Wordpress v. Blogger

I've finally gotten organized and have moved all of my juicy content from this blog over to my new Wordpress site. I'm setting up this site to redirect soon, but for now check out my new site:

alexirwin.wordpress.com

Art I Like: Julio Cesar Morales

A friend at work brought a poster of this work back from California for me. The artist, Julio Cesar Morales, is part of the Los Angeles County Art Museum's Phantom Sightings Exhibit. Coming from my friend, Morales' work represents the ways illegal immigrants have attempted to enter the United States. I really like the extra element this brings to the simple watercolors. I couldn't find a Web site with a good gallery, but a good ol' Google image search is definitely worth checking out.

[Image from e-flux.com]

Let them eat... St. Stephen's Green

The Philadelphia Inquirer is taking me out to dinner.

While attending the Bastille Day celebrations in Fairmount on Saturday, I stopped by the Philadelphia Inquirer booth. They had a raffle going on and (I assume) were selling subscriptions. I entered the raffle and continued on my French stroll about the Penitentiary.

This afternoon at work I got a voicemail stating that I had won a $25 gift certificate to St. Stephen's Green in the raffle. It's great news for me, but I wanted to tell the Inquirer to keep their money and pay someone an overtime hour. I have some spare cash to go out-- I'd rather see the paper stay afloat.

I also wrote my first two uwishunu.com posts this weekend about "Philadelphia UFO Awareness Day" and a PAMUFON event at GERM bookstore in Fishtown. The best news is that I will be able to write about St. Stephens for the blog as well, doubling up an enjoyable evening of free food with a cool post.

[Image courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer via London Grill]

Typo in the DEK for my most recent Daily News story.

Their mistake [intentional].

I've written a whole bunch of stories since I last updated here, both for The Daily News and The Temple News. My most recent is a cover-story collaboration with several other writers on the pending/current economic crisis in the U.S. and how it is affecting Philadelphians.

You can read the stories here: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/18388844.html

As you can see from the above image, somebody on the philly.com desk got their there/their/they're mixed up. It doesn't bother me, though. I'm just glad my story's getting some extra attention.

Thanks to Philadelphia Will Do, who thanks Brad at Phillyskyline.

B&C: Barack’s Bracket

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Barack's Bracket (3.21.08)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has taken a bit of time out of his uber-busy campaigning schedule and $10 out of his campaign fund to fill out a bracket for the NCAA tournament.

He shunned Temple, picking Michigan State to win in the first round. Who cares if he was right?

His final four picks: North Carolina over Kansas and UCLA over Pitt, with North Carolina winning it all.

CBS News has further analysis of his picks and their political connotations, here.

See Obama’s complete bracket here.

In other Obama basketball news, check out “Barry” Obama’s high school basketball highlight tape:

B&C: College gives iPhones to students

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: College gives iPhones to students (2.28.08)

Abilene Christian University will begin using iPhones and iPod Touches in their education process, according to a news story from the university. The cool devices will be used for homework alerts, class surveys, checking meal balances and over 15 other already designed web applications.

ACU’s student paper, the Optimist, has a blurb up on it as well.

No word from Temple on the wireless capabilities of the “Celebrate Temple Lanyard.” Stay tuned.

B&C: Former U.S. President Clinton Gives Speech at Penn

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Former U.S. President Clinton Gives Speech at Penn (2.28.08)

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton provided the opening address of the two-day Kerner Plus-40 Symposium at Penn’s Great Hall of the Irvine Auditorium today, The Temple News is the first to report.

The event was held to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Kerner Commission Report’s release on Feb. 29, 1968.

Clinton spoke for about an hour on a wide variety of issues, but did not mention his wife’s presidential campaign.

Check back tonight for TTN video coverage.

B&C: Name that sifaka

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Name that sifaka (2.28.08)

The Philadelphia Zoo just had a baby– a baby sifaka.

Sifaka: any of several diurnal mostly black-and-white lemurs (genus Propithecus) with a long tail and silky fur [m-w.com]

The Zoo wants your help naming it. The nominees are:

“Loka” (loo-ka): a Malagasy name meaning “Prize”
“Kapiky” (ka-PEE-kee): a Malagasy name meaning “nut”
“Eko” (eh-KO): a character name from the television show “Lost”
“Cozbi” (cos-BEE): Suggested write-in

Check out the website to vote.

B&C: Penn & Drexel to teach high school

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Penn & Drexel to teach high school (2.27.08)
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports today that Penn and Drexel are in talks to run two small high schools within the Philadelphia School District.

The two schools would be in the University City area, one focusing on international studies and the other on engineering and technology. The schools could open as early as September, 2009.

The collaboration would be the first in Philly, but similar joint-efforts have taken root around the country.

No word on why Temple is not involve or when we will get to run our own high school.

[Image courtesy of Disney].

B&C: Philadelphia raises taxi rates

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Philadelphia raises taxi rates (2.25.08)

According to the Associated Press, the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s Taxi and Limousine Division has approved a rate increase. The initial $2.70 charge will remain the same, but the per-mile charge will rise to $2.30 from $2.10. The change is set to take effect on June 2.

In other taxi news: as Philadelphia raises its fare price, New York City is developing, and mandating, green taxi cabs.

B&C: Philadelphia Scores Pro Soccer Team

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Philadelphia scores pro soccer team (2.22.08)On Feb. 28, Major League Soccer will tentatively announce plans to establish an expansion team in Chester, just outside of Philadelphia, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer article today.

The unnamed team will play in a $115 million yet-to-be-built, 18,500 person stadium.

Philadelphia is currently the largest city in the country without a MLS team.

Ed. Note: That may not actually be Alycia Lane. Stay tuned.

B&C: TN photographer shoots the moon

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: TN photographer shoots the moon (02.21.2008)

Temple News photographer Rachel Playe took some photos of last night’s total lunar eclipse. Check them out.

See also: Wired.com’s photos from the eclipse.

Stay tuned: Total solar eclipse Aug. 1, 2008.

B&C: The crepe truck's triumphant return

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: The crepe truck's triumphant return (02.21.2008)

The Temple Crepe Truck is back today after undergoing repairs yesterday and Monday. Oui love you!

Thanks to K.Mattioli for the tip.

B&C: Hart helps to pick Phila. School District CEO

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Hart helps to pick Phila. School District CEO (02.20.2008)
The Philadelphia School District’s CEO Search Advisory Committee recommended Arlene Ackerman (above) as the next CEO of the Philadelphia School District, the Philadelphia Daily News reported today. The five-person School Reform Commission, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and PA Gov. Ed Rendell had a say in the final decision.
As the Temple News reported, Hart served along with 44 other local leaders on the advisory committee in the six month search for a new CEO.
Nutter called Ackerman, “the right person for Philadelphia’s schools at the right time,” at a press conference yesterday. Ackerman’s previous experience includes leading the San Francisco and Washington, D.C. school districts.
(Photo courtesy of Philly.com)

B&C: Blockson collection settles in

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Blockson collection settles in (02.20.2008)

The Charles L. Blockson collection is being moved to its new permanent location in Sullivan Hall, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer article today.
As the Temple News reported, Dr. Diane D. Turner became the permanent curator of the collection in September, 2007. The collection contains over 500,00 artifacts chronically Afrian-American history.
Blockson retired as curator in 2006, but pushed for the $475,000 rennovations to Sullivan Hall prior to leaving.

B&C: Insert obligatory 'mooning'/Total Eclipse of the Heart here

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Insert obligatory 'mooning'/Total Eclipse of the Heart headline here (02.20.2008)

Tonight, between 10:01 p.m. and 10:51 p.m., a total lunar eclipse will be visible in South America, most of North America, Western Europe, Africa and Western Asia. The partial eclipse will first be visible at 8:43 p.m. and the whole thing will be over by 12:09 a.m.
There are usually two lunar eclipses a year, though a full lunar eclipse like tonight’s is much morerare. Keep an eye out for Saturn and the star Regalus, which will be visible tonight near the moon. The reflection of the moon usually drowns them out.

Predicted rain and snow in the Philadelphia area might make the eclipse tough to see, but the Franklin Institute has you covered:
Frankline Institute: Lunar Eclipse Event

More lunar eclipse info from NASA here.

B&C: Cheeks to Stick with Sixers

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Cheeks to stick with Sixers (02.20.2008)
According the the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks is close to signing a contract extension. The Sixer’s new president and general manager Ed Stefanski is apparently pleased with Cheeks’ work since coming on as head coach in the 2005-2006 season. He is on the last year of his contract, which is worth about $3 million this year.

B&C: Philadelphia is the nation's fifth most miserable city

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Philadelphia is the nation's fifth most miserable city (02.13.2008)

A recent Forbes.com article has ranked Philadelphia as America’s fifth most miserable city.
The ranking looks at cities’ unemployment, tax rates, commute time, weather, crime, and toxic waste locations.
Philadelphia’s downfalls were commute times, violent crimes, and toxic waste locations. It ranked in the top 20 in each of those categories.
The rest of the top five most miserable cities: Detroit, Mich, Stockton, Calif., Flint, Mich. and New York, NY.

B&C: Genneration Y wants more perks at work

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Generation Y wants more perks at work (02.07.2008)
According to a recent survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com and Harris Interactive, “Generation Y” employees (people born between 1980 and 1995) have a “exhibit a sense of entitlement that older generations don’t.”
The study said that younger employees better pay, flexible hours and company-provided cell phones.
Members of Generation Y, the lamest of all generation names, cite unpaid internships and high education costs are justification for demanding more time off and higher pay.
Apparently, some employers are going for it. 57 percent of employers allowed for more flexible work schedules and 33 percent created additional recognition programs. Employers cited growing Web 2.0 trends like Myspace and Youtube as a big reason to appease these snobby young employees.
Illustration by Mike Korostelev

B&C: Bill Cosby to lay it down

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Bill Cosby to lay it down (2.6.2008)

Temple’s favorite alumni and Board of Trustees member Bill Cosby is planning to release a hip-hop album titled State of Emergency, according to AllHipHop.com. Cosby, 70, has spoken out against vulgar rap music in the past, but his album is reportedly clean and issue oriented.
This album will be the Cos’ 35th to date.

B&C: Temple gets $5 million in anonymous cash

A blog post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Temple gets $5 million in anonymous cash (2.6.2008)



According to a Daily News article, Temple received two cashiers checks totalling $5 million dollars last Thursday. The checks, delivered in ordinary envelopes, were signed by cashiers at a Wells Fargo bank in Arizona.
One check was for $1 million and was intended for “general use” and the other was for $4 million to go towards scholarships for women and minority students. These instructions came in letters along with the checks.
Temple representatives said they may never know who the donor is, but confirmed that the checks are legit.

B&C: Temple boathouse gets shut down by city

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Temple boathouse gets shut down by city (1.29.2008)

Temple University received a notice late last Friday that the city’s Licenses and Inspections Dept. had sealed the East Park Canoe House, located on Kelly Drive at the Strawberry Mansion Bridge. The Temple men’s and women’s crew team, along with three local high schools, store their equipment in the house.
The notice cited building code violations. Assistant Director of Athletics Larry Dougherty said that Temple had no prior notice that the closing was happening. Temple staff, along with members of La Salle, Father Judge, and North Catholic high schools, have until Feb. 15 to remove equipment. Students are not allowed to enter the house. Dougherty said that the notice most likely was in reference to the damage on the exterior of the building, adding that Temple does not own the house.
“We haven’t seen the documentation. There is exterior damage to the building that can always affect the interior. We are tenants, the building is owned by the city,” he said.
A meeting between team representatives and the Fairmount Park Commission has been scheduled for Thursday, where a temporary storage solution will hopefully be determined.
“The rowing community has reached out to all of the schools to see where they can assist. We have been grateful for our neighbors who have reached out to both Temple and the high schools affected,” Dougherty said

B&C: Chimps are smarter than you are

A post I wrote for the Temple News blog, Broad & Cecil: Chimps are smarter than you are (12.05.2005)


A recent study at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees have a better short term memory than the college students they were pitted against in remembering a series of numbers from one to nine.
The study found that the chimps were no more accurate than the college students, but could select the correct order faster. One young chimp named Ayumu performed exceptionally well and was included in further tests. The college kids couldn’t even keep up after six months of training.
Apparently humans, and chimpanzees, lose the skills required for the test with age, so the next step is to see how the apes compete against younger humans.

B&C: Ron Paul does Philly.

I covered Ron Paul's Philadelphia rally in November 2007. Temple News photographer Rachel Playe also attended the event and created a photo slideshow. You can view the blog post, article, and slideshow here.

Clips and Stories

Below is a list of my clips from my various positions in journalism, which you can see on my resume here. I am always looking for freelancing opprotunities and chances to write about new issues and topics. Please feel free to contact me.

Philadelphia Daily News (c/o Philly.com):

Drug bust leads to a fighting menagerie

Two Middle East views, one hope: Peace

South Street Bridge: A storied span

Detours, detours: Community wants a better bridge

There's a frenzy at the Zoo, and everyone's hoppy about it

Another Center City Wawa bites the dust

Nutter weathers 1st snowstorm as mayor

Black History Month: Thinkers of the Past and Future

Phila. homicide hiatus gives way to 3 murders

The cops shutter Rosa Photo & an era ends

Suspect sought in 'cowardly' slay

The Temple News (c/o Temple-News.com):

Kahlo-culture comes to PMA

Ron Paul does Philly

On the road, she works to open minds

A friendly exchange of words

Former IH professor vying for vacant City Council seat

Assaults worry community

Renumbering could ease registration

Rules change at Anderson Food Court

Mayoral candidate makes campaign stop here

Law professor runs for U.S. Senate seat, wants to strike ‘lightning’ in Washington

Campus PNC Bank expanding

Podcasting available in every classroom

Cosby to speak at 2007 High Point grad