I Knew It Would Come To This

I knew it would come to this.

Wild Thang Behind Bars

at Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was once the most expensive (and famous) prison in the world.  The beauty of its grand architecture counterpointed its strict disciplinary code, which was designed to inspire penitence (from which the word penitentiary is derived) in its convicts.  Imprisonment here was certainly no picnic.  The place is purportedly haunted, as there must have been some strong emotional imprints that left detectable energy signatures on the premises, for those who are sensitive to such things.  Lots of famous criminals were incarcerated at ESP.  Apparently, Wild Thang has now joined their ranks.

Boss Lady's Release From an ESP Cell

How did Boss Lady secure her release from her cell at the prison?

I might have known.

Al Capone was a prisoner at Eastern State Penitentiary.  Here is his cell.

Almost Cosy

Hardly the spartan furnishings most inmates "enjoyed" during their time at ESP.  High-profile criminals apparently got some perks in 1929.

So, Boss Lady, what did you and Wild Thang do to land in the slammer?  Did you pull a chocolate heist at that confectioner's shoppe (see yesterday's blog posting)?  Or did the fashion police arrest Wild Thang for wearing those red shoes without matching purse?

I'm getting reports via instant messaging that our gals were NOT actually imprisoned at ESP.  They were visiting in a tourist group.  Likely story, I'd say.

Well, let's hope that our adventurous duo is released in time to attend some of those Public Library Association (PLA) workshops going on this week.  Maybe one of the sessions will focus upon recent developments in prison libraries.

Bring On the Man-in-Black,

Cauli Le Chat

MPL Roving Reporter

PLA News Beat

P.S.  This calls for a truly great prison song.  "Folsom Prison Blues," by Johnny Cash, was included on his debut album, Johnny Cash With His Hot and Blue Guitar (1957).  Here's a kinescope clip from Town Hall Party, a radio/TV country music program on KXLA-AM (Pasadena), FKI-AM (Los Angeles), and KTTV-TV (Los Angeles) (August 8, 1959).

Red Shoe Diaries, Philadelphia Style

While not attending multitudinous meetings at the Public Library Association (PLA) national conference this week, Wild Thang and Boss Lady have been romping around Philadelphia doing the tourist thing.  They even found a place that matched Wild Thang's shoes.

Shouldn't Your Purse Match Your Shoes, Doors,

and Shutters, Wild Thang?  Just Asking

I'm not sure who initiated their visit to a Philly Confectionery Shoppe, but the outcome was, well, somewhat predictable.

That Tote Bag Looks Mighty Full to Moi

Personally, we felines are not huge chocolate fans--I think the V-E-T says it's bad for us and slobberdogs--but I know people LOVE it!  Especially girl people.  Just saying.  So I'm guessing that Boss Lady and Wild Thang will be needing a pick-moi-up during those long PLA workshops.  Quick energy food, so they say.

What do you think our adventurous duo will be duoing?  (Get it?  Not "doing," but "duoing"!  Okay, that's a pretty lame joke.)  Well, whatever is on their agenda, I can bet it will involve two things:

• Food, and
• More food.

Not a bad thing at all, I'd venture.  Of course, they'll be attending all that PLA stuff, but that's mostly not about food, but I'm sure it has its place.  In-between meals and snacks, for instance.

What Are You Bringing Moi From Philly?  Just Asking,

Cauli Le Chat

MPL Roving Reporter

PLA News Beat

P.S.  Bruce Springsteen wrote "Streets of Philadelphia" (1993) for the soundtrack to the movie Philadelphia (1993), for which Tom Hanks won an Academy Award for best actor.  Springsteen also won an Oscar for Best Song.  Here is the official music video.