| Phillies - Rollins excited about having Feliz join the infield
JIMMY ROLLINS bopped into town, expecting to talk about winning the National League's MVP award. Instead, he found himself fielding a question that made his face break out in a grin as big as if he'd just started a tripleplay. "We got Pedro Feliz? Really?" he said last night before the annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill. "I didn't know that. That's great. That's great. Oh, man. Not too many ground balls will be getting through that left side again." Well, technically, the Phillies haven't signed the free-agent third baseman just yet. Feliz still has to pass a physical and the team still has to make room on the 40-man roster. But every indication is that within a few days it will become official that Feliz, the 32-year-old righthanded hitter who until now has spent his entire career in the San Francisco Giants organization, has agreed to a 2-year deal with an option for 2010 worth a reported $8.5 million.
Ledger Dad Impersonator Dupes Bullshit-Swallowing Nut Tom Cruise
A man claiming to be Heath Ledger's father Kim has been trying to scam stars. Weirdly he's been targeting Scientologists like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. (There's always been confusion between the two.) Actually, targeting Scientologists is a pretty genius plan. They clearly fall for bullshit and are quick to part with their money. Of all potential marks the man approached, it was Tom Cruise, the only man who can do anything about anything, who fell for the ruse the hardest. According to the Post, "The hoax began soon after Ledger, 28, was found dead...by the next day, a man claiming to be Kim Ledger managed to get Cruise on the phone, a source said." And guess what? Cruise believed the bullshit! Who would have thought!?! Over the next few days, he "had had a couple of conversations with" Cruise, asking for emotional support, said the source.
Obama, Huckabee win Iowa caucuses
The poor showing of Democratic Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd prompted them to abandon their presidential bids. Huckabee, who came from behind in recent weeks with support from evangelical Christians, had been in a tight race with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. He was winning with 34 per cent support, compared with 25 per cent for Romney. Former senator Fred Thompson and Senator John McCain battled for third place. "A new day is needed in American politics, just like a new day is needed in American government," Huckabee told his supporters. "It starts here but it doesn't end here. It goes all the way through the other states and ends at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee won Iowa's Republican caucuses despite being seriously outspent by competitor and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.(Mandi Wright /Detroit Free Press/Associated Press) Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor considered at one time the national front-runner but who has seen his support slip, trailed in sixth place, having effectively bypassed Iowa to concentrate his resources on big states like Florida.
City Council delays decision on Promenade Specific Plan
Fontana has been named one of the top cities in the United States for young people.America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest alliance dedicated to children and youth, in partnership with Capital One, said that Fontana has been named a winner of its 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition.The 100 Best competition recognizes the 100 outstanding communities across America -- large and small, rural and urban -- that are the best places for young people to live and grow up.More than 300 communities in all 50 states applied for the honor this year. The 100 winning communities span 37 states.Fontana was selected as one of the 100 Best in part because of the Smart Kids program. A partnership between private business, public sector and non-profits, Smart Kids enables 3,000 Fontana public school students to stay after school for homework assistance, activities, sports and a healthy snack.The Smart Kids program helps at-risk and latch-key children with their educational, social, physical and emotional needs.
l ooking for a miracle
Al Taubenberger believes he is qualified to be mayor, or he never would have announced a bid to lead the nations sixth-largest city.
While unopposed in the Republican primary, he had the opportunity to sit next to the five major Democratic candidates at 60 or so forums throughout Philadelphia.
A civic and business leader largely unknown outside the Northeast, he squared off against two congressmen, a veteran state representative, a former city councilman and a millionaire businessman.
It was at those forums that Taubenberger was certain he belonged in the mayoral race.
"I know as much as these guys do," he thought to himself. "They dont know it all. I have the experience and temperament to be a very good mayor."
As it turned out, former Councilman Michael Nutter outpolled businessman Tom Knox, U.S.
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