John Fischer's Philadelphia
Vol. 1 - Number 44 - 09/13/99
When's the last time you attended a party where the adults participate in events like a water balloon toss, musical chairs, Hollywood Squares and karaoke version of Boys to Men doing YMCA? Eileen and I attended just such a party on Saturday at a friend's house in Sicklerville, New Jersey.
It's actually a pleasant surprise to see that there are still people in the world who are willing to just have a good time despite how silly you might look doing it. My friend Steve, who hosted this 2nd Annual Party, along with his wife Anne, had told me that the key to enjoying this party would be to first, bring my sense of humor and secondly, to leave my inhibitions at the door.
Keeping that in mind I
am pleased to be the winner of the overall water balloon tossing contest, having beaten my
wife in the one-on-one final round. Eileen was not without her own victory, having
correctly been able to identify her husband's chest in a line of other men while
blindfolded. Before you ask, however, there was no reciprocal event for the men.
A special guest at the party was a local clown named Pogo who specialized in making creatures/characters from balloons. Pogo comes from Caravan of Entertainment, Inc., which can be reached at 1-856-488-0063. She amazed and entertained the children and adults alike with her art and humor.
I'd love to show you some other photos from the party, but I'd also like to keep some friends, so I'll resist the temptation. I'm already looking forward to the 3rd Annual Party next year.
It's another football season but at least for the Eagles the frustration continues. After holding a half-time lead of 24-12, the Eagles' losing ways continue with a 25-24 loss in the last seconds of the game. I guess the only folks who are happy about this result are the bettors who took the Eagles and the 3 points and who were able to breath a sigh of relief when the Cardinals did not try to score a touchdown when they had the ball first and ten at the nine yard line with over a minute to play.
I listened to Coach Andy Reid's post game press conference. What a pleasure to hear a coach who can discuss a game intelligently and admit the mistakes made by his team and himself without resorting to blaming everyone but himself and his players. It may take a while, but I think that Reid will bring a winner to the city.
Injuries continue to curse the Eagles early and often. Rookie offensive lineman John Welbourn is likely lost for the season with a knee injury and safety Brian Dawkins sustained a laceration to his eye which required immediate surgery.
Things are no better up the New Jersey Turnpike with the Jets who for many of us have become the team to root for once the Eagles season ends early each year. Quarterback Vinnie Testaverde suffered a ruptured achilles tendon and is also out for the year.
Well, that's my spin on things. I'll catch you again soon. You can join me in our chat room almost every evening - Philly Chat - or drop me a note at philadelphia.guide@about.com. Also, be sure to check out our new Philadelphia Forum where you can share your comments and feelings, ask questions, post classifieds and much more
If you missed any of our recent columns you can still catch them:
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/27/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/30/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 09/02/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 09/07/99