Help Save the Pride

The Pride of the Susquehanna seems to have been in the news for all the wrong reasons for the last few years. Of course, last summer there was the fateful day where the boat crashed not once, but twice. Admit it, you chortled at least a little. This year, word comes out that the Pride is in serious financial trouble, and barring a change in fortunes, might not be on the water in 2011. In response, the pride has launched an $O$ campaign, aimed at raising the $80,000 needed to keep the boat afloat. We're about to find out  how much people care about the Pride of the Susquehanna.

Now There’s An App For That, Too

Pennsylvania’s favorite summer hotspot is open again for another hoppin’ season of boardwalk fun, fries and Fahrenheit. Though this year, the park can be  toured a little differently. No, those European engineers have finally taken a break—Celsius was just a rumor—Hershey’s new attraction this year lies in the palm of your hand.

iPhone and iPod Touch users now have special access to another park accommodation. The new Hersheypark App supplies a free interactive map of the park—a familiar adaption of the brochure version. However, these features don’t require the hassle of refolding or landmark navigation. With the accompaniment of GPS, your iPhone will show you exactly where you are within the park, along with what’s around you, with full descriptions of rides, restaurants and upcoming shows.

This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

By now you’ve probably heard that the City of Harrisburg’s fireworks displays for the Fourth of July and, possibly, Labor Day are in jeopardy. ABC 27, Mode Magazine and Pennlive are all reporting that there will either not be fireworks or that the City has yet to find financial backers for the annual events. Additionally, City Hall has been silent as to the fate of the fireworks, and the company that has been responsible for the displays, Pyrotecnico Inc., does not have dates for Harrisburg booked. Given that the City is not on Pyrotecnico’s calendar does not bode well given that it’s mid-May. All of this looks quite ominous, and it would be disappointing for the region’s anchor city to be without its traditional sound and lights shows.

It’s a given that many municipalities have been stretched to their financial limits by this recession, but historically, the City’s fireworks were always provided for by private sponsors. So, the question is, has the recession really hurt private sponsorship dollars? Possibly, yes. But it is also probably safe to say that there are larger issues at play here. Sponsors continue to pour money into minor league baseball and other community events, so what’s the catch here? Why isn’t the City of Harrisburg drawing sponsors to its Fourth of July event?

F–A—B–O—L–O—U–S

Short of a reincarnated Tupac playing the Grand Ole Opery or Lil' Wayne rocking the Metropolitan Opera House, it's hard to think of a more unlikely combination that Fabolous and the Farm Show. But, as odd as it may be, apparently the man himself will be in performing hits like Young'n (Holla Back) in the same arena that has at various times been home to the Harrisburg Heat and some prize steers. He'll be in town on Sunday night supporting R&B star Trey Songz and tickets are still available.   Full Article »

Hamster Heaven

Many ski slopes put together summer activities to keep the revenue flowing long after the snow has melted. Locally, Ski Roundtop in particular has made an effort to become a big-time destination for summer fun, and the newest addition to its Mountain Adventures area are some hellish contraptions called IGO Balls. If you've ever wandered what it would feel like to be a hamster in a ball only if that hamster was strapped in place like a fighter pilot, this is your chance. Alright, now try to get that visual out of your head.   Full Article »

Sensor This! Erotic Art Exhibition Coming to Harrisburg

The Susquehanna Art Museum is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition called Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking. It's not the kind of exhibition usually showing in Harrisburg. In an area where a significant portion of the population still looks at sleeve tattoos and eyebrow piercings with distrust and suspicion, the exhibit delves into the world of tattoos, piercing and scarification. It's good to see the arts community in Central Pennsylvania embrace work that challenges perceptions and showcases something new. That's the goal of ArtHouse Lounge curator Jason Piper, and if nothing else, his gallery's upcoming exhibition entitled Censor This! will push the envelope a hell of a lot further. Opening August 15 and running through August 29, the exhibition will feature the erotic photography of acclaimed artist Michael Barone.   Full Article »

Champs-Élysées West

In Europe, the combination of rich food, a bottle of wine or two and a bike ride is perfectly acceptable. Throw in a pack of Gauloises and you have le lundi soir in France (There's a good chance that's not right. I barely know any Spanish anymore let alone French). Tomorrow is Bastille Day, so if you're looking for an excuse to celebrate, hop on your bike and pedal to Camp Hill, where Confit French Bistro is having a Bring Your Own Bike party.

Bastille Day (French Independence Day) always falls on July 14. The Tour de France – which is currently underway – overlaps the festivities, so Confit is celebrating both at once. After rolling around Camp Hill, guests can order kabobs (how... completely un-French) and crepes (that's better) a la carte while enjoying coverage of Lance Armstrong's comeback tour. It would also be an excellent time to try Confit's new summer menu.

I love Confit and haven't yet made it out to try the new menu, so if you go, report back for us. In addition to taking your own bike, you'll need to take your own bottle. Hang the wine bag over your handlebars. Magnifique!   Full Article »

Medium Rare

According to pretty much every relevant source in Central Pennsylvania, those of us who work in the Capital City have a unique opportunity during lunch tomorrow. From 11-2, the Stanley Cup, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the World Series Trophy will all be on display at the State Capitol. A lot of you already knew that, but I did a little digging and found an interesting tidbit you might not have seen elsewhere.   Full Article »

Win Free Passes to the Boiling Springs Pool

I've meant to mention this in more detail sooner, but Spotobe is happy to say that we're giving you the chance to win a pack of eight day passes to the Boiling Springs Pool. The Boiling Springs pool is the perfect place to cool off this summer, and it makes an excellent day trip. Owner Tom Iwanowicz likes the site, and was gracious enough to hook us up with the passes so head to Spotobe's Facebook Page, become a fan and enter to win.   Full Article »

Nope…

Hockey is a frustrating game. There are times when one team is completely bossing the game and a goal is absolutely inevitable. If your team is the one that is doing the bossing, it's an exhilarating feeling. If your team is the one being bossed, it's nauseating; like watching a car back up into you in slow motion at a stoplight. Anyone who has watched a lot of hockey knows these feelings well, and a fan's intuition proves to be right more often than not. The thing is, if the release that comes with the inevitable goal never happens, the whole dynamic is thrown off kilter. Now the team that is dominating starts to press, trying to force the action. Now the team that is being dominated starts to get its legs. Welcome to Game 5.   Full Article »