Goldie Hawn to Reid: 'Leave wildcat to Netflix.'

Oscar-winning actress Goldie Hawn tried unsuccessfully to contact Andy Reid, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles had just been handed a lopsided loss, 48-22, to the high powered Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

"That's not football," said Hawn, a Redskins fan, about the Eagles use of the wildcat gadget play during the nationally televised game. "They left Kolb looking like a Bird on a Wire."

The suddenly-popular formation often sees a running back or wide receiver line up in the quarterback position taking the snap directly from the center and either running or handing off the ball.

The star of the 1986 film Wildcats--about an inner city Chicago high school football team--was so insulted by the Eagles' execution of the wildcat formation, which, incidentally, is not part of the film, that she had to reach out to the coach.

Hawn feels that if the wildcat formation is executed poorly by teams, that shouldn't be implementing it in the first place, then DVD rentals and sales of Wildcats the movie could be negatively affected.

American Video and DVD Rental Association (AVADRA) executive Robert Nowry says the numbers show otherwise.

"Since last season, when the wildcat really reestablished itself in the NFL, rentals of the film Wildcats have risen sharpley," said Nowry. "Was it because of the wildcat or because Kate Hudson, Hawn's daughter, was recently digitally added into several scenes for the 23rd anniversary edition? We may never know."

Hawn went on to say that she respected what Reid was trying to accomplish--taking pressure of his young quarterback--but that the number of wildcat plays ran was Overboard.

When Ben Hales, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the Saints, in an attempt to defend Reid, hinted to the media that Hawns' knowledge of football did not match her onscreen character's deep understanding of the game the actress shot back.

Hawn replied: "That's none of his business. My football knowledge is private, Benjamin."

Wildcats costars Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes agreed with Hawn saying that the wildcat has its place and it is not Philadelphia.

"While working on the set of Cheers, and to some extent Natural Born Killers, [the cast] would often debate the wildcat formation and its legitimacy and effectiveness. Andy, you're killing my DVD rental profits," pleaded Harrelson.

Reid addressed the controversy with Hawn and Harrelson at a news conference earlier this week.

"I'm not gonna get in to all that right now," muttered the coach.

Video edited? Father chased thrown foul ball

The feel-good baseball fan story of the year, a special moment between father and daughter, may have been altered some to make the moment even more special.

On Tuesday night in South Philadelphia during the Phillies-Nationals game outfielder Jason Werth fouled a pitch back toward Citizen Bank Park's upper deck. A fan in the first row leaned daringly over the railing and made a remarkable catch.

The often critical crowd cheered loudly with approval and the fan, Steve Monforto, awarded his young daughter the ball--who apparently thought it was an opposing teams' home run--who then threw it back towards the field. The crowd sighed and the heartwarming moment was all caught on tv.

What viewers at home didn't see, however, was what happened just after the little girl released the ball. It was at this point that Monforto lunged in an attempt to save the souvenir.

"It was the first foul ball I had ever caught and I really didn't want to lose it," said Monforto. "To be honest I didn't even realize a net was below. I figured the crowd on the first level would break my fall."

Monforto was quickly swallowed by the safety net (above photo) lining the edge of the upper deck, climbed out without the ball, as it had cleared the net, and embraced his daughter.

The television delay allowed the production team at Comcast SportsNet to edit out the diving father and only showed him hugging his daughter after he had climbed back into his seat.

"We felt it made a better story without the diving," said Comcast SportsNet's chief production manager, Garry Trumble. "I think we made the right call."

Fan: 'I have a Grambling problem.'

Ted Jones has finally admitted to his problem and that is all his bookie ever wanted. "I was going to confront him at the end of last year, but I decided to hold off to see if he would seek help in the offseason," said Greg Holstrim, Jone's bookie. Jones is a 2002 graduate of Grambling State University in Louisiana and has since relocated to Cherry Hill, NJ. After betting and losing $4,000 on Grambling's first football game, a loss at home to South Carolina State, Jones still did not seek help. "I do not have a Grambling problem," said the consultant at Daniels, Daniels and Ford, LLC in Palmyra, NJ. "It doesn't mean anything that I have bet on Grambling every game, no matter who they are playing, since 2002." Both friends and family finally confronted Jones on Wednesday hoping to thwart a bet for the Tigers' upcoming Saturday game against Northwestern State at home. The Tigers went on to win 38-17 and Jones collected $5,500. "Looking down and seeing all that money I realized I had a Grambling problem ... a serious Grambling problem."

Steelers let Pirates play wiffleball during halftime

The NFL Season got started on Thursday night in a game that matched last year's regular season champs versus the playoff champs. The Steelers hosted the Tennessee Titans and, in a defensive battle, eventually won the game in overtime 13-10.

Pittsburgh, the city, experienced quite a year by capturing both the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup. The attention focused on the hockey and football team has left the baseball team almost forgotten. But the popular Steelers sent a message to area fans during the kickoff of the NFL season on Thursday by letting the Pirates perform an exhibition wiffleball game.

"Basically the Steelers were looking out for the Pirates and letting them showcase there talent," said Professor Baker Hildebrand of Carnegie Mellon University.

Fans cheered when catcher Ryan Doumit hit the plastic ball through the stadium's north end field goal posts and into the stands. Were they cheering the home run? "I was cheering the field goal kicking contest at the south end. Who's Ryan Doumit? Let's go Steelers!" said a jubilant Steeler fan.

For most of the Pirates this was the first time playing in front a of sold out crowd. But it will not be the last as the Pirates will also play a wiffleball game between periods of a Penguins' preseason home game (yes, on ice and they will not have skates).

PhillyCarCher? Singer acquires car sharing nonprofit

The local nonprofit PhillyCarShare, which aims to reduce individual automobile ownership and dependence and promote car sharing on a community level in the Philadelphia region, has been purchased by Cher and Cher Alike, LLC of Los Angeles, CA. The same Cher and Cher Alike that is owned and operated by the world famous singer and actor Cher and a woman that looks very similar to the star.

The organization will eventually be renamed PhillyCarCher, but dates for the official name change have not been set. The organization’s new logo, however, has already been chosen (above photo) and will substitute the microphone with a key—the same key that currently adorns the sides of the nonprofit's fleet.

The Cher logo will be placed not only on the doors, but will appear on the hood, trunk, and underside of the vehicles. The singer's likeness will even be painted on to the numerous parking spaces scattered throughout the city.

The actress, who was turned down for a role in the film Who Killed the Electric Car and An Inconvenient Truth, has been a staunch supporter of car sharing and an environmentalist for years. She started LALALandCarCher in 2007 in Los Angeles, and, the following year, expanded to Anaheim (LALAAnCarCher) and San Diego (LALASanCarCher).

“It could be a very profitable nonprofit with my name attached,” said the singer from her home in Los Angeles. “This is a great day for Share and Cher Alike. Oops. I mean, Cher and Cher Alike, LLC.”

Officials at PhillyCarShare were excited about the takeover, hoping that the singer's star power will continue to grow the already large membership.

"It will definitely be exciting to have Cher around the office," said Renee Thomas, a PhillyCarShare board member, despite Cher strongly hinting that she will continue to live in LA. "I hope she sings at her desk. And if an employee is having a tough day I want her to say, 'Snap out of it.'"

Cher plans to keep the popular CDs containing music from local musicians that are provided by the nonprofit, but will add a plethora of her own CDs and DVDs for drivers to "rock out to."

"There will definitely be copies of Moonstruck, The Witches of Eastwick and Mask available for our customers," said Shirley MacAntyre, a PhillyCarShare rep. "But drivers will be placed on a point system. The more you drive, the more points you get and the more Cher merchandise you can receive."

At the end of each month, the driver with the most accumulated points will have the opportunity to take Cher along on a journey (no more than one hour) and have the singer perform live in the vehicle en route to the destination.

"Twelve times a year I'll be riding along with some Philly drivers. This is down right exciting," said Cher. "I will also act out scenes from my movies. But, I call shotgun for all trips."

Vick disgusted by treatment of Dallas' scoreboard

The kicking didn't stop. Over and over again grown men were launching objects into its belly like a competition. To make matters worse a crowd looked on with anticipation at the brutality and later the vicious kicks were shown to a wider audience on television.

Sitting in his Waterfront Square condo Michael Vick became disgusted at the "highlights" he was viewing. The Philadelphia Eagles' newest quarterback was sick to his stomach and demanded answers. He wanted to know the facts. More importantly, he wanted to stop the improper treatment of Dallas' new stadium scoreboard.

Two weeks ago during a preseason game between the Tennessee Titans and the Cowboys at Dallas' new $1.1 billion stadium punter A.J. Trapasso struck the egregious video board with punt. Yes, he had attempted to hit the board in warm-ups and was successful, but this time he was not trying and it was fourth down.

"I really wasn't trying during the game," said a smiling Trapasso. "I swear it. I give you the punter's promise."

It has been said that the punters and kickers from both teams gathered on the field during warm-ups and bet each other whether or not they could hit the board, which is 90 ft above the turf. The FBI is apparently looking into the betting that may have seen anywhere from $10-$20 exchange hands, large sums for punter salaries.

So concerned is Vick that he has started PETOLS (People for the Ethical Treatment of Low-hanging Scoreboards). The nonprofit, operating out of Vick's living room, will keep a close watch on the future treatment of the giant video board. With only two paid staff at PETOLS this may difficult to accomplish.

"It's appalling," said Vick. "The way they were using footballs to beat the scoreboard made me nauseous. And the punters all had a good laugh about it, which makes it even worse."

Not everyone has been disappointed by what transpired in Dallas, at least not from what has indirectly resulted from the incident.

"This is what I meant when I said I wanted to see Michael get involved in the community and become active in a cause," said Eagles' owner Jeffrey Lurie. "This is being proactive. This is what I want. Few people know about the brutal treatment of low-hanging scoreboards in this and other leagues and Michael wants to change that."

Vick will be speaking to children in several Philadelphia elementary schools over the next several weeks to warn children about kicking footballs into overhead scoreboards. Lurie hopes to attend several of the meetings and support his fourth-string quarterback.

Though the Dallas scoreboard is the only one low enough in the league to be struck by a punt or kickoff at the moment Vick hopes to keep it that way.

"Right now it's the only board receiving this kind of treatment and I am willing to go to great lengths to make sure it is eventually raised," said an emotional Vick. "In the meantime I want the league to use Nerf footballs in Dallas during punts. PETOLS hopes to pay for those Nerf footballs."

The Virginia native also has reason to believe stadium maintenance crews are using electricity to power and water to clean the board.

PETOLS also plans to ad Tampa's Tropicana Field to it's list of abused stadium accessories. Tropicana Field contains numerous catwalks that are often struck by foul balls or high pops.

"So many people are telling me to slow down and concentrate on one scoreboard for the moment, but those catwalks are being mistreated too and so are the nets behind the field goals," said Vick. "But that's a whole other story."

To make a contribution to PETOLS visit: wwww.petols.corg/what/if/it/was/your/giant/scoreboard

Police: Laser pointer came from passing planes

The Philadelphia Police Department has arrested Hank Tanner, 45, of Media, PA in connection with the laser pointer incident that took place at Citizens Bank Park back on July 25, 2009. Police also made four other related arrests, but would not release names of the men being held.

On the day of the incident the game between the Phillies and the St Louis Cardinals was halted for almost fifteen minutes while stadium crew members, security and outraged fans all searched the stands for the culprit. Umpires, players and coaches attempted to direct the search crew from the field (using laser pointers, nonetheless) towards the source based on the perceived angle of the fan's beam, which was somewhere behind the Phillies' dugout.

"Usually, a fan with a laser pointer is easily spotted by security or nearby fans and arrested on the spot," said Dale Higginsworth, head of Citizens Bank Park security. "It was a little embarrassing for us to not catch this person. We needed the help of fans."

This is where 12-year-old Phillies' backer Tommy Lenard comes in. The young fan was aboard U.S. Airways flight 498 from Charlotte, NC to Philadelphia and noticed a passenger sitting on the right side of the plane peering out the window and laughing heartily as the jetliner made its final approach into Philadelphia International Airport.

"The man was holding something and kept saying, 'Can you see it?'" said Lenard. "He was on a cell phone, which he shouldn't be doing anyway while the plane is in the air. And he had this real strong belly laugh."

Philadelphia's stadium complex is only a short distance from the city's airport where jetliners fly low just to the south of the Park during landings.

Lenard withheld his story until yesterday when, during his first day of school at Hannerhan Elementary School, the teacher talked to the class about the dangers of laser pointers.

"I went right home after school and told my parents about the guy on the plane and we called the police," said Lenard.

Tanner is believed to be the mastermind of the laser pointer plot, which, at this time, is said to have included up to four other individuals. Police say Tanner placed each accomplice on different planes with long range pointers all landing during the afternoon game. Security confirmed that the five men, including Tanner, match the number of targeted Cardinal players that were eventually "lasered" on that Saturday in July.

"These guys are good," said Detective Bob Gavinach, of the PPD. "This took months of planning and really good lasering. You don't see lasering like this anymore. Maybe in the mid 90's but not today."

Pirates' Plinko-like fan game laden with Steeler prizes

During the middle of the seventh inning of last night's Phillies-Pirates game in Pittsburgh's PNC Park the home team attempted to actively engage the sparse crowd again. There are several opportunities for (Pirates) fans to win prizes throughout the game and this particular engagement, er, contest, was called Bucco. It was difficult, however, for the Pirates marketing staff to find a Pirates fan, as the Phillies faithful turned the picturesque stadium into a sea of red.

Bucco is based on the Price-Is-Right game show contest in which a large chip is dropped down a slightly angled, peg-covered board with slots at the bottom each labeled with different prizes. The chip bounces off the pegs changing directions rapidly as the fans look on in anticipation of where the disk will fall.

Most of the prizes are baseball-related gear ... with an extremely bizarre twist. For example, a Pirates bat signed by Ben Roethlisberger(?), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. Another prize was a glove with the likeness of Mike Tomlin, the Steelers head coach, stenciled into the leather. A replica of a batting glove that Steelers wide receiver Heinz Ward used as a little leaguer was also among the rewards.

"We get a little more fan interaction when we mix in Steelers names during some of our fan contests," said Sally Griffin, director of fan relations at the park, when asked about why the city's football team is so visibly represented in the contests. "Honestly, I think attendance would dip under 2,000 per game if we didn't do this."

The prize that has been most welcomed by the fans (and single-handedly credited for boosting attendance by 1,500 per game) calls for an impersonation of the popular former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher by a Pirates player or manager and shown on the JumboTron between innings.

Last night manager John Russell gave it his best shot and received a cheer of approval—yes, even by attending Phillies fans.

"I haven't been asked to do it since April and so I was rusty," said the manager after the game. "I looked like a scared Bill Cowher and not a feared Bill Cowher."

"I love when one of the Pirates' players has to do their best [Bill] Cowher impersonation," said Veronica Hansen, a fan from Greensberg, PA. "They all try to do the jaw, but they really can't. It's hilarious."

The prize list isn't completely devoid of Pirates gear. In fact, last night's Bucco participant declined four tickets to a future Pirates game that resulted from her first chip drop. She even passed on 2010 season tickets to the Pirates that came on her second drop.

"The crowd was urging me on to go for the impersonation prize," said Bucco player and Pirates fan Gail Stommers. "The handful of Pirates fans were chanting 'impersonation.' I had to take the chance."

Notes: In an effort to boost attendance the Pirates are considering a move to the Steelers' Heinz Field next year during Sunday games. "We might be able to trick some fans into coming," said Griffin. Also, the Pirates will attempt to have Ben Roethlisberger throw the ceremonial first pitch at all 81 home games.

In-game video session leads to Victorino intervention

During the bottom of the fifth inning in last Wednesday's Phillies-Cubs game in Chicago's Wrigley Field, four Phillies bench players, who preferred to remain anonymous, made a visit to the Phillies' clubhouse. The short trip was to watch video of the Cubs pitchers, in case called upon to later enter the game as pinch hitters.

The video session kept the players away for almost the entire bottom half of the inning. What they missed was an unruly Cubs bleacher fan tossing a full cup of $8 beer on teammate Shane Victorino as the center fielder attempted to catch a fly ball. When Victorino returned to the dugout, the smell of beer followed the All-Star as he moved past players, coaches and bat boys.

When the players emerged from the video session to enter the cramped dugout it was the top of the sixth inning and the game seemed to be progressing normally. The strong smell of beer was, at first, linked to the fans sitting behind the dugout--possibly a spill.

"I came out ready to pinch hit and I was so focused on what I needed to do," said one of the players. "I did, however, notice an unusually powerful skunked Coors Light odor."

It was at this point that the focused player paced the dugout floor itching and hoping to get into the game, then, needing to settle down, sat on the bench. He happened to sit next to Victorino who was sipping Gatorade, spitting seeds and gathering himself after the beer shower.

"Right away I smelled stale beer on Shane. I didn't know what to do," said another concerned player who had been in the clubhouse during the fifth inning. "There was beer all over his jersey. It's one thing to go out to the bar after the game and grab a few beers. It's totally another thing to pretend to drink Gatorade."

Again, the nervous dugout pacing started, but this time it was over concern for a teammate and no longer about entering the game.

"I considered pulling Charlie [Manuel] aside and asking him what to do. Shane is having such a great year and I didn't know why he was turning to the drink ... on the job!" said another player.

Eventually, the player asked the rest of the video session group to help him confront the outfielder about the beer.

Just before the beginning of the seventh inning the group of four players slowly and discreetly formed a circle around teammate Shane Victorino. They asked to speak to Shane privately in the tunnel leading to the clubhouse.

"I told them that in the fifth inning some crazy fan threw a beer on me," said a smiling, but annoyed Victorino. "They had totally missed that entire incident while they were studying tape of the Cubs."

"At first, we thought it was an excuse, then we realized what we had missed. The whole team had a good laugh," said one of the four players. "One of those good hearty laughs."

UFC fight not interrupted by parachuter

On Saturday night the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made its first ever visit to Philadelphia when it erected the famous octagon on the Wachovia Center floor. The sell-out, salivating crowd came from all over to see firsthand the brutal hits, KO's, submissions and decisions (yes, even decisions are brutal) normally caught on Pay-Per-View.

The revved up crowd was treated to the swift Anderson Silva who seemed to toy with opponent Forrest Griffin and, eventually, knocked him out—in the first round. In the last fight of the evening lightweight champion BJ Penn outlasted Kenny Florian by submission in the 4th round. The audience was almost treated to another event as well.

Steven Van Brod, 28, of Hammonton, NJ, attempted to crash Philly's inaugural UFC event by parachuting into the arena a la November 1993 when, during the Riddick Bowe-Evander Holyfield fight (video above), a man parachuted into the outdoor stadium landing at the the edge of the ring where he was then tackled by spectators.

The skydive instructor neglected to take into account one factor ... the Wachovia Center has a roof.

"I really don't know what I was thinking. I've been planning the jump ever since they [the UFC] set the Philadelphia date and I just never thought about the roof," said Van Brod, who was shocked when informed that his rough landing above didn't register any reaction inside.

"So there wasn't any thud on the roof that the fans inside could hear?" asked a disappointed Van Brod. "All that work and planning and all those blueprints ... for nothing. I even bought a protractor."

It is not clear when the parachuter realized that he would not be entering the stadium, but the moment must have occurred before coming into contact with the roof. Van Brod claims he landed on the roof at 12:37 AM around the time Anderson Silva was defending his title against Forrest Griffin.

The arena's security on the outside did not noticed Van Brod on the first jump and, after calling friends who refused to help, repacked his parachute and jumped again, this time into the parking lot. It was here that he was apprehended by security and police and quickly taken into custody.

Officials are speculating that Van Brod had been in communication with one or many individuals inside the arena to better time his jump in the hopes of landing during one of the final two headline fights.

The fight that erupted in the lower level seating area between several fans, and drew the attention of the entire stadium, may have been related to the planned jump.

"We believe that Van Brod's inside guys, after looking up and seeing the roof, began blaming each other at the embarrassing oversight and the argument quickly erupted into a full-scale physical altercation," said Officer Paul Bride of the Philadelphia Police Department. "They were upset that the plan had been foiled by the above covering."

Van Brod and his accomplices can face up to six months in jail and significant community service if convicted.

Asked by reporters if he would ever parachute into an outdoor sporting event Van Brod replied, "Not if it was inside I wouldn't."

Former Geese driver plunges school bus into river

On Wednesday morning, a former Ride the Geese driver plunged a crowded school bus into the fast-moving Delaware River in Easton, PA. The incident occurred just south of the Northampton St Bridge off of Larry Holmes Dr. The bus was full of day campers heading to the upper Lehigh River for an overnight tubing and camping excursion. None of the twenty-seven children, nor the bus, have been found.

Driver Francis Gilbright began working for the Hecktown, PA-based HeckBus, Inc only two months ago after spending three years in Philadelphia as a Ride the Geese amphibious vehicle driver and tour guide. Three years of driving the streets of Philadelphia and taking the same watertight vehicle into the Delaware River.

"He was a fantastic driver here," said Mallory Barter, manager of Ride the Geese in Philadelphia. "He was well-liked, entertaining, informative and had a spotless driving record."

The devastated Gilbright had avoided talking with the media until yesterday when, through a constant stream of tears and a heckling crowd, he described what had happened.

"I just totally forgot where I was for a minute," said Gilbright, 34, of Hecktown, PA staring incredulously at reporters. "I drove right into the river like it was my job. Those poor kids. I feel like this whole thing is my fault."

After the bus entered the water Gilbright began pointing out landmarks to the screaming children—screams that sounded a lot like quacking/honking whistles to the driver—for several minutes as the bright yellow vehicle floated downstream.

"I was very confused when I drove into the water and there was no Ben Franklin Bridge. Then my reaction was, 'this Goose is leaking,'"said Gilbright. "Then I heard the screams and realized where I was. I was in a regular old school bus. The leaky kind ... in Easton."

The driver told the children—who were all between the ages of 10 and 12—to make their way to the back of the bus toward the emergency exit. Meanwhile, Gilbright, who can not swim and is deathly afraid of water, opened the front door and managed to jump onto a rock protruding from the the river's surface.

Easton, which sits at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, has often been hit hard by floods in the past. Recent heavy rain storms had placed the two rivers several feet above normal levels, which helped carry the bus quickly downstream where it disappeared roughly ten minutes after entering the water.

It has been reported that this is the second incident involving a river for the young driver while at HeckBus. During his initial driving exam—with no children aboard—he turned down a ramp that emptied directly into the Lehigh River, but stopped several feet short when he realized he was in a school bus. Gilbright reportedly laughed saying to the examiner, "That was a close one. You're not going to count this against me are you?"

Apparently, it was not counted against the driver. HeckBus, Inc did not return phone calls regarding the driver's road test incident.

The company, however, did release a statement last night hinting that Gilbright would either receive special training for non-floating buses or the entire bus fleet would be replaced by amphibious vehicles. Additionally, the bus company, in an effort to help ease the pain of the accident, is giving the victims' families free tickets to Ride the Geese in Philadelphia.

"And they can have all the Goofy Goose whistles they want," said Paul MacGregor, HeckBus, Inc CEO.

Police say they will not charge Gilbright because, "He was a former Geese driver and it was an honest mistake."

Jetties: What are they and what do they want with us?

The critically acclaimed new film Jetties:What are they and what do they want with us? is Earl Hoffman's latest documentary sensation. Hoffman has directed numerous films including 2003's Drawbridges:Do we need them? and the 1998 Vineland Film Festival's Best Documentary winner Lighthouses: Do they need to be that high?.

In Jetties:What are they and what do they want with us? Hoffman looks to answer two basic questions.

"Really, I was looking to find out what jetties are and what do they want with us," said Hoffman from his home in North Wildwood, NJ. "I was really looking mostly at New Jersey's jetties and my findings were pretty interesting."

The award-winning filmmaker, who did not want to give too much information about his latest film, concentrates most of his work in the Garden State and can often be seen in small town coffee shops or speaking to regular folks while out and about.

"I love how he talks to regular folks, ya know ... like me," said Dan Thompson, of Toms River, NJ, a fan of Hoffman.

Jetties are a fixture along New Jersey's coastline from Cape May in the south to Sandy Hook in the north. The great poet Walt Whitman called the state's rock formations "the thinning hair of the coast I must boast."

Critics from all over the state are praising the film:

"If you like jetties and you are curious as to what they are exactly and what they are doing on this planet then this film is a must."—Millville Sun Times

"I didn't know jetties could do that."—Hoboken Ledger

"I will always fish from a jetty again."—Parsippany Times

"Riveting! I had know idea jetties wanted that with us."—Atlantic City Daily News

Crumbling WWII bunker to become Olive Garden

In the shadow of the Cape May light house at the southern most tip of New Jersey sits a symbol of our country's defense during World War II. The Cape May bunker (pictured above) was built in 1942 for the purpose of defending the Delaware Bay—and ultimately the port of Philadelphia—against a possible attack from German submarines or ships. Yesterday, it was announced that Darden Restaurants had purchased the landmark and will covert the relic into an Olive Garden, one of the company's most popular chains. "This is new territory for Olive Garden," said Fred Gionnini, CFO of Darden Restaurants. "I guarantee, however, that the 6-ft thick concrete walls won't affect our great tasting breadsticks." There is a similar bunker on the Delaware side of the bay. Darden also purchased this site and may open a Red Lobster or a LongHorn Steakhouse. The company outbid Pizza Hut, Cinnabon and Starbucks to acquire the sites, which are both part of state parks.

Delaware Bay swimmer first to cross by ferry

The body of water that separates the state of Delaware and New Jersey has been crossed numerous times by swimmers looking to conquer the unpredictable waters--rising and falling tides and strong, swirling currents. Next month the first swimmer ever to cross the seventeen-mile-wide mouth of the Delaware Bay will do so by ferry.

"I've been training for months and months," said Zack Meldin, 37, a resident of Vineland, NJ. "I have studied both ferry terminals and the whole fleet so I will be prepared for any surprises."

The journey, starting in Lewes, DE and ending in Cape May, NJ, is expected to take just about 80 minutes and cost a steep $43.25 peak season fare because Meldin will take along his new four-door Jeep Wrangler.

The athlete was unaware that each passenger taken in the car will be an additional $10.00. With his girlfriend, parents and brother all coming along to support his attempt at a record-setting crossing, the total cost comes to $83.25.

"It is a lot of money, but I really want the people I care about most to be with me during the crossing. They were there when I crossed the English Channel by train in 2007 and I want them here in August," said Meldin, his eyes welling.

Meldin's sponsors include Subway, Jeep and DelMarVa Power who will only contribute sandwiches, jeeps and electricity, not cash, towards the swimmer's bay crossing.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry company, operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, has been very cooperative with Meldin and his family. The DRBA has organized meetings between the swimmer and the fleet's 12 ship captains, provided blueprints of the ships and terminals and will provide a $20 gift card good for on board food purchases (not valid at Subway). The DRBA has also arranged for Meldin's Jeep to be driven onto the ship by a crew member to help conserve the athlete's energy for the journey.

"He can't wait. He's been doing a lot of rowing and he even traveled to Massachusetts to take a 'practice ferry' to Nantucket. He's as ready as he'll ever be," said Harriet Meldin, Zack's mother.

Delaware's most famous resident Vice President Joe Biden will lead a send off from Lewes next month, while New Jersey governor Jon Corzine and Subway's Jared will welcome Zack to the Garden State.


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Drabek: 'Would I get paid in Euros up there, er, how does that all work?'

Strahan gives in, will star in GAP commercials

Michael Strahan couldn't refuse the money any longer. The former New York Giants defensive end and single season sack record holder has agreed to appear in four GAP television commercials for the clothing company to be aired this coming fall. Specific numbers were not disclosed, but some reports are claiming the price was around $30 million. The former mvp has been wined and dined by the clothing company over the last ten years in hopes he would agree to star in the popular GAP advertisements. "I didn't want to endorse a product I didn't use," said Strahan. "But I began to see things from GAP's perspective. It's a great company." The current NFL analyst said that he would only smile twice during an ad and that only three closeups were permitted. The GAP marketing team says they know exactly how the ads will play out. "We've been planning the ads for ten years," said a GAP rep.

City claims rust is mural; MAP says no, then yes

The city of Philadelphia is claiming that the rust on the side of a Schuylkill River overpass is a mural designed and painted by the world-renowned Mural Arts Program (MAP). Having just overhauled the JFK Blvd Bridge and currently replacing the South St Bridge, the city, not to mention the state, seem to have an endless list of infrastructure projects on the horizon with little or no funding.

Is the bridge safe or is the city creating reasons to postpone or avoid costly, needed repairs?

The rusted bridge, which sits near the iconic Art Museum and the historic Waterworks and its recently refurbished park, has been the center of a public outcry demanding its cleaning to better blend with its neighbors—a cleaning that would cost the financially strapped city over $5 million.

Some say that the steep cost to rehab the bridge has led the current administration to claim that the horrid rust is a mural titled, "The Rust."

"Look at it. It's one of the best murals going. It actually looks like rust," said city bridge inspector Grace Higgins. "I’ll be the first to admit that I, too, thought it was rust upon first inspection, then I did the math. The numbers don’t lie … it’s not rust.”

At first, the Mural Arts Program, which has created the largest collection of murals in the world and is copied nationally and internationally, denied the claim saying, "The rust is actual rust and we have never been involved with a project on the Martin Luther King Dr Bridge."

"Yesterday, I saw a group of tourists pour from a bus parked near the bridge. They walked down the path and began to take hundreds of photos of the bridge," said Tom Hildebrand, a citizen calling for the removal of the rust. "These tourists had to be hired by the city."

The administration called the accusation "nonsense and insulting" and said the bridge has been luring visitors for months since the mural was completed.

"We can't even plow our own streets in the winter," said a city representative. "How are we going to rent a luxury bus liner from Krapfs, or where ever the bus was from, and pay everyone on board to act like a tourist? This is comical."

Remove the Rust, a local group calling for the cleaning, say they have proof, through time-lapse photography, that the rust is not a mural. They are claiming the corrosion has been developing over the course of 15 to 20 years and they have never seen an artist near the bridge.

"The mural was started almost 20 years ago and it has been worked on little by little each year by the artist Franz Dorgle," said Ken Fitzgerald, a Streets Department official. "He’s a slow worker and he works late at night.”

One thing is clear, however, that somewhere along the way there was a breakdown in communication or a falling out between the Mural Arts Program and the city on how the rust controversy would be handled publicly.

There is speculation that MAP officials, possibly unsatisfied with the city's financial support, refused the request to claim the rust as part of the program by a city that felt it had consistently and sufficiently backed the nonprofit monetarily. Or possibly, MAP agreed to claim the rust for a small fee and the administration never came through with the promised "donation."

Yesterday, however, MAP abruptly changed its story and claimed the "The Rust" was, in fact, part of the program and that forgetting a mural has happened before and is not all that uncommon.

"Oh, it’s one of ours," said a grinning Sara Von Ruyen, a MAP board member. "We have tons and tons of paperwork here and things get lost or forgotten. For example, I completely forgot we did the Dr J mural a few years back. Someone had to literally sit me down and say, 'Sara, we did do the Dr J mural back in 19-whatever.' I was floored."

Later yesterday afternoon, the city issued this statement: "We thought it was a mural all along. We mean no disrespect to Mother Nature, but the oxidizing process caused by water and air could not possibly result in something so exquisite. This was created by a masterful brush on a structurally sound bridge."

Remove the Rust president David Werner said his organization was convinced and that his group was embarrassed and would cease its campaign to remove the ferric hydroxide and ferric oxide that is rust.

"Now our mission is to do whatever we can to help preserve ‘The Rust,’" said Werner.

Sign confusion may lead to cast of What's Happening coming to Phila

Several weeks ago a sign (pictured above) was placed just off the Schuylkill Banks river trail about 100 yards before reaching Martin Luther King Blvd heading west (or north). The board, on the site of a future skate park, was meant to explain the recent construction and changes being made to one of the city's newest parks.

The notice, however, was not clear to the many who stopped to read it, or at least part of it. The misunderstanding caused by the sign has put the park in a very awkward position. The title at the top—What's Happening on Schuylkill Banks—led many, if not all, who passed to think actors from the hit 1970's TV show would be paying a visit to the Banks.

"I saw the sign and got really excited," said Barbara Miller, 37, of Fairmount. "I loved What's Happening growing up. I didn't even read the rest of the sign because I left to tell all of my friends."

Unfortunately for the park almost no one continued to read the remainder of the board beyond the title. Had they proceeded, recreationalists would have been briefed on the current upgrades the park was implementing for its throngs of users.

A few of the park's officials are somewhat confused at, well, the confusion over the sign. The park argues that the diagrams and question mark at the title's end should have immediately eliminated the TV sitcom meaning to passersby. Park users argue that the h in happening, however, was uppercase and gave the impression that it was a sitcom title.

"I think [Park users and the Banks] both messed up in this situation. Although, I will say that wouldn't we have included a picture of the cast on the sign if we meant the TV show?" said a Banks representative.

Other Schuylkill Banks officials feel horrible about the situation and have openly admitted that a Please Continue Reading note should have been included at the conclusion of the sign's title sentence.

The park's board voted yesterday and said it will make a valid attempt to bring the surviving cast members to the park: Ernest Lee Thomas (Roger), Haywood Nelson (Dwayne) and Danielle Spencer (Dee). Sadly, three cast members from the show have passed away including Fred Berry (Rerun) in 2003, Mabel King (Mama,Mabel) and Shirley Hemphill (Shirley) both in 1999.

The park plans to offer a generous appearance fee to bring the three actors to the Banks to sign autographs, pose for pictures, cheer on runners and joggers and help open the currently-under-construction gateway plaza. Also, as a joke, and obviously only if the cast attends, the three will read the entire sign to the public and not only the title. (The appearance fee would redirect funds from extending the trail and will delay its completion by two years.)

"Roger said he is definitely coming if the other two are coming. So now we're really negotiating with Dee and Dwayne," said Ralph Dwyer, a Banks representative.


"I have a new book out," said Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne on the show. "So if they approve a large sign-and-buy book signing I will be in Philly."

Nelson, who has become an avid polo player since the show went off the air in 1979, co-authored Hay, Hay, Hay: Dieting your polo horse to the top, which was published in January 2009.

If the trio agrees to an appearance look for them in early to mid August along the mighty tidal Schuylkill.

Fairmount's Bastille Day apologizes for beheading Twinkie the Kid

Fairmount, Philadelphia--Organizers of Fairmount's Bastille Day celebration apologized yesterday for last weekend's public beheading of Twinkie the Kid, the mascot for one of America's favorite snack cakes. Part of the celebration of the French holiday includes throwing some 2,000 Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets from the towers of Eastern State Penitentiary and into packed Fairmount Avenue below. Not long ago, the twinkie almost became the preferred cake tossed over the walls, as the local Bastille Day festival threatened to change snack cakes. Some feel Tastykake put pressure on the organizers to behead the cartoon-like character to show Hostess, maker of Twinkies, who the official snack cake of Bastille Day truly is. The beheading of Twinkie the Kid was meant to solidify the bond between the celebration and Philadelphia's Tasty Baking Company—maker of Tastykakes. If the gathered crowd was unsure of what made up the insides of the Kid, they quickly found out as most were covered in creamy filling as soon as the guillotine's shiny blade dropped. Cream was found as far away as the famous Art Museum steps. "It was pretty frightening for the children. The blade was very, very, very sharp and his arms were still trying to throw a lasso even though his head was in a basket," said one onlooker.

Phils, Jays end suspense: van, minibike exchanged

Roy Halladay will not be leaving Toronto this year, at least not for Philadelphia. The The Phillies and Blue Jays have been in trade talks for Toronto's all-star pitcher Roy Halladay for almost ten days now and today the rumors came to an end.

A trade was completed earlier today, but not the deal that was expected by the baseball world. In a no-player deal the Phillies sent an old, fur-covered van to the Blue Jays in exchange for a fuel efficient minibike.

The deal included no cash, draft picks or current players as the two modes of transport were dealt straight up.

"We stole this thing away from them," said a Phils representative who wanted to remain anonymous. "This will be a key component to our playoff drive."

"We stole this thing away from them," said a Blue Jays representative who wanted to remain anonymous. "This will be a key component to the future of our club."

Phillies fans at first appeared disappointed then rejoiced at the acquisition of such a great minibike for only a dog-decorated van.

"Wow, they did it again," said a fan. "The minibike could be used for the bullpen or something."

Fox All-Star ad frightening children, players

The FOX advertisement for the 2009 St Louis MLB All-Star game began airing several weeks ago and has been criticized for scaring children and the players headed to the gateway to the west. The ad shows the famous St Louis Arch being used as an enormous magnet to attract All-Star players and fans from across the country and depositing them in Busch Stadium, site of the this year's mid-summer classic.

A large hand, possibly a giant, is shown lifting the arch from its base and moving it around the country gathering all it can. Towards the end of the commercial the "magnet" arrives in St Louis where the magnetic force is shut off, therefore dropping the hordes of people attached 50-60 ft down to the playing surface.

"My 9-year-old son is terrified that a giant metal arch is going to come out of the sky and carry him away," said Don Hafner, a Philadelphia Phillies fan. "He has refused to attend a game since the ads began."

As a single cloud passed in front of the sun over the weekend, casting a shadow on the first level seating at Citizens Bank Park, a minor panic ensued as several fans pushed towards the safety of the concourse yelling, "ARCH."

Although most traumatized by the promo have been children, players have also been affected by the advertisement.

"I have to admit that I often find myself looking up at the sky during games," said New York Yankees shortstop, Derek Jeter, a starter in this year's game. "It could really come from any direction."

Jeter's teammate Alex Rodriguez said he too watches for the Arch from the corner of his eye while in the field. The third baseman should relax as the arch only pulls in all-star players.

FOX issued a statement saying the ad would be changed so that the Arch lands on the field and players and fans will enter and exit the landmark through a small door at the base. The magnet theme will be nixed. Also, military helicopters, one being piloted by Cardinals all-star Albert Pujols, will replace the giant hand that violently tears the Arch from its base.

"We didn't think this through all the way," said a FOX Representative. "We never intended to upset young television viewers with the promo. I told them to use flying clydesdales instead, which would travel the country rounding up players and fans. Fans could feed the horses hay after landing in St Louis."

Altoona's MLB affiliate in town for weekend series

The Phillies are looking to end the first half of the season on a high note and continue a strong homestand when they begin a series tonight with the Altoona Curve's Major League affiliate the Pittsburgh Pirates. The all-the-sudden-home-game-winning Phillies hope playing Altoona's affiliate doesn't dampen the Bank's high energy atmosphere during the last series before the All-star break.

Altoona's affiliate is 38-47 this year with a firm hold on the National League Central division's last place. The team is headed for it's 16th consecutive losing season, which, incidentally, would tie a Phillies record from early in the 20th century.

Altoona, only a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, has sent several players up to the Pirates for rehabilitation assignments so far this year. If a player sees three rivers he is either hurt or can't quite make it on the Curve.

"I hurt my knee early in May and I was on the DL," said Altoona's center fielder, Vince Bordon. "It was disappointing, but I was sent up to the Pirates for three games before I could return to the Curve. It was tough."

Being sent to the Curve's major league affiliate is not something that is easy for the team's manager to tell a young player. The attendance for home games is less than a quarter of what it is in Altoona and those that do show tend to sit in the stands and listen to CD's of this year's Super Bowl.

"It's not easy to call a kid into your office and tell him he's going up to the major league club ... even if it's for only one game," said Curve manager, Jim McShane.

"Once you make it to the show you want to stay at the show," said Pirates' first baseman, Adam LaRoche. "In Pittsburgh I can walk around the mall and not have to sign any autographs. I hear it's the opposite in Altoona."

LaRoche has been trying to make it down to the Curve since arriving in Pittsburgh three years ago. The California native realizes that hitting .256 with 12 home runs will not get a player down to the Curve.

"I have to perform better if I want to make it down to the Show," said LaRoche.

New bridge to give pedestrians easy access to 76

Schuylkill Banks has been making numerous improvements along its Center City river trail by adding decorative brick edges to portions of the paved walk, a lower, narrower riverside walk, access steps, bench areas and a gateway plaza near Martin Luther King Blvd.

The most costly addition to the Banks to date, however, a pedestrian bridge spanning the Schuylkill, is currently underway and will connect the trail to Interstate 76 on the west side of the river.

"At one time a bridge, we think an ancient railroad bridge, was standing in this spot," said Schuylkill Banks board member, Tara Worthern, standing on the east anchorage of the planned bridge, the only remaining part of the long ago span. "I'm committed to rehabbing lost structures."

The Banks' board of directors has made it clear that part of their mission to bring a park and greenway to Center City included restoring historic structures that once stood, or stand dilapidated, within the new park's boundaries.


Though the bridge will be constructed exactly like its "ancient" predecessor board members from other parks around the city are not sure the cost, $20 million, or its functionality make sense.

"Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm not sure why pedestrians would desire access to I-76. Pedestrians are prohibited from that roadway anyway," said Washington Square board member, Nancy Brucker.

"I hate to use the term Bridge to Nowhere, but ... that's what it seems like," said Fitler Square president and CEO, Dennis Morgan. "That money could be spent on helping the trail reach its intended terminus at Fort Mifflin down by the airport."

Many involved in the city's park politics felt Morgan would fully support the Banks' bridge project because of his Fitler Square observation tower plan in 2007. The nearly-passed plan (missed by one vote) called for a 50-ft, $3 million tower at the northeast corner of the park and an exhibit on Thomas G. Fitler at the top. (Fitler Square was named after former mayor Edwin H Fitler. The proposed exhibit confused the other board members.)


Schuylkill Banks has said that it's more about the structure than where it leads. The park realizes that joggers, walkers and bikers will not be welcomed on I-76 once reaching the west side of the river.

"Maybe they could just jog on the shoulder or something? I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud." said Worthern. "Is PennDot ... I ... forget what I was going to say. How about that brick edging we put in last week, huh?"

Fireworks show to consist of sparklers, dancing Sunoco employees

The troubled economy has claimed yet another victim. Although the Sunoco Welcome America celebration will not be completely eliminating its fireworks display, it will be markedly cut back.

There have been several changes to this year's layout of the stage and an increase in areas around the Philadelphia Museum of Art restricted to the public.

"We moved the stage forward this year to make room for about two hundred Sunoco employees on the Art Museum steps," said a smiling Kyle Johns, a representative from Sunoco. "We know oil, but we also know how to celebrate the Fourth. And, let's face it, we know oil."

The Sunoco employees (including the Refinery Nine a cappella group) positioned on the famous steps will each be given a sparkler towards the end of the Sheryl Crow concert (the headline act of the night) and, as the music concludes, will light the sparklers at a given signal making a great spectacle for the onlookers close by.

"The sparklers will be the fireworks show for this year," said a frowning Johns. "It was either have nothing or have a couple hundred sparklers. I think it will all work out. I'm ready for a great concert."

Johns went on the say that the show will be entirely choreographed to music and each sparkler will be five inches longer to extend the show by 15 seconds, bringing the total burning/show time to just over 45 seconds. Sunoco covered the bill for the extra-long sparklers and got permission from the state to use the extra-long, illegal sparklers.

The city did not publicly announce the plans for the massively scaled back display and hope residents gathering for the show that are not within view of the steps will not be too disappointed.

"We thought there would be a large negative response to the sparkler show," said a city official, who would only give his name as H. "We are hoping police will subtly guide spectators closer to the stage for a better view."

Also considered for a fireworks substitute was one single, giant sparkler (possibly 20 ft in length) placed on the roof of the Art Museum. This idea was scrapped when experts predicted a 25-45 minute lighting time for the "giant fancy candle."

"You know how long it takes to light a normal-sized sparkler, think about a 20-footer, 8-inch diameter sparkler," said H.

Sunoco is encouraging all those attending the festivities along the Parkway to drive and "fuel up at one of our many area stations."

Rowing coaches critiquing joggers, picnickers

Running west along the Schuylkill River trail last week, during a rare, only partially cloudy day, I noticed, as I often do, the fleets of rowers on the slow-moving waterway. The sheer number of shells was like a scene from the movie Troy, without the sails or atrocious acting.

Mixed in among the rowers were a number of coaches, using bullhorns, directing, often yelling, orders at the amateur athletes: "You in the back, you're off by a split second. Step it up a notch. Most of you are not turning the oars properly. Don't break your scull. Flow, dammit, flow. Be lighter than the boat."

As I listened closely I began hearing commands that took my attention from the crowded trail ahead and back to the water.

"You call that a hoagie?" I heard shouted through the bullhorn. "You don't even have tomatoes on that thing."

Were the rowers eating on the boat? From my vantage point this was not the case. There was, however, a young couple sitting down by the bank of the river having a picnic and, yes, they were eating hoagies.

"What kind of blanket is that?" screamed the coach. "Looks like wool. It's summer out here buddy. Oh, look at me, I am sitting on a wool blanket in the summer. I need the attention that a wool blanket gives me in the hot summer."

The coach, and not just this coach, was critiquing and criticizing picnickers enjoying their spreads all along the waterfront.

As he steered the small, quiet boat upstream he moved to the next couple who was enjoying some wine and cheese.

"Looks like Boone's baby. At least spring for some Bartles and James. Oh, and sip the wine, don't gulp it."

The couple attempted to cover up the Boone's label, and did admit that "a nicer bottle of wine was only a few more dollars."

Most of the couples didn't really know what to make of the coach shouting at them. Some laughed, others pointed up with a certain finger and some countered with their own advice, often harsh, back across the water.

Just then I heard a second voice coming from my back left, another coach. "Get those knees up. Straighten your back. Get some real running shoes. Are those Velcro laces?"

They were not Velcro laces, I am proud to say, but I did realize that I was leaning forward quite a bit while running. For the remainder of the run I implemented the unsolicited advice and felt much better.


"Sure, we're out here to help the rowers," said University of the Arts men's rowing coach, Ben Baxter. "But we want to offer advice where ever we see fit to the throngs of recreationalists that gather along the river's bank. It would be silly if we didn't help out."

Many coaches claim they have been "helping the land lovers" for quite some time and, for whatever reason, it has only been noticed in the last couple of years.

A word of advice: if you don't want to be harshly judged on the chip selection accompanying your picnic than go with Cool Ranch Doritos, as they seem to be equally liked among the rowing coaches.

Softball time: Dobbs to play left center

Losers of 11 of their last 13 games the Philadelphia Phillies, in a desperation move, are planning to field an extra player during today's afternoon game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the once state of the art Rogers Center. The struggling Phils hope that a softball lineup, which includes 10 players (not nine) and is against league rules, will help end the horrid streak that has barely held the team atop the division standings. "We're going to play Dobbs in left center and hope, really hope, that the league does not notice," said Phillies' manager Charlie Manuel. The coach is referring to Phillies' pinch hitter extraodinair from a year ago Greg Dobbs. During his time as manager of the Cleveland Indians Manuel was able to play 10 players in the lineup on several occasions and get away with it, something made easier with the designated hitter rule. Dobbs plans to hide in the bullpen to start the game then quietly scale the wall and sidle in behind Shane Victorino in center field after several pitches. After an out or two Dobbs will slowly walk along the warning track to take his spot as the new left center fielder, hoping that he will blend in with the old SkyDome's backdrop. "I'm hoping they[the umpires] think Dobbs is an extra third base coach or a lost bull pen guy," said Manuel. Manuel is still uncertain how he plans to work Dobbs into the batting order.

The Pen: Is rosin bag cam too much?

On Monday night the second episode of Major League Baseball Network's highly watched showThe Pen aired, which follows, often closely, the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen both on and off the field.

There are multiple cameras that film the happenings in the "land beyond the outfield wall," but some, fans and media outlets, have started to ask if the series has gone too far.

During the first episode the rosin bag in the Phillies bullpen was shown several times--team's are very careful to divulge too much information about club-owned rosin bags. Usually placed on the backside of the mound, the powder rosin inside the bag is mainly to help pitchers keep their hands dry, but the rosin can also help prevent blisters.

There was such a positive response by the viewers after the initial episode last week calling for more rosin bag screen time that the network has decided to place two cameras on each of the pen's bags.

Appearing in the lower right and left hand corners of viewers' television screens this week were two Picture in Picture's (PIP) of each rosin bag. Even if the members of the pen were being shown at home with their families the two rosin bags will always appear on screen.

Where should the line be drawn when it comes to accessing professional athletes' lives, whether it's on the field or off?

"Giving all-access to the rosin bag just doesn't seem right. It's one thing to show the guys out fishing or grabbing a beer or partying, but showing the rosin bag, at least to that extent, is a bit much," said Phillies fan Hugh Franz, 46, of Wilmington, DE.

The cameras are fixed so if the bag happens to be picked up and used by a pitcher warming up the cameras will not follow. And should those same relievers throw the bag down out of the camera's view, then a MLB-hired assistant returns the bag to within the camera's range (marked by lines in the dirt on the mound).

"There is a line, but, honestly, I don't think they have crossed it yet," said Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin.

Durbin, who enjoys sending tweets (short messages from twitter) during games has denied a proposed Tweet cam by MLB for the television series. During the first episode a Phillies pitcher wearing number 37 was seen twittering (sending messages) in the pen, but his identity was concealed with a blurred face.

"My tweets are private," said the pitcher.

In any case, the huge increase in the amount of rosin bag coverage is here to stay. The fans spoke and Major League Baseball listened.

US considers annexing Baja for better symmetry

The United States government recently announced a plan that would call for peacefully annexing the Baja peninsula of Mexico. The administration has cited geographical symmetry as the main reason for a possible annexation of the mostly desert landscape and has therefore named the plan the Symmetry Act.

Advisers to Obama argue that if one were to fold the United States in half, roughly down the Mississippi River, that having two peninsulas at either end would be "much more pleasing on the eye."

"It makes sense because in the east we have this long peninsula of Florida and in the west there is the Baja ... just sitting there," said USGS peninsula specialist, Ty Culligan. "Also, I think Floridians have felt strange being the only true peninsula dwellers of the US."

Obama also points to the fact that children learning geography will make better maps and have an easier time learning states. A recent Cooper-Sinclair study revealed that almost 73% of our nations 4th graders felt Baja was already a part of America and was often included in crayon map drawings.

The Baja peninsula is made up of two Mexican states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. The rugged terrain extends nearly 800 miles from the Mexican-US border in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and Gulf of California to the east. It is often called the "greatest peninsula of the world" by Peninsula Weekly.

Mexican officials who at first were threatened by a sizable loss in their overall land area, admitted that "having two large peninsulas framing a country would be neat."

Most Mexican officials in favor of the plan are calling for Cabo San Lucas, the resort town at the peninsula's most southern tip, to remain part of Mexico. The town's large number of dollar-toting tourists are a huge boost to the Mexican economy.

Others inside the government are appalled at the consideration of giving land to the US, while some even predicted the arrival of this request years ago.

"I knew this day would come," said Mexican official and Baja California Sur representative, Jose Montenerro. "This is why I proposed filling in the Gulf of California almost ten years ago."

Montenerro proposed a top secret plan in February of 1998 calling for the elimination of the body of water that separates Baja from mainland Mexico. The official was ahead of his time when he foresaw what the attraction of geographical symmetry for the neighbors to the north would mean to his country and literally called for the moving of mountains to prevent it.

A revised plan, also top secret, presented by Montenerro in 2000 called for constructing a 125-mile land bridge between La Ribera (the end of Baja) and Altata (the Mexican mainland) to alter the definition of the strip of land. Both plans, obviously were nixed.

"The International Federation of Peninsulas (IFP) would have stripped Baja of its peninsula status," said Montenerro. "Baja would have been worthless to the US."

Both Obama and Mexican president Felipe Calderon have assured citizens in both countries that nothing is set in stone as of now. The two are planning an August meeting in San Francisquito, Baja to discuss the details of the Symmetry Act.

Downed jetliner's search crew accused of chasing tail

Last week, the wreckage search crew looking for debris from Air France Flight 447 in the Atlantic Ocean discovered the tail of the aircraft. The airline and World Aviation Federation (WAF) officials are seeking answers to what caused the jetliner to lose altitude, or come apart at peak altitude, and crash into the ocean off the coast of west Africa.

The WAF has given those searching—more than 60 workers on 12 ships and five helicopters—direct orders to seek, and bring to the surface, only the jet's black box, also known as the flight data recorder.

Officials in charge of the search were disappointed and angered when the team recovered the tail of the plane last week, disregarding clearly stated instructions.

"They're always chasing tail when we need them to chase the black box. They look at finding the tail as a very manly thing. It's a competition among the entire group," said a very frustrated Marc Luc Gaulle, an Air France search and recovery specialist.

When the tail was brought to the surface at around 13:10 GMT, the boat's eight crew members used air horns and the two-way radio to alert the rest of the group that "they were all over that tail."

Some crew members were seen patting the tail lightly with an open palm as it broke the surface of the water, while a few divers wore speedos and sat directly on top the twisted metal.

"It took some serious persuasion and, not to mention, some negotiating, but we got some tail today," said Brazilian diver, Ronald Saldenha. "It's an important part in determining what happened to the plane."

The wreckage recovery team is mostly made up of French and Brazilian men who, all too often, are labeled as very smooth with the ladies—Casanovas if you will.

Ship captain Raul Pemeta said his crew was working very hard to recover the black box and it was only by chance that the tail was recovered first. When asked why orders to only raise the box were ignored he responded:"We came across the tail, are we suppose to leave it there all alone and take the risk that the tail will up and walk away, er, wash away? The tail would have been insulted and we may not have gotten a second chance with that tail."

After the piece was placed on the deck of a ship and group photos were taken surrounding the vertical steering section, some of the most experienced divers at the site were quickly loaded onto helicopters and taken to Dakar Airport in Senegal for flights home to France or Brazil.

"The fact that the best divers left to go home after the tail was recovered is a clear indication of their intention. It really sickens me," said Luc Gaulle.

The ship captain reported those divers were not feeling well, possibly a bends issue, and left to receive medical care.

Phillie helping planet one carpool at a time

Many of the Philadelphia Phillies, and professional athletes in general, along with their spouses and families are passionate and active in one particular cause outside of baseball. The team encourages community interaction and charitable work and hopes that residents will benefit from the presence of the team.

For example, Chase and Jen Utley work tirelessly to help area SPCA's, Jimmy Rollins is involved with the Arthritis Foundation and Ryan Howard started Bat Plant-it, a nonprofit that plants trees to replace those used for making MLB bats. Their visibility in the community, not to mention a hefty salary, are key to contributing to, and marketing, successful charities.

Yesterday, in rapidly-growing Montgomery County, adjacent to a four-lane highway with little space for additional automobiles during peak rush hour, a Park and Ride opened. Not just any Park and Ride, but the Chan Ho Park and Ride.

Park is from congested, high tech South Korea, in fact, he is the first Korean-born player in the major leagues. A fact the reliever often brings up randomly during conversations. It is here that Park became interested—some say obsessed—with the idea of smart commuting, particularly carpooling.

In 2006, the pitcher was honored with South Korea's highest possible "Green Award," which marked the 100th Park and Ride opening in the country. Seoul, the capital and largest city is home to the majority of the Chan Ho Park and Rides.

In only his first year with the club, Park wasted no time and began in March studying the area's highways to determine where his signature Park and Rides would most be needed. It did not take long to conclude that U.S. route 422, which snakes its way from King of Prussia to Reading and beyond and crosses the Schuylkill River several times, should be the recipient.

"The Schuylkill River Valley corridor is exploding with suburban sprawl," said Park in the Phillies' locker room while pointing at a wall-sized map of the region's highways. "U.S. 422 had no carpooling lots ... now they do."

From an early age Park saw the value of increasing passengers and reducing the number of vehicles.

"When I was about 13 I developed a detailed carpool for my middle school baseball team's practices," explained Park proudly. "The parents of the children that lived near each other would take turns driving the kids."

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was at the site in Upper Providence Township as four complete strangers, office workers from Collegeville, piled into a car bound for Center City. And thus, embarking on the maiden voyage that was christened when Park shattered a champagne bottle over the commuter's front fender. The awkward, nearly 28-mile trip can take over an hour, but the state and ballplayer hope that number will drop significantly with each carpool registered at the site.

"Pennsylvania is already on its way to becoming a leader in renewable energy," said Governor Rendell. "So when Chan approached me about setting up an authentic Chan Ho Park and Ride here in the state it was an easy decision. Our hope is that we can get a good handful of cars off this road in the next five years."

Park has had little success, however, getting current teammates to carpool to the stadium on a daily basis. The pitcher said that for two days in April JC Romero, Chad Durbin, Eric Bruntlett and himself drove to the field in a Philly Car Share Prius.

Philadelphia is the onetime starter's fifth team since 1994 and left behind in each city—Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Diego and New York—are crammed cars and greater fuel economy. Let's hope this is the first of many of the Chan Ho Park and Rides in the Delaware Valley.