PhilaNet.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA — HitchBOT is… was a hitchhiking robot from Port Credit, Ontario. HitchBOT traveled over 10,000 km in Canada from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Victoria, British Columbia. “We want to see what people do with this kind of technology when we leave it up to them,” Frauke Zeller, one of the creators and an assistant professor in professional communication at Toronto’s Ryerson University, told the AP. “It’s an art project in the wild — it invites people to participate.”

But, after only two weeks traveling in the USA, HitchBOT was vandalized and destroyed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

HitchBot In Philly

The HitchBOT team has issued a statement:

Oh dear, my body was damaged, but I live on back home and with all my friends. I guess sometimes bad things happen to good robots! My trip must come to an end for now, but my love for humans will never fade. Thank you to all my friends.

A message from the family:

hitchBOT’s trip came to an end last night in Philadelphia after having spent a little over two weeks hitchhiking and visiting sites in Boston, Salem, Gloucester, Marblehead, and New York City. Unfortunately, hitchBOT was vandalized overnight in Philadelphia; sometimes bad things happen to good robots. We know that many of hitchBOT’s fans will be disappointed, but we want them to be assured that this great experiment is not over. For now we will focus on the question “what can be learned from this?” and explore future adventures for robots and humans.

We have no interest in pressing charges or finding the people who vandalized hitchBOT; we wish to remember the good times, and we encourage hitchBOT’s friends and fans to do the same.

Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia is an example of one of the city’s squares originally planned by William Penn when he laid out the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1682. The public park is a great place to stroll, eat lunch or listen to street performers play music. On a regular basis, the Square hosts festivals and markets.

Rittenhouse Square Map of Philadelphia

Franklin Square is another of the five original open-space parks. It is located in the Center City area, between North 6th and 7th Streets, and between Race Street and the Vine Street Expressway (I-676). Local legend maintains that Franklin Square is where Benjamin Franklin conducted his “kite and key” electricity experiment in 1752. Franklin Square offers these attractions:

* The Franklin Square Fountain was built in 1838, but fell into disrepair by the late 1970s and was turned off. It was refurbished and repaired during the park’s restoration. The fence and stone work of the fountain are original.
* The Parx Liberty Carousel is located just northwest of the Fountain. Many of the carousel’s animals recall Philadelphia’s historical heritage.
* Philly Mini Golf, located north of the Fountain, is the only miniature golf course in Center City. The holes are based on some of the city’s best-known tourist spots, such as Elfreth’s Alley, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and the Liberty Bell.
* In 1976, the city dedicated the Living Flame Memorial, which honors the city’s fallen police officers and firefighters. It centers on a sculpture by local sculptor Reginald E. Beauchamp. The memorial is unusual in being one of the few to honor the two groups together. A design competition was held in 2011 to choose a design for a replacement memorial.
* Two playgrounds, one for younger children, and the other for older ones, are located in the park’s southeast quadrant.

Southwest (Rittenhouse) Square, Southeast (Washington) Square, Northwest Square (Logan Circle), Northeast (Franklin) Square and Centre Square (City Hall) all offer something free to do in Philly.

More Free Things to Do in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Police Department would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in the apprehension of suspects Tony Kimhong (left) and Chhoeuth Kim (right) for the following burglaries.

On July 23, 2015, at 4:43 am, Tony Kimhong and Chhoeuth Kim were arrested for an attempted burglary at a Saloon located at 750 South 7th Street. Kimhong was attempting to force open a door to the Saloon while Chhoeuth Kim acted as a look-out. Kim was also identified as a suspect in a burglary at Bridget Foy’s located at 200 South Street along with Tony Kimhong. After further investigation of Kimhong, he was identified as the suspect in the following burglaries:

DC 15-03-026317, April 30, 2015, Little Italy Pizza, 342 Queen Street
DC 15-01-020337, May 24, 2015, Centerfolds Lounge, 1602 East Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-034617, June 7, 2015, Pho Ha Saigon, 320 Oregon Avenue
DC 15-03-038607, June 24, 2015, Bing Bing Din Sum, 1648 East Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-038806, June 24, 2015, at Cloud 9 Vapor Store, 1832 Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-038785, June 25, 2015, Stogie Joe’s, 1803 East Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-039507, June 28, 2015, Adobe Cafe, 1919 E Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-040860, July 3, 2015, Bainbridge Barrel House, 625 South 6th Street
DC 15-03-041066, July 4, 2015, Artisan Bakery, 1218 Mifflin Street
DC 15-06-031442, July 6, 2015, Four Father’s, 319 Market Street
DC 15-03-042039, July 8 2015, Birra Bira, 1700 East Passyunk Avenue
DC 15-03-043852, July 16, 2015, Bridget Foy’s, 200 South Street

Tony Kmhong is 24 years-of-age and is from the 23xx block of South 6th Street. Kimhong is charged with multiple burglaries and related offenses.

Chhoeuth Kim is 31 years-of-age and is from the 7xx block of Jackson Street. Kim is charged with multiple burglaries and related offenses.

By Daniel Brouse

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

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

Buy, sell, rent or list properties for sale in Philadelphia:

Kingsley Court, Roxborough, Philadelphia – Marie Gordon

Prudential Fox and Roach – Rittenhouse Square Real Estate/Society Hill Real Estate – Mary Genovese-Colvin

Lisa Silveri — Center City Philadelphia, PA — Rent, Buy and Sell Real Estate

Prudential Fox and Roach – Center City Philadelphia Real Estate, Queen Village – Kathy Conway

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Experience the intersection of Art and Food at an illuminating fundraising event hosted by the Cescaphe Group at Vie, on 600 N. Broad Street. From 5:30 to 8:00 pm on July 23, 2015, enjoy a food sampling competition from Philadelphia’s top Chefs, an open bar, raffle, and art sales. !This occasion is made possible with the help and support of The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Culinary Federation and volunteers from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit Art Sphere Inc., a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to inspiring young minds through free art programs focused on engaging local at-risk youth in distressed neighborhoods. Tickets are $35.00 if purchased online, and $40.00 per person at the door. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/philly-art-food-fundraiser-event-tickets-17072612644?aff=es2

• Philadelphia Visitors Center, The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• Love Park
• Self-guided Tour of Historic Philadelphia Homes
• Benjamin Franklin and the Kite Experiment / Christ Church Cemetery
• Fort Washington State Park, Montgomery County, PA
• July 4th Fireworks Over the Wissahickon Valley

More Free Things to Do

At least 30 poisonous Portuguese Man o’ War have washed up on New Jersey beaches. They have been found from Surf City beach on Long Beach Island to Ocean City in Southern New Jersey.

The spotting of man o’ wars here is part of a “transient event that occurs infrequently in New Jersey,” according to Gary Buchanan, director of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Science.

Though the creature packs a powerful sting, it is rarely fatal.

PHILADELPHIA, PA —

According to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate in Philadelphia declined to 6.5% for April 2015, down from 7.1% in March 2015 and 7.5% for April 2014.  In addition, the number of jobs in Philadelphia increased by 4,300 from March to April to 687,100, the highest number for April since 2001 and 10,900 more jobs than April 2014.  By comparison the number of jobs in Philadelphia in January 2008 was 652,100, 35,000 fewer jobs than today.

“Philadelphia is on the rise and our Administration is focused on ensuring that all Philadelphians share in this prosperity,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  “There are more Philadelphians working today than at any point for almost 25 years, and Philadelphia has recovered from the recession faster than the country as a whole.  We are strengthening our efforts to support business growth and attract new companies to a city that is gaining an unprecedented level of attention.”

Other highlights from the recent BLS data include:

• The number of Philadelphians employed increased by 6,795 to 643,557.  Highest number since December 1990.
• The number of Philadelphians unemployed decreased by 3,841 to 44,690 and the size of the labor force grew by 2,954.
• State and National unemployment rates continue to hover 20% above their 2007 levels, while Philadelphia’s unemployment rate in April is lower than it was in January 2007.  Philadelphia has returned to its pre-recession level of unemployment faster than the state or the nation as a whole.

“The latest employment data is very encouraging and is a reflection of a city that is growing and thriving,” said Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development.  “By supporting the growth of existing businesses through programs such as 10,000 Small Businesses and Kiva City Philadelphia, attracting new companies, and undertaking major new developments such as the $350 million renovation of the Gallery, we are working every day to create new jobs and economic opportunities for all Philadelphians.”

Glen Foerd on the Delaware will be hosting its first family overnight on Friday, June 19th. Registration is open now! Attached you will find a press release about the event. Please do not hesitate to contact us about additional information.

Glen Foerd on the Delaware
5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
www.glenfoerd.org
215 632 5330