PHILALOG

Philly Tumblrs are meeting ... to bowl

2009-01-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

North Bowl, Thursday Jan 29

7pm

909 N. 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA

$4.95/person/game $3 Shoe Rentals $2 Kenzinger Pints

21+ after 9pm

Hope you guys can all make it out. Reblog to spread the word and give us an idea of how many are coming/how many lanes we should reserve. Email phillytumblr@gmail.com if you have any questions/comments.

Founder's Day Symposium: Seeking Sustainability

2008-12-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

Founder's Day Symposium:
Seeking Sustainability:
Penn Confronts the Local and Global Challenge

Join us for a conversation with Scholars from Across the University:
Moderator: President Amy Gutmann
Panelists: Professors Gary Bernstein ((Physics)
Eugenie Birch (City & Regional Planning)
William W. Braham (Architecture)
Robert Giegengack (Earth & Environmental Science)
Eric W. Orts (Legal Studies and Business Ethics & Management).

Friday January 16, 2009
3:00-5:00PM
School of Nursing
Ann L. Roy Auditorium – Reception to follow
www.upenn.edu/faculty_senate/announcements

Contact:
Janet Tomcavage
215-898-4522
tomcavag@nursing.upenn.edu

Like your Landlord? Hate your Landlord? Read this!

2008-12-01T22:22:00.001-05:00

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate and Professional Student Association wants to hear from YOU!

The 2008-009 Landlord Survey seeks to inform university students and the community at large about the property owners and managers in the University City, Center City and greater Philadelphia area by soliciting tenant feedback and making the results available to the public.

The survey is a brief compilation of questions regarding landlord/tenant relationship, repair responsiveness, and condition of rented properties. It only takes five minutes to complete and provides space for comments in addition to quantitative ratings.

Feedback from all University of Pennsylvania students, as well as students of Drexel University, University of the Sciences, Temple University, and other area universities is welcome. A valid e-mail address ending in “.edu” is required to complete the survey.

Click on this link to complete the Landlord Survey: http://www.gapsa.upenn.edu/gapsa-landlord-survey

Health Care Panel and Discussion

2008-12-01T19:13:00.000-05:00

Please join the Fels Institute of Government for a health care panel and discussion.

December 5, 2008, 4:00 pm, reception will follow
Fels Seminar Room, Fels Institute of Government, 3814 Walnut Street

Featuring:

Dennis M. "Mickey" Flynn, President, Pennsylvania Bio
Tine Hansen-Turton, Executive Director, National Nursing Centers Consortium (MGA ’95)
Shannon Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (MCP ’00; MGA ’01)

Moderated by Patrick Witmer, Fels Executive MGA student and Director of Global Public Policy at Merck & Co., Inc.

Panelists will be discussing the top health care priorities that their organizations would like to see addressed in 2009, the benefits and risks of introducing a “comparative effectiveness agency” as proposed by President-Elect Barack Obama, the expense of prescription drugs, nursing shortages, and the challenges of sharing public health information between government agencies, among others. The panel will be responding to general questions followed by questions from the audience.

Since pizza and beverages will be provided following the lecture, please RSVP by emailing karener@sas.upenn.edu.

World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T17:25:00.003-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day, dedicated to increasing awareness about HIV and AIDS. This year is the 20th anniversary of the event. Starbucks had pledged to donate $.05 to the World AIDS Fund for every drink purchased. However, if you donate directly to the World Aids Fund by clicking here, you can donate $4 instead of $.05.

Philadelphia Marathon, Half, 8K

2008-11-23T19:20:00.001-05:00

This morning, an estimated 18,000 runners “kicked asphalt” as they ran in the Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Rothman 8K. The temperature was in the 20’s at the start of the race; I overheard that this may have been the coldest Philly Marathon ever. In some cases, the water at the water stops had turned to ice, and resulted in a slippery path for the runners.

However, the runners seemed to be in good spirits- it was another sunny day in Philadelphia, and there was terrific crowd support.

The winners of the men’s and women’s marathons were both from the Ukraine, but Philadelphians weren’t far behind them. The 11th male and the second female finishers were both local residents.

I could sense a lot of enthusiasm from the runners, volunteers, and the spectators. For anyone who doesn’t mind getting up early and being outside in chilly weather, I’d recommend getting involved with the event next November.

New Kings of Rhythm

2008-11-23T09:04:00.003-05:00

Last night the New Kings of Rhythm put on an amazing show at World Cafe Live Upstairs. With guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and a three-horn section, the group dedicates themselves to keeping alive the big band sound of the golden age of live music (between 1950-1980). They play a great mix of funk, reggae, and Rhythm & Blues. The crowd was an eclectic mix- from college students to middle-aged couples. By the end of the night, several people were dancing to the beats. To listen to their music, click here.

Update on the South St. Bridge Closing

2008-11-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

The bridge is scheduled to close as of December 8,2008.

Snow in the city!

2008-11-21T12:03:00.003-05:00

Philadelphia had a snowy start this morning... From about 7:30 to 10:30 am...snowflakes flittered to the ground, mostly melting. By noon, traces of the snow were hard to find. Hopefully we'll have more of the wintery weather soon...just in time for the holidays!

Thank you Baiada ... and congrats and getting to move soon!

2008-11-19T13:51:00.003-05:00

The Baiada Center is hosting this great forum tomorrow morning!

LeBow College's Baiada Center Entrepreneurial Breakfast Forum

FREE BREAKFAST!

Topic ...

"Youth Experiences: Influence on Entrepreneurial Success"

When and Where ...

November 20, 2008 | 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. George D. Behrakis Grand Hall
Creese Student Union Complex
32nd and Chestnut Streets

Philadelphians ... whether you participate in sports, scouting, music, dance or chess, do you think that competing and excelling at the highest levels early in life influences an individual's success as an entrepreneur later in life?

* Are people who excel in at least one youth activity more likely to be successful entrepreneurs?

*Given our current lifestyles, are we preparing our youth to compete successfully in this ever increasingly entrepreneurial world?

The Awesome Panelists ...

Robert S. Adams, Managing Partner, NextStage Advisors
Sandra Urdaneta Hartmann, MD, Ph.D., CEO, Renaissance Scientific, LLC
Chris Henry, CEO, Cenero, LLC
Wayne D. Kimmel, Managing Partner, ETF Venture Funds
Robert Norris, President, Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc.
Moderator: Mark P. Loschiavo, Executive Director Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship

Please Register online at http://www.lebow.drexel.edu/Centers/Baiada/Calendar.php.

For more information, contact Terri McIlhenney at terrim@drexel.edu or 215-895-0302.

Thank you Baiada ... and congrats and getting to move soon!

2008-11-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

The Baiada Center is hosting this great forum tomorrow morning!

LeBow College's Baiada Center Entrepreneurial Breakfast Forum FREE BREAKFAST

Drexel University's LeBow College of Business Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship in Technology Celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with a
Special Breakfast Forum

"Youth Experiences: Influence on Entrepreneurial Success" November 20, 2008 | 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. George D. Behrakis Grand Hall
Creese Student Union Complex
32nd and Chestnut Streets

Philadelphia Whether participating in sports, scouting, music, dance or chess, does competing and excelling at the highest levels early in life influence an individual's success as an entrepreneur later in life?

* Are people who excel in at least one youth activity more likely to be successful entrepreneurs?
*

Given our current lifestyles, are we preparing our youth to compete successfully in this ever increasingly entrepreneurial world?

Panelists: Robert S. Adams, Managing Partner, NextStage Advisors
Sandra Urdaneta Hartmann, MD, Ph.D., CEO, Renaissance Scientific, LLC
Chris Henry, CEO, Cenero, LLC
Wayne D. Kimmel, Managing Partner, ETF Venture Funds
Robert Norris, President, Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc.
Moderator: Mark P. Loschiavo, Executive Director Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship Register online at http://www.lebow.drexel.edu/Centers/Baiada/Calendar.php. For more information, contact Terri McIlhenney at terrim@drexel.edu or 215-895-0302. The LeBow College Baiada Center's Entrepreneurial Breakfast Forums link companies, investors, research institutions and the Drexel community to provide thought leadership in best practices of entrepreneurship.

Dating Violence in the Queer Community: "Love ≠ Abuse"

2008-11-18T17:51:00.000-05:00

Think that dating violence only happens between a man and a woman? Unfortunately, relationship violence is a very real and serious issue that faces people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Join QSA next Wednesday for a discussion and panel on dating violence in the queer community, moderated by Ninah Harris, sexual and relationship violence resource consultant. Hot beverages and light snacks will be served.

The panelists will include:
- Saida Agnosti, M.A. in Social Work Candidate
- Dr. Theodore Burnes, CAPS
- J. Mason, The Attic
- Jennifer Storm, author of Blackout Girl: A Memoir
-Azucena Ugarte, Women Against Abuse

Date: Wednesday, November 19th
Time: 7pm
Place: Amadeo Hall (in Irvine Auditorium), 3401 Spruce Street

Khachaturian Screening

2008-11-18T17:50:00.001-05:00

The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design will screen an award-winning film about Soviet-era composer Aram Khachaturian on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mitchell Auditorium, Bossone Research Enterprise Center (Market Street between 31st and 32nd Streets).

The life of prominent Soviet-era composer Aram Khachaturian is the subject of an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Peter Rosen.

The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker, Peter Rosen.

Rosen has produced 36 films that focus on the arts. His subjects have included Van Cliburn, Garrison Keillor, Enrico Caruso, Artur Rubinstein, Leonard Bernstein, I.M. Pei and Toscanini. During his two-day residency, Rosen will also work with students in Westphal College, as well as with those in the Pennoni Honors College.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 215-895-1029 or visit http://www.drexel.edu/westphal.

Transgender Program TONIGHT!

2008-11-18T17:46:00.002-05:00

The Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexual Equality (FUSE) will host the second program in a two-part series on transgender education today, November 18, 2008 from 7 to 8 p.m. in room 108, Disque Hall (32nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets).

Participants will learn about the personal experience of transgenders in the LGBTQA community, as well as the struggles that many undergo on a day-to-day basis. The panelists will discuss their struggle of identity and acceptance. They will also be open to questions.

This event is CEO certified. Complimentary hot drinks and snacks will be provided.

FUSE is a non-exclusive student organization that strives to promote acceptance, understanding, unity and positive relationships among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning, as well as other communities. All are welcome to attend this event.

For more information, email drexelfuse@gmail.com.

If you happen to be on Penn's campus, check out the new student group PUSH- Penn Understanding Student Health! Contact baginsky@nursing.upenn.edu for more information.

Wintery weather hits Philly!

2008-11-18T17:42:00.003-05:00

Chilly temperatures have finally hit Philadelphia... It finally feels like the holidays might be just right around the corner. For the rest of this week the highs are in the upper 30's, low 40's. We might even see some snow! More likely, we'll just see a few flurries here and there...like earlier today. I can't deny it...the thought of a snow day, hot tea and a good book is appealing...

A Pictoral Narrative of the Morning after ARCKTIP's All-nighter at Haggerty Library

2008-11-18T11:16:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving Airport Shuttles

2008-11-17T21:09:00.001-05:00

THANKSGIVING UA AIRPORT SHUTTLES

Departure Point: Upper Quad Gate (37th and Spruce Sts.)
Arrival Point: Every Airport Terminal

Price: $5 (one-way)

Tuesday, 11/25
12-7 PM, on the hour

Wednesday, 11/26
6 AM-12 PM, on the hour
12:30-4:30 PM, every half hour
5-8 PM, on the hour

Return Shuttles at Terminal C, 11/30 (Must purchase tickets in advance.)
1-9 PM, on the hour

Tickets will be sold IN ADVANCE on Locust Walk from 12-4 PM on Wednesday, 11/19, Thursday, 11/20, and Monday, 11/24.
Tickets will be sold DAY OF at the Upper Quad Gate on Tuesday, 11/25 and Wednesday, 11/26 during the hours of operation.

Free Exterior Housing Checks by the Department of Public Safety

2008-11-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

Keep your off-campus house safe during Thanksgiving Break! DPS is offering special exterior, housing checks, so register online!

From the Division of Public Safety (DPS):

Thanksgiving Break 2008 (5 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2008, through 7 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2008) is approaching quickly. Traditionally, this is a time of lower occupancy and greater opportunity for crime. Therefore, we need to be more safety and security conscious.

In order to reduce the opportunity for crime (criminal mischief, burglaries, etc.), the Division of Public Safety is again offering to conduct Special Checks of Residential Properties during the timeframe: 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 26th to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 30th. Students, faculty and staff who live within the following geographical boundaries—Schuylkill River to 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue to Market Street—may list their residence with the Penn Police Department for Special Checks during the period it will be vacant.

Penn Police officers will periodically check the exterior of the property for signs of criminal activity or security breaches. If any are discovered, the officers will take appropriate action ranging from arresting the perpetrator to conducting an interior check of the property with subsequent notification to the listed occupant. If you would like to list your residence for Special Checks during Thanksgiving Break, fill out the electronic form by going to http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/Forms_specialProperty.asp or you may pick up a form at the DPS Headquarters, 4040 Chestnut Street. You need to complete and return the application no later than November 25, 2008.

Events at Penn this Week

2008-11-17T21:07:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, November 18, 5:30-6:30 PM at Civic House
Why are families working but still poor? Join Dr. Roberta Iversen from the School of Social Policy and Practice for an informative discussion about the challenges facing the working poor in the United States and the impact of the recent financial crisis on everything from affordable housing to healthcare. Learn about what history and financial realities can tell us about the current situation, what is to come, and what we can do to help.

Wednesday, November 19, 8:00-11:00 PM at the Castle (36th and Locust Walk)
UPenn Habitat for Humanity & Friars Senior Society Coffeehouse. Come enjoy performances by eight groups including Mask & Wig, Without a Net, Arts House, and Penn Six. All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity.

Thursday, November 20, 8:00-9:30 PM in the Ben Franklin Room at Houston Hall
World Hunger Banquet. Experience global food disparities through an interactive experience with a bit of international flair. All will learn, but only some will eat. Co-sponsored by Penn for UNICEF, the Asian Pacific Student Coalition and Penn Women's Biomedical Society. RSVP to aschul@upenn.edu.

Global Entrepreneurship Week

2008-11-17T09:24:00.002-05:00

November 17 through 23, 2008

Entrepreneurship Week has gone global this year for the first time.

From November 17 to 23, 2008, millions of young people around the world will join a growing movement of entrepreneurs who seek to generate new ideas and better ways of doing things.

At Drexel University, our LeBow College of Business, Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship in Technology, has developed the theme “Excellence, Innovation and Service” for its activities in celebration of the Week.

Due to Greenbuild 2008 some of us will not be in Philadelphia for this exciting week, but we encourage all of you who are in town to use google to look up some of the great events being held by you.

Enjoy the week!

Mark Your Calendars!

2008-11-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

The Ed Bacon Foundation invites everyone to attend the Awards Ceremony to announce the winners of REBUILD | REVIVE - A National Student Design Competition.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Loews Philadelphia Hotel (PSFS Building)

Featuring the Award for Professional Excellence 2008 Recipient

JOHN O. NORQUIST
President and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism
Mayor of Milwaukee (1988-2004)

Tickets now available at http://edbacon.org/rebuild/ceremony.htm

------
The Ed Bacon Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization in Philadelphia.

Neighborhood Networks' Town Hall Meeting: "We Are the Change We Need" is Monday

2008-11-14T17:31:00.012-05:00

Come to the Town Hall on Monday.

Nov. 17 ... 7-9 PM ... at ... the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.

After the recent elections it is obvious that Change of some sort is coming to the political sphere. It looks to be a fairly tumultuous time ...and not just because of the economic situation.

There are many questions that the City of Philadelphia needs to be addressing in the coming weeks, months, and years. As citizens of Philadelphia we need to do everything we can to make sure that our representatives hear our voices and listen to us before making rash decisions based on money and power.

I personally do not know the first thing about how to get the ear of my city councilperson ...since they haven't replied to emails or phone calls in the past. Like many living in Philadelphia, I feel that my representatives within the City body simply do not care about me unless I am a member of one of their "groups" of supporters.

We all need to help each other to reach out to our representatives and make sure we are heard. After all, in our society, knowledge is power ... so we better start finding ways to share it with everyone.

But ...How do we make ourselves heard? We can't simply shout from our rooftops, car-tops, or windows ...we can't simply rant and write entries that are posted to the web.

Our President-elect, Barack Obama, suggests that the best way to share politically significant information with our fellow Philadelphians is to organize the City by ward. During his campaign he helped to create political organizations in every ward in Philadelphia, motivating people to take part through the power of our ideas, and capitalizing upon the power of our neighbor-to-neighbor connections.

Now we're between election cycles, but we still need to make our City livable and lasting. WE won't achieve anything of significant good unless we can hold our elected Mayor and Council accountable.

On Monday, Neighborhood Networks is holding a Town Hall Meeting where they're going to do a few things. The event will begin with a bit of music while everyone gets settled. Then, two new leaders will present their views of what challenges Philadelphia faces in the coming months and years.

They will be followed by a brief discussion of local and national health care issues.

And finally, small groups will gather, according to where we live, to talk about how our elected officials are performing and to discuss what issues we, as a community, believe they should be addressing.

This is how we can all help each other to create a truly great Philadelphia.

Come to the Town Hall on Monday.

REMINDER: Laws for Creation - TONIGHT

2008-11-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

"Laws for Creation", a documentary by ERIN HOWLEY chronicling
the lives of four homeless or formerly homeless artists and
exploring the different ways in which these men use art to put
order to their worlds, will be screening TONIGHT, Friday,
November 14th at Scribe Video Center at 4212 Chestnut Street
in West Philly at 7pm.

This documentary will be screened along with two other short
documentaries by Philadelphia film makers.

Be sure to come out for this Philly premier!

JFK Bridge Construction

2008-11-14T10:20:00.003-05:00

30th Street Station and Cira Center

2008-11-14T10:19:00.002-05:00

The PECO Building

2008-11-14T10:16:00.001-05:00

The Cira Center

2008-11-14T10:01:00.004-05:00

What an amazing building facade. It looks like a glass knife just cutting through the sky.

The firm of Cesar Peli deserves credit, the Cira Center is a truly remarkable building and a wonderful addition both to West Philadelphia and to the skyline of Philadelphia. The building's height helps it to blend into the rest of the Philadelphia skyline when seen from the west, while also allowing it so stand out as a lone icon when seen from the east.

Mst known for its iconic LED lighting scheme the building serves as a billboard of Greater Philadelphia events ... going green for the Eagles, putting up a 'P' for the Phillies, a ribbon for various cancer awareness months, and a superb light show on the 4th of July and New Years.

In the last few months the initial work for the construction of "Cira 2" has begun. Most notably the demolition of the Post office annex building and the preparation of the underlaying foundation for the new skyscraper. At the same time, the Philadelphia post office has relocated its main office from just south of 30th Street Station to a renovated parking garage, now clad in sleek metal, just to the east of the site for Cira 2. The post office move has left the old office as a shell ... and it is falling apart quickly. Hopefully its new use will arrive soon.

2008-11-14T09:32:00.001-05:00

This Building Was Slotted to Become Philly's Newest Boutique Hotel

2008-11-14T09:26:00.007-05:00

This past summer a local Philadelphia architect was approached by a potential client to investigate the necessities for converting this historic building from a skateboard shop into a luxury boutique hotel to cater to the Old City tourism market.

Last I heard the project was moving ahead through the design development process.

I am rather curious whether the project moved far enough ahead to secure funding prior to the relative collapse of American and world financial systems. In recent months many projects have been put off (some for a brief time ... others indefinitely).

Depending on how you look at it these delays are either a boon or a blight. Current estimates from professionals within the building industry and from outside analysts estimate that the building industry markets will not stabilize until the middle of March 2009 at the earliest. Perhaps surprisingly, these estimates are applicable both to much of the US and Canada as well as to the UK.

Drexel University's New "Green" Dorm ... Under Construction

2008-11-14T09:22:00.008-05:00

Drexel Smart House

2008-11-14T09:12:00.002-05:00

Good News for you English and Biology Majors...

2008-11-14T09:01:00.002-05:00

Drexel University's faculty of the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology recently voted to change the name of the department to the Department of Biology. This change has been approved by the University leadership.

The faculty was in unanimous agreement that the former name was not descriptive of the department’s mission or activities. The faculty believes that the new name better reflects the broad range of research and teaching activities of the department, and its status as a world-class research unit.

The Department of Biology is the second-largest department in the University in undergraduate enrollment. More than 120 graduate students pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in various areas of study.

Sorta have to wonder why it took them so long to choose a name that is more characteristic of (A) what they study/research and (B) what names other institutions use. Well, congrats to Drexel's new Biology faculty!

For more information about the department, visit http://www.drexel.edu/coas/bioscience/.

Drexel to host a Rubik's Cube Competition

2008-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Drexel Cubers are hosting the fall 2008 Rubik’s Cube Competition on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Atrium, third floor, Bossone Research Enterprise Center (Market Street, between 31st and 32nd Streets).

There will be free entry for all Drexel students and a $5 entrance fee for non-Drexel students to compete in as many events as they would like.

Complimentary pizza will be served.

Those who would like to compete may register at http://www.drexelcubers.com.

For more information, email drexelcubers@gmail.com.

I was thinking about car shares ... we now have two providers operating in Philly

2008-11-13T20:13:00.010-05:00

It is argued by many that one of the greatest perpetrators of American wastefulness is our desire for our development to sprawl, like a painting with no respect for the edges. Our practice of developing in such a way that almost any new development could occur in any part of our nation has some really bad elements (that sometimes feel good). One of the worst of these is the dependence on the automobile.

And of course there are many times when it just feels so good to have your car nearby. But of course, we all know it isn't ... particularly when it results in the misuse of resources that is an SOV (single occupancy vehicle). Most Americans drive to work (for some part of their commute) and most of these drivers never carpool (not to say they haven't considered it ... they have and it just isn't "practical" given our infatuation with individual liberties.

These "liberties" that keep us from carpooling are ones like ... wanting to be able to go where we please and when we please ... you know, to things like soccer practice, forgotten items at the grocery store, and even road trips across our giant country.

Simple fact ... we don't have to live this way. Germany stands as a perfect example of why we don't have to live this way ... of course we have different values and a different history. Still, if we love the pastoral as much as we profess ... then we can modify our values ... and sacrifice some "liberty" for the greater good.

Imagine a Philadelphia and an America that was able to break our habit of hyper-convenience. You would likely see the creation of better and safer bike lanes, more timely and efficient rail and bus systems ... and maybe even some cars here and there being shared, which brings me to the current focus of this comment ... car sharing.

Car sharing ... Philadelphia is now home to TWO car share services. One for profit and one non-profit focused on the betterment of our great city.

As a University student who came to the city from the suburbs I had a "special" relationship with the automobile. But when I got here, I realized I didn't really need my car ... sure there were times it would be nice to have it, but these were far outweighed by the idiosyncrasies of operating a car in a city ... you know, parking tickets, vandalism, etc.

So, back when the first car share came to Philly, aptly named Philly Car share ... I looked into the whole car share bit ... and I was fairly impressed with the economies of Philly Car share and of car sharing in general.

Now, Philadelphia is being targeted by the for-profit Zipcar ... and I'm really not too convinced about Zipcar. See, I thought they would give you access in all the cities they operate ... but they don't, they ask you to focus on one city (or at least their website did) and I find that odd for the following reason:

If I live in a city, and I want to have access to a car in another city that I travel to for work or leisure ... then having a car share that operates in all those cities would be great. Hell, it'd almost be like I was a citizen of all those cities.

And, since the NE corridor has a fairly decent rail system (albeit relatively overpriced for its service ... thank you stupid US government ... please fix AMTRAK mister President) I would be able to move along the eastern seaboard with minimal impact on the environment. Gosh ... that'd just be nice.

So, my final take ... car share programs are good. Now that they are becoming a greater segment of the market it is time that our city began to invest in better pathways for operating a bicycle and in better managed bus and lite-rail systems.

Too often, our planners have sacrificed the needs of those living in our cities for the needs of those tourists and automobile commuters that come to our city every day. I know we aren't New York ... but it'd be nice to see a more reasoned policy regarding the role of the automobile in Philadelphia.

This time .. thank you Inga

2008-11-13T17:28:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, Inga Saffron, the architectural critic working for the Philadelphia Inquirer provided one of the most succinct and on point assessments of the maneuvering that is going on with the move to have a slot-only casino in Chinatown.

I hate to say it ... even as an architecture student and a lover of cities and a researcher into human behavior and the built environment ... I was not fully aware of what was occuring ith the casino plans. This fact is made all the worse because I actually live in Chinatown. For the past 6 months I have been lamenting the destruction of my neighborhoods' neighboring city fabric to make way for the expansion of Philadelphia's ugly and dirty convention center. Now, I have to come to grips with the fact that Chinatown, notably one of the safest areas of Philadelphia, might become just another dirty casino area. True, the gallery at Market East has never reached the fullness that was anticipated ... but to come in now and replace and/or add to the mess of the Gallery the social pariah that is a casino is simply detestable.

Inga comments mostly on the architecture of the change that is approved. I understand doing this because it appears to be accepted fact that the casino move is being fast-tracked through the corridors of our city government. However, I believe I am not alone in wishing that she had chosen to add more bite to her few criticisms of what such a casino will do to the fabric of Chinatown and of Market Street.

Many people I have spoken with, who call themselves "high-class" Philadelphia citizens, dislike the entire area that is Market Street along the Gallery. In many ways I must agree with them ... but for what I believe may be better reasons. The motley development of the area surrounding the Gallery and touching upon Chinatown is marked in many ways. From the Gallery, to the Bus Station, to the strip of shops that put out loud music ... the area directly around 11th and Market often comes across as a zoo and a piece of slum Philadelphia dropped off in the heart of the city.

I can't fully predict what will happen when the casino opens, as it inevitably will ... but I am sure that it will not be a good addition to this troubled piece of our fine city. I for one will speedily find another district of the city to call home.

Please ... take the time to read Inga's commentary at: http://changingskyline.blogspot.com/2008/11/caution-ahead-council-votes-on-foxwoods.html

For all you budding would be architects out there who are thinking of Drexel ...

2008-11-13T15:21:00.004-05:00

Here is a list of some of the Faculty that teach Drexel's Architecture Program in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design (CoMAD)

Joanne Aitken, AIA, M. Arch. (Harvard University )
Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Kieran Timberlake Architects.

Ulrick Altenmuller, Ph.D. (Bauhaus-Universitat Weimar)
Associate Program Director, Adjunct Assistant Professor.

Peter Arfaa, FAIA, M. Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.
Principal, Peter F. Arfaa, Architects.

Sherman Aronson, A.I.A., M. Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Partner, Bower Lewis Thrower Architects.

Judith Bing, M. Arch. (Yale University)
Associate Professor.

John Blatteau, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.
Principal, John Blatteau Associates.

Stephen Bonitatibus, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.
Principal, Bonitatibus Associates.

Mark Brack, Ph.D. (University of California at Berkeley)
Adjunct Professor.
British and American architecture from 1700 to the present; Hispanic colonial architecture in the American Southwest; vernacular architecture; and historic preservation.

Edwin Bronstein, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.

Richard Brown, AIA, B.Arch (University of Illinois)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Richard Brown Architects.

Michael Burns, AIA, B.Arch (Drexel University)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Michael Burns Architects.

Joseph Castner, AIA, M.S. (Columbia University)
Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Principal, KlingStubbins Architects.

Charles Dagit, FAIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.

John DeFazio, AIA, B.Arch (New York Institute of Technology)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, John Defazio, Architects.

Steven Gatschet, AIA, B.Arch (Arizona State University)
Adjunct Professor.
Architect, School District of Philadelphia.

Alan Greenberger, AIA, B.Arch (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst.) Adjunct Professor.
Principal, MBA Partners.

David C. Hamme, B.A. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.

Paul M. Hirshorn, AIA, M. Arch., M.C.P., (UPenn)
Head of the Department , Professor.

Timothy Kearney, AIA, AICP, M. Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Principal, Cueto Kearney Design.

Lauren Karwoski Magee, M. Arch.
(Southern California Institute of Architecture) Instructor.

Donald Matzkin, AIA, B.Arch (Cornell University)
Adjunct Professor.
Principal, Friday Architects/Planners Inc.

Daniel K. McCoubrey, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Partner, Venturi Scott Brown Associates.

Lawrence McEwen, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Lawrence D.McEwen, Architects.

Walter Moleski, M.Arch (Tulane University)
Adjunct Professor.
Environmental psychology; the relationship among people, behavior, and the built environment; improving public housing, decreasing homicides in maximum security prison, community planning, and campus planning.

Robert Nalls, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Nalls Architecture, Inc.

James M. Rowe, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Agoos/Lovera Architects.

Joseph Scanlon, B.Arch (Drexel University)
Adjunct Professor.

Rachel Schade, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Principal, Schade & Bolender Architects.

Jahan Sheikholeslami, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Professor.
Principal, Jahan Sheikholeslami Architect.

Simon J. Tickell, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Associate Professor.
Associate, Ballinger.

Nancy Trainer, AIA, M.Arch. (UPenn)
Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Partner, Venutri, Scott, Brown and Associates.

Karol Williams, M.Arch
(Southern California Institute of Architecture)
Adjunct Assistant Professor.

Michael Ytterberg, AIA, Ph.D. (UPenn)
Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Senior Associate, Bower Lewis Thrower Architects.

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

2008-11-13T14:16:00.002-05:00

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is a disease that affects mostly older adults, but can also affect people as young as 40. The cause is largely unknown and there is currently no cure. It is estimated that there are 16 million people suffering from Alzheimer's worldwide, with approximately 4.5 million of those people living in the United States. Alzheimer's is the eighth leading cause of death in the elderly population. The University of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's Disease Center has published ten signs to look for in yourself or your loved ones.
1. Recent memory loss that affects job skills.
2. Difficulty performing tasks.
3. Problems with language.
4. Disorientation of time and place.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
7. Misplacing things.
8. Changes in mood and behavior.
9. Changes in personality.
10. Loss of initiative.

If you or someone you know displays several of these things, you can find out more information by clicking here.

Alden Park - Philadelphia - Germantown area

2008-11-13T13:29:00.004-05:00

Last night I got to sit in on an interesting discussion of Alden Park, located in Philadelphia. We were discussing the building with regards to its historical context and relationship to the Rationalist movement seen in Architecture and urban design. Apparently Alden Park, built in 1925, predates much of the rationalist movements published theoretical postures ... yet, in the opinion of many, this building is quite indicative of the postures of the Rationalists, and in particular the postures of Le Corbusier.

--

A little history of the building ...

Alden Park is a high-rise Jacobean, Art Deco brick and terra cotta residential complex designed by Edwin G. Rorke in 1925. This six-building campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. In 1992, MPG was selected to work with John Milner Associates (Architects) and Wiss Janey Elsner (Structural engineers) to execute an extensive structural wall replacement and stabilization project. MPG work included: parapet wall replacement, cast stone repair and replacement, brick and stone pointing, ornamental stone patching, caulking and balcony repair and replacement.

Van Brunt Associates inspected the entire complex for a confidential institutional client who wanted to acquire and renovate the buildings and grounds. The comprehensive due diligence work included thorough building inspections, cost estimating, and environmental inspections. After discovering major environmental liabilities and structural problems estimated at approximately $8 million, our client backed out of the deal.

--

But what about the building as a physical embodiment of a theoretical movement? Is there any record left of such a connection ... if one ever existed?

WKDU to Present We Are Scientists

2008-11-13T12:28:00.002-05:00

WKDU-FM will present a live show with the group We Are Scientists (above) on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Creese Student Center (33rd and Chestnut Streets).

We Are Scientists is a band, formed in 2000, that's known for its humor as well as its rock music.

Doors open at 1.30 p.m.

This program is free and open to the public.

The Musical Blood Brothers

2008-11-13T12:26:00.001-05:00

The Drexel Players, in the Department of Performing Arts of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, will present the musical Blood Brothers from Thursday, November 20, through Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Mandell Theater (33rd and Chestnut Streets).

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is a nature vs. nurture play revolving around twins separated at birth, growing up at complete opposite ends of the social spectrum. Falling in love with the same woman, the twins must defend their love to the death, to the beat of Russell’s mesmerizing original score. Years have passed since its success on Broadway, but the play has continued to run non-stop in London as a cult classic.

Performance times are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets go on sale at the Mandell Theater box office on November 17. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and staff with a valid I.D. Group ticket rates are also available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information, email krh56@drexel.edu or call 215-895-1275.

DISHA's "Bollywood Night" - get tickets tonight!

2008-11-13T12:25:00.002-05:00

The Drexel Indian Undergraduate Student Association (DISHA) invites students to attend "Bollywood Night," a Bollywood-themed dance party on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the Great Court, Main Building (32nd and Chestnut Streets).

Students can dress, dance and dine "Bollywood" style. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Students may collect complimentary passes, two per student I.D., in the lobby of the Creese Student Center (32nd and Chestnut Streets) today, November 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Indian food will be served and prizes given out for best costumes. Students are encouraged to wear clothes that are bright, flashy, colorful and loud.

For more information, email dsodisha@gmail.com.

Construction of the DAC Addition ...

2008-11-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

South Street Bridge Construction to Start in December

2008-11-12T13:07:00.002-05:00

On 11/10/08 Mayor Nutter announced that Driscoll Construction Company received a $67-million contract to reconstruct the South Street Bridge. Reconstruction will occur from 27th Street to Convention Avenue. The existing bridge will be demolished in December. Construction on the new bridge will be complete in approximately two years. Construction will close the entrance and exit ramps to the Schuylkill Expressway from South Street. The reconstruction is financed 80% from federal funds, 15% from state funds and 5% from city funds. Renovations will include fewer vehicle lanes, a lower speed limit, and wider pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The bridge reconstrucion is needed, yet, will be a great inconvenience to many of the students and employees at Penn, HUP and CHOP. Students currently living in Center City and the Graduate Hospital area will be able to cross at Walnut St.

November 12th is National Philanthropy Day

2008-11-12T12:36:00.002-05:00

Hello Philadelphia,

Today is an important day. Sadly, it is little known and does not get much press ... sorta consistent with the topic of today's celebration.

Philanthropy ... today is given to celebrate it! So ... go out there and give a few bucks to your favorite charity or simply take a minute to reflect on how another person's generosity has impacted your life.

I know that when many of us think of Philanthropy with a BIG P ... well, we think of those BIG donors who give millions ... the thing is, everyday millions of us give small amounts and often these are much more significant than some big wigs donation to an institution of some sort.

Don't get me wrong, I love that those big donors are out there. I personally have the privilege of working with a number of amazing philanthropic minds every single day and I can't quantify how enriched my life is because of them.

Please, take a minute to give ... and ... Happy Giving!

~ ARCKTIP

Drexel Football Team Show

2008-11-12T08:24:00.005-05:00

Drexel University hasn't had a "real" football team since 1973. It's a running joke at the University that the school has been undefeated since 1973. So much so, that at the turn of this Century a number of Drexel Students decided to make the most out of this long standing joke. They decided to finally give Drexel the football team it craved.

Every time the Team performs they accept suggestions from the audience and develop their improvised skits and stand up around these suggestions. It is generally acknowledged that the suggestions put forth by the Drexel Student body, combined with the wit of the team, always result in memorable performances.

So ... come out this Friday, the 14th of November at 8 PM to participate in the Team's second performance this Fall. The Team, a motley crew, will be performing until 9:30 in Drexel University's "classic" Stein Auditorium on the First Floor of Nesbitt Hall, located at the NE corner of 33rd and Market Streets ... just across from all the construction on the Drexel Athletic Center (DAC) ... work that might just allow the school to some day support a "real" football team.

Battle of 33rd Street ... Basketball Match

2008-11-12T08:20:00.001-05:00

The match between Drexel and UPenn will happen Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Drexel vs. Penn Tug-of-War

2008-11-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Drexel University Office of Student Life is hosting a tug-of-war between Drexel and Penn Monday, November 17, 2008, at 5 p.m. at Hill Field (33rd and Chestnut Streets).

The event is to get both schools fired up for the “Battle of 33rd Street” basketball game Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. that will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Participating fraternity and sorority members will wear their colors and letters and display their school pride. Each school's team will have a total of 30 members to participate in men’s, women’s and co-ed match-ups. Drexel’s team will consist of members from 15 University chapters.

Participants will be recognized at the basketball game and the winning school will receive a smaller version of the “Battle of 33rd Street” trophy.

All members of the Drexel and UPenn communities are invited to show their pride. There will be music, snacks and giveaways for attendees.

For more information about the event, contact intramurals@drexel.edu.

Philadelphia Whiskey Festival

2008-11-11T14:37:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday November 12 from 6 to 9 pm more than 80 brands of liquor from all over the world will be available for sampling at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building at 100 Penn Square East. The event is sponsored by the PA Liquor Control Board. Types of liquor include Scottish single malts, tequilas, Canadian and Irish whiskey, rums, bourbons, gins, cognacs, and vodkas. The festival also includes an on-site Wine & Spirits store, cigar lounge, buffet and bagpipers.

For more information contact Nick Hays or Francesca Chapman at 717-783-8864.

Veterans Day in Philadelphia

2008-11-11T13:53:00.003-05:00

Today's Veterans Day...which doesn't seem like a big deal and unfortunately, probably was forgotten as you went about your everyday life. Thing is...Veterans Day is important, especially for those of us in the city of Philadelphia. With so many old cemeteries and memorials in our city, there's plenty of opportunities to find a Veterans Day Celebration. The National Constitution Center is holding a free celebration all day, with a ceremony commencing at 11 am. If you've got some spare time on your hands in the next few weeks, sign up to volunteer at the VA Hospital. If you're short on time...like most of us probably are (myself included), just observe a moment of silence when the clock hits 11:11 tonight. (Picture- Woodland Historic Cemetery).

Sex and Shoes!

2008-11-11T13:05:00.004-05:00

Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) will give a free lecture, ‘Sex and Shoes,’ in Drexel University's Ruth Auditorium on November 18th at 6 PM.

The free lecture is part of the Rest Your Feet exhibition.

The Washington Post described Dr. Steele as “fashion’s brainiest woman.” She has authored 17 books including The Black Dress, Paris Fashion and most recently Gothic: Dark Glamour.

In 1997, she founded Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture and today serves as editor-in-chief.

The exhibit explores the history, evolution and role of shoes and chairs as practical objects and as objects of high design.

The exhibit is the result of collaboration between programs at Drexel University and FIT.

Rest Your Feet is on display at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery through December 12th.

Current Weather in Philadelphia ...

2008-11-11T11:57:00.003-05:00

Not bad weather for Veterans Day. Find a veteran, say "Thank you." Enjoy the day! :-)

Fair
48°F is the real temperature ... unfortunately with the wind chill it feels like 43°F

UV Index: 2 Low
Wind: From NW at 11 mph
Humidity: 42%
Pressure: 30.34 in.
Dew Point: 26°F
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Is There Hope for Cities? A Cautiously Optimistic View

2008-11-11T11:47:00.003-05:00

The Urban Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania will be hosting its 24th Annual Lecture this Friday, the 14th of November.

The keynote speaker will be Mr. Peter Dreier, the "Dr. EP Clapp" Distinguished Professor of Politics and Director of the Urban and Environmental Policy Program at Occidental College in Los Angeles

The Lecture will begin at 4 PM and will be delivered at:
Logan Auditorium, Claudia Cohen Hall (formerly Logan Hall)
249 S. 36th Street on Penn's campus

The lecture is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

WOOHOO!

Come to the Lessons in Sustainability Forum: Everyday Efforts for Going Green ...

2008-11-11T11:45:00.003-05:00

via an email from my friends at YIP

"
Sustainability is everywhere these days. IBM has targeted the concept in commerce, municipalities are employing "green" measures, and after a summer of sky-rocketing fuel costs, energy efficiency and alternatives are front-and-center in the mainstream media. Even Family Guy advertisements are focusing on being eco-friendly. But what does sustainability mean for you as a young person in Philadelphia? Sure, these macro strategic measures may be sensible and necessary, but they probably don't provide the opportunities you're looking for to get active.

To explain how personal sustainability can impact your household, workplace, and community, Young Involved Philadelphia is partnering with The Academy of Natural Sciences to sponsor a forum that will offer sustainable solutions for everyday life. Come ask your questions and get insights, ideas, and resources from our panel of Philadelphia's brightest - and greenest - young minds.
"

Date: Monday, November 24th
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Main Auditorium, Academy of Natural Sciences
19th St. & Ben Franklin Parkway

open to the public. No RSVP required.

Tour several public art projects in Center City on the 22nd ...

2008-11-11T11:44:00.004-05:00

The group Young Involved Philadelphians will be hosting one final art tour for this season. The tour will be of several public art projects in Center City Philadelphia and will include the Marriot Hotel, the Criminal Justice Center, MSB Plaza, and the Convention Center.

The tour will also include a guest appearance by Susan Davis, director of one of the "Percent for Art" programs in Philadelphia.

Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 3 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: City Hall, East Market Street Entrance
Post Event Social: TBD
RSVP: yipsocial@gmail.com

Public Art: Philly's Got it Goin' On

2008-11-11T11:39:00.003-05:00

Got this in an email from YIP

"
It's Philadelphia's eccentricities - like the Clothespin in Center City, the eagle in Wanamaker's, or the goat in Rittenhouse Square - that give the city its unique character and invigorate its public spaces. Yet we continually take them for granted.

Philadelphia was the first city to develop not only one, but two, "Percent for Art" policies, which require that one percent of the construction costs of specific new development be spent on public art. And since 1959, more than 450 works of art have been commissioned, making the city's collection of public art the largest in the world!
"

Found Myself at Park Towne Place this Friday Night....

2008-11-09T13:31:00.003-05:00

This past Friday was an interesting evening. After checking out the galleries that were open for First Friday, a friend and I headed over to the World Cafe Live for a concert by the Pawnshop Roses. After one hell of a performance and a decent dinner at the upstairs stage we headed over to her friend's place at Park Towne.
Wow, what a view from their apartment. We were looking out from the 15th floor over the Ben Franklin Parkway toward the Philadelphia Art Museum. It was gorgeous, with the leaves of the trees changing colors and shielding the view of the cars along the parkway. Being a Saturday, traffic seemed to be less than I recall seeing during the week.
The downsides to the apartment were rather minimal. My top two complaints were that it was rather reminiscent of undergraduate dorm living and that with the floor to ceiling glass, there was no barrier to the sounds of cars honking as they maneuvered along the parkway. And wow, I never realized how often drivers actually used their horn. At one point during the morning on Saturday there was honking coming from five different intersections.
There were a number of upsides to this particular apartment. The cost was great for the amount of square footage they had. There were 4 bedrooms, 2 good sized, 1 smallish, and 1 extra large that had two people in it. The living room was a great size with access to a cantilevered concrete balcony. I don't know about you, but as a resident of a condo building I absolutely appreciate the "freedom" to go "outside" that is afforded by a balcony or rooftop access.
All in all, I would recommend the Park Towne building complex to anyone in my age group. With its first floor gym and shared laundry rooms it feels perfectly designed to cater to young twenty somethings who are in the city for university and are more than likely to relocate to the suburbs upon marriage if not upon graduation. But then, who knows how many will stay after discovering the intoxication of true city living.

Best coffee in Philadelphia

2008-11-08T18:59:00.002-05:00

Early mornings in Center City are the best...especially if you happen to find yourself near La Colombe on 19th and Sansom sts. Each day this cafe opens by 7 am to serve up the best coffee in the city. Be prepared for a wait...the line sometimes goes all the way out the door. Later in the afternoon you can find college students and business professionals studying and working. Your best bet is to order a cappuccino...by far, the best in the city. Also, La Colombe is cash only...and it's cheaper than Starbucks.

Pawn Shop Roses at World Cafe Live

2008-11-07T23:50:00.000-05:00

Pawn Shop Roses turned in a strong performance tonight at world café live upstairs. With undercurrents of Maroon 5 and the grateful dead, the roses put up a solid set of songs that got the audience grooving. Even those at tables were getting up to move with the music. With overtones of alternative rock and neo-swamp country the Roses got the catcalls rising from the crowd. Playing three sets, the Roses switched it up going all acoustic for their second. Most would expect this switch to calm the crowds, but all it did was bring more people to the dance floor. All in all it was one hell of a performance and I know I am looking forward to the next time I can see the band perform. If only to watch them work the crowds.

Friday Night ... No Donuts in Site

2008-11-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Police arresting a man with a suitcase. They picked him up in the 30th street subaway underground concourse. They were rather curious if he was a US citizen.

Votes are in...

2008-11-05T17:47:00.002-05:00

Last night was a historic night in the United States, especially for Pennsylvania. Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States. He also is the first African American president in the United States. Obama won over numerous key states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and Virginia. Obama effectively mobilized young voters, who turned out in record numbers. At Penn, students took to the streets celebrating after television stations predicted that Obama had won. Hundreds of students marched down Locust Walk to City Hall. Several students at Penn commented they knew Obama had won when they heard shouts and screaming and it was as loud as it had been for the Phillies a week earlier. Many students also commented they are glad to see the end of a two-year long battle for the White House. Congrats to Obama and Biden!

Current Weather in Philadelphia...

2008-11-04T15:40:00.002-05:00

Cloudy
60°F is the real temperature and it sure Feels Like 60°F, no discrepancy today.

UV Index: 0 Low
Wind: From NE at 6 mph
Humidity: 82%
Pressure: 30.31 in.
Dew Point: 54°F
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Remember to vote tomorrow!

2008-11-03T08:32:00.004-05:00

Remember to vote tomorrow! After you vote, enjoy a free cup of coffee from Starbucks between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Between 5:00 and 8:00 pm stop by Benn & Jerry's if you've voted to get your free scoop of icecream!

To find your polling place, click here.

First Friday

2008-11-02T20:27:00.005-05:00

This Friday from 5 to 9 the art galleries in Old City will stay open to display November's exhibitions. Various street musicians provide music and many of the boutiques near the art shows also stay open late. Cafes like the one pictured offer discounted food and drinks. First Friday is a great way to experience the culture of Old City. Photo credit- BAB

James Castle: A Retrospective

2008-11-02T20:17:00.002-05:00

For all self-taught artists, this is truly a remarkable exhibit. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is exhibiting James Castle's work from October 14, 2008 to January 4, 2009. James Castle is the first self-taught artist to have an exhibition at an A-list museum. Castle was an artist from rural Idaho that was born deaf and mute. He was also illiterate and lacked signing skills. Castle's main form of communication came through his artwork, which he spent hours creating daily. Most of Castle's work is created from spit and soot. His work with language is particularly intriguing-- for him letters did not create words, only images. The exhibit is definitely worth checking out.

The Fleisher/Ollman Gallery at 16th and Walnut is displaying a similar (free) exhibit called Castle in Context through December 6. The adjunctive display features Castle's work in comparison with other contemporary artists. The exhibit speaks to the isolation Castle experienced. Be sure to notice the small figurines present at the exhibit. These figurines were said to be Castle's best friends growing up. Some of the artwork at the Gallery is even images of his figures. Also note the double-sidedness of many of the pieces at the exhibit. Interestingly, each side of the work is part of the same image...just from a different view point.

Biden comes to Philadelphia this Monday

2008-11-02T20:01:00.002-05:00

This Monday, November 3rd, you can join Joe and Jill Biden in Philadelphia, where they will talk about Barack's vision for America.

Change We Need Rally
with Joe and Jill Biden

Marconi Plaza
Public Entrance South Broad St. & Bigler St.
Philadelphia, PA 19145

Monday, November 3rd
Doors Open: 8:30 p.m.

http://pa.barackobama.com/Philadelphia

This event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

The Power of William Penn

2008-11-02T19:34:00.005-05:00

Hey all, I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this little fact ... but it sure is a sweet one.

After the Philadelphia Phillies won the 1980 World Series the city of Philadelphia finally allowed the most venerated zoning code in the city to change. What was this code? Why does it matter?

Well, there used to be a rule in Philadelphia that no building could be taller than the top of William Penn's hat atop our fine city hall. Following the 76er's championship win in 1983 the city finally broke the rule of the hat. They approved the construction of buildings to be taller than City Hall. The first, One Liberty Place, was completed in 1987. Two Liberty Place followed and was completed in 1990.

Why did our fine city commissioners break the rule? For the oldest of American pasttimes ... money and business. The Philadelphia City Council gave permission for buildings to be taller than City Hall to encourage skyscraper development along Market Street.

This little bit of history matters because ever since the city allowed buildings to be taller than Billy Penn, many in the city blamed our poor post season luck on the unhappiness of William Penn.

Now, you may be wondering something. If the Phillies just won the 2008 World Series ... then doesn't that mean the worry over Billy Penn is proven unfounded? The truth is, nope. Philadelphia is now home to one of the first "green" skyscrapers in the country. It is the Comcast Center and when completed it became the tallest building in Philadelphia.

Okay ... so what? Another building taller than Billy Penn ... what's your point?

The point is ... when the Comcast Center was completed just under a year ago the city fathers organized the creation of a smaller replica of the William Penn statue to be placed in the top of the new tower. It was. And within a year, our fine city saw a Championship team once again!

WooHoo for the power of the fantastic.

Promote the Vote Block Party

2008-11-02T19:14:00.003-05:00

This should be an amazing event. I'm planning to attend if I can. It will be particularly interesting to see how issues of race and class are presented.

Every student who has the time should try and make it out ... it isn't often you get to see these three celebrities at the same rally. And wih only one day until the vote, temperatures will be rising all over the city of Philadelphia ...

Here's the announcement:

--

Promote the Vote Block Party
with Guest Speakers Jay-Z, Diddy, and Mary J Blige

Entrance on North Broad Street
Between Dauphin Street and Susquehanna Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132

Monday, November 3rd
Doors Open: 10:30 a.m.

http://pa.barackobama.com/phillyblockparty

This event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged.

--

Institute of Contemporary Art present Radical Art

2008-11-02T12:38:00.003-05:00

The Institute of Contemporary Art, located at 36th and Sansom St., presents a controversial show this fall. Their current exhibit features Kate Gilmore, Douglas Blau, Robert Crumb and Odili Donald Odita. Guests can experience the ICA for free, or make a donation. When viewing the exhibit, start on the second floor with Robert Crumb's work. Crumb is a Philadelphian cartoonist whose work includes comics from the late 1960's. The comics discuss issues like racism, child pedophilia, sexism, pornography and the growing drug culture. Also on the second floor, Kate Gilmore's work includes various installations that deal with human emotion and expression. Take the ramp down to the first floor. Odita's geometric piece lines the ramps, creating a colorful display of African culture and contemporary art. On the first floor, Douglas Blau creates collections of images. His work speaks to the materialistic need of human beings. The exhibit ends in January.

2008 World Champions Celebrate!

2008-10-31T17:08:00.005-04:00

This afternoon Philadelphia fans enjoyed a fantastic celebration of victory for the Phillies! The parade started at 20th and Market at 12 pm, winding around City Hall to Broad St. and ending at the Sports Complex with a presentation in the stadium. Fans of the Phillies could be seen celebrating all over the city, with people lining up near City Hall as early as 7 am. The large influx of people created significant delays for Septa and made commuting to work this morning a difficult feat. Many schools in center city were closed due to the anticipated crowds. The parade was a success and Philadelphians finally celebrated their much overdue win! Photo credit- BAB

Phillies Drown Out The Rays

2008-10-30T04:58:00.005-04:00

Although baseball games are normally called after a 24 hour suspension due to inclement weather, post-season games are operated by the Commissioner's Office; thus, the scheduling is subject to the Commissioner's discretion. Until this year, there had never been a rain-shortened game in World Series history, and to everyone's relief Commissioner Bud Selig did not allow either team to claim victory prematurely, regardless of the torrential downpour.

Two days later, on Wednesday, October 29th, game five resumed in the bottom of the sixth inning. After a very close finale, Brad Lidge struck out veteran Eric Hinske (who incidentally hails from the University of Arkansas) to cinch the Series for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3, to win the 2008 World Series in only five games.

"The 0–2 pitch… swing and a miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World champions of baseball!"

Phact...

2008-10-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

"Just remember, in Philadelphia nothing comes easy."

~ Jimmy Rollins, shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies

Out of the Ordinary ...

2008-10-28T01:25:00.005-04:00

Okay,

Typically we'll be writing about events that occur on the streets of Philadelphia and in our daily excursions into the city of Brotherly Love.

But, tonight, at the beginning, things are different. As most of you know, and hopefully remember, tonight saw one of the most memorable world series games of the last 50 years. Tonight was the fifth game of the series between the National League Philadelphia Phillies and the American League Tamp Bay Rays. Going into tonight's game the Phillies were leading the series 3 games to 1. If they won this game they would be the Champions.

Well, what happened? It poured! Rain came down and it kept coming. The rain was light at first and the Phillies took an early 2-0 lead over the Rays. AS the game progressed and the rain intensified, the Rays scored one run. Then, at the point where any other Major League game in history would have been called, to wait for dry weather, the umpires let it keep going. It was not until the end of the top of the sixth inning, the field nearly flooded, that the Rays scored a tying run.

As soon as it was a tied match and the fightin' Phils were getting ready to bat ... what did the commissioner, an American League owner, do? He phoned down and told the umpires to blow the whistle and cover the field. So now what?

This is an unprecedented event in the World Series. Hell, it's an event almost never seen in the world of Major League Baseball. Who wins? Who loses?

According to the rules of the league ... if the game does not get to finish, due to the weather and a 24 hour delay, then the final run by the Rays scored in the sixth inning is wiped from the scoreboard and the game results will stand as they were at the end of the fifth inning.

Now, all the anxious sports fans and true Philadelphians can do is wait ... wait and have faith. In 1980 Philadelphia won over Kansas City, they won in such a way that the city went head over heels. If this fifth game of the 2008 World Series ends up being the final game of the series then this will be one of the saddest happy moments in my life as a Philadelphian.

PHILALOG

Philly Tumblrs are meeting ... to bowl

North Bowl, Thursday Jan 29

Founder's Day Symposium: Seeking Sustainability

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Health Care Panel and Discussion

World AIDS Day

Philadelphia Marathon, Half, 8K

New Kings of Rhythm

Update on the South St. Bridge Closing

Snow in the city!

Thank you Baiada ... and congrats and getting to move soon!

Thank you Baiada ... and congrats and getting to move soon!

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Khachaturian Screening

Transgender Program TONIGHT!

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** REMINDER: Laws for Creation - TONIGHT **

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The Cira Center

This Building Was Slotted to Become Philly's Newest Boutique Hotel

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Battle of 33rd Street ... Basketball Match

Drexel vs. Penn Tug-of-War

Philadelphia Whiskey Festival

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Sex and Shoes!

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Is There Hope for Cities? A Cautiously Optimistic View

Come to the Lessons in Sustainability Forum: Everyday Efforts for Going Green ...

Tour several public art projects in Center City on the 22nd ...

Public Art: Philly's Got it Goin' On

Found Myself at Park Towne Place this Friday Night....

Best coffee in Philadelphia

Pawn Shop Roses at World Cafe Live

Friday Night ... No Donuts in Site

Votes are in...

Current Weather in Philadelphia...

Remember to vote tomorrow!

First Friday

James Castle: A Retrospective

Biden comes to Philadelphia this Monday

The Power of William Penn

Promote the Vote Block Party

Institute of Contemporary Art present Radical Art

2008 World Champions Celebrate!

Phillies Drown Out The Rays

Phact...

Out of the Ordinary ...

REMINDER: Laws for Creation - TONIGHT