Why Mike Nutter Won the Democratic Primary

Conventional wisdom about Philadelphia politics died on May 16th, 2007. It was on this day that myths about Michael Nutter came crashing down along with the canards about whose get-out-the-vote machine was most effective and the importance of union support. The election debunked all of the “Myths about Michael”. Apparently the guy who didn’t have a base and couldn’t raise money, did have a base (Brady, Evans, and Fattah only received a few thousand more votes - combined – than Michael) and could raise money (Michael raised more money from more people than anybody else).

But I think there are two basic reasons why Nutter won (1) He was more committed, focused and disciplined than the other candidates. He quit his job ten months out and focused on nothing else; (2) The second reason has two components: (a) Nutter was simply the most qualified candidate in terms of charisma, character, intelligence, progressivism and vision; and (b) the high visibility of candidates during this election cycle (i.e., myriad public forums, audio and video podcasts, etc.) made Nutter’s superior qualifications self-evident to a broad cross-section of Philadelphians.

Michael Bloomberg: Flexibility is Overrated

From the Inquirer, Michael Nutter met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who told Michael Nutter that "the key to running a big city is establishing your priorities, sticking to them, and not letting anyone, including the press, force you off them". I know that Mike Nutter will be that kind of leader.

Al Gore & New Orleans

Here’s an interesting post from Dailykos about Al Gore’s actions after the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.

Green Fest Philly

Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, 11am-6pm
South Street, between 7th & 11th

Philadelphia is going green - come find out which organizations and businesses are improving the environmental quality of life in our City. This street festival will feature music, food, art and more than 100 exhibitors. It's called Greenfest Philly.

Grand Central Station for Al Gore News

Here's the place to go for the latest on erstwhile - and possibly future - presidential candidate. GoreHub.com.

Pennsylvania for Gore

The Pennsylvania for Gore website is here.

Current TV

My new favorite TV channel is Current TV, Current TV is an independent media company led by some guy named Al Gore. Much of the content is "viewer created" and the format is fast-paced and information-rich. It's channel 107 on Comcast, at least in Northwest Philadelphia where I'm watching it.

Al Gore for President?

Al Gore for President. I have been a supporter of Al's since the 1980's. I have a signed copy of Earth in the Balance. When he won the election in 2000, I was excited because this country was going to have the most environmentally conscious leader in our history. Alas, due to Republican chicanery, it was not to be. If you're interested in the "Draft Al Gore" movement, here's one place you can sign an on-line petition.

Friday Agricultural Factoid: Just Peachy

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth ranks 5th in the nation for peach production, growing more than 26,000 tons of peaches each year.

Mike Nutter's Visit to Chicago

A clip on Michael Nutter's visit to Chicago can be found here.

Is the Phantatic a Vegan?

Citizens Bank Park - home of the Phillies - was recently voted the "Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark in North America" by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Philadelphia-based ARAMARK provides concessions at the ballpark, including a veggie dog, flame-grilled gardenburger and Philly mock-steak sandwich. The stadium also offers vegetarian subs and wraps, and tomato pie.

Starbucks, meet Saxbys

A Philadelphia-based coffee chain has plans to go national. Its first store will open shortly in Wayne (PA), with 60 Philadelphia-area locations planned for the first part of 2008 and other locations coming online across the country as well. Saxby's Coffee is headquartered at the Curtis Center along Independence Mall in the Old City section of Philadelphia.

Friday Agricultural Factoid

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the average vegetable travels almost 1,500 miles from farm to grocery store. That's nearly 30 times the distance of foods purchased from local farms. Here's a great idea; visit a farmers' market. Fresher food that's easier on the planet.

Pet Adoptions Up in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), set a record in July when 1,017 animals brought to the shelter found good homes. The adoption rate is a 50 percent increase over the previous record. Adoptions were accelerated by PAWS' annual feline-adoption program, in which the fee is lowered from $24 to $1. This reduced adoption fee remains in effect until the end of August.

Friday Agricultural Factoid: A Few Days Late

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, August is Produce Month. Pennsylvania is home to 3,500 farm families who manage more than 48,000 acres of vegetable crops and produce more than 240,000 tons of vegetables.

PhillyCarShare + Bicycles = Velib'

The City of Paris (France, not Texas) has created a "bicycle transit system" called Velib'. Parisians and visitors will be able to pick up and drop off bicycles throughout Paris at 750 locations — offering a total of 10,648 bikes. By the end of 2007, there will be a Velib’ station approximately every 900 feet for a total of 1,451 locations and 20,600 bikes. I want "BikeFreedom" to come to Philadelphia!

Annapolis Promotes Scooters and Bikes

In an attempt to get citizens into alternative transportation modes, the City of Annapolis will launch a program this fall to increase the use of electric scooters and bikes. As part of the "Annapolis Pass" program - a partnership with local scooter and bicycle retailers - those who buy scooters and bikes will get discounts at local businesses.

Cherry Street is Dead, Long Live Cherry Street (Su Xing House)

While the demise of Cherry Street Vegetarian was difficult for me, I have found a worthy if not better replacement; Su Xing House at 1508 Sansom Street. It's delicious and very affordable. If you're looking for great Chinese vegetarian, this is the place. It's a B.Y.O.B. and yes, they deliver.