Philadelphia is My Home

08
Nov

Scarred For Life

Author: Momish, Category: Attractions, Entertainment, Family Friendly, Local News, Nightlife, Philly Tourist, Something to Do

When I was around ten years old, my girlfriend and I sneaked into her parent’s bathroom and started snooping around.

We found a bottle of her mom’s perfume and went to town.  We dabbed it all over our wrists and behind our ears, just like grown up ladies do before a fancy night out on the town.

Then my friend dropped the bottle.  It fell into the toilet, where it promptly shattered into a million pieces when it hit the porcelain.  A more apt description would be that it exploded.  Glass went flying in every direction and one sharp piece sliced an inch gash in my leg.

I still have the scar.  As far as scars go, it isn’t that big.  Yet, it is there.  For life.  It doesn’t smell like Oscar de la Renta anymore, but I notice it every time I am wearing a skirt and cross my legs.

Every scar has a story.  Some funny, some heart breaking, some just bizarre.  But a story, none-the-less.  This is why I think the exhibit Thin Skinned Thick will be mesmerizing.

Photographer Amie Potsic’s collection examines scarring in an artistic, beautiful way.  And each photograph is accompanied by the subject’s story behind the scar.

The exhibit’s grand opening is this Friday at 6:00 PM at the Sol Mednick Gallery (The University of the Arts, 211 S. Broad St., 15th flr. 215-717-6300).  Continues until December 14th. 

OK, so there’s lots of time, but why wait? Everyone loves a good story.  But more importantly, eveyone needs a chance to see beauty where we never thought to look before.

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.

05
Sep

Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Free Events, Local News, Something to Do

Well, river actually.

Anyway, tomorrow night you can check out the new dock along the river in Manayunk.  The dedication ceremony is at 5:00 PM.  Plus you get to meet the Manayunk Dragon Boat Racing team that will be heading to the World Championships in Sydney this year.

Or if you prefer, here’s just another excuse to hang out in Manayunk! Yeah!

Check out Manayunk’s website for more details!

04
Sep

Eat, Pray, Love In Philly

Author: Momish, Category: General, Local News, People

I recently finished Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I devoured this book and totally admire this woman.

So, I did a little research on the net to learn more about her and what else she has written.  And sure enough, right there on her official website, she says she currently lives in Philadelphia with her honey.

Now, if you read the book, you know she has traveled to at least three continents, if not more.  And she certainly has the means to travel to other exotic and romantic places.  Yet, she chose to settle right here in Philly, at least for now.

Kinda cool, huh?

Another claim to fame, people.

31
Aug

The 80’s Are Coming Back

Author: Momish, Category: Local News, Sports

Ah, the 80’s!  Who would have thought the era of my formative years would one day be considered “retro”?

But here it is.  The wide belts are back in style.  The long shirts and skinny jeans are back in style.  The pointy stilettos are back in style. 

And maybe, just maybe winning sport teams might be coming back in style.

Four game sweep! Just two games behind in the National League East standings.  Somebody pinch me!

OK, I may be getting ahead of myself.  But, with skinny jeans popping up everywhere, nothing (and I mean nothing) will surprise me now.

27
Aug

American Idol In Philly

Author: Momish, Category: Entertainment, General, Local News, People

So, the American Idol try outs were today at the Wachovia Center. Oh man, how I would have loved to have seen that!

I am sure we have a TON of talented young people here, but I am even more sure of the fact that we have plenty of wackos too.

Whenever I watch the try outs, I just have a hard time really believing that half the people are serious. That they really have no clue just how awful they are. So, it would have been interesting to see if part of the try outs are a set up or paid actors to make the show more interesting. Or, if some people are just there intentionally making fools of themselves, adopting the philosophy that any attention is attention.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone of you were there or know someone who went and tried out.

Any sightings of Simon, Paula or Randy??? How ’bout Ryan?

Now I’m gonna have to watch this season’s show just to see our Philly folks.

20
Aug

Relatively Unsure

Author: Momish, Category: Local News, People

I read this article about  at Philly.com today and I have to say I have mixed feelings.  By the tone of the article, I suppose that is exactly how I should feel.  It seems to be exactly how S-Five feels.

S-Five is a Philly native.  A self proclaimed gangsta rapper who’s lyrics often depict life on Philly streets.  Real life. Guns, drugs, gangs.  He also happens to be the grandson of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson.

The article describes him as, “not just any hip-hop artist. He’s a street rapper who straddles the divide between cops and crooks, both a member of the city’s first family of law enforcement and an artist representing Philly’s blood-ravaged streets.”

It is a good article. It offers a look at this 27 year old male and his struggle in life to make it, while battling the lure of the streets (our streets) and nurturing a passion for rap.  Sometimes those two just don’t mix.  Can you really make a name for yourself as a rap artist if you aren’t in a gang, didn’t do time, don’t do drugs, don’t hate cops or proudly own several guns?

I had mixed emotions about this article and this man.  Part of me wanted to feel good about him for trying to do better, find a balance.  But then again…

Here is someone that has great role models (not just his grandfather, but father and uncle also work in law enforcement, according to the article).  Here is someone with intelligence and a brain.  Here is someone with a strong support system and moral upbringing.  But then again…

Here is someone who went to jail, did drugs and sings about violence and hatred.  If the lure of the streets and rap music got to him, what chance do others less fortunate have?

Like I said, mixed emotions.  I hope S-Five finds his way and really does use his music to get him out of the streets.  But then again, I hope he raps about that part of his life 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.

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?

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.