Philly Chit Chat

WOW as if the Comcast Holiday Light Show couldn’t get any better, this year it’s in 3-D and shows daily at the Comcast Center in their lobby at the top of the hour. We’ve taken this holiday show to new heights by making it in 3-D this year. Brian Roberts, Comcast CEO greets the guests this morning (I decided not to share video of the show, as I don’t want to spoil it for you)One of them being Mr. Philadelphia, Albert Lee VIP Concierge at the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center
Lori Wilson from NBC10
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, which is the world’s largest 4 mm, LED display, with 10 million pixels of clarity. The shows are from 10AM to 8PM, except at 5PM M-F to not disrupt the exiting throngs of people going home.
In the spirit of giving, Comcast and the United Way of Southeastern PA (SEPA) are partnering to encourage people to donate to the United Way’s Community Impact Fund and help fight hunger during this holiday season. At the start of the show, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal will appear on screen and encourage visitors to donate $5 to the United Way SEPA by texting ‘PHILLY’ to 864833 which will also be displayed on the screen.This 15-minute show, full of stunning original holiday imagery, music and more, will be shown on The Comcast Experience video wall at the top of each hour from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
All who see the show will receive keepsake 3-D glasses. Comcast Center is at 17th and JFK Boulevard. Again, the shows are from 10AM to 8PM, except at 5PM M-F to not disrupt the exiting throngs of people going home. From Thanksgiving until Christmas Day. (I then recommend you run over to the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, (13th & Market) which is also on the top of the hour, but by the time you walk over there with the kids it will be close to show time.)
Ralph J. Roberts, of Comcast Corporation, David L. Cohen is Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation and Brian Roberts, CEO Comcast

Written and Directed by David Niles, Directed and Chorographed by John Dietrich, Produced by David Niles and Emmora Irwin. Musical Direction by Grant Sturiale, Computers Animations by Stanley Tang, Tsai Tuan Lin, and Manuel Gonzalez

Last night 2009 The Iron Chef held a viewing party at his Philadelphia Mexian Restaurant Distrito for about 300 fans and visiting chefs including Marc Vetri, former Top Chef Contestant Seamus Mullins and Silk City’s Mark Bee. (as well as every foodie blogger Drew Lazor. City Paper’s Meal Ticket, Ashley Primis, Phila Magazine, Philly Grub’s Kirstin Henri, Collin Flatts, Phoodie, Michael Klein and Dan Gross in the City, and we were all Twittering the night away)
Dave Maser and his lovely sister Debbie. Dave is off to the Pennsylvania Society in a few weeks. The Pennsylvania Society is an annual weekend retreat for Pennsylvania’s politicians and business leaders held in New York City. It began during the Gilded Age as a meeting of Pennsylvanians living in New York City who gathered annually beginning in 1899 to discuss events in their home state.
Drew Lazor, City Paper’s Meal Ticket, with Kirsten Henri of NY Magazine’s GrubStreetPhiladelphia

The night was electrifying and everytime Garces name was mentioned on the show, the crowd would erupt with delight. Lots of Mexican Beer was served along with delishes chips, salsa, Giacomo and five-ceviche sampler, scallops, and mini tortilla’s.
Collin Flatt, Phoodie, Iron Chef Jose Garces, and Chef Seamus Mullen (who was voted off Iron Chef last week, and was a fan favorite.)

From Wikepedia: Jose Garces (born c. 1974) is an Ecuadorian American chef restaurant owner and newly-designated Iron Chef. He was born in Chicago to Ecuadorian parents. He owns five restaurants in Philadelphia: Amada, Tinto, Distrito, Chifa, and Village Whiskey. He also owns one restaurant in Chicago, called Mercat a la Planxa. For his work at these restaurants, he was named best chef, Mid-Atlantic region by the James Beard Foundation.[1] Garces has been a challenger on Iron Chef America, defeating Bobby Flay in a 2008 episode featuring melon.[2] He also competed in the second season of The Next Iron Chef and was selected the sixth Iron Chef after defeating opponent chef Jehangir Mehta on November 22, 2009.[3] Garces will debut as an Iron Chef on January 17, 2010, when he squares off against Seattle chef Rachel Yang.[4]
Drew Lazor with the Askley Primis of Philadelphia Magazines The Restaurant Club
Ivonne Dege, Chef Garces and Karin Arthur, who flew in from Seattle to attend the party last night. She makes all his receipes for the boys at the fire station down the street.
Mike Kates and Karen Ini join the party
Which was packed. I love this color scheme. Is it me or are the two best Mexican restaurants in the City very colorful with similar schemes?
Christine Luning, Laurea Gillespie and Laura Lee Swan
Cristin Cassidy, Erin DeCrulio, Jenna Minges and Joshusia Wise (hmm either they drank tooo much or I did cause I had some problems reading their writing. BTW I don’t drink)

Did you know you can eat dinner in a car inside Distrito?
Christopher Scoville and Stacy Franks. A recent new uncle, Christoher works in communications/PR/development, enjoys opera, classical and wine states his twitter. Oh and unique glasses.
Attorney Albert K Marmero and his wife Melissa Castro-Marmero, Director of Outreach for Sounthern New Jersey.
Robert, Beth, Jack & Joe enjoy the festivities, and feast. Good for them getting a seat right near one of the big screen tv’s too.
Beatriz Garces and Top Chef Jose Garces with ex Top Chef contestant Chef Seamus Mullins and Yoonmi Lee enjoying a private party in the Karoake room with his close friends and family. (I snuck in knowing this would be the place to be to get a couple good shots.) Chef Garces grimaces and bites his knuckle in anticipation for the announcement. (Like he didn’t know – LOL)

World Fucking Champion screams Collin Flatt
as wife Beatriz Garces grabs her man for a congratulary kiss with Seamus Mullins and girlfriend Yoonmi Lee looks on…
Jose dances his way thru the crowd and up the stairs. Hughe exit stage right, I have things to do in the morning and then it’s off to the shore for the week. But don’t worry I will have an entry everyday to catch up, as well as three new events this week to slip in. Thanks so much to my
readers, especially the Marriott, Field House, Albert Lee at the Visitor Center, Ryan Defler at Mural Arts, Vlahos PR and Kimberly’s Boutique for the generous donation to the Lisa Reed Cancer Event on Saturday. I didn’t go as it was too difficult for me. I just got news about my sister Judy and she only has weeks left to live and not months like I thought. No need to write me again, I do appreicate your prayers.

Last week I was invited to photograph “Behind the Scene” of a Where Magazine Cover Shoot of the Bacon Brothers, Bunny Sigler and a Mummer to further the campaign of the “Save The Mummers” Campaign (WOW on Where, they have been getting some really nice cover shots lately). The shot was done at Christopher Gabello’s Center City Studio. Chris is one of the nicest, most professional photographers around. He has a lot of fun projects going on like the “Varga Calendar” project he is doing for Varga Bar. I was in his studio a few weeks back to do the “Behind the Scenes” shot with Monique Crawford.
And here’s an outtake that I don’t think will be in the calendar. OK back to Bacon and company.

Kevin Bacon reported back that he appreciated Christopher Gabello’s professionalism and proficiency. He said that he is “rarely involved in photo shoots that run so smooth and are actually enjoyable”.

& that’s so true. I did the whole shoot on my lunch hour, it was so prepared and shot so quickly. Hilda Bacon with attorney Christopher Cabello. It was here I got to apologize to Hilda for botching her name in the Inquirer earlier this year at a shoot that occurred at a WXPN event. I accidentally spelled her name Hilga Bacon. She ribbed me a bit on that one.
All those involved in the shoot that day – The Talent, Producers, Ettore’s Hairsalon and the entourage. www.zanemanagement.com Lloyd Zane Remick, Chris Cabott, Where Magazine’s Laura Burkhardt and Karen Gross; Ettore ,
Bunny Sigler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Bacon and Hilda Bacon, Polish American Stringband Mummer Jim Werner, Christopher Gabello and friends.

It’s odd the annotations don’t show up on this clip. Kevin Bacon, Bunny Sigler, Mummer Jim Werner and Michael Bacon

Food Network star Guy Fieri believes in the power of food according to the Connecticut Post Last night Fieri opened his two-hour “food-a-palooza” (Fieri’s word) in Connecticut last night. The dynamic culinary personality takes the stage to present interactive cooking segments, demos and behind-the-scenes stories from his life on the road. He doesn’t just believe food is meant to nourish our bodies and give us energy. No, anyone who’s familiar with the platinum-haired, hyper-kinetic star of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and other shows knows he believes that if you aren’t sucking down your weight in cheeseburgers, barbecue and other high-cal delicacies, you aren’t really living. Perhaps he has a point. After all, as he pointed out during a recent phone interview, so many important occasions in our lives are tied to food.
In Philly the show will open with a performance by Australian bartender Hayden “Woody” Wood and an appearance from local Cheese steak guru Tony Luke, Jr, who you need to catch in his debut movie “The Nail” out on video now. Tony Luke Jr and Guy Fieri will serving up a few cheesesteaks while the Philly Cheese Steak song is playing in the background:

This event was a “Press Junket” held at the Kimmel Center a few weeks back. That’s when the “celeb” comes to town to promote an upcoming event, which is TONIGHT at The Merriam. Tickets are still Available. Also Fieri is on the cover of this months Where Magazine (check back later this week for my behind the scenes coverage of Kevin Bacon on the cover of Where Magazine), so the publisher Laura Burkhardt brought a blow up of the cover and had him sign it, as well as a few magazine covers which will be donated to various charities for silent auctions. (Thanks to Laura for bringing me along thinking it would be something fun to cover, it was)

Fieri told us that he has a six-foot-tall blender that will crank out 25 gallons of margaritas, I’m sure that will be a crowd favorite.

Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt, Chef Guy Fieri and Where Magazine Editor Karen Gross This shot appeared in Michael Klein’s column last week. I knew immediately that is was the kind of shot he would like. Laura asked Guy if he liked scrapple. Guy said yes, but only scrapple that’s made of pigs butt, cause then at least he knows where the meat came from.
I drove by this morning and Guy’s tour bus is outside the theater.
From Guy’s Website
Guy’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (Philadelphia locations)
Silk City Diner
435 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

The Dining Car & Market
8826 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19136

(this was an interview I did 2 weeks ago w/great stories on how Jen got started. The latest entry I’ve done is here: http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/12/jennifer-carroll-top-chef-finale-news.html but it’s not the entry where she is asked to pack her knives.)

The Top Chef: Las Vegas season premiered August 19th, 2009 with two Philadelphia chefs featured on the show. Now nearing the end of this season one of my favs, someone who I adore is still standing strong. Chef Jennifer Carroll of 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton on Broad Street in Philadelphia.
Every week since the show premiered, 10 Arts has had a viewing party on Wednesday evening. Back in August Jen’s mom, Joan Elizabeth Carroll, who I met at the premiere party, wrote me to tell me that she liked my blog invited me to come any Wednesday to watch the show with them. Finally I had Wednesday free and I took her up on her offer. First I asked Jen a few questions that some of my readers were curious about (Nothing revealing as mums the word with her on the TV Show. She’s got a good poker face.)
1) She swears she never thought about which brother was cuter. (I don’t believe her)
2) Robin is exactly like you saw on TV, very intense and serious about her work.
3) Jen hasn’t had any direct marriage proposals, but her dad, who’s a race car driver, has fielded a few at work and is keeping a list.
4) The actual experience on Top Chef was much more intense than anything she ever experienced, especially because she wasn’t working in a familiar kitchen, with familiar ingredients or under familiar conditions. The desert was hotter than you could imagine.

Jennifer’s biggest fan is no doubt her mother, who never misses a Wednesday. There was a lot of laughter the night I was there (Jen was only with me about 5 minutes as she must stay in the kitchen when the show is on.) Made me wish I had spent more than just this one night there. Maybe we can catch the reruns next year.
Jen told me she was surprised at how stressful the show turned out to be. She’s been an avid viewer for every season and thought that it would be more fun. I asked her why her bubbly personality doesn’t come thru on the show, the one I get to see all the time. She told every aspect of the show her being on the job, and when she is “on the job” then she takes it very seriously as she does with her own job, plus it’s a competition and she takes that seriously too. I had no idea but either she or her 1st Chef, Alberto, inspect every single dish that leaves the kitchen at 10 Arts.

Joan Elizabeth Carroll, Uncle & God Father Tom Lynch, Chef Jennifer Carroll, Kristine Lynch and Aunt Debbie Lynch ;
Doing the Top Chef program was the last thing Jen was thinking of doing, she had a full plate with 10 Arts, getting it off the ground, continuing to grow the restaurant, but Chef Eric Ripert encouraged her to do it. She’s glad she did. She’s so honored to be competing a long side of these top caliber chefs from around the United States, and even more excited to cook for some of the many chefs she admires. She loves cooking for the French chefs as that is where her heart lies having worked under Chef Eric Riper at Le Bernardin in New York City. She’s really excited to be cooking for Chef Thomas Heller this week. (BTW Thomas Keller is at the King of Prussia Mall Friday at 1PM) I know a lot of my readers want to know about who Jen is dating: Currently Jennifer Carroll is married to her work, but is single and open to meeting a nice guy.

Mary Beth Carroll and Sunny
The Carroll & Lynch crew watch the chef’s review.
Jen always enjoyed cooking. One of her first “dinner parties” was held in her family’s backyard for her pets Camper the bunny and Scamper the guinea pig. It seems that that first meal of water and flour didn’t turn out to well as scamper ran off after the meal.

Joan tells me that Jen was also concerned for feeding the birds in the neighborhood. After a rainstorm she would dig up the worms, place them on sticks and hang them on the fence for the birds.

In a couple weeks, 10 Arts will be rolling out a new menu which will might include variations of some of the dishes the Jen cooked on Top Chef. She can’t cook the actually recipes as those are owned by the Top Chef organization, but do look for the Rabbit, which was one of Jen’s favorite dishes. Currently there is rabbit on the 10 Arts Menu and it is delicious.

Also 10 Arts will be rolling out a two course lunch menu in a couple weeks, as well as having a $35, three course dinner served Tuesday thru Thursday.

This year they are also serving Thanksgiving Dinner.

Becoming a celebrity chef hasn’t changed Jen much except more people want to meet the chef that just prepared their meal, but Jen would rather they come into the kitchen and meet her. She says her staff is used to that, and sure enough towards the end of the show I popped in for a picture. Jen wasn’t there, she was upstairs interviewing another assistant chef as the restaurant has gotten so busy they’ve needed to hire more people.
Joan told me that her daughter Jen, the middle child, is fearless, a daredevil. When her sister Jessica (Kristine Lynch, Jessica Carroll and Patti Lynch) turned 30, Jen blindfolded both her mom and Jessica and drove them to an undisclosed location. When they took off their blindfolds they discovered that Jen had arranged for them all to go sky diving, even though none of them had ever done it before. They had a ball. Jen tells me she’d like to do it again. (OK there must be an adventurous guy out there who wants this well rounded fun women. I know Jen’s single and terrific.)Joan doesn’t know the outcome of any of the episodes and can be a bundle of nerves during the judging, and sits pensively waiting to see if her daughter has made it through another round.

Jen loves magic and Joan was surprised when the dish Jen made which was inspired by the Excalibur Hotel wasn’t as magical. (It was a heartbreaking episode to see Jen so upset, but own it too.)
What a relief for everyone at the table as Jen’s still standing, and really why wouldn’t she, she knows her stuff. Although she’s had a few missteps she’s fare well over the past few competitions. Don’t be surprised if she’s the winner or right up there at the top. I think it’s gonna be hard to beat that Kevin.

Do yourself a favor and go watch the Top Chef on one of the remaining Wednesdays, you can catch it in the bar area, but if you want a table in the dining room I suggest you make a reservation as the room was packed with Jen fans last Wednesday, many of who asked to meet Jen and sign a menu.

And if you’re lucky maybe Joan Carroll will invite you to sit at her table. I sure do appreciate it as it was fun and informative.

I’ll be back in December when 10 Arts will be having two closing finale parties 12/2 & 12/9; Having your Chef compete in Top Chef calls for an party, having her succeed to the Top 5 calls for extraordinary party.
One of Jen Carroll’s favorite food to eat and cook with is beets: On October 28, Jen participated in a charity event called Dish It Up! and won http://bit.ly/49tv5j

Grand Court Concert by Hurricane Bells, the band featured on the movie sound track 4:30PMNordstrom, BP Department, Third Level Exclusive Photo Session with 75 pre-selected fans

Turn up volume to 10 and that is what it was like – LOL

then from 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Hot Topic Meet & Greet and Fan Autograph Signing for 500 wristband holders
We didn’t need Robert Pattinson or Kristen Stewart to get the crowd excited for the release of Twilight 11/20/09, we had Daniel Cudmore and Charlie Bewley who drew at least 500 fans to their signing and later Q&A.
Did you know:
A small logging town in the U.S. has seen an astonishing 1000 per cent increase in tourism thanks to the vampire blockbuster saga Twilight.
Forks, in Washington, is the setting for a story about the romance between vampire Edward Cullen – played by British actor Robert Pattinson – and Bella Swan – acted by Kristen Stewart.
Tourism chiefs have set up a dedicated page for fans planning to visit the town – www.experiencewa.com/twilight.

New Moon is a fantasy-romance novel by author Stephenie Meyer, and is the second book in the Twilight series. According to Meyer, the book is about losing true love.[1] The title refers to the darkest phase of the lunar cycle, indicating that New Moon is about the darkest time of the protagonist Bella’s life.[2] The book was originally released in hardcover in 2006, following the successful publishing of Meyer’s debut novel Twilight.
According to NJ.com: Alex Cannistraci, also from Marlton, said she wished she could have the stars autograph her cell phone. “But we’re not allowed,” she explained. “They will give us a poster that they will sign right here.”
Play screaming video again
Daniel Cudmore and Charlie Bewley, both new faces to the “Twilight” film saga, said they are very excited about becoming a part of the phenomenon.

“Right now, this is an incredible position for anyone to be in,” Bewley said at a press conference Wednesday. “It’s unparalleled. It’s wonderful.”
According to Michael Klein and the Insider:
Q102’s Joey Brooks hosted an appearance Tuesday at Cherry Hill Mall by actors Charlie Bewley and Daniel Cudmore of the movie The Twilight Saga: New Moon. What the thousand screaming fans didn’t know is that Brooks had just given notice at the station. The afternoon DJ, who also serves as Q102’s assistant program director and music director, told the radio trades that he is bound for CHUM in Toronto and will start there doing afternoons Dec. 1. He started at Q in 2006.My guess is Charlie Bewley is looked at as the sexier vampire in this duo. The audience really reacted to him and his antics.
dancing
showing a little skin
subtle smokin’
MIDNIGHT SHOWINGS: Twilight Saga New Moon at 12:01 a.m. Friday November 20 (Thursday night) at United Artists
this shot was in the Phila Inquirer. I love it.
Ewww the fans call for his water bottle. Yikes.
New Moon TV Appearances coming up
Charlie Bewley hands his bottle over to the crowd (eww)
and a friendly cat fight ensues
One lucky fan got a hug from Charlie Bewley for her birthday
WOW for her

http://www.twifans.com/video/twilight-stars-visit-cherry

(This entry will grow, and is currently not in date order. Julie Andrews info down a little ways)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner that can only mean one thing Christmas and the holidays are upon us and there’s no better place to come than Philadelphia to experience the sights, sounds and joy of the holiday experience. Beginning with the Ikea Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2009. The parade starts at 20th & Market and concludes at the Steps of the Art Museum. This years celebrity guests include Sam Champion from Good Morning America, Bobbie Eakes from All My Children, Mark Indelicato from Ugly Betty, Jason Derulo (whose song “Watcha Say” is currently #2 on the Billboard charts), Miss America 2008, American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell and Nuttin’ But Stringz from America’s Got Talent.

What’s Open on Thanksgiving: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are open on Thanksgiving from 11am-4pm! Tickets are not required to see the Hall that day!

BLACK FRIDAY:
ALL MUSEUMS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING TOURS OF Phila City Hall. Plus get your timed tickets to the tower in Rm 121. They also have a gift shop and ornaments. The lighting of the City Hall Christmas Tree is 12/2/09

Starting November 20, 2009 you can see the annual ENCHANTED COLONIAL VILLAGE which KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM
Also on Saturday November 21, 2009, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton join Santa in unveiling the Macy’s Holiday Windows @ 2pm. Then @ 2:45PM they will sign books for the first 200 people who purchased “Julie Andrews Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies” on Friday 11/20.

Unfortunately you will have to wait until Black Friday to enjoy the beautiful Holiday Light show that Julie Andrews narrates, which is shown in the Grand Courtyard.
Chestnut Hill:
Chestnut Hill starts the season a bit early with its “Lets Get Lit” tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 20th. Share this family tradition which includes mummers and music, caroling and cocoa, treats and goodie bags for the kids as well as a special surprise guest that will delight everyone. Plus lots of Holiday stuff going on all month, Santa, House tours, Shopping: www.chestnuthillpa.com

Theater:
Walnut Street Theatre for Kids production of A Christmas Carol running December 5 – 19
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS:
The Comcast Light Show Begins on Black Friday 11/27/09

The Bellevue will be kicking off this holiday season with great discounts, relaxing music and fun for the whole family. On November 27th 2009 from 6 to 10 PM The Bellevue will host its Black Tie Friday event.

Thanksgiving at XIX
Broad Street’s premiere sky-high dining destination, XIX (NINETEEN) café, bar and restaurant, is celebrating the season with a delicious spread on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009 from 1 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The buffet is $65 for adults and $32 for children (children under 5 are free). Tax and gratuity are additional. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.nineteenrestaurant.com or call XIX at 215.790.1919.

XIX Nutcracker Tea
Honoring the Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, XIX Café is pleased to present the return of our festive Nutcracker Tea. XIX’s NutcrackerTea is $36 for adults and $19 for children under 13; for an additional $4, adults over 21 can add a glass of champagne and a chocolate-covered strawberry to their experience. XIX hosts Nutcracker Tea from November 15 – January 15, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. As a special kick-off event, the Sugarplum Fairy will be available for photos in XIX on December 5 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Please visit www.nineteenrestaurant.com for additional information or call 215.790.1919 for required reservations.

Black Tie Friday Package at Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue
Stay in the heart of the city to get an early start on the most popular shopping day of the year or celebrate at our exclusive shopping event, Black Tie Friday at The Bellevue, all night long! Park Hyatt Philadelphia is offering a Black Tie Friday Package, including luxury overnight accommodations and breakfast in the morning, for a wallet-friendly $135.00. Only available on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Black Friday (Nov. 27), use the special offer code bltie to book your reservation at www.parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com or by calling 1-800-778-7477.

Santa Come to Life at noon on four Saturdays this holiday season: November 28, December 5, 12 and 19. Enjoy free hot chocolate compliments of Teuscher, and delicious cookies–free! Santa will be available to chat with children and you can take your own photo with Santa too! It’s a holiday tradition that lasts through the year!

CITY HALL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE has a sneak preview on Thanksgiving, but then begins regular operating hours on 11/27/09 Daily – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s located on the west side of City Hall on Dilworth Plaza.
MACY’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW BEGINS 11/27/09, as well as Charles Dicken’s Enchanted Village located on the 3rd Floor.

Lighting of Philadelphia City Hall’s Christmas Tree is December 2, 2009

Some of my favorite sites to find out about Holiday Happenings:
UWISHUNU search on holidays
Go Phila
Independence Visitor Center ask for Mr. Philadelphia Albert Lee for the best info on the City.

When I was a kid these are some of the songs I remember hearing coming out of Judy’s bedroom…(She was in her Alanis Moristte years and spent many hours in her room, a couple times I hid in her closet to see what she and her girlfriends were chatting about, guess I was always nosey.Judy was hugely popular, having been homecoming queen, a cheerleader, on the student board, friendly, and a volunteer at the local hospital. Sometimes when my folks went out for the night, or away for the weekend she would have the best parties in town, and as I lay awake above the patio, the keg and the makeshift dirt backyard dance floor. Elvis Costello semmed to always be on the turntable. I was so excited when I met him years later because of this memory.

Early 80’s
As most of you know my 48 year old sister is battling Ovarian Cancer, but unfortunately OC is winning, and chemo is making the fight so much harder. So after 18 months of a valiant fight my sister has made the selfless decision to stop the chemo so that she will be free of pain and suffering for the holidays and enjoy them with us and her immediate family; and then allow her disease to run it’s course. Judy & Walt have had a love affair marriage for almost 25 years meeting right after college. We of course still appreciate your prayers, and we know miracle’s happen. If you have a chance please visit her “Caring Bridge Page” as some of my readers have done and leave a message, it would be so nice, and of course she will read the ones here too. I know she reads them. She listed under Judy Wilkins

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judywilkins/guestbook

When Judy was a sophomore in high school she won a radio contest and met the musical group Chicago backstage, received all their albums up to that date, so much of the 70’s we heard Chicago piping out of her room. Also the same year she won a helicopter ride to the first day of her sophomore year at Paul VI High School.

Judy just saw Elton John & Billy Joel in concert this past summer. She had a great time.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judywilkins/guestbook
Judy took me to my first concert, without my parents accompanying me, and it was the Cars. I think I went with a dozen of her friends, and me. It was a lot of fun and nice that she’d let her little brother tag along.

Me, Janine, Crista, Tracy (Wedding dress), Mom, Grandmom, Dad, Margaret, Judy & Ray. We are so lucky to have a really close family.
++++++++++++++

No teenage girl in the 70’s could do without Carly Simon on their play list

This was a favorite and played often after those Paul VI Dances, although Judy had 1 steady BF for high school, and then another for college, before she met Walt, her soulmate:

Daughter Colleen, Judy (about 2 months after her diagnosis) Walt and daughter Lauren. There’s is such an incredible close family. Judy & Walt were very involved in their kids lives growing up, Judy and Walt between them coached girls hockey, softball, cheerleading, involved in the PTA, School Board, attending all their games. Please keep them at the top of your prayer list.

Judy was in love with Handy Man James Taylor

but she almost broke her knuckle when she found out her first love Bobby Sherman had a girlfriend and punched his poster. (The stud was hanging on a stud.)

Life started looking brighter when Saturday Night Fever came out and she emerged to the Dance Clubs especially Emerald City.

Then she graduated high school, went to nursing school, met Walt and lived happily ever after til now.But we’re gonna have a great time until then…

(I have to go to work now, but will finish this at lunch. It’s about 80% finished, I started at the bottom, then the top so scroll all the way thru. Then come back cause there’s a fun story I have to write. Thanks)Last night I attended the preview party for the PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART CRAFT SHOW (11/12 – 11/15) which is presented annually by the Museum’s Women’s Committee and Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Funds raised are used to purchase works of art and craft for the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to fund conservation and publication projects, and to support exhibitions and education programs. The Craft Show is held at the Pa Convention Center. (On the bus line and plenty of parking across the street too)

Tickets for this special night were $200 which included dinner, dessert and an open bar. Guests were dressed from Black tie, evening gowns to jeans.

No matter how cold it is, people will line up for Bassets Ice CreamHaving never been to the craft show I was really surprised how much of the art I loved, and the fascinating stories I heard regarding how the artist found their calling, and some who follow their passion even though many are really starving artists.
I was directed to George Peterson‘s wood carving skateboards from another crafter at the show. He said you have go to check out his work, it’s fascinating and unique. Sure enough it is. George told me he is an old skool boarder, but works his craft on the much longer skateboards. He had been a wood turner working on bowls etc. One day as he was tooling around on his board he had one of those a ha moments when looking at other skaters and thought the skateboards are wood let me experiment on them. He work is similar to Tribal Art as he believes skateboarders are a tribal group, plus he likes to recyle old skateboards into beautiful art. (While here he’s going to try and make it to the Roosevelt Skatepark in South Philly, says its one of the best in the country.)
Ignatious Creegan helps Dudy Ferguson find the right hat for her. I love this hat, reminds me of a Lady Gaga costume.

Dan Mirer loves his wine and had made a glass that holds one liter. So when your spouse says “Honey please don’t drink too much.” You can respond, “I’m just gonna have one glass.” With him is Chrissy Lapham.

Dan also makes alot of other interesting glass items including the popular Champagne Flutes and $20 drinking glasses.

Christine Rodrigues Schukow loves wildlife, and when she’s not creating her Shadowbox Dioramas she volunteers for wildlife rescue. Everyday when she’s home you might find her caring for the orphaned and injured wildlife she rehabilitates, and then in her studio where she now specializes in the design and construction of amazing little creations that seem to capture a moment in time and draw the view in, usually with a smile, a touch of nostalgia, humor or just a pleasant sense of times gone by. One of their biggest sellers is this depiction of people walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Partner Ted Young creates the shadowboxes and frames and they are art work in themselves. The prices for these works of art range from $150+ (this of course is not the best pix of the work)

My favorite shadow box was this Domino Sugar neon lighted one, sure to be a seller here in Philadelphia as the Domino Sugar factor was once located in Old City.

Look who I found, Where Magazine Karen Gross and squeeze TLA Manager 15th Street Dan Cresskoff. I think she might have to change the name of her “Sex and the Single Girl” cabaret show. She’s still sexy though!!
A contingent of 26 visitors from the Oakland Museum of California came to Philly specifically to see our craft show. WOW thanks. They also have made a week out of it viewing many of the wonderful art we have in the Delaware Valley including the Barnes Collection, The Academy of Fine Arts, Wheaton Village and private collections. These tours were put together by an organization I will be writing about shortly The Philadelphia Hospitality Group. I attended an event of theirs last week and learned about this group I never knew existed.

These women are all from the Bay area Judy Wood, Carole Cohen, Standing Ellen Jasper and Ann Patton. They really enjoyed the Reading Terminal and our historic district too.
Jewelry was a big seller at the craft show, and isn’t it everywhere.
Alexandra Geller and Bill Multer. Alexandra creates unique ceramic arts and I think you will too. Both Alexandra and Bill love Philadelphia food and we spent a good amount of time reviewing some of restaurants they will try and fit in while they are here. Tuesday night they went to Amada. Bill said it was the finest tapa restaurant he’s been too, loved the octopus and the service. They weren’t on top of you, they knew how to pace their visit. He’s also looking forward to visiting 10 Arts and enjoying Top Chef Jennifer Carroll’s dishes. Perhaps will stop in for a Joseph Poon dish in Chinatown. This town has a lot of celebrity chefs.

Akiko Sugiyama creates sea pods. She loves the texture and the flow. She started her career in painting but when oils became too expensive to work with her creativity took her in a different direction and she discovered her real passion where she can express herself. While I was there a customer from the previous year came in, told her of all the compliments she gets on the piece she bought, and prompty went about choosing another $300+ piece for her wall. “I don’t have much wall space left, but I’ll make room.”

I tweeted this last night from the show: http://twitpic.com/p67oo – Interesting Creatures by Ian Kessler-Gowell @ Phila Craft Show. Ian started in the glass blowing craft about 10 years ago. These creatures came about from his doodling in class a few years back, just this year he learned how to do eyes. Currently he is participating in the Energy Xchange Program The EnergyXchange Craft Incubator program was established to support six talented artists in starting, managing, and operating their own small business in the crafts of glass blowing and pottery.

After asking a half dozen folks what was their favorite part of the show, time after time the answer was the Korean Craft Promotion Foundation (KCPF) section of craft. The work is very distinct and ranges from traditional Asian to very contemporary, working in fiber, glass, wood, ceramic & metal. There are silver tea sets and miniature, functional silver cameras. There is wood used for furniture and wood fiber for clothing, wall pieces and jewelry; ceramics that look like stone and ceramics that look like glass. There will be necklaces that look like sketches of elaborate antiques set with diamonds, and brooches that can be worn back-to-front. According to Amy Fox, Show Chair, “We are enthusiastic about their participation in the show this year and know their work will be a great attraction by drawing new attendees to the show and complementing the work of our U.S. artists. So hurry on down to the Convention Center because the show ends on Sunday. And whether you’re in the market for something, or just window shopping, the craft show is something you don’t want to miss.