Sixth Square: Sleuth

What's up with that abandoned building?

newsworks@whyy.org (Eric Walter) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:23:43 GMT

Are there any abandoned eyesores in your neighborhood, or somewhere along your daily commute, that you would like to know more about? Let us know, and we can take a look.

What's your philosophy on saving parking spots?

newsworks@whyy.org (NewsWorks Staff) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:58:12 GMT

You see it in the more congested neighborhoods after a heavy snowfall: a dug-out parking space with some object -- a chair, maybe, or some plastic cartons -- placed there to hold the spot for later. Do you take any measures to save parking spaces when it snows? And if you dig it out, is it yours, or is it finders-keepers? Tell us in Junto.

How do you pronounce 'Cliveden'?

newsworks@whyy.org (Chris Satullo) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:21:21 GMT

Cliveden is an historic house in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. ...

What is a "mahoff," big or otherwise, and is that only a Philly term?

newsworks@whyy.org (Chris Satullo) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:03:44 GMT

The big "mahoff" - it's a big mystery. But if you grew up in Philadelphia, you probably know what a "mahoff" is.

Why aren't the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-95 connected in Bucks County?

newsworks@whyy.org (Chris Satullo) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:19:32 GMT

Well, Sleuth knows that when it comes to weird outcomes with public projects in this region the explanation often has to do with local opposition and a successful lawsuit.

Why is the Blue Route called the Blue Route?

newsworks@whyy.org (Erin Wright) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:42:16 GMT

That was the color used to mark this route on the 1950s maps that showed three possible routes for the highway that became Interstate 476.

Why do people get to park in the middle of South Broad and other streets in South Philly?

newsworks@whyy.org (Erin Wright) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:22:14 GMT

For answers, Sleuth went to journalist Murray Dubin, author of "South Philadelphia: Mummers, Memories and the Melrose Diner."