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40th Street Summer Series to kick off this Saturday at new location
June 14, 2019
The 40th Street Summer Concert Series returns Saturday, June 15 with a free performance by Philly rock group Stargazer Lily and opener Ashley Phillips. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, and free samples of Ben & Jerry’s (while supplies last)!
Before heading to the show, which begins at 6 p.m., check out the map. Due to construction near 40th and Walnut, the event will now be held at 39th and Walnut Streets, just near Locust Walk.
Also, save the date for additional shows in July and August:
• July 13: Voices of Africa with opener Center for Creative Works and Pop! Pop! Pop! Records
• August 17: Gwendolyn Bye Dancefusion with opener Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol
The series is co-produced by University City District, Penn, and The Rotunda. For additional info, visit: www.universitycity.org/events/summerseries
Source: http://www.westphillylocal.com/2019/06/14/40th-street-summer-series-to-kick-off-this-saturday-at-new-location/
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“Undersized” prospects deliver big performances
You can’t have a strong performance from a team’s offense or defense without dominant individuals within the unit. For running back Trayveon Williams and linebacker Devin Bush, that was the case in how their attention grabbing play catalyzed big wins for their teams.
For Williams, his 31 carry performance for Texas A&M resulted in 238 yards and a touchdown. Williams broke four tackles and got almost 140 of his yards after contact (per PFF), continuing his career trend of creating big plays for the Aggies. The 5’9, 200 pound junior is short but backs a lot of punch and agility at the position. Teams should not overlook a back who is making big plays week in and and week out.
Speaking of undersized, Michigan’s star linebacker Devin Bush helped the Wolverines hold Rutgers to seven points in a blow out. While the Scarlet Knights are a lowly opponent, top tier prospects should deliver on weeks like this. Bush didn’t fill up the stat sheet, but he flew around the field and made plays in coverage and against the run. There will no doubt be debate about where the 5’11” linebacker belongs on an NFL defense, but there’s no doubt he belongs on one.
Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2018/11/13/18092676/ncaa-college-football-prospects-week-11-nfl-draft-2019-traveon-williams-devin-bush-order
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White Allies, the “We the People Rally” Is Your Time to Put Up or Shut Up
Opinion
Calls for a “diverse” crowd to confront what’s shaping up to be a gathering of white nationalists put black and brown lives in danger. White folks need to deal with their people on their own.
White nationalists and counter-protesters clash in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12, 2017. Photo by Steve Helber/AP
Political ideologies are expected to clash when the controversial “We The People Rally” hits Independence Mall on Saturday.
The organizers have asserted that “too many times our voices are drowned out by the voices on the left” and declared that the “Silent Majority must make a stand now.” If you consider to be one of the “Patriots, Militia, 3%, constitution loving Americans” or feel “pro good cop, pro ICE, pro law and order, pro life, pro American value, pro gun and anti illegal immigration,” you’re invited.
Despite how racially polarizing all of this sounds, the organizers want attendees to know that “any violence, racism, or display of hate by any group or individual is extremely prohibited” and that they will remove individuals displaying such behavior. However, organizers will also “not be held liable for bodily injury or personal damages.”
If you have to go out of your way to include a disclaimer that your event is not a hate rally, chances are that it is.
Case in point: On Wednesday, Comcast fired a 10-year employee who had been targeted in a viral petition for alleged ties to a Pennsylvania chapter of the Proud Boys — an all-male organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center has deemed a hate group — and a role working security at We the People.
At best, the organizers are being naive about the type of participants they’re attracting to the event, if not downright careless. All of this is triggering for a Black queer man like myself who knows too well the dangers of hate rallies going off the rails. I still haven’t fully processed the “Unite the Right” rally that took place last year in Charlottesville, which featured violent confrontations between participants and counter-protesters and ultimately led to the deaths of a local activist and two Virginia state troopers monitoring the event. It’s easy to imagine Philly, a city known for its large-scale demonstrations, becoming even more contentious than Charlottesville.
Which is why calling on people of color and other marginalized groups to counter-protest this rally is reckless. For the first time in a long time, I simply do not think diversity is the answer — an activism that so clearly risks violence requires white people only.
This week, organizers affiliated with the International Action Center, PushBack Campaign, and Workers World Party have been calling on “im/migrants, people of color, LGBTQ folks, women, Muslims, Jews and all workers who oppose racism and bigotry” to show up to oppose We the People. Organizers have put together a counter-rally of their own, which on the surface seems laudable — but it lacks a strategic consideration for the marginalized groups they are defending. Why should people of color yet again put themselves in harm’s way to confront hatred that they aren’t responsible for?
To put it bluntly, white supremacy is a white-people problem, and those who consider themselves allies and/or accomplices in the community should tackle it head on.
If people truly believe that Saturday’s We the People Rally is going to be filled with hate, bigotry, and racism, what good will it do to subject people of color to it? As one who has stood on the front lines of grotesque protests, I can tell you that the hate being spewed only further harms me physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s already enough that marginalized communities have to confront daily onslaughts of racism in their professional and personal lives. Black and brown people should not be expected to endure even more hate when there are others much more obligated to pick up this labor. And, as always, white people hold the privilege of being protected during such protests by police and others far better than people of color are.
Too often I am asked by white people what can they do to make things better. This is one of them — showing up to confront others in your group who are making matters worse for the rest of us. If you agree with the sentiment that all of us are created equal and deserve equity and access, then you have to put some real skin in the game. When potentially dangerous rallies come to our city, stop asking black and brown people to do the labor you collectively have yet to do. White people have to do more than just cheer on social media or cling to marginalized people for inspiration — they have to actually have to leverage their privilege to protect us as well.
In other words: White people, get your people.
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2018/11/16/white-counter-protest/
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Council considering proposals to study, amend soda tax
The soda tax, which over the past year has supplied funding for Mayor Jim Kenney’s Rebuild Program, has long been wrapped up in controversy.
And now it looks like some City Council members are examining the first steps in legislation that could minimize the tax.
During a council meeting Thursday, City Council member Maria Quiñones Sánchez introduced a bill to consider amending the tax on sugary drinks, according to a statement from her office provided to Curbed Philly Monday. The bill, which is light on details, could phase out part of the tax through 2021, PlanPhilly reported last week.
Quiñones Sánchez also proposed a separate resolution to hire an independent firm to study the economic impact of the soda tax, as well as several other city taxes.
The beverage tax—which has become known more specifically as the “soda tax”—has been the subject of a lot of debate since it was passed in 2016. It levies a 1.5-cent-per-ounce increase on all sugary, non-alcoholic beverages, with original estimates saying it would raise $91 million per year over a five-year plan, according to the Kenney administration.
That money was planned to go toward several projects, primarily pre-K education and the mayor’s ambitious Rebuild program, which seeks to repair parks, libraries, and recreation centers around the city.
While many seemed supportive of the Rebuild program, the same couldn’t always be said for the funding behind it. Almost immediately after the tax was passed, the beverage industry challenged it in court. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last summer to uphold the tax, allowing the city to move forward with its first Rebuild project following the ruling late last year.
Some have raised concerns about the effect the tax will have on local Philly businesses—a point that Quiñones-Sánchez touched on in her resolution last week when she mentioned the need to support “businesses that provide family-sustaining wages.”
“City Council has a responsibility to review and assess impacts of all revenue streams and minimize unintended conditions that negatively impact small businesses, seniors, and our most vulnerable citizens,” Quiñones-Sánchez said in a statement.
Seven council members are co-sponsoring the bill alongside Quiñones-Sánchez, including Cindy Bass, Allan Domb, Blondell Reynolds Brown, David Oh, Brian O’Neill, and Al Taubenberger. They’re also all supporters of the resolution, along with Mark Squilla, Curtis Jones, and Jannie Blackwell.
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Source: https://philly.curbed.com/2019/3/18/18271011/council-city-soda-tax-rebuild-resolution-bill-controversy
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Where to camp near Philly
Philly in the summer has many things: fireworks (still, even after the Fourth of July, apparently), lots of live music, great food trucks, and a lively festival scene.
But we get it: sometimes you just need to get away for a night or two.
And luckily, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have plenty of options for some great camping in their state parks. There are spots to bring pets, do some great bird watching, hike and bike, fish, and kayak, all while ending the day around a campfire or lounging in a tent.
This summer we’ve put together the best camping sites the general Philly-area has to offer. If you’re not tent-inclined, fine! There are plenty of lean-tos, cabins, or otherwise. If you want to be around people or you want to be secluded, there are great options for you. Need to take 50 friends and family members on a camping trip? The Philly area has you covered.
Behold: the 9 best spots to camp, all within a one-hour drive of the city.
Did we miss your favorite? Drop us a line and let us know.
Read More
Source: https://philly.curbed.com/maps/where-to-camp-philly
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An American Bistro and Jazz Lounge Is Now Open in West Philly
News
720 West Bistro is serving American and soul food on the Cedar Park-Cobbs Creek border.
720 West Bistro | Photo by Alexandra Jones
A new bistro has opened in West Philly’s Cobbs Creek neighborhood, just north of 52nd and Baltimore. 720 West Bistro takes the place of erstwhile bar Blue Nile at 720 South 52nd Street.
The new spot will serve casual American fare and soul food — think burgers, wings, chicken and waffles, and blackened catfish — along with a full bar, said owner Erick Bonaparte. Chef Dayna Russo will head up the kitchen.
Bonaparte expanded the kitchen and dining room, dressed up the interior, and added a deck and private lounge space. Once the dust settles, he plans to open a jazz lounge upstairs and offer weekend brunch service.
For now, 720 West Bistro is open from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. seven days a week. Check out the menu below (click to embiggen).
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2018/11/07/720-west-bistro-52nd-street-philadelphia/
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Talks to resume after Trump says shutdown could last 'years'
WASHINGTON --
White House officials and congressional staffers will continue negotiations Saturday over the government shutdown, even after President Donald Trump declared he could keep it going for "months or even years."
Trump met Friday with congressional leaders from both parties as the shutdown hit the two-week mark amid an impasse over his demand for billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico. Democrats emerged from the meeting, which both sides said was contentious at times, to report little if any progress.
Trump has designated Vice President Mike Pence, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and adviser Jared Kushner to work with a congressional delegation at a meeting set for 11 a.m. Saturday.
Trump is framing the upcoming weekend talks as progress, while Democrats are emphasizing families unable to pay bills.
The standoff has prompted economic jitters and anxiety among some in Trump's own party. But he appeared Friday in the Rose Garden to frame the weekend talks as progress, while making clear he would not reopen the government.
"We won't be opening until it's solved," Trump said. "I don't call it a shutdown. I call it doing what you have to do for the benefit and the safety of our country."
Trump said he could declare a national emergency to build the wall without congressional approval, but would first try a "negotiated process." Trump previously described the situation at the border as a "national emergency" before he dispatched active-duty troops in what critics described as a pre-election stunt.
Trump also said the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay would want him to "keep going" and fight for border security. Asked how people would manage without a financial safety net, he declared, "The safety net is going to be having a strong border because we're going to be safe."
Democrats called on Trump to reopen the government while negotiations continue. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "It's very hard to see how progress will be made unless they open up the government."
Friday's White House meeting with Trump included eight congressional leaders - the top two Democrats and Republicans of both chambers. People familiar with the session but not authorized to speak publicly described Trump as holding forth at length on a range of subjects but said he made clear he was firm in his demand for $5.6 billion in wall funding and in rejecting the Democrats' request to reopen the government.
Trump confirmed that he privately told Democrats the shutdown could drag on for months or years, though he said he hoped it wouldn't last that long. Said Trump, "I hope it doesn't go on even beyond a few more days."
House Democrats muscled through legislation Thursday night to fund the government but not Trump's proposed wall. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said those measures are non-starters on his side of the Capitol without the president's support.
A variety of strategies are being floated inside and outside the White House, among them trading wall funding for a deal on immigrants brought to the country as young people and now here illegally, or using a national emergency declaration to build the wall. While Trump made clear during his press conference that talk on DACA (the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program) would have to wait and that he was trying to negotiate with Congress on the wall, the conversations underscored rising Republican anxiety about just how to exit the shutdown.
Some GOP senators up for re-election in 2020, including Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced discomfort with the shutdown in recent days.
But with staff level talks there is always an open question of whether Trump's aides are fully empowered to negotiate for the president. Earlier this week, he rejected his own administration's offer to accept $2.5 billion for the wall. That proposal was made when Pence and other top officials met with Schumer at the start of the shutdown.
During his free-wheeling session with reporters, Trump also wrongly claimed that he'd never called for the wall to be concrete. Trump did so repeatedly during his campaign, describing a wall of pre-cast concrete sections that would be higher than the walls of many of his rally venues. He repeated that promise just days ago.
"An all concrete Wall was NEVER ABANDONED, as has been reported by the media. Some areas will be all concrete but the experts at Border Patrol prefer a Wall that is see through (thereby making it possible to see what is happening on both sides). Makes sense to me!" he tweeted Dec. 31.
Trump was joined by Pence in the Rose Garden, as well as House Republican leaders Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise. McConnell, who went back to the Capitol, unaware of the press conference, said it was encouraging that the White House officials and the congressional contingent would meet over the weekend "to see if they can reach an agreement and then punt it back to us for final sign off."
Schumer said that if McConnell and Senate Republicans stay on the sidelines, "Trump can keep the government shut down for a long time."
"The president needs an intervention," Schumer said. "And Senate Republicans are just the right ones to intervene."
Adding to national unease about the shutdown are economic jitters as analysts warn of the risks of closures that are disrupting government operations across multiple departments and agencies at a time of other uncertainties in the stock market and foreign trade.
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Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, Kevin Freking, Matthew Daly, Deb Riechmann and Eileen Putman contributed to this report.
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Source: https://6abc.com/politics/talks-to-resume-after-trump-says-shutdown-could-last-years/5019303/
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Howie Roseman’s Sorcery Has Eagles In Excellent Shape To Compete For Years To Come
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Carson Wentz is here to stay — and so are a lot of other key Eagles. The Birds’ franchise cornerstone agreed to a hefty four-year extension Thursday night, keeping him in midnight green through at least 2024.
And thanks to some pure sorcery and cap magic from Howie Roseman, Wentz isn’t the only star who will be in Philly for a long time. The Eagles have locked up a litany of young and talented key pieces throughout the last few years.
Eagles Sign Carson Wentz To 4-Year Contract Extension
And it should make them a problem in the NFC for the foreseeable future. Roseman has built the Eagles into a championship-caliber team, and one for years to come.
Just check out the starters the Eagles have locked up through at least 2022, per Spotrac:
Wentz (currently 26 years old)
Fletcher Cox (28)
Nigel Bradham (29)
Lane Johnson (29)
Alshon Jeffery (29)
Zach Ertz (28)
Brandon Graham (31)
Malik Jackson (29)
DeSean Jackson (32)
Jason Kelce (31)
Derek Barnett (22)
Many of those players are either in their prime or just entering their prime. Also peek the four starters on the defensive line.
If you look shorter term, say 2021 — two full seasons — the Eagles have 16 of 22 projected starters already inked for that season, per Spotrac; the six remainders being RB Jordan Howard, LT Jason Peters, LBs Zach Brown and Kamu Grugier-Hill, S Rodney McLeod and CB Jalen Mills.
If Wentz stays healthy, it should be a fun few years in Philly.
Source: https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/07/howie-rosemans-sorcery-has-eagles-in-excellent-shape-to-compete-for-years-to-come/
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On the Market: Huge Beachfront/Lakefront Mansion in Rehoboth
For Sale/Rent
This spectacularly situated house for sale sits in the middle of the narrow strip of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from Silver Lake at Rehoboth's south end.
6 E. Lake Dr., Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971 | Photos: HomeView, courtesy Long & Foster Real Estate, unless otherwise noted
I can remember a time when there was just one house at the south end of the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
That time has long since passed. Today, East Lake Drive — the private lane that extends south from the end of the boardwalk at Prospect Street — is lined with a string of spectacular beachfront houses.
The owner who had this one built has put it on the market. Which means we all now have a rare opportunity to look inside one of these spectacular beachfront houses and find out just how much this real estate is worth. And one lucky buyer will have the opportunity to join this small community of most fortunate Rehoboth residents.
Cutting to the chase: If the other houses around this one are comparable, East Lake Drive has become Rehoboth’s Millionaires’ Row. And this little strip may house the most valuable houses on either the Jersey Shore or the Delaware Coast.
So what does $11 million buy you?
One huge, lavishly decorated house with balconies and decks for days, plus its own private beach, that’s what.
This house for sale lies outside the Rehoboth Beach city limits on land that once belonged to the Du Pont family. The land bordering the ocean and the lake remains in private hands too, which means you can enjoy the beach undisturbed except by the occasional passer-by taking the waterside route to neighboring Dewey Beach.
It’s designed so that every one of its six bedrooms enjoys a balcony or deck with a view of either the ocean or Silver Lake. Each bedroom also has an en-suite bathroom, and there’s another full bath and a powder room tossed in for good measure.
Foyer
Great room
Both the entrance foyer and the great room soar two stories high, and there’s a second foyer upstairs that leads to the third-floor bedrooms.
Kitchen
Master bedroom
Master bathroom
Tray ceilings and elaborate woodwork abound in this beach mansion’s guest and private spaces. So do granite countertops in its kitchen and bathrooms.
Media room
Other luxurious extras include an elevator serving all five levels, an octagonal media room with a 125-inch projection screen, and a panoramic observation deck accessed by stairs from the top-floor master bedroom. There’s also garage parking for four cars.
Oceanfront view | Photo: HomeView via Bright MLS
And in addition to the huge main-floor deck overlooking the beach, there’s also a pier and gazebo on the lake.
Rehoboth is known for its great shopping, eclectic dining, lively nightlife and active LGBT community. You can enjoy all of this with just a short bike ride from this magnificent house for sale. Assuming, that is, that you ever leave it once you move in.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 6
BATHS: 7 full, 1 half
SQUARE FEET: 8,871
SALE PRICE: $11,100,000
6 E. Lake Dr., Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971 [Tom Desper | Long & Foster Real Estate]
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/property/2018/11/15/on-the-market-huge-beachfrontlakefront-mansion-in-rehoboth/
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Mural of Slain Police Officer Vandalized; FOP Offering $10,000 Reward for Suspect
City
The mural, located in Strawberry Mansion, honors Sgt. Robert Wilson III, who died in 2015 after an attempted burglary at a North Philly GameStop.
Sgt. Robert Wilson III mural | Photograph courtesy of Mural Arts Philadelphia
A mural honoring a Philadelphia police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2015 was vandalized on Thursday.
The mural, which is located near 29th Street and Ridge Avenue in Strawberry Mansion, honors Sgt. Robert Wilson III. Wilson was shot during an attempted robbery at a GameStop in North Philadelphia, which police said he had entered the store to buy a gift for his son.
The local Fraternal Order of Police union is offering a $10,000 reward for someone who can assist the police in locating the suspect responsible for vandalizing the mural.
“It’s sickening and disgusting that some lowlife would deface the mural of hero and fallen officer, Robert Wilson III,” John McNesby, president of FOP Lodge 5, told 6ABC. “We will never forget Rob’s bravery, courage, and valor when he saved lives inside that GameStop store.”
It’s not clear how exactly the mural was vandalized. Police said someone spray-painted over it and that the paint has since been removed.
Police said Wilson was standing at the counter of the GameStop off Lehigh Avenue in North Philly when two brothers, Carlton Hipps and Ramone Williams, walked in, almost immediately engaging in gunfire with Wilson and his partner, Damien Stephenson. After the battle, Wilson was rushed to Temple University Hospital, where he died of gunshot injuries. He was 30.
Hipps and Williams were both charged in Wilson’s death. In a controversial move in June 2018, District Attorney Larry Krasner agreed not to seek the death penalty for the two men if they pleaded guilty and gave up appeal rights— a decision Krasner strongly defended after backlash from both the FOP and some members of Wilson’s family. The men were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Wilson’s sister, Shaki’ra Wilson-Burroughs, released a statement on Thursday on the vandalism incident, stating that “the blatant disrespect that has been repeatedly shown toward my brother has resulted in an indescribable emotional reaction,” according to CBS.
Wilson-Burroughs has strongly opposed Krasner’s decision not to seek the death penalty.
“One year ago, the DA of this city set this tone of disrespect for the city by slighting Sgt. Wilson, III by offering a backdoor plea and denying him a trial,” Wilson-Burroughs said. “If the DA, top persecutor of this city, can tarnish the efforts and life of a slain officer while backing criminals then, why should any other layman warrant any real respect and keep their memory alive?”
“Yes, my brother was an officer of the Philadelphia Police Department,” she continued. “He was also a man who put his life on the line to protect and save the lives of those in that GameStop. He lost his life and, in any capacity, that should be enough to warrant respect.”
Wilson was one of 13 officers awarded a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by President Barack Obama in 2016.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact 215-686-8477.
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/06/28/robert-wilson-mural-vandalized/
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Eagles call up Tre Sullivan from practice squad, waive defensive tackle
The Philadelphia Eagles signed practice squad safety Tre Sullivan to their 53-man roster, according to the NFL’s official transaction wire. In a corresponding move, the team waived T.Y. McGill with a failed physical designation.
The Eagles were in need of extra safety depth heading into Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants. With Rodney McLeod on injured reserve and Corey Graham ruled out with a hamstring injury, the Eagles were down to just Malcolm Jenkins, Avonte Maddox (a converted cornerback), and Deiondre’ Hall on the back end. Sullivan’s presence now gives the Eagles a fourth safety.
Sullivan will also be counted on to contribute on special teams, especially with linebackers D.J. Alexander and Nathan Gerry being ruled out. Sullivan made a bad special teams mistake in Week 1 when he got too close to a Falcons punt and the ball went off his leg for an Atlanta recovery. Hopefully he’s learned his lesson since being cut and spending time on the practice squad.
The Eagles claimed McGill off waivers on Monday after placing Jay Ajayi on injured reserve. Now he’s gone and Philadelphia is down to just Fletcher Cox, Destiny Vaeao, and Treyvon Hester at defensive tackle with Haloti Ngata ruled out. Yikes. The Eagles are dangerously thin at that spot.
Please get well soon, Tim Jernigan.
...
Here’s an updated look at the Eagles’ practice squad:
DT Bruce Hector
LB Kyle Wilson
OL Josh Andrews
TE Billy Brown
LB Asantay Brown
WR Braxton Miller
WR Dorren Miller
DE Joe Ostman
CB Chandon Sullivan
Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2018/10/10/17961838/eagles-tre-sullivan-practice-squad-philadelphia-safety-t-y-mcgill-defensive-tackle-giants-game-nfl
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NFC East Positional Power Rankings - Center
Today we’re going to be covering one of the most underrated positions in the sport. The center is one of just two players who touch the ball on every snap and usually acts as the captain of the offensive line. It’s because of this importance I saved this position for last among the offensive players.
If you haven’t been keeping up with BGN, please check out the archives below to see how other positions have stacked up.
Archive: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG
1. Jason Kelce - Philadelphia Eagles
2018 Stats: 0 Sacks - 2 Hit - 8 Hurries Allowed | 6 Penalties
PFF Grade: 84.9
Key Stat: Allowed the QB to be pressured on just 1.6% of pass blocking snaps (4th best among centers)
Jason Kelce is the best center in the NFL. I know it. You know it. The Eagles know it. The Associated Press knows it. Pro Football Focus knows it. Pro-Football-Reference knows it. Who doesn’t you ask? The Pro Bowl voters. They’re dumb and wrong. Kelce was yet again an animal in both pass blocking and run blocking. His “off the field intangibles” are also of note. Kelce will play at least one more year in front of the best fans in the world and I couldn’t be happier about it.
2017 Stats: 0 Sacks - 3 Hit - 9 Hurries Allowed | 4 Penalties
2017 PFF Grade: 86.2
Key Stat: Missed Entire 2018 Season due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome
So here’s the thing. As a guy who fancies himself to be a good-hearted person, it’s great to hear that Frederick is feeling better and reportedly set to return to the Cowboys for the 2019 season. As a lifelong Eagles fan, however, it isn’t the worst thing to have Dallas missing an All-Pro for 16 games. There is no denying that when he is healthy, the 28-year-old Frederick is one of the best in the business and it’ll be good to see him back in action in the coming season.
2018 Stats: 1 Sacks - 3 Hit - 15 Hurries Allowed | 5 Penalties
PFF Grade: 62.1
Key Stat: RBs gained 3.5 yards per snap when running off Roullier in 2018.
Roullier was the only offensive lineman to play every snap for the Washington Football Team in 2018, which is a pretty impressive feat in it’s own right. He played at all three interior positions and looked to be pretty solid in pass blocking scenarios. At just 25 years old, the Redskins might have found themselves a solid player in the 6th round. They don’t get much right so enjoy it while it lasts, Washington fans.
2018 Stats: 0 Sacks - 0 Hit - 0 Hurries Allowed | 0 Penalties
PFF Grade: 69.4 (unqualified)
Key Stat: Took just 116 Offensive Snaps
Halapio played just 116 snaps last year, but for what it’s worth, graded out very well as a pass blocker. It appears Halapio will be given the chance to start again after missing most of 2018 with a broken leg and ankle, but with the recent resigning of Spencer Pulley he will have to play well to keep his spot.
Conclusion
All in all, the NFC East has a pretty loaded group of centers when compared to some of the other divisions in the NFL. While there is some uncertainty as to who will play at the position next year for the Cowboys and Giants, it’s nice to know that us Eagles fans can sleep well at night knowing Jason Kelce will do his best on every play in 2019. Thanks to Pro Football Focus for all statistics involved in this article. Stay tuned to BGN as the series covers it’s first defensive position with the Safeties of the NFC East.
Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/3/22/18274432/nfc-east-positional-power-rankings-center-jason-kelce-travis-frederick-eagles-philadelphia-under-dog
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 6
Do you know your polling place?
Find it at the Office of Philadelphia City Commissioners site.
If you are voting by absentee ballot, it’s due by 5 pm Friday, November 2.
Not sure what you’re voting for? Check out the non-partisan Committee of Seventy’s voting guide. The site includes:
Candidate profiles.
The sample ballot for Philadelphia County.
The City’s ballot question.
Find more information on the state voter services site.
Source: http://www.passyunkpost.com/2018/11/02/election-day-is-tuesday-november-6/
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Ranking top 10 wide receivers in the 2019 NFL Draft
With the addition of DeSean Jackson to the existing duo of Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, the Eagles are poised to have a dangerous wide receiver corps in 2019. But despite short-term depth, there is still speculation that the Eagles could still pursue a big-time pass catcher in this draft. Lucky for Philadelphia, if that’s truly their intention, this class is chock full of impressive pass catchers. While there is no “elite” type of prospect; there are quite a few first-round hopefuls and tons of players who will be value picks on day two and three. Here’s how the top of the class shakes out.
10. Anthony Johnson, Buffalo: Anthony Johnson has had a quiet offseason but his career at Buffalo was anything but. In two years with the Bulls, Johnson caught 133 passes for 2367 yards (17.8 YPC) and 25 touchdowns. That’s staggering production for the 6’2” receiver. Johnson is a solid but unspectacular athlete but makes his money has a physical technician. Teams will love his clean route running and his dependability to make tough catches. Johnson’s hype may have dwindled, but a team will be getting a great player late in the draft this year.
9. Andy Isabella, UMass: A former running back, Andy Isabella answered a switch to wide receiver with three years of top notch production for the Minutemen. Isabella totaled 30 receiving touchdowns in the last three years in losing a phenomenal 2018 season where he caught 102 passes at 16.6 yards per reception and scored 13 times. Isabella is a smaller receiver but is pure speed and technique. He is a former star track athlete and has married dynamic athleticism to ruthless efficiency as a route runner. Teams might be scared away by his lack of size, but the team that bets on him will have one hell of a player.
8. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina: Deebo Samuel never got to produce highly relative to his talent at South Carolina because of a middling passing game, but he always impressed when given the chance. Samuel has a running back build which makes sense given his play style. He is a tough, competitor player after the catch and that, paired with great route-running, makes him a fantastic slot prospect for the NFL.
7. Marquise Brown, Oklahoma: Marquise Brown was arguably 2018’s most exciting playmaker in college football. “Hollywood” followed up an fantastic season catching passes from Baker Mayfield to an even better season linking with Kyler Murray. Lucky life to catch passes from two Heisman Winners and (likely) first overall picks in successive seasons, but someone has to do it. Brown is pure speed. Teams might be scared off by a 168 pound listing and injury history, but Brown could be a huge pay-off if he stays healthy in the NFL.
6. Parris Campbell, Ohio State: Parris Campbell might be the best receiver in Ohio State’s recent history. Campbell benefited from Ohio State’s pass heavy offense in 2018 where he caught 90 passes and scored 12 TDs. He is a refined route runner with incredible speed before and after the catch. He is a multi-faceted offensive weapon who could make plays on the outside, in the slot and from the backfield. [Campbell reportedly visited the Eagles]
5. JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford: The Cardinal is not known for producing top tier receiver prospects but JJ Arcega-Whiteside’s impact in the Pac 12 this year canto be ignored. The 6’3”, 225 pound senior scored 14 times on only 63 catches and averaged almost 17 yards on each catch. Arcega-Whiteside is not only a big, physical receiver but is a phenomenal athlete. Exciting to think about what he’d do in a more pass heavy offense.
4. AJ Brown, Ole Miss: AJ Brown is one of the more fun receivers to watch in this class. He’s not the pure speed player that some of his peers are, but he is a bully at the wide receiver position. Brown went over 1,300 yards receiving this season in the SEC, which is no easy feat, and he did so with a non-stop physicality and gritty playing style. Brown is a great athlete to boot and should be a instant impact player in the NFL. [Brown reportedly visited the Eagles.]
3. Hakeem Butler, Iowa State: Hakeem Butler averaged 22 yards per catch in 2018… What?! The redshirt junior is the closest thing in this class to a power forward playing wide receiver. Standing nearly 6’6” and over 225 pounds, Butler astounded with a sub-4.5 40 at the combine. Butler is a dominant athlete with the skill to be a dangerous red zone threat in the NFL. He’s not a “sudden” player but makes up for it with pure size, strength and long speed.
2. N’Keal Harry, ASU: Admittedly, I am higher on N’Keal Harry than most. The 6’2”, 230 pound receiver reminds me of prime Demaryius Thomas with a blend of size, strength and uncanny ability to make yards happen with the ball in his hands. Harry is also great in contested catch situations. Factor in Harry’s coach, Herm Edwards’ extremely high praise for his competitive spirit, work ethic and leadership and is hard not to love Harry’s potential in the NFL. [Harry reportedly visited the Eagles.]
1. DK Metcalf, Ole Miss: DK Metcalf is all but guaranteed to be the first receiver off the board this spring. Metcalf spent his whole career at Ole Miss bitten by the injury bug, playing only one full season; but it’s obvious how special he is when he’s on the field. Metcalf is a one of a kind athlete,standing at 6’3”, 230 pounds, and he eviscerated the Combine. Metcalf doesn’t really have holes in his game on the field, which is why is so crucial he stay healthy in the NFL. If he can… whew boy.
Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/4/10/18304565/nfl-draft-2019-ranking-wide-receivers-top-10-dk-metcalf-nkeal-harry-hakeem-butler-aj-brown-campbell
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The Highly Anticipated Second Incarnation of Pizzeria Beddia Is Now Taking Reservations
Philly mourned when Joe Beddia closed his tiny takeout-only pizza shop in Fishtown, but it was only to make way for bigger and better things. Pizzeria Beddia 2.0, complete with a liquor license and sit-down service, is open at 1313 N. Lee Street. It’s in limited-service mode for now, with reservations being accepted for the coming weeks.
For his expanded pizzeria, Beddia teamed up with Greg Root, Nick Kennedy, and Al Lucas, the team behind Eater Award winner Suraya, also in Fishtown. Unlike the original Pizzeria Beddia — which was putting out what one national magazine called the best pizza in America — the new restaurant is open every day (5-11 p.m.) and takes credit cards and reservations.
For Eater Philly’s guide to the most anticipated restaurants opening this spring, Beddia described it as a sit-down pizzeria with natural wine. The menu also includes salads, salumi, and soft serve ice cream.
Inside, there’s a horseshoe-shaped bar underneath a light fixture shaped like a smiling cloud and wooden communal tables.
Along with the reservations, the restaurant will hold a lot of seats for walk-ins nightly, so it’s likely worth stopping in even without something booked — during the week, at least.
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Source: https://philly.eater.com/2019/3/21/18276395/pizzeria-beddia-fishtown-philadelphia-opening-menu-hours
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PJ Clarke’s Owner on John’s Roast Pork, $1,000 Dinners, and Shucking Oysters
Behind the Line
Norristown native Phil Scotti opened his eighth PJ Clarke’s in the Curtis Center last September.
PJ Clarke’s owner Phil Scotti at the PJ Clarke’s in Philadelphia. (Photo by Claudia Gavin)
Norristown native Phil Scotti owns eight PJ Clarke’s in New York City, Washington D.C., Brazil and right here in Philadelphia, where he opened a PJ Clarke’s in the Curtis Building on Washington Square last September. Here, Scotti tells us all about it.
My full name is… Philip Scotti. My middle name is, like all good Italian boys, Anthony.
I grew up in… Norristown. I left when I was 17 to join the Marines, where I spent six years. They told me I was going to go to language school, and here I was hoping I was going to learn French to guard the embassy in Paris. That wasn’t quite the case. I spent a year in Vietnamese language school and did two tours in Vietnam.
These days, I live in… Philadelphia for five days a week, above the restaurant in the Curtis Building. And the rest of the time, I’m usually on my farm in Millbrook in Dutchess County, where we raise Boer goats, Poitou donkeys, and ducks.
PJ Clarke’s owner Phil Scotti on his farm in New York.
My first job in life was… as a cart boy at Genuardi’s in Norristown when I was 14. It was in the Swede Square Shopping Center, which happens to be where I opened my first restaurant, called Jem. It’s still there. I sold it to my chef, and he still has it.
Since Jem, I’ve opened… 18 restaurants. Not all of them exist now, but that includes all of the PJ Clarke’s and then I own Barbuto with Jonathan Waxman in New York. We plan to bring that to Philly in the next couple of years.
I’ve owned PJ Clarke’s for… 16 years. PJ Clarke’s is 135 years old. When I first moved to New York, somebody introduced it to me and it was my standard first date place. I got to know everyone there and I eventually managed to buy the original one and open two more there.
The idea to open a PJ Clarke’s in Philly started with… Governor Rendell, who comes into the New York restaurants. He invited me to Philadelphia and introduced me to a friend of his who was a real estate broker and we started looking. I like places with history and good bones, and the Curtis fits that bill to a T.
My favorite menu item at PJ Clarke’s would have to be… our oyster service. We are one of the largest buyers of oysters in the mid-Atlantic states. They are so fresh. I can call Fishers Island at 4 in the afternoon and place an order, they harvest them at 5 or 6 the next morning, and I have it the next morning by UPS.
But PJ Clarke’s is probably best known for its… hamburgers. I was on my first cattle farm when I was 12. I know a lot about beef. We don’t take any chances. Right now, we are getting from the Mennonite in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Mennonites know how to do it.
The trick to opening oysters is… a strong wrist.
My secret fast-food obsession is… the Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich.
The most expensive meal I’ve had was at… 11 Madison a few years ago. You buy a ticket and you get a tasting. For two of us, it was $1,000 with wine.
The toughest thing about this business is… labor. There are very onerous laws that work against hospitality. OK, so waiters on average companywide for me make about $32 per hour in tips plus whatever the minimum wage is. With these new minimum wage laws, those laws were put in place to protect non-tipped employees, and so to make up the difference, what you really have to do is reduce labor. You can’t just change the price of a burger to $30.
The most famous PJ Clarke’s diner has been… Mick Jagger. But we have a lot of regular customers who are well known. We just don’t announce them. Timothy Hutton is one of my partners. Liza comes in all the time.
The secret to running a good restaurant operation is… understanding that restaurants are not only about great food and beverage. We are the original social network. Two women come in to complain about their boyfriends. Eight coworkers come in to celebrate a deal. Two couples show up for dinner because it’s a convenient place to meet. And what they all have in common is that they have a need to be social outside of their everyday doings.
Philly is different than New York for us in that… in New York, you have loud money, and in Philadelphia, you have quiet money. New York has become a gated community. It is too expensive there for true diversity to thrive. Philly is its whole own other thing.
My favorite restaurant I’ve found here is… Friday Saturday Sunday. I love the owners. The wife works the floor. The husband is the chef. They have some of the greatest hospitality in Philadelphia. And, of course, I love John’s Roast Pork.
When I hear people complain about us being a “chain” restaurant… I say we are not a chain. I hate that term. I own all of the PJ Clarke’s. We pick where we want to be. We find great locations. This is an urban concept. It doesn’t go into King of Prussia Mall.
If Donald Trump came in for lunch… I wouldn’t let him in. My farm is close to where his brother lives, and his brother called and said he wanted to throw himself a birthday party at PJ Clarke’s, and I said that I had to be sure that his brother — Donald — wouldn’t come. So they canceled the party.
If you want to work at PJ Clarke’s, you have to be… innately hospitable. It’s not something you can teach. Either you got it from your mother or your father or you didn’t. I can’t teach it to you.
The next big restaurant trend is going to be… a move against fast-casual and back to more traditional restaurants.
If you tell me you want to open a restaurant… I will probably, in the end, tell you not to do it. Listen, if you think that your friends are going to come in and fill your tables and make your restaurant a success, they won’t. If you think that you can open in some podunk part of town and people are going to flock to you as a destination, they won’t. You can be the brightest guy on Wall Street, but if you don’t have a sense of hospitality and the ability to motivate and define a culture you want to propagate, you’re lost.
Ed. Note: This article has been updated to correct the name of location of the restaurant Jem.
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2019/04/03/pj-clarkes-philadelphia-phil-scotti/
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Because of Course Gritty Was On Jimmy Fallon Last Night
From non-existence to a national audience in four days. Not bad, Gritty. Not bad at all.
We know, we know. We’ve written a lot about Gritty since his debut on Monday. (This is actually our fourth Gritty-related piece, if you’re counting.)
But who can resist! Gritty is the maniac mascot we never knew we needed. He’s everything you love and everything you hate. He is, in some ways, the man in the mirror.
So we have unapologetically written another Gritty piece — this time because the creature was featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and that warrants coverage. Only four days after his unofficial birth, Gritty has garnered a national (international?) following. And that’s worth something.
Plus, Gritty wasn’t only featured on The Tonight Show, he picked a fight with Ricky Gervais on The Tonight Show … while Fallon and Gervais were dancing to Boyz II Men’s “Motown Philly.” What could possibly be more Philly?
Without further adieu, we present Gritty’s brief but memorable appearance.
Bravo Gritty, Bravo. You’re a social media superstar.
Gritty’s PR person deserves a raise💯 he/she has done an A+ job
— Rita Manzo (@ManzoRita) September 28, 2018
Just had the weirdest dream. @jimmyfallon @GrittyNHL pic.twitter.com/1Cd8GUX5wJ
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 27, 2018
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Catch me right now on @FallonTonight!! pic.twitter.com/hqK1PFdi6T
— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) September 28, 2018
Source: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2018/09/28/gritty-jimmy-fallon/
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