I said I wouldn’t update the blog until tomorrow, but what do I know?
It’s ironic that I’m in the city of philia, a city I had no love for when I spent three years here as a broke, drunk, underachieving law student. Seems like another lifetime.
The only bright spot was clerking during the summers for a hilariously nasty, old-school, prosecution-leaning criminal court judge. I loved when he’d yell at grown men who dared enter his courtroom wearing a hat, with his booming voice ricocheting against the walls. I don’t care how “street” or sophisticated the men were. They were all humbly embarrassed.
I’m in a hotel across from the gothic City Hall building that houses that courtroom. While I was there, I could pretend to be a serious law student in my little suits, sitting at a desk near the judge. Then came graduation, failed bar exams, running home to mother, and more drinking. By the grace of God, I didn’t hit “bottom” or continue drinking too many years beyond that. I’ll be sober nine years this March. (See A Sobering Truth)
Philadelphia is not a bad place; I just have a bad association with it. And the southerner in me finds it too big, too tall, and too dirty. Washington, D.C., with its southern flavor and building height limit, is just enough city for me. Thanks for reading this stream-of-consciousness post. Do you realize some people blog like this all the time? 
Other Justice Sunday III bloggers: Charmaine Yoest, Ed Morrissey, Stacy Harp, and RightWingSparkle.
Update: Read about the conference and view photos.
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If I may make a quick pitch since you are in good ole Philly and if you are able, I would suggest visiting Christ Liberation Fellowship Church in West Philly tomorrow (Sunday) at 9 am. I know you are going to church now. *wink* And it is located at 65th and Lansdowne Ave.
Reformed Blacks of America.
La Shawn,
My sentiment exactly about Philly. As a Temple graduate who commuted to school everyday, my four years as a student were just enough. I think it’s a great city for fine dining and entertainment. I suppose it’s simply a nice convenience to have such a nice metropolitan region close by, yet be able to live in the comforts of a smaller city like Wilmington, Del.
And isn’t Philadelphia’s City Hall divine? I did much public policy research work there as a journalism major. Those big halls, huge and heavy doors and the old, lived-in smell of the place. What a joy it would be to work in such a magnificent piece of architecture. Well, just so long as I didn’t bump into Mayor Street!
Next time you’re in Philly, ring me up! I’ll buy you dinner at a great restaurant on South Street!
Mike, I don’t like South Street.
Couldn’t we go somewhere less rowdy? 
Xavier, I’m pretty sure I’m going to Greater Exodus Baptist Church with the other bloggers, but thanks for the recommendation.
La Shawn,
Something inside told me South Street probably wouldn’t be your scene anyway! And, to tell you the truth, it’s not really my scene, either. It’s just they’ve got some GREAT restaurants. I can tolerate the multi-piercings and wild hair-don’ts for some of the great food. Yes, though. I do know many other restaurants in areas much more sophisticated.
Someday. Someday. I’ll get Hube to join us, as well.
From the movie 1776, here’s a sort of an opinion piece by John Adams about Congress, independence, and Philadelphia: LOL
You see, we piddle, twiddle, and resolve
Not one damn thing do we solve
Piddle, twiddle, and resolve
Nothing’s ever solved in
Foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy
Philadephia!
I’d take Philadelphia’s center city over downtown DC any day. Be sure to try Phoebe’s BBQ on South St. (not the party end, 2214 South St.). It is a hole in the wall type place run by Philly natives, but it is the best BBQ you’ll have north of the Mason-Dixon.
LaShawn,
Wow. Enjoy your stay in Philly as best you can. All the best to you at the Justice Sunday event.
I haven’t been to Philly in years, but I’ve gotten the impression that it’s not well-run. Is that true?
Also, thanks for your honesty about your struggles and your past.
La Shawn,
I came across your website for the first time tonight and enjoyed it immensely. I also enjoyed your Fantasy Fiction for Christians page as well. The idea of a counter-Da Vinci Code site is an excellent idea. I am a fiction writer and would love to assist in countering the ideas of this film in any way possible; please let me know if I could be of any help. Thanks for the pics from Philly, too. I spent a lot of time in Lower Marion with some college friends.
“Do you realize some people blog like this all the time?”
You should try it more often. It becomes you.
I love Philly and can’t believe all the negative crap you people are talkin’. I’m clean & sober too and in the military. I’m freaking stuck in CA. and this place sucks. I would love to come back to Philly. Lorenzo’s pizza on South Street is the best in this Country.
I was in Philly in 1986 during a garbage strike. Nothing leaves a worse impression than that.
Never been to Philadelphia.
Read your links. Awesome witness.
Philly used to be a HORRIBLE place! I couldn’t wait to leave.
Went back (to the surrounding suburbs) last summer. The gene pool has definitely improved.
If the women were that pretty when I was going to school, I never would’ve left.
Well, there’s still no place in the country other than Philadelphia where they serve a decent cheese steak.
Lashawn
I find your proactive move to Da Vinci movie very interesting, and I intend to read the book in order to join the debate too. I am of a strong opinion that the noise raised by the book will soon be over while the Bible and its truths stands.
Here here Redbeard. I think the food, and that certain level of “What’s it to you?” is what I keep coming back for.
But, the “Detroit thinks it’s a good idea, let’s try it too” form of government keeps me across the river. Yep, when NJ feel less corrupt and oppresive, you know you’re city is in trouble.
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