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Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA BOYS OF SUMMER 2008 BEACH PARTY re: gay boys in speedo’s for a good cause

If it’s not enough to have the mercury rising, PhillyGayCalendar.com has brought their popular Boys of Summer Beach Party back. (It took me a few shots to get this as it was pitch black inside the club and I was trying to catch the moment the disco lights lit up the room and my flash lit up the sign. The doorman probably thought I was crazy, he still didn’t understand when I showed him the shot, or was it my leaping up and down with excitement?)Here the hunky lifeguards get their instructions on what to expect on this festive night are our lifeguards for the night. Greet guests, pose for photos, serve shots, be polite, be wild, be your crazy selves ’cause really if you look like this, your gonna love the attention, isn’t that why people work so hard on their bodies?
Here are a few of the region’s sexiest men who were galloping through Philly’s own Pure Nightclub from 9:00 p.m. til 3:30 a.m here are few that tagged themselves on my facebook page: These were a few of the lifeguards that enjoyed the attention, free drinks and Aussie Bum Speedo for their night of exhibitionism. One of the duties of the lifeguards was to greet the guests at the front door and give them a lei (insert joke here). Here Anh Dang greets the guys from the THE SAFEGUARDS PROJECT , who a few weeks back went over in great detail their objectives and I will try and remember here, I really should have written about it as it is an important subject, but as events piled up I just didn’t get to it… The mission of The SafeGuards Project & LGBT Health Resource Center is to enhance the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and communities. We seek to advance the knowledge of health issues affecting these communities and to develop public health programs that promote healthy change on an individual, group, and institutional level. We accomplish these goals through community-based participatory research, collaborative programs, and advocacy. – This means they go to the bars/clubs to greet and meet with folks who have questions, to give out condoms, safe sex advice and information. Visit them at their website for more information and send them some money, they are doing amazing things for the community http://www.safeguards.org/ I like their red shirts evokes images of the Red Cross helping out in crisis. Admission was $20 or $10 in a bathing suit. Sometime they made you drop your drawers to prove that you did indeed have a suit on. Then you would go to the coat check and check your clothes. (I am thinking he might want to get a full tan next time) The bathing suit was solid in the front, but well considering it was the eve of Madonna’s birthday it was perfect for the occassion. My brother couldn’t believe I didn’t do an entry on Saturday in homage to my queen, but I don’t have any original photos that I took; she’s left and gone back to England this week and celebrated her bday. Happy bday Madge)

Bruce Yelk http://www.nightlifegay.com/, Brian his beau and PGN’s 2008 “Person of the Year” Tami Sortman. Sortman, a vice president at the Altus Group, earned the honor for her visionary work with the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus and for her commitment to building Philadelphia’s reputation as a gay-friendly travel destination. (I also ran into a friend from my old Cherry Hill Gatsby’s days, Debbie Spatafora who’s been working at Pure for eons; it was good to catch up after these 15 years of not seeing her; Bruce used to work at Gatsby’s that’s why there was that segue.)
Joe, Michael and friend. I didn’t bring my note book this night, I should have, but it didn’t fit in my Speedo. Noel Zayas, friend who didn’t love her photo, but I think it looks great especially next to these two hotties, and Tim Ferretti
Scoops is on the scene. I know, I know, I gush over this guy, but he has so much charisma and charm and really knows how to work a mike. Some people might laugh when I tell them I am shy, I am, there’s not a lot of interaction when you point and shoot, but David “Scoops” Dyer interviews with his http://www.streettalkin.com/ crew. He has personality, as do a lot of the other on their street interviewers. I especially love checking out the 55hrs segment, which are interviews with folks and their plans for the weekend, oh and the fashion segment, I love the fashion segment. Think TMZ for Philly, but not in a stalkerazzi way, their subjects actually want to be interviewed (sorry Vincent if ur reading this, he’s my TMZ friend in NYC)

Over the past decade Ari Gold has released three albums on his own label Gold18 Records, including the most recent one, Transport Systems, which has been getting a lot of support on outlets like the LOGO cable channel.

His current single “Where The Music Takes You” broke into the top ten of Billboard Magazine’s Hot Dance Club Play chart last week. (“Love Will Take Over” from his previous album Space Under Sun was also a big dance club hit.) He’s also looked as a role model for the gay community because of his being openly gay from the start of his career. (Taken from Christopher Krakora interview on Philly Gay Calendar) Ari & Kelly rock it out and DJ Carl Michaels http://www.myspace.com/djcarlmichaels Thanks for all my Madonna plays, I just love her. I will be posting a few DJ Carl Michaels events on my calendar as soon as I have a moment. He is not to be missed.
he packs the floor Until next year when Steve McCann and his hot, sexy lifeguard friends will save you from another Friday night when you couldn’t make it to the beach. OK actually I know a dozen people who skipped going to the beach to attend this annual event which helps support http://www.phillygaycalendar.com/ bringing you another year of events, info, news and photos of the folks you want to see….
(And BTW for you folks that know me, you know I didn’t wear a Speedo – LOL)

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Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED re: OMG my good friend Architect Alan Greenberger – Congratulations

I’m always writing on Philly Chit Chat about my good friend Greta Greenberger, who has been the Director of City Hall Tours for the past 15 years. We’ve been friends for just about 12 years, and if you are a regular reader of my blog, you know she is my #1 Philadelphia Icon Hero. The tour programed wouldn’t have survived the Street regime if Greta wasn’t so dedicated to keeping it running, ok enough about that tyrant.
The good news out of City Hall today is that at a 10:30AM press conference it will be announced that Greta’s husband, Alan Greenberger will become Philadelphia’s City Planner. OMG, as a friend I am ecstatic, as a volunteer architectural tour guide for many years, I am ecstatic, Alan loves the City of Philadelphia, and he is a preservationist, he has a vision for the City and I know he will do many wonderful things to pull this City further into the 21st Century.

Bio 8/11/12: Alan Greenberger, AIA is a Principal at MGA Partners, where he directs many of the firm’s architectural, urban design and planning projects. Mr. Greenberger is the Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman of the Design Advocacy Group. He is a Visiting Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania Department of City Planning and an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the Drexel University Department of Architecture. He’s worked there for over 30 years, but after October he won’t be there anymore. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Greenberger came to Philadelphia in 1974 to work for Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, one of the leading local firms at the time. He later formed the spin-off known as MGA Partners.

Bio starting in October: PHILADELPHIA DIRECTOR OF CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

We all love the Calder sculptures and Alan worked hard to get the Calder Museum built, but in the end the Calder’s wanted to keep their sculptures in their family
(http://www.planphilly.com/) Alan Greenberger on creating a Design Advocacy Committee like Boston has: “You want to create such a credible operation, thoughtful, substantive, stocked with people who have such clear expertise, that their recommendations are taken very seriously[.]”
In fact, Greenberger is already pioneering this model here in Philadelphia. With fellow DAG members, he’s performed design reviews for major housing projects along the Delaware River in Tacony and in Old City. Greenberger says the current patchwork system of design review is untenable.“Sometimes I think maybe this crazy system is okay,” he said. “But really it’s not okay. It’s a sort of sickness we all learned to live with… And I’ve talked to a number of developers who won’t develop in Philadelphia because it’s nuts. Our kind of craziness puts out a message that the city does not have its act together.” Sunshine is on Greta’s shoulder, really Sunshine is her name.
If Philadelphia is ever going to successfully develop the rest of its waterfront, the city needs to quickly create a broad master plan that includes a contiguous public promenade along the river’s edge, protected sight lines, and incentives for private interests to improve public space.
These are minimal goals for any good waterfront plan, says Alan Greenberger, cofounder of the Design Advocacy Group, a volunteer organization made up of architects, city planners and developers. http://www.designadvocacy.org/docs/water2alan.pdf

Congratulations Alan, but don’t tread on my territory and think you’re gonna get to eat lunch with my best girlfriend everyday just because you’ll be working across the street now!!
Congratulations Alan, I am so excited to know the City will finally have a concrete direction. I hope this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to make it to my annual July 4th Party. You’re dance card is about to become full. UPDATE: Great write up and video at http://www.PlanPhilly.com :
http://www.planphilly.com/node/3683 Scary vid of me in background, need to continue my diet.

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Philadelphia

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE gym – THE IROQUOIS the $10 Million Playground

I was I was walking home from work and I saw this sight and I thought, oh good I’ll shoot this idiot breaking his neck.
Because my other thought was this thing cost $10 million bucks and you are treating it like a jungle gym.
I wonder what Mark di Suvero would think of the people that climb all over his sculpture?
Eventually the guy moved over to a place where I thought he was going to slide down. I notice the graffiti on the sculpture and thought I had heard they covered the sculpture in Anti-graffiti paint? Guess not!


Then I was thinking, he’s going to slide down on his stomach, that is crazy
but it turns out he was smarter than that and walked down the sides using the rubber souls on his shoes
Don’t try this at home, or if you do please call me I want to photograph you possibly breaking your neck, maybe I just have become a little less adventurous since the last birthday?
Check out this you tube video where a few people use the sculpture for somthing I am sure Mark di Suvero didn’t intend, but it does look like fun. (PS Tomorrow I will be breaking big and exciting news for Philadelphia, but I promised my source I wouldn’t post it til after 10AM)

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Philadelphia

Philadelphia Fringe Festival is coming re: See FOOT LOCKER or one hundreds of performances, support Philadelphia Arts

If you ask what’s new and exciting in the arts, the Seventh annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival, starting what seems to be somewhat early on August 29 and ending September 13, has at least a hundred different answers. http://www.pafringe.org/2008/home.cfm
Monday night I was invited to Plays & Players to watch 8 previews of snippets from the upcoming festival. The room was packed, they were expecting maybe 50 people, but over 100 showed up. http://www.livearts-fringe.org/2008/home.cfm Hosted by the very funny duo Owen Timoney & Shoshi Hill from Madcap Theater Company
Putting together a Fridge show isn’t easy; there are many considerations to keep in mind when coordinating a production such as finding a show, selecting the right festivals, publicity, budget, travel and accommodations, ticket sales, and the list goes on. Daniel Student
Artistic Associate Strategic Planning & Action Committee for the Plays & Players greets the crowd
One of the first “The Play about the Coach” was an interesting character study of a coach during the NCAA Championship game. It was intense, and as a voyeur, interesting to see life from his point of view.
Mike and I loved, loved, loved this play as it’s so autobiographical: “My Inner Child Needs A Babysitter. I don’t want to spoil it, but it was hysterical.
We also loved FOOT LOCKER, a cabaret show and 2008 Philly Fringe event, starring Keith Kaczorowski and Tom Wilson Weinberg, comes to The Willie Way Cabaret, 1315 Spruce Street, on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13, performances at 7 and 9 PM each night.

Kaczorowski and Weinberg last appeared together in The Keith & Tom Show. Now they return to the cabaret stage with a new show for Philly Fringe.

Every composer has a trunk, a foot locker full of gems scrapped at dress rehearsal, novelty numbers that ended up on the cutting room floor, romantic ballads for lovable villains and character songs for characters who went missing. I don’t say all this just because, FOOT LOCKER is produced by friend David Perkiss. No if it sucked I probably would have just said how terrible the photo came out and I had nothing to write about, and even though the photo does lack, I the show was excellent, and Keith has a flawless voice and connects well with the audience.

Tickets are $15 and available at The Fringe Box Office, 215-413-1318 or http://www.livearts-fringe.org. The Fringe offers a $10 ticket to anyone under 25.Plays: 9/12 & 9/13 (Which is great as I get back from the NY Fashion show on 9/13 so I can catch it)

After the preview, their was a bar and snacks.
as well as a rather loud band for our entertainment.In a side room were volunteers from each play to sell you advance tickets for their perspective shows.

It’s a great idea to have these previews as for me out of the eight there are only about 4 that I want to see. I saved some money. Two of them are pictured here…
The good news is you can catch a preview at Plays & Players

Mondays, August 18 and 25 at 8PM
Click here to purchase tickets for the Philly Fringe Preview
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Philadelphia

?UEST Quest Love’s NIKE AIR FORCE 1 ONE The Philadelphia Stop

Last week a bunch of what I thought were crazy folks laid out up to 45hrs to get a hold of a pair of sneakers for $235; ?uestlove was very generous in making sure his sneakerhead supporters were very comfortable, throughout the day he had brought them boxes of donuts as well as bottled water and even signed autographs and took pictures.
?UEST Quest Love’s NIKE AIR FORCE 1 ONE sneakers
there were some legitimate crazies as this girl wanted ?uest to sign her passport. At first he refused, but she was persistent and he gave in.
The people who waited in line were led in in groups of 7. Here is an UBIQ employee bringing the troops in, he is wearing a shirt that was free to all who attended.
The First Diehard Camper is Finally Permitted To Buy His Pairs and greet ?uest, Edie Ortiz waited in line for over 40hrs and got the first golden pair ltd ltd edition. There were only 8 to give away at this store and it entitled the sneakerhead to two tickets to a Roots concerts, and I believe a second pair of the regular red toed shoes, as a lot of these folks seemed to have two boxes. Since Eddie had a broken foot and had to manage his crutches I helped him put his shoes back in his bag.

This is the shot that appeared in Michael Klein’s Inqlings in the Phila Inquirer. I knew when I shot it it was perfect because of their eye contact, smiles and the signed box. You know a picture tells a thousand words kinda thing.

I read on a Sneaker message board that UBIQ had a little problem with the stock of these shoes, as they were supposed to have 96 pairs to give away, but only about 60 came in: “UBIQ apologizes for the whole “stock” issue. It was a rush delivery to the store so we didn’t receive the whole 90 pairs + that we were suppose to get. ” I wonder if they gave rainchecks, I am gonna run over and see if they have any shoes that came in this weeks shipment.
But it seemed like they had a lot of Gold Toed shoes as my head was spinning they seemed to be in the first couple boxes that were opened. ?uest seemed surprised too, stating “Didn’t you mix them up?” But how would UBIQ know where the golden toes were, all the boxes were sealed upon arrival.?uest give some love

Marsha Ambrosius from the group Floerty and Frank Knuckles from The Roots
Go Obama!!
Here’s a good recap of photos: http://sneakernews.com/2008/08/06/questlove-air-force-1-release-recap-at-ubiq/

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Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA STYLE MAGAZINE White hot Summer Party re: Mojitos & Photos

How excited was I when I got an invitation from John M. Colabelli, publisher of Philadelphia Style Magazine to celebrate the Bacardi Mojito, Then I read OMG it’s a White Party. Now I know about White Parties as P Daddy Diddy Puff has one every July 4th in the Hampton’s and I always enjoy checking out the photos from that event.



For me it immediately instilled fear and loathing as I don’t look so hot in white. As I am just getting my Nutrisystem diet under way (have you seen Perez Hilton, that boy has lost 30lbs) I thought no way am I going to look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy

But then better heads prevailed as some of my friends had been invited too and told me I had to go; then PR Style Diva (as I call her) Sarah Doheny sent me a message saying she heard I wasn’t going, she was disappointed especially since I “had to see her couture Ostrich dress” she had made for the event, (she told me ostrich’s were not harmed in the process, but I thought for sure a few of them must be cold now) Below is Sarah and most beautiful and classy dress I have seen in awhile (& I have shot NYC Fashion Week for 3 seasons). Sarah knows how to turn it out and kick a party up a notch or two. With her is her long time beau John Soden. I was glad I went as the party really was fun, most guests got into the spirit decked out in their white outfits.

Erin Elmore and Dr. Shareef Jandali simply forgot they told me. But they were in good company as there were a few others, and heck they are so fun I’m glad they stayed.These girls are all good friends, each with their own personality and style. Michelle Ranieri with Fuji Water, Elaine Grabar, Aida Mancini, Jill Rizen, Marisa Stevens and Kimmi Ragone

Darby Kline and Peter Kubilus (Architectural Photographer www.kubilusphoto.com ) enjoying fashion photographer Michael Spain-Smith’s deck at sunset; everyone enjoyed their Bacardi Mojito. I I should have asked what the green leaves were, probably mint, what do you think?

Making the scene and lately the social columns, Jessiah Styles and his lovely wife Janita “Applebaum” Styles. It was just last week that they were partying with CSI: NY ‘s Hill Harper at G Lounge, and a few weeks before I snapped Snoop Dogg when I attended Jessiah’s party in the Mogul room at the same location. I still need to write about the Snoop Dogg event, because there’s more to it then what was in the Inquirer where my photo appeared.



I don’t know if this was the normal set up for the DJ or something Philly Style Mag, Client Relations director, party coordinator Martyna Sliwinska cooked up because it was a smokin area for the DJ. Also interesting to see that no matter how crowded the room became, no one invaded this space.

What’s a party without the Nicole Miller Girls. There’s only two so far tonight, Jillian and Kari. Eww I do believe I ID’d Jillian incorrectly in our first photo meeting, and called her Erin with the chocolate cigar. Hope I caught that correction before it went to publication. If not you read it here first, I goofed. But now that I have photographed her 3xs that won’t happen again. Michael Spain-Smith’s studio was done up in themed decoration. In the center of this photo is the guy who founded Philadelphia Style Magazine and this year sold it to Niche Publication, John M. Colabelli, Publisher. I remember when that sale occurred, I was very impressed that he and the staff were kept on to run the magazine, and to adapt to the Niche already established working model. As you know I am a great fan of Ocean Drive, Gotham and the Hampton magazines. That night I picked up Vegas, LA Confidential and Washington Files (gotta love those names) magazines to review to improve my writing and style.

The newlyweds, seriously talk about beautiful people with sex appeal that lights up the room when they walk in, Carrie Nork Minelli and Dino Minelli. They tell me the Inquirer wedding section has done a story on them which should appear in mid September. I will keep you informed as I am totally on it, I want to know how they met. My second blog was called “How They Met” but it was impossible to keep on top of it and do a good job on Philly Chit Chat. (http://howwemetstories.blogspot.com/ )

Equally beautiful Nicole Cashman (The Cashman of Cashman & Associates) and Attorney Justin Wineburgh. Secretly I call them the Charlies Angel PR firm; they do the job well while still looking so beautiful. Nicole was only there for a hot minute as she was working late, but she looked fabulous and accessorized her outfit with an Oscar de la Renta purse.

Kaycee Cashman cut her hair a few weeks back and it looks wonderful highlighting her sparkling eyes and her long neck. She tells me that she loves her new look and was glad she took the plunge. With her is Chima Marketing Director Vinnie Dinatale and Tom Harris.

Michelle Miller, Aaron Clarke Karin Annerhed and Vince Harris enjoying their Bacardi Mojito’s

Michael Bonner, ? Jacoby (glad I have them write their own names, I can’t take the blame for missing his) and Richard Ross.

PR Sheryl Raskin (www.outtherepr.com ), PR Meredith Trotter (congratulations on the upcoming little one) and vixen Carrie Nork. Sometimes PR people are invited to these events to thank them for coordinating other events for the host, or maybe referring clients. It’s a nice time to see the people that you may normally only see out in the field. I know when I am at these events, I could just relax, and I do, but I also like to capture the moments for you.

Hayden Panittiere, ok not, but Lauren Pappas is an actress/model and every bit as beautiful as Hayden, with her is an equally stylish PR guy Anthony DiMeo III, President & CEO of RENAMITY Public Relations & Special Events: http://www.renamity.com

The effervescent Susan Helfrich and Richard Wolff.

Karen, who looks fabulous, but unfortunately I only took this one shot, Red Tettemer’s spinster PR Matt Vlahos and Celebrity Cruising Susan Helfrich



Actress Naina Michaud, I know your thinking another actress with a house arrest ankle bracelet, me too. So I got a closer look and noticed that it was a little ankle purse. Naina tells me it’s a runner’s purse and is usually attached to ones arm, but she tans quickly and as an actress/model doesn’t want that tan line. http://www.nainamichaud.com/biography.html

WXPN’s Patti Singer, Donna Coghlan and Donna Govberg. Patti is a talented photographer who’s work can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wxpn/page117/ Donna Coghlan is always so generous to me, introducing me to people of interest, besides being a generally nice person.

It was fun looking at all the Philly Style Magazine’s on the wall. Michael Spain-Smith took alot of the cover shots.

Nicole Miller’s Carly Walko, John M. Colabelli and Lauren O’Dorisio (Lauren call me, I want to get Pearl in the paper, you don’t want me shooting all my celebrities at G lounge and getting them press all the time, do you? )



It’s time to go with a wave from Erin Elmore. Erin is involved with “Hold the Door” http://www.holdthedoor.com/golfreg-2008.htm A non-profit agency inspired by the acts of courageousness on 9/11, dedicated in empowering people to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. They are having a golf outing on 9/8/08 and are looking for donations for their silent auction.



And let’s have one last look at that stunning dress PR Style Diva Sarah Doheny is wearing. I challenge anyone in the sound of my voice to beat this dress in the coming season. It’s just flawless, don’t you think?Thanks Philly Style Magazine and Bacardi Mojito for a fabulous party!!

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Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA MR. GAY CONTEST 08/08/08


The Contestants line up, to read more about the contest and see pictures, read yesterdays blog entry…
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2008/08/mr-gay-philadelphia-2008-contest-photos.html

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Philadelphia

MR GAY PHILADELPHIA 2008 CONTEST PHOTOS

On Friday, August 8th, 2008, Bruce Yelk & http://www.nightlifegay.com/ , in association with BUCKmonkey, presented the 2nd Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia contest at the University of the Arts’ Levitt Auditorium. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was there I ran into my old friend actor Jesse Archer who hammed it up for me, on the otherhand maybe he was just being Jesse.
I also ran into a columnist i love to love and hate, who told me he was dreading the upcoming NYC Fashion Week. Looking at his sense of footwear fashion I could see why. What the hell is this?
He was being interviewed by an equally put off interviewer from New York Edge, I can’t recall his name, but anyone who starts a conversation with “Does Philadelphia have an inferior complex to NYC?”, well I stammered in shock and said it’s not that we have inferior complex, it’s the fact that people constantly compare us to the #1 largest City in the country. I futher explained, having lived in NYC, that Philly is the way NY was 10-15 years ago, the way New Yorkers with NYC was like still; plus it’s much more manageable. If anything we complement NYC, but don’t call us the Sixth boro, that my friend does irk some people as I have found out. He did say that Philadelphia is a cleaner version of Boston, so I will give him that much.
Bruce Yelk of NightLifeGay.com produced the Second Annual Mr Gay Philadelphia contest hosted at the Gershman Y on the Avenue of the Arts. Here he instructs the judges on what to expect for the evening. Thank GOD Jesse brings the color to Philadelphia.
Bruce walks by Michael Musto and his look alike younger version. MM spent most of the time away from the other judges, maybe it was old hat to him, maybe he thought he was the star billing, maybe he was staring into the eyes of his new young love, who knows, but I didn’t get a lot of dirt out of him because of his distance. A few of the guest enjoying their Smirnoff. Mr. & Mrs. Dino & Carrie Minelli and Scott Barnes. Carrie & Scott are from Cashman & Assocs. A major PR Firm in the City. A lot of the events I cover are via their agency. http://www.cashmanandassociates.com/
Wayne Bowman & Mr Philly Gay Calender Ric Andujar
If there’s one good thing about gay people it’s about judging, whether someone is judging us about our lifestyle, or we are judging them about what the hell are they wearing? Tonight’s contest brought it home as these contestants will be judged on formal wear, swim wear and of course Q & A – it’s not all about looks, it’s about personality too, and these are the folks that will be doing the judging. Not a bad looking group to be judge by (missing Mark Segal, and Michael Musto who both seemed to be preoccupied with the company they brought, and I don’t blame them) Judges: Dr Frank Spinelli, Project Runway Jack Mackenroth, actor David Moretti, actor Jesse Archer, 1994 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Bruce Hayes,

Project Runway Jack Mackenroth and 1994 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Bruce Hayes. Since 1991, the two have been good friends having met when Jack begun swimming ith The New York Aquatics (TNYA) team, among the largest and most respected in the country. Largely gay, the squad competes regularly at age-appropriate mainstream competitions. Mackenroth was honored as all-American three times and ranked 22 times in the top 10 by the national adult league, United States Masters Swimming, which comprises all U.S. teams. Bruce was glad to spend tonight participating in tonights Mr Gay Philadelphia, but his mind was on the Olympics, as he won the 1984 Olympic gold in Los Angeles, anchoring the U.S. men’s 4 x 200 m. freestyle relay team in what is widely acknowledged as one of the most exciting races in Olympic history, coming from behind to out-touch West Germany’s Michael Gross by .04 seconds and setting a word record of 7:15.69

Michael Musto scribbling notes as Jesse Archer tells him of one of his many wild adventures; You can read some of them here: http://www.jesseonthebrink.com/
Jack & Jesse camp it up as Bruce looks on. This was the “Backstage” area. Although the auditorium has new a/c this room was hot on many different levels. The Philadelphia Mr. Gay competition is Philadelphia’s premier one day event – garnering more press and celebrity than any other event in the region. The winner will go on to the U.S. Nationals and represent Philadelphia in the competition.
This is a shot about an hour before the show. My friends thought because I had to show up at 7:30PM, the show started at 8PM, but the show started at 9PM and they enjoyed thier cocktails before hand. Last year the event sold out, this year the City was full of competiting events, firstly Laura Burkhardt’s 2nd Annual Big Bang Birthday Party, then of course it was 08/08/08, the first week in August where everyone goes to the beach, and the biggest crowd drainer, the Opening Night of the Olympics. All in all it was a good crowd, but a big venue.

The co-hosts for the evening were Brittany Lynn and Sirius Satellite Radio Frank DeCaro, who is also on the Game SHow Network’s new program “I’ve got a Secret”. It was no secret that night, that Frank declared he lost 35lbs on Weight Watchers and is happy as a clam about it.
The contest was broken up into three parts, with entertainment in between segments. The University of the Arts Dancer’s were amazing
Then the contestants were introduced. Jason Brown representing Matthew Izzo clothing store and hair salon. Here is Ken Medley doing his best tribute to Bernie Mac Dennis Kinney represents STIR Philadelphia.
Derek Gibson represents the 12th Street Gym.
Matt Vlahos says if Derek’s a trainer, he will be switching his membership because he wants that body, er he want’s his body to look like his body.

You will see more Speedo bikini swimsuit swimwear in the next few photos than on any other beach besides Rehoboth Beach “Poodle Beach” Here’s Matthew Maguire in his Speedos;

Neil Grieves – His Myspace pages says: “they say that I’m cruel and I’m evil but how else can a starving boy be??”Male 28 years old Exeter (not too far from philly), PENNSYLVANIA United States. To say he’s a huge Vanessa Williams fan, would be an understatement.Ric Andujar representing http://www.phillygaycalendar.com/ and John CaputoRepresenting: Joe Pesci with Mr Gay Philadelphia 2007 Andrew Petruzelli 2007

31 year old David Bolduc Representing: Tavern on Camac Thom McIntyre Representing: Pure showing his sense of street style. Check out those boots. Tim Laskey

Ken Medley wins for Mr Congeniality

I was backstage when Steve McCann of http://www.phillygaycalendar.com/ interviewed the constestants, and msot of them said “I can represent Mr Gay Philadelphia because I am not your typical gay man, I am just a man who happens to be gay.” ie their Match.com ads probably say “Straight acting gay man date me”, this was also a question put forth to one of the constestants. According to Angelo Pezzote’s new book Straight Acting: The Truth Behind the Myth “I think there’s basically two camps of the young generation. One that fully embraces who they are, censoring nothing about themselves, and wanting to be recognized and treated just like anyone else—which represents progress.However, other gay youth ditch the gay label, wanting to be seen as “normal” from that place of shame I’ve been talking about.”
One of Philadelphia’s most dynamic performers, Marisa K. Devine, is performed at the event. The performance featured an exquisite set design, Asian themed resplendent costumes,
The judges hard at work
At one point Brittney Lyn played I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…

The rules to enter the Mr. Gay Philadelphia Contest are stricter than the Big Brother or American Idol shows.
Mr. Gay competitors.
-The Contestant must be 18 years of age by the date of the competition.-The Contestant must self-identify as a gay or bi-sexual male and sign a Release Form that assigns rights to all images including film of his participation in the contest series to Community Promotions & Nightlifegay.com. -The Delegate is not currently in open criminal proceedings, on felony probation and does not have a felony record.
-Contestant must provide attire for the following competitions: Evening wear and swimwear – both of the contestants choosing.
-Photograph for pre and post promotions.
-Biography
-Contestants may participate in the contest from any region of the country.
-Contestants must report to Gershwin Hall by 5:00 p.m. the night of the event.
tension mounts, Johnny really wants this to happen

Brittney passes her magic hand over the contestants heads
and settles it on Johnny Caputo the new Mr Gay Philadelphia 2008
Johnny’s sister is very proud and was part of his rooting section all night. She told me that he worked out hard to get in shape for this contest, and that he deserved it.
it was really wonderful to see all the support he had.His 15 Minutes of fame begins NOW. Here three of his new fans want to pose with him, David . writer Gary Kramer, and director Robert Gaston, who should probably get Johnny’s infor and cast him in his next film.
Congratulations to John Caputo Mr Gay Philadelphia 2008

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Philadelphia

KILDARE’S CHARITY SUMMER SERIES – CELEBRITY BARTENDING EVENT re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA BURKHARDT

(Photos from last night’s Philadelphia Style Magazine – The White Party, will be posted on Monday, because today is 08/08/08 and…) Last week I joined Where!! Magazine’s Laura Burkhardt, Will Kline, Karen Gross and Zelinda O’Hara along with Carlotta & Chumley for a celebrity bartending event which was part of the Kildare’s Charity Summer Series. Their event benefited Action AIDS.

A nice crowd came out to support the cause. The youthful with Perez like zingers Carlotta, Zelinda O’Hara & Mark Singer Chumley and Laura Burkhardt.

Jeff Alexander, Christine McGuigan, Michael Strunk, Sean Bivens all from Beneficial Bank said they were willing to walk the 10 blocks for another Kildare’s roast beef sandwich at lunch the following day.

Todd Siwinski and Meredith Lindemon – Daily Candy. Who was boldfaced and in Dan Gross’ column yesterday:”Comcast founder Ralph Roberts and actress wife Suzanne were among diners at Parc (18th & Locust) Tuesday night where they sat at a table away from, but had no interaction with, Meredith Lindemon of DailyCandy.com. Yesterday came word the cable giant bought the events listings site for $125 million. Philly is one of 13 cities with DailyCandy newsletters.” (When something is boldfaced it means of somewhat important, so it’s highlighted, it catches your eye and maybe the reader might really pay attention and read it and not just skim it. Hmm maybe I’ll start doing that) Todd works on set designson movies including Philly made “The Village” and “David Searching”David Schwartz, Marty Futrell, Doug Schaller, Michael Soileau, and Rob Goldman

My BF Mike Toub, Mark Beyerle and Terese Balzereit, director of international marketing at the Pennsylvania Tourism Office . Mark Beyerle, owner of Specialty Solutions Group, which operates a catering business and tours and events for visitors. Mark spoke to me about the new bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, to test tour guides in the City. He said that there was “much conditional work” needed, including the distinction between guides and escorts, public and private tours and whether out-of-town tour groups would be exempt from the bill. “We support the spirit of it. We don’t necessarily believe that an application and test will make a better guide,” Byerly said.

Robert Weinberg and Anthony Padilla
Ellen Himic of Ellen Himic Jewelery designer, Kristin and Enrique Garcia, with Laura Burkhardt and Dolph Ward Goldenburg, William Way Center Director. Dolph says that we have until August 15 to make a donation where an anonymous donor will match it dollar for dollar. Which reminds me I want to cut that check today. http://www.waygay.org/support/default.asp
The newlyweds Dino Minelli and Carrie Nork Minelli, Cashman & Assocs. Yes that’s her official name now. In September their wedding story will be featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I will keep you posted. http://www.cashmanandassociates.com
Laura Blumenthal, Gigi Lamm, Spencer Lamm and Bridget Keegan who had fun drinking their beers through the funny straws that were provided by Carlotta
Today’s Laura’s 2nd Annual Big Bang Birthday on 08/08/08 – Happy Birthday Laura!!
Auction Items that helped bring the total amount raised for Action AIDS was $799 (Damn couldn’t someone kick in another $1)

next week 8/14 celebrity guests are:
Joe Conklin, “Man of 1,000 Voices” Gwen Gioia, The Bachelorette Kharisma McIlwaine, The CW Crew Gervase Peterson, Survivor (To be seen in Butch Cordova’s Straight Men/Gay Men Calendar)
 Christian Ramirez-Coll, The CW Crew Diego, Q102 (Could you call Booker to the bar?)

Categories
Philadelphia

ARE THE LOCUST CLUB DAYS NUMBER re: 8+2 is 10, whats worse adults who spent a million or kids in school?

I remember the prominently Jewish social club, The Locust Club with it’s green awning’s and uniformed doorman greeting its smartly dressed members as they arrived for dining or cocktails. But as progress rolled on and the prejudice that once kept Jewish patrons from entering the doors of other clubs, including the Union League, the dwindling numbers hit the Locust Club hard. The once 1000 membership strong fell to less than 300 in the early 1990s and the Club closed. A series of promising restaurants were never able to succeed here, and the building fell silent. In 2004, a developer filed plans to build a 10 story condo project after obtaining the two adjoining brownstones; he was met with neighborhood opposition. Progress is again rearing it’s ugly head, and on Friday July 8, the 1610 – 1618 there’s a 9AM at 1515 Arch Street 18th Floor the Historic Commission will review the application a 10 story structure which will be a music school and 23 dormitory rooms. The facade of two of the buildings
will be saved.Soon Philadelphia can offer tours of the facade’s of what were once great buildings, we will start with the building that was once in front of the Penn Mutual building at 6th and Walnut, then go to the window casing at 8th and Chestnut, then over to the the façade of the c. 1900 Beaux-Arts style Rittenhouse Club where they are building 10 Rittenhouse Square as well as others…
The basement will be reserved for classrooms and a cafeteria. The Roof will have a terrace.

The white permit is from that failed project I spoke of earlier – $1 Million Condo’s. The big complaint then was the building of an 8 story building, the music school wants to build 10 story, seems a lot worse for the shadow that will fall on the historic St. Mark’s across the street. At the time this quote appeared in the Phila Biz Journal: “The biggest issue is the height and the impact on the church’s garden,” said Richard C. DeMarco, an attorney at Klehr Harrison representing St. Mark’s. “The garden is part of the church’s identity, and the building is not sympathetic to the church.” Was the four years of four abandoned buildings enough to get this project done?
I imagine this hallway will be demolished, can I have the wainscoting?
If you have something to say please attend the meeting
Friday 9AM at 1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor