Tuesday night, I had it confirmed for me once again that the Standard Tap serves an incredible burger. I met a group of friends there for a farewell dinner for my friend Ingrid. We’ve been to the Tap many times as a group and it seemed appropriate to make that the location of her send off. I got there late, a dinner meeting at the Unitarian church had me running behind the rest of the crew, so I didn’t get a chance to order any food for myself. But when Ingrid held her burger out and asked if I wanted a bite, I couldn’t refuse. It was a revelatory bite. There were sauteed mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato and cheese, in addition to the fantastically thick, medium rare burger. A burger work of art. The fries are also pretty damn terrific, and I managed to steal a couple from various plates.

I’ve been invited to a baby shower at the Tap in a couple of weeks, and I can only hope that I’ll get a chance to get one of those burgers. Yum.

Approximately 15 minutes ago, according to my clock and as Philly Will Do initially brought to my attention, the waxing of the Liberty Bell commenced.

On Tuesday, May 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Independence National Historical Park preservation technicians and curators will perform the semi-annual protective waxing of the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell, cast in 1752 for the original tower of Independence Hall, consists primarily of copper and tin. The Bell’s pitted surface traps airborne pollutants which can further erode the soft metal. The application of a neutral wax to the Bell’s surface protects it from dirt.

I understand the tiniest bit about conservation techniques, and a fair bit more about the necessity of appropriate conservation activities for historical artifacts. Nonetheless, I’m with PWD in finding this a wee bit giggle-worthy. Although I think PWD’s title incorrectly interprets the “semi-” prefix: doesn’t that mean this waxing happens twice each year, rather than once every alternate year?

Another Bookcrossing release has tickled my sense of humor:

RELEASE ALERT! Another BookCrosser has just made release notes for “Search
for God at Harvard” by Ari Goldman, indicating its release in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, at University of Pennsylvania.

Further details available here. As far as I can suss out, there was no deliberate irony in the gesture. Still, it prompted a hearty chuckle from my side of the computer screen…..

Driving up Front Street just south of Washington Ave. yesterday, I noticed a billboard. It was for Dunkin’ Donuts, and stated proudly that Tuesday, May 23rd was “Free Iced Coffee Day.” I thought that sounded like a terrific idea, and when I got home, I went to the Dunkin’ Donuts website to see if I could find a location near me that was participating in the giveaway. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find ANYTHING on their website about this promotion at all.

So today may or may not be Free Iced Coffee Day at a Dunkin’ Donuts near you. If you find one that’s participating, leave a note in the comments, so others may partake in the iced coffee goodness.

In the last week, SEPTA buses have hit a fire truck, teenagers, and other SEPTA buses. Two weeks ago, a SEPTA bus hit a building.

So I didn’t get to post this the last two days but I did get up to see the movie on Saturday. Unfortunately there were no protestors this time around as I had a good selection of questions for them, which I will post later tonight for you reading pleasure. Anyway as I said I did get to see the movie; despite the $77 million the film took in over the weekend our theatre was ¾ empty. I must say that the reviews for the film were a bit harsh and while it won’t win any awards it was an entertaining popcorn movie. It also has a message that I won’t spoil for you but despite your feelings on the film should ring true for everyone. I recommend the film to anyone with an open mind and an understanding that the film is a work of fiction and not historical fact. And yes Tom Hanks does look ridiculous with his hair that way.

Last Wednesday night, a friend and I headed over to Minar Palace for a final dinner. Final because the friend is moving back to Texas in a couple of days. Little did we know that it would be final in another manner. Apparently, Minar is now closed. A friend headed over there on Thursday, and found a sign on the door saying that they were closed due to water issues. She ended up getting lunch at Kami Sushi across the street, and was told over there that Minar is closed for good. Her source said that the owner of the building wants to tear it down and expand the neighboring parking lot. Because that’s an excellent use of space. We’ve been told that the folks behind Minar Palace are looking for another location in which to reopen someplace else in Center City, but they haven’t found it yet.

Send good thoughts that they find a new restaurant, because personally, I don’t want to live in a world without Minar Palace.

“Camden was originally an accident, but I shall never be sorry I was left over in Camden. It has brought me blessed returns.”

I’m sorry, Camden. I didn’t mean to lead you on. I had only the best intentions.

When I filled out the first online form for Bloggers’ Weekend, I was looking ahead towards a weekend where Matt would be out of town and I would be left entirely to my own devices. Enjoying the Camden waterfront sounded like something fun to keep me occupied.

When the event organizers asked for a confirmation email, and I sent mine, my weekend was fuller than it had been for step one. After all, I’d gotten myself tickets for all the baseball games. But, as I looked ahead from one weekend into the next, I still had all of Saturday without plans. Maybe I wouldn’t see eveything, but there’d be plenty of time to enjoy a daytrip.
(more…)

…but of course, I’m posting it here instead of there.

I was walking home from the trolley stop apres-the-ball-game, and a gaggle of young women were behind me, studying their fake IDs to be ready for that bouncer-administered quiz that—at least in my experience—is more myth than reality. I mean, did you ever get quizzed on your home address by a bouncer inspecting your license before letting you into a club? I never did.

So anyway, one young lady is chanting to herself. “I live in Radnor, PA, 19087. One Nine Oh Eight Seven. One nine oh eight seven…”

“Hey look!” says the other. “I’m an organ donor!”