Philadelphia is My Home

10
Dec

Fess Up

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

Hello, my name is Momish and I am a Christmas junkie.

Fess up, people.  I know I am not alone here.  You too love this stuff, admit it.  If you’re a junkie like me, you’ve got your car radio tuned to B101, singing along to the six versions of ”Jingle Bell Rock” they play every day. 

You’ve changed your Windows wall paper to a winter wonderland scene, complete with falling snow. Forget that it slows everything down to a crawl on your PC… you gotta have the falling snow.

You’re spending every weekend searching for that perfect gift, ornament or decoration.  You’ve marched along with the Winter Warlock, putting “one foot in front of the other” on more than one occasion.  And before you even take your coat off, you’re eagerly sifting through the mail to see what new cards you got.

But most of all, you’ve already been to Macy’s to see the holiday light show.  You sat your adult bum down next to that eagle statue, then you watched, smiled and sang along with all the third graders, just like you did when you were in third grade. 

As cheesy as it is, you know you still love it.  C’mon, how can anyone resist a smile when Frosty’s arms blink up, down, up, down, up, down.  It’s classic. Personally, I think it is the organ music that lends itself to that magical feeling.  Well, that mixed with a big, fat dose of nostalgia.

So, have you been yet?  Fess up!

Check out Centercityphila.org for all Holiday Events going on around the city.

Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC

18
Oct

Urg (um, I mean Erg) Is Too A Word

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

It’s a work unit.

I know this because I do a lot of crossword puzzles.  Which is also why I play a mean game of Scrabble.  I love Scrabble, but no one will play with me because I always win.

This is why I was thrilled to death to find the Free Library’s Philly Plays Scrabble program which holds Scrabble competitions throughout this month.

If you are a Scrabble buff, here’s your chance to shine.  You might even find yourself amongst some serious competition.

Bring. It. On.

Check out the Librabry’s website for more details, as well as a slew of other great events they host.  When was the last time you actually went to the library?  With the world’s wealth of imformation a simple Google click away, I am sure it’s been quite some time you have walked through those doors.  I know I haven’t been here in ages.  And I miss that old beautiful building on the Parkway.  It’s the first free library in the country, you know.

So c’mon, put on your Scrabble thinking caps and and haul your Google addicted butts over to the library.  I could use some stiff competition.

(Philly Plays Scrabble has events throughout many Library branches.  Check the website for dates and times, since each vary.)

10
Sep

Philly Parents Under A Microscope

Author: Momish, Category: General, Just Ranting, Kids, Local News

Have you had a chance to read the article in this month’s Philadelphia Magazine about Bad Parents, written by Tom McGrath? If you haven’t, then I suggest you take a moment and read it.  It’s that good.  And necessary, I might add.

I am so excited about this article and similar articles I have recently read that finally are speaking up and lashing out at the ridiculous parenting trends of today.  You know what I am talking about, where the child is the center of the universe and all that stuff.   Where parents are too emeshed and involved in their kids lives, to the point of overlooking their own lives as valuable.

My favorite passage was the author recalling how his parents never got involved in his childhood endeavors, yet alone managing and controlling them like today’s parents do:

“The only time I remember either of them getting involved was the day my mother casually suggested that rather than making 67 phone calls, we simply agree to meet every morning at a particular time. It was a great idea that I completely ignored, but to my mother’s unending credit, she never mentioned it again. Perhaps because she had a life.”

That last line had me cheering in my seat.  What is wrong with having a life? Why is it that parents suddenly forgo their own existence the minute they have a kid.  Suddenly, the kid’s soccer and ballet schedules override the parent’s social life.  Suddenly, the kid’s school achievements override the parent’s career advancement.

I don’t get it.  I don’t want to get. But I am glad other people are finally speaking out and doing valuable research that shows such over coddling only hurts and hinders in the end.

As the author keenly points out:

“Unfortunately, evidence is steadily mounting that The Way We Parent Now — roughly defined as giving your child as much opportunity and attention as possible, while requiring little from him or her in return — is turning out to be something of a disaster, at least in terms of producing, you know, well-adjusted, contributing human beings.”

Although he mentions many scenarios and tidbits regarding mostly Philly parents, it actually describes this budding generation of elite professional parents, regardless of where they live. 

Go read it, then tell me what you think.

22
Aug

Drive In Movies!

Author: Momish, Category: Free Events, Kids, Nightlife, Philly Finds, Something to Do

When my old car started giving me trouble, I quickly signed up for PhillyCarShare, just in case.  I figured if it finally did break down, I could just do the PhillyCarShare until all things were fixed.

Then I bought the new car.  (Relax! I am not going to go on and on about the new car.)  The point is, since I bought the new car, I never did get a chance to use PhillyCarShare in the end.

Still, I am glad we still belong to it, otherwise I wouldn’t know about the drive in movies they are sponsoring.  Once a week, all over South Philly, they will be hosting a drive in movie.  You don’t need a car, just maybe a cozy blanket or lawn chair.  And you don’t need money either!

Oh, and I called just to double check and they assured me it is free to the public, not just CarShare members.   

Tonight’s movies is Rocky being shown at Capitolo Park (where ever that is).  However, I won’t be going to this one because it’s freezing outside, for one thing.  Second, we have tickets to see Wicked tonight.  So, I may try to catch next week’s, An Inconvenient Truth, because I think I am one of maybe a dozen people who hasn’t seen it yet.

Click Here For Full Movie Schedule

All shows begin at dusk.

18
Aug

Penn’s Landing It Is Then

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

When making your plans this weekend, don’t forget about Penn’s Landing.  The annual PECO Multicultural Series is still going on and today’s featured culture is India!

Now you just know there is going to be great food and beautiful sights to see.  And with the weather being a tad cooler, you can actually enjoy being outside all day.

Tomorrow is the Caribbean festival.  I can’t promise you’ll see any authentic pirates (this is the busy season for them you know), but certainly more good food, not to mention amazing music.  I just love all those steel drums!

Both events go on all day from 12-8 at the great plaza and they are free! Free! Free! That is not to say that you won’t spend any money with all that cool shopping, sari to say.  (I couldn’t resist)   

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! 

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?

31
Jul

Bookworms Unite

Author: Momish, Category: Kids, Local Charity, Shopping

Tomorrow starts Border’s August Book Drive.  They will be collecting new books to donate to Reach Out And Read all month.  

Now, let me ask you this… do you need any other reason to go to Borders?  I didn’t think so.

While you are browsing around, you can pick up a book right then and donate it to this great cause (after you pay for it, of course).  Just think, you get new books for your summer reading (still a month left) and pass along the thrill of books to children in our own community. 

The love of books and reading is one of the greatest gifts you can offer to anyone, especially to kids that don’t have the luxury to browse around Borders with the world of words at their fingertips.

You should check out some of the information on Reach Out and Read’s website.  The studies and statistics regarding the importance of early exposure to reading are interesting.  They give a lot of statistics regarding reading out loud to childern under the age of three.  I am guilty of failing short in my duties as a parent and fall into the 23% of parents that only do it once or twice a week.  But even so, I still believe she will be fine, because I was.

My mother hardly ever read out loud to us as we were kids.  But she was an avid reader.  So although she didn’t put us to bed with a bedtime story, we watched her enjoy devouring book after book as a favorite past time.  That alone was enough to pique our interest and get us hooked.

Exposure is the key, but that requires books, lots of books. 

Border’s August Book Drive:

August 1, 2007 12:00 AM
Location: In Store

Philadelphia - Avenue of Arts
1 S. Broad
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA
Phone:215.568.7400

13
Jul

Happy Friday 13th, Best of Luck To Ya!

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

Ok, so it’s Friday the 13th, but don’t let that stop you from kick starting this weekend into gear.   As for me, It’s my birthday, so I can do whatever I want including breaking mirrors, stepping on cracks and walking under ladders. My 13th birthday fell on a Friday 13th and I survived that one just fine. Bring on the black cats, I say. I have no fear! None!

Anyway, as you know, after July 13th comes July 14th which happens to be an important day to the French.  So don’t forget about the Bastille Day celebrations going on this weekend! 

White Dog Cafe is having a Bastille Day Block Party  tonight with lots of snails, frog legs and other fun stuff.

Hedgegrove Theater is having a Bastille Storming and French Revolution performance Saturday @ 6:00.  FREE!

Fairmount Park is having their FREE French Fling weekend, but you already knew that because I told you about that already and you devour this blog on a daily basis, right?

Non?

C’est la vie.

In other matters, I just have to mention that my friend’s son is coming into town next week from England. So, I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what we could do or where we could go one night next week.  He has visited Philly throughout his life, so the usual spots like the Liberty Bell or Art Museum aren’t really options.  Besides, he is only 15, so he isn’t into traveling during his summer break for the sake of a history lesson.  I need to come up with something different.

What to do, what to do…

Then it hit me! My husband recently went on a Philly Movie Tour with his work as a sort of team building event. He said it was interesting and fun despite the fact that it didn’t really bring him any closer to his co-workers in the end. C’est la vie.

During the tour, you drive you around in one of those quaint old fashion trolleys while your guide shows you a slew of places in the city where major films have been shot.  They even show the clips on a video screen so you see how they altered the area to suit their needs.  Plus, they give you all the inside dirt about how locations were picked, the problems that were encountered, not to mention juicy rumours about the spoiled movie stars. 

I am sure any 15 year old kid would enjoy that.  Heck, I would enjoy it. And in the end, it’s all about me anyway, non?

As for dinner, my first thought was to go the Continental.  I can get me some shoe string fries and a Buzz Aldrin (there’s just something about licking Tang off a martini glass that thrills me). But, then I remembered he is only 15, and while I am not a prude about such things, he is not exactly my child to corrupt. So, I have no idea where we’ll end up eating.  Any suggestions? Remember though, something I would like.  It’s really all about me even though it is suppose to be about him. C’est la vie.

****************

For more information on Philly Movie Tours, check their website.  And don’t forget that you can get discounted tickets to this and other events through the Fun Savers website.  Please, no applause.  It’s just my job to pass along such great bargains.

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!