Philadelphia, PA

National Treasure is about a treasure-seeker named Benjamin Franklin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage), who continues his family’s search for a war chest believed to be hidden by the Founding Fathers after the Revolutionary War. The Masons protecting the secret left clues in obvious places such as on the back of our currency, in historic buildings, and historic documents. After following the clues for 30 years, Benjamin finally traces a clue pointing to a map on the Declaration of Independence.

Benjamin’s partner, Ian Howe (Sean Bean), wants Benjamin to help him steal the most value document to our country’s history and go after the treasure. Benjamin doesn’t agree with Ian’s selfish motives so he is forced to steal the document first in order to protect it from Ian. But not only must Benjamin keep the document away from Ian, he must also avoid being caught by the FBI now hot on his tail.

The treasure hunters follow a series of clues that take them to historical locations in Philadelphia including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Constitution Center.

Due out December 21, 2007, the Sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, picks up with Benjamin looking to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Nicolas Cage, Independence Hall, Liberty bell, Constitution Center

Have trouble hailing a taxi in the city? It’s about to get even harder. Next Wednesday, 1,600 members of the Taxi Workers’ Alliance are planning a citywide strike starting 6 am. They plan to be out of service for at least 24 hours, maybe even 48.
The motive behind the strike involves the complaints about the new GPS and credit card devices installed in cabs several months ago. The New devices were added to increase customer satisfaction, but at the expense of taxi drivers. The credit machines cite a 5 percent surcharge that trickles down to the drivers, and if the equipment is damaged the drivers are responsible for repair.
The Union is hoping for high percentage of participation so you might want to start making alternative plans to get around the city. Hey, there’s always dear old SEPTA(which by the way, has some schedule updates).

taxi strike, Philly taxi, Taxi Workers’ Alliance

My room is a mess but the packing process is underway. I’ve been rather busy but I managed to rustle up some upcoming events.

Tues Aug 28-Rum Bar Lounge and Restaurant

Don your PJs and join Adam in celebrating the full moon at Rum Bar’s first Howl at the Moon party. Enjoy live Reggae music, open bar and plenty to nosh on. Tickets $50 ($60 at door)

Weds Aug 29- Triumph Brewing Company

Triumph Brewing Company presents the musical talents of Melissa Kolczynski live from 8-9:30 pm. This event is free and open to all ages.

Fri Aug 31 thru Sept 15-Various Locations

The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival features cutting-edge performing arts events created by some of the most renowned contemporary artists from the region and around the world.

Philly events, Rum Bar, Howl at the Moon Party, Triumph Brewing Company, Melissa Kolczynski, Philadelphia Live Arts Festival

Philadelphia is no stranger to filmmakers (as I’ve already mentioned), however, there aren’t any Hollywood style studios in the area…..yet. I recently came across this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about plans for not one, but two movies studios for this area. I was somewhat surprised to find out that one of the proposed sites is a short distance from where I live, in an old vacant department store that we used to shop at when i was a kid.

The Philadelphia area currently has nothing like a Hollywood-type film studio.

So, can it support two?

A New Jersey real estate developer said yesterday he planned to turn a tired, half-empty Norristown shopping center into what would be one of the largest studios on the East Coast.

This is a different project from the studio that other developers and film people said last week was in the works for a yet-to-be-announced site somewhere in the region.

Full story by Tom Infield- Phillywood? 2nd area film studio planned

Philadelphia film studio, movie studios in Philadelphia

Here’s a few pics from the drive into the city the other night.

I’m contemplating the possibility of a Philly photo contest…so stay tuned.

Photos of Philadelphia, Photos of city hall, Philadelphia skyline

Things have been a bit of a whirlwind for me lately and will continue to be so for the next couple of weeks till i’m moved and settled in. The official date is the 7th, but that whole weekend will crazy.
Oh, and tomorrow i’m going to see Wicked! The last show is Sept 9th, time is running out to go see the untold story of the witches of OZ! If i get the chance, i’ll try to write up a review. I’ll at least let you know how it was.

Nestled on cozy Samson Street in University City, sits the Bubble House: Asian inspired tea house, restaurant and lounge. But what makes this place especially unique is the infamous East Asian treat, bubble tea.
Originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, the term “bubble” refers to the tapioca balls in the drink. These chewy tapioca balls, or “pearls,” are consumed along with the beverage through a wide straw. The original bubble tea consisted of a hot Taiwanese black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and honey. As popularity grew, so came more flavors like chai, mint, and mango, which are just a couple of the flavors to be found at the Bubble House.

But theres more to enjoy than just the tea. Their menu consists of some Thai dishes, (Thai Red Coconut Curry, Thai crabcakes, Thai chicken wings) a few Korean, (Korean barbeque wrap, Bibim Bap), and many of the dishes offer the option or chicken, shrimp or tofu tempura, for whatever orientation your appetite might be.
Beyond the food and drink, Bubble House is also a source of entertainment.

SUNDAE Sunday Afternoons
The party everybody is talking about, Sundae, will as usual be hosting some serious names this month! Some Sundae history… Sundae is a weekly indoor/outdoor house music event held at the Bubble House. It was originally started in 2005 by Lee Jones, Dirty, and Aaron. Now two years old Sundae has snowballed into one of phillys best, most diverse, and musically rich events and features some of worlds best talent.
GAME SHOWY Every other Monday. Free
Ryan Bennett will host the battle royale, championship edition of Game Showy. This event is hands down the most unique bar game night in the city. It’s kind of like a Japanese game show on acid, and it makes quizzo look like bridge. It will be a test of warrior strength, and sheer dumbness beyond compare.

And that is only the begining of the weekly events

The interior design matches the theme of cuisine, with checkered wood screens separating booths, then is contrasted with the African American art of Willis Nomo. The decor combined with the soft lighting and live music provides a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Conveniently located in University City, the Bubble House is the perfect hangout for college coeds, but equally inviting for patrons of all ages.

Bubble House, bubble tea, university city restaurants, willis nomo

In Philadelphia, South Street is more than just a street. It’s a bohemian/ rock n roll shopping mecca, peppered with bars and live music venues. Among them is the Fillmore at the TLA(334 South Street).

It’s a small venue, but if you fight your way through the crowd you can usually get right up to the stage. For the over 21 crowd, there’s 2 bars; downstairs on the left and upstairs balcony. My friends and i found a cozy corner upstairs when we went to see Blonde Redhead last Tuesday. We could watch the show on several flat screen tvs, but we also popped down near the stage where I managed to get a couple shots of the band.

After the show we stopped in to one of my favorite bars on South Street, Tattooed Mom’s. I love the unique decor; downstairs is an eclectic collection of toys and found object sculpture, and upstairs they bring the aesthetic of street art on the walls and even the cushions. They even have a great menu which features a few vegetarian options; the fake bacon BLT, mozzarella sandwich, and of course, fries. The cool, laid back atmosphere made it a great way to end our night after the awesome concert.

South street, filmore, TLA, Blonde Redhead, tattooed mom’s

As I mentioned in my last post, the winners for the 2007 City Best Awards have been announced! Chickie & Pete’s won #1 bar, Pat’s won #1 cheesesteaks. Did any of your favorites make the lists? Click here to find out!

Philadelphia Magazine also publishes a yearly issue called The Best of Philly, featuring all the best places to go and see in Philadelphia.

click for subscription info

To coincide with the printed magazine, the winners of the past five years are offering special deals all this week. 5 days, 5 ways to enjoy the best of Philadelphia!

side note to my readers- I’ll be busy running around the city the next couple days so I won’t be on to post anything till Thursday, but hopefully I’ll be back with some pretty cool pictures to share. Peace!

city’s best, best of philly, philadelphia magazine, best of philly week, philly events

A couple weeks ago, I asked About-Philly readers “where is your favorite place to get a Philly cheesesteak?” The Results are in and the winner is…….*dramatic drum roll*……

Pat’s!

(at the diagonal crossing of Passyunk at Ninth Street )

5 of you said that Pat’s was you favorite steak stop, proving it truly is the King of Steaks.
Here are the other favorites.
Chubby’s (second place with 4 votes)
Rick’s (2)
Sonny’s (1)
Steve’s (1)

Clearly this was not the most comprehensive vote. For a more accurate assessment of Philly’s Best CheeseSteaks, check out this year’s City’s Best winners! ..and read reviews from Hollyeats.com

Of course, it doesn’t really matter which shop you get your steak at, just make sure you get it in the right city. You know, the city where you can find two steak shops open 24 hours, right across the street from each other(Pat’s and Geno’s), and both still stay in business. Yep, only in Philadelphia.

Philly Cheesesteak, Chubby’s Steaks, Pat’s, Rick’s, Sonny’s, Steve’s, Best of Philly

SEPTA is on my sh*t list today. More specifically the driver of bus 96. I don’t really want to talk about it. I’m going to shower and get ready to go out and forget the unfortunate events of this afternoon. peace.

Its almost the weekend so i guess I better post about whats going on.

Friday Aug 3
As you know, it’s the first Friday of August so that means First Friday down at the galleries! A free event filled with culture and fun.

(This Building on 3rd and Arch, now a gallery for F.U.E.L., was originally the Girard Corn Exchange Bank before being renovated to serve as the house for Real World: Philadelphia in 2004.)

Through Sunday Sept 9
Everyone likes to go to the movies on the weekend, but try this twist to the classic form of entertainment. At various Philly parks this summer, you can watch a variety of movies Al Fresco(that’s fancy talk for outside)! This week starts a series of film noir.

Saturday Aug 4
The Independence Seaport Museum is having a Seaport Summer Spectacular! The day will be filled with activity, including tours of the steel warship, USS Olympia. This event is free with admission to the museum[$9 for Adults, $6 for Children (ages 3-12),$8 for Seniors (65 & over) and Students with valid school ID] or museum membership.

For more events visit:
phillyfunguide.com
philly2night.com(Club and Bar events)

Philly events, first friday, F.U.E.L., Real World: Philadelphia, movies al fresco, independence seaport museum

451Press is running a comment contest this month where commenters will be randomly selected to win $300, $200, and $100!!! And all you have to do is comment on any 451press blog during the month of August. And you can comment as many times on as many blogs as you want! its so simple! so get started! ….and start with mine!

451press, blog contest, comment contest, money