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Philadelphia

The Latest Snow Totals From NBC, CBS, 6ABC, The Weather Channel and Fox 29 at 5PM Friday

 The weather this week, too much drama.

CBS3 was first to report on Monday that this would be a MAJOR snowstorm. Snow in Philly, rain/snow line near Philly, all rain South Jersey.
 Wednesday 6ABC was the first to land some numbers
 Thursday Sheena Parveen basically pointed out that Cape May was getting screwed with rain and moderate coastal flooding.

Today PhillyWX posted everyone’s predictions.

Well you can throw them all out cause today at 1PM Weather.com said we’re gonna need a bigger boat. The storm is much larger, it’s much colder and the snow is much more fluffier.

Adam Joseph came out with new numbers shortly after in his epic FB video of behind the scenes. They are exactly what everyone wants to see, the whats and how a weather report comes about.

 Today on Kate Bilo’s periscope she mentoned a bet she has with a guy at PHL, saying it would snow 14.4 inches. She’s going to have to pay up, as even her forecast has changed.
 Fox 29’s afternoon forecast
NBC 10’s Forecast. They’re all different.
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Philadelphia

STATEMENT: Academy of Music 159th Anniversary Concert and Ball is Cancelled

Academy of Music 159th Anniversary Concert and Ball is Cancelled
Out
of respect for the safety of our patrons, the Academy of Music Board of
Trustees has regretfully cancelled the 159th Anniversary Concert and
Ball planned for this Saturday, January 23. The
now-elevated blizzard warning, supported by the state of emergency issued by Governor Wolf and the snow emergency issued by Mayor
Kenney, informed our decision. We are currently in the process of making arrangements
to donate surplus food from the event to local food banks and shelters.
This years Young Friends Co-Chair was Katie Gagnon with Ryan Gagnon.

Generations
of Philadelphians have crossed the threshold of the “Grand Old Lady of
Locust Street” in winters past for this event. We hope that the current
generation will continue to support this
tradition of affection. The Anniversary Concert and Ball is the
National Historic Landmark’s most critical fundraiser, which supports
the preservation of the building so unique to the Avenue of the Arts. 
We
honor the efforts of our remarkable co-chairs, Katharine Eyre and Bruce
G. Leto, as they have expended a great deal of time, goodwill, and
personal generosity over the course of the last year
toward creating a magical evening. We likewise recognize all the
Academy volunteer committees for their hard work in the community to
gather support. Particular gratitude goes to our special guest, Martin
Short, and the Hyatt at the Bellevue dance bands for
their early arrival ahead of the snow. We extend our deep appreciation
to Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the musicians and staff of
the Academy of Music and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Cory Siegfried, Co-Chair of the Young Friends of the Academy of Music and Erika Blatt.

Thank you for all your efforts to make this year a success.

We
are deeply grateful for our many generous underwriters and individual
contributors that have helped lay the groundwork for what has been a
very successful fundraiser. We ask for all patron support
of this cherished building to remain in place through donating ticket
expenses to the Restoration Fund for a 100% tax-deductible donation.
Patrons should call the AOM office at 215.893.1978 to make arrangements. Concert-only ticket holders should call Ticket
Philadelphia at 215.893.1999.

Categories
Philadelphia

The More Snow we Get the More of a Discount for Seats at the Flyers Game for You

Philadelphia, PA (January 22, 2016) – As the snow
falls, so do the ticket prices! With the winter season officially
kicking into high gear, the Philadelphia Flyers are offering a special
Snowstorm Savings on tickets to the team’s next two home games at
the Wells Fargo Center—this Monday, January 25 vs. the Boston Bruins at
7 p.m., as well as next Tuesday, February 2 vs. the Montreal Canadiens
at 7 p.m.
The more snow that Philadelphia gets, the deeper
the discount. On Sunday, January 24 at 12 p.m., the ticket discounts
will go live on
PhiladelphiaFlyers.com,
with the savings dependent on how many inches of snow falls at
Philadelphia International Airport, according to the National Weather
Service:
0”-5” – $40 upper level seats/$80 lower level seats
6”-10” – $35 upper level seats /$70 lower level seats
11”-15” – $30 upper level seats /$60 lower level seats
16”+ – $25 upper level seats /$50 lower level seats
Fans can follow Flyers social media (Twitter:
@NHLFlyers; Facebook: Philadelphia Flyers; Instagram: PhiladelphiaFlyers) for the most up-to-date details, as well as the confirmed discounted
pricing following the storm.
The Flyers will take on the Boston Bruins on Monday
at 7 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center, then will square off against the
Montreal Canadiens the following Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. Great
seats are still available by calling 215-218-PUCK
or visiting PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.

#PlayBoldly

(Press Release)

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Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Meek Mill Eats Out, Nicki Minaj is On the Block, SATC’s Mr Big – Chris Noth Dines In – How Much Snow Are We Getting In Philly The Women of Weather Tell Us!

Good Day Gossip Day Thursday

If you are going to the Academy Ball and Concert on Saturday, #ItsAGoInTheSnow . Hope to see you. I did get a hotel room at the Double Tree so I didn’t have to trek through the snow home at midnight. Can’t even imagine the Uber Surge Pricing Saturday night.

Last night I was on my way to the Pen & Pencil Club for a showing of local news photographers work, and got a tip that Meek Mill and friends were eating at Serafina in the window. I got there just in time see Meek and the guys head out. No sign of Nicki Minaj, but a quick look on her instagram

and I see she’s all Jenny on the Block in Brooklyn on the set of her new TV show called Nicki based on her childhood and her neighborhood. It’s being directed by Tim Story.

Nicki has also added blond extensions to her hair. Looks good. Also new besides her extensions, Meek Mill’s new song just dropped. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOJZAE6vovw

Star Power: Sex and the City’s Mr Big – Chris Noth stopped in Tredici Enoteca (114 South 13th St., ) earlier this month to try it out. I’ve been there, and it’s delicious.

 Bon voyage Randi Edelman, who after being with Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, decided she needed a change and headed south for the winter, and maybe longer.
 OH MY Michael Strauss posted this shot of the latest dish at Taproom on 19th – It’s a grilled cheese and ham on a soft pretzel roll.

 Early this week Mike, Kory, Renee Patrone and I headed to dinner at our friend Michelle Leonard’s house on the Mainline. It was an early Mardis Gras dinner. It was delicious and the table setting was so much fun.

 Michelle is the hostess with the mostess (c) here with Renee Patrone, guest, Doreen Mcgettigan (who’s new book THE STRANGER IN MY RECLINER comes next Tuesday.), Karen Toole-Ebbert, Mike, moi and Kory took this pix.

***************************
 How much snow are we getting in Philly? 

 The women of weather in Philly tells us their predictions.

Kate Bilo, CBS3 Philly – (12 – 16 in Philly)
 Kathy Orr, Fox 29 (12-18 in Philly)
 Sheena Parveen, NBC10 (10+) and Cecily Tynan, 6ABC (12 – 18 in Philly)
I think Alicia Vitarelli may have hit the nail on the head.

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Philadelphia

Hair of the Dog 2016 #HotDressHotMess, the set up and links to Columns

Usually every year there’s a good balance of Hot Dresses and Hot Messes at the annual Hair of The Dog charity gala. And by Hot Messes, it’s like the MTV Music Awards red carpet of Philly. Anything goes, anything to get a photographers attention cause everyone can’t be the belle of the ball. This year not too many hot messes.

Kate Beaver’s dress wouldn’t be appropriate for most galas, but it works at Hair of the Dog, which is an event that is geared for attendees from the age of 21 til nearly death. That’s what’s so awesome about the Hair of the Dog, it attracts people from all walks of life, it’s serious fun for everyone whether you bought a $125 ticket or a $250+ VIP ticket.  In the past 5 years, the party has gotten infinitely better, with this year’s party one that’s going to be hard to top. Kate Beaver tells me her gravity defying dress stayed together with double sided tape and a fishing line. Why her dress is in the Best Dressed List at PhillyMag. First of all she has a body that kills, she obviously eats right and works out and the dress fits perfectly. Secondly, the pattern matches the night’s theme “Welcome to The Jungle.” and finally she wore it well and figured out how not to make it a Hot Mess Dress.
 More Best Dressed in PhillyMag

Cari Berkowitz, Marissa Acchione, Emma De Gennaro and Chaz Daley

I arrived before the guests and checked out the layout. This was the 2nd year in a row HOD has set up shop at the Crystal Tea Room. They really embraced the location and set up nice bottle service areas throughout the event space.

This is bottle service set up in one of the VIP lounges.

Food was delicious, as Finley Catering usually is. Taco stations, prime rib stations, cheese steak stations and plenty of desserts. Did I mention it was open bar too?

And free Cheerleader’s Calenders. Cheerleader’s was a major sponsor.

Sam and Colette Gabriel (wearing “The Right Fit Dresses”).

Carlee Sutherland and Joey Pepe

These outfits are the Breast

This look is hot

The Angelina Jolie leg was very prominent on the “red carpet” Saturday night.

The Best Dressed hostess’ Jennifer Sherlock (Did the PR for the Party) and Buffy Elyse Harakidas (director of marketing for Chorus Communications which puts on HOD)

Michelle Finley is fantastic in sequins

Fabulous DJ Sabeel Chohan

There was eye candy and eye opening candy everywhere

Shocking

Matt and Stephanie O’Hanlon

Irina Mitchell, Estia and Kim Frick

I tried my hardest to get the lady on the right to kick out her leg, but she was embarrassed which I found ironic

This lady dyed her hair to match her dress. I would have used this for PhillyMag but his head isnt fully shown and it could never be used in the magazine so I used a photo that can.

Both very lovely, not loving the colors

Sent to one of my outlets but they cut it, as they only could use 15 photos.
Dan Roomberg, Jessica Roomberg, Shelby Spector and Alex Klein

One of the more daring suit choices

I like it, very gold mermaid with tiara.

Hot mess, what are you two doing? I did photoshop her dress a little longer, it was showing too much thigh.

Then again this was just the kinda photo I want to shoot, so fun

Dr. Jennifer N. Caudle and the Right Dress Gals

Color blocking

Who wore it best?

Dressy shorts

Stylish Snappers.

 
I really wanted the front of her dress, but everyone was all hands on deck

Before you knew it, it was over, or for some over to Voyeur for the after hours party. I was beat and headed home. Til next year Hair of the Dog. Check out my photos in The Best Dressed in PhillyMag and Philly Metro.

Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Chef Danni’s Hell’s Kitchen Party at Urban Farmer

Friday night NBC world renowned chef Gordon Ramsay’s television series
Hell’s Kitchen where aspiring chefs compete returned with an all new
Friday January 15, season 15 premiere called, “18 Chefs Compete,”.

Season 15
begins with the newest bunch of contestants traveling to Las Vegas to
see where the winning chef will work and preparing their signature
dishes in that kitchen for the chance to win a ride on the High Roller
Ferris wheel. Philadelphia Chef Danielle Harrison aka Chef Dani held a viewing party at Philly’s newest restaurant Urban Farmer at the newly opened Logan Hotel.

Mindy Levin, Amy Schaeffer, Melissa Lippin and Melanie Schaeffer
Tanya Scott, Kerri Ann Campbell, Samaya Gordon, and Kikanza Cunningham
Debbie Tarantino, Marla McDermott and Britt Mondrinos

A delicious meal of turkey and steak was prepared in front of us by

Executive Chef Richard Brower and Matt Christianson
with delicious sides like spinach, Brussels sprouts and potatoes

George Banks and Bari Goldstein @bestfoodphilly
Robin Kaysen and Mollie Dronson @PhillyFoodies 

Dani made pan
seared scallops which scored a 4 out of 5.
Chef Danni and her parents Marla and Greg Harrison were there to see their daughter through to the next round.
Categories
Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Cedric The Entertainer, Taylor Dayne, No More Steve Highsmith’s Sweaters, Doggie Style

Monday Morning edition of PCC Philly Gossip. Hope you had a great time this weekend. Mine was chock full of fun. Friday night I attended a party by Chef Dannie who hosted a Hell’s Kitchen Season 15 Premiere Party at the newly opened Logan Hotel (which I reviewed on Friday.) I’ll write more about that tomorrow.

Then on Saturday I was at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and attended my friend’s Henry and Chip’s 25th Anniversary together.

 Last week my friend Christal Watson was taking a walk during a jury duty break, and ran into Cendric The Entertainer near the Ritz Carlton. He was on tour with THE COMEDY GET DOWN TOUR: CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER, EDDIE GRIFFIN, D.L. HUGHLEY, GEORGE LOPEZ & CHARLIE MURPHY and appeared at the The Liacouras Center on 1/15/16. Which would explain why George Lopez was spotted at the Sixers game on Thursday night. (BTW Look who was at the Sixers game on Saturday night)

 Congrats are in order for Ronica Cleary formerly of Chasing The News NJ, who was recently picked up by Fox7 in DC where she joins former Philly news gals, Caitlin Roth, Fox 29 and Erin Como, NBC10

No more fun sweaters on New Year’s Day, the WB17 has quietly let Steve Highsmith‘s go. Good luck Steve, I’ll miss you Mummer’s coverage.

 Aspiring entertainment writer Ryan Myers attended the Lemon Ball on Saturday night and ran into CBSPhilly’s Jessica Dean.
 Who doesn’t love Duke of Duke and Winston. This guy wanted to remember Duke by tattooing his ass, I guess when he wants to see the beloved pooch he’ll look in the mirror.

 Congrats to Spoonful, the new food magazine which celebrated with a soiree at JD Domestics at the Cira Center on Saturday night. The invitation was so cool, instead of paper, they used wood like a good spoon.

 Speaking of the Logan Hotel, Saturday night Evantine decorated the newly renovated ballroom for a 50th Birthday Party.

 Guests enjoyed a performance from one of my favorite 80s singers Taylor “Tell It To My Heart” Dane.

 Singer Vassy snapped this shot of Philly’s first snowfall on Sunday. They say there’s a big snowstorm coming next weekend, but who can believe them as they didn’t even predict yesterday’s light dusting.

Categories
Philadelphia

Date Night Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill Bring Luck to the Sixers, then take their Luck …

Last night the Sixers won and I think we owe it all to the good luck charm Meek Mill calls his fiance Nicki Minaj.

 Fans blew up social media with Nicki & Meek photos

Doing make up courtside

Nicki blew up instagram herself posting a few pixs
Categories
Philadelphia

Fox29’s Bob Kelly and his Wife Carrie Encounter a Drunk Driver on their Vacation

Carrie Kelly had this on her FB today, and I copied it here as it’s compelling and lessons learned 
 
Only 3 miles from finally arriving at our picturesque inn in Vermont
last night, Bob and I’s world almost changed. I say almost, but it’s a
word that deserves impact and influence. I was driving my truck and
watched the car directly in front of me get struck by another car flying
down the dark road crossing the center line. I swerved to avoid impact,
pieces of the other car spraying everywhere. We ended up safe and
against the guard rail. Both of us jumping out to help the others. That
car that hit them?? It kept going, swerving into the night. As Bob and I
helped the family hit, minutes later another driver jumped out of his
car saying “there’s been another terrible accident around the bend. The
same car that hit you, she hit others like a half mile down. She’s
totally drunk, and there’s a small child in her car. It’s mayhem down
there.” Bob and I ran down to help. Working where I do, hearing “small
child” and a traumatic situation, my heart and brain doesn’t know how to
stand to the side and mind it’s own business. The scene smelled like
deployed airbags. There was so much screaming and chaos. So much anger.

The mountain road was nothing but taillights and headlights now, people
out of their cars assessing those hit. But one car stood alone. The car
that caused it. The driver almost incoherently intoxicated. In the back a
beautiful little girl. The little girl that told me “can you help me,
my car seat went crazy.” A car seat she was sitting in but had never
been buckled into.
To the woman driving drunk. I spent every
moment with your little girl until she pulled away in the ambulance. As
people screamed outside that you were going to jail and how could you
have done this. I explained to your little girl that “no, jail isn’t a
‘cage’ where your mom can’t breathe, it’s a room where sometimes we have
to go when we make big mistakes.” I stayed with her while she told me
her head hurt and she was scared to go to the hospital alone with
strangers. I stayed with her while we sat in the car watching Snow
Buddies on an iPhone trying to tune out the chaos outside. I didn’t even
know your sweet little girl but my heart broke when she reached for me
and begged the paramedic to let me come with her to the hospital as they
closed the ambulance doors.

You caused so much damage. So many
lives were altered last night, changed. My husband and I spent the rest
of the night holding hands tightly saying seconds could have changed our
life tonight, our children’s lives waiting at home. I could have not
swerved correctly and driven right into it. You could have killed us.
But as I wake up this morning, all I keep thinking about is the other
wreckage from that accident. Because you decided to drink and drive your
little girl witnessed and experienced things someone that innocent
never should have heard or experienced. I can’t stop thinking about her.
I am not here to judge you. I am not here to claim I have never made
mistakes. I have. I am here to remind you as a fellow mom, you have an
obligation. You have a responsibility to that baby to protect her. She
said it wasn’t the first time. It has to be the last.

You hit and almost
killed 3 fathers last night. You hit a teenager on the way to play
goalie in a hockey game. You made a decision that changed the trajectory
of so many families. But at least focus on the impact it had on your
own family. Stop the drinking and driving. Get help. Be a parent. Be a
role model. My husband and I are lucky we got up this morning and still
get to be here. Prayers for all those in last nights accident. And for
you little one, who’s name I won’t write in public, the biggest of
prayers for you sweetheart.

– My note don’t drink and drive, and when there’s an open bar party know you’re limit, know that they’ll be another Saturday night, Another open bar party, another drink to be had. I saw several sad incidences last night at Hair of the Dog and it was sad. There’s no need to be falling down drunk. And if you’re a problem drinking, and the problem could just be weekly hangovers, seek help. Sobriety is a great thing.

Categories
Philadelphia

Science After Dark at The Franklin Institute and Wale Whales at Coda Philly on Thursday Night

Two events I shot this week appeared in my new photo column in Metro Philly. Thanks so much to my editor Rachel Vigoda for making everything look so pretty. I’m so excited to have a fun, hip outlet to place my photos, and I love the new re-designed Metro Philly website. Most people I photograph I tell them where the photos are going to appear, or I say google your name and the event name and you can find your photo, or go to PhillyChitChat and I’ll have a link. So here are a few more photos, and links to this weeks photos.

 I was super impressed by the Franklin Institute’s Science After Dark event. They tell me the monthly themed nights have been going on for awhile now, but I guess I didn’t notice. Usually during the social season I am booked ahead and I don’t divalent from my schedule too much.

 It was an amazing crowd, 2600 strong. The Franklin Institute can tell the actual number because it was sold out in advance a few days.

 Tonight’s theme was Speakeasy Science, and it lived up to that name as they had over 20 stations where instructors spoke on the subject, like the different “medicines” ie alcohol prescribed to patients to cure ailments during the prohibition. It was a way to get around the law.

 I was surprised how many people dressed for the theme of the night, and I mean really went all out.

Upcoming Themed Nights
February 9 – Seven Deadly Sins – Mardis Gras
March 8 – Party Like A Rock Star
April 29 – PSF Closing Party: Nerd Olympics
May 23 – Science Behind Pixar

 July 12 – Treasure Hunt
August 9 – Don’t Try this at Home
September 20 – Wizard School
October 31 – Creatures of the Night
November 15 – Prime Time Crime

Check out more pixs at Metro Philly. 
ALL THE COOL KIDS WERE AT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE
******************
After leaving the Einstein 150th Anniversary Party at the Constitution center, I decided to go check out a tip about a new eatery on Chestnut Street, walking via Walnut Street where everything seems to happen. I stopped by Coda, 1712 Walnut as I remembered Wale was performing there. I stayed longer than I liked and got these shots I placed on Fox 29, and Metro Philly.
 http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/rapper-wale-partied-at-coda-after-concert-with-fetty-wap/zsJpao—appXTH1y6gSN6/
 Check out fan photos and more Wale at Metro Philly. 
Monday the Diana Ross/Jason Alexander shots should be up at PhillyMag. I’ll put the link on PhillyChitChat then, as well as on Social Media all weekend. Have a blast, hope to see you at Hair of The dog on Saturday.