Hnaging out in Philly...Maple Shade, NJ to be exact...

Jstas

All this talk about Camden, Philly and Trenton.

Camden is my hometown. Up until about 2 years ago, most of my extended family still lived inside Camden city limits. The only way about 90% of them left was because they died. Needless to say, quite a few holidays meant family trips to Camden. I used to drive an ambulance in there on a regular basis and I've even volunteered at food drives and clothing drives at the Camden Diocese office in Camden. The only time I was ever scared of being there was when we had a flat tire on the ambulance and there was a gang war on the next block over. Wasn't really scared until we figured out that what sounded like big bugs flying past us were actually bullets.

Went to school in Philly for 5 years (Drexel University, 32nd and Chestnut). Most of the trash trucks we maintain at the diesel shop I work at do runs in Philly. I have gone to Philly at some of the oddest hours without issue.

Maybe it's just me but as bad as everyone makes it seem, it's still "home" to me. I actually miss the social disaster that is this area when I have to travel for extended periods. The rest of the world seems too "soft" comparativly.

ohskigod

All the cities in NJ can seem like a train wreck, but have there pockets of hope. Newark has the downtown which is looking pretty good with the recent improvements. Paterson is kind of stagnant, but not a complete trainwreck. Jersey City has had a crapload of money put into the waterfront era (which is a heck of a bright spot)

I cant figure out why Camden cant get jumpstarted though. they've dumped hundreds of millions down there and its only getting worse. There near the need for marshal law (not at the point, but getting too close for comfort). When it seems even money cant solve the problem, thats an issue.

I've done Ambulance runs in Paterson, but not Camden.....thank god. I've been adept at avoiding the gunfire, but I used to be a friggen magnet for beer bottles. A 40 ounce bottle can hit a rig and scare the chit outta ya

dorokusai

Well, the trip to Bensalem was exhausting but I did get to see my friend George Grand. We shared some stories, gossip, Demon Rum and some pizza that I'm thinking about right now.

Here's a picture to let you know we actually exist in reality.

George Grand

I look like a vampire.

That was a great visit. No listening to stereo at all, minimal TALK about stereo. Why the hell would I want to waste that type of precious time listening to music, or talking about equipment? It was really good to see you Doro.

dorokusai

George - Back at you, as I've heard a stereo before and it was much more important to see a old friend.

Did your neighbor get squared away?

cfrizz

You have it backward George, you look great!

It's Mark that looks like a vampire! Can't get much paler, although it looks like he put on some much needed weight, maybe he'll do better against the bushes at PF2006!:D

You could have told him that his picture was being taken & it was ok to smile though!:)

George Grand

Thank you sistuh. Doro is referring to my neighbor who had major plumbing probs on the day of his visit. He's a real good guy, a Pakistani doctor who retired from his own practice not very long ago. He got squared away alright, and I'll bet his bank account got rounded off real good by the plumbers. His last name is Arshad, and wants me to call him that I guess, cause everytime I ask him his first name he just looks at me and brings us more exquisite vegetables from his garden. Best damn tomatoes I have ever eaten.

disneyjoe7

LOL George you sound as bad as I'm with names.

George Grand

Read the post. He won't TELL me his first name there Joe/Steve.

disneyjoe7

Ok George I'm an IDIOT But you're still cool.

schwarcw

Nice picture guys! Glad you enjoyed your visit. If it weren't for the Polk Forum, you may have never met. Nice to see a friendship bloom from this cyberworld.

dorokusai

cfrizz wrote:

You have it backward George, you look great!

It's Mark that looks like a vampire! Can't get much paler, although it looks like he put on some much needed weight, maybe he'll do better against the bushes at PF2006!:D

You could have told him that his picture was being taken & it was ok to smile though!:)

I'm pale? He's freaking Italian! I'm a redneck who works every day in the sun....that's as good as it gets. Thanks for telling me I look fat by the way....and that WAS me smiling.

I would call that photo...Vintage Polkie & New Polkie. I love that picture.

cfrizz

We really are going to have to work on your smile if that's the best you can do!:eek: I would tell you if I thought you looked fat!:p I think you look nice & healthy!

George looks like he could use a few extra pounds though!

It's a great picture & you are both Vintage Polkies to me!:D Half of what I know came from you 2 guys! Thanks!:)

dorokusai wrote:

I'm pale? He's freaking Italian! I'm a redneck who works every day in the sun....that's as good as it gets. Thanks for telling me I look fat by the way....and that WAS me smiling.

I would call that photo...Vintage Polkie & New Polkie. I love that picture.

George Grand

I'm built for speed, not comfort.

tentoze

FIne picture of two gentlemen.

Toka78

Nice AR's in the background too.

George Grand

2nd best speakers I ever heard. The first be residing in the other room. Just a lucky dog here.

Tentoze greases you up pretty good before he slams you. Keep your back to the wall for a couple days Doro. Voice of experience here.

Why, thank you Toze. How kind of you to say so!

Hey sistuh, I just got back from three days in the Florida sun. I'm a bronze god as we speak.

cfrizz

And you look Maaaaaarvalous!!!!