Four spectators dead, two seriously wounded in debut of aerial biathlon

Above: Twisting, turning aerial skiers were unable to control
rifle accuracy in midair, often missing targets by large margins.

Vancouver, B.C.--"Aerial biathlon seemed like a really good idea three years ago, but we're really going to sit down next month and study whether this event should continue in the next Olympics," said IOC president Pierre Bonne. "We will go on with the event as planned this year simply because the athletes have worked so hard to get here. I want to reassure our fans and say that, as we speak, we are installing bulletproof glass in front of all seating areas. Plus, we'll have half price tickets, dollar hot dogs, t-shirt giveaways and snow cones for the kids. So, come on back."

Ski Jumpers using Snuggies to jump farther than ever

IOC has already banned the sleeved blanket from 2014 Games

Whistler, British Columbia--Yesterday, Finland's Hans Frojn shattered the Olympic ski jumping record of 239 meters with a whopping 314 meter leap. In fact, Frojn wasn't the only jumper to break the record. Every participating skier soared a distance of at least 260 meters.

Is it the thin air? Perhaps, unusually strong wind gusts? How about lighter athletes or equipment? None of the above. The jumpers are using the popular Snuggie, a sleeved blanket, to sail abnormally long distances.

The Snuggies, which are made of lightweight material, are turning jumpers into gliders by catching wind gusts and delaying landings by five to ten seconds.

"Have you ever seen a flying squirrel soar through the air? They really don't fly but glide as they spread their body out to create the largest possible surface area," explained Don Simmons, an aeronautical expert at the British Columbia Aviation Institute. "The Snuggie acts in a similar way, which is why we are seeing such long jumps."

The first jumper to wear the Snuggie yesterday was Canada's Tim Herrier, who simply wore the blanket because he was cold. Herrier--and the event's judges--was not aware of how the Snuggie would alter his jump or the future of the event.

"I really was just cold," said Herrier. "My girlfriend got me this stupid Snuggie and I really didn't have anything else that compared to its lightweight and comfort. Most everybody was laughing at me at the top of the hill and then I jumped 235 meters, which was four short of the world record. They weren't laughing anymore."

Following Herrier's jump, area stores quickly sold out of the popular blanket, as jumpers began to claim that they too were "cold." Despite Herrier's best efforts, the native of Nova Scotia was unable to prevent his competitors from buying the blankets.

"Snuggie Gate," as it is being referred to, has caused many a lot of stress. So confused was the event's judging committee that competition was halted for almost four hours, as rules were checked and double checked. Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were called to the site to address this "special situation."

"There's nothing we can do at this time. Rule 302.11.56 states that winter Olympic athletes are permitted to keep warm by any means necessary. This, unfortunately, includes those awful-looking Snuggies," said Franz Tullerone, an IOC official. "But this will not be the case in Sochi."

Tullerone was referring to the 2014 Winter Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. The IOC voted late last night, in an emergency competition committee session, to change Rule 302.11.56. The amended rule specifically states that "Snuggies will not be permitted in any event, no matter how warm they may keep athletes."

Barefoot speed skater excelling in Vancouver

Former Philadelphia Eagles' place kicker Paul McFadden stood and cheered in the stands inside the packed Richmond Olympic Oval, just south of Vancouver, during the finals of the men's 1250 meter speed skating event.

McFadden became well-known during his days in the NFL, 1984 to 1989, for kicking barefooted--even in the frigid cold. The kicker traveled to British Columbia for these winter games because he felt a certain connection to one of the athletes. It wasn't McFadden's son, or any relative for that matter, that caused the Cleveland native to show up, unannounced, to Canada's western province.

Twenty-three-old Norwegian Jorgen Johensen is the only speed skater in the world to perform his craft without skates. Yes, you read that correctly. Johensen is, like McFadden, a barefoot athlete.

"I'd like to think that I was a big part of his choice in skating style," said McFadden, eyes watering. "I see a lot of me in Jorgen. He's a special competitor."

Growing up in rural northern Europe, Johensen was not exposed much to American television.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure Mr. McFadden is a very nice man, but I have no idea who he is," said the skater politely, when asked if the 1980's NFL player was the inspiration to his no-skates method. "I've never seen an American football game, especially one from the that long ago. I wish he would stop following me."

The native of Lillehammer feels that his style gives him an advantage over his skate-wearing competitors, but also admits that it is much more dangerous and that, despite going skateless at 8 years old, he still gets nervous.

"The turns are the scariest," the skater said laughing. "Every turn is very ... ah, what is the English word ... hairy. Yes, the turns are very hairy. But I never have to sharpen skates like other skaters, which saves me money."

The unusual style, however, has paid off thus far, as the skater captured the gold medal in the 1250 meter final and hopes to repeat that "feat" in tomorrow's 1255 meter final. Coming into the final turn, in the 1250 meter race, he lost his footing, but was able to quickly regain balance when his untrimmed toenails caught the ice and prevented a complete wipeout.

"My mother told me to trim my toenails that morning because I was going to be on national tv," the skater said, smiling. "If I had listened to my mother I would not have been standing on that podium barefoot with a gold medal."

Johensen, now a resident of Oslo, would not go into great detail about the reasons behind his barefoot style, but did dispel rumors that he was born with a rare shoe-wearing disorder.

"Norwegian tabloids have often reported that I have triple hyper-overactive sweat glands in my feet, which makes wearing shoes, at any time, nearly impossible," said the frustrated Olympian, standing barefoot in a snowbank outside of the Olympic training facility. "This is untrue and I ask that reporters consider my families feelings when making such ridiculous accusations like this."

Does museum's new acquistion promote sledding?

Philadelphia, PA-- "The museum's position has always been that we would prefer people not to use the steps for sledding because of safety reasons. We certainly do not want to encourage winter recreation on the famous steps," said Dayle Michaels, a Philadelphia Museum of Art official. "However, when you can get a great deal on a used chair lift, you have to take it."

Celebrating Saints fans stop, rethink levee looting

New Orleans, LA -- Between twenty and thirty die-hard New Orleans Saints' fans, after a long night of drinking and partying on world-famous Bourbon Street, gathered and made their way to one of the city's numerous levees just after dawn. The crew was looking to "celebrate" the team's first ever Super Bowl victory, as jubilant, intoxicated fans are known for doing when their teams capture a championship. "After about five minutes of pushing the giant concrete walls, we just thought that maybe this isn't such a great idea," said Harold Cormier, 45, of the city's Garden District. "I mean, the levees looked awfully important. We wanted to do better than simply flip over a car, but we ended up doing that on the way back to the French Quarter, anyway."

FOX to counter CBS Super Bowl with premier of 'Mayday, Mayday'

Above: An episode of Mayday, Mayday filmed in Niagara Falls. Miraculously, all crash survivors' bodies were recovered.

The FOX Broadcasting Network is putting a lot of faith--and money--into its latest reality television show. So confident is the network in the show's certain success, that they are putting the initial episode up against the second half of the Super Bowl, which is airing Sunday evening on CBS at 6:25 pm.

The new show, Mayday, Mayday, will begin at 8:15 pm just in time to give viewers caught up in the elongated halftime show--featuring The Who--ample time to grab another beer and refill the Dorito bowl, before turning the channel over to FOX.

What could possibly pull viewers away from America's most popular sporting event you might ask? How about a certain U.S. Airways' pilot? That's correct. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, last January's Hudson River hero, will "host" this controversial new reality show.

The goal of the show is for home viewers to get a firsthand look into how experienced, or inexperienced pilots, react in emergency situations--specifically for crash water landings. Unsuspecting pilots will be forced to make emergency landings in waterways all over the country.

"News networks reported record audiences in the days and weeks following the Hudson River water landing last year," said Henry Jenkins, FOX director of programming. "We want to take that concept and excitement--and the major revenue that comes with it--and have a new and crazy water landing every week. It's really gonna be neat."

Hidden cameras will be set up around the cockpit, passenger seating areas, bathrooms and flight attendant gathering areas. Sullenberger, who, until airborne, will be hiding in a specially designed compartment in most episodes, will be wearing a captains hat with a small video camera attached to give audiences a view from the hero's eyes.

Through misinformation provided by the control tower and a snip of some random, though not believed to be crucial, fuselage wires during flight, the plane will be sent into a rapid descent. The flight crew, including all flight attendants, will have no prior knowledge that what is occurring is for a television show.

Sullenberger will not reveal himself to the crew until the plane begins to lose altitude, bursting through the false wall that had concealed his presence. The hero will stand over the pilots and question their every move, and will continuously remind them about how successful his Hudson River landing was.

If the pilots are incapable of excelling under this extreme pressure, Sullenberger will step in to guide the jet to a safe landing. According to a source close to the show, Sully steps in only twice, but this is unconfirmed.

In one scene, Sullenberger frightens two young pilots by saying, "Fellas, I'm contractually obligated by FOX not to help you land this plane."

"People may ask why I am doing this," said Sullenberger, defying FOX's request to not participate in interviews. "Honestly, it's for the kids. All those damn, great kids. Bless their hearts."

So controversial is the show that news of its creation only recently emerged, as FOX attempted to keep the anticipated media firestorm off its back for as long as possible.

Because of law suit concerns, all passengers aboard the planes are actors and are all informed of exactly when the plane will experience "extreme turbulence."

"It's still very scary," said Bob Neminster, an actor who claims to have been an extra in over 150 movies. "The pilots still have to land the plane successfully. But it's worth the free lunch and 50 bucks."

Water landing witnesses were forced to sign a confidentiality agreement and were also generously compensated. Some news outlets have reported that the show filmed 26 or more water landings and, unbelievably, were able to keep them all a secret.

"Money talks," said Jenkins. "Money talks many languages. And Mr Franklin talks very loudly, almost too loudly. Sometimes I have to tell him to keep it down."

Last October, two Northwest Airlines' pilots, flying from San Diego, overshot the Minneapolis Airport by 150 miles, before circling and, eventually, landing safely. This, as it turns out, was for an episode of Mayday, Mayday. This is why the airline and pilots were so tight-lipped about the incident. The pilots were able to overcome the situation and land in Minneapolis, much to FOX's frustration.

"FOX has forbidden me to comment on what occurred in that plane," said Captain Kevin Torrance, a Northwest pilot aboard the flight. "All I can say is that if Sully didn't wake us up, er, well, I can't even say that."

FOX executives are barely able to contain their excitement for Sunday's premier.

"Yes, CBS has the Super Bowl, but we think we can make a decent dent in their ratings with Mayday, Mayday," said Jim Higgins, a FOX executive, wearing a Mayday, Mayday hat. "In fact, on Monday morning, at the water cooler, we think people will be asking who won the game."

Van Damme making dams from old vans

Above: Van Damme celebrates one of his earliest projects in rural Senegal.

Walking past pile after pile of rusted-out, doorless jalopies in a junkyard 14 miles outside of Brussels, one can see that most of the useful parts--the souls, if you will--have been stripped from the frames long ago, rendering what was left behind virtually useless, but, at the same time, extending the life of vehicles still on the road.

As our society becomes more and more disposable, what will become of sites like these in Belgium and around the world?

One person had a vision of what could be done with this "junk," which had seemingly given all it had to give. Jean-Claude Van Damme (yes, that Jean Claude) asked himself a very interesting question almost two years ago: How could these old vans be used to help people?

"I was doing an autograph session with Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone in a junkyard near Maleizen, Belgium, and I was just marveling at all the junked-out cars. But what really caught my eye was the sheer number of old vans. I was like 'dam,'" said Van Damme, while eating a ham and lamb sandwich inside a new Dodge Ram van.

Jean-Claude Van Damme is most well known for his on-screen roundhouse kicks and blood-drawing face jabs that permeated his popular action films of the '80s and '90s. The beatings the actor dished out on film in no way foreshadowed his current devotion to international humanitarian projects.

"Vans with no life are ... well, giving life," said Van Damme from his home in Belgium. "Van dams are the future of blocking water flow where water blockage is so desperately needed."

The vans are being used to create dams that will control flooding and provide drinking water for small villages in developing countries. Van Damme's work, thus far, has been concentrated in Asia and western Africa, with only a handful of projects in South America.

Unlike passenger cars, vans are often bulkier and heavier, proving ideal for damming small rivers, creeks and streams. The actor initially began the the program with smaller sedans and coupes, but scrapped this method after the lighter vehicles were quickly washed away when heavy rains inundated local drainage basins.

Vans have been pouring in from all over the world to help the actor continue his work in assisting the less fortunate and malnourished of the world.

"Two months after creating a van dam in Laos I get a call on my cell phone," said the star of Blood Sport. "The horn on one of the vans went off in the middle of the night startling the locals and causing a small panic."

Van Damme has worked closely with micro loan entrepreneur and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh to serve the water-inundated, low-lying parts of the country. Utilizing the power of van dams in the flood-prone regions will allow residents to store water for later use when the flood waters have receded.

"At first I viewed the program as a way to globally distribute the western world's waste. I was wrong, very wrong! Jean-Claude's van dams have given many people in Bangladesh great hope for clean drinking water. Many are being built by Bangladeshis using the micro loans from Grameen Bank," explained Yunus, referring to the bank he founded in 1976.

Yunus hinted that, if the van dam program continues to grow at its current pace, his new friend could be holding a Nobel Prize of his own some day.

With the recent travesty in Haiti, Van Damme has begun preparations to expand into the Caribbean to construct several dams in rural areas outside of Port-au-Prince. Many dams failed, or were severely damaged, during the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on January 12 th.

The success of Jean-Claude's Van Dams may even lead to projects in rural areas of North America and Europe. A northern Saskatoon, Canada, community has already contacted the nonprofit for a possible installation on the Wanatoochee Creek, a waterway in desperate need of a van dam.

North Dakota, Minnesota and Manitoba officials have denied rumors that the two states and province are attempting to solve the oft flooded Red River's woes with a large van dam.

"We cannot comment on the 450 used vans that recently arrived along the west bank of the Red River, just north of Fargo," said North Dakota's governor, John Hoeven.

Rittenhouse Square deer hunt postponed

Some residents are avoiding the park because of the large number of deer.

Animal rights activists cheered loudly yesterday on the northeast corner of Rittenhouse Square. Echoing from the group of two hundred or so protesters were cheers of, "Get up off that little couch and let the deer in Rittenhouse."

The city and Fairmount Park have decided to postpone the scheduled February 23rd deer hunt, in one of the city's most popular parks, for at least six months.

The deer have been wreaking havoc on the park's vegetation for years, eating the bark and leaves off countless trees. The animals also present challenges for farmers markets and disturb picnickers. For these reasons, park and city officials seek to reduce, by half, the 624 deer of the two square block park.

"This is a huge victory for us," said Stacy Corbin, president of Dear Deer, a watch group for the park's deer. "This postponement can only mean that a full cancellation is just over the horizon."

Some residents have had enough of the deer and are willing to finally support a controlled hunt.

"Enough is enough," said Jon Mondesi, 44, of Rittenhouse. "The deer are always looking to start trouble. If I must cut through the park, I keep my head down and sprint, ignoring their comments. They're horrible."

Talk of the hunt began after last spring's Rittenhouse Square Arts Festival debacle, in which many deer ate paintings, knocked over tents and smashed sculptures. Forty-four deer were later arrested and charged.

New helmet did not deter Saints defenders, as quarterback had hoped

Brett Favre wanted to go out in style. Though he didn't quite have enough yesterday to lead the Vikings back to the Super Bowl, he did, however, make a dramatic fashion statement. The 40-year-old quarterback from Mississippi was the only member of the Minnesota squad to wear three-dimensional viking horns on the sides of his helmet. "I really thought the defenders would think twice about trying to sack me if I had real horns," said a distraught Favre, who was knocked to the ground repeatedly throughout the 31-28 overtime loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship game. "Obviously it only made them more determined." Though Favre was not sacked in the game, he was hit hard and often and, at one point, limped off the field with an injured ankle. "When I saw the horns in pregame warm-ups," said Saints' linebacker Scott Shanle, who sustained a deep wound to his abdomen in the second quarter from Favre's left horn, "I knew it was going to be a fun day. The kind that linebackers live for."

Phila pretzel vendors using touchscreen technology

The new machines are not error-free, however, as some customers ordering mustard are getting catchup.

Don't let the rusted shopping carts, mildew-covered cardboard boxes or broken milk crates fool you. Philadelphia soft pretzel vendors are going high-tech. On January 1st, during the annual Mummers march up Broad St, ten to twenty vendors across the city began to use touchscreen ordering technology.

Only three weeks later, that number has easily surpassed twenty-five. The new--and costly--commitment to technology by vendors, however, is not by choice. The City passed a law in November requiring that all vendors begin to use the touch monitors by March 1, 2010.

"It's an efficiency thing," said Councilman Jim Borten. "I mean, c'mon, we need to embrace technology, not fight it."

Customers will approach the stands and, instead of verbally communicating with the salesman behind the cart, will simply use the attached screen to order pretzels and choose from various condiments.

"It was a little strange," said Gail Rosioli, 53, of South Philadelphia. "It takes a lot longer to order now than it did before. Is it so difficult to say, 'I want a pretzel with mustard?' I guess, like all new things, it will just take time to get used to."

"It's fantastic," said Gail Travers, 48, a parade reveler from University City. "I don't have to make eye contact with the vendors anymore."

Most vendors are warming to the idea of the new systems.

"It's a new interactive experience," said Frank Sullivan, a vendor from Pennsport, as he used and old comb to remove the salt from a pretzel for a no salt order. "Although, I will say that I do miss the interaction with the customers that come to buy the pretzels."

The initial screen greets patrons with a picture of a smiling, hand-clapping soft pretzel (vendors can add costumes to the pretzels for different occasions). This is followed by a screen asking, "What would you like today?" The only choice is a pretzel icon, which customers touch to advance to the next screen. Here, icons for quantity and an option to checkout are shown.

At the bottom of every screen is the option to purchase pretzels that are more than a day old--a Philadelphian's God-given right. "Do you like your pretzels a little more stiff? Choose pretzels from two to sixty days old."

Orders are then displayed on a smaller screen facing the vendor at the back of the cart. Most screen systems are powered by car batteries, but the option to plug into an outlet is also available. Solar power may also be a power choice in the future.

Most of the ordering devices being fastened to the side of the metal shopping carts are secondhand, sold to the mobile merchants by Wawa, Inc. The popular local convenience store chain said they will not be requiring a percentage of the pretzel proceeds.

"Every now and then there is a glitch in the system and customers are given the option of ordering a shorti hoagie or soup," said smiling vendor Steve Butterfield, as he sprayed his inventory with a solution from an old Windex bottle. "And I'm like 'pretzels only people, pretzels only.'"

Dalembert grateful that both Sixers' fans answered donation request

Lifting son should have given clue to McGwire steroid use

It is hard to believe that the great McGwire-Sosa home run race is almost twelve years old. The epic showdown of two home run hitters on rival teams had America's baseball fans captivated, checking the highlights each night to see who had taken the lead in the chase to break baseball's greatest, most cherished record.

The great race of 1998 gave new life to baseball. In the early to mid-90's, many fans and critics claimed that the game had not properly adapted to the younger, less attentive, video game-playing spectator. A faster pace was needed to compete with football, basketball and hock ... er, NASCAR.

Then came 1998. Fans that had left, quickly and blindly returned and critics began to count home runs and track down the Maris family.

The home run battle, however, was recently forever tainted by Mark McGwire's announcement that he used performance enhancing drugs during that period.

Were there any clues at the time that either player was using PEDs to power the historic run? Some are pointing to the record-breaking home run celebration by McGwire, when he lifted his then 10-year-old son, and batboy, off the ground and high into the air.

"After [McGwire] hit number 62 it never even occurred to me that PEDs were involved," said Cardinals' fan Jack Gaffney. "But when he touched home plate and lifted that son of his high into the air ... I really began to wonder."

"After he lifted his son, I turned to a colleague of mine in the press box and said I should really investigate this and find out where this sudden burst of strength came from," said New York Times reporter, Victor Styles. "But I ended up writing an article about the Maris' family sightseeing tour while they were staying in St Louis."

"Honestly, when my dad lifted me up I began to wonder," said son and former batboy, Matt McGwire.

Reid: 'I have quite a few decisions to make during this off-season.'

City’s new solar compacting mailboxes allowing for even less frequent collection

Has that letter you mailed four weeks ago--or even four months ago--arrived at its destination? Did you think your package was lost in the mail? Did you call the Postal Service to complain? Perhaps you resent your letter or package ... several times.

Well, with the city's new solar compacting mailboxes, chances are your mail is likely still in the box, and, at one-twentieth it's original size.

The City of Philadelphia and the United States Postal Service have agreed that the latest attempt to streamline costs (email and text messaging are greatly reducing USPS revenue) has been a huge success. The USPS Solar Mailbox Pilot Program began in Philadelphia in June with about 20 units, with more added every couple of weeks. They can be seen at many corners in and around Center City and, as the name suggests, are powered by the sun.

“With these solar compacting mailboxes I can go three to four weeks in between pickups for some of the mailboxes on my route,” said Rebbecca Stevens a mail carrier in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia.

"I haven't even looked in that mailbox since July," said Hank Tanner gesturing towards a box on Front Street.

What does it take to increase the capacity of a standard size mailbox by twentyfold? How about 30 tons of compacting force per square inch of diamond-coated steel. Engineers agree that there is a fine line between compacting and turning your mail into pulp.

"Thirty-one pounds per square inch was turning a simple letter-size envelop into apple sauce. We are really urging customers not to place small boxes with fragile or non-fragile items into the new mailboxes," said Betty Sharon a consultant to the pilot program and employee of Lockheed Martin. "Unless the boxes are steel and concrete reinforced, but even then I wouldn't do it."

Though the less frequent collections are benefiting postal carriers, customers are experiencing much longer delivery times for a simple letter.

"My cable, electricity, water and heat have all been turned off," said Greg Dallenbach. "[USPS] is telling me my September heating bill should arrive at PGW any day now."

Empire State Building placed atop new Dubai superscraper

Cell tower atop new building providing much of planet with cell service.

Dubai, UAE--The world's tallest building (and structure) officially opened yesterday in this small Middle Eastern country along the shores of the Persian Gulf. The Burj Khalifa, formerly known as the Burj Dubai, pierces some 2,717 feet into the sky. And the veiws? Well, the views are astounding.

"Mommy, mommy, I can see Abu Dhabi," shouted an excited Timothy Greenway, 10, visiting with his family from Chicago, IL, after spotting Dubai's neighboring emirate some 80 miles to the west. "I can also see parts of Ras Al-Khaimah. This is sweet."

So excited was the youngster that he called his grandparents back in the U.S. to brag about the sightings, a relatively simple task that would have been impossible without ... a spire cell antenna.

The building's architects, Gelkin & Associates of Berlin, Germany, initially called for the standard double-steel, cross-braced spire/antenna to grace the top, but were admittedly uncertain about compromising the aesthetics. Many Dubai government officials and citizens echoed concerns for preserving the beauty of the building, despite the fact that, at 2,700 ft, details will be indiscernible from ground level.

The grand idea came from one of the site's construction workers, when, half-joking, he suggested to his supervisor to "look to New York for a beautiful spire." The idea to cap the Burj with the Empire State Building found its way up the ranks and was, obviously, well-received.

"We needed a beautiful spire that doubled as an antenna and so we called Michael Bloomberg about the availability of the building and he was all, 'this would be great marketing for New York City,'" said tower official Halid Damascus. "We purchased the ESB and moved it here for only $200 trillion. I had that in my pocket."

"It makes for a great little ornament, don't you think?" said building designer Helmet Von Brugge. "The ultimate 'star on the tree.'"

Like most of the planet, the Emirate has hit hard economic times recently and believed that acquiring and moving one of the most well-known structures in the world to the peak of the Khalifa would lend the project credibility and lure pensive, would-be tenants.

Desperately trying to market the struggling region the developer felt a water slide cork-screwing down the side of the entire building--as suggested by one emirate--was tackier than ... an indoor ski area. Not only will the Empire State Building make a name for the Burj, but it will provide cell phone service to 78 percent of the world's population.

Though successful in New York, Dubai was unsuccessful in acquiring Toronto's CN Tower, in addition to the ESB, but, undeterred, will build a life-size model of the needle in the lobby of the new building. Stacking the CN Tower on top of the ESB would have provided the final 22 percent of the world with cell reception.

"We thought maybe we could place two of North America's most famous structures at the top, but it didn't work out that way," said Damascus. "But I always have five bars on my mobile phone. Which, I guess, is what really matters."

NBC hoping Winter Classic includes 'at least some baseball or football'

"Correct dimensions ... check, boards ... check, goals ... check, ice ... oh crap."

Seeking to increase television ratings, NBC has asked the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers, opponents in Friday's Fenway Park NHL Winter Classic, to not play hockey. Instead, the network would simply prefer that the two hockey clubs play baseball (or football) in one of the sports most cherished stadiums on New Year's Day. "At the very least we would like to see the teams use a baseball or smaller-sized football instead of a puck if they do decide to play hockey," said Albert Zumos, an NBC executive. Whether or not the teams decide to play hockey, each club will take a televised batting practice before the game. "We're hoping it tricks some of the television audience that there is actually going to be a baseball game played at Fenway Park in January," said Zumos. "The batting practice will definitely increase the number of viewers early in the telecast." Also, if the game goes into a shootout, the teams will attempt to earn the extra point in the standings with a field goal kicking contest that NBC demanded to be part of the Winter Classic broadcasting deal.

City removes every trace of snow from Delancey St, adds leaves to trees

Above photo: Delancey Street in Philadelphia only 23 minutes after a December record 23.2 inches of snow fell over the weekend in the Philadelphia area. The controversial, city-funded and operated Delancey Street Snow Task Force cleared last Saturday's snow in record time, utilizing its 350 crew members, 35 plows, 100 snow blowers and 700 hair dryers in the process. The task force was established in 1882 (photo below) to keep the street free of snow, by whatever means necessary, for its many influential residents. "The crew gets one minute to remove the snow for every inch that has fallen," said Susan Vern, a Streets Department representative. "We'd like to have a snow task force for every street in the city, but it's just not in the budget right now. It's just not."

Gaga's 'Proper Yahtzee' song a tribute to dice game

The award-winning singer Lady Gaga (Stefani Gemanotta) claims that she owes much of her success to the popular dice game Yahtzee. So much, in fact, that the 23-year-old performer from New York City wrote a song about the game of chance titled "Proper Yahtzee."

Released in July, "Proper Yahtzee" still tops the charts in single CD sales and can be heard on countless radio stations around the world. It wasn't until recently, during an interview with Today's Matt Lauer, that the pop star revealed Yahtzee's personal connection.

"Yahtzee taught me many life lessons," said the singer. "My parents not only encouraged my siblings and me to play Yahtzee, but to play proper Yahtzee and follow all the rules and be very familiar with the hidden strategies of the game."

Deciding when to use a chance, three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind or even a small straight requires quick decision making and strengthens mathematical skills. Also, decision making is very important when choosing what die or dice to keep after a first or second roll.

One of the key reasons for Yahtzee having such a large influence in Gaga's life was that fact that her father, Joseph Germanotta, was a world-class Yahtzee competitor throughout the 1980's. "He traveled all over North America and Western Europe to play the game," said the singer. "So he would expect nothing less than proper Yahtzee from his children."

From an early age Gaga has vivid memories of placing the five dice in the red cup and recording scores on the child-friendly scoring sheets.

"I remember when I was about seven years old and we were playing Yahtzee in the kitchen and I used my chance too early in the game," recalled Gaga about the scoring option of adding any combination of dice. "And my father kept asking if I really wanted to use my chance. He kept saying, 'proper Yahtzee sweetie, let's think and execute proper Yahtzee."

So, remember when playing the game to always execute proper, proper, proper Yahtzee!

City solves obstructed bike lane problem ... with ramps

Cycling along Spruce Street’s buffered bicycle lane last week I encountered several stopped automobiles on my westbound, cross-town journey. In only a few short months, this may no longer be a very frustrating occurrence for cyclists.

"There has to be something that can solve the problem," said commuter cyclist Ronnie Talbot. "Something that all interested parties will be happy with."

Most of the city’s bikers, including myself, are more than willing to share the road; however, when four, five or, even, six vehicles per block are parked or stopped in the designated bike lane it can be extremely dangerous for everyone involved. Soon, these stationary cars will no longer be a problem. In fact, autos may even be welcomed. Huh?

The City of Philadelphia can be credited for creating this dramatic turnaround in cyclists’ attitudes toward impeded bike lanes. Cyclists voiced their concern, the city listened and hit a home run with its solution.

Beginning in March of 2010 the city will adopt the country’s first bicycle car ramp program. What does this mean? The program, officially called Philadelphia Bicycle Ramp Pilot Program: A Bridge Over Obstruction, aims to provide cyclists with an easy way to traverse over the stopped or parked automobile blocking the outlined bike lane.

“It’s quite simple,” said Dan Yates, a Mayor’s office representative. “If you provide cyclists the means to pedal over the tops of cars with wide, comfortable ramps we think they will. And if motorists can easily set ramps up, they can remain stopped for hours … its win-win.”

I must give the city credit, after hearing the idea for this revolutionary car ramp pilot program last week, I was skeptical. My main concerns were the weight of the ramps, anti-theft devices for the ramps and possible tire damage to bicycles.

The Philadelphia Streets Department has announced that the program will be tested for two months on the new Spruce-Pine bike lanes beginning in March on the 2000 block of Pine St and the 700 block of Spruce St.

Up to ten ramps will be placed on each block in order for five motorists to legally stop or park in the bike lane area. Smart technology and Philadelphia Parking Authority cards will be used in order to give drivers access to the locked ramps located on the adjacent sidewalks. Rubber-coated magnets and clamps will keep the inclines in place on the backs and fronts of cars keeping paint and body damage to a minimum.

"It's a simple swipe of the card to unlock the ramps," said Mark Blanton, a planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. "Each ramp also has a cable attached so motorist or pedestrians don't run off with them."

The slopes can be extended up to 40 feet, allowing all cyclists a more gradual climb to the top of the automobile. The elongated ramps will also better serve cyclists when riding over tall delivery trucks.

"Bikers will need to ride as fast as they can in order to build up enough momentum to scale the vehicle," said Blanton. "Pedaling hard, balance and modern helmets will be the key to the project's success."

The ultra-light aluminum alloy ramps can support over 400 pounds and, weighing nearly 20 pounds each, can be set in place and disassembled by most everyone in less than two minutes.

There is no cost to motorists to use the ramps, at least, for now. The City feels the free service will encourage the use of the ramps, even if a driver is stopping in the lane for only 30 seconds.

One cyclist, who learned of the program last week, tested the idea in a South Philadelphia parking lot on his own car and ramps.

"I felt a bit unsteady going up the ramp," said cyclist Tom Bridgeton, 45, of Old City. "But going down the front ramp was much easier and, actually, very enjoyable."

The program is attracting attention from across the country as city officials from Portland, OR, one the nation’s friendliest bicycling cities, have twice visited Philadelphia to study its objectives and officially endorse the project.

Beebe to loan Westbrook padded helmet

Retired NFL wide receiver Don Beebe has graciously decided to loan his foam-covered helmet to concussion-prone Eagles' running back Brian Westbrook. Beebe played in the NFL from 1989 to 1997 and spent most of that time with the Buffalo Bills, where he and teammate Mark Kelso popularized the top-padded head gear after sustaining several concussions.

"We contacted Don about two weeks ago regarding the use of his helmet for Brian," said Eagles' head coach Andy Reid. "Don was very receptive to the idea and said that he would check his attic and basement to see if he could find it."

"It took me about two hours to find, but it was in with my kids' Halloween costumes all the way in the back of the attic," said Beebe.

The ultra-light padding on the helmet is approximately one inch thick and is designed to absorb the impact of several hundred pounds moving at a high rate of speed. The gear served Beebe so well, in fact, that he would often wear it while biking, ice skating and, even, driving in airbag-less cars.

"I used the helmet a lot outside of football," said Beebe. "Doctor's orders."

The Eagles claim to be running out of options to protect their star player and that borrowing the Beebe helmet was "the only thing we could think of right now." At the request of Beebe the team will not paint or alter the head protector in any way.

"It'll be kind of weird wearing a Buffalo Bills helmet," said Westbrook. "But I'm itching to get out there and help the team during the stretch drive and this helmet is the key to that happening. Don's a great guy, we've talked several times in the past week about our [concussion] symptoms."

Out this week against the Giants, Westbrook hopes to return to play next Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers at home after missing five games because of two concussions suffered in weeks 7 and 10. The team plans to fly Beebe and his family to Philadelphia for the game, where team owner Jeffrey Lurie will host the group in the owner's luxury box.

This is not the first time that Beebe has loaned his helmet to a Philadelphia athlete. In 2000, a retired Beebe granted Philadelphia Flyers center Eric Lindros (photo below) permission to use the custom-made protective gear during a playoff run.

"For whatever reason the helmet didn't offer the same protection on ice as it did on the field," said Beebe. "So BWest should be just fine."

Notes: The Eagles also contacted Mark Kelso about using his helmet, identical to Beebe's, for wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who suffered a concussion in week 12. The Eagles reported that Kelso did not return numerous calls. Jackson and Westbrook may share the gear depending on who is in the game. it is possible that the helmet may be large enough for the two players to wear at one time, something they plan to practice in pregame warm-ups.

New Giants Stadium looking a lot like current Giants Stadium

Progress or laziness? Iconic museum steps to be replaced with giant escalators

"The new escalators will allow four to five times as many tourists to run, er, rather ride to the top of the steps per day," said Roger Dillon, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's executive director. "We can move a lot of people and because the escalators will only go up we're hoping some tourists actually make it inside the museum." Some were upset by the news of the plans to replace the world famous steps: "It's kind of sad," said Kelly Hinders, visiting from Michigan. "I guess you can still run up the moving escalators like at the mall or something. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll be close."

Wissahickon made strong effort to lure Dad Vail

The 2010 Dad Vail Regatta is rowing to Rumson, NJ and in its wake are many floating index fingers pointing in numerous directions about who exactly is to blame for ending Philadelphia’s 56-year run as host of the one of the sport’s premier North American events. In that wake is also a report that the regatta apparently had more than one suitor.

Who else tempted the oars from the Schuylkill's shores? The largest collegiate rowing event in the country, with over 130 schools participating, very nearly dropped anchor on the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Yes, the almost-impossible-to-navigate creek in the city’s northwest section made a serious attempt to lure the race to its banks.

Several days after eager Rumson officials presented to the Dad Vail board of directors, the Wissahickon Creek Rowers Association followed with a 4-hour presentation to the board—showing nearby amenities and facilities—in an effort to sell the waterway by the same name as a possible host.

Charles Farley, the president of the Wissahickon Creek Rowers Association and longtime rower, was able to secure $99,999 from private donors in an effort to persuade the Dad Vail organizers (Rumson promised $100,000) of the viability of the creek.

The creek has never been a rower’s destination because of rocks, shallow water, dams, larger rocks, impossible-to-maneuver bends, low bridges, unpredictable currents, water fowl, its narrow width and rapid changes in elevation.

“We looked at the many waterfalls and jagged rocks along the fast-moving stream as exciting new challenges to future rowers and regattas,” said Farley. “The shallow parts of the stream would have been dredged for the event.”

The creek, which is a tributary of the Schuylkill River, winds its way for 23 miles from central Montgomery County and ending in Philadelphia. The cost of dredging a 2-mile portion of the lower Wissahickon would have been prohibitively expensive. In addition, some of the stream’s most dangerous boulders would have been blasted away using dynamite, driving up the cost even more.

When asked how taking the event away from the larger, more rower-friendly and neighboring Schuylkill River would have looked, Farley shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Probably not too good … but at least it would have stayed in the city.”

Some on the WCRA wondered whether the Dad Vail board gave serious consideration to the Wissahickon as a legitimate host.

“We want everyone to know that we didn’t just simply or quickly dismiss the Wissahickon as a possible host site,” explained Bob Forther, a Dad Vail Regatta board member, when asked about the WCRA concerns. “The presentation by Charles [Farley] was well thought-out and included many vivid graphs and charts. The Wissahickon Creek is one of the most scenic natural areas in the country. Unfortunately, it just came down to finances. The WCRA couldn’t match what Rumson had on the table. It had nothing to do with the stream’s protruding rocks, as many on the board viewed them as an asset.”

"We may not be hosting the Dad Vail in 2010," said Farley, "but we'll sure be installing more rocks and dams over the coming year."

Barnes to remove homeless from new museum renderings

In early October, the world-renowned Barnes Foundation released renderings of its new facility to be constructed along Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway—one of the nation's most well-known and influential museum districts. The move that will bring the fine art collection from Merion, PA to Center City has been extremely controversial, going against the wishes of its deceased founder. The relocation, however, is official.

The designs for the new building have received praise from around the world. Architecture Biweekly called the plans, “quite simply astounding.” The New York Times praised, “Elegant and graceful, a perfect neighbor to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.” Architecture and Things, published thrice yearly, placed the design on its cover with the title: “Can Astoundingness Be Measured? New Museum Design Is No Barn.”

With such acclaim from the architecture world, why has there been such a backlash from the local (and national) community?

“It took a few days for [the public] to notice that the renderings included what appeared to be several homeless individuals walking around the outside of the museum,” said Conner Bilken, president of the Logan Neighborhood Association. “It really was inappropriate.”

The architecture firm David, Tanner, Smithson & Co designed the new building and wanted to embrace the surrounding community. The firm said it was important to welcome those meandering, riding or living on the Parkway into the museum with open arms.

"We wanted to include everyone in the design," said Mike Smithson, one of the lead designers for DTS. "We included the homeless in the renderings because they are part of the neighborhood and have been for quite some time. We weren't going to ignore anybody."

The area around 21st St and the Parkway, the museum’s new home and former site of the Youth Study Center (demolished earlier this year to make way for the Barnes), has long been a gathering area for the city’s homeless population. The Study Center’s proximity to the sidewalk—set back several hundred feet—and the adjacent lawn’s tree canopy made the location ideal.

“The [Study Center] blocked the wind and we were far enough from the public’s eye to be left alone more or less,” said Daniel Murray, 56, a member of the city’s homeless. “It was a pretty comfortable spot next to that building. I really miss it.”

Many of the homeless interviewed for this story explained that they understood what the designers were trying to accomplish with the plans, but ultimately were offended by their inclusion in the museum renderings. They went on to say that in no way would this deter them from making a new home next to the Barnes Museum following its completion in 2011.

“It was a little insensitive,” said Gilbert Toliver, 48, another homeless citizen. “But I won't it stop me from curling up next to that brand spanking new building in a couple years. I'm a forgiving person. Also, the fountains in the renderings are of particular interest to me.”

DTS and the Barnes Foundation have issued a public apology and are planning to give free admission to city residents during the first two weeks of operation in 2011.

"The figures in question on the renderings have been removed and we hope that we can all move forward and put this in the past," said Hank Tanner, a project manager for DTS. "Again, we sincerely apologize and look forward to the opening of the museum. Go Eagles."

Proposed bill would require bicyclists to register all kickstands

Councilmen Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney have proposed a bill that would require Philadelphia's bicyclists to register all bicycle kickstands. If the bill passes cyclists would be expected to pay a $25 fee and have kickstands inspected by the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania State Police Departments.

The councilmen are citing the thousands of dollars of damage that kickstands inflict on sidewalks and streets when engaged. The fee will help with these and other surface repairs.

Also, it has been reported that hundreds of thousands of kickstands are stolen from bicycles every year in Philadelphia, therefore, registration will help police identify and return recovered stands to the rightful owners.

"A rise in bicycling is great. But a rise in bicycling also means a rise in the number of kickstands that are being used. It's unfortunate but very true," said Councilman DiCicco. "This bill can almost assuredly end the underground kickstand market."

"Kickstands keep bicycles upright when not in motion. I'm not going to get into the physics of it," said Councilman Kenney. "Without them people just lean their bikes against whatever they can find. I've seen bikes temporarily leaned against walls before."

What about those who do not have a kickstand? How would this bill affect them?

"Not everyone has a kickstand, I understand that," DiCicco explained. "They are the lucky ones. Although, we would consider a separate registration for non-kickstand bicycles to cover wall or bench or tree repair costs."

Erie, PA, considered the Portland of the east because of its vast bicycle lane network and large cycle community, began registering kickstands in early June of 2009. The program has been a huge success, as the city claims to have registered 97% of Erie's total kickstands.

"[Erie] residents were upset at first," said Mike Vernon, president of the Presque Isle Bicycle Association, the city's largest bicycle association with over 20,000 members. "But the city made a huge effort to show where riders' money was actually going. For example, kickstand divots made in the park were filled and seeded within 24 hours. Kickstand scrapes on the sidewalks were circled with spray paint and repaired within 36 hours."

DiCicco hopes that Philadelphia can register at least 80% of the city's stands by this time next year. The councilman admitted that he would be thrilled with any number over 80%.

In addition to theft and damaged surfaces, the councilmen have cited safety as an additional reason for registration. Many stands are spring-loaded and can cause serious bodily harm if not operated properly.

"I've seen bloody, bruised fingers caused by powerful kickstands," said Councilman Kenney. "Just imagine, injuries could be totally eliminated if this registration bill is passed."

Part of a rider's registration fee would go towards a mandatory 6-hour class aimed at teaching the basics of kickstand operation. The class would also include a section on properly applying soft, plastic tips to the ends of stands that can help minimize potential surface damage.

At the movies: Pirate-side has strong showing over weekend

The new movie Pirate-side made a strong showing at the box office over the weekend. Pulling in $15 million placed the Paramount film in the second slot for top grossing films on its opening weekend. The film stars Sandra Bullock as herself, as she responds to a British ban. The apocalyptic film 2012 netted $23 million, as viewers lined up to see John Cusack save the world.

From the Pirate-side trailer: "Based on a true story. In 2002 Great Britain banned Sandra Bullock from the country because of Ms Congeniality and Speed 2: Cruise Control. When the banishment was announced the actress shot back the only way she knew how ... she began to make movies from a ship just off the southern English coast. Bullock plays herself in this heartfelt story about an American actress getting back at the British government. 'They don't like my movies? I'll broadcast a new movie every week into that fog-covered country. Drop anchor and start that camera. We're about to go starboard side.' From the people who brought you The Net and Two if by Sea and from the assistant director of Waterworld comes ... Pirate-side. Rated PG-13 multiple references to Bullock films."

SEPTA: Fire was result of transporting bicycle during peak hour

"This is why we don't allow bicycles on the trains during peak hours," said SEPTA regional rail manager, Brenda Short. "This whole mess could have been prevented had the rider simply taken a non-peak train."

Union wanted token system, more frequent bus stops

Philadelphia's transit strike is over, ending on Sunday night, and slowly the public is learning more about the issues that blocked a deal from being reached and shortening, or even preventing, the labor stoppage.

Transit Workers Union 234, the largest within SEPTA, had several demands that kept them on the picket lines and out of transit vehicles. First and foremost the Union demanded a token payment system be implemented to make transactions easier for riding customers.

"Tokens are easy to use. They were used throughout the 1950's and 60's around the country and in Europe," said a striking SEPTA employee. "We just think it will be more rider-friendly."

SEPTA workers suggested that tokens could be sold in corner shops or pharmacies to make purchases more convenient. Only selected subway stations would sell tokens to the public and they would not be at all clearly marked.

"Having the shops sell them just makes sense," said Orange Line operator Frank Taglioni. "If the customer comes down to the station and tokens aren't sold there, or token machines are nonoperational, they can easily run back up the four flights of steps and search the neighborhood for a store that does sell [tokens]. We're just thinking about the rider here."

What if the participating stores are not open for business and tokens are not sold at the particular station? Well, riders using buses or the subway can easily pay in cash but must be careful to have the correct change. If not, riders must seek a place of business that can change a higher bill--and is open--so that exact change can be presented to the station attendant or bus driver.

The city, state and SEPTA management decided to grant this request by the Union and so riders should look for a token system in the near future (no date was set for installation).

The second issue that stalled talks was the long-standing debate of having the city's buses make more frequent stops along their designated routes. The Union was calling for buses to stop at every block corner and, at least, two mid-block stops--SEPTA management sought three mid-block stops in addition to corner stops. The concession was to have the buses make scheduled stops at every block corner.

"Unfortunately, people will have to walk at least a half of block," said Dennis Harpring, 45, of Fairmount.

SEPTA said all city operated buses will immediately begin to make scheduled stops at every block corner.

"I have to say that the Union was really looking out for the rider with these demands," said a teary-eyed rider who would not give his name. "It's always about the rider."

Eagles hoping new M&M-filled challege flags will curb Reid's tossing

The Eagles front office and assistant coaches will unveil a new red challenge flag for head coach Andy Reid this coming weekend versus the San Diego Chargers. The new flag will be packed with the popular candy M&M's. "It came down to M&M's or Reeses Pieces," said a front office representative. "We performed a scientific study by placing a bowl of each on his desk and watching, by hidden camera, as he finished the M&M's in a matter of hours." The coach did a number on the bowl of Reeses Pieces, but took almost two hours longer to polish off the peanut butter-flavored candies. The team does not plan on telling the coach about the new filling, but trusts that Big Red's strong sense of smell and the small incision on the side of the flag will keep him occupied. "We think it can greatly reduce the number of challenges," said team president, Joe Banner. "This could be copied around the league if successful."

Victorino denies new padded batting glove is a boxing glove

Shane Victorino had a scary moment in the first inning of game five of the World Series on Monday night. The center fielder was hit on the right hand with a mid-nineties AJ Burnett fastball after squaring to lay down a bunt.

The All-Star outfielder will likely play in game six on Wednesday night as x-rays proved negative. To be safe, however, Victorino will wear a padded batting glove (pictured) on the injured hand.

At a press conference today Victorino was asked by several reporters if the red, puffy glove was just an old boxing glove.

"Though it looks like a boxing glove it really is just a heavily padded batting glove," said Victorino, reading from a prepared statement. "Really, it's a batting glove everybody and has been approved by Major League Baseball. Sincerely, Shane Victorino."

The player also said that he has not decided on whether or not to wear the glove while playing in the field and that it would be a game-time decision.