Branch was one of city's best

Sunday's violent thunderstorms walloped the city and surrounding counties. Trees were ripped from the ground, houses were struck by lightning, rain fell, but nothing damaged the city quite like what occurred in the city's Fitler Square neighborhood.

One of the city's best branches was torn away from the tree it had called home for years.

"It really was one of the best branches. Everyone in the neighborhood loved this branch. I think it was known throughout most of the city," enthused Kristin Loraine, a resident of Capital Street.

"I look at the branch laying in the street and it's tough. It just doesn't look the same when it's not attached to the trunk," said another Fitler Square resident, Belinda Adams.

The branch recently appeared in Philadelphia Magazine's Best Of issue where it was given the best branch nod. In fact, in the five years the magazine has given the award the branch has claimed all five titles.

"It was a branch that you could trust. On a couple of occasions I left my children at the base of the tree for a few minutes and the branch totally watched them," said Adams.

Most residents agreed that the branch was very quiet and looked out for leaves and smaller branches.

"Again, I can't say this enough. It was just flat out one of the city's best branches." exclaimed Loraine.

Soul parade to be held in Dover, DE

The Philadelphia Soul are champions of the Arena Football League and the city of Philadelphia has embraced this hard-nosed and talented indoor team. But the support that the City of Brotherly Love has shown is nothing compared to the scale that Dover, Delaware has displayed.

In the city of Dover and in surrounding Kent County all schools and most businesses were closed so supporters could watch the game on Sunday.

"If you think the Soul are popular in Philly than times that by 100 and divide it by 1 and that's their level of popularity in Dover," said Dover mayor, Carlton Carey.

After the Soul clinched the championship on Sunday the city of Dover practically shut down. Fans filled the streets shouting positive chants about their favorite team. Twenty inebriated backers attempted to tip over a Cooper Mini, but gave up after the 17th effort failed.

"We love Philly but I had to go with Dover on this one," said Soul owner, Jon Bon Jovi, referring to his choice in parade location. "We play in Philly but Dover is simply mad about the Soul." Carey had called Bon Jovi on Sunday night to see about bringing the parade to Dover.

So popular is the team in Delaware's state capital that the Soul are planning to play three home games on the infield of the city's monstrous International Speedway in 2009.

"We'll make the infield really indoor-like," said Carey.

Arena Bowl great, commercials better

Arena Bowl XXII lived up to the hype coming down to the last play of the game as the Philadelphia Soul was able to hold off the defending champion San Jose SaberCats(formerly the Palo Alto SaberCat Tigers), 59-56. However, the high scoring shootout took back stage to the real star of the Arena Bowl: the commercials.

The Arena Bowl may not command the same audience,in numbers, that the NFL's Super Bowl does, but it has become a prime stage to test ads on football crazy fans.

"Arena Bowl has become the Super Bowl of TV commercial debuts. Companies pay top dollar to have their ads shown during the game. This sounds made up but it costs more per second here[Arena Bowl] than for the Super Bowl," said Valerie Holmsberg, a Madison Avenue ad executive with TechTech Inc.

The products featured in the Arena Bowl commercials range from beer to beer bottle openers and from sports cars to non-sports cars.

"My favorite was the one with the three cats singing the Canadian national anthem while staring at the product the commercial was promoting," said Philadelphia Soul fan, Brent Byers. "It was hilarious how the cats were just obsessed with the product."

Another fan decided not to go to a local bar to watch the game so he could hear and appreciate the ads.

"I was happy with my decision to stay home for the game. I was crying from laughter at the ad where the baby is sitting in the tire," said Kyle Cherkin, a self-proclaimed Soul diehard. "I mean, what is a baby doing in a tire. Wacky."

Other ads introduced improvements to already popular alcoholic liquid products.

"I love the one where the mountains on the side of the bottle turn red when the beer is finished. It was great! I mean, I know the bottle is lighter, but I probably would continue drinking it if I didn't see the mountains turn red," said SaberCat fan, Doug O'Hallahan, of Palo Alto, CA.

So whether you tuned in for the unremitting illegal forward motion displayed by both offenses or for the commercials, you have to admit one thing: you tuned in for the commercials.

First mate:'Floating docks have always freaked me out.'

Squirrels becoming more visible on S. Jersey beaches

Just when vigilant beachgoers were getting used to food-swiping seagulls and loud conch shells here comes a new scavenger that is establishing a presence along New Jersey's waterfront. Squirrels have begun to migrate to the barrier island's sand in search of small bits of food and beach glass.

"It's global warming. It's all global warming. They're becoming confused. I saw one squirrel run right into the ocean. Don't know what happened to the little guy," said Ursinus College biology professor, Dr Tammy Belvedere.

Squirrels, normally tree dwellers, have taken to burrowing 8 feet deep holes in the sand to protect themselves against predators. The greatest threat to the bushy tailed "rodents" are kites and horseshoe crabs.

For the most part seagulls and squirrels have coexisted on the beaches in New Jersey. However, there was one reported incident in Strathmere, the town just south of Ocean City, last week.

Several aggressive gulls were flying low, picking up the squirrels and dropping them 30 yards off the shore into the water.

"It was freaking sweet. I was getting the catamaran ready when 'Operation Relocate Squirrel' began," said Josh Tipton, of Brick, NJ.

Experts feel the rodents may be here to stay and not because food is abundant(during the summer months).

"The little creatures have become fascinated with the tides. They'll sit and watch the tide go out. They appear more interested when the tide is going out," said Belvedere.

Beach tag checkers have heard every excuse in book

Sea Isle Ciy, NJ - Cindy Shaughnasy, 18, of Fort Washington, PA is in her 2nd season as a beach tag seller/checker in this family-friendly South Jersey town. Though thousands apply only 36 are hired for the summer and 2 are chosen to stay on to work autumn, winter and spring.

For those that frequent free beaches beach tags are a fee for using New Jersey's beaches, one of 4 coastal states to charge sun seekers to sit on their sand. The state justifies the tags because it claims to spend billions of dollars to replenish sand, comb, collect trash, and operate a beach tag system.

"I actually had someone tell me that they forgot it at the house. Do you believe that? That's the craziest excuse I've ever gotten." said Shaughnasy.

Shaughnasy's usual partner, Debbby(spelled with 3 b's) Schmidt, 19, has also heard some wild excuses as to why a beach goer is without a tag.

"Last week I approached this couple, they were eating lunch, and once they saw me pretended they were asleep. Eyes closed and heads leaning forward and everything. The man was still chewing while he pretended to sleep. Completely outlandish."

Schmidt said that a friend of a friend in Avalon, NJ, who is also a tag checker, was told by a family that their tags had actually become lodged inside the umbrella pole. While another group showed the girl a handful of small shells and insisted they were tags.

"It's a tough job and all. But, like, I'm on the beach all day and all. It's hot and all. But it's great and all too," said Schmidt.

Eaton offers to pick up Blanton at airport, team says 'nah'

Above: Adam Eaton, who has been advised by Phillies team officials to "check craigslist for Allentown apartments," will not be greeting, new pitcher, Joe Blanton at Philly International.

MN, IA, NB, WY, MT, Can grow nervous as Dakotas consider reunification

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Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Canada have recently expressed concerns to Washington, DC over North and South Dakota's possible reunification. Though the two never existed as a unified state they did exist as a unified territory.

"Even though we were a territory and not a state we were stronger when we were together. Reunification is crucial if we are to succeed in our strategy to invade Wyoming. I mean Montana. I mean...not invade any neighboring states," said North Dakota governor, John Hoeven.

On November 2, 1889 both North and South Dakota were admitted into the Union. Though historians are baffled as to how North was admitted as the 39th and South the 40th.

"It really may have been decided by drawing straws," said Harvard history professor, Daniel Chichester. Which in 1889 literally meant drawing a picture of a drinking straw with a charcoal pencil.

Other historians believe that South has never gotten over being admitted second and would thwart any chance of reunification.

"We know we're better as one but it's still tough to be chosen second. Northies[North Dakotans] sometimes have this attitude that they are better than more southern Dakotans," said Michael Rounds, S.D. governor. "Just because they have Theodore Roosevelt National Park and all."

When asked who would govern the new state blank faces appeared on both governors followed by great belly laughter.

Though most neighboring states are threatened by one Dakota other citizens thought it could be positive. "Would I want their crazy accent? No. But would I like their skill of carving faces into mountains? Yes," said Bridget Castor, of Boise, Idaho.

Some experts say Dakota is upset that their abundant fly fishing, corn, lake, blue astroturf and cowboy industries have all been squashed by neighboring states.

Though not a bordering state Idaho is very nervous over a unified Dakota. Boise State University uses the same blue astroturf that Northern South Dakota State uses in affect stealing its trademark.

"They would have had a booming potato and blue astroturf industry if it wasn't for Idaho," said economist, Sam Crowhurst.

Phillies win secures first place at All-Star break, sets off wild celebration

Yesterday the Phillies outlasted the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-3, to guarantee a first place finish in the National League East at the All-Star break.

"Bunch of throw-backs are in first place in the National League East at the All-Star break," cried a joyous Harry Kalas, the Phillies Hall of Fame announcer.

Radio announcer Larry Anderson and post-game show host Jim Jackson had tears streaming down their cheeks.

"Although it's not hockey and I've never completely understood baseball this is sweet. This is like a goal scored from center ice," said Jackson while spraying co-worker Chris Wheeler with champagne.

The 30th sellout crowd of the year stood and cheered as Brad Lidge struck out Mark Reynolds to end the game. Seven dollar beers were carefully guarded as celebrations broke out in many sections of Citizens Bank Park.

In the parking lot vendors were already selling $20 t-shirts that read: "2008 Phillies: First Place at the All-Star Break."

Lonely vendor Sal Klein shouted,"Peanuts, pretzels dollar a bag." The sullen Klein decided at the last minute against partnering with a friend to sell the first place all-star t-shirts. "It was a bad choice."

The parking lot was filled with honking car horns and repeated shouts of,"we're number one at the halfway point, although technically we're past halfway."

Looking back, Mugabe credits slogan for victory

Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe, who recently was reelected, credits his victory to his "grand" campaign slogan.

Mugabe sequestered the country's top marketing and election officials for 10 days in an undisclosed location in the capital city of Harare to create a winning slogan.

"What they came up with was genius. Having no food and only some water makes the thinking cap kick into overdrive," said Mugabe, referring to his method of dealing with the group.

What was the slogan that captured a nation and forced his opponents to withdraw from the election voluntarily? "Mugabe: He would never mug a bee!"

"Bees are very important creatures that play a vital role in pollinating plants. It's important to us as a country to know that Mugabe would never mug a bee," said an anonymous resident of Harare.

Many residents in the capital and in Bulawayo, a city about 200 miles to the southwest, have expressed similar feelings about the importance of not mugging bees.

"Mugging bees of their pollen or whatever one would mug them of is just not hip and that's why I voted for Mugabe. That and there was no one else on the ballot," said another anonymous citizen.

Political analyst for Zimbabwe's state-run newspaper, Jim Zwanali, expressed his opinion that having a single-candidate ballot ensured the safety of the country's bees. "We really don't know how another candidate would have treated bees. Would they have treated them badly? Probably."

Cira Centre mgmt appologizes to Welcome America

The management team at Cira Centre, one of Philadelphia's flashiest new office towers, has issued an apology to the Sunoco Welcome America Organizing Committee. The committee is responsible for planning Philadelphia's July 4th celebration including one of the largest fireworks displays in the country.

On the night of July 4th crowds gathered along the parkway and its side streets for the massive pyrotechnic show that fills the air behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

At the same time just across the Schuylkill River Cira Centre management activated a huge light show with its millions of twinkling, blinking and flashing lights.

"They more twinkle than blink or flash. But there is quite a cadence and a rhythm that makes it quite rhythmical," said one onlooker.

Crowds along the river became mesmerized by the show and onlookers situated on the Parkway, waiting for fireworks, began to make their way to a better vantage point of the Cira Centre.

"Even before we set off one firework the Parkway was practically empty. I wanted to go over there and pull the plug out from the...socket...that...powers all those lights. I don't know if there's one giant plug or what. If there was a switch I'd look for that. I mean I'll be the first to admit that they are damn cool," said Welcome America owner, Jessica Gilsby.

Gilsby said she accepted the apology and said the two sides agreed that the Cira Centre will be able to do one light show on July 3rd of next year. "We had to give them one day near the holiday. Those lights are so damn blinky and flashy."

Utley admits twinkies and doritos are favorite Tastykake treats

Chase Utley, second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, is the new poster boy for Philadelphia-based Tastykake Baking Company. The pairing can be seen on billboards, TV ads, wristbands and on the Cira Center.

"He's the official second baseman of Tastykake and we really wanted to inundate the community with that tidbit of information," said Mike Snow, head of the company's marketing department.

When asked about his favorite Tastykake product the All-Star couldn't name just one. "It's gotta be the twinkie, but a close second is the devil dog and then doritos."

Executives admitted that they told Utley the company produced twinkies to ensure that the player would sign an endorsement deal. Word reached the officials that the creme-filled sponge cake was tops on his list.

"When we sent him a box of Tastykakes, to make his decision easier, we included a few twinkies and a devil dog. But, I must note that we put these items at the bottom of the box...under the oatmeal creme pies," said Snow.

Utley did have one question that baffles many Tastykake fans: "How do they get the icing on top of the krimpet?"

Cell phones, lighters, matches and cameras help to finish Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal halted Roger Federer's Wimbledon winning streak at five and became the first Spaniard to win tennis' most coveted trophy since 1966. Yesterday's final was the longest championship in the history of the tournament lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes and ended at 9:17PM local time due to several rain delays.

Nadal may want to thank the fans of England for assisting in the victory which may not have been possible otherwise. Wimbledon's Center Court is not equipped with lights and daylight was becoming very scarce toward 9PM.

At 8:57PM, sensing that the match could possibly be postponed until Monday because of darkness, Nadal approached the umpire's chair asking if he could make an announcement to the crowd. Thinking he wanted to ask for more silence as the match ended the umpire agreed.

"Please, I'm asking you all to please take out your cell phones, cigarette lighters, matches, cameras and anything that gives off light. Even if you have a glow watch or something. Let's finish tonight," pleaded Nadal to a roaring crowd.

One by one cell phones were turned on, cameras flashed and fingers were burnt as the grass surface slowly became illuminated. The umpire smiled and signaled for play to continue.

A joking Federer went to his chair and pulled out his own cell phone. Nadal applauded and play began.

"I've never seen nothin' like this before here or anywhere. It's something that is quite good," said a fan visiting from West Glasgow.

"If the match was put off until tomorrow there is no telling what may have happened. Roger could have come out and defeated me and I didn't want to take that chance," said a joyous Nadal.

Segway stolen, but assailant unable to balance

Greg Dorson recently sold his car, took a smaller apartment and sold half of his Swatch collection to pay for a new Segway. "I'm fascinated by stand-up travel that doesn't involve walking or running. And I've been fascinated for quite some time," said Dorson, who is looking to open Philadelphia's first Segway repair shop at the Navy Yard.

Early yesterday morning he was riding his newly purchased Segway to his job in Center City from his home in University City when he was assaulted. A man, hiding in an alley, emerged as Dorson passed and pushed him violently from the moving Segway.

"I didn't see him at all. Came out of nowhere demanding the Segs[Segway]. I wasn't hurt but just a bit terrified," said Dorson.

Initially the assailant attempted to pick up the device and run with it, but being almost 100 lbs he gave up after only a few steps. It was at this point that the mugger stepped onto the Segway in an effort to ride it.

"He first accelerated forward and fell off cutting his knee and elbow. He was very embarrassed but decided to try again," said Dorson.

After threatening Dorson with a closed fist a second try saw the transporter and the driver tip over forward without any touch to the accelerator.

"I simply could not balance on the device. I wasn't able to figure it out," said a frustrated Steve, who would not give his last name in the case that police were still looking for him.

"They're deceiving and it takes some time to learn to ride. I felt a little bad for the guy. His face was red and you tell he was uncomfortable not knowing how to ride it," said Dorson.

Dorson said he would not press charges but offered free lessons to Steve if he turned himself in because he so passionate about Seways and their mission of stand-up, low speed travel.

'I could've sworn the Fourth had candy and costumes.'

Phillies: 'Interleague play is dumb. It really is a terrible invention. One of the worst inventions.'

Interview: The three-ring binder inventor

WilliamPennmanship was fortune enough to sit down with Gunther Hillsborough, the inventor of the three-ring binder at his home in Ardmore, Pa. In this heartfelt sitdown the 71 year-old opens up like never before. He dodges questions about his run-ins with the law and evades the entire Avalon,NJ topic. He also fails to address the ATV accident and his love of floating billiards tables. But he does touch on his major competitor from the 1970's and 80's.

WP: Thanks for taking the time to talk today. I'm going to start with a very difficult question. One you may have avoided in the past, but I'd really like your thoughts. What did the creation of the Trapper Keeper mean to you in the 1970's?

GH: Ahh. You do like to start with the tough ones. To be honest I thought I was finished. Absolutely done. I had this great product and it was doing very well and all the sudden this "super-binder" comes on to the market. I was like where in God's name did this thing come from?

WP: So you had no idea that this "thing" was being developed?

GH: I mean there were very quiet rumors floating around, but I can remember thinking that no person or thing could create this "super-power-binder" that was being talked about. I passed it off and didn't believe it.

WP: So what was your reaction when you first saw the Trapper Keeper in stores.

GH: Well, the first time I saw it was when I was dropping my youngest son off at school and a child on the sidewalk was holding one. I called the child over to the car and said what the hell is holding all of your papers like that? He said it was a Trapper Keeper. Trapper Keeper? After my son got out of the car I sobbed uncontrollably for an hour. Ask my wife. Also ask my wife and she will tell you that for three days after it came out I was convinced the Trapper Keeper was left behind by some alien space craft.

WP: So you thought that was it?

GH: I really did. I tried coming up with all these ideas to improve my binder to make one last stand. Should I add a fourth ring to the three-ring binder? Should I take away a ring and make it two? I panicked and in the end I simply added two small pockets for holding paper on the inside of the front and back covers.

WP: Genius. Unreal. When did you come up with the idea to sell paper that had three holes punched in it?

GH: There are some things I can't discuss.

Easton,Pa tries to lure Penn's Landing upriver

Philadelphia may have hit another bump in its never-ending journey to develop its waterfront if Penn's Landing decides to relocate to Easton, Pa. The town, about 70 miles upstream from Philadelphia, has made a generous offer that includes a lifetime supply of crayons.

Firework group to protest during Welcome America festivities

The group known as No S'in Firework plans to hold several peaceful protests in Philadelphia during the city's hugely popular Welcome America celebration- the country's largest.

The Atlantic City-based organization has been calling for a change in the spelling of the word 'fireworks' for almost a year.

President of the group, Paulie Francis explains. "The word fireworks should not contain an 's' at the end. Firework should be both singular and plural. It was how the word was spelled thousands of years ago and the government added the 's' in really recent times not in olden times."

"'I like to go see the firework. Did you see the plethora of firework?' It sounds a lot more...it flows better. It seriously does," said No S'in Firework member, Donna Green.

The city has taken precautions for the planned demonstration in Love Park set for next Tuesday.

"We assigned our sole Segway cruiser to police the group. That should be plenty. This particular Segway is equipped with cup holders and a built-in bottle opener," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner, Charles Ramsey.

How will they protest? The group wouldn't say, but noted that they have been saving empty tennis ball cans for months.

It should also be noted that the group advocates firework safety especially over the July 4th holiday.

Price of corn, elephant eyes very high

You've heard the saying 'where corn is as high as an elephant's eye.' It used to refer only to the height of corn particularly in Iowa. But the saying is also holding true for the price of corn and the price of elephant eyes.

Corn prices have soared to around $8 per bushel as of yesterday. Partially due to the Midwest flooding, speculators and largely because of anticipated ethanol demands for fuel.

On the other end (of the saying) are elephant eyes. Where corn prices have doubled in the last year elephant eye prices have nearly tripled to $10 per handful.

"Oh, there's a huge demand for elephant eyes right now. Many energy experts have their sights set on them. They think they would allow us to see a new path to alternative energy sources," said Gibbon Dorset, forest ranger in Africa's Serengeti.

In Pennsylvania, because of soil type and climate, corn only reaches the height of an elephant's upper leg (as the saying goes). But prices of elephant upper legs have remained relatively low in comparison. As of this morning upper legs were trading for $0.79 per small duffel bag.

"Here in the Keystone corn and elephant upper legs are not the same price when it comes to the saying: Pennsylvania, where corn is as high as an elephant's upper leg. It just don't work," said Centre County farmer, Clyde Sorndale.

Poison Ivy Powers Little Leaguer

Damon Latti was partaking in a yard clean up day at his grandparents house when he developed a severe case of poison ivy. The "weeds" he thought he was weeding turned out to be the rash-giving ivy. "I just thought it was regular ivy. I've never liked poison ivy, never," said Latti, 12, of Upper Pillsgrove, PA.

The itching, scratching and swelling were so bad that it forced the Latti's to make a visit to the family doctor. "It was so bad that it made me rather uncomfortable," said Dr Miles Kinter.

Because of the severity of the rash Kinter put Damon on a steroid to help the healing process. Three shots of corticosteroid were injected into his upper arm.

Within two days the child had gained 20 pounds and his head size increased by a third. "We had to order a special batting helmet. The kind that's a lot bigger," said League vice president, Charles McGilicuddy.

In his first game on the "ivy-juice" Latti belted three homeruns totaling 750 feet. "I love poison ivy," said Latti, a shortstop.

By week's end the entire lineup of the Cougars had developed the ivy rash and were trading ivy leaves instead of baseball cards. Two other teams in the league had volunteered to clear the weeds under the bleachers.

The Upper Pillsgrove Little League has a strict steroid policy, but poison ivy is the lone loophole. "There's nothing we can do. They found a way around the rules. Koodos to them. I really respect that," said McGillicuddy.

Temporary cable crossing at South Street being considered

As construction looms on the South Street Bridge, the city is making plans for the traffic and logistical nightmares that will plague the neighborhoods linked by the crumbling span.

One idea being seriously considered by the city is a cable crossing that would be set up just south of the bridge's current location.

"Cable crossings are slow and dangerous but very economical," said Harold Comtier, owner of Cable Solutions Inc., a Bridgeport, PA company. "That's how I make a living, but I wouldn't be caught on one."

The design being considered would allow for one adult or two small children to cross over the Schuylkill River at one time. Passengers would be strapped to a pulley and pulled across by individuals on the destination side.

There would also be a "Sky Club," which would be a lounge-type area for frequent crossers.

"Each side would have a trailer that would act as a lounge for our privileged travelers," said Comtier. "Things like free coffee and nice leather chairs will welcome the cable travelers. Oh, and cable television. Pun intended."

City Council member Donna Miller is a little concerned for the safety of children. "Children will be crossing the river to get to school. I think they should be given some sort of snack."

Many residents in the neighborhoods affected by the bridge closing echoed Miller's concern for snacks.

"Bottom line is the kids need to get a snack," said Graduate Hospital resident, Debbie Tuliver. "Some sort of snack should be provided."

Hundreds of Iowa farmers admit to shooting at river to combat rising waters

Disappointed Bruins hang up purple and gold

Marc Savard took off his Kobe Bryant jersey rolled it into a ball and threw it violently into the garage door of Boston Bruins Vice President Cam Neely. The Bruins center was expressing his displeasure in the clinching victory by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

Teary-eyed goalie Alex Auld stopped dribbling his purple and gold basketball long enough to punt the ball into the neighbor's yard after the final buzzer sounded.

Neely hosted a party at his suburban Boston home for all Bruins players and front office personnel. "I wanted to have the gang over to cheer for the Celtics. We all cheer for one another in this city," said Neely in his purple Lamar Odom warm up suit.

Sequoia-like defenseman Zdeno Chara showed up donning a purple and gold Lakers hard hat. "I do construction in the off-season. Sometimes in Orange County."

The Celtics victory put the lowly Bruins in a very uncomfortable position. They are the lone team of Boston's four major sports franchises not included in the city's recent string of professional championships.

"Before Tuesday we were buddies, bad at what we did, but we were still buddies. That brought us closer. Now this buddy has decided to take a knife and...win a championship," said Neely. "I can't believe they did this."

Coach Peter Chiarelli likened the situation to Gilligan's Island. "It's like for some reason everyone on the island got rescued except for Gilligan and the Skipper. And then one day Gilligan wakes up and the Skipper is gone...rescued. Yeah, it's a lot like that."



The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2001, 2002 and 2004. The Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007. And the Celtics joined the club this year. Six trophies in seven years has made the citizens of Boston feel as if the streets are paved in beans.

"I'm very proud to officially welcome the Celtics into the 'City of Champions.' I would also like to have a moment of silence for the only team not in the club," said Boston Mayor, Thomas M. Menino, addressing the crowd at the TD Banknorth Garden after the Celtics victory.

Neely and Chiarelli plan to meet with Celtics coach Doc Rivers sometime later this week. Neely talked with Celtics GM Danny Ainge and owner Wycliffe Grousbeck early Wednesday morning. Details were not discussed, but each hinted that the relationship could be repaired unlike the S.S. Minnow.

Optimus Prime snubs fans after filming at Eastern State

The sequel to the box office hit Transformers, Transformers II, is being filmed in Philadelphia this month at various locations throughout the city.

Yesterday, the cast and crew set up in Fairmount's Eastern State Penitentiary for a day of filming. Fans began to gather around the prison's 30ft walls when onlookers glimpsed the top of Optimus Prime's head. The leader of the Autobots changes into a tractor trailer when not in robot form.

"I was just walking minding my own business when I saw Prime and I began yelling his name as loud as I could. My voice really hurts right now. It's weird because I know most of the robots don't like to do filming on-location," said Claus Von Derman, a Fairmount resident.

Optimus Prime's contract for Transformers II requires the popular robot to attend at least three on-location filming sessions. In the prequel Prime demanded only studio sets.


The robot is notorious for being very unfriendly to fans who gather near film sets. In 1985 Prime changed into a truck on a Los Angeles street and crushed a teenager's 10-speed. He later claimed that he did not see the bike, which became lodged in his leg joint.

Before leaving the Penitentiary Optimus Prime changed back into an 18-wheeler and drove from the castle-like prison unnoticed.

"I can't believe I didn't notice that was him. I was totally looking for Prime the robot. He does that all the time too. I really should have expected the 18-wheeler trick," said Von Derman.

Sosa partners with Schmidt to provide cork for wine

Mike Schmidt revealed today that Sammy Sosa has joined the Hall of Fame third baseman in creating 'Schmidt 548,' his new wine that will arrive in state stores this coming weekend. Schmidt chose the name not only because it is his favorite number but because it represents his career homerun total.

Sosa will provide cork for one in ten bottles sold from his vast bat collection. Cork, when inserted into a bat, is believed to help baseballs travel further upon contact.

When asked why he partnered with Schmidt instead of launching his own line of wine Sosa replied,"Es goo to av epardner dat ace goo. Schmitty goo."

Schmidt described the partnership as strictly a way into the greater Chicago-land wine market where Sosa walked on the Lake Michigan water not all that long ago. And to a lesser extent the greater Baltimore area where Sosa spent one season. Although he also spent a couple of seasons in Texas the two agreed wine would not sell in the lonestar state.

"He's got all this cork and it's just all lying around and I got to thinking. What I came up with was this," said a glowing Schmidt, referring to the cork partnership.

The cork will be removed from the bats and turned into wine corks with the de-corkenator, an expensive, highly sensitive instrument made by Corkton Inc. in Lewisburg, PA.

Some may remember the machine's debut seven years ago when Corky, the star from TV's Life Goes On, appeared in commercials for MLB warning players not to use cork. "Don't you dare use cork, oo blah dee blah da!"

Schmidt is excited about the partnership and did not appear disappointed that he could not reach an agreement with Mark Maguire (Bay Area and St Louis) or Jose Canseco (Bay Area). "It didn't happen so I moved on, even if it would have satisfied our cork need for some time."

Heatwave forces Rita's to sell Italian Water Water

Official's at Rita's water ice and ice cream shops are unable to produce the ice needed to make water ice during this uncharacteristic and stifling June heatwave and will only be selling Italian water.

"We just can't make the "ice" in water ice right now. We can only sell Italian water during these brutal temperatures," said Dan Glostenoni, owner of a Rita's franchise in University City.

Glostenoni went on to say that the Italian water will be high quality spring water and will be "pretty darn cold and good."

Earlier this week several children cried uncontrollably upon leaving the store and seeing the water ice in their hand enter the liquid state.

"When I look at my cup it reminds me of how the polar ice caps are melting because of our addiction to fossil fuels," said a teary-eyed Madison Frink, 8, while drinking her cherry water ice.

Frink was one of the last customers to be served a water ice. "It's sort of special that my daughter got one of the last water ice during the heatwave," said Debbie Frink.

Rita's plans to begin making it's most popular dessert once the temperature begins to fall. However, Glostenoni said sales of Italian water liquid (as he likes to call it) are very strong in the two days it has been on the menu.

'We lost everything, but this dryer chair with hood dryer.'

A fire ripped through Combs, Brushes and Scissors, a beauty salon in Britain's Corner, PA, late on Monday night.

"We lost everything, but this dryer chair with hood dryer. I guess we're pretty lucky considering. I look at the hood part of the chair and I think,'what would we have done if the hood part went up in smoke,'" said Gail Smith, owner of the salon.

As tears ran down Smith's soot covered cheeks creating small streaks, she attempted to recall opening day of the shop in 1996. "I just can't believe the hood part is still here. And it's fully functioning. Please, sit down."

As I sat down in the chair Gail's tears seemed to pour faster as she finally realized the chair was not plugged in. Nor would it be anytime soon.

The Britain's Corner Police placed handcuffs on Smith and lead her to the unmarked car that had arrived without sound. As they pulled away Smith yelled,"Combs, Brushes, Scissors and... Dryer Chair with Hood Dryer."

Only fitting for Griffey to hit 600 in Phila; Hall of Fame to attend games?

Sitting on 599 homeruns, Cincinnati Reds outfielder,Ken Griffey Jr took to the road this week with a four-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia. Many in the media feel that the City of Brotherly Love would not embrace Griffey's milestone.

Griffey disagreed,"Naw, it's a great place, I have many great memories here in this city on the Delaware."

Interestingly enough Griffey hit his 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th and 500th homeruns all here in Philadelphia. This has only happened to one other player. Willie Mays hit all of the above numbers in St. Louis, but his 600th occurred in Toronto's Sky Dome.

"Not only is 600 big, but doing all the big ones in the same city would be truly remarkable," said Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, Kevin Cornison.

Bigger yet may be the excitement growing among Philadelphia's baseball fans. Rightfield seats in Citizens Bank Park sold out less than two hours after the Reds Sunday game ended where number 600 failed to occur.

One Phillies fan explained one scenario if he caught the ball. "If I catch number 600 I'll hope that I also catch 601 in the same game. I would then keep the real 600 and sell the 601. But I would tell people that 601 was really 600. I would later sell the real 600, but not very publicly. Does that make sense?"

Rumors that the Baseball Hall of Fame purchased all of the rightfield seats for the series in an effort to bring the ball to Cooperstown were denied.

"Buying all of those tickets and placing Hall of Fame employees in the seats all just to claim a ball is...well, it's just...not a bad idea. But something we would never do. At least not all of the seats."

Mendte breaks story about Mendte

CBS3 anchorman Larry Mendte has been credited for breaking the story about an FBI investigation into whether or not Larry Mendte wrongly hacked into, former co-anchorwoman, Alicia Lane's email account.

Mendte reported,"But the big story on CBS3 tonight is an FBI investigation centered on my actions to hack into a former co-worker's email account. Later in the broadcast I will interview myself, an exclusive to CBS3 News."

As the interview took place the broadcast went to a split screen. One view of a live Mendte sitting at the anchor desk and a second view of Mendte in a still photo wearing casual clothing. When live Mendte would finish asking a question the screen switched from split to a full shot of the still photo for the answer.

"That's a very good question Larry, but at this time I am not permitted to comment on that," said Mendte, when asked by himself about his email password.

Mendte, obsessed with the exclusivity of the interview, often reminded viewers throughout the broadcast that "this is an interview only seen on CBS3."