Getting to Philly Without a Car: Or How SEPTA Drains Your Soul

When I worked in the city, but lived in Wilmington, I would take SEPTA Regional Rail from the Claymont station. 

My journey was filled with delays, broken trains, shortages of cars, and coughing, sneezing, sniffing carriers of sickness and infection, ie other passengers.  (I'm not a germaphobe - you are!)

And now the stars must align, traffic must be light, and I have to be guaranteed of parking in order for me to head into the city.  What can I say, I’m old. I find that driving in the city makes me hate humanity and taking SEPTA makes me near suicidal.

Let’s talk about SEPTA.  Poor, beleaguered SEPTA. There is a SEPTA station right in Wilmington. But if you want to park anywhere near safe and close by – it’s $13 for the day. And you still have to pay to take the train in. If you don’t want to pay for parking, you have to drive about 12 minutes (depending on traffic, of course) to the Claymont station.  But you better get there early because if you don’t – you will park far far away.

 

Your car - it's just over that hill...

And that’s not the worst – if you work normal business hours, leaving the lot takes 15 minutes unless you sprint off the train and manage to get into your car before the rest of the hoard descends.

Rabid hoards sprinting to their cars

Do

• Park in the Claymont overflow parking.  It might be creepy if the bridge’s light is out, but you beat the line of traffic to leave the other lot.
• Buy your tickets at 30^th or bring cash because there is no ticket machine at Claymont
• Download the SEPTA app to keep up to date on times and delays

Don’t

• Forget to bring an umbrella or dress weather appropriately, there is only a small shelter at the Claymont station
• Talk in the quiet car. It’s called manners, people!
• Take up more than your seat.  Your bag didn’t pay, lady

Note: The Claymont station is getting an upgrade and moving to a new location, estimated completion date of 2021.

Philadelphia Least Attractive?: Or, that's Total BS as I have Seen Plenty of Good Looking People

I don't want to sound like an alarmist - but - THE SKY IS FALLING!


Philadelphia is considered one of the least attractive cities (people-wise) in the US! And Amber Rose has been quoted as saying that people in South Philly, "aren't traditionally attractive".  I don't know what that means. Traditionally attractive - as in suit and tie? Or that we have three eyes and a hunch back?

In any case, I beg to differ.  I have seen plenty of gorgeous men and women in Philly. And I'm tired of people re-hashing the same things over and over again.  "Philadelphia has the worst fans." "They beat up Santa." "So much crime!" Blah Blah Blah.  Guess what? We're passionate! We stand up for what we believe in! Philadelphia also happens to be one of the most walkable cities as well as a top tourist destination.  Does the Liberty Bell ring any bells? (Not literally because it hasn't rung since 1846.) History much? But back to the point -Philadelphians happen to be very attractive! Would people say that Angel is ugly? That Grace Kelly is a dog? That they'd kick Will Smith out of bed?

Exactly! Philadelphia = Awesome. Stop the shaming!

Philly Withdrawal: Or I Didn't go see the Pope and I'm Fine with it

As you may have noticed, or not, because I don't actually have very many followers; I haven't written a new blog in months.

This is mostly due to the following:
1. I am very very lazy
2. I am very very boring

I thought about writing but then also I thought, what do I write about as I no longer live in Philly? It seems fraudulent to sucker people into this blog only for them to discover that I am no longer a pseudo- authority on Philadelphia city living.

When I first moved I thought that I would still go into Philly at least once a week.  That turned into once a month and now it's maybe every two months. Mostly because driving in Philly turns me rabid - and points 1 and 2 above.

While I still call this post Philly Do and Don't - it's mostly a lie.  Sorry!

Of recent newsworthiness - the Pope was in Philadelphia.  I was not. I heard that everyone was very nice and that many locals left in fear of the anticipated crowds.

Not the Actual Pope

Here in Wilmington, DE nothing really changed. No one left, but no one really visited either. Well, they might have attended Taste of Trolley Square.

Facts:

• Taste of Trolley Square is an annual event in Wilmington
• This was the first year so I don't think they can claim it to be annual
• I did not attend
• It's actually been over a year since I wrote a blog post

Next Post: Columbus Inn: Or Where I'd go if I Needed a Rich Old Boyfriend

Broad Street Run: Or how to survive when you haven't really trained for this

About:
Broad Street Run is a historic 10 miler, started in the 80s, that takes the runner through Philadelphia starting at Broad st and Somerville Ave. and ending at the Navy Yards.

Lifted from runverse.com/blog

Fact:

• It is such a popular run with over 50,000 (this number may not be completely accurate (give or take a few thousand)) participants that there is now a lottery to get in the run

Picture this...

• It's September. You and your friend are talking about how you need something to motivate you and how you will totally train for Broad Street.

• February commences and you and your friend talk about how you totally haven't trained but that you still have a few months until the race (You secretly hope that you won't make it into the lottery) And.....you win a spot in the lottery!

Where's the link for Denial?

• It's a WEEK BEFORE THE RACE. And you are completely unprepared. Completely.  Did I mention completely? You've been on your dreadmill a few times - jogged a couple of miles but when you do the math you start to freak out.

DON'T: 

• Panic.  It will be ok! I promise.  And if not - there are medics close by.

• Start out too fast.  You haven't really run much so just keep it to slow and steady.
• Think about how much more you have to go
• Or what that puddle is or how you spilled your water down the front of your shirt
• Or how you are on mile 5 and that woman cheering you on has already completed the race and double-backed
• Worry - there is always someone slower than you. Unless you are last. In which case, maybe you should worry a little.
• Turn into that person who has to put a sticker on your car declaring that you completed a race. I'm talking to you 13.1s and 26.2s. No one cares but you! And maybe me because I've turned this into a slight rant.

Do:

• Go to the bathroom before running - there are tons of people and lots of portables but it's still never enough.  (Warning! The below clip has strong language and blue dye)

• If you do need to use the bathroom before the start - DO make friends with someone who has toilet paper because the dumpster that you are peeing behind in an alley doesn't come stocked. (Not that that happened or anything)
•  Concentrate on your breathing. (Believe me it will save you from hyperventilating while thinking about how crazy you were to run this)
• Walk if you need to.  There is no shame in it. But maybe don't suddenly stop short in front of someone forcing them to either run into you or to stumble and fall. (Have you seen the detritus on the ground??)
• Think about how amazing that this many people are together running/jogging/walking/cheering
• Plan ahead of time where to meet your friends/family.  It's a madhouse out there!
• Have fun. It is a truly amazing experience. 

PS. I won't be there because I am lazy and out of shape so this a recollection of a couple years ago. (I now regret not training)  Go Philly!

Wilmington, Delaware: Or Nothing Like Philly

It's been almost a year since I posted.  I'm sure that you've all missed me! And now I must make my announcement!......  I've cured cancer!*


*(I didn't. But you can imagine what it would be like if I did)

Actually, I moved to Wilmington, Delaware.  That's right - I'm no longer a resident of Philadelphia but it is only a short 40 minute drive away! (Too bad that I hate to drive). But dry your tears! I will still post about Philly and now, as an added bonus, at no extra cost, Delaware!

Pros:

• Wilmington is  - as I already mentioned - close to Philadelphia! And Baltimore! And sort of - Washington, D.C.
• TAX FREE!!!! That's right mo-fos - no tax on food! Or drink! Or clothes! Or Amazon deliveries! And all sorts of other stuff!
• Parking doesn't cost a fortune! I can park in front of my residence - FOR FREE!
• Car State Inspection - FREE! Are you sensing a trend?
• It has the Riverfront.  It's very pretty and there are restaurants and a new IMAX theater.

This picture does not show said restaurants or IMAX

Cons:

• No Whole Foods (yeah, yeah, yeah, First World Problems)
• The city motto is kind of lame.  But I'll let you decide. 
  
  
• The Restaurants cannot compare to Philly - and we have really really tried to find great ones (We will settle for just good at this point)
• It's not Philly

Facts:

• I love Philly. I always will but it is nice to have a change.
• I like having a yard
• We also have a connection to William Penn! New Castle, Delaware was once part of Pennsylvania.

Statue of William Penn in historic New Castle

• There is a SEPTA train from Philly to Wilmington so you don't need to have a car to get here! (HINT HINT)

Philly Summers: Or sunblock and sewers

The sweltering heat, the sour smells, the fashionably challenged, the cranky citizens, the extremely annoying tourists.

Fact:

• Philadelphia in the summer does not always smell that great: wafts of sewers, eau de body odor, rotting garbage.
• Women tend to dress like trannie hookers
• Trannie hookers tend to dress like trannie hookers
• Men dress in appalling shorts, baggy shirts and flip flops. I prefer the trannie hookers.

Do:

• Wear shirts that cover your midriff. If your stomach is flat enough to show, chances are you're too young to be showing it, Lolita.
• Go to John's Water Ice on 7th and Christian - it's a great summer treat and you won't have to deal with the tourists lining the block for Rita's.
• Sit outside and enjoy the sun:
• More Than Just Ice Cream @ 11th and Locust
• Kanella @ 10th and Spruce
• Beau Monde (even though I've had such crappy service there) @6th and Bainbridge
• Parc (even though many of the clientele are douchebags) @ 18th and Rittenhouse

Don't:

• Wear flipflops! Dear lord, we are in a CITY! Flipflops are for shower stalls, the beach and hotel carpets!
• Wear cut-off jean shorts in public, you're no Daisy Duke. In fact, Daisy Duke is no Daisy Duke.




She still looks great. My only point is that unless you are 17 and living in the country, don't wear these shorts.


• Forget your deodorant. Yes, I know, you're all natural. You think your sweat doesn't smell. You. Are. WRONG.  

A Cooking Class at the Walnut Hill Restaurant School: Or how I nearly burned the place down

Over a year ago when I was starting to have fewer hours and the end was approaching at my last job - I decided I would become a renaissance woman. Not by being rubenesque (though I totally got fat) but by picking up the skill set I would need to live off the land or on a non-existent paycheck. These skills included sewing, knitting, gardening, and cooking. Which served the dual purpose of also being ready for a zombie apocalypse.

From AMC's Walking Dead which I've never seen, but yeah, I get it, it's awesome. I'll watch it. Really.

So I sewed up some dish towels and an apron and started my first community education cooking class at the  Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.

Facts:

• Located at: 4207 Walnut Street • Philadelphia
• The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College offers majors in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Restaurant Management and Hotel Management
• People like me (who aren't professional chefs but like to eat) can take courses through their community offerings
• You can also eat at their restaurants which are run and staffed by the students of the college  

Do:

• Bring your own: Knives, Spoons, Measuring Cups, Spatula and Tongs to class
• Check to make sure that the pot that is on the burner is filled with broth and not cooling oil from the previous class

Taken from Real Simple which in turn grabbed it from Getty Images

Don't:

• Spend a lot on your tools unless you're actually going to use them again (ahem)
• Think it's going to be like Top Chef, or that you'll be like Top Chef because it's kind of not like that
• Make the mistake of using the pot filled with oil (not broth) in your rissotto because you will then set your rissotto on fire and have everyone freak out

A.Kitchen: Or I really seem to write about food A.Lot

It's been a while since I last wrote.  Mostly because I am really really lazy. And I have a life, unlike you guys.

So my latest foray into Philadelphia was at A.Kitchen. Where there is a kitchen, and some tables, and lots and lots of waitstaff. (side note: there was this blond kid who looked exactly like the bad guy from the Karate Kid (original) and I wanted so badly to say, "Sweep the leg, Johnny!" but I was pretty sure that he would think I was crazy so I refrained)

Photo from their website

Fact:

• A.Kitchen is part of AKA Rittenhouse where many celebs stay.
• I saw Gerard Butler hanging outside AKA Rittenhouse a couple years ago. He looked like a scruffy dude - even though I was expecting King Leonidas.
• The food was really really good.

Do:

• Make a reservation as it is quite small.
• Have dessert - really totally awesome. Best poundcake I've ever had. No, really. I'm serious.

Don't:

• Wear black, as the cloth napkin left white lint.
• Be freaked out about the portion size - it's actually filling and you won't feel sick afterwards.

Not Gerard Butler

Location:
35 South 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Just north of Walnut Street at AKA Rittenhouse Square

Price:
Can be a bit spendy for the non-Rittenhouse folks but well worth it. Check out their menu for more info. (What? You wanted me to provide you with that too? Don't be so lazy. Look at their website!)

Barcade: Or I guess I didn't play enough video games as a kid

Facts:

• Barcade opened in the past year in Fishtown (yeah, I know, Fishtown)
• Beer on tap rotates daily
• Each arcade game is 25 cents
• I suck at arcade games

Do:

• Keep an eye peeled for the building - it's not as obvious as you'd think
• Go to their happy hour starting at 4pm - 7pm for $1 off drinks Monday - Friday (it's pretty empty on a Monday so you'll also be able to play a lot of video games)
• Try their Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Don't:

• Be fooled - beer nuts are just peanuts (I thought maybe they'd be coated in beer or something exotic)
• Worry if you run out of quarters - they have a change machine
• Play Dig Dug - it's a totally stupid boring game and yes, I am also terrible at it too
• Come in if you're under 21

Location:

• 1114 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between Girard Avenue and the Delaware Expressway
• Also locations in Williamsburg and Jersey City (which really it's a toss up of three locations I'd least like to visit)

It's Not Easy Being Green: Or finding healthy vegan food in Philly is an art

Facts: (sort of)

• Philadelphia is a place of many many fine restaurants. 
• So you'd think that finding vegan food wouldn't be that hard. You'd think wrong. 
• Sure there are places that serve french fries but that isn't really a healthy alternative. (No, really people. French fries - not a good vegetable choice)

Do:

• Go to Vedge!
• Try MiLah
• Taste Mumbai Bistro's vegan offerings

Don't:

• Forget to make a reservation at Vedge. They are popular for a reason. Their food is delicious. 
• Eat too much tofu - moobs anyone?
• Be shy - ask for veggies instead of bread when you're at a restaurant! The worst that could happen is that they stare at you incomprehensibly and then talk about the crazy person at table 8 when they're back in the kitchen.

Vedge:
1221 Locust Street
MiLah:
218 S. 16th
Mumbai Bistro:
930 Locust Street

Tria: Or a place I've actually never been to

So I had a blind date here but it wasn't very successful - the date that is - so I guess you'll just have to try it based on what I've heard.

Tria at 12th and Spruce



Photo from their website

 I don't have much to share about this place. Simply put, my "date" did not consider the huge wait time. We stood around trying to make small talk (unsuccessfully) until we went for a coffee instead.  It was a gorgeous night but instead of wanting to walk around he asked if we could stand on a corner.
WHAT?
Perhaps he wanted to pick up a hooker. I don't know. Needless to say, we did not meet up again.

Tria:
Two center city locations: 12th and Spruce and 18th and Sansom
12th and Spruce:
Outside seating with heat lamps available when cold

Monday – Friday	4pm – Late Night
Saturday + Sunday	Noon - Late Night

Do:

• I have no idea as I haven't actually been here
• I have heard that they have excellent Happy Hour deals
• Go to Happy Hour M-Th 5-7pm at the 12th street location

Don't:

• Come at 6pm on Thursday night and think that you'll be able to sit immediately

Chemical Heritage Foundation - or a place I've walked by but had no idea what it was

Facts:

• The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) began in 1982 as the Center for the History of Chemistry.
• It was a pilot project of the University of Pennsylvania and the American Chemical Society.
• It was made a non-profit organization in 1987. And became the CHF in 1992.

• Today the Chemical Heritage Foundation has a library, museum, and a conference center. It also supports research, produces educational materials and offers fellowships.

 

Swiss Bakelite phone. Photo by Gregory Tobias from the collection Making Modernity.

  

Location:

• The Chemical Heritage Foundation is located at 315 Chestnut Street in what used to be the 1865 First National Bank. It was renovated and opened on October 3, 2008.  

Do:

• Visit the Museum - it's free! Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.
• Use the restrooms in the Museum/Conference area - the floors are made of recycled cans!
• Check out the exhibition Making Modernity!

Bakelite and Lucite Handbag. Photo by Gregory Tobias from the collection Making Modernity.

Don't:

• Want to take a guided tour of the museum? (Because really - who has the attention span or the ability to deal with cantankerous old people?) Take a self-guided tour using your cell phone! 215.525.1682
• Miss First Fridays - the museum hosts events and guest speakers and is open until 8pm.

Camden Aquarium - or it's annoying to take a ferry with Rascal Flatts fans

Fact:

• The Camden Aquarium started out in 1992 as the non-profit New Jersey State Aquarium.
• The new Adventure Aquarium reopened in 2005 and is most definitely for profit.
• You can take the RiverLink Ferry from Philadelphia Penn's Landing to the Camden Waterfront.
• The ferry takes about 15 minutes even though it's directly across the water. Maybe it has something to do with currents or people wanting to sit longer.
• The ferry is every hour and only runs Saturdays/Sundays from May-September.

This is not the octopus from Adventure Aquarium. It's from a much more interesting article in the LA Times.

Costs:

• Aquarium is an overpriced $22.95 (plus tax! I know! There' s tax!) for adults and $17.95 (don't forget the tax) for kids 2-12.
• RiverLink Ferry is $7.00 round trip ($6 for kids)- they have a special concert series schedule too. So if you're lucky - like us - you can share the ferry with teenagers with daisy dukes, fake curls, cowboy hats and a thing for Rascall Flatts.

Do:

• Take advantage of their free fountain refills in the aquarium's cafe. Not only do you get free soda refills - but you get free slushies! (seriously - when's the last time that you had a slushy?)
• Look at the octopus - it's fascinating.

Don't:

• Go on the weekend. Unless you love the smell of dirty diapers or you're a giant and can see over everyone's heads.
• Have high expectations - then you won't be disappointed that you just spent a fortune to see fish you could see in a nearby lake.

Because I find this fascinating

Fact:

• I'm a sucker for fountains. But even more so - for the stories behind them

On 9th near Spruce

• This particular fountain was in remembrance for Edward Wetherill who was born in Pennsylvania in February 1821 and who died October 2, 1908
• Even more interesting is that a census reports his occupation as Abolitionist
• He and his family were Quakers and lived at one point at 1413 Spruce street

The city really takes care of its fountains

•  He came from a long line of Philadelphia Quakers mentioned as far back as 1783

Do:

• Visit and peruse Edward's abolitionist letters and collections at the Pennsylvania Historical Society
• Read about other famous Philadelphia Wetherills

Don't:

• Get confused but read this short but fascinating excerpt from the New York Times December 26, 1905 edition about another Edward Wetherill
• Know anything about paint manufacturing? George Wetherill owner of George D Wetherill & Co  - was the first to manufacture white lead in 1804 - which later became Dutch Boy Paint

Eye's Gallery - or how you don't have to like mosaics to like this store

Facts:

• The Eye's Gallery is located at 402 South St.
• It began in 1968 after Julia and Isaiah Zagar returned from their two year stint in the Peace Corps in Peru where they worked in craft development.
• In those early days they lived in the back of the store.
• They are one of the few businesses on South st from the 60s that is still there.
• Isaiah Zagar is responsible for a great number of mosaics in Philadelphia and for the Magic Gardens.

 Do:

•  Especially peruse the Day of the Dead art. There is a very large selection.
• Check out all three levels of the store.  

Don't:

• Like mosaics? Me neither, but the store has many great things - from plates to glasses to jewelry and clothing.
• Want to buy from the store? Then take a tour led by Julia to Mexico, India, Guatemala, or Peru. She'll take you to some great spots to buy from the locals.

Man Full Of Trouble Tavern - Now Someone's Home?

Facts:

• Built in 1759 and is the oldest pre-Revolutionary War tavern remaining.
• Located at 125-127 Spruce Street it catered to a less than genteel crowd.
• Was at one point known as the "Man with a Load of Mischief" with a sign of a man giving a woman a piggyback ride, rather than the sign standing today.

• Throughout its history of successive ownership, the tavern was also a hotel known for their oysters, and a wholesale chicken market.
• The tavern was renovated and opened for tours in the 1960s and an archaeological dig took place in 1966.
• The tavern closed to tourists in 1994.
• The tavern now seems to be a home because when I took these photos I noticed a woman changing her baby on the sofa inside. 

Penn Treaty Park: or a park that I had no idea existed but is kind of a big deal

Facts:

Commemorative marker. Click here for older pictures of the park.

• William Penn and Lenape Chief Tamanend entered into a peace treaty under an elm on that site in 1683. (Okay, this actually might not be a fact. There is no historical documentation of this specific treaty. But it has become part of our shared history and William Penn was on good terms with the Lenape.)
• The elm tree was lost to a storm in 1810 but a descendant of the tree was planted there again on May 6, 2010. 
• The peace treaty was the subject of several famous paintings, including ones by Benjamin West and Edward Hicks.
• The park became part of the Fairmount park system in 1894.

 To get here:

• It involves the subway and walking. Take Market-Frankford to the Girard stop. Exit to Girard Ave and walk 4 blocks east to Columbia. Walk to the right a few blocks to Delaware Ave and voila!
•  Or you can ask a friend with a car to drive. It's much easier that way.

Do:

• Check out the powerful views of the park.  You can see Penn's Landing, the Ben Franklin bridge, and a great city skyline. 
• Look at this amazing timeline of the park.

Don't:

• Know where the park is? Don't worry, I didn't either. It's hidden away in Fishtown at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Beach Street, just off Delaware Avenue.
• Be fooled by these photos. The park is actually several acres and holds many events, such as a free concert series.

Solar Powered Trash Cans: or a flaw in design as I absolutely refuse to touch one

Facts:

• Philadelphia uses BigBelly Solar trash cans.
• Philadelphia replaced 700 trashcans with 500 BigBelly Solar cans.
• Philadelphia went from 17 collections a week to 5 collections a week.
• Philadelphia saved $900,000 in the first year.
• BigBelly Solar trash cans uses solar power to compact trash up to 5x more than a regular can.
• BigBelly Solar trash cans have wireless connectivity and monitoring informing the city when the can is full.

However:

• Big Belly Solar cans require you to touch a handle.
• These handles are disgusting to touch.
• People don't want to touch the handle.

• BigBelly Solar cans should have a pedal that allows people to throw their trash away without having to touch a handle.

Interview with a Taxidermist!

Me: So, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I have to say, when I think of taxidermy and women - well, I guess I just don't.
Me: But if I did think of taxidermy and women - I would have expected you to be some po-faced goth. You're absolutely not,  - but - tell me - do you worship the devil?

Beth: I worship at the altar of good fortune.  Taxidermy has traditionally been a male-dominated craft (however behind every successful taxidermist I'd bet my salt you could find a nimble-fingered wife scraping fat and stitching up rugs) but times have certainly changed.  That couldn't be more evident than in the alterna-taxidermy scene where  women like Sarina Brewer dominate.  But no – no devil worshiping.


Me: I didn't really think you did. But I'm still not removing this cross.

Beth: Suit yourself.  Just don't let me catch you wearing Uggs. 

Me: Too late! You went to school in the Poconos - was it like the movie Deliverance?  Were you afraid for your life?

Beth: I was living in a mountain house which belonged to my two friends Warren and RJ (it's actually been featured in Elle Decor  and Shelter Pop ).   The property was an old pig farm and I had plenty of land to roam around as well as an empty farmhouse where I could rehearse my aerial dance routines (I’m a trained aerialist as well as a State- and Federally-licensed taxidermist). 

Beth:  I think I can safely say it was nothing like Deliverance (although I've never actually seen that movie) - but  I did develop a real soft spot for contemporary country music.  As for the people, I found the kindness of strangers permeating every facet of everyday life there.  I felt completely safe and at ease.  Nighttime could be a different story, however – when you're completely alone, living in the mountains and you hear coyotes just outside, it can be slightly unnerving.


Me: You were brave! I think that some people would believe that taxidermy is a sick hobby about dead animals. But I know that you have two living cats at home and that you love them. Why taxidermy?

Photo by James Coughlin

Beth: I love animals and believe that their beauty should be preserved. My cats mean the world to me; I've always had pets and spent many hours of my life watching them, mostly in awe.  By working with animals I have a deeper appreciation for how they're formed, what makes them tick, how they move and all the wonderful little nuances nature has installed into them which makes each creature so unique and awe-inspiring.  Through my craft I also enjoy a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to eating meat and wearing animal by-products. I use nearly every single part of the animal, either to feed myself or my pets. And one standard I always uphold is to source every specimen humanely and ethically. While this does make obtaining specimen a bit harder, I have a clear conscience when I do create a piece. When you meet your meat, so to speak, waste is not an option.


Me: I've seen your work - and it is incredible. Do animal rights activists ever hassle you?

Beth: Not that I care to acknowledge.  I wrote a lengthy blog entry about my philosophy in regard to my work and the reactions of others.


Me:  Lastly, do you think that by posing animals with jewelry and outfits that you are actually enriching their afterlife? Do you think animals have an afterlife?

Photo by James Coughlin

Beth: I have no idea if any of us have an afterlife.  I just recently read about the mummified Japanese monks known as Sokushinbutsu and found it touching that the monks who are able to reach a state of pure mummyism achieve idol status and their remains are tended to and watched over by devotees for eternity.  I wondered if this was for the monks themselves or more for the caretakers, and I'm at a loss.   If animals do have an afterlife, I can't imagine they'd care that much what has been done with their bodies.  I suppose it's my way of idolizing them for eternity, as a postmortem care taker.



Me: Thank you for your time!


Do:

• Check out Beth Beverly's website and blog
• Think a little more carefully the next time you see something dead on the sidewalk. One man's roadkill could be another man's art.

Don't:

• Think you can tell someone's occupation just by looking at them. Taxidermists look just like you and me. They're among us!
• Have a gift for Valentine's day? One of Beth Beverly's unique pieces would be an incredible gift!

The Italian Market: or where you can find a lot of stuff that you forgot that you needed

Facts:

• Philadelphia's Italian Market is the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the United States. (Take that everywhere else!)
• There are over 100 merchants.
• You can buy at minimum: poultry, meat, pasta, produce, baked goods, and spices.
• The Italian Market stars in In Her Shoes and Invincible.
• The Italian Market in on 9th street and runs from Fitzwater to Wharton.

Do:

• Try Lorenzo's Pizza. It's among my favorite's in Philly.
• Shop at Fante's. It will make you want to cook and/or bake just so that you have an excuse to buy that amazing pan.
• Browse at Molly's Bookstore at 1010 S. 9th St.

Don't:

• Try and get Lorenzo's Pizza delivered. They only do carry out.
• Be afraid of the hipsters. They tend to stick to Anthony's Italian Coffee House. 
• Correction: Hipsters hang out at Gleaner's. My bad. 

For Thursday: Di Bruno Bros