A Rubber Door » Philadelphia

85 dogs convince me to not move into Philadelphia

Speener — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:03:26 +0000

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This is one of the saddest stories I’ve read in a long time. How does a city allow something like this happen? 7 years of complaints, 87 dogs (including two dead), two cats, and a stench that caused even the most experienced PSPCA officers to leave the house for a break. How does this happen? One word: bureaucracy.

The story about 739 Earp St. on Philadelphia Weekly is pretty amazing. This one article convinced me that I should stay in the suburbs. The fact that these taxpayers complained to the city government, city council, the PSPCA, Licensing and Inspections – and were unable to get any of them to act until a false tip was called in, tells me all I need to know about my hometown.

One thing about living in my small town, just outside of Philly – if something is happening that I want to ask about, I can call or email my councilperson and expect a response. I don’t know how these people dealt with it for as long as they did. I would have gotten in trouble.

So for all of that, I’ll stay in the suburbs. Close enough to enjoy, but far enough away to comfortably ignore and remain blissful.

Where are the Philly police

Spencer — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:24:01 +0000

I recently returned to work for a non-profit in Center City Philadelphia. It’s great to be back in the city, it makes me feel more a part of things. Because of the cold, my walk has been limited to about seven blocks. What’s crazy is what I haven’t seen in this time.

It’s been a little more than 3 weeks and I’ve yet to see my first police officer aside from those whizzing by in their cars. Not one policeman or woman walking a beat. No directing of traffic, no standing on the corner making sure there’s no trouble.

It’s not like there isn’t a need – there is a total disregard for traffic laws by drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. There are intersections where blocking the box is the rule. And what happened to the blitz on renegade bicyclists? Seems like it lasted a day. And while they’re at it, there are too many pedestrians that could use a jaywalking ticket. And maybe a visible presence on the streets would prevent the bank robberies that happened downtown recently.

It seems to me that policing shouldn’t be limited to cars, subways, airports, and ghettos. It seems that the Philadelphia Police are only focused on anyone carrying a gun or selling drugs. That’s all well and good, but for the other 99% of situations that deserve their attention, it’s every man, woman, and child for themselves.

Yet another place for me to write

Spencer — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:01:42 +0000

So yesterday I posted that I am writing for the Philadelphia Examiner – it’s about time I mentioned my new blog: Orangeliners.com, a blog about Philly sports.

One thing that I noticed here is that the readership I had cultivated wasn’t as much interested in sports talk, but I wanted to write about it. I figured it would help me to have the two distinct sites. I haven’t quite found my voice there, but I’m hoping to grow that site into an interesting destination covering all Philly sports.

If you’re interested in writing for the site – let me know either through the contact form or leaving a comment here. Kristen will stop in every once in awhile to provide the woman’s point of view. Also would love for to subscribe to the blog or it’s twitter feed.

Or just stop by and join into the conversation.

70′s era Phillies take another hit: Danny Ozark RIP

Spencer — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:05:53 +0000

This has been a tough year for Phillies fans that grew up in the 70′s as I did. First Harry Kalas and now Danny Ozark. Ozark was not as beloved as Kalas – he managed the Phils for 7 years and never made the World Series, but without him, the Phillies don’t win the series in 1980. Those teams he had in the 70′s were fun to watch – Cash, Bowa, Maddox, Schmidt, Luzinski, Carlton, Johnstone, McGraw, among others.

No he didn’t win the series, but he set the stage and was part of the most successful stretch in history for the Phillies – from 1976-1983.

Ozark is survived by his wife, Ginny, two children and three grandchildren.

SEPTA needs to move into the 20th century

Spencer — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:45:55 +0000

On my way into Philly to meet some former co-workers for a drink. I’m taking SEPTA public transit and I’ll give them props when deserved but today the deserve complaints. SEPTA charges extra for buying tickets on the train but provides no way to buy tickets ahead of time at most stations. No online e-tickets, no ticket machines, and few ticket counters with decent hours. What’s worse is that SEPTA tickets expire, so you can’t buy a few in advance and just keep them around.

In this day and age, with all the technological advances available this simply makes no sense.

SEPTA – you can do better than this.

Philadelphia Eagles Draft Advice

Spencer — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:03:07 +0000

This is more for the fans than the Eagles. I’ve been hearing all the fans and media talk about trading our last remaining 1st round pick for Anquan Boldin. While I would love for Boldin to play for the Eagles, everyone needs to realize there are more pressing concerns. Brian Westbrook has never been the picture of durability, and he’s turning 30. If the Eagles have a chance to find a back that can replace him, they absolutely need to do that. If that means they need to trade up to get Knowshon Moreno or Chris “Beanie” Wells, they need to do that. If this means they can’t trade for Boldin, then so be it.

Listen to me here: wide receiver is the least important offensive position on the field. The offensive line, quarterback, and running back are much important to an offense in that order. I’m including the tight end in the O-line, but if you want to separate it, then yes – WR is more important than TE. Having a top notch WR is gravy and if you’re deficient in any of the other positions, fix those first. The Eagles can boldly address a huge problem at the RB position, and a Ryan Moats type 2nd round pick ain’t going to do it.

Thank goodness the Eagles rarely listen to the fans and press, don’t start now.

Thank you Harry

Spencer — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:27:21 +0000

Baseball won’t be the same.

A little of my childhood died today with Harry Kalas

Spencer — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:25:15 +0000

Today the Philadelphia Phillies lost one of the true icons of not just this city, but from within the game of baseball. Harry Kalas was the voice of baseball in my youth – he and Richie Ashburn brought both radio and TV to games to millions of fans for decades. It never seemed the same when Ashburn died in 1997, and now that last tie between my childhood and today is gone.

I played a lot of baseball as a kid, and I dreamed of one day playing for my beloved Phillies. I pretended to hit home runs in the backyard and would mimic Kalas’ “Outta Here” home run call as I did it. For me, I couldn’t watch every game – I often listened on my little Radio Shack AM radio. The game is so different these days. With so many mediums for tracking sports, as well as so many distractions, the day of the old school broadcaster that became the image of a team, is a thing of the past. I feel lucky that I was able to enjoy the game through Harry for so many years.

Last week I went to go see the Phillies get their World Series rings on a crisp cool Wednesday day game. Harry the K through out the first pitch and then Kristen and I got a bite to eat at the restaurant in left field that bears Harry’s name. The Phillies eventually fell behind 10-2 by the seventh inning, at which point we left the game. The Phillies eventually came back and won that game. Harry Kalas had to watch a lot of bad games in his years, and he couldn’t leave.

I am so happy that Harry had a chance to call a World Series victory and see his Phillies win. Within hours of the victory, I received a number of links to Harry’s call of the last pitch of that game because everyone knew, it’s not a big game in Philadelphia without hearing Harry’s call. My heart is heavy today and I honestly shed a tear for Harry.

Rest in Peace Harry – Philadelphia will miss you.

Other tributes from around the web:

Pictures from around South Philadelphia

Spencer — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:54:16 +0000

Took a little of my free time to go out with a friend yesterday and take some photos around South Philadelphia. Here are the results.

Phinally!

Spencer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:55:00 +0000

The cork on a 25 year-old bottle of champagne was just popped.

I remember the last time the Phillies won. I was 12 years old, watching the game on the edge of my parents bed. My dad, a nurse, had to work 11 pm to 7 am – and waited as long as he could, but missed the end. I’m sure he heard the commotion on the way to work. Tonight he was the first person I called. Just as it was 28 years ago, he was on his way to work, and waited as long as he could. This time he was able to see that last pitch.

With one pitch, the ghosts of over 100 seasons were exised. The weight that the Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers has just been lifted and now they can just play. And I feel so happy for these guys.

Bob Boone, Pete Rose, Manny Trillo, Larry Bowa, Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Garry Maddox, Bake McBride, Steve Carlton, Tug McGraw, Lonnie Smith, Keith Moreland, Marty Bystrom, Bob Walk, Dick Ruthven, Del Unser, Greg Gross…

Those were the guys I remember from the 1980 Phillies. I’ll remember them forever. They come around to Philadelphia, they don’t buy a drink, we all remember them as they were 28 years ago. These guys now have that. Remembered forever.

Thank you every much for making a not old, but not young man so happy. And tomorrow I get to remember how this will make the Mets fans feel.