Friday Agricultural Factoid: Three Days Late

According to the Commonwealth's Department of Agriculture, tomatoes contribute over $26 million to Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2005, 3,900 acres of tomatoes were planted and harvested in the Commonwealth. Average yield was 13,500 pounds per acre, totaling 51 million pounds.

Rendell = Jobs

According to the AP, Pennsylvania added 49,500 jobs during the month of June, bringing the nonfarm jobs total to a record 5.75 million. “It’s encouraging because it’s past the pre-recession peak,” said Ryan Sweet of Economy.com. The unemployment rate was 4.7 percent for June, the 12th month it stayed below 5 percent.

Mike Nutter on Crime

"It is a matter of political will and determining how aggressive Philadelphians are prepared for policing to be to create a safe environment." City Paper’s Brian Hickey read these words in last Sunday’s Philadelphia Inquirer about Mike Nutter and saw them as “the words of a man willing to actually expend intellectual capital and find a fresh approach to saving Philadelphians' lives — the words of someone who, if he continues on such a path, might actually be able to make a difference.” After speaking with Nutter, Mr. Hickey “loved what [he] heard”. Read Brian’s impressions of Nutter and Mike's commitment to and vision for combating violence in Philadelphia here.

Nutter's Campaign Kick-Off Speech

Here's a link to Mike Nutter's campaign kick-off speech. He's intending to focus on three core issues at this point: public safety, education, and job creation.

Greenadelphia!

Greenadelphia! is a Philadelphia-based blog about environmental issues affecting the City and the region as well as issues of national and global importance. Check it out.

Friday Agricultural Factoid: Four Days Late (Again)

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, July is national ice cream month. In 1904, the first banana split was invented at Strickler’s Drug Store in Latrobe. Our state is ranked 4th nationally in ice cream production, manufacturing 41.6 million gallons every year.

Nutter for Mayor

Mike Nutter's got a new website; check it out when you get the chance.

Nutter Podcast Interview

From the Next Mayor Blog, there's a good podcast interview with my pick for Mayor, Michael Nutter.

Friday Agricultural Factoid: Four Days Late

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, sweet corn is a $32.4 million industry in our state. In 2005, 20,300 acres of sweet corn - intended for market - were planted. The average yield was 6,100 pounds per acre, totaling 108 million pounds for the Commonwealth.

It's Official: Nutter to Announce for Mayor

All are invited to join Michael A. Nutter as he announces his candidacy to be the next Mayor of Philadelphia. Here are the details:

Saturday, July 22, 2006
10:30 a.m.
5156 Parkside Avenue
Across from the Mann Music Center

Food, Drinks & a Fresh Direction for Philadelphia will be provided!

Accessible by SEPTA buses #40 & #52. Parking is available at the Mann Music Center.

Contact Nutter 2007 @ 215-545-9700 or www.nutter2007.com for more information.

Friedman...Out!!

I will be away for the next week vacation...posting highly unlikely. See you all when I get back.

Yea Baby! The Friday Agricultural Factoid!

According to the Commonwealth's Dept. of Agricutlure, the state provides $3 million in funding for its Farmers Market Nutrition Program, more than any other state in the country. While most states rely solely on federal funds, our state doubles the total amount available. This year, the program has assisted more than 250,000 people

Water Works Restaurant and Lounge: Opening Tomorrow

The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge opens tomorrow. It will offer an awesome view of the Schuylkill River and a Mediterranean-themed menu. The address is 640 Water Works Drive, just below the Philadelphia Art Museum. Their phone is (215) 236-9000.

Philadelphia History Through Photographs

The Philadelphia Department of Record's new blog features weekly updates that tell the story behind interesting historical photos and provide links to further information.

Cool Website: Short Films about Unique Neighborhoods

Check out a new website called Turnhere. This website features short films about unique neighborhoods and cool places throughout the world. Check out the ones about Old City and South Street.

MenuPages.com Launches in Philadelphia

MenuPages.com is now offering Philadelphia-area residents a fantastic dining and restaurant resource: philadelphia.menupages.com. The site includes complete menus for over 1,400 establishments, from pricey Center City establishments to neighborhood joints.

McClure for Council: Propitious Timing

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer this morning: "Candidate Matthew McClure had perfect timing last week when he lunged out of the gate for Michael Nutter's Council seat. The Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll lawyer happened to plan his first fund-raiser - friends and family only - for the day Nutter resigned. 'The timing was phenomenal,' McClure said, adding, 'I can't take credit for it.'" FYI, that fundraiser was tremendously successful, to be followed up by another one on Tuesday the 25th of July in the Fourth Councilmanic District, in Downtown East Falls. For more info about the event or the campaign, please email info@mcclureforcouncil.com.

Friday Agricultural Factoid: Three Days Late

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth is home to America's oldest fair - the York Fair - which began in 1765, 11 years before our nation was founded. Three other 200-year-old events, being recognized as Bicentennial Fairs this year, include the Reading Fair, the Washington Co. Fair and the Cumberland Ag Expo.