Philadelphia is My Home

24
Jul

6 Out of 10 Ain’t Bad

Author: Momish, Category: General

C’mon Philly fanatics, go put your vote in to move us up the ranks.

So far, Philly is voted the 6th best place to live according to the user votes on the latest Money poll: Best Big Cities.  Of course, there are only 10 choices, which certainly skews the reality of all just a bit.  But hey, at least we made the list.  That’s gotta count for something.

 So, go over and vote.  Let’s get a major upset going, shall we? Watch out San Diego, you’re going down!

{thanks humorworkz for the link!}

23
Jul

My Summer Reading List

Author: Momish, Category: People, Randomness

Didn’t you just hate when you were given a summer reading list in high school. Homework over the summer vacation! What sick and twisted mind thought of that one?

Well, now that I am adult and read for personal enjoyment, I think summer reading lists are a wonderful idea. Keeps the kids busy and their minds still in tune, lest they go off for two months and forget they have a mind come September.  Which is exactly the type of thing that can happen when you are actually having too much fun with absolutely no responsibilities whatsoever.

In fact, I think it is such a great idea that I am assigning myself my very own summer reading list.  Since I will be gallivanting on the beach, throwing my cares to the wind and basically forgetting about the fact that I have a job, a blog and yet another blog this entire week, it seems only fair that such debauchery is balanced with a healthy dose of discipline to get my mind back on track. 

And it will be up to you to decide what I will be reading! Let’s see how many fine citizens of Philadelphia have a blog or other on-line endeavor.  Leave me a link to your own virtual home or business in a comment, and I will do my homework throughout the rest of this week and when I return. It’ll be my summer reading list of links.

And that includes all you guys in the surrounding areas.  ‘Cause let’s face it, when you travel to places far away, you know you tell people you are from Philly.  Yeah, you do.  You accept the fact that people in France or Seattle have never heard of Malvern or Sewell.

So let’s get that Philly Blogroll going. It could be our very own Philly Folk Hub. I know you are out there.  And we all know how this bloggy stuff works.  I scratch your back, you scratch mine. 

And I got an itch, people.

{a little to the left… more left… over, over… up a bit… ahhhhhh}

21
Jul

Clark Park

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

Clark Park is one of my old time favorite nooks in the city, where I have spent many a days and nights hanging out.  You always meet so many different people there due to the diversity of the neighborhood and surrounding universities.  Plus, the name is fun to say.

Clark Park. Clark Park. Clark Park.

Tonight the Philadelphia Orchestra is giving a free performance in Clark Park at 7:00 PM.  This is part of their Free Neighborhood Concerts.  Tonight’s line up:

CHABRIER   España

BIZET   Suite No. 2 from Carmen

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV   Capriccio espagnol

MARQUEZ   Danzon No. 2

BARBER   “Hesitation-tango,” from Souvenirs

RAVEL   Bolero

There is just something about listening to classical music out in the wide open, under the stars.  Well OK, you got me there.  Not only is it daylight at 7 PM, but even if it were pitch black you probably wouldn’t see stars in West Philly.  But the music and atmosphere is sure to be great none-the-less. 

So if you find yourself with nothing to do, head on out to Clark Park.  Just can’t say that enough.

20
Jul

Vacation, Gotta Get Away

Author: Momish, Category: Randomness, Something to Do, The Shore

So it figures that the week we go live I am scheduled to go on vacation.  Just as I am getting into the swing of things, meeting new people, receiving (unpaid/non-bribery) feedback, getting my groove on…. Wham! Stop everything! I have to go down the shore and relax in the sun while doing absolutely nothing for the next seven days.

 Woe is me!

Other than the timing factor, we have no worries, trust me.  That is because I have figured out how to schedule publishing posts.  I practiced on today’s post. I actually wrote this last night and voila, it didn’t show up until this morning.

I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking that even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then.  But I really do think I am getting the hang of this WordPress stuff.  I honestly think things will go smoothly next week.  You wait and see.

The Jersey shore is calling to me, people.  I have but no choice to go.

So, I have the sworn promise that the powers that be here at IsMyHome are going to moderate all comments.  As for me, I promise to respond as often as I can between my hours of sea, sun and surf.  And, if I find any great happening or bargains,  I will be sure to pass it along.

Just to prove my good faith, I will remind you that next Friday (the 28th) is the famous Night in Venice annual parade of boats in Ocean City.  I wanted to pass this one along early so you can make the necessary plans.  Just in case you aren’t already down there on your week long vacation like some of us.

So please don’t take my comment silence as a sign of not caring! Although, truth be told, I really won’t be caring about anything other than the next time I have to turn over or sand getting into my Mai Tai.  But hey, like they say… silence is golden.  Right?

Hello? Did you hear me?  I said silence is golden, right?

<cricket cricket>

Pfft.

19
Jul

Looks Like They’re Moving In

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News

I am heading down to Atlantic City this weekend on vacation. My mother and most of her side of our family live in AC and the surrounding areas. I was born in AC as a matter of fact. Aside from visiting family and chilling on the beach, one of the things I love to do while I am there is go to the casino, mostly in the hopes of making my daughter an heiress.

I like to gamble. I think it is fun and as long as the money I spend doesn’t dip into our financial responsibilities or lower our quality of life, I don’t mind losing it for a night of entertainment. My husband enjoys his time at the poker tables as well. It is something we do on every trip we make to AC.

That being said, I don’t want Foxwoods Casino in my back yard. I don’t want the traffic, the crime and the seediness that comes with a casino, not to mention the temptation. I know it sounds completely hypocritical of me, considering I take advantage of the casinos in AC. I am sure the residents living within a mile radius resent their presence for the benefit of people like me. People who get to come and go as they please.

Believe me, I know. I watched as nice family neighborhoods deteriorated over the past decades as more and more pawn shops, topless bars and other unappealing elements moved in. It took roughly 15 years before my grandparents had no choice but to move from their Texas Avenue house, losing money on the property they lived in since before I was born.

I don’t want to move. I don’t want to sell my house 15 years from now, yet alone at a loss. I don’t want my child growing up in a neighborhood where pawn shops and check cashing stores stand where there were once friendly mom and pop shops. I don’t want South Philly to become a gambling cesspool. But it seems, after reading the latest article in the Inquirer, that this is going to happen. It is unstoppable.

At this point, all we can do is hope for the best. Hope that Foxwoods really does have the betterment of the city and our neighborhood in mind. Hope that Foxwoods really does have a plan on how to handle the influx of traffic. Hope that Foxwoods will create a casino with an element of class, one that will provide residents with high end shops, restaurants and bars such that they will counteract the other elements which gambling inevitably brings.

While I may be overlooking some of the positive aspects, like more jobs and city revenue, I can’t help it. And trust me when I say that in the end, I hope all my fears and dread are proven wrong. But, seeing as Foxwoods is already acting like a bully, suing the City of Philadelphia (already racking up legal bills at the expense of us taxpayers), something tells me no matter how nicely they decorate their front door and windows, they are not the kind of neighbors you want living on your block.

18
Jul

Radio Days

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

Unless you read my personal blog, you probably don’t know that I recently bought a new car, a Honda Fit.

{Momish readers roll their eyes and sigh, “oh no, not the car again!”}

Yes, I am going to talk about the car yet again.  Deal. 

Thanks to my new shiny car, I am now safer on the road, have a back windshield wiper (!), power windows and a radio for the first time in six years.  A radio!!!  And no, I am not that cheap that I drove to work every day in silence for the past six years rather than dish out the cash to replace my stolen one.  I just refused to throw my hard earned cash away on something that was sure to slip away as soon as I got it.  The original radio was stolen within the first month I had the car causing 800 bucks of damage to the console. Oh thank you very much universe for once again teaching me the valuable zen lesson of placing too much of my energy into meaningless possessions; I am surely a better person for those six years of silence.  (my turn to roll the eyes)

Anyway, I know I am way late to the game here, but have you heard the new radio station WRFF Radio 104.5?  Loving it!! It’s so nice to listen to really good songs that are not overplayed, especially while stuck in a major traffic jam surrounded by morons.  Them and BEN FM are slowing bringing my blood pressure down to safe levels again.

I’m also enjoying the “new” morning shows like Preston and Steve.  Those guys are certifiable, I am convinced.  At first I thought the 10,000 marbles thrown down the Art Museum steps was a farce, just like the time they fooled everyone into thinking they were actually throwing iPods off City Hall’s roof.  But, lo and behold it was for real.  It wasn’t until I saw the YouTube video posted by Philly Transplant that I knew it was legit.  Not being much of a baseball fan, the entire point of the 10,000 marbles for 10,000 losses was well, kinda lost on me you might say.  It was still funny though, especially all the hoopla it created.   

So, there have it.  Lots of outdated radio news for ya.  C’mon guys, I can’t be the maverick of All Things Philly every day, you know.  Cut me a break!  After six years, I have ease back into having radio days again.

17
Jul

Live In America

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Randomness

So I am told we are now ”live”.  As in, no-longer-writing-to-myself live.

At first I panicked.

OH MY GOD! WE’RE LIVE! Is my header on straight? How’s my font? Does this side bar make me look fat?

Then I was all like, what am I panicking for? Everything is fine. The blog looks fine. I look fine.  Besides, even if I didn’t, it’s not like you guys would ever know.  You’ll just have to trust me on that one…

Speaking of beautiful people, did you see that the Beckhams have arrived in America?

Granted, they are a handsome couple.  Apparently, he looked rather debonair in his light grey suit and she looked posh in a stunning purple dress.  It’s all the papers could write about.  The way they looked seemed much more important than the reason they are here - to play for the L.A. Galaxy and hopefully promote soccer in the U.S.  Maybe add a little spice to the sport. {hee hee. Get it, spice?}

As for me, I have a minor grudge against these two, so you will have to forgive me if I am not all gaga about them moving here.  For one, I got royally jacked when David Beckham went to Real Madrid.  You see, I had tickets to the grand opening of Lincoln Field where FC Barcelona played Manchester United.  I was so excited to finally see this man in action.  Then there were all these rumours about him being traded, but they all suggested it would be to Barcelona.  No worries there.  Remember, it was Barcelona vs. Manchester United after all.

But no, instead he runs off to Madrid.  No Beckham.  I was royally jacked, I tell ya.

As for the wife?  My grudge against her isn’t exactly personal, it’s more like by proxy.  Echo and the Bunnymen (my all time favorite band) were suppose to sing the 1998 World Cup song, because hey, they like actually wrote the song.  But then they got booted for the more attractive and popular Spice Girls, who ended up singing their song.  My boys were royally jacked, I tell ya.

But all that was many years ago, so I am sure I can find in my heart to put those grudges aside and welcome this couple to our fine country.  Maybe his presence here will give Major League Soccer more exposure and bring us up to par with the rest of the world.  Yeah, now that I think of it, I guess I can put my personal grudges aside for the sake of the sport, not to mention haute couture.

So let me take this minute to shout out a big ole WELCOME all around.  Welcome to America Mr. and Mrs. Beckham, and welcome to Philadelphia Is My Home all of you!

16
Jul

Tell Me Why I Don’t Like Mondays

Author: Momish, Category: Something to Do

Well can you? Can you tell me why I don’t like Mondays? Here’s a hint: It has nothing to do with going back to work, although that sort of compounds the reason. Ok, seeing as you don’t know me so well, tell me this…

1. What band sang that song?
2. What event is the song about?
3. The lead singer of the band went on to do what major musical event?

A bit of trivia for ya.  Coincidentally, that is part of the reason I don’t like Mondays.  Mondays use to be my night to play bar trivia.  I was on a really good team that met every Monday at the Dark Horse.  We use to win a lot, which makes it all the better in my opinion.

My specialty was movie trivia.  I earned that distinction from my teammates the time I knew that Jean Paul Gaultier did the costume design for The Cook The Thief His Wife & Her Lover.  They bowed down before me over that one.  That was back in 1998 of course, but I am a firm believer that one should never forget one’s moments of glory.

Obviously, now with the hubby and kid and all that adult stuff, Mondays aren’t exactly the play night of the week for me.  So sad, really.  All my useless knowledge going to waste, and we all know that the mind is a terrible thing to waste.  Instead, Mondays are just blah again with nothing to look forward to, especially now that the 24 season is over. 

But hey, don’t let my sorry lot in life stop you from having a good time!  There are Pub Trivias going on all over this city.  Monday nights you can play Quizo at the New Deck in University City with my buddy Ronan (an old teammate back in the day).  Quizo is run by Pat, who we all know is one of the best because Pat originated Pub Trivia here in Philly.

Nothing can get rid of those Monday blahs like Quizo.  As for me, at least I still have Jeopardy.  I can usually get through the entire show as long as I keep throwing cookies at the kid.

Quizo@ The New Deck

Every Monday & Wednesday Night
Starts at 10pm
Come in early to get a seat!

$4 Guinness Pints on Monday
$4 Bass Pints on Wednesday
& $2 Domestic Pints all from 10pm - 12am

15
Jul

The City of Murals

Author: Momish, Category: Philly Tourist, Something to Do

Did you know that Philadelphia is the city with the most murals in all of America? I kid you not! According to the Mural Arts Program website, we’ve got over 2,700 murals gracing our city building, bridges, walls and billboards.  Beat that New York!

Philadelphia is internationally recognized as The City of Murals (hence the title of this post; very witty of me I know).

Ok, so you might have already known all that, granted.  I mean, ya’ll live here and all.  But, did you know that you can actually take a guided tour and visit some of the well known murals throughout the city?  But wait, there’s more. Mural Arts also has an experiential tour, where you get to meet one of the muralist (a true word, I didn’t just make it up) and learn about the artistic process in making murals.  Bet you didn’t know that!

Well, even if you did, you can at least act surprised. 

I find the entire process amazing, having witnessed it first hand.  A very good friend of mine use to be a member of the Anti-Graffi Network, which is where the Mural Arts Program began.  I use to spend hours watching them map out the squares and then make it come to life.  I definitely have to take this tour one day to see if any of those murals are part of it.  I can take a certain level of pride in knowing I played a part in its existence with my moral support.  Or, should I say mural support? (ok, that was weak)

Visit the Mural Arts website for more information and details about all their tours, including their Murals and Meals one, which personally would be my favorite.  This is a great thing to do for people who visit from out of town but aren’t into all that fine arts stuff.  Hey, like 15 year olds from Britain!!!

I am on a roll here with the alternative Philly tours so watch out! You just never know what I might come up with next.

14
Jul

Philly as a Shining Example?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, History, Just Ranting, World News

I read a very upsetting article the other day.  I won’t go into the details so as to not upset anyone who prefers not to ruin their day.  Suffice to say, it was a horrible crime, the details of which will make you sick and enrage you beyond words. 

What I will talk about is the setting where this crime took place, Dunbar Villiage in Florida.  As the article states, the residents there call this place “hell”.  To call it one of those “housing projects” that is failing miserably is the most benign thing you can say about this place.  There were over 700 calls to the police in this past year, according to the article.  Drugs being dealt in the open, bullet proof street lamps, gated entrance (to keep the criminals out or in, I wonder?)  All of these things have got to scream to someone with half a brain, “Hey! This isn’t working!”

Reading about this terrible place which many people are forced to call home reminded me of Philadelphia’s old “projects”.  Tall high rises where people were packed like sardines and made to feel like animals, often causing them to act like animals. It wasn’t working.  And when something doesn’t work, you tear it down and start over. NO MATTER WHAT THE COST! We are talking about people’s lives, here. Real people. Our fellow Americans.

Someone’s head is buried way too deep in the sand of those lovely Florida beaches.  I don’t understand how such trecherous situations can still be in existence, yet alone continually be ignored as a breeding ground for crime. 

I remember when they imploded the old Washington Avenue projects, I was there. I got up early in the morning to see that disaster go down.  It was the end of an era.  Now, in its place is a community of homes where kids are playing in the backyards and neighbors talk to each other on their front steps.  Casually, without fear.  Furthermore, surrounding this area are houses being restored and businesses setting up camp on the street corners. 

I think the powers that be down in Florida should come visit Philly and take a look at what amazing results can do to the spirit, when you build structures that people want to call home. It stems from pride. People want to feel good about where they live, and in returen they protect that feeling, nurture their homes, help promote their communities and stand up for themselves.

Granted, I am not an expert on public housing or economic plight.  Perhaps I am the one with my head in the sand after all.  Who knows. Perhaps I am the one making more out of the new homes on Washington Avenue than they deserve.  After all, its only been 10 years.

Or, perhaps someone from Florida should come visit our city, take note of the changes we made, then tell me if I am wrong.