Phillyist

Extra, Extra

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-23T16:45:54-05:00

David Headley, a/k/a Daood Gilani, is at the center of a global terrorism investigation. Headley has roots in Philadelphia as his mother is from this fair city and was the owner of the Khyber Pass.

Rishawn "Bean" Morrison was sentenced to six to 23 months of home confinement for cruelty to animals. Morrison set an 8-week-old cat on fire. The cat survived, but later died due to its injuries.

Swarthmore native Henry Spelman was awarded with a Rhodes Scholarship and will study in Oxford next fall. To sweeten the deal, his girlfriend was also awarded a Rhodes Scholarship—officially making them the smartest couple ever.

Ed Rendell and Chris Christie met in Bucks County to discuss various issues that involve Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Among the issues discussed was how to attract more businesses to the region.

Closing arguments and deliberations were postponed in the trial of Officer Chuck Cassidy's killer, John "Jordan" Lewis. They will resume tomorrow.

Yo, Philly in the News

Ross Currie — 2009-11-23T09:00:00-05:00

Photo by Flickr user Tammy Green (aka Zesmerelda)

A five-alarm fire tore through a Northeast apartment complex early yesterday morning, leaving at least 80 people homeless.

25-year-old boxer Francisco Rodriguez died last night from a head injury suffered during a Friday night bout at the Blue Horizon.

Closing arguments in the penalty phase of John "Jordan" Lewis, who murdered Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy, will be held today. The jury will then deliberate on whether Lewis should be put to death, or spend the rest of his life in prison.

Reality TV spoiler alert for those of you who DVR shows to watch later: The Jose Garces empire continues to grow, as the Chicagoan-turned-Philadelphian master chef became the newest Iron Chef last night.

The Villanova men claimed the Puerto Rico Tip-Off championship by beating Ole Miss yesterday. La Salle faithful also had something to cheer about, as the Explorers finished the Charleston Classic on a high note, beating Tulane. The news wasn't so good for the St. Joe's Hawks, who lost to Purdue in the semis of the Paradise Jam.

The Eagles managed to keep pace in the NFC playoff picture by beating the Bears, 24-20, in Chicago. The win was much needed, as the Cowboys and Giants had both won earlier in the day.

Today's AccuWeather forecast: Cloudy with a little rain, 53 degrees. Cool and drizzly tonight.

See Ya Sundee...

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-20T18:00:00-05:00

Flickr user Jayel Aheram

Quick hit picks for Week 11.

Home teams in CAPS.

Miami (+3.5) over CAROLINA W
Indianapolis (+0.5) over BALTIMORE
JACKSONVILLE (-8.5) over Buffalo
DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland
New Orleans (-11.5) over TAMPA BAY
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over San Francisco
Seattle (+10.5) over MINNESOTA
Washington (+11.5) over DALLAS
NY GIANTS (-6.5) over Atlanta
Pittsburgh (-9.5) over KANSAS CITY
Arizona (-9.5) over ST. LOUIS
Cincinnati (-9.5) over OAKLAND
NEW ENGLAND (-10.5) over NY Jets
San Diego (-2.5) over DENVER
Philadelphia (-2.5) over CHICAGO
HOUSTON (-4.5) over Tennessee

This week: 1-0
Last week: 6-9
Season: 75-70

Yo, Philly in the News

Ross Currie — 2009-11-20T10:30:00-05:00

Photo by Flickr user K_Gradinger

Let the bike enforcement showdown begin.

The penalty phase in the trial of John "Jordan" Lewis, who was found guilty of murder in the first for killing Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy, is set to begin. The jury will decide whether to sentence Lewis to life in prison or give him the death penalty.

Three men, including one from Newark, Delaware, have been charged with hacking Comcast's website in May 2008. The hack caused anyone who tried to access their Comcast e-mail or voicemail to be redirected to a message saying "KRYOGENIKS Defiant and EBK RoXed COMCAST sHouTz to VIRUS Warlock elul21 col 1 er seven." Is that even English?

The sixth-ranked Villanova hoopsters squeaked by George Mason in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off thanks to freshman Isaiah Armwood's three-pointer with 13.3 seconds to go.

Today's AccuWeather forecast: 62 and clear today, leading into a pretty nice November weekend.

Where Have All Our T-Shirts Gone?

Colleen Clemens — 2009-11-20T09:45:11-05:00

Perhaps the sting of the Phillies losing has lessened. But wouldn't it be nice to wrap yourself in t-shirt touting the Phils as the World Champions? Clearly, all of those shirts had to printed before the results were determined. So where did they go? To developing nations. World Vision works with Major League Baseball to ensure that all of those new shirts don't go to waste. So somewhere out there, the dream of a Phils' win is alive and well and working for a good cause.

Extra, Extra

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-19T17:45:08-05:00

Photo by Flickr user plemeljr

Thinking of feigning an illness to get out of jury duty? Think again. Anthony DiCicco was found in contempt of court for lying about having the swine flu.

Have you been thinking of attending a Flyers or Sixers game this season? Well, the two organizations are offering 'Recession Buster' prices on some tickets and ticket packages.

Two councilmen plan to propose legislation that would require cyclists to get license plates and to face increased fines for disobeying traffic laws. Under the new legislation, riding on a sidewalk and riding with headphones would cost $300 each.

Don't like your service at a local pub? You better not refuse to leave the tip that is automatically added to your check. Even if you had to "find [your] own napkins and cutlery while [your] waitress caught a smoke, had to ask the bar for soda refills, and had to wait over an hour for salad and wings."

Juan "Two-Face" Rivera-Velez was found guilty of the murder of Miguel Batista. Rivera-Velez was a contracted hitman for drug kingpin Raymond Morales.

Eight Phillies Nominees for "This Year in Baseball" Awards

miss bee — 2009-11-19T16:00:33-05:00

Remember that time when that cute little girl threw the foul ball away during that one Phillies game? Awwwww. Remember when Bruntlett had that amazing unassisted triple play and everyone forget how much he kind of sucked? Yesssss. The season may be over, but the voting and awards aren't yet! The 2009 This Year in Baseball Awards nominees have been announced and quite a few Phils are in the running. Take a gander and vote your brains out, Philly. It's what Jimmy's walk-off double would want you to do. Voting ends December 11th.

Hitter of the Year: Ryan Howard
Manager of the Year: Charlie Manuel
Rookie of the Year: J.A. Happ
Oddity of the Year: Girl rejects foul ball
Executive of the Year: Ruben Amaro, Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jimmy Rollins
Unsung Star of the Year: Jayson Werth
Play of the Year: Eric Bruntlett’s unassisted triple play
Postseason Moment of the Year: Ryan Howard's double play rally, NLDS Game 4
Postseason Moment of the Year: Jimmy Rollins' walk-off double, NLCS Game 4

Yo, Philly in the News

Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey — 2009-11-19T09:45:26-05:00

Image credit: Flickr user cygnus921

Awesome: cop posing as pizza delivery guy shoots would-be armed robber. It's tempting to make a Snow Crash reference here, but we get the feeling we'd be the only ones laughing.

John "Jordan" Lewis, alleged killer of Officer Chuck Cassidy two years ago, blurted out an unexpected apology to Cassidy's widow in court yesterday. Closing arguments are expected this morning. Jordan, who already pled guilty to "general murder," faces either life in prison or the death penalty.

Action News weatherman Dave Roberts announced his retirement last night after 56 years.

Temple professor and local business leader Constantine "Chris" Pavlides was killed in an accident Tuesday evening when he lost control of his minivan. Pavlides was 62.

Sounds like Kensington is Philly's new hotbed for rape: one man was arrested for the rape of at least four area prostitutes. Another man is wanted for raping and then savagely beating women in the neighborhood.

Flyers win; Westbrook will play again; and Brand shines against the Bobcats.

Today's AccuWeather forecast: High of 60°, showers this afternoon. Low tonight of 52°. And no, we don't know what Kosek is doing, either.

Extra, Extra

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-18T16:45:22-05:00

Image Credit: Flickr user injo

There's no need to gamble to make your money when you can just dig up the potential site and take all of your findings to Antiques Roadshow. Treasures aplenty were unearthed at the site for Sugarhouse Casino.

City Councilman James F. Kenney proposed a tax credit for certified sustainable businesses. The proposed tax credit is $4,000.

Do you like Guy Fieri? We do. Check him out tonight at Merriam Theater.

Apparently, two concussions in a row don't seem to have Westbrook "rattled" according to Andy Reid.

Drexel broke ground on a new building at Chestnut and 33rd Street yesterday, to be named after the late president, Constantine Papadakis.

Extra, Extra

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-17T16:45:06-05:00

Photo by Flickr user leighmcmahon

Deuces Wild? How about Aces High! A store clerk in South Jersey sold a man the incorrect scratch-off ticket by mistake. That mistake put $100,000 in the man's pocket.

Big Gulps, huh? All right, welp, see ya later Dad Vail Regatta. The Dad Vail committee announced that the regatta will be moved to Rumson, New Jersey.

Walk-in Swine Flu vaccine clinics are scheduled for Montgomery County on Friday and Saturday. Friday's clinic will be at Hope Community Church in Gilbertsville from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday's clinic will be at Central Montco Technical High School in Plymouth Meeting from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.

The FBI and Philadelphia Police are asking the public's help in identifying a man who attempted a bank robbery in Kensington this morning. If you have information call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department.

Sadly, the woman who was hit with a stray bullet died this morning. We reported on the incident in yesterday's "Extra, Extra".

Yo, Philly in the News

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-17T11:45:59-05:00

Photo by Flickr user wallyg

An unruly man was removed from a U.S. Airways flight destined for London from Philadelphia. The plane stopped in Boston so that the man could be arrested.

Federal and state officials will get a tour of the damage to the Jersey shore in order to assess how much, if any, disaster aid will be provided. Last weekend's storms caused millions of dollars in damage to public and private property.

William McKernan III of Blue Bell will be arraigned on charges of theft, fraud and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities for his part in allegedly embezzeling $1.5 million from a client at his daytime job as an accountant. McKernan is also the treasurer of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors.

Tips on the whereabouts of Toni Lee Sharpless, the Chester County woman who has been missing since August, haven't produced any serious leads. The sightings have been in clusters, which lifts the hopes of the family and investigators. If you have information call the Lower Merion Township police at 610-649-1000 or the investigator, Eileen Auch Law, at 800-796-9042.

Today's AccuWeather forecast: sunny with a high of fiddy-seven degrees. But Jim Kosek warns us to beware of the deuce later this week!

Extra, Extra

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-16T17:00:37-05:00

Photo by Flickr user law_keven

Do you want to see all the world gather in Philadelphia in 2018 or 2022? Well, then, sign the petition to get the FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia!!

Chester resident Kathy Stewart was struck by a stray bullet last night as she laid in bed. The bullet passed through a wall before striking Stewart. She is on life support and is unlikely to recover.

The plan to lower the deer population in Lower Merion goes into effect this week and will continue through December. The plan utilizes sharpshooters to kill the deer on Monday through Thursday nights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The plan was approved based upon concerns including car accidents, environmental damage, and the spread of disease.

Ready for another strike? Teachers from Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr are on strike and want no reduction in pension contributions from their employer. The Academy has canceled all classes and activities for the week.

Former Mayor John F. Street used City Council chambers as his classroom last week as he held a mock budget address. Street teaches a class at Temple University on urban, state and local politics. By bringing the students to chambers, Street was able to convey the importance of the exercise.

Yo, Philly in the News

Ross Currie — 2009-11-16T09:30:00-05:00

Photo by Flickr user K_Gradinger

In case you haven't noticed, we're not big on people who disregard traffic laws, no matter what mode of transportation they're using. The Inqy confirms that bicyclists are not exempt from being assholes when it comes to their behavior on the road.

News flash: If you run from the police, they're probably going to chase you, whether you pose an "immediate threat" or not.

Farewell to another Philadelphia landmark: The smokestack atop the Pennsylvania Railroad steam plant near 30th Street station was imploded yesterday morning.
Police shut down two Upper Darby nuisance bars over the weekend. Police had been called to the two bars a combined 210 times this year.

Donovan McNabb put up monster numbers for the Eagles yesterday, tossing the ball for 450 yards through the air. Too bad it was in a 31-23 loss.

Today's AccuWeather forecast: Too nice to be in school/work/anywhere other than a park.

See Ya Sundee...

Andrew Johnston — 2009-11-13T18:20:20-05:00

Photo by Flickr user Jayel Aheram

The NFL is unquestionably the "No Fun League." This week, the league fined Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco for being an entertainer—which is what he is. Ochocinco was fined $20,000 for flashing a dollar bill at an official during the review of a play where he was not able to get both feet on the ground in bounds. Basically, the league said, "We take ourselves very seriously, probably too seriously. We realize we're an entertainment provider, but we will not let our employees provide entertainment to their fans. In fact, we forbid it. We also realize that tickets are impossible to buy and that serious fans often cannot even watch their team's games because of our ridiculous blackout rules. We turn a blind eye to gambling on NFL games and refuse to acknowledge it even exists."

Listen, I get the personal conduct policy. That's great. I think it's something all of the professional leagues should have. But the NFL really needs to examine issues like Ochocinco's and determine the intent behind it. Obviously, he did not intend to "bribe" the official. I mean, he offered him a goddamn single, for fuck's sake. The official isn't eight-years-old, he's not going to be bought for a dollar.

Shit like this just fires me up. I'll never understand the NFL and why it refuses to be entertaining for the fans. Instead, players are fined for being funny, they can't do end zone dances, we're subjected to 98387243 TV time outs that make the game excruciatingly long, and hometown fans aren't able to watch their games on TV unless that game sells out. What a fucking racket.

And it looks like the Bee is back! The lady's picks for you in italics:

Alright, y'all. In honor of the CMA's this past week, I've decided to let a little country music influence my picks. That is, I'll be taking country musicians from each city and picking which band/group/person that I like best to win. Based absolutely on nothing, but you're all onto me about that anyway. As a side note, it was incredibly hard to find country musicians from Buffalo and a few other cities, so I allowed for some creative stray. You'll see. If I missed somebody huge, feel free to shout it out in the comments. Or if you just hate country music. But don't forget, you'll be waiting all day for Sunday Night.

Now, onto the picks.

Home teams in caps.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Chicago
I picked this. I won. Great way to start a week!

I apparently forgot to look up someone for San Francisco, which is cool, I guess because the game's already over and whoever it was would just have to beat Gretchen Wilson. Easy feat

MINNESOTA (-16.5) over Detroit
There are plenty of reasons why I'll take the Vikes at home against the Lions. This is the least of them. Jared Allen is awesome.

Detroit, Kid Rock is all you. Please take him and keep him there, for the sake of the rest of us. Country music doesn't want Kid Rock anymore than that rock scene does either. As if that weren't easy enough, Minnesota's pick is Bob Dylan. Blow out. Easy peasey.

Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
The Skins are bad. They are reaching deep into the well for their Running-Back-by-Committee this week. Bad things. Denver is coming off of two losses.

Ooooooh, Duke Ellington or John Denver? Ellington's on the DC quarter. Score, Washington!

Atlanta (-1.5) over CAROLINA
Atlanta is good. That's all there is to it. They've lost to New Orleans, Dallas, and New England. All three playoff teams. Other than that, there has to be some justice delivered since Mike Smith was fined for the melee last week with DeAngelo Hall. Somehow, though, DeAngelo Hall wasn't fined. The moral of the story: Hokies aren't to be trusted.

Hands down, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland (and Atlanta!) brings down the house any day. Even with Kellie Pickler trying to call her inner-Reba with that new auburn do.

MIAMI (-9.5) over Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay may have won last week, but that won't turn into a streak. The Dolphins offensive line is better than the Packers. They will run rampant.

God, Florida SUCKS for this category. Tampa, you take Jake Owen and Miami - well, we had to go to Miami Oklahoma to pick up Keith Andersen, but it looks like a good pick. Go Miami, Oklahoma.

New Orleans (-13.5) over ST. LOUIS
It looks like we're on a streak of shitty teams playing New Orleans. They will hammer the Rams.

Another reach, but since it's Louisiana, we'll let it slide. New Orleans brings Tim McGraw to the table while St. Louis brings that Proud Mary, Tina Turner. Going with Tim for this one.

TENNESSEE (-6.5) over Buffalo
Tennessee is on a roll. Buffalo is on a landslide. Seems like an easy win for the Titans, who all of a sudden look like the Titans of last year.

Seeing as everyone who's anyone comes through Nashville, this game's a landslide. Buffalo can hardly put up a fight, as they throw the Goo Goo Dolls into the ring. Really, Buffalo? I guess there's just not a lot of country songs about getting your pick-up truck stuck in eight feet of snow.

PITTSBURGH (-7.5) over Cincinnati
Vengance in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. Polamalu is back. The Pittsburgh defense is taking no prisoners on its way to another AFC North title. What makes this an even better pick for me is that the Steelers won't overlook how good the Bengals are. They know; they lost to them in week three.

Pittsburgh, you were so close to having to call in Christina Aguilera, but then I found: BRET MICHAELS. Can't beat Cincy's stretch of a claim over Rascal Flatts who hail from Columbus (close call, there Cincy - another couple miles away and they would have packed their van and headed to Cleveland).

NY JETS (-6.5) over Jacksonville
J-E-T-S. Jets, Jets, Jets. It's going to work one of these weeks.

NY Jets, you play in New Jersey. I tried hard to find someone for you. Real hard. Know what I came up with? Bon Jovi, because of that duet with Jennifer Nettles. Jen can't save you from this, though, Jersey. Jacksonville is pulling Lynryd Skynyrd

Kansas City (+1.5) over OAKLAND
Worst. Game. Ever. I'll take the points because neither of these teams should be giving points.

Oakland, Oakland. You could only muscle out MC Hammer or Green Day? Ooph. You fail to David Cook and Mom Jeans. Tough.

SAN DIEGO (-2.5) over Philadelphia
The west coast doesn't treat Andy Reid well. The Chargers are coming off a huge win in New York last Sunday. The saga continues. Wu Tang. Wu Tang.

SD, you've got Gary Allan. Meanwhile, we're totally taking claim on Taylor Swift, winner a kathousand CMA awards this year.

Seattle (+8.5) over ARIZONA
I'm going with the every-other-week theory on the Cardinals. This is their off week. I'm also entering the bet-with-fantasy-interests-in-mind zone. I need Matt Hasselbeck to have a monster game and I need Larry Fitzgerald to have a monster game. Basically, I need this to be a close shoot-out.

Arizona Folk-Pop-Country-Hottie Michelle Branch or Runner-Up-To-American-Idol-Guy-With-Same-Last-Name, Kristy Lee Cook? AZ for the win.

Dallas (-2.5) over GREEN BAY
Dallas is good. Miles Austin seems to be legit. Green Bay is not good. Aaron Rodgers holds onto the ball too long. I have a theory on this and it goes: He holds onto the ball too long because he played behind the Ole Gunslinger. We all know that Brett didn't hold onto the ball long enough sometimes as he would throw erratic interceptions. Aaron Rodgers is trying to be a better man's Brett Favre. Instead of turning the ball over, he seems happy to take a sack and a seven yard loss. He's also on my fantasy team. Sacks cost you a point. He's scored 37 less points than he should have. Yeah, 37 sacks so far this year. We're halfway throuh the season. Oy.

Green Bay, you are so cold and so far North, that I threw you a bone and let you take Canadian chica, Shania Twain. Dallas, could have given you the Dixie Chicks, but I think you would have won. Besides, isn't Jessica Simpson a cheerleader or something?

INDIANAPOLIS (-2.5) over New England
Can't do it. Won't do it. I will not bet against Peyton Manning in a night game. I know the odds are stacked against the Colts. Most of their defense is missing. You know who is playing? Dwight Freeney. All of my eggs are in his basket.

Again, had to stretch for this game. John Cougar Mellencamp or Aerosmith, the Boys of Boston? For the sake of being more Americana and apple pie, going with John Cougar.

Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND
Old Cleveland Browns against new Cleveland Browns. I'll take the old Cleveland Browns, please. In other news, Rob Ryan, the new Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator, has the best hair in the NFL. Hands down. Look at it! I'd kill for his hairline. Hell, I'd even take his hair color and I don't even have one gray hair. Too bad hair can't win games. The Browns would be undefeated. Beyond that, he was talking shit to Jay Cutler during the drubbing that the Bears laid on the Browns two weeks ago. I like this dude.

There are no country musicians out of Maryland, is there? Baltimore produced Toni Braxton, however. Unbreak my heart, Cleveland, 'cause all you got is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

This week: 1-0
Last week: 6-7
Season: 69-61

As for Miss Bee's wins? You know she doesn't tally these things.

Yo, Philly in the News

Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey — 2009-11-13T10:00:47-05:00

Image Credit: Flickr user snakemanrob

You know, the Looney Toons had it wrong: hitting someone with a shovel isn't funny—it's lethal.

Click here; prepare to squee. New baby orangutan at the Philadelphia Zoo needs a name—and your help.

The rain might not be too bad here in Philly, but our neighbors down the shore are having a pretty rough time of it.

The Bacon Brothers have scheduled a fundraiser for the Mummers at the Electric Factory on December 5. Aside from supporting Philly's annual New Year's Day parade, the concert will give the opportunity for thousands of Philadelphia to come within less than six degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Norman Rockwell's work had a pretty big impact. Celebrating that—in 3D no less!—is the King of Prussia Mall, which yesterday opened "Rockwell's America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell," an exhibition scheduled to run through March 14.

The Flyers won; the Sixers are worried; the Eagles are embroiled in a soap opera; and the world's most perfect man won a silver slugger.

Today's AccuWeather forecast, as relayed by Jim Kosek: windy and wet, high of 52°. Low tonight of 48°, with the rain lessening.