bookmark_borderWarming: Philadelphia Hold Your Breath

By Daniel Brouse

Do Not Breath in Philly on This Day
Do Not Breath in Philly on This Day / NOTE: Graphics are from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America)

Many days in the Philadelphia region are not good for breathing. On “Ozone Action Alert Days” you are advised to avoid activity outside. Children should not play outdoors. Avoid running and other fitness activities. Do not breathe in un-conditioned air.

View the current air quality for Philadelphia.

July 19, 2015 is one of those days:

Philadelphia Ozone Alert
Philadelphia Ozone Alert

NOTE: Graphics are from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America)

Ozone is not only killing humans, it is also killing the trees.

In 2005, the EPA and NGO’s were contacted about the deforestation problem:

Dying Trees, The Membrane Domain (2009)

  1. Tree Death Questions
  2. The Earth’s Status
  3. Answers About Ozone and Dying Trees
  4. Ozone Questions Part 4
  5. Ozone Answers Part 5
  6. Is It Time To Panic?
  7. The Sleeping Giant Analogy

bookmark_borderMatties Grand Ole Hoo Hoo Hootenany

PHILADELPHIA, PA — When I first volunteered for the “Matties Grand ‘Ol Hoo Hoo Hootenany” benefit, I had no idea as to the purpose. It was the line-up of top Southeastern Pennsylvania bands that caught my attention: The Whiskeyhickon Boys, Native Maze, Philadelphia Funk Hustle (PFH), Montoj, Catullus and The Happy Dog featuring Bernie Worrel.

So, I set off on assignment for Headspace magazine to the World Cafe Live in University City, Philadelphia. There I was greeted by not only the best local musicians, but also many of the major concert promoters from Montgomery County, including Who Hill, Opple Topple and Stir Fry.

Part of the assignment was to interview the bands about the benefit for Mattie Cassady. “What is this benefit about?” Much to my surprise, there was a reluctance from many of the artists to talk “on the record”… until I explained my dilemma to Jesse Wagner of The Happy Dog. “I’ll talk to you,” said Jesse. “We’re living 20 years in the past. It’s time we moved up to at least only 5 years.”

Thinking to myself, “Isn’t that the truth,” I headed back in to listen to the music. It was like having the best festival bands of 2013 at your own private concert — mind blowing. Then, I started to notice that quite a few of the song selections were the bands way of getting the message across. Many of the song titles and lyrics had been chosen to help the musicians communicate Mattie’s plight.  What a way to  give proof to the proverb “When words fail, music speaks.”

That is when it hit me. If it’s difficult to talk about a taboo subject, find a way to express yourself. Then, it hit me again. How ironic to have a Halloween Hootenany for the benefit. What other time of the year are you allowed to dress-up and be whatever you want to be?

Pictures

bookmark_borderPhiladelphia Hosts Squash Championship

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championship has returned to Philadelphia. The prestigious squash tournament kicks off today, October 4, and runs through October 12 at Drexel University’s Daskalakis Athletic Center. One of the most significant tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open is a major international showcase of talent in squash, featuring the top ten professional players worldwide and drawing visitors from across the globe.

“Philadelphia possesses a deep connection to squash and proudly calls itself home to a passionate and knowledgeable squash community, which is energized by the return of its most prestigious tournament,” said Mayor Nutter. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome these players and fans to the 2012 Delaware Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships.”

The event forms part of the 2012 World Series for both the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women’s Squash Association (WSA). This year’s prize money of $185,000 is the most that has ever been offered in the history of the U.S. Open, making it one of the top paying and most highly sought after squash championships in the world.

Since 2011, the U.S. Open has been held in Philadelphia, at the heart of the squash community, where Drexel University is transformed into a world-class showcase venue to host the prominent event. A number of local Philadelphia pro players will also compete in the world-class event, which will be streamed live at www.psasquashtv.com and broadcast by 17 distributors worldwide, reaching a potential audience of 300 million people around the globe. WatchESPN will also broadcast the semi-finals and finals of the Championships online, reaching 60 million households.

“We are thrilled for the U.S. Open to return to Philadelphia, a city with a deep history in the sport and an outstanding squash community,” said U.S. SQUASH CEO Kevin Klipstein. “Our partnership with Drexel University allows us to take the U.S. Open to an entirely new level, and develop it into what we fully anticipate to be the best squash tournament in the world for fans and players alike.”

John Fry, President of Drexel University added, “Drexel University is delighted to welcome the 2012 U.S. Open Squash Championships to Philadelphia, the home of many of the game’s most storied players and historic squash venues. Drexel University is founded on equality and competitive opportunity that extends beyond academics to the frontiers of entrepreneurship, technological innovation and athletics. We are delighted to host these remarkable championships in an urban collegiate athletic facility that can attract a diverse fan-base, and help advance the great sport of squash at Drexel and in the region.”

Larry Needle, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress said, “We are really excited to have the U.S. Open Squash Championships coming to Philadelphia. It is another example of Philadelphia as a diverse, dynamic and passionate sports destination, and we are extremely grateful to Drexel University for hosting this year’s tournament.”