MarkZwick.com

Friday night Memorial Day weekend edition. We have had some nice spring days sprinkled throughout March, April, and May but overall, has this spring produced poor weather?

Following the world of Philadelphia, the city does some great things like build a new skate board park but then they show why Philly can not grow - the answer for our politicians is to just tax some more. In this case, it is one again tax more on our business community. If you were a business contemplating opening an office in Philly vs. a nearby suburb, the answer is onbvious to stay out of town. I wonder if any of our city coucil people have ever taken an economics class. And our woeful convention center news is only getting worse....can you believe there are six differnt trade unions in the convention center?

And while ranting about our city issues, can someone explain to me why be deloying new technology like a smart card system, we are going to pay more for SEPTA? I understand technological advances cost money but are their no daily cost savings to be expected from the implementation?

Fortunately, we have some great orginzations in town like CHOP. Check out their master plan for the riverfront along 76. Seems like it is going to be another great improvement for the city.

I saw this video of PPA employees eating lunch and laughed. I have been in a car in a no parking area waiting for someone and have been told to move or get a ticket. Always good to know that different rules apply to those in power.

A championship will be won this weekend in Philly.....you guessed it, the NCAA men's lacross final four is this weekend at the Linc. Anyone going? BTW, the ladies lacross final four is in Villanove this weekend.

While talking sports in Philadelphia, let's focus in on the Phillies for a bit since the Flyers/Sixers are vacationing. We are only one game under 500 but beating teams like the lowly Marlins and Mets is not going to bring us a parade. The next seven games against Washington and Boston will tell us a lot. I read lots of the daily articles about the Phils. Thought this one was worthy of sharing.

As alway....please think of me when thinking about Philly real estate. Never too busy to help friends and family - or friends of friends and family. - Mark

Day Bus Trip to TOUR 4 GREAT PHILLY AREA BREWERIES... some of which you may not have EVEN HEARD OF!! Neshaminy Creek, Prism, Round Guys, and Tired Hands. Plus LUNCH is INCLUDED!!! This Trip Includes: Bus transportation all day long Lunch w/ Beer Sampling at Prisim Brewing Company Beer admission to all breweries and a very cool custom beer mug We have arranged for private tours and/or Brewer talks at all of the Breweries as well as a Beer Sampling Lunch ... and of course at every stop ... we get to sample the suds!If you are a beer lover, or know one, take them on a trip you know you will both love! Looking for the best Father’s Day gift EVER?! This trip is the DAY BEFORE FATHER’S DAY!!! This trip is the perfect ‘get out of Center City’ day trip. If you are alone or have a group of 5 people (or more), everyone will have a blast. Over the past few years, hundreds of people have come on our trips from the Philly/South Jersey area - join the numbers this year....One of the best aspects of this and other PhillyTrips.com trips is that we create a fun atmosphere so that you are sure to meet some great, new people on this trip!

Regular Price: $10 (General Admission in Advance, Additional Fees Apply)
Funsavers Discounted Price: $5 (General Admission in Advance, Additional Fees Apply)

Celebrate the opening of the Hidden City Festival 2013 Block Party style with live music and a dance party under the Reading Viaduct.

Entertainment provided by: Hank & Cupcakes, City Rain, DJ Adrian Hardy, DJ Lina Luv, and New Sound Brass Band.

Are you thinking maybe you made a mistake not joining a shore house this summer? Or maybe the idea seems appealing, but it's just a little too scary sharing a house with people you don't know?

Consider This: Is your circle of friends shrinking or are you tired of the Philly scene and are looking for something new & different? Do you ever wonder why there's not much happening around town on summer weekends? That's because everyone's in Avalon! Want to join the fun? Then consider joining a shore house. The summer season is just about to start, you can even have a test weekend to make sure you're completely satisfied. You won't be disappointed. Make tons of new friends!

9) 40th Street Summer Series

Saturday, May 25 | Brooklyn Qawwali Party

https://www.facebook.com/events/155368037956719/

10) MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, SERVICE and RECEPTION

The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day Observance in Philadelphia in 1868. The entourage will gather at the resting place of General George Gordon Meade, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, to perform the traditional service honoring all veterans who fell defending the nation. A wreath-laying, speeches and honor guards will enhance the ceremony The event is co-sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia, the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, American Legion Post #405, Post #1 Society, Union League, and Anna M. Ross Camp #1, Sons of Union Veterans. Complimentary beer and refreshments will be served after the service.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 26 at 12:00pm sharp. Visitors can enter through Laurel Hill’s Gatehouse at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse.

Admission to the event is FREE and open to the public. For additional information, phone (215) 228-8200.

Master of Ceremonies: Andy Waskie, Ph.D.

11) More Than Old Presents Linda Berry's Watercolors of Philadelphia

See images of Philadelphia through the eyes of Lancaster County's watercolor artist Linda Berry at More Than Old, 144 N 3^rd St in Old City from June 7 through July 21. Paintings to be shown include such iconic images of the city as Chinatown, the Schuykill River trail, City Hall, 30^th Street Station, and Fairmount Park.

Currently Linda is at work on a South Philadelphia scene of Geno's and Pat's Steaks - More Than Old is hoping the piece will be completed in time to be included in its Cityscapes exhibition of her Philadelphia scenes scheduled to open in its space at 144 N 3^rd St on First Friday June 7.

The First Friday weekend schedule includes the opening on Friday night, Linda at work in the courtyard at the back of More Than Old on Saturday afternoon from 2-5 pm and an artist reception and wine tasting (Chardonnay in the City) on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 pm.

More Than Old (www.morethanold.com), a gallery space on 3^rd Street, is the leading Old City source for vintage barware. Art work, home pieces, and an interesting selection of decorative accessories are always in stock.

For more information, call Beth Gibson at 215-922-0246(215.519.8257c) or email info@morethanold.com.

12) Comic Con

5/30 – 6/2/13

13) Cirque Du Soleil :: TOTEM IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

Opens on May 30, 2013 :: The Camden Waterfront

14) Philly Beer Week Opening Event : 5/31/13

15) Rock On Philly: Bands and Bites- May Edition!

Join Us Friday, May 31^st, the Rock on Philly: Bands and Bites music showcase will take place at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia, spotlighting some of the city’s most promising musical talent. Hosted by Singer/Songwriter, Jennifer Logue and sponsored by Philadelphia- based technology firm, Pumex Technologies, the evening will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, and 5 featured musical artists. The audience favorite will be voted to perform at the Rock on Philly Finals in December 2013.PUMEX Technologies has a passion for the arts. In the words of CEO, Robby Chacko, “the arts fuel our excellence in technology and are a great source of inspiration.” In an effort to honor and support artists in the Philadelphia community, PUMEX Technologies is launching the PUMEX <3’s Arts Campaign, and as one of its first major initiatives, will be the Rock on Philly: Bands and Bites music showcase.Taking place on Thursday, April 26^th at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia, attendees will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, and stellar music performances, all while taking in gorgeous views of the city from the 52^nd floor.Hosted by Singer/Songwriter Jennifer Logue, the contest will feature 5 musical artists who will be selected through a contest by Reverbnation, a major music- networking site with over 2.6 million registered artists. The theme of this particular showcase is Singer/Songwriters and preference will be given to artists local to Philadelphia.The Pyramid Club is located at: 1735 Market Street, 52^nd Floor- Philadelphia, PA 19103.Doors open at 7PM for networking with the showcase beginning at 8PM.Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.To be considered for a performance slot, artists can submit through Reverbnation at the following link:For more information on Rock On Philly, visit: www.rockonphilly.comFor more information on PUMEX Technologies, visit: www.pumextech.comFor all events- related inquiries, please contact:Jennifer Loguejennifer.logue@gmail.com(917) 334-0741

16) Storytellers Go Head to Head at the Grand Slam! :: 5/31/13

17) The Roots Mural Dedication

Friday, May 31, 2013 :: 11:30 a.m.

World Communications Charter School :: 512 S. Broad Street (use South Street entrance)

Join Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, and the entire Roots band to celebrate a monumental mural created in their honor. Designed and implemented by Amber Art and Design featuring Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, the mural pays tribute to the world’s most well-known hip hop band and our hometown heroes.

Launched in the Fall of 2011, this multifaceted project included a talkback lecture series, “Roots 101” curriculum for youth in our Art Education Program, and citywide engagement via paint days.

The dedication features food, music, giveaways, and, of course, a special appearance by The Roots.

18) International Great Beer Expo :: 6/1/13

Philadelphia - 25 Countries / 75+ International Brewers/200+ Beers

19) Brooklyn Flea Market :: 6/2/13

20) Philadelphia International Cycling Championship
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
5/31/2013 - 6/2/2013

Description
On Sunday, June 2nd, 2013, Philadelphia turns into one big bike lane...It’s the 28th running of North Americas largest single day international pro cycling race. Philadelphia is in for an exciting day of racing as they watch cyclists vie for the lead position in the extremely competitive peloton. The cyclists will complete 7 laps of a 14.4-mile circuit through Philadelphia, which will include 7 climbs up the 17% grade Manayunk Wall. Other events include: 2000+ amateur cyclists in the 43 mile Bicycling Magazine Open - Cyclists from around the United States and over 25 nations compete. Riders in the Bicycling Open may elect to leverage their participation in the ride to raise money for their favorite charity through our Charity of Choice program. http://www.procyclingtour.com

21) East Passyunk Avenue Presents Craft Beer Day and Italian National Day Festival | Spaghetti Eating Contest, Family Fun, Craft Brews + Everything Italian!

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, East Passyunk Avenue will be hopping with two great events - and one great start to summer! Craft Beer Day kicks off Philly Beer Week "South Philly" style with outdoor barbecues, opportunities to meet the brewers, beer-inspired fare, new craft beers and Italian bottle and draft beer specials. Italian National Day Festival will celebrate the Italian culture of the East Passyunk Avenue neighborhood with live music, a spaghetti eating contest, family fun activities, dancing in the street, Italian food and more.

Below please find the full listing of events, vendors, restaurants and entertainment. Images and a Word version of the release can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qbkyupdepz4q7pg/W8KRqoKV9o