Category: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

Creepy Fun Fabulous Friends Halloween Photos in Philly except for One or two

So many awesome costumes this year!!
 Nick Pytel and Bill Gerhman * sorry I bailed on the party friday, so tired. PS I did send a note.
Hope I still get in invite next year even though it’s twice now.
 Carla and Chris

Brianna, Ariel and Ian – Ian tells me more than one person bit him

 10 days in Key West for Fantasy Fest. These two really love Halloween.
 Way ahead of me I didn’t even buy a pumpkin this year
 Lives in California now
 Adorable
 Halloween on Delancy St

 Hostess with the mostess
 I thought you were a Corgie?

 Beyond sheepish about haunted houses
 Patti Smith at Phl Library 11/6 but completely sold out. Patti grew up in South Jersey. Before heading to NYC and fame, she stopped by St Joan of Arc pony statue at 25th and Kelly to say good bye to Philly.

Adam Joseph kills the internet with his hundreds of thousands of fans. This post had 23ks likes as of last night.
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Philadelphia

Fox 29 Celebrates Halloween with Nikki Minaj, Kris Jenner, Tom Brady, Arianna Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber and Drake

A lot of ghoulish fun was happening over at the Fox 29 Studios yesterday

Not just with the zombies from Eastern State Pen, 
TMZ was on hand to capture the moment
I was there doing my thing – Paparazzi

 Kris Jenner
 Tom Brady
 Rihanna
 Justin Beiber. He didn’t show us his abs, but he did a little twerking
 Taylor Swift
 Drake
 Nikki Minaj
 The TMZ Bus
 OMG there’s Kim Davis
 Face painting
 dancing zombies
 a kids costume contest

 Megan, one of the producers signalling to wrap it up. Hope you caught my periscope behind the scenes video where I introduced you to all the planning producers, and all the elements that go into making the great Good Day show
 Megan prepping the ghouls and guests for the last shot

 oh and there’s Ariana Grande interviewing our producer Jessica Klein (c)
Diane the floor producer is unmic’ing Ariana Grande, as Kris Jenner and Jessica Klein pose for a shot.
http://www.fox29.com/good-day
Check out the video from the show above

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Philadelphia

Closing: The Latham: One of the Most Historic Hotels in Philadelphia

 Built as apartments in 1915, then converted to the fancy 138-room Latham Hotel in the late 1960’s and once considered the Four Seasons and
Ritz-Carlton of its time, according to
sources in the industry in an article by Suzette Parmley, Inquirer Staff Writer 1/12/11 is closing on November 9 to return to apartments.

Back then the article was about how the Latham was undergoing a renovation to spruce up the place a bit as newer hotels had opened and were siphoning off business. Well it seems that event that didn’t help keep the hotel a float to the satisfaction of it’s owners as they have sold it right under the employees nose.

Employees were told on Wednesday that the hotel would be closed by November 9. The new owners are converting the grand old lady into Condominiums. I can’t imagine this coming at a worse time as we head into the holiday season, and as the City gears up for the DNC2016 in just over 8 months. Gone will be  Joe Broderick, who just celebrated his 45th year opening the front door, greeting guests and sending them to the hot spots around town.
Also on the chopping block is the restaurant urban enoteca,which never seem to catch on. Not since Jolly’s occupied this space nearly a decade ago, has any eatery done well on this prime corner of 17th and Walnut Streets. Hopefully the new owners will get something hot and happening there, and for gods sake hire a PR person and get the word out.

UPDATE: Philly Mag’s James Jennings has the scoop on the new owner. Pearl Properties. Those guys are buying up the City. You can read more on my nostaligia with the Latham, or click now to read more about the Latham’s new owner and plans.

 I have fond memories of the Latham, it’s where the forgettable “Dead Man Down’ was filmed and I grab a few shots of Terrence Howard as he filmed a scene outside.

At one point peeps at The Latham let me hang out in a hotel room, and I was able to grab this shot of Terrence Howard getting selfies with fans, back in 2012.
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Philadelphia

Boo: Eastern State Penn – Terror Behind The Walls News, Fairmount Fun and Celebrities Out and About

Good Friday morning to you. So crazy busy this week I am tardy on so many entries. I’m in a slight hurry this morning as I am headed to Fox 29 for the annual Halloween Show. Today they’re going to chat about their visit to Terror Behind the Walls a few days ago. I went last night, which was the latest in the season I’d ever had gone. It was as great as ever, with guests optioning again whether to wear the glow necklace which allows the ghouls to actually touch you, and they do. I love that place, it’s so fun and scary. I was there earlier this week as the cast from the Broadway show

Bullets Over Broadway stopped in for a tour. Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who, in
desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer
he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl
girlfriend. Here they are in Al Capone’s Cell.

Tickets are still available: INFO here
Saturday after the Rock and Roll Marathon, stop by Bishop’s Collar beer garden
 That afternoon bring the kids to Fairmount’s Fall Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary

 That night stop by La Calaca Feliz for Fright Night Fiesta. I’ll be at the Henri David Ball with Mike. It’ll be our 18th time.  So fun.

   And of course you can stop by Eastern State Penitentiary for Terror Behind The Walls

 
Waiting in line can be fun, see the ghoul who scared her?
 

 From this point it’s a 35 minute wait, but it’s #Tradition.
 
 This year it’s as fun as ever PS Sorry to the girls behind me who had to endure my screaming.
 This year they have a speakeasy. Only $10, gets you a drink, access to a fortune teller, a trickster, 
entertainment, and 
fun with friends.

 ****************************

 Friends and Romans
Actor  Michael Rispoli and director  Christopher Kublan from Friends and Romans stopped by for a screening at Riverview on Wednesday. It was a funny movie. Go see it. Check out these reviews to see what your in for.
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20151030_Review___Sopranos__alum_tries_his_hand_at_Shakespeare_in__Friends_and_Romans_.html
Bada bing: Goodfellas
 staging Shakespeare
*********************

What are you doing Monday night?
Join #Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins at his 2nd Annual Fundraiser; Blitz, Bow-Ties & Bourbon! Tickets: http://bit.ly/1L3z4JZ
 
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Philadelphia

Photos: Hopeworks 15th Anniversary Celebration at the Downtown Club

Hopeworks celebrated . Hopeworks ‘N Camden is a youth organization which utilizing an advanced
training curriculum in web design/development, GIS and Sales force, and
works with youth 14­-23 to get back in school and find a safe pathway to
their future.

 Marlene Olshan, City of Philadelphia, Department of Human Services, Sherby Diaz, Youth Trainer
Hopeworks ‘N Camden, and Dan Rhoton, Executive Director at Hopeworks ‘N Camden
 Luis and Hetty Olivieri

 Del Giannotti and Toni Vielehr
 Betsy Messina, Korn/Ferry International, Agata Clevenger, Destination Maternity Corporation, Ruben Reyes, Lyquix and Tom Macphee

 Naomi Maldonado and Lamar Thompson
 Lynn and Morris Bullen
 LeaunDra McCullough and Donna McCullough

 Nancy Uffner, William Uffner, MD and Dr. Giampaolo Gallo, MD
  Lee Carson and Boris Tikhonov
Rev Kevin Mohan and Kathleen Duffy
Dan Rhoton. Executive Director
 Naomi Maldonado thanked Hopeworks for it’s guidance which allowed her to reach her goals. She thanked her mom, her inspiration. She raised three kids, working and going to school. She was a great role model for Naomi; who has gone on to get an MBA from St. Joes and follow her dream. Now she’s back to Hopeworks as a board member and is glad to help youth navigate their lives.
Dinner was served
Hopeworks ‘N Camden is a nonprofit that has been working for over 11 years with Camden youth. Utilizing
an advanced training curriculum in web site design/development, GIS and
Salesforce, Hopeworks works with youth 14-23 to get back in school (the
estimated high school dropout rate in Camden is close to 70%). To read
more about Hopeworks, visit www.hopeworks.org.

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Philadelphia

Puuurrfect: Uber Will Deliver Adorable Kittens To You For National Cat Day

The Pennsylvania SPCA is teaming up with Uber
to celebrate National Cat Day, TODAY: Thursday, October 29, by bringing
playdates back, this time providing offices throughout Philadelphia with
the opportunity to book kitten playdates by using the Uber smartphone app.

 Beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Uber users in Philadelphia (including Center City, Old City, the Navy Yard, University City and more) can open the Uber
app, slide over to KITTENS and request 15 minutes of “purrfect”
playtime for $30, delivered from a car that will be carrying adoptable
kittens. Every dollar earned from the event will be directly donated to
the Pennsylvania SPCA and their lifesaving mission.

 “After the success of UberPUPPIES this
summer, we decided to target cat enthusiasts for our second promotion,
introducing UberKITTENS,” said Jon Feldman, general manager of Uber
Philadelphia. “These kitten playdates are a fun and engaging way to
raise money and awareness for a worthy cause, and we’re excited to once
again use the power of our platform to connect pet lovers to kittens in
need of a forever home.”

Here’s how it works:
1.       Open the app from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 29
2.       Request the KITTENS option. Please note: Kittens can only be delivered to offices, no private residences will be accepted
3.       Once
the kittens arrive, requesters will get to enjoy 15 minutes of kitten
cuteness. PRO TIP: Make sure to have an enclosed space ready for kitten
playtime and make sure no other animals are in the area
4.       Found
your new furry family member? All kittens are eligible for adoption at
the Pennsylvania SPCA Fishtown location, 1546 Frankford Avenue, from 3-7
p.m.
At 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, the kittens will be loaded into the Uber cars in the side lot at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters at 350. E. Erie Avenue. 
or those unable to partake in the Uber
playdates, the Pennsylvania SPCA will host a series of Halloween-themed
events at all three locations on Saturday, October 31, 2015. Along with
family-friendly activities, a select cast of characters will be
available for discounted adoption fees. For more information, visit www.pspca.org. All pixs provided by Uber.
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Philadelphia

Last Night Amber Rose Brought Her Bad Bitch Self and Grandfather to Center City Barnes & Noble

The newly minted author, Amber Rose, who is promoting the launch of her debut read “How To Be a Bad Bitch, made a stop in her hometown of Philly last night.

Bringing the fans out in droves, including
 Paul Roysdon and Matthew Paisley

Amber’s next door neighbors growing up. Mrs G (r) tells me that she was there was Amber was born, beautiful out of the womb she said. A cheeky young girl as nice as can be. She knew she be something big, always a dreamer with a drive to make it.


 Looking gorgeous, its been nearly 6 years ago since her star elevated, getting a national break by meeting Kanye West

It was 6 years since I photographed her at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Spring Garden at her friend Congo Green’s birthday party. 

The curvaceous model put both her boobs and her backside on show in the loose-fitting corduroy onesie with plunging back and a low V-neck.
A British tabloid called this back shot a wardrobe malfunction, I think they were just going for hits with that title.
Since rocketing on to the celebrity scene, Amber has attracted the media. The guys last night were excited she showed up in an attractive tan jumpsuit, as the previous night she was in NYC wearing blah black.

Amber Rose’s grandfather Poppy Sonny Rose sat in for her book signing. Many of Amber’s family members and friends were in line to see her. She told me she was excited to see them, and it really was the only time she had as she was finishing up her book tour and was eager to pick up her son and go home.

 

Wearing a smile that could light up a room, Amber took the opportunity to promote her own sunglass line Amber Rose Eyewear as well.This pair is called Elton Gold Shades.


I’m sure it was a welcomed site to be home after her stint on Watch What Happens Live Sunday when Andy Cohen declared Amber Rose the worst guest on his show after she refused to
answer any of his questions regarding her ex Kanye West or the
Kardashian-Jenner family on the show. I watched it and she declined in the nicest way. I don’t blame Andy either, even though it’s in the past, he is definitely the guy that cracked opened the door for her before her booty busted it open.

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Philadelphia

Party Pixs: Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP hosted its annual “Real Deal Reception”

On Oct. 13 at Circ Restaurant-Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, Stradley  Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP hosted its annual “Real Deal Reception” for   financial clients and friends, held in conjunction with the Association for   Corporate Growth Philadelphia’s Annual M&A East Conference at the   Pennsylvania Convention Center.

 Dean Schwartz (Stradley Ronon) & Chuck  Eckert (Fairmount Partners)

 Michael Valucci (CliftonLarsonAllen), Marc  Armstrong (Aon Risk Solutions), Bill Sasso   (Chairman of Stradley Ronon) & Bryan Rowland   (Checkpoint Systems)

Cristina Barsony (Wilmington Trust), Michael Post & Richard Ellis (M&T Bank)
Photo on Right Harris Diamond (Stradley Ronon), Chris  Heckman & Irene Marks (Wells Fargo   Capital Finance)

Leigh Ann Schultz (MorganFranklin)

& Thomas Ennis (MidCap Financial)

Christopher Sanjenis (Rosenthal &  Rosenthal), Mike Bonner (Stradley Ronon),   Howard Moore (Rosenthal & Rosenthal)  Tim Boyle (BB&T Equipment Finance)
Barry Smith (Pine Hill Group), Jeff Jansen  (Aon Risk Solutions) & Robert Kolb (Conway   MacKenzie )
Joe Purcell (Eisner Amper) & Kevin Boyle  (Stradley Ronon)
Todd Vanett (Stradley Ronon) &  Frank Marcucci (EAC Valuations)
Kirk Katchen (Wells Fargo) &   Deborah Hong (Stradley Ronon)
Anastasia Sheffler-Wood and Josh Silverstein (Stradley Ronon)
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Philadelphia

Pictorial: Fairmount Park Conservancy’s 4th Glow in the Park

Last week I overslept my nap and missed the opening of the Philly Film Fesitval and Glow in the Park

 The Fairmount Park Conservancy sent over a few photos of the event. It was as cool as I suspected. How awesome we have a beautiful, fun park such as Fairmount Park, and an organization that cares for its upkeep as well as putting on events that showcase it’s beauty, as if nature wasn’t enough.

 GLOW in the Park is the Fairmount Park Conservancy’s 4th annual event to showcase Philly’s  amazing parks and build the next generation of park champions. Event will take place at the   Smith Memorial Arch, which will glow in the dark with music, food, and drinks. Entertainment   includes an aerialist, glow hula hoop dancing with Hooping with Dana, music from the   Slippery Band, a Poseybooth photo booth, and more. Food and drinks feature favorite   Philadelphia food trucks Cow and the Curd, Poi Dog, Bonjour Creperie, Just Jackies and Dre’s   Water Ice as well as Whistle Pig with a whiskey-based specialty cocktail, and s’mores for   cooking over the fire pits.

 “Entertainment scheduled included an aerialist,
glow-in-the-dark hula hooping and live music. Food and drink will be
made available thanks to a lineup of food trucks, and local distiller
WhistlePig will be there with a promised whiskey-based cocktail and all
the fixin’s you’ll need to make s’mores.

 The Fairmount Park Conservancy exists to champion the Fairmount Park system.  Its mission  is to work as a collaborative partner to lead and support efforts that preserve and improve   Fairmount Park to enhance the quality of life and stimulate the economic development of the   Greater Philadelphia Region. The Fairmount Park Conservancy fulfills its mission by leading   signature capital projects and innovative programs throughout Fairmount Park; by   developing and leveraging resources for the park; and by promoting the parks’ unique assets   and contributions.

 The Fairmount Park system covers more than 10,200 acres and is  
considered one of the largest urban park systems in the world.  It
includes a network of more   than 100 neighborhood parks and contains
some of the region’s most famous treasures and   attractions. For more
information, please visit www.myphillypark.org Like the Fairmount  
Park Conservancy on Facebook at facebook.com/FairmountParkConservancy and Follow on   Instagram and Twitter @myphillypark.

Thanks to Albert Yee for the Fairmount Park Conservancy for taking this pictures.
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Philadelphia

OUT: Jay Peterno, Gilbert Gottfried, Marriages, Amber Rose, Michael Moore, and a Celebrity Huntress

It’s been a gorgeous autumn, but I’ve been too busy to do my annual drive to take photos…

although last night I did capture a few shots at the Appleford Estate in Villanova when I covered the Kolbe Fund Rhythm and Brews dinner, which I will write more about later this week. 
Same shot but at night, under the moonlight with flash. Let’s see who was out and about this past week.

 Ian Larson and Jamie Reibenbach ran into Jay Paterno at TenStone Restaurant.
 
Greg Basile took in the hilarious Gilbert Gottfried show at Helium on Sansom Street. They always have great acts there. We’re lucky to have a first rate comedy club like this in Philly. I like that there’s seats and there are tables. 
 Congrats to Jason Lewis and Anthony Barone on their nuptials. The duo done the deed at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Rehoboth, and were married by openly gay judge Abbe Fletman. On hand were a lot of friends and family members. Jason’s and Anthony’s mom walked each of them down the aisle. Misting in the seats were Jason’s co-workers including his boss Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown.

 Later the duo were feted on stage at the Blue Moon by songstress Pamela Stanley to the tune of “Going to the Chapel”

Congrats to my cousin Jessica Matthews on her marriage to Ron Carmen. The duo also got married in Delaware at Dewey Beach.
Scenester Melissa Leonard is living the middle chapter of her life getting “selfies” with notables in sports, celebrities, boy bands and bold faced names. Did you see even a national blog did a story on her notorious celeb catches at Sundance. Follower her on FB to see who she hunts down next. In fact her friends call her celebrity huntress.

 Aaron Wheeler, of the Wilmington Hammerheads, Dave Yike, Stratus’ VIP Host and Andrew Wheeler listen to Lil Jon at Stratus Lounge 3rd Anniversary Party

Saturday Night at Stratus Lounge: THIS #Selfie Pix is the funniest ever: Lil Jon didn’t turn down at Stratus Lounge anniversary party – Metro http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/lil-jon-didn-t-turn-down-at-stratus-lounge-anniversary-party/zsJojz—Z9n1Ik8r6PTlY/#.Vi5ka3uDbV4.twitter
Out this week:
Amber Rose at Barnes & Noble Center City
Tuesday October 27, 2015 7:00 PM From the sets of music videos, to high fashion runways and magazines, to life at home with her beautiful son, Amber Rose doesn’t hesitate to command her personal stage with confidence, edge, attitude and her own form of grace. For the first time, she is sharing her secrets on how to lead a powerful life in this edgy yet accessible guide to life, love and success.  – But don’t call her a stripper that slept her way to the top, she doesn’t react well to that. Just ask GQ magazine.
The Philadelphia Film Festival is still going on. This week Michael Moore is in town. Plus there are plenty of other great shows to take in.
Phila Film Festival