Princeton WannaBe Blog
I'm not a real historian. I didn't grow up in Princeton. I don't have an Ivy League education.
I'm a total Princeton WannaBe.
Still, I gush about loving the heart of Princeton as much as I can!
James Dean went into acting to fund for his two passions: race cars and motorcycles.
His mother called them death machines.
(MORE PROOF you should listen to your mother!)
Today, only in 1955, James Dean went for a ride on a California highway.
He was in his Porsche 550 Spyder, which he playfully nicknamed "Little Bastard".
Greta Garbo wasn't with James that day.
It was his mechanic, Rolf Wuetherich. The boys were on their way to see if "Little Bastard" could win a car race.
A guy named Donald Turnaspeed was on that same highway that day.
That's right a dude named Donald Turnaspeed was on the same highway that day.
No one can answer where he was headed when he left his home that day. It doesn't matter much because he never made it.
The mechanic and Turnaspeed survived the head-on collision that would instantly kill the invincible James Dean.
Both stood beside James' mother at the funeral as she rocked back and forth whispering, "I always hated that "Little Bastard". Most assumed she was talking about her son and the reports the next day would send her to her grave at a young age too.
James Dean was 24 years old when he was pronounced dead at 5:59 p.m. in 1955. For the "believers" out there, this is why we think James is still with us:
Since Dean's death, a "legend" has arisen that his Porsche 550 Spyder was haunted by Dean. George Barris.bought the wreck for $2,500, only to have it slip off its trailer and break a worker's leg. Soon afterwards, Barris sold the engine to physicians Troy McHenry and William Eschrid. One would be killed instantly during a race when his vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a tree. Barris later sold two tires, which malfunctioned as well. The tires, which were unharmed in Dean's accident, blew up simultaneously causing the buyer's automobile to go off the road. Subsequently, two young would-be thieves were injured while attempting to steal parts from the car. When one tried to steal the steering wheel from the Porsche, his arm was ripped open on a piece of jagged metal. Later, another man was injured while trying to steal the bloodstained front seat. This would be the final straw for Barris, who decided to store "Little Bastard" away, but was quickly persuaded to lend the wrecked car to a highway safety exhibit.
The first exhibit from the CHP featuring the car ended unsuccessfully, as the garage storing the Spyder went up in flames, destroying everything except the car itself, which suffered almost no damage whatsoever from the fire. The second display, at a California highschool ended when the car fell, breaking a student's hip. "Little Bastard" caused problems while being transported several times. one truck containing the vehicle lost control, causing the driver to fall out, only to be crushed by the Porsche after it fell off the back. Its last use in a CHP exhibit was in 1959. In 1960, when being returned to George Barris in Los Angeles, California, the car mysteriously vanished. It has not been seen since.
HAVE YOU TAKEN A PRINCETON GHOST TOUR?
THE HALLOWEEN SCHEDULE IS NEARLY SOLD OUT!
WE USE THERMA-METERS, DOWSING RODS, EMF METERS AND NIGHT VISION TO PROVE PRINCETON IS HAUNTED!
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MANDATORY PLAYDATE FOR ANY REAL TIGER MOM!
Who’s Who in the Art Museum? Art for Families,
PSO Family Concert, Richardson Auditorium,
(TRUE! Just go to the security booth and they'll point you in the right direction! Parking is free every weekend until 2am I KNOW!)
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TRUE!
(If you don't follow us on Facebook or twitter, you might be the last to know about this! Go ahead and follow us daily cool facts about Princetona and academic celebrity sightings!)
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The Inventor of the Ugly Doll is Headed to Princeton? (Yep, and He's Signing Dolls!)
David Horvath created the sensation and he'll be at Jazams on Saturday, October 15th between 11am – 1pm signing his fun-loving creations.
(How did Jazams score a signing with David? They won the Uglydoll Window Contest in February and received first price which included a store appearance from David Horvath. I KNOW!)
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Any REAL Princetonian Has a Personal Photographer ....
Really, Princetonians have professional photographers on speed dial!
(not just anyone ..... someone to catch your essence and passions in one shot.)
This one? Henry Vega wanted the stop sign in the back because I'm all about GO!
The secret-y, fun loving shot? Because I'm all about secrets everyone WISHES they would spread about themselves. Who doesn't dig a love story?
That hat? Well, that's just because I can't stand being too predictable.
Henry Vega gets me. He gets photography and if you want a photographer who will represent all of you, contact him:
(btw, no gushing i do is paid advertising. like the tours, it's authentic love!)
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Think Glee is Cool? You'll Like This Post!
Ever heard of the genius Francisco Núñez? He just received a 2011 MacArthur “Genius” Award!
Did you know that this internationally recognized talent conducted at the Princeton Chapel last year? TRUE!
He performed with The Trenton Children’s Chorus, the Princeton High School Freshman Women’s Chorus, The Westminster Conservatory Cantus Choir and Princeton Girlchoir Cantores.
A genius like Maestro Núñez will tell you that there’s great harmony in our community.
Add to the list the American Boychoir School, Westminster Choir College, the many University vocal groups, plus all the school and community choirs -- we really have some AMAZING music education in this town!
If want to be on the inside of another world class event in Princeton, mark your calendar for October 1st!
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra and Princeton University Art Museum are partnering to create one of a kind cultural event!
http://www.princetonentertain.com/polAnnouncements.cfm?doc_id=5686
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Oooooommmmm ........ Ooooommmmm ........
If Princeton is feeling a little ZEN this week, it might be because Princeton University is hosting the Tibetan Monks of the 2011 Drepung Gomang Monastery Sacred Arts Tour!
Opening prayers and Mandala begin today at 10 at The Frist Campus Center. 
There’s also Tibetan Bazaar where you can pick up some scarves, beads, clothing, jewelry, bells, and singing bowls! (All the makings of making you much more sparkly at your next dinner party!
Where else in the world can you just cross the street to see Tibetan Monks? I KNOW!!
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Okay, so EVERY history book will tell you that today, in 1793 George laid the cornerstone for the nation's capitol building.
Here's something I think they should add: In 1783, the Continental Congress met in Princeton and received the Treaty of Paris. (The Treaty basically meant the planet agreed we were a free nation .....).
Because our representatives were in Nassau Hall when we received this word, Nassau Hall is TECHNICALLY the first Capital of the United States ....
Elias Boudinot was the President of that Continental Congress, so he was TECHNICALLY the first President of the United States ....
(Look at the right on the inside of the Princeton University gates - you'll see a plaque telling you Nassau Hall was the first capitol! TRUE!)
Because Elias Boudinot was the President of the Continental Congress in 1783 and was staying at Morven when this all happened , TECHNICALLY Morven is the nation's first White House.
I know D.C. and Philly like to dominate the Revolutionary War tourism market but REAL smartypants know that the Battle of Princeton and the delivery of this Treaty make Princeton the reason for the revolutionary season!
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TYRA BANKS IS HEADED TO PRINCETON!
Well, if Tyra isn't headed here, SHE SHOULD!
WHY?
Because Rouge is holding a fashion walk at the plaza outside the Princeton Public Library and 10% of all Rouge sales will be donated to the Library!
(Tyra Banks would LOVE a retailer that thinks that way so I hope she hears about it and shows up!)
WHEN: Saturday, September 17th
Noon - 2pm
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Want to Lower Taxes in Princeton? Here's The Silver Bullet:
Did you know tourism is the third largest industry in New Jersey?
Did you know the NJ tourism GDP is larger than the entire GDP of 97 countries?
Did you know in 2010, NJ hosted 68 million visitors spending over $13 billion dollars?
Did you know 1 out of every 10 workers owe their livelihood to tourism?
Did you know for every 180 visitors a new job is created?
I’ll say that again.
For every 180 visitors a new job is created.
Did you know Princeton has over 300 million residents live within a 4 hour drive of the Princeton?
Did you know Princeton currently hosts over 1 million visitors per year?
All true!
In similar destination cities, tourism is the #1 revenue source and the top priority for job creation and lowering taxes.
Did you know the Princeton Borough mayoral candidates are debating next Tuesday night?
Yep - I'll be asking the candidates about their views on the proposed Arts & Transit Neighborhood and tourism.
September 20th - 7:30pm
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Love John O'Hara? Here You Go:
One more reason for John O'Hara to love Princeton !
We know that John O’Hara LOVED Princeton for all the usual reasons: in between New York and Philadelphia, an Ivy League School, a town filled with literary greats,
and now there’s one more reason to add to the list: the current show at McCarter Theatre—
Ten Cents A Dance: The Music of Rodgers and Hart
Scratching your head?
Well, you know the songs “I Could Write A Book” or “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”? Think Ella.
(Think Ol' Blue Eyes. Yep, they both knew a hit when they heard one!)
Those songs came from the smash Broadway musical Pal Joey, AND who wrote the book? You guessed it: JOHN O’HARA!!
O’Hara lived across the street from McCarter on College Road West so we know he will be smiling down on this haunting new musical with a cast that doubles as the orchestra!
How cool is that?
(Wait .... it gets better!)
(Did you know your ticket stub for a McCarter show gets you 5% off at McCaffrey's when you purchase more than $50? TRUE!)
Upper Photo: Malcolm Gets at the piano with (L-R) Donna McKechnie, Diana DiMarzio, Jessica Tyler Wright, Jane Pfitsch, and Elisa Winter. photo credit: T. Charles Erickson
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One Day I'll Have My Logo With These Princeton BIG DEALS!!!!
Do you BELIEVE the Princeton Regional Chamber LOST THEIR MIND and let me speak at their monthly luncheon?
I KNOW!
Check out the world class brands that support our Chamber! All their execs got to the events, so if you're looking to get discovered go to a meeting!
The Princeton Regional Chamber is not your Daddy's Chamber .... It's not your Daddy's, Daddy's Chamber .....
It's your Daddy's Daddy's Daddy's Chamber!
That's right, I'm talking REVOLUTIONARY!
I'm predicting the steps our Chamber is taking will position Princeton to become the #1 day trip destination in America!
(I mean that .... Oxford, you better MAN UP your tourism division .....)
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EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! Weekend Tickets Now For Sale at PJ's Pancake House!
That's right! The #1 Pancake House on the planet will now be selling tickets to our weekend tours!
(Did you know they're not just a pancake house anymore! They have expanded their dinner menu to include incredible pasta dishes, salads and all sorts of stuff you WISH they had before!)
Why is PJ's selling our tour tickets?
Because that's the way the new owner, John, runs his restaurants! He's ALL ABOUT community and collaboration! If you love the sweet vibe of the merchants in Princeton it's because of folks like the gang at PJ's Pancake House!
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Wanna Fall in Love with Princeton? Here You Go:
If you LOVE the Einstein, Michelle and F. Scott signs on Nassau Street, please thank the gang at Landau's!
(They let us put the signs in their alleyway.)
If you love our ghost tours, please thank the guys at Hamilton Jewelers!
(They let us store the equipment nearby.)
Where do we meet for these networking mega-meetings? On sidewalks and breakrooms, silly! The best part of running a small business in downtown Princeton is the help you get along the way! This photo was taken last Fall when Stosh negotiated a daily free apple from Landau's during his first week of school! They offer Terhune apples during the Fall!
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For All You Princeton STAGE MOTHERS Out There:
My mom says she wasn't a STAGE MOM for me, but she sure looks like it here:
For all you PRINCETON MOMS out there who want to OFFER YOUR CHILD A SURE FIRE WAY to GET DISCOVERED here's your chance:
McCarter Theatre welcomes all children, ages 5 to 13, to sign ups for A Christmas Carol auditions on Friday, September 9 from 3pm to 6pm. Sign-ups will be held in the McCarter Theatre Lobby, located at 91 University Place in Princeton (www.mccarter.org).
DID YOU KNOW THE NEW YORK TIMES REVIEWS THIS PRODUCTION EACH YEAR?
DID YOU KNOW THEY LIST IT AS A "MUST SEE"?
Get more information on audition rules (and request my mom get cast as Scrooge this year), by emailing casting@mccarter.org.
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