Silence the Philadelphia Ride The Ducks Tours: Shut the Duck UP!

Not For Tourists Guide Site: Shut the Duck Up! Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Hello All,

The Not For Tourists - City Guide Site is a great way to search your city and find out where the best places are, and where to avoid. The Shut the Duck Campaign is proud to be featured there, as a helpful warning to those who might fall victim to the Duck Rides! You can view the entire post on the Not For Tourists Site.

We hope everyone had a fun, and as quack free Independence Holiday as they could around the city. More news to come!

Thanks,
N. Darling

Making All the Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:50:00 +0000

Friends of the Shut the Duck Up! Campaign,

As you can see from the past couple of blog entries, there has been some exciting events that have occurred involving the Duck Boat rides. Our petition is close to reaching our goal, of 200 signatures, which means we will be THAT MUCH CLOSER to obtaining our objectives. So, if you are a new visitor to the site, PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION; if you are already a friend, continue to spread the word! Also, the video documentary has just about 6,500 views and counting!

We are excited about the upcoming months and have many things already in the works. Our staff is working hard to reach the right people and make some well-needed changes. We will keep everyone posted when there are new events and worthy activities, until then sign the petition, watch the video documentary, and spread the word!

Thanks,
Nicole

Wisconsin Duck Boats Help for ONCE

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:06:00 +0000

The fact that these duck boats happened to rescue people in a freak circumstance is great, and I'm so happy that they were able to do some good for once and help out, but let's face it, this is far from a regular occurrence. Duck boats saving people from a flood may happen once in a blue moon, but their annoying quacks and disturbing music are there to bother innocent residents and people trying to do their jobs every single day, and therefore is NOT a legitimate argument in support of the ducks. Bottom line, there is no random heroic story that can make the daily rants of the duck acceptable. Is it too much to ask for people to have a little consideration for the sufferers? I think not.

Walt

Ride the Ducks Causing a Stir Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:47:00 +0000

On Friday June 6th, KYW released the story about the Philly Ride the Ducks tour route being a potential security risk for Independence Mall. This, being fueled by the questionable operations of the Duck boats, has raised some brows within the Courthouse at Independence Mall.

Food for Thought: Are DiCicco's priorities more so invested in the Duck Boat Rides or with the people of Philadelphia?

I think these Federal Judges are absolutely right. Not only are thee Duck Rides an interference to the citizens within the neighborhood, but why should they always get a free pass. In the past it has been noted that while passerby vehicles on South Street were cited and fined for “Loud Music”, the Ride the Duck Tours come rolling through with their music blaring without any consequence; even though there are numerous city signs warning ALL vehicles of the punishment. In the same regard, why is it that every other tourism organization, educational organizations, citizens, visitors to our beautiful city, etc must follow regulation when it comes to visiting one of our most historic areas at 6th and Market, but the Duck Rides receive yet again, another free pass.

I say GET EM JUDGES! Tell them they must be considerate and follow the rules just like everyone else in this city and that we will not stand for anything less than that!

Thats all for now,

Walt

Updates, Updates, Updates...

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Hello All,

The Shut the Duck Up video documentary is now up to 6,380 views, and we are receiving fantastic feedback. Keep watching, spread the word, and most of all, keep supporting. In related news, we had mentioned we were receiving many e-mail and letters from concerned citizens sharing their unpleasant encounters with the Duck Boats; I wanted to share some of these stories with you:

Jessica Lewis-Turner, Pennsylvania
One day, I retired to the 18th century garden near 3rd and Walnut to do a little reading. The garden was wonderfully quiet, and after I looked at the flowers I sat underneath the arbor and opened my book. Unfortunately, I had only gotten a page read when a Duck Tour drove up. The tour guide gave their spiel about the place, and at the end said, "And here we have an 18th century maiden... let's give her a duck tour salute!" They all honked loudly and irritatingly. I'm sure "18th century maidens" didn't flip the bird, but they also weren't rudely interrupted by quacking jerks.

Brendan Lafferty, Pennsylvania
As a resident of South Street, I couldn't agree more. Every time I wake up at 8am on a Saturday morning to obnoxious quacking, the Macarena, and a shameless plug for Bridget Foys, I die a little inside. They must be stopped. It's noise pollution, plain and simple. I have seen it make children cry. How is this a benefit to our city? Is this really how we should be presenting ourselves to tourists?

J Nathan Bazzel, Pennsylvania
Portraying Thomas Jefferson throughout Philadelphia, I have come across the Duck Boats time and time again. Each time the driver would encourage everyone to "Give a quack out to..." and then he would say a name for who ever he thought I was. I have been called Christopher Columbus, William Penn, Ben Franklin, you name it. It doesn't stop there. For the rest of the day, whenever riders would see us, they would quack at us again. Obnoxious is not the correct word...HARRASSMENT is!

After all the mail I get, which sometimes doesn't hold me in the greatest of light, these are the stories that really get to me and push me to go forward with our cause. These are hard-working, considerate, and concerned citizens that need to have their voice heard. WE WILL CONTINUE!

Thanks,

Walt

JUST SHUT THE DUCK UP!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:19:00 +0000

Hello All,

Walt here. I just wanted to share with you a video I found earlier today on YouTube of Yvette, a smart woman who has found the optimal way to get her point across, “SHUT THE DUCK UP!” of course. We here at the Shut the Duck Up! Campaign, strive for people like Yvette in order to make a change and get our point completely across. Yvette: Where are you out there? We need you on our campaign! You would be a great addition and we love the mascot! As for those Duck Boat rides, in the words of Yvette, “JUST SHUT THE DUCK UP, JUST SHUT THE DUCK UP!”

Thanks,
Walt

Tell Us Your Story!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Hello Fellow Bloggers and STDU Supporters!

Walt is working on a new project pitch for our righteous campaign, which includes the testimonies of citizens of Philadelphia and the communities that are affected by the Ride the Duck Boat rides. We have high hopes and many creative options we are mulling over here at the STDU Headquarters, so there maybe a new video coming up? If you haven’t seen the current short documentary featuring Walt, go check it out, and if you have, watch it again and pump yourself up for the great things that are coming! Also, please continue to send in your experiences and stories about the Duck Boats so we can really capture the impact of these inconsiderate boats!

Best,
Nicole

Thought We Would Share

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:46:00 +0000

In our recent work with the STDU campaign we have been reaching out to neighbors to give us their honest feedback and concerns with the Ride the Ducks Tour Boats. I must say that almost every Duck Ride neighbor had something to say, or should I say complain about the Rides. Besides the usual, “they are annoying,” “they are loud,” and “they are antagonizing,” we heard some rather disturbing experiences from local Philadelphians, that really ruffled our feathers even further. Please continue to send us your experiences and we will make sure we are heard! Thanks!

Nicole

Pumped up!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:32:00 +0000

Hello Supporters!

It has been a busy week, with tons of emails pouring in from Philadelphians
along with some letters from folks out on the West Coast pledging their
support and attendance at the next protest. Our protest back in April proved
to be a huge success, with local media coverage and crowd support. Since our
campaign has remained strong over the past few months, my fellow STDUers and
I believe now might be a great time to get out our megaphone and posters and
have another protest. We have not yet figured out when or where this next
protest will be but I will of course inform all of you when we figure out
everything. Anyway, thank you all for your continued support!

GET READY!
Nicole

THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:53:00 +0000

So I know it’s been a little quiet on our part here at the Shut the Duck Up! Campaign, but don’t interpret that as us backing down! We have been doing a lot of research about the environmental affects of the Duck Boats as well as some other issues that concern us and have been working hard to contact all of the right people in order to get these issues addressed. Our most recent Press Release, discussed how there are potential threats to the ducks that live within our neighborhood who are attracted to the Mallard calls made by the “quackers” given out as a souvenir to the Duck Boat attendees. This is so sad and not to mention terrible, our deepest concern is for the safety of these poor ducks.

We have also been in contact with many press outlets in order to reach out to as many people as possible. Walt’s protesting has continued and we are seeing more support than ever! Due to all of this great and amazing support, we are now planning another PROTEST!! So get excited, stay strong, and stay informed! We will keep you updated with the most up to date news about the Shut the Duck UP! Campaign and let you know information about the protest as it comes together.

BEST,
Nicole Darling

Absolutely Quackers: Shut The Duck Up Discovers That Philistine Tourists Are Actually Luring Real Live Ducks To The City… TO DIE!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Here's some recent press from Philebrity. Enjoy! -Walt

Regular readers of Philebrity know that we’ve been mildly obsessed with the Shut The Duck Up movement for a while now. STDU, of course, seeks to have the City of Philadelphia come down hard on the popular-with-tourists-but-hated-by-Philadelphia Duck Boats. And while they’ve had some success in bringing to light the noise ordinances routinely flouted by the Duck Boats and their patrons, we don’t think anyone was expecting this:

The popular “quackers” distributed to Duck Boat riders are indistinguishable from call of a real Mallard hen. World Champion Waterfowl Caller and Call-Maker Sean Mann corroborated the effectiveness of these souvenir quackers stating that “very lonely ducks” are likely to be drawn to the alluring snare of the Duck Boat calls. Philadelphia neighborhoods effected by the Duck Boat tour route have experienced a spike in traffic incidents involving duped loner ducks, who have become disoriented by the imitation calls and inadvertently cause automotive accidents.

The growing congregation of deluded ducks has also attracted the attention of the waterfowl’s natural predators. Recent sightings of fox, raccoons, and stray dogs patrolling the route of the Duck Boats has neighborhoods up in arms over the increased disappearances of family cats, and daily nuisance of having to manage overturned trash cans and recycling bins.

ECO-DISASTER! Well, Philadelphia, you know where we stand on this. Let’s give the Duck Boats to the Canadians as well.

Shut The Duck Up Campaign Saves City Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:36:00 +0000

April 9, 2008 (PHILADELPHIA)- The City of Brotherly Love can now be known as the City of Mallardly Love thanks to the efforts of the Shut the Duck Up! Campaign. Their endeavors to muffle the noisy vehicles of the Philadelphia Ride the Duck Tour Company are helping more city residents than merely offended pedestrians.

The popular "quackers" distributed to Duck Boat riders are indistinguishable from call of a real Mallard hen. World Champion Waterfowl Caller and Call-Maker Sean Mann, corroborated the effectiveness of these souvenir quackers stating that "very lonely ducks" are likely to be drawn to the alluring snare of the Duck Boat calls. Philadelphia neighborhoods effected by the Duck Boat tour route have experienced a spike in traffic incidents involving duped loner ducks, who have become disoriented by the imitation calls and inadvertently cause automotive accidents.

The growing congregation of deluded ducks has also attracted the attention of the waterfowl's natural predators. Recent sightings of fox, raccoons, and stray dogs patrolling the route of the Duck Boats has neighborhoods up in arms over the increased disappearances of family cats, and daily nuisance of having to manage overturned trash cans and recycling bins.

Shut The Duck Up! are the sole activist group in Philadelphia concerned with the safety of local ducks and neighborhoods effected by the ignorant oversights of the Philadelphia Ride the Duck Tour Company. Their mission statement resolves to earn the respect from the Ride the Duck Company and to work towards a symbiotic relationship between the Tour Company and all residents of Philadelphia, fowl or friend.

Walt's Interview with Philebrity

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Talk The Talk: Walt Sherman, Shut The Duck Up

Ride The Ducks: Perhaps there is nothing in this city that unites us more than our hatred of the foul duck boats that populate the well-trodden tourist attractions of this great city. And while many have complained, and even more have given the finger to these nuisances (which truly do represent everything Philadelphians hate about the rest of America), one man has risen above the masses to say that this duckery must stop. His name is Walt Sherman, a former Park Ranger driven to distraction by the Ducks, and his group, Shut The Duck Up, is a growing cabal of angry city dwellers who are mad as hell and aren’t gonna take it anymore. Tomorrow, Shut The Duck Up will stage its first public protest against the Ducks by attempting to block their path from returning into the river — the ultimate Duckriding moment. The group is staging this act of duckus interruptus to set forth the points outlined in their petition:

The Ride the Ducks Tours are loud, noisy, obnoxious and an ear sore to local citizens of the Philadelphia area. By blasting music, shouting over a loud PA system, and encouraging the tooting of “quackers,” the Ride the Ducks Tours consistently disrupt the life of the average Philadelphian and are violating a number of noise pollution laws.

After the jump, we talk with Walt Sherman about his journey from happy-go-lucky Park Ranger to fierce activist.

OK. So, for those unfamiliar with your cause — your righteous and legitimate cause, which, by the way, is wholeheartedly endorsed by the entire staff of Philebrity.com — please tell our readers what the Shut The Duck Up Movement is all about.

Well, it all stems from my work as a Park Ranger here in Philadelphia. I used to work in Independence Park and anyone who’s familiar with that area knows it’s pretty much duckboat central. Long story short. I had to quit/lose my job do to the annoyance of these ducks. It doesn’t help that I
live along one of the routes… they basically drive me nuts… so I started up STDU as a way of giving voice to the frustration these ducks cause the people of Philadelphia. Because, as you just proved, I’m not the only one.

I’m sorry, I don’t wanna get hung up on this, but you lost your job due to these fat fannypacker motherfucking Philistines with their quackers? Please explain!

Well… As I said these boats came through/around the park almost hourly. Everyday. At first it was just an annoyance. Hell, I thought they were kinda funny. But, day in and day out they where there blasting crappy music and screaming with their quackers. Now add on a few years of this stuff. At one point there was an incident and I don’t think I can or should go into more details.

Sir, I love everything about you. So, you started Shut The Duck Up. What does it do? How does it work?

Thanks! Well at first (and for a while) it was just me trying to bring attention to the problem the ducks are causing in our city. I go out and flier and bring a quacker or two and try to prove my point: No one likes being quacked at. I know it seems kind of hypocritical to do exactly what I am trying to stop, and I really hate doing it, but unless you live and work in east CC you don’t have to deal with it. The ducks don’t go by City Hall, so I DO. After doing this for a while I met made friends with people who share my views or at least sympathize with them so I have a ton of volunteers who flier and go out and talk to people about it. They’ve helped me get more modernized and start the blog and stuff. I mean.. we’ve even got a person helping with PR now. We’re a movement! The Drexel students filmed what I do on average and I feel it’s a pretty good portrayal of me — you should go watch that.

One thing I think people don’t realize is that Ducks are not by any stretch a Philly phenomenon, indigenous to our culture. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: They are classless interlopers. But, so far as I can see, they’re not breaking any laws. With that in mind, what can be done to eradicate them?

Yea. The ducks are everywhere! The paper in Seattle did a piece on me and even put my video on it’s blog because they are ruining their city too! Well, they kind of ARE breaking laws. I mean, South St has signs up that say you get a $300 fine for playing your car stereo loudly but a duck boat can play loud music with people screaming over it and some retard talking to people on the street? C’mon.
Also… I’m not trying to eradicate them. I just want them to shut up. How can you learn about a city when you’re quacking the whole time. Philly needs tourists (for better or worse!) but we don’t need anymore loud obnoxious assholes. We get plenty coming over from South Jersey! ha.

All true. So what’s the deal with this protest you guys are staging?

We wanted to up the ante and do something symbolic so we are trying to stop the ducks from entering the river. It will be like that China thing where the guy stopped the tanks!

How many folks are you anticipating?

Well, it’s tough. I wanted to do it on Saturday so more people could show up but our PR person though we’d get a better media turnout. I hope there will be a ton of people there! But I understand that some people have to work. It’s Tomorrow at 10:00am At Race and Delaware.

Well, God bless you for the work you’re doing. Good luck, and thanks for chatting with us!

Email from STDU supporter

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:53:00 +0000

Hi,

I live in California, but I happened to be at the hotel across the street when you had your protest the other Friday, so I checked it out. I agree that the boats are obnoxious, and so wanted to wish you the best of luck, and I attached a picture of your protest duck too.

Sincerely,
Anne

Yes, We are Serious

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Hi All,

So if any of you watched the local news the weekend, you saw myself, and our spirited protesters at the Ride the Ducks boat ramp. The video clip is now available CBS3. I am thrilled that the protest was seen throughout the weekend and the e-mails are now pouring in from more supporters than ever! Keep checking back for more news and updates.

THANK YOU!

Walt

KYW Reports...

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Michelle Durham of KYW News wrote a small story on the protest we had this morning. Check out the story from KYW. I would also like to just say that the Shut the Duck Up! campaign along with their members do not have anything against children, and not all of the Ride the Duck tours are occupied by only children. As a matter of a fact, I made sure to say just that as each boat went through our path and into the water. A special thank you again to everyone who came out and for everyone who supports our cause!

Walt

NO MORE QUACKING!!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:42:00 +0000

Hello Everybody,

So, today at 10am we finally had our first Shut the Duck Up! protest at Race street and Delaware Ave and it was amazing. Thank you to the wonderful people who turned out this morning despite the weather. We had a nice crowd and one of our campaign members excited the cars going past with his duck suit! We also had lots of news support from Channel 6, Channel 3, Fox 29, and KYW 1060 who had the chance to interview myself, and some of our protesters, so definitely keep an eye out during the local news this evening! Everyone was shouting at the duck boats as they entered the water while traffic honked in support. We definitely made our point and I really feel we are really going to make a difference. THANK YOU AGAIN! and remember, SHUT THE DUCK UP!

When Ducks act like hogs:Tour-bus quackery

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Our cause has been getting great news coverage thanks to the Philadelphia Daily News! Reporter Ronnie Polaneczky writes the article, which talks about Ride the Duck's annoying business tactics. Not only does the company have more loading zones than permitted but they also have encroached on other companies business, especially other Philadelphia tour groups. Polaneczky writes that" Ride the Ducks is legally skirting the law's intent, which is to ensure fairness among all motorized-tour competitors that operate around lucrative visitor areas."

To read the article click on the
link.

It's Almost Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:36:00 +0000

Howdy All,
Just wanted to remind all STDU supporters that we are gearing up for the April 4th protest. We plan to meet at Race and the Delaware Avenue ramp around 10 am. Support for STDU has been fantastic these last few weeks. I have received tons of emails, so hopefully we will have a great turnout on April 4th. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email! Thanks everyone! I look forward to seeing and meeting all of you real soon!

Walt

The Time Has Come To Stand Strong! PROTEST TIME!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:44:00 +0000

Hello All,

Walt here. We have set the official date for our BIG PROTEST against the Philadelphia Ride the Duck Tours so we can finally stop those awful quackers! Come one, Come all! We need everyone's support and by the responses I have received since I started this campaign I am confident we will have a strong presence. The official Date is April 4th at 10AM where Race Street meets the water, AKA the boarding area for the Duck Rides. More news to come soon. Save the date!

Thanks,
Walt

Getting Close!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:31:00 +0000

Hey Guys,

Walt here. The Shut the Duck Up! video on YouTube! has reached 2700 views! I am glad I have so many of you behind me. On a sadder note, the Ride the Duck Tours began their tours tormenting the my lovely city again today. So, I will be spending the the afternoon breaking quackers to get pumped for the big protest. We will be announcing the official protest date in the near future, so stay posted.

Thanks,
Walt

Collegiate Status

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Darling) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Hey Everybody,

What a beautiful day, right? What a shame it would be if days like this were ruined by annoying music and quacking. Just a thought.

Shut the Duck Up! was recently featured in Philadelphia University's campus paper, The Text. Check it out and get involved! Here at Shut the Duck Up! we are all working hard on making the protest our biggest stand yet. Of course we will need all of your support, and we know we will get it because no one wants to be quacked at. Keep a close look at the blog for any updates because the protest will be announced very soon!

For now, watch Walt, and sign the petition.

Best,
Nicole

New Lady in Town!

noreply@blogger.com (Walt Sherman) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

My name is Nicole Darling and I have just recently joined the Shut the Duck Up! Family. With Phil moving to Seattle to further the campaign there, I will now update all of you as best as I can on the fight for a quack free environment.

We will be announcing the date for our major protest very soon and will need everyone’s support! In the mean time make sure to check out the Shut the Duck Up! Video on YouTube, wave hello to the South Street stores that have our campaign handbills and posters in their window, sign the online petition, but most importantly, SPREAD THE WORD!

Best,
Nicole

Philadelphia Flyers!

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Glass) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:20:00 +0000

Phil Glass here. And sorry, this blog post has nothing to do with the hockey team. It’s something much, much better…

I’m happy to report that the Shut the Duck UP! Flyers Campaign was a massive success. Over 200 Shut the Duck UP! handbills were distributed throughout the city. We handed them to random people on the street, put them on car windshields, placed them on coffee shop bulletin boards, and even put some in Philadelphia newspaper kiosks so that people getting the paper would get a little something extra for their dime.

The campaign wasn’t just limited to small handbills. We went into many stores, mostly along South Street, asking them if we could post a Shut the Duck UP! poster in their window or on their door. Over 20 stores accepted the proposal—some even took extras and hung two or three around their store to REALLY get people’s attention. So next time you walk along South Street, look in some of the store front windows to see your friendly neighborhood Shut the Duck UP! Campaign being represented with pride!

Most of the fun while campaigning came from people’s reactions to hearing about Shut the Duck UP! I went into a few stores and the conversation went as follows:

“Hi, would you like to put a Shut the Duck UP! poste-“
“Yes. [Pointing at Door]. Go ahead. Right there.”

No faltering, no wondering, not a single ounce of indecision! That’s how much some of these South Street store owners hated the ducks. Plenty of them pledged to do “anything they can to help.” Could Shut the Duck UP! have asked for anything more?

So the Philadelphia Flyers campaign worked out perfectly. Shut the Duck UP! will be doing the same thing in Olde City next week. There might even be a camera or two out there to get some candid Shut the Duck UP! footage(Shut.the Duck UP! Documentary Part 2, anyone?) . Anyone who wants to help is welcome to come. Just e-mail Shut the Duck UP! to pledge your support.

Now on to some sadder news: I, Phil Glass, will no longer be with Shut the Duck UP! in Philadelphia. For a variety of reasons I’ll be moving out to Seattle, Washington over the weekend. Do not worry though, Shut the Duck UP! supporters—I will be with you in spirit and doing anything I can to help Shut the Duck UP! from afar. And once I’m settled, I certainly plan to do something about Seattle’s rampant Duck problem.

It’s been a pleasure working with Walt and everyone else at Shut the Duck UP! And to all the citizens of Philadelphia: Don’t forget! A quieter, cleaner, quack-free existence will be yours if you fight to attain it.

Never give up!

Farewell,
Phil Glass

A Touching Story

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Glass) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Hey All,

While Walt is out of the office organizing things for the flyering campaign tomorrow, I just wanted to quickly share a touching story I found posted on the Shut the Duck UP! online petition. This right here is why we fight the duck boats:

"I don't have any objections to some tour businesses in the neighborhood. But, when the business encourages its clients to make loud noises while driving through the neighborhood's streets, then it's no longer a neighborly business but a daily summer harassment of residents and other local businesses. For example, while at a flag day ceremony at the Betsy Ross house, a Veteran was making a personal heart-felt speech. A duck tour bus pulled up in front of the house, and everyone on board blew into their duck kazoo supplied by the Philadelphia Duck Tours. Everyone at the ceremony was deeply offended. I doubt that the tourists did this to disrupt the ceremony purpose. They didn't know, but they should've been informed by the tour guide. The blame falls on Philadelphia Duck Tours because they supplied the kazoos, and they were the one who encouraged the tourist to blast the kazoos. Give the kazoos AFTER the tour is over, or better yet, stop giving them out. sincerely, daniel chow"

Thanks to Daniel Chow for that disturbing account of the Ducks' blatant disrespect for Philadelphians. This is just another reason why our fight against the Duck Tours is completely called for.

This inspires all of us at Shut the Duck UP! to fight even harder. Don't worry Daniel, change is coming soon!

Phil Glass