Earl heading to Outer Banks; over cooler water

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

Curtis making out like a bandit.

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!

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

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.

Proust!

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

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.