Joel Siegel Dies of Colon Cancer at 63

Another iconic TV gossip/interviewer has passed away from cancer in as many as two weeks. Veteran Good Morning America movie critic Joel Siegel, known for his knowledgeable and engaging reviews and his personable reporting style, died Friday afternoon after a long battle with colon cancer, ABC News and WABC-TV announced. He was 63. Siegel passed away in New York surrounded by family and friends, according to his longtime employer. Here's a two shot I got of Joel onMay 8, 2007. In another example of how I didn't want to interupt a conversation, I missed a good shot. It was exciting nonetheless to see one of my favorite movie reviewers in person, especially since I wasn't expecting Chris Cuomo and he to walk out, as the anchors usually come out about 10AM and it was only 9:15AM. I never got the chance to ask him to pose, but I am happy to have seen him in person. The mustachioed Siegel, who joined "Good Morning America" in 1981, was remembered by his ABC News colleagues for his wit and passion for the arts."Joel was an important part of ABC News, and we will miss him," ABC News President David Westin said in a news release. "He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague."ABC anchor Charles Gibson described Siegel as "brilliant" and "a man of impeccable taste." For his television work, Siegel received five New York-market Emmy Awards. He also co-wrote the book for the 1981 musical "The First," which earned him a Tony nomination.Siegel was 54 when doctors informed him that he had colon cancer in 1997, shortly after he learned that his third wife, artist Ena Swansea, was pregnant and he was going to be a first-time father. Concerned that he may not live long enough for his young son to get to know him, Siegel wrote the 2003 memoir "Lessons for Dylan: From Father to Son." "I was in my 50s when Dylan was born, so even in the best of times I couldn't expect to spend more than a score or so of years with him," Siegel told the Chicago Jewish News in 2003. "And it hasn't been the best of times, not with three cancer surgeries and chemo and CAT scans and six months of radiation in the past five years."

Christine Ebersole Arrives At the Tony After Party

"Ms. Ebersole, Ms. Ebersole, Congratulations, could I get a photo?" Ahh no response, as she was in a hurry to attend the Tony After Party at the Rockefeller Rink Restaurant I thought to myself. Pictured here assistant#1 is carrying her Tony (11:44PM) Tony winner John Gallagher congratulates Christine as she arrives at the top of the stairs to the party. I'm waiting patiently to find the right time to ask them both to pose. Christine starts fussing with her earrings. They are now removed, I know I am never going to get that shot. I know she won't pose without them. Were they bothering her, is someone bringing a new set, why did she take them off I wonder? Turning around to acknowledge the congratulations, still ignoring me

but a fan walks right up and askes for a photo, maybe I will get my shot. Now her other assistant is holding her Tony. A Closeup with no earrings. She's so beautiful, even if she is ignoring me.Congratualations!! No really congratulations, I want your attention, I am grabbing your wrist, pay attention to me. I think, maybe I should go closer to her and try this method. Still talking (11:53PM) it's getting crowded with well wishers, what is she waiting for, I am so far away, I think. How am I going to get the money shot for the night (11:54PM)

Oh there's her first assistant who she arrived with; I guess he went down and scoped out the place for her. Here he is reporting the layout to her. (11:56PM) Finally at 11:57PM she makes her entrance 12:06AM Christine Ebersole leaves the party from the VIP entrance on the opposite side of the entrance. She literally walked through and went out the otherside. I am sure she was off to attend the Grey Garden Party at some fancy joint with Mary Louise Wilson. I never did get that money shot!

It's all about the timing as you know

Last Sunday I made a trip to the beach, Sea Isle City NJ to shoot some scenesAs I was taking photos and taking in the sites, I saw the beach tag inspector who was busy checking tagsThen I caught this kid sneaking onto the beach without a badge

going under the rail dropping 6 feet to the sand hooking up with his his friends and continuing a time honored tradition of avoiding those damn beach fees

Scene Around Town: Macy's Center City Window - Philly Pride 2007

The Stonewall riots were a series of violent conflicts between New York City police officers and groups of gay and transgender people that began during the early morning of June 28, 1969, and lasted several days. Also called the Stonewall Rebellion or simply Stonewall, the clash was a watershed for the worldwide gay rights movement, as gay and transgender people had never before acted together in such large numbers to forcibly resist police.

Photos: Tony Awards Seeing Stars

The easiest way to see them is in your own comfortable home on TV, otherwise if you have $250 to spare you could buy a ticket, but here's what I did about three weeks ago. If you have been reading my blog for the past weeks, you would know that I scored myself two tickets to the Tony Rehearsals, now I will tell you how I did it. I heard a few people gather to watch the presenters and performers arrive and depart from the 52nd Street Stage Door. When Simon and I arrived at 8:30AM, the only crowd there was lined up to go in. I saw a guy with a clipboard and I asked him if there was a waiting list. He said you have to be invited to attend the rehearsal, but then he said "wait over there, if there is room I will give you two tickets.", Sadly he was reamed out by his boss for promising us two tickets, but in the end they gave them to us. THANKS!! (Pictured Simon waiting by the VIP line. This group was usually people in the business, or close family members)We sat in the First Mezzanine with friends and distant relatives. Christopher Plummer at the RehearsalLater when reviewing my photos, I noticed that during the "Spring Awakening" performance the bulletin board had the following statements "Totally Fucked" and "The Bitch of Living" on it. I reviewed my Tivo of the show and saw that they made it on the broadcast too which was funny since they weren't allowed to sing those lyrics.When Simon and I left the rehearsal we saw the crowd waiting for the talent to depart. This could be you next year!Anne Heche leaving. She had walked over to the fans, posed and signed for them.In the evening I got a late start to observe the arrivals. When you see this scene, you know you are late. (This is 52nd Street) I hurried towards the Red Carpet on 51st Street And arrived just as Angela Lansbury exited her car and blew kisses to the adoring crowd.

Tanned Tommy Tune on the Red CarpetAfter awhile the crowd got on my nerves, especially since I kept getting a lot of shots of the back of their heads. This is a shot of the action down near the skating rink restaurant, where the After Party would be held later that night. On your left is the fans, on the right are the celebrities on the Red Carpet. I then went back to my friends Katie & Simons house. They live in a Paparazzi or Broadway Fan's dream location near 55th and 7Th Ave. I would be back later to catch the departures.

After watching the Tony's (Soprano and otherwise) on TV, I ran over to Radio City Music Hall about 10PM to watch the Tony winners race across the street into NBC to do the press.

On the side of RCMH there is a "Stage Door" (Martha Plimpton in green dress smoking a cigarette after losing to her costar in Coast of Utopia). The stage door is exactly across the street from an entrance to Rockefeller Headquarters and a door to the elevator which takes you to the Rainbow Room and the awaiting press. Tom Stoppard and his Tony make their way to the press room As the 11 O'Clock hour approached, I decided to run around to the other side of RCMH and catch the orchestra audience "VIP" leaving. Most of these people skip the after party and just head to their waiting limo's to take them to private parties or home. Here is Zach Braff waving to the screaming fans.

Jeff Daniels ignoring the screaming fansVanessa Redgrave greeting Movie Studio Mogul Harvey WeinsteinAfter whetting my appetite with celebs leaving via the 52nd street Stage Door, I run over to the site of the After party, which is always at the restaurant at Rockefeller Center. Most of the talent, and invited guests just walk the block to the entrance. Although some do arrive in limo's depending on their stature and age, like Celeste Holm's and her child groom.No matter how they arrive most have to stand in line with everyone else waiting to get into the party. although some who know the area well will surprise us by sneaking down the stairs, or taking the stairway that goes from RCMH underground to the Rockefeller Concourse and then through the glass doors to the restaurant. Last year that is how Julia Roberts got to the After party. Pictured here is Julia White taking the stairs in the middle of the plaza, skipping the line, the roaming paparazzi, fans and tourist. But for me it was a race to capture as many people with Tony's as possible. Here we find Jay Johnson: The Two and Only has won the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Glamour girl Donna Murphy Spring Awakening's Tony Award winners Duncan Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Slater Felicity Huffman has performed in many off Broadway plays, including Dangerous Corner, Shaker Heights and The Joy of Definitely Going Somewhere. She is co-founder of the Atlantic Theater, but she wouldn't look up and give me a big smile anyway. I loved Swoosie Kurtz in Sisters After shooting arrivals, I went to the other side of the rink to shoot departures. Now I am not saying they don't leave the same way they come in, some do (like this kid from Ugly Betty), but the major players leave on the opposite side as to avoid the crowd of gawkers that have gathered at the entrance. Only a few fans figure out the exit strategy, and now you know. First up comes Cynthia Nixon and her girlfriend Christine. A second before this shot they were holding hands, but as I set up the shot Cynthia let go.

Damn overexposure of Neil Patrick Harris and boyfriend Marcia Gay Harden is surrounded by fans, many with their Tony Programs looking for signaturesI give props to these two who did sign and pose for photos with the above fans, but when it came to us paparazzi they didn't want to pose. I mean I can understand it was 2:15AM and they were probably tired. For what is only his second Broadway job (following Rabbit Hole), John Gallagher Jr., who plays the desperate young student Moritz in Spring Awakening, won the Best Featured Actor (Musical) Tony. He was with his sister and mother. Even Bebe Neurith signed for fans Although Julie White snuck in, she came out the VIP exit where my Friend David Pershica asked to pose with her. The last photo of the night, Phylicia Rashad at about 2:30AM; finally a close to a very long day exciting day. Until next year. But wait where was Christine Ebersole, see below"A precursor to my next entry on my blog. Christine Ebersole was just about the last to arrive at the party, and I captured her big entrance. Until next time...HughE

Mark di Suvero's Iroquois Installation: Is it Backwards?

Mark di Suvero's Iroquois for Philadelphia was installed today along the Parkway and in front of my condo building, The Philadelphian. The giant crayon-red chunk-o-steel, was purchased with the generous support of art patron and humanitarian David N. Pincus and will be maintained by the Fairmount Park Art Association (9AM on my way to work)

Mark di Suvero is considered one of the most important sculptors of our time. He is widely recognized for monumental works that enhance public spaces. (4PM - I left early with anticipation) (more from the email) The sculpture has a footprint of 30 feet by 30 feet and it is 40 feet high. It is painted "General Motors Truck Red" (I think it's Christo Gate Orange or Home Depot Orange) in a finish that is graffiti resistant. It has one movable member (not ground accessible).The man 2nd to the right is Mark di Suvero as the crew hoist the centerpiece movable part in placeThe crew bolt the piece into place Mark di Suvero weld's the final boltSculptor Mark di Suvero and fundraiser of the piece David N. Pincus

The champagne flows with congratulations all around,

The crew who put the sculpture together (more of the email) It will be lit at night from suspended lights (would not shine in our windows). There will probably be some benches around it (Homeless resistant design[??]). The Art Association has committed to work with The Philadelphian, and the neighborhood Associations on the on these details to make sure we are all happy. Although it was fairly windy the movable piece did not move, I think and it's just my opinion, but I think they installed it backwards. A construction worker threw a rope over the arm and let this young boy pull on it to get it movingThe movable piece has the flat side facing southwest, but that is where the wind comes, I would have thought they would have flipped it around and had the curved side facing that way to scoop up the wind. Oh well so it will only move when we get Northeaster's or hurricanes, it's beautiful none the less. I like it, but I would have loved it if it actually moved like it is supposed to. Maybe they were confused with the diagnolly way the steet is. When looking at it from this postition we are looking Northeast, the left side is facing Northwest, behind us is Southwest and to the right Southeast. The wind comes from the Southwest, it's hitting the side of the sculpture.

7 Seven Minute Sopranos - a "whacked out" refresher

I never did watched an entire episode of the Sopranos (or Friends, or Seinfeld), but I did watch the final minutes of the finale so I would be in the know the next day hanging out at the watercooler. To get me up to speed, before the Finale Day or Tony Day I like to call it, and not because of Tony Soprano, I watch this YouTube clip by palgy83 that summarized in a clear, concise and hysterical way the first six season. 7 Seven Minute Sopranos - a "whacked out" refresher .

I then watch the last 10 minutes of the finale just to experience the hype. Personally I thought it was a genuis way to end a show. I too was cursing at the TV until the credits rolled - LOL Here's Entertainment Weekly's take on it: Not since Seinfeld has there been so much discussion over a TV show's depiction of ''nothing.'' Sopranos honcho David Chase's decision to use an ambiguous black screen to close out one of the most epic series in TV history has some singing his praise for refusing to close with a cheesy Hollywood ending and others cursing his name for keeping them guessing — possibly forever. The debate rages even here at EW.com, as evidenced by this point/counterpoint between managing editor Jay Woodruff and associate editor Annie Barrett. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20040769_20040772_20042148,00.html

True Colors: Feather boas, glitter, balloons adorn gay-themed concert for civil rights

True Colors: Feather boas, glitter, balloons adorn gay-themed concert for civil rights is making its way around North America. Mike and I had a chance to check it out last Friday at The Borgata in Atlantic City. Various performers are at the different stops, the concert I saw had Cindy Lauper, Erasure, The Dresden Dolls, Gossip, Debbie Harry (see my "Confession" about her as the last entry) and Margaret Cho. I didn't have my camera with me for the first half of the concert as I thought they were banned. But when I saw that everyone was shooting the concert, I went back to the car at intermission to get it. It's amazing how this rule has really relaxed in the past years. Fuji F100, not the best camera, but great in low light.

It was great to see Erasure after a ten year absence since I last saw them. They really hit their mark by singing hits like "Respect," "Oh L’amour," and "Chains of Love."Sporting short lavender-coloured hair, the sprightly Lauper sprinted from end to end of the stage throughout her hour-long set, delivering her best-known ’80s hits for an enthusiastic crowd."Time After Time," "Goonies R’ Good Enough," "Money Changes Everything," and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," were among the favourites that kept the audience on their feet.But she kicked off the set sporting orange hair, big hat singing "I have a Hole In My Heart that goes All the Way To China" Mike and I bought seats which were located behind the General Admission pit, but we quickly realized that the people standing had a much better seat than us and we joined them for the last half of the concert. During Intermission when I was in the garage getting my camera, I ran into about a dozen people I hadn't seen in a while, including a couple that I hadn't seen in about a decade. OMG raunchy comedian Margaret Cho - wearing pigtails, a minidress and fishnet stockings - took the stage between acts with sexually explicit jokes that took no prisoners. She skewered the U.S. government, the Pope and the Christian right as she hammered home the theme of the evening, equal rights. One of the wilder moments involved Cho donning a wig, assuming a Chinese accent and the lesbian persona "Maureen" for a rap duet that bragged about the magnificence of her nether regions."My peach, my clam, my cookie/ Everybody wanna get their hands on my tookie," she rapped. (Do Not Play This At Work)

The grand finale brought everyone out on stage to sing ABBA's "Take a Chance On Me" Closing the show singing her signature song, True Colors. From left to right here are the people I recognize: Margaret Cho in the red dress, the Dresden Dolls (they were amazing), Cydni, back-up singers, Carson Kressley, back-up singers, then The Gossip. Missing Debbie Harry who probably high tailed it to her home in NYC.

At the end of the concert Cyndi announced that next year will be bigger and better and hoped we would all be there to join her. I know Mike and I will be, won't you join us?

OK: if I had to confess about something, I would say that Debbie Harry's set was forgettable. She may have sang one old hit, but the rest was from her new album. The songs were terrible and I was longing to listen to Yoko Ono instead. I also thought it was funny how she played to the crowd, shaking hands and telling them she loved them. Everytime I saw her in NYC at an event, she often skipped the red carpet, and ignored her fans lining the street. I bet that will change now that she has a CD to promote.

Angelina & Brad's work the Fan Line at the NYC Premiere of "A Mighty Heart"

OK sure she dissed Fox News and banned them from the premiere, but do you blame her? As an adendeum to the post I did two days ago about the generosity of Angelina Jolie, I have found a clip that shows her working the fan line. There are only a handful of celebrities that I have seen really work the fan line. I've mentioned them before and they are Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and now Brad Pitt. This awesome clip below is from MartymClean who posted it on YouTube. It is an excellent example of how generous Angelina Jolie is to the fans. She signed and posed for them before she hit the press line. I know that must have been irritating for them as many had arrived 6-8hrs before to get a good spot on the Red Carpet (it's first come, first reserve) This clip also gives you a chance to see the autograzzi's in action, they are the ones with the pre-printed photos and Fed-Ex envelopes and professional shots of the stars. I like how the guy with the Fed-Ex envelope shuffles his photos to find the right one as each star changes positions. I also love the excitement of the videographer and the crowd, he really captured the moment. YOU ARE THERE!

Phila Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Press & Sponsor Kick Off Party

Phila Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Press & Sponsor Kick Off Party. You know I snapped one of these up as soon as I arrived, I couldn't wait as a paparazzi celebrity whore I couldn't wait to see who I would be shooting for this event, ok and I was curious about the schedule - LOL

Rosemary Connors, the new Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society and the producer of both Philly Film Festivals welcomes her guests.The audience of sponsors and invited guests listen in on what's coming up for the PGLFF 2007

The unveiling of the guest list - SPOILER ALERT - Farley Granger (Rope, Deathtrap, Enchantment, The Next Big Thing to name a few movies), Craig Lucas (The Secret Lives of Dentists, Longtime Companion),Charlie David ("Four Letter Word", which is the Opening Night Movie), Anthony Rapp from RENT, RuPaul - Ya Better Work!!, and the cast of Another Gay Movie doing a reading of the sequel.

The unveiling of the Official Film Festival Poster - It's Hot!! A few guests including our favorite entrepreneur Malcolm Lazin, with Joe and Michael The talented bunch Megan Smith, Noel Zayas (Of N2 Productions) and film festival volunteer cordinator, Parinda Patel One of my favorite girlfriends, Polictical Columnist Mary Patel and the artistic director of the Phila Film Festival, Ray Murray (TLA Founder) Another favorite gurlfriend Development Director Thom Cardwell and friend (who's name badge I can't read)Rosemary Connors, my friends Phyllis, Mary and damn my memory. The film festival is going to be a blast, did I mention that we are going to get a sneak preview of Hairspray on July 19. Plus lots of other fun treats like the closing night film "Kiss the Bride" with Tori Spelling, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, there's The Bubble, a love story between a Palestinian and an Israeli set in Tel Aviv; Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother (remember a few years back he had another movie where it showed his genitalia and his breasts, I hear his family made her destroy it after it played twice, one of the times was here at the Philly Film Festival), another film playing was my favorite movie from April's Philly Intn'l film festival: "Two Minutes Later"; I think everyone is going to chuckle with this title "The Itty Bitty Titty Committee" which will surely be a favorite for the girls, RuPaul's new movie "Starbooty", "Dead Boyz Don't Cry", and many more entertaining movies dealing with our lives, fantasy and sex, oh and the one of the best events "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Troc!! This year there are three free movies: the GAY Favorite - Mommie Dearest, and Just One of the Guys both will be playing on South Street at the Jamican Hut, and To Wong Foo at Penn's LandingThe Parties, and boy are there PARTIES - we will be partying at the Hyatt Penn's Landing, Twenty21 at Sisters, with RuPaul at XIX, Queer Kinky Quizzo at Valanni on the Gayest Street Spruce, Bear Bash at Bike Stop with my friend owner Jim Madden, on the riverfront, at Tavern on Camac, at the Jamaican Jerk Hut on South Street, Club XO and at the Curtis Center. I am going to need a disco nap every day!! Tickets go on sale June 25 and for more information: http://www.phillyfests.com/home.cfm

Evening With the Curators Events Take Audiences Inside the Makings of the 13th Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival:

Monday, June 25, 7-8pmFree Library of Philadelphia Independence Branch18 S. 7th Street - Old City Wednesday, June 27, 7-8pmPhiladelphia Art Alliance251 S. 18th Street - Center City and

Thursday, June 28, 7-8pmWilliam Way Community Center1315 Spruce Street - Center City

Angelina Jolie, the Kids and my favorite art shop and her love for the fans

This is the second time I have seen Angelina Jolie shop at Lee's Art Shop. If you like Chachkis, then you are gonna love Lee's. Sure it's and artsy store with crayons, pads, portfolios but it also has lots of Chachkis and things to look at like ceramic dogs, calendars, balloons, pinatas paper goods, its like looking at the finished products you would find at AC Moore, and a bit upscale. I love this place, and it looks like Angie does too, I heard she stopped by on Friday to pick up a few things. She's no longer in NYC, I heard from a friend who "chased" Angie (to get graphs) and the family to the airport. I couldn't understand why they had to do that since she was so accommodating all week, but who knows, its not my cup of tea as mom would say. This week there was a big controversy about Angie & Brad putting restrictions on the media (interviewers) about prying into their private lives. It was ironic considering the charity that benefitted from her "Mighty Heart" movie premiere last Wednesday was "Reporters without Borders", but even though she may have had restrictions on the press, she's always been wonderful with the fans and paparazzi. http://www.tmz.com/2007/06/15/angelina-i-didnt-ban-anyone/Angelina Jolie Helps Stranded Paparazzi (People Magazine) Actress Angelina Jolie did her daily good deed when she stopped and helped a photographer who had a flat tire in New York. Celebrity photographer James Ambler was trailing the star of "A Mighty Heart" around New York on his bike, when he popped one of his tires, People magazine reported Saturday. While figuring out what he was going to do, Jolie's car pulled up to him and the driver asked if he wanted a ride. Ambler, whose nickname is "Lance" after cycling champ Lance Armstrong, then heard Jolie herself say, "Come on Lance, hop in." While riding, Jolie reportedly told Ambler she was appreciative of the space some of the photographers were giving her children. He added he was not sure exactly how much time he spent in the car with Jolie, "Time stood still," he said. He described the actress as "really down to earth, really lovely."

Claudia Cohen Dies, Gossip-Reporter-Turned-Socialite

It's been awhile since I really confessed about anything important, but here goes. I may photograph celebrities, but I am always excited to meet one of my favorite gossip columnists; Claudia Cohen was right up there in the top 3. She was fun, and gossipy without being nasty and condescending; I think what made her so laid back was that she was loaded so she didn't have to do this for a living (She got an $80 Million settlement in her divorce from Ron Perlman). Then again I guess because she was so loaded I didn't see her on Kelly & Regis or at too many events wither. In the last two years I only saw her twice, almost a year apart to the day. Here she is at the Fashion Rocks 9/5/2005. I called to her and she looked over and I was excited to get this shot. She looked perplexed, like how did I know her or something. About a years later I took this shot as she arrived at a private screening of the Black Dahlia. I was excited when she got out of the car, calling her name as the other paparazzi's groaned, "Its just a gossip columnist". They didn't know what they were talking about, as I gushed over Ms. Cohen and telling her how much I like her work and how I looked forward to seeing her on Regis & Kelly. She on the otherhand was embarrased and said that she was no celebrity, and instead she just dove in and had a good old chat with me about the movie she was about to see, and the long standing theories of what happened to the Black Dahlia. It went on so long that I almost forgot to run over and get a shot of Hilary Swank when her car pulled up. (the shot is a tad overexposed)Tonight, when I was reviewing the photo wire services to see celebrity photos had been taken today, I saw that someone covered her funeral; I was shocked to learn that she had passed away on Friday. She died of Ovarian Cancer, a cancer that had been in remission for 6 years, but had come back suddenly to claim her life. Gossip columnist Claudia Cohen dead of cancer at 56!

The Comcast Tower Has Been Topped Off!!

My friend, City Hall Tour Director, Greta Greenberger called me the other day and said that someone from the new Comcast building wondered if she had a statue of William Penn that they could have for the ceremony. Well she did and she would bring it to the ceremony on Monday at 11AM. She had no idea what they were going to do with it, but I have a feeling she is going to want my copy now as we received them both at the same time. The William Penn figurine waits for a ride to the top. Myth has it that no Philadelphia sports team will win a championship as long as a building rises above the level of the William Penn statue atop City Hall. "We don't believe in the myth, but to be safe we've added the statue of Billy Penn," said Bill Hankowsky, chief executive of Liberty Property Trust, the builder. (Inky) These first three photos are by Sarah J. Glover / Inquirer The rest are by me. William Penn and the signed beam makes its way to the top All month my boss was wondering when they would top off the building with the flag and a tree. I was a little confused about that tradition until I read about it in the Inquirer. "Keeping alive a centuries-old tradition - with a Philadelphia twist added - a beam was hoisted to the highest point of Comcast Center today, to applause from 975 feet below. There was a small tree at one end of the beam, which had been signed by workers and those gathered for the ceremony, and an American flag at the other." The old and the new. City Hall once the tallest building in Philadelphia, and it remained that way until 1986 with the building of Liberty One, and now that was topped with the Comcast Center at 975feet Here they put it into place at the highest point of the buildingThen the crane went down and picked up a basket of dignitaries who were to inspect the beam, and make sure that William Penn's hat was indeed above everything else in the City I hope the Mayor was in it, and the wind suddenly picked up, and it scared the crap out of him

The basket did not land on the building, it just went up and then back down I am so glad I am not a dignitary (Also visit www.PhillyChitChat.com )Once the inspection was done they lowered it again to the ground These first three photos are by Sarah J. Glover / Inquirer http://inquirer.philly.com/slideshows/News/070619comcast/

Also visit www.PhillyChitChat.com

During the Commercials, the Tony Awards audience gets a treat

(Sorry for the delay in todays, and tomorrow's Tony Award Posts, I was all Tony'd out last week and needed a break. Tomorrow I will have the After Party photos, and tips on how you can see the stars next year) During the Commercials, the audience at the Tony Awards are treated to funny clips and old promos of Broadway Shows. During this series a Top Hat was tossed to a few people on the street and they danced with it. Here's two shots from that series, the first guy tossed the hat to the second guy. Then there were old broadway clips, can you guess what this one is? Then this one, that I know my Broadway Friend Sarah Endless Pursuit of Entertainment/ went crazy for. Song and Dance with Bernadette Peters and Christopher D'Amboise (Yes brother of) No CurtisAnd I Am Telling You (After a few seconds of showing the empty auditorium at the Rehearsal, I get my head together and show the performance)
KIKI and Herb Tony Awards 2007 from pcguys on Vimeo

Gorgeous, an elegant showcase of fashion, art and culture

N Squared Productions, Philadelphia's premiere special events and marketing firm, presented Gorgeous, an elegant showcase of fashion, art and culture, last night, June 14, 2007, at XIX in the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. This exhilarating event featured a runway decked with the latest by Nicole Miller, Eleganza with Versace and Cavalli, Matthew Izzo, Very Bad Horse, EchoChic and more. The hair was looking fierce after being styled by Ettore, Giovanni & Pileggi, Pierre & Carlo, and American Male, and make up by Dior Beauty. Remember to wear your shades because the models will blind with their jewelry from Jack Kellmer Co., Zelinda Jewelry, and Heidi Roland. Some of my favorite people, my BF Mike, Janice and Mary Patel Avril Prewitt and Ettoré of http://www.ettorespa.com/ (Ettoré, his brother Gary, and I used to run in the same crowd about 20 years ago, so it was great to catch up with him) Zack and a fabulous model It's always great to see James, Richard (XIX GM) and Thom Cardwell

Pamela Dollak owner of Tony on Third - http://www.tonyonthird.com/ with Erin Satchell, Linda Munch, Lacey Wuetrich and Principle Ballerina from the Pa Ballet, Amy Aldridge. AMERICAN BORN POP ARTIST PERRY MILOU HAS BEEN CREATING UNIQUE CONTEMPORARY ONE OF A KIND PAINTINGS FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS. MANY HAVE DEFINED HIS STYLE AS VERY POP FINE ART OR POP-IMPRESSIONISM. MILOU'S WORK HAS OFTEN BEEN DESCRIBED AS GLAMOROUS AND COLORFUL, A CONCEPTION OF BEAUTY THAT IS AS UNIQUE AS THE PAINTER HIMSELF. Here is Perry and his Girlfriend, and the portrait he did of her.Tina Pelzer and Dior's National Make-Up Artist - Shonda WilliamsDrexel graduate and co-producer of “Gorgeous”, Noel Zayas and Samantha Johnson. Samantha, a 5'8" green-eyed brunette, is the 21-year-old daughter of Claude & Angela Johnson of Philadelphia. A 2002 graduate of W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, and a 2006 graduate of Temple University, Samantha plans to work in the film industry in front as well as behind the camera. Megan Smith, PR extraordinaireModels putting on their generously loaned jewelery from Jack Kellmer Co., Zelinda Jewelry, and Heidi Roland. Make-up from Dior The crowd patiently waits for the big show The models get their final instructionsThe line up Tonight one of the ladies did have one of her girlfriends pop out of her tube top, but I deleted the shot as I am not going there

the S&M look has always been popular and this number is very couture Muscles are an accessory You'd better WORK, work it gurl on the runway

``You'd better WORK, work it Angela Henderson and Marlina Robinson

have I mentioned that Muscles are an accessory The grand Finale dress by Estibaliz Gamboa My apologies to the hundred or so people that didn't make it on blog today. When all was said and done I had shot over 600 photos and as it is this is probably the most I have posted in a single entry. If I spelled your name wrong or miss IDing you, leave me a comment. Thanks!!

City Hall Tours No Longer Free

Get out the erasers, be prepared to update the thousands of tour books out there, after 50 years of free tours, Philadelphia City Hall Tours will cost you some green. Yesterday there was a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the New Philadelphia City Hall Tour Office and Visitor Center. The Mummers, who began parading down Broad Street every New Years Day in 1901, the same year City Hall was opened.Below is William Penn and two men who also have a history of luring new residents and tourist to our fair city. To WP's immediate right is Paul Levy, the Director of the Center City District; he is really the one responsible for turning the City around in the last decade and making it the City very livable and attractive. The other man is Bill Moore, who is in charge of the wonderful, informative and FREE Visitor Center at 5th & Market, and now helping Greta run the new CH Visitor Center and Tour Office. Unveiling the new City Hall Tour Office Banner are some of the people responsible for this new venture. oddly missing is Greta Greenberger, City Hall Tour Director, but all the participants gave her props for making City Hall Tours the success that it is today.Oh wait there's my friend Greta Greenberger, Tour Director of City Hall Tours, and responsible for holding the program together when the City (ie Mayor Street) underfunded it after Gov Rendell left office. She did partake in the ribbon cutting of the door of the newly renovated tour office. I totally screwed up and missed that shot as someone welcomed me back to Philly since moving from New York City.With improvements come changes, and as Paul Levy stated, paraphrasing here, if you don't put a price on it, there is no value. (As crazy as that seems, he's right)The trip up to the Observation Tower of the 106-year-old building, will now be as follows: Visits to the tower are $5 for adults, $4 for those 3 to 18, and $3 for those over 65. The two-hour City Hall building tour will cost $10 for adults, and $8 for those ages 3 to 18 or over 65. The fees collected will be used to cover the costs of operating the visitors center, officials said. Pictured here is the smartly dress volunteers waiting for the over 50,000 visitors that stop by the office. There is no doubt these numbers should increase. Here's Greta assisting a visitor with places to visit while in the City. So please stop by and visit the New Tour Office (Rm 121), and while your there ask about HughE's Philadelphia Note Cards, cards that were carried by the gift shop for 7 years, as I hear I have to audition them again to get them in the new gift shop. Thanks HughE

Congratulations Naomi and Liev, but couldn't you have broken the story with me

I mean I was there before you started dating Liev (2005)then I was right there capturing your love (9/06)

5/06 - I was there when you walked the Red Carpet at the Drama Desk Awards

You flashed me that "I am so happy, engaged and about to be a mom" smile just two weeks ago on the Red Carpet then Sunday night as you left the Tony Award After Party, it was just you, me and your driver. You smiled, as I told you how beautiful you looked, and it would have been so easy for you to break the story with me that you and Liev got hitched earlier in the day, instead of ET. None the less, Congratulations, you look radiant!!

FX's Rescue Me Season 4 Premiere June 13

I know I still owe you a bunch of Tony Award pictures, and trust me I have them, I have stories, and I have tips on how you can see the stars next year, but tomorrow is Rescue Me's premiere on the FX network and these shots are timely. Last week after the Carol Channing event, and while waiting for the CFDA Awards to let out, I ran over to Bryant Park to see if I could get into the Press Pit and shoot the Launch Party for Rescue Me's Third Season DVD, and I was able to do it. It's just amazing what doors open when carrying a professional camera and a ladder around NYC. (Last year as a "Fan" with my small pocket camera, shooting from the Press Pen was almost unheard of, although I did get a lot of good shots still, just not posed as well.) First up, I recognized my friend from One Life To Live, Antonio, ok well his real name is Kamar de los Reyes and his new wife, formerly on OLTL, now on Rescue Me, Sherri Saum

Lenny Clarke - Sometime during the 1970's, Clarke ran for mayor of Cambridge, MA. When asked by comedian and close friend Denis Leary what his platform was, Clarke replied "Fuck the Kennedy's". Michael Lombardi - To prepare for the role he went to Randall's Island, which is a Proby School (training school for firefighters), to train for this part. A guy took him to the training facility, and he's been to over a hundred fires. This guy is basically like a living Popeye. He was a really hard nosed and intimidating, blue collar guy. His lungs were really badly infected in 9/11 and he comes from a long line of firefighters. Two of his brothers died in 9/11. He took me to the main training facility and in the main building there are the pictures of the firefighters who died, plus two of them were his brothers by blood. He looked up at them and he said, "Those are my brothers." Tears came to his eyes and he said, "But these are all my brothers." It was just like, "Wow!" Just to see the sensitivity that this hard nosed guy had and the feelings that he had about this and the brotherhood that he shared and how much they cared about one another. I have the utmost respect for these guys. I went from that to going to various firehouses in New York. Bonnie Somerville - Was on the cover of Stuff magazine in May 2004, issue titled, "Girls of "The O.C." (2003)"

Tatum O'Neal and her son. I finally got a good fashion shot for the night, without cutting off the actresses feet. People Magazine, I have fashion, look at this style, I would call modern crochet. It's a future star Olivia Crocicchia

Steve Pasquale - His stage credits include both musicals (A Man of No Importance, The Light in the Piazza, The Spitfire Grill, The Wild Party, Miss Saigon, West Side Story) and dramas (A Soldier's Play, Fat Pig, Beautiful Child and Spinning into Butter). As a kid in Hershey, Pa, he used to sneak into the amusement park forgoing the fee of $20. Andrea Roth - Her breakthrough role was when Sally Field hired her to play her daughter Eleanor in "A Woman of Independent Means" (1995) (mini). In this period piece she aged from 16 to 60. Daniel Sunjata - Was nominated for Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actor (Fe