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.
Penn State: THON raises $7,838,054.36 - William World News
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Penn State: THON raises $7,838,054.36
THON breaks previous record - The Collegian Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon just completed another recordbreaker -- $7,838,054.36 raised for the Four Diamonds Fund. Four Diamonds provides financial support to families of children with cancer treated at Penn State's Milton Hershey Medical Center as well as research.
This American Life at the #1 Party School - Penn State - William World News
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
This American Life at the #1 Party School - Penn State
Public radio show This American Life visited Penn State over the final football weekend of 2009 (vs. Indiana) and examined the drinking culture. They picked Penn State because the Princeton Review said it is the #1 party school in the country. The program's portrayal of the students is harsh.
The program is 100% accurate too.
It sounds like little has changed since my time there, other than the preference for candy liquor over beer.
I loved Penn State despite that culture. Let's put it this way, an overwhelming majority of my drinks came out of glasses and bottles and not plastic cups. The frat thing never had any appeal.
Final game for Penn State's Blue Sapphire PJ Maierhofer - William World News
Friday, November 13, 2009
Final game for Penn State's Blue Sapphire PJ Maierhofer
Blue Sapphire will shine for final time - The Collegian Tomorrow's Penn State vs. Indiana game is also Senior Day for PJ Maierhofer, blue sapphire for the last five seasons. She leaves behind an impressive legacy. The big question for me though is whether she'll get proposed to on the field tomorrow. Both of her immediate predecessors were proposed to on the field, though Bobbie Jo Solomon's proposal did not come until Homecoming a few years ago when she was an alumna.
If PJ gets proposed to, be on the lookout for the follow-up story of the breakup a few months down the road. Again, like her predecessors.
# posted by Fritz :
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:07:00 PM
Such cynicism Fritz!
I believe her immediate predecessor is happily married after the homecoming proposal. Let's all wish PJ nothing but happiness and show gratitude for five great seasons of performing.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:38:00 PM
Post a CommentSnow at Penn State: I'm dreaming of a white Homecoming - William World News
Friday, October 16, 2009
Snow at Penn State: I'm dreaming of a white Homecoming
Paternoville was closed down due to the snow, but the parade is still on. Rain and snow are forecast for the next days -- as Brad would say "football weather." Good luck to my friends in the stands tomorrow.
I wonder how many sorority pledges near College and Allen are getting hypothermia holding a spot for the parade.
LOC Baseball Americana symposium to feature my former professor, Russell Frank - William World News
Friday, October 02, 2009
LOC Baseball Americana symposium to feature my former professor, Russell Frank
COMM Blog, the official blog of the College of Communications at Penn State (my alma mater), informed me that my former ethics professor Russell Frank will a panelist at Baseball Americana on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at teh Library of Congress
Panel One: At Home Even those of us who love a day out at the ballgame probably spend more of our baseball time in and around our homes, with our families, friends and neighbors. This panel explores the many ways we enjoy baseball at home, from watching it on TV, to following our favorite players and their all-important statistics, to playing baseball, softball and stickball in parks and city streets.
Moderator: David Taylor, American Folklife Center Russell Frank, folklorist Harry Katz, former head curator of LC Prints & Photographs Claire Smith
When I was an undergrad, Dr. Frank and I used to talk about baseball, we're both Yankees fans, quite a bit. I am hoping to get there tomorrow and see the panel.
I will also note that Dr. Frank has a column again, (this week he talks about his "first" Yankees jersey) now on statecollege.com. I have been meaning to mention that lately. I almost emailed him about the Key Bridge jumper saga as well.
Last week, Magnum Broadcasting launched QWIK Rock on 105.9 and 106.9 FM. That didn't take long. QWK Rock on 103.1 FM closed down earlier in the summer. The format will contain current rock and some for the 80s and 90s.
New unenforceable Penn State tailgating rule: No glass bottles - William World News
Monday, August 24, 2009
New unenforceable Penn State tailgating rule: No glass bottles
New, existing policies aim to make game day safer, more enjoyable - Penn State Live Glass bottles are now banned in the grass parking areas for Penn State football games. Yes, this will go over well. I am not disagreeing with their rationale, but there is no way they will get rid of glass bottles at tailgates. Who created this rule, Alcoa?
A lot of people are going to be upset by this new rule. I doubt it will be enforced against people behaving themselves and cleaning up. I fully expect glass bottle recycling to still be offered, hooray for mixed messages!
Less people will be upset by the smoking ban inside the fence at Beaver Stadium. Those who are need to get over it. That is a Commonwealth decision anyway.
Don't see what the big deal is. Most tailgates I've been to have been predominantly cans, anyway. For the alcoholics, you can't really set up a glass bottle to shotgun a beer or three to get a good buzz going. That and the fact that cans seem to be easier to obtain in larger quantities (even Yuengling has a 24 pack that's reasonably priced compared to your international conglomerate macrobrews).
I think the only people that will really be upset by this are the wine snobs scattered about (mostly in the RV and paved sections). At least the spirits guys can get away with hip flasks.
# posted by Muha :
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 7:11:00 AM
Actually there is a small town about an hour northwest of State College (Brockway, PA) that was built on the glass industry. Look it up! A major part of their business is making glass bottles. There are two factories in the town that provide very well paid blue collar jobs to a major part of the workforce in the area. The new bureaucratic decision by the "Ivory Tower" at Penn State is not only undemocratic but hypocritical. As I understand it, those that tailgate on blacktop are still allowed to have glass bottles. Talk about catering to Dr. Spanier and the big donors.
I have been tailgating with my entire family in the grass for 20 years and think this new "no bottle" rule is insulting. We need an uprising!
# posted by ryrhed :
Friday, August 28, 2009 8:15:00 AM
Post a CommentBlue Band: Richard Bundy interview - William World News
College Ave. Pugh Street Uni-Mart closed - William World News
Thursday, August 06, 2009
College Ave. Pugh Street Uni-Mart closed
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- How bad are things for UniMart? They closed their prime location on College Ave. at Pugh Street. The convienence store chain did file for bankruptcy in 2008. If that can't keep that store open, I can't imagine they will be around much longer. That's too bad, UniMart was founded in State College.
Three stories in one week about State College stuff ending. Kind of weird, no?
Calder Way Mike's Movies & Music going out of business - William World News
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Calder Way Mike's Movies & Music going out of business
Mike's Movies to liquidate stock - The Collegian It has been a rough week for State College, first QWK Rock going off the air and now Mike's Movies & Music going out of business. They are selling their inventory and closing up the Calder Way location for good. Frankly, I am surprised it lasted so long.
State College's QWK Rock off the air - William World News
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
State College's QWK Rock off the air
State College loses long-running rock radio station - The Collegian QWK Rock changes its tune - CDT Forever Broadcasting took long-time rock station WQWK 103.1 FM (97.1 back when I was an undergrad) off the air yesterday. QWK Rock (pronounced Quick Raaaahhhck) lives on online at qwkrock.com. Apparently, they had trouble convincing advertisers that they had a money demographic. It had been on-air for about forty years. In its place is conservative talk radio.
Tony’s Big Easy, Lulu’s Nightspot, and Candy Bar and Lounge, were notified by the state Liquor Control Board on Thursday that they no longer have a valid license to sell liquor because their attorney never filed the papers required for their appeal to move onto a higher court.
Sounds like the owner just threw in the towel, probably a wise move.
I think this will be the last I blog about these bars.
Tony's Big Easy not playing by the rules - William World News
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tony's Big Easy not playing by the rules
Police: Bars ignore court order - CDT Since I still get a fair number of searches for Tony's Big Easy which was once a great State College bar, I feel like I should post this link about them ignoring court orders:
But now Tony’s Big Easy has again been cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.
Police said they found on seven different occasions that the bar wasn’t complying with terms Grine put in place in March that allowed the bars to stay open until the appeal is decided.
“It didn’t appear to us that (Sapia) was even making an effort to comply with the provisions of the court order,” said district office commander Sgt. Wayne A. Bush.
I haven't been there in exactly four years, one day and I don't plan on going back. It used to be such a good bar.
By the way, the construction of the northern end of i-99, a high speed interchange with I-80 (CDT) is encountering local resistance. It is not funded yet, so the resistance is not a big deal -- yet.
By the way, the i-99 shields on big green signs were not directly applied, they are on a green panel and look sloppy.
A final look at Penn State's elms? - William World News
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A final look at Penn State's elms?
UNIVERSITY PARK, Penna. -- As reported previously, elm yellows has invaded Penn State's elm population and there is little hope for survival. I wanted to make sure I got a few photographs while I was up there last weekend since I don't know how many other chances I will get before they are all gone.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- For a few years know, I've been reading PSUGirl's football blog and hearing about the 2thelion tailgate. I've been intrigued, but since I stopped going to Penn State football games other than the Blue White game for the most part, this was my first opportunity to see it for myself.
I counted four canopies, two grills, two stoves, one oven and one turkey fryer. I did not even try to count the number of coolers. Among the offerings were ginger chicken wings, french toast sticks, pierogies, meatballs, pork sandwiches, deep fried turkey (wasn't there for that though), fried shrimp and other stuff I cannot remember two days after the fact. I am probably missing a lot. This was just spring practice for them too.
Thanks for the invitation Maddy, I enjoyed meeting you and the other tailgaters. I'll be back, someday.
Tony's Big Easy still fighting for liquor license - William World News
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tony's Big Easy still fighting for liquor license
No decision in case of local bars - The Collegian Sammark Inc., owners of the once great Tony's Big Easy and two other bars, will continue its battle to retain its liquor license at a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court hearing in Harrisburg, date to be determined.
CDT wonders where the Thon money comes from, but the bigger question is where it goes - William World News
Friday, February 20, 2009
CDT wonders where the Thon money comes from, but the bigger question is where it goes
Money trail is hard to follow - CDT Many people would probably guess that the biggest sacred cow at Penn State is Joe Paterno. Well, as recent years have shown, he's not completely sacred. The actual sacred cow is Dance Marathon, known as THON. It is an event that raises millions annually for charity but has little public oversight:
But Thon and the Four Diamonds Fund are not independent charitable organizations. Rather, they are part of Penn State and get their tax exempt status from the university. As such, they — and Penn State — are not required to make any part of their finances public.
This has not historically been an issue, but the local newspaper is wondering where all the money comes from. What they should be asking is "where does all of it go?". THON and its beneficiaries would benefit from being forthcoming about where the money is going. I don't see that coming to light or even being pushed for though. It should be.
Gyory went through an application and interview process before his final audition for the mascot position, he said. At the audition, he performed in front of a panel of judges made up of various coaches and administrators involved with Penn State cheerleading, including White and Sheep -- and a crowd of about 150 people.
Dressed as the Nittany Lion, Gyory performed a James Bond skit during which he rescued a Joe Paterno look-a-like and a Penn State cheerleader from the Notre Dame mascot and Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis. Gyory flipped, danced and roared as he drew laughs and cheers from the audience.
Sounds like he is off to a good start. Let's hope he keeps it up and does not do something stupid like get a DUI the morning of a game, like James Sheep did.
Oh and if you want to follow recruiting, visit Black Shoe Diaries or Nittanydelphia for up to the second coverage of National Letter of Intent Day.
The band and the bar cut ties after sparring last month over payment for a Saturday show at which three Phamly members performed in place of the usual four. According to an e-mail from Hesketh posted on a "Boycott the Phyrst" Facebook group, "As we were gathering our equipment to leave, the owner showed up at the bar, headed straight for [banjo player] Steve [McQuay] and shoved him. It then took two to three bartenders to break them apart."
The fight began after Phyrst management suggested paying the band less because not all of the band's members performed, according to the post.
Phyrst manager Mike Fullington said.
representatives from the Phyrst had no comment by press time Tuesday.
A statement released by the families of former Phyrst owner and band leader Ernie Oelbermann and Phyrst Phamly founder Terry Countermine said Saturday night "Phamly" shows are a Phyrst tradition and will continue with a new lineup. A new Phamly will resume the weekly Saturday sing-along this weekend.
Sounds pretty ugly, but I'd bet a beer at the Phyrst (if I knew when I would be able to complete the wager) that they reunite by fall semester.
I used to go to the first on occasion, in fact it was the first "bar" I went to in Happy Valley after my 21st birthday. Other than table wars (too fratty), I liked the place, but I probably have not been back since 2002 Homecoming.
Don't forget Blue/White 2006! When it was a torrential downpour and the Hammes, Basiles, Yuraskos, and company ended up watching the game at The Phyrst.
# posted by Fritz :
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 8:42:00 AM
Of course -- the Phyrst family wasn't there though.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 8:50:00 AM
Post a CommentBlue Band in Rose Parade - William World News
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Blue Band in Rose Parade
I did not get to see them march in the Rose Parade live, but from what I have seen on Facebook, they apparently handled the sharp turn well. Does anybody know if video of that is online?
Don't buy me this -- Penn State now a perfume - William World News
Friday, December 05, 2008
Don't buy me this -- Penn State now a perfume
PSU scents now available - Venues/The Collegian I missed the news that a Penn State fragence is being released the first time around, but it hit the AP this week and a few people have let me know about it. Thank you.
With her knowledge of Penn State's quintessential elements -- the mascot, colors, traditions and landmarks -- Masich approached renowned perfumers in New York City and asked them to formulate a signature scent for Penn State. She also brought photos of the campus and samples of trees and plants found on walkways that capture the spirit of the University, she said.
Generally when I think of the smell of Penn State, I think of...farms. Penn State is a land grant university and sometimes we are reminded of that very strongly. However, lately Penn State smells like roses :)
By the way there is now a Penn State branded version of every product other than brandy snifters.
Cabinet may add Spanier - The Collegian Penn State president Graham Spanier is rumored to be a candidate for the Secretary of Education in the new presidential administration. We might be seeing G-Span on C-Span.
That might make the football coaching situation a little more interesting.
i-99 finally opened yesterday, but... - William World News
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
i-99 finally opened yesterday, but...
I-99 open to all traffic - CDT i-99 is now a continous route between just north of the I-70/76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) near Bedford and near I-80 north of Bellefonte. The new section, opened yesterday (two days after the last Penn State football game naturally), does not have all four lanes open though.
Former Rep. Bud Shuster, who pushed for i-99 and got the designation written into law (setting precedent and expanding the role of Congress) was at the opening. Apparetly, left unsaid was an apology to drivers and taxpayers for legislating away envirornmental testing. The highway was delayed for years and ran up about $80 million of extra cost due to necessary environmental remediation. It is said he has not been accountable at all for his behavior.
Back when the I-99 pyrite problem was first discovered at Skytop (ca. 2003?), scientists in Penn State's Materials Science Dept. shrugged and said, "We told you so." They had warned that the substance existed in the area of the proposed alignment and, if exposed to the elements, would lead to sulphuric acid runoff problems. Sure enough, nearby residential wells were soon found to be contaminated. But that's no obstacle for Uncle Bud, right? Environmental concerns? Why, we'll just legislate those away! The cost overruns on this project boggle the mind.
# posted by Anonymous :
Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:21:00 PM
Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie - William World News
Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie
The reigning Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, is not only a Penn State alumna ('06 Journ), but a former goalie for the Penn State women's hockey team, the Lady Icers. On Frozen Blog has been featuring her recently:
i-99 will apparently be done by Thanksgiving - William World News
Sunday, November 09, 2008
i-99 will apparently be done by Thanksgiving
Planned I-99 opening date announced - CDT PennDot is planning on opening all lanes of i-99 at Skytop two days before Thanksgiving. I will believe it when I drive on it.
Penn State elms in grave danger - William World News
Friday, November 07, 2008
Penn State elms in grave danger
Disease threatens to wipe out Penn State elms - CDT The stately, century-old elm trees on Penn State's campus are in danger of falling victim to elm yellows. The disease, spread by the elm leafhopper insect, has no cure. According to a University Relations, the prospect of losing what is perhaps the nation's largest strand of elms is very real if not likely.
This saddens me tremendously, I really enjoyed the elms on the Allen Street Mall between the University Gate and the Pattee library. I admired them from my favorite spot in front of Carnegie building and really hope they can be saved. Over the years I have given to the Class of 1996 Elm endowment, but I fear it won't be enough.
i-99 northbound now open through Skytop - William World News
Friday, October 31, 2008
i-99 northbound now open through Skytop
Traffic flows over section of Skytop - CDT Another milestone in the poorly executed i-99 project is complete -- northbound is now continuous through Skytop. The road narrows to one lane at one point, but the highway's northbound is now continuous from Bedford County to just south of I-80. Both directions of the highway is supposed to be complete by Thanksgiving, but I'll believe it when I see it.
By the way not a plan for the interchange with I-80 and locals are divided over what would be the best design. It seems like a moot point since there is not any funding though.
D.C. squirrels story reminds me of PSU - William World News
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
D.C. squirrels story reminds me of PSU
Critter City - The Post A Century Ago, Squirrels Were Rare in D.C. How Did They Come to Rule the Capital? Around 1900, squirrels were rare in D.C. The Architect of the Capitol introduced them on the grounds of the legislative branch and soon they started showing up all over. The Post even ran a story about it then, but sadly it is not linked online.
This story is similar to what I know of Penn State's squirrel population. They were not indigenous up there either and now they have overrun the place. Some say they are reincarnated alumni while others claim that Cary, the odd graduate student who worked in the computer labs, was using his time machine to bring squirrels from the future or past (I'm not sure which) onto campus. Either way, there are a lot of them up there, so many of them that Penn State was rated 4 out of 5 on the five-squirrel scalein 2001 (The Collegian).
My hat is off to Elizabeth Burke for standing up to district attorney's office with nothing better to do than abuse his power over students for dubious legal reasons. Of all the problems in Centre County and at Penn State, I think the Mifflin Streak falls somewhere below the poorly weeded flower beds by lot 11.
Tony's Big Easy in big trouble with liquor board - William World News
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tony's Big Easy in big trouble with liquor board
Bars fight to regain licenses - The Collegian Three State College bars, including my former favorite Tony's Big Easy, might be losing their liquor licenses.
The future of Tony's Big Easy and two accompanying bars is uncertain after the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) declined to renew their parent company's liquor license last week.
After multiple incidents and violations on the premises -- including a murder in 2006 and a February fight which saw four arrests and a crowd of 200 surge into the street -- the board voted against renewing the license for Sammark Inc., owner of Tony's Big Easy, Lulu's Nightspot and Candy Bar & Lounge, all located at 129 1/2 S. Pugh St.
The Big Easy, circa 1998-99 was one of my favorite bars ever. It had good background music -- jazz, salsa, swing, big band, and great martinis. That Penn State's sweet young things thought the bar was worthy of little black dresses also had something going for it too. However, in the years after I graduated, the bar went downhill. The music was changed the same thing in every other bar in town and the service went downhill. After a lackluster evening their the night before I got married, I decided I would not bother going back, it was merely a shell of the bar it used to be.
This was a Collegian editorial? - William World News
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This was a Collegian editorial?
Suggestions for stellar scene setting - The Collegian I read this editorial, which is the centerpiece of any opinion page, making fun of LaVar Arrington for reopening the old Sports Cafe as the new Linebacker U. bar and wondered what the point was and the overall appropriateness of it in general. It would be one thing if it was just a bad column with a byline, but an editorial?
Well, this is what to expect these days. It's more important to be as crude and unprofessional as you possibly can (take a look at most modern MSM outlets for proof, no matter where you sit along the aisle) than it is to be truly objective and try emphasize a point.
Besides, why be critical of the Animal at all? He's trying to give back to the community as an entrepreneur. But then again, I forgot that there's something wrong with you if you try to create and run your own business. Has to do with that EEEEEEEEVIL corporate mindset.
And we have a family friend on staff at the Commu...er, Collegian. Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed, because she can do so much better.
# posted by Muha :
Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:03:00 AM
I don't get the Daily Collegian = Daily Worker arguments, but this was a pointless editorial.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:45:00 AM
Post a CommentBracken farewell column - William World News
Just as for an athlete, the time comes when they can no longer turn on a fastball, throw a tight spiral that leads a receiver just right or hit the fall away jumper; so too for a writer the time comes when the words no longer flow like tap water, the account at the idea bank is overdrawn and the passion has faded . It's a hard thing to admit but even harder to ignore.
i-99 on schedule to open 4 years, $79 million late - William World News
Thursday, July 03, 2008
i-99 on schedule to open 4 years, $79 million late
I-99 set to open by year's end - CDT The latest update on i-99 progress -- it is expected to open before the end of the year, but after football season. Parts of the new section may be limited to one lane each way until next spring too.
Don't forget that this delay may have been avoided had standard environmental testing not been exempted by a rider placed by Bud Shuster, then chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in an omnibus spending bill. By the way, Shuster has not responded to repeated inquiries from CDT reporter Mike Joseph to talk about this situation.
LaVar turning Sports Cafe into Linebacker U. bar - William World News
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
LaVar turning Sports Cafe into Linebacker U. bar
LaVar eyes 'Linebacker U' bar - CDT LaVar Arrington is one of the investors in "Linebacker U." the new bar that is coming to the old Sports Cafe location on W. College Ave. in State College.
Actually, I was right about Cereality - William World News
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Actually, I was right about Cereality
Downtown cereal spot closes shop - The Collegian I did not need to backtrack from my "not enough for a successful business model" comment about the State College Cereality after all. The store on W. College Ave. has closed.
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