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Philly.com finally launches mobile site November 18, 2009

Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.
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The Web site for the Inquirer and Daily News, philly.com, recently launched its mobile Web site.

One would think media outlets in large markets — such as Philadelphia — would be ahead of the curve in mobile technology. However, as in many aspects of life, Philadelphia is trying. We’re one step closer with philly.com‘s mobile Web site.

Before the launch, mobile users viewed the regular Web site for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News on mobile devices. While it’s fairly navigable on a computer’s Internet browser, philly.com was not so easy to navigate with an oversized finger.

As with many mobile sites, not everything found on the regular site is accessible on the mobile philly.com. For example, you cannot separate what appeared in the Inquirer or Daily News on the home page — you’ll find out by the article’s byline. But with larger links and quicker loading, it’s a welcome sacrifice for an easier way to get Philly news on the go.

Fox 29 is the only other local media outlet in the city to have a mobile site, though it’s bare and doesn’t offer links comparable to what you’d see on myfoxphilly.com. NBC10, however, does have a free iPhone application, the first of the market. But I still ask — where are the rest of Philly’s local news iPhone apps?

I appreciate the work of those at philly.com — I have no experience in creating mobile sites, let alone regular Web sites (hat tip to WordPress), and I’m sure much work goes into producing a mobile equivalent of a hefty Web site. Bare with them as they work out kinks, and I recommend following them on Twitter (@phillydotcom, @PhillyDailyNews, @PhillyInquirer) for continuing updates.

Stensland opens up to Daily News November 17, 2009

Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Philadelphia.
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Source: Philadelphia Magazine | Dawn Stensland Mendte discusses her life and challenges in a Daily News article.

Former Fox anchor Dawn Stensland Mendte offered the Daily News a tell-all interview that appeared in yesterday’s paper.

Nothing was off-limits. She discusses her job at Fox, a miscarriage last year and her husband Larry Mendte’s relationship with his former co-anchor Alycia Lane.

Despite the turmoil of the past two years, Stensland still appears to be optimistic about the future. She says she loves her husband more than ever, and she hints at a possible new career for the two.

Any thoughts?

The columnists respond… July 24, 2008

Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Philadelphia.
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It wouldn’t be Philadelphia without angry journalists. So these angry journalists have called out a fellow one.

First, Inquirer columnist Daniel Rubin gave an interesting view of a day in the life of Larry Mendte. Perhaps his title — “The obsession of Larry Mendte” — is a double entendre. His obsession with Alycia Lane, our obsession with him?

The second comes from my new fave Jill Porter. She’s followed up her Alycia Lane column with a Larry Mendte column, simply asking, “What more could he want?” And she hits each question that every one of us has in the back of our minds. Answers, however, are hard to come by.

Just passing them along. Feel free to share your thoughts!

Photo courtesy DN.

Chester: the new Hollywood? July 21, 2008

Posted by Chris Stover in Cut to the Chase.
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Don’t be surprised if you see Jessica Alba or Brad Pitt walking the streets of Chester. They’re probably working.

The reality of a movie studio in the Delaware Valley is quickly becoming reality. Sun Center Studios is coming to Chester Township, Delaware County, on a 33-acre site.

Local director M. Night Shyamalan apparently already wants a piece of the studio, planning to film his next feature there.

The studio will create 1,000 permanent jobs in Chester in addition to 300 temporary construction jobs. It’s projected that the studio will generate $400 million of local economic activity annually.

But…why Chester?

“One thing about [the Delaware Valley] is it’s not a homogeneous look. We can look like an old city, we can look like a brand-new city. Then you can be in the post-war American suburbs, or have the look of the Main Line, the rolling hills of Chester County or old industrial towns.”
- Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office

A similar project is planned for the Norristown area. Already, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. have expressed interest in using Sun Center.

Next thing we need is a Lamborghini dealership and a visit from Lindsay Lohan, and we’re right on Hollywood’s heels.

Map courtesy of Philadelphia Daily News.

Props to DN for DUI profile July 17, 2008

Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Random Rubbish.
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Time for the third mugshot post of the day.

The Daily News did a great job today summing up the apparent life of Joseph Genovese Jr.

The 18-year-old’s MySpace page was still up for grabs in the public domain when DN reporters searched for it — and they grabbed as much as they could. His mugshot is actually his profile pic. Humble, no?

NOTE: I did try searching MySpace for the profile, but had no success. If you find it, please share!

Genovese tragically hit and killed St. Louis native Cindy Grassi, 43, who was walking from Citizens Bank Park last weekend after watching her home team play the Phillies. She has since passed away while her friend, who was also hit, is in critical condition.

He was also allegedly drunk at the time. But from his comments talking to reporters, he’s “not a drinker.”

MySpace tells us differently.

Let’s pull some quotes from pictures of his antics. Pictured holding a bottle of alcohol:

i DRAnK DAt WHOLE BOtTLe!!

Picture of him, smoking a bong:

LOok AT ALL DATT WEeD!!!! ahaha brought a POUNd just 2go 2pROM!!!!!!

And under his occupation:

Chronic Dealer, Philadelphia, Pa US, HusLa, weed, dope, crack, heroin, meth., and wAT EVa U FIEn for!

Mmhmm.

He turned himself in yesterday, apparently pale and tragic. He’s held on $200,000 bail and now faces involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while under the influence and DUI.

And the report says his MySpace page, which remains public, is not helping his cause…

Buy a gun with your refund check July 7, 2008

Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Random Rubbish.
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Yet another late post. But I don’t think Jill Porter will mind.

On a college budget, it’s difficult to read a newspaper other than the Metro (which, by the way, scared me today by being delievered folded in half, perhaps to de-emphasize the half-page ad on the front page).

But maybe I should begin rethinking my frugal ways and pick up a copy of the Daily News every now and then, mostly for Jill Porter’s or Dan Gross’ column. Maybe the occasional Inquirer will do for either Michael Klein or Karen Heller.

But back to the meat of this entry: Jill Porter suggests purchasing a gun following the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding a civilian’s right to own one. After all, owning a gun will boost the economy for everyone from a hospital nurse treating the wounded to a funeral director burying the dead.

Regardless of your political affiliation, if you are living or have lived in the City of Philadelphia – particularly in the last two to three years – gun control should be on your mind, especially in light of the 5-4 decision. Lancaster folks don’t see the need for restrictions on guns. Nor do many people who primarily use guns (other than your typical handheld revolver) for hunting and gaming.

But, let’s follow Porter’s advice. It seems like a nice way to do business for the government.