I live in Philadelphia and I ride the bus

I have no sympathy for stupidity

2010-09-02T13:10:00.002-04:00

Man run over by car he was pushing up the Manayunk Wall

Inquirer Staff Report

A 20-year-old man is in extremely critical condition after he was run over by a car he was trying to push up the hilly street known as the Manayunk Wall early today in Northwest Philadelphia, police said.

Police said the man's girlfriend was behind the wheel of a disabled 1996 Volvo sedan on the 200 block of Levering Street about 4:15 man when he attempted to push it uphill.

The street has a steep 10-degree grade at that spot, police said. That means the elevation increases 10 feet for every 100 feet traveled.

The sedan rolled backward, dragging the man 25 to 30 feet before hitting a parked car and coming to a halt, police said.

Medics pulled the man from beneath the car and took him to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he was reported in extremely critical condition.

An investigation is under way, police said. No charges have been filed yet.

The street and adjoining Lyceum Street are known as the Manayunk Wall because of the challenge it poses to bicyclists who must climb it 10 times as part of the annual Philadelphia International Cycling Championship.

Brett Myers has been doing some clean living down in Houston

2010-08-24T14:54:00.003-04:00

I don't know how he did it, but Brett Myers looks worse now than he did as a Phillie. I guess his fail proof diet plan he describes below didn't work out for him.

"Making smarter choices while you drink beer," the righthander said after his first start of the spring yesterday, regarding his spring training diet. "Instead of pizza, eat salad. Play for the tie, you know."

He looked better when he was wearing t-shirts like this one:

Duke of Burrell

2010-08-18T15:31:00.004-04:00

In other news, my friend Slippery Jenny told me that she heard Chase Utley was seen being photographed on the hood of a sweet Lincoln town car. I am looking for evidence of this...stay tuned!

The best Pat Burrell Story you probably missed

2010-08-18T14:36:00.002-04:00

Told by Giants teammate Aubrey Huff from back when the two were at the University of Miami.

"After two weeks at Miami, I wanted to go home," Huff said. "So my mom flies out, trying to convince me to stay. I was living with two seniors and they ragged me, too. I just didn't understand all this baseball ragging nonsense. She's in my room one night and I'm sitting on my bed and she's telling me to give it another two weeks.

"Anyway, there's a knock on the door, and before I can even get off the bed, Pat comes barging in with a six-pack in his hand, dripping wet, buck naked.

"So I jumped up and shut the door. Coming from Texas, these things didn't happen. I said, 'See what I'm dealing with here, Mom?"

Rebuttal from Pat the Bat:

"Yeah, that's pretty much how it happened," he said. "I was looking for the shampoo. There wasn't any in the shower. Obviously, I didn't know his mom was in there."

Long pause.

"I don't know how the six-pack got in my hands."

Phillies 9, Pat Burrell 2

2010-08-18T10:34:00.002-04:00

Best sign seen at the game:

"Pat Burrell Drinks Wine Coolers"

Pat the Bat returns to Philadelphia and inspires a return to blogging...for now at least.

2010-08-17T14:30:00.006-04:00

Pat the Bat is set to make his first regular-season appearance in Philadelphia tonight while wearing a Giants uniform. According to some blog posts that I may possibly be monitoring on a daily basis he now goes by "Touch in the Clutch." Lame.

Burrell has produced four go-ahead runs in the eighth inning or later since the All-Star break, which the Elias Sports Bureau says is the highest total in the majors. His game-winning RBIs have accounted for half of the Giants' last eight victories.

For those of you playing along at home, Pat the Bat is hitting .285 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs in 56 games with the Giants, while Raul the Bat is hitting .264 with 11 homers and 58 RBIs in 112 games.

My only hope is that they replay the "Pat Burrell Tribute Video" tonight. You know, the one set to the 1984 power ballad, "I Want to Know What Love Is." Because after all, of all the songs to possibly set a Pat Burrell tribute video to, that one makes the most sense.

Good luck tonight, Pat Burrell. If it wasn't for the wild card race I'd be cheering for you. "How about Phillies 10, Pat Burrell 9?"*

If anyone is looking for me the next few nights I'll be at the Irish Pub on Walnut. Ask Pat for directions, I think he has been there a few times.

* blatantly stolen from a better blogger.

Today I am missing Philadelphia extra hard.

2009-05-21T15:44:00.006-04:00

The weather is beautiful and I am hoping that somewhere in South Philly (or even in Center City to spread the love around) this guy is out and about. I hope his mini keg is tapped and I hope he packed enough cups this time. I hope his microphone still works and that he is still rocking out to the religious-based soul music. I hope he is still dressed all in one color. I hope he is still high- fiving everyone he cruises by, because that used to really make my day.

Philadelphia Strip Club Puts Up Assets, Wants Highways Bare of Garbage.

2009-05-04T11:06:00.003-04:00

Club Risqué has signed up for PennDOT’s “Sponsor a Highway” program, and signs proclaiming so are being posted on sections of I-95.

According to ace reporter Steve S., of Green Street, Philadelphia, they have also sponsored mile 332 on Eastbound 76.

PennDOT spokesman Charles Metzger says the signs have just gone up, so there haven't been any complaints yet. Metzger says it’s a free speech issue. Even if some people might think it’s inappropriate, he says PennDOT can’t turn away a legitimate business:

“If we decline a company from participating in this organization because another separate group might oppose this company, that it could be a First Amendment issue for us.”

In any event, it does pose the question - how do we feel about strip clubs adopting our highways? Generally, the names of insurance companies, car dealerships, and Boy Scout troops on those highway adoption signs. Do we feel better when a normal business maintains our highways? Or do we prefer a risqué business?

I, for one, am a fan of the risqué option!!!! Strippers are good citizens, too.

We need to maintain our highways. As more and more gentlemen go to strip clubs, more and more women are able to strip for money. It is almost like the New Deal! Almost!

It was supposed to be the summer of George!!

2009-04-28T22:51:00.007-04:00

I had my first major bike accident today, the second day into my sabbatical (of course). I was on the bike path a little north of Old Town Alexandria and was crossing the trolley tracks and just hit them at the wrong angle and went down. My left elbow took most of the fall. I lost a lot of skin and took a lot of gravel to the hospital with me.

It was supposed to be the summer of George!!!!

My bike and I got to ride in an ambulance. I was so nervous being separated from my bike that the nurses gave it a hospital bracelet that matched mine, similar to what they do with newborn babies, and sent it down to security.

The bike is fine, but I got 4 x-rays, 4-stitches, some graham crackers and one can of ginger ale.

Now I'm really under house arrest so if anyone else in the area is on sabbatical let me know (because I am really bored)!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Summer_of_George

Can anyone explain this recent phenomenon?

2009-04-28T22:47:00.003-04:00

Why are vendors at DC metro stops selling bedsheets?

I have confirmed sales of bedsheets at Ballston, Judiciary Square (where they were having a "mega blow-out sale!!!) and L'Enfant Plaza.

Here is a picture of the stand at the Ballston Metro Station. This dude was selling bedsheets and granola. WTF?

Raul the M'Fin Bat!

2009-04-27T22:20:00.003-04:00

It is official...I am in love.

The Phils new leftfielder hit a grand slam with two outs in the eighth to help the Phils beat the Washington Nationals, 13-11.

Signed as a free agent to replace the popular Pat Burrell, "Raul the Bat" Ibanez has six homers and 16 RBIs in 18 games.

Meanwhile...back at my other left field crush...

The Rays telecast said that Pat Burrell and bench coach Dave Martinez spend extra time in the batting cages working on "hitting the ball," as Burrell has 14 hits but only 2 are doubles and one home run.

Working on hitting the ball, is that what the kids are calling it these days?

In other news, Happy birthday to Peter Happy. I hope however he celebrated it was better than what was going on in this picture.

Welcome to Philly!

2009-04-21T20:35:00.005-04:00

I am starting to really like the Pat Burrell replacement.

To celebrate the Pat Burrell replacement's walk-off home run to defeat the Padres (meaning without the Pat Burrell replacement saving the day the Phillies would have lost this game) Shane Victorino and Scott Eyre give him a couple of shaving cream pies to the face. Ahhhh, brotherly love!!!!

Opening Day in DC

2009-04-14T22:27:00.009-04:00

I went to opening day here in DC where the winless Nationals took on the World Series Champions (sans Pat Burrell) Phillies!!!!!!!

I forgot my camera (but remembered my foam finger), so here is a picture of the team taken with my crap phone camera.

A few comments:

1. Nationals Park serves Bud Lime. Not quite as awesome as Miller Chill, but close enough.

2. It pains me to say this, but the hotdogs at Nationals Park are much bigger than the ones at Citizens Bank. However, they do not cost $1. Which is better? You decide. Seriously, take the poll. (Click here if you need more information about choice three: http://iliveinphiladelphiaandiridethebus.blogspot.com/2008/10/we-actually-gace-this-girl-money-to-buy.html)

3. Motown Philly was played at the bottom of almost every inning, Live and direct from Philly town!

4. It was opening day so the Nationals set off fireworks…in the middle of the day, at 3PM. I bet they were spectacular, but all I could see when I looked up in the sky was the sun.

5. This is the song Adam Dunn chose as his at bat song. I know I do not have the best taste in music, but come on!!!!

Here is Brad Lidge, maintaining his perfect record.

The game started with a moment of silence for Harry Kalas. We will miss you, Harry.

A very sad day for Philadelphia

2009-04-13T22:28:00.004-04:00

Not the same without Harry

K.By Bob Ford
Inquirer Sports Columnist

Somebody stole the Liberty Bell yesterday, unhooked it from its case and carted it off when no one was looking. We won't see the Liberty Bell ever again, and a part of us all, of what makes our city special, is lost.

They sawed William Penn from the peak of City Hall yesterday, too, right about midday, right about the same time. The planter's hat and the flowing coat, the beneficent smile bestowed upon his little green town. We won't look up and see Billy again, and the skyline will never look right.

A bulldozer rumbled down the parkway during the lunch traffic and it took out the steps at the Art Museum. Putting in elevators or some such refinement. No more running up the steps, no more lounging on the steps. No more steps at the Art Museum and we always intended to take one more jog to the top and turn and see the city.

They filled in the Schuylkill River and razed the boathouses, closed the pretzel factories and turned off the cheesesteak grills. They closed Forbidden Drive, paved Fairmount Park and made people stop parking in the middle of Broad Street.

It all happened yesterday.

The day Harry Kalas died at the ballpark.

"We lost Harry," team president Dave Montgomery said. "We lost our voice."

He didn't get to see this game, but, probably, he had seen it before. He had seen them all.

A simple baseball call like, "Swing and a miss, struck him out," became a magical victory of the forces of good over evil, the emphasis punching through just as the ball had punched through the batter. That very phrasing was the final play-by-play from Kalas that most Phillies fans will remember, as Brad Lidge ended the 2008 season and Kalas declared the team world champions.

Philadelphia went quiet yesterday afternoon. Harry Kalas died at the ballpark, and the city lost its voice.

By the way, this is who replaced Pat Burrell

2009-04-08T22:46:00.003-04:00

Raul Ibanez. Definitely not a Lady Killer, however we have yet to see if he is unintentionally hilarious. He may have hit a 2 run homer today and kept the Phillies alive but I have no plans to try to touch his butt. Nothing can compare to Pat the Bat on a Pink Cadillac.

Also, this picture may be the greatest thing I have ever seen:

Pat Burrell returns to Philadelphia (and I missed it)

2009-04-08T22:26:00.002-04:00

The seemingly endless World Series Victory party finally came to an end today (I think) when the players received their World Series rings.

Former Phillies Pat Burrell , Geoff Jenkins and Adam Eaton took part in the ceremony. Burrell got a rousing ovation before heading off to Boston to play a night game for Tampa Bay. Eaton, who was left off the postseason roster, was booed.

Pat Burrell returns and is looking very dapper. You know he was bummed that he had to get on a plane and play a night game up in Boston. Imagine how far that shiny, new ring would have gone with the ladies hanging out at the Irish Pub.

Meanwhile, the Phillies managed to rally from a 10-3 loss in the 7th inning and come back to defeat Atlanta 12-11. I think this comment sums it up perfectly!

PhillySportsFan123: Quickly, everybody back on the bandwagon!

Duration of World Series grace period: 20 minutes.

2009-04-07T21:49:00.004-04:00

Phil Sheridan: Honeymoon doesn't last long

By Phil Sheridan

Inquirer Sports Columnist

The Phillies began defense of their 2008 World Series title at 8:10 last night, when Brett Myers' 91 miles-per-hour fastball disappeared into the mitt of catcher Carlos Ruiz.

The sellout crowd at Citizens Bank Park delivered the first true chorus of boos of the 2009 season at 8:30, when Myers' offering to Atlanta rookie Jordan Schafer disappeared into the seats in center field.

Duration of World Series grace period: 20 minutes.

But there was something specific about how Philadelphia faded out on Day One that bears watching. Manuel chose to bat left-handers Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez in succession in the middle of the order, thus handing opposing managers a room-service invitation to clamp down a game with one decent left-handed reliever -- a reliever such as the Braves' Mike Gonzalez. After Utley walked in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate, Howard whiffed and Ibanez did likewise. Somewhere Pat Burrell was smiling.

Pat Burrell, keeping it classy in his new uniform.

Based on the philly.com postings, I'm not the only one who misses you, Pat:

5isaKing: Ibanez has a Candy arm, wait and see.... Pat was accurate especially on his throws to the Plate...

Pooh: Ibanez is a better LF and hitter then Pat the Bat and I liked Pat.

jay johnstone: whatever skanks, Pat would have been on the bench in the ninth, anyway.

philly10: DID YOU REALLY THINK THE PHILLIES WOULD GO 162-0.

The Phillies just lost again to Atlanta. Maybe we can still hold out hope for a 160-2 record.

I will miss you Pat Burrell

2009-01-06T16:44:00.003-05:00

My only hope is that he actually wears his world series ring into the locker room of his new team! And that they have a plethora of pink caddys in Tampa.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20090106_Burrell_signs_two-year_pact_with_Rays.html

Being in Newark last weekend reminded me that I never posted these pictures

2008-12-19T16:07:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally saw someone get arrested on my bus. Around 8PM on a Tuesday as I was going home from Yoga.

It started out pretty normal, these two guys got on the bus and headed for the back, and then about three blocks later the sirens started going off and a couple of police cars surrounded the bus. Three officers boarded the bus, asked the guys a few questions, read some Miranda rights and took them away in cuffs.

All things considered it was a pretty calm event. I was trying to rubber neck as best as I could and from what I can tell the suspects had committed their alleged crime, tried to flee and made the brilliant decision to board a slow moving vehicle that stops every block.

The thing that most surprised me though is how routine it seemed to the other passengers on the bus. The bus driver pretty much scoffed when the sirens started wailing, almost as if he was like "ugghhh, AGAIN?!" There were a few women in the front with me who just kept reading their books like we were simply waiting at a red light.

Oh Philadelphia, you never cease to amaze me...

2008-12-17T16:24:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Baby Jesus still missing

The Nativity display that's missing its baby Jesus.

Inquirer reporter Peter Mucha reports:

The case of the missing baby Jesus remains unsolved.

The National Park Service is reviewing video footage in hopes that the theft of the foot-long blond figurine was recorded.

That task is a challenge, because no one's sure when on Saturday or Sunday the Nativity figurine vanished from a creche installed Friday at Independence Mall.

"We’re looking at hours and hours of footage,” said Jane Cowley, spokeswoman for Independence National Historical Park.

The creche was set up under a permit obtained by a community group called the Christmas Creche Committee, she said.

The various permit-holders who set up patriotic or other displays during the year are contractually obligated to provide their own security, she added.

“Of course, we take any theft on park property seriously,” she said

"It is my understanding that the permittees had bolted the figurines down to the creche,” she said.

For security reasons, she declined to say how many cameras are on the mall.

So, Philadelphia, you managed to steal a bolted down baby Jesus. Well done. I dare whoever did it to put it up on top of the Comcast Tower with the William Penn figurine.

and my favorite part of the story is this :

"For security reasons, she declined to say how many cameras are on the mall."

Why? Clearly your security is an impenetrable force, so why not let us all know?

Against every fiber of my being, I am trying really hard not to hate the Phillies today.

2008-12-17T13:45:00.006-05:00

Phillies introduce Raul Ibanez

By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer

The Phillies say they have a better lineup and a better team today because Raul Ibanez is in left field.

I don't know how a team who won the world series can get "better," but how can you have a team with out this:

in left field? Phillies, I think you are making a big mistake. But at least you let him ride with the Clydesdale's at the parade.

Pat Burrell had hoped to make a few more memories with the Phillies next year and beyond.

Instead he learned yesterday his final memories will be his leadoff double off the left-center-field wall in the seventh inning in Game 5 of the World Series - which led to the winning run in the series-clinching game - and leading the World Series championship parade down Broad Street.

In other news, we re-signed an 80 year old man to pitch for us for another two years.
Here is Jamie Moyer during his 1952 rookie season.

Also Happy 30th Birthday to Carrie's Boyfrined, Chase Utley!!

I have lost my will to blog.

2008-12-12T10:59:00.004-05:00

Pat Burrell is leaving Philadelphia. My goal of touching his butt just became infinitely more difficult.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3764268

My heart is breaking. Adina, seriously, bring me some whiskey!

Adina says: "Any other day, i would totally grab my flask out of my bag and run over and funnel whiskey into your mouth (for blogging power of course), but I have my office party in two minutes that lasts til 5 pm at slainte and end in me possibly accidentally taking the R5 to nowhere. "

My new Favorite Holiday Song!!!!

2008-12-11T17:34:00.001-05:00

Download it, you'll love it!

http://www.shwamusic.com/chanukah.mp3

mullet and karaoke at the same time...my cup runeth over!

2008-12-09T22:44:00.003-05:00

If you know me, you know that I have three loves in life...karaoke, mullets and El Caminos!! Yes, I was born and raised in western NY!!

There we were, the night before Thanksgiving, at McGillins, one of my favorite bars in all of Philadelphia. There was karaoke that night, but the regular host was on vacation. So, in walks the substitute with possibly the best mullet I have seen in years. I mean, look at this:

May I say that he was the worst karaoke host of all time. It took him over two hours to set up the equipment, equipment that involved about 20 extension cords and three antennas. The only thing this guy had going for him was that everyone was so fascinated by the amazing display of mullet that we couldn't even complain. Well, until he hit two hours of set up time, at which point I alerted the bouncer and got the show on the road.

The South Street Bridge is CLOSED!

2008-12-08T21:01:00.003-05:00

The south Street Bridge closed this morning for the next two years so that it can be rebuilt, causing a major commuter nightmare for both cars and pedestrians.

I've always loved running across this bridge. I think it is one of the nicest views of the skyline, aside from the crappy metal that actually made up the bridge itself.

My favorite part of the story is this:

"The span over the Schuylkill has linked Center City with University City for 85 years and has borne nearly 23,000 vehicles a day. It was closed to traffic at 10:39 a.m., about one hour behind schedule."

Awwwww yeah Pennsylvania DOT! Way to start this project off on the right foot!

Ruh Roh!!!

2008-12-02T13:34:00.001-05:00

I'm the biggest Pat Burrell fan out there but he made 14 MILLION last year? Damn, he really is the biggest thief in America!

Phils do not offer arbitration to Moyer or Burrell

By Todd Zolecki

Inquirer Staff Writer

The Phillies did not offer Jamie Moyer or Pat Burrell salary arbitration before last night's midnight deadline, a league source said.

This means the Phillies will not receive draft picks as compensation if either player signs with another team. Both are Type A free agents, which means the Phils would have received two draft picks if either player had signed elsewhere.

But the Phillies, who would not comment last night, must have felt the compensation was not worth it.

The fact that the Phillies did not offer Moyer or Burrell arbitration does not mean the players won't be back in 2009. The team can continue to talk with both and ultimately re-sign them.

If the Phillies had offered the two arbitration and either had accepted by Sunday's deadline, they certainly would have received raises. Moyer, 46, made $7 million in 2008. The lefthander went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 33 starts. Burrell, 32, made $14 million. He hit .250 with 33 home runs and 86 RBIs in 536 at-bats.

The Phillies likely could afford those increased salaries, but if either had accepted arbitration, it could have precluded the team from pursuing other free agents. It also could have precluded the Phils from working on contract extensions for other players.

And if Moyer or Burrell had actually gone to the arbitration table, the Phillies would not know how much they would have to pay them until February.

It also seems possible that the Phillies, who have 10 other players eligible for salary arbitration, did not want to wait that long to find out how much they would have to pay them.

The Phillies, who did not offer arbitration to free agents Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez, have made it clear that re-signing Moyer is a priority, although talks seem to have slowed. The Phils recently contacted free-agent righthanders A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. They also have expressed interest in free-agent outfielders Raul Ibanez and Rocco Baldelli, reliever Juan Cruz, infielder Nick Punto, and others.

But while the Phillies have made it clear that they want Moyer back, they have not talked recently with Burrell's camp. It could mean they are not interested in bringing the leftfielder back. It also could mean the Phillies, like other teams, are waiting for some of the biggest free-agent names to fall (in this case, leftfielder Manny Ramirez) to see where the market stands. Regardless, it seems that Burrell would have to agree to a contract that favors the Phils to return next season.

DVD is available. The Phillies announced the release of a DVD called The Perfect Season: The 2008 Phillies Video Yearbook. It will be available for $19.95 today at Phillies.com and through the team catalog at 877-467-4457. It will be available in stores beginning Dec. 12. All-star closer Brad Lidge narrates the 75-minute video.

Children and Drunks always speak the turth.

2008-11-25T12:45:00.002-05:00

My sister is a high school teacher in the Philadelphia Public School system. She sent me this e-mial today and I had to share because it is so very awesome.

Today we read "Harlem" by Langston Hughes in class and my kids had to come up with their own similes about it:

"Harlem"
by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

My students similes:

"Does it stink like the Schuylkill River after the rain?" (I had to tell this student that he could not turn in "It's smells like ass like the Schuylkill River")

"It's like a bus not stopping / People shouting / Laughter in the windows / Aggravation inside" (accompanied by a picture of a Septa bus passing by a group of kids and the kids shouting curse words)

"It's like an overflowing toilet" (accompanied by a picture of a yellow toilet, blue water and brown turds)

"It's like cereal and no milk"

"Does it stink like McNabb?"

possibly the best beer list of all time!

2008-11-19T12:33:00.003-05:00

cell phone photo compliments of my friend Jerry; marathon runner, Michigan alum and Danny Paille aficionado . Taken at the South Philly Tap Room, my new favorite place even though I've never beer there.

My friend Jenn took this picture in San Fran recently

2008-11-19T12:20:00.000-05:00

Hmmmmm...

From the Philadelphia Turkey, sad but true...

2008-11-18T11:24:00.000-05:00

City to Have More Upscale Steakhouses Than Libraries

November 18, 2008 – In the wake of Mayor Michael Nutter’s sweeping budget cuts and the openings of Chima, Butcher & Singer, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, analysts say that if current trends continue, Philadelphia will soon have more upscale steakhouses than public libraries. “If the mayor’s plan to close 11 of 54 libraries holds and the [steakhouse] openings persist, by 2012, there will be more steakhouses [than libraries],” said public-policy expert Richard Barr of Drexel University. “As the father of our libraries, I’m sure Benjamin Franklin would be appalled… though he certainly does strike me as a steak man.”

City officials, meanwhile, sounded an optimistically pro-steak view. “The mayor did not want to close any libraries, but the [$1 billion] budget deficit really forced his hand,” said Nutter spokesman Doug Oliver. “We’re advising residents who are upset [by the closings] to visit Ruth’s Chris or Barclay Prime and treat themselves to a nice, juicy porterhouse. It really takes the edge off.” According to City Councilman Brian J. O’Neill, “Some may say this trend represents a hollowing-out of Philadelphia’s soul, but I disagree. Personally, I’ll take a flame-grilled sirloin over a musty old book any day.”

Library advocates, meanwhile, were deeply troubled by the analysis. “This really shows where our priorities are as a city and as a culture,” said Sandra Janson of Broad St.’s Fumo Family Branch, one of the 11 doomed libraries. “And I don’t think that a six-course meal at Fogo De Chao will help an elderly person regain his computer access.” Restaurateur Steven Starr, owner of both Butcher & Singer and Barclay Prime, scoffed at such hand-wringing. “So there are lots of steakhouses, and not so many libraries—big deal,” he snorted, walking past Rittenhouse Square’s Smith & Wollensky. “Honestly, you’d be surprised what you can learn from a $75 filet mignon.”

I do whatever the Phillies tell me to...

2008-11-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

and today they want us to vote BRAD LIDGE for closer of the year! So do it!

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/awards/y2008/tyib/index.jsp

I can't imagine him not winning, with his perfect season and world series ring, but stranger things have happened. Vote early and often!

So, has anyone else noticed SEPTA's new ad campaign?

2008-11-11T22:10:00.004-05:00

I ride the bus a lot. I also really enjoy people watching on the bus. I can tell you that what people read while riding the bus falls into three categories:

#1. the free metro paper
#2 the Bible or other religious paraphernalia
#3 trashy romance novels **

So, based on this top notch research, you can imagine my surprise when I noticed that THE ECONOMIST has starting advertising on SEPTA. And not advertising on a bus here and a bus there, it is ALL OVER. 30th Street Station is completely covered.

I would absolutely LOVE to get the statistics on the increase (if any) on Economist subscriptions in the Philadelphia area once this ad campaign comes to completion. I'm betting The Economist just wasted a boatload of cash on maybe 1 or 2 new subscribers. If anyone has access to this information or knows where to find this information let me know!

**I of course don't read any of this. I'm currently reading "Queen of the Turtle Derby," a collection of stories about living and eating in the South sent to me by my friend Heather as part of her never ending quest to get me to move to Nashville. It is a very entertaining book and I highly recommend it. I also recommend anything by David Sedaris, even though he didn't let me touch his butt.

Sarah Palin should read my blog

2008-11-10T21:46:00.002-05:00

specifically this post:

http://iliveinphiladelphiaandiridethebus.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-i-learned-at-philadelphia-zoo.html

Also, while we are on the topic, Congratulations Alaska! You are on the brink of electing a convicted felon to the senate. And its not like his crime happened years ago and was pushed under the rug until the last minute...he was convicted last month!!! Seriously, what is going on up there???

Things I will miss about Pat Burrell (part 1)

2008-11-10T21:17:00.004-05:00

Its not looking good for Pat Burrell's time in Philadelphia.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/homepage/20081110_Staying_or_leaving__Burrell_a_part_of_Phila_.html

I will miss Pat Burrell immensely. Mainly because every time he had a hit I would get a "PAT THE BAT!" text message from someone, and most of the time from more than one person. By the end of the season I was even getting text messages through others. For example Carrie's sisters would text her saying "tell Melissa 'PAT THE BAT!'"

The winner of the PAT THE BAT text message game was definitely my friend Nick, I don't know how he did it but I would say I got a text from him for about 75% of Pat Burrell's greatness last season. And a special thanks to Bill and Jerry for all the "Patricia the wiff!" texts.

My friend Nick

Thankfully, I still get a text/call every time someone hears the song "Don't stop Believin'" by Journey. This has grown into quite the phenomenon, people text/call from the east coast, the west coast, Germany and Canada. They text at all times of day or night from all kinds of time zones. They text when they hear it in the car, when they are at karaoke and when the are actually at Journey concerts. They text to tell me how much they love the song and some to tell me how much they hate the song (mainly Kansas Dan and E). My friend Chris even texted me once telling me that he was leaving a party because someone had actually turned the song off in the middle!

Keep them coming because they will help me fill the coming Pat Burrell void in my life!

Philadelphia, I am impressed!

2008-11-10T12:54:00.004-05:00

http://phillyfixmycar.blogspot.com/

Car-flip victim asks for cash, and actually receives it

By STEPHANIE FARR
Philadelphia Daily News

When Ted Passon found that his 1998 Mitsubishi Galant had been flipped by revelers during the Phillies' World Series celebration on Oct. 29, it was a fitting exclamation point on what has been a mostly painful partnership.

"Me and my car have always had this antagonistic relationship," he said. "It always knew the worst time to ask me for money - and this was the ultimate checkmate."

Since his insurance plan didn't have World Series riot coverage, Passon, 27, decided to go on line and ask those who'd enjoyed the destruction of his car to donate money to its resurrection or replacement.

"If you're going to hang out and enjoy the spectacle of my car getting flipped, you might as well give me a couple bucks for it," he said.

Passon started the "Philly Fix My Car" Web site (phillyfixmycar.blogspot.com) a day after the World Series win, asking the people who were at Broad Street and Washington Avenue at the time of his car's destruction to donate $10.

Just 10 days out, Passon has raised $3,800 from friends and strangers from as far away as Texas, Virginia and California.

"I think I'm generally a really optimistic person as far as how I think about humanity," he said. "It's great to see proof of that optimism come through."

Even when Passon approached his car after it was flipped and found it surrounded by officers and flares, he didn't get angry. And when the tow-truck driver who charged him $30 to flip his car upright refused to tow it a few blocks to a parking spot, he didn't get angry then, either.

Instead, fueled by nothing but optimism, Passon drove the car it the few blocks back to his home on Ellsworth Street near Broad, screaming all the way "Go Phils!"

"The whole thing was so bizarre. It was so surreal," he said. "This one woman was like 'Your headlights aren't on!' "

Passon, a free-lance videographer who depends on his car to get from job to job, said he wrestled with the idea of asking for money to help him buy a new car, but in the end, figured he had nothing to lose.

And now that he is just $200 away from a good deal on a used Saturn, Passon said he will give any donations that exceed his $4,000 goal to other people whose cars were also flipped that night, including three people who found him through his Web site. He said nine out of ten donations have been for $10 or less but his argest donation was from a man in Texas who "blew me away" with a gift of $500.

"As nice and wonderful as everybody has been, it's a funny, double-edged sword," he said. "I'm not trying to be the 'Joe the Plumber' of the car-flipped guys." *

You stay classy, Bill Belichick

2008-11-09T18:57:00.004-05:00

Now that baseball is over I started paying attention to other sports again. I watched the first quarter and last two minutes of the Bills game today (don't ask). The Bills are back to playing like they usually do (like DOODIE) and managed to go from first place to last place in the span of three hours. Congratulations Bills!

Anyway, it was a beautiful day in New England. How do I know this, living in Philadelphia? Because Bill Belichick took the time to cut the sleeves off of his sweatshirt. The only thing that would make this outfit more classy in my opinion was if he had a pair of zubas on.

YES! Peyton Manning has a new commercial!

2008-11-09T18:56:00.000-05:00

Love Peyton Manning so hard!

Cole Hamels on Ellen

2008-11-09T18:55:00.000-05:00

Hamels on Ellen from meech.one on Vimeo.

Nothing to do with anything

2008-11-06T11:37:00.003-05:00

I don't know about the rest of you but between the Phillies and the election I've been in a state of anxiety or euphoria for the last 5 weeks. I'm exhausted, and ready to not think about baseball or politics for a few days. So...

Here is an e-mail I got from my friend Becky a few days ago. If you've been reading the blog for a while you might remember her as the Milwaukee Brewers fan that almost took out Russ Feingold on her bike. You can read that story here: http://iliveinphiladelphiaandiridethebus.blogspot.com/2008/10/does-she-really-love-wisconsin-as-much.html

She sent me this picture and an e-mail that said:

"I know you love this! BUT, I can't take credit, Paul Brown had this in his files. I LOVE IT!! It makes me laugh and laugh and laugh!!!"

I don't know how you can look at this and not laugh, but the thing that really struck me is that Paul Brown has this in his files! My files consist of resumes and bank statements, but he has a picture of a bunny with a pancake on his head! I love it! Paul Brown, you are alright in my book!

In the words of Chase Utley..."President F*cking Obama!!!!"

2008-11-05T13:58:00.001-05:00

I wonder what will make people spontaneously gather on Broad street NEXT week?

2008-11-05T12:40:00.004-05:00

Straight from the Phillies parades into celebrating PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!

Video compliments of my friend Sabres Fan Jeff.

In the same vein, I'm wondering what will happen next week that will lead to the creation of more knock off t-shirts. Rudy the t-shirt guy was at his usual post of 19th and Market when I walked by this morning around 7:30. I stopped to take a picture and he said "yo get a picture of the front AND the back of the shirts and tell your friends! Only $10!"

My friend Monty was in DC last night at a party and told me that when they called PA for the democrats the DJ started playing this song!

Holograms? Really?

2008-11-05T12:35:00.002-05:00

I'm a faithful MSNBC watcher but I had guests in my house last night who were insistent on CNN. So we flip to CNN and there is a hologram of WILL.I.AM? And hes only in Chicago?

Seriously I've been watching people on my TV who are in Chicago since I can't remember when. If you're going to show me a hologram of someone it better be coming from Tatooine and not Chicago.

Where were you when Obama was elected?

2008-11-05T00:57:00.003-05:00

I don't even know what to post right now except:

YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!

(also, as I type this all I hear are horns honking all over Philadelphia)

Philadelphia is excited this morning!!!!

2008-11-04T09:53:00.003-05:00

Maybe it is still the final phase of Phillies fever but I think it has more to do with a guy named Obama.

Send me your voter storied because I'd like to post them! mccart1@gmail.com

Ba-rocking the suburbs! Literally.

2008-11-03T22:41:00.006-05:00

My friend Christie works for the Red Cross in Thailand and is taking her vacation time to volunteer for the Obama campaign. She grew up in Lansdale PA, about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia, which worked out perfectly for her since PA, and especially the Philly suburbs, are considered swing areas. She convinced me and our friend Stephen to come up and canvass with her and her campaign office this weekend.

I am very impressed with the effort and enthusiasm Christie has put into volunteering and I am really proud of her. You can read about her experiences yourself here: http://wanderlustgetman.blogspot.com/

Christie bought me this pin at an Obama rally. I love it and I wore it while we canvassed!!

Canvassing on Saturday involved knocking on doors and making sure everyone knew where to go to vote, when the polls were open and to tie up any last minute questions. It was a perfect day for walking around neighborhoods but it wore me and Stephen out. We ended up heading to the local tavern for dinner (after we took a ghetto nap in the car) while we waited for Christie to finish up. I took this picture mainly because of the Phillies reference but now I'm posting it as free advertising! This place was great, a local bar in the country and had quite possibly the stiffest gin and tonic I've ever had in my life. If you ever find yourself in Lansdale PA make sure to stop by.

We were sitting at the bar covered in our Obama swag when the locals started talking to us. They wanted to know if we had any of the "Obama Go Phillies!" buttons. Apparently they will be collectors item some day. Being the first African American to ever lead a presidential ticket isn't enough anymore, you also have to reference a sports team. Note to my friend Carrie, don't lose this button!!!

Once they got over the disappointment of not getting the collectors edition Obama button, they started asking us questions. Most of them were undecided voters and they genuinely seemed interested in what we had to say, and we were equally interested in hearing their views. Its crazy, we spent a few hours canvassing, but the 15 minutes we spent talking to these voters seemed to be so much more effective. We slapped Obama stickers on them and I'm pretty sure we turned one of them to the Obama team.

So long story short we called the rest of the campaign and told them the bar was full of undecided voters and one by one they came over with more stickers and literature. The excitement of the campaign mixed with stiff drinks and karaoke led to a crazy night! Christie was campaigning until about 2AM, she made sure no republican left that bar without an Obama sticker and pamphlet.

Karaoke sign in sheets giving props to the Phillies!

Undecided Voter Karaoke (check out the song)

Its pretty amazing the Get Out the Vote effort going down in Philadelphia today. Jimmy Rollins was with Joe Biden down in South Philly (way to impress the locals with J-Ro!), Ed Rendell hosted a rally at Penn and they even got Jay Z involved.

My favorite GOTV story comes from my sister Alison. She teaches high school in the Philly public school system. In an effort to inform high school students about the importance of voting, her school held a rally starring T.I. Thats right, T.I. the rapper and convicted felon. There is no better way to inspire teenagers to be better citizens then by having the keynote speaker be a felon.

My favorite campaign pin (besides hot chicks dig Obama)

I was at the 10,000th loss game where people were blatently rooting AGAINST the phillies and don't believe this for a second!

2008-11-02T23:06:00.002-05:00

World Phucking Champions!!!!

2008-11-02T13:39:00.003-05:00

And, as always, the comments:

phloridaphilsphan Says:
This speech made me cry. So beautiful!

Robio Says:
It’s official, all my children will be named Chase.

InnerNinja Says:
It is a fitting addition to the tough guy lexicon of Philadelphia vocabulary, which already includes such luminary phrases as “Yo, Adrian!”

Chase, you rule. We’ve all had enough of the vapid, Disney-fied, family-friendly commentary. This is for Phillies fans all over the world:

http://www.cafepress.com/innerlegend/6135018

Art Says:

If the Phanatic ever speaks these should be his first words.

Shabba Rommel Says:
Winning a Championship after a Quarter of a Century…Incredible

Winning a Championship after a Quarter of a Century at home…Awesome

Winning a Championship after a Quarter of a Century at home and having Chase Utley publically comment on it…PHUCKING PRICELESS!!!

thunderstick Says:
It was no big deal when Dick Cheney said it in the senate.

Posted by Norma

I bet MLB warns the media to put the *5 second delay* in effect, everytime Chase has a mike in his hand! Wonder if he'll get a fine this time. I'LL PAY IT.

So there I was...

2008-10-31T17:10:00.007-04:00

Maybe you heard but there was a parade in Philadelphia to celebrate the Phillies winning the world series. My sister Alison was at Broad and Pine and got some great pictures.

PAT BURRELL!!!!!!!
(In the words of Nick: "Pat Burrell is on the Budweiser cart and the world is at peace.")

Harry Kalas

Cole Hamels!! MVP!!

Shane Victorino!

I actually had a meeting at noon, the same time as the parade. I sat right next to the door and peaced out as soon as it was over, around 1PM. I took a cab from West Philly to about 18th and South, at which point traffic was just stopped. I got out and ran to Broad to get on the orange line with the hope of getting down to the stadium before the parade did and picked up Alison along the way. The trains were stopped, so whats a girl to do? Hitchhike!

This is Kenny. He lives in South Philly. For $20 he drove me, Alison and three dudes named Mark down to the stadium. He had a turquoise Chevy and was blaring slow jams.

Three dudes names Mark.

In the end I'm glad we went to South Philly simply due to the blatant disregard of the rules. They had barriers set up that were long gone and people were literally dancing in the streets. You could reach out and high five the players if you could get close enough. Here is the yellow rope that people pretty much just laughed at.

Alison was the luckiest of us all because she got to watch the parade twice. Here are some of her picks from Parade take 2.

PAT BURRELL!!!!! Not only did he lead the parade, but he got to ride with the Clydesdale's. Alison described it as "his very own chariot!"

Jimmy Rollins!

Ryan Howard and Chase Utley

Jayson Werth drinking a beer on the float. I love it!
Comment on a similar picture that was on another blog: "While the good money was on Brett Myers as the token parade WT asshole, Jason Werth is currently in the lead."

Stuff got crazy after the parade passed, I found a gorilla that was impersonating Pat Burrell.

Alison and I enjoying a beverage.

And speaking of drinking in public, I'd like to take this moment to address all the e-mails I've gotten about people being disappointed that only 76 Philadelphians were arrested on Wednesday night. From what I saw, there were plenty of rules being broken, however the cops elected to just let it all go as long as it was contained to Broad Street. People were drinking, starting fires, throwing bottles, climbing street signs, ripping up trees, tearing down banners etc., and the cops were just watching it all and making sure it all stayed contained on Broad Street. So, yes, maybe only 76 people were arrested, however, those 76 people must have been seriously breaking laws because pretty much anything went Wednesday night.

I would also like to note the crazy coincidence that it was 76 people, as in 1776. And the interstate that runs through Philadelphia. And the name of our basketball team. Weird.

Wow. Parked cars in the median and turning lanes of South Broad street are finally going to be moved!

2008-10-31T11:21:00.005-04:00

This cracks me up because if you've ever done the Broad Street run you've noticed the terrain changes between North and South Broad. Once you get to South Philly you have to weave around all the parked cars in the medians and turning lanes. I'm amazed that these cars are actually going to be towed because I was under the assumption that parking in south Philly is in a constant state of anarchy.

Million-plus expected for Phillies parade

By Jennifer Lin, Allison Steele and Dwight Ott
Inquirer Staff Writers

It's OK to say the word now.

Parade!

And, oh, how we've waited for this one.

The only other time the Phillies won a World Series, in 1980, fans threw boxloads of computer punch cards and shredded paper from office windows onto Broad Street.

Today, you're more likely to see water-soluble, eco-friendly confetti flying around.

Police expect more than a million people to converge on Center City to watch the Phillies take their noontime victory ride on flatbed trucks from 20th and Market Streets, around City Hall, and down Broad Street to Citizens Bank Park.

Parking on Broad Street will be banned until the parade passes; the Philadelphia Parking Authority warned that violators' cars will be towed. The city also told downtown businesses not to plan deliveries during the parade.

Cole Hamels on Letterman!

2008-10-31T10:59:00.001-04:00

By guest Blogger Molly Levinson

2008-10-30T10:36:00.000-04:00

Joe Buck arrested outside of B.J. Upton’s hotel room holding a boombox over his head blaring Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”

PHILADELPHIA, PA — When the Tampa Bay Rays decided to spend Wednesday night in Philadelphia, they knew they were taking a calculated risk. With their young team of burgeoning millionaires, reeling from a heartbreaking defeat in a city awash in celebration, there was a real chance that one or more of the Rays would end up getting in trouble somehow, either getting in a fight or being arrested.

Fortunately for the Rays, all of their players made it through the night with their freedom and their bodies intact. However, Fox MLB announcer Joe Buck was not so lucky.

Buck was arrested at 4 a.m. for disturbing the peace outside the Rays’ team hotel.

“Mr. Buck was spotted by passersby standing in the parking lot of the Rays’ hotel, wearing a trenchcoat and holding a boombox over his head,” said Officer Dante Green, a spokesman for the Philadelphia Police Department. “It was just before dawn. The boombox was playing a Peter Gabriel song. You know the one I’m talking about … ‘The light, the heat …. I am complete ….’ In Your Eyes. Yup, that’s what it’s called. Anyway, he was arrested. He said that he was really just hoping B.J. Upton would come down and talk with him. Apparently B.J. Upton just laid there in his bed and listened to the song.”

Buck remains in a lock-up facility in Philadelphia, awaiting someone to bail him out.

“Apparently Mr. Buck is having some difficulty finding someone who is willing to bail him out,” Officer Green said. “He foolishly used his first phone call to call B.J. Upton.”

When Buck reached Upton, who miraculously answered his cell phone, Green indicated that the call did not go well.

“I guess Upton said, ‘What do you want?’ and all Buck could say was ‘In your eyes, I see the doorway, to a thousand churches, the resolution … to all my fruitless searches.’ It was pretty weird. I think B.J. hung up on him.”

Upton was unwilling to bail Buck out. “So now Buck has to wait for someone to just kind of decide to come and bail him out,” Green said. “And, frankly, there’s not a lot of people, it seems, who just want to come and bail out Joe Buck.”

By Guest Blogger Stacie Luxon

2008-10-30T10:22:00.003-04:00

this is the most ridiculous thing i've heard of to celebrate the win....really people?

Waterford Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series Commemorative Crystal Baseball

$169.00

The wait is over, Phanatics! That's right – the Fightin' Phils are now baseball's best! Commemorate their unforgettable 2008 season and historic World Series victory with this limited edition Waterford Crystal baseball.

By Guest Bloggey Jerry Woodfield

2008-10-30T10:19:00.000-04:00

And as this picture shows, Jamie Moyer's true Philadelphia roots showed as he looted too....stealing the rubber from the pitcher's mound....and then showed his great-grandkids the prize.

Broad Street Celebration

2008-10-30T08:28:00.006-04:00

Climbing anything they can reach

People banging pots UPDATE: I just learned that this is apparently a South Philly tradition, running out into the streets banging on pots. I think it will also be a new Melissa tradition because it was cracking me up.

Taking down the banners

T-shirts already on sale!!!!!

Phantastic!

2008-10-30T02:06:00.000-04:00

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810293653422

Cole Hamels!!!! (Core Hamers!)

2008-10-30T01:52:00.003-04:00

Back in June I told my friend John that they would someday re-name the Cy Young award "The Cole Hamels Award," and I might not be that far off! Cole Hamels became the fifth player to win LCS and World Series MVPs in one postseason.

Insanity on Broad Street!!

2008-10-30T01:24:00.007-04:00

You could hear Broad Street from 5 blocks away!!!

Latest edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer!

Me, Carrie and Mr. Foam Finger.

Buffalo peeps finally celebrating a championship!

Santa?

If you could climb it people were on top of it.

A lamp, in honor of Lights out Lidge!!!

The police were actually very cool. There were open containers everywhere and people climbing anything they could touch and they let it all go as long as it was contained to Broad Street.

Mr. Foam Finger and Philadelphia's Finest!

And then they started tearing down the trees...

People were climbing the street signs and taking down the World Series banners!

This guy was just picking up stuff off the street and making stuff out of it.

PHINALLY!

2008-10-30T01:23:00.001-04:00

As if Brett Myers didn't have enough image issues already...

2008-10-29T13:08:00.002-04:00

Brett Myers shoots for success.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081029_Jim_Salisbury__Brett_Myers_shoots_for_success.html?adString=ph.news/news_update;!category=news_update;&randomOrd=102908095653

The comments say it all! Pretty much sums up the Philadelphia relationship with both guns and Brett Myers.

Posted by mrjetsondc

Dude has got some violence issues.

Posted by wru

Thank god for the Second Amendment. It ensures that every nutcase with a history of domestic violence can have access to a fully automatic machine gun. That said, Go Phils!!!!

Posted by kjuggs77

"I just love to bust caps"...he's beloved in North Philly right now

Posted by Radioheadless

Is this guy gonna go all OJ on us someday?

Posted by HomerJ

I guess it's better than beating your wife, oh yeh, he did that already.

Posted by ssandirish

This is the guy that beat his wife, right??

Posted by Marchus

Some message to send to the kids, eh. This city is suffering big time from guns and violence and this is what you offer up as part of the World Series coverage.

Posted by JoeyPants

Nice assault rifle. Why do thugs hold a pistol sideways? It looks dumb and with the recoil, you're not ready for a quick, accurate second shot. Phils will win tonite so get ready!

Phew! Because if this city on a brink of a riot needs one more thing it is alcohol!

2008-10-29T12:58:00.002-04:00

With 5-1/2 innings of World Series Game 5 already in the books, a question arises of great concern to many Phillies fans going to Citizens Bank Park tonight:

Will beer sales be cut off after the seventh inning?

No, says David Freireich, spokesman for Aramark, which operates all the park's concessions.

"Today is considered a new event," he said.

So the cutoff would be after seven *more* innings - which means the brew won't stop flowing unless a handful of extra innings are played.

Should the Phillies win in 9 - thereby clinching the city's first championship in 25 years - fans are likely to have beers at hand for what's bound to be a wild celebration.

A new poll inspired by a conversation I overheard on my bus ride home.

2008-10-28T22:35:00.003-04:00

Two guys behind me on the bus were taking over/under bets on the carnage if the Phillies win the world series. Specifically:

#1 how many cars will be set on fire,
#2 how many SEPTA buses will be flipped over, and
#3 would a flipped over SEPTA bus be set on fire?

I did a google search for "flipped over SEPTA bus" and found this image. The best part of the story was the comment from a witness:

"My sister our friend and I were driving behind the bus when it caught on fire. It was a small fire at the back of the bus, but it got bigger quickly. Some people were honking, but the bus driver didn't know why. We pulled along side the burning bus and shouted at the driver, "Your Bus Is On Fire!!!" We then drove on."

Most runs walked in

2008-10-28T22:24:00.002-04:00

I think MLB needs to come up with a new award. The Pat Burrell award, awarded to the player who scores the most runs by being walked in a bases loaded situation, a RWI "run walked in," if you will. Because really, that has been Pat Burrell's only contribution to the world series as of right now, hes had two so far with at least 3.5 innings left to play. Can he raise the bar a little higher and make it three???

Pat Burrell I love you but this is not boding well for your contract negotiations set to begin after this series is over!

Phillies treasures

2008-10-28T22:13:00.004-04:00

My friends have been awesome this month and have been sending me Phillies paraphernalia!

This is a Pat Burrell tapestry/blanket that my friend Molly sent me. Seriously I can't even believe this exists!! I love it so much! To quote Molly: "this may be the only way you get to sleep with Pat Burrell so I had to buy it for you!" So, guess what I'll be doing tonight?!

My friends Tonniele and Trong from Texas (via Buffalo, I met Tonniele in 1986!) sent me a whole Phillies pack. It included many treasures, including these fuzzy dice that are now hanging in my bathroom. Why the bathroom? Well, I don't have a bitchin' Camero so the rear view mirror hanging is out by default and there happened to be an empty hook hanging in my bathroom anyway...so it all worked out.

The Phillies pack also included some temporary 'tats which have been loads of fun. My friend Jenny put one on her neck. She went to work with traces of it still on too, shes a true fan!

Seriously, what exactly were you expecting?

2008-10-28T13:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20081028_Rays_fans_complain_of_treatment_at_ballpark.html?adString=ph.sports/sports;!category=sports;&randomOrd=102808065532

I'm sure somehow this is Joe Buck's fault.

2008-10-27T23:58:00.001-04:00

Dear Joe Buck,

You still suck a big fat one.

Love,
Philadelphia

I am sad that we did not get to dance and riot

2008-10-27T23:52:00.002-04:00

But I am happy that someone made these pins and gave one to my friend Carrie.

I love this picture

2008-10-27T23:49:00.001-04:00

Fans watching the game from outside the Comcast Tower on their massive TVs.

So, that wasn't what we wanted but fear not!

2008-10-24T14:08:00.003-04:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Cheers

Eric Bruntlett: His eighth-inning homer was the club's only legitimate run. Yippee.

Ryan Howard: He still doesn't have a postseason homer. But his first hit of the World Series was a screaming double that caromed off the center-field wall. Later, he added a single. Not terrible.

"It just doesn't matter!" The scoreboard people played a clip from Meatballs before the game, ostensibly to fire up Rays fans. The video featured Bill Murray chanting "it just doesn't matter" over and over. Um, as Phil Sheridan pointed out, why would you pick that message during the World Series? Gotta love Tampa. Smart people.

History: Ten of the last 11 teams to win Game 1 have gone on to take the World Series. If thinking about last night causes your mood to darken, repeat that to yourself. Then repeat it again.

Los Lonely Boys sang the national anthem last night. Unlike The Backstreet Boys, they were pretty good.

And one more time for my friends Jason and Nick!!! Pat the Bat on a Cadillac!

PS: I'm headed to Vegas for a few days so this won't be updated for a while. Hopefully when I get back I can blog about how it feels to dance down Broad street!

I love this city so much!

2008-10-23T15:30:00.002-04:00

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20081023_Phil_it_up__Philly_bartenders_offer_10_drinks_for_the_Series.html?viewAll=y

I'm stopping to get a Pat the Batini on my way home from work. Boo yeah.

Although you wouldn't know it based on the commentary, the Phillies took an early lead AND NEVER LOST IT en route to winning game 1

2008-10-23T14:03:00.006-04:00

Chase Utley after his two run home run. See Pat Burrell there, looking like he did something but in reality he didn't. Although he did out-run someone to first base, which is surprising only because Pat Burrell usually has the speed of a puma. A puma with three broken legs.

Here is Ryan Howard successfully leaning into the crowd to catch a fly ball. This made us crack up because this NEVER would have happened in Philly. If the situation was reversed, the Tampa Bay Ray leaning into the stands would have had a beer poured on his face, his glove ripped off his hand and someone would have definitely hit him in the junk and possibly pinched his nipple. They don't call the the city of brotherly love for nothing.

A message to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver

2008-10-23T13:57:00.005-04:00

On behalf of myself, the city of Philadelphia and Pat Burrell, this is what we think of your commentating:

How many runners did the Phillies leave on base last night? I don't think I heard you mention that number at all.

Breaking News!

2008-10-23T13:57:00.001-04:00

TYRA!

2008-10-23T13:39:00.006-04:00

Marianne sent me the ratings for yesterdays Tyra episode for the key demographic of women 18-34, and it came in 5th out of 12. Here is what beat me and LL Cool J:

1. Oprah
2. The View (had a HSM3 star!)
3. Regis (has a HSM3 star, Zac Efron!)
4. Rachael Ray (had a makeover to look like Nicole Ritchie?, also animal tricks, including a dog
jumping rope.)
5. Tyra Banks (had LL Cool J and a neuroscientist)

I loved everything about the show and it was so fun but my favorite part was when the editor of Elle magazine told me:

"I love that you're a neuroscientist so you get an extra point for that!"

To which my friend Rob said "You are fierce! I don't care what the gay Asian says!"

Now there is some career validation! I'm amazed at how many people TiVOed it and that it is up on youtube already, and that everyone got a good laugh. I'll try to remember all of you when I am the most famous neuroscientist in the fashion industry.

Zac Efron, the reason for my 5th place finish among young women.

Here is another reason to hate Tampa Bay

2008-10-22T14:38:00.002-04:00

I got this from Philly.com:

I know most Phillies fans out there don't need any more provocation, but I feel obligated to point this out. The Rays have announced the identity of the performers who will sing the Star-Spangled Banner prior to the start of Game 1 of the World Series.

Drum roll please. . .

The Backstreet Boys.

Not sure how they arrived at this choice. But apparently, O-Town was not available. I, for one, am excited by this choice. It isn't every day that I get the opportunity to scream like a teenage girl from the press box. In honor of this momentous occasion, I invite loyal readers of this blog to answer the following questions:

1. Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy?

2. If you could be any Backstreet Boy, which one would you be?

3. If Charlie Manuel were forced to use a Backstreet Boy as his designated hitter, which one should he choose?

4. If the Backstreet Boys were forced to add a member of the Phillies to the band, which one should they choose?

And the comments! Seriously Philadelphia, stay classy.

Posted by alaver

Dont know which Backstreet Boy I'd suggest for DH, but I'm sure a few of them have either played pitcher or catcher before!

Posted by scuba

Um this is too easy, Nick Carter, Nick Carter, Nick Carter, Chase Utley

Posted by kjuggs77

That is an awesome picture of the BS Boys...that might be the gayest picture ever taken... reminds me of that shirt that says "you may not be this gay, but you're sure trying"....

Posted by didderbops

I think So Taguchi should be the Phillie that joins Backstreet Boyz. He would at least have more to do.

Posted by kidd993

The Buttslide Boys? Must be representative of the male populace of Tampa(x). GO PHILS!!!!!!!!!!

All the cool kids are cheering for the Phillies!

2008-10-22T14:04:00.001-04:00

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810223636529

I can't figure out how to embed videos from mlb.com. I tried for about a minute and then gave up.

My friend went to dinner in Arlington and this is her receipt .

2008-10-22T13:00:00.003-04:00

I guess our waiter was a phillies fan... in Arlington! Go figure ;-)

I found it amusing...

p.s. Chevy's does not have the best mexican food ever...

Pat Burrell: Lady-killer, or unintentionally hilarious?

2008-10-22T09:31:00.005-04:00

I got this from an ESPN article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/081021

And it will now be the new poll question, because really, it is a burning question that is on everyone's mind. Pat Burrell, are you a Lady-killer or unintentionally hilarious?

From the "Philadelphia Turkey"

2008-10-21T20:48:00.001-04:00

I did not write this, I stole it from http://www.phillyturkey.com/topstory/

Nutter Engaging in Unfriendly Wagers With Tampa Mayor
October 21, 2008

With the Phillies preparing to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter yesterday announced a round of unfriendly wagers with Tampa Mayor Pam Lorio. “When there’s a World Series or a Super Bowl, the two cities’ mayors always have their little city-related bets,” Nutter said at a late-afternoon news conference. “But Pam and I have agreed that her having to eat a cheesesteak, or me having to drink a mojito, just isn’t going to cut it this year.”

Nutter spokesman Doug Oliver revealed a few of the potentially lethal wagers. “If the Phillies win, Lorio must walk through North Philly, at 2 a.m., carrying a Gucci bag full of diamonds,” he said. “If the Rays win, Mayor Nutter must swim from Tampa to St. Petersburg with a 100-lb. weight strapped to his back.” But, Oliver added, the dangerous bets wouldn’t end there. “Provided he or she survives, the losing mayor will then be tied to a chair and locked in a room full of small alligators or starving subway rats—again, with the type of animal depending on who wins,” he said. “All in good fun.”

Despite the terrifying stakes, Lorio was looking forward to the series. “The Rays have been great for Tampa-St. Pete, and I really do think they’ll win it all,” she said by telephone. “And you know what that means—Mayor Nutter, with no food or water, paddling to Cuba on a rickety wooden raft.” Nutter, too, was eager to get on with it. “With the Phillies’ pitching and lineup, they can’t lose—and neither can I,” he said. “I look forward to watching Ms. Lorio drinking five gallons of untreated Schuylkill runoff.”

Lets start all our words with a PH until the world series is over!

2008-10-21T20:42:00.003-04:00

I got this from my friend Steve. I love that people are sending me stuff to post! People are actually reading the blog! If you send it, I will post it. And my apologies to anyone who gets a Lionel Ritchie song stuck in their head after reading this, because thats what happened to me.

Jayson "Werth every penny!" looking like he is going to die from champagne spray!

my friends are so supportive?

2008-10-21T20:39:00.003-04:00

I have to post some of the comments I got regarding Tyra, because my friends are funny and they make me laugh.

I hope they have your segment on before LL Cool J; don't think I can watch it for the duration, let alone the entire show.

I really don't know where to start! First off, who the heck would submit a picture with drunk Bruce in the background?? Second, I so would have touched LL's pectorals in a non-gayway. I like the way you dress. What's the matter with a Cherios t-shirt???

p.s. now that you and Kristan have been on tv, I'm definitely going to have to get myself on air somehow...this is ridiculous! I had no idea you both were aspiring reality tv stars!

Maybe I would read your stupid blog more if you stopped jerking off Philly sports teams.

Yeah! the star of tv wasteland!

This sounds too good to be true! And it would only happen to you. Can't wait to watch. You're the coolest scientist I know.

this is very cool. i don't tivo. will this get onto youtube you think? when you were there, did you make sure to tell them your pythons are sick?

I had to ask XXXXX to record the show for me... at first he refused, on principle, but then I explained why I actually wanted to watch the Tyra show and he said ok.

Tyra info!

2008-10-20T22:29:00.006-04:00

I had to sign a four page contract with The Tyra Banks show saying that I wouldn’t talk about the episode until it aired, and nothing in my episode is top secret but at the same time I am going to respect the contract. Here are the basic details about the show and how it came about and I’ll post more after the show airs on Wednesday, October 22. Set your Tivos!!!!!!!!

Here is the preview, scroll down to Wednesday:

http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/thisweek/index.php

Let me start with a little story of how this is actually my second attempt to get on TV this year. The first one came about when my friend Stacie got a bunch of pictures of me and my fine fashion sense from my sister and entered me on TLC’s “What not to Wear.” To make a long story short I made it all the way to the final round and they even came to interview/tape me at work this summer. In my defense, I was dressed really normal the day they came to tape me (and I had no clue that it was for TV, they told me it was for a project for their class), and since I was taped I’ve actually watched the show and no way do I dress bad enough to make that cut. But I digress…

My successful attempt at getting on TV this year! My little sister Marianne just got a job working in the production department of The Tyra Banks Show. One day she was sitting in a meeting and they asked if anyone knew a scientist. Lucky for me, Marianne raised her hand and I got the gig! It just seemed like an opportunity that you can’t pass up, even though to this day I have yet to see an episode of the show.

The premise of the episode I am on is to promote Tyra’s new show, “Stylista.” To me it kind of sounds like “The Devil Wears Prada” meets “Project Runway.” Basically it’s a bunch of people who are into fashion trying to be the best kiss up to the editor of Elle magazine and each week someone is eliminated until the last person standing gets a gig at Elle and a lot of other perks. They needed a scientist because they were looking for people who do not deal with high fashion in their daily lives. So they lined up a scientist, a librarian and a teacher for my episode.

The Tyra people start calling me and making sure I can come up to NYC for the taping and I negotiated an Amtrak ticket out of them (yeah that’s right, Amtrak, now instead of slumming it up to NYC on NJ transit commuter rails I got to ride in style, kind of like Joe Biden). I had a few people call me for these “personality” interview things where they are basically checking to make sure you can answer questions on the spot and that you have a “Tyra personality!” Everyone I talked to mentioned that I looked really young in my picture and that I had a “TV smile,” so I finally asked one of them where they got this picture from. Turns out Marianne had given them one, so I asked one of the girls on the phone to describe it mainly because I was curious which one it was and this is how it went:

Girl on phone “Well, you’re wearing a blue shirt…”

Me in my head: “Thanks, that really narrows it down…”

Girl: “You’re holding a red cup…”

Me in my head: “Really, Marianne? You gave them a picture of me while I was drinking?”

Girl: “And it looks like there is a pirate in the background???”

Yeah, here is the picture Marianne sent in. Me, holding a red cup, with a pirate in the background. That is my friend Stacie that signed me up for my failed attempt at “What not to Wear.” The Pirate is my friend Bruce, and if you know him you understand.

I passed all the personality tests and got my train ticket and I was on my way up to NYC. My friend Chrissy Finn from my Binghamton swimming days came with me as my guest, and I’m really glad she did because we were laughing pretty much the whole day. The show in general was really fun but a lot of ridiculous stuff goes behind the scenes and we laughed at all of it, including most to all of the stuff that they were suggesting I say when I get on stage (more about that in the next post).

We had to check our phone and cameras at the door so I have no evidence except for the actually show itself. Then they took us to the green room where they gave us some food and I met the other girls that were going to be on the show with me. They took us to hair and make-up which was pretty uneventful at first. They were taping more than one show that day and while we were getting ready she was taping a show with TI the rapper, who was talking about his recent felony convictions and what he will miss the most when he goes to jail. I have no idea who he is and I still don’t, but he came into the make-up room while we were there so we got to see him up close.

After hair and make-up we had a rehearsal where they told us about the contest we would be doing and how Tyra would “randomly” pick us out of the audience. They also gave us a “script” that we were supposed to follow when we got up there but mine was really stupid so I opted not to follow it and just say what was in my head.

After rehearsal Chrissy had to go sit in the audience and we went backstage, where LL Cool J was also waiting! So that was exciting! Everyone keeps asking me if I touched his butt, and if you’ve ever been around me and famous people you know I would have definitely tried, but unfortunately LL’s bodyguards are MASSIVE! Seriously they would have just picked me up by the back on my neck and flung me out of the way if I had tried anything.

So LL went on first, and then we went out to the audience to be randomly picked to participate in the contest, and I will tell you the rest of the details after the show airs!

Just so we are all on the same page though, I’m not interviewed or anything specific, I get to interact with Tyra during the contest and I get to introduce myself in the beginning and announce to the world that I am a neuroscientist. And everything about it is completely in good fun and the whole thing was a blast so set your TiVos! And to the Philly peeps we are going to have a viewing party once the world series mania is over! Go Phillies!

A still shot of us on stage taken from Tyra's website (Marianne is going to send me more of these once the show airs)

Me and my make-up after the show in Marianne's office.

I was flipping channels and came across this...

2008-10-20T22:20:00.001-04:00

the local FOX channel has added a countdown to Game 1!!!!!!

Nick from Preston and Steve attempts to ride from Bala Cynwyd to the Ben Franklin Bridge on a battery powered scooter.

2008-10-20T22:05:00.002-04:00

I podcast the Preston and Steve show so I listen a day late so this is old news by now but holy cow it is hilarious. Nick, a sidekick on the local radio morning show, hurt his leg and is riding around on a scooter and one thing led to another and they basically dared him to ride on a scooter about 6 miles from their studios at the Philadelphia city limits to the Ben Franklin bridge with the ultimate goal of crossing over into Camden. He made it all the way to the Schuylkill expressway and across Falls Bridge and all the way down the bike path along Kelly Drive and was finally stopped by the slight incline at the front of the art museum. The scooter just couldn't make it up.

here is a map of the route:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2349139

And some video taken by people who were actually on the bike path. If you like Preston and Steve definitely podcast the 10/17/08 episode. They play the "Chariots of Fire" song every time they cut to monitor nick's progress on his quest to get to Camden on a scooter. So funny.

I found a picture of the William Penn statue that is on top of the Comcast tower

2008-10-20T00:09:00.003-04:00

I love that this statue is actually up there and I love it even more that it is only three inches high.

I heard about these videos on Preston and Steve the other day and they are so stupid that they are hilarious.

2008-10-20T00:05:00.002-04:00

New game for the Blog!

2008-10-19T23:20:00.003-04:00

Keeping track of Thomas Vanek's salary per goal. Last year he signed for an insane-o $50 million contract that we were all skeptical of. This season he is on fire, two separate two-goal games already and we are only two weeks in. He is currently making $8 million with a $3 million signing bonus and has 7 goals...so he is currently costing us:

$1, 571,428.60 per goal!

uhhhh, I think these are dogs but I'm not sure...

2008-10-19T23:02:00.002-04:00

I love that Mayor Nutter blatently skipped the debate to watch the Phillies...

2008-10-19T22:49:00.001-04:00

Here he is at Chickie and Pete's. I've been searching for the video of him on FOX local news where they ask him whether he was going to watch the debate of the game and he didn't even hesitate...he was watching the game all the way! If anyone has a link to that video let me know.

I heard this commerical today and it cracked me up

2008-10-19T22:45:00.001-04:00

This might be my in to touching Pat Burrell's butt...

2008-10-17T16:43:00.002-04:00

Phillies seek new ballgirls

By Peter Mucha
Inquirer Staff Writer

The Phillies are looking for some glovely women.

Next Friday is the deadline for females 18 and older to apply to be a Phillies ballgirl.

It's not just a glamorous way to get a great seat and have fun with the Phanatic.

And forget about any hanky-panky with the players.

Wait, what????? Is this rule seriously enforced? I'm guessing no.

"This is an opportunity for women in sports," said squad supervisor Michele DeVicaris. "For all the opportunities for men, this is the one thing we can do for women."

"It's actually a lot tougher than it looks," she said, explaining how the job's responsibilities have expanded in recent years.

Thank you, MLB and the Phillies, for providing opportunities like this to women.

And, as usual, the comments are the best part:

Posted by Gigs1777

Maybe we can pinch hit one of the ball girls instead of So Taguchi.

Posted by mijou6

It is sexist that they must be female. Where is the ACLU when you need them?

Posted by spj108

They should wear bikinis!

Posted by Coniglio101

Bikinis? Heck, why even that? Keep them in thongs in the stands while the actual foul ball fielding can be handled by deadly, deadly cyborgs.

I think we saw Joe the Plumber at Wildwood NJ last weekend...

2008-10-16T23:20:00.001-04:00

Dice K has the best pitching stance ever.

2008-10-16T22:56:00.003-04:00

I don't know anything about this guy except that my friend Jerry noticed that he does a little humping motion before all his pitches. Since he pointed it out I can't stop watching him, and every time he does it all I can think about is the "uh double up, uh! uh!" line from 'baby got back'

I love the reporter that laughs as soon as he says it...

2008-10-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

ok so its not a blatant laugh but there is definitely a snicker.

Phil Sheridan has been reading my blog.

2008-10-16T13:45:00.002-04:00

highlights from his article today:

Under a full moon, on a full count, Brad Lidge retired Nomar Garciaparra on a foul pop for the final out. By the time the ball landed softly in catcher Carlos Ruiz's mitt, the Phillies were rushing onto the field for a joyous but controlled celebration.

For the third time in 19 days, players donned swim goggles and sprayed champagne - upgraded to Moet for the pennant. A fourth celebration would require just the second World Series title in franchise history - giving the lonely 1980 squad some long-awaited company.

Shane Victorino, the Little Big Man centerfielder, burned his name into October lore by driving in six runs in the series, including a clutch two-run home run in the eighth inning of the pivotal Game 4.

Pat Burrell, the hero of the division series clincher with a couple of home runs, won Game 1 with a solo shot.

Here is the article in its entirety:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_left_story/20081016_Phil_Sheridan__Phillies_win_National_League_pennant.html

this is my favorite paragraph though, if this is true I love it!

About a thousand red-clad Phillies fans had gathered behind the team's dugout. They chanted, "Four more wins," and, "Let's go, Phillies," and, finally, "We want beer."

If I see this commerical again...

2008-10-16T13:35:00.001-04:00

every frekin' commercial break during this series! gaaahhhhh!!!!!!

The Curse of Billy Penn

2008-10-16T13:26:00.004-04:00

Put a Phillies cap on Billy Penn?

By Peter Mucha
Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer

Whenever a major local team gets to its sport's final showdown round, the question arises:

Should we put team colors on Billy Penn?

Mayor Nutter was considering the idea, a caller told WIP this morning.

Don't do it! insisted WIP host Angelo Cataldi. "It would be a disastrous idea," he said. "It would destroy all the good buzz he's created during the beginning of his administration. He cannot, he must not do this. ... It would be catastrophic to the psyche of Philadelphia if he did anything to that statue."

Not that Philadelphia is superstitious.

The last championship: The Sixers in 1983.

The following year, the city agreed to let One Liberty Place rise higher than Penn's statue atop City Hall. Allegedly, Billy's spirit kind of took offense.

Two attempts to reverse the curse with team apparel failed.

Putting a Phillies cap on Penn in 1993 and a Flyers jersey on him in 1997 both backfired.

That soured the city on trying it again. But wait.

Is there a reason this year might be different? Other than, well, luck eventually evens out?

Yes.

To counter the jinx, a smaller Penn statue was placed atop the Comcast Tower, now the city's tallest building.

Now the Phillies are in the World Series.

Only one way to tell if the jinx has been broken: Watch how far the Phillies go.

"I'll let you know in two weeks," Cataldi said.

I love this story for two reasons. First, that the city actually put team colors on the William Penn statue to try to break a jinx, and second that there is actually a small William Penn statue on top of the Comcast tower to reverse the same jinx!!

On June 18, 2007, ironworkers from Local Union 401 helped raise the final beam in the construction of the Comcast Center at 17th Street and John F. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Philadelphia, which will be the tallest building in the city at 57 stories. In an attempt to end the curse, workers John Joyce and Dan Ginion attached a small figurine of Billy Penn to the beam, along with an American flag and a small tree.

National League Champions!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-16T09:56:00.001-04:00

I actually have a lot to say about last night but I have to cure epilepsy this morning, so until I can get to it...

Tony Auth knows whats up!!!!!!!

2008-10-15T14:24:00.002-04:00

My friend David sent this comic by Tony Auth to me. Tony Auth is a frequent contributer to the Editorial Comic in the Inquirer, and my new favorite cartoonist. Manny and the rest of the Dodgers can suck it! And so can the commentators on FOX if they are ever able to get their heads out of the Dodger's asses.

GO PHILLIES!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to Carrie!

2008-10-15T14:21:00.001-04:00

Phillies game or the debate...no contest!

2008-10-15T13:56:00.003-04:00

Poll taken by the Philadelphia Inquirer:

What will you watch tonight?
The Phillies play the Dodgers.
	1212 (67.0%)
The final presidential debate.
	122 (6.7%)
I'll flip between the two.
	404 (22.3%)
Neither.
	70 (3.9%)

I love it. The Phillies game is winning by a 10 fold margin!! And, as usual, the best thing about these online articles are the comments people leave, I love them so much:

Posted by GANick

Baseball playoffs are much more important than listening to two people making promises they can never keep.

Posted by phillylexis300

Phils win by a landslide!! Manuel/Victorino '08

Posted by PhillyTheKid (PS: I love this screen name!)

Simple solution: Two TV's with the debate volume turned up - even these two politicos make Buck and McCarver nauseating! Go Phils!

Posted by BillyPenn

I wouldn't care if Jesus Christ was making his second coming on TV tonight live I would still be watching the game, GO PHILS!!!

Posted by phan in TN

Charlie Manuel has proven himself to be more trustworthy than either candidate. We trust in "Chollie" to do the right thing at the right time. He will make a call to the bullpen when things go awry.

Posted by ahnold

Theres no question the Phils are priority #1. nothing like coming together as one to watch americas pasttime. and your gay Tango.

Posted by stejon

There`s a debate tonight?