What are some of Philadelphia's best kept secrets?
I lived in Philadelphia over this summer and went to school in a nearby suburb. In my opinion, Philly is a city of neighborhoods, and I’d say each neighborhood has it’s own secrets to find and explore. Here is a (very!) short-list of some of my favorites:University CityClark Park - beautiful and quiet neighborhood park just off Penn’s campus with amazing farmer’s markets in the summertimeHonest Tom’s Taco Shop - a must-have taco stand (go for brunch!)The Woodlands - local cemetery with some cool running trailsKoch’s Deli - a Brooklyn-style deli with a long, but memorable waitLocust Walk & Penn Park - if you know Penn, these is obvious. If you don’t, both are must-seesSouth Street/Points SouthMagic Gardens - not really a secret anymore, but still a visionary mosaic come to life. You can also find the artist’s work all over South St.Schuylkill River Trail - this brand new rails-to-trails pedestrian and bicycle pathway along the river is fantastic for a summer day, and runs from South St. clear north of the city!The Philly Taco - 1 Jim’s cheesesteak + 1 Lorenzo’s slice = dinner for a weekBob and Barbara’s - founder of the ‘citywide special,’ one shot of Jim Beam and one can of PBR for less than $5, with live entertainmentItalian Market - South 9th St.’s outdoor authentic Italian market is the real dealCenter CityFirst Unitarian Church - hidden venue for indie concerts, it previously hosted Mumford & Sons and Arcade FireSky Garten - a beer garden with a view 51 stories high, waaayyy upLittle Pete’s - a classic late-night diner spot, and a staple of Philly night lifeLocust and Camuc St - the only wooden street left in America! You can find it between 12th and 13t streetsCenter City Sips - a happy hour event every Wednesday at many participating bars, happening all summer longFairmont ParkLaurel Hill Cemetery - A national historic landmark and one of the largest cemeteries in the country, it offers stunning views of the SchuylkillBelmont Plateau - as Will Smith said “a place called the Plateau is where everybody goes.” This area in the west side of Fairmont Park offers stellar views and better atmosphereWoodford Mansion - beautiful old Revolutionary-era mansion and museum, great way to learn the history of the area, and right off Kelly DriveThis list leaves out tons of neighborhoods I didn’t get to see like Fairmont, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and other places each with their own unique vibe. Happy exploring!
Update: DailyKos has officially come out mobilizing against the bill: http://www.dailykos.com/story/20...
How long will it take people to agree with my opinion that Disney sucks now that Bob Iger is in charge, and there are no Disneys there anymore, and stop going?
First of all, I disagree that Disney “sucks now” as the Walt Disney Company under Bob Iger's leadership is bigger that it has been under any previous leader (including Walt Disney).When Bob Iger took over Disney, it was in such a bad situation that his predecessor, Michael Eisner was forcibly removed as head of the Walt Disney Company after a hostile takeover attempt by Comcast. Iger then led Disney to acquire and maximize multiple companies…… including Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilms. This has allowed Disney to dominate the worldwide box office in recent years releasing 19 of the top 40 films in worldwide box office of all time (i.e. Lion King was released under Eisner). The chart below lists Disney's movies under BV for Disney's Buena Vista brand for worldwide distribution.Furthermore, under Iger's leadership Disney continues to dominate both the amusement/theme park industry …… the global licensing industry (e.g. toys, apparel, games, furniture, housewares, etc.)Secondly, if you are pertaining to the parks, then I think Disney has not only withstood Universal's Harry Potter punch but has even improved it's international parks (i.e. turnaround in Paris, opening in Shanghai). I know there are traditionalists who don't like Disney's current direction to newer branded attractions, but I am personally excited for Disney parks 1–2–3 punch of newer Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel attractions. For traditionalists, I think you should stop going to Disneyland if you no longer like it. The lines are already too long with the newer branded attractions sure to attract newer audiences.Lastly, Iger is far from perfect. As the head of Disney, he is responsible for all of Disney's recent failings from ESPN's decrease in subscribers, ABC's Rosenane debacle, Disney Parks labor problems and box office flops like Solo and Wrinkle in Time. If Iger fails to secure the Disney-Fox acquisition, then he may be due to retire. It is has to say if Disney will suck by then, but for now I prefer to enjoy the massive Disney conglomerate that Iger has led.