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.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- For several years now, I've been wanting to try Yocco's The Hot Dog King on the way back from my annual ski trip in the Poconos. Yocco's goes back to 1922 and is perhaps the best known Lehigh Valley eatery. We stopped by the location near Lehigh Valley International Airport, just off of the Airport Road exit of US 22-Lehigh Valley Thruway (or the Double-Duece according to my friend Tom).
Going in, I had heard mixed reviews of Yocco's. Tom said "really, Yocco's?" while another acquaintance gave it the thumbs up. Tom's contention was that Yocco's wasn't bad, but nothing special. After eating there, I have to agree with Tom.
My wife and I each ordered two hot dogs each with chili sauce, onions and mustard. She also added cheese; Kraft singles or something similar that is put in the bottom of the roll. The franks are Hatfield, a tasty brand that are the official hot dog of Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. Ours were not very fresh though, having sat on the cooler side of the stove for an indeterminate amount of time. The chili sauce was fairly tasty, but not very hearty and overall nothing special. One cannot expect much for $1.24 each I suppose. I also ordered the crinkle cut french fries which were fine, but nothing special. Mrs. T's pierogies are also available as a side, but we did not order them.
Yocco's is so named because the indigenous Pennsylvania Dutch population had trouble pronouncing Iacocca, the family who opened the restaurant and runs it to this day. Yes, it is the same family as former Chrysler chairman and Snoop Dog pal Lee Iacocca -- he's the nephew of the founder. Know run by a fourth Iacocca generation Yocco's has six locations. They also have a great "hot dog king" logo that looks like the kind of sticker a pre-teen's skateboard might have on it.
Yocco's is cheap, decent and the backstory is good, but nothing really special. I may stop a Yocco's again some time if I'm in the Lehigh Valley, but I am not going out of my way to do it.
So how do their chili dogs rate vs the Vienna Inn?
# posted by TMBC :
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:39:00 PM
Yocco's chili dogs aren't as good as the Vienna Inn's by a long shot.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:51:00 PM
Post a CommentA snowy weekend recap - William World News
Monday, February 01, 2010
A snowy weekend recap
The latest snowstorm to hit BeltwayLand happened (for the most part) while I was in the Poconos skiing with my wife. We were at Camelback and it is pretty much the same as it always is except that my favorite slope, the Nile Mile has been changed to a blue square from a double green circle. That makes a lot of sense to me, the slope is not too hard, but is not easy either. I love attacking that hill, it take me about five minutes to get down when I really push myself.
Oh and we finally hit Yocco's for their hot dogs on the return trip. I'll have a review of that over the next two days.
On the way back, we hit snow at about the Mid-County interchange of the Northeast Extension (I-476) and yet saw no snow removal equipment. As we got onto I-95 the conditions were quite slushy, until we hit Maryland. Let me praise the Maryland Transportation Authority for the superior job they did on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway section of I-95 -- the conditions were exceptional given the weather. We could comfortably go over 50 m.p.h. DelDot and PennDot, you blew it. The former I expected, despite numerous boasts about Pennsylvania's snow-readiness by expatriates when compared to BeltwayLand, to do much better. For shame PennDot, for shame. Delaware, most I-95 is a toll road in your state, so you don't have any excuses either.
Back in Northern Virginia, I did not get a chance to measure the snow. Sorry internet, I know how much you like photos of rulers in snow. I did take my son sledding at my folks house in Vienna though. That was pretty sweet. Grandee got to pull her grandson around the block in a little red sled too.
It looks like we're in for more snow later this week (Capital Weather Gang), so I'll be better about the ruler everybody.
Every year I do a tally of places I have been. The two ways for a location to qualify -- I had a meal there (non-fast food) or spent the night there. Sometimes, I make exceptions that rule though, like for apple-picking.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Falls Church, Va. Great Falls, Va. McLean, Va. Purcellville, Va. Reston, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C. Newark, Del. Ellicot City, Md. Avalon, N.J. Stone Harbor, N.J. Wildwood, N.J. New York, N.Y. Boiling Springs, Pa. Burnham, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. Yeagertown, Pa. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. University Park, Pa.
The list has been getting shorter for the last couple of years. Here is to a more adventurous 2010!
I thought Northeast Pa. liked NY teams: GO YANKEES on I-81 variable message sign - William World News
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I thought Northeast Pa. liked NY teams: GO YANKEES on I-81 variable message sign
PennDOT: "Go Yankees" Sign Inappropriate for Interstate - WNEP A variable message sign along Interstate 81 near Pittson, Pa. (not far from the home of the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees) said "GO YANKEES." The sign, typically used for traffic information, is owned by a contractor, Barletta Construction. I wonder if they are at all connected to Hazleton mayor Lou Barletta. Anyway, this supports my theory that Northeast Pennsylvania skews more towards New York teams like the Yankees and Giants than they do to Philadelphia teams. Of course, during my two years in Northeast Pennsylvania, the Yankees were just starting their most recent dynasty, so that may have made a difference.
Philadelphia's thumb drive skyscraper - William World News
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Philadelphia's thumb drive skyscraper
PHILADELPHIA -- Back in 2007, I shared my disappointment with the Comcast Center, a new skyscraper in the city of brotherly love. At 976 feet, it raised the roof, so to speak, on the Philly skyline. Prior to the Comcast Center's construction, the skyline was nearly symmetrical and featured 1 Liberty Place, an elegant modern building with a climatic spire, as its centerpiece.
I am still not too fond of the Comcast Center, it sticks out like a sore thumb or actually, like a USB thumb drive. However, from the south end of 30th Street station it actually fits in pretty well.
Harrisburg/Hershey, home to Nationals & Capitals farm teams, #1 minor league market - William World News
Monday, August 24, 2009
Harrisburg/Hershey, home to Nationals & Capitals farm teams, #1 minor league market
Harrisburg, Hershey have best fans, sports publication declares - The Fan Box, Patriot-News According to Sports Business Journal, Pennsylvania's capital region is the leading minor league market in the country. Two Washington teams, the Nationals and Capitals have minor league teams there, the Harrisburg Senators and Hershey Bears. My in-laws live up that way and I have a few friends there too. In 2006 (I think) I went with my father-in-law to a Senators game -- we ran into Fritz and his father. I have not been to a Hershey Bears game yet, but I am sure I will go sometime, they have a great atmosphere there.
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.
Gov. Rendell still pushing for tolls on I-80 in Pennsylvania - William World News
Friday, May 29, 2009
Gov. Rendell still pushing for tolls on I-80 in Pennsylvania
Rendell: Congress should remove restrictions on tolling of interstates - Post-Gazette There he goes again -- Gov. Ed Rendell wants Congress to give Pennsylvania and other states the ability to establish tolls along highways. Interstate 80 which runs through the northern half of the state has heavy out-of-state traffic. This leads to people with no familiarity of highway funding to believe that out-of-state drivers do not contribute to the roads maintenance costs. This is fiction of course, since American motorists are responsible for 90% of interstate highway funding that is collected primarily through a national sales tax on gasoline. State gas taxes tend to fund the other 10%. in short, all American drivers pay for interstate roads. Politicians, like Rendell and a previous recent governor, Tom Ridge, apparently do not understand this either. Both called for tolls on I-80. I have even created a label called I-80 so you can follow along.
American motorists and taxpayers have paid for I-80 for over fifty years. If Pennsylvania wants to toll the road or any other previously "free" interstate highway, they should have to reimburse the highway trust fund for all costs associated up until this point. If that happens, I have no problem with them putting tolls up. I'd laugh and call Pennsylvania "the toll booth state" too. It is worth noting too that Pennsylvania got more funding from the Federal Highway Trust Fund throughout the 1990s than any other state. Of course, much of it was sent to the Altoona area by Bud Shuster, who ruled the powerful infrastructure committee that allocated highway funds. Congress shouldn't give Pennsylvannia a free pass because they spent the money poorly. If Pennsylvania wants more highway funding, they ought to increase their statewide gas tax appropriately.
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.
How Yuengling became one of the largest American owned brewers - William World News
Monday, March 30, 2009
How Yuengling became one of the largest American owned brewers
Yuengling poised to become largest American-owned brewer - Patriot-News When Dick Yuengling bought the Yuengling Brewery from his father, it was a small, dying business. He revitalized it and now only Boston Beer Co. (Samuel Adams) is a larger American-owned brewer. Previously owned American breweries, Miller and Busch, have since been purchased by foreign conglomerates.
I do not feel as strongly about Yuengling Lager as some of my friends, but generally speaking, if I have beer in the house or at a tailgate, it is Yuengling. The quality to price ratio is quite good and I find Nittany Lion beef franks taste pretty good when they have "marinated" in it.
Oh and sorry, Matthew, Yuengling does not appear to be heading to Massachusetts anytime soon.
TANNERSVILLE, Pa. -- For an early birthday present, my brother and his family gave me a day of skiing. For the first time in forever, we skied together. It was also his first time skiing on the east coast in a long time. The conditions at Camelback would be described as "packed powder." Christopher, who only skis in Colorado, described them as ice. It was also about 25° and sunny -- perfect skiing weather.
I had a good day, no falls and lots of good runs. Doing "wall-sit" exercises daily made a big difference in my leg strength – I have not skied this well in a few years. As always, The Nile Mile was my favorite run, mostly because it is the longest run in the Poconos. It does not disappoint. I’ll have to give a nod to The Pharoh as well. Once past the first part of the run, King Tut is a pretty good hill too. We also had some good runs in the middle of the mountain, though I cannot recall the specifics as they were not especially memorable.
I was king of the mountain on this day too, a title I am eager to defend. Being in the Poconos I had a big home-slope advantage over Christopher. I'm eager to win it on the "road" sometime when we all get out to Colorado. We'll see if his "home" advantage is as big as mine.
All in all, a good day. On the way back we thought about stopping at Yocco's hot dogs in Allentown, but were not very hungry yet, so we went to Jim's Steaks in Springfield (Baltimore Pike, off of I-476). One of these years I'll check Yocco's out, but Jim's is always enjoyable.
That probably does it for me this winter, but if I get on the slopes again, I won't be disappointed. Thanks for the early birthday gift, Christopher & family!
I used the same criteria as previous years -- I have to had a meal or spent the night there. Fast food does not count either.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Bluemont, Va. McLean, Va. Vienna, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Washington, D.C. Columbia, Md. Avalon, N.J. Sea Isle City, N.J Stone Harbor, N.J. Bronx, N.Y. New York, N.Y. Allentown, Pa. Belleville, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Hershey, Pa. Lewisberry, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Manada Hill, Pa. Mechanicsburg, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. Kenley, N.C. Wilson, N.C. Conway, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Pawley's Island, S.C.
There are a couple of exceptions to the rule -- we did not eat in Bluemont, but cut down a Christmas tree, so that counts. Also, we drove through Delaware but did not stop. This year also marked the least amount of visits to New Jersey ever. Next year, we will have to do better.
Driving back from some early Christmas celebrations with my wife's family last night, we hit a delay on US 22/322 eastbound, near Dauphin. Apparently, this is what happened:
A wrong-way crash Sunday night on U.S. Routes 22/322 near borough Dauphin sent nine people to local hospitals.
State troopers say Timothy Kinert, 51, of Harrisburg was driving east in the westbound lanes and is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Troopers said Anthony Krakowski, 44, of Halifax, was driving west at 7:10 p.m. in the left lane approaching the Dauphin exit when he encountered Kinert's vehicle heading toward him.
Krakowski steered toward the right lane to avoid a head-on crash, but the left front of his vehicle was struck by Kinert's vehicle, troopers said.
The Impact caused Krakowski's vehicle to spin in a counter clockwise direction, and it was struck by a westbound vehicle driven by Larry Mensch, 71, of Milton.
Troopers said Kinert's vehicle continued to head east and spun across both lanes before it struck a concrete retaining wall, troopers said. Troopers said the vehicle continued to spin around, crossed back over both lanes and hit the barrier that separates the east and westbound lanes.
That could have been very nasty. As for us, I got off at PA 225 and tried to find a way back to US 22/322 eastbound, but that is just about the worse place for something to happen since Blue Mountain is in the way. After spending 15 minutes trying to find a way out, I turned around with the intention of going back over the Clark's Ferry Bridge (which is kind of an oxymoron, no?) and then down US 11/15. Fortunately, the traffic eastbound had cleared by then. Westbound though, US 22/322 was backed up all the way to PA 39. That could not have been fun.
Last week we went to Harrisburg, but it was closed* - William World News
Monday, December 01, 2008
Last week we went to Harrisburg, but it was closed*
The best part of Celota's -- sun shining through their sign
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- On Black Friday, The Ombudsman, aka Cliff/Matthew/Matt came to visit while I up at my in-laws and we decided to go to Harrisburg for a drink. I had inquired with several people on where to go and got a list of places in the so-called "Restaurant Row." We figured that would be a safe bet for a place to find a decent selection of bourbons. Wrong! The places I had selected were closed, though their Web sites said there were open.
We wound up going to Ceoltas Irish Pub which had the apparently unique distinction of being open. It also had a waitress who knew nothing of whiskey such as the difference between Irish whiskey, Scotch and bourbon. Oh well, at least the company was good, but when it comes to Harrisburg, color me unimpressed. If there is a next time, we'll wait until after 4 p.m. and try the Iberian Lounge in Hershey.
Serves you right for trying to find something classy and interesting to do here. Next time, I'll just have you guys over at my place for some homebrew and Senape's pizza.
# posted by Run Up The Score :
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:17:00 AM
Perhaps after a day of skiing.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:53:00 AM
Post a CommentA triptych from Black Friday - William World News
A triptych from Black Friday
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Since I used the word "triptych" this is art.
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
I'm getting stoked, though I'm probably two months away from hitting the slopes. Family/friends/acquittances be warned -- I'm going to be asking you if you are ready for some skiing a lot once the calendar turns over.
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.
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.
Congratulations Ombudsman, Martha, RUTS, PSUgirl, Dan the Fan, Ramblings, my dad's cousin - William World News
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.
It is already snowing in the Poconos - William World News
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It is already snowing in the Poconos
Even though it will not last long enough to become part of this upcoming season's base, I am pleased to learn that Camelback ski resort in the Poconos, my favorite, has been blanketed by snow (might pop open Windows Media player). Over the weekend, I was telling my wife I already have skiing on the mind and a Camelback gift card on my Christmas list.
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
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 CommentAll i-99 lanes are scheduled to be open by Thanksgiving - William World News
Friday, October 10, 2008
All i-99 lanes are scheduled to be open by Thanksgiving
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.
I was all ready to call Pennsylvania the "tollbooth state" too.
Now, it seems likely that the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be privatized which still does not make much sense over the long term to me. Once again, as Jay Hancock suggested, this is a "pernicious national trend: transforming public utilities into private monopolies."
Adding onto the gas tax probably makes the most sense to cover funding shortfalls, but I doubt enough people have the political courage to make that decision.
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.
Which cheese belongs on cheesesteaks? - William World News
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.
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 CommentPenna. Turnpike lease proposal information - William World News
Penna. Turnpike lease proposal information
Spanish firm offers $12.8 billion to lease turnpike - The Inky Gov. Ed Rendell released plans to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a Spanish company. I still don't understand how doing this makes sense other than providing an initial windfall. I hope it does not go through.
New Jersey and Delaware are thinking of doing the same thing to their turnpikes a. I hope it does not come to that because as Jay Hancock suggested, this is a "pernicious national trend: transforming public utilities into private monopolies."
The state assumes that they will make sufficient interest/returns on the windfall that they can do all kinds of bridges, roads, and transportation infrastructure upgrades on annual basis. But like you, I am skeptical that this will work out.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Monday, May 19, 2008 6:14:00 PM
Flyers vs. Pens: Hockey blogger looking for correspondent - William World News
Monday, May 05, 2008
Flyers vs. Pens: Hockey blogger looking for correspondent
A noted hockey blogger I know may be looking for a correspondent to collect video, photos and observations of the Happy Valley scene during the Flyers vs. Pengyunz series. Apparently, it was quite something the last time these two teams met in the playoffs; I had already graduated, so I missed it. Actually, I may not have missed it. I do remember what the town was like when the Eagles and Steelers met in the regular season a few years ago though and that was pretty intense. Drop me a line (e-mail link below) if you are interested.
As for the series, I won't be watching it, but I hope that Pittsburgh loses.
In all seriousness, when is finals week in Happy Valley? The series doesn't start till Friday, so the semester outta be winding down before the Pens knock the Flyers out.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Monday, May 05, 2008 1:11:00 PM
On the way to Blue White we drove up the new section between Bald Eagle and Skytop. It was functional, but the Port Matilda interchange had very steep ramps.
Privatized Penna. Turnpike on the way? - William World News
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Privatized Penna. Turnpike on the way?
Rendell expects to name turnpike lessee soon - The Inky Good news -- tolls on the federally funded Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania may not happen. The bad news is the reason why they won't happen.
Gov. Ed Rendell is still pushing to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike which essentially transforms a public utilities into private monopoly.* I am really skeptical that these things are good long-term deals for government or consumers. I may have to start shunpiking when I head to Happy Valley.
Best cheesesteaks in Philly list - William World News
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.
US 11/15 & PA 581 interchange rebuild begins - William World News
Friday, March 07, 2008
US 11/15 & PA 581 interchange rebuild begins
Work starts on deadly U.S.15/Route 581 ramp - Patriot-News Construction on one of the more annoying and dangerous interchanges on one of the roads to Happy Valley has started. Within 75 days, the cloverleaf ramp from US 15 North to PA 581 West/US 11 South will be closed, replaced by a signalized left-turn lane. It will be safer, but is not ideal. I was hoping there would be a flyover ramp from US 15 North to PA 581 West/US 11 South, but as noted previously, PennDOT's cost-benefit analysis determined it wasn't worthwhile.
I believe they will have to reevaluate that decision within five years of the interchange's reconstruction.
Will there be a Terrible Towel on his coffin? - William World News
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Will there be a Terrible Towel on his coffin?
Legendary broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79 - Post-Gazette The Maryland Bureau Chief tipped me off that Cope who was "so bad, he's good" as a long-time Steelers broadcaster died today at age 79. He was credited with inventing the Terrible Towel.
I remember on Thanksgiving Sunday we were driving back from seeing family friends in Michigan and we found a Steelers game. We agreed the broadcasters were awful. Later, through the magic of NFL Films, I became more familiar with his work and became a fan of him. Not a Steelers fan though (except for Super Bowl XL).
Myron will be missed, although listening to him 2002-04 was a little painful because he clearly was in decline (no jokes that he was "always" painful to listen to). But yes, I am among those "yinzers" that would turn down the TV broadcast and turn up Myron. He loved the team and really brought the game to life. And of course, I found him entertaining and funny!
I was sad he wasn't on-board during the Super Bowl XL campaign, but at least he was alive to see it. I will finish up by saying: DOUBLE YOI!!!
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:27:00 PM
For me, listening to Myron was like repeatedly smashing a brick into the back of my head. But I understand he was pretty much a god of broadcasting, kinda like Mel Allen was. Of course, the Steelers never fired Myron, did they?
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:47:00 PM
TMBC: I read somewhere that listening to the radio coverage while watching the game was a "unique Pittsburgh tradition." Um, no. Redskins fans used to "turn the TV down and the radio up" to listen to Sonny, Sam and Frank. Buffalo fans did it too and I'll bet Colts fans did for Chuck Thompson and Raider fans for Bill King.
Brad: Allen was fired by the sponsor, Ballantine Ale. Back in the day, sponsors bought the broadcast rights and decided who would call the games.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:50:00 PM
WFY: I don't claim that it is a Pittsburgh-only tradition. But I've heard Sonny and Sam, and they are not nearly the "unique" radio personalities that Myron was. I think every town probably has one or two announcers that fans swear is the best, so we are probably no different with our admiration of Myron. I just know that none of the others made up a song with lyrics such as: "Deck the Broncos there just Yoncos....FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA."
Brad, No, the Steelers never fired Myron. He and his buddy (Joe Gordon?) had an agreement that when Joe told Myron he was "slipping", Myron would resign. Joe gave him the word during the summer of 2005. I think the Steelers knew it was coming a few years ahead of time, which is why they expanded to a 3 man booth a few years earlier.
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:08:00 PMPost a Comment
Pocono Skiing 2008: Camelback - William World News
Monday, February 18, 2008
Pocono Skiing 2008: Camelback
TANNERSVILLE, Pa. -- Family and friends can breathe a sigh of relief -- I finally went to Camelback Ski Area in the Poconos for my annual ski trip. I won't be complaining I haven't hit the slopes yet or asking them to come with me anymore!
Saturday morning, I woke up at regular time and left for Camelback, widely regarded as the best ski area in the Poconos. I arrived a little later than I had planned, but still had a full day ahead of me. Camelback was packed and I had to park along side the unpaved road far from the main lodge. This proved to be advantageous for me since I was near the Glen Lodge, a smaller lodge located on the east side of the mountain. I had to wait almost 90 seconds in line for my lift ticket. Since I had rented my skis from off-site, I was ready for the slopes. I started off on the beginner run, Sun Bowl and then proceeded to longer slopes like Upper Moore's Ramble and Mark Anthony, all enjoyable runs. I probably took a run down Lower Cleopatra as well. After getting nice and loose, I headed for the Sullivan Express lift to take me up the eastern side of the mountain to reach my favorite slope, the Nile Mile. I believe that Nile Mile is the longest slope in the Poconos. I like it for that reason and also the comfortable degrees of steepness that allow for lots of speed when I want it and not too much when I do not. Additionally, the snow is always quite plentiful on the slope, so ice doesn't tend to be a big deal.
After taking Nile Mile a few times, I figured I ought to get some lunch. I stopped at the Glen Lodge and ordered the ribs combo ($12.76 with tax) from the cafeteria. This was a major departure from the typical fare offered at most resorts and actually a decent deal, all things considered. The ribs, while quite fatty, were pretty good as were the seasoned waffle fries. It was actually more food than I probably needed.
After filing up, I headed back up the mountain and took another Nile Mile run. I followed that up with The Pharaoh which fed into The Bactrian. Skiing down The Pharaoh proved quite tricky because it was quite icy and I am not in as good a shape as last year when I still went to a gym.
After some more fun on the east side of mountain, I moved over to the Cleopatra triple lift and headed down Mark Anthony again but took Home Again down to the Sullivan Express quad lift. The lines were pretty heavy here and the frequent need for the lift to stop didn't help matters. Once I did get to the top, I enjoyed heading The Birches, the western-most slope, several times. It is a lot like the Nile Mile, only shorter. It feeds The Meadows and John Bailey.
After buying a Pepsi from the main lodge, I returned to slopes with a trip down Near East (via the Mark Anthony lift) which fed me into Upper Moore's Ramble and Turkey Trot, each a pretty good run, though Near East starts kind of flat. Seeing that I didn't have much energy left, I headed to the Nile Mile for the rest of the afternoon and took a few final runs. It worked out that I once I finished my last run of the day< i had about a tree minute walk to my car. That was convenient, but there was a minor drawback to parking on the side of the unpaved road.
I spent almost all of my time on green circles this year, a major departure from last year's trip, but in fairness many of Camelback's double greens are more challenging than Jack Frost and Big Boulder's blue squares. Also, without an enabler around, I was less motivated to really push myself too much.
Weather-wise it was warmer than forecast with temperatures well into the 30s. With the beautiful, cloudless blue sky and ample sun, the snow was a little mushy. I got a little warm wearing seven layers too.
Using the ski conditions scale, I give it a . Had it been a little colder, I think it would have been double blue, but that is just the way this winter has worked out.
...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.
Not much groundhog hype this year - William World News
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Not much groundhog hype this year
Is it just me or was Groundhog Day barely mentioned this year? Any way, the woodchuck saw his shadow (USA Today), so we'll see six more weeks of winter, so maybe I'll squeeze a ski trip in yet. Have we seen six weeks or winter yet though?
Hall of fame broadcaster still hospitalized - Post-Gazette The Maryland Bureau Chief noted that it doesn't sound good for former Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope. The article didn't contain the "no more updates about his condition" line, so there is still some hope that the septuagenarian can recover from pneumonia that has had him hospitalized since November.
Q: I just saw the article today about the new highway finally opening, and in all 8 pictures you have, there are none that show an I-99 shield. Is PennDOT waiting till they have the highway fully open all the way to I-80, or are they being lazy and not putting I-99 shields up? I saw they had the directional banners for I-99 up, but not the shields. So, is I-99 still going to end down in Bald Eagle for now while US-220 continues on the new highway till late 2008? James Mast, Pittsburgh, Pa 12/17/07
A: After I-99 is complete, it will take aan act of Congress to designate the road an interstate highway and, more specifically, Intertstate 99. The sections of I-99 in Bedford and Blair counties were completed when U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, R-Bedford, was still in Congress. He resigned in 2001. Mike Joseph 12/19/07
Had the traditional method of assigning interstate numbers (AASHTO)been undertaken in the first place, this probably wouldn't have been a problem and the road would have had a proper number like I-270 or I-876. Of course, the numbering of the route is the least of the problems that Bud Shuster created by making his own rules when it came to road known as the Bud Shuster Highway.
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 Comment<i>Pocono Record</i> snow section up - William World News
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Pocono Record snow section up
The Web site for the Pocono Record now has a snow sports section. No RSS feed yet, but I contacted them about it and they replied they would get on it.
US 11/15 & PA 581 interchange changes coming - William World News
Thursday, December 20, 2007
US 11/15 & PA 581 interchange changes coming
PennDOT weighs bid on Route 15 interchange - Patriot-News Construction to rebuild US 11/15 & PA 581 interchange in Camp Hill could begin in January. Bidding began earlier this month.
I wondered why the plan selected includes a left turn from US 15 North to US 11 South/PA 581 West. Given that PennDOT advises trucks headed to points north to use PA 581 West, I assumed that a flyover would have been part of the redesign. Not so, says Michael Lapano of PennDOT who replied to an email from me last week:
The movement from SR 15 NB to PA 581 WB will be an at grade left turn. This will eliminate the existing loop ramp to SR 581 which is a traffic conflict point. Why is the new intersection at grade instead of a flyover ramp? The question is primarily due to cost/benefit. In the early stages of design a flyover ramp was investigated, however the size and impacts, both environmentally and in loss of commercial/residential property, was too great to justify. The proposed intersection, will have dual left turn lanes on SR 15 and will be signal controlled. Since a signal currently exists on SR 15 SB just before the interchange, it was relatively easy to allow NB traffic to cross SR 15 to access PA 581 WB while traffic is stopped waiting for the SR 581 off ramp to clear.
Not the answer I was hoping for, but I understand why PennDOT reached that decision.
Also, when asked if PA 581, which begins at one end at I-81, might get "promoted" Lapano indicated that there are not "any plans in the immediate future to designate this as an Interstate Route."
The northbound lanes of Interstate 99 between Port Matilda and Skytop Mountain, and the southbound lanes from Port Matilda into Blair County are now open to traffic.
These lanes were scheduled to be opened on Dec. 4, but the roadway marking was not complete On Dec. 11, the next scheduled opening, there was snow/ice causing yet another delay.
Looking at the photographs attached to the story, it appears PennDOT isn't posting i-99 signs north of the previous terminus for some reason, even though the road is continuous. It doesn't make sense, but as far as I am concerned, that's a great idea -- they ought to dump the i-99 routing altogether since it so flagrantly violates the numbering grid. Call I-270 or I-280 instead.
The latest twist is that state senator Scott Conklin announced that he wants to provide a $500 tax break for Pennsylvanians who regularly travel on the road. I wonder if that would be Constitutional.
I have to give credit to Run Up the Score! for introducing me to that great expression in the title.
Opening of most of I-99 slated for Thursday - CDT Thursday is scheduled to be a big day for oft-delayed, poorly planned, terribly numbered i-99. The northbound lanes from Bald Eagle to Skytop and the southbound lanes from Port Matilda to Bald Eagle are supposed to open. Of course, if the weather is bad, like it was for the planned US 22/322 Lewistown Narrows completion, it could be delayed. Once it is done, the days of sitting in traffic waiting for that damn Port Matilda traffic light should be over.
Snow delayed the opening on the completed four-lane section of US 22/322 through the Lewistown Narrows.
The only task that remains to be finished on the westbound lanes is line painting, which cannot be completed until the temperature warms above 40 degrees. Those close to the project said they expected the lanes to open early next week.
"It's actually going to be completed in the neighborhood of a year ahead of time ... and we couldn’t be more pleased," Biehler said.
At last! The reconstruction of US 22/322 east of Lewistown is complete and expected to open on Wednesday. This section had been only two lanes which was dangerous and often backed up. This will be a real relief for that corridor which is now four lanes wide between I-81 near Harrisburg and Seven Mountains. In the last eight years, there have been three really important improvements to US 22/322 northwest of Harrisburg:
Bypass around Milroy and Reedsvile (Erica's hometown)
Dauphin Bypass
Lewistown Narrows
Between State College and Harrisburg, the only two-lane stretch left will be US 322 between Boalsburg and Seven Mountains. As I have mentioned before, that is a ways off for a variety of reasons. If/when that ever happens, I'd like to see I-78 extended along the corridor. If not that, exit numbers based on US 322 mileposts ought to be installed.
Stop me if you have heard this one before: i-99 delayed - William World News
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Stop me if you have heard this one before: i-99 delayed
Road opening postponed - CDT Oh look, another deadline for i-99 has been missed by PennDOT.
PennDOT said it has set a new target date between Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 to open the northbound lanes of I-99 from Bald Eagle to Skytop and the southbound lanes from Port Matilda to Bald Eagle.
Marla Fannin, PennDOT spokeswoman, said the nine-mile I-99 section between Bald Eagle and Port Matilda under contract to New Enterprise Stone & Lime is expected to be completed by the Dec. 4 contract date.
But at the new makeshift interchange between I-99 and U.S. Route 322 at Skytop, where temporary short roads have been built and their lines painted, "quite a few" signs are still lacking and "it just isn't safe" to open the merger without them.
Paterno's salary revealed: $512,664 - William World News
Friday, November 30, 2007
Paterno's salary revealed: $512,664
Paterno salary secret revealed - Patriot-News I have never understood why the Patriot-News was so determined to find out Joe Paterno's salary. I say this as a supporter of a vigorous free press in favor of Sunshine Laws too. Is it that important to know how much he makes, especially given that he is paid by the Nittany Lion Club? In a state as dysfunctional as Pennsylvania was going after Paterno's salary the best use of the Patriot-News' resources?
The Collegiancompares his salary with that of Bobby Bowden, Ron Zook and Jim Tressel. I'd like to see a specific breakdown of what he makes compared to all of the Big11Ten. I'll see if I can find that over lunch. According to the CDT, it looks like Paterno is in the bottom third of compensation amongst his conference peers. He could very well make up for this "disparity" with other outside contracts like the one he has with Nike.
Speaking of lunch, I should have the latest Beano Watch done by the end of lunch today.
Just because a reporter at the hometown paper sought to find out the information doesn't mean it is sooooooooo important that we know. Inquiring about this topic seems like a fine use of the reporter's time. As for the money itself, the figure is misleading. For instance, the Wisconsin coach's "base salary" is $400,000, but he gets another $900,000 from "compensation packages and incentives." Basically what I'm saying is: they can make his salary look like just about anything they want.
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, November 30, 2007 10:37:00 AM
This $512,644 figure is not his true income. The salary may be $512,644 but he recieved other monies from Penn State that they haven't disclosed.
Like the CEO who only $1.00 a year salary. We all know no one can live on $1.00 a year.
# posted by Rogers Place :
Sunday, December 02, 2007 12:10:00 AM
Post a Commenti-99 completion may help Port Matilda - William World News
Monday, November 26, 2007
i-99 completion may help Port Matilda
I-99 countdown - CDT PORT MATILDA: Residents eager to see highway open The opening of two new sections of i-99 next month may bring traffic relief to Port Matilda, the one-traffic light burg in between Bald Eagle and State College. Other than Clem's BBQ, the residents of the village seem eager to be rid of the trucks that come through most of the hours of the day. However, there is skepticism over whether trucks; they may prefer to get to I-80 via the flat two-lane US 220 Alternate to I-80 rather than the steeper, multi-lane i-99.
I'd have more sympathy for Port Matilda if it had re-striped the signalized intersection to have through traffic use the right lane instead of sharing the left one with traffic turning left. The constant backups along the current US 220 could have been cut in half had that been done.
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Monday, November 26, 2007 12:19:00 PM
I don't know -- I've never stopped at Clem's. Usually, if I go that way I'm headed to a football game (and tailgating) or planning on going to one of the old haunts in State College. I'm kind of curious though.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, November 26, 2007 12:41:00 PM
I've never eaten at the State College Clem's, but have at others. I can honestly say Clem's has the best ribs I've ever had (though I've never had any ribs in the "south" so take it for what its worth).
# posted by TMBC :
Monday, November 26, 2007 3:51:00 PMPost a Comment
Paterno's salary will soon be known - William World News
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Paterno's salary will soon be known
Paterno's salary is public, Supreme Court rules - Patriot-News The Patriot-News won its five year long quest to make the salaries of certain Penn State executives (for lack of a better term), including Joe Paterno, public. I've blogged about this before so I'll keep my response simple: greater access to government records is good, but there are probably more important battles to fight than knowing what Paterno makes and the backlash from this may set back Sunshine Laws.
Snowmaking started in Poconos - William World News
Monday, November 19, 2007
Snowmaking started in Poconos
Never too soon for snow as Camelback begins making flakes - Pocono Record What delightful news! Once Thanksgiving (not too mention Thanksgiving II next Sunday and last night's pre-Thanksgiving with Christopher and Sarah ) is over, my thoughts are going to turn to skiing. Learning that the base at my favorite Pocono resort is already being built, in addition to some natural stuff falling today, warms my heart and chills my fingers and toes. Hopefully, the season will begin before mid-January this year. Maybe I'll go crazy and go twice this winter.
What's a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak? - William World News
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.
Costs climb again - CDT The estimated cost for cleaning up acid rock along i-99 near Skytop has risen from $50 million to $79 million.
Don't forget that this 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.
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 CommentHappy Valley roads update: I-80 & i-99 - William World News
Friday, November 09, 2007
Happy Valley roads update: I-80 & i-99
I-80 toll concerns aired - CDT It turns out that Central Pennsylvanians are not pleased with the hastily passed legislation that seeks to break a 51 year precedent of keeping tolls off of interstate highways built with the highway trust fund.
The opening will allow motorists from the Altoona area heading toward State College to stay on the four-lane, limited-access I-99 to the State College side of Skytop, where they will make the transition to existing U.S. Route 322.
Motorists heading from State College to Altoona can get onto I-99 southbound at the Port Matilda interchange and stay on it until Altoona or beyond.
Of course, this four year delay and the $50 million in cleanup costs probably could have been avoided if Bud Shuster hadn't inserted a rider exempting the construction from environmental testing, but ol' Bud liked playing by his own rules.
# posted by elihu :
Friday, November 09, 2007 11:01:00 AM
Thanks elihu, I corrected it.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, November 09, 2007 12:31:00 PM
Post a CommentTolls on I-80 in Pa. one step closer - William World News
Friday, October 19, 2007
Tolls on I-80 in Pa. one step closer
State takes first steps for tolls on I-80 - Post-Gazette This is actually news from a few days ago. I hope the FHWA will say something along the lines "you got more gas tax money than any other state for years during the Bud Shuster era and now you want to add tolls without studying alternatives like a gas tax? No dice, mofos."
Belated birthday greetings to Larry Fine - William World News
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.
Cooking with William & Erica , Vol. 7 - William World News
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Cooking with William & Erica , Vol. 7
GOOSE DAY
Every year in my (Erica's) hometown, people celebrate a local holiday that is now unique to Lewistown, Penna. That holiday is Goose Day, during which it is believed that if you consume roast goose, it will bring about good luck for the coming year. It is also believed that by the next Goose Day, one will be $1,000 richer.
So, because Goose Day fell on a Saturday this year, I decided to roast a goose and bring my hometown tradition to Northern Virginia.
Geese can be purchased at any grocery chain like Giant Foods, which is where I purchased my nice 10.38 lb Young Goose. William appreciated that it was raised on Schlitz Farms, N.D.
To prepare, I went to the grocery store and purchased a box of Bell’s Traditional Stuffing and the goose. I also picked up some canned cranberry sauce, some potatoes for mashing, and some canned corn niblets for sides.
I calculated per the instructions on the goose that it would take about 5 hours to fully roast the bird. I was right, except that I didn’t take into consideration that things cook somewhat faster in a gas oven, which is what we have.
I preheated the oven to 350° and cleared & wiped down a large area on my counter to use to prepare the goose for roasting.
I unwrapped the goose and removed the neck and giblets from the cavity. The goose was then thoroughly rinsed and patted dry with paper towels. The goose can then be sprinkled inside and out with salt and pepper.
Next, I prepared the stuffing according to the instructions on the box. I then stuffed about half of it into the cavity of the goose, and when it was full I sewed the skin flaps shut to “seal” the opening.
The goose was then placed on a rack which was set into a 13”x9” casserole dish. A meat thermometer was stuck deep into the thigh of the bird. I then sprinkled Thyme over the outside of the Goose.
Two large pieces of foil were then tented over the baking dish. The baking dish was placed into the oven and the timer set for 5 hours.
One nice thing about roasting a goose is that it is self-basting. It is a good idea to check the temperature of the goose after 4 hours to see how close it is to 180°. When it reaches 180°, the goose can be removed from the oven and allowed to cool for 30 minutes before carving.
Grease can be skimmed off the pan drippings and gravy made from the remaining juice, if desired.
Goose is best served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and cranberry sauce.
Enjoy!
To learn more about Goose Day, please visit the following sites:
Its a shame that Goose Day was held on a Saturday that PSU was away. My favorite part of Goose Day is being delayed at the traffic light just short of getting back on 322 when I try to take my shortcut from Mifflintown to State College via Lewistown. My question is this: Are the Geese allowed to race, or what do they win? And to the runners all get a Goose to cook for participating?
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, October 04, 2007 9:22:00 PM
I should have specified that the delay is caused by the annual Goose Race in Lewistown, obviously.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, October 04, 2007 9:24:00 PM
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and then proceeded to longer slopes like 
# posted by
TMBC :
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:39:00 PM