Bart Blatstein said he plans to pursue an acquisition of some or all of the assets of Philadelphia Media Network, which operates The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News and their shared website, philly.com. The partnership, calling itself Philly Hometown Media LLC, plans to make a cash offer for the newspapers, Blatstein said.

The carefully preserved and stuffed raven named Grip — later the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem — is perhaps the quirkiest part of the Philadelphia public library’s valuable Dickens collection, now on display to celebrate his bicentennial.

It’s not as though the Sixers are winning based on luck or lack of a solid schedule. Their statistics validate their 16-6 record, and make them a legitimate threat to win the Eastern conference this season. We all know that Philly has the scorers to keep pace each time they take the court, but the difference this season has been their attention to defense. The Sixers rank first in the NBA in points allowed with a ridiculous 85.9 point per game average. They may be ninth in scoring, but their 11+ point differential makes them the best in the league at outscoring opponents.

It all starts with guard play for the Sixers. After several years of not getting much production out of that position, Philly has a solid tandem that will keep themin the hunt for years to come. Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday combine for nearly 30 points and over 8 assists per contest. That combined with the 13 points and 5 assists that All-Star Andre Iguodala pours in on a nightly basis makes for a tremendous base to what is an extremely deep and well-rounded team. Philly is the only team in the league that has 6 players averaging in double-figures on a nightly basis, and will continue to succeed as long as they remain healthy.

This is a perfect opportunity for the Sixers to display their skills as they take on the mighty Miami Heat at home Friday night. Prior to the start of the year, many basketball experts anointed the Heat as the team to beat in the East, and a virtual shoe-in to make it to the NBA Finals. Chicago and Philly are both showing that they have something to say about that. Despite have what many call the “dream team”, Miami has flaws that make them vulnerable.

Having two of the most prolific scorers in the league on the same team often becomes counterproductive as there are not enough shots to go around. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade individually are phenomenal, but they often look confused when on the court together. This may be Wade’s team, bit LeBron is showing why he’s the king as he is putting up some ridiculous numbers thus far, and is leading the way in the MVP race. James fills up the stat sheet like no other in the NBA. He’s currently averaging nearly 30 points, over 8 rebounds and 7 assists per game, and is the main focus of opposing teams every time Miami hits the floor. Philly will need to do their best to contain James Friday if they are to keep this one close, but locking down the rest of the Heat’s starting 5 may be enough to get the job done.

NBA handicappersare listing the Heat as 2.5 point road favorites against the Sixers. This number is based on the public’s perception and not necessarily on how these teams match-up. Tune in Friday for what promises to be a highly contested battle between 2 of the top 3 teams in the Eastern conference.

The plan introduced by councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown would have advertisements plastered on yellow school buses, something that Reynolds Brown estimates could bring in an extra $1 million a year to the cash-starved Philadelphia School District But Mary Tracey of the anti-blight group “SCRUB” says the buses should be sacrosanct.

Le Toux was selected by the Union in the 2009 MLS expansion draft and quickly became the most productive offensive player on the team, scoring 14 goals with 11 assists in 2010. For his efforts, Le Toux was voted to the MLS Best XI and was named Philadelphia’s first All-Star selection. He started every match last season, scoring 11 goals with nine assists.

Le Toux, 28, had 25 goals and 20 assists in two seasons with the Union. He was acquired by Philadelphia in the 2009 Major League Soccer Expansion draft from Seattle Sounders FC.

“While this decision wasn’t easy, we are confident that the allocation money we receive will provide the flexibility for us to compile the best possible roster for 2012 and beyond,” said Union manager Peter Nowak.

“Sebastien has been a valuable member of our team for two years and we thank him for his many contributions to the club.”

Le Toux had 14 goals and 11 assists in his first season with Philadelphia, and followed that with 11 goals and nine assists last year.

The former United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division MVP was honored as the Individual Fair Play Award winner in each of the last two seasons.

Per MLS and club policies, the terms of the trade will not be disclosed.

Mondragon spent one season in Philadelphia with the Union. He appeared in 27 matches and posted a 62 percent save percentage with seven clean sheets.

With Spencer Hawes and Nikola Vucevic out with injury, and Marreese Speights shipped to Memphis earlier this season, the Sixers were in desperate need for a big man. Since Vooch went down with a leg injury against the Heat Tony Battie and Lavoy Allen have been receiving significant minutes in the front court, leaving the Sixers vulnerable on the glass, which explains the team’s abysmal rebounding numbers in Wednesday’s loss against the Nets.

“This is a show that will appeal to anyone who enjoys excitement, fantastic design and a full-tile experience,” said Drew Becher, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society President. “Whether you’re a show veteran or a first-timer, you’ve never seen a flower show like this.”

The opponent has yet to be determined, though MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that an answer should come in the next two months.

“We have nothing specific yet,” Garber said after a news conference at Philadelphia City Hall. “We’re hoping to have something soon, within 60 days. That’s the plan.”

Garber appeared at the news conference with Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and Chester, Pa., mayor John Linder.

Last year’s game was held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., and featured top MLS players taking on Manchester United.

PPL Park is located in nearby Chester, along the Delaware River.

In their two seasons of existence, the Union have been among the league leaders in attendance. That factor, along with the soccer-specific stadium and rabid interest by the “Sons of Ben” supporters group, played into the league’s decision.

“It’s a passionate franchise with passionate fans and one of the greatest small stadiums around,” Garber said. “We think the franchise and the stadium are deserving of this event, and we believe this is going to be an incredible event not only for the fans here, but fans watching all over the world.”

The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, Galavision or Telefutura, and in Canada on TSN and RDS. ESPN International will make the game available in more than 130 countries. In addition, the game will be streamed online, and on ESPN3 and WatchESPN in the United States.

The Union averaged more than 19,000 fans per game in their inaugural season in 2010, and last year, attendance at PPL Park reached 99 percent capacity for regular-season games.