Happy Anniversary - My Blog is a Year Old!!

Ok actually it's a year and a week, I just haven't had a second to write about it yet. Here is the first photo I took of a celebrity after I arrived in the Big Apple for my year long business trip. It was taken on August 2, 2005. Most of the early photos were just shared with friends via email, I wasn't familar with blogs or anything, but by the time my adventure ended in NYC, I knew what a blog was, a Perez Hilton, I would become a regular contributor to Gawker Stalker, they would feature my blog on their site at least five times, I would gain national attention for breaking a big story and I would be listed on MTV's Best Week Ever. I learned a lot about celebrities, events, the paparazzi, and the crazed fans during this time enough to fill the book my friends keep urging me to write. But most importantly, I met a lot of great people that are still my friends today and keep me in the loop of celebrity stories and scandal. Johnny Knoxville leaving the stage door of Good Morning America after promoting The Dukes of Hazzard movie.

Ought Oh, Harry Potter Grows Up

First Britney shocks us when in 2002 she shows up on the MTV Music Awards with a skimpy outfit on and a snake around her neck; then Dakota Fanning gets raped in her new movie "Hound Dog" and now Daniel Radcliff of Harry Potter fame is nude in the West End Play of "Equus" ***** Last August in NYC, over 7,000 fans showed up to hear J.K. Rowling read from her Harry Potter books at Radio City Music Hall. I shot the crowd in hopes of writing something someday, bingo today's the day. By the time I got to the stage door, most of these folks has already waited 4 hrs in the 95F temp to get their books signed by JK Rowling. I couldn't even wait what was supposed to be another 2 hrs for the privledge and left, as the crowd was a bit fanatical even for me. I know most of the fans are girls, but I can't imagine they would have ever imagined Harry Potter au natural?These girls want Harry Potter to stay 12 or do they want to sleep with Harry Potter, hmm?

Producer David Pugh said: "There was no hesitancy about taking off his clothes. "He has a confidence in his own appearance. With the performances that I've witnessed, when that boy takes his shirt off, Harry Potter has flown out of Hogwarts for good." The play's female director, Thea Sharrock, was impressed by his physique. Pugh told the Evening Standard: "We had never seen him with clothes off before. We all went, 'wow'. Thea went, 'Oh my God.' "For her, there was a certain relief. When we did the audition we never thought to say, 'Would you go naked for us?' We were so overwhelmed with his talent that we set that aside." Equus opens at London's Gielgud Theatre on February 27.

Equus is an emotional and psychological drama containing depictions of graphic acts of violence and scenes of nudity (in many productions). It is not suitable for a young audience. http://www.danradcliffe.com/

For other comment and photos check out my friend Scott's site - TheNYCritic page http://www.moviepicturefilm.com//

See Fashion, See Celebrities, See Chaos - Fashion Week is just about to begin

Twice a year the Tent's rise on Bryant Park and Fashion Week Begins. I hope to steer you through a successful celebrity sighting week of fashion. At the end of today's blog will be a list of shows I believe will be celebrities wall to wall events.

This is the front entrance on 5th Ave between 40th and 42nd streets. Occasionally a celebrity will use these doors to go into the fashion shows, but if they do they have to be prepared to mix with the common folk. Most of them use the Stage door which takes them down a private hall to the VIP waiting area where food and drinks are served. (Later this week I will show you photos of the inside the Tents)

This is the path that models and VIP Celebs have to take to get to the stage door. It always surprised me how horrible the set up was organized. There's always people waiting around to see who might show up. Even in the rain people will wait to catch a glimspe of their favorite star, or some surprise celebrity. During the VIP fashion events like the Heatherette Show or Baby Phat it will be a circus with paparazzi's and fan's vying for celebrity attention.Many Celebs comply, even biotch D- Lister Foxy Brown and stud A- Lister P. Diddy And I personally heard former Backstreet Boy AJ invite 3 underage girls back to his hotel room for a party. They declined. If you want to see a celebrity these are the shows I would recommend you go to the Stage Door to catch a peek of them going in:

Friday Feb 2 11am Heart Truth (The Women's Heart Disease Benefit Fashion Show [last year Debbie Harry, Nelly Furtado, Elaine Stritch, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Michelle Phillips) Bryant Park, the Tent

8 pm Baby Phat first show. Expect a lot of celebs as there's no other party tonight. Celebs could go in the front door or the back door which is located on 35th Street. Roseland Ballroom

Sat Feb 3

8pm Baby Phat (Kimora Lee Simmons and friends) Bryant Park, the Tent

Sun Feb 4

4pm Diane von Furstenberg Bryant Park, the Tent

Feb 5 (the event of the fashion show every year)

8pm Marc Jacobs (Last year Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, $.50, Victoria Beckham) New York State Armory, 68 Lexington Ave., at 25th St.

Tue Feb 6

9pm Heatherette (Paris Hilton, Lydia Hearst, Lindsey Lohan) Bryant Park, the Tent

Thur Feb 8

11am Badgley Mischka (The Olsen Twins) Bryant Park, the Tent

8pm Zac Posen (Rhianna) Bryant Park, the Tent

Fri Feb 9

3pm Child Magazine ($.50 kid, Lohan Kids) Bryant Park, the Salon

5pm Tommy Hilfiger Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th St., at Eighth Ave.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in Philly

The last time a royal couple came to Philly was in 1680, so I was more than thrilled to read that the Prince and Dunchess were coming to Philly. Unfortunately at the last minute I had to sit this one out as I have a wicked cold and fever. So here is a link to the local paper with photos. http://inquirer.philly.com/slideshows/News/070127royal/

Sex In The City or as the long time reader knows, my obsession with SJP

The only thing I knew about celebrities when I arrived in NYC was that "Sex in the City" was filmed there, and that SJP was a New Yorker and I would make it my business to see her in person someday.

About a month after my arival, and with no SJP sightings under my belt, I was delighted to see this advertisement put up on the side of Lord & Taylor on my way to work one day. I reported my sightings to the secretaries who then told me that SJP would be signing her perfume bottle at lunchtime there.

The girls were game and willing to go along with me on my outing to see the iconic Carrie Bradshaw. We passed a few girls passing out samples of Lovely (BTW best wishes to Christine who is moving to Wisconsin today to find love and happiness)There were over 500 fans inline, so I skipped getting the bottle signed and my personal meet and greet would have to come at later date. (That evening I saw the signed bottles were selling on ebay for $250) A few months later at the 1st preview of the Broadway show "Rabbit Hole" starring Cynthia Nixon and Tyne Daly, I got an autograph and photo of Miranda and Charlotte. It was all very exciting. At the nick of time as the sands of time were running out, I was able to catch Chris Noth at an event held at this club Plumm located on 14th and 8th Aves. In September I saw Kristen Johnson who appeared in my favorite episode "Splat". She was the perennial party girl who didn't realize the party days had ended for everyone but her as she fell out a window trying to catch a smoke at a non-smoking party. As most of you know, I went on to see SJP more than a dozen times, even sitting next to her at the first preview night of her husband's play "The Odd Couple". Here's a shot I got of her at the premiere of the Devil Wears Prada held at the Loews Theater near Lincoln Center. That was one of the most amazing things of my trip, if you could find out where there was a movie premiere, you could maybe catch the celebrities going into the theater, but most of the time there were security gates up and security. If you waited til after the movie was over, the security gates were gone, security was more permissive, and you would be able to get the celebrity to sign something for you and sometimes even pose for you or with you. The movie theater was open for other shows so the theater was full of movie patrons, who were also fans. Here I anticipated SJP to walk forward, but a fan called out to her and she turned towards her, which she soon regretted as the fan had friends and in the next moment surround SJP asking for autographs and pictures.

Later during my trip and I found the street and steps that were featured for Carrie's apartment. They were only about 2 blocks from where SJP lived in real life. The only time I saw Kim Catrell she turned me down for a photo. It was early in my career and I abided by her wishes. Nowadays I don't think that would have happened.

Tarzan Opens on Broadway, LAST YEAR!!

OK enough with the personal photos, as I approach my year anniversary of the blog I will spend the next couple weeks to do my best to tell my story of my celebrity stalking and thoughts on celebrities in NYC. Disney Theatrical Productions brings the classic story of a boy raised in the wild by animals to the Broadway stage with Tarzan, landing on Broadway in March 2006. Adapted from the hit 1999 animated film of the same name (with songs by pop star Phil Collins), Tarzan promises to be a high-flying hit! (OK actually this paragraph should be in past tense. When it opened, it slipped by without me writing about it as I was busy with the Spring Fashion Show, which this year opens on Feb 2 with the American Heart Association Red Dress Fashion Show...expect Beyonce and Jessica Simpson)

This event was attended by many of Broadway's who's who, and plenty of professional autograph seekers or "Dealers" or what I like to call them, the "autograzzi's", professional fans who want "photo's with" celebrities, and fan paparazzi's (Simon & I). Here is the front of the Richard Rodgers Theatre at - 226 West 46th Street. When a broadway show opens, there is usually a "red carpet" where the VIPs strike a pose for the paparazzi. Sadly many of the paparazzi's that I hung out with in NYC didn't bother with these events as for the most part no one that "Sells a magazine" ie Lindsey Lohan or Paris Hilton show up at these shows. Tonight it was different. Enough that the autograzzi's arrived early to claim their place on the "Red Carpet" ok it's green. I will go into much more discussion of these fascinating people, doing my best not to hurt anyone's feelings that I may have met during my 17 months in NYC. Before I got to know some of them personally, I had written a lot of observations in my journals, and now that I know a couple of them on a more personal level, my observations have not changed, but my personal feelings for them have. Unfortunately, Phil Collins wasn't in the mood to stop to sign for them. I on the otherhand was thrilled to get this shot, as Phil walked the half block to the Marriott Marquis for the afterparty. Where we again all waited for another 3 hrs for him to leave, but as luck would have it he left through the parking garage and no one got him. Merle Dandridge an actress in the show arrives for the afterparty, along with... Jean Gambatese, I think?

I was wrong...it's a boy

Mother, son and picture taking husband are doing fine. (I'm sure my sister will kill me for posting this shot; the good thing is I doubt she will be checking the blog for a few weeks)

CRISTA'S IN LABOR THIS MORNING!!! I got a call at 7AM

Crista at Five - 1981 Bachelorette Party March 2005 Wedding Day, May 14, 2005 Christmas Concert at the Kimmel Center - Dec. 18, 2006We joke that if it's a girl they're going to call her Hughwena - LOL

Colleen's Surprise 30th Birthday Party

The real surprise was when Mike and I went down to the garage to get our car to go to Colleen's surprise party, there was Colleen in her SUV beeping and waving us over. Yes Colleen lives in our building, but that is not how I know her. I have known Colleen since she was a little girl, she is my sister Crista's best friend. When I moved out on my own I spent a good deal of time visiting mom and dad just about every night at dinner time. Almost like clock work Mom would say, "HughE could you drive Colleen home before dinner?" And for many years Colleen from age 8 and I would have a 10 minute conversation all the way to her house. I am even more thrilled that as a adults, I can continue those conversations anytime I want as Colleen lives only a few floors away. Her family had the clever idea of having the guests hold up faces of Colleen through the years, as Colleen walked through the door to her party. She was surprised, screaming "OMG, OMG"

Colleen greeting her guests Mike, Colleen and OMG somewhere along the way I got short and fat?

It was someone elses' birthday too... Some of the guests got a little wild The only one missing was my 9-month pregnant sister Crista who lives in Boston. Somehow I will be turning the next three pictures into a panoramic shot

Philadelphia is growing skyward...

Until the mid 80s City Hall was the tallest building in Philadelphia (40 stories), as the City planners felt they were keep Philly as a city of neighborhoods and didn't want to overwhelm the skyline with skyscrapers. Thank GOD that changed with the building of Liberty One & Two. Now the 57 story Comcast building is under way as you can see on the left. It will be the tallest building between Chicago and NYC, plus it will be the Tallest TOTALLY GREEN building in the Country. I have a front row seat from my office window to watch it grow. (the following photos taken last night)The 60 floor One Liberty Place was the first building to break Philadelphias informal 491 foot height limit, the William Penn statue on top of City Hall. Two Liberty, the shorter tower, was added in 1992 with a more modest design.

The shape of the spire is similar to that of the Chrysler Building which has rounded setbacks. (The very first photo I shot the day I moved to NYC 8/01/05) I don't always agree with that last statement.

GMA Studio, Stage Door and Celebrities: Super Nanny Jo Frost

Good Morning America is one of the easiest spots to see a celebrity. You may choose to be in the studio audience if you get tickets or do standby at 5:30AM, or you can look through the studio windows on the corner of 44th and Broadway, or you can stand by the stage door which is about 100 feet from the studio down on 44th Street. There you will find the GMA security, Steve and Aaron guarding the door. About 10 minutes before a celebrity emerges, the NYC Police usually show up to control the crowd. Occassionally there will security gates as an added protection. On this particular day when the Super Nanny appeared they didn't feel like there would be a crazy rush of fans.Everyone's favourite nanny has been busy transforming the lives of families both in the UK and the US. With her straight talking approach to parenting, she's been an award winning hit for parents and viewers. Here she greets her littlist fan. Do you have little terrors at home that are making you tear your hair out? Channel 4 has created an online booklet Little Darlings to guide you through some key areas of parenting, from discipline techniques, to building your child's self-esteem and improving your communication skills. Read Little Darlings Ask SupernannyWe asked you to post your parenting dilemmas to Jo Frost in our family forum. There's been a fantastic response and we've finally caught up with Jo to pose the questions to her. Come back to the site in January to read her responses to a selection of your questions.

Golden Globe Wrap Up - The NY Movie Critic @moviepicturefilm.com

Check out my friend Scott's page, he is on top of it with stories, pictures and fun... http://www.moviepicturefilm.com//

Make Up Really Does Make A Huge Difference

Last year about this time "Barefoot in the Park" opened on Broadway starring Patrick Wilson, Amanda Peet, Tony Roberts and Jill Clayburgh. On opening preview night, Jill made us (the back stage doorers [probably not a word]) wait for about 90 minutes before her exit. I now know why, I barely recognized her, she had gotten so old, which made me feel old.A few weeks later I went to the stage dooron Opening Night. This time she came out in a flash and had her full face on. Now I recognized her, and I felt young again as I walked away with my creaking knees. I was too lazy tonight to do Dreamgirls montage. I just don't know where all that energy went when I was in NYC thriving on 5 hrs sleep. Tomorrow is another day. Thanks for your support as we head to 80,000 visitors and the blogs one year anniversary:)

Congratulations Jennifer Hudson, even Beyonce had tears in her eyes when you won

I took this on premiere night in NYC about a month ago. Sunday night I finally saw the movie and will write about it tomorrow.

PHILADELPHIA ARCHITECTURE SERIES for the PUBLIC starting Jan 23

Philadelphia -more than any other American city - represents the history of architecture in the United States. Its more than 300-year heritage of buildings and structures includes examples of virtually every architectural style found throughout the nation. http://www.philalandmarks.org/landmarks_book.aspx Landmarks TOURS: Architecture Walking Tours of Philadelphia and the Region take place in more than 50 locations throughout Center City, other city neighborhoods, and the suburbs of Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Camden County in New Jersey.Philadelphia Architecture is a comprehensive, 12-week lecture series that surveys the history of Philadelphia from its founding in 1682 to the present.Designed for and open to the general public. Attendance at the series is a prerequisite for training as a volunteer guide for Landmarks Tours, Architecture Walking Tours of the City & Region. ***HughE's note***I have been a volunteer guide for the past 6 years and repeatedly take this course as a refresher every year always learning something new. During class I alway meet new people who take the class just for their general knowledge and curiousity. We are really lucky in Philly to have such an opportunity to learn about the origins of architecture all the way through to our modern design of today and the history of Philadelphia architecture. The lecture series begins with a three-part introduction to western architecture, providing a basic understanding of principles and major monuments. Subsequent speakers, including distinguished scholars and design professionals, focus on Philadelphia's architecture, urban planning and social history, as well as its most notable architects.

WHEN: 12 TUESDAYS, JANUARY 23 TO APRIL 17, 6 to 8 PM WHERE: HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1300 LOCUST ST. ADVANCE REGISTRATION FOR COMPLETE SERIES: Members of Landmarks or The Historical Society of Pennsylvania or Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia: $275.00 All others: $330.00 INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Members of Landmarks or The Historical Society of Pennsylvania or Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia: $25.00 All others: $30.00 To join the mailing list for Landmarks Tours, please send your name and address to tours@philalandmarks.org or call us at 215-925-2918.

Go head Sisterfriend, as Barbara Walters knows where her bread is buttered

OY the View is in the headlines again, now with the election behind us the only mud slinging left is the Trump vs Rosie vs Walters story. (I took this shot late in Nov at an event honoring Oprah) Barbara Walters: I Don't Regret Hiring Rosie Barbara Walters ... "Rosie's on a long, planned vacation with Kelli (Carpenter, her wife) and the kids, and not, I can promise you, with Donald Trump," Walters said on the ...www.people.com/people/article/0,,20005940,00.html - Similar pages Walters backs Rosie in Trump flap - The Boston Globe Barbara Walters is back from vacation -- and she's standing by Rosie O'Donnell in her bitter battle of words with Donald Trump . Walters, creator of ABC's ...www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2007/01/04/walters_backs_rosie_in_trump_flap/ - Similar pages Barbara Retracts; Sides With Rosie Over Trump - TMZ.com Good for Walters. Trump has proven himself to be childish and without an ounce of class. He has single-handedly turned alot of people into Rosie supporters. ...www.tmz.com/2007/01/03/barbara-retracts-sides-with-rosie-over-trump/ - 69k - Cached - Similar pages *****The following night I saw Barabara atthe Chicago 10th Anniversary event with famed republican Georgette Mosbacher, who also happens to be a friend of Rosies. I have always been fascinated by Mosbacher. You can read about her here in this article from Bazaar 7/04 - http://www.harpersbazaar.com/etoc/articles/2004/070104_3.html

Chita Rivera graces Philadelphia

Although I saw "Chita Rivera: A Dancer's Life" in NYC, twice, I was excited to hear she was taking her show on the road for the rest of the country to see and making a stop in my hometown of Philadelphia. Last night was opening night and the reviews are in; Amazing, interesting, OMG she's 72 and can still dance, DON"T MISS IT!! I heard the show is better than it was in NYC and finely tuned. On Friday I am seeing it again with a few friends. I bailed out on the stage door on Tuesday night to welcome Chita because I am a wuss and thought it was too cold for her or I to stand out in the cold, but I plan to stop by on Thursday and see the show on Friday. So really don't miss it if it comes to your city.Thursday Update the review in the Philadelphia Inquirer: What a kick: Chita Rivera's life in dance If any audiences out there fail to find Chita Rivera utterly charming in her bio-performance Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, I don't want to meet them. I already have enough trouble. And for two hours Tuesday, when the show opened at the Merriam in its national tour, I set it all aside, finding myself wrapped in Rivera's pleasant lures. http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16431263.htm

Finally got published by Vision Graphics

The other day I stopped by Vision Graphics, a publisher that also has a framing store at the Bourse in Center City. They sell some of my greeting cards and larger prints. (I dropped off my Color Purple window card signed by the cast and Oprah to be framed.) You may be familar with these prints as they sell in many of the framing stores and Fine Art stores in the NY, Philly, and NJ area. Ever since I began shooting city landscapes (about 1998), I have been trying to have one of my photos selected to be sold by this outfit, they're very picky. A few years back I was able to get my greeting cards in his store and that gave me a better advantage that my photos would be seen on a regular basis. Then in 2005 I finally took the two shots that he deemed good enough to be published. At first they published a run of 1,000 8x10's then this year they did a limited edition run of the bigger selling print - The Liberty Bell. I took this shot the day the Liberty Bell was moved from it's old location to a new exhibit space. For the first time and last time the Bell would be on view at night (they usually close at 4:30PM) While I was at Vision Graphics they showed me the finished product of a limited edition photograph of the Liberty Bell in it's new size 16x20. They are signed and numbered. I removed my last name but here's how it looks at the bottom left hand corner and the number count. Looks like we have alot left, although they haven't hit the floor yet. http://www.phillygraphics.com/Prints.html The Betsy Ross photo located on the website is one of mine too.

A few Mummer Photos from Saturday

The Mummers Parade traditionally takes place in Philadelphia on New Year's Day — often in bone-chilling temperatures. Record weather, record crowds and the Mummers. The parade takes place along a 3 mile stretch of Broad Street leading up to City Hall and Market Street where the divisions perform in front of the judges.

The Fancy Clubs are an incredible explosion of a need for display, for pomp and ceremony. Awesomely glorious, their silks and colors easily outshine the most lavish trappings of royalty.Imaginative presentations are the hallmark of the Fancy Brigades. A theme - centered around an elaborately decorated Captain’s float - is carried out by 35 or more marchers in spectacular costumes as they move in undulating formations. It was so warm that some people wore shorts, including me. This crew is part of the Comic division which are made up of people who usually mock politicians, society and pop culture. Thier theme was the grim reaper, and since they seemed to have been drinking all night they looked the part of death warmed over. Forerunners of Philadelphia’s Mummers may be glimpsed in the Roman Festival of Saturnalia, circa 400 B.C., when Latin laborers marched in masks through a day of satire and gift exchange; and in the Celtic variations of “trick-or-treat” and Druidic noise-making to drive away demons for the New Year. Because of this pagan ritual, there's a good chance you won't find any Jehovah Witnesses viewing the parade.

The individual Comic judging. Katie and Simon were adventurous enough to come down from NYC and see what all the fuss was about. They were bewildered about the 8 hr parade, but enjoyed the music and costumes. Old-line Mummers stress the obvious: they do not parade for the prizes. Even when they win, the prize money does not even approach the cost. For example, it costs over $150,000 to suit up a String Band. Generally, funds are raised through parties, paid performances, recordings and club dues. The String Bands are the most popular group of Mummers. Unfortunately because of the rain delay the String Bands did not go on until after dark when you can't enjoy their costumes along the parade route as much as in front of the very crowded judging area. Some of the 500,000 fans. During the long drawn out parade we made a side trip to the Italian Market area (made famous by Rocky) to grab a bite to eat. Here Mike is enjoying his Geno's cheese steak, while Katie and Simon are wondering where if they make cheese tofu steaks? Sadly the tempertures have been in the 60s all week, and on Mummer day it was 73 and the Cherry Trees are blossuming in the City.

This Saturday Come to Philly and see The 100 YR OLD MUMMERS PARADE

What is more important to do on Saturday, then to come to Philadelphia and enjoy the 10 hr long MUMMERS Parade (8AM to 6PM.) For the fourth time in the Mummers 105th year history, it rained on parade day (New Years Day) and the parade has been rescheduled for this Saturday Jan 6, 2007. (this photo is from the City Archives)

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is a beloved tradition that traces its roots to before the city was founded. It is the oldest folk parade in America. The parade is held every New Years Day (weather permitting.) The parade is a day long event. (Hughe2030 Photo)

There are four divisions to the parade: ***The Comic DivisionPrancing, dancing clowns in colorful costumes wield their three-tiered parasols as they "strut" to strains of Golden Slippers. Imaginative floats and presentations satirize everyday life. Comic motifs run the gamut from traditional to contemporary. ***Fancy Division - Ten categories allow individuals, trios and juveniles, as well as Captains and their pages to dress elaborately and outrageously. Accompanied by brass bands, they compete in various categories. Bigger than life floats and frame suits are interspersed with marchers. ***String Band DivisionA central theme dominates music, costumes and presentations of the groups of 48 or more musicians. Plumed and bespangled, they mark time to music, highlighted by the banjo and glockenspiel. Ornately garbed captains join the band in precision drills. ***Fancy Brigade DivisionImaginative presentations are the hallmark of the Brigades. A theme centered around an elaborately costumed Captain is carried out by 35 or more performers in spectacular costumes as they move in undulating formations. For more information about the Mummers, visit their official web site.The last 3 photos from http://www.mbpics.com/ The tempertures will be a record 67F and the mood will be festive as one thing is for sure, we love our MUMMERS and WE LOVE OUR EAGLES!! So why don't you come on down to Philly and enjoy the love too!! (Hughe2030 photo)

Continuing My Liza Obsession This Week

My friend of 13 years, David Pershica used to do PR for Liza in the Mid-90s. I wasn't as obsessed about her then, as I would have surely pestered and visited a lot more often. Bio- Originally from the Philadelphia area, David Powell Pershica has been dancing for over 25 years. His professional work in the theater has taken him around the world, from New York, where he worked as a professional publicist on Broadway shows, to London, where he produced several cabaret and theater shows.Powell is a former publicist for Charo and has worked with Liza Minnelli, Hall and Oates, and Maroon 5.Last year, he opened Tapography Dance Studio. Powell teaches adults how to tap, salsa, and/or gives ballroom dance lessons. He specializes in same sex ballroom dance. There's a good chance Mike and I will know how to do the Mambo this time next year.

Ya gotta have a lot of confidence and talent to pull off this outfit...

If you are in the Philadelphia area and are interested in Tap, Ballroom or any of the dances they show you on "Dancing with the Stars", check out David's site and sign up for lessons. http://www.tapography.bravehost.com/ We did deliberations today, came up with an unanimous verdict at the last possible minute before 5PM, then the Court Clerk came in and offered us lunch tomorrow, so now we will be sleeping on our answers and deliberating again in tomorrow. (Total deliberation time 3 hrs so far)

Jury Duty - Liza Minnelli

Today I had Jury Duty, I wasn't disappointed, it was like having another vacation day and putting off work one more day. Having been called for Jury Duty about 7 times in the last 10 years, I knew that I could determine who would sit next to me in the Courtroom as the Jury Notices are pulled in the order that they are collected. I scanned the four security lines, looking for an interesting subject. It was difficult at first as most of the crowd was the typical generic unhappy, sweat pants wearing, I don't want to be here jury crowd. Then I saw her, black leggings, sassy boots, cropped black hair with spit curls and a bowler hat to finish the Sally Bowles look. I decided to maneuver myself over to her line and was only 2 people behind her. As luck would have it as we all approached the X-Ray machine she was confused as the Liza character in Arthur, Linda Marolla and began to fumble with her stuff eventually emptying the contents of her purse into several of the trays on the conveyor belt. (At this point the two guys behind her went around her in disgust) In victory I secured my place behind her. Finally she races through the machine as the guard says "Miss next time you don't have to empty your purse, just sent it all through the machine". As the Liza impersonator hurried to the jury check in, we hear from behind, "Who's coffee is this?", I grab it and pass it to Liza, our eyes connect, "Thanks hun!" she says. We enter the room she drops her notice, next I drop mine. Mission accomplished. She wandered aimlessly towards the room, checking her lipstick in the glass doors and grabbed a free coffee cake from the vendor. We sit in separate areas, but are reunited at 11AM as we are called for the last jury panel.

She is number 8, I am number 9. We are taken to the courtroom 407 where we sit and wait for the Judge to call us in for questions. I dive right in with my Liza compliments telling her I love her Liza style and that I love Liza too! She says oh its not Liza inspired, "it's Diane Keaton, La-de-da, la-de-da, la-de-da" she says." further stating, "I love Diane Keaton and her sense of style." Really I say, but I don't recall DK with spit curls and sexy black leggings and knee high black boots, it looks like you are channeling Liza. She corrects me and says its a little more Bob Fosse than Liza, (whatever, I think!) I tell her I just recently saw Diane Keaton, and you would have thought I gave her a million bucks. "You DID!" she squeals, "Where?" I explained about the sighting outside of the Martin Short Show. "What was she wearing, what did she say, Oh I just love her". Oh Boy, I think [I guess if it was about Liza I would have been more excited]. Dee as it turns out is a 55 year old Interior Designer, who's husband travels, and kids are in college. I ask if she has ever been called for Jury Duty "Oh they [the Court] sent me a summons about 7 years ago, but that was during my wild days and I just threw it out!" really, "Hmm yea, they get so mad when you do that, and after a year of threatening me, I had to appear before a judge who then told me to sit in his courtroom for 3 days as punishment. I wasn't allowed to bring anything to read, or take notes, I just had to listen. "Now 7 years later I thought I have a free week, I will show up for this notice." (7 years, geez they call me practically every year). Finally we were called in one by one to be interviewed by the Judge. Dee goes in before me "Chow". Then it's my turn. I happily got picked. As I was leaving the building I ran into Dee who was retrieving her cell phone from the cell phone check. Dee what happened, will I see you tomorrow, I said. She stated that they didn't even ask her one question. She sat down, and then both the defense and prosecuter shook their heads no, then the judge dismissed her. As I walked away I was a little sad that I wasn't going to see what Diane Keaton would have worn tomorrow:(

Yet Again Happy New Year!! - Where's the PARTY!!

First of all - Happy New Year!! Mike and I held our 5th Annual New Years Bash last night. It was a good turn out and 15 of the 20 invites were able to make it. Unfortunately, we bought too much food. It wasn't Mike's fault, in fact he has a spreadsheet recording all the food consumed at the last 15 parties we have thrown and he always says we err on the side of buying too much food. Next time I will listen to him. We still have a full cheese and pepperoni tray, a Boston Creme Cake, a cheese cake and a huge bowl of fruit left. Anyone free this week for a get together?A few of my friends, Scott who I have know for 17 yrs, ME, Tim 2 (3 yrs) & Tim 1 (5 yrs)

Deming & Norbert Paul & Craig

First time attendee Michael S. and Fifth time attendee Mike C.My Mike calling his mom to wish her Happy New Years!! Why is it that everyone, at every party likes to hang in the kitchen? I almost missed the fireworks as I was watching the countdown and trying to adjust the simulcast music. Thanks to the RIVERWALK CASINO who sponsered the fireworks this year. Sorry you weren't picked to be one of the two casino's to be built in Philadelphia. (Thankfully no one walked through the balcony screen door this year)

The fireworks looked pretty darn good even though they are shot off two miles away.