Staff Blog
Morning Rounds, October 31st
Halloween, now famous for candy and generic yet revealing costumes (over/under on variations of the “slutty Palin” costume meme is set at 250), actually has quite the history to it. As the son of a mother who spends her professional life “banishing demons” (long story, but no joke) I’ve had the pleasure of hearing this story.
According to both Chinese and Celtic lore, Halloween is time of the year when the veils between the worlds are thin - when, apparently, those who have passed over can reach back and connect with you. I was taught that tradition of giving children candy is born out of this (no explanation was ever given for the slutty costumes), that we give candy to children because they are said to be the ancestors reborn…and we want to give them sweetness, keep them happy. It is a time when you supposedly have a chance to face your past, conquer it, and make amends.
For years this city has been talking about a parade, how a parade will change everything and how a parade is all we want. About how a parade will put our tortured history to bed and allow us, as a city, to move on.
Today, on All Hallows Eve, with the spirits of the past near, we have our parade. Go enjoy (and lets not steal a firetruck this time, alright?).
 |
| photo: Pat Rapa |
“How can I celebrate when the nation’s economic output is the weakest it’s been since the third quarter of 2001?” - Cole Hamels, counting down “The Top Ten Things That Went Through Cole Hamels’ Mind after Winning the World Series” last night on Letterman.
Three lines on their world:
- The Lakers inked Andrew Bynum
- The NBA is making plans to hold it’s all star game outdoors
- And there is quite the SEC showdown this weekend
Three lines on ours:
Phillies, Birds, Sixers, Flyers and what everyone is talking about after the jump
PHILLIES
20th to Market all the way down to the Stadiums. Enjoy it Philly.
We’ll try to have a full ‘championship rounds’ when everything is said and done, but these links are all from today.
READ
Paul Hagen reports that Charlie heard all of the naysayers and taunts, didn’t react, and won.
Bob Ford says that Charlie isn’t going to hear those taunts in this city again.
*if you can only read one Phil Sheridan writes a boys-on-the-bus column about the immediate aftermath of the win.
Marcus Hayes looks at the times the Phillies’ heroes were discarded. It’s full of some great notes (Jayson Werth almost left baseball to play D1 football … in 2006?!)
Rich Hofmann says that Wednesday night was about family, and about who was sitting next to you when the championship finally came.
Bob Ford steps back and looks at everything else that could have been.
John Gonzalez checks the city’s heart rate, calls our Mayor Nutter, and plugs Ted and his car.
Randy Miller on the players’ immediate reactions.
Randy Miller on Chase Utley’s Jeteresque game-saver.
SKIP
Stan Hochman writes that the Phillies won despite Bud Selig.
Bob Ford looks at Pat Burrell’s swan song.
Cole Hamels’ appeared on Letterman.
Paul Hagen reports on what Phillies’ memorabilia is headed to the HOF.
Jane M. Von Bergen reports on the looting.
Barbara Laker and Anna Hyclak look at the damage done.
Barbara Boyer and Andrew Maykuth talk to the police.
Chuck Bausman looks at Mitch Williams‘ last two experiences with October baseball.
Kevin Cooney talks celebration.
EAGLES
Bob Cooney talks to the good-neighbor Eagles. READ
Paul Domowitch talks to the good-neighbor Eagles organization. READ
In his notes, Bob Brookover says the Phillies win is good for McNabb, DeSean Jackson has officially passed Reggie Brown on the depth chart, and more. SKIP
Les Bowen looks at the the threat of the Seattle’s tight end. SKIP
Paul Domowitch scouts the teams and pick’s the Birds. READ
Bob Brookover talks with a concussed L.J. Smith. SKIP
Rueben Frank on the Eagles’ reactions to the Phillies’ win. SKIP
SIXERS
Phil Jasner reports that the Sixers, too, would like to win a championship. Thanks for that. SKIP
Kate Fagan says the Sixers are ready to move on from their opening night loss. READ
FLYERS
Break up the Flyers. Jeff Carter and co. won their forth straight. READ
Ed Moran reports that Steve Downie is back with the Flyers. SKIP
Sam Cardichi’s notes say that the Flyers, too, would like to win a championship. Thanks for that. SKIP
TODAY and MORE
Today is for the fans, and we’ll be amongst them cheering. We have high hopes of championship rounds, blog championship rounds, NFL picks, an investigation into the whole Firetruck rumor, and more … but honestly, who knows if they’ll even be a city after this parade is over.
As always, feel free to email with any questions, suggestions, comments or complaints.
