August 13, 2009

August 3, 2009

College grad sues alma mater for tanking economy

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As a recent college grad, I surely sympathize. But come on. Is it really Monroe's fault? There are much larger forces at hand. That is to say that Thompson has no chance of collecting. At least it wouldn't seem. (The floodgates for disgruntled grads would open.) But if she did, it'd really be some poetic justice.

July 29, 2009

Phillies get Lee (pending a medical exam)

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And I’m not terribly disappointed. Of course Roy Halladay, Toronto’s 11-3 ace, would make a great addition to the Phillies starting rotation. But getting Cliff Lee, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, isn’t a shabby replacement - especially in the short-term. Long term we’ll have to see if it was worth giving up Carrasco, Knapp, Marson and Donald – all potential big-time big leaguers.

But hey, this is Philadelphia. We want to win now. With the addition of Lee and Martinez, we’ve put ourselves in a position to do just that. Let’s just hope Halladay doesn’t end up signing with the Yankees, or worse, The Red Sox. For now though, follow Andy Martino’s lead and breathe easy.

July 28, 2009

More Shaq shenanigans

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It’s true. Shaq’s on-court abilities have dwindled a bit. The entertainment value of his off-court antics, however, has not.

Most recently, “The Big Daddy” made an appearance on WWE’s “Monday Night Raw”, setting up five “Beat the Clock” matches before calling The Big Show “Fat Boy” and grappling with him.

Not sure how smart a move this is considering he's trying to win a chip with Lebron this coming season. (I don't think he will).

I suppose acting, rapping and law enforcement simply aren’t enough.

We'll miss you Jim

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Longtime Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson lost a six-month battle with cancer Tuesday afternoon. He was 68.

While Johnson gave the nod for Sean McDermott to replace him while he fought, it’s still a big loss.

Over 10 seasons, the Eagles won 5 NFC East titles. Below, from philly.com, was Johnson’s considerable coaching contribution.

From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked 2nd in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game).

July 23, 2009

Close Call

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The NRA must have been licking its chops when Senator John Thune(R-SD) tossed his Conceal Carry Amendment (No. 1618) on the table. The bill would have given anyone with a concealed carry permit (CCW) the right to pack his or her heat in any state they wanted, even if that state had stricter laws. But alas, only 58 YEAs – not the necessary 60 – were cast. The 38 NAYs (including Specter) combined with three no votes - Mikulsi (D-MD), Kennedy (D-MA), and Byrd (D-WV) - to defeat the bill. Here's how everyone voted.

What the opposition had to say


From today's Los Angeles Times:
“ This is a grave threat to public safety,” said Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.). “ Concealed-weapons laws that work in rural states may not be suitable in urban areas. What’s good for Iowa or Alaska may not be good for California.”
What the defeated had to say

Also from today's Los Angeles Times :
“ An individual should be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment constitutional right and be able to travel through individual states," said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the chief sponsor.
and...
The National Rifle Assn., which has vowed to work to bring the legislation back, said that "the right to self-defense does not end at state lines."
I’m glad to see these tired arguments didn’t get the job done for once. Gun violence doesn’t need an extra boost – especially in Philly.

July 22, 2009

Golden Boy's former aide gets "sweetheart" sentence

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Ronald L. Buckwalter is, for lack of a better word, a yutz. A total clown. The presiding judge over the most storied public office takedown in years, has handed down another gem of a sentence to Ruth Arnao: one year, one day. With good behavior, she could be out in 10 months. Mind you, Arnao, who headed Fumo’s Citizen’s Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, was found guilty on 45 counts of conspiracy, fraud, and obstructing justice. Mind you, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Zauzmer and Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Pease, were looking for a sentence between 70-87 months.

How Buckwalter arrived at this sentence. From today’s Inquirer:

The judge said he considered the public sentiment in the case, but also a variety of other factors – the nature of the offense, Arnao’s character, how to promote public confidence in the law, and how to deter others from engaging in such crime.

“ I have to consider the need to provide a just punishment,” said Buckwalter.


Public shock ensued. But Buckwalter, ever so clever, discounted the outcry and blamed the Inquirer for stirring the frenzy pot.

Also from today’s Inquirer:

“We know how accurate the media is, don’t we?” Buckwalter said. The news media he added, “ has such a low reputation in the community.”

“ We have a watchdog in The Inquirer, but we don’t have a watchdog over the watchdog,” the judge said.