if these walls could talk...

http://www.philebrity.com/2010/12/02/local-hipsters-accidentally-buy-meth-house/


This article is entirely too interesting. Recently, two "hipsters" bought what seemed to be a cute and innocent house in Bristol. Little did they know what they had gotten themselves in to. Quickly after their arrival, the couple found that what seemed to be a normal house ... turned out to be a meth lab. The people who lived in the house before them used the house to cater their crystal meth drug production. The leftover smells and fumes of the meth even remained.

On the bright side however, the couple came up with a way to raise money in order to restore the house. They have created a blog known as "Our Meth House Blog" (haha) which has thus far raised $8500 of the $25000 needed to clean up the house. I think it's great that they are using a social network to raise money for a good cause. It is unfortunate that the previous owners did such a thing to the house, but instead of moving, the hipster couple is branching out to the public for help. And by using a blog nontheless.

Just goes to show how crazy Philadelphia really can be. Well not even the city itself, but the people too.


oxox

santa can you hear me?

I know that my blog is devoted to Philadelphia. But I just can't help it ... There is something on my mind that surpasses all of the rest of my thoughts.


CHRISTMAS!


It is going to come too soon, and I can't wait. My roommate and I actually just decked out our apartment to appear as a winter wonderland. We are utterly ecstatic in case you could not tell.

I promise this will be my only blog to wonder off topic. Come on now though, who doesn't love reading about one's excitement towards xmas?

oxox philly,
let your christmas festivities begin!

roots in the city

Do you know something that has always fascinated me? Knowing that someone famous is from my hometown. It is absolutely amazing, knowing that someone so lucky now came from the same background and surroundings as I did. It gives normal, average, every day people like me hope. Hope in that one day maybe we too can become famous and do something great for the world.

I found a list of people who are from Philadelphia. I was surprised by a lot of them.

- John Wanamaker : creator of the huge department store, Wanamaker's
- Kevin Bacon : incredibly talented actor
- Dick Clark : host of the New Year's special
- Bradley Cooper : super hot actor
- Tina Fey : amazingly funny comedian, actress, producer, etc.
- Seth Green : funny guy, voice on Family Guy, acted in Austin Powers
- Grace Kelly : famous actress
- the Lawrence Brothers : actors I group up watching on the Disney Channel
- Will Smith : actor, rapper, good guy
- Boyz II Men : that smooth sounding band that used to sing love ballads
- Eve : rapper
- Joan Jett : rock star who recently had a movie made about her

Pretty impressive, huh? And now even more cool ... those who attended my school : Temple University

- Bill Cosby
- Michael Schoeffling (the hottie who played Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles)
- Bob Saget
- Jesse Williams (actor: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Grey's Anatomy)


I am simply astounded by this information. These famous people have walked the same streets I do every day; stroll through the campus I set foot on every week.

Neat stuff if I must say so myself.


you're too kind, oxox

oh hey, how'd you get that money?

There are so many issues out there to have an opinion on. Healthcare, politics, global warming, and hundreds more. There are also many issues alluding to Philadelphia. Homelessness, the new casino being built, and even the school system. I am not going to lie. I am not one to get involved in issues. I cringe at the thought of politics. Indifference runs through my veins when one mentions my opinion on health care. It may sound ignorant, but I am a 20 year old girl. My worries have to do with my family, friends, university, and what I am going to wear the next day. But, there is something that strikes my chords every now and then, and that issue is landlords and Philadelphia housing. If there is one thing that I can take a stand on, it's how landlords undermind and mistreat their Temple University tenants. With this issue, I can take a stand.

To most adults, college kids are merely... kids. We don't know what we are doing. All we care about is booze, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. We go to class and come home and pound a couple beers. Wrong. Completely wrong. And when I say they are wrong, I mean they have no idea who they are dealing with. Just because we are college students,does not mean they can take advantage of us. We are adults fully capable of being treated with the same respect and altitude as the local who lives next door to me.

Here is what gets me angry. And I know I am not the only one with this issue. First of all, I am paying hundreds of dollars too much in my rent. I personally pay $600 for my room alone, and I do not even live in an entire house. It is a duplex. My roommates only rent the top two floors of four total. My dad who lives in the suburbs has an entire apartment : two bedrooms, one bath, one very large kitchen/dining area/living area and plenty of closet space... for $600. And for the same price I am living in a small dimensional room. How does this even make sense? Yes, I understand I live in a city. Not just any city, but Philadelphia. I expect it to be more expensive. But $600? Please, I know where that money is going. Into the housing development's pockets.

Bad service also comes to mind. I know of a Philadelphia housing group who's secretary lied to the tenants. She told them they could sign a month-to-month lease (because some of the tenants would be subletting after studying abroad). She also said they would not have to keep the water bill in their name and that the landlord was responsible for that. Two years later, the tenants found out she lied (and they were bombarded with two years worth of water bills). Come on! Is it because they think we are stupid and won't figure out that they are being lazy? Perhaps. And when these tenants call with a problem, a serious problem, I expect the maintenance man to show up two weeks later only to complain. And when PGW tells us we have a gas leak, maintenance man PLEASE do not turn everything back on. The professional gas company turned it off for a reason. For our health and safety. Something you clearly do not care about.

This may have seemed like venting, and for that I apologize. But this is an issue that exists within my city. I know dozens of peers who attend Temple University who feel the same way I do. We get no respect and the housing companies treat us like we are insignificant. Well guess what, we are significant. We are the ones putting money in your wallet so you can pay your bills. If only you didn't charge us so much, maybe we could pay our's.

I'm not the only one who feels this way, just check out this site alluding to the fact that landlords can be terrible. Site #1.

Other than that Philly, you are too kind.
xoxo

first friday

I have always been a lover of art. 3D sculptures, paintings, drawings, and everything in between. I not only enjoy looking at art, but creating it. Throughout High School and even college, I have absorbed myself in art and its beauty and its peace that it gives me. Nothing makes me happier than sitting down with a blank canvas and paint palette, and just letting my imagination run wild: following my hand as it creates images upon the canvas.

Philadelphia is a great place for art. It is everywhere. Art can be located at the Philadelphia Museum, along the sides of homes and buildings in the form of murals, and even in the various galleries located throughout the city. Art here in Philly is found in every shape and form, every nook and cranny. It is a beautiful thing. No matter where I am walking, I can find art. The subway, the corner store, Temple buildings, and more.

So it is no wonder that Philadelphia has created a famous event to the city known as "First Friday." I am saddened by the fact I have not attended this event. However, I plan on in the future. First Friday takes place on the first Friday of every month, and includes several of the city's galleries who "open their doors to the public" (phillyartgalleries.com). These galleries allow people to browse the art, purchase the art, or even create the art. I have heard that people are allowed to paint or create sculptures at this event. There are even wine tastings that take place at First Friday.

Most of what I have heard about this event has been by ear. Many of my friends have attended First Friday and absolutely loved it. My High School art teacher as well as my art professors here at Temple speak highly of the event. It is unusual that I have yet to attend the event, but definitely plan on it in the future.

One can tell that Philadelphia encourages the arts here in the city. So much that once a month they even encourage all to gather and appreciate every single form of art there is. So much history has taken place here in Philly, and it is a great place to use creativity and the imagination to come up with amazing statues and paintings. The city of brotherly love, the city of awesome artwork.

ill state of mind

I think this song says it all. :)

sports sports and more sports

How could I devote a blog to the city of Philadelphia without mentioning the ever inevitable... Philly sports teams. Especially at this time of year, when baseball, football, hockey, and basketball are all in season. I may not be the biggest sports fan, but while living in Philly, it is almost unavoidable to come across the fanatics in some way, shape, or form.

Our teams can bomb. They can do great. They can excell to the highest extent in their season. It doesn't matter. Philadelphia will still love them regardless. Philadelphia knows no hatred, ridicule, or skepticism towards their beloved teams. The Phillies and Eagles, no matter how bad their game is, will always be #1 in Philly sports fans' hearts.

It's great, it really is. This city is so possessive about their teams. They will devote their lives, or at least this season, to the teams. Tailgating, season tickets, promotional events... all consume the lives of devoted fans. Men and women alike. Even as I am not a huge football or baseball fan, I still find myself purchasing tickets or spending the afternoon tailgating. Pretty amazing, isn't it? That something so recreational, can have such a huge impact on the people it surrounds.

Professional sports take over peoples' lives. Philadelphia sports became these peoples' lifestyle. They live, eat, breathe the Eagles, Phillies, 6ers, or Flyers. And what's even better is that Philadelphians remain loyal to the teams no matter what. If that is not true love, than I do not know what is.