In this town, when the locals are dissatisfied, they speak out; just ask Santa Claus. So you've undoubtedly heard about Philadelphians' disdain for the amphib-hideous duck boats that began operating in and nearby Old City in 2003.

We're no scrooges, and we appreciate visitors parting with a few dollars in our fair city. There's nothing wrong with a little tacky family fun! But Ride the Ducks probably crossed Philly's collective line when they decided to give out a free Wacky Quacker (TM) and encourage riders to - according to their website - "interact with the locals." Thirty people trying to grab their attention with duck-callers while they eat lunch at a sidewalk cafe in an historic neighborhood? Oh, the locals love that!

So, this photo is for all the Philadelphians with whom the duckriders have interacted. Allow yourselves to fantasize for a minute: the USS New Jersey vs. the Duck Boat, head to head in the Delaware River. It would be worth bringing the battleship out of retirement.



(Phillyist note: our relief that their website didn't say "interquact with the locals" is easily surpassed by self-loathing for conceiving multiple duck puns while creating this entry.)

Photo by author, October 14, 2006.