People Love Celebrities

Even if they're crooks of long ago...Darwin Coon one time bank robber and resident of Alcatraz; his number was 1422 and he was there 1959 - 1963 (I took this photo in 2005) Darwin Coon, 69, a gentle-looking former bank robber in khakis and a brown jacket, his number was 1422 and he was there 1959 - 1963. He told a chilling story of how he had been locked up for 29 days in isolation, a single cell with no light. He went there for carrying a knife. Somebody else out to get him also had a knife, and he thought he might be killed. "It was pitch black," he said. "All I had on was a pair of boxer shorts. You were cold to the bone, no way to get warm. "I prayed a lot," he said. "You got no one to talk to, but the Lord is always there. And he's available. So I talked to him. "I learned my lesson," he said, "Absolutely." Coon, now a retired property manager in Sacramento, posed for pictures with tourists, standing next to a barred window. They thought he was great; he didn't look like a crook at all. http://yearadventure.blogspot.com/2006/06/san-francisco-day-3-rock.html

A Few Pixs from the Everglades

The Everglades are not for people who love mountains or amazing vistas. It's a park full of grass and a slow moving river that is practically invisible Except for the occassional watering hole

This is my favorite spot for viewing wildlife - The Anhinga Trail. I had never been there later than the month of March and sadly most of the birds at the end of April, including the Anhinga, had flown North. but I did capture a few as they were fleeing

but there were still dragon flies around

and interesting insectsand turtles and the alligator never leaves sometimes you can get up real close as you walkalong the boardwalk that goes along the river and watering holesAs I was leaving the park, I stopped to take a photo of the sunset. And much to my surprise I captured this hawk who was poised to watch the sun set too, although after I got four shots off he flew away.The sunset was spectacular

Who will be the 90,000th person to visit my blog?

Hmm I guess I should have signed up for advertisements afterall. Thanks so much to all my viewers for making this possible. I am back from Florida and recovering from the 26hr drive. I took over 1100 photos and will be sharing them and my thoughts soon. Oh no I decided not to go to NYC again, that priority has shifted, but if you are in NYC their is a movie premiere today of Waitress at 19th and Broadway at 2PM, then tonight at 6:30 Legally Blond opens on Broadway at the Palace Theater. I hear its great and who knows who might show up for that. Now my next trip will be May 13 - May 15, although I am a bit skeptical about that trip now because I hear there is going to be a big Red Carpet to do with Liza Minelli here in Philadelphia. Oh these damn decisions I must make, Liza or the cast from Hereos? What do you think I should do?

The Climate Project with Lance Simmens

Lance Simmens has recently completed a rigorous training program led by former Vice President Al Gore; currently he is serving as Special Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. In this capacity he serves an integral role in the development of wind energy in the commonwealth. Thursday night at the home of Khushi and Paul Bagga, Lance Simmens presented a slide presentation based on the Al Gore film "An Incovenient Truth." and also answered questions regarding the Climate and the changes that are occuring. "Global warming is a threat that needs to be addressed immediately, but it hasn't reached the point in which it's too late to do anything about it." Lance stated.Lance greets the youngest member of the Green Team.Lance was introduced by Mary Patel who organized the event because like many of us she too is worried about CO2 emmissions."I try to focus more on the solutions," he said. "Together, through individual and collective actions, I think we can address this problem."He was among the first 250 people selected by former Vice President Al Gore to attend a training session to present "An Inconvenient Truth" and to be trained on all the scientific data contained in the documentary and then spread the message. After being certified, Simmens has spent time in Pennsylvania giving his presentation, but he wanted to come to Georgia Southern, where he graduated.Lance said there were simple things people could do to help reduce their "carbon footprint," including taking shorter showers, combining errands, car pool, using compact fluorescent bulbs to save not only money, but the environment as well. "It is morally inappropriate for us to not leave this world a better place than which we found it," he said. "The question is not will the earth survive, but will it survive and be inhabitable." In addition to being a moral issue, Simmens also argues that global warming could be a national security issue as resources become more scarce due to climate changes and the earth's population continues to increase.Our host, Paul Bagga greeting a guest 5am-10am XPN Morning Show w/ Michaela Majoun, Lance & Mary Mike, food, drink, conversation, there seems to be a patternLance Simmens, Mary Patel and Former Sen. Bob Rovner now in radio Our hotess Khushi Bagga, Lance and Mary There are things you can do: install programmable thermostats, changing home heating and cooling filters, even properly inflating the tires on your car all help the cause. “The easiest thing I found that makes a huge difference is properly inflated tires. You can cut out 250 pounds of carbon dioxide emission per year and save $840 in gas if your tires are inflated properly. If everyone did it, nationwide, pollution would come down by two percent in one year.” Lance states. For more information on The Climate Project, visit www.climateproject.org or visit www.stopglobalwarming.org

The Closing Night: 16th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival

Oh what fun I have had these past three weeks. The experience was the cherry on top of loving Philadelphia, once again. As my long time readers know, it was difficult to make the transition when I first moved back from the NYC paparazzi life to Philadelphia's anything. Who knew there was so many exciting events for the Paparazzi Guy in Philadelphia. Thanks to Phyllis Halpern who introduced me to Thom Cardwell who gave me the opportunity to photograph the Festival and other events in these past few weeks. I have now tapped into a new passion for me which is event photography, I really love it and it's just as satisfying as shooting Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon, P. Diddy, or SJP, ok maybe not Sarah Jessica Parker:) Thom begins the closing nights ceremony. Dressed in a snappy blue/black checkered coat, he continues to lend the Phila Film Festival a glimpse of his unique style and charm Michaela Majoun and Robert Drake hosts on WXPN introduce the winners of the Festival Awards Lisbeth Bartlett accepting one of the awards for Rocket Science, a funny drama about a young boy that stutters who enters a spelling bee. She's has just finished flashing the audience which is somewhat depicted in the film. (I took this shot from about 100 feet away without a flash, I really love this Nikon D80)Judy Toll: The Funniest Women You Never Heard Of (1958- 2002) won an award. The touching and hilarious story of comedian/actress/writer Judy Toll, who struggled and finally succeeded in Hollywood only to succumb to cancer. Here is the director, her brother, Gary Toll and her mother accepting the award. Judy Toll who once said: "My problem with men is that I have this deadly combination of being desperate but picky." The Archie Award, named after Archie Perlmutter, will be presented to the best first-time director of a film at the Closing Awards Ceremony on Wedensday, April 18, at the Prince Music Theater. Here his wife Ruth announces the award.Philadelphia Premiere of Waitress written/directed by Adrienne Shelly (I will be attending the NYC Premiere on April 29 2PM who wants to go?) The WAITRESS: One woman trapped in a life from which she dreams of escape. Jenna's (Russell) secret ambition is to save enough money from her waitressing job to leave her overbearing and controlling husband (Sisto). The film will be Adrienne Shelly's last, as she was tragically murdered in Nov 2006 in her NY apartment, which was just about a block from mine and makes this movie a sentenmental favorite. I LOVED THE MOVIE, the characters and the story. Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly, and Andy Griffith are amazing. Jeremy Sisto is disturbing. (Move still from film in other words this is the only shot I didn't take)The Afterparty...the best food yet, Philly Hoagie (subs for youse outside the Philly area), Philly Cheesesteaks, ice creamand TastykakesPearl the best volunteer in the City. Actor Michael Molina, director Robert Gaston and Actor Jessica Graham from the movie "2 Minutes Later" see it at the Miami Festival Apr 27 or at the Philadelphia Gay Film Festival in July. Mike, food, drink, beautiful women, he had a blast!! (here he is with Mary Patel)

A new friend Hillary Yasmer Shemin, who also does event photography and Dena Robbins, GPFO and who is married to the Robbin's 8th & Walnut guy with the diamond in the beard. I asked how it was secured, but she declined the answer saying I should ask him. It's a mystery, maybe its a chin piercing, hmm.Sharon Pinkenson cuts a rug with Tigre Hill

chatter among friends, I know I am going to have Mary, Susan, Janice, James and especially Thom withdrawl; As I said to someone last night, I can not measure the personal pleasure it has been to meet so many different and interesting people as I have these past few weeks. My life is that much better now that I know them.Rich Wolff, James, my good friend and clothing cordinator "BuckMonkey" Duggan and the ever glamourous Susan Helfrich (you should see the delicious black laced up the side leather skirt she had on)Did I mention the party was on the 50th floor of the Bell Atlantic Building with a view of my lovely City Hall. I will be resuming my tours this spring with the Philadelphia Landmarks Society, try to make one of the tours, but not the first one as I will be a little rusty. The view down the Parkway I am on vacation for the next week Thanks for all your support andIf I promised you a photo and you didn't get it, I will send it to you when I return. Any requests for photos please send to Notes @ HughEphotos . com (no spaces)

Gail Kamenish: A Great Photographer, A Great Storyteller,

Gail Kamenish the Official Photographer for the Philadelphia Film Festival.

"2007 Philadelphia Film Festival: This year we've hired a photographer to capture the daily atmosphere of the festival - the venue, the crowds and the parties! Be sure to come by and check out the new photos everyday... who knows, maybe you'll see one of yourself! Photos by Gail Kamenish" Gail is an amazing photographer as you will see by the following photos. She hails from Louisville, Ky and has travelled here to Philly for the past two years to photograph the event. My job was to cover the events Gail couldn't make it too, as there were many awesome ones overlapping, we often overlapped ourselves like at the opening party and closing night parties. Personally I don't know how Gail did it, she must have hit at least 5 events everyday, often I was exhausted just reviewing the photos she took. http://www.imageevent.com/phillyfilmfest

Lucky me I got into one of Gail's shots. I didn't shoot La Vie En Rose, but I wish I had gotten this shot of the 30 yr old directorMy girl Sharon Pinkenson, and Dermot Mulrey (I wasn't at this party) Here I am with Mary adjusting showing her a photo and being photo'd Kathleen, Mike and Dana at Mary Patel's party Here's one of the shots I wish I had taken. I love the concept and the colors. Maybe you are in one of her shots: http://www.imageevent.com/phillyfilmfest ; Here is some of Gail's other work. http://leoweekly.com/?q=node/1344 After she finishes with the Film Festival it's back to Kentucky to shoot the Derby May 5. If you want to complete the picture at an event, you have collect names, pictured here is Gail's assistant doing a great job. As a photographer you try not to disturb people to much to get the job done, you do it, but then to really finish the job you need the names and that is where the hard part comes in as it can't be rushed or you get mispellings and that could ruin the whole experience for the subject that has allowed you to shoot them. Here she is collecting the names at the Kick- Off Party, which was loud, but she is doing a thorough job. If you find yourself without an assistant, collect business cards and write the assigning shot number on the back.

A Moment of Silence Please

After yesterday's event, everything else seems insignificant. The Swann Fountain, Philadelphia, Pa 10PM April 12, 2007

Your on the Scene Paparazzi: The Inside Photographer

In New York City the celebrities are easy to spot, you see them in the movies, on TV, they travel by SUV limo, they have handlers, and where ever they go flash bulbs go off, and when I was there, it was always on the outside for the arrivals and departures. Only a few invited photographers got to go inside, to capture the action. These past few weeks that has changed as my role has morphed into the coveted role of the Inside Photographer. I now know why its so coveted, it's warmer, and there's a huge advantage to getting to know your subjects through the night to really capture their essence and produce a good shot.

This past Saturday night I arrived onto the social scene by getting one of those exclusive invites to the home of Mary Patel, a respected journalist, TV commentator, a political columnist for the weekly City Paper and a new friend. An Invite that was not tied as much to my blog, or being "The Paparazzi Guy" as Mary likes to call me, but a genuine interest in her for me to explore my passion in covering the happening Philadelphia social scene, a real supported who told me more than once that she enjoyed my work and now I can see that she is putting some genuine action behind those words (even embarrassing me by her glowing reviews when introducing me to many of the movers and shakers in the Industry and Social Set).

Thanks Mary.

Who doesn't love Mary, she's smart (ya already know I love her column, Mike is a big fan of Inside Edition), she has eclectic taste in friends, style, she's generous and she's willing to lend her home as a venue to many of the charity events and causes where her heart lies. Mary receiving a warm greeting by Director/Writer King J. Greenspon http://kingjgreenspon.com/ When Mike and I arrived at 8:30PM, the party was in full swing at the home which was named the 2006 Best Penthouse in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Business Journal and featured in Style Magazine. Her Friend Joe Barber designed most of the living space.Below is Jessica Graham http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1977611/ who stars in "2 Minutes Later" (a film I will be reviewing as soon as I have a moment to come up for air) and Dylan Clements an actor on his way up, currently doing Philly Theater but looking towards the footlights of Broadway; he's also a microbiologist (now there's something to fall back on) Starting left going clockwise, Megan Smith, PR extraordinaire, Film Reviewer William Kline, the niece of Noel and Artist Noel Zayas. Every seat was near this foursome was taken as a fun time was had by all with lots of laughs to go around. Mara Toukatly, Fairmount's Republican City Committeewoman and Michael Dennis (writer/Director/Curator http://www.reelblack.com/) on the right, James "BuckMonkey" [Events and planning company] Duggan and a friend from Penn Film School Mike you know, food, drinks big fun and loads of patience.a guest, Anchorwoman extraordinaire Monica Malpass (greeted me like an old friend, HughE how was NYC and Diane Keaton? I told her I wussed out because of the weather), Michael Dennis, my new favorite documentary film maker, the great Tigre Hill who is working on another controversial subject regarding Philadelphia, but I didn't get an OK to write about it (I saw his movie twice this week [Tigre said someone sent him my blog this week and he says he's a big fan, no I to you dawg]), and Dawn the attorney that works in my building who's last name I never got, but is a sweetheart and who's door I will knock on soon and drop off pixs. Our hostess Mary greeting Mark Webber http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0916407/ who received the Rising Star Award at the Philadelphia Film FestivalPublisher of Where Magazine (where I hope to get one of my photos published someday, Laura hello discover me - LOL) Laura Burkhardt and Wayne Knaub co-founder of the Philadelphia Gay Hockey Team.

Entertainment Attorney Christopher Cabott, Jessica Graham, Susan Helfrich and Richard Wolff of TLA Robert Drake, I didn't get a chance to talk to him, but have been a long time listener of his radio show, http://www.djrobertdrake.com/For those of you not familiar with In Bed With Butch, it’s a local TV talk show that airs on both Drexel University's DUTV and WYBE-TV 35 and features a wide range of personalities on both the local and national level. Butch Cordova; Spontaneous dancing broke out, but I don't recall any music playing, just a lot of good conversations, food and cocktails. Especially with these folks. Mike and I really connected with these girls. Dana, Sue, Julianna (she is on the fast track of actress hood) and Kathleen. I see future features on this blog with them. Already I burned up the phones with Dana last night for an hour.Not sure who these folks are, but they are intense and I have no doubt they are in the industry. Chad Jenkins director of "Recovering Satellites", a very moving story about Vietnam Veterans and who is working on the new Tigre Hill movie, a guest, Mary and King American Independents Award: Dermot Mulroney was supposed to show up at the party, but I hear he called it an early night. Dana scored a graph at the awards ceremony, which I skipped, darn it I could have used that photo for my portfolio. But we did have another award winner and bonafide big featured movie star.... Move over Rocky: Mark Webber's unlikely rise to become one of film's hottest acting talents is Philadelphia's newest rags-to-riches tale. In a story which could not have been scripted, young Mark Webber has overcome amazing odds in his drive to become a successful actor. Born in 1980 in Minneapolis, he and his single mother, Cheri Honkala, moved to Philadelphia when Mark was 10 years old. Poverty-stricken, the two were homeless, living in abandoned buildings and even a car in North Philadelphia and Kensington. But things changed: Cheri became the founder and director of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union and a well-known homeless advocate, while young Mark (when not with his mother at protest rallies) attended Philadelphia's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

Cheri Honkala leaves her calling card - Pamphlets on helping the homeless. I did totally gush over her when I met her, and told her how I marched with her group during the Republican 2000 convention protests here in Philadelphia. She was very modest of the work she has done. Mary bids her guests adieu! Here's a great write up on the Mary Patel and Joe Barber designed house. Besides designing the house, did I mention he did all the metal sculptures too. http://www.wirelessphiladelphia.org/pdfs/mary_patel_loft.pdf

LA VIE EN ROSE

RUN DON"T WALK TO YOUR THEATER to see one of the best movie I have ever seen in my life. ...Today the Phila Inquirere states that "This brilliant account of the life of Edith Piaf - the French songbird, born of the streets, and the brothels, who became a cultural icon for a nation - visits the usual benchmarks, juggles them around, and makes them vividly, explosively real. Populated with whores and boxers, thugs and impresarios, the low and the mighty, La Vie en Rose covers two world wars and a whirlwind of history, zooming in on the big, doleful eyes - and big, beautiful voice - of the woman nicknamed "la môme," the kid." La Vie En Rose had its Philadelphian premiere in Philly tonight to a Standing Room crowd, and will open nationwide on June 8th. RUN DON"T WALK TO YOUR THEATER to see one of the best movie I have ever seen in my life. It's a compelling story, the acting is AMAZING, if Marion Cotillard is eligible for the OSCAR in the USA, she is a shoe in. Her acting was mind blowing, oh did I mention this movie is a portrait (not of every aspect of her life the director stated) of Edith Piaf, a women I knew nothing about except that she was a famous French Singer (subtitled movie) (She looks very Madonna circa :Like A Prayer era" The Philadelphia Inquirer gave La Vie En Rose FOUR Stars in it's review today, and the movie which shows again at the Philly Film Fest on Friday, is sold out. So when the show opens on June 8, go see it. ***La Vie en Rose **** (Out of four stars) Written by Olivier Dahan and Isabelle Sobelman, directed by Dahan. With Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud and Gerard Depardieu. In French with subtitles. Running time: 2 hours, 20 mins. Parent's guide: R (sex, violence, nudity, drugs, profanity, adult themes) http://www.edithpiafmovie.com/ (I was too lazy to bring my camera to the theater tonight, or you would be looking at the 30 year old director and one of the co-stars of this movie, instead I give you the movie stills)

Tigre Hill's Shame of A City

Last night I visited the Trocadero for the first time sober. The event was a FREE sceening/DVD release party for Tigre Hill’s The Shame Of A City sponsored by Joe Sweeney and Philebrity (which is a fun website, with a fabulous name http://www.philebrity.com/ - Thanks Joe)Amazon.com describes the films: In 2003 filmmaker Tigre Hill chronicled the Philadelphia mayoral race between Democrat incumbent mayor, John Street and Republican challenger Sam Katz. Early polls showed Katz with a small lead. Hill had inside access to the Katz campaign and although rebuffed by the Street campaign, managed to get footage. Twenty-seven days before the election an FBI bug was found in the mayor's office. It looked like 1904 all over again-blatant corruption. The discovery of the bug at first seemed like a death knell to the Street campaign and a near certain victory for Katz. How did the mayor react to the bug? This powerful documentary shows how-drum up support by polarizing the electorate. **John Street went on to win the election, and the very next day cut the one program that curtailed crime and murder in out streets "Operation Safe Streets" which paid had many officers patrolling the streets in the most crime strickened neighborhoods. Nowadays Killadelphia is known as the Murder Capital of the US. Furthermore it turned out the bug was not some sinister campaign ploy from the government, but a legitimate drug investigation, that later exposed the City's "Pay to Play" way of doing business, but don't take my word for it BUY THIS VIDEO and see the truth unfold. (photo stolen from Phillygossip.com, who I am sure stole it from someone else)After the screening there was a quick Q&A about the mayor’s race featuring Larry West and Council Man Vern Anastacio. The Q&A was moderated by City Paper, Brian Hickey. Pictured here: Philebrity's Joe Sweeney, Director Tigre Hill, Mayoral wannabe "Mohawked" Larry West and Vern Anastasio (1st District) OK much to my surprise and to the audiences, Chaka Fattah showed up. (The surprise part was that he showed up, maybe even watched the movie which he was realistically depicted as being so far up the embattled corrupt Mayor's ass that they probably needed surgery to separate them.) (Michael Nutter was a no show, but we won't hold it against him, and neither will Tigre Hill who changed his Republican registration to Democrat so he could vote for the Nutter in the Primary MAY 15, 2007; Nutter gives an impressive interview in the video)If there was a pergatory, Chaka was in it right about now. Larry West had just finished skewering him for being an Street ass kisser, er I mean insider who supported Street on many of his failed initiatives. Although Larry was on point in his questioning of Fattah, he often relied on his showmanship "I AM SO OUTRAGED he screamed, before getting to the point. According to Philman on Phillyblog.com: What the film does make clear is the great extent to which the Street campaign engaged in intimidation, disruption, and race-baiting. We are introduced to union leader John Dougherty's chief "thug" (and business manager) who relentlessly stalks Katz on the campaign trail. We see local politicos like Bob Brady, Chaka Fattah, and Joe Hoeffel blatantly labeling the FBI investigation a racist tactic, along with Democrat celebs like Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and James Carville visiting town to point their fingers squarely at John Ashcroft and George Bush. Finally, we learn of several "irregularities" on election day, such as reports of voter registration books not being delivered to certain districts, in additon to news accounts of Katz supporters being physically assaulted. Tigre Hill the director speaks. (During the Q&A Chaka declared that he didn't believe in undermining other candidates or bullying tactics, which gave the audience a good laugh.) Vern has the floor. He is a community leader who founded the Bella Vista United Civic Association, created the National Italian Memorial Foundation, and served on the city's Gaming Task Force to demand community input, running for councilman in the First District. Tigre Hill and Mike Toub discuss the film. Tim and Larry West, the youngest candidate for mayor; great ideas, but reminds me of the seasoned Milton Street too much. http://www.larrywestformayor.com/home.html Here's a great website to check out info on who is running: http://www.thenextmayor.com/nutter.html And finally the sad fact is sure I hate John Street, I have always hated John Street, and had he been someone decent and my candidate, I might have thought there was a connection between Bush and the wiretapping, except this was John Street and he was, is and always will be corrupt. Months later as the countless indictments against his inner circle were served it only supported my suspicions. Why the Philadelphia citizens never vote on issues and character will always amaze me. They complain that John Street did nothing when he was a councilman, that he was a thug and self serving, but they voted for him inoffice twice. Now there is your connection with George W Bush.

Lindsay Lohan and the Price of Fame

As I was reading the NY Daily News this morning about Lindsey Lohan in Japan...Japan is Lindsay's cup of tea Lindsay Lohan is turning Japanese - we really think so. She left Sunday for Tokyo, where she hit Club Feria on Monday night with deejay pals Samantha Ronson, Sinatra and Vitale. The trip follows a visit last week to the Izakaya Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, where the 20-year-old actress ordered green tea - after being carded by the waitress. In Touch mag reports an older pal then ordered sake for the table, and quotes a witness saying La Lohan drank it from her teacup. Her rep denies that the rehabbed actress was drinking. ...I noticed the photo they used to accompany the story was taken in NYC, as that is the famed New York paparazzo Steve Sands in the background (google his name to get the dirt), the only current thing about the shot is she is sporting her newly colored blond locks.

A good photo acts in a similar fashion as residuals for a sitcom star, when the photo is re-run the media organization has to pay the photographer for the use once again. It's not always the case if the photographer is salaried by the newspaper, as this may be the case.

William Penn was more Modest than I am

Oh no I don't have time to update the blog today, maybe tonight, but I did take this shot (from my secret observation tower) on my way home from two gigs I shot yesterday. And I finally met a few people I could learn from to further my goal as a Philadelphia Paparazzi. William Penn the founding father of Philadelphia sits high above the City on top of City Hall

Snow in April, I am a Wuss and didn't go to NYC for paparazzi junket

After much thought and exposure to the cold reality of April, I cancelled my trip to the Hollywood East as to avoid hanging out in the cold begging Diane Keaton to take off her coat so I could get a marketable picture, and then having to wait outside the Kevin Spacey After Party in the cold and wind hoping to get a scandalous photo of him and his latest boy toy running to their waiting car. No I think I have been spoiled this past week as the "Inside Photographer" at the Philadelphia Film Festival, hobnobbing with my subjects in a warm environment with oysters, drinks and lots of crab cakes. My next planned jaunt to the big apple will be in May for the TV Upfronts. Does anyone want to go? It's three days of all your favorite TV stars vying for the attention of the advertisers who will sponsor their shows.

Roy Disney and Leonard Maltin were the guests of honor at this private reception at XIX, Park Hyatt Bellevue.

Roy Disney and Leonard Maltin were the guests of honor at this private reception at XIX, Park Hyatt Bellevue. (This was the After Party before the event, as the Inside Photographer I finally get to see what's going on inside - Yippee) Oysters and shrimp were the food of choice (hmm no pigs in blanket)The room was full of film makers, producers, sponsors and actors (looking cool, networking and wearing name tags [too cool for NYC, but practical])Here is Leonard Maltin (no name tag necessary) with my fav columnist Mary Patel on the far left, and in blue, Ruth Perlmutter (The Archie Award given to the best 1st time director, is named after Archie Perlmutter her husband, a pioneer in the film festival who passed away in 2004)three first time directors James, ?, and Chad Jenkins, A graduate of the University of the Arts, Jenkins began making documentary films under the direction of Dr. Barry Dornfeld. Hmm Mike, well you know happy, food, drink, should be writing down the names of my subjects, but oh well he is awfully cute Thom Cardwell, Ray Murray, the parents of David Boreanaz (or as we know the guy, Dave Roberts Phillys best weatherman for 25years) and Craig Snyder, producer of "Suffering Man" starring Alan Cumming and David Boreanaz. Our next mayor, Michael Nutter, Thom Cardwell and Laura Burkhardt (Publisher of Where Magazine)

Jason Spivack and Rene Micheli (sweet as can be, invited us to a soiree in a few weeks) ?, Roy Disney and the always stylish, Susan Helfrich (www.CruiseEvents.net) Dawn, the fabulous Monica Malpass, Director Chad Jenkins and my favorite columnist again Mary Patel (Later MM and I had a very long one on one chat; I nervously chatted and mentioned I was nervous (yeah nervous about slipping and saying the wrong thing and making a fool of myself), she said HughE I am a normal person like anyone, I said normal, except I've watch you on the 5PM & 11PM news every night for the last 15 years, she corrected me and said 19 years - LOL (I am so not cool when breaking the fourth wall**) Linda brings glamour back to the Bellevue HotelAfter spending too much time kibitzing with the sweet and beautiful Monica Malpass (seriously we talked for about 15 minutes, she is really sweet, originally from South Carolina and adores her son. Has the nicest things to say about everyone, admires Dave Roberts and Lisa Thomas Laury, and we both love NYC's Roz Abrams), then I ran, literally ran out the door at 7:45PM to shoot Thom giving the Inspiration Award to Roy Disney in a ceremony at the Prince Theater that had started at 7:15PM. Luck was with me because as I ran into the theater he had already presented the award and was still posing for photographs. I got this one and only shot which I think turned out OK. Sure Roy couldv'e looked my way, but he didn't, but I am still happy with the shot.

Then Leonard Maltin began a Q&A with Roy. I wish I had been smart enough to record it as it was very interesting and would have been great for YouTube **The Fourth Wall is a term to describe the invisible wall between the audience and the actors on-stage.

Phila Film Festival Opening Night with Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd, Director/Write David Wain, writer, Ken Marino, Thom Cardwell Exec Director of Phila Film Society, and Ray Murray Owner TLA Productions. Rudd watches David Wain sign the PFF poster The After Party was held at the new Penthouse Nightclub, yes Penthouse affiliated with the magazine...

I ran into a neighbor of mine; her grand daughter was the film editor of the movie. You know my girl Sharon Pinkenson, here she is with Paul Rudd (BTW me in the VIP section, passed the Velvet Ropes, eating and partying 5 feet from Paul Rudd; I think I am going places - LOL) New friends, hmm ?, James, Nancy and Mary Patel City Paper writer of the column "Political Notebook" and TV fame "Inside Edition" MMM free food, free Drink, Mike's happy!!

Get down on it, get down on it...and now a word from out sponsers

In 4 days I will be seeing sights like this again...

In 4 days I will be seeing sights like this again...

The Only Celebrity I have eyes for today is my new Nephew

As my readers may remember my sister Crista and her husband Michael had their first child back in January. Lazy Uncle HughE never made it up to Boston to visit, but thankfully they have come down for Easter and I went to visit them today at Mom's house (is that too much info) Here they are right before the Mike Jr lucked out and was pushed in the carriage all around the neighborhood, and as tired and darn I had the wrong shoes on, Uncle HughE went along. Michael Jr was a happy camper in the stoller, or he could have been laughing at Uncle HughE and his sore feet. Thankfully after about 20 minutes everyone was ready for dinner.

Later in the evening, mommy changed Mike JR for bed, Uncle HughE left the changing room, but returned when Mommy took about 20 minutes changing Mike JR because she was busy singing, chatting and dancing with him. Uncle HughE wanted to go home and do his blog. Finally things seemed to be winding down and he looked like he was ready for bed. Mommy Crista was still grinning ear to ear. One last kiss before bed They say that Michael Jr looks like my dad, and since everyone says I look like my dad, then Michael Jr must look like me too. He sure is adorable!!

The Autograzzi's waiting for someone at GMA

I took this shot just about a year ago, and in a week I will be in this same spot waiting for someone to exit the stage door of GMA. I have to say that I really do love this photo for a couple reasons. The autograzzi's in the morning are harmless, somewhat friendly and are interesting to say the least.

Jackson Hole High School's student's are either scary or scared!!

Mike and I are planning a 10 day vacation out west to see the Teton's, Yellowstone and visit Glacier National Park. Today I was looking for a hotel in Jackson Hole Wy. I came across this hysterical site for cheap website help where the students of Jackson High School will build your website at affordable rates. I think they could have done a little better with the shots they picked to advertise their new service, especially the last one - LOL

For an inexpensive rate ($15/hour or as little as $100 total), Jackson Hole High School students will consult with you to determine your website needs and goals, design your website, and work with you to get your website up and running and accessible on Internet. Whether it is an online brochure or a multi-page website, you now have the ability to leverage your business on the world wide web. Funds earned through this program by Jackson Hole High School will go towards additional educational opportunities and training in website technology and techniques.

To arrange for an appointment to meet with Jackson Hole High School, please contact Barbara Sanchez at *****.

http://members.jacksonholechamber.com/chamber/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=140&Itemid=179