Happy Labor Day, Maybe I'll See you at the Beach

William Penn is Not Getting A Wax Job Yet!!

As I mentioned in my 8/8/07 entry, City Hall's William Penn was scheduled to undergo his 10 year cleaning and waxing to waterproof the statue starting 8/20/07. The newly in place $5 observation viewing tower fee would be suspended as it would be closed for about 30 days for obstruction of view and safety issues. So on 8/20/07 I thought I would begin a series of William Penn shots to mark the progression of the scaffolding and cleaning (I am always inspired by http://www.phillyskyline.com/ and http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/)



8/20/07
8/24/07

8/27/07
8/29/07
Lucy there's something fishy going on 'er; On my way to work Wednesday morning I see a guy with a picket sign standing in the South archway of City Hall. I asked him if he was with the company that will be cleaning William Penn and if are they on strike. He didn't want to answer my questions (which I thought meant if you ask one more question I am going to break your camera over your head)
Lucky for me there seemed to be plenty of picketers and maybe one would answer my questions

West side (another shy one)

Mayor's entrance
East side, and then finallysomeone, who didn't want to be photographed, tells me that the picketers are from the Carpenters Union. He further states that "A Non-Union carpenter firm is inside City Hall doing work and the Carpenter's Union doesn't think its fair that they can pay someone less than Union Scale to do a job." I then mentioned that because of his picketing, the Union Carpenter guys who were going to scaffold William Penn to prepare him for cleaning and water proofing, won't cross the picket line and now tourist from all over the world are going to have to wait even longer to view our beautiful City because of the delay. In fact it could even go into winter before all is said and dine, tourist season will be over and dollars will be lost.

He said, "The City should have been better prepared, they knew about the impending strike and should have been flexible to opened the observation tower, since the work hadn't even started. They could have been collecting the $5 a head, put a smile on at least 120 people a day for the last two weeks grossing $1200, but then again we are talking about the Street Administration." (OK that wasn't his quote)

The New Clothespin Plaza at Penn Square

The 1976 Claes Oldenburg’s 45-foot-high, 10-ton sculpture stands in front of the Center Square Building at 15th and Market Streets, near City Hall in Philadelphia. The old Clothespin area was not very pretty, it was a concrete jungle, the stairs were in an odd juxtaposition to the street, although it seemed inviting to marathon sittersThe New Clothespin at Penn Square is much prettier. The stairs have been flipped and you can now enter/exit from the streetside. No more unwanted people loitering by the banks doors.Not much of a concrete jungleand still a great place to sit
Looks like it's a Taxi Stand now too?Overall I think they have done an excellent job. The facade and plaza really make Penn Plaza an inviting place to locate a business. With their largest tenant Comcast Corp., which occupies about 230,000 square feet, leaving within the year, I think the new curb appeal will attract the tenants they desire.

It's Official: You no longer have to Knock, it's opened

The City inspectors finally got around to inspecting the long anticipated resturaunt, KNOCK. It was orginally supposed to open last Friday, but you know how it is the last few weeks of August everyone moves a little slower. I just got off the phone with KNOCK and the bar will be opened today at 4PM and dinners will begin tomorrow night at 5PM. See my entry about KNOCK:

http://phillychitchat.blogspot.com/2007/08/you-no-longer-have-to-knock-its-open.html

Dinner being served 5 – 9, Sat & Sun Brunch 11 – 2. Eventually KNOCK will be opened for Lunch and Dinner beginning everyday at 11AM KNOCK 225 South 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 215.925.1166 http://www.knockphilly.com/

You no Longer have to KNOCK, it's open, really

Bill Wood or as he is known in the GAYborhood, Woody, and his brother Steve (& their spouses), have finally opened their global restaurant-lounge. KNOCK whose name takes its inspiration from an Irish town, will occupy the northeast corner of 12th and Locust Streets, in the ground floor space that has housed a series of short-lived eateries (Lula, Sukothai, Cafe Cosmo and the longest tenant at 5 years, Pamplona, a branch of Dmitri's).

When I spoke to Bill Wood, earlier this week, he told me that he wanted to do some things that would break the curse that seems to have occurred at the corner of 12th and Locust Streets, in addition to really wanting to do something special to the space and for the community. Trust me, he has, it's amazing, down to the detail on the floor, the bar, lighting, linens, hearth (yes its true) and it's very stylish "Green" bathrooms (Hopefully he didn't have a problem with the plumbing unions that the Comcast Building did). The rumors are true the new place does have a piano, but its just for show strategically placed as you sweep into the foyer to request a table.


And as soon as I walked in the place it felt like home again, the feel, the atmosphere, seeing Bill Wood and some familiar faces. Woody's was always one of those places that closely reminded my friends and I of TV show Cheers; they always knew our name, it was always a safe warm atmosphere and everyone was family, (& who can forget those free pour drinks.) It's great to see Woody back in the neighborhood, to see old friends again, make new ones, and enjoy a good meal by Chef Stephen Huey. Pictured above Thom Cardwell and James Duggan of BUCKmonkey, Bill Wood, his Partner Lee Mallon, Partners David White and James McManaman of Absolute Abstract.
All the art work at Knock is from Absolute Abstract located at 141 S. 13th Street, in the newly created Midtown section of Center City http://absoluteabstractart.com/ I have only showcased a small part of the restaurant, as you will want to stop by not only for a delicious meal, but to take in the beautiful design of, damn I failed to get the name of the interior designer, I will get it because everyone will want a piece of them after seeing KNOCK. The hours will be limited at first, Dinner being served 5 – 9, Sat & Sun Brunch 11 – 2. Eventually KNOCK will be opened for Lunch and Dinner beginning everyday at 11AM KNOCK 225 South 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 215.925.1166 http://www.knockphilly.com/

So you've always wanted see New Jersey bred Kelly Ripa first thing in the morning

So you've always wanted see New Jersey bred Kelly Ripa first thing in the morning, you can, you could either hang out at the WABC stage door or you could buy an apartment in her building. According to http://www.curbed.com/ , her current neighbor Lenny Kravitz has put his apartment up for sale.

This spectacular duplex PH loft with 6000 SF of interior space and 3000 SF of outdoor space has been newly redesigned and renovated with no expense spared to create the most luxurious and important property downtown. The 1st level contains a grand entrance area w/ 2 powder rms, living rm w/ marble FPL, a large terrace w/ a WBF, Din Rm, Media Rm w/ full bth, and a gourmet state-of- the- art kitchen w/ bth. A suspended glass staircase leads to the 2nd level which features the Mstr BR w/ a sitting area, a huge Mstr Bth and 3 addtl. BRs each w/ their own bath. Another glass staircase leads to an enormous roof deck w/ a built in barbecue. There are two large outfitted storage rooms that are included in the sale.This loft is for the Connoisseur of First Class Luxury Living and Ultimate Entertaining. Only $19 Million

Anthony Fedorov @ Golden Gates PA - 9/6/2007

Anthony Fedorov, of American Idol fame, currently appearing Off-Broadway in the Fantastiks, will be coming to Philadelphia with his band on 9/6/07 (I photographed him Sunday at the Grease opening on Broadway)

Anthony Fedorov @ Golden Gates PA - 9/6/2007
Back to Broadway Event Calendar
Anthony Fedorov will perform at the Golden Gates Club in Philadelphia on Thursday, September 6 at 7:30 PM, accompanied by his band.
The Golden Gates club is located at 11058 Rennard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19116. Meet and greet will be held before the show, so please arrive one hour prior to showtime. Parking is free, but the event is cash only.
Anthony Fedorov, who most recently starred in the off-Broadway production of the Fantasticks, will perform songs from his upcoming album, as well as some covers.
To buy tickets or for more information, go to this website: http://www.anthonyfanclub.com/concertafc.html. Tickets are $30 each.

Most US adults in the dark about world politics

Two-thirds of US adults admit to being in the dark about political issues outside the United States, and only a third are well-versed in US politics, the results of a poll published Tuesday showed. (Wouldn’t that be 2/3 not knowledgeable of foreign politics, and 2/3 not interested in domestic politics? or is my math screwed up?)
Candidates in the US presidential primaries "may have their work cut out for them as they work to get people interested in the election," wrote the Harris Poll group, which surveyed 2,225 adults between July 6 and 13 for the poll.
A separate survey gave New York Senator Hillary Clinton a healthy lead over her main rival Barack Obama for the Democratic primary race.
More than 40 percent of those who would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus would vote for Clinton while 27 percent said they would vote for Obama, the poll showed.
In the Republican race for the candidacy, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has a three-percentage point lead over ex-senator Fred Thompson, who hasn't yet declared that he is running, that poll, which surveyed 2,870 adults in the first week of August, showed.
Global political knowledge was miniscule, with just three percent of women and 14 percent of men saying they are extremely knowledgeable on world politics.
One reason for the knowledge gap is lack of interest, according to the poll. (Photo of LL by me)

A Gentle Soaking Rain in Philadelphia

A Marathon Rain - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (?)

According to PhillyWeather.net:

A gentle soaking rain fell throughout much of the region yesterday afternoon, last night [and today]. In some places, over an inch of rain fell, which is welcome news considering the rainfall deficit we've been dealing with. Philadelphia received 0.66" of rain as of 4 AM this morning, the largest rain event in about a month in this area. Northeast Philadelphia received 1.10" of rain.

I would have cropped this photo or spiffied it up, but I just got the new Vista system and it didn't support my JASC Photopaint version, and I have been meaning to graduate or grudgely accept the fact that I should be doing photoshop at this point in my life, so you get nothing but virgin shots until I learn all these new applications. Well that explains why there wasn't a post on Monday. Thanks!

Phillywood is on it's way, I hope we don't regret it!

Now that Phillywood might become a reality, what's the chance that the powers to be will be detering to the almighty buck instead of the tax paying citizens...is this film business likely to be a nightmare like what happen to this guy in San Francisco:

http://www.thestandingroom.com/blog/2007/07/dude-wheres-my-.html

I'm in NYC covering the Opening of Grease on Broadway

so I won't be posting on Monday as I get back a little late. But there should be a posting on http://www.confessionsofapaparazzi.com/

Philadelphia artists craft a cool cocoon

PHILADELPHIA — Style-conscious hoteliers such as Ian Schrager and the late Bill Kimpton have led a revolution in big-city lodging over the past two decades, opening fun, funky and art-filled boutique hotels from New York to Chicago to San Francisco.
But somehow, Philadelphia, the nation's fifth-largest metro area, found itself bypassed by the trend.

No matter. As of earlier this summer, the City of Brotherly Love may have the coolest hotel room in the USA.

Room 414 at The Westin Philadelphia downtown is the handiwork of more than two dozen Philadelphia-area artists and designers who collectively created an environment that is as much museumlike art installation as lodging.

Led by local designers R.J. Thornburg and Eileen Tognini, the wide-ranging crew created a chocolate-colored cocoon layered with drawings, prints, sculptures, handmade furniture and textiles.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-08-16-philadelphia-art-hotel_N.htm

Broadway News: Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin at The Prince Theater in Philadelphia

I just recieved this great news: (Patti LuPone opening preview night of Sweeney Todd)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Philadelphia, PA August 15, 2007 Broadway Legends Take to the Prince Stage Tony Award winners Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin bring their new two person show to the Prince for an exclusive run. Philadelphia , PA…

The Prince Music Theater is proud to announce the reunion of Broadway legends Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin in AN EVENING WITH PATTI LUPONE AND MANDY PATINKIN.

More information will be coming as further arrangements are finalized. Mandy Patinkin recently finished a two season run on the highly successful television show, Criminal Minds. He won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Dr. Jeffery Geiger on Chicago Hope.

In 1980 he won the Tony Award for his performance as Che Guivera in the original Harold Prince production of Evita with Ms. LuPone Patti LuPone recently received rave reviews as Mama Rose in the Jule Styne masterpiece Gypsy at New York City Center.

She has been nominated for several Tony Awards including for her performance as Mrs. Lovett in the recent revival of Stephen Sondheim’s macabre opera Sweeney Todd. She won the Tony for her stellar performance as Eva Peron in the original 1980 production of Evita.

Performances will begin with a special Gala Performance on Tuesday 23 October 2007 at 7pm. Other performances will run between October 24th-29th at 7pm on Wednesday, 8pm on Thursday and Friday, 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, 3pm on Sunday, and the final performance at 7pm on Monday.

Tickets for non-subscribers are $65 for weeknights and matinees, and $75 for Saturday evening.

Subscribers save $5 per ticket for $60 on weeknights and matinees, and $70 for Saturday evening. The opening night Gala Performance is $90 and includes an exclusive cocktail reception. All dates, times and prices are subject to change.

Tickets are available through UpStages by calling 215 569 9700. Press are invited to attend performances beginning Wednesday 24 October 2007 at 7pm.

For press tickets or information contact J Nathan Bazzel, Public Relations Manager, on 215 972 1014.

Wicked Tour Celebrates 1,000th Performance Aug. 15 in Philly

Something Wicked comes our way...

A 'Wicked' party was held Wednesday on the steps of the Academy of Music with the cast members of Wicked as they celebrated of the musical's 1,000th performance on tour
Left to Right above: LESLIE BECKER (Midwife, u/s Madame Morrible) ; original tour company cast members: BARBARA TIRRELL (Madame Morrible). and TERRA LYNN ARRINGTON (Ensemble); TOM FLYNN (Dr. Dillamond), and BRAD WEINSTOCK (Boq). In the back is Steve Quinn, Company Manager.

Leslie Becker told me a funny story that occured the very first night of the Wicked tour last year when it played the Academy of Music for the first time; (SPOILER ALERT) as Glinda floated down in the bubble it blew the fuse on the electricity and the stage went dark. The old girl just couldn't handle the wattage of Wicked and it's magic. After a maintenance break, a few adjustments, the show went on and the Academy's electricity never failed again. It has been the only glitch the show has ever experienced in Philly and they of course told me that the Philly audience was the best, giving them a standing ovation every night.

BARBARA TIRRELL and TERRA ARRINGTON sign autographs for their young fansIf you haven't seen Wicked yet, pick up the phone, or click here http://www.wickedthemusicaltour.com/ and GO SEE IT, (I must confess, I have seen it FIVE times)

A Wicked time on Broadway err I mean Broad Street...


If you have a minute, you really outta read some of the comments left by the Def Leppard fans on my Monday posting. They are as loyal and tenacious as those Claymates that gave me an ear whipping a few weeks back!

Philadelphia Weekly will Publish Your Artwork online

with a big advertisement slapped on top of it:

http://philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=15225&rss=1

Blogging Blogs - 8/14/07

Tuesdays best blog entries around the web... What happened to the days when women would write out their future names a million times on a legal pad before marrying..."Mrs. Stephen Haynes", "Mrs. Stephen Haines", "Mrs. Steven Haines"...

http://willdo.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2007/08/this_content_so.html#comments


The Water Bottle Problem. For the longest time I didn't want to spend the dime to buy bottled water. Now I am as addicted to it as blogging, and Al Gore and friends say I need to change my carbon footprint...

http://theilladelph.blogspot.com/2007/08/in-praise-of-philadelphias-delicious.html


I wish I had time to even figure out what this all means...I guess three blogs is two too many.

http://www.numtopia.com/terry/blog/index.cfm


I like the title of this blog, and I like the storyline:

http://www.apartment2024.com/2007/08/09/does-perceived-stagnation-precede-change/

This guy is great on so many levels, there's not just one article on his blog I can hightlight, I have to highlight them all

http://wookified.typepad.com/amen//

Favorite YouTube.com video today "What the Buck", this guy is hysterical. This issue talkes about Paula Abdul's reality show and the Linda Evans and Joan Collins "Legends" show that played the Forrest Theater last year:



Clearly my favorite show this summer, because I enjoy a good trainwreck now and then, BIG BROTHER 8 - Jen Eric Zak Danielle Evil Dick upclose and personal review by "WhatTheBuck!"

Philly is more Fun When You Sleep Over and Def Leppard Prefers Philly over New York City

On my way home from work I thought I would run by the local "celebrity" hotel to see if Mark Wahlberg was staying there while filming his new movie in town. When I walked up to an appropriate spot to wait for Mark I ran into an "autograph collector" that I met a few weeks back at another event, so I knew I was in the right place. After a bit of time some scraggly old man got out of his driven town car with some golf clubs. As the doorman help him take his golf clubs out of the trunk, the surprised "collector" ID'd him as Rick Savage, the bassist from Def Leppard. In actuality he's really not that old considering he was born in 1960, but apparantly has lived a hard life. I read that he's been sober for a few years, and now
he golfs in between gigs. About 10 minutes later the lead singer Joe Elliott (thanks for the correction Admin of http://www.defleppardsol.com) strolled out of Rittenhouse Square with his wife and walked towards the hotel. Now again I had no idea who he was, thankfully the "dealers" did and called out his name, he turned and I shot this, foolishly, I didn't bother running up and asking for a better photo as I really didn't know who he was and truthfully I've become a lazy paparazzi during these dog days of Summer.It was just as well one of the "collectors", was a big fan, and did go up and ask for a 'graph and a photo "with", Elliott signed for him, but refused to pose saying he "looked like shit." But I do know one thing...after playing at Hershey Park, PA on Sunday, Def Leppard chose to stay in PHILLY over NYC, which is only 33 miles south of their next gig tonight at Jones Beach (with Foreigner/Styx) ), Long Island NY (NATCH!!)

Senator Joseph Biden Book reading at the Philly Main Library, but who is his audience?

I just received this in my email: Coming to the Free Library of Philadelphia

Just Added!
Senator Joseph Biden
Promises to Keep
Monday, August 27 (12 noon) FREE

Let's see who can make it over to the library for a noon book reading... the employees of Family Court, the homeless hanging in the Shakespeare Park and I guess the folks who drive in from the suburbs who work at Logan Square. OK I am just jealous, I can't make it in on my lunch hour to hear him put his foot in his mouth, like I know he will! Would it have been to hard for him to come up for a night time reading?

There will be a "Happening" at 30th Street Station Today

Yesterday I recieved this email from a friend visiting Philly: I am working on "The Happening" this Monday at 30th st station. This is the M. Night Shyamalan film with Mark Wahlberg. Over the next couple weeks they'll be filming throughout the City. I will keep you posted.

I hope to run over at lunch and catch the happening filming somewhere in 30th Street Station