Philadelphia is My Home

15
Aug

You Gotta Play To Win

Author: Momish, Category: General, Philly Finds, Resources

No, that post title is not another jab at the Eagles!  Thanks to Sparky for pulling me up from my down-on-the-birds-slump.  He’s right you know.  The game the other night is not a true indication of what is to come, especially considering McNabb wasn’t even on the field.

 But I digress…

The post title is in reference to the PA Lottery of course, that is there tag line after all.  And you thought it was bird bashing time again.  Ye of little faith.

So why would I be writing a post about the PA Lottery?  Because I am about to play it. I don’t usually play the lottery.  No, I prefer to throw away my hard earned money in Atlantic City.  Still, sometimes I join the Powerball pools at work because in the off chance they actually hit, I don’t want to be the only idiot still kissing the boss’ butt the next day.

Other than joining the office pool, I usually don’t play.  But, in the past four days I have heard about two people buying those scratch off games and winning.  And we are not talking about winning a free ticket either.  I mean winning mega bucks.  So, the way I figure it is that things often happen in threes, right?  I could be the third, right?  I mean I have just as chance as anyone else, right?  And you gotta play to win, right?

I’ve decided to play the $250,000 Monopoly scratch off.  Mostly because the two people I recently heard about hit on a $10 ticket, but also because that is the game that seemed to have the most winning tickets still circulating out there.

What? No, I am not psychic.  They actually post this information.

You didn’t know that?  It’s all listed right there on the PA Lottery’s website.  On the ”Remaining Winners” page.  Now, before you go running off to buy the scratch offs with loads of prizes left on them, I only ask one favor of you.  If you win, don’t tell me.  I need to believe I still have a shot at being that third person.  Don’t blow it for me!

UPDATE: I won 50 bucks! So it ain’t ten grand, but I can’t complain.

14
Aug

Raven Mad Here

Author: Momish, Category: Sports

So much for green, color me blue.

What a mess. Hopefully, the pathetically sad game the Eagles played last night will fulfill its intentions.  It was, after all, just a practice game.  As in find your (many) mistakes, weaknesses, etc. and work them out before the real stuff starts happening.

I am not happy, people.

13
Aug

Just in Time

Author: Momish, Category: Kids, Resources

 I read in the Sunday Inquirer yesterday about the Girls Rock Philly Camp, which held their showcase event this past Saturday.

 OK!  Stop rolling your eyes. So what if I am way behind the times and this post talks about the past, but nobody ever claimed I was psychic for Pete’s sake.  Besides, my daughter is only two years old, so how was I suppose to know of an all girl rock camp when they only accept ages 10-18?

Let’s just say that I am telling you about this wonderful camp (in case you didn’t read the paper yourself yesterday) IN ADVANCE.  Instead of waiting for next summer, I will post about it now so you can sign up your daughter or niece or granddaughter today for next summer.

 It’s only a week long (at Girard College), so you don’t have to worry that your little one will run off and become a groupie or the next Madonna.  It’s a wonderful chance for young girls to bond and dabble in good old fashion rock and roll.  And who knows, it may be just the kind of inspiration that leads to your kid becoming the next American Idol. 

In fact, I think it is such a great idea, I am going to sign my daughter up now.  I know she is only two, but that is just how ahead of the times and on top of things I am! 

10
Aug

Old Friends And New Artists

Author: Momish, Category: General, Local Charity, People, Philly Finds, Resources

I just want it to be known that I have no artistic talent whatsoever. 

None. Nada. Nil. Zip. Zero. 

That being said, I also want it to be known that I fully support the arts, especially the local arts.  I just spent two hundred bucks on Wicked tickets for crying out loud!! And before I had a kid,  I went to countless First Fridays (and no, it wasn’t just for the free wine and cheese either so don’t even go there).  I love art, despite the fact that half the time I don’t always get it.  I also love that fact that Philadelphia has a thriving art culture.  If you don’t believe me, just check out InLiquid. 

I just discovered the site myself by chance.  Well, maybe not by chance really.  You see, I was at the bank the other day, impatiently waiting in line and hating my life at that moment.  When all of a sudden, I hear my name being called out.  I turn around and there stood a very good old friend of mine whom I haven’t seen in a dog’s age.  Naturally, I was thrilled to death because she was just the type of long lost friend you hope to run into again. 

So what has she been up to these past ten years?  Oh, nothing much.  The usual, like starting a non-profit on-line resource network for local artists called InLiquid.  Stuff like that. 

<Gulp. Inferiority complex anyone? I can barely manage getting my car registered once a year.>

Anyway, I immediately added her website to my blogroll, but that just wasn’t good enough.  I felt the need to get the word out.  InLiquid is a vital network for local artists.  If you are an artist in the area, you gotta check it out.  The techie geek in you will totally lurve the web design too.

09
Aug

Phillywood?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News, People

Have you heard the news?  Seems like we will be having more traffic woes as Pacifica Ventures is planning on building a production studio in the Philadelphia region.

What I find interesting is that they recently opened a production studio in New Mexico.  I use to live in New Mexico.  Very odd.  First New Mexico, now Philly.  I could become paranoid over things like this.  Are they following me?

Seriously though, I think opportunities like this are great.  They increase the arts and commerce in the area and I am all for that.  They enhance tourism and exposure to the city.  Plus they give local artists and technicians jobs.  The saddest thing is when people leave the city for NY or LA because they can’t make a living here in their field.

So, even if it means I have to go seven blocks out of my way when returning my movies to Hollywood Video, I can live with that minor drawback.  (It never fails, every time I am headed in my car through the city, I hit some production going on, be it a movie or Hack or a commercial.)  

Just think, movies bring celebrities and directors and the media too.  It raises the level of class in a city.  Movie stars want to stay in 5 star hotels and dine in only the finest of restaurants, shop in high end boutiques, etc.  Every city could use more high profile patrons to boost it’s reputation even further.

Besides, there is nothing like watching a movie in production from the sidelines and then seeing the end result on the big screen.  Not many other folks get that opportunity, you know.  Not everybody lives in a city where film making is just par for the course.

It’s about time Philly had it’s day in the sun.  There is so much talent right here, Pacifica Ventures is smart to take advantage of it, if you ask me.  I hope the deal goes through and doesn’t end up in the toilet like Will Smith’s proposal did years ago.  I further hope the first film they shoot here stars Brad Pitt.

08
Aug

Is There A Problem Here?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Just Ranting, People

Have you seen this article?  Apparently Britney Spears failed to recognize Posh Spice, even after Mrs. Beckham took the time to introduce herself.  Well, did it ever occur to anyone that maybe Britney just didn’t like her very much?  Did it occur to anyone in the news that maybe the general public just might not care?

Or, how about this articlewhere Lindsey Lohan once again screws up? For the most part, I actually feel sorry for this girl.  So rich and famous at such a young age obviously takes its toll.  Other times, though, all I can do is shake my head and be grateful she is not my child.  Whether or not her second arrest after being released from rehab is noteworthy has me shaking my head even harder. 

Finally, this article kinda sums it up nicely.  Paris Hilton apparently got a rash while doing time in jail.  You see, the sheets in jail are extremely thin, probably no more than 80 thread counts.  THE HORRORS! And the idea that she had no moisturizer (and I mean none, not just that she went without her $80 an ounce beauty fluid) is enough to deter most other heiresses from ever breaking the law, don’t you think?  Perhaps getting the word out regarding the heiress’ substandard living conditions in jail could fall under newsworthy, especially on a slow day where only 5 soldiers died in Iraq.

Considering all these news articles, I put forth the following problem for you to solve:

Find x, where x is the common denominator between them.  To be nice, I will make this a multiple choice question.

x =

 A. The frightening idea that these women could be considered my daughter’s current role models.

B. The tragic notion that the petty actions of these women are considered more news worthy than other global events.

C. The fact that none of these women were born in Philadelphia.

D. All of the above.

Give up?

The correct answer is C.  None of these women were born in Philadelphia.

Aw, c’mon people. C is the only answer that is a fact, as opposed to my humble opinions.  And we all know what those are worth! Besides, I had to find some way to connect all this random babbling to a Philly blog. 

Works for me

07
Aug

This Is Just A Test

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News, Resources

If you were out strolling around the Art Museum yesterday, then you probably thought you walked into a war zone.  Philadelphia Emergency Personnel simulated a terrorist attack to practice and test local response groups.

According to the article on 6abc.com’s website, the purpose of the drill was to test inter-agency communication and management.  Sounds like a good plan to me.  They chose the Parkway since that is where major events happen in the city.  I would suppose that our arenas would also be considered targets as well.  But the Parkway would definitely constitute an easier target considering it completely accessible to the public at all times.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I feel comforted to know our city is not only thinking about the possibilities of terrorist attacks here, but also doing something about them.  Preparing our response teams and working to improve disaster management is worth disrupting your morning stroll, wouldn’t you say? 

They said that hundreds of residents volunteered for the event.  So how come you never hear about these things?  Did they advertise for local volunteers? I would have loved to be a volunteer for something like this.  Did anyone happen to see the drill? Or even participate?

On another note, I discovered that my home street has a “walk score” of 89 out of 100.  That is pretty impressive.  As a person who refuses to live in any place where I have to drive for my milk and cigarettes, I can totally appreciate this site.  Should I ever venture to move, I would rely heavily on this baby.  Likewise, it would also be useful when traveling and finding a hotel, because it also lists the local establishments within walking distance. 

 Thanks to Malcolm X Park for this useful tip!  I don’t feel too bad about stealing it from them since they stole it from Phillybits!  That’s how this stuff works, right?

05
Aug

Our Wild Backyard

Author: Momish, Category: Attractions, General, Kids, Philly Tourist, Something to Do

We often go the Philadelphia Zoo as we have maintained our yearly membership since my daughter was born.  I love taking her to the zoo and watching her face as she observes all those magnificent animals, most of which she has no clue how lucky she is to see in person.

If you read my personal blog Momish, then you probably know that I am somewhat of an animal lover and activist.  So, whenever I talk about going to the zoo or my zoo membership, I am often asked how I feel about animals in captivity. 

I think the Philadelphia Zoo is a shining example of how all zoos should be.  I think our zoo represents the minimal acceptance level of how animals should be treated and housed in a caged environment.  In other words, the Philly Zoo does it right.

I think there is a great advantage to zoos in that they educate the general public about exotic and domestic animals.  They infect visitors with an admiration and respect for all animal life.  They also are a wealth of information about the many plights and dangers facing animals all over the world, triggering a desire to help and care about them in a way that probably would have been overlooked or ignored.  In addition, if it weren’t for the efforts of major zoos across the world, I am convinced that many near extinct species would be long gone and reduced to a blurb in our history books.

That being said, I definitely hold a standard as to what I will support when it comes to caging and transporting wild animals away from their natural habitat.  I do think that the label “zoo” is too often abused.  There are so many rinky-dink “zoos” out there that are a disgrace to the human race and downright animal abuse.  They should be shut down. 

I know it takes loads of money and resources to properly house and maintain a respectful and humane zoo.  Such that only major cities with the proper financial backing would be able to have zoos.  Cities like Philadelphia, San Diego and New York.  And while it might be unfair to the rest of the country, my main response to that is tough sh*t.

It is inhumane and morally wrong to shove a bunch of chimpanzees into a two by four cage with a tree branch so that kids that live outside of a major city can have a substandard education and experience of a wild animal.

You should go to the Philadelphia Zoo if you haven’t been there in a while (the new Amur Tiger cubs should be open to the public by now).  You should take advantage of the good fortune you have to live in a city with wild animals right in your backyard.  Animals that are cared by the world’s top notch veterinarians, who’s housings were designed with the utmost of care and thought by top architects in the region and who thrive as a result of the many supports like myself.

The Philadelphia Zoo is not just the nation’s first zoo, but perhaps the nation’s finest as well.

<rant over>

So tell me, how do you feel about animals kept in zoos?  What do you think about the Philly Zoo?  When was the last time you were there?

04
Aug

Training Days

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News, Sports

Well, according to everything I am hearing and reading, it sounds like McNabb is in top shape and ready to give it his all this year.

Ok, call me a doubting Thomas, but I find it hard to believe that this year will be any different or better.  Now, trust me when I say that I am one of those Eagles fans that dons their rose colored glasses every August and chants to themselves, “this year…this year…this year”. 

I use to feel the same way every time I pulled the handle on a slot machine, “this time…this time…this time.” Well, after years of having my  twenty dollor bills getting sucked up without ever hearing those tell tale bells go off telling me my daughter has just become an heiress, let’s just say you finally start to lose some of that optimism.

McNabb’s knee surgery is over.  He is all set to kick some butt.  But it is not like we have become sudden amnesiacs.  Four years ago he was healthier and younger and hungrier.  I find it hard to believe his stamina, optimism and game is just as high now as it was back then.  And sadly, it wasn’t enough back then.

That being said, of course it still won’t stop me from putting on my rose colored glasses again come the end of this month.  In all honesty, I wouldn’t know any other way to watch a pre-season Eagles game.  It’s in my blood.  I don’t think I will be chanting the “this year” mantra though. I am wiser and a tad more skeptical these days.  I no longer have the blind faith I use to, but there is still a glimmer of hope that remains.  I wouldn’t be a true Eagles fan if I didn’t have that.

We’ll see, is all I can muster up for now.

I think I have finally arrived at a realistic balance when it comes to the Eagles.  Just like I did with the slots.  I still throw a twenty dollar bill into them each time I go to Atlantic City.  But now, all I am hoping for is my twenty back, or perhaps the chance to double it.  In which case, any winnings go directly into the college fund, seeing as my daughter will most likely have to work for a living just like the rest of us non-Hiltons.

02
Aug

Reading Market Is Terminal For Rick’s Cheesesteaks

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Dining Out, Just Ranting, Local News, Philly Food

I am a traditionalist.  As much as I like change and new things, I also cling to the past like a crab to a big toe.

That is why this whole Rick’s Philly Cheesesteaks eviction from Reading Terminal Market is bothering me.  They are screwing with tradition and history here and I just don’t like that.

On Tuesday, Rick’s lease was up at the market after much controversy and debate.  But as of yesterday, Rick was still there slinging his cheesesteaks around for anyone ordering.  If I worked in Center City, I would head down there and order one myself even though I am not a huge fan of cheesesteaks (probably shouldn’t let that get out, huh?). 

And now there is all this talk of Tony Luke’s being the bad guy.  I don’t honestly think Tony Luke’s is to blame.  I doubt that there is some conspiracy here to oust Rick’s by Tony Luke.  But then again, I often suffer from the Anne Frank syndrome thinking everyone is still good at heart.  

The article states that the Market wanted a “premier” cheesesteak shop and therefore are kicking out Rick Olivieri in favor of Tony Luke.  Um, is it me or are they nuts?  As if any cheesesteak place can be considered “premier”.  It’s cheesesteaks, people! As in wrapped in paper.  As in greasy.  As in destined to give you clogged arteries.  There is nothing premier or classy about cheesesteaks, which is exactly what makes them so popular.

Olivieri claims the cancelled lease is in retaliation to past clashes with management as the head of the market’s merchant association.  Why does that ring more true than the desire to have the oh-so-upscale Tony Luke’s shop?  Obviously, he has the full support of not just his loyal customers, but the other Reading Terminal Market merchants.  According to merchant David Esh, owner-operator of Hatville Deli and a representative of the market’s Amish merchants, the 19th Annual Dutch Festival scheduled for Aug. 8-11 has been canceled in protest of the eviction.  

What do you think?  He and his family have been there since 1982.  That to me is long enough to be considered tradition and history.

Mr. Olivieri is planning on filing a lawsuit against the market.  I say you cling to that big toe with all your might, Mr. Olivieri! There are a lot of people behind you on this one.  It may be your shop and your livelihood, but it is our city and our tradition too.