PhilaStories

Elliot Ruiz - From Philly to Iraq to Movie Star

Elliot Ruiz, 23, graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in 2002, joined the Marines, was nearly killed during the Iraq invasion, and is now starring in a controversial new movie called "Battle For Haditha," a fictionalized account of an alleged Marine massacre of 24 Iraqi men, women and children. He recently returned to speak to students at Edison. He and his parents later discussed the movie in interviews. His father, George Burgos, also explained how he got a tattoo that says, "Like Father, Like Son."

This video was produced by Bob Moran, staff writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Google Maps: Thomas Edison High School
 

Cornbread, the Godfather of Graffiti

As a kid, Darryl McCray started writing "Cornbread loves Cynthia" all over his Philadelphia school to get the attention of a girl he liked. He then expanded all over the city with his tag, simply, "Cornbread," with a crown over the B. He is now acknowledged as the creator of modern graffiti, which served as the backdrop to the rise of Hip Hop.

This video was produced by Bob Moran

Google Maps: 1516 Parrish Street

Butterball - Dreaming of Becoming the Next James Brown

I spoke with Marvin Dunbar, aka Butterball, at my home. Marvin talks about how he got his nickname and growing up in North Philadelphia. He goes on to describe how he obtained the funds to start his first musical group that was modeled after James Brown.

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Google Maps: 12th & Poplar Sts.

Worm - Slippery When Wet

I spoke with Worm at his home. He tells us the story of how he got his nickname. He describes his first job as a kid and what he did with his first pay.

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Google Maps: 22nd & Ingersoll Sts.