A rare Monday night edition.

Two bar crawl snow days since the last email.  Not sure how the roads are in the suburbs but the roads in philly are still rutted out if you are not in center city.  You go where the road wants you to go.  During one of the snow day bar crawls, I learned one thing that stuck with me.  I met a toll booth collector on the PA Turnpike who makes $63,000 a year plus benefits for a 40 hour work week.  Is that insane?  And one other thing I learned is that the Art Museum steps are continually packed when people sledding during the storms (including me). 

For those thinking about Fat Tuesday and do not want to hit a bar, think about catching New Orleans band Trombone Shorty at the World Café Live?  Ever since Philly shut down South Street after the 2001 riots, the night seems to have lost its luster.  If you know of any places that truly have a good party scene that night, please email me as I am curious.

For Phillies fans that want to catch opening day in Washington, check out this trip.  it is cheap considering tickets, tailgate, and transportation are included. 

Last email I complained about the Philadelphia Parking Authority, today it is on to an old topic of our cabs.  How come a cab is not forced to turn their roof light on when it is vacant or off when it has a fare?  How dumb do we all look trying to flag a cab down that already has people in it?

I want to give a mention for my buddy Rob that just opened up Falafel Factory  at 18^th Street next to Continental.

McFaddens announced their Springfest date of March 13^th.  Same as the Erin Express but it could be something to head to after.  Only $5 for entry for a limited time ($15 later). 

And to close with my real estate stuff….I read yesterday that the 30-year fixed dips below 5% although mortgage rates are expected to rise in long term.  And I found a new site that ranks homes in terms of walkability.  Just type in your address.    As always, I would be happy if you would talk to me about your homes if you are thinking of selling or the home you wish to buy.  I have been licensed since 2005…. - Mark

SPONSOR: AMERICAN RED CROSS'S RED BALL 2010

2010 RED BALL TICKETS
The 2010 Red Ball is scheduled for March 6, 2010 at the Please Touch Museum. Get your tickets now.
SPONSOR: AMERICAN RED CROSS'S RED BALL 2010

1) PHILLYIN.COM LAUNCH PARTY

In preparation for Phillyin.com's upcoming launch party @ G Lounge, I wanted to send you some information, in hopes that you would be interested in attending and featuring on your upcoming newsletter as well. Philadelphia runway fashion takes center stage on Thursday, February 18, 2010 as G Lounge Announces the Launch of PhillyIn.com with a kick-off celebration to benefit Students Run Philly Style.

Hosted by Christian Crosby, G Lounge will welcome an array of visionary models provided by JS Models, LLC, all of which will be styled by the celebrated team at The Studio CL Workshop in Center City, Philadelphia. 

Additional models will include: Miss Keystone 2009, Andrea Helfrich & Philadelphia Wings Players, Brett Moyer & Bobby Snider.  Beginning at 9pm, this “fashionable” fund-raising event and official launch party will feature music by DJ Isaac Jordan; special guest, Marshall Harris, Comcast SportsNet Anchor; available bottle service; an exclusive performance by members of the Philadelphia Wings Dance Team; as well as a Fashion Show at 10pm, which will showcase the latest winter fashions from top local designers: Carmelita Couture, Thorsen Handbags, Denim Habit & Rack and Roll Clothing.

Guests will also have the opportunity to be photographed by Celebrated Photographer, Andre Flewellen (www.andreflewellen.com), who will capture each moment of this memorable occasion. In addition to top fashion designers and models provided by JS Models, LLC, PhillyIn.com’s Official Launch Party will also include the following sponsors: Alexis Small Public Relations, Fazio Promotions, WildinOut Promotions, The 400 PTM, Last Call Promotions, Skinny Water, PT Capital Real Estate, Brokeup.com, SunMyst Tanning Studio & Image Graphix.

While donations will be accepted at the door, there is no cover change, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Students Run Philly Style, the only program in Philadelphia that offers marathon training to help young people succeed in life. This is accomplished by connecting students with adult mentors who help them imagine and accomplish goals beyond their dreams, including the completion of a marathon. For more information, contact: 215-985-2672

2) Naughty Bingo at Urban Saloon

Fri, Feb 26, 2010 7pm - 10:30pm
Urban Saloon (back room)
2120 Fairmount Ave Philadelphia, PA 

3) PHILLY BEER CRAFT FEST

Philly Beer Fest: Session 1 SOLD OUT, Session 2 Limited TKTS Remain 

4) CAFE SPICE

Enjoy one of the Restaurant Collection’s Restaurants with The Dutch Umbrella Table at Café Spice  Thursday February 25th  6:30-9:00pm. Enjoy an adventure into the exciting spices and herbs of Indian cuisine.  Paul Sankaralingam, owner and chef, will guide you through the wonderful flavors of Café Spice during a three course dinner. Be one of the first to dine from the new menu which highlights the individual tastes of India without losing sight of traditional Indian cuisine. The evening begins with your appetizer selection, followed by six entree items served family style, and ends with your choice of dessert with tea or coffee.  Also included are two beverages from a select list of wine, beer & cocktails PLUS a $15 gift certificate to Café Spice! Have a seat at the communal table and relax. This culinary adventure is only $50 and includes dinner, 2 alcoholic drinks, tax, tip, and the $15 gift certificate  with no extra costs, and no worries about splitting the bill.  Just good food, good company, and good times! A special event menu will be provided for your selections of food and drink items.  Additional drink tickets can be purchased the evening of the event at Cafe Spice prior to being seated for $5, cash only.  Drink tickets may only be used during dinner and are not valid at any other time.  Stop by early to enjoy happy hour at the bar starting at 5:00 and pose for a picture under a Dutch Umbrella! Seating is limited! 

5) REAL ESTATE AND FINANCE HAPPY HOUR

Feb 17th, 7-9PM. First drink free.  Drinkers Pub

6) FRENCH WINE TASTING

French Wine tasting on the Philadelphia Waterfront February 19th! Welcome all wine lovers!  Our format provides avery cost effective way for participants to experience many different wines from many different regions at a minimal cost.  At this event we will be tasting both French reds and whites. This seems to appeal to more people. Please bring one bottle of your favorite French wine, red or white. It will be your choice to taste both or one type at the event. Cheese, crackers, appetizers, and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided at our tasting room.  Cost is Only $10  In addition we have recently opened a brand new "Napa Tasting Room" which will be available for you to enjoy!

7) EXTRA INCOME

The world's largest direct seller of telecommunications products is looking for independent representatives to market and sell a breakthrough technology.  Most reps work on a part-time basis and build a monthly residual income.  No sales experience necessary.  Looking for motivated and entrepreneurial individuals willing to set aside time each week to build their own business.  Training will be provided at no cost.  If interested, please email acnphiladelphia@gmail.com for more information.

8) AVALON RENTAL

House is 768 21st on the bay. House has 5 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms. FT pays 2500 PT 1500 for any 8 weekends. Emailsummer7682010@yahoo.com if interested

9) Hot Chocolate ~ A Chocolate Frenzy!

Thursday, March 11, 2010
Adventure Aquarium

VIP Reception 6:00 – 7:30 PM    $150
VIP quests will get the opportunity to spend an hour and a half in the main aquarium after hours.  VIP’s will be treated to a champagne bar, butlered hor d’oeuvres, a raw bar, hands on interaction with exhibits and music from Capture the Flag.

Chocolate Tasting 6:30 – 9:30 PM   $75
The chocolate Tasting will take place in Currents ~ The Ballroom at the Aquarium and Shark Realm.  Guests can glide through the Aquarium’s famous Shark Tunnel!  Attendee favorites like the chocolate martini bar, chocolate fountain and hot chocolate will be on hand with many new attractions.

Proceeds benefit The ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 215-643-5434

10) CARAMEL CALIFORNIA

March 2-6 Only! 4 Nights in an Oceanview 2BR/2BA condo (sleeps 6) in Carmel, CA for only $850 at Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property. Usual nightly rate is between $500-$700. This is a GREAT GREAT DEAL. There are 2 restaurants on-site, a heated swimming pool, and a spa. The condo has a fireplace, patio, full kitchen, dining and living room, washer/dryer. Only minutes from Pebble Beach, wine country, and 2 hours from San Francisco. Contact Kristin at 610-703-5123. http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com
http://www.postlets.com/rts/3304259

SPONSOR:  PHILADELPHIA SPORTS CLUBS

Sprinting up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art gets old fast which is why we’re pleased to serve the greater Philadelphia area with six clubs. All offer state-of-the art equipment, personal training and free group exercise classes. Highpoint, Radnor and Society Hill have pools and Sports Clubs for Kids.

SPONSOR:  PHILADELPHIA SPORTS CLUBS

New Vegetarian option, Thoreau Vegetarian Grill will open in Philadelphia Thoreau Vegetarian Grill opened its doors on Feb 2 at 1033 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia; in the up-and coming- Loft district just outside of Northern Liberties. Mike Jackson, owner of the well known, much acclaimed Blue Sage Restaurant in Southampton, PA, will be the chef owner bringing his favorite vegetarian recipes and menu items to his new spot. The restaurant will be open Tuesday thru Thursday from 4:30pm-10:00pm and from 4:30-11:00pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Outside seating will be available, weather permitting and Chef Jackson will have his own vegetable and herb garden right outside his kitchen door. Lunch will follow soon and the liquor license is pending. In the meantime bring your own bottle and enjoy all that this intimate 35-seat restaurant has to offer.  1033 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia. (215)232-9001

12) QUOTES

A) The achievement of one goal should be the starting point of another. - Alexander Graham Bell

B) A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

C) We can change our whole life and the attitude of people around us simply by changing ourselves. - Rudolf Dreikurs

D) Never tell your wife she’s lousy in bed. She'll go out and get a second opinion. - Rodney Dangerfield

13) ARTICLES:

A) Maxim's Favorite Beer Burg: Philadelphia

B) KiXX bring new brand of soccer to Liacouras Center

C) Eagles 2010 schedule is ninth-toughest in NFL

14) CHARITY:   (from Sara Gallagher)

As most of you know from my previous email, Chris and I (although more Chris) have been raising money for an amazing organization: charity:water, a non-profit organization committed to providing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Chris took the initiative to start our own personal campaign to raise $5,000. If we reach this goal, we will allow an entire village somewhere to build a well that will provide clean water to all members of the village for over 20 years! If we can raise the $5k, we will even be a part of actually building the well, wherever that may be!  Due to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues, we have:
had 53 donations to-date
enabled 187 people to have clean water for 20 years
raised $3,859 towards our $5k goal. 
 
BUT, we are running out of time. We have only $1,141 to go but only 24 days left to get there. Chris gave up on Christmas, and is giving up his birthday this week by asking anyone who would normally buy a gift for him to donate to our campaign. And many of you have, and we are so deeply grateful. Even our 7-year old niece donated $10 from her piggybank - I was more than impressed and moved by her gesture, which was completely unsolicited.
 
If you know of anyone who would be interested, please forward the link below to them. We are so very close to reaching our goal, thanks to all of you! 

15) ACCELERATION: Putting you in the Driver's Seat of an Exhilarating Career

Wednesday, February 24
Cocktails begin a 6:00 PM
Discover from the area's most powerful professionals how to transform "employment" into a life-long career of achievement… and fulfillment. Join us for the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate Winter 2010 P.I.N. Stripes (Philanthropy. Insights. Networking) event.  Hosted at the luxurious, cutting-edge Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia, this event will be packed with opportunities for aspiring career professionals to network, enjoy the company of their peers and get an inside look at some of the dynamics that propelled recognized leaders in their fields to the top. Guest panel will be hosted by Bob Kelly of CBS 3 Eyewitness News and include:
-Lisa Wollan, Head of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy, Wawa, Inc.
-Edith Mitchell, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology/Program Leader in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
-Justin Wineburgh, Esq., Head of Entertainment and Sports Law, Cozen O'Connor
-Al Golden, Head Coach, Temple University Football
Pre-Registration Required: $25 per person. Because of our intimate atmosphere, seating is greatly limited. Reserve your seats today.

French Wine tasting on the Philadelphia Waterfront February 19th! Welcome all wine lovers!  Our format provides a very cost effective way for participants to experience many different wines from many different regions at a minimal cost.  At this event we will be tasting both French reds and whites. This seems to appeal to more people. Please bring one bottle of your favorite French wine, red or white. It will be your choice to taste both or one type at the event.
Cheese, crackers, appetizers, and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided at our tasting room.  Cost is Only $10  Go to  PhillyWineTasting.com for more details
In addition we have recently opened a brand new "Napa Tasting Room" which will be available for you to enjoy! :) Looking forward to seeing you down on the Philadelphia waterfront soon. 

17) ENTREPRENEUR FORUM :: Health Information Technology - A Ripe Field for Entrepreneurs
 
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Federal Reserve Bank, 7th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA
5:30-8:00 pm
 
Both market forces and government priorities make 2010-2012 prime time to innovate in health IT.  Where are the opportunities and actions needed to allow entrepreneurs to capitalize while taking calculated risks? Who is investing?  Who is buying?  What are their needs and what are they looking for?  What are the incentives and key risk points?   Principals and experts involved in governing and guiding opportunities will participate in a panel discussion.

18) Komen Philadelphia Affiliate Winter 2010 P.I.N. Stripes

ACCELERATION: Putting you in the Driver's Seat of an Exhilarating Career. Discover from the area's most powerful professionals how to transform "employment" into a life-long career of achievement… and fulfillment. Join us for the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate Winter 2010 P.I.N. Stripes (Philanthropy. Insights. Networking) event.  Hosted at the luxurious, cutting-edge Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia, this event will be packed with opportunities for aspiring career professionals to network, enjoy the company of their peers and get an inside look at some of the dynamics that propelled recognized leaders in their fields to the top. Guest panel will be hosted by Bob Kelly of CBS 3 Eyewitness News and include: Lisa Wollan, Head of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy, Wawa, Inc., Edith Mitchell, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology/Program Leader in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Justin Wineburgh, Esq., Head of Entertainment and Sports Law, Cozen O'Connor, Al Golden, Head Coach, Temple University Football. Pre-Registration Required: $25 per person

Wednesday, February 24
Cocktails begin a 6:00 PM

19) YOUCIE Event

Soul Food and Karaoke at Elena's Soul Showcase, Lounge & Café
Wednesday, February 17, 5:30-8pm
4912 Baltimore Avenue

Join us for a deliciously fun evening as we sample soul food and sing karaoke at this Baltimore Avenue hot spot. RSVP and your first drink is free! Come show us why you should've been on American Idol!

Happy Hour Drink specials: $5 YOUCIE fruiti martini, $5 house wine $3, Yards draughts. You must be 21 to participate in this event. Please RSVP to oucie@universitycity.org

20) YIP PRESENTS : HOW TO RUN FOR A COMMITTEE PERSON

Presented by Young Involved Philadelphia & Committee of 70
Wednesday, Feb. 17th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
@ Black Sheep Pub, 247 S. 17th Street

Join us for a training on how to run for committee person.  Committee people are their party's representatives in each voting division.   Committee people serve as a point of contact between the voters in a division and elected officials and their political party. They are considered party officers - not public officials or government employees.
Come learn all about it and get involved with your community!

21) Main Line 70's Dance Party

The Paddock at Devon - 629 West Lancaster Ave Wayne,PA 19087

The Paddock is hosting a great 70’s Dance Party each month featuring a live band, dj, great food, free drink & great drink specials! We’ll be mingling and dancing the third Thursday night of each month. This dance party is a recession friendly $10 in advance

22) LOCK AND KEY

Join Lock and Key Events and on Friday, February 19^th at our next Philly Lock and Key Event. It’s the interactive and FUN way to socialize, make new friends, meet your match....or just to have a great time! We are THE Lock And Key Events you’ve heard about! Grab a cocktail and get ready to Unlock Your Possibilities ™. The ULTIMATE ice breaker theme.

23) 21st Annual Celebration of African Cultures

Feb 20 at Penn Museum

24) Philadelphia Museum of Art: WINTER GALA