Philadelphia is My Home

29
Jun

Stay Inline!

Author: Momish, Category: Free Events, Something to Do

If you are an roller skating nut, then this is your lucky weekend! Philly Free Skate will be going on all weekend and it’s free, in case you didn’t catch that part.

According to their website, this is for intermediate and expert skaters, which more or less leaves me out because I haven’t roller skated in a dog’s age and so probably suck at it.  Although, there was a time I was a master on wheels, skating backwards to “Funkytown” like a regular Dorthy Hamill.  But alas, those days are long gone.

Anyhow, these events are bring-your-own-skates, which once again, leaves me out since I don’t have any.  But, see how nice I am to write about such a fun event even though I myself can’t go? I am completely unselfish like that sometimes.

But, between you and me, I think the reason they are claiming you need to be an intermediate or expert skater has nothing to do with the cobblestones, hills, curbs or length of the tours.  I think it has more to do with the bar stops along the way! Can you pop a few back and STILL skate over cobblestones is more like the question!

Check the Philly Free Skate website for schedule times and other relevant information. 

Have fun without me.

<sigh>

27
Jun

“Ratatouille”, My You Know What!

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness, Resources

Here is one of the things I really hate about living in the city….RATS!

There ain’t nothing cute rats. They can make all the movies they want about friendly and adorable pretend rats with quaint accents cooking French cuisine.  Heck, you may even find me laughing and rooting for the little bugger, because  it isn’t real.  But, the real ones? Like the one I saw last night IN MY HOUSE? Sorry, but upon seeing one of those little disease ridden rodents scurrying across my bathroom, the only thing I am doing is freaking out. And I mean freaking out as in a whole other level of freaking out, my friends.  As in adapting a new mantra in life that goes along the lines of, “KILL! KILL! KILL!”

So, after screaming and jumping up and down like a lunitic hopping across a live minefield, I lied awake in bed, completely paranoid and beside myself with anxiety. Sleep was not an option. I was on full alert. I immediately jumped into combat mode.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

First things first, I got the cat. Although obviously useless, his presence at the foot of my bed made a significant difference none-the-less. Second, I began a mental check list of all the stuff I need to do to make sure that disgusting thing doesn’t come near me or my family, even by proxy. By four in the morning I had my strategy all planned out and was ready for full on war.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

City rats are not to be taken lightly. They transmit diseases through their droppings, urine and fleas. These disease are especially harmful to children under five. My daughter is two, TWO, so you see where I’m coming from here? How many ways are there to say PANIC?

Needless to say, at 9:01 I was on the phone with Philadelphia Rat Control and had already researched rats to the point where I can now teach a class on this stuff. Here is the plan I have devised. I am posting it here, just in case you should ever find a rat running in your house at midnight, in the middle of an already hectic weak when you are pretty much a neurotic mess of a human being to begin with:

• Call Philadelphia Rat Control (they are no help beyond “we’ll check out the area”)
• Sanitize everything! Every floor space, counter space and table space. BLEACH!
• Put all open dry foods in plastic bags or bins
• Empty the lazy cat’s food bowl at night
• Clean all the apples and cherries that have fallen in your 2X4 cement yard
• Get hubby to seal all holes around the 100 year old house and decrepid basement
• Tightly seal up all trash and bins, inside and out (think superglue)
• Close all toilet lids (spray Windex on lid before closing)
• Put out a million traps in places cat and kid can’t reach (Note: Poison is not recommended around children and pets, plus it can end up in a desperate search for a decaying rat that hid itself real good while it was dying. I am not sure what is worse, a live rat or a decaying rat you can’t find or get to!)
• Wipe dry all sinks, tub and showers after using in order to remove all water sources (needless to say, repair leaks)
• And finally, take a Valium before you drop dead of a heart attack. You want to be around to see that sucker go down, after all. DEAD! DEAD! DEAD!

25
Jun

The Belmont 112

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News

Did anyone read the cover story in yesterday’s paper about the Belmont 6th graders offered a free college education twenty years ago?

I did.  And, I remember when that happened. I remember watching the news when the philanthropist George Weiss waltzed into the school and announced that he would foot the bill for every 6th grader there to go to college.

It was right about the time I started college part time on the weekends at Community College of Philadelphia, because that was all I could afford. Community College and only on the weekends due to my full time job, which I needed to survive. 

I was floored.  I remember thinking just how lucky these kids were and how, knowing what a struggle it was for me right then, that they were probably beside themselves with joy.

Having just paid off my student loans this year (at the age of 40!), I can attest to the fact that yes, they were indeed a lucky bunch.  So I devoured that article to see what all these kids made of this amazing opportunity.

Was I disappointed or bitter that only 20 out of the 112 went on to college, even though the hefty bill was completely paid? No, instead I felt sad for those that squandered away such a miracle of an opportunity.  Besides, I was too busy being impressed by the many success stories there were, considering that paying the bill probably wasn’t the hardest hurdle to get over for some of these kids.

Finally, I felt hope after reading the article. Hope, because other wealthy individuals are following suit and offering more kids this same chance at a future.  Hope, because there were many of these kids, now parents themselves, who recognize the unlimited benifit to an education.  All grown up now, they realize what they had, even if they passed it up when they had the chance, not realizing it then.  Parents encouraging their children, “You can do it, even on your own!”

Maybe they all didn’t get to the ultimate goal, but it changed them regardless. It changed the society around them and it triggered a positive change in the future for them and their children.  Breaking the cycle, even if it’s one kid at a time. I am sure to Mr. Weiss, that is priceless.

Read more about the story here, as well as bios on many of the kids.

23
Jun

Erin Go Bragh

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Family Friendly, Free Events, Something to Do

This is the weekend, folks!  

The weekend of the Irish American festival at Penn’s Landing during PECO’s series of cultural salutes throughout the summer. 

Now, no one likes to play favorites, but the Irish American festival is one of the best of the season, no denying it.  Well, that and the Italian American festival, which sadly is not part of the line up this year.  Damn, no tasty meatballs! So unfair.  But then again, I can just hit up my mom for them anytime, so all is good. 

Back to Erin’s day in the sun.  Good music, good fun, good entertainment and always a huge crowd.  And free, did I mention it is free? Can’t beat it.  Just the thought of all those good beers bagpipes makes me so giddy, I feel a gig coming on.

The event goes on all weekend 12-8 PM.    

For more information and musical guest concert details, visit the Penns Landing Corporation website.

More Upcoming Events in the PECO Multicultural Series:

June 23-24, 12-8 pm: Irish American Festival
July 7-8, 12-8 pm: Hispanic Fiesta
July 14, 12-6 pm: Southeastern Cherokee Celebration
August 18, 12-8 pm: Festival of India
August 19, 12-8 pm: Caribbean Festival
August 25-26, 12-8 pm: Philadelphia Multicultural Arts and Music Extravaganza
September 9, 12-8 pm: Russian Mosaic Festival
September 16, 12-8 pm: Mexican Independence Day Festival

22
Jun

America Starts Here

Author: Momish, Category: Attractions, Free Events, Philly Tourist, Something to Do

I love when people ask me, “What are your plans for the 4th of July holiday? Going away? Doing anything special?”

HELLO! People, this is Philadelphia! You know, the city where the piece of paper was signed on that day.  As in, the place that celebrates the holiday to the absolute fullest. 

Why leave and go to the shore, or anywhere else, on one of the biggest weekends in this city?  Especially when everyone else is coming here. You won’t see fireworks this good, I promise (well, Disney might put on as good a show).  And the concerts and the events that go on…  For free, I might add.  This year’s concert headliners are Philly’s own Hall and Oats.  Although, truth be told, I haven’t had the energy to deal with the crowds on the Parkway since my youth. 

Our new favorite spot to watch the fireworks is along the newly revamped river path.  But in my years I have watched them from some of the coolest places.  I use to love camping out on the bridges because the reflection off the river was really spectacular.   Anyone know of other great spots to view them? Maybe a nice place where the rest of the world has yet to catch on to?

Just in case anyone is unaware of this, let me tell you that Sunoco Welcomes America has a website that outlines all the activities and events going on, listing times for the fireworks, etc. 

20
Jun

I Want Candy

Author: Momish, Category: General, Resources

I am a major junk eater, constantly munching on candy, cake and chocolate.  I even like virtual candy, my sweet tooth is that bad.  It controls me.

I couldn’t resist getting my Daily Candy once I found out about this great Philly resource.  Every day, a delicious email arrives in my inbox, giving me a sweet fix for the day.

From great fashion finds to cool events going on, the Daily Candy covers a wide variety of tidbits about many hidden treasures around the city.   Take today’s morsel for instance.  Mean and nasty cards available at Hello World on 20th street.  Now c’mon, how sweet is that?  I can think of at least a dozen or so uses for these cards and I’m not just talking about sending them to people witha sense of humor either. 

So, if you like a little lift during the day, learning about new places, shops and events going on in the area, head on over to the Daily Candy website and sign up for your daily sugar dose.

Oh, you can also sign up for daily emails about other major cities as well, plus some cool things such as kids, travel and the almighty everything edition.  That may be a lot of virtual candy, but at least you don’t have to worry about going to a virtual dentist.

(Ok, that was cheesy, I admit.  So sue me!)

19
Jun

Philly is More Fun When You Run Around in Pajamas

Author: Momish, Category: Kids, Something to Do

Philly is more fun when you sleep over, right?  You have heard the slogan a million times, I am sure.  Well, here is an excellent change to join in on that fun even though you live here.  After all, as a resident, you don’t get the chance to roam around Center City in your pajamas like those tourists do in the ads. And why, I ask, should they get all fun?

Well, relax.  Literally.  Because here is your chance to know what you are missing. Head on over to Barnes & Noble for their free Pajama-Rama Story Time.  Rabbi Ira Stone will read stories for children about (guess, just guess what the topic is…)

SUMMERTIME! 

C’mon, here’s your chance to be just like all those shiny happy people in the ads, romping around the city in your PJ’s!  Indulge yourself in a game of “weird looks”.  The person who collects the most wins!

Location: Barnes & Noble - 1805 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103  /  6:30-9:30 PM

I called to confirm that this event is still on since it was not listed on their website.  According to the nice gentleman I talked to, “you bet it is!”

Credit goes to Dancing Meatball for the find.  Check their website for more details as well as other kid friendly events that go on all the time.  And while your at it, sign up for their weekly news letter.  You can’t go wrong!

17
Jun

The Good Ole Moonbounce

Author: Momish, Category: Family Friendly, Kids, Something to Do

If you are roaming around South Philly tonight, you might want to head over to St. Monica’s Parish.  They are having their annual carnival right now.

My sister was the one who told me about it yesterday.  Naturally, I jumped on the opportunity to get out of the house, not to mention get my hands on some funnel cake.  

Aside from the usual sugar laden junk, they have a slew of food stands hosted by local Italian restaurants, deli’s and bakeries.  So many, that it makes for a hard decision when your stomach can only fit so much, especially if you are trying to leave room for funnel cake and cotton candy and canolis and home made water ice…

Anyway, we ended up getting there a bit too early, which threw my niece into a tizzy because they hadn’t started any of the rides yet.  She was beside herself in angst, to the point of a complete meltdown.  Luckily, by the time we finished eating, they were beginning to blow up the two moonbouncy rides.  FINALLY!

She sat there (shoes already off) along with dozens of other kids, watching as they pumped air into the colorful sacks lying limp on the ground.  The mania mounted and mounted as they started growing bigger and bigger.  What is it about these blow up rides that turn kids into mini psycho spazzes?  I thought my niece’s head was going to pop off if she had to wait two more seconds longer. 

Little by little, they began to take shape until we were finally able to see that one of them was an obstacle course and the other was a three story slide.  I was impressed, these were way more sophisticated than the typical moonbounce, the big castle where it seems like all the kids do is jump around banging into each other. 

Truth be told, looking at that huge slide and watching my niece bounce her way through the obstacle course, I was jealous.  They never had such cool stuff when I was a kid.

16
Jun

Franklin Square

Author: Momish, Category: Family Friendly, Kids, Philly Tourist, Something to Do

Take it from me, if you are stuck in the city all weekend long with a toddler, the last thing you should do is stay indoors, especially when the weather is this spectacular.

What to do, what to do?

Aside from the events that come and go, there is always Franklin Square.  This little park is the latest Philly nook to crop up.  They have miniature golf, a carousel in addition to the general park and playgrounds.  It adds a little more to the usual playground outing, yet is not overwhelming to the point where you start popping the Advil before you even leave the house.

Located at 6th and Race Streets, its easily accessible and within walking distance of other city places, so you are not “stuck” there once you get there.  (A must when you are dealing with the terrible twos)

For more information, call Once Upon A Nation @ 215-629-4026 

Cost is free to visit the park and playground areas, however the Miniature Gold and Carousel have fees.

Check it out!

15
Jun

It’s Friday! Do I Hear a Happy Hour Calling?

Author: Momish, Category: Nightlife

It’s Friday! And you know what means? HAPPY HOUR!

Well, truth be told, Friday hasn’t meant Happy Hour to me in quite some time. Two years and 9 months, to be exact. But, today it does! I am heading out to meet friends I use to work with over in Jersey. {I know, I know, this is a Philly blog - but what can I do?}

Somehow I have finangled with my husband a Happy Hour night on the town. I am talking a bonafide Happy Hour night, as in leave directly from work. None of this running back home, feed the kid, run the dishwasher, give her a bath, then show up at 8 o’clock when everyone is half lit and heading home.

Back in the good old days when I worked in Center City and Happy Hour was a weekly event in my life, one of our favorite haunts was Oscar’s Tavern on Samson Street. Now, from the looks of that place, one would scratch their head as to why it would be an attractive prospect for such a young and hip professional crowd. But we never had a bad time there and the drinks are cheap, which is always a sure magnet.

If you’ve ever been in Oscar’s, you know how small it is. It is basically a row home with a bar, some old booths and beat up tables. Then there is the teeny eeny little aisle going down the middle. Each time we went there, we would marval at the folks already buzzed and dancing in the isle as if they were at Studio 54. We would stare, point, shake our heads in disbelief. We did this as if it was our first time there. We did this as if we weren’t aware of the fact that three drinks later we too would be bumping and grinding in that tight space, completely oblivious to the poor sod who was desperately trying to squeeze by so he could get to the bathrooms before he peed his pants.

Those were good times. Happy Hours in Center City were (and I guess still are) the best. Eating BBQ’d burgers on the roof of TGIF’s, licking the Tang off your Buzz Aldren at Continental, paying through the nose for a domestic beer at Davio’s…

<sigh>

I have been out of the loop for a while now though. So tell me, O’ wise and trendy hipsters, what is the latest happening place to be at 5:00 on a Friday night? Maybe I can squeeze out another night off from my husband soon and organize my own Happy Hour get together, fool myself into thinking I am still cool.