saturday in the park...

I think it was the 4th of july
I think that's when I took this photo. Well, what I do know is that it was warm and green in my favorite place in the world, Rittenhouse Square. It's pretty cold out these days, but my wife and I have found out that we are going to have a boy! So I'm pretty excited for his first visit to the park. Here we have one of the most famous statues in Philadelphia....Evelyn Taylor Price Sundial by Beatrice Fenton. Evelyn Taylor was the president of the Rittenhouse Square Flower Market Association from 1914-1939. Just a couple of kids having fun in the park.

Here is some music to make you think of sunny days.

a penny saved is a penny earned...

but you can't take it with you when you go.
Above is Benjamin Franklin's grave. The man who did everything, invented everything, and was everything...lies here. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest Americans in our history, and the quintessential Philly guy. I've never been one to "see dead people", but there is something special about the site. Ben died on April 17, 1790, at age 84. His funeral was attended by approximately 20,000 people. Not a bad showing.

Go stop by and pay him a visit. He's right there by Independence Mall at the corner of 5th and Arch Street. Toss him a penny and go be great yourself.

a finer diner...

Be Nice or Leave
That's what they say at Sam's Morning Glory Diner. In fact, it's on the staff's t-shirts. Today was not a good day. The Eagles broke my heart once again. Still, it wasn't a total loss as I think back to my breakfast at my favorite South Philly spot. If you go, grab a great cup of coffee and a frittata with their special sauce. It will brighten up your morning...no matter how bad your football team is. The finer diner is on 10th and Fitzwater. Be ready for a wait... though it's worth it. Enjoy.

When do pitchers and catchers report?

please note...

Our DJs aren't the only ones jazzy in town
It is long overdue, but it's time for us to take a visit to Northern Liberties - where some say, is the coolest part of town. One thing is for sure, Ortlieb's Jazz Haus on North 3rd st. oozes cool. Like many great jazz musicians...it keeps a low profile as a converted lunch room from the old Ortlieb's brewery. While quiet on the outside, the bands wail on the inside and serve some pretty damn fine food. Philly's own John Coltrane would be proud. We must protect this haus. Get a taste here.

It's one of my favorites.
Check it out..and play it cool!
www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com

a bridge not too far

It's official. We have partied like it's 2009.
I don't know how it happened, but here we are in 2009. One short year away from 2010. Isn't that the year we make contact? Above is Philly's famous Ben Franklin Bridge. Our signature bridge crosses the Delaware River into New Jersey to take you to the beach, casino's, NYC, tomatoes, and much more. On the other side is your fine city, fresh from its 2009 debut.

What roads will your life take you in 2009?
Good luck...God bless...and go Eagles!

new year....new season....new hope

The eagles will play in 2009
The Philadelphia Eagles, some how, some way, found their way into the playoffs today by beating the hated Cowboys. Nothing against the city of Dallas, but I rank the Dallas Cowboys up there with wide spread disease and famine, so this was a special victory. This maybe the last shot to get the ring for McNabb, Reid, and Dawkins. They've been filling my football sunday dance card for over a decade now and I think they deserve to go out on top.

Above is another shot of the Linc in all its Eagle glory. While the Phillies are king right now, this is still a football town. Go Birds.

Happy New Year everybody. Let's hope it is super...finally.
Have a wild and safe one....see you in 2009.

mom's cooking chicken and collard greens

It's holiday time on the Philly scene
As you know, Rittenhouse Square is one of my favorite places on earth. Can't beat it during this time of year.
Have a safe and happy holiday!

Get some hot chocolate and finish that shopping. Here is a tune to kick you off right.

what am i, a clown?

Going to do some mumming this year. Time to strut!
Do you know what a Mummer is? If you are from Philadelphia, you sure do. Every New Years Day, a hung over Philadelphia celebrates the start of the new year with a parade that resembles Mardi Gras....with a big Philly attitude. Guys fill up on beer, dress like a clown, play music, possibly wear a few feathers, and parade (or really strut) up Broad Street to City Hall and back down to South Philly where the parade ends in a bigger party. There is so much to explain about the Mummers parade that I can't possibly fit it in on this one post...learn more about it here.
Or have a taste of the parade here or here.

Due to the current economic conditions of the planet right now, the parade is vulnerable to city budget cuts that may shorten the parade this year. If you ask me, I wouldn't want to make thousands of dress wearing Philadelphians go insane. I'm serious, I just picked up my costume. Let's keep the parade as is. It's what Philly does...strut!

Happy Holidays everybody.

a giant win is for the birds

go birds.
The Eagles knocked off the mighty Giants today. In doing so, they kept the nest playoff buzzing for at least one more week. While I still wish for times like these or even these, I'll take a win against a powerful, hated foe. For that, we celebrate the birds' home as pictured above. Who knows when these birds will be grounded...but until then.... "E.A.G.L.E.S. EAGLES!"

the bird is the word...

Happy Thanksgiving Philly
What a year 2008 has been for me. I have plenty to be thankful for. I got married. I have a baby on the way. The Phillies won the world series. And this view from the art museum steps is nothing to take for granted either.

I hope everybody enjoys their turkey day. Happy holidays Philly. Christmas shopping starts now!
Here is a video (one of my favorites) for those who might not be into Santa...but still want to get into the spirit of the season.

Be careful with that bird.
Gobble. Gobble.