Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Cheaper Northeast Corridor Amtrak this summer - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Cheaper Northeast Corridor Amtrak this summer
Amtrak cuts Northeast fares 25 percent for the summer - Bloomberg/The Inky This summer many one way fares to New York from D.C. will be $49. This is pretty good news, since I have been thinking of spending an afternoon up there to catch up with a few people. This is also good news for people trying to take a daytrip to catch a ballgame, like we did last year.
Congratulations Ombudsman, Martha, RUTS, PSUgirl, Dan the Fan, Ramblings, my dad's cousin - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Congratulations Ombudsman, Martha, RUTS, PSUgirl, Dan the Fan, Ramblings, my dad's cousin
Your Phillies won the World Series(The Inky)! This is their second championship and first since 1980. It is also the city of Philadelphia's first major championship since 1983 when the 76ers did it. Now we won't have to hear about how Philly hasn't had a parade anymore! We also won't see yet another title go to Tampa Bay -- that estuary already has a Super Bowl and Stanley Cup this decade. Martha was right too -- Phillies in 5.
I did a little research and found out that since the Ombudsman was born, the Phillies have have played in the NLCS nine times, won four pennants and now two World Series. In other words, this has been a pretty good run for the Fleas and their fans can't complain for at least another 15 years about title droughts or anything of the kind.
Just remember though, that this year has no bearing on next and I plan to defend the half-smoke and conquer the cheesesteak in next year's Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge.
Where is Joe Queenan? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Where is Joe Queenan?
Noted hatchet man and satirist Joe Queenan has been much too quiet about his team being in the World Series. If Google News is to be believed, Queenan has not had anything published about the Fleas pennant. C'mon Joe, we need something from the guy who said in his book True Believers, "To me, the Phillies and Eagles are exactly like nicotine: a preposterously noxious semi-hallucinogenic substance capable of giving great pleasure for brief periods of time, but that will ultimately destroy your health."
World Series: Cheering for the NE corridor team - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series: Cheering for the NE corridor team
I am not expecting to watch much of the World Series, though I guess I am rooting for Philadelphia. I have some friends and extended family who are Phillies fans so it would be good for them to get a win. Also, I like Philadelphia and have always had a good time there. I have never been to Tampa Bay or any of the cities that comprise it and I think the next Rays cap I see will be the third. Also, I'm kind of bitter that Tampa Bay got an expansion team before we got a team.
From the Nats perspective, I want to see them have success in the way the Rays have and then start spending like the Phillies do.
I hate to be the one to report this, but on his podcast today, Beano picked Penn State to win 31-14 in Columbus on Saturday. He also is sure that PSU plays for the national title this season.
Don't shoot the messenger.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau CHief :
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 6:29:00 PM
Beano Watch is set to publish at 9:30 this morning.
Oh and another reason to be anti-Rays -- they play indoors on a fake field.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:56:00 AM
Post a CommentWhat is wrong with this picture? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, August 22, 2008
What is wrong with this picture?
Um, nothing?
THE BRONX -- Forgive me if I find the case for building a new Yankee Stadium less compelling than say, Nationals Park. The building is old and the corridors are steep, but overall it remains a perfectly viable venue. While I have little doubt that it makes more financial sense to build a new facility, I think Yankee Stadium was special enough and the fan base is strong enough that they could have stuck it out in Yankee Stadium -- four million fans a year can't be wrong. It is all a moot point now, and perhaps when I walk into the new Yankee Stadium someday, I will forget about the old one. After all the new Yankee Stadium will look more like the original Yankee Stadium (in some respects) than the current one. Perhaps I am just being sentimental because my grandfather was born and raised on 161st Street, watched the stadium get built, and could hear the crowd from home when Babe Ruth hit a home run. Also, my mom worked there for the Yankees before the renovations. At least they are staying in the Bronx.
Yesterday's NYC tabs had same frontpage headline - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Yesterday's NYC tabs had same frontpage headline
Mayor Bloomberg wanted to put wind turbines on top of buildings and bridges and that drew obvious responses. Don't worry, it is not going to happen to any of your favorite landmarks.
Riding the rails of the Northeast Corridor - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Riding the rails of the Northeast Corridor
I have used "Northeast Corridor" as one of my blogger labels for some time now. I use it as a way to organize posts about the Washington-to-Boston corridor since cities like Philadelphia and Boston don't get enough coverage here to warrant their own label. I could use it for The District as well, but I figure it is redundant. Anyway, the actual Northeast Corridor is the electrified railroad tracks between Union Station, Washington D.C. and South Station, Boston. I have been along it via NJ Transit and MARC trains and alongside of it on the PATH and of course I-95 and its spurs and loops, but never on Amtrak, which succeeded the Pennsylvania Railroad as the carrier along the line. We determined that it was the most practical way to make our trip to Yankee Stadium.
I ordered our tickets online at amtrak.com and was surprised to see that the standard fare was significantly less than the AAA fare. So, if you are going to be using Amtrak, make sure you check and don't just use AAA or another discount out of habit. For a 6:20 a.m. departure from Union Station and a return trip from Penn Station at 7:55 p.m. it cost $196 total for the two of us. There was a $19 parking fee for that duration at Union Station as well.
The train left right on schedule and and proceeded through New Carrolton, BWI Airport, Baltimore, Aberdeen, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, New Brunswick, Metropark (Iselin), Newark and finally into Penn Station. I enjoyed looking out the window and "seeing everybody's backyard" as my father put it, as a different view of the major cities we passed through. Naturally, I had my camera out and uploaded about three dozen shots of the journey.
It is hard to beat the convenience we experienced on the ride up. The train puts you right in the transportation heart of Manhattan with several subway lines and other trains available. You can't get that driving or even taking the bus and forget flying. We hopped on the 2 line and switched to the 4 in the Bronx. The snack car was also reasonably priced compared to other travel, no wonder Amtrak is having funding shortfalls.
On the way back, it was dark, so taking photos proved to be impossible for me. We ran into trouble too -- overhead wires were malfunctioning, possibly from a fire. That led to single-tracking between Wilmington and Aberdeen which added an hour to our return trip. Ah, deferred maintenance, you are just as bad as I have heard. Even with that, I was pleased overall with the decision to take the train, and will strongly consider it again, although they need to bring back names like the Yankee Clipper for these trains, which would be fantastic.
Tip, how could you? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tip, how could you?
THE BRONX -- I can't help be amused to see the superintendent for the subway station next to Yankee Stadium has the same name as the long-time Speaker of the House from Massachusetts.
Or perhaps, I could turn the question around and say, MTA, how could you?
Jim Hall is a worthy successor to Bob Shepherd - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Jim Hall is a worthy successor to Bob Shepherd
THE BRONX -- Bob Shepherd has been the voice of Yankee Stadium since Joe DiMaggio's final season which was also Mickey Mantle's first. Shepherd who is not that far off from 100 years old, has been unable work this season. One of the substitute announcers is Jim Hall, who has a similar voice to Shepherd. Hall will never be Bob Shepherd, but his voice is quite good and I think he would be an upgrade over most p.a. announcers.
Music Tuesday: Theme from "New York, New York" - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Music Tuesday: Theme from "New York, New York"
Since the end of the Yankees game, I have not been able to get this out of my head. This actually wasn't originally sung by Frank Sinatra, but Liza Minelli. However, he took it and made it his own and now they play it after every Yankees game. They used to play the Liza version after losses, but she was not real happy about that for obvious reasons. By the way, what this "to the ball team that lost" stuff Ol' Blue is talking about?"
Oh and I can't help but think of this whenever I think of the Chairman of the Board.
At the Hammond Organ...Ed Alstrom - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, August 18, 2008
At the Hammond Organ...Ed Alstrom
THE BRONX -- The Yankees have had an organ since 1967 when then Yankees president Michael Burke bought a Hammond organ and brought Eddie Layton over from CBS, the Yankees owners back then. Layton retired about five years ago and died shortly thereafter. I am glad that the Yankees kept the tradition going by bringing in a new organ player instead of recordings.
A final visit to Yankee Stadium - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A final visit to Yankee Stadium
THE BRONX -- Erica and I took her parents to their first game at Yankee Stadium. It was my fourth and final visit, the first being 20 years ago. Like that day, the Yankees played the Royals, but this time they won. It took 13 innings and heroics of CF Brett Gardner to win it after an exciting and frustrating day of Yankees baseball. Thankfully, it was a beautiful late summer day and we were sitting in shade, so the nearly five hour long game just flew by.
The Bronx Bombers stranded about ten runners, including leaving the bases loaded at least twice. Were it not for several Kansas City errors, the Yanks might have been shutout. The day also featured the awkward experience of cheering for a pitcher that lacked the character to even play for Peter Angelo$. To his credit, Sidney Ponson pitched a pretty good game.
We were not able to get in the Monument Park line before the game, so I still have not been there :(. I will have to settle for the new Monument Park across the street someday.
I will have several posts about our trip over the next few days.
It looks as if you were only a few sections over from my girlfriend and I. We sat in Tier 14. Great game! My g/f was pretty bored by the end, but she was a trooper.
# posted by A :
Monday, August 18, 2008 11:05:00 AM
My wife and her mother sat in 14 for a while, then moved over to 5 where we were.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, August 18, 2008 11:22:00 AM
Post a CommentFavre to Jets means 3 tabloids use same bad pun - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Favre to Jets means 3 tabloids use same bad pun
I really hoped I would not have to post anything about Brett Favre, but he got traded to the Jets, so I knew tabloids would all pretty much look the same today. The little twist is that the NY Post made "JET FAVRE" the top headline, but had a bigger focus on the anthrax story.
Oh why did he have to go to New York? The nightmare of Favre coverage may just be getting started.
Prediction -- Favre will have a season ending injury before October, rendering the whole ordeal pointless.
Seeing double, almost triple on NY tabs backpages - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, July 18, 2008
Seeing double, almost triple on NY tabs backpages
The Mets' ten wins in a row have vaulted them into first place. Even with that, I think the "First & 10" headline is not terribly strong and is kind of forced. It did not stop with the two city tabloids' back pages either.
Newsday, Long Island's paper of record, went with the identical sounding "First & Ten" headline, but used a different photograph than the other two.
The Ombudsman can't be too happy to see his Phillies in second place.
Friday tabs made the same New York Climbs pun - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Friday tabs made the same New York Climbs pun
Both tabloids had the same idea for the cover -- New York Climbs in a gothic typeface similar to the old gray lady's flag (not masthead, as it is mistakenly called). I appreciate the Daily News one more because it included the definite article.
Which cheese belongs on cheesesteaks? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 26, 2008
Which cheese belongs on cheesesteaks?
Cheez Whiz is overrated for cheesesteaks - The Inky The proper cheesesteak cheese -- American, provolone or Whiz is debated. I prefer the Whiz myself, occasionally with raw onions.
Speaking of cheesesteaks, the 2008 Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge is now tied, 3-3.
Newspaper Web site redesigns - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 19, 2008
Newspaper Web site redesigns
There are several redesigns to newspaper Web sites that are here or almost here.
Washington Times provides sneak preview of new Web site - The Wash. Times They have a mockup online, but I would not go as far to call it a beta site since the functionality is not there. A rotating image on the front -- something many sites started doing last year, but are starting to abandon. So far, the new washtimes.com site looks okay and I like the idea of "400,000 custom news feeds" being made available.
I have heard that the goal is for washtimes.com to become one of the top 10 sites -- not newspaper sites -- in the world. I don't see that happening.
Also, philly.com, the Web site for The Inky and Philly Daily News has taken a step back and switched the front page design for something less robust and with a terrible color palette. I had really liked the way the had it, particularly the way they gave each paper its own site with suitable designs.
Lots of journalism folks love the Philly.com redesign, but I'm not a fan either. I miss the tabs and the easy access to the sports stories near the top. I'm really looking forward to the day when newspaper sites stop re-arranging deck chairs and start doing something innovative.
Anyway, I've been reading your blog for a while and figured I was overdue to leave a comment. So, hello.
# posted by Daniel Victor :
Monday, May 19, 2008 1:17:00 PM
Oh, no, mainstream media. This blog has lost all credibility.
# posted by DJ in Hbg :
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:00:00 AM
Post a CommentTabloids have same take on Subway Series - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tabloids have same take on Subway Series
The Yankees are in the odd position of last place (it is a rebuilding year, though no one told Hank Steinbrenner) right now and the Mets are not as good as they were supposed to be this season. That has the two city tabloids thinking the same thing as the regular season Subway Series resumes tonight.
The Bronx Bombers won't be in last place for long and may make the playoffs yet. The Mets on the other hand, have third place written all over them.
More on Jersey diners - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
More on Jersey diners
Spud Mountain or Bust: A Jersey Diner Diary - The Post My dad sent me this story about diners in New Jersey. There are over 600 of them, making Jersey the diner capital of the U.S. He also adds commentary:
The Mastoris Diner (mentioned in the article) in Bordentown was owned by the family of a schoolmate at Peddie.
My favorite Jersey diners were Weequaic in Newark (I believe the original diner), Swingles in Hillside on RT 22., and OLGA's at the Marlton Circle.
Swingles by the way designed and constructed diners.
The Amphora in Vienna, Va. is very close to a Jersey Diner and I understand that the Manhattan Diner in Fairfax is very good. We will have to try it.
(By the way, my mouth is actually watering for a piece of coconut cream pie from the Weequaic diner.)
In Jersey, if you wanted a good filling meal at a decent price, you headed for the diner. Back in the day, I did a lot of hitchhiking and diners were a great resource! There goes the watery mouth thing again when I thought of the world's freshest eggs at Swingles. They were brought in from a farm every morning. Hell, they may have still been warm from the chicken!
I do not have a specific favorite, but I've eaten in diners all over Jersey. I remember there was a great Absolute ad with a stainless steel diner shaped like a bottle that said "ABSOLUTE JERSEY."
Best cheesesteaks in Philly list - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Best cheesesteaks in Philly list
I like cheesesteaks and despite it being Hate the Flyers Fortnight (more or less, why do the NHL and NBA stetch 7 games series out so long?), I'm still going to alert you to a list of the best cheesesteaks in the Philly area, birthplace of the cheesesteak. I like the cheesesteaks and I won't let even the thuggish Flyers ruin that for me.
The list is compiled by WIP, the radio station that invented the dark morning of the soul known as Wing Bowl (ESPN Page 2). That fact either proves WIP is perfectly qualified to judge cheesesteaks or should never be taken seriously ever under any circumstances.
My favorite, Jim's Steaks, comes in at #12 out of #45. Geno's, which I had on Opening Day 2005, comes in at #35, an assessment I cannot fault. I have not yet been to Geno's 9th and Passayunk rival, Pat's, but maybe I need not bother since it comes in so low at #42. I've been curious about #8 Tony Luke's and #30 Rick's, but apparently I to go to John's Roast Pork if I want the best.
Turnpike dining - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Turnpike dining
The United Plates of New Jersey - The Times A look at some places to eat near the Turnpike that offer a Jersey experience more satisfying than Vince Lombardi Service Area. I would not have been surprised if all the places selected were diners (Jersey has got to have more diners per capita than anywhere), but a few other kinds of places are featured.
...has lots of models and costumes from the entire saga. The "science" of Star Wars galaxy is explained and compared with contemporary science from this galaxy. In some ways, we are not far off from things in the Star Wars universe, but sadly lightsaber technology remains elusive. Also, the Millennium Falcon is worth doing too. Sadly, we were not allowed to take any photos inside the Falcon.
The Inkypreview is critical of the "science" part of the exhibit which is a reasonable assessment, but not many people are there for the science anyway.
Both Erica and I really enjoyed the exhibit, more so than the one the Smithsonian had in the late 1990s. Since Philly is less than three hours up I-95 from D.C. so you can make a day-trip out of the visit. If you want to make a weekend out of it gophila.com has a package.
I recommend buying tickets in advance though to avoid the lines, particularly for the Falcon simulator which is a separate admission.
Tabs use the same headline in slightly different ways - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, February 04, 2008
Tabs use the same headline in slightly different ways
I had expected at least one of the tabloids would have gone with "WE WIN." The Daily News cover shown was a wrap-around; there were two regular covers today too. The NY Post's back cover is shown.
The right team won and restored order to the New York vs. Boston rivalry; take note Yankees. It has been fun being on the Giants bandwagon.
The State of Affairs in Beantown - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
The State of Affairs in Beantown
The Ombudsman, who works in Harvard Square, filed a dispatch on what is going on in New England:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- It was a bit rough getting to work this morning, what with the swarms of locusts and the smell from the Mystic, which had turned to blood overnight. Then there was the delay on the T because yet another mother had thrown her child in front of the train rather than have him live in a world where the Patriots are 18-1. I stumbled into a man on the sidewalk who had gouged his eyed out right before the last knee so that a still undefeated Patriots team would be the last thing he ever saw. As I write this it's a bit hard to concentrate with the constant wailing and intermittent gunfire. Other than that, people are taking it rather well. It's just a shame they don't have a decent baseball, basketball, or soccer team to fall back on. I feel sorry for them.
Super Bowl XLII live-blogging - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Bowl XLII live-blogging
UPDATED 10:33 p.m.
Jimmy Johnson never got over the '87 Fiesta Bowl. Neither did Vinny Testaverde, heh.
Belichick took off his red sweatshirt. He looks devastated. Good.
I expect at least one NY tabloid to have the headline WE WIN on one of their covers tomorrow.
UPDATED 10:28 p.m.
Enjoy this moment Eli, we'll like you for a little while because you saved us from another damn Patriots/Brady Super Bowl win.
The PATRIOTS CHOKED!
UPDATED 10:23 p.m.
"Certainly knew what they were doing, apparently?" Huh.
Who dressed Howie Long tonight?
So, is the Ewing Theory now the Tiki Theory?
Somebody get Terry a cough drop.
I love having a former MVP present the trophy. Good to see Doug Williams.
Um, nice suit commissioner. Manning is MVP. Who'd of thunk it?!
UPDATED 10:06 p.m.
THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL! THE GIANTS WIN THE SUPER BOWL!
New York (or NJ) triumphs over Boston (New England), things are right in the world again!
UPDATED 10:05 p.m.
The Patriots are quitting!
UPDATED 10:00 p.m.
DOWN GOES BRADY! JAY ALFORD, COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATIONS PENN STATE REPRESENT! :25 to go. 2nd down
UPDATED 9:57 p.m.
MANNING TO BURRESS FOR SIX! HOLY FECKING SCHNIT!
Giants 17 Patriots 14
Here comes the obligatory Europe!
UPDATED 9:52
WOW. How did that happen? Manning, mobile, David Tyree somehow there?
UPDATED 9:50 p.m.
Oh, that damn Bush song.
They get the first, despite no Pilsbury Throw boy. You owe us Tom Coughlin! UPDATED 9:47 p.m. Play of the ball game, right here, fourth down. Put in LORENZEN!
Ben Rothliesburger singing that damn pina colada song. That might haunt my dreams tonight.
Oh boy, Push It.
Manning, throwing off of his back foot, great.
Great open field, special teams tackle by Ray Ventrone. There, now I've assured that I will get hits for people looking for Ray Ventrone for the rest of eternity.
UPDATED 9:40 p.m.
Brady to Moss, d'oh!
14-10 Patriots
Time for Manning to become a hero.
UPDATED 9:38 p.m.
Hey, Brady, throw it to the guys in white.
Come Giants D, you didn't even have to play for the first ten minutes of the game.
UPDATED 9:33 Uh oh, the Patriots are waking up. The bananas aren't working for the G-men.
UPDATED 9:29 p.m. The Will Ferrell Bud Light ad was great.
If I were Manning, I'd be really mad at Plaxico Burress for letting up after that great scramble. If I were Burress, I would be mad at my parents for giving me a name that sounds like a dental hygiene product. He could put the game away if he catches that throw.
UPDATED 9:21 p.m.
If the Giants can't hang on, we will live in a world where Wes Welker is Super Bowl MVP.
The e-trade baby isn't bad.
I think I could get into the show House. The character seems to be based on the Ombudsman's repressed id.
UDPATED 9:13 p.m.
Agent Zero and G-Whiz!
TOUCHDOWN GIANTS! Somewhere in Maryland, a former R.A. is having a flashback to somebody playing Temco Super Bowl at 2 a.m.
BEGINNING OF THE FOURTH QUARTER
Finally a big play! Shockey in the booth, ha!
Oh boy, Fox is doing the game so we get lots of celebrity shots!
Where the hell was Lucy? Coke blew a great gag!
How nice of Dateline NBC to let Chris Hansen punt today.
Prediction -- next team to score wins.
I think the Chester Pitts (oboe player) ad is the best of the night.
We've got almost two full quarters without a score.
Too humid? In the desert! Open the roof.
UPDATED 8:50 p.m.
Ah, throwing deep into triple coverage, always a good decision. I thought I was watching Anthony Morelli.
Going for it on 4th and 13 at Giants 30 wasn't a horrible call by New England, but they should not have gone so deep.
Shrunken heads are better than Shaq on a horse.
Does anybody still consider Carmen Electra hot?
Brady is all out of sorts. I like it.
The panda ad will anger some people.
HALFTIME SHOW
Erica "Tom Petty isn't getting any younger."
Tough start on "American Girl", by "Freefalling" he was doing okay and he finished strong with "Running Down a Dream"
HALFTIME
I think Terry Bradshaw must have taken a horse tranquilizer.
Good game so far, a few turnovers, some punishing runs and Brady is making mistakes and getting sacked.
I like the ad with Justin Timberlake getting racked.
It is time to retire the Rocky theme.
UPDATED 7:33 p.m.
Did anyone catch who the half-time show performer is today?
Hey Belichek, the guy in the red shirt always dies!
Tom Brady sacked twice in a row!
Several punts in a row, Madison Ave. rejoices.
Manning intercepted -- PUT IN JARED LORENZEN! I want a 290 lbs QB in the game.
UPDATED 7:05 p.m.
Enormus carrier pigeons should be funnier.
Nice kickoff New England.
Wanted looks like a stupid movie.
Patriots score, PAT good. I hope you enjoyed your lead Giants, it might be gone for good.
I can't recall a first quarter of a Super Bowl any game going so quickly. Thanks Giants! Two possessions it turns out.
Doritos singer -- not terrible.
UPDATE 6:46
16 plays, 9:59 time of possession, only 3 points.
UPDATE 6:41 P.M.
The Patriots defense is getting manhandled so far.
Kelvin Gilbride? I wonder if Buddy Ryan just shot the television.
Brandon Jacobs just bulldozed the Patriots for seven. Sweet.
Phoenix has a pretty unimpressive skyline, I think Tysons Corner has a better one.
UPDATED: 6:25 P.M.
How many captains do they need?
Wasn't Steve Young a backup under Walsh?
Is the spin on the coin different because Ronnie Lott is missing a finger?
The roof is closed, boo!
Jordan Sparks was fine.
NFL people reading the Declaration of Independence -- take that limeys!
Minister of Propoganda's Half Time Report. (sponsored by the dignity that comes from not surrendering to crass corporate sponsorships) -------------------------------
A quick moving, low scoring game works well for those of us watching only for the commercials. The Doritos 'big rat' spot made me laugh out loud. The Budweiser ads need new life...no cares about the horsies anymore. The Pepsi-Timberlak ad was funny only because it featured copious amounts of boy-band crotch pain.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:02:00 PM
Minister of Propoganda's Half Time Report. (sponsored by the dignity that comes from not surrendering to crass corporate sponsorships) --Part II -------------------------------
Never send a well-worn folk singer to do a Rock n Roll god's job. At least he won't be joined by Britney Spears...Oh good, no new tunes. Keep the proles from fidgeting too much if they don't recognize the tunes from their local Bennigan's soundtrack.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:09:00 PM
okay, i'm not even sure what the hell that challenge was...but it just doesn't feel...American.
Why do you hate our freedoms, Mr. Bellachik?
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:39:00 PM
Regarding the panda ad: I've seen more delicate humor scotch-taped to the inside of job-johnnies on construction sites in the South. (yes, i was there...don't ask).
Coke balloon ad fell flat. It's never been that nice in November in Manhattan. And have we forgotten the deadly Bullwinkle balloon incident?
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:08:00 PM
Was it bullwinkle that almost killed someone? I could have sworn it was Garfield.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:20:00 PM
tonight...the E-Trade baby will haunt my dreams.
Hola! degrading Latino stereotype! Meet my friends, the Asian panda mockeries.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:23:00 PM
The E-Trade baby eats McRibs in the pit of hades of my nightmares this eve...
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:28:00 PM
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:32:00 PM
dammit. now i wanna be in a bar, drunk and screaming.
oh wait, when don't i?
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:40:00 PM
You've got what, two nights of that left?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:51:00 PM
Tom's Lenten sacrifices this year:
1. No chocolate.
2. No wheat.
3. Only water to drink til Easter Sunday.
TWH MofP of the WWN
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:54:00 PM
So, you'll be mainlining cheez whiz for 40 nights, no?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:56:00 PM
YAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!
but NE has three timeouts left, no?
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:57:00 PM
Indeed
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:59:00 PM
i had to leave cheese on the table...too many meatfree days on the liturgical calendar...i can tolerate only so many cheese-less salads.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:01:00 PM
It's doubly sweet.
The Giants get to win. The Pats get to lose. heh.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:11:00 PM
The Belachik post-game was priceless... "but...but...but we cheated and everything! how could we lose?" *ad lib*
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:36:00 PMPost a Comment
A quick look at Super Bowl XLII - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
A quick look at Super Bowl XLII
QUARTERBACKS
Giants -- Eli Manning -- no personality, pulled draft day stunt
Patriots -- Tom Brady -- 3 rings, dates super-models, baby daddy and full-fledged celebrity
Neither are likable, but Brady ruined 1999 Senior Day
CITY
New York -- capital of the world
Boston -- nice in its own right, but not New York
ACTUAL STADIUM LOCATION
Giants -- East Rutherford, N.J.
Patriots -- Foxoboro/Foxborough, Mass.
Foxborough is probably a nicer place than Easter Rutherford, but I like Jersey more.
UNIFORMS
Giants -- throwbacks, stripes on the whites jerseys, black shoes, classic helmet logo
Patriots -- modern with unnecessary accents; flying Elvis logo, white shoes
Duh.
FIELD SURFACE
Giants -- rug
Patriots -- rug
They both lose.
STADIUM
Giants -- Bland, boring stadium with excellent sightlines from every seat. Jimmy Hoffa may buried in one of the end zones there.
Patriots -- Unique features
It would be a slam-dunk for the Patriots if they hadn't turned into a bunch of babies and torn up the grass.
FAMOUS FAN
Giants -- Carl Brutananadilewski
Patriots -- Bill Simmons
Not even close -- Carl!
The Giants win on almost all of the above points which will probably be the only winning they do today. Not surprisingly, I'm pulling for the G-men, a triumph of Jersey provincialism. I would really like to see them win and restore balance to the Force in the New York vs. Boston rivalry, but I don't expect it. I anticipate the Patriots winning big and running up the score.
Nobody outside of the Northeast cares? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 28, 2008
Nobody outside of the Northeast cares?
I've overheard or read that nobody outside of the Northeast is going to care about this Super Bowl. Riiiight. Like nobody outside of Illinois and Indiana cared about last year's Super Bowl. It is the Super Bowl, people care. Either way, about 40 million people live within the "footprint" of those two teams. That is something like 13% of the entire U.S. population. Throw in expatriates (no pun intended) and there are probably at least 50 million people who live, lived or are only a generation away from living in the Northeast. I expect higher ratings for this year's game.
By the way, memo to the NY Post -- calling the Giants "America's team" is silly, even if it is sort of true for a day.
If I were Bill Belichek, I'd put that tabloid in every player's locker this week.
Recap: NFL Championships - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 21, 2008
Recap: NFL Championships
I went one for two with my picks yesterday. I'm not shocked that the Giants won, but I couldn't see picking Eli Manning over Brett Favre, despite that he looked very uncomfortable out there yesterday. It was a good, exciting game though, and my boss will be happy, which is a plus. I really enjoyed watching two old teams battle it out in old school uniforms on real (dormant) grass in subzero weather. Good stuff.
I didn't see much of the first game, but the Patriots winning was fait accompli.
We'll have a Northeast Corridor Super Bowl -- too bad its being played in Arizona. Move it to the Yale Bowl!
I understand it isn't as good a narrative for aliens destroy Indiana because a burning Wal-Mart isn't a vivid as skyscraper, but still destroying New York is a cliche that actually happened.
MetroCard makeover? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
MetroCard makeover?
Does the MetroCard Need a Makeover? - CityRoom, nytimes.com A blogger wonders aloud if New York's now iconic (I still prefer tokens) MetroCard should be redesigned. Comparisons to D.C.'s SmarTrip and farecards, Boston's Charlie card ensue, as do calls to spend money on making the trains on time/stations nicer.
Why does Hollywood hate N.Y.? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, January 04, 2008
Why does Hollywood hate N.Y.?
When I saw a commercial for the movie Cloverfield the other day, I lamented to myself that it was yet another movie that destroys all or part of New York City. I have never really seen the appeal of these movies especially since IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. At this point, in addition to being unsettling, it is lazy storytelling since it has been done so many times.
I thought about cataloging these movies and writing up a post about the phenomenon, but a Brooklyn born Post-Gazette columnist beat me to it.
Places I went in 2007 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Places I went in 2007
Generally speaking, I had to either spend the night or sit down for a meal somewhere for it to qualify.
Alexandria, Va. Annapolis, Md. Arlington, Va. Avalon, NJ Bellefonte, Pa. Daly City, Calif. Eatontown, N.J. Edison, N.J. Hamilton, N.J. Harrisburg, Pa. Lake Harmony, Pa. Lemoyne, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. McLean, Va. Mill Valley, Calif. Morristown, N.J. Mount Vernon, Va. Philadelphia, Pa. Potomac, Md. Princeton, N.J. Reedsville, Pa. San Francisco, Calif. Ship Bottom, N.J. Spray Beach, N.J. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Stone Harbor, N.J. Virginia Beach, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C.
Northern-most point: Blakeslee, Pa. Southern-most point: Virginia Beach, Va. Western-most point: San Francisco, Calif. (by car, Bedford, Pa.) Eastern-most point: Bay Head, N.J.
I doubt I'll get any further west this year, but I hope to get further north, east and south. Hopefully, New York and Boston can make it back on the list too.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:58:00 PM
It was the closest White Castle between Brick and Edison. We had a memorial service to attend to that day.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:35:00 PM
Post a CommentBig Dig officially done next Monday - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Big Dig officially done next Monday
An old Central Artery ramp, circa 2006 (PHOTO BY WILLIAM F. YURASKO)
On Dec. 31, It's Official: Boston's Big Dig Will Be Done - AP/The Post The $2.6 million $14.8 billion Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Project will be declared complete on Dec. 31. I'm glad Boston is no longer bisected by an ugly highway, but to all involved, you blew it for the rest of us with all of the massive overruns and shoddy workmanship. It will be a generation before this sort of urban reclamation gets attempted again.
50 years of the Harbor Tunnel - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, November 23, 2007
50 years of the Harbor Tunnel
Harbor Tunnel marks 50th anniversary - The Sun The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is approaching its semicentennial. When I was a kid, it was a traffic nightmare, but once the Ft. McHenry Tunnel (I-95) opened in 1985, the Harbor Tunnel became a good alternate route.
Other notes:
I can't remember it before it was I-895, but I do remember all the non-MUTCD signs that only got replaced about ten years ago.
The Harbor Tunnel Thruway had unusual exit numbering schemes -- sequential starting after the tunnel headed northbound; mileage-based from the northern terminus southbound)
There used to be a Colt 45 brewery near the interchange with the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). It later became a Washington Flour facility.
I also remember the Segram's 7 advertisement that was on a brick building near the highway
The speed limit should be at least 55 MPH throughout the non-tunnel sections and maybe 60 MPH in the stretches without exits.
New York-Philadelphia-Washington, DC -- Interstate 95. This corridor is easily the slowest 225 miles of highway during the holidays. The section from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the George Washington Bridge is the worst of it.
Left unsaid is that the "worst of it" is the New Jersey Turnpike, half of which is not I-95.
Happy Black Wednesday, THE BUSIEST TRAVEL DAY OF THE YEAR!
nydailynews.com redesigned - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, November 19, 2007
nydailynews.com redesigned
My favorite tabloid's Web site has been redesigned. nydailynews.com has a clean, modern design with more information on the front. There are thumbnails of the covers that are above the scroll and click through to larger versions. I also like that the rotating eyepiece runs "down" the three big headlines rather than left to right like just about everybody else.
What's a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
What's a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak?
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. -- Knowing better than to order a cheesesteak at a stadium, I decided that we would make a little detour on the way home. Although I was tempted to try Pat's, having tried Jim's and Geno's, I wasn't up for driving to 9th and Passayunk this time, so I figured we'd hit a suburban Jim's Steaks location because I wasn't up for South Street either. It is just as well since I like Jim's the best (so far) and I figured it would be faster this way. There was one little problem though -- I couldn't remember if Jim's Springfield location was on US 1 or Baltimore Pike. I would up getting off the I-476 (aka the Blue Route) onto US 1 and realized I went too far, so I turned us onto PA 320 and found our way back to Baltimore Pike.
The detour was worth it as the steaks were quite good and it had been a long time since I ate one. I ordered "whiz wit raw onions" while Erica had "American wit peepers and onions." The fries were mediocre though; undercooked and not sufficiently shaken out following removal from the fryer.
Best foliage of the season -- I-95? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Best foliage of the season -- I-95?
CECIL COUNTY, Md. -- Drought has made this autumn a disappointing one for foliage in Northern Virginia and even on the roads to Penn State. I was a bit surprised to see the best colors of the season along I-95 between Baltimore and Delaware. Granted, it has been a long time since I traveled this stretch during this part of fall, but I never remembered it being so good. I'm sure in sunlight it was bordering on spectacular.
The Linc - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Linc
PHILADELPHIA -- Saturday's trip to Lincoln Financial Field was my fifth Nittany Lions road game. It was the fourth different stadium in that group, joining Scott Stadium (Univ. of Virginia), Alumni Stadium (Boston College) and Giants Stadium (vs. Rutgers and USC). This was also the third NFL stadium (all in the NFC East) that I have seen a football game at, though FedEx Field has only been for Redskins games.
What strikes me most about The Linc is the contrived alignment of the seating decks. What's the point? It isn't like an old baseball stadium where stands and angles reflected the layout of the available space. For football, this is just silly.
Other notes:
This was the first college football game that I can recall where beer was sold. I didn't get around to buying any though.
Sitting in chair backs as opposed to bleachers sure are nice.
The concourses were nice and wide.
No concessions lines, but the food was cold. Can you guess the concessionaire?
The two previous items combine into a downside though -- people wouldn't stay in their seats, so we were always having to get up and let people through.
Driving in was easy -- just up I-95. We sat for about 20-25 minutes waiting to exit, but once we were onto Broad Street, we were quickly directed to parking. We wound up on the west side of the Spectrum. Parking was surprisingly $11.
After hanging out with Wiley and Ashley for about 45 minutes, we pulled right out onto Broad Street and I-95 without delay. That sure beats the wait to get out of lot 12 only to get stuck in Port Matilda or the Lewistown Narrows, doesn't it.
Why did Penn State play the Trojans in New Jersey?
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, November 12, 2007 2:27:00 PM
Kickoff Classic 2000 (let's not talk about it)
1996 too.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, November 12, 2007 3:26:00 PM
Post a CommentWould the real "Artful Dodger" please stand up? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, November 02, 2007
Would the real "Artful Dodger" please stand up?
The two New York City tabloids both have the same backpage headline this morning, but they each referring to a different person. Too funny!
By the way, I think Joe Girardi was a better choice for the Yankees than Don Mattingly. Experience as the Marlins manager for a year and as a catcher as a player makes more sense for the Yankees. It would not surprise me to see Mattingly will get his chance.
Also, despite being from Brooklyn, Joe Torre was a Giants fan for some reason. It will be odd seeing him in Dodger blue, but even weirder seeing Mattingly not wearing pinstripes.
The Dodgers will be the third team from New York (originally at least) that Torre has managed. He skippered the Mets in the 1970s too, so only the Giants are left. I think Daryl Strawberry is the only other person to have been a member of all of those franchises.
Casey Stengel played for the Giants and Dodgers and managed the Yankees and Mets
# posted by Anonymous :
Friday, November 02, 2007 10:28:00 AM
Stengel managed in Brooklyn too.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, November 02, 2007 11:05:00 AM
Post a CommentSHOVE IT! NYC tabs have same Torre frontpage headline - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 19, 2007
SHOVE IT! NYC tabs have same Torre frontpage headline
I pretty much expected the tabs to have the same headline again. I wonder how long until Torre's #6 is retired. The Steinbrenners have egg on their faces for the way they did this and I don't expect Torre to accept any ceremony for a couple of seasons.
Selena Roberts of The Times has a good column about the way this was botched.
Grounds for Sculpture - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Grounds for Sculpture
HAMILTON, N.J. -- Several years ago, an aunt told us about Grounds for Sculpture, a large sculpture garden on the site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds near Trenton that J. Seward Johnson (who sculpted The Awakening) developed. We had hoped to go there last spring, but buying a house took precedence. Since we knew we would be in Jersey this month, we made plans to finally visit it. [flickr set: Grounds for Sculpture]
Both Erica and I were pleased with the experience. The grounds have over 200 sculptures representing several different media and styles. Of note are several of Johnson's Beyond the Frame series of sculptures interpreted from famous paintings, notably Manet's Luncheon on the Grass (Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe). Other sculptures are less literal and more abstract. There are also peacocks walking around.
I wish we had more time to spend there then we did as the visit could take most of the day, particularly if eating at either of the restaurants on the premises. We didn't do that this time, but we are inclined to go back another time. When we do, I'm also going to make sure that I have enough memory for my camera because I got very low.
Getting to the Grounds is pretty easy and about three hours from Washington. Take I-95 north to I-295 north in Delaware. Follow I-295 north about 70 miles to exit 65B, Sloan Ave. Follow the signs for Grounds for Sculpture or better yet, follow the sculptures along the side of the roads, a nice touch. Admission is $10 for adults.
Belated birthday greetings to Larry Fine - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Belated birthday greetings to Larry Fine
The Stooges' life after death - The Inky Last Friday would have been the 105th birthday of Larry Fine of The Three Stooges. Earlier in this decade while visiting Philly we ate a restaurant on or near South Street that claimed to be the birthplace of Fine. As I recall, other than the logo, there was nothing else about him in the joint. The cheesesteak was also mediocre.
Higher tolls on Delaware Turnpike - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Higher tolls on Delaware Turnpike
Higher tolls, fees start today - The News Journal, New Castle, Del. Steve Anderson of nycroads.com, dcroads.net and others tipped me off that the tolls are going up on the Delaware Turnpike. The highway, which includes I-95's first 11 miles in Delaware, will now cost $4 at the main toll plaza east of the Maryland/Delaware line.
I recall hearing that toll booths were going to be reinstalled at the EXIT 1 DE 896 interchange, but nothing about that is mentioned in the story.
Two consecutive days of back pages being the same - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, August 06, 2007
Two consecutive days of back pages being the same
The last two days, both NYC tabs have had the same back cover headline. On Sunday, it was 500 to observe Alex Rodriguez 500th career homer and today was 300 for Tom Glavine's 300th win. I didn't think they were worth getting the full WWN tabloid similarities treatment though -- these were too obvious.
Rewarding bad behavior -- How I became a Temple partial season ticketholder - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, July 23, 2007
Rewarding bad behavior -- How I became a Temple partial season ticketholder
Over the years, there has been a lot of badmouthing of Pitt for always forcing fans buy tickets to an extra game in order to buy tickets to Penn State games played in Pittsburgh. This practice has been cited as one of the reasons Penn State won't play Pitt which is fine with me. If Pitt wants to be a big boy (which the claim they are) and play Penn State home & home, they need to stop doing that stuff before the conversation will resume.
Meanwhile, on the other end of Pennsylvania, Temple is making fans buy tickets to three games in order to buy Penn State tickets. Had they made Penn State tickets available individually they would run the risk of Penn State fans buying up all the seats for that game. I wound up playing along and buying the three pack. So, why did I bite the bullet and let Temple get away with that practice after bashing Pitt for it? I justified for two main reasons:
Temple only got one home game in a four game series with Penn State.
Temple isn't pretending its a big boy -- its trying to stay alive. That Temple didn't drop football entirely kind of surprises me, especially since the Big East kicked them out. Penn State did Temple a big favor by scheduling them for four games when the program's future was in jeopardy. Penn State certainly was not completely altruistic in the matter since they knew they could get favorable terms on scheduling, but I think that was part of it.
It goes without saying that I like the idea of just driving up I-95 to see my Nittany Lions play too. That trip is probably three hours less round-trip and driving along I-95 is so much easier than all those rural highways on the way to Happy Valley.
Tickets can be purchased here with prices starting at $72 each. I'm going to try and sell my tickets to the other games, but I am prepared to take a loss.
Aren't there some baseball teams that do that sort of thing?
Didn't the White Sox, before they won their championship, require anyone who wanted to buy a ticket to one of the Cubs/Sox games buy a ticket package that included other Sox games?
# posted by Simon Oliver Lockwood :
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:14:00 PM
Same backpage headline yet again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Same backpage headline yet again
You can't be shocked that both papers had the same idea for today's best page after the Yankees 21 runs yesterday.
I'm glad the Yankees are picking it up again and are five games over .500. It might be too little too late though. They are 7.5 back of the hated Red Sox and 6.5 back in the wild card.
Interestingly, the covers page on nypost.com has broken images as of 12:15 p.m. I had to do a screengrab to get something up.
DC United has indicated it may pursue relocation options as a result of the recent statelmate. The local suburbs and even Baltimore were cited as possible options. One that wasn't mentioned was greater Philadelphia. Yesterday's Inky had an article about possible plans to build a $100 million soccer stadium in Chester, an old industrial city near the Delaware state line. While it would seem unlikey that DC United would move completely out of the national captial area there (and become Delaware Valley United? Philly United?) is that possibility. If the Dodgers could move out of Brooklyn, any team can leave.
I don't know how much leverage DC United has with the District. While their fanbase may be passionate and the franchise is the strongest in MLS, I can't see District officials losing any sleep over the prospect of the franchise leaving. That's too bad because DC United has brought four championships to the city since its inception in the mid-90s. That's exactly four more than the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals and Mystics combined. In fact no other DC team has even gotten past the second round during that time!
I am largely ambivalent about soccer, but my one visit to a match was fun and I would do it again. Even if I never go to another match, I hope DC United stays in the District. One of the things that makes living in-and-around a great city like Washington wonderful are the many cultural, entertainment, dining and sports options available. I may never eat at an Ethiopian restaurant or see the ballet, but I appreciate that they are here it means other people get to enjoy them. All of these choices makes for region and its people more intersting, no?
Hopefully this is all just historonics and the District and DC United can come totgether and build what sounds like a pretty good idea. I'd hate to lose a team, especially the winning one!
The home page is less cluttered and has slightly more white space
Like many redesigned newspaper sites, there is a tabbed eyepiece/carousel/widget. However, there is a lot trapped white space when tabs don't have photographs, a typical situation in the early morning.
Blogs are given more prominence with a box that begins near the scroll
Columnists are not as prominently featured on the home page, but more so on the section fronts.
Video has been added to the home page and section fronts, but is below the scroll.
It is a seven column grid.
I like the three promo spots near the scroll.
I don't like the new typeface for the baltimoresun.com logo.
Overall, it is an improvement over their previous design.
10,000 Phillies losses - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, July 16, 2007
10,000 Phillies losses
I placed a phone call to the Ombudsman around 9:30 last and it went approximately like this:
ARE YOU CALLING ABOUT WHAT I THINK YOU ARE CALLING ABOUT? ARE YOU CALLING ABOUT FIVE DIGITS?! I DON'T WANT TALK ABOUT IT!
There was an expletive in there somewhere as well.
I am jealous that he has had a team long enough to have 10,000 losses; my home team has only about 200. I will say the Nats are well on their way to catching up though.
<i>Daily News</i> recalls the summer of '77 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Daily News recalls the summer of '77
My favorite New York tabloid, the Daily News, has an excellent enterprise section about the city's tumultuous summer of 1977 called The Bronx is Burning. Four topics are covered extensively
Yankees -- who won the World Series despite hating one another
The Blackout -- another blackout struck New York, this time with riotous results
The section is very extensive, so don't try to bite it off all at once unless you have a couple of hours to kill. It will be updated a few times throughout as well.
Interesting covers on today's tabs - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Interesting covers on today's tabs
I don't ever recall a pitcher being called "evil" for walking in the winning run. Then again it did mean Peter Angelo$ won, so the Daily News might be onto something.
I avoid Paris Hilton coverage as much as I can, but I have to give it up for this cover by the NY Post.
Are you taking notes, Wash. Examiner?
Oh and yesterday, both papers had "Tigers Cub" along with the same photo of Tiger Woods and family on their covers. I didn't post about it because one paper treated it with a full page, while the other was just an inset. It wasn't specific enough to fit in yesterday's newshole.
Privatizing NJ Turnpike on hold - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 22, 2007
Privatizing NJ Turnpike on hold
Turnpike's value still locked in state vault - nj.com (presumably Star-Ledger reporters) Gov. Jon Corzine won't try privatize the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway until after the November election. I would prefer it remain state owned, even with all the Turnpike Authority's faults it is still an excellent highway.
"If this is anyone but Steve Allen, you're stealing my bit" - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, June 21, 2007
"If this is anyone but Steve Allen, you're stealing my bit"
A Wall Street Journalblog (hat tip to dl004d) has also noticed that the New York tabloids looked like each other yesterday.
So, what about the Bloomberg story? Turns out the Post and News, in rare tabloid synchronicity, arrived at nearly identical covers — both with stylized treatments of the Clintons’ Sopranos-based video atop similar Bloomberg headlines.
NYC tabloids basically the same again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
NYC tabloids basically the same again
By the way, the Clinton video is here. Pretty funny, but using a French Canadian singer for you campaign theme song? Granted, it is not as bad as adopting "Born in the U.S.A.", but a poor choice nonetheless.
The song was a jingle for an Air Canada ad campaign. But there's nothing wrong with outsourcing. Clearly, Canadians are doing the work that Americans won't do.
# posted by dl004d :
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 12:55:00 PM
Philly's new skyscraper is Comcastic - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Philly's new skyscraper is Comcastic
Comcast Center topped off - The Inky I like tall buildings and the skylines they produce. I used to say the only thing D.C. was missing was a ball team and skyscrapers. The baseball problem finally got solved, but skyscrapers will never arrive. I am generally okay with that since Washington's skyline is unique, but I will admit to a little bit of skyscraper envy.
Barely more than 20 years ago, Philadelphia also had a low lying skyline. For about eighty years City Hall was the tallest building in the city of brotherly love and at the time it was dedicated the builder said that "no gentleman would ever build higher than William Penn's hat," referencing the statue on top of the building. In the mid 1980s some boor ignored that advice and built 1 Liberty Place (Flickr photo by C r u s a d e r), a beautiful post-modern building that is perfectly situated in the skyline. It seems as though all the other buildings form a symmetry that builds with 1 Liberty Place as the point at the top of the arc. This has made Philly one of my favorite skylines.
This all changed Monday though with the new Comcast Center skyscraper topping off at 976 feet. The new tower is boxy and has a flat roof and is designed with mostly right angles; it is completely uninspiring architecturally. It is unfortunate that the wonderful skyline will be diminished somewhat by this building. What do you expect though -- Comcast does very little right except for suing Peter Angelo$. Not only is the building ugly, but it has clear glass which may sound like a good way to save on lighting costs, but what if you have to look at a screen? Doesn't work too well then, does it?
The bottom line is if you are going build the new tallest building in a city, make sure it is better than the current one. That hasn't happened in Philly.
For more on the Comcast Center and Philly's skyline check out these sites:
Amtrak, train, Northeast Corridor, lower fares
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