Field guide to jaywalking in Philly

Everyone has their own style of illegally crossing the street against the light. Here are a few of the better-known examples:

The Moses
Quite possibly the most annoying of all, this technique, favored by foot messengers, involves crossing in front of cars that have a green light while holding up a hand as if to part the oncoming sea of cars.

The Frogger
This method involves darting out into traffic, stopping after a few lanes and waiting for traffic ahead to clear before proceeding. Also known as Stop-and-Go and the Bump 'N' Run.

Game The System
This is the approach used by a person who walks down the street midblock alongside traffic, while patiently waiting for seam to dark through.

The Usain Bolt
Not content to take many chances, this pedestrian races across the street as fast as humanly possible after the light changes to beat the oncoming rush of traffic.

The Zig Zaggers
Those who cross a wide street, usually starting midblock and cutting across at an angle away from traffic. Also known as The Angler or The Crazy Leg.

The Tourist
Wait patiently for the light to change like this is Denmark or something.

* Credit - NYPost

Philadelphia: Cultural Tips

Cultural dos and don’ts, plus a handy phrase book that introduces you to the language and local argot.

Dos and Don’ts

Fan etiquette: Philadelphians have earned a reputation for boorish behavior at sporting events—Eagles fans famously pelted Santa Claus with snowballs—but most folks are polite if not overtly friendly.

Asking directions: “People don’t say ‘howdy’ to strangers on the street, but if you’re lost they are happy to stop and help you.”—Ron Avery, author, Philadelphia: Beyond the Liberty Bell. Visitors who need directions in the city founded by Quakers need only ask—and ye shall receive.

Tipping: “It really is the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphians are really big tippers, even when the service isn’t great.”—Joan Stockely, president, Society for Diplomacy. Tips average 19.4 percent, the highest rate of any city in America, according to a Zagat survey.

Hon: Servers in casual establishments frequently address patrons as “hon.” Don’t mistake this for a term of endearment. It’s simply the local lingo.

Attire: Dress appropriately. Men will never go wrong with a navy blazer and khakis. Women should avoid skimpy tops and extremely short tight skirts.

Manners: In public places, people typically hold doors and elevators for others. On busy streets, pedestrians should stay to the right.

Parking: The Philadelphia Parking Authority now offers pre-pay Smart Cards (www.philapark.org), which motorists can use to feed the meters. If you don’t have a card, load up on quarters.

Smart Tips for Dive Bars

Philadelphia has a great selection of dive bars. Here is my short list for well-known dive bars in Center City.

Dirty Frank's Bar
347 S 13th St
(13th and Pine St)

Mc Glinchey's Bar & Grill
259 S 15th St
(15th and in between Spruce/Locust St)

Tattooed Mom
530 South St
(5th and South St)

The Khyber
56 S Second St
(2nd Street close to Chestnut St)

Bob and Barbara's Lounge
1509 South St
(15th and South St)

Thanks for the memories!