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Philadelphia

1st Annual Cancer is Ugly! Ugly Sweater Party – Not Ugly Hop Sing Laundromat

I heard the news today, oh boy
that Hop Sing Laundromat will open by New Year’s Eve. I have no idea of the time frame, it’s a mystery.
Butt you can bet that your gonna love the place. It’s eclectic, and while you nurse your favorite drink there’s plenty to see on the wall, on the bar, in the chairs around you.
Speaking of chairs, Lee knew I’d be perfect for checking out the constitution of the chairs.
This was my favorite one. There’s a couple of couches too. Follow the progress on twitter at @HopSingLaundry or at the website (The site will probably solve the mystery of when the much anticipated bar opens to the public. No doubt both will go live the same day.) Check out Michael Klein’s column to see how you can snag a first entrant ticket to enter.

Now check out the Ugly Sweater Party which benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, plus they’re a hoot!

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1st Annual Cancer is Ugly! Sweater Party with Project RunwayWinner Jay McCarroll
2 weeks ago a whole bunch of peeps drug out their ugliest holiday sweater for the 1st Annual Cancer is Ugly! Sweater Party at City Tap House in University City (3925 Walnut Street). Proceeds from the evening will benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Eastern Pennsylvania.

Anne Gwal, Jodi Friedman, Matt Mellott, Jay McCarroll, Winner of Project Runway Season 1 and Winner of Celebrity Fit Challenge Season 7 and Heidi Kelly
Kristen Haneman, Jordan Youngblood, Maxine Pratt, Adam Spivack, and Justin BosleyMarcello Luzi, Weixler, Peterson & Luzi, Interior Designers, Jodi Friedman and Gregory Seitter, Marketing manager of the Eastern Pennsylvania’s Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Adorable, and the sweaters are cute too.
Marc Bortz, Allison Law, Siobhan Mulvey
Alan Hasanbegouio, Bradly Rink and Mike Viscuse
Bill Melleby, Brandon Mahon, and Joe McVey
Kate Bertolet and Monica Tucker
James DiMesi, Winner of the Ugliest Sweater, and Jay McCarroll. I thought the sweater was kinda cute. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada including the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. (Pixs courtesy of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS))

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Philadelphia

YOU’RE GONNA WANT A COOKIE AFTER THIS – GN Kang’s Gingerbread House Party

A Sweet Entry…first congratulations to Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards on their engagement over the weekend.Now on to today’s post.

It was a couple nights before Christmas and all through the house were amateur architectsvying for the best Gingerbread House The party was hosted by G-N Kang and her boyfriend Ian, who would go on to judge the finished houses to see who would win the Apple TV. Second prize was Gift Card to Paddywhacks. Everyone else got a bottle of Tequila or pick of DVD

The house that inspired it all. GN loves Hello Kitty. After she and Ian constructed their house the week before, they thought hmm wouldn’t it be fun…
Fish eye setting on my camera
Nicole and Maria working on their Phillies house. Guess they were appealing to one of the judges.The Hamels Foundation’s assistant, Kristen and her bf building the TV show “House” Gingerbread House, I guess appealing to the other judge.Durrell bottoms, Wanda Mora and Eric SerranoMarina Kogan, co-owners of Rumor night club (With Mark Marek) Ksenia and Gary Shusman (not pictured)
Nearly a dozen couples participated in the fun but sticky contest. They had 30 minutes to construct their sweet house.A few of the judges check out the houses (Look there’s Mike)Let the judging begin, as each contestant explained the theme of their house.
New Year’s Eve inspired
Earthquake
Ho Ho Ho Whorehouse
The TV Show House complete with Dr Ian and Nurse GN Kang

The winner, crackhouse glory with jacked up electrical lights and Three Kings on the roof top. (That’s not my description, but the girl who won said it was based on a house down the street from her.)
Hello, Kitty!!

(Happy birthday to my birth mother Marie Russell Dillon who would have been 74 years old today. 12/27/37 – 9/25/95)

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Philadelphia

Kimmel Center’s 2012 New Year’s Day Celebration 1/1/12 – It’s Along The Mummers Parade Route

The Kimmel Center Rings in the New Year

with 2012 New Year’s Day Celebration!

DECEMBER 16, 2011 Warm up Indoors with Free at the Kimmel Entertainment and View of the Parade
Celebrate 10 Years with the Kimmel Center!
The Kimmel Center rings in the New Year with a free indoor 2012 New Year’s Day Celebration on Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 10am to 6pm. Parade-enthusiasts can warm up indoors while enjoying Philadelphia’s historical Mummers Parade on Broad Street. The Free at the Kimmel 10th Anniversary Celebration continues with a series of family-friendly performances on the Commonwealth Plaza level, with festive treats and drinks available for purchase from Wolfgang Puck. To celebrate the Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary and the arrival of 2012, Kimmel Center Presents will be providing ticket giveaways at the end of each free performance in the Plaza, and on Facebook and Twitter, with opportunities to win tickets to: Philadanco’s spring performance of The Philadelphia Connection; Elegy for Young Lovers, a co-presentation of Curtis Opera Theatre, Opera Company of Philadelphia and Kimmel Center Presents; and select Broadway and Kimmel Center Presents performances. Visit www.kimmelcenter.org for more info. Free at the Kimmel Series 2012 New Year’s Day festivities include: 10am – 6pm: Resolution Wall: post this year’s resolutions for all to see 10:30am – 3:30pm: Kid’s Festivities: face painting, crafts and balloon animals plus the Philly Pholders with origami designs for all ages! 10:30am – 2:30pm: Stilt walkers on display
11:00am: Vanessa Trien (PNC Grow Up Great Concert) 12:30pm: Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans (PNC Grow Up Great Concert) 2:00pm: Broadway Dreams Foundation: Celebrating Broadway! 3:30pm: Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble Wolfgang Puck will take part in the Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary festivities by offering festive treats for purchase during all free Plaza performances. For the adults they will concoct colorful Peppermint Martinis as well as Snowflake Martinis. For younger guests, they will offer Pigs in a Blanket (miniature hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry) and Candy Cane Cocoa (hot chocolate with whipped cream and bits of real peppermint candy.) Stop by the PECO Café to sample these exciting holiday treats!

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Philadelphia

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah Wishes Fun Pixs of the Season – Plus Jersey Shore’s Situation at Shampoo





Al Besse & Scott Evers, Melissa Santanello and Joseph Matthews present the
RED CARPET New Years Eve Philanthropic Extravaganza!

Beth D’Addono, Travel Editor, Local Living Magazine

SATW, Les Dames d’Escoffier, ASJA unchainedtravel.com

and Peter Dobezynski were the hostest with the mostest at their soiree last Saturday night. Thanks.

I ran into a few people I don’t see enough: Jennie Hatton, Cara Schneider and Kristina Jenkins. Cara hosted me and a few other media folks at the GPTMC Holiday Party a few days later. Lots of exciting things coming up for Philly in the new year. Can’t wait to share with you.

Karen Toole-Ebbert, Jacqui Ebbert and Erin Condiff. Jacqui Ebbert is a trained violinist, look for good things in the future from her.

Band branding. I had no idea who this noodle company was. If I paid $25000 towards the sponsorship of the Christmas Village, I would have put Kraft on the sign. Ridiculous.

You know I love this Wish Board at the Christmas Village
Hope that’s not Liza Minnelli
Just married at City Hall, Albert and Heather Poblana


Mike ‘the situation‘ Sorrentino promotes Devotion Vodka at shampoo nightclub in Philly last night.

My nephew
Alison Frick with Dave Warren and Mr and Mrs. Pusey at the Frick Team Holiday Client Party at the The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.
Christina Tomassetti Forrest, Alexis McCann and Teri Andreozzi at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.
The kid is sitting on his dad’s shoulders
Notice the Cherry tree is blossoming?
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah Wishes

Categories
Philadelphia

My Philly Mag Holiday Shots Today: Sixers, Sheryl Lee Ralph & Sen Vincent Hughes

Click on the links to get the two Philadelphia Mag “One Shots” in today’s column.

http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/author/hdillon/

Categories
Philadelphia

The March of Dimes 15th Annual Signature Chefs Auction

The March of Dimes 15th Annual Signature Chefs Auction at The Please Touch Museum. It was a delicious opportunity to meet local chefs, savor their best dishes, bid on auction packages and enjoy a meal with others who are helping ensure all babies are born healthy. Honorary Chef Chair: Rosario Romano, Ristorante Panorama with Fox 29’s Jen Frederick as the celebrity chef, Carlo Sena and April Martin
Square 1682, Kimpton’s first Philadelphia restaurant and bar. Nationally celebrated Chef Guillermo Tellez waves hi.
Anthony Masapollo, Le Castagne (r) 1920 Chestnut St
The Penn’s View Hotel and Ristorante Panorama are owned and operated by Luca Sena with George Perrier, Le Bec Fin and Georges
Pastry Monica Glass at her last event before she left 10 Arts (to go to the newly relocated Fish ) with Greg Comishock as NBC10’s John Clark is their celebrity chef.Jen Frederick, and WMMR’s Marissa Magnatta as Chef Peter McAndrews, Monsù, Paesano’s and Modo Mio looks on
Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Bryn Mawr – Nick Farina. His favorite TV star, Julia Child – Seafood paella – YUMMY!!
MC Mark Summers (Host of the Food Network’s “Unwrapped”) at the podium
Mayor Michael Nutter on stage. I like the set up that the March of Dimes did at the Please Touch Museum.
The stage is on the opposite side where it sometimes is, and the tables are not as packed in as they can be. Nothing is more irritating then navigating through the sea of chairs bumping into them, guests complain to me.

Categories
Philadelphia

MAKE A WISH AT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outdoor Holiday market event at Love Park across from City Hall from Thanksgiving till Christmas Eve.
There’s a board there where you can make holiday wishes. The $3 bucks goes to the rent of Christmas Village, who wish to return next year.
That would be my wish too. It’s a great place to shop for unique items
Santa is going to have wheels on his sleigh this year cause there’s no snow on the ground
For something more appetizing, stop by Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse right down the street for a delicious treat.
I love the secret Santa’s that are paying off folks lay-a-ways at the local department stores
Drop a dollar or two in the Salvation Army red bucket
woof
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

Two-time Olympian Johnny Weir is coming to Philadelphia Dec. 23 to perform in “Holiday Dreams on Ice,” an Olympic ice show featuring Weir and fellow skating stars Ashley Wagner, Armin Mahbanoozadeh, Samantha Cesario, Brandon Mroz and Tamar Katz. Also stopping by the Phila Gay Men’s Chorus singing a medley of Village People songs that Johnny will skate too.
Congrats on your marriage!!
Check out my Philly Mag Column today: I cover the Pavarotti Room Dedication at the Rittenhouse, but look who’s pix I got. Sure looks like the sale of the hotel is going through.
Thanks to our soldiers. Send them notes all year long here.

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Philadelphia

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE CHRISTMAS TREE on a Rainy Day

Remember I always told you the sky is always a brilliant blue at dusk and dawn
even on rainy days. So if you want shots like these go to the park today around 5PM. I shot these on my way to the Rittenhouse Hotel dedication of the Pavarotti Suite.
Happy 1st day of Winter. It’s raining today too so get all your Christmas Presents, Holiday Gifts in Center City Under One Roof at the Shops of Liberty Place 16 and Chestnut. Plus they have a calendar store, a great Turkish Jewelery Store – Bella Turka, plus Fire & Ice

December 12th-December 25th: $25 gift card with a $125 purchase and a $50 gift card with a $200 purchase

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Philadelphia

Philadelphia Passion of the Lingerie Football Still Around, & Still Winning

The Philadelphia Passion of the Lingerie Football League completed a perfect regular season with a dominating victory over the visiting Toronto Triumph. With a 74-0 final the Passion set the all time league record for both single game scoring and margin of victory.

Passion Players pose before the game.

Passion Player Tankya Renee was featured earlier this year in the Playboy LFL issue. Team mascot the Hulk.

Passion Ladies: Shelley Lashley, Angela Perfetto, and Jaleesa McCrary pose after the big win. Besides being a passion player Angela is also a Preston and Steve girl.No time to use the door, Jaleesa McCrary leaps over the boards.

Leading rusher MariRose Roach is a strong candidate for league MVP. She is seen here following her blockers for a big gain.

Jenny Butler celebrates a big play.
Angela Perfetto wants everyone to know the Passion ladies are Number 1.
(Photos and Captions by Mike Hirata for PhillyChitChat.com)
January 14, 2012 is The Hair of the Dog Party. A lot of Fun under one roof.
Categories
Philadelphia

PHILLY MAG COLUMN – A Question for You – MARK SEGAL’S HOLIDAY PARTY

It’s been 5 months since I’ve been doing my Philly Mag column, and I love it. Did you know I do one or two columns a week over at The Philly Mag in the Philly Post section, plus I do 2 – 3 “One Shot” photos a week.

When I used to photograph for Michael Klein over at the Inquirer for over 3 years, my photos in the Inqlings column used to be “One Shots” ie celebrity or notable shot a week, with a little copy about who, what and where about the photo. Now I do that at Philly Mag in The Philly Post section.

It might be hard to find, as I don’t do them all specific days, and I don’t always promote them as I might be out at meetings when the column goes live. I’m thinking of picking one specific day for the long column. What day would you suggest for my long form column.

As for the “One Shot” they will still be random, but I’d love it if you could check in every day. Or sign up for The Post Email, cause they have a lot of other interesting articles and photos you might enjoy.

You can also click onto The Philly Post and click on any of the photos to bring up my column. I have my own little section on the right hand side. The photos rotate, but to read what I wrote you have to click on the photo. I often put interesting tidbits, news and chitchatter in the columns. For now check out yesterday’s column directly:

http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2011/12/19/hughe-dillon-mark-segals-holiday-party/

Then when you’re done check out The Philly Post, then click back into The Scene to see how it all works. If you have any questions leave them in the comment section.

Also I’m still going to be doing PhillyChitChat.com every day, but I usually don’t do both a PhillyMag and a PCC column about the same event. So check that out The Philly Post. I will still try and either post on twitter of my FB names to remind some of you, as I realize some of you may just read my blog. Thanks, HughE