New Philly Blog

I have a new Philly blog, which may or may not become the new place for my Philadelphia comments-- "Philly Zeen!" Its intent is to be a place to portray and promote a variety of Philadelphia happenings. Please check it out at

www.phillyzeen.blogspot.com

Thanks! Go Phils!

Bouffant Philadelphia

The bouffant hairdo is back! At least as seen on attractive young ladies on the streets of Philadelphia. Maybe the coolest hairstyle for women ever. I hear there's even a bar in Philly, the Barbary on Frankford Avenue, which features a "Bouffant Bangout" night with classic surf and psych tunes from the 60's. Great stuff.

Mailboxes Are Vanishing

All over Philadelphia, U.S. Postal Service mailboxes are vanishing.

Tracking the Wild Phanatic

IN THE INTEREST OF SCIENCE I’ve been chasing down all appearances of the rare and notoriously wild “Phanatic” species in this city. Though one has yet to be credibly spotted outside Philadelphia, they’re apparently breeding/multiplying within these environs. I’ve photographed several, and will soon enough post those photos on this blog as proof. Phanatics are known to have a love of hotdogs, baseball, and the City of Brotherly Love. They are large, furry, somewhat goofy looking and usually green in color. Please report all sightings and/or encounters with this animal to this blog, so I can follow up.

CAUTION: Phanatics are known to be boisterous but gentle creatures, but can become hostile in the presence of New York Yankees logos. If you see a Phanatic—especially if you confront one face-to-face—to ensure your safety repeat over and over, “Go Phils! Go Phils! Go Phils!”

Experimental Dead End

Last week at Liberty Place and the Kimmel Center were appearances of something called "Man vs. Machine"-- a performance of the Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Spalding, together with Partiall Artificial Musicians. From what I saw of it, the result was horrendous. Memories of the recent movie "Untitled" flashed through my head.

The project is a typical intelligentsia attempt to revive a moribund art. The same thing occurs in literature. An art form isn't connecting with the public, so they move farther AWAY from that public while attempting to engage it. Inept cluelessness. The intellectual placed over humanity, emotion, and art.
www.philadelphiavirtuosi.com

American Pop Lit Will Conquer the World

After it first conquers Philadelphia. Coming soon enough-- exciting new products and writers.

Rittenhouse Musicians

RATING current Rittenhouse Square street musicians playing for the lunchtime crowd:
-The guitar-wielding goatteed folk singer is much better than last year, when he was afraid to belt his songs out, and was frankly embarrassing.
-The flute guy is horrendous. He's got to go.
One man's opinion.