tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77665098792148453072024-03-15T03:17:17.495-04:00One Fine PhillyPop Culture Casualtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07416606535338340018noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-64721922093170164472010-05-02T12:19:00.004-04:002010-05-02T13:35:24.068-04:00Reflections on 40 - Am I Really Green?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7pfieYc6xb3B8NWz_ykpIilkKyFFTLQSqBts-kv9lKRiVUgpZWHU6kdHFK71_Pxm6CUdWqVQQIbSnbVHt_d3lKJnGgeJy5XGueawdNvvIiGaB98cCO1JGd-kR-01J4h5PZLkRnCFKqAK/s1600/bike+route.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7pfieYc6xb3B8NWz_ykpIilkKyFFTLQSqBts-kv9lKRiVUgpZWHU6kdHFK71_Pxm6CUdWqVQQIbSnbVHt_d3lKJnGgeJy5XGueawdNvvIiGaB98cCO1JGd-kR-01J4h5PZLkRnCFKqAK/s400/bike+route.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466718105490032306" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>For the May blogging blitz, I have decided to write about life at 40. Mid-life crisis monologues, perhaps. <div><br /></div><div>On Norris Avenue in Kensington, I have seen plaques pop up encouraging people to abandon their cars and walk, bike or use public transportation instead. WALK, BIKE, RIDE, the messages implore. Flat on the sidewalk. They are preaching to the converted, I think, as only a pedestrian could see them. I'm disappointed that there is no website posted because I want to write and say, "I'm one of you. Please put me on your mailing list and invite me to your parties. I'm single and looking, by the way."</div><div><br /></div><div>I have not owned a car since 1992 and have used my feet, bikes, buses and subways ever since. I don't miss using a car, in fact, I let my driver's license lapse. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I guess I should be glad that I am not polluting the air. But I feel like an accidental activist in this area. I simply don't like cars. </div><div><br /></div><div>But truly this isn't a political choice, it's a personal one. I don't feel like I have surrendered a luxury, I feel like I escaped a commodity I have no use for. I don't think I'm noble, I feel eccentric.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Caroline Leopoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993267063728424080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-82617977583032696422010-05-02T00:40:00.003-04:002010-05-02T01:02:22.730-04:00May Day -- Blogging The MonthToday, I<br /><ul><li>saw my ex-in-laws for the first time since I left my ex, at my son's birthday party, and everyone was very kind.</li><li>reunited with an old friend, after some angry or imprudent words many months ago had caused a rift.</li><li>showed my solidly suburban parents my new South Philly home, without anyone having a panic attack.</li><li>celebrated my glorious son's 6th birthday, with a bunch of his friends, a bunch of friends of mine and his father's, and a cake I baked for him.</li></ul>It's been a good day. Also a very full one, so I think it's okay (I give myself a pass) that I didn't get my first May Blogging Challenge blog entry in until after midnight. Tomorrow: I'll try for photos, I promise!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-4838723624957971932010-04-22T15:52:00.003-04:002010-04-22T16:02:23.548-04:00Money Pit Sweet Money PitI have been a proud new (to me) homeowner for a full week now. I plan to move in officially in mid-May, so that gives me about 3 weeks to get it move-in-able. Here are the associated costs:<br /><br />$1000 for drywall (professionally installed), to get my son's room in good shape<br />$2500 for plumbing, because the main sewer line needs to be replaced<br />$1200 or so for a new fridge and range, assuming I can get a good deal<br />$??? for electrical work<br />$300 to fix a badly installed window<br />$1200 to sealcoat the stucco in the back<br />$500 to seal the roof<br />$??? for bars on the basement windows<br />$500 or so for paint<br /><br />I'm sure there are a few other expenses I haven't considered, but these are the ones I know about. So if you happen to know of any contractors who do pro bono work for poor non-profit employees, let me know! <br /><br />Stay tuned for renovation reports. For now, I'm just going to sort through my stuff to see if I can sell anything.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-63500230012311613272010-04-16T13:28:00.005-04:002010-04-16T13:51:25.234-04:00Shameless Plug -- Exile's SHINING CITY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLek_znYQ6WF-sBKHGpUfkDvk-ZNidNc5pjVA_QV1dpVQwW5RxyaEmid6Fz71o3-NwUkR9V4spCJ428Ov8lmLf1p-YOhZMKhHHUTyX0t322VU5kKIfQLCPnBBIWfZ7OZrt4TK6K7Dndo/s1600/Shining+City+3.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLek_znYQ6WF-sBKHGpUfkDvk-ZNidNc5pjVA_QV1dpVQwW5RxyaEmid6Fz71o3-NwUkR9V4spCJ428Ov8lmLf1p-YOhZMKhHHUTyX0t322VU5kKIfQLCPnBBIWfZ7OZrt4TK6K7Dndo/s400/Shining+City+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460793276480202546" border="0" /></a><br />In case you haven't heard, Theatre Exile's production of Conor McPherson's <span style="font-style: italic;">Shining City</span> is FABULOUS. I could go on about all the glowing things reviewers have been saying, or about all the emails I've been getting from patrons who loved the show. I could tell you how the cast, director, and designers came together to create a seamless, eloquent, and heart-wrenchingly honest evening of theatre. I could, because I've done all these things through other venues -- I work for Exile, so it's my job.<br /><br />Rather than repeat myself, I'll just urge you to come see the show before it closes on the 25th. You won't be disappointed. Tickets can be purchased <a href="http://theatreexile.org/">online</a> or by calling 215-218-4022.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-71248142991346424512010-04-15T22:03:00.007-04:002010-04-15T22:47:39.798-04:00Weekend Happenings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8wLQ2O1m5zuKrO960kzzElqBDqwi0NIThmIzv-bhRSt1lWXbVcHQQoY8NTQzwrBw4LWAsFG7-8opDn3EqOXoCWBlqEdQNOL2M-V9Ig1gCFk5_3_A3Mo7gkEfXBCuMmsomIbyub22xV4/s1600/popup_art10_400w.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8wLQ2O1m5zuKrO960kzzElqBDqwi0NIThmIzv-bhRSt1lWXbVcHQQoY8NTQzwrBw4LWAsFG7-8opDn3EqOXoCWBlqEdQNOL2M-V9Ig1gCFk5_3_A3Mo7gkEfXBCuMmsomIbyub22xV4/s320/popup_art10_400w.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460557506603515282" border="0" /></a>In the spirit of spring and a renewal of posting, I wanted to let everyone know that I will be attending the <a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/">Free Library Festival</a> this weekend, April 17 and 18. (You should go too--tell your friends!)<br /><br />Although the festival launched in 2007, and I'm usually a proponent of this sort of thing, I have yet to attend. According to the library's website, the event is "an annual 2-day celebration of books, music, people, and ideas." Hosted by Philadelphia's Central Library on the Parkway, the festival is a free public event that draws 25,000-35,000 booklovers from across the mid-Atlantic region. "Highlights include appearances by celebrity authors, engaging children’s programs, live music and other performances, plus a Street Fair & Literary Marketplace featuring numerous literary exhibitors—including publishers, booksellers, independent authors, and cultural organizations."<br /><br />I'm not yet sure which events I'll be able to hit, but here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25041">Robin Black | <i>If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This</i></a></li><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25044">Storybook Parade</a></li><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25042">Heidi W. Durrow | <i>The Girl Who Fell From the Sky: A Novel</i></a></li><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25211">Chang-rae Lee | <i>The Surrendered</i></a></li><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25212">David Lipsky | <i>Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace</i></a></li><li><a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25017">Second Annual First Person Inter-City StorySlam: Philly vs. Washington D.C.</a><br /></li></ul><br />And that's just a taste of what's going on Saturday. Many more on Sunday (including an event with <a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/program.cfm?event=25012">Sapphire</a><b>, </b>the author of <span style="font-style: italic;">Push</span>, the novel for which the movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Precious</span> was based).<br /><br />Other noteworthy going ons this weekend: I'm getting my first tattoo!Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-28316979017226039742010-04-12T17:36:00.004-04:002010-04-12T18:03:12.858-04:00Winter is over, spring is here ...It would seem that with Winter, came Commitments -- of the sort that prevent one from sitting in front of a computer and reflecting. Pop Culture Casualty had a baby, for heaven's sake! And the rest of us ... well, one thing or another. I know for myself, though, I've found myself wanting to return to OFP and muse, and ask questions, and make random assertions about the things going on in my life. So, welcome back, dear readers! Are any of you left?<br /><br />This has been a VERY busy season for me. After spending the past decade either completely immersed in academia, or mostly immersed in child-rearing and attempting to be immersed in academia, my new work life (marketing and devo for a theatre company) is a sea change. As is, of course, living on my own, having been in my previous relationship for 13 years. I feel like I'm becoming an adult, finally, at 37.<br /><br />To speed this process, I appear to be buying a house. All on my own, on my I-made-more-my-first-year-out-of-college salary. It's not the house of my dreams, and it's not in a sweet neighborhood, and I won't even have the money to do a budget makeover, at least for a while. (Avocado range and late 80s-era fridge, anyone?) However, it's six blocks away from my office, 2 1/2 blocks away from the Broad Street line, and a world away from me having to depend on anyone but myself.<br /><br />Closing date is Thursday, April 15th, if all goes well. I have to be out of my apartment by June 1st, giving me a month and a half to do some work on the place before I move in. If I'm lucky, and my friends are generous (which they are), I should at least have everything fixed that needs to be. And after we move in, I'm thinking of sharing the place with a new friend:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGncRlb_7ZKKq5JFPp2pMyB58mpmy_pPyZI0ZrDwJSHUvFiqUR3ubF8U9GRc1eXfD0jF3Vr-8qhiPgtzZ6p7FPb9yVcV-s9uzpgvd4DATxe8igbfqL8XF7fY9NaRpyNsVhEcLL1Ofy0w/s1600/PA436.16089039-1-x.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGncRlb_7ZKKq5JFPp2pMyB58mpmy_pPyZI0ZrDwJSHUvFiqUR3ubF8U9GRc1eXfD0jF3Vr-8qhiPgtzZ6p7FPb9yVcV-s9uzpgvd4DATxe8igbfqL8XF7fY9NaRpyNsVhEcLL1Ofy0w/s400/PA436.16089039-1-x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459374238151982098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If this cutie isn't still at the shelter, I'll see about one of her fellow orphans. I may be a grown-up, but I like sloppy dog kisses just as much as my six-year-old.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-7294161256214807952009-11-07T12:13:00.003-05:002009-11-07T12:22:20.178-05:00Life Without ComputerThe details are not important, but the punchline is. I have no computer. And life without computer is dramatic, but familiar. Retro. I have a radio and some art supplies to pass the time. And I pay close attention to paper- I read everything that crosses my path. At every coffee shop, I load up on colorful flyers and marvel at their artistry. Thick paper, glossy designs, and clever photographs. I take them home to absorb their information and then cut up for artist materials.<br /><br />Life without computer is fine. I pay $1.65 at my local cafe for a cup of caffeine & then I get 20 minutes of computer time. The library is more generous. For free I get 20 minutes, but I get automatic re-ups if there is no line. Yesterday, I spent an hour on the computer. But frankly, it wasn't necessary or productive.<br /><br />So here with an extra 5 minutes to spare, I thought I'd blog. Ironic that I am posting something online, I don't have time to edit or reflect on. But life without computer is just fine.<br /><br />(No photo with this post. I don't have permission to download pics.)Caroline Leopoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993267063728424080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-36390360674066213202009-10-17T10:03:00.008-04:002009-10-17T10:34:44.189-04:00Fall Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23GUpt1TkpoHdR1RBkGndDY8PwtMIL5-WZm9wkrD-sBYtSLnm8e1K9hw0JDdxu0Qb5_nex_u6JC7bAQBE3HbRN7ZxKq94xifrcK4OYgiSCmjHNe9fs6hym2n7O82O8NrLaEZIdPDfhgM/s1600-h/BYOTY_mpweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23GUpt1TkpoHdR1RBkGndDY8PwtMIL5-WZm9wkrD-sBYtSLnm8e1K9hw0JDdxu0Qb5_nex_u6JC7bAQBE3HbRN7ZxKq94xifrcK4OYgiSCmjHNe9fs6hym2n7O82O8NrLaEZIdPDfhgM/s320/BYOTY_mpweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393576000787300594" border="0" /></a>There were so many fun fall things scheduled for this weekend--friends going to a corn maze and apple picking, free Mural Arts tours, Clark Park Flea Market, zine fair at Little Berlin--I was going to have to pick and choose. However, the weather had something different in mind for this fall Saturday.<br /><br />Definitely too cold and rainy for outdoor fall funning, the dreary cold is fine for <a href="http://littleberlin.org/2009/10/b-y-o-t-y/">BYOTY </a>(Bring Your Own Table...Yo?), I'm not sure what that last Y stands for...Yourself? The Little Berlin gallery space in Kennsington (119 W. Montgomery St.) is hosting a one-day zine fair this afternoon. Tables have been sold out for weeks, so it's sure to be a nice representative of artists. The event is 12 noon - 6 pm today. Admission is free and home-brewed beer is a $5 donation. I'm going to try to get there early to have my pick of favorites. Check it out with me!<br /><br />The rest will have to wait until next weekend. As an end to their 25th anniversary year, Mural Arts was planning a public celebration (<a href="http://www.muralarts.org/getinvolved/mam/events.php">Muralissimo!</a>) at the Piazza in Northern Liberties today. However, due to the weather it has been rescheduled for next Saturday, October 24. I've been wanting to do one of the Mural Arts tours, and for those that know me, I'm a sucker for things that are free.<br /><br />Fall is my most favorite time of year, and I feel as if I've missed it entirely. The weather acting like winter isn't helping. Maybe next week the sun will be out, and I'll have a chance to get lost in a corn maze, pick some pumpkins and see some murals. For now I'm going to have to settle for indoor activities and maybe a hot apple cider.Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-12953688537688029022009-09-29T12:43:00.008-04:002009-09-29T13:15:35.207-04:00Breaking News: Arrests Today at Sugar House Casino in Philadelphia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuJT90fR17DtMurWt1gAO4w3POD3qnE8PJmW33RNRtiipMQM36Ez_978TUB2YDIt52yzaVbgd2X-eX9AwQ8ZqxkTvdCIOs7Ndn6wEnTBmtgaZV4ETLm2PXOJIzSt41wW3bfeAFZK_t74V/s1600-h/casinofreephila.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuJT90fR17DtMurWt1gAO4w3POD3qnE8PJmW33RNRtiipMQM36Ez_978TUB2YDIt52yzaVbgd2X-eX9AwQ8ZqxkTvdCIOs7Ndn6wEnTBmtgaZV4ETLm2PXOJIzSt41wW3bfeAFZK_t74V/s400/casinofreephila.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386937218630024978" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Today at 6 am about 50 protesters assembled at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Columbus Boulevard, which is the site of the approved Sugar House Casino. The protest was organized by <a href="http://www.casinofreephila.org/">Casino Free Philadelphia</a>, which is a coalition of Philadelphia citizens opposed to the building of casinos in Philadelphia.<div><br /></div><div>Protestors argued that the construction of this casino, which is located in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, will create more economic and social losses for Philly citizens/taxpayers than benefits. They cite a study conducted by the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. For a brief summary of that report, <a href="http://www.planphilly.com/node/1766">click here</a>. At the action, this morning 15 people blocked the construction site gate by linking arms. Nearby, there was a rally of about 40 people. <div><br /></div><div>Fourteen people were arrested at 6:45 am this morning, including 3 clergy. As of 1 pm today, they are still being held. <a href="http://www.casinofreephila.org/">Casino Free Philadelphia</a> has reported there is no word about their status. </div><div><br /></div><div>For more information on this breaking story, here are some of the stories that have been released from Casino Free Philadelphia and the media:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.casinofreephila.org/">Casino Free Philadelphia photographs of protest. </a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/092909_SugarHouse_Casino_Protest">Fox news video of the arrests.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many more stories out there. Feel free to post links in the comments section of this blog post. </div></div>Caroline Leopoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993267063728424080noreply@blogger.com132tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-48679261458535869072009-09-18T23:30:00.003-04:002009-09-18T23:47:47.982-04:00The Real Estate BlogIt seems all of us (or at least most of us) here at One Fine Philly have recently relocated or will soon. I'm jumping into the fray -- my lease isn't up until end of December, but there are a lot more properties on the market now than there will be over the Xmas-New Year's holiday. And who really wants to move New Year's Day? I plan to cultivate quite a hangover, and I wouldn't want relocation plans interfering.<br /><br />Anyway, I was looking in the South of Federal, East of Broad area. Italian Market, Bella Vista, call it what you will -- it's where I work (!Employment = Yay!) and it's convenient to public transportation. But the neighborhood is apparently a little to up-and-came, and I need more up-and-coming, financially speaking. With a job in arts, it simply isn't wise to have rent exceed 3 weeks' pay. Although I do like pasta ... and cereal. My beer tastes are a bit more refined, though, so I can't exactly spend ALL my money on rent.<br /><br />A dear friend lives in Point Breeze, and I've admired her house the whole time I've known her. Gorgeously rehabbed, on a fairly quiet side street, with a deluxe kitchen, back yard, finished basement, central air, and laundry room ... it's a dream! Point Breeze has a bad rap as a drug drop zone -- apparently, the mafia would drop the drugs right on Point Breeze Ave. and the dealers would head up and down that street, delivering to the north and south. Fun! But when I've visited at night, I've met with friendly older generations sitting on their front steps, watching as children play and talking quietly. I've been introduced to at least six new neighbors in two visits. And more importantly, I've been able to imagine Luke playing in the nearby park, riding his bike down the side streets, and playing with kids his age. <br /><br />So when a house that was EXACTLY like my friend's, rehabbed by the same owner, became available, I jumped! Unfortunately, I should have jumped a couple of weeks earlier -- someone had put a deposit down right before me, but because of a mix-up I thought for a day and a half that I had the place. Talk about letdown! I consoled myself with the distance from the Broad Street line and the necessity of cabs late at night. Still, it felt like a blow -- I had started thinking about where my furniture would go, what colors to paint the walls ... the works.<br /><br />Just tonight I found another house in the neighborhood. Different owner this time, but SAME BLOCK as my friend, on her sweet side street. Not quite as nice a rehab, but still very nice ... and somewhat cheaper rent, which is all good! I refuse to get my hopes up as high as they were, but I still find myself thinking ...<br /><br />could this be home?<br /><br />Maybe this is all too intimate to be interesting, dear readers. But I do know this: we all feel the pull of a place that's more than just where we keep our stuff. A place we can curl up and feel comfort. A place to bring friends, a place to bring family. A place that wraps us in its arms at the end of a rough day, where we can say, "it's good to be home."<br /><br />I'm hoping that by the New Year, I'll be home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-19444771834962352032009-09-17T22:43:00.004-04:002009-09-17T22:56:53.059-04:00Breaking Library News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTAvEjpAb_pBovu-pnpeUiXaTSqUfcCnOIuUQ5k1HoizUrIPeRl9A1ThK_PDjUl6gqxUzvJ_HYKk3wzomUyv9jQw6nhmolzi6joUcebgglv24hyphenhyphenVJ-i46X4pYgFjxscqbUOoPOjA12m4/s1600-h/celebration-fireworks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTAvEjpAb_pBovu-pnpeUiXaTSqUfcCnOIuUQ5k1HoizUrIPeRl9A1ThK_PDjUl6gqxUzvJ_HYKk3wzomUyv9jQw6nhmolzi6joUcebgglv24hyphenhyphenVJ-i46X4pYgFjxscqbUOoPOjA12m4/s320/celebration-fireworks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382635970945948098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Plan C averted. Read about it <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7766509879214845307&postID=1944477183496235203">here</a>.<br />Exhale.<br /><br />Philadelphia <a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/index.cfm?srch=3&postid=952">libraries</a> are safe. <br />At least for now...Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-9955207230080590672009-09-17T12:58:00.011-04:002009-09-17T13:33:19.439-04:00Non-Fringe Philly events (9/17-9/19)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pwbaker/1673583657/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSXkfAIxmY50xxJKK4XkD4DRIhRR_byrdJC1coM_HeFoUJuoHkKArN5TPmN0JKfHOtqgPmKxvY8ZHCsxsPnQzaRl_mxTOZwzp3b4VorLDZazNUHTqcn4Cx55z6W0iHW71ZYmvFqF2ARQ/s320/1673583657_df5971e717.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382489966970452450" border="0" /></a>Briefly interrupting talk of Philadelphia's budget crisis for a handful of nearly free events the rest of this week:<br /><br />Thursday, September 17th, 2009<br /><ul><li>Artist's Reception. 4:30 - 7:30PM. 1622 Chestnut Street, Art Institute of Philadelphia. "Photographer Daniel Traub left his native Philadelphia for Beijing in 1999 and until 2008 photographed the city and its people through an extraordinary decade of change. These stunning large-format images, under the title <em>Beijing</em>, will displayed for the first time in the United States" (<a href="http://www.artinstitutes.edu/philadelphia/NewsAndEvents/News.aspx?ContentID=13683">details</a>)<br /></li></ul>Friday, September 18th, 2009<br /><ul><li>7th annual Bike Part Art Show. 7:00 - 10:00PM. <a href="http://www.studio34yoga.com/about/">Studio 34</a> in West Philly. "fun and functional work inspired by and made from bikes...live music, food, drink, a raffle (win a Fuji track bike!)" $5 suggested donation. (<a href="http://www.studio34yoga.com/2009/08/art-7th-annual-bike-part-art-show-918/">details</a>)</li></ul> Saturday, September 19, 2009<br /><ul><li>Clark Park Music and Arts Festival. 12:00PM - Sundown. Near 43rd & Chester in West Philly. (<a href="http://clarkparkfest.org/">details</a>)</li></ul>Credit: Creative Commons photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pwbaker/1673583657/">pwbaker</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-73983777936380850292009-09-16T09:24:00.004-04:002009-09-16T09:38:27.593-04:00Live Taping at Indpendence Hall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rf05VmewZ5Og_QiATXgqzXcW6FwCKi1V6LtM4ZjQDlIfHof_JJ7F-a-VE4eLIn7gCMqmyYy9i8jSPrXkaSI25aYYbZB-aHxrxFMrELEN9mCWFMVUDO6IfqSxDY-PyEZsXeupsfUYe34/s1600-h/gmphila0916.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rf05VmewZ5Og_QiATXgqzXcW6FwCKi1V6LtM4ZjQDlIfHof_JJ7F-a-VE4eLIn7gCMqmyYy9i8jSPrXkaSI25aYYbZB-aHxrxFMrELEN9mCWFMVUDO6IfqSxDY-PyEZsXeupsfUYe34/s320/gmphila0916.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382058064782928482" border="0" /></a><br />Taking a break from the dire seriousness of our state's <a href="http://www.hacd.net/budget/200910/crisis.asp">budget crisis</a>, I'd like to share a celebrity sighting. Well, it's a celebrity sighting if you consider Dr. Phil a celebrity. <br /><br />According to sources in the area, Dr. Phil's show is taping across the street from Independence Hall as I type. He is currently interviewing Govenor Rendell and they're talking about Michael Vick. Perhaps we should combine our concern for our libraries and community programs with our awe of celebrity and march down there right now for a rally!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo credit: Clem Murray /Staff Photographer for <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090916_Dr__Phil_in_Philly__Vick__cheesesteaks_on_the_couch.html">philly.com</a></span></span>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-4777254562573660402009-09-13T16:35:00.005-04:002009-09-13T16:50:38.771-04:00Fury Between the Tears<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRAvx8UTcBFuHAmH5YTEn_T8YO9W0JJCKbQWixusQVgxJoX_sRQGDyOpyFuNly-CCNb9vfDzrrYxORWIr0v4-b7uQs351Hm5QqVrFfHTw-VPyh2sOMocdJ3SVLm_1e3rVASKWDX-jWIg/s1600-h/logoflp.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 77px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRAvx8UTcBFuHAmH5YTEn_T8YO9W0JJCKbQWixusQVgxJoX_sRQGDyOpyFuNly-CCNb9vfDzrrYxORWIr0v4-b7uQs351Hm5QqVrFfHTw-VPyh2sOMocdJ3SVLm_1e3rVASKWDX-jWIg/s320/logoflp.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381056632966009346" border="0" /></a><br />As a follow-up to <a href="http://libwww.freelibrary.org/closing/">this announcement</a>, Carrel Dweller's outrage in the <a href="http://onefinephilly.blogspot.com/2009/09/major-metro-area-without-library.html">previous post</a>, and Planet Caroline's comment with a <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20090912_Questions_and_answers_on_Phila__budget.html">deeper explanation</a> for the causes of Philadelphia's budget probelms and need for Mayor Nutter's Plan C, I wanted to share some "next steps."<br /><br />This is so crazy, it leaves me almost speechless. Almost. <a href="http://www.library.phila.gov/about/actionnow.htm">Follow this link</a> and take action. We can't afford to be speechless on this one!<br /><br />It's not <span style="font-style: italic;">Farhenheit 451</span>, but it has the same effect. No access to information. No access to books.<br /><br />If anyone hears about a march, protest or other ways to show how vital it is to keep our Free Library free and open to the public, please post about it here.Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-69692816547860048772009-09-11T23:31:00.002-04:002009-09-11T23:51:11.198-04:00Major Metro area without a library?????I don't exactly know what to say about this, except that it took Facebook for me to be aware of this. I guess I should read more newspapers, in all my spare time.<br /><br />I've been aware of the threatened cuts to arts funding. I've written my representatives, I've posted messages to friends. But this goes way beyond anything I could have imagined: the home of Ben Franklin without a public library.<br /><br />No after school programs. No support for the public schools when kids need library access. No senior programs. No free public computer/internet access. No free BOOKS.<br /><br />What do you think might happen in a city without library services? I guarantee, it will not be good.<br /><br />So call your representatives. Write to them. Post on your blogs and facebook and twitter. I shudder to think what might happen if the Free Library of Philadelphia closes its doors.<br /><br />http://www.freelibrary.org/<br /><br />Thank you, and good night.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-57398714639727649102009-09-10T14:38:00.008-04:002009-09-10T15:03:45.563-04:00Philly events (special non-Fringe edition)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardwinchell/516275729/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPTkyb0fCPL1WA3geQMEnlkoaAE890504oOLaTxFyebYt6SucVZgHdK6q9u_Do_hfjZOY5EqIVoSg91JDuQGcU5cvhFblyQEvLRHYFSo5uVqlwSOi379kVLPgqffMrmmsCJaGZKbQxz4/s320/516275729_c0fd8c5e9e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379916077107405922" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.icaphila.org/events/">Institute of Contemporary Arts' Fall Opening Reception</a></span></div><div>Thursday, September 10, 2009</div><div>6:00 - 8:00PM</div><div><br /></div><div>"Join us for the opening of three new exhibitions:<br /><br />Dance with Camera<br />Tim Rollins and K.O.S: A History<br />Video Art: Replay, Part 1 Asking Not Telling<br /><br />Free and open to the public"<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.tritonebar.com/index.php?text=calendar.txt">West Philadelphia Orchestra at Tritone</a></b></div><div>Thursday, September 10, 2009</div><div>9:30PM</div><div><br /></div><div>"As much a community as a band, WPO's live- show always feels like a celebratory event, even in a concert setting. With their pounding drums and shimmering brass sounds, they inspire audiences to hold hands, dance, and sing along. "<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.kingofprussiamall.com/article.php?id=32">Fashion Night Out at KoP Mall</a></b></div><div>Friday, September 11, 2009</div><div>6:00 - 11:00PM</div><div><br /></div><div>"Join us for this worldwide celebration of style when the mall will stay open until 11PM, and where you'll get a peek at hot fall fashions worn by roving models, taste delicious treats from our fabulous restaurants and live it up at shop till you drop festivities... on-site spa demos you can do at home and a Tokyo Eyelash Bar, where you can try false eyelashes (from the plain Jane version to...)"</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.thesecretcinema.com/">Secret Cinema at ESP</a></b></div><div>Friday, September 11, 2009</div><div>8:00PM, 7:00PM doors open</div><div>$8</div><div><br /></div><div>"Pardon Us, the prison-themed (naturally!) first feature-length film to star beloved comedy duo Laurel & Hardy."</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.whitedog.com/tomatoes.html">White Dog Cafe Block Party</a></b></div><div>Friday, September 11, 2009</div><div>6:00PM - 12:00AM</div><div><br /></div><div>"Dance of the Ripe Tomatoes. A celebration of Sustainable and Humane Farming<br />benefiting the Philadelphia Fair Food Project"<br />"Admission for live music after 9pm is FREE!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Credit: Creative Commons photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardwinchell/516275729/">richard winchell</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-88852895313777161622009-09-10T09:20:00.005-04:002009-09-10T09:43:02.352-04:00Norris Square - a neighborhood to love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKpmGeo6_cWIc8mwunyah6mpvwTH05T6ocZI-amJcPujpNor0_HDaIVfuR_2Oj7ZRtvGKCiy87vT7UcFQfkekUbqJHErBeqBY0dmm-mY208fPE1qa19C3xcIZVrwk-iw9AK8keJXcjmUu/s1600-h/dedication-colobo-story-bldg-07-027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKpmGeo6_cWIc8mwunyah6mpvwTH05T6ocZI-amJcPujpNor0_HDaIVfuR_2Oj7ZRtvGKCiy87vT7UcFQfkekUbqJHErBeqBY0dmm-mY208fPE1qa19C3xcIZVrwk-iw9AK8keJXcjmUu/s400/dedication-colobo-story-bldg-07-027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379831103797426450" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Hey folks...I reported earlier that I was moving to Fishtown. And I have found a gigantic apartment that I love. It is the first floor of a building, which means I have plenty of space - my own basement, a large private backyard and a living room that is so huge, that I can divide it into two spaces. <div><br /></div><div>I'm so geeked, but people have informed me that my place near 2nd and Berks is definitely not Fishtown. And they are right - thanks to my friend who did some googling, he has discovered that I live in West Kensington. More specifically, I live in the heart of Norris Square.</div><div><br /></div><div>Norris Square is bounded by Berks at the South, Allegheny on the North, 5th Street to the West and Front Street to the East. Norris Square Park is in the middle of the neighborhood.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Berks el stop is right there and I've seen quite a few buses in the area so transit shouldn't be a problem. I even timed the walk from work, if I'm ever so inclined to skip the el, and it took me a doable 65 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I won't lie to you. There is blight in the neighborhood, few services, and likely I'll be grocery shopping at Reading Terminal Market near where I work rather in my community. And the abandoned factories and warehouses demonstrate that this once vibrant area has suffered many economic losses. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I used to be a community organizer and I know that if I want to beautify my neighborhood, I have the power to do that if I work with people. I plan to join the neighborhood association, visit the many local improvement iniatives (such as the youth center & the low-income housing programs), and I hear there is a women's organization dedicated to the neighborhood. Also, I will frequent the small businesses in my neighborhood - the pizza shop, the lounge, and the beauty shop across the street. </div><div><br /></div><div>The move is in October and I am already feeling at home. </div>Caroline Leopoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993267063728424080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-90513354106276542722009-08-31T22:54:00.007-04:002009-08-31T23:15:23.917-04:00I did it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW29hVgVAwa1oaiNMVy1pNQWuTY2N5y9tsF-XjpwnNk4XZjb3JUnUyWPVM88syZzABBBFrl_CF5tFxeV_eWhAxcgPUtfsRIbmBm-aDAuRH7KveFlC0ePxZy76PX3I9-fPFc0D2hmS8R7o/s1600-h/finishline.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW29hVgVAwa1oaiNMVy1pNQWuTY2N5y9tsF-XjpwnNk4XZjb3JUnUyWPVM88syZzABBBFrl_CF5tFxeV_eWhAxcgPUtfsRIbmBm-aDAuRH7KveFlC0ePxZy76PX3I9-fPFc0D2hmS8R7o/s320/finishline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376331376713652786" border="0" /></a><br />Tomorrow is September 1. That means today is the final day of the August blogger challenge, and I met the challenge. I blogged something (quality of varying degrees) every single day this month.<br /><br />I'm actually quite proud of this accomplishment--I've never tried anything like it before. I had a rough spot there in the middle of the month where I had some writers block and it got so damn hot, the last thing I wanted to do was sit in front of the computer. Still, I pushed through and the pressure of having readers made me feel motivated to at least post <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span>. (I can be a perfectionist at times.)<br /><br />As a new contributer to the blog, I think this was a really good exercise for me. It made me write every day and feel as if it was okay to make posts that weren't necessarily revised and "publishable." It made me a little more carefree and willing to just commit to an idea and run with it.<br /><br />I'd definitely do it again, but I can also pretty much guarantee I won't be posting tomorrow. And although I think the idea is intriguing, I don't think I'll be doing <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> anytime soon.Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-21273587224040402872009-08-30T22:33:00.007-04:002009-08-30T23:07:53.610-04:00Hugo's Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRfGsoWIqP-N7naVfLcMTaN3UIBuPSE3BMXyrTSvTw3dXfkNGlGrh7tZhDflloDYNLrVDVDRw6iuT9v97mR51rb1t4HySpeshkf1669KL0zgUeGVe5aP4DEaTO7pyd9S5A1HswY3mW_Y/s1600-h/P1030050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRfGsoWIqP-N7naVfLcMTaN3UIBuPSE3BMXyrTSvTw3dXfkNGlGrh7tZhDflloDYNLrVDVDRw6iuT9v97mR51rb1t4HySpeshkf1669KL0zgUeGVe5aP4DEaTO7pyd9S5A1HswY3mW_Y/s320/P1030050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375955809787550210" border="0" /></a><br />Today is the one-year anniversary of the day we brought our dog Hugo home from the shelter. In his honor we had a few people over today to celebrate what we deemed as "Hugo's 5th birthday." Okay, maybe it was more of a housewarming party and we just used Hugo as an excuse, but there was definitely canine treats and a dog-shapped cake involved.<br /><br />For someone who never had dogs or cats growing up and at one point would have been described as a "non-pet person," my first year as a Doggie Mom has been one of learning. Everyone had always told me about the awesome bond between a dog and its owner, but I don't think I ever quite understood how much I would grow to love that damn dog.<br /><br />Tim and I had been talking about getting a dog for years. He's wanted one since I met him, and I really warmed to the idea and was excited about it too. It was over three years ago that we got our first dog book and started to decipher the recommendations for which breeds would be the best fit for us. When we were looking for a new apartment last summer, we knew we wanted an apartment that allowed pets. We found one and started searching <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/index.html">Petfinder.com</a> even before we had moved in. Fast-forward several weeks and we were on the real hunt for a dog. We read <a href="http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/">Cesar Millan's</a> book and put his series <span style="font-style: italic;">The Dog Whisperer</span> on our NetFlix. We were a little frustrated in the beginning because we found out a Petfinder dog that caught our eye had already been adopted once we arrived at the shelter (even after we called and they said he was still there). Then, we applied for a dog that was being fostered, and for reasons we will never know, we weren't chosen to be the new mom and dad. I can only assume urban-bias--perhaps they didn't think the dog should be in a city apartment with no yard. Hell, they let anyone have children. We just wanted to save a life, adopt a dog and live happily after.<br /><br />Well, the last Wednesday in August Tim and I were in Rittenhouse Square Park for their "Concert in the Park" series and the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was there with several volunteers and several pooches. We went over to say hello and immediately fell in love with one of the dogs. They told us he was a St. Bernard / collie mix (I think the collie part was just a guess)--he has the coloring and face of a St. Bernard without the size. After a nice long walk with the dog, a discussion with one of the volunteers, and a walk with another dog for good measure, we adopted him right there. They said he was about four years old, maybe a little older and a family surrender. Apparently, his old family gave him up because they couldn't afford to feed him. He was skinny and had hair loss on his lower back and tail due to malnutrition. They told us the hair would grow back, all we had to do was feed him. The shelter called him King, but said it hadn't been his name for long and we should feel free to change it. We did, and he's been our Hugo ever since.<br /><br />I could go into detail about the kennel cough he had when we first adopted him and how it developed into pneumonia, his separation anxiety issues and Houdini-eque escape, our car trip to Florida and back last Christmas, but those are stories that will have to wait. It's been a long day. I have doggie treats and human food to put away. And, a dog to walk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4YAWbWBD7gG1G1tLOQRWeT5yDnxZbUgc1iI4WLqSpCaQfMzSLV6TDuQMi-Gy6Ctl6OK8pLjaT9wii1uZZ19Zz2xyh7hBQ3FYv2VXD6y2i5RkNx9Vn-exbxy_E8iss5mqPZ37R3ED4ow/s1600-h/P1030389.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4YAWbWBD7gG1G1tLOQRWeT5yDnxZbUgc1iI4WLqSpCaQfMzSLV6TDuQMi-Gy6Ctl6OK8pLjaT9wii1uZZ19Zz2xyh7hBQ3FYv2VXD6y2i5RkNx9Vn-exbxy_E8iss5mqPZ37R3ED4ow/s320/P1030389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375956111405334418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Birthday, Hugo!</span></span>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-26037427560665436062009-08-30T16:05:00.006-04:002009-08-30T16:25:29.153-04:00SEPTA survival tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ91s3DgDeX0ZL9Tcdc4aNwgnXAgi2HL6qUbEu-c5PBPt0CQKQeI7C7djcg9X3vYwzNUm_2gstRSlVFSsgfpN3p0EX-LIJ7qABZBw0bqHUsCbH2FfGhs7ryFjApz6wau2TTeZraMXp8iA/s1600-h/photo-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ91s3DgDeX0ZL9Tcdc4aNwgnXAgi2HL6qUbEu-c5PBPt0CQKQeI7C7djcg9X3vYwzNUm_2gstRSlVFSsgfpN3p0EX-LIJ7qABZBw0bqHUsCbH2FfGhs7ryFjApz6wau2TTeZraMXp8iA/s320/photo-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375851888222506898" /></a><div><ol><li>The Southbound 47 bus gets uncomfortably packed because of the throngs of people waiting for it around 8th & Market. If you really need to take the Southbound 47 bus, consider walking North a couple blocks to catch the bus at Arch St. or even Race St (before the melee).</li><li>If at all possible, avoid taking the El during school-just-let-out time (2 to 3pm). Take the above-ground bus instead. My friend Mike grew up in N.E. Philly imparted this sage piece of advice on me. Fights are more likely to start in the mid-afternoon on the El because of the combination of freedom (out of school) and independence and hormones.</li><li>If you do board a crowded bus like the Southbound 47, try to sit or stand as close as possible to the rear door exit so that you can just pull the 'Stop requested' string and make your quick getaway. If you are stuck in no-man's land (between the two exits, you will have to fight you way out).</li><li>Do not take the Southbound 47 bus around 9:30PM - 11pm on a Friday or Saturday night unless you'd like to interact willingly or not with teams of rowdy teenagers.</li><li>Say hi to the bus driver. Some drivers will actually reciprocate and genuinely smile. </li><li>Never run for the bus unless you can make eye contact and wave down the driver. You're not going to catch the bus anyway.</li><li>If you do find yourself sitting around the rear door exit when it's crowded, be prepared to do the SEPTA two-step dance (to maneuver to let people get out the exit).</li><li>If you ever need a dose of hard reality, take the late night bus that substitutes for the Market-Franford El when it is not running. It's a sobering experience.</li><li>Shouldn't be said but just like the Soup Nazi - be ready with your tokens or pass before you board the bus.</li><li>If you buy a monthly SEPTA pass, write down the six-digit number. In case of loss or theft, you can call SEPTA and they will cancel the lost/stolen pass with the six-digit number (e.g. not swipable). Remember, depending on the zone, the SEPTA pass is worth around or over a hundred dollars - don't leave it unattended (despite what they say) - you wouldn't leave a hundred dollar bill out in the open would you?</li><li>If you are thinking of taking SEPTA to an unknown/unfamiliar place, use Google Maps Street View to get a sense of what the area is like. This also applies for biking around unfamiliar areas of the city. Goggle Maps Street View is revolutionary for planning urban trips.</li><li>As someone who relies on SEPTA nearly every work day, I appreciate SEPTA for the service they provide. Yes, sometimes buses (I'm talking about you, 33 from Art Museum) run on an obscure/late schedule or trains run late. But, SEPTA, is one of the *better* metropolitan public transportation systems.</li></ol></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-32330236381718859472009-08-29T20:31:00.006-04:002009-08-29T20:41:51.371-04:00Philly Arts Get Some Press<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHCbit2YLTDHWkXn0R1HrA0kQZcvU4n2AdFXqXvZU2l8W9P-aSuIFvknymwsjbXdQ0bzCHKgUmhuS_bW0-vZvJkNrCJ3hXCo21E-YTdHMTuv9wvQpGJ9-n-hKMEQETBvca-We0K_DZ_s/s1600-h/nytimes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHCbit2YLTDHWkXn0R1HrA0kQZcvU4n2AdFXqXvZU2l8W9P-aSuIFvknymwsjbXdQ0bzCHKgUmhuS_bW0-vZvJkNrCJ3hXCo21E-YTdHMTuv9wvQpGJ9-n-hKMEQETBvca-We0K_DZ_s/s320/nytimes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375550008373574274" border="0" /></a><br />Check out <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/arts/design/28philly.html?_r=1">this "Art to Make You Laugh (and Cry)" article</a> in The New York Times yesterday. It's about Philly's art scene, but mentions other aspects of the city as well. It's an interesting read.<br /><br />Today is day 29 of the 31-day August blogger challenge. Only two more days of daily posts.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo: Fluxspace in Philadelphia taken by Steve Legato for The New York Times</span></span>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-8782678802912720342009-08-28T21:42:00.010-04:002009-08-28T23:03:33.936-04:00Flower Boxes? Check.For those who have been following along at home, <a href="http://onefinephilly.blogspot.com/2009/08/window-box-ideas.html">you'll remember</a> that I've been wanting to get flowers for the window boxes at my new rental. Well, this week I found a bunch of discounted plants at Lowes. They were half-dead, but they were marked down to only one and two dollars. I swept up several figuring the low investment would curtail my disappointment if they all died in a matter of weeks.<br /><br />I had no idea what I was doing, so I just started scooping in soil and placing plants and moving them around to spread out the varying heights and colors. Some of them still look pretty wilty, but I think today's rain helped. When viewed as a group, they look pretty snazy. Plus, while putting them together I got to overhear a very colorful argument between my neighbor across the street and her grown daughter. I'm planting roots, indeed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHkvePjGx6mkmBQcB1_hPUnrTx3dMdeOw_m-nSJjWaEkF0ZL1twcjQain3opTjBmYADkkA7KbMr2phW5Kwdt7EnKQYCQF9cTAeJmWHCebKAJ3xxp7yX78k_wd-u8oR1M650LEpJYDINw/s1600-h/window.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHkvePjGx6mkmBQcB1_hPUnrTx3dMdeOw_m-nSJjWaEkF0ZL1twcjQain3opTjBmYADkkA7KbMr2phW5Kwdt7EnKQYCQF9cTAeJmWHCebKAJ3xxp7yX78k_wd-u8oR1M650LEpJYDINw/s320/window.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375215027739723810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhRNkz2pBwA2HCdko_aYgGuuHx_ZMlozvLV0xj7NbmI91GDWWo99qf0WQvadZdox9uoPFrdVHB_X6cWxJaxvv2DtB5usUMCNL_3UVNcBz3pc6t3W8p5sQK4sZjvctwBx7Nqd9DcOUp5U/s1600-h/window2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhRNkz2pBwA2HCdko_aYgGuuHx_ZMlozvLV0xj7NbmI91GDWWo99qf0WQvadZdox9uoPFrdVHB_X6cWxJaxvv2DtB5usUMCNL_3UVNcBz3pc6t3W8p5sQK4sZjvctwBx7Nqd9DcOUp5U/s320/window2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375215563822097442" border="0" /></a>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-22503655276121875652009-08-27T22:22:00.005-04:002009-08-27T22:39:45.316-04:00Consumerism!Rarely is it that I see a commercial on television that literally makes my jaw drop. Tonight I saw a commercial for <a href="http://dutchboy.com/products/interior/wall/paints/refresh/">this</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrI-CFRrIqY9oPfhrEHv4gv57IXUeu-eiKzXmgx4MLYpf-E6MP7sjmCnLbgZi6GWbSrKeMaPd2xXROJE9c7e1OIcHRjAHThY4opsq82Ph7LlzdeKmAxwXqNKI8CswH1zCArPYs8HQdvc/s1600-h/Refresh_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrI-CFRrIqY9oPfhrEHv4gv57IXUeu-eiKzXmgx4MLYpf-E6MP7sjmCnLbgZi6GWbSrKeMaPd2xXROJE9c7e1OIcHRjAHThY4opsq82Ph7LlzdeKmAxwXqNKI8CswH1zCArPYs8HQdvc/s320/Refresh_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374835986462086914" border="0" /></a>It's paint that's supposed to eliminate household odors. After squeaking a high-pitched "What?" I sat starring at the tv with my mouth open. The paint also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. "Limited" and "lifetime" seem like a contradiction, but even so it's kind of nice to know there are still things that can surprise me. Do you think it actually works?<br /><div style="border-top: 2px solid rgb(255, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; height: 2px; width: 215px; top: 79px; left: 237px; z-index: 5001; display: none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(255, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; height: 2px; width: 217px; top: 397px; left: 237px; z-index: 5001; display: none;"></div><div style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(255, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; height: 320px; width: 2px; top: 79px; left: 237px; z-index: 5001; display: none;"></div><div style="border-right: 2px solid rgb(255, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; height: 320px; width: 2px; top: 79px; left: 450px; z-index: 5001; display: none;"></div><div style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; border-width: 1px 2px 2px 1px; padding: 2px 5px; background-color: rgb(255, 240, 204); font-family: arial; text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12px; position: absolute; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 6px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 6px; z-index: 5005; visibility: hidden; -moz-border-radius-topright: 6px; left: 239px; top: 393px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 6px; display: none;"><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">img</b>, id: BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374835986462086914</div><div style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; border-width: 1px 2px 2px 1px; padding: 2px 5px; background-color: rgb(204, 255, 204); font-family: arial; text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12px; position: absolute; z-index: 5006; left: 115px; top: 409px; display: none;"><b style="font-size: 2em;">h</b>elp / hide help</div>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-67242862972433198362009-08-27T10:50:00.004-04:002009-08-27T11:33:10.992-04:00Confident and Poochy-Fine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3SnZ0A2M2gZBikVHc5v3IqWvTTf8HOpJEmph93yDs8thIjmYDmfne1ta7d6eueaibJwO6JypnzmbCybWV0dDMQSWn26qmXvPhYtiTOwpqK-Hc9KNIplHsPl6-JgB8sFhSYQMpT7iXco/s1600-h/Realcurves.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374666203269305042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3SnZ0A2M2gZBikVHc5v3IqWvTTf8HOpJEmph93yDs8thIjmYDmfne1ta7d6eueaibJwO6JypnzmbCybWV0dDMQSWn26qmXvPhYtiTOwpqK-Hc9KNIplHsPl6-JgB8sFhSYQMpT7iXco/s320/Realcurves.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thanks Caroline and Tallgirl. This actually started as a comment but I thought I'd post it...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Even women (and young girls!) who are in great shape lament and fuss when it comes bathing suit and bedroom time. It's heartbreaking to think that my 14 year old soccer playing, snowboarding, life guarding niece considers herself "fat" when she is actually healthy. Fashion magazines should take responsibility for what they are doing to the minds of beautiful women everywhere! </div><br /><div>I LOVED the poochy belly photo from the start -- along with the confidence and joy in the model's face. It's stunning to imagine what a rise similar images might do to our collective sense of beauty and self-worth. One glance --<em>one small glance</em> --at that photo and I began to feel better about my own pooch and ample thighs. I agree with the model, who's name is Lizzi Miller, that it's not about fat or thin but about what is healthy and comfortable for each of us. TV, magazines and the media in general would do well to regularly celebrate the many sizes, shapes (and colors, don't get me started on that one) of the women they are attempting to represent. Glamour magazine Editor-in-Chief <a title="search site for content by Cindi Leive" href="http://www.glamour.com/contributors/cindi-leive" s_oc="null">Cindi Leive</a> has said her publication has will make a commitment to change, lets hold them to it!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01680285413177946145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766509879214845307.post-11197810756603452762009-08-26T23:01:00.004-04:002009-08-26T23:49:19.673-04:00More Body Image and SwimsuitsIn response to <a href="http://onefinephilly.blogspot.com/2009/08/confession-i-want-to-hide-in-summer.html">Planet Caroline's post</a> last week about body image and swimsuits, I was thinking about my own swim suit issues.<br /><br />Three summers ago a couple of my now husband's female friends from high school came up from NYC to spend the weekend with us in Providence. We went to the beach and to <a href="http://waterfire.com/">Waterfire</a>, and they spent their evenings looking at old yearbooks and reminiscing about the past. A few weeks later one of the friends posted photos from her trip on Flickr and linked to them from her blog. This normally would not have been a problem. However, some of the photos were of me. At the beach. In my bikini. <br /><br />They were very unflattering photos, and they triggered what felt like an involuntary, biologic reaction. Knowing that her blog readers, many of whom I knew personally, were viewing them literally brought me to tears. Tim assured me they were fine, and said that if they really bothered me that much I should just ask her to take them down. I felt too embarrassed to have her remove the photos. I'm a confident woman. I should be comfortable in my own skin. My husband loves all my soft spots, why can't I?<br /><br />Time went by, and I eventually forgot about the photos. Then just a few weeks ago, this friend posted the same group of beach photos on Facebook. She tagged me in the pictures, so I was notified immediately after they went up. I was at work when I saw them, and I had that same gut-wrenching reaction. This time though, I just couldn't take it. I un-tagged myself and asked her to remove one photo in particular. I just couldn't be crying over <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">my poochy tummy </span></span>at work. She responded promptly, was sweetly understanding and didn't make me feel bitchy or pathetic.<br /><br />When I read Planet Caroline's post it reminded me of this story. Then, Monday morning on the Today show, Matt Lauer interviewed a "plus-size" model and an editor at Glamour magazine concerning a paticular photo that has been getting a lot of positive attention.<br /><br />You can read the <a href="http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2009/08/on-the-cl-the-picture-you-cant.html">Glamour article here</a> and see a young woman apparently confident revealing her body. Little belly roll and all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcNJ4qYsLgDXMQAgRGAF-1VBzkVm10tdVEvqBPBBkV1XQdDbBrX3O4-WBIWF-T5yc211LJte6GNF8yuvvVOJMkmfeOMQq5yNlm8CtdeEV87r0s3wD3PlEL2KotoGXFvPWl2CaITlFU5Q/s1600-h/lizzie-miller_vg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcNJ4qYsLgDXMQAgRGAF-1VBzkVm10tdVEvqBPBBkV1XQdDbBrX3O4-WBIWF-T5yc211LJte6GNF8yuvvVOJMkmfeOMQq5yNlm8CtdeEV87r0s3wD3PlEL2KotoGXFvPWl2CaITlFU5Q/s320/lizzie-miller_vg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374482756950092514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo: Model Lizzi Miller photographed by Glamour magazine. Photo credit: Glamour.com</span></span>Tallgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436110047527265842noreply@blogger.com3