Missed last week but wanted to get something out since most of it was already complete.  Some huge news for Philadelphia - decriminalizing pot!

Heading to the Phillies home opener today.  Attended the season opener in DC as well last Monday. 

I bet NJ liquor stores were open on Easter but our state stores were closed of course. 

PhillyTrips.com is having a FREE 2 hour OPEN bar Thursday night.

A few weeks back I was in Colorado. I came back and went through one of the new body scanners. 

Some real estate news:  Rates are rising (I told you they would): 30-year fixed-rate mortgage highest in eight months.  And I just saw this article that is a must for people who are having or have already had mortgage payment issues: Foreclosed? Here comes the tax man. 

SPONSOR: AMERICAN MALE SALONS

A coast-to-coast family of full service salons for men, American Male has been offering the best in men's hair, nail, and skin care since 1997. Our salons offer complimentary beverages, flat-screen TVs, and a wide range of relaxing spa services- all tailored just for guys! Men all over the country from Philadelphia to Chicago to Las Vegas agree- when you walk in to an American Male, you are guaranteed to walk out looking good and feeling great. Because men deserve a place of their own.

SPONSOR: AMERICAN MALE SALONS

1) Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s 11^th Annual Roundup

Grab a cowboy hat and boots for the 11^th Annual Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CcTC) Roundup on Friday, June 4, 2010, 7 p.m. at The Loews Philadelphia Hotel (1200 Market Street). Enjoy an entertaining evening of cocktails and cuisine, live music and dancing, and a mechanical bull!  Bid on fantastic silent auction items including vacations, tickets to concerts and sporting events, dinner at fine restaurants, and much more! Proceeds from the Roundup allow CcTC to continue to provide quality behavioral health services to children in Philadelphia coping with the effects of abuse, neglect, and other challenges to early childhood development. Tickets start at $300 per person and are available online at www.phillyroundup.org or by calling 215-496-0707 x1162. For more information about CcTC visit www.cctckids.org.

2) LEUKEMIA FUNDRAISER :: Talent Show & Dessert Reception to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

On June 6th, I will be participating in a century bike ride (100 miles) at Lake Tahoe through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program.  In order to reach my fundraising goal of $4,800, I will be holding a talent show and dessert reception at Drexel Med (15th & Vine) on Wednesday, April 28th from 7-9:30 pm.  Donations of $5 or more will be collected at the door.  During the show, over $700 in amazing prizes will be raffled off, including gift certificates to Max Brenner, Marathon Grill, Naked Chocolate Café, Scoop DeVille, and many more!  Raffle tickets will be sold at the door for $1 each, 3 for $2, or 10 for $5.  After the show, there will be a dessert reception featuring baked goods from Au Bon Pain, Dunkin' Donuts, More Than Just Ice Cream, Picnic, and other eateries.

I hope you will come out for an evening of great entertainment and delicious desserts -- all for a good cause!  For more information about the event, go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=325194223783.  Thank you so much for your support!

Julie Allmayer

P.S. If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation online, please visit my website at http://tinyurl.com/tahoeridejulie.

3)  $1450 / 1br - Large One Bedroom Luxury Condominium at the Grande (Conshohocken)

Large one bedroom unit now available for rent at the Grande at Riverview
Convenience and luxury amenities available at the heart of Conshohocken!  Blocks from train station - SEPTA R6 regional rail
Blocks from Conshohocken main street  Minutes from I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), I-476 (Blue Route), and the PA Turnpike
12 miles to center city Philadephia  Unit Features: One bedroom - 879 square feet  One full bathroom 3 years old - like new condition
9 foot ceilings  Graeme model Hardwood floors in kitchen and entry Whirlpool stainless steel appliances - gas range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal Whirlpool washer and dryer Corian kitchen countertops Cherry oak kitchen cabinets Walk in closet Exterior balcony One covered, secure parking space
Open uncovered parking available Outdoor pool Fitness center Courtyard Adjacent to bike path - The Schuylkill River Recreation Trail $1450 per month Includes services provided by condo complex - trash removal, water, snow removal, exterior maintenance and landscaping  Contact: If interested please respond to Nick (ncowan15@hotmail.com) for more information

4) Le Bec-Fin: Monthly Wine & Cheese Event & Mother's Day Reservations

April's Wine & DiBruno Cheese event is being held on Tuesday, April 13th at 6:00PM at Le Bec-Fin. This month is featuring "Big and Bold"  Cheeses of France paired with Big and Bold wines. The cost is $35 plus tax and gratuity for six cheese samples and three wines. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

Time to honor that special mother or lady in your life by making your reservations for Mother's Day at Le Bec-Fin. Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 9th and Brunch will run from 11am-4pm.  The menu will be amazing as usual with a breakfast buffett of assorted croissants, omelets made to order, house smoked salmon with American caviar, warm and cold salads and savory creme brulee for starters, and a variety of entrees such Chadham cod confit, roasted leg of lamb, & prime petit fillet, and of course topped off with a delicious spread of Executive Pastry Chef Barberet's desserts that you can of course cheat and enjoy throughout your entire meal. The price of the brunch is $60 per person plus tax and gratuity. 1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215.567.1000; www.lebecfin.com.

The Philly Beer School Turns One Under National Spotlight and a feature article in the well-known magazine, Draft, highlights the School's success since it debuted during Philadelphia's Beer Week in 2009. The Philly Beer School plans to celebrate with an array of unique classes and events for beer connoisseurs looking to take their passion to the next level. The line up of specialty courses includes "Beer Wars: Old World vs. New World Brews," "The Ultimate Beer Class," and "A Beer Journey to the Other Side," along with an Italian Beer and Four Course Feast with L'Oca Restaurant.Now that The Philly Beer School has gained national attention and become firmly established in the Philadelphia food scene, President & Founder, Keith Wallace plans to offer a certification program for homebrewers that will be the only one of its kind in the nation. The program is expected to debut during Philadelphia Beer Week, in June of this year. The Beer School is located at 2008 Fairmount Avenue, right beside the Wine School in Philadelphia's Art Museum District. For more information please call 800.817.7351;www.thebeerschool.com .

5) FOR SALE

A) 2 Bed/2 bath with parking - Art Museum

Beautifully updated 2BED/2BA Bi-level condo with PARKING SPACE and PRIVATE ROOF DECK located in the desirable Art Museum/Historical Spring Garden neighborhood. Warm and inviting living Room with wide-plank hardwood floors, high ceilings, tall windows. Gorgeous open kitchen area with tall 42” maple cabinets, granite counter tops and 8’ bar eating area. Perfect for entertaining. 2 Large bedrooms with private bathrooms. Laundry W/D located in unit, Separate Basement Storage (9’ x 13’). Breath taking views of the City skyline, City Hall, and Art Museum. 4 Unit Building with private entrance into unit. An easy 15 minute walk to center city and Rittenhouse Square. email zwick@markzwick.com for more info.

B) Art Museum home: 2 bed/1 bath

Absolutely delightful Art Museum home! Entryway is a wonderful mosaic tiled vestibule. Lovely wood floors run throughout the home, some original. Both the living room and dining room are adorned with beautiful crown molding.  Wonderful, bright kitchen with not only stainless steel appliances, but countertops and shelving as well. Kitchen opens onto a large brick and tiled patio great for entertaining or just relaxing. Sunlit bedrooms with wide plank pine floors. Full basement with artistically tiled walls just ready for your refinishing touches. Sought-after location!  email zwick@markzwick.com for more info.

6) Happy Anniversary to the Philadelphia Beer School

The Philly Beer School Turns One Under National Spotlight and a feature article in the well-known magazine, Draft, highlights the School's success since it debuted during Philadelphia's Beer Week in 2009. The Philly Beer School plans to celebrate with an array of unique classes and events for beer connoisseurs looking to take their passion to the next level. The line up of specialty courses includes "Beer Wars: Old World vs. New World Brews," "The Ultimate Beer Class," and "A Beer Journey to the Other Side," along with an Italian Beer and Four Course Feast with L'Oca Restaurant.Now that The Philly Beer School has gained national attention and become firmly established in the Philadelphia food scene, President & Founder, Keith Wallace plans to offer a certification program for homebrewers that will be the only one of its kind in the nation. The program is expected to debut during Philadelphia Beer Week, in June of this year. The Beer School is located at 2008 Fairmount Avenue, right beside the Wine School in Philadelphia's Art Museum District. For more information please call 800.817.7351;www.thebeerschool.com .

7) 3rd Annual Belgian Bierfeesten @ World Cafe Live

On Sunday, April 18th come out to World Cafe Live for their third annual Belgian Bierfeesten! This festival will give attendees the opportunity to sample the offerings of over three dozen Belgian breweries. Executive Chef Michael Breslin will prepare a buffet to pair with each tasty beer and the menu will include Waterzooi (creamy chicken and vegetable stew), Blood sausage, Mussels, Belgian Fries, and much much more! The festival is held downstairs live and general public admission begins at 1pm with last call at 3:45pm. Tickets are $50 ($65 if you would like VIP admission at 12pm and $20 for designated driver tickets). Call 215.222.1400 to order your ticket. 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia; www.worldcafelive.com.

8) The 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show

April 16, 10 am to 6 pm $15 per person

April 17, 10 am to 6 pm $12 per person 

April 18, 11 am to 4 pm $12 per person

Barn Star Productions is pleased to welcome spring in Philadelphia with our 16th annual antiques show. Exhibitors are gearing up for a standout show, and we have added new dealers to broaden the material offered for your shopping pleasure. This year our special show exhibit, 'Patriotism: Red, White and True' will showcase patriotic symbols in American Antiques. This exhibit is free with your admission, and admission is good for unlimited re-entry all weekend. We look forward to seeing you there!

9) VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Mark Buehrle's Amazing Play On Opening Day 2010

10) FREE COMEDY SHOW

From "Comedy Central"

Rodney Laney

April 14 - April 15

  Join us for this month's Helium Insiders' night on Wednesday April 14th, starring Rodney Laney! 

Wednesday, April 14, 8pm - $10

 Thursday, April 15, 8pm - $15

Click HERE to purchase tickets.  Call the box office at 215-496-9001 to make your reservations for up to four FREE show tickets!  You must make your reservation by noon on Tuesday, April 13 in order to receive this offer.  Also, don't forget to join us before the show, from 6-8:00pm for $1 off domestic beer and well drinks!  

Sponsor: Philadelphia Sports Clubs

Sponsor: Philadelphia Sports Clubs

12) ARTICLES

A)  Nearly half of US households escape fed income tax

13) Mural Arts Tour Season Is Here

25% discount in April

14) Naughty Bingo at Manayunk Brew Pub

Thurs, April 15, 2010 6pm - 9:30pm
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant  (in the upstairs banquet room)
4120 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 

DETAILS/TICKETS

15) Sake Fest

Japan Society of Greater Philadelphia and Event Navigators, LLC

Wednesday, April 14 from 6 pm-8:30 pm

Location:
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Regular Price: $59.50 (Adults 21+)
Funsavers Discounted Price: $29.75 (Adults 21+)

Visit the PA Wine and Spirits retail store at Saké Fest! Sample your favorites and take them home. Your ticket purchase includes a souvenir tasting cup provided by Be Our Guest Tonight. This is the only event of its kind in the region! Sample over 100 varieties of Japanese and American saké! Plus, Japanese beer, shochu, plum wine and more. Taste the Finest Japanese and US brands, witness the versatility of saké and learn how to pair saké with any food.

To redeem this offer online: click on the "BUY IT NOW" button above. Choose the number of tickets from the Quantity drop-down menu and click "Get Tickets." Enter discount code: SAKEFUN in the Discount Code box and click "Apply Discount."

Special Restrictions: This offer is avaliable to adults ages 21 and older only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets. Offer subject to availability. All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

16) DON Q RUM MIX-OFF / @ WALNUT ROOM / MON. APRIL 12TH

NO COVER / COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAILS + SNACKS / 7-10PM

You'll all agree that spring has sprung with a vengeance! How better to celebrate the arrival of Philly's sultry summer months than to suck down some delicious rum cocktails?  The PA chapter of the US Bartenders' Guild, in partnership with ALFA cordially invite you to do just that at the Don Q Puerto Rican Rum Mix-Off!!  The competition will be red hot, the drinks ice-cold, and the music bumping as this hip industry crowd (meaning you) enjoys one another's company and the spectacle before them.  Our competing USBG members will be gunning for a spot on the national Don Q team, which will be flown, expenses paid, to sunny Puerto Rico!  Soft sand, hard bodies, and a shot at the Big Prize (cash money, of course), facing off against San Juan's finest.

We are happy to announce that this leg of the Big Show will be judged by three local experts on tastiness:  renowned sommelier Marnie Old, Alfa's own mix master Kenny Shug, and Belgian Cafe Bartendrix and City Paper palate-on-the-street Felicia D'Ambrosio. 

 Complimentary Don Q cocktails and lip-smacking Alfa eats will be served from 7 - 10pm, upstairs at Walnut Room.  Christian and Phoebe will be serving their Don Q cocktails in the VIP Lounge, Lauren will oblige further needs at a cash bar in the main room. The competition will start at 8pm.  This invitation is open to all comers, assuming of course that one is of legal drinking age.  Come dressed to finesse in your finest or funnest tropical gear.  Just be sure to mention at the door that you are there for the Don Q event. 

17) The New Talent Dynamic: Building the Right Team is Critical For Success in the Decade Ahead


Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
5:30-8:00 p.m.
The Federal Reserve Bank
7th and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA

Register Now!

Voluntary $10.00 Donation at the Door

Entrepreneurs and Investors frequently state that "it's all about people". While this saying rings true today more than ever, delivering on this premise remains challenging, especially in a struggling economy. Our panel of experts has successfully built and invested in companies, and will share their insights and experiences around the critical role of talent in driving their success.

Moderator:

Alan J. Kaplan, President & CEO, Kaplan & Associates, Inc.

Panelists:

Scott Hisey, President & CEO, Unitek Global Services

Angelique Irvin, President & CEO, Clear Align

Tom Penn, Senior Partner, MVP Capital Partners

For a complete description of the meeting, please see the complete PDF on our website

18) Delinquents get a break in tax amnesty

Individuals and businesses owing back taxes to the city of Philadelphia or state of Pennsylvania will be able to settle their debt at a fraction of the cost through tax amnesty programs being offered in coming weeks. These programs will only be available for 45 days. After that period, the city and state plan to aggressively pursue those that owe delinquent taxes. The Philadelphia Tax Amnesty will run from May 3 to June 25 and the Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty will run from April 26 to June 18. Both programs waive all penalties and half of the interest due on eligible delinquent taxes, which under the city’s program includes everything except for the sale and use tax and hotel occupancy tax.  Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 4/2/10

22) Junior League of Philadelphia

Are you a woman who wants to improve the Philadelphia area through community service and advocacy with other women who share your vision for a better tomorrow?

When the Junior League of Philadelphia gets behind an idea, Philadelphia changes for the better! With initiatives ranging from creating community gardens to helping children cope with a loved one's cancer diagnosis, trained JLP volunteers are devoted to positively impacting the lives of local families and restoring our community.

Founded in 1912, we are 900 women strong and counting. Make lifelong friends, make a difference, make history today. 

For membership information and to attend an Open House, please visit: http://www.jlphiladelphia.org or email: jlprecruitment@gmail.com

23) Young Variety’s Celebrity Bartenders Night

24) Gift of Life Donor Program at the Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue

4/16

25) The Free Library Festival * April 17 & 18

From a traditional book fair to panel discussions and readings, this festival at the Parkway Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia has everything for bookworms and intellectuals of all ages. In it’s fourth year, the festival features an appearance by Sapphire, author of Push, the novel that inspired the movie Precious directed by Philly’s own Lee Daniels.