Category: Philadelphia

1700 block of CHESTNUT STREET GETS AN AMERICAN EAGLE, PLUS CHARLIE MANUEL WANTS TO SAY GOOD BYE FRIDAY 12:30pm

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 22, 2013
3 Comments on 1700 block of CHESTNUT STREET GETS AN AMERICAN EAGLE, PLUS CHARLIE MANUEL WANTS TO SAY GOOD BYE FRIDAY 12:30pm

Center City’s new fashion row 16th to 20th Street is getting hotter. Last year boutique store Knit Wit joined South Moon Under to sell fashionable threads on the 1700 block of Chestnut Street. Camper Shoes just opened at 1734 Chestnut St.

Now I’ve just been told that American Eagle is going into the old space that was occupied by

Victoria’s Secret at 1721 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19103

My tipster tells me to look for a late fall opening, just in time for the busy holiday season.

You can still find a Victoria’s Secret shop inside the Shops of Liberty Place at 17th and Chestnut Streets.

Kinda depressing, not only is summer nearly over, but the calendar store has
opened up in the Shops of Liberty Place at 17th and Chestnut Streets. to remind us that another new year is upon us. They also carry other novelty
gifts, cards, appointment books and fun stuff.

SO LONG CHARLIE: Tomorrow, Friday, August 23, the beloved former Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, who helped end the
city’s quarter of a century long championship drought, is holding his final
radio show in the Rotunda at The Shops at Liberty Place. Friday , August 23, Manuel will be broadcasting live from 12:30PM to 1:30PM. Come by and wish him well.(above with Missy Manuel at the Convenant House Night of Broadway earlier this year)

Confirmed: Uniqlo Is Coming to Center City. I now too have it from a very reliable source that the fashion store Uniqlo will be coming to 1608 Chestnut Street in spring 2014. I stopped by after shooting the new American Eagle store to see if there was any notices about it, and they’re werent. I came home and found this article on Philly Mag’s Property, so that’s two sources right?

Philadelphia

Newark mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Cory Booker cracked jokes at The 23rd Annual “Stu Bykofsky Candidates’ Comedy Night & helmet wearing Dan Gross

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 22, 2013

he 23rd annual Stu Bykofsky Candidates Comedy Night
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20130822_Booker__Williams_put_candidate_caps_aside_for_DN_columnist_s_comedy_night.html#z2iqbIeD4ThvohZk.99

Last night Finnegan’s Wake was the scene of bad, uncomfortable, awkward comedy for a good cause at the 23rd Annual “Stu Bykofsky Candidates’ Comedy Night

Stu Bykofsky greets the crowd.

First up Alan Bukowitz, he’s better at his job. I was confused by schtick of bringing up a secretary who couldn’t find the records in a database, especially since that seems to be the big complaint against his office.

The Norcross Family: Lexi, Sandy and George, had front row seats.

After the first comedian, er I mean politician, it was time for a real comedian, Doogie Howser, a much needed fluffer as the crowd seemed a little uncomfortable, dead.

And then there was Dan Gross. Funny and awkward.
But Gross handled it with his regular cool demeanor which is probably why he’s opened a crisis communications business.

Dan Gross was special surprised guest for the evening, did a funny routine, and then acted as auctioneer too. This Soul Football helmet was going for a modest price, but a republican operative said he’d pay $2000 to see Dan Gross put the helmet on.

He said he would but in the end Emerald Capital Group paid $3,000 for the same gesture. Best part of his routine is calling out Stu for making Cory Booker sit through at least 4 of the political comedians. The place was roaring.

If you can bear with the video do so, but in actuality just listen to the Dan Gross audio to hear his spiel.

DA Seth Williams and Stacey Cummings

Sponsor Bonnie Squires, President of Squires Consulting. She’s at all the political events and knows where the skeletons are buried. Super nice, and doesn’t kiss and tell.

Bill Ross and Dan Gross

In the audience I spotted the 2014 candidate for mayor, Dana Spain. Here she is with patriotic Maria Papadakis.

Sharon Suleta, Attny Zoning Board, Julie Chapman, Chair of Zoning and Carol Tinari, Vice Chair of Zoning.

Daniel Alvarez – the Philadelphia Republican Party’s District Attorney candidate chatted about DA Seth Williams unpaid gas bill, and the fact that even though he’s a republican, the GOP controlled Parking Authority gave him a ticket even though he was only 1 minute late getting back to his car. He’s hoping that changes when he gets in office cause they probably don’t ticket Seth Williams.

Daniel Alvarez – the Philadelphia Republican Party’s District Attorney candidate.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Meet-Danny-the-man-who-would-be-DA.html#ZsIFkQHZlOrV825Y.99

Stu explains that Daniel is fiscally conservative as they both wear cheap watches.

I think I’m going to get a tripod

“South Jersey loves Philly. I have this perfunctory profession of
prodigious pandering that I must do to South Jersey sports fans,” Mr.
Booker said during a series of sports jokes. “It’s the obligation of
being a statewide official.” Some of my best friends are Flyers Fans.

Cory Booker compares himself to Obama

Stu Bykosky and his latest squeeze

I love this idea of a 50/50, writing your name on the bill and then pulling the bill out of the fish bowl. Dan Gross won, and donated the $300 to Variety Club.

Republican Terry Tracy says he’d be honest and fair in the position of Philadelphia Controller, and would work well with the Democratic Machine as he didn’t have a lot of friends growing up anyway.

All proceeds went to the Variety Club of Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Amazon Student Hosts Free Back to College Concert Featuring Trey Songz, Powered By Pandora – September 12

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 21, 2013

On Thursday, September 12 Amazon Student will
host a free back to college concert featuring Trey Songz at the Electric
Factory in Philadelphia.

The free concert is open to all college students
with a valid student ID. VIP access to tickets is available
now to current college students who have bought or rented a textbook
from Amazon since August 1, 2013. General access to tickets will
be available to all college students starting on August 29.

Electric
Factory
421 N. 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

INFO

SPONSORED POST

Philadelphia

Eden Medical Spa Celebrates Their Grand Opening in King of Prussia

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 20, 2013

Last week Eden Medical Spa celebrated their grand opening with a magnificent cocktail party. Our photographer Mike Hirata was there to capture the event.

The
concept behind Eden Medical Spa was to build an oasis that provided
only the best aesthetic medical services … in a relaxing welcoming spa
environment,” said co-founder of Eden, Andy Dinh. As a professional
scientist, Andy enjoys researching and testing the latest technology in
skin and body beauty and rejuvenation. Andy’s sister and co-founder,
Erin Dinh, a certified medical aesthetician, enjoys assisting clients to
match their external appearance with their internal youthfulness. Now
the two have combined their passion for beauty and technology to create
the most advanced medical spa in the Philadelphia area. – See more at:
http://mainlinedish.com/snips/2013/08/new-medical-spa-opens-in-king-of-prussia-august-15-celebrates-with-10000-dream-makeover-give-away/#sthash.4eSMNiQy.dpuf

“The
concept behind Eden Medical Spa was to build an oasis that provided
only the best aesthetic medical services … in a relaxing welcoming spa
environment,” said co-founder of Eden, Andy Dinh. As a professional
scientist, Andy enjoys researching and testing the latest technology in
skin and body beauty and rejuvenation. Andy’s sister and co-founder,
Erin Dinh, a certified medical aesthetician, enjoys assisting clients to
match their external appearance with their internal youthfulness. Now
the two have combined their passion for beauty and technology to create
the most advanced medical spa in the Philadelphia area – See more at:
http://mainlinedish.com/snips/2013/08/new-medical-spa-opens-in-king-of-prussia-august-15-celebrates-with-10000-dream-makeover-give-away/#sthash.4eSMNiQy.dpuf

Andy Dinh, Ralphie Sison, and Erin Dinh.

The concept behind Eden Medical Spa was to build an oasis that provided only the best aesthetic medical services. in a relaxing welcoming spa environment” said co founder of Eden, Andy Dinh. Andy’s sister and co-founder, Erin Dinh, a certified medical aesthetician, enjoys assisting clients to match their external appearance with their internal youthfulness.

Eden Medical Spa offers the latest technology in treatments and products
for the body, face, and skin. Our medspa has a friendly staff of
licensed and experienced professionals whose goal is to make you
beautiful. Here’s what Eden can do for you: Spa Services: cellulite
reduction/skin tightening,

Jewelry Designer Sami Nakishbendi and Andy Dinh.

The Dedicated Staff of Eden Medical Spa: Andy Dinh, Tuyet
Le, Carole Pepe, Erin Dinh, Shira Bardfield, Char Ayres, Kirsten Ball,
and Andrew DiFrancesco.

Eden Medical Spa is conveniently located in King of Prussia, Pa and is your course for facial and body rejuvenation without cosmetic surgery. For those experiencing the signs of aging , their medical spa services and physician supervised skin care will give you a refreshed appearance and the confidence that comes with a younger healthier appearance.

Max Nguyen and Timmy Truong.
“Eden is offering a Grand Opening Promotion of 50% off all services for
first time Clients. Call Erin today to schedule your free consult. 484-681-9753.”

Jackie Konin and Linda Plessett.

Patient Room.

A few of the services available at Eden are skin tightening, cellulite reduction, body contouring, laser hair removal, body sculpting, chemical peels, skin resurfacing and photofacials

Medical Director Dr. Keith Kreitz and Andrew
DiFrancesco.

Glecy Capili and Aleli Cueto.

Gary Fox and Audrey Ai.

Grand Prize Winner of Ten Thousand Dollars Dream Make Over – Bevercent Satchell!

Doreen Harrison and Susan
Molineux.

Nancy and Chris Plummer, Erin Dinh, and Andy Dinh.

Nancy and Chris Plummer, Erin Dinh, and Andy Dinh.

Tuyet Le, Mila Sangalang, Susan Mendoza, and Teri T.
Eden Medical Spa
600 West Dekalb Pike, Suite 201, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406(484) 681-9753

Thanks to client Eden Spa and PCC’s Mike Hirata for shooting this for PhillyChitChat.com

Philadelphia

Team Vick Field Dedication Ceremony in Hunting Park – Photos

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 20, 2013

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, The Team Vick Foundation, Philadelphia
Eagles leadership, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks &
Recreation and various council members and community partners unveiled
Hunting Park’s brand-new football field. It will now play host to the
North Philadelphia Aztecs youth football program and Little Flower High
School athletics.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, The Team Vick Foundation, Philadelphia
Eagles leadership, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks &
Recreation and various council members and community partners unveiled
Hunting Park’s brand-new football field. It will now play host to the
North Philadelphia Aztecs youth football program and Little Flower High
School athletics.

Vick’s
foundation donated $200,000 to the $1.4 million revitalization project
that built a new artificial turf field at Hunting Park that was
dedicated on Monday. The multipurpose football and soccer field was
named Team Vick Field and the Eagles quarterback was on hand for the
ceremony.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-eagles/Michael-Vick-dedicates-Team-Vick-Field-at-Hunting-Park.html#6JLqfMSIPdhhb4Dh.99

The $1.4 million capstone project was made possible through the generosity of several funders. Leading the effort with a $200,000 donation was the Team Vick Foundation, the philanthropic organization founded by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

The remainder of the project was funded by the City of Philadelphia; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; JAWS Youth Playbook; LISC Philadelphia; NRG Engergy; The Philadelphia Eagles; The Philly Area Chevy Dealers’ EcoAd through CBS EcoMedia and indivifual donors.

A series of proposed improvements of the Hunting Park football field
will be made, which include: raising the elevation of the field,
installation of a new under-field drainage system, regrading and
resurfacing of the field and play areas, improving the field lighting,
sideline seating, goal posts, amphitheater-style bleacher seating and
addition of a new scoreboard.

A new track and improved lighting
surrounding the perimeter of the field will be created, offering
opportunities for local residents to exercise and lead more active
lifestyles. This
dedication ceremony celebrated the transformation of this football
field, serving as a place for Hunting Park’s 2004 Pop Warner
Championship team, the North Philadelphia Aztecs.

Philadelphia

PODIUM at THE GEEK AWARDS: I FORGOT TO MENTION HOW AWESOME IT WAS PLUS PHILLYMAG LINK

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 19, 2013

I didn’t realize until Saturday night that I was a geek. I always thought a geek, nerd, was an techy, mensa intelligent kinda person, really into their gadgets, now I have gadgets, but only because I’m ‘married’ to a get and he keeps me rolling in gadgets. But I learned a geek is also someone who obseseses, I mean has a passion for a particular subject, collection or something. I think nearly everything I tweet makes me a geek. I am an info geek, an over sharer geek, a photo geek and so much more. I embrace my Geekness. (I’m married to a very happy geek too, maybe that’s were our mutual attraction comes from. Check out my awesome, and I’m not to shy to say it’s awesome, post over on PhillyMag about the awesome Geek Awards Night. I might not have stayed up all night writing the post like I did for the Hamels Gala, but I stood in the back of the auditorium for the 2 hrs ceremony.

I forgot to mention how awesome the podium was this year.

2010

2011 – was pretty darn good

But this one is right up there with Lady Gaga’s video for Applause.

Outstanding. I love, love, love how the Academy of Natural Sciences allowed them to move this head of a dinosaur this close to the podium. Those things are priceless. They must have forbidden everyone to drink that got near it, except for that one lady who said she already had too much scotch and was slurring her words.

Philadelphia

MY HAMELS FOUNDATION DIAMOND & DENIM 2013 LINKS, NEWS & CLIPS

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 19, 2013

Last week I attended The Hamels Foundation Diamond & Denim Gala. I was so touched by the trust they put in me by allowing me to shoot for the first time inside the dinner portion, and in the VIP area. That’s definitely something I’ve strived to achieve in the last 5 years since I began seriously shooting events, to be trusted enough on which photos, and stories need to be told. (To be the Patrick McMullen of Philadelphia).

So it was a no brainer for me to stay awake for the 36 hrs to get the stories out: Philly Mag, Philly.com, make an appearance on Fox 29, send photos to my wire-service, and prepare a story that will be in Us Magazine August 26. In each outlet I offered something different, stories and photos. Oh I screwed up on Fox 29, John Mayberry Jrs’ shoes were black with yellow LV.

Here are a few links to those articles. I was a little tired when I was on Fox 29. I wished I had remembered to mentioned all the good deeds that the Hamels Foundation has done for our city schools, and how in September the first phase of their school in Malawi will be launching. Plus Cole Hamels pitching clinic is coming up in November.

Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

The Philadelphia Magazine Article

The Philly.com Article

My photos on Contact Music Site online

(These are put there by my agency WENN)

And I have a shot in Molly Eichel’s column today.

Philadelphia

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JAY Z’S WHIRLWIND DAY IN PHILADELPHIA (OK JUSTIN WAS HERE FOR ABOUT 36HRS)

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 16, 2013

Nearly everyone on my Twitter timeline headed to Citizen Bank Park on Tuesday night to see the #LegendsofSummer Tour.

They weren’t disappointed. Everyone I’ve talked to tells me it was a blast, one of the best concerts ever. Seamless in every way, it had a flow. Here’s what City Paper’s A.D. Amorosi. had to say:

“The largest part of the show’s success came down to two things, the
first being its pacing. There was not a moment wasted, what with the
liberal use of its side stages (JT popped up out of nowhere splashily
singing a jazzy cover of Sinatra’s “New York, New York” before Jay Z
took to a snazzy “Empire State of Mind”) and the trap door at stage
center that allowed one man to disappear from view while the other
appeared (as the shouts of “Hova” wafted in the breeze at the end of one
song, up popped JT with the next) to start the next song.”

Me, I didn’t make it, I was though on top of everything not going on inside the stadium. Larry Giuffra just so happened to roller blade by Monday evening about 7PM and saw Justin Timberlake get off the tour buses and go into the Four Seasons. (I know the tour buses, which contained the crew and band, continued on to the Sofitel where they were staying.)

The next day my friend Mollie Dronson headed over to the Four Seasons with a friend. (She didn’t have to wait long, and hour or two, and Justin popped out to head to the stadium. he was nice enough to pose for this shot.

Then snapped a paparazzi shot as he entered the car. What’s up with that orange phone?

Shortly before the concert I got a call to cover a VIP gig at Stratus Lounge, at the Hotel Monaco. A late night gig, but that’s about all they told me. It wasn’t til I got there did they tell me it was for HOVA.

JayZ is in a partnership with Barcardi for a new Cognac called D’USSE, and every City he’s stopped in he attends their Official After Party. (Here’s an instagramed shot where he’s ballering it by pouring D’USSE into his newly won Grammy, crazy.)

The room was set up just as his people had requested. (You’ll recall I covered Dr J’s birthday party at Stratus Lounge. You can rent the whole floor out for events.)

At midnight word came that Jay Z decided to fly back to NYC and Beyonce,
but hold the liquor he’d be back in two weeks to party during the Made In America Festival Weekend. The D’ussi girls will be waiting for Jay Z’s return. There was another official after party happening a few blocks away at Sigma Sound Studios. Usually I go to these parties, but by the time I left Stratus, it was 130AM and I was beat. I headed home. WHAT A MISTAKE!!

Justin Timberlake showed up to party, and boy did he. This is the only shot I could find that was taken inside the club. I hear the security was tight, and the body guards were big. NOTE: he’s wearing the same outfit as when he left the hotel earlier in the day. All hell broke lose when the next day the Daily Mail & other outlets carried shots of Justin leaving with a blond who was covering her head.

The next day I headed to the hotel to wish JT a safe bon voyage, as well as to ask him about the mystery blond. Here goes his and Jay Zs luggage, They had their own limo as JayZ coptored it back to NYC the night before.

While in Philly seems someone went to Barnes & Noble, had drinks from Neuro and picked up some great nostalgic wear from Mitchell & Ness.

One of the most exhilarating moments for a fan, and photographer is right before the celebrity departs the hotel. The fans are thinking “I’ve waited for this all my life” as they nearly cry with anticipation, me I;m thinking how’s this going to go down, as I try and remember to ask who’s the blond and did you make it to Geno’s Steaks like you normally do.

Thank god I got a few shots off before JT realized I was there.

He was in no mood and immediately asked me to stop taking photos

Which I did, I didn’t want to screw it up for the fans that were there to get a “photo with, with”, and I knew I had the photos I needed.

My other friend Ian and Justin. I love the big heart on Justin’s shirt.

Justin Timberlake and crew sped off to the airport and took a private plane to Miami for his final concert of the tour Friday night.

Philadelphia

THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES WILL PARADE AGAIN IN PHILLY FOR MADE IN AMERICA FESTIVAL

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date August 15, 2013

‪#‎BudweiserMadeInAmerica IS LESS than 20 days away from‬!

One of the highlights leading up to the event was the magnificent showing of the BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES parading around the neighborhood of Fairmount as they delivered beer to the local bars. Good news, they are coming back. It really is an amazing sight to see.

The Clydesdales are Coming!

Thursday, August 29th 5pm – 9pm

Next
Thursday, August 29th at 5pm, the Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to
22nd and Fairmount Avenue. The Clydesdales will trot down Fairmount
Avenue. This year, Fairmount Avenue between 21st and 22nd Avenue will
be shut down to accommodate the crowds and have a more festive
atmosphere with activities for everyone. Urban Saloon, along with other
restaurants along Fairmount Avenue, such as Fare, Hickory Lane, Jack’s
Firehouse, London Grill, La Calaca Feliz, Rembrandt’s and Bishops Collar
are all great places to enjoy the special occasion.

Here’s the Full Schedule

WHEN:

Wednesday, August 28, 6:00 p.m. — Full hitch in North East Philadelphia Parade

Thursday, August 29, 7:00 p.m. — Full hitch at the Fairmount Carnival Parade

Friday, August 30, 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. — Full hitch at Philadelphia FOP Hall

WHERE:

North East Philadelphia Parade – will begin at this location
7544 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Fairmount Carnival Parade – will begin at this location

2120 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Philadelphia FOP Hall

11630 Caroline Rd.

Philadelphia, PA 19154-2110

Check out my PhillyMag and PhillyChitChat columns about last years visit. PS Not only do they parade, but you get to see them saddled up before the ceremony. Quite a sight, and a delight for the kids.
#PCCBuzz

Set times for this year’s festival will be released Monday, August 26th. Are you ready to party? Tix: http://madeinamericafest.com/

Philadelphia

Gia Allemand dead at 29, as her fellow Bachelor contestants and friends gather in Philly for The Annual Hamels Foundation Reunion

Every year The Hamels Foundation has their star studded charity event which raises money to provide support for quality education in the United States and establish a school
in Malawi, Africa.(It’s tonight)

Besides many of our favorite Phillies players, celebs and local celebs,
it has the distinct pleasure of hosting the Reality Stars from ABC’s
The Bachelor franchise, which includes The Bachelor, The Bacherlorette
and Bachelor Pad. This year the Bachelors are attending with heavy
hearts as their good friend, and fellow contestant on the Bachelor Gia
Allemand (center in 2011) passed away yesterday.

Craig Robinson, Cole Hamels, Tyler Vermette, Chris Lambton, Gwen Goia,
Alli Travis, Jackie Gordon, Jesse
Csincsak, Ann Lueders, Gia Allemand, (I’m missing a few names)

One person who stood out was Gia Allemand. So sweet and excited to come this year with her boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Reviewing her twitter timeline, and talking with her friends, it was a
complete surprise for the turn of events that she decided to take her
life. The papers say it was because of her faltering relationship,
perhaps he decided not to come to Philly to attend the events and she
didn’t want to see her friends, or deal with a heavy emotion such as a
break up in public. Or maybe the pain was to dark, and she didn’t see a way out, or want to live in a world without Ryan, even though so many people from around the world loved her.

I think I’ve talked extensively about my suicide attempts (when I was in my 20s), and all I can say is at that point, the pain seems to be so unbearable. I wish we both knew about American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
during those dark hours. No doubt she knew she was loved by so many, I can see it from the out
pouring of grief on Social Media, and by the interactions she had with
people right up until her suicide. But when you are in that moment, those moments, the pain is so unbearable that you can not see passed it.

Last night as her friends came into town, they first went to the Top of the Tower for a low key SIPS happy hour, but left as it was crowded and they realized they just needed to be together, sitting around, eating dinner at Sampan, and celebrating their friend Gia Allemand. They may be smiling in this photo for me, but I can tell you they were all shocked and devastated, many barely holding back their pain. They conveyed to me that through the Bachelor experience they have made strong connections and friendships from the show; a tragedy like this brings them closer together, and it’s more important than ever to support each other. A few of them just saw Gia last week in NYC at the screening of the finale. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No doubt many of them are re-living their last encounter with Gia to see if there was something amiss. But sometimes it’s something that can’t be seen.

Craig Robinson, Frank Neuschaefer, Ashley Spivey, Chris Bukowski, Sarah Herron, Reality Stars from The Bachelor and Bachelorette and current hosts of HGTV’s ‘Going Yard’, Peyton and Chris Lambton

Sadly for her friends and family this great loss will linger a lifetime. If you need grief counseling, or just someone to talk to you can contact

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and they will give you the tools to deal with this tragic loss.

Tags Ashley Spivey, Chris Bukowski, Chris Lambton, Craig Robinson, Frank Neuschaefer, Gia Allemand, Peyton Lamton, Philadelphia, Sarah Herron, suicide, The Bachelor, The Hamels Foundation