The Daily Numbers: 85,000 people jammed into Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver last night to see Barack Obama become the first person of color to be nominated for president by one of the major political parties.

12 noon, when GOP presidential nominee in waiting John McCain is expected to announce his choice of a running mate.

30,000 dollar fine slapped on Harrah’s Casino for an underage gambler at one of its slots machines as well as some security problems on the casino floor.

75 people who met last night in Middletown to hear the recommendation for the former home of the Franklin Mint, the final part of the “charrette” process.

448 to 17, ,vote by which teachers in Souderton voted in favor of a strike if talks do not reach a new contract.

3 DUI charges in 8 days for a professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

1,300 welfare recipients in Pennsylvania who are learning that their Social Security numbers and other key info were mistakenly mailed to other addresses.

7 gunshots pumped into a man at 21st and Diamond streets in Philadelphia. He died at the hospital.

89 age of man in East Goshen, Chester County, who police believe shot his 54-year-old daughter to death and then turned the gun on himself in a domestic disturbance. He’s in guarded condition.

18 houses spray-painted with anti-Bush and anti-war graffiti in Ocean County, N.J.

3 female employees who allegedly were being taped by a hidden camera in the bathroom of a Philadelphia jewelry store. The owner now faces charges.

2 dead in an apparent murder-suicide in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia; 5 children were found unharmed.

61 age of man who was scheduled to be sentenced for the sexual assault of a 5-year-old girl in Montgomery County. His body was found in the Delaware River. He had jumped in. It’s being considered a suicide.

46 age of teacher at Saint Monica’s in Berwyn charged with having child porn on his home computer. He’s from Havertown and formerly taught at St. Bernadette’s in Drexel Hill.

621 state stores in Pennsylvania that will be getting a facelift by the LCB in an attempt to offer a more pleasant alcohol shopping experience.

1,500 National Guard troops dispatched to New Orleans today as the region braces for the possible arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

111 mph winds, what the storm could be packing when it arrives.


7 strong innings for Cole Hamels last night, but it wasn’t enough as the Phils’ bullpen coughed up another lead and lost to the Cubs.

0 outs recorded by Ryan Madson.

1 out recorded by Chad Durbin. When those two were done, a 4-1 lead had turned into a 6-4 loss.

1 full game behind the Mets, where Phils stand in NL East.

*

Call me a Phanatic: A look at the ups and downs of being a Philadelphia sports fan.
The Phillies announced this week they’ve set a single-season record for the number of sellouts. Wednesday’s packed house at Citizens Bank Park marked the 45th sellout of the season. Not bad for a bunch of “front-runners.”
*

I Don’t Get It: Can you imagine an uglier image than needles and syringes on the beach. Kind of makes the bottom of your feet tingle just thinking about it.

*

Today’s Upper: Kudos to GOP standard-bearer John McCain. He aired a TV commercial last night with a message marking the historic nomination of his opponent, Democrat Barack Obama. “Job well done,” McCain said in the ad. Class move.

*

Quote Box: “I realize I am not the likeliest candidate for this office.”

-- Barack Obama last night in Denver, accepting the Democratic nomination, and becoming the first person of color to do so.