Idol Thoughts & 10 Stories

Well, Idol as alright tonight.  Songs that are popular on iTunes.  So, that means ANYTHING could virtually be played.  

BOTTOM 3:

Anoop

Meagan

Lil Rounds

GOING HOME:  

Meagan.

Now, time for tonight's 10 stories.  Enjoy!

1)  It has been a few weeks since President Obama's word usage flop with the Special Olympics and his bowling game.  Well, the Special Olympics organization is making great use of this, PR wise.  They are starting a nationwide effort to get rid of the word, 'retard'.  Interesting story from KSWO-TV - Lawton, OK.

2)  General Motors is joining the growing number of car companies that are offering to pay for your car payment if you lose your job.  Details from KPTV-TV - Portland, OR.

3)  As you may know, Villanova, a college in suburban Philly, is going to the Final Four.  Well, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia reports that everyone is buying ANYTHING with the Nova symbol on it.  Go Nova!

4)  Looks like a Taliban leader has made a direct threat against the United States, saying that he will 'amaze the world' with an attack on Washington, DC.  Details here from WTTG-TV - Washington, DC.

5)  Now an interesting story from WKBN-TV in Youngstown, OH.  More and more businesses (mainly restaurants) are starting a "Pay What You Think It's Worth" type mentality to running their eateries.  It caught on in Europe, and now here in the USA.

6)  Digg.com has an amazing picture from NASA.  They took a pic from space of the Red River of North Dakota, as it flooded.  Wow.

7)  Changes are coming to another Susquehanna Valley newspaper.  And this time it is Lebanon Daily News.  Details of the changes from WHTM-TV - Harrisburg, PA.

8)  First the Patriot-News last week discovered the Governor's Ez-Pass records and seen that his driver goes on the turnpike at 99 mph.  Now, it looks like YOU, the taxpayer pays for this gas to get down there.  Story from WTXF-TV - Philadelphia, PA.

9)  Another newspaper story now.  Looks like the Sun-Times newspaper group, which publishes Chicago Sun-Times has filed for bankruptcy.  And it gets worse ... one report says that they owe as much as $600M in back taxes.  Details from WFLD-TV - Chicago, IL.

And finally ...

10)  They say that blondes have more fun right?  Well, also in life, as a stereotype, they are considered the dumbest.  Perhaps that latter pays true to this final story tonight, from Atlanta's WAGA-TV.  Looks like Miss Universe paid a trip to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, and I quote here, 'A relaxing place," and also, "I didn't want to leave' ... Seriously?  Ugh.

Have a great evening.

-- Matt

10 Stories: 3/30/2009

Well, good morning.

We had wicked storms move through York and Lanacaster Counties yesterday.  And NWS will be out in various locations looking at damage and determining wether or not a tornado hit.  The most impressive damage was in Ephrata, Lancaster County, where 6 mobile homes in a trailer park were turn on it's side.  Residents there said they saw 'swirling winds'.  6ABC even made it from Philly to coverage the damage.  Kudos for them coming out.

And I hope you got to see the first picture of my nephew, Simon last night.  Just spoke to his dad over the phone just a few minutes ago, and he slept through the night well.  

Now, time for today's 10:

1)  There is a saying that 'everything comes up roses', but how about your water source.  That happened over the weekend in Ohio.  Details from WBTV-TV Charlotte, NC.

2)  KYW-TV in Philadelphia  reports on a unique Spring Break destination.  It's not Florida, nor is it Texas or the Bahamas.  It's Camden, NJ.

3)  Now time for a 'sign of the times' story.  If you go to a game and you experience roudy or unruly fans, you can now text message a special phone number to get their ejected.  Interesting story from CNET.com.

4)  Looks like ABC/Disney is looking to join abroad the Hulu.com bandwagon.  Details from Slashdot.  I have a question, with NBC and FOX already in board, how many of you tried Hulu?  And do you think it's the new YouTube??

5)  An update now on a story I brought to you a few days ago, about the lake levels of the Great Lakes.  Looks like one lake is up, and another is down.  Follow-up here from WWMT-TV Kalamazoo, MI.

6)  You get calls about mysterious lights in the sky from time to time, and most times than now it is not a UFO.  But what if these calls come a multi-state area?  Well this happened last night, in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.  Story here from Times-News - Hendersonville, NC.

More stories later.  Gotta get ready for work.  Have a great day.

-- matt

Special Commentary: 3/29/2009

Once you see this photo you will promptly understand why I did not post any stories today ...

I would like to properly introduce the newest member to my family:

Simon Carl Koons

Simon was born Sunday morning, March 29th, 2009 at 9:58AM. He was born in York, PA. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. And was 21 inches long.

Baby, mom and father are doing great.

It is such a feeling to be the uncle to this baby boy. The smile is still on my face this evening. And probably will be for a long while.

Finally, may I say that I looked up the word uncle. In Latin it means, "Little Grandfather". There you go.

-- Matt

Random Thoughts: 3/28/2009

Good Saturday evening.

I have been out of the computer for most of the day, so I think that I will have a fresh 10 stories for you on Sunday.

Just a few thoughts:

1 - Unless it changes, or my information is not correct, I think I know the American Idol theme for next week.  It is 'iTunes Top 100 Songs' week.  Should be a very good week, with mostly fresh and youthful songs.  This week everyone should excel and it should be 2 great hours of TV.  Also, it is back to normal Tuesday and Wednesday schedule.

2 - Today marks the 30th Anniversary of TMI.  That was the date of the worst nuclear accident in American history, and it happened right here in the Susquehanna Valley.

and finally ...

3 - I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first nephew.  My brother Mike and his wife are expecting their first son any day now.  I am so excited for both of them and my entire family.  I can't wait until the baby arrives.  Most of our family thinks Simon will arrive this weekend.  The date the doctors gave was the 31st of March.  Once Simon arrives, I will post the first pictures right here on this blog. :)

Have a great evening.  More tomorrow.

-- matt

10 Stories: 3/27/2009

Time for tonight's 10 stories:

1):  Looks like TV networks always look for new things to air.  And this idea is no exception.  Coming soon:  'The World's Strictest Parents'.  Story from KTNV-TV Las Vegas, NV.

2):  More newspaper layoffs to report this evening.  This time it is the Boston Herald, Boston MA.  They let go 25 people, or about 6 percent of their total staff.  Details from KWQC-TV - Davenport, IA.

3:)  It's always a good time to think about football.  And same thing with Penn State Football.  Here is a story about JoePA and spring drills he was at today with his team.  Story from Yahoo! News.

4:)  The historic battlefields of Gettysburg, PA isn't the only thing to do in that town.  It is a popular town for ghost sightings.  Details from WHTM-TV - Harrisburg, PA.

5:)  There has been a lot of talk this week about 'Earth Hour'.  Here is a primer if you don't know much about it.  Story from WISH/WNDY-TV - Indianapolis, IN.

6:)  It is Friday, so about a crazy story.  Digg.com dug up this story about some horrific and crazy soft drinks from around the world.

7:)  WDIV-TV in Detroit reports that President Obama will announce a new auto industry plan on Monday.  

8:)  Stupidity don't even begin to tell this story from my home town of Harrisburg.  Details from The Daily Item - Sunbury, PA.

9:)  Popular hip-hop raper T.I. was sentenced to jail today.  1 year, 1 day in prison.  Story from KATC-TV - Lafayette, LA.

And finally ...

10):  Another light-hearted Friday story for you from KESQ-TV, Palm Springs, CA.  Looks like a New York businessman have successfully made kosher friendly tequilas.  

-- Matt

10 Stories: 3/26/2009

Good evening everyone.

Now that we got American Idol out of the way, time for some stories and good reading material.

But before we do that, looks like we got some rain today.  Didn't hear how much rain, but I think we needed a bit more rain for it to make a difference.  We are already over 5 inches in the hole for the year.  And it's only late March. Not good.  Now, time for tonight's 10:

1):  CBS21 WHP did a story earlier this week on 'Sexting' in where teenagers are sending  illicit picture texts (MMS) to each other.  However, there is a professor at a Texas university who says, unbelievably, that this is normal.  Details on this story from the York Daily Record - York, PA.

2):  28 people are dead in Mississippi after a tornado tears up a town.  Story from The Washington Times - Washington, DC.

3):  Time now to look at the cost of freedom.  4,262.  That is the number of brave men and women who have passed away serving our country in Iraq since the occupation began,  6 years ago.  Details from Yahoo! News.

4):  For iPhone users like me, this is going to be great news.  Oprah Winfrey made it famous and now it was confirmed the SKYPE is coming to the iPhone.  More details next week, at a wireless trade show.  But for now, here is some details from CNET.com.

5):  Alaska's volcano, Mount Redbout erupted 2 times today.  And it spewed smoke up 12 miles.  Story and amazing pictures from Yahoo! News.

6):  President Obama is getting ready to order as many as 4,000 military 'trainers' to go to Afghanistan to help train the security officials.  Details from Reuters.

7):  Now, we all know the hoopla and extension the federal government gave TV stations for the DTV switch.  Well, the coupon fund is flowing again, and you have until June 12th to get converted.  Now, the federal government wants organizations to help get the boxes installed.  Story from USA Today - Alexandria, VA.  Seriously, how hard is to do this?  Mark my words, stupidity might be awarded again come May, if they delay it ... again.  i hope not.

8)  A Montana man pleads NOT GUILTY ... his crime ... his 11th DUI.  Details from KFBB-TV Great Falls, MT.  Seriously, how stupid are some people?  And why can't they just take his drivers license away??

9):  Call it the great coin caper ... a man's collection of $5,000 worth of coins that he has saved for over 10 years was stolen.  And the hunt is on to find whoever took it.  Story from The Morning Call - Allentown, PA.

And finally ...

10):  The building that is being built in NYC, the Freedom Tower, has a new name.  It will now be referred to as The One World Trade Center.  Details from WRIC-TV - Petersburg, VA.  Two reactions to this story ... First, why not do this from the very beginning.  And second, someone George W. Bush and former NYC mayor who repeats 9/11 every other word  is crying, because him and his freedom fighters were hoping for that original name.

Hope you have a great night.

-- Matt

An Odd Resuts Show ...

About to prepare tonight's 10 stories, but let's just get to a quick re-cap on what transpired tonight ...

I didn't get home in time to see AI Season 2 champ Rueben perform, but I heard it was good.  Then my girl Joss Stone performed with Smokie Robinson.  Didn't see look just amazing?  She is quite a woman.  Her voice is perfect and she looked perfect.

Anyway, down to business.  2 out of my 3 were in the bottom.  Scott and Michael.  Then Matt Giuard was added in. What the hell.  Then Ryan told Scott to sit down.  Are you freakin serious folks??  

Matt was then told, after Stevie Wonder did a over 10 minute mini-concert and a long commercial break to sit down, he was safe.

Michael was sent packing and the judges did not spare him either.

36 million votes were in tallied this week.  And my guy was next to last.  This has to tell me that America does not know good talent.  Maybe the girls were studying.  Perhaps.  But he will still be in the finals.  Trust me.

Not sure on what the theme is next week.  But will definitely keep you updated.

-- Matt

Braking AI News

Tomorrow on Idol ...

Smokie Robinson duet wit ....

JOSS STONE !!!!

My girl. Such an amazing woman. This performance will raise the bar for all others. I seen her in concert, and she is amazing.

Don't miss it.

-- Matt

American Idol Motown Recap

Kinda tired tonight, so I will keep this kind of short ...

I thought tonight was great.  Performances were good for the most part.  As much as I liked Matt Giraud's performance, the performance of the night though went to Adam Lambert.  He cleaned up his image and he shined on the stage.  I thought it was neat how he did a complete 180 from last week.  His performance was one of the best of the season so far.  Nicely done.

Here is what I think will go down tomorrow night (8PM) ...

BOTTOM 3:

Scott

Michael

Megan Joy

GOING HOME:

Megan Joy

I really do like Meagan, but this was not her night.  Her performance was not one to remember.  Sorry girl.  You'll make it far though.

Have a great evening.  

-- Matt

10 Stories: 3/25/2009

Good morning.  It is Wednesday and I have the day off work.  So I am happy about that.  Perhaps now I can get my taxes done.  I know I need to do that.  Last year, it was done by this time.  

Now, time for today's 10 stories:

1)  After 8 days on the International Space Station, the NASA crew is departing to come back home.  Story from WSLS-TV - Roanoke, VA.

2)  Now a update to a story I linked yesterday on Lance Armstrong.  Looks like today is the day he will undergo surgery.  Details from The Washington Times - Washington, DC.

3)  With a new President and administration doing what they can to help the economy, I hate to stew on the past.  But claims like this should not be ignored.  Looks like former VP Dick Cheney had talk of creating a 'executive assassination' teams. Story from alternet.org.  This needs to be explained promptly.

4)  Looks like Philadelphia Eagles are holding tryouts for new cheerleaders soon.  Details from WTXF-TV - Philly.  Ahh, the Eagles cheerleaders ... Well, they are not the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders (the best), but I think they are probably the best part of the team.  Since the Eagles don't do much anyway.

5)  Fargo, North Dakota is bracing for high flood waters.  But looks like one of the great lakes is showing increased water levels as well.  The Army Core of Engineers report that the water level increased 13 inches in the past year.  Story from WWMT-TV - Kalamazoo, MI.

6)  The former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich just can't keep his mouth shut.  After he was impeached, he got a book deal.  Now, yesterday, he filled in for WLS Radio host and he said that he was 'hijacked' out of office.  Details from WBAY-TV - Green Bay, WI.  Hijacked?  Seriously?

7)  FOXNews.com reports an interesting story here.  How long does it take men to fall in love??? Amazingly, less than 10 seconds.  Humm ...

8)  The Patriot-News in Harrisburg has announced furloughs for all of it's full-time employees, and changes to their retirement savings plans.  But it's not all doom-and-gloom.  WGAL-TV in Lancaster, PA reports on a alternative MONTHLY newspaper that is striving.  As much as I love WGAL, I think they need to stress more that being a MONTHLY newspaper is MUCH different than a daily paper.  So, of course advertising papers would come in.  No brainer.

9)  Al Gore is putting the final touches on the heavily awaited follow-up book to 'An Inconvenient Truth'.  It was supposed to come out a year ago, but now it will come out this fall.  Story from The San Diego Union-Tribune - San Diego, CA.

And finally ...

10)  Looks like China has blocked YouTube.  There is no reason for this, but rumors are spreading.  Details from CNN World.

Also ...

Remember that American Idol is on tonight, starting at 8.  I should have live twittering of the whole event tonight.  So make sure you watch or go to my Twitter page.  Tonight's theme is Motown.  Should be a great night.

-- matt

10 Stories ... 3/24/2009

Well let's try this 10 stories thing again.  I hope that Safari and Google Reader acts nicely together for me to do this.  I added even more RSS feeds that could be pulled up for any story, so that should be good.

1:  We start this evening off with a writer that only writes good stories.  Very good read.  From KTRV-TV Nampa, ID.

2:  Now an update on Lance Armstrong.  Looks like he had a biking accident and he broke his collarbone.  Now he had surgery.  But the recovery looks positive.  Details from KSWO-TV Lawton, OK.

3:  Looks like polls are varied for President Obama.  Zogby had his approval/popularity rating at 49%.  Story from WHAM-TV Rochester, NY.  Personally, I think it's WAY too early for this to happen, poll wise.  Give the man at least a year before you make pointless polls.

4:  An interesting article now from SF Weekly, San Francisco.  They write about wether or not musicians should start twittering for their music fans.  Interesting read.

5:  As you know, Hurricane Ike ravaged Galveston, Texas last summer.  Some areas are still a wasteland.  However, that did not stop this year's college spring breakers.  Businesses there said there was great business.  Story from KFDA-TV Amarillo, TX.

6:  Soon it will be the 20 year anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill up in Alaska.  KTVA-TV in Anchorage, AK looks at that upcoming anniversary and investigate on wether or not it could happen again.

7:  President Obama is scheduled to be the commencement speaker at Notre Dame University on May 17th.  However, there are plenty of Catholics that are not liking this idea.  And now the Bishop of South Bend, is planning on not attending.  Details from CNN.

8:  ABCNews.com takes an interesting look at the projects NASA would like to do in the years to come.  Yes, it is the moon, and beyond.  Great read.

9:  Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are in Chicago, IL for a visit on how Chicago would handle the Summer Olympic games, if they get it for the year 2016.  Details from Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL.

And finally ...

10:  Octomom has some of her kids home from the hospital, after she gave birth to 8 children.  She got a new home, on our dollar and now another controversy is developing.  She fired her volunteer nurses after she said that they were 'unprofessional'. Story from KPIX-TV San Francisco.  Now, tell me this ... is that really unprofessional?  Or is it unprofessional to have 8 kids, and then before that 6?  Seriously.

-- Matt

UPDATE: Obama Apologies

Now an update to the commentary that I put on my blog earlier this morning.

From the AP: Obama apologies for Special Olympics gaffe

REACTION/THOUGHTS:
Not sure if I would call this a gaffe or not. There are better words.

However, it is good to see that Obama realized that he made a mistake, and called the head of the Special Olympics before his appearance on The Tonight Show aired. This is a step in the right direction and I am glad he took responsibilty.

-- Matt

The President & the Special Olympics

Talking Point: ABC News article

Ok ... everyone here knows I like the President and everything he has done lately. The President is taking some flack about going to California and going on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday night. I personally don't have a problem with it. But, I do have a problem about the 'Special Olympics' comment.

Obama's haters say that he is much different when the teleprompter is not there. I don't question that. Hell, we just survived 8 years of a brain-dead guy who didn't care about the American people.

But, as a person who not only once attend and participate Special Olympics, I do have some pointed opinions on Obama's Special Olympics comment. Sure, it was innocent. Sure, most would say I am looking at this WAY too much and taking it way too seriously. But I think the Special Olympics should not be mentioned and or teased.

Sure, his PR people apologized. But you know what? Obama should apologize himself. Sorry, this topic is way too touchy for someone one to apologize. Write my name down this morning as a bit disappointed.

-- matt

American Idol ... Results 3/18/09

Bottom 3:
Allison
Alexis
Michael

Going home:
Alexis

Theme next week:
The 50 years of Motown

Interesting to note that the judges were considering saving Alexis, but they chose not to.

Should be interesting next week. Keep in mind, due to Obama's Presidential news conference Tuesday night, American Idol will be on WEDNESDAY NIGHT and THURSDAY NIGHT.

-- Matt

American Idol In Review: 3/17/2009

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON IDOL ...

• Country week is a tough week. And it was for all of the contestants. But it was surprisingly watchable.
  
  
• Randy Travis was the mentor. Didn't his wife look scary btw?
  
  
• I have the following in the bottom 3: Allison .... Adam ... Lil Rounds
  
  
• Allison is picked for the bottom 3 because the song that she sung was a hard-core country song, but of course she put here rock edge to it. Not the thing to do.
  
  
• Adam was picked (even though I am not comfortable nominating him) because of the song he sung, it was the most bizarre way of performing it. Ring of Fire is a great song. The Social Distortion version of the song is PRICELESS. However, Adam just did it just wow. Personally, I liked the song. I think he did great, but I really felt as if the crowd did not see it. Let's hope I'm wrong here.
  
  
• Lil Rounds was picked because of it being the song that she did. Once she went to the chorus, she belted out the song great. But she was out of her element tonight, and I think that she will be in for a reality check soon.
  
  
• Danny Gokey was also disappointing tonight and I think that his shine is starting to fade just a little bit. His song choice was absoltuely terrible, and a song I really really don't like. I think he will be safe, but I am starting to worry about him.
  
  
• Anoop really did step up his game tonight, and I am happy for him. I think he will definately be safe, but will America agree???
  
  
• I am starting to feel that Scott's shine is starting to fade too. I agreeded with Paula that perhaps the piano is starting to be a crutch. I really think that he needs to perform without the piano for a few weeks. Not to punish him keep in mind, but to show his range that he could have.
  
  
• The person I really am starting to think is just great is Matt. He really showed his range. To be fair, perhaps he should perform next week without the piano. But you know what, Matt is really starting to be the person to beat. Last week, Randy Jackson said that last week, he sounded like Justin Timberlake. This week, Michael Buble .... what will it be next week??? Robin Thicke?! I hope so. I think Matt is the best person in the competition. Feel me, America?
  
  
• How about Megan Joy?! I was really impressed that she was in the hospital with type B flu and she belted out that tune. She is an impressive girl and I think that she will stay for a while.
  
  
• Kris did an alright job. I think it was strange that he rehersed with a guitiar and then performed on stage without it. I think that was a smart and great move. His voice is good as well.
  
  
• Alexis was something else too. For a Dolly Parton looking girl, she certainly did good for her song. But maybe she will go home soon. But not this week.
  
  
• And finally, Michael. I really did think he did alright. And I predicted that he would probably be the strongest person. However, my mom and cousin both think he might be gone. I tell you what, if he did, that would be a shame.

RECAP ...
In conclusion, I think that Allison will be gone Wednesday night. Her time is done on Idol. She is only 16 years old. Her voice is not fully developed yet and I think she knows this. If that happens, I really don't think the judges will veto it either.

Thoughts???

-- Matt

Random Thoughts: 3/17/2009

Hi all. Your trusty blogger is back with some things you need to know:

1) Apple Inc., today had a press conference/roundtable discussion informing us on the upcoming iPhone/iPod Touch 3.0 Software Update. This will be a major update for the powerful communication device, with over 100 new features. The major new features include true 'turn by turn GPS directions', a voice recorder, Spotlight search, among other great things. The update will ship this summer. It will be free for iPhone customers, and $9.95 for iPod Touch customers. Can't wait. The best is about to get better.

2) Don't forget that American Idol is tonight. Country music is the theme tonight (major sleep time) and Randy Travis is the mentor. Even though this is not my genra of music, I am planning on live tweeting the event (don't expect any high marks), although I may be a bit behind.

3) Speaking of Twitter, let me invite you again to my Twitter page. I am really getting hooked into this new method of social networking. But Twitter is much more than that. It is becoming the new way news and information is being sent out. I have twitter feeds to TV stations across the US. And the people following me is increasing. If I only had this on my blog. lol.

4) WGAL's 60th Anniversary is tomorrow, and tonight, they are offering a great way to see how TV news is done. Today, starting at 5, they are offereing 2 live video feeds offerring behind the scene access, and a webchat where you can post questions. Tomorrow, they will have a special 1 hour documentary on the history of the station, hosted by NBC's Williard Scott. WGAL is a pioneer in the television industry, and I wish them congratulations on this achievement.

5) Looks like New Line Cinema has given the green light for a 'MacGyver' movie. Oh yeah. The original 24 is going to be on the big screen. Awesomeness.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

-- Matt

American Idol Country Week Preview

Well, friends and readers, we might as well get this over with.

AMERICAN IDOL PREVIEW ... Week of March 18th

THEME: Country music, songs chosen from the songbook of the 'Grand Old Opry'

MENTOR: Randy Travis

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PERFORMER: Carrie Underwood duet with Randy Travis. Also performance by Brad Pasley.

I never been a fan of country music. I think that country music kills brain cells. And it often does. But we have to cater to all people and all tastes, so let's just keep our chins up, grin and bear it, and then on to better weeks.

I think most of the people in this competition will have trouble this week. Adam Lambert and/or Anoop will probably have the worst trouble this week. They just don't fit the country mold. And neither does the girls, and I think most of them will do poorly. Country is a hard genre, especially for this talented group. The guy who most likely will do well is Michael.

Let's see if I am right.

-- matt

American Idol Recap

First of all, posting this via iPhone. With new bloglite app. I love technolgy.

Now, idol was good tnte. Was suprised with Jasamine going home, but not Jorge. Judges did not use their newly given veto power.

I am split on this new Veto power, but it will spice things up for sure.

--Matt

Article: The 10 Most Endangered Newspaper in America

This is from Time Magazine.

A sobering assessment on to what major newspapers will not survive 2009. If any of these newspapers cease publication it will be a major hit to this industry.

Thoughts?

-- matt

Another gem coming to Philly

Now a good post about Philadelphia.

Aside from it's lackluster sports history, Philadelphia is one of the greatest cities in America.

It's history is written in stone as the birthplace of the United States of America. It was the origin of American Bandstand. And who could forget the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak.

Well, another thing that Philadelphia is known for is it's skyline. Driving along the Schuykill River down the expressway (southbound at City Ave), you see your first glimpse of this majestic skyline. And it keeps getting better. Phillyskyline.com is an excellent resource and website that keeps you up-to-date with all the goings on, and is an amazing photo site.

But there is 2 high profile projects that are coming up for this skyline. First is the American Commerce Center, which will be taller than the Comcast Center, when it is completed in 2012. The one I want to focus on for his post however is Cira Centre South.

Cira Centre South
Photo Courtesy of University of Pennsylvania

This new gem is coming to the city and should be completed by year 2011.

I can't wait til this thing is done. Well done Philly.

-- Matt

Tonight on American Idol ...

Theme: The songs of Michael Jackson

Also keep in mind that I live tweeter the whole show. Raw comments, as I think of them while the contestants perform. Check it out tonight.

-- Matt

The logic of being a football fan ...

... Can get you fired. Seriously.

Case in point here from the classless Philadelphia Eagles.

A employee spouted off on Facebook about his disgust about the Brian Dawkins being taken by the Denver Broncos. He said that the Eagles organization has to be 'retarded' to let such a guy go.

Well, the Eagles organization found out about this, and was promptly let go from his position within the team.

Look, I know how people feel when their favorite player leaves a team you love (Terrell Owens/Buffalo Bills), but come on, have a sense of reality and logic. NOTHING on the internet is private these days. I personally feel that if you are in a high profile job or with a very public organziation, you need to keep your online presence to a bare minimum. This includes making silly comments on NFL players, and the TEAM YOU WORK FOR.

What an idiot.

But I can't be too surprised here ... We are talking about Philadelphia Eagles fans here. They operate with their brains not reaching the top floor.

-- Matt

Just a few things ...

Hello everyone and good evening.

1) Remember to turn your clocks 1 hour ahead tonight. SPRING FORWARD. Yeah, we lose and hour of sleep, but gain and hour of sunlight in the evening. I think that is a fair trade. Eh? Remember also to check the batteries of your fire/smoke alarm. This is very easy to do, only takes a few minutes. And the life you could be saving could be yours, or your loved ones. Please don't forget.

2) As I have written before on this blog nearly every week, the perils of the newspaper business continues with this downward economy. Some papers are not continuing. Word is that Seattle's Post-Intelligencer will become a 'web-only' newspaper like Boston's 'Christian Science Monitor'. To the people of Seattle, I am sorry that has to happen. But I rather have an online only newspaper than nothing at all. There will be newspapers that survive this slaughter. One way of doing this is by 'hyperlocalism'. That means an intense non-stop coverage of everything local. One newspaper that gets this is our hometown newspaper, The Patriot-News. At this link (make sure you download March 4th show), you will find a podcast of WITF's Smart Talk. They had Patriot-News Editor and Publisher John Kirkpatrick and the head executive of PNA (Pennsylvania Newspaper Assoication). The topic was the state of newspapers. If you have the hour, please check it out. You will not be disappointed. Newspapers are a vital and very important part of our history and communities. They must survive, and they will.

3) Well, how about American Idol. They now have a top 13 instead of 12. Which is good. I would have wished that Tatiana would have made it through. But we all can't get what we want. This is the guys year on Idol. Just watch. The best only begun. Also, I would like to invite you to my Twitter page. Here you can join me for LIVE tweetering of Idol performance nights. I may be a little late since I don't get home til like 8:30ish, but I tend to catch up quick. This is a neat and raw way to know my thoughts on every performance, and I also make my prediction at the end of the show. Plus, Twitter is also neat to just know what is up, right at that moment. Check it out.

4) I will be in Gettysburg tomorrow for a friend's sporting event. That should be fun. I think it's at Gettysburg College. Nice small school.

I should get some rest. Have a great night all.

-- Matt

Terrell Owens: Goodbye Dallas, Hello ...

Buffalo Bills ....

Yes. The Buffalo Bills.

They signed him to a 1 year, close to a $7 mill contract. Not to bad of a payday.

I do wonder however .... why did they only do 1 year? Was it perhaps to see how he does in the new season? Or perhaps was it that they know they he waits to start drama until after the 2nd season?

Also, what an inappropiate comment in today's Patriot-News Sports Fan Line about T.O. "hey t.o.. Can you say, 'Welcome to Wal-Mart'". How rude. Classless. Wait, that must have been an Eagles fan.

-- Matt

More post-T.O. coverage ...

More and more commentary is coming out reguarding the Cowboys dumping of Terrell Owens.

Here is 2 articles I hand-picked:

1) T.O. Is Out - The Incredible Cowboys Blog

2) If Jerry Jones Thinks Your Past Is a Problem ... - Washington Post Column

-- Matt

Cowboys Release Terrell Owens

Rumored for weeks, but yet what I didn't want to see happen, the Dallas Cowboys late last night released WR Terrell Owens, after 3 years with the storied NFL team.

In a personal note, I feel that this is a very bad move for the Dallas Cowboys. Yeah, T.O. was a loud mouth. But you know what? He was passionate about his team. He was passionate about us getting to the Super Bowl next year. And now, at least that will happen without him. He was my favorite player on the team. It is almost like I am in mourning today.

As I mentioned above, this was rumored for weeks. However, I didn't think that Jerry Jones would be so foolish to at least indulge possibly letting such a talent go. Now, T.O. can go anywhere. I really doubt that he would go to Philly, considering the history he has with them. Same with the Giants. My prediction: I think the Oakland Raiders might be interested in him, and perhaps, just perhaps the Washington Redskins.

Finally on this topic before I close, I think that Jerry Jones really needs to explain in depth and without BS why he decided to do this. Reaction this morning from Dallas fans within the big D area has been overwhelming positive and happy over this move. Is there something I'm missing here? Until Jerry explains himself, I have a feeling that he have just shot ourselves in the foot in this. And I also think that we will maybe in the long run regret this decision. I hope I'm wrong.

Take care,
-- Matt