After the Magic Garden fun, I met up with the Virginville Crew and Richie-Rich, along with the Celebrity Kids Duo for a smoldering hot day at Citizen’s Bank Park. Being the longest day of the year and sitting above right field made for non-stop sunlight action. Luckily, I wore sun screen and kept getting up to eat as much as possible. We ended up at Johnny Brenda’s, of course. Where else?

Richie Rich enjoys a hot dog and a brew. That’s a New Hampshire shirt he’s wearing, not a Yankees shirt. (A drunk guy in the bathroom was barking at him about it.)

Jen and Wayne chillin’ in the sun.

And the sun keeps hanging on. Richie Rich sporting a beard longer than Wayne’s?

Wayne and his blue cast, soon to be departed from it.

Wayne outside of Johnny Brenda’s with his Smurf blue cast.

Philadelphia’s Magic Garden at 1020-1022 South Street is a site to behold. I recently went there for the Summer Solstice Reverie event which featured improvisational dance and music. As you walk through the pathways, you never knew what you’d bump into performance-wise.

The best part about the Magic Garden is that you can actually rent out the mosaic of beautiful madness that it is for weddings, parties, events, etc. Very cool.

Check out some video and photos below:

…Not me personally, but somebody does in Fishtown.

The banner below hangs on the side of a house facing the Bank of America on Girard Ave.

If you’re ever been to Canvas Coffee on Girard, head east about a block and then look to your left. You can’t miss it.

No one seems to be sure why someone had this banner created. But the way it is positioned is sure to alarm every BOA customer walking in and out of that place, as well people just passing by. Here is a thread on PhillyBlog.com of people trying to break it down.

Gotta love minimal graphic design and freedom of speech used as revenge.

Melissa and I escaped Philly for a few days and took the train to Boston. We stayed at a hotel called The Chandler Inn in the South Side of town. We couldn’t have been more fortunate with the weather, as it was sunny and in the 70s for most of the trip.

Our room, unfortunately, was located right above a rowdy gay sports bar called Fritz Lounge. Of course, I had to run out buy a dinky fan to cover up the noises. Be warned! The Chandler Inn does not mention the Fritz Lounge on the web site.

Aside from a few hours sleep ruined, we had an amazing time being tourists, eating and drinking non-stop and trying not to pick up an accent.

View some photos from our trip.

All throughout the month of October, Melissa Hassey will have a touching and beautiful photo exhibit on display at The Hinge Cafe in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. The title of the exhibit is called “Embracing Strength” A mother’s breast cancer survival leads to the discovery of hope as told through the photographic eyes of her daughter. Also on display will be part of Melissa’s “Don’t Talk To Strangers” series.

If you don’t know where The Hinge Cafe is, but are familiar with Northern Liberties and Fishtown, it’s quite easy to find. Here is a map giving directions from 3rd and Spring Garden:

View Larger Map

I haven’t had any meals at The Hinge Cafe yet, but I hear nothing but rave reviews. In fact, The Hinge Cafe recently won the 2007 Best New American Local Eatery from MyFoxPhilly.com

So, stop on by, but make sure to check out their web site first for their hours. Oh, and it’s a BYOB, so bring some bubbly if you’re thirsty for it. Also, if you can make it, October 22nd will be the official “opening” celebration of the exhibit.

Read more reviews about The Hinge Cafe.

The possibility of it happening is higher than ever.

A 16-year-old girl’s family is suing Virgin Mobile for using a photo of her that was posted on Flickr.com in an ad campaign that was featured at bus stations and billboards throughout Australia.

View video clip of the story from CNN.com

Personally, I’d like someone to use a photo of me for Yards Brewing Company.

Should a company use someone’s photo from Flickr.com? No, but I can see why they searched on Flickr. Properly tagged photos show up in the searches with ease, and you’ll find that amateur look & feel style of photography that is often used in teen oriented ads. Add the fact that you can download the high-resolution versions of photos on Flickr and you have yourself a stock photo web site that is free.

Virgin Mobile, you owe that girl some tall cash.

Finally got around to checking out the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, just south of West River Drive off of Montgomery Avenue. After the $5 admission me, Melissa and I were required to take off our shoes. But then we messed up and walked down the wrong path. We kind’ve got yelled at, and were then told to wear paper bag shoes over our soiled and rock-ridden socks. The story behind Shofuso being built and taken apart to transport it from MOMA to Philly is amazing, and is described in detail in the guide. Surrounding the garden perimeter are many paths and picnic areas which line Horticultural Drive. It’s a very nice escape from the filth and hectic city life.

Recently, I went up to Lake Wallenpaupack with Melissa for Laura & Kevin’s wedding. Always double-check the “start” time of when a wedding is supposed to actually start. We got there just in time for the reception, but missed the ceremony. Definitely my top idiot move of 2007 thus far.

Great photos from Melissa.

A few photos from Gemini Wolf at the Manhattan Room in Fishtown.

After 6 years and 10 months, I am moving on. And, luckily, I was able to land a new job within the city. The train is my new friend, and my old ‘97 Pathfinder can finally relax a bit and not devour $75 of gas a week. Here are some photos of my Last 2 Days At GMH.