I'm not saying we should get rid of that "funk". But not enough people are following your example. Philly can have all the funk it wants, the fact is, that won't register on the 2010 census. And that census is importaint becasue we lose congres seats, we lose federal funding, we lose state funding, and maybe the most importaint thing: We lose recognition.


Again, If I'm a middle class family from the Midwest, The parents as individuals may like the "grit", but they're not going to want their kids exposed to anything they can't find in a middle america suburb. The fact is, Philly shouldn't sell it's soul, but it can't be a foriegn country either. People cling to familiarity. The posters on this board comprise maybe 10% of people out there that look for life in a different and exciting way. That's a great market, but still only 10%.


There's always a middle ground, of course. Why not develop attarctions that are like KoP or Disney, but are totally unique to Philly? Some excellent new museums that have one-of-a-kind exhibtis, music venues featuring Philly artists, theaters with unique to Philly plays, enteraintment and shopping that is homegrown themed. Along with nationally and even internationally things, this could make a slammin' combo.


Kids from Cali and the South often look upon the major industrial cities as old, run-down and not avad-grade. If these kids we're to come and see the same stores, hipness and progress they see at home, yet the unique Philly charm and "funk", it might lure them out of their OC manshions an into Old City rowhomes.

My dear Ballard:

You really must come to the city, sometime.

We really have more than a few museums - with a new Please Touch, Barnes and Calder museums on the boards. We have a new libary planned and a world class orchestral hall open and thriving. We have interesting stores where prices dwarf those in the burbs (not exactly funk).

You can look at an old penis (at the Mutter), walk through an indoor butterfly house (Natural Sciences), walk through a heart (Franklin Institute) or go to an Imax (Franklin).

You can see Gilbert Stuart's Washington Cross the Delaware (maybe it wasn't Stuart) at PAFA or Picasso and Dali at PMA. While walking in between the two, you can stop at the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. And as you walk about, you can see (on corner after corner) the fruits of the most successful public art program in the country. Or drive about and see the country's most successful mural program.

You can head south and go to two new stadia or a semi new arena.

Do you really think that putting "Starbucks" on them will make them better or more acceptable.

And BTW, while you're here, visit Old City to discover that there ain't no row houses in that neighborhood.

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“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” - Jane Jacobs

Not really the only one. They've got them in New York, DC, Miami, Houston, Orlando, Vegas, and California

Bensalemballard:

I lived most of my life in Texas. When I moved here, I actually wanted to do it--imagine that--because my perception of Philadelphia was that it was REALLY COOL. I had no idea that there would be all of the negativity about the city. Honestly, I don't think that people from other places have a negative impression about Philadelphia like so many people who are from here do...wake up, PHILADELPHIA--it's all in your head!

ok, so it was the first one. but it's a recent first.

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Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"

These threads just get more amusing. Just because Sesame Place is located in Bucks county doesn't mean a thing. I love going to art galleries and museums, but if you think Philadelphia "lacks" any of that then you have no clue about Philly. Buddie, this is one of the art capitals of the world! You saying that is no different then saying "the Pacific Ocean needs more water" or anything else that insubstantial.

There are plenty of things in Philly to criticize (give me time; I'll get to 'em), but the art scene probably isn't one of them.

For example, I'm going to the Shakespeare festival tonight.

For every person with your view is 10 kids from Cali or Florida who only think Philadelphia is:

-Nutty sports fans
-Abandoned buidlings
-Ghetto of all colors
-"Nottin but ol' stuff"
-No pretty people
-No beaches!
-Accents
-Quakers
-Amish
-And yes, Cheesesteaks!!!

I'm not saying that this is correct or all kids from the "hip south and west" say this, but it forms a big majority, from what I have seen.






But let me be the first to tell you that I am 100000000% glad you came and I garnetee will WILL NOT be disappointed. Philadelphia is an excellent city. Too bad the smog of LA and Orlando has fogged too many people's brains to figure that out...

It would be a lot easier reading this thread some other time. Today's weather isn't really an argument for Philly, compared to Florida or California.

Yea, I have heard the same. I log 60+k miles a year on US Air traveling to see customers in the US. I talk to people in about 15 states every single day, and it seems most have a negative view of Philly. Some of my LA guys didnt realize we even had a skyline! Ugh.

Of course, I set them all straight As a matter of fact, a customer who was born/raised in LA will be visiting me tomorrow for a day/night tour of Philly.