Philly-ing You In

Summer's Almost Here...You know what that means!! :)

2005-05-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Partyyyy!! If you are anything like me, you are probably stressing out about the numerous finals that you have to complete in what seems like NO time at all. And, it is also probably true that you can not wait for this semester to finally come to an end. Well, the reality is that summer is just days away. You will finally have a chance to relax and enjoy the nice, warm weather. If you plan on being in or around the Philadelphia area this summer, I want to clue you in on several helpful websites that provide summertime nightlife events that will be taking place in the City of Philadelphia. Check them out....

Philly Night Life
eGO Philadelphia...Find the fun
Out on the Town
Guide of Activities

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2005-05-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do in celebration of the 5th of May?? Visit The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant located at 4120 Main St in Manayunk, PA. They are hosting thier second annual Cinco de Mayo Charity Singles Event starting at 6:00 p.m. until close.
Last year the even brought out close to 1000 people... and this year should be no different! Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 if you order ahead of time. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to North Light Community Center

So, what's included you might ask???

- BEAUTIFUL WEATHER courtesy of Mother Nature!
- 1 free drink
- A free Mexican buffet
- Corona, Cuervo Margarita, Red Bull, and Frozen Drink Specials
- Shake your maracas to the sounds of the live band "The Naturals"
- DJ between band sets
- Psychic Readings
- Live broadcast from WMMR
- TONS of prize givaways & FREE STUFF - ALL DAY & NIGHT LONG!!
- Party inside or out on the deck overlooking the river or under the tent
- This event is RAIN OR SHINE. If there is a thunderstorm or shower, no worries - "they got you covered"!
Order Now...Save $2!

Unable to attend? Well, then click here to learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo.

What's Up Doc??!!

2005-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of classic cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird?? If so, you are in luck! The James A. Mischner Art Museum just fabricated a fun and exciting showcase entitled "That's All Folks: The Art of Warner Brothers". It presents a comprehensive overview of a legendary Hollywood animation studio and the rambunctious birthplace of those beloved childhood characters who have become part of American folklore. It also features examples of original production art from the 1930's through the 1960's using more than 1,000 titles. The exhibition will be available to view up until July 3, 2005. (Please note: There will be a $4 special fee for this exhibition in addition to general admission.) So, if you are up for a day of childhood reminiscing...This is the place for you :) Need an excuse to go, bring a little sister, brother, cousin, neighbor, anyone!

Black Eyed Peas at Penn's Landing

2005-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Blacked Eyed Peas are coming to Penn's Landing! If you have ever been to Penn's Landing, you know that it is a really great place to chill out and enjoy a nice summer night away from home. There are always great events such as concerts, comedy shows, all-you-can-eat-ice cream days, and even dance lessons all throughout the summer months.

The Black Eye Peas will be performing on the Festival Pier on Friday, June 17th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this performance go on sale this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. General admission is $35 and tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster. As long as the weather is nice, this should be an amazing show. If you are interested, I would advise you to get your tickets soon as early as possible on Saturday.

You Know You're From Philadelphia When...

2005-05-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

You punctuate every sentence with, "You know" at least twice.

You want olive oil, not mayonnaise on your "hoagie".

You hate the Redskins.

You hate Dallas.

You hate the Giants.

You realize that your favorite dessert is "wooder ice".

You find yourself using "yo" and "youse guys" when talking long-distance to family members.

You know how to spell Schuylkill.

You pronounce ACME "ACK-A-ME".

You think that $2,500 a year for insurance on a 1977 Toyota Corolla is a bargain.

You find youself at a nice restaurant thinking "I wonder if they have cheese steaks?"

You sleep soundly through gunfire and ambulance sirens.

You visit New York and are impressed by how clean it is.

You can't eat french fries without Cheese Whiz.

You call sprinkles on top of your ice cream cone "jimmies".

You don't think Wawa sounds funny.

You snub a cheese steak that isn't on an Amoroso roll.

Your parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles all live on the same block.

You know who Jim O'Brien is and how he died.

You can't imagine lunch without a Tastycake.

You're still not sure about Jerry Penacolli.

A vacation at the Jersey shore (pronounced "Down the shoore") is better than going to an island (there's more stuff to do, plus you know everybody.)

You know where to find the Rocky statue.

You know that only tourists go to Geno's, Pat's and Jim's for authentic cheese steaks.

You only go if you're drunk and it's 3:00 a.m.

You can make a cheese steak and you've never been taught.

You've never been to the Liberty Bell, or the only time you were there was on a class trip in third grade.

You know what and where "Boathouse Row" is.

You will buy a pretzel from anyone, anywhere without even thinking of where it was - or where his hands have been.

You don't know what a sub is, but you think they are trying to describe an imitation HOAGIE.

You aren't a bandwagon Eagles fan and you loved them when they sucked, and before they had T.O.

You go to The Gallery or South Street in the summer time just to chill.

You have about seven pizza places on speed dial.

Philadelphia Goes Wireless

2005-04-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

I guess the saying is true... You DO learn at least one new fact a day. Yesterday, while in my Information Technology Applications in Marketing class, my professor announced that the city of Philadelphia is the first city to go completely wireless. This was news to me! And how cool is that? What this means is that if you are a resident of Philadelphia or will be visiting for an extensive period of time, you can purchase a wireless connection that will work city-wide. The cool thing about this is that you are able to bring your laptop to parks and other meeting areas, something that was impossible a few months ago. This just goes to show that, with technology, the possibilities are endless!

Press Release

Pat's vs. Geno's

2005-04-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

I would have to say NEITHER!!! When you want an excellent cheesesteak, you must go to that 74-year-old cinder-block luncheonette situated on Wecceccoe & Snyder known as John's Roast Pork. I know, your thinking roast pork??? I want a cheesesteak! But this place is truly amazing. Whenever I bring friends home and we are in the mood for a big, juicy steak, Johns Roast Pork it is, without a doubt. And, although many have tasted Pat's and Geno's, I have never had one challenge that they come close to being better, even slightly!

So next time that you are in South Philadelphia, make sure to make a pit stop at "johnny's" (as I call it). I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Be careful, however, because they usually sell out of bread by mid-afternoon. Yes, they ARE just that good :) The scent of onions caramelizing and seasoned beef searing on the grill and thoughts of hollowed-out seeded rolls and aged provolone that melts on every shred of meat have a tendency to attract hungry stomachs. Go early!

Review

Good News for All of You Philly Pretzel Fans

2005-04-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

The South Philly Soft Prezel Factory is coming to Delaware! As you can probably tell, I am exremely excited about this. My roomate can probably express my excitment even better due to the fact that I almost caused a huge car accident. While driving home from the dollar store this past weekend, my roomate turned onto Main street. It was then that I first saw the sign for the factory and I gasped. A very loud gasp! Thinking that something dangerous was about to happen, she quickly slammed on the brake. Oooopppsss. Thank god that we did not crash. Anyway, the soft prezel factory is going to be located right next to Primo's Hoagies (also a South Philly origination). I am currently unaware of the opening date, but I will be sure to let you know when I find out.

Want to taste test, click here

U2 at the Wachovia Center

2005-04-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

For all of you U2 fans out there, the group will be performing live at the Wachovia Center on Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 22, 2005.

For a sneak peak of the performance and other behind-the-scene happenings, tune in and watch the VH1 program on U2 this afternoon at 2:30. VH1’s ‘All Access' has been traveling with the band in preparation for the tour's startup in San Diego. They had the opportunity to shoot band rehearsals in both Rosarito, Mexico and Vancouver, as well as Canada. If you haven’t been to a show yet, this program will be great to watch. If you have been, it’ll take you right back! Other show times include Moday, April 18th at 1:00p.m. and Wednesday, April 20th at 1:30p.m.

If you are interested in purchasing any remaining tickets for the Wachovia Center performance, Click Here

A New Park: A Successful Winning Streak

2005-04-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

April 2nd marked the start of the second season for the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. After all of the demolition and reconstruction that took place last summer, the Phillies' new ball park proves to be better than ever. From new menus to new merchandise to new amusements in the family-fun section, everyone has taken part to make the newest east coast park the place to go. I visited the park last summer and I loved every minute spent there. To me, it the park is a huge change for the city of Philadelphia offering and clean and pleasant place to spend the day outside.

More importantly, the Fightin' Phils are going for their fourth straight victory tonight against the Florida Marlins at 7:05 p.m. After the bullpen squandered a lead for the third straight game to leave them at 1-3, the Phillies have reeled off three straight wins. They blew out the Cardinals twice over the weekend, then won a close game on Monday against the Marlins. The Phillies are pulling through into the lead. Is this due to the new park or a newly inspired team? Who knows! But whatever the reason, I hope that the Phillies continue on with their winning streak.

Check out the Philadelphia Phillies 2005 Season Schedule

Spring Break Punta Cana: Nothing Like Phiadelphia

2005-04-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

This past week, I was granted the opportunity to visit Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for spring recess. It was an experience unto itself. Because I am a city girl, I am so accustomed to walking down the many concrete sidewalks in Philadelphia to get from point A to point B. However, in Punta Cana I had the pleasure of walking up and down miles and miles of beaches which consisted of sand as white as bed sheets. It was beautiful. And the water! Wow, what a difference. The Caribbean Ocean, where I spent most of my days floating aimlessly, was as clear as glass. I could actually see my feet and the feet of those yards away. It was amazing. One of the biggest differences that I saw between a city like Philadelphia and Punta Cana is the fact that the Dominicans take a siesta every day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Absolutely no work is done during that time period. It's a time of rest and relaxation. Well, I think that concept is just swell. Any takers??!!
Despite all of these beautiful differences, there were some crucial things that I missed from back home in Philadelphia. For one, I missed being able to brush my teeth with water from the spigot. In Punta Cana, you cannot drink any water that has not been purified and bottled. Also, I missed my typical meals that I enjoy in Philadelphia such as hoagies, yogurt and salads. The Dominican food was different in that it consisted of many rices, spices, random meats and potatoes which was hard to get accustomed to, at first. Most importantly, however, I missed my family and friends back home. My cell phone had no service while away which was a huge bummer. So, as soon as I got back to the Philadelphia airport, I called my family and friends and told them all about my trip. All in all, it was a wonderful trip. I would go back again whenever the opportunity arises. I am thoroughly convinced that Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Philadelphia Soul:Arena Football

2005-03-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I enjoyed watching and playing sports. Football, which I couldn't play because mom said that I would get hurt, and basketball were my two favorites.

Every Sunday afternoon, my family and I would travel to my grandparents house for our weekly visit and dinner. Given my passion for football, it was to no one's surprise that I could be found laying on my grandparent's couch watching the games with my cousins and uncles. Over the years, Sunday afternoon football has turned into one of my favorite down-time activities.

It wasn't until last winter that I was introduced to arena football by my best friend, Lindsay. Lindsay is a dancer and auditioned for the Philadelphia Soul dance team and made it! She told me all about her auditions and also informed me of the many differences between traditional and arena football. For one, the arena football field, which is an padded, inside area, is 50ft in length as opposed to the standard 100ft field that I was accustomed to watching. Given, the smaller playing field, arena football is played with fewer men on the field at any particular time. Also, instead of having standard field goal posts, arena football leagues have "goalside rebound nets" which are 30 feet wide by 32 feet high. The most important difference that Lindsay has told me was that, unlike any other team that I had rallied for, the Philadelphia Soul was partly owned by John Bon Jovi! Whom she is on a first name basis with...

Lindsay is the girl in the center at the far back of the picture.

From that point, I began watching the Philadelphia Soul to gain a greater appreciation for the game but, more importantly, to keep updated in case Lindsay ever introduced me to her new boss! How exciting would that be!

This past Sunday, May 20th, I watched the Philadelphia Soul defeat the Tampa Bay Storm 69-63 in front of 16,542 at the Wachovia Center. This win gave the Soul's Head Coach, James Fuller, his first as an AFL head coach and increased the Souls season record to 3-5. And I saw Lindsay on TV :)

This is a pictire of last Sunday's game.

If football is your thing, I encourage you to catch an arena foot ball game. The Philadelphia Soul play again this Saturday, March 26, at the Wachovia Center against the Grand Rapids Rampage. I'll be happily lying on a beach during this Spring Break time but I am sure someone can keep me informed...

I Miss Stock's Pound Cake!

2005-03-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Mom for turning another year older! I say this not because I want my mom to become an old, helpless lady (which is definately not the case); I say this because each and every birthday in my family is celebrated with a delicious Stock's pound cake. And when i say delicious, i mean AMAZING!! If you live in the Philadelphia area and have never had Stock's, then you are truly missing out. This pound cake is the best dessert in the entire universe and to put some whipped cream and strawberries on it is like tasting heaven.

My Mom turned 47 this past Sunday, March 13th. I was unable to make it back home to South Philadelphia to celebrate with my family on Friday night. Therefore, on Saturday, my Mom, Dad, and little sister, Lauren, drove to Delaware to celebrate once again :) We went to an amazing seafood restaurant and when it was time to leave, we were all about to burst! However, this did not stop my mouth-watering sensations for the left over Stock's pound cake that my mom had brought with her. I just couldn't wait to be hungry again. After we said our goodbyes at the end of the night, my family skidded away in the car and I yelled, "Happy Birthday Mom and have a safe trip back!" These words came running from my mouth, but my mind was elsewhere...on the cake! Later that night, I had the chance to satisfy my sweettooth and the cake was even better than remembered :) yummmmmy! Am I going to share with my roomies?? Well, we will have to see about that...

Nightlife in Philadelphia

2005-03-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have always been a firm believer in the saying, "Work hard, play hard." And when all of my work is said and done, it's time to have some fun! Philadelphia is full of entertainment. On any given night, one can parouse South Street (with friends, of course) to go shopping or catch a bite to eat.

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For even more excitement, you can attend live performances at the Theatre of Living Arts or a comedy show at The Laff House. I think south street is one of the coolest get-a-ways the city has to offer. If you are more interested in the bar scene, well, then Olde City is the place for you! Here, you can listen to some jazz at places such as Ortlieb's Jazz Haus which, by the way, has amazing entrees for low prices! You can dance the night away at nightclibs such as the Maui, Baja, Envy, or Evolution. So, whether you are looking to catch some laughs at a comedy club, some new dance moves at a night club, or see live artistic performances, Philadelphia has it!

Mummers? What's that?!?

2005-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Mummers parade is serious business in Philadelphia. It is an annual celebration of the New Year full of music, dance, competition, and fun! People from all over the world come to view the exuberant performances. It is a great way to start the New Year off with excitement.

Many of my family members are participators in the Mummers New Years Day Parade including my father, uncles, cousins, and gradfather. To be a member, one has to join a club and pay monthly dues. More importantly, each member is required to work on their costumes and practice their music and/or dance all year long in preparation for their one day in the sun (...wind, rain or snow).
When that special day comes, competition is evident. Each member is full of true devotion and pride in their year-long efforts to prepare an excellent performance. There are many lively discussions over the scoring by the judges and adherence to the complicated set of rules the marchers must follow when being judged. All in all, it is a one-of-a-kind experience you should not miss.

Visit the Mummers Official Site

Want to learn more about Philadelphia??

2005-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

Want to take a historical trip? Want to have a good night out "on the town"? Want to to learn more about the best place to eat a philly cheesesteak? Here, you can converse with many about the marvelous opportunities the city of Philadelphia has to offer!