In The Spotlight
More News
-
While subverting beloved movies can become a bit tiresome, it can be brilliant when it’s done well, and J. Matthew Turner has knocked it out of the park with his reading of The Karate Kid. In the video, Turner asserts that Daniel (Ralph Macchio), not Johnny (William Zabka) is the bully, and that Johnny is the hero. Turner makes an incredibly compelling and convincing case, and I doubt you’ll see The Karate Kid the same way again. If you love The Karate Kid, my apologies in advance, but it turns out you were rooting for a sociopath.
While subverting beloved movies can become a bit tiresome, it can be brilliant when it’s done well, and J. Matthew Turner has knocked it out of the park with his reading of The Karate Kid. In the video, Turner asserts that Daniel (Ralph Macchio), not Johnny (William Zabka) is the bully, and that Johnny is the hero. Turner makes an incredibly compelling and convincing case, and I doubt you’ll see The Karate Kid the same way again. If you love The Karate Kid, my apologies in advance, but it turns out you were rooting for a sociopath.
-
“The Phanatic Song,” a funky and goofy ode to the Phanatic — lyrics include “It’s the Phanatic / and it’s magic”
Even though the Phillies may face a challenging season, one team member's always on fire: the Phanatic. And now, thanks to a collaboration between sports, philanthropy, and music, the beloved (and slightly terrifying) mascot has a new theme song guaranteed to get you moving.
-
Villanova University's 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday, April 5th, with a celebration on Market Street beginning at 11AM and a celebration on Dilworth Plaza.
Villanova University's 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday, April 5th, with a celebration on Market Street beginning at 11AM and a celebration on Dilworth Plaza.
-
Marc Huppman is a Philadelphia area comic whose offbeat and quirky observations will have you in stitches. He has performed with the Comedy Explosion tour and was a semi-finalist in the 2014 Catch A New Rising Star comedy competition at Catch a Rising Star in Princeton, NJ.
DELAWARE - When outsiders think of Delaware cuisine, they usually picture tubs of boardwalk fries completely flooded with malt vinegar, steaming piles of blue crabs, or the famous "Bobbie" sandwich—a Thanksgiving feast stuffed into a sub roll. But if you look deeper into the First State rural, agricultural, and coastal history, you will uncover some truly bizarre and visually shocking dishes.
North Carolina is the undisputed king of barbecue, but its wing game is just as fierce. From the research triangle of Raleigh-Durham to the mountain breweries of Asheville and the coastal vibes of Wilmington, the Tar Heel State offers a "Carolina-style" heat that often incorporates the world's most punishing peppers, many of which were originally bred right in the Carolinas.
MICHIGAN STATE - Michigan is known for its "Great Lakes, Great Times," but it is also home to some of the most punishing spice challenges in the Midwest. From the "D" to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s wing scene features a mix of award-winning local staples and high-intensity chains that will have you sweating through your winter coat.
The tart, sweet cherry notes in Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade cut through the smoky richness of this funky, Sonoran-style hot dog. The bold, refreshing flavor of the Hard Black Cherry extinguishes the pleasant and unexpected spice of the pickled jalapeño.
MARYLAND - The retail and restaurant apocalypse is sending shockwaves through Maryland's commercial real estate market this summer. While the Free State has traditionally been a resilient market for national franchises, a combination of shifting consumer habits and a rapid push toward "digital-first" dining is forcing several corporate giants to trim their footprints drastically.
Virginia's food scene is a blend of Southern comfort and high-tech innovation, and that extends directly to its wing sauces. From the military hubs of Hampton Roads to the tech corridors of Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth is home to some of the most scientifically spicy wings on the East Coast.
PHILADELPHIA - If you find yourself wandering the post-industrial, artsy blocks of Northern Liberties, you will quickly realize it's a neighborhood that values character. It doesn't do boring. And nowhere is that truer than at One Shot Coffee & Cafe (217 W. George St.).
PENNSYLVANIA - Central Pennsylvania beer lovers can officially celebrate. Following a brief absence that left a notable gap on West Chocolate Avenue, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is making its highly anticipated return to Hershey on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia's bar scene extends beyond cozy pubs and trendy lounges. When the weather warms up, the city's outdoor bars come alive, offering a unique blend of fresh air, delicious drinks, and lively ambiance. Whether you're seeking a waterfront oasis, a rooftop retreat, or a bustling beer garden, Philly has an outdoor bar to suit your taste. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a drink al fresco.
Whether you are relaxing in Pennsylvania, unwinding in New York, or warming up on a chilly night in Maine, the easiest and best way to enjoy whisky to the fullest is to drink it neat, with cool water to refresh your palate between sips. This classic approach allows you to fully appreciate the spirit's subtle flavors without the high alcohol content overwhelming your senses. Keeping the water on the side also ensures you maintain complete control over how temperature and dilution affect the aroma and taste profile of your drink.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s culinary landscape is a dynamic mix of James Beard-winning tasting menus, hyper-regional comfort food, and vibrant neighborhood bistros. But a great dish is only half the equation. The city’s top sommeliers and beverage directors are doing incredible work, creating pours that elevate everything from delicate crudo to grease-stained local staples.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Whether you are a seasoned league player carrying your own set of tungsten steel-tips or just looking for a casual night out with friends and a few pints, Philadelphia's dart scene has something for everyone. From historic neighborhood dive bars to lively sports hubs, the city offers a diverse array of venues to step up to the oche. If you are looking to test your aim, here is a guide to the best spots to play darts in Philadelphia.
MARYLAND - When outsiders think of Maryland cuisine, they usually picture picturesque piles of steamed blue crabs heavily dusted with Old Bay seasoning. But if you step away from the polished waterfront restaurants and dig into the state's deep, historical culinary roots, you will find a menu that requires a bit more bravery.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Whether you are taking a road trip up from Massachusetts, crossing the border from Vermont, or driving over from Maine, you will quickly discover that New Hampshire is home to some incredibly bizarre and surprisingly amusing town names. While the Granite State is famous for its towering White Mountains, deep political history, and its fierce "Live Free or Die" motto, whoever was in charge of naming its local municipalities clearly left behind a legacy of unintentional humor.
NEW JERSEY - Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26, 2025) is here, heralding the unofficial start of summer in the Garden State! For many New Jerseyans, especially those "down the Shore," this means firing up the grills, gathering with family and friends, and indulging in classic, delicious food. New Jersey's diverse culinary scene offers a perfect blend of traditional American cookout fare and unique regional specialties to make your holiday weekend memorable. From boardwalk bites to backyard barbecues, here’s a guide to the best Memorial Day eats in New Jersey.
PENNSYLVANIA - Memorial Day weekend is upon us (May 24-26, 2025!), signaling the unofficial start of summer, a time for remembrance, gatherings with family and friends, and delicious food. Across Pennsylvania, grills will be sizzling and picnic tables will be laden. The Keystone State, with its rich culinary heritage, offers a perfect blend of classic American cookout fare and unique regional specialties to make your holiday feast unforgettable.With its rich culinary heritage, the Keystone State
MAINE - Whether you are taking a road trip up from New Hampshire, crossing the border from Massachusetts, or driving down from the Canadian border, you will quickly discover that Maine is home to some incredibly bizarre and surprisingly "raunchy" town names. While the Pine Tree State is famous for its incredible lobsters, stunning rocky coastlines, and deep maritime history, whoever was in charge of naming its local municipalities clearly had a unique, and sometimes entirely unintentional, sense of humor.
OHIO STATE - Ohio often gets an unfair reputation as a flat, predictable drive-through state. But if you look just past the interstate exits, the Buckeye State is home to some of the most profound geological anomalies and ancient architectural marvels on the planet. From an island in Lake Erie to the quiet valleys of Southern Ohio, incredible historic geography awaits exploration.
Current Events
NEW JERSEY — The restaurant industry has always been notoriously difficult to navigate, but 2026 is proving to be a year of brutal consolidation across the Garden State. Facing a perfect storm of soaring operational overhead, climbing commercial rents, and an intensely competitive local dining scene, several corporate giants are executing massive strategic retreats.
CAPE MAY, NJ - If you're planning a getaway to Cape May, New Jersey, you'll want to check out one of the many-day spas in the area. The Well Cape May offers a range of services, including massages, pedicures, manicures, and facials. This spa provides refreshments, such as robes and slippers. You can make reservations to avoid waiting outside in the hot summer months.
NEW YORK - Long Island has steadily built a reputation that goes far beyond its daytime appeal. Visitors and locals are finding new reasons to stay out later, explore more venues, and enjoy a wider mix of entertainment options. Areas once known for quieter evenings now offer a blend of dining, music, and social spaces that cater to different preferences.
ALABAMA - Before it was the state of Alabama, the land was most formally known as the Alabama Territory, and just before that, it was the eastern half of the Mississippi Territory.
