Bubba Dogs

And now some good news about the environment…

There’s stripers in the Schuylkill!

Lance Butler an aquatic biologist with the Philadelphia Water Department, recently spoke of the environmental health of the Schuylkill River.

“We’ve had this major resurgence,” he said. “It’s loaded with different species. I can give you 45 different species of fishes we’ve surveyed from the Flat Rock Dam to the confluence of the Delaware.”

So he e-mailed a shot of a big ol’ striped bass they netted from the tidal waters just below the Fairmount Dam. Note the Waterworks in the background. That’s a Center City fish. It weighed about 30 pounds.

Story… Big Fish

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Good article in the NYTimes on surfing in Ireland. (Shout Matt M.)

“You’re not going to get some Irish kid walking around talking about ‘dude’ and ‘man,’ ” said Richie Fitzgerald, 33, one of Ireland’s best-known surfers and the owner of a local surf shop. “We don’t have that surf-bum, hang-around culture. If you come here in February, you’re going to get pelted by hailstorms, and the only chick you’re going to see is a seagull.”

Emerald Swell: Riding the Frigid Waves of a Raging Sea

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The A’s and the Red Sox recently completed their start to the season in Japan. Here is something you won’t see at Citizen’s Bank Park on Monday. Japanese fans dangling clipboards, baseballs and even a jersey to Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima. Wild.

By the way, here’s the weather outlook:

The Philadelphia Inky is running a great 11 day preview of each of the Phillies position players for the upcoming 2008 season. Recently retired Philly Hall of Famer Bill Lyon is back writing exclusively for this 11 day report. A good way to get pumped prior to opening day (one week from today!). Today Lyon reviews left field.

Surprisingly the longest tenured Phillie is Pat Burrell, whose been with the team since May 2000 and is entering the final year of his 6 year, $50 million contract signed in 2002. Click on image for the report.

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Dawkins…. (Shout Josh Q)

Welcome back, Allen. Thanks for everything and I couldn’t be happier that you now play in Denver. By the way, you guys might have a decent chance of making it out of the second round of the playoffs if you at least thought about playing a little defense. (Click on image below for video)…

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As readers may be aware, I’ve been avoiding the political diatribe lately. Hot dogs and politics aren’t the greatest of bedfellows, a friend advised. However, during the Christian Holy Week, I’d like to digress. Why we have yet to catch bin Laden remains beyond me. None other than the Pope is his latest target. Here’s hoping that President Bush, whose term expires in about nine months, will have the fortitude to find this guy and kill him. Perhaps that would be a notch in his deservedly damaged legacy. Here’s a sample of bin Laden’s latest oratorical rubbish:

DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden threatened the European Union with grave punishment on Wednesday over cartoons of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad.

In an audio recording posted on the Internet coinciding with the birthday of Islam’s founder, bin Laden said the drawings, considered offensive by Muslims, were part of a “new crusade” in which Pope Benedict was involved.

“Your publications of these drawings — part of a new crusade in which the Pope of the Vatican had a significant role — is a confirmation from you that the war continues…”Link: more…

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As it is Easter Week, why not reflect on that which we’ve been given? While the world is a bit crazy these days, would any of it matter if you didn’t have your health? Do yourself some good and spend the 10 minutes it takes to watch this video. Afterward, stop worrying about anything but the welfare of those with whom you’re closest:

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From The 700 Level

SR 950 Now an ESPN Station, Morning Show to Be Replaced by Mike & Mike

SR 950 in Philadelphia will now be known as 950 ESPN. We’ve received word that after today’s morning show, Glenn Foley was fired. The morning show will be replaced with Mike & Mike effective April 1. No other changes have been announced yet, but we’re hoping Jody Mac’s show stays put. Could Mike Missanelli, an ESPN radio personality whose co-host might be dropped, return to Philly in some capacity? Now that would be an interesting twist. More details to follow as we get them. Update: We’re hearing Jamie Yannacone is out too.

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Spoon is a band worth a listen…

Click bracket below for the 2008 NCAA Tourney brackets.

#12 Temple vs. #5 Michigan State on Thursday. (Temple wins)

#12 Villanova vs. #5 Clemson on Friday  (Clemson)

#11 St. Joe’s vs. #6 Oklahoma on Friday (St. Joe’s)

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Former Phil Kyle Lohse, a second half pickup last year who pitched fairly well down the stretch (3-0 in 13 games/4.61 era), recently signed a 1 year, $4.5 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.  This bonehead was hoping to sign a longer term deal in the neighborhood of $10 million per annum.  He actually turned down the Phillies offer of 3 years/$21 million. Nothing like leaving $16.5 million on the table.  Amazingly his agent, Scott Boras, remains employed.  

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Picture day today (No motivation to write)   

Sea Isle City Yacht Club
Great piece of real estate.

Taken from the Townsends Inlet Bridge

Haile Gebrselassie pulls out of Beijing marathon because of pollution.

The marathon world record holder and the favorite to win the Olympic gold in the most prestigious Olympic event won’t run because the government of the host country is so screwed up that they’re literally destroying their (and your) environment.  I love it.  Exactly the type of press that the corrupt Communist leadership are not looking for.  Nice work, Haile.

 Can you blame him? Above left is The Red, uh… Yellow River; 120,000 lbs. of dead fish on the shores of Hubei province; and some locals out for a leisurly bike ride.  Here’s to the hope that more athletes boycott The Games and the corrupt Communist officials start to get the message. 

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Jimmy Rollins in April Men’s Journal

The April Issue of Men’s Journal is out today.  Rollins is the man.  Every Mets fan I know despised him for his “Team to beat” comments of last year.  The Mets collapse in 2007 brought boundless joy to my life.  Well, Jimmy’s at it again.  The Inquirer has an excerpt of  the interview.

MJ: Are the Phils still the team to beat in ‘08?

Rollins: That wasn’t a one-year thing. It’s still gonna ring true in 2008, and every year I’m with the Phillies. We’re going to win; it’s gonna come down to who wants it more, and we want to win more than the Mets do. Truthfully, I don’t worry about anybody in our division, or anybody in our league for that matter. I’m not worried about getting into the playoffs, because that part is accomplished. We’re a playoff team now. Our next goal is to win the World Series.

You da man, Jimmy.  Now if only Adam Eaton agreed.

Question: What’s the last thing you want to see rolling down the highway taking aim at your house?

Answer: That would be a tank whose driver just pulled over for snacks and more vodka.

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Twice each year, the Amazon River produces waves up to twelve feet in height which can be ridden for up to a half hour. In fact, the record is 37 minutes and the surfer traveled over seven miles.

The cause is a tidal surge whereby the Atlantic Ocean makes its way up the river generating the longest wave on earth.

Here’s a link for more pix and info: Surfing the Pororoca

It’s dangerous, not only because of the sea snakes and other creatures that lurk in the Amazon waters, but the debris that infests the river. Here’s a trailer for a movie about which I know nothing. The guy’s voice is a bit dramatic, but the footage is cool.  If into it, check out some of the related videos at the end.  There are some really cool homemade vids on youtube:

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What the motivation is, I have no idea. Unbelievable.

From July to September each year, Japan lives in fear of Tai Fu - or typhoons - that are renowned for taking lives and devastating coastlines. When the typhoons hit, everyone from the hi-tech cities to sleepy fishing towns stop and brace themselves for the hellish onslaught.

Huge shoutout to P.J. McMenamin, a Sea Isle homeowner/Bubba Dog customer, whose Mt. Airy pub, McMenamins, appears at number five on the list of   Philadelphia Weekly’s list of Philly’s top 50 bars.  Well done as well to Chef Larry Melison who gets rave reviews for his cuisine at this great spot.

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24 days until opening day!

For die-hards, the folks at Philliesnation do a great job at reporting everything Phillies. Spring training daily update, injury reports, trade rumors, etc… 

While the Phillies pitcher’s Brad Lidge and Chris Benson are progressing particularly well from their respective injuries, the Mets are clearly hurting.  They currently have 13 players that are suffering from a whole host of injuries, some more severe than others.

This from Long Island newspaper Newsday:

How desperate is the Mets’ injury situation now? It’s much easier to simply list the healthy position players on the team’s projected roster for Opening Day, which, by the way, is March 31.

So here they are: David Wright, Jose Reyes and Ramon Castro.

Could the stars be aligned any better?  The Met/Phils rivalry this year could wind up as the second best in all of baseball (Yanks/Sox #1).  What makes it so intriguing is that the two teams have rarely, if ever, been this competitive at the same time.  It’s going to be a fun season.  April 18th, Mets visit Philly for the first time. 

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No surprise here.  A recent study by University of Georgia researchers has found that there is a direct correlation between exhaustion and lack of exercise.  Good article in today’s New York Times.  Bottom line, if you’re feeling beat, go for a run, lift weights, swim, row, walk, etc…  Guaranteed -  you’ll feel better

Exhausted? Go exercise!

Interesting stats on Ryan Howard’s intentional walks last year. The Phils were dreadful in taking advantage as the players that followed Howard’s at-bats hit just .156 (5 for 32) after the free pass to the big guy. That’s terrible. Check it out:

Howard was walked intentionally 35 times in 2007, creating 35 chances to hit immediately following the intentional walk. Here’s what the Phils did with those times at-bats:

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Baseball As America
February 15 - May 11, 2008

The National Constitution Center

Since the often-dubbed “great American sport” first took shape in this country, baseball and America have mirrored the same values, responded to the same events, and grappled with the same social and economic issues. From February 15 through May 11, 2008, the National Constitution Center will host Baseball As America, the first major exhibition to examine the relationship between baseball and American culture. The 5,000-square-foot exhibition is organized by The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and marks the first time the treasures of the Hall of Fame have left their legendary home to tour the country.

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Classic Pixies….

Philly Beer Week Official Site

Many aren’t aware of how big a beer town Philly really is. Those in the know would argue that the craft beers (nearly 70 in the commonwealth), loval taverns and exotic imports make it the premier beer drinking city in the country. It is fitting, therefore, that there be a week to celebrate taverns

How BIG is Philly beer?

• Nearly every local craft brewer reported double-digit growth last year.
• We drink more Belgian ale than Brussels.
• Thousands of visitors travel to Philadelphia every year just to hoist a glass.
• It employs no fewer than 16,000 workers, produces $422 million in wages and $122 million in taxes.

Lots of events taking place this week all throughout the city.

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 The Eagles had a great weekend, what with the signing of New England cornerback Asante Samuel and Oakland Raider defensive end Chris Clemons.  

I think it took the Eagles PR department about 10 minutes to put his new jersey on sale at the Eagles website.  Samuel had more interceptions over the last two seasons then any other player in the league.   Heck, the entire Eagles team had 11 int’s last year, while Samuel had 10 himself!     

Clemons, meanwhile, only played 37% of the Raiders defensive plays but still tied with former Eagle Derrick Burgess for the team lead in sacks with eight.  So far, so good.  There still is work to be done and, as usual, wide receiver is in need of an upgrade. 

 Chris Mortenson of ESPN still thinks the Eagles are in the hunt for the best receiver in football, Randy Moss. 

Wouldn’t it be great if the Eagles signed the Pats best defensive player (Samuel) as well as their second best  offensive player? (Brady #1)

Article compliments of the 700 level:

Moss an Eagle?

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Once again, the issue of whether Sea Isle City should close its school is at stake with the forthcoming Board of Education elections. Candidates from both sides of the issue are running for the four vacant spots.  Normally school board elections don’t peek one’s interest, but when you look at the numbers, homeowners in Sea Isle should probably educate themselves on the issues.

Quick facts:

• The K-8 Sea Isle City school has 80 students

• The per pupil expenditure is $33,805 per student, the highest of any school district in the state 

• A city-funded feasibility study found that the above number will increase by 16% over the next 5 years

Article from the Atlantic City Press

Sea Isle City school board race raises issue of closing school