3 posts tagged “philadelphia”

Apparently I'm also a RADIO PERSONALITY.

My dad called this morning, as I literally was stepping foot out the door to go to work, and he told me to head back inside to my computer.  I was supposed to listen to a local Philadelphia radio station, 610 WIP. 

Now, if you know my father and if you know the station, you know that this can't be good ...  I know the guys on the station for a long time, and I know that they love my father.  The guy who runs the show, Angelo, is best pals with my mom's hair stylist and salon owner.  We know the inside scoop.  If I'm being asked to listen to the program on an arbitrary Thursday, it's not good news.

But this was a surprise.  My father was not going mano-a-mano with Angelo and Al (who once harassed my father on the air for taking a "hot young thing" to a hockey game and who didn't realize that the HYT was his daughter).  Nope.  Instead, they were talking about a swimsuit model that they were planning to interview ... 

"Really?  A swimsuit model?  I wonder who it is?"

Then they started blabbing about the Rich Eisen story ...  For those of you who don't know, the story is pretty funny.  Anyhoo, apparently Angelo decided he shouldn't be left out of the email circle jerk, so he decided that he wanted bikini pictures of a swimsuit model with local ties to the Philadelphia area.  And that's where I come in.  (No nasty pun intended.)

I guess my folks decided it would be fun to plan this little interview.  They sent my mom's stylist Raymond into the studio this morning with a copy of May's Glamour magazine, and all morning they waited for an opportunity to get me on the air ...  Most of the interview was a debate about whether I'd actually send Angelo pictures of myself in a bikini (since the Glamour pic is a one-piece and since Rich Eisen received pics of a woman in a bikini), but they also asked how the photo shoot came up, when I'm doing another one ...  The usual stuff.  Oh, and they're trying to hook me up with some local single guys.  :)  Can't go wrong with a little extra (celebrity) help. 

I called my parents after the interview to chat with them and thank them for the extra publicity.  My dad could not get off the phone fast enough!  It was HIS turn to call the station and kibbitz with them about my interview ...  Nice!  The guys harassed my dad a little bit about some photos, and my dad dealt his usual "CEO-style attitude" back at 'em.  It was great entertainment at 8.30 AM.

So what started out as a random Thursday morning turned into a minor publicity campaign, radio interview, and entertainment hour.  The guys at 610 WIP are awesome -- Raymond (and his salon) rule -- and my folks are the coolest for getting me on the air.

All in all, not a bad morning. 

Who knew that a one-time email would STILL be workin' it for me?!!?

Dear Mr Hanukkah Harry,

Thanks a lot!  [Note sarcasm in greeting.] 

You know, I was going to write to that fat guy in the red suit about the Hockey Team I wanted for Hanukkah, but I decided that maybe you'd be more effective, seeing as how you're less busy this time of year.  (There are a lot fewer Jews on the planet, after all.)  Instead, what did I get?

NOTHING!

I certainly didn't get the team I asked for ...  I mean, the Flyboys lost 10 games in a row!  Yeah yeah, they're aiming for the bottom, for sure, but don't you think you could have done something to help out?  Don't you have fairy dust to sprinkle around town to create some magic?  I didn't think I was asking for too much, and I did leave those yummy rugelach on the counter for your visit.  What happened?

I know I don't look like a member of the tribe, but I can prove that I am.  As a committed MOT, I expected more from you, Mr All-Powerful Hanukkah-Gift-Man.

Maybe next year I will write to the big fat man in the red suit.  How do you like them apples?  At least I know he'll eat the treyfe cookies I choose to serve, and I bet his reindeer won't leave "presents" on my balcony.

Even if the Fat Man doesn't give me the team I ask for, he might leave me a token something -- maybe access to the extra sports cable channels?  Whatever.  You have a whole year to redeem yourself.

Oh, and by the way, thanks for the win last night!  [Note the sincerity.]  The Broad Street Bullies finally pulled one out.  AND against a team they haven't beaten since April 2003.  You're the best.

Big hugs,

Lil' ol' Me

I can't believe that I'm stuck traveling today.  Until last year, I had lived close enough to the family to take a train or to drive to my parents' house for the big Turkey Weekend, and I thought that was bad enough.  This year, though, I'm too far -- I think 1000 miles is a bit much to drive, even for 5 days.  Instead I'm stuck traveling by air with the other 25 million people who plan to head to the airports to get to some god-forsaken place to see their families for the ancient tradition of stuffing themselves silly.

I can't complain because Cherry Hill, NJ really isn't a god-forsaken spot.  In fact, it's ranked as one of the best places in the country to live -- I'm guessing due to its proximity to Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, AND Washington DC.  I'm not suggesting that anyone would want to commute daily to DC, but you could certainly make a day trip out of it.  And besides, Philly is COOL -- there has been a ton of work done to the city to rebuild its the old neighborhoods with newfound glory and glamour, and I'd say that it's one of the more desirable places to live (if you can stand the cold weather, which I can't).

It is one of the few places I'd consider living, if someone provides me with appropriate amounts of layers to keep warm.

In any event, I'm not looking forward to traveling today with the millions of other folks who need to get somewhere and aren't interested in lines, waiting, or the hassle of the TSA.  I can't wait to see my niece and visit with the folks, but I am dreading the middle portion of my day.

Wish me luck!  And have a happy happy Turkey Weekend.