PHILLY CHIT CHAT CHATTER

(FYI TWO ENTRIES TODAY)

Whenever I get to the Philly Chit Chat Chatter I want to do some chattering but I am short on time as I prepare to go to NYC to cover the Tribeca Film Festival. I just finished my schedule and my time there is packed with celeb red carpet events, movie location shooting, hanging out at celeb restaurants and photographing Madonna. Oh and of course seeing my friends, I have a whole bunch in this biz in NYC and I really miss them a lot, but I wouldn't trade Philly for NYC ever again.

Let Them Eat Cake - A City of Hope Fundraiser took place last week. I will be writing more about it next week.

There are a couple things going on this weekend that you should be aware of tonight:
The most updated information for the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Benefit for Children coming up Friday, April 24^th. I’m not sure if I mentioned this before but the event features a special performance by the Bacon Brothers! The Bacon Brothers are performing between 8:30 – 9 pm.
Cashman & Assoc. are handling the press/pr. Here are the Cashman Girls, last night, sans Nicole Cashman who had to leave to attend another Cashman event, at CHIMA Philadelphia hmm hmmm steak.

Another Cashman event coming up: Sunday, May 17, 2009, the Morgan and Smokey Brown Foundation (MSBF) will host its 1^st Annual Spring Fling. Port Richmond and the entire Philadelphia region are invited to an evening of food, fun and friends to support MSBF’s dedication to children and its goal of furthering the pursuit of higher education. The Spring Fling will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cescaphe Ballroom (923 North Second Street). Tixs $200 or $300 couple, so get together with a friend and economize. Info susan@cashmanandassociates.com

Furia Rubel Communications is behind the PR for this fun event:
The National Kidney Foundation Serving the Delaware Valley will offer its 3^rd Annual High Heels Kick Out Kidney Disease Fashion Event. The Foundation teamed up with The Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia to host an exclusive night of fun, shopping, networking and education at its facility. Each event attendee will receive a jam-packed goodie bag and will have a chance to win the High Heels lock and key raffle. Tickets are for sale – $75 for general admission or $35 for students. For more information regarding the Foundation or High Heels Kick Out Kidney Disease, contact Kimberly Hamm at (215) 923-8611 or visit www.nkfdv.org. How much fun is it to go to an event in a closed mall, very manaquin I think.
On Wednesday, April 22, more than 150 people gathered at the new Union Trust Steakhouse, 717 Chestnut Street, for a LGBT Happy Hour hosted by the restaurant’s publicity agency, Vlahos Public Relations; Mark Segal of the “Philadelphia Gay News;” and the Independence Business Alliance, Philly’s LGBT chamber of commerce. Vlahos said the idea for the event came when the owners of the restaurant asked him if he wanted to do a happy hour for his friends. He told them “I’ll do one better. I want to do a happy hour for my community.” Guests enjoyed Union Trust’s signature cocktail – the Loosey Goosey – and appetizers, under the soaring 65-foot-ceilings. The place was so packed that this was the best advantage point for me to shoot from. Then I worked my way through the crowd and for once really got to chat with people as it was too crowded to bother to take photos. When Karen Cornell's photos show up on Philly Edge I will link them to this site. There's even a shot of me in there. 717 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 925-6000
Remember to check the PhillyChitChat Calendar for upcoming events. Plus check me out on Twitter - iPhillyChitChat and on my FB page Philly ChitChat this weekend as I cover the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.

Earlier this week I caught the workers as Macy's dismantle their flower show. I tried to stop them but it was too late, they had dismantled and tossed out the flamingos everyone wanted.
The End
Last week I did the rounds of the bars. Denim was busy, the PPA was giving the Valet trouble for double parking. BTW when did Walnut Street become Old City. Then over to Strongbox offensive line, Todd Herremans was locked in the box, Doug Kamemer stopped by, Dana Spain and crew had left the Donors are Heros along with DA candidate Brian Grady. Orlando Magic basketball team ate at Paradiso tonight at 7:30. I ran into Anne-Marie Green supporting the Phila Library Festival last week. She's such a nice person.

All About Art at MossRehab public exhibition by professional artists

MossRehab will present a free and open to the public exhibition by professional artists with disabilities. The work is all original and represents an array of mediums. Prices range from $65 to $4,500.

Pat and Dick Wexelblat of Merion Station are all smiles tonight. Both artists have their work on display at All About Art at MossRehab: The International, Juried Exhibition & Sale of Art by Professional Artists with Physical Disabilities. The show runs until June 21. It is free and open to the public everyday from 10am-8pm.Beverley Dubin of Bala Cynwyd, Jeff Jubelirer of Villanova, and Joan Hockman of Bala Cynwyd pause from taking in the art at the All About Art at MossRehab Patrons’ Preview Party to snap a quick picture.

MossRehab inaugurated an exhibition showcasing artists with disabilities in 1979. We believe that it was the first show of its kind on the East Coast. Many similar shows have been launched as a result. Works by 68 artists and fine craft artisans is showcased. There are 38 returning favorites and 30 artists who are new to the exhibition. In addition to local and other U.S. artists, there are exhibitors from Israel, South Africa, Canada and India.

Boardmember S. Ty Steinberg presents one of two honorees of the evening, Bob Krauss, Esq. of Lafayette Hill with his award for his leadership and dedication to MossRehab. Krauss served as Chairman of MossRehab and has been a huge supporter of MossRehab’s annual art show.

Kids Day on Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. features tours of the exhibition and demonstrations. Children will visit stations and participate in interactive experiences, such as painting with a brush held in the mouth or creating art using non-dominant hands.

Dr Nathaniel Mayer presents one of two honorees of the evening, Dorothea Glass, M.D. of Miami, FL with her award for the outstanding contributions she has made to MossRehab.
Mickey Black, Howard Sitrone and Barbara Black all from Queen Village enjoy the beautiful artwork of the All About Art at MossRehab Patrons’ Preview Party on Thursday April 2, 2009.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Messler (On rare occassions I will accept photos from others)

SAKE TO ME AT THE 2009 SAKE FEST - LOEWS HOTEL

Philadelphians gathered in the Millennium Ballroom at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel to experience the finest Japanese and U.S. saké, as part of the 5th Saké Fest. The Festival falls within the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia during March and April. Visitors were treated to samplings of rare and premium saké while also learning how to pair the traditional Japanese drink with a wide variety of food, including cheese, desserts, chocolate and a wide range of fusion, Asian and continental cuisines.

Lisa Simon of Simon Public Relations Group and Ed Markus of Event Navigators

Thom Cardwell and Carol Coombs from the Philadelphia Film Festival. Saké is the new drink of choice to be served with various types of cuisine. With thousands of saké varieties available in the United States, it's no wonder that it is a growing presence in the alcohol beverage industry.
Saké is more than a drink to be served with Japanese food. It is a beverage that is as versatile as wine. It can be enjoyed with cheese, chocolates, and all varieties of ethnic foods. Similar in profile to wine, saké is valued for its fragrance, impact, sweet or dry finish, acidity, presence and complexity.
Sake is wine. Sake is Fashion. Sake (sah-keh) is a fermented alcoholic beverage with a long history in Japanese culture. While often called 'rice wine' sake is actually more like beer than wine as it is made from a grain, rice, not a fruit as wine is. Sake is a fermented, but not distilled beverage, and should not be confused with shochu, another Japanese alcoholic beverage that is distilled. The alcoholic content of sake is higher than beer, generally between 12% and 18% alcohol by volume, and has a complex, even fruity flavor when made by a high quality manufacturer. Sake characteristics run the gamut from sweet to dry, fruity to earthy, with acidity and fragrance complexities that rival western wines. Sake is far from a simple drink.
Thank You to Our Sponsors

• PW-Philadelphia Weekly
• Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• Imbibe Magazine

Special Thanks to Our Partners

• The wonderfully talented and dedicated team at O3 World
• Tony Jones at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
• Lisa Simon - Simon Public Relations Group, Inc.
• Kazumi Teune, Sam Malissa, Kaori Pell & Chris Yeager of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
• Melissa Monosoff - Sommelier
• R. Scott Winters - Sake Expert - Prohibition Beverage, LLC

Thank You to Our Volunteers

• Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Members & Staff
• Vanessa "Euro Thrash" Jackson and the Philly Roller Girls
• Maido! Kimono Ladies

Marnie Old - Old Wines, LLC
Participants enjoyed themselves
Some of the newer saké that people seemed to enjoy was the mojito and rose.
Hot Sake vs. Cold Sake
Historically, sake was served warm. The reasons were twofold. Firstly, this ancient drink was created before refrigeration and was therefore habitually served that way after methods to chill food and drink were developed. Secondly, sake was also historically a much more coarse beverage, and often took up flavors from the wooden casks in which it was stored. Many off flavors were also a side effect of the fermentation process, which were masked by serving the sake at a higher temperature. More recently, better brewing techniques, more refined strains of yeast and koji, and modern storage practices have created a very different product than in the past. A more refined product does not mean that all sake is the same, however. Just as western wines have subtle differences, so do sakes from different regions and different manufacturers.
Glenn http://phillygspot.com/, Richard Brian Penn
Mara Toukatly (congrats on your new home), Lauren Riley and Brett Silver
SAVE THE DATE: Their next exciting enterprise is the second annual Phiz Fest, previously a festival of champagne, now a festival of sparkling wines. It is slated for the grand ballroom of The Bellevue on November 12, 2009: www.phizfest.org.

MURAL ARTS TRASH RECYCLING TRUCK PROJECT

The graphic designs which will wrap a total of ten City of Philadelphia recycling trucks are inspired by - and quote - historical and contemporary textile patterns that celebrate elements of nature, and are drawn from the collection of The Design Center at Philadelphia University. The fabrication of the vinyl graphics and wrapping of the recycling trucks is being overseen by PLUG Digital. The plan was to roll out 10 trucks created with graphic wraps designed by Desiree’ Bender and students from Philly Mural Arts Program’s (MAP) after school Big Picture Program.
Pretty in blue
but wait I counted 12 trucks, but they were only wrapped on the sides of the truck. I'm grateful for the extra two trucks, and who would ever see it from the top so it's not a big deal, just a matter of curiosity. Anyone know what happened?

IN BED WITH BUTCH A DECADE OLD ANNIVERSARY PARTY TO CELEBRATE

This should be playing in the background when you read today's entry:






A 10th Anniversary Party for TV’s In Bed with Butch

A 10th Anniversary Party for TV’s In Bed with Butch
Your cohosts - Frank DeCaro, The Daily Show, The Frank DeCaro Show, and Brini Maxwell, Style Channel: The Brini Maxwell Show
Starring Felipe Rose original Indian of the Village People and Jade Starling, lead singer of Pretty Poison Gervase Peterson of Survivor and Keith Collins, actor, Tommy Hilfiger model
With local celebrities
Tony Enos, recording artist
Sandy Beach, drag impresario
Lisa Lisa, entertainer
Salotta Tea, drag impresario


Your cohosts - Frank DeCaro, and Brini Maxwell, Style Channel: The Brini Maxwell Show

Ted Marx works hard for his money as he takes this creative shot lying on the floor.

Jade Starling and the City Paper's A.D. Amorosi
Gervase Peterson of Survivor and Keith Collins, actor, Tommy Hilfiger model. Keith Collins is just finished a movie with Charles Durning. Gervase had just boxed and won a fight against 2 days earlier. He looks pretty good after enduring such a battle.
Sandy Beach, who came out of retirement to perform

Felipe Rose, THE original Indian of the Village People

Jade Starling singing her new song "Finger Lickin Good"Come to Jade's House

This was my club song when I hit the scene so many years ago...

KELLY DRIVE ROAD CLOSURE & MLK DRIVE ROAD CLOSURES - FAIRMOUNT PARK PHILADELPHIA

What Walk is on Kelly Drive or MLK Drive this weekend? These charts will help you figure it out.


Click on image to see larger.



I didn't realize it, but you can find the info here on the Fairmount Park Site. This site will also give you the Ben Franklin Parkway Closures.
http://www.fairmountpark.org/mlk_closure.asp
So glad it's up there because for years it was hard to obtain this info as I tried as I live along the Parkway and it impacts my life.

5 DA'S PRESENT THEIR CASE TO THE PHILADELPHIAN

Last night the 5 candidates presented their case to the residents in my condo building. I live in a very politically active building where with each election we have about 85% of voter turn out. Our residents have even stated a Political Action Group called Center City Concern Citizen. Every election we get a nice turn out of politicians courting our voters. The candidates:

• Brian Grady
• Dan McCaffery
• Dan McElhatton
• Michael Turner
• Seth Williams

Each candidate took turns getting up and sharing their experiences with the audience
and their fellow candidates
who seemed to be tired of hearing the same 'ole spiel
and at other times enjoyed the stories
It seemed like each of these candidates spent some time working in the DA's office.
It wasn't until Dan McCaffery got up acknowledging Steve Lavery (tonights host) and saying that as someone who learned under him at the DA's office he was able to develop into an excellent prosecutor and everyone on the panel running for DA this year, learned from their skills by watching McCaffery at work. He further stated that Dan McCaffery wasn't stuck behind a desk, and he doesn't owe anyone, like some of the others. The room was silent and I think people were a little shocked by that attack, but then again it was ballsy too.
Then he sat down. I was thinking to myself these guys must want to kill him
but it's politics and all is forgiven as Seth begins his speech
Seth Williams will put prosecutors where crime is and where arrests are processed: in Philadelphia's 24 police districts and seven detective divisions. With a team of prosecutors assigned to each district and each detective division 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these community prosecutors can connect the dots between offenders, victims and neighborhoods while coordinating their efforts with police to reduce local crime rates.
Then it was Q&A time Dan McCaffery 's statement that he believes in a 1yr mandatory sentence for having an illegal gun, well and McCaffery also supports equal rights for everyone including sexual orientation. Also in favor of decriminalization laws.
The most interesting question was form my friend Joan who asked what was the one personality/professional trait each candidate would use to describe themselves:

Dan McElhatton stated that he was glad that Seth Williams & Michael Turner answered this question first so he could have time to think of an answer, which he says is apparently "Honesty". Professionally he would say he is empathetic. Dan McElhatton, a former City Councilman who was an assistant District Attorney from 1975 to '78
The candidates are laughing as Dan McCaffery just said that this was the most attractive audience he's ever spoken in front of and then he said that the personality trait people should remember him by is his honesty too. I was still reeling from the laughter to remember what his professional trait was.
Seth struggled to answer, maybe because he was first and didn't have the luxury of a few minutes. He finally blurted out motivated and Leadership. Something he didn't think his boss at the DA's office had. (Hmm hasn't he ever heard that you never look good saying negative things about others?)
Brian's personality trait was that he is independent and jokingly stated that Dan says he has the best hair. (What was interesting was the two Dan's wore yellow ties, the other three wore maroon striped ties. I wonder if someone wrote the handbook of appealing ties while debating. I did ask a few of my fellow residents which candidate they liked and 4 of them said the guy with the yellow tie. Hmm)
Brian Grady, an assistant district attorney from '93 to '98 vowed to fight for the victims of crimes, making sure that there were not continuances and instead speedier trials as to not put the victims through additional pain when testify in a criminal case. “Guns should be illegal period,” said candidate Brian Grady. (I think that is a bit extreme, and would have like to hear him say he supports a mandatory 1 yr jail time for an illegal gun possession, but I understand he was friends with Sergeant Patrick McDonald who was gunned down) He would also like to free up the courts with low-level crime and find alternative punishment for them.

Michael Turner seems like a nice guy, but was a defense attorney. Seems to be a conflict there to me.