August 16, 2007
Philadelphia is swiftly becoming a city hip to exercise. With the beautifully paved Schuykill River walk, jam packed Kelly Drive, cyclists and runners galore “” it is quite easy to walk, ride, or skateboard your heart into shape. But if, like me, you are a fan of the Woody Allen film aesthetic and prefer playing to working out, hitting one of the many outdoor tennis courts is totally the best “” especially when the weather is warm and the days are long.
My favorite spot is at 47th and Spruce in West Philly. There are 2 courts, which fill up fast, but if you are willing to wait a while, you can watch some skilled UPenn graduate students doing their best Andre Agassis before launching into your own game. A dog park right next to the court means you can wink at the adorable local hounds while chasing stray tennis balls. On the other side of the courts is a lovely community garden and while you play, the aroma of beef rice stick from the Vietnamese restaurant at 43rd and Spruce wafts up the street.
The Garden Courts
47th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia PA
August 1, 2007
On the corner of 13th and Chestnut, where leaves are scarce, the return of the fruit salad vendors is as good as Persephone showing up at the potluck “” a sign that the city is about to get wicked hot. Our bodies can’t help but start gravitating toward water-packed rainbows of tropical fruits – and the only thing better than a fruit salad on a 100 degree day is a freezing cold fruit smoothie.
Surprisingly, a good (cheap) smoothie is hard to find downtown “” cafes typically charge up to $6. But today on my lunch break, I noticed that the fruit vendor on the southwest corner of 13th and Chestnut also makes smoothies with all of those fruits. I have no idea how I missed this. The owner has two blenders and a friendly smile, and will make you a smoothie out of any combination of fruits. I chose a smoothie off of his suggested list called the “Yellow Bird” – pineapple, orange, and strawberries. I am drinking it right now and it is pure delight. Next time, I will try the “Hawaii Five-O”, which has pineapple, orange, mango, strawberry, and banana. All smoothies are just $3.50.
Smoothies @ 13th & Chestnut
13th and Chestnut, Philadelphia PA 19107
June 4, 2007
The best nerdy nights out in Philly are free author events at the library. I’ll stroll into the giant downstairs auditorium after work, and it’s like showing up for class, minus the agony of turning in a paper and trying to sound smart. The audience is always hugely diverse, with students young and old, local artists, anarchists, and other workers out on their happy hour “” all psyched to hear what the night’s famous poet, novelist, linguist, or anti-war advocate is up to. And the world opens up – whether you’re facing off with an award-winning Iranian feminist or a 15-year-old fantasy novelist, you get to ask the tough questions, right there in person.
This week brings three totally rad author events. On Tuesday night at seven, Sherman Alexie, Native American star of contemporary literature and storytelling super genius, will be reading from his new novel, Flight. Listening to Alexie weave a perfectly brilliant story is basically like having a lucid dream about riding a broomstick through a cool night. Tonight, Theresa Heinz and John Kerry discuss the Green Revolution, and on Wednesday, John Updike (National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize winner) is reading from his new book, Terrorist. All three are free, and nobody will be asking you to turn in a “response paper” afterward.
Author Events @ Central Library
1901 Vine Street
June 4, 5, 6 @ 7:00 pm
http://libwww.library.phila.gov/calendar/calbydate.cfm
May 4, 2007
Celebrate the bountiful earth, the return of summer, local farmers, magic, raw milk, and plenty of Vitamin A at Clark Park this Saturday for the Farmers’ Market Summer Season Kick Off. Thirteen spectacular local vendors will fill their tables with all that your heart, stomach, and skin desire – kale, greens, potatoes, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, decadent natural beauty products, even quail pie. The43rd block between Baltimore and Chester from 10-2pm will become a total urban utopia “” mingle with your neighbors, chat with your farmers about their products, and most importantly, bring your kids! That’s right, there will be a live Nutrition Magic Show from Philadelphia’s resident nutrition magician, TADDO, at 11 AM “” disappearing bunnies never looked so healthy! And to complete themorning, stroll over to the Flea Market, which will be going on simultaneously in the Park. You didn’t hear it from me, but maybe I purchased a full body Alf suit at the last Flea Market for a mere $5. Does it get better than this?
Clark Park
Saturday May 5, 10AM-2PM
February 13, 2007
This time of year, I frequently wake up in a state of post-traumatic stress and give thanks to the gods that it is the year 2006, I mean 2007, and I am no longer writing my senior thesis on cyborg theory. For Fine Arts major Stephen Schultz, however, the senior project can be an awesome communal experience that takes shape at a coffee shop on chilly winter afternoons. Come help Stephen get an A on his senior project and take part in his “The Portraits Project: I draw you and you draw me.” Having your portrait drawn while sipping tea is luxurious and meditative–and drawing Stephen’s portrait is equally relaxing. Plus, you get to use his cool easel and professional pencils. All levels of experience welcome and needed! Yours and Stephen’s portraits will be exhibited for two weeks starting March 19 at the Charles Adams Building on UPenn’s campus. Stephen will be soliciting your portraits this Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoon at the Green Line Cafe at 43rd and Baltimore Ave.
Green Line Cafe
S 43rd St & Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
