Steve Harvey will be signing books in Philly!

Funnyman Steve Harvey is hitting Center City this January, signing copies of his new book Straight Talk, No Chaser at the Borders! Come check him out!


Who: Steve Harvey
What: Book Signing
Where: Borders (1 S. Broad)
When: January 18th, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: List Price is $24.99

Kate Gosselin coming to Philly today!

Reality star Kate Gosselin will be in Philadelphia today! No word yet where exactly, but keep your eyes peeled for her and her eight little elves!

Blue Man Group comes to Philly

The hit sensation Blue Man Group is coming to Philly to perform! You can catch the guys from December 22nd to January 2nd at the Merriam Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Who: Blue Man Group
Where: Merriam Theater (250 S. Broad)
When: December 22nd thru January 2nd
Cost: $45.00 - $69.00

Daisy Martinez coming to Philly for book signing

Food Network star Daisy Martinez is coming to Philadelphia tomorrow to sign copies of her new book Daisy's Holiday Cooking: Delicious Latin Recipes for Effortless Entertaining. You can catch her at the Barnes & Noble in Rittenhouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow!


Will you be there?


Who: Daisy Martinez
What: Book signing
Where: Barnes and Noble (1805 Walnut)
When: Tuesday, December 21st, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $16.99

Spaghetti Warehouse - Last Chance!

Attention Spaghetti lovers! Tonight is the last chance to get a meal at the Spaghetti Warehouse before the Philadelphia eatery closes it's doors after almost 20 years of service. Door close after dinner service, which ends at 10 p.m. tonight.

What: Final night of Spaghetti Warehouse
Where: 1026 Spring Garden Street
When: Monday, December 13th, Now-10 p.m.
Cost: Prices vary, check out the menu here.

Go to the Constitution center gratis this Sunday!

In celebration and honor of the Army/Navy game, the National Constitution Center will be offering free admission to the museum! Enjoy! For more information, see here.

What: Free admission to the National Constitution Center
Where: Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street
When: Sunday, December 12, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!

Pep Rally to be had at the Shops at Liberty Place!

Come one, come all! The Shops at Liberty Place is hosting a pep rally for the upcoming Army-Navy game this Friday at noon in the Rotunda. Come join the Academy Pep bands, cheerleaders, and fans as they get fired up for game day! The fun begins at 12:00 Noon in the Rotunda!

Who: Bands & cheerleaders
What: Army-Navy football pep rally
Where: The Rotunda, located in the center of the first floor, at the Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut)
When: Friday, December 10th at Noon
Cost: Free!

"This Is The Week That Is" now playing!

1812 Productions’ perennial smash holiday show This Is The Week That Is returns for its fifth year to give you the breakdown on local, national, and world events as only 1812 can. Stimulus packages, nuclear arms, healthcare, dog curbing in South Philly—they’re all fair game in a script that changes nightly—and sometimes even at intermission! For more information, along with a performance schedule, you can check it out here.

What: This Is The Week That Is
Where:  Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey St)
When: Now thru December 31st
Cost: $20 to $35 (depending on night).

As an added note, $5 student rush tickets are available, call ahead at 215 592-9560 to confirm availability.

Macy's Holiday light show is on now!

A Philly tradition since 1956, the Macy's Holiday light show is on now until New Year's Eve. 100,000 LED lights create an unforgettable show, featuring recognizable characters such as Frosty the Snowman and Santa's reindeer, with the world-famous Wanamaker Grand Organ supplies audio to the stunning visual. Mary Poppins star Julie Andrews narrates.

What: Christmas light show, with Grand Organ and Julie Andrew's narration
Where: Macy's (1300 Market)
When: On the hour (holiday store hours vary, call store before heading out at 215.241.9000
Cost: Free!

Heniz coming to Philly to give away free fries and ketchup!

Heinz is giving the City of Brotherly Love a taste of new Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup! The Heinz Ketchup Road Trip, a mobile tour serving free Heinz Dip & Squeeze with a side of fries, will be stopping at various Philadelphia locations from Thursday, December 2nd - Saturday, December 4th. 

Thursday, December 2nd - Downtown and UPenn 

Friday, December 3rd - Old City "First Friday" 

Saturday, December 4th - Downtown and Rittenhouse Square. 

Go to Twitter.com/DipAndSqueeze for up-to-date location info throughout the weekend.


Who: Heinz
What: Free ketchup and fries
Where: Downtown and UPenn, Old City, Downtown and Rittenhouse Square
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Cost: Free!

Get your tree lighting on today and tomorrow!

What would the holiday season be without the annual tree lighting ceremonies taking place all over the city?

Today, November 30th, the Rittenhouse tree lighting ceremony will take place from 5-7. Stop by TD bank (18th and Walnut) for hot chocolate and cookies, an elf hat and a picture with Mr. Santa Claus himself!

Also joining in the fun is Franklin Square with their annual holiday lighting ceremony, which will take place from 5-8 pm today (11/30). None other than Ben Franklin will be the illuminator, with Santa and Mrs. Claus also on hand accepting “Wish Lists” — so come prepared.

If you can't make it today, don't despair! The annual tree lighting ceremony  at City hall takes place tomorrow (12/1) at 5 pm. Mayor Michael Nutter will be on-hand to flick the switch! Shortly after, a tree in Love Park, across the street, will be lit as well. Special holiday musical performances will accompany the ceremonial lighting. Afterwards, take a stroll through the charming Christmas Village for some special holiday shopping and snacks to warm you up.

What: Christmas tree lighting
Where: Rittenhouse Square, Franklin Square, City Hall
When: 5-7 pm, 5-8 pm, 5 pm
Cost: Free!

Spelling Bee comes to the Avenue of the Arts

The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Tony-Award winning musical, is performing now at the Suzanne Roberts Theater, through the 12th of December. Spelling Bee, a one-act musical, is unique in that four real audience members are invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee alongside the six young characters. Maybe if you go you'll be getting more then you bargained for, better practice your spelling now! A calender of performances, along with how to purchase tickets, can be found here.

Who: The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
What: Tony-Award winning musical
Where: Suzanne Roberts Theater (480 S Broad)
When: Now until December 12th
Cost: $51 to $59, $10 student rush (if available)

Wanda Sykes joins Philly's "Annie" production

Wanda Sykes, comedian and actress, will be appearing as Ms. Hannigan in The Media Theater's production of Annie, beginning Tuesday. Wanda will be appearing in the role from November 23rd to December 12th, then January 12th through the 16th. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.

Who: Wanda Sykes
What: Annie
Where: The Media Theater for the Performing Arts (104 East State Street, Media)
When: November 23rd to December 12th, January 12th to 16th
Cost: $30 to $54

South Pacific comes to Philadelphia

South Pacific, the 2008 Tony-award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, is bringing it's national tour from St. Louis to Philadelphia, opening on Tuesday, November 23rd until Sunday, November 28th. Tickets are on sale now, and are available for purchase here, along with more information about the musical.

Who: South Pacific, Tony-award winning musical
What: National tour performances
Where: Academy of Music (1420 Locust)
When: November 23-28th
Cost: $20 to $105

George Lopez perfoming in Philly Friday

George Lopez, comedian, actor and host of his TBS talk show Lopez Tonight, will be performing his signature routine Friday night at the Academy of Music. As of press time, tickets are still available for purchase, ranging from Family Circle, priced at $39.50 to Parquet and Box seating, priced at $69.50. Tickets can be bought here.

Who: George Lopez
What: Stand-up Comedy
Where: Academy of Music (1420 Locust)
When: Friday, November 19th at 8 p.m.
Cost: $39.50 to $69.50
Note: For Mature Audiences 18+ years old

Baba Booey coming to Center City!

Gary Dell'Abate, better known as Baba Booey, is coming to Philadelphia to sign copies of his new book, They Call Me Baba Booey at the Borders downtown. Baba, known for being the executive producer of The Howard Stern Show, will be at Borders tomorrow (November  18th) at 6 p.m. Unfortunatly, there will be no reading or question and answer segment at the appearance.

Who: Baba Booey (Gary Dell'Abate)
What: Book signing
When: November 18th 6 p.m.
Where: Borders (1 Broad)
Cost: $25.00 (book's list price)

See those Jersey Boys while you can!

Jersey Boys, named 'Best Musical' in 2006 by the Tony Awards, is playing now at the Forrest Theater, until December 12th. Jersey Boys is a musical, telling the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. A calender of performances and available tickets can be seen here.

Who: Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
What: Tony-Award winning musical
Where: Forrest Theater (1114 Walnut)
When: Until December 12th
Cost: $54.00 to $251.50

Jeff Ross coming to Philadelphia!

Jeffrey Ross, best known as the "roastmaster general" for Comedy Central's infamous roasts, is coming to Philly to perform stand-up! Jeff, fresh off his book tour for I Only Roast the Ones I Love and The "Hoff" roast, will bring his irreverent humor to Philadelphia next Thursday and Friday to Helium. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased here.

Who: Jeffrey Ross
What: Stand-up comedy
When: November 11th at 8:00 p.m., November 12th at 8 and 10:30 pm
Where: Helium (2031 Sansom)
Cost: $20 general admission, $25 reserved

Big Jay is coming back to Philly!

As seen on "Comedy Central Presents", funnyman and Philly native Big Jay Oakerson is coming back to his roots, playing Helium comedy club next Saturday night. Tickets are still available here, and more information can be seen here.


Who: Big Jay Oakerson
What: Stand-Up Comedy
When: Saturday, November 13th 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Where: Helium comedy club (2031 Sansom)
Cost: $20 general admission, $25 reserved seating

Rob Shuter to speak at Drexel

Rob Shuter, former celebrtity publicist and current gossip columnist for Popeater.com, is going to be speaking at Drexel University on November 11th. Rob, whose clients included Diddy, J. Lo, Jessica Simpson and Jon Bon Jovi, will be discussing both of his careers at the event. For more info, look here

Who: Rob Shuter
What: Speaking Engagement
Where: Ruth Auditorium at Nesbitt Hall (3125 Market st) at Drexel University
When: November 11th at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public

Have you visited Terror Behind the Walls yet??

Because your last chance is coming up this weekend!

Terror Behind the Walls, the exciting Halloween attraction at Eastern State Penitentiary, is closing it's doors until next year, but not before a thrilling Friday and Saturday night experience.The calender, along with other information, can be found here.

What: Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
Where: 22nd & Fairmount Avenue
When: Friday 7-11 pm, Saturday 7-midnight pm
Cost: Friday $25, Saturday $30. Coupons can be found at Lukoil.

Jerry Seinfeld and Bette Midler to perform in Philly

Jerry Seinfeld and Bette Midler will be performing at the opening gala of the National Museum of American Jewish History in its new home on Independence Mall.

Who: Jerry Seinfeld & Bette Midler

What: Opening gala at the new National Museum of American Jewish History

Where: 55 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

When: November 9th at 6 PM

Cost: $1500-$5000

Nigella Lawson to sign books at KOP and Philly!

Food Network fans rejoice, Nigella Lawson is coming around to promote her new book, Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home. On November 8th, Nigella will be at the Williams Sonoma at King of Prussia, and at the Borders in Center City.

Who: Nigella Lawson

What: Book signing

Where: Williams Sonoma at King of Prussia (160 S. Gulph Rd) & Borders (1. S Broad St)

When: Williams Sonoma from 1-3 pm & Borders 6-8 pm

Cost: $35 for book

Mandy Patinkin to perform in Philadelphia

Actor and singer Mandy Patinkin will be performing at the Baptist Temple at Temple University, at their evening of hope, to benefit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Tickets are on sale for $60, and are available here.

Who: Mandy Patinkin
What: Charity performance
Where: Baptist Temple at Temple U (1837 N. Broad St)
When: Saturday, November 13th
Cost: $60

Want to catch Jason Statham filming his latest movie on Broad street?

Well you've come to the right blog!

Safe is beginning filming in Philly this week until the end of December. On November 17th, 18th, and 19th, both sides of Broad Street will be closed from approximately 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the filming of the latest Boaz Yakin-directed film. I hear they will be filming a scene inside of the Bellevue in the coming weeks, but the best place to catch the action will be on Broad Street between City Hall and Spruce Street. Stay tuned for more information!

Are you excited at the chance of seeing Safe being filmed or are you annoyed at the inevitable detours?

Adam Carolla comes to Philly!

Adam Carolla, former star of Loveline with Dr. Drew, The Man Show with funnyman Jimmy Kimmel and his high-rated podcast, comes to Philadelphia to sign copies of his new book In Fifty Years We'll All Be Chicks at Borders on November 4th. Later, Adam will appear at Helium comedy club, where he will be performing his signature stand-up, once at 7:30 and a later show at 9:15. Tickets are available here. Check out more information on the Ace man at his official website, here.

Who: Adam Carolla
What: Book signing & stand-up comedy
Where: Borders (1 South Broad St) & Helium (2031 Sansom St)
When: November 4th: signing at 1 pm, stand up at 7:30, and 9:15
Cost: Book $25.00, stand-up ticket $35.00

Pete Rose is coming to Philly!

Attention Phillies fans!

Pete Rose is going to be attending a screening of 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King at the Prince Music Theater (1412 Chestnut) this Sunday. Tickets for the film, about Pete's life, are available on sale here. For the frugal reader, you might be able to meet him as he's entering or leaving the theater!

Are you going to go??

Who: Pete Rose
What: Screening of 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King
Where: Prince Music Theater, located at 1412 Chestnut Street, which is right by City Hall.
When: October 24th, 2:30 pm
Cost: $10 for Philadelphia Film Society members, $12 general admission

Tim Gunn comes to KOP!

Fashion guru and co-host of Bravo's Project Runway, Tim Gunn will be at the King of Prussia mall on October 30th at 2 pm to present a Fall 2010 fashion show featuring Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York and Lucky Brand Jeans. With any qualifying purchase of $150 or more guests will receive a copy of the graphic novel, Models Inc. and complimentary gifts including new fragrances from Juicy Couture and Kate Spade New York and will be professionally photographed with Tim Gunn on the runway!

Are you going to be there to help Tim "make it work"??

Who: Tim Gunn
What: Fall fashion show
Where: King of Prussia mall
When: October 30th, 2 pm
Cost: Free admission, $150+ purchase for book, gifts and photo.

Hereafter

Hereafter, starring Matt Damon and directed by Clint Eastwood, is an emotional journey that bordered on perfection. The film tells three parallel stories about three people affected by death in different ways; Matt Damon plays American factory worker George, who is somehow able to communicate with the dead; Cécile de France plays French television journalist Marie, who survives a tsunami; and Frankie and George McLaren play Marcus and Jason, an English boy and his brother who is killed in a car accident. At an advance screening in Philadelphia last night, critics and moviegoers alike were brought to tears by one of the aforementioned vignettes, the story of Marcus and Jason.The powerfulness of this film, along with the emotional connection one feels with the characters, almost makes up for the third act dragging on about thirty minutes too long.

R.I.P. Barbara Billingsley

Barbara Billinglsey, best known for her role as June Cleaver on the television series Leave It to Beaver passed away last Saturday at the age of 94, at her home in Santa Monica, California. The cause of death is
polymyalgia, and she is survived by two sons, a stepson, and four grandchildren.

Pauly D turns down The Donald!

Paul DelVecchio, better known as Pauly D on TV's Jersey Shore, snubbed Trump! Pauly D was asked to be
on the fourth installment of the celebrity addition of The Apprentice, but he passed, deciding he'd rather focus on his spin-off show with MTV. Producers were looking for someone with a "hip hop backround", so they scored Lil Jon instead.

Save Running Wilde!

Will Arnett, star of Fox's comedy Running Wilde, along with Felicity star Keri Russell, is supporting the petition to save his show! Will went to his Twitter to speak about the fan support:

"Never done a grassroots effort, but let's save the effing show Running Wilde forever! Or five decent seasons, plus a 6th for Two And A Half Men $$ [money].

Thanks to everyone who signed the petition … f**king ratings sucked … I guess America hates jokes?

Have you seen the show? Does it deserve not to get the ax?

Joan Collins goes after Jen Aniston!

Joan Collins, star of Dynasty, got nasty when asked about Jennifer Aniston! The 77-year-old actress was quoted as saying:

"When I was young, everybody on screen was gorgeous. I have to say, there aren’t that many good looking actresses around today. I mean, there’s Angelina Jolie and there’s… Angelina Jolie. Jennifer Aniston is cute, but I wouldn’t call her beautiful. She’s no Ava [Gardner] or Lana [Turner]."

Ouch! Why Alexis Colby, why?

In response, Jennifer said...nothing!

A rep for Jen said that they are "aware" of the comments, but there is "no need to engage with that nonsense."

Randy speaks out!

Randy Jackson, brother to Michael, is speaking out on a soon-to-be-aired Oprah interview that includes his children, which was against Michael's wishes. Randy went to his Twitter to speak out:

"Let me say that I love my mother and father. I am humbly grateful to have them as my parents but I don't always agree with the choices they make. This is one of those times.

I found out Oprah was at our family home, my stomach ached and it still hasn't gone away. I had no prior knowledge this was going to happen. It was deliberately kept from me because they knew I would have tried to stop it.

I know how Oprah feels about my brother and family. I also know that he would not have wanted this… in fact, she is the last person on earth he would want around his children."

I can never forget when she had the show on pedophilia during the jury deliberation process in my brother's Santa Maria case. That was no coincidence.

I'm angry… just trying to hold myself together."

Screech needs $!

Dustin Diamond, better known as Screech from TV's Saved by the Bell, is losing his house! For the third time in five years, Screech er- I mean Dustin, is facing foreclosure. According to Wells Fargo bank, he has owed $278,309 since May.

Better hope Lisa Turtle bails you out of this pickle Screech!

Christina Aguilera back on the market!

Christina Aguilera recently separated from her husband, music mogul Jordan Bratman. The pair have a 2-year-old son together, Max.

Naked Cowboy for President!

Robert John Burck, better known as "The Naked Cowboy" from Times Square, fielded questions from reporters about his intentions to run for president! Robert answered such hard-hitting questions like "As a man who's never actually been naked in Times Square, do you think you're a dishonest politician?", "Where's your underwear?" to which he said "no time for games and "Do you wear Fruit of the Loom or Hanes?" to which he said "I've worn Fruit of the Loom my entire life." Watch all the nonsense below!

Malcom in the Middle kid strikes back!

Malcom in the Middle star Frankie Muniz took to his Twitter to strike back on a user named Liam Laferriere, who said "ur acting is just, awful. sorry but, it is.". Frankie, 24, shot back to the soft drink-loving user "@iHeartMtnDEW Yeah, but being retired with $40,000,000.00 at 19 has not been awful. Good luck moving out of your moms house before youre 35."


Ouch!

Busted!

John McTiernan, director of such films as Die Hard, Predator and The Hunt for Red October, was sentenced to a year in prison for lying about his association with a private investigator to illegally wiretap a movie producer. John plead guilty in July to two counts of making false statements to the FBI. He also pleaded guilty to one count of perjury for lying to a federal judge while trying to withdraw a guilty plea.

Trump for president?

Donald Trump, hotel mogul and star of The Apprentice is considering running for president! When asked about the possibility, he was quoted as saying:

"For the first time in my life, I'm actually thinking about it [running for president]. I see what's going on with this country and it's never been worse. What's happening is a disgrace…I love this country, we have a great country … but it's not really great like it used to be. Let's face it, we are no longer respected the way we used to be respected, and if we keep going like this, within 10 years China is going to overtake us easily."

Maybe Omarosa could be his running mate? Would you vote a Trump into office?

Speidi burn divorce papers!

Speidi, also known as Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt from MTV's The Hills, celebrated their reunion from seperation by burning their divorce papers, which was scheduled for Valentine's Day of next year.

R.I.P. Greg Giraldo

Greg Giraldo, comedian, passed away from an overdose on prescription medication last Wednesday at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hyatt Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey after being found unresponsive in his hotel room earlier in the week. Greg fell into a coma for five days before his family made the decision to remove life support. Greg was a stand-up comic, best known for his no-holds barred jokes at Comedy Central's roasts, and his appearances on programs such as The Late Show with David Letterman, Lewis Black's Root of All Evil, The Marriage Ref and he served as a judge during the seventh season of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Greg is survived by his three children with his ex-wife Mary-Ann Giraldo.

Eddie Fisher passes away

Legendary singer Eddie Fisher passed away last Wednesday at his home in Berkely, California thirteen days after hip surgery, his death is due to complications from the surgery. As well-known for his music as well as his high-publicized marriages to Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor, Mr. Fisher passed away the age of 82. He is interred at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemeter

R.I.P Gloria Stuart

 Gloria Stuart, better known as Old Rose from the 1997 box-office hit Titanic, passed away a few months after her 100th birthday. Ms. Stuart's film career spanned over 70 years, including appearances in such films as The Invisible Man, My Favorite Year, Gift of Gab and Land of Plenty, which was Ms. Stuart's final film. Ms. Stuart is survived by her daughter, who is a cookbook author.

R.I.P. Spencer Pratt's beard!

As part of ex-Hills star Spencer Pratt's recent wild behavior, he grew a wild beard, which has recently met it's demise. In a Funny-or-Die-esque video, Spencer posted a video featuring his assistant taking a hunting knife to his scruffy face. Enjoy!
                                                       

Buried

The premiere of the new Ryan Reynolds vehicle Buried began with what many expected to be a hitch, as the beginning of the film was met with prolonged darkness. Whispers of technical difficulties swirled the theater, along with sporadic bouts of uncomfortable laughter at the seemingly endless dark screen and no noise. Suddenly, heavy breathing could be heard and the audience's reactions subsided. This noise was coming from truck driver Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), who was buried alive in a wooden coffin while in Iraq delivering supplies to the citizens of the war-torn country. In fact, the entire film takes place in the buried coffin while our aforementioned lead character tries to adapt to his situation with nothing but a Zippo lighter and a cell phone. This powerful, emotionally stirring film was met with brief bouts of humor as he is being given the run-around from the police, family and government, being met with hold music and voicemails. As Reynolds continues to try and fail to be found and brought to safety, while he speaks to his captures, family and authorities, the more we have a more emotional connection to him, all the way until the heart-pounding ending.

Buried opens in select theaters today and opens everywhere October 8th.

Speidi Reunited!

After proclamations of divorce, a sex tape featuring Heidi Montag and her husband Spencer Pratt, and another sex tape starring Heidi and Playboy Playmate and former GF of founder and all-around dirty old man Hugh Hefner Karissa Shannon, America's sweethearts (ha) Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag were spotted back together, kissing and with Heidi flaunting her wedding ring while on a yacht celebrating her 24th birthday. The Hills stars were spotted making up, and making out, in Santa Barbara, California yesterday. Heidi took to her Twitter account to praise Spencer, and Jesus, saying "First few days back in America! I don't think I will ever lave again, at least I am never letting @SpencerPratt pack again!!!!"