Tuesday, April 7, 2009

April 7: Eastern State Penitentiary


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The Eastern State Penitentiary is considered one of America's most historic former prisons open from 1829-1971.

It is located on Fairmount Avenue between Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its revolutionary system of incarceration was the first to establish the policy of solitary confinement, emphasizing principles of reform rather than punishment. Notorious criminals such as bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone were held inside its unique wagon wheel design. When the building was erected it was the largest and most expensive public structure ever constructed, quickly becoming a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

April 5: Reading Terminal Market (AKA Renaldo finds love)

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The Reading Terminal Market, established in 1892 at 12th and Arch Streets, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Over 80 merchants offer fresh produce, meats, fish, groceries, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. Every space in the market is rented out; three of the vendors are descendants of original market merchants. Through its long and interesting history, it has seen times both good and bad, but has emerged in the 21st century as one of the greatest public markets in the country.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

April 4: The 5K that wasn't

It is dark at 6AM.

I know this because that's what time I woke up this morning to get ready for the City Six 5K Run. On the way there, I called my friend who I was picking up to let her know that I was a few blocks away. "Just come in, our house is flooded again," she said.

This is what I saw...




A few months ago, their entire house was flooded by a neighbor whose ice maker was improperly installed. Obviously, they were not pleased by this turn of events. I volunteered to go down to registration, check in and let them know we most likely would not be participating.



Shortly after my return, a plumber showed up to determine the source of the leak.

This is what he did to the ceiling...



Ten minutes (and $250) later, he concluded that the dryer vent was clogged. I didn't get to run, but I did get a t-shirt. Besides, it's all about getting the t-shirt anyway, right? I mean, why else do you run a 5K?

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

April 2: Pop Up Amusement Park

I was driving home from work, minding my own business when out of nowhere it appeared, the pop up amusement park. They intrigue me for many reasons. The most obvious is because they can spring up virtually anywhere, even in the city. There is also an element of risk to them that doesn't necessarily exist at your commercial theme park. Part of the excitement of riding the zipper or the himalaya at the pop up amusement park is not knowing whether or not you'll be prematurely extracted from your seat.

The surprise nature of the pop up amusement park caught me completely off guard. I wasn't expecting it and there it was. I didn't have my digital camera (lesson learned) but got out of the car, camera phone in hand and began to walk the perimeter in an attempt to take some photos. A man appeared from behind a chain link fence. We made small talk and I explained to him that I found carnivals of this nature to be truly fascinating. He noticed that I was trying to take pictures and invited me inside to walk around. I thought to myself, "This is the best thing, ever!"



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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April 1: Grace

That's all. Just Grace...



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