure in the district in the city at large. She could be viewed as a valued leader or as a symbol of the Philadelphia's old politics, depends on who you asked. Plenty has been written about her. I often noted her lack of presence during her re-election campaign. (Except for the one time she actually attended a debate with her two Democratic nomination rivals.) Here is what came from the Office of Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.

"Today is a sad day in Philadelphia. A titan has transitioned. She was well respected by friend and foe alike. During her tenure in City Council she was responsible for several important pieces of legislation including the creation of the Committee of the Disabled and being a staunch advocate for the handicapped and creating the 4th District Basic System Repair Program. She was an advocate for the less fortunate. She challenged the status quo and had a distinguished career learning her trade from her late father Edgar Campbell. She will be forever considered as an advocate for those things she believed in."

Scarlet Fever!

2008-11-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

In the end, it was worth the waiting. Plus Icy Hot helps relieve the aches and pains.

Curtis making out like a bandit.

2008-10-27T10:58:00.005-04:00

Fourth District Councilman and rabid review fan, Curtis Jones Jr (seen right with his chief of staff, Al Spivey Jr) has really been making out like a bandit this sports season. Unlike his predecessor, current Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Jones has been winning friendly wagers with his counterparts in Milwaukee, Los Angeles and may even take some treasure from Tampa Bay, Arrrrr!.

The sausages from Milwaukee were delicious and the Dodger Dogs and pumpkin bread from Los Angeles should arrive soon. Now, Councilman Jones sets his eyes (and mouth) to Tampa. He communicated with Councilman John Dingfelder of Tampa, Florida yesterday to talk about the game and make another friendly wager. Councilman Jones will again put up a 6 foot cheesesteak and a case of Tastykakes against some of Tampa’s favorites, Cuban sandwiches and guava pastries. Both Councilmen represent the 4th District of their respective cities.
“We certainly admire the Rays worst to first transformation. After all, Philadelphia is a city of underdogs. However, the Rays have met their match in the 2008 Phillies. I expect the Phillies to win in 5. The great people of Philadelphia deserve this victory and celebration,” said Councilman Jones.
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. and Councilman John Dingfelder both represent the 4th District of their respective cities. Jones is the Chairman of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. Dingfelder is Chairman of Tampa’s City Council Transportation Committee.

Now Curtis, please remember not to be greedy and take a page from your presidential candidate pick and spread the wealth around.

Joyeux Noël!

2008-10-08T16:33:00.003-04:00

I am usually a purist about the order of my holidays. (So take down those Christmas decorations right now, it's not even November.) But anyway, Joe Sixpack aka Don Russell's latest Beer tome is about the coming holiday. (See cover right). This book is more about tradition and those holiday rarities than his first one. His first makes a great bar hop planner. (Also incidentally both books make a great gift and are very reasonably priced.) Still breezing though my copy and will try to have more later on this week.

Ghost walking, jive talking

2008-10-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

With the great holiday blitz coming up this seemed a appropriate. Tegan and Sara are playing the Electric Factory tonight. Get your tickets, here!

More pics and vids from St. John's.

2008-10-01T12:26:00.005-04:00

Proust!

2008-09-26T14:48:00.006-04:00

The great Philly Oktoberfest 2008 will be happening this weekend. Tickets range from teetotaling $15 to the VIP whopper at $75. Being the great beer lover, I sprang for a ticket; but also this event is a good cause. No, not to perpetuate the memory of the Kaiser or ogle drunken wenches (although both these events may occur). But part of proceeds support breast cancer research. But other charities will be getting a boost from the day's sloshing and sauerkraut. I have already made my reservations long before I found this on the interwebs from Rev. Jim St. George.

"Saint Miriam will be the recipient of the charity proceeds from the upcoming Philly Oktoberfest 2008! The event will be held on this coming Saturday from 1PM until 5 at the 23rd Street Armory at 22 S 23rd Street."

This church is a great place. Rev. St. George is a true man of faith. You can the feature I wrote earlier this year, here

Tickets are still available on the Philly Oktoberfest website. See you all there.

Play On

2008-09-22T15:24:00.005-04:00

There has been an all-volunteer effort to restore one of the last Hope-Jones pipe organ at St. John the Baptist Church Church organist gave us a tour of the organ and even the chamber inside.

Tripping the Light Fantastic!

2008-09-22T10:50:00.004-04:00

The Society Hill Dance Academy opened its newest location in Manayunk last week with great enthusiasm. Academy Director Shana Vitoff has an infectious bubbly personality and her staff are excellent. The school is located at the Manayunk Train Station. Here, U.S. National Finalists Mazen and Magda perform a demonstration for guests at the Grand Opening. You can read more about them in this week's edition on Sept. 24.

Win, Curtis, Win

2008-09-12T12:28:00.009-04:00

Well, seems Curtis Jones (seen right pushing mayor Nutter during the Soapbox Derby) and the rest of City Council are seriously getting heated over at Dilworth Plaza. Fresh on my desk comes this:

Freshman Councilmembers Challenge Their Senior Colleagues to a Match to Determine Which Council Office is the Greatest

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a battle royal to determine once and for all which council office is the greatest, freshman councilmembers Bill Green, Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Curtis Jones, Jr., have challenged their council colleagues to the “The Happiness Edition City Council Challenge.”
On Friday, September 19, the Delaware Valley Chapter of Variety, the children’s charity, will hold its Old Newsboys’ Day event where the “Happiness Edition” paper will be sold for $1 to raise money for disabled children. Council offices will compete among themselves to see who can sell the most copies of the paper. The winning office will be award the “City Council Cup of Champions.”
“While other council offices spend the summer preparing legislation for the fall, my staff has been relentlessly training for Old Newsboys’ Day,” said Councilman Bill Green.
Not all council offices are worried about Councilman Green's preparation. “The air is so thin on the 5th floor of City Hall that I doubt anyone up there has the stamina to win this,” predicted Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. “The real competition will be between the 3rd and 4th floor offices.”
The Happiness Edition City Council Challenge will begin with a kickoff rally in Dilworth Plaza at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 19th. Council offices will then have between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to sell the Happiness Edition papers.

Now, we like Councilman Green but Curtis gives such better sound bites. Besides Curtis is no slouch either, he has the best, most diverse district in the city. But how this will affect play is still undetermined. Sell, Curtis, Sell.

Another round of Stupid Human Tricks...

2008-09-06T09:51:00.006-04:00

The event claims rain or shine. As of 6 a.m. this morning, work crews were putting the finishing touches on a set up that began on WEDNESDAY. IN that time, Red Bull has not gained any fans that live in The Wall. Last night a tractor trailer carrying a jumbo-tron parked on a sidewalk doing some damage to private property.
One resident said that having the bike race was enough of an inconvenience.
The media gates open very soon (10 a.m.) and I am headed out to get my press pass. On the itinerary, Mayor Michael Nutter is supposed to be going down in a cart around 1:30 p.m. We'll see what happens in this weather.

UPDATED - 11 a.m. - Things are beginning to take shape in Pit Row. Teams are together already in costume. All things Red Bull are a go along Lyceum Ave-Levering St. But the power of human creativity and pinch of lunacy also prevails. Take of example Team Big Bertha (right). As you can see, the guys have created a great likeness of a birthing mother. But has anyone noticed, said driver will be going down the head first. Sweet.

All things Philly and Pop are not neglected. Team Philly Pride, who was featured a few weeks ago in The Review, are handing out Dum Dums and Peanut Chews. The Porkchop Express has the Philly Phanatic on a Platter. Flying Ninja Monkeys are going down as the Ghostbusters. The team is handing out marshmallows in an effort to get out the text vote.

Despite the threat of inclement weather, it seems to be shaping up to a good time. Red Bull officials are keeping the track clear of rogue hay. The track could still be a little slick from last night's rainstorm. Races begin at 1 p.m.

UPDATE - 5 p.m. - Large crowds, inclement weather and possible repeated runs up and down The Wall have kept this reporter from making hourly reports onto this space. The weather held until noon when the skies opened up on the crowds of people in Manayunk. I couldn't tell who was the bigger sucker the crowds or the reporters who were covering the event. (At least, Medics and police were making overtime pay, so they were possibly the overall winners of the day.)

According to the emcee of the day, the downpour was perfect for soapbox racing...if you enjoy crashes. Out of the total 36 cars participating in the event, a quarter of them did not even make past Fleming St. Included in that group was NBC 10s Tim Furlong and his so-called 'Flying Peacock'. The race did feature some spectacular crashes from cars. 'The Originators', composed of a Nintendo box and paper-mache heads of Mario and Luigi, flipped over decapitating the face of Nintendo Corp. The head of Luigi was later found on the pike of a home on Tower St. and Lyceum Ave. (see right)
"Dr. Strangebox" made a spectacular crash at the Tower St. turn. Sadly many cars 'taco-ed' their wheels, such as Philly2night. and Rocky Car-Go-A...barely making it off the ramp.

But for every crash, wreck and slowpoke (of which there were a few), there were some speed demons along the track including Philly and Manayunk beloved mayor, Michael A. Nutter.
"Nutter is the winner," said one fan.
Nutter was given the specialty-built Red Bull Can car. Nutter was helped along my his councilmanic successor, Curtis Jones Jr., who also waved the green flag starting the event.
"This is a car built by the Secret Service for me," said Nutter.

The neighborhood was well represented in this event by three times including the first car down the hill, 'Philly Pride', who gave a decent account of themselves.
"I was on the brakes," said John Wiggins. "I shouldn't of held them down so long by the time we got the Tower St they were worn off. So I said 'Aim for the Hay'"
Along with Pride, Jebidiah's Journey, hailing from East Falls, came down faster than any Amish would on any given day. Rounding out the group was 'Killa Bees', Emmett McGinn drove his team's creation day. He was also celebrating his 27th Birthday in style. Well Done!
But in the end, end it was experience that mattered. Team 'Deuces Wild', who placed second last year in Providence, RI, took the top spot with their mix of Wacko Jacko (Michael Jackson) and his children. In Second Place, was 'Great Scott' with their back to the future theme, and the Wizz Kids took third.
But for all this fun and frivolity, the event was bittersweet. Lack of communication between residents and organizers lead to some friction during the set up phase. But it was shear stupidity that really was the problem.

Early in the day, people hoping for a vantage point for the race climbed up the rocks at Tower Street before the wall. Many people do it during the Bike Race. Well, it has never rained on the day of the bike race. This day, Mother Nature more than made up for that oversight.
Before the race started Police and medics were called over to the rocks to aid a man who face-planted. The man was seriously injured. Many people called for help and made a corridor to transport the inured man. After this incident, police warned people off the rocks. The crowd gave an ovation to the medic teams on their return.
"I still have that guys blood in my pockets," said one medic.
One police officer, who should be commended, used the crowd to keep an eye on the area, making sure no else else climbed up. When people did, this little crowd of people would chant a certain obscenity in their direction.

If being soaked to the bone was not enough, many had soaked their brain as well. Broken beer bottles, crushed cans and plastic cups litter the sidewalk. In defense of one group, they had the presence of mind to clean up after themselves. Sadly, not everyone was like that.
If this was bad enough, people without patients were publicly urinating along the wall.
But many of these same incident mar the bike race. Hopefully, the spirit and the fun of the event itself outweighed the negativity that follows it. Unlike the bike race, this was a one-and-done event. There are many people in the neighborhood who are thankful for this small mercy.

We shall double our efforts...

2008-09-05T11:01:00.003-04:00

Moff Jerjerod spoke those words in the travesty known as Return of the Jedi. Anyway the Red Bull empire have been touting this event so some time now. They are so into this that they even weed-whacked the wall. Not even the city does that for the annual bike race. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be making up for this lack of communication from Red Bull regarding when and where things will be closed off. Here's some previews of the set up.

Holy Crap!

2008-09-04T11:58:00.002-04:00

Seems I am neglecting my duties as a blogger. Oh well, I'll just become the Rip Van Winkle of Journalism then. Just wake up and be like 'what the media is liberalized? who knew?' It's September already...how those months just fly by.

Things to watch out for coming up, Community Day Fair, Soapbox Derby (there is one if you haven't watching television-taking mass transit-walking through the city), Fringe Festival events, autumn and Rosh Hashanah.

Speaking of music...

2008-08-08T10:42:00.002-04:00

Seeing these two acts tonight at the Mann; they need no introduction.

COOTIES!!!!!!

2008-08-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

This story trolled along our desk late on Monday (Deadline Day, D-Day also known DON'T F@*&$ING TALK TO BERNIE DAY). So it didn't get a mention in this week's paper. According to the press release, GIRLS ROCK PHILLY is 'a unique all-female summer camp dedicated to rock music, the first of its kind in Philadelphia. This week, 52 girls from the Delaware Valley are participating in Girls Rock Philly. The week-long day camp is for junior rockers ages 9 through 17.'
The camp will culminate in a concert at Girard College. Two of the girls are from Roxborough. So imagine our surprise this week, when our fairy godmother/ex babysitter, Amy Quinn, posted dispatches from her niece, Jenn, who is attending the camp. The posts can be found here or Citizen Mom or Phawker where incidentally Quinn is editrix. But now the question remains, who is the other chicka from ROX-MYK?

UPDATED! - According to God-mama Quinn, the other girl from the neighborhood is Jenn's Friend Carissa. The duo will be playing with their bands mates this Saturday, for more info, click the Girls Rock Philly link provided above.

To the boats, we have entered the Doldrums

2008-07-31T13:35:00.001-04:00

The summer doldrums got you down, vacation come and gone or not yet arrived. We know how you feel...

Ashes to Ashes...

2008-07-28T10:26:00.004-04:00

The famed Domino Diner, located at Domino La and Umbria St., caught fire sometime in the early hours of July 28. According to early reports, fire crews had the blaze under control in a short amount of time. Members of the Fire Marshall's office were still investigating the cause of the fire at rush hour this morning. Check back later for more info.

UPDATE- The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but sources close to The Review have said that the building has been unoccupied from a number of months and the business is almost $1 million in debt. More on this as the investigation progresses.

Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made.

2008-07-23T15:50:00.009-04:00

Mel Brooks was being quite honest when he said those words in his Sci-Fi spoof Spaceballs. Here, in the Office, a lot of merchandise flows through our doors and lands straight into our waste bins.
of course, plenty of these things are often books distributed by a self-publishing house. A giant ego stroke for the author, if someone is daft enough to review their published piece of tripe. But every so often, the office sees a diamond in the rough. Reputable publishing house Simon and Schuster, usually through their subdivision, Touchstone, send us something worth reading. Some selections include Will Thomas' Victorian thrillers, Bill Giles Memoir and even a cookbook from the Sneaky Chef.

But that is not all that we receive in this office. Just this week, I received mail from Queen Elizabeth I herself. Apparently, she is alive and well and lives at 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim, Pa 17545. So either that was the exact location of the acclaimed Fountain of Youth or I received yet another press packet from the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. If you bet on the latter, you'd be right.
But all was strange and mysterious about this one. They had changed tactics and instead of a brown manila envelope I received a tube.

What could be inside? Was it a trap? If it was It was a stupid one, thankfully I wear glasses or I may have followed Christopher Marlowe to the grave. As a promotional item, they enclosed a pen in the shape of a broadsword which may come in handy because I hear the rodents are taking up armed rebellion again.

But It still isn't one of the most interesting pieces that have been sent to this office. Thanks to the marketing department ofEastern State Penitentiary, I am the proud owner of a blue satin yarmulke.
But the most tasty gift came from Mrs. Fields, they sent a tin of cookies.

Take a Hike

2008-07-16T16:10:00.005-04:00

Heading out tonight to check out the Friends of the Wissahickon Sustainable Trails Initiative. Should be an interesting time, FOW does a lot of good for Fairmount Park and the Wissahickon Creek. I am also hoping there will be some woodland creatures out so I can shoot them...on camera.

WOW! What a year!

2008-07-09T12:04:00.002-04:00

In all the excitement of the newsroom and the festivities of the month we forgot another milestone. Reviewing: The Blog turned 1 on July 3. So Happy Anniversary to us.

July 4 parade pictures that DID NOT make it into the Review this week

2008-07-09T11:46:00.006-04:00

Artistic Takeover of Manayunk

2008-07-02T16:31:00.002-04:00

Scenes from the 2008 Roxborough-Manayunk Relay for Life

2008-07-01T17:18:00.006-04:00

A Friendly Visitor...

2008-06-13T14:03:00.002-04:00

Friendly Neighborhood City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. stops by for a visit at The Review Office. A interview of the his 200 days will appear in the forthcoming edition.

A Taste of Europe...

2008-06-12T16:27:00.003-04:00

Saw this little baby today in the parking lot at Ivyridge Shopping Center. A number of befuddled old men got out of their Buicks and stared at it. Personally I was waiting for Eureka Deputy Sheriff Jo Lupo to hop in at some time.

Other Bike Race Photos...

2008-06-12T16:14:00.009-04:00

LIVE FROM THE TOP OF THE WALL...

2008-06-08T08:49:00.009-04:00

Philadelphia's 24th Annual bicycle race, now known as the Philadelphia International Championship, kicks off in a few minutes at the Art Museum. People here in Manayunk have been drinking since Memorial Day. In its long tradition, it has never rained during the event. It has been cloudy, cool, or sunny and hot. This year is one of the hot ones. Temperatures are predicted to reach into the 90s. Hopefully, this will have lessen the obnoxiousness of some people this year.
The race has seen plenty of changes in that time; but one tradition for lifelong residents is having good friends over for a good time. This year, we start our great trek with the tourists on Main St. Winnie Clowry, owner of Winnie's Le Bus, has always invited us for breakfast. We always declined in favor of getting to the starting line. This year, we take her up on the offer.

Check back here regularly today for more on this year's crowd.

UPDATED!!! - 11 a.m. - "Only in Philly, Only in the Fourth", says Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. to his Chief of Staff, Al Spivey. Like many, this was the councilman's first real bike race experience.
"He's like a kid in a candy store," said Josh Cohen, Jones' Deputy Chief of Staff and President of the Wissahickon Interested Citizens Association.
Jones, along with many patrons at LeBus, would run out to the street to see the men and women speed by on nothing but a light-weight bicycle.
"They move as fast as the cars," said Jones.
In Winnie's the televisions are set to 6ABC the official carrier of the race. I was able to tell an amusing story of how I almost whacked Sportscaster Gary Papa in the face with a pot-o-potty door.
"That could have been a claim to fame," said Jones.
The race, now in its 24th year, was underway. The men will face the Manayunk Wall 10 times in a total of 156 miles peddled today. The women will do 4 laps. As of this post, the women are almost done. So far, the crowd has been thin and subdued probably due to the 90-degree heat. Even police are finding shade where they can.
"The women are dogging it this year," said Michelle Moscicki, a race marshal stationed at Lyceum and Fleming, near O'Brien's Water Hole.
"I got wet over there earlier, but now I'm already dry," said Moscicki.
The sound of approaching helicopters herald the men.

The Race continues...

UPDATE - 11:45 a.m. - Chantal Beltman of the Netherlands wins the Women's Liberty Classic. The temperature is 90 degrees.
The Race goes on...

UPDATE - 1.30 p.m. - The shade continues to shrink for some people along the top of the wall. With the Women's Race over, Channel 6's coverage just kicked into full gear with helicopter pass overs getting more frequent.
"I thought the crowd would be a little more subdued," said Derek Davis, chef-owner of the Eponymous Derek's, located on Main St.
The crowd, which is not as large as in years past, seems more well-behaved. Children play with their sprinkler on the sidewalk; an near-impossibility in former years. Speaking of the wet, this year, O'Brien's Water Hole is under new leadership. According to Mr. O'Brien last year, his nephew took over the spot. To celebrate, a pipe and drum duo perform. Their neighbors, cheer "Bike Race". A sign held up read: "You Wave, We Drink". Of course, it was a member of the press, riding on the back of a motorcycle that did them honor.
One of many observations by readers is that the original families that lived on the wall have moved out. But there are some who have remained; keeping the tradition of family get-togethers alive.
"Isn't this great," asked John Boyce of Roxborough.
Boyce house overlooks the race course at Fleming St and Lyceum Ave. One doesn't even have the leave the shade to see the Peleton (the Pack) follow the Leaders. Many of John's family and friends enjoy the sun or shade in the fine garden including Devon Persico, Bruce Hoffman and his wife and many others. Soda, water in beer have their own buckets in ice in the shade. Tomato Pie gets passes around.
"Is there any end pieces left," asked Persico.
But with the afternoon sun, people must remember to keep hydrated.
"As mailman, you learn the sun is the enemy in the summertime," said Boyce.

UPDATE - 1:50 p.m. - Final Lap flew by Manayunk. Looking to break time record. Cyclists finish the wall section and take on the technical course of Lemon Hill which many race veterans such as Canada's Brian Walton, who is now a VP at Cadence Cycling in Manayunk, believe that the technical course is the hardest part of the race. So now we come into the final stretch...Fire Up that Grill!

UPDATE - 3:05 p.m. - THE FINALE - It was an exciting finish to a hot race this year. With temperatures reaching into the mid-90s, the riders changed places multiple times around the technical course around Lemon Hill. But in the end, Matti Breschel of Team CSC takes the win. It is the second year in a row that Team CSC has won the race. For more on the play-by-play check out The Review's Sport Page.

What a weekend!

2008-05-28T16:34:00.005-04:00

It was a fun weekend full of fantastic surprises and adventure. But here in the neighborhood, people got their own air show. This from Jack Kennedy, Pastor of Church of the Living Savior.

"Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park were treated to a pre-game flyover on Memorial Day evening by two A-10 Warthogs and a C5A transport, but residents of the 21st Ward were treated to three flyovers as the formation circled Roxborough and vicinity in a holding pattern before their game time appearance. Observers saw the three jets fly over Roxborough from east to west and then bank north. On the fourth pass they headed south at even lower altitude ("like they were following Silverwood St." said one onlooker) for the stadium. Television viewers saw a brief pre-recorded clip of the flyover shortly before the first pitch."

OMMMER Here!

2008-05-15T09:56:00.005-04:00

By way of our friend and colleague, Joe Sixpack,We have learned that the fair Mrs. Sixpack, former Daily News Scribe Theresa Conroy (seen at right during the Philly Beer Week Kick Off) has opened a new Yoga studio not far from The Review's Offices. This marks the second studio on the Ridge. I wonder if Yoga studios have rivalries.
Anyway, check out Yoga On The Ridge It's real yoga for real people.

Eco-Couture: The 2008 Philadelphia University Fashion Show

2008-05-07T10:52:00.005-04:00

I have been struggling with what to do with this story this year. I've decided to take my cue from The Sartorialist and just post the pictures and let your observations run rampant about this year's Philadelphia University Fashion Show

Scenes from a united community

2008-04-25T11:31:00.005-04:00

Parking Problems...

2008-04-21T13:25:00.002-04:00

Stay between the lines, the lines are our friends...

The Trout: Man's Nemesis

2008-04-07T17:24:00.004-04:00

Spring time is, traditionally, an excellent occasion for new beginnings, cleaning out the old and breathing in new life. Of course, it is a time when those thoughts of home improvement go by the wayside to go out and people go out and get some fresh air instead.
Two weeks ago, fishing season opened in Philadelphia and 17 other counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This is the second year in a row the season started early. But like some vast amphibious continental militia, people lined the creeks and rivers such as the Wissahickon, the Pennypack and the Schuylkill. All were there to match wits in the annual contest of logic and tactics versus animal instinct; the man (or the woman) versus the trout.
In time for this annual match-up, two products came by the editorial desk that combines the best about springtime and fishing: Flies, Ties and Techniques: A practical guide to tying 50 Irresistible Flies by Charles Jardine (Barron’s, $18.99) and 50 fly-tying patterns in a box by Peter Gathercole (Barron’s, $14.99) Both authors are world-renown, award-winning fisherman and authors from Great Britain.
As an Eagle Scout, fishing is cherished pastime. Between the months of April and October, fishing rods were almost as essential as Swiss Army knives. But many of us scouts were bait casters, without much experience with fly casting. One fly casting practice session turned into melee worthy of Ringling Brothers.
The technique and challenge of fly casting has its own appeal. Being a hunter, on the surface or just below the water, using one’s own wits.
“When it gets right down to it, fly tying is, and always will be, a simple manipulation of materials-winding, spinning, and knotting: that’s it, that’s all,” wrote Jardin in his introduction. “Master just the basic principles and then let your imagination-and powers of observation-run riot.”
For the fisherman, beginners and those wanting to try their hand at a new style, Jardin’s latest tome is the place to start. The book offers not just all sorts of interesting and colorful patterns but also offers tip on how the lure is used in or on the water.
“You can craft the finest tied lies that have ever tumbled from the grips of a vise jaw, but if you don’t know how to fish them or are unable to see those flies through a fish’s eyes, then they count for nothing,” Jardine advises.
For the more intermediate fisherman, needing inspiration or a refresher course, the latest offering from the “in-a-box” craze is the one. Gathercole’s latest reminds us that fly fishing is not only just for freshwater trout but their sea-spanning cousins as well as other wild fish such as salmon. The bare-bones style lacks any introduction which supposes that the read is already familiar with fly fishing, so beginners take note. The flash cards give a quick rundown to the reader.
The niche that Gathercole is trying to reach would definitely be men because the booklet and tutorial card are located at the back of the box. But unlike Jardine’s guide, Gathercole has a larger list of resources for fisherman outside of the United Kingdom.
As with any sport, materials and tutorials as only as good as the brain inside the player; whichever product you choose, good luck and see you by the stream.

Happy Easter...

2008-03-21T16:32:00.001-04:00

Here is a Peep Show...

Kiss My Blarney Stones...

2008-03-17T15:10:00.007-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Erin Go Brough to all our Irish and descended readers. Judge Jimmy Lynn hosted his 9th annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast at the Plough and the Stars restaurant on 2nd Street this morning. The Irish Cream of Philadelphia attended the event filled with music, jokes, dancing and even poetry.
Larry Mendte, anchor for CBS3, read from his father's book 'in honor of Gov. Eliot Spitzer.'
"Please excuse the glasses but I'm 50 and the eyes at the second thing the go," said Mendte. The crowd chuckled. "The first thing is the hairline, get your minds out of the gutter people."
John Dougherty, state senatorial candidate and head of the local 98 electrician's union, also read a tongue twisting piece from a 19th century Irish poet.
"Coming from South Philly, I know how hard it is to get pronunciations right," said Johnny Doc.
The host, Lynn, known to The Review as 'The Singing Judge', also sing a few ballads such as 'The Wearing o' the Green' and over favorites. The title "The Singing Judge" comes from last years election when Lynn ran for Superior Court. Instead of giving a speech at the 21st Ward Community Council Candidates Forum, Lynn sang "Sweet 16" which was his ballot number. It was the highlight of a excruciatingly boring three-hour event.
As a special favor to the judge, St. Patrick himself attended the breakfast and gave a blessing. But here is ours, Slainte!

Snapshots of 2008 Flower Show

2008-03-12T14:44:00.005-04:00

Philly Beer Week touches Our Town

2008-03-12T14:32:00.005-04:00

One upmanship...

2008-02-29T11:13:00.003-05:00

It would seem that Philadelphia Weekly, are taking City Paper poking around Our Town seriously. Erica Braith followed up her piece last week about revitalizing Ridge Ave with this piece, about making it a green corridor.
The stories have also been the talk of PhillyBlog as well. we'll keep a steady eye out on this one.

But not to be outdone, Philly.com has this on one of their numerous blogs. A few notes, many may recognize some of the people but are named. Glen is of course, the principal of William Levering Elementary School. A man identified solely as an educator is Richard Jenkins is principal of Roxborough High School.
The post is an informative perspective. Education has of course been a top priority in the neighborhood. And there has been great improvements here and hopefully there will be more to come.

Green La Fire...

2008-02-25T15:29:00.003-05:00

Fire broke out at the vacant Green Lane Residence. No one was injured. For the Full story, see this coming edition of The Review.

Nutter's Budget Address

2008-02-25T15:20:00.002-05:00

Budget Address of

Mayor Michael A. Nutter

February 14, 2008

Good morning Council President Verna, Majority Leader Tasco, Majority Whip Clarke, Minority Leader O’Neill, Minority Whip Rizzo, members of Council, guests and my fellow Philadelphians.

What a pleasure it is to return to these hallowed chambers where the public’s business has been guided by Council President Anna Verna, who for almost a decade now has made sure that every Council member has had the opportunity to succeed in advancing their public policy goals.

Council President, I appreciate your leadership now as much as I did when I was a member of City Council and look forward to a productive partnership as we address the needs of Philadelphians.

Five weeks ago we took our oath of office and pledged to work together, to make Philadelphia the city of our dreams, the safest, cleanest, best educated, most productive city in America. For all of us, it was a NEW DAY.

Now, it’s time for the NEW WAY.

As I present a proposed budget for 2009 and a Five-Year Plan for your consideration, my message is straightforward: We confront fiscal issues that have been ignored for too long. The time for heavy lifting has arrived.

But if we work together in partnership, if we make smart investments, we’ll secure our future and make this city and region strong as we face the global economic challenges of this century.

This is not a message of fear and doubt. It is a message about hope and change.

Yet, as the elected and appointed officials of this government we must recognize an unvarnished truth.

Many Philadelphians hold a jaundiced, cynical view of local government. And why not? They sent their hard-earned tax dollars to us and in return they encountered an unresponsive bureaucracy where the pay-to-play culture and ‘who you know’ was the perceived standard of service.

We must do better. And today we start that journey.

Customer Service

Imagine a time when Philadelphians brag about their government services, when those services are delivered quickly and at the lowest possible cost, and with a smile instead of a frown?

We’re going to make that happen. It starts with old fashioned respect. This government is here for only one reason – to provide the very best service to the people of this city.

And in our actions, we’re going to be open, transparent and accountable. We’re going to identify problems, map out plans to solve them and then get the job done. But it doesn’t end there.

We’re not going to create another bureaucracy, feed it scarce tax dollars and then walk away saying ‘job done.’ Absolutely not. Results matter and we’re going to manage for results.

Providing quality service is a constant conversation with the customer -- the people and businesses of this city -- and we’re going to become very good listeners. We’re going to track our performance very carefully and make continuous adjustments.

This proposed budget and strategic plan identifies core service areas that we all agree upon – public safety, education, jobs, healthy, sustainable communities, delivered by a government with the highest ethical standards and a commitment to top-notch customer service.

But as we begin this lengthy budget process, let us not get lost in big numbers and obscure budget principles. Our actions will impact on the lives of Philadelphians.

Public Safety

And as I made clear on my first day in office, public safety is going to be a central concern for us. In the last few years, the echo of gunshots on our streets, the sound of police sirens in the night, the tragic and unacceptably large number of homicides – it has all sapped our spirit.

But I believe the new crime fighting strategy conceived by Police Commissioner Ramsey is going to change the dynamic in our neighborhoods as 200 more officers hit the streets by May 1 and many more follow in the coming year. We’re going to focus on high crime areas and use proven policing strategies, from lawful stop and frisk procedures to a rededicated effort to get guns off the streets.

In the next five years we’re going to spend $78 million in new funds to hire more police. By the end of fiscal 2009, we’ll have 400 more officers on the street.

As part of our new capital plan, we’ll invest $16 million for desperately needed improvements to police buildings and technology. In addition, we propose to spend $2 million each year to create a network of surveillance cameras that will enhance our safety. By the end of this year, alone, we will install 250 surveillance cameras and more are in the pipeline.

But even a return to basic policing informed by the latest data-driven techniques is not enough. That’s why I am recommending a substantial increase in city funding, $5 million in the coming year and $25 million over the next five years, for the Youth Violence Reduction Partnership, which provides intensive services to young people aged 15 to 24 who are identified as most likely to kill or be killed.

This program has a proven track record and many vocal advocates such as Councilwoman Donna Miller, who has pushed for more resources. The new funding will help us expand the program beyond the current police districts served.

And related to our efforts to protect the city’s youth, I want to say that the 14,000 children receiving child protection services are not going to be forgotten. I have directed the Commissioner of Human Services to notify its contractors that they will be funded through the end of the year.

Keeping the public safe also means getting to the sick and injured as quickly as possible. We need to improve our response time in emergency medical services.

Already, we’ve added $1.2 million this year, to increase the number of medic units and the number of units we deploy during peak hours.

On Tuesday, I proposed a $3.8 million increase to the Emergency Medical Services budget, which will support increased overtime and staffing for 40 new EMT’s as well as two new vehicles in the coming fiscal year, with three more to follow in 2010.

These changes could not have been made without the persuasive advocacy of Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, the analytical spotlight cast on this issue by City Controller Alan Butkovitz and the technical expertise of Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers and I want to thank each of them for their assistance.

Increasing our EMS capacity is going to help us improve our response time to life-threatening emergencies, but we also need to unburden our 911 system, where fully a third of the calls are not emergencies.

Heeding the advice and hard work done by Councilman Jim Kenney in this area, we are going to establish a 311 non-emergency system with annual allocations of $2 million.

This 311 system will also enable us to enter a new world of customer service. Citizens will no longer have to search high and low for a number to call with the range of quality of life problems that beset us, from potholes and abandoned cars to tree limbs and trash complaints.

Our goal by the end of the year is to have a new system called PhillyStat, which will track these service calls from start to finish.

We’ll know how long it takes the Streets Department or L&I to respond and when the problem is resolved. It will become a key element in our drive toward accountability and greater efficiency.

And I also know that PhillyStat will please City Councilman Bill Greenlee who has been pushing hard for more efficient delivery of city services.

Health and Sustainable Neighborhoods

Philadelphia has always been one of America’s great cities and part of its charm is its thriving Center City, but we’re also a city of neighborhoods, distinct, quirky but always interesting neighborhoods.

As part of our plan to promote healthy and sustainable neighborhoods, I want to establish Philadelphia as THE GREEN CITY in America, from an emphasis on green construction practices to a national leadership role in the recycling movement.

For too long, Philadelphia has been at the fringe of the recycling movement with a collection rate of just 6 percent. In the coming year we’ll invest $6 million and $25 million over the next five years to create a process that is more user friendly and will increase our participation rate.

In May, we’re going to expand single-stream recycling to North Philadelphia. Initially, this new effort will provide for every other week collection, but by January 2009, we will have weekly, citywide, single-stream recycling.

Along with our emphasis on recycling, we’re also moving to implement a citywide litter prevention strategy, and for his interest in a clean, sustainable city, I want to thank Councilman Frank DiCicco for his help in this area.

Shortly, I will name a director to a new Office of Sustainability who will focus on best practices in sustainability, energy efficiency and green-collar jobs and will work with city departments whose missions impact our environment.

No plan to make Philadelphia a green city is complete without focusing on Fairmount Park, one of the greatest park systems in America. It soothes the urban soul and attracts visitors from all over. I want to make this park the best in the country, bar none. To do that we must give it the resources that it’s been denied for years.

I propose providing a $1.5 million increase to Fairmount Park in FY09. Over the five years of the plan, the budget of Fairmount Park will rise from $13 million to $19 million, an increase of more than 46 percent. And I want to thank Councilman Darrell Clarke for his determined stewardship on this issue.

To fund these initiatives, I am proposing an increase in the parking tax from the current 15 percent to 20 percent. We estimate the increase will generate an additional $16 million, which will support the park, an aggressive tree-planting program and our first “pay as you go” capital program, in this case for street resurfacing.

With City Council approval, we will continue the city’s efforts to rejuvenate its neighborhoods by adding $1 million per year to the city’s Housing Trust Fund. With this new money we’ll leverage other public and private funding and aim to produce at least 1,000 affordable housing units each year. Building more low and moderate cost housing in this city of homeowners is a key goal, and I thank City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for keeping this issue in front of us all.

City Council has also been loud and clear on its concern over the funding commitment to the Department of Public Health and I want to thank Councilwomen Marian Tasco for her advocacy in this area. Councilwoman, we heard you! We’re proposing an additional $3 million per year to enhance our health centers, add key professional personnel and upgrade technology.

Education

Earlier, I spoke about the need to improve performance, about setting the bar high. But when it comes to educating our children and preparing a skilled workforce the bar can’t be set too high.

We now have before us a series of aggressive goals, cutting in half the school dropout rate, doubling the number of Philadelphians with college degrees and encouraging more people to re-enroll and complete their degrees. If we succeed, our city will be richer for it because an educated employee makes more money across a lifetime than a low-skilled worker.

Philadelphia already is heavily invested in its schools, spending $800 million a year on educating our children. And Gov. Rendell’s new funding formula for public schools will help us and we need to tell our friends in Harrisburg that this new formula is critical for our schools.

We are addressing the dropout crisis by re-programming the money we now have and leveraging our current social services funding to do a better job of linking students to schools.

Reducing the dropout rate is also about helping students understand the meaning of their education in the march to work and careers. Following Council’s lead last year, we will provide $1 million for summer internships, helping 860 Philadelphia students see the link between school and life after school. And as I announced yesterday, we will add 100 more slots this summer.

As part of our plan to encourage more Philadelphians to go to college, we need to help Community College of Philadelphia in its mission. Community College of Philadelphia serves as a critical gateway to higher education. Many Philadelphians start their college experiences at Community College, earn a two-year degree there and move on to four-year programs.

I propose to bolster the college’s funding with an annual increase of $4 million or $20 million over the course of the Five-Year Plan.

This new funding will help Community College blunt the escalating cost of education and make it more affordable for young Philadelphians to go to college and to remain in their course of study.

Jobs and Economic Development

A better educated workforce, a cleaner, safer city with a customer-oriented government – all of this is part of a broad strategy to change this city’s direction.

Between 2001 and 2006, our job base contacted by 4.5 percent. It was a slower decline than the 1980s and 90s, but we can’t let this trend continue.

So, I’m committing the resources of this government to the goal of halting, once and for all, this drain of jobs and people. We’re going to reverse directions and grow this city by 75,000 residents in the next five to 10 years.

And one of the assets we’ll use is our cultural institutions – our museums, libraries, entertainment venues and historical treasures. We’re going to reopen the Office of Arts and Culture, founded with foresight by Mayor Wilson Goode, and increase funding to the Cultural Fund by $2 million in 2009.

And let me here cite the substantial contributions of Council members Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jack Kelly and Frank Rizzo, who vigorously pushed for more investment in our arts and culture.

But using culture as a magnet to attract jobs and population must be part of a broad effort to make Philadelphia a business friendly environment. We must continue the steady reduction of wage and business taxes if we are to retain the business we have, attract new business and secure the prosperity Philadelphians deserve.

In recent days, we’ve seen what the new spirit of cooperation can do. After lengthy negotiations, City Councilman Brian O’Neill and the leadership of the Fox Chase Cancer Center have reached agreement on expansion of that world reknown institution. Thank you Councilman for your leadership.

I also want to thank Councilman Wilson Goode, who has proposed a series of aggressive reductions in the business privilege tax that will enhance this city’s competitiveness.

Following his lead, I am proposing to eliminate the gross receipts portion of the business privilege tax in eight years. We must also target the other onerous part of the BPT, the net income portion of the tax. For the first time, we will begin to take down that tax, from its current 6.5 percent to 6 percent by fiscal year 2013.

At the same time, we will also continue the wage tax reductions that began under then Mayor Rendell in 1995. Over the course of the next five years, the rate will drop below 4 percent for the first time since 1976.

Earlier, I said the message accompanying this 2009 budget and Five-Year Plan was one of hope, not fear. The spending initiatives I’ve outlined are exciting and doable. But I also said we face fiscal challenges and that the time for heavy lifting has arrived.

As we start our journey toward a consensus on the budget, we all have to acknowledge there are storm clouds in the distance. Some, in fact, are upon us. Our national economy is sputtering. Whether we’re in a recession or not, this much is clear – we’re already seeing a flattening of our tax revenues, particularly in the real estate transfer tax.

And while we have a healthy budget surplus at the moment, we face enormous needs.

For too long we haven’t invested enough in our buildings and other infrastructure.

The Philadelphia Gas Works, despite recent improvements, remains a threat to the city’s fiscal stability. The school district faces major financial challenges and our tax structure is a dead weight on every business and taxpayer in the city.

But our most pressing challenge is much closer to home and we all know what it is.

The single largest expense in our budget is the salaries and benefits we pay our hard-working employees. They consume 60 percent of our budget. Health care and pension costs, now roughly a quarter of our budget, are increasing at rates that cannot be sustained any longer.

With contracts for the city’s four municipal unions set to expire at the end of June, we have an historic opportunity to establish a new partnership for progress between city government and our employees.

I’ve said that city employees deserve a fair and reasonable contract but one that also treats city taxpayers in the same way.

The administration and city employees have very tough choices to make together.

The right choices will result in smart investments and the long-term security that we all want for city employees.

With that in mind, let me first address the pension issue. Based on the needs of current and future retirees, the city Pension Fund has an unfunded liability of $3.9 billion.

Looked at another way, only 52 percent of our pension obligation is actually funded.

And yet, in 2001, the city’s general fund sent about $194 million to the Pension Fund. This year, that payment will top $437 million. Larger pension payments are in sight. And still the unfunded liability remains.

Our retirees and current city employees should not have to worry about their future after years of loyal service to the city. We need to act. We need to correct a succession of decisions that have resulted in an underfunded Pension Fund and increased general fund obligations that endanger the future of the Pension Fund.

Today, I’m proposing that we issue a new Pension Obligation Bond, roughly $4.5 billion, that would stabilize the Pension Fund at a 95-percent funding level.

The new debt service on these bonds will be far lower than the projected payments we are now scheduled to make to the Pension Fund.

And part of the savings, roughly $50 million per year, would be returned to the city’s general fund.

At the heart of upcoming negotiations with our labor unions will be the compensation packages, the combination of wages and benefits, including health care.

The city’s contributions to employee health care have increased by double digits each year. During the same period, a national survey of employer-sponsored health plans showed an average increase of 6 percent.

This administration is committed to an honest and open dialogue with our unions.

As the Five-Year Plan makes clear, there isn’t much wiggle room and there are dozens of worthy demands for our scarce resources. But to union leaders, let me say in the greatest spirit of partnership and collaboration, here are our books, test our revenue estimates and also examine the many demands for city resources that we face.

This is the new spirit of openness and transparency that I pledged during the campaign last year. As I’ve mentioned many times publicly, let’s all pledge to negotiate in honesty and good faith for the benefit of our employees and citizens.

Yesterday, when I addressed the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, I posed a challenge to the business community. I said that we, together, are on a quest for a better life but that government can’t do it all.

We owe it to ourselves, to our children and to our grandchildren to make the hard choices now so that we can meet the challenges of the future.

More than two centuries ago, a group of leaders gathered here in Philadelphia and said quite simply they’d had enough. They cut their ties from the old ways and established something new.

It’s now time for the city, its employees and its taxpayers to forge a new partnership based on trust, cooperation and a recognition that the old ways simply won’t work any more.

In the coming weeks, City Council, our public employees, administration officials and our fellow Philadelphians will examine every assumption and projection in this budget and Five-Year Plan.

I expect a full discussion of these proposals and I also know that the three new members of Council, Maria Quinones Sanchez, Bill Green and Curtis Jones, are going to be well prepared because they spent weeks and weeks studying the operations of city government before taking office.

It’s that kind of commitment that will make the New Way of doing business here in City Hall a clear benefit for all Philadelphians.

We don’t walk into this process under the assumption that we have a monopoly on ideas, but we believe the proposals set forth here today will put us on a course for a safer, cleaner, greener city, where our children are protected and educated, where government performs its tasks in an open, honest and efficient manner and where performance is measured, improvements are made and services are delivered.

Madame President, members of City Council, ladies and gentlemen, this is the new way of doing the public’s business, and so I urge us all to stand together and embark on a new day.

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

Discuss your snow day memories....

Not to be outdone..

2008-02-21T16:20:00.004-05:00

That other alt-weekly paper in the city of Brotherly Love, City Paper, has also put Roxborough in the spotlight as well with a piece on Bob's Diner. Bob's is one of the great classics in Roxborough, decent chili and the first place to non-smoking in the neighborhood. So Jim and Co. were true trailblazers.
We look forward to seeing them as the Tom Monaghan 15th annual Chili Cook Off at the Manayunk Brewery next month.

City Paper - Bob-Mentality

Guet's the man...

2008-02-20T12:17:00.004-05:00

Imagine our surprise looking into Philadelphia Weekly and seeing our good man, RDC executive Director Bernard Guet talk about revitalizing Ridge Ave. Thank for the Kudos guys, we've only been trying to raise awareness of this forever.

PW - Revitalizing the Ridge

Like a bag hangover...

2008-02-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

We admit to avoiding this issue for sometime. Partly, because we never really cared for the place and mostly because they never advertised in this publication. (We don't even admit our company published PLAY, who were frequent users and abusers of the place.)
But Grape Street Philadelphia. closed abruptly a few short weeks ago. The official reason is that the someone bid high enough on the building lease that Grape Street owners declined to match it.
the latest is that Mad River, a notable chain of bars, will be setting up shop in the old mill building. This is new place may have potential. There have been good times at Mad River but it in SOUTH CAROLINA.
Many people lament that Grape Street was never the same when it moved from its namesake, the actual Grape St. It has also been said that its successor, 105 Social, is a pale comparison.

So I give you Sweeney and Co.to give a bellwether on the feelings of a) a new Grape Street and b) new Mad River in Manayunk.

UPDATED: Dan Gross had a piece yesterday about Grape Street Owners being sued. All this bickering as Main St. falls back into the canal. Pull out the tiny violins.

Super Sunday?

2008-02-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

Friday
It was the question on everyone's lips, young an old, especially the boy who stumbled in front of me and nearly vomited on my shoes. I am getting ahead of myself.
This was, of course, Super Bowl, weekend. Not that I noticed, my (and nearly everyone else around here) had been out of time some time back in September. Not that I am a defeatist but come on, the writing was on the wall for the Eagles some time ago. So it almost took me unawares when J.P Boles, of Ugly Moose fame, asked me:
"What are you doing for Sunday?"
"Well, I haven't really considered it." I replied.
This was on Friday, I was still wondering what I going to do tomorrow.
"Why don't who come down, Sunday is Wing Night. Since it's the Super Bowl, we're not doing anything that special. We'll have a hoagie out for customers. Have a few beers and watch the game," said Boles.
'Sounds like a plan," I said. I admit that I was in the mood for Wings on Sunday, even though I was entirely sure on what my next move would be five minutes in the future.

Saturday
To take me mind off of sports, I did the only natural thing. I went to a hockey game. A friend of mine with an extra ticket invited me. The Flyers were coming off a bad loss to the Rangers earlier in the week and were facing the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks. The game was just the tonic, a 3-0 win for Philadelphia. So I did what came naturally, I went down to Main St. to celebrate.
I met up with my friend, Scott, at my usual haunt, The Flat Rock Saloon, but quickly moved onto places I rarely (read: never) frequent. Scott and I finished the evening at 105 Social, the former location of Grape Street Pub, now those days are gone. I found the music to be moderately good and the alcohol liberal, that, of course was Scott's doing entirely.
It was in the lavatory I was met with this exchange.
"Hey, who do you think is going to win, tomorrow?" a stranger asked me.
"I don't watch football often and my team isn't playing so I am not that personally interested but I know a few New York fans hoping to bring balance to the force."
The man snickered, "yea I can see that, I'm from Boston so I rooting for the Patriots."
"Yea, I'm from here, so I bleed green, but good luck to ya," I said making my exit.
"Right on," the man said.
Where do these people come from?

Sunday
Of course, the only reason I watch the Super Bowl: the commercials. I grew up in the age of impressive commercials. The standard is, naturally, Apple's iconic '1984' ad. But I remember the trailer for the film Independence Day, cue exploding White House, The Budweiser Frogs, Louie the Lizard, bud Bowl, the Bud Ice penguin, and many, many others. A lot of beer commercials really, weird, but I am sure there where other stand-outs.
Scott accompanied me to Roxborough's best-known hideaway, the Ugly Moose. It was the perfect place to go after a weekend full of frivolity. There were a dozen people in the joint. All seated at the bar around to HDTVs.
"I am pretty sure this is the first football game I've seen all year," said Scott.
"Same here, at least in its entirety," I said.
On the bar, as the Rush Chairman had said was a tray of hoagies. These were no Wawa-Amaroso tasty bites. These were the old-fashioned, aged provolone, Sarcone's crusty hearty-type sandwiches.
Scott and I split an order of wings; by the way, wings are half price on Sundays. According to Boles, the wings are the Moose see little frying oil. The wings served are jumbo-sized then baked. This is done to preserved the size, which can often be reduced when frying alone. The wings are all cooked by baking, then when ordered, are flash fried (two-three minutes, tops) to get the skin crispy. The wings are then tossed in the sauce then send to the table.
The sauce was a smokey-tangy, dark and rich. Do I detect chipotle, J.P.?

[Editor's note: I smell someone pitching a future story idea]

But to the game, surprisingly it only took about five minutes before Fox started stargazing into the crowd obligatory showing of Tom Brady's latest trophy, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, sex symbol-Borat Obsession-actress Pamela Anderson (who remembers her acting career?), and priceless pep talker and Eli's older brother, Peyton Manning.
The game itself, like most great sports matches, did not get interesting until the final minutes. But let the dailies and other sports pundits pick apart the nuances of the game, I'm too tired.

Most disturbing moment of the game:
Halftime show - When did Tom Petty become so old looking. (Although this epiphany is not nearly as disturbing as the Mick Jagger attempting to strut around the stage or Prince for just being Prince.)

Highlights of the game:
Joe Buck admitting that he and Aikman may not be the best broadcasters in the business.
The final minutes making up for a boring three quarters.
Forcing the Giants to play a final second.

Notable commercials:
Pepsi Max - Narcoleptic Joe Buck, askew toupees and Hadaway soundtrack.
Planters - cashew oil as aphrodisiac and alternative to plastic surgery. (that chick was awful)
E-Trade - follow up to the baby buying the clown and underestimating its creepiness
Iron Man - movies based on comic books are starting to come along, thanks CGI.

Quote of the night:
"So anyway to win this pool, I need the Pats to score a safety, which they probably are not going to do or I need them to score a touchdown, then miss the extra point and then get a field goal or score six touchdowns, which they are probably not going to do."
-JP Boles, with five minutes to go in the game.

[Editor's note: not a bad considering you lost your notes]

For more on The Ugly Moose, go to www.theuglymoose.com

Some much for that resolution...

2008-01-31T14:33:00.000-05:00

Well, dear readers it seems I broke one resolution this year. That would be writing more often on this blog...well, hopefully, we'll get back on that horse. Anyway, the winter doldrums seem to be lifting as evidenced in this week's edition.
This on the home front, Bernard J. Scally, was officially promoted to Assistant Editor this week. Seems there is also a open position for a reporter as well. We'll see how that goes.

But on the story front, tonight, Imagine Philadelphia, will talk about how the city will look 20 years hence? What do you think?

Julian says Merry Christmas...

2008-01-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

To all our Eastern Orthodox brethren, we say Happy Christmas.
And what a treat we have for the city of Philadelphia. It is inauguration day with former Councilman Michael Nutter being sworn in this morning at the Academy of Music. Nutter served the Fourth Councilmanic District which includes Manayunk and Roxborough. Nutter fought a hard primary campaign against a number of high profile candidates, then cruised to victory last November.
Tomorrow, Mayor Nutter will be greeting the public at City Hall. He will also take the opportunity to feed his enemies to the Rancor as well.
Good Luck Michael and see you tomorrow. For now, let's see what you've won.

Moving Mural...

2008-01-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

Workmen from Roxborough Memorial Hospital and Executives from Citizens Bank were on hand to facilitate the move of the well-known Garner Mural that hung in the old Roxborough-Manayunk Savings and Loan Building at Ridge and Lyceum Aves. The mural hung in the building for 49 years. The mural is being moved to Roxborough Memorial Hospital.

Melly Clistmas, you plicks

2007-12-21T16:14:00.000-05:00

We know posting has been pretty thin this past month. Be fair, we have been shorthanded, on vacation, kidnapped by wild antelope and dragged majestically across the veld. We promise to be more fruitful this coming year.
Anyway, Have a great holiday people.

I couldn't get away...

2007-12-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

The temperature outside is in the mid-30s in the city and there are flocks of seagulls hanging out in the Ivyridge Shopping Center parking lot. Seriously, I believe Salvador Dali has got nothing on us here in Roxborough.

Christmas Story Preview...

2007-12-19T19:18:00.000-05:00

A gift to you readers. My man, Terry Hatcher (no, not that one), has been working hard to create some art for this year's Christmas story. Here is a second glimpse into the story.

Weekend Whirligig...The Return

2007-12-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

So apparently there is a new link in town helping to guide the Manayunk Nightlife. ilovemyk.com. is the new kid on the block. We right now are neutral on how they are. We have been too busy to give it a through going over but it seems promising. So check it out.

My boy, David Duong, got engaged. Buy him a shot tonight when he plays at Flat Rock Saloon.

And here is the rest of your options. for Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here. . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

Preview from the forthcoming edition of The Review...

2007-12-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

Been a busy week since I returned from the South, where in fact they do accept Yankee dollars. Hooray! It was an excellent time and recommend the city of Charleston, SC to anyone. But life seems to have picked up since I returned. Here is a sneak peek of things inside this week's edition...

I wish I was in Dixie...

2007-11-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am on vacation to sunny South Carolina to visit some friends. See y'all back here in December.

Random Notes....

2007-11-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

So anyway, regulars readers will note no Weekend Whirligig was past last Friday. After all that Turkey coma and for some a great deal of traveling, was there any need for one.
But anyway, some important notes that should be made.

DAMN THE MAN, SAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD...Those in favor of so-called progress have been gaining the upper hand. The Zoning board has approved Venice One; the Manayunk Neighborhood Council will be appealing that one. Bully for them. Secondly, it looks like Germany Hill will be the target of rape by developers. The area has been a hidden piece of green space for more than 60 years. Should be some fireworks on this one.

HOLIDAY HEROICS...This Year's Christmas Story manuscript is freshly completed. It goes before a secret editing committee before submission to the Executive editor. It comes to a whopping 13-page, 7,038 word count. Its author, i.e. ME, feels that serialization may be an option. But we'll check with our illustrator to smooth out any deadline rushes. The storyline is still being kept under wraps but is titled "Nightmare on Noel" So far, reactions from the editing committee have been positive.

AND WE DANCED...We got to see one of favorite bands over the weekend at the Electric Factory, The Hooters. A great band out of Philadelphia and a huge influence on my life. The band and their opening act, The A's sounded great. Even the new stuff is good. After the show, guests got a copy of the new album Time Stands Still. And most exciting is that Pierre Robert of WMMR took a sound bite of me asking how the show was.

So anyway, back to work...

Happy Thanksgiving...

2007-11-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Enjoy your meals and remember to give thanks to those who provided, cooked and served. While you sit and watch football remember about those who can't. Enough preaching, hoped you enjoyed our little excerpt; still needs a little editing I know but it is turning out well and the artwork will be crackerjack. See you back here on Friday.

Exclusive Christmas Story excerpt...

2007-11-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

It was just before the impact that broke his nose that Jake realized that Christmas was more of a hassle than a holiday. For Jake, it was planned a simple get in-wait in an incredibly long and winding line-get out maneuver that everyone experiences when shopping at the last minute. Jake had not counted on fisticuffs with an apparently desperate housefrau and her bowling ball bag.

“Gahwah!” was the only thing Jake could say at impact.

This year’s popular craze was these life-like dolls called Wannabes. It was the absolute rage. These dolls were highly detailed (in every respect) and came in small batches and even family groups. Also, every doll wears a piece a jewelry with the same red-green crystal. The great upscale collectible maker, Lennox, was stumped as to how something so meticulously made be so affordable for the holiday.

Jake was only home from University for a few weeks and this is how had he ended up only a few short hours of coming home. Jake looked down at himself. Blood had started to dribble from his swollen nose.

“Here, my dear boy, I think you are in need of this,” said a man.

He was holding out a white handkerchief to him. There was something in the man’s kindly expression that made Jake accept the offering.

“I saw the whole thing,” the man continued as Jake worked to staunch the bleeding, “I say, you look like a hacked up Marty McFly, what a tragedy.”

Jake felt a little dizzy. The man helped steady him.

“Hold on, let’s get you looked at,” said the man.

The man drove Jake to the emergency room at Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Not much in the way of conversation in the man’s car unless on counted the man repeating orders of “Keep your head tilted!” “Keep the pressure on!” and “Don’t worry about bleeding on my car seat!”

The man continued his silence while waiting at the hospital. He had a brooding expression on his face. The man looked up when the nurse called Jake’s name. The man walked ahead of Jake and had a few words. The two conspired like old friends; the nurse looked over a Jake and chuckled.

“Oh my, that injury won’t be hidden by any amount of make-up,” said the nurse, looking at Jake’s swollen proboscis. “This way, sir. Everything has been taken care of by your gentleman friend.”

Jake turned as the mysterious gentleman was making his way out of the hospital.

“Who are you,” asked Jake.

“Oh, dig deep enough and you’ll find out,” said the man. “A demain”

The man left twirling his walking stick. Jake reach into his pocket for his cell phone and felt an object that wasn’t there earlier. It was a business card that read:

Roxborough-Manayunk Herald Tribune, Sebastian Collins, editor and business address a few blocks from the hospital.

Jake walked out into the early evening. Since it was after business hours, there was no use going to the office listed on the card and Jake was not ready to go home he did the only thing a college senior could do: he went to the bar.

* * * * * *

With Turkey Day just a speed bump until Chrismahanakwanzakah, thought I'd share some Holiday spirit. It is turning out to a crackerjack of an adventure.

Weekend Whirligig...Contemplative Edition

2007-11-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

This piece from the LOLCats reminds us of how bare our own walls here at The Review editorial office is right now. Between getting stories done, this years Christmas Fiction piece and generally going out of my skull. I hope to get something up on the walls by New Year's Eve. I grow tired of the Absurdist-like lavender walls and the single clock that hangs on it.

But enough of the state of affairs here, This is the FINAL weekend in which you can catch Myself, Andorra's Kathy Leslie and The Review's own editor George E. Beetham, Jr. performing in An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. It is a very witty and highly enjoyable show that is full of laughs, drama and sex appeal. And if that doesn't get you, there is a man in a kilt as well. So give you liver some rest and take in some culture in East Falls this weekend.
If our not so very interested, here is your usual mixers, for Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

Taking care of business...

2007-11-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

Been busy keeping the grand ship of state afloat but a multitude of things events have been going on and we'll try and keep you posted my freaky darlings. Now enjoy your entertainment, some Spike Jonze.

Weekend Whirligig...Authentic Irish Edition

2007-11-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

So anyway, got a press release from these kooky Celtic experience peddlers this week. Apparently, they added a new chef and have revamped their menu at the Headhouse Square location. This new menu will also apparently also be creeping up to Manayunk in the future (when all's well.)
We often get things from this organization quite often mostly about their second tier locations. What got our attention is that the new company chef is Mr. Brian Duffy. Duffy, once a Food Network talking head, was also the executive chef at the defunct Sonoma in Manayunk. (Sonoma is now been transformed into Derek's) Often the chefs of Kansas City Prime would often jeer the man out of ear shot. Now, not knowing him enough to slag him off here, I reserve my judgement until after I have tried his new additions. I do thank him for getting the "DeBella DeBurger" off of the menu. While it was a tasty morsel, it doesn't do justice to such a complex and mouthwatering mountain of a man.

And speaking about the Irish, Myself (partly Irish), Kathy Leslie (Very, very Irish) and George E. Beetham Jr. (Not so very Irish) are performing in An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. It is a very witty and highly enjoyable show that is full of laughs, drama and sex appeal. And if that doesn't get you, there is a man in a kilt as well. So give you liver some rest and take in some culture in East Falls this weekend.
If our not so very interested, here is your usual collection of assorted bangers and mash, for Grape St., click here. For (new and improved) Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

Weekend Whirligig...An Ideally shameless edition!

2007-11-02T14:48:00.000-04:00

Well, it is my shameless self-promoting piece about how you should come to the Old Academy and see myself, the Editor of The Review, George E. Beetham, Jr., the sexy, feisty and glowing Kathy Leslie (seen sitting here on my knee). We are performing in An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. It is a very witty and highly enjoyable show that is full of laughs, drama and sex appeal. And if that doesn't get you, there is a man in a kilt as well. So give you liver some rest and take in some culture in East Falls this weekend.

If not here is your usual bottle of anti-freeze. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

I should also mention that tonight's opening night will be followed by a champagne reception afterward.

Happy Halloween...

2007-10-31T14:17:00.000-04:00

So here we are again celebrating Samhain once more. It definitely one of the most underrated celebrations in our civilization (especially since rampant consumerism has been pushing Christmas since August.)

But so far, I have been not very impressed with the outfits this year. Over the weekend, I counted at least eight Elvises, a half dozen Supermen, a gross of cops and equally as many criminals.

But there was a glimmer of hope dear reader, there were a number of impressive home made pieces worthy of mention such as a God (white wig and beard with red robe) although he should gone with the Moses motif. He did look more like Heston from the Ten Commandments. But there were also memorable other such as the Green Fly ( a women in tightly wrapped green Saran wrap.) and the Devil with the Blue Dress on. (No explanation needed.) It is also exciting to note that Miss Devil here also works at the Old Eagle Tavern on Friday nights.

Of course, some people got a dressed a little early but were still major hits such as this gentleman letting people know that it is in fact "Peanut Butter-Jelly Time".

But so far, the most enjoyable thing about this Halloween so far is the lack of angst and antagonism that seemed the permeate the last few years. For example, I saw the aftermath of a college boy being thrown through a window by some local kids. Very messy. SO far, no reports of such behavior. Let's keep it that way.

Weekend Whirligig...

2007-10-26T13:44:00.001-04:00

Certainly, feels like one of those weeks again. Whatever shall I do? Well, to me if finally feels like October and what comes after the grand Oktoberfest? Well, All Hallow's Eve, Samhain, Hallowe'en or Halloween, if you will. It is a great time to fight the demons in our likes or if you prefer get dressed up and make fools of ourselves. I say, well done to the former and latter. Do not hesitate to get dressed up this weekend and frequent your local watering hole. You may just end up here.

This weekend is jammed packed of things to do. Mostly, dress rehearsals at the Old Academy. An Ideal Husband opens next weekend, so exciting.
But my personal tradition for the day of Halloween, these days, is to get a bag of candy, some popcorn and a bottle of beer, wine, liquor, soda-pop or whatever and watch horror films all day.

But let us know your Halloween traditions, and here are your listings. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

And now we leave you with another plug for my talented cousin, Asa Jennings. It is the title track off his forthcoming album, "My own worst enemy"

The picture they didn't want you to see...

2007-10-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

Yep, that is myself, Review editor Mr. George E. Beetham, Jr. and Miss Kathy Leslie together in a promotional picture for the upcoming Old Academy production of An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. Opening night is Nov.2 and runs until Nov. 18. We hope to see you there, dear reader.

What a talented family I have...

2007-10-24T13:09:00.000-04:00

Readers may remember that earlier this year, I share with everyone my time in England during the Christmas and New Years holidays. I am very pleased to have an excellent follow up to that series. This is, of course, still a work in progress.

But I do have the singular honour of introducing you people to my English cousin, Asa Jennings. Asa and I along with our fathers and our Uncle Graham attended those Ipswich Town football matches.

Well, out of the trees, Asa send me an email that he is also a singer-songwriter who has his first album coming out next month. It is another excellent piece, and I am no just saying that because he's family. His voice is similar to that Maroon 5, without the pop beats. His rhythm is more like David Martin, who I also wrote about earlier this year.

He definitely has a great future ahead of him. He is extremely talented. I am only surprised he didn't tell me sooner or we would be doing this sooner dear reader. So keep an eye and an ear out, he working toward a UK Tour and I think it won't be much longer until a US Tour either.

Here is a single from his forthcoming album titled: "Tomorrow"

and also "with the jones..."

2007-10-24T12:51:00.000-04:00

Also The Review is keeping an eye this week on developments with the EPPI-Youth Study Center issue going on East Falls.

Also we'll be checking in with Skin Radio and see what changes have been going on in their sphere.

Roxborough High will be having an open house tonight, hosted by that famed politico, State Rep. Kathy Manderino.

And what bank is changing their tag line...?

This and more of that will be in next week's edition of The Review...

"Your Majesty, you look just like the piss boy."

2007-10-24T12:36:00.000-04:00

So today, I heard the news about how City Council might raise the fine for public urination and defecation and that most of the pertinent testimony came from Manayunk.

But apparently, there is other conduct going on in public that I have not been aware of. That there has been public displays of fornication. Since I heard about this news early in the morning before my work and second breakfast afterward, my first thought as a single male bachelor was: "Why haven't I been invited?"

But all kidding aside, I admit to a modicum of rowdiness in my college years and plead the fifth amendment in doing anything untoward and now was a person charged with security of a Main St. establishment, I agree this behavior is atrocious. I hope I wasn't as awful and petulant as some of the people I've met at the door at my bar during my days at Dear Ol' State.

And on the issue of public sex, as a horny teenager, that may have been exciting to me once, but now seems crass and quite filthy. This isn't the fifty yard line at Beaver Stadium or the Pattee Stack folks, can you kids wait til you get back to your overpriced apartment? I mean how drunk, desperate and horny of an exhibitionist do you have to be to get lucky in public. Now, I really understand why State College 'townies' dislike Penn State students. Fortunately, Manayunk does not need a large student population to keep its commercial districts thriving.

Hopefully, have more on this story as it progresses.

Back in the black...and stopping "The Great Wall of Manayunk"

2007-10-24T11:58:00.000-04:00

We are coming out fast like Lando and the Falcon out of the Second Death Star in Return of the Jedi. After a quite interlude this summer, the residential Alliance has been striking back at the evil Empire of corporate developers and arrogant and inebriated students. (Boy that Star Wars marathon on Cinemax may have gotten to me but its not a bad analogy.)

Since this week has a certain Main St. flavor let's start with the developers. Residents gathered yesterday to the Green Lane Bridge to let people know about the zoning hearing today. Many people have plenty of questions about the building design and its impact and many of them are still unanswered.

Many gripes had about the buildings ascetics I think are moot. It is really the issues of who will be the new residents, why condos, and the impact of additional traffic.

Traffic is a big issue. On my way to the protest, it took me 20 minutes to travel down Green Ln. between Silverwood and Cresson Sts during the morning so-called 'rush' hour. I hear it takes longer to get to I-76 if you take Umbria St. or Leverington Ave.

Apparently, Venice One is not the only residential building going up on the island in the near future. It is one of three such projects for the former industrial island.

In the past few weeks, my own view of the project has changed on the subject. I thought of first of supporting it (until I found it is one of the three projects, rent out of my range, etc.). Then I cynically thought that no matter what it is going up. (which it may still might.) and now I believe there is something that can got there.

I respectfully disagree with Mamma Q on putting single family dwelling on Venice Island. I think that only mitigates the problems a condo projects glaringly has, primarily being flood plane issues.

After speaking with some residents the issues that really impede development in Manayunk are small streets and lack of parking. I also add an additional point lack of recreational activities for children and teenagers. So what I think would be best for Venice Island is a multi-story parking lot for Main St. shoppers and a skate park for those wild and woolly youth.

Primarily, my thinking is, since it would be nigh impossible to widen streets in the Yunk. A multi-story garage would be a boon to the street providing a place for shopper to keep their car. It would be a good revenue source for Manayunk for decorations, maintenance, etc.

A skate park could make Manayunk a youth sporting mecca, with the future addition of boating and water sports. It would be a place for those young skateboard enthusiasts who seem to be annoying their neighbors with their clattering boards.

A safe place for children recreation is also a strong selling point in bringing families back to the Yunk, which could push out all the in-filling student population.

Just a thought really? what do you think?

Weekend Whirligig...Express Edition

2007-10-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

Another slow yet important week for the heroes of The Review.

Again Mr. Duong and his musical abacus will be performing tonight at the Flat Rock Saloon. Anyway, here are your usual suspects,. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

I am going back to doing whatever is it is I'm supposed to be doing around here.

What makes a hero...

2007-10-15T12:36:00.001-04:00

Weekend Whirligig...

2007-10-12T16:45:00.001-04:00

So here we are again folks, slow week so here's a the rundown.

First this weekend the Delaware Valley Opera Company , are having a costume sale this weekend at the Hermitage Mansion. So if you haven't found a costume yet or like charitable causes or both check out this event.

Also it is Manayunk Second Saturday, and in honor of October, this event will have a Harvest festival flare throughout the day. Events include dessert tasting, best recipe, sales, and music.

Speaking of Music, Skin Radio, will be having their Fall Arts and Music Festival in Pretzel Park on Saturday as well.

Anyway, here are your usual suspects, if you not interested in any of these wonderful events. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

Loads of winners from 'round here...

2007-10-11T16:10:00.001-04:00

Remember when we mentioned that Fox 29 was doing a contest called their "Hot List". Yea, we forgot about that one too. Thankfully, viewers of that particular station made sure to vote for their favorite. Here are some locals places that took top prize with a little added commentary.

Winnie's LeBus - Best Breakfast. We love Winnie and her staff. Probably some of the most friendly and helpful staff in the business. She has been a big supporter of us that many of The Review's articles hang on the walls of the converted old mill building. The menu is excellent and we personally vouch for the mimosas. (The secret is they use fresh squeezed orange juice. SHHH!)

Minguzzi's Pizza and Pasta - Best Pizza - First we have to say. We know the people at Minguzzi's are hard working people. They have been most generous to The Review in past. But we have to disagree with the people on this one. I personally believe Alex's Pizza still to be the best. But they were not a choice. Second, I saw some guy complain about quality. While this complainer was drunk, he certainly knew his pizza. "Ask him [The Owner] if they use Grande Mozzarella, I bet you they don't. Grande is the best quality. I bet they get this cheese from Restaurant Depot." IN VINO VERTIAS, eh?

The Bayou - Best Wings. This one tears me in two. The Bayou, while having great wings, and believe me I know, I had to competitively eat some against an Dutch Sumo wrestler named Hans. I am a big fan of Moriarty's, who placed second in this category. But since The Bayou is the home team. Well done, Bayou. (I came in last place in the eating competition against Hans and another opponent.)

CJ and Eck's - Best Neighborhood Bar. Never actually been here but I hear its good place to go. Besides they hold the meetings of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians and the place still stands. If it can survive the impact of the Irish, it must be ok.

Feativities Events - Best Caterers. The absolute best in their field, I have to say I don't think I have been to a better party when they held their open house at the facilities on Domino Ln. Meryl and Nady have been racking up awards since they started in the business and show no signs of slowing down. You can read about that party here.

B&B International Cigars - Best Cigar Store. Found in both Manayunk and Chestnut Hill, this store is one of my personal favorites. It is also a win for the underdog considering that the B&B crew beat out cigar store giants Holt's and Black Cat Cigar companies. So very well done to Brian DeCesare, BTO, Parker, Harris, Terry, Joanna and the rest of the crew.

So what are you waiting for. Get out there and enjoy these popular favorites before they go away.

This is a Drill, a fire drill...

2007-10-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

Last night, Member of the Philadelphia Fire Department's Engine 39 and Ladder 30 Companies with help from Boy Scout Troop 114 handed out fire safety literature to residents on Fountain St. The city-wide fire drill is part of National Fire Prevention Week which seeks to reduce the number of fire fatalities and injuries down through raising awareness.

Scenes from the Harvest Festival , Part II...

2007-10-10T14:33:00.001-04:00

Tried getting these up yesterday but had tons of technical difficulties. If you missed the Harvest Festival, here is a glimpse of some of the fun we had.

Scenes from the Harvest Festival...

2007-10-08T11:03:00.000-04:00

Weekend Whirligig...UPDATED

2007-10-05T12:29:00.000-04:00

And welcome back to the Weekend Whirligig.

UPDATE- This Sunday, check out Gorgas Park for the annual Harvest Festival. The festival will have a multitude of things to do and food to eat. It's a great way to support your community. I will also be on hand helping out with things such as selling tickets and anything else John Boyce needs me to do

And of course, our man, David Duong , the one man Tokyo Jukebox is back in business entertaining the new crop of college carousers. So drop on by the Flat Rock Saloon on Saturday night for some good tunes, food and music. Recently, FRS owner Bob recently go zoning permission to open an additional floor, so that means more space for hanging out at one of the best bars on Main St., Manayunk. WHOOT!

Anyway, here are your usual suspects. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

Remember, because of changing calenders through history, Oktoberfest actually ends this weekend and don't forget to toast Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later Ludwig I) and his wife Therese for bringing this holiday to everyone.

Additionally, we are always interested in hearing your stories and tips about watering holes and talented entertainment. You can comment or even stop by the Flat Rock. Look for the well-dressed bouncer.

This week in Our Town...

2007-10-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

So this week has started quite tragically.

As readers probably know, a woman was killed on Ridge Ave while trying to cross over at Green Ln. This intersection does have a traffic night but is also quite busy. This marks the second Pedestrian death on the Ridge Ave. business corridor. The third death, this year.

On the development front, The Manayunk Neighborhood Council has decided to oppose the Venice One project. The 280 unit development would be built on a flood way on the old Mrs. Paul's Factory/Arroyo Grille/Carmella's site. Residents worry about the flooding, traffic, demographic and also aesthetic issues.

And thirdly, teenagers and others are contributing to the decline of the quality of life of the Dearnley Park area, residents want action.

For all this and more check out The Review on Oct. 10.

Business is business...

2007-10-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

Been at meetings all day yesterday and have a few interviews today. I will have an update on the goings on in the neighborhood later today. Amuse yourself with this piece, my freaky darlings.

Obiligatory posting...

2007-10-01T12:47:00.000-04:00

This is the only gear we had in the office. But we felt we had to show our support for our Phightins and support reading so in the end everyone wins. Go Phils!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scenes we like to see...

2007-10-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

Apologies to "Mock the Week". But here are a few pieces from the fine art show at the Hermitage Mansion.

Weekend Whirligig...

2007-09-28T13:02:00.000-04:00

An old classic...rediscovered. This song was probably my theme tune when I was in college; that is when I remember college. Anyway, some definite happenings going on in the neighborhood.

Old favorite Dave Duong is back in town doing two shows at the Flat Rock Saloon. We think he's saving up to take over the bar; but what do we know. It is unknown if buddy Matt will be performing alongside.

Also there is a fine art show at the Hermitage Mansion this weekend. The featured art is by Sandra Day. Many readers may know here from The Review. Day is president of the Delaware Valley Opera Company, which has been at home in the Mansion for almost three decades. The DVOC was told to move out come next year. So the search is on for a new home. Day and the company hope to stay in Roxborough or surrounding area. Ten percent of the art sold will go toward the moving expenses for the DVOC. And as you can see, her work is quite good.

And for those just looking to celebrate Oktoberfest, here are the usual listings.

For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .

We also recommend for Oktoberfest activities to head down to Ludwig's Garten on Sansom St. Our man, Damien, will be coordinating the festivities. Tell him that Bernie sent you.

And for those of you wondering what my current theme song is, here you go.

In development this week...

2007-09-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

This week has had its own surprise or two.

On Wednesday, the everyday heroes of Philadelphia came out in remembrance of a fallen brother. Firefighter Charles Caldwell, who was killed in the line of duty in 1969, was honored this week. A plaque in his memory was placed at the site of his death; it is part of a city-wide program to honor the men and women in uniform who have died in the line of duty. Caldwell is number 27 in a total of 268 plaques that are planned to be laid throughout Philadelphia.

Caldwell's ceremony was attended by approximately 100 people including Caldwell's family, members of the nearby fire stations, 5th District Police, Fire Commissioners, City Councilmen and many others.

Here Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers gets at the crux of a Firefighters' duty.

While there we learned the reason that Commerce Bank has not been said to have been robbed recently.

And also who knew that pizza pie was such a high.

All this and more will be in the page's of Next Week's edition of The Review.

Stand by for further transmissions...

2007-09-27T10:29:00.000-04:00

Stories developing...will return shortly with a whole plethera of multimedia. Well, maybe one or two things.

This week in the News of Our Town...

2007-09-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

So anyway, if you hadn't already heard/figured out, residents of the 38th Ward (East Falls, Allegheny West, Nicetown, Tioga, etc.) are going to fight the coming of a "temporary" move of the Youth Study Center to the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (EPPI), located next to the site of MCP. The move was expedited to make way for the arrival of the Barnes Foundation to the Parkway.
Residents are not against bringing the Barnes to Philadelphia; but are upset that they were not consulted on the move which was suggested by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At a meeting held at MCP last night, residents made known their dissatisfaction with the way the city government is handling the move. City officials only presented a third of their planned presentation because residents did not want to hear it.
Besides the city's managing director, Loree Jones, other high profile attendees included Jerry Mondesire of the Phila. NAACP, Councilman Frank Rizzo, Councilmanic Candidate Curtis Jones, Jr. and Irv Acklesberg.
We will have more on this story as it develops.

On a slightly lighter note, one East Falls residents is doing his part in honoring "the Greatest Generation". Mike Fraticelli is working on a non-profit independent film that talks about the survivors of Operation Torch, the first Allied landings in Northwest Africa during World War II. Mike has done a lot of research and has been laboring greatly to get the project finished. It is of course, far from complete but it is a great story to keep an eye on.

With more to come, stay tuned...

Tripping down memory lane...

2007-09-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

So with the many other bloggers and media mouthpieces moaning on about how much the news reminds them of a bygone era.

If you hadn't noticed, or perhaps have been in denial/coma/cave in Tora Bora, OJ Simpson has been arrested again on some pretty serious results. And on the flip side, Hillary Clinton is peddling her Universal Health Coverage program again. All we needed was another baseball strike and we really would be like 1994.

But thankfully, it is really nothing like 1994. In those days, the Soviet Union lie in fresh ruins, terrorism was a far from the media eye (except for a failed attack at the World Trade Center in New York a year ago, and some trouble in Northern Ireland and Israel), Osama Bin Laden was perhaps some new special at the corner bodegas and Republicans took control of Congress.

Today, Democrats barely hold control, Russia has a strong bad-ass liking leader, people faint at the sight of a turban (in Nebraska) and television has more bubble-headed bleach blonds than even Don Henley imagined.

Of course, in 1994, I was in a grade school that I hated, pining for a girl I could never have. I was way too smart for my own good. I had no fashion sense whatsoever. and had no money. Now, I am in a job that I enjoy own by a company no one likes and I am still pining for a girl I can never have. Still make little money, Plus ça change..., but it is not that bad. The school I hated then is closed for good, the girl I pine for acknowledges my presence. (She even had her picture taken with me, yay!) I am still way too smart but am well respected for what I do. And I have a keen sense of fashion that is often noted by the public. (As seen from photo with the girl I still pine for.)

So in conclusion: 1994: bad, 2007: fair to moderate.

Phew...

2007-09-20T11:24:00.001-04:00

Sorry, but being a pillar of the community was very tiring this week. With the live blogging of this, the constant coverage of that, we needed a little break. But we're fine now and we'll have some more comments on the world in general and local as well. see you soon.

The Time has come...

2007-09-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

My little ones to speak of many things, Of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings...

Today is, of course, the Community Day Fair at Gorgas Park. As I have been saying in my articles for the past month, The Park has started an endowment fund starting with $10,000 from the Drumcliffe Foundation. They have promised us another $10,000 if the community can match it. So far, the Community is halfway there and hopes to go over the top today with this blowout event ending the summer, which has let's face it started falling around out ears.

I'll be providing hourly updates throughout the day and hopefully some video and pictures so keep an eye out. and see you soon...

3:30 p.m. - We really lucked out with the weather, nice cool end-of-summer breeze,. The leaves are starting to turn. The fair is in full swing and picking up steam. As you can see by the graphic, we are already more than halfway to our goal. Local celebrities Matt McClure, Chris McGill and many others are out supporting the community. The first of many door prizes were given out to attendees. Many Ridge Ave. business generously donated towards these door prizes. But there are other ways to win as well including the 50/50 drawing, roulette wheel, penny auction and much more. So far, volunteers from City Year are serving classic park food including Roast Pig sandwiches, tomato pie, pretzels, soda and other drinks. Manhattan Bagel are selling plain bagels and cream cheese for $1. Most of the food operations will be centered around the park house. The 'Gorge-ous' Food Court should be getting set up and running shortly.

Groups such as The Roxborough Ridge Runners Car Club are showing off their proud automobiles at the park until 4 p.m. On Saturdays throughout the fall, according to Jerry Beaver, the group will be cruising at Ridge Ave. and Domino Ln. from 5 p.m. until dark. The classic cars are more than just a mechanical marvel, they are also artistically pleasing as well.

And speaking of art, live entertainment will soon be replacing the DJ playing the music. The teen girl band "Sugar Hi" will be playing at the gazebo shortly. They are opening up for headlining act, "The Starlites" Check back for video of those performances.

Also Operation Bedding his here also supporting out troops. But some of the unsung heroes of the day are those who put this thing together and keep it going. Such as Colleen James, John Boyce, Gene Gilbert, Steve and Ivana O'Kula, Sylvia Myers and many, many others.

4:45 p.m.- Things are becoming really exciting. The children have been amused by volunteers from North Light who have organized old-fashioned games. Children from Pre-k and higher have been competing in the Potato Sack Race. The Food Court is in full swing with tasty bits from many neighboring eateries such as Jake's, T&F Farmer's Pride, Coyle's Cafe and much more.

Also, 'Sugar Hi' is an excellent band. Not since Japanese Sensation,"Tsu Shi Ma Mi Rae", have I seen three girls rock out. The Japanese girls took their cue from Rockabilly bands and early rock and roll; "Sugar Hi" are definitely 90's girls influenced by musicians and band such as Alanis Morisette and The Cranberries. They are definitely worth seeing at future events.

So we are about halfway into the Fair, in the next hour we hope to bring you something from the Food Court and a video update from the mastermind himself, John Boyce, president of the Friends of Gorgas Park.

5:50 - Ok, John Boyce, president of the Friends of Gorgas Park, gives us a halfway point update from the Community Day Fair

So anyway, As you can see I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. The report is getting a new slant was you can see. I hope they hold up well after today. So people seem to be taking a shine to the Food Court idea. Here are representatives from Jake's Restaurant and Lina from Roma's Pizza having some fun between serving meals.

"This is really great," said Mike Coyle. "They have done a really good job. It is shows how much Ridge Ave. has picked up in recent years."

It's no lie. Ridge Ave. has been receiving a well needed boost. Businesses are starting to pick up. Hopefully we will have some new things in the fall. New developments are spring up from out of nowhere. Coyle pointed out people are taking a shine to the community.

Also people have been taking a shine to my excellent outfit that I chose for today. Ivana O'Kula also felt it was a good idea to bring some class and sophistication to the fair. Her ensemble was provided by Carlino's Tuxedos and Flowers. Carlino is where I got my tux for my senior prom. Nothing screams class than White Tie and Tails. But anyway, Here is that wonderfully sassy minx Gina. Never has the devil wore red so exquisitely. And apparently also plays Bingo, who knew?

The children are still taking a shine to the bouncy castles and bungee runs that have been set up today. Old fashioned games are over and so are the roulette tables. People are still lining up for the classic park food and drinks.

8:20 - Final report - And rounding off the fashionably late evening, The Starlites, food and frivolity. The food court was definitely a great idea, one really gets a taste of the neighborhood. By the time I got there most of the food was taken by everyone. But some of the popular items including Coyle's Cafe great roast beef sandwich, Jake's awesome crab cake sandwiches, Cafe Roma pastries.

Everyone's favorite elected official Kathy Manderino took in the food court with myself and the great Dave Duong. We thoroughly our respective meals. Duong was his usual hilarious self.
"So what do?," Duong asked Manderino.
"I am representative to the state legislature," said Manderino.
"Oh, so you are one I talk to about those pot holes in the road," said Duong.
Afterward, Duong treated us all to cotton candy.
"Thank you, this brings me back to my youth," said Manderino.
"If you don't finish it, you can use the rest to fill in any potholes." said Duong.
Manderino, in the end, shared the cotton candy with some friends.
Duong also expressed his delight in events such as the Community Day Fair. Duong, a Norristown native, lamented the fact that similar events way fallen by the wayside in his neighborhood.

By around 7:30 p.m., much of the food had been eaten and the process of cleaning as-you-go had begun; the tents provided by John Lynch of the Secret Garden came down. Along with the setting sun, down came the inflatable castles.

And with the setting of the Sun, out came the Starlites. A superb band that plays a lot of classic rock and oldies. Righteous Brothers, BTO, and many other great hits.

Between sets the Ridge Runners presented a check to the Friends of Gorgas Park for $2,000. That money is earmarked for the annual concert series and Oktoberfest-Harvest Festival. But we are definitely near the target goal, if not we have a coalition to reach that goal, at least that's according to John Boyce.

So in conclusion, it is our park we are looking after, but more than that, it is our community and our future that we are safeguarding. But here's to next year.

Weekend Whirligig...

2007-09-14T15:40:00.001-04:00

So it's that time again, School's back in sucker. It's the month of Duong at the Flat Rock Saloon. Duong, the slanteye above, plays with his buddy Matt the roundeye. Photo is from last week's performance to a crowded house, full of many beautiful ladies, like the one here. She's sassy and we don't use that term too often. We are definitely suckers for brunettes and freckles, blue dresses and red eye. This little firecracker is one of many who haunt the rock, so where are you?

But anyway, here are your listings for the neighborhood. For Grape St., click here. For Kildare's Manayunk, click here . For more Manayunk-Roxborough places, stop here .
The Philadelphia Live Arts and Fringe Festival is still upon us, it's the final weekend, so get off your duff and appreciate some art, even if some of it is self-indulgent and crappy.

Also this Saturday is the inaugural Community Day Fair at Gorgas Park. The fair will benefit the Gorgas Park Endowment Fund which after Saturday could reach to $30,000. Not bad for the first time out. We've been talking this up a lot in the Paper. In fact, here is the final story that puts it all into the knees of the gods. We will blogging the event all day which a lot of running between my office and the park a block away. We feel confident that we will more than accomplish our goal. But them's the breaks really.

Also, way past labor day, we know what that means: Back to the Black Homburg. So keep an eye out for a Sir Winston S. Churchill lookalike, that will be me. See you at the park.