MARIA PAPADAKIS HAS A WINNING BOAT NAMED AFTER HER

Recently Drexel University and President John Fry dedicated a few sculling boats in honor of several people including 

my friend Maria Papadakis (c), as her fiance Brenden Kent (l), and Eliana Papadakis (r) looks on

http://www.drexeldragons.com/news/2012/4/29/WCREW_0429120628.aspx

Pennsylvania Innocence Project Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

I'll be shooting this event:

Pennsylvania Innocence Project's 3rd Anniversary Celebration Highlights Justice and Science

Science has become an indispensable ally in the fight for justice. DNA test results have lifted up the gates to freedom for hundreds of the imprisoned innocent. Because of the undisputed accuracy of DNA testing, we now know that wrongful convictions are a recurring phenomenon with systemic and correctible causes. At the same time, some forensic tests relied upon by the prosecution in wrongful conviction cases have proven to be "junk" science.

Join us for our 3rd anniversary party on Wednesday, May 23rd, at the Power Plant in Old City, as we celebrate the serious role that science plays in forwarding our mission, while allowing you to experience some "scientific" methods that may, or may not, be admissible in court.

For sponsorship opportunities from the Friends of PIP to the Pillar of Justice level, please contact event producers Taluva at info@taluvapr.com or 267-886-8888. To obtain individual tickets at a minimum contribution of $125 per ticket (lower for public interest lawyers and students), please use the Click To Register tab below.


Pennsylvania Innocence Project 3rd Anniversary Celebration
May 23rd, 2012
6-8:30
Power Plant 230 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Click to Register

(Sponsored)

Taste of the Nation - Does Arthur Etchells have a doppelgänger

In Philadelphia, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation event brought together the area's top chefs and restaurants who donated their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America. Along with a bounty of culinary delights, guests will had the opportunity to sample select wines from Sonoma Cutrer, specialty cocktails and premium beers provided by Belukus Marketing and Duvel.

I arrived a tad late as I was out photographing Colin Farrell tossing folks out the window on Walnut Street, but I did catch up to a few people. (I apologize for the condition of some of these photos. My street camera is not up to snuff for shooting events.) BFF's and co-workers at Capital Wine and Spirits: Kristin Conrad and Mackenzie Parker with Chef Chair, Kevin Sbraga, winner of Bravo's Top Chef: Washington, DC and Executive Chef/Owner of SBRAGA

The Ten Arts Crew with Ian Thomas (c) and Nathan Volz. Follow Nathan on twitter to find out special.

 Michael Ettinger and Kim Genkin

Kristyn Aldrich and Bobbie Booker

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger strives to build a community where all people have the food they need to lead healthy lives. Founded in 1996, the Coalition has helped more than 50,000 families in the Philadelphia region with food assistance through its SNAP (Food Stamp) Hotline, while educating the public and policymakers about responsible solutions that prevent people from going hungry. The Coalition also provides training and resources to more than 100 local food pantries and soup kitchens and organizes the annual Walk+Run Against Hunger, which raises much-needed funds to the area's leading hunger-relief agencies.

Doppelgängers: Philly Mag's Arthur Etchells and Chef Eric Paraskevas of Terra

Carol Drumstas and Chef Tim Spinner and Brian Sirhal of La Calaca Feliz in Fairmount

Fleming's Steak House

Anthony Masapollo of  Le Castagne and Spiga (1305 Locust Street),  Lorraine Giblet, Luca Cena and Joanne Jordan

Michelle Cassidy, Crystal Wang and Alexandra Weiss

Naima Wolmack and Brianna Wellmon of City Tavern. Oh my those dessert. You might recall my interview with Brad Lidge, this is his favorite restaurant.

Mr Philadelphia, Al Lee

McCrossen's Tavern had the most delicious pork dishes (529 N 20th St)

Mackenzie Parker with legendary photographer Robert Mendelsohn, Philadelphia Tribune

WALGREENS COMES TO ONE SOUTH BROAD, this is not your mother's drugstore - Details, Sketches & Floor Plans

I'm excited that something is going in at this location. Ever since this location (Broad & Chestnut) became empty I started doing serious research to see if anyone was interested in renting it. I thought it would move quickly as it's the last of the red hot corners left in Philly. Usually I would put out my findings on Twitter @iphillychitchat and you might recall me saying that the Cheesecake Factory looked into it, but there was not parking, plus they felt that the mezzanine level was seen as wasted space. The other night I asked Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s & Pete’s if he could set up shop there, same answer he wanted parking. Then I heard the Container Store looked at it, but they said there was no parking for customer purchase pick up. They really reached out to a lot of companies to get the space filled.

In December I read on PhiladelphiaSpeaks that Walgreens wanted the spot. My research went into high gear, and I talked to a few people who told me that indeed Walgreens had wanted it for months, but the City kept rejecting them (PCC December entry) because this was the Avenue of the Arts, and that property is a crown jewel, the business that goes in there has to be upscale. I'm here to tell you it's happening, and it's not you're mother's Walgreens, it's a really unique business concept. One that other cities will look to for direction.

It's more like a superstore upscale Walgreens, and not only are the first floor windows not going to be blocked, like they are at most Walgreens (and a major contention with the City), but at no level will the windows be block, leaving the charm of the building intact.

“Accessory to the following: retail sales of groceries, bakery goods & pre-packaged foods & beverages,  accessory photographic processing and printing; take out restaurant with seating (sales & preparing & serving of hold & cold food & beverages in/on disposable ware for eat in & take out  less than 30 seats) w/ garbage disposal in kitchen & interior trash storage  all on the first floor; retail sales of groceries, bakery goods & pre-packaged foods & beverages;

take out restaurant with seating ( sales & preparing & serving of prepared hot & code foods & beverages in/ on disposable ware for eat in and take out , less than 30 seats), w/ garbage disposal in kitchen & interior trash storage on second floor; retail sales of fragrances, cosmetics and beauty supplies and general merchandise; beauty salon (hair, nails & facials) & retail sales of related accessories & products; retail sales of magazines, books, appliances & electronics; retail pharmacy (drugs & medicines with accessory nonprescription health products & accessories), consulting room & customer patient examination area (treatment of patients on the third floors), all one tenant.” (I took this description from Naked Philly as they always do a nice job breaking it down)

The First Floor is called Eat Well. This is where you will find customer service,   buy your prepared foods, convenience foods, get photo services, bury magazines, candy, greeting cards, Wine and Beer.  All those items you need in a jiffy. On the right side is the mezzanine section, and it will be the "Up Market" a cafe, juice and sushi bar. (WOW, just wow)

The Third Level is divided in several sections: Bridge Pharmacy, Well- Over the counter medications; Look Boutique- high end cosmetics, hair products etc; Nail and Hair Salon; Beautiful - mass cosmetics and skin care brands,  Personal Care and Daily Living - Daily living essentials, household items and greeting cards.

P.S. - Remember when I predicted Bart Blatstein would want to build a casino on North Broad Street. I still predict he will purchase the School Board Building to complete his dream.

P.S.S.- Thanks to all those who helped me put this story together over the last 6 months.