The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health today reported the state's first probable case of swine influenza. Currently,Pennsylvania does not have any confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1.However, officials stressed that this probable case may not be confirmed when additional testing on samples is conducted at the federal CDC.
Influenza is a serious disease and every year, on average, 36,000 people die in the U.S. from seasonal flu. Find more key facts about influenza here. As with any influenza, citizens are reminded to take the following steps to prevent spreading illness to others:

• Take everyday actions to stay healthy, strengthen your immune system.
  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  

The current swine flu virus appears to be susceptible to two of the four usual anti-viral medications available. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Recommendations for using antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of swine influenza will change as we learn more about this new virus.

You can order CDC recommended swine flu prevention products online:

Yesterday I was going to Starbucks located downstairs in the Phoenix planning to  get Starbucks Reward card and instead I learned about  Gold Card - even with $25 membership fee, it is a good deal since I stop at Starbucks at least 2-3 times a week for my tea latte.  It might be a good gift for someone who loves Starbucks coffee - this card can be preloaded as well.

Swedish Alt-Folk/Pop trio Peter Bjorn and John will perform in Wold Cafe Live on Friday, May 1 at 9 pm. Do you remember that addictive whistle of "Young Folks"? The band just came up with a new album Living Thing that reminiscent of the Beatles or Beach Boys, however has little in common with their previous hit.

Matt Lake, the author of the "Weird" travel guide series, will discuss and sign copies of his new book Weird U.S. The ODDyssey Continues: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets

I read Matt Lake's book Weird Pennsylvania: Your Travel Guide to Pennsylvania's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets, that is very entertaining. Do you know that the author thinks, Pennsylvania is perhaps the weidest state in America? "There is a lot of high-grade weird in Pennsylvania," Lake says.


You can meet Matt Lake at 6:30 pm April 29th - Free Library of Philadelphia Tacony Branch, 6742 Torresdale Ave,

Next week I would like to try one of the most popular Gourmet Tasting Experience Tour with CityFoods - the company founded by Chef Robert Weinberg, along with partner Eric Matzke, both are well versed in all things food and Center City.
During 2.5 hours tour I am promised to have a lot of fun and sample 3 of the city's best artisanal and hand-crafted food shops that specialize in:
* Delicious Farmstead Cheeses
* Decadent hand-made chocolates and Truffles
* Exotic loose-leaf teas
Also the ad says: "in addition to discovering hidden gems in the city, you'll get the inside scoop about the foods you taste, have exclusive access to owners and chefs, and walk away with some valuable tips about what to look for in truly great food."
Also there is another tour available on the same dates -Flavors of Philly Food Tour - indulgence Philly's food, history, culture, and fun.
Tickets are sold out fast, you can check availability and order yours here.

On April 30 you might actually enjoy spending money on dining in one of many Philadelphia restaurants participating in natinalwide Dining Out For Life event.Restaurants will donate 33 percent of the night's earnings to the licensed AIDS agency in their cities. In Philadelphia more than 200 restaurants will participate, including Buddakan, Raw, Mexican Post. Also, you will have a chance to win a vacation for two in Mexico - if you will sign up for the charity raffle. Here is the list of restaurants and more details about Dining Oout For Life program.
You also can make a reservation through OpenTable website

If you didn't see HELLO!FASHION there is still a chance to see the exhibition
features work by Kansai Yamamoto, one of the founding father of Japanese contemporary fashion and creator of Ziggy Stardust's flamboyant wardrobe.
Kansai recently returned to fashion as a designer of traditional Japanese garments in a contemporary idiom including kimono

Runs through May 1.

Academy of Natural Science has its first annual Green Gala event - The Green Celebration on Saturday, May 2. The Gala will feature a delicious organic dinner, dancing, and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as an auction of “green” items . Separate "cocktail hour" and "dessert and dancing" tickets are available for those who cannot attend the entire party.
6 to 11:30 p.m.
Cocktails at 6 p.m.
Dinner at 8 p.m.
Dessert and Dancing at 9 p.m.
You can purchase tickets here

Davio's and Chef David Boyle’s present

Cézanne and Beyond Menu
Three-Course Dinner$35

* Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp, Barolo Risotto, Lemon Herb Butter
* Grilled Brandt Prime Sirloin, Purple Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash, Port Wine Reduction
* Cézanne Cubed — Fried Rice Croquette, Hazelnut Gelée, Milk Chocolate Gelée

Wine Flight$15

• 2007 Blend Airlie “Seven” Willamette
• 2005 Rhone Blend Zaca Mesa “Z-Cuvée”

This weekend was devoted to Free Library Festival. I am still amazed by living in Center City where all my favorite places are within a walking distance! First, I stopped at Natural History Museum and listen to several presentations of the environmental scientists. One of presentation was on finding a chloride in the water. It was actually nice to see that the level of a chloride in a local water was normal. Next, I stopped at "Butterflies!" exhibition - that is truly enchanting experience - so many beautiful creatures ! Some of them didn't mind posing on my hand. Maybe, next week I will visit the exhibition again, since during Museum Week (April 27-May 3) there is no additional fee for "Butterflies!"

I love Seinfeld and I was happy to find out that the creator of arguably one of the best sitcom's in TV history, Seinfeld, will be on stage at the Academy of Music on June 20. The shows will be at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. To get tickets call 215-893-1999, or buy at www.kimmelcenter.orgor visit Kimmel center box office.

The Free Library Festival in Philadelphia—a burst of books, music, and inspiration on the Parkway—will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, 2009. Join us at the Philadelphia Parkway Central Library for two days full of stimulating talks by award-winning writers, live music, children’s entertainment, and a bustling literary marketplace thronged with booklovers and booksellers. A fun, free way to spend the day, the Free Library Festival connects booklovers from throughout the mid-Atlantic region with the culture makers of the literary world.
Festival Program April 18th
Festival Program April 19th

Late tonight Eagles finalized a 6-year contract with Jason Peters - Bills' petulant left tackle.
"Jason Peters is the best left tackle in football," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He is a powerful and athletic tackle and I have admired his play over the last few years on film."
Well, based on his last year performance I wouldn't be careful with the guy who cares more about his bank account than his team. To get Peters, The Eagles sent the 28th overall pick, the second of the Eagles’ two first-round picks, and a fourth-round in next weekend’s draft. If Peters can return to his Pro Bowl form, it may constitute a good deal.

Barneys New York CO-OP opened its door in Philadelphia on 10, Ritenhouse.
The glamorous store will feature designers like Rag and Bone, Alexander Wang, A.L.C., Shipley & Halmos, Band of Outsiders, and Raf by Raf Simons, just to name few.
The store is located on the first two floors of the legendary Rittenhouse Club and will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday’s from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For those who like me like online shopping, I recommend to check their website with great onlgoing sales

There is another reason to visit Cuba Libre now : in addition to Latin ambiance and great food,
now it has new Happy Hour menu, available Monday though Friday 5 pm - 7 pm

$4 Cuba Libre Rum Cocktails (included my favorite grilled pineapple mojito!), Select Wines & Beer

$3 Small Bites Menu

Papa Rellena
Ceviche (highly recommend!)
Chicken Empanadita
Alitas de Pollo
Tostones
Mini Guava BBQ Rib Sandwich
Mini Turkey Frita
Sierra Madre Fries
Chicharrones de la Pollo

Cuba Libre Happy Hour Cocktails and Picadas
10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

It was a nice surprise to see that TV channels at the exercise equipment are aligned again! Another reason to hit the gym more often since now I can watch my favorite Sci-Fi channel again.

Jeremiah Zagar keeps it all in the family with his documentary In a Dream, which opens today at the Ritz at the Bourse. Zagar turns his camera on his own clan — specifically his father Isaiah, he of the Magic Gardens and mirror murals that populate South Street and beyond.

IN A DREAM: Theatrical Trailer from Herzliya Films on Vimeo.

London Grill is a nice place to visit for dining or chilling out. Now you have an excuse to get there for their amazing $3 Happy Hour, featuring beers, wines, cocktails and snacks . Happy Hour is three hours at London Grill — 4-7 pm, Monday - Friday.

* $3 House Chardonnay & Merlot
* $3 drafts and bottles
* $3 cocktails

The food menu…

* Mini Fish-n-Chips $3
* Mini Quesadilla $3
* Mini Mussels $3
* Mini Green Salad $3.00
* Mini Crocks of Soup with foccaccia/bread $3.00
* Mini Vegetarian Plate $3.00
* Mini Duck Spring Rolls $3
* Mini Grilled Chicken & Brie $3
* Mini London Burgers $3 with boursin and caramelized onions
* Wimpy’s Stack (4 mini burgers) $10.

Plus… If you decide to continue with the dinner, London Grill is a member Restaurant.com Gift Certificates program where you can buy $25 restaurant certificate for $10 Now Take 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code FEAST and pay $3 thru 4/20/09.

Le Bec Fin is now featuring a new happy hour at its downstairs bar, Le Bar Lyonnais. Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm, you can have a great selection of $5 wine, $5 beer, $5 martini and $5 snack menu (Citrus Marinated Olives, Crispy Pomme Frites, a Mini Cheese Plate, French Saucisson (sausage), and Rillette du Jours)

The Moshulu, the hippest thing around town, or, rather, in the water announced Sunday Brunch WJJZ-FM 97.5
LIVE BROADCAST WITH WJJZ'S MICHAEL TOZZI -- 10:30 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M. Champagne Brunch with three courses -- $35/person.
Occasional Surprise Guests -- Don't Miss it!

This afternoon I was watching the protesters rally from my window. Well, I didn't know what was going on, and later I found in the news it was Tax Tea Party - a movement of citizens across the US against excessive government spending. Look at the protesters web
site, it is amazing how many people around the country gathered on the streets to send a message to government!

Have you heard about Restaurant.com certificates deal? The website offers $25 for $10, that is a good deal itself. And if you didn't try Restaurants.com certificates yet, it is a good time to get one now ! Restaurant.com take 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Don't forgot to use code FEAST and pay $3 thru 4/20/09. When I heard about the program for a first time, it seemed too good to be true. But I gave it a try and loved it. Here are some restaurants in Philadelphia around the Phoenix that accepted the certificates:

Mexican Post Restaurant & Ba 1601 Cherry St. Philadelphia, PA 19102
The Mission Grill 1835 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse 1901 JFK Boulevard
Rum Bar Lounge & Restaurant 2005 Walnut street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Public House Logan Square 18th Street between Arch and Cherry Philadelphia, PA
World Cafe Live 3025 Walnut Street
Anjou 206-08 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Bleu Martini 24 S. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106
Bump 1234 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Italian Bistro 211 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA
Standing O Bar & Bistro @ Double Tree Hotel 237 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

April 4-September 7, 2009

Galileo's contributions to the progressive development of the telescope, as well as his revolutionary work to create modern scientific methods, make him one of the greatest luminaries in scientific history. The exhibit showcases Galileo's accomplishments, his relationship to the ruling Medici family, his discoveries, and his overall impact on astronomy, physics, and math. This will be the first time one of the two remaining Galileo telescopes has left Italy. Also exhibited will be paintings, prints, and manuscripts from the priceless Medici collection.

If you are a frequent shopper in local Whole Foods store and enjoy buying natural and organic products, you might find Amazon.com a great place for saving money on the same brands.

This April shop Amazon.com limited sale of a huge eligible selection of Natural and Organic groceries including Newman’s Own, Kashi, and more plus save $15 and get a FREE Earthwise shopping bag when you spend $59 or more. (use coupon code EARTH222)
And remember, Amazon.com has FREE SHIPPING on purchases over $25.

Take adavantage of this promotion by clicking on the link here.

Some great natural and oganic finds - great savings compared to Whole Foods!

Many restaurants in Philadelphia will open their doors on Easter and offer special priced menu.
Here are some places close by to consider:

Tavern 17
220 South 17th Street
(215) 790-1799
Join us for a lovely meal on Easter. Our specials are pignolia crusted halibut w. basil buerre blanc & char-crusted rack of lamb w. sweet cherry demi glace 2-8pm.

Museum Restaurant
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 684-7990
Celebrate Easter w. friends & family at our delicious Easter Brunch. Children's buffet for the little ones & complimentary mimosa for the adult. ($39/adult; $17/child)

Moshulu
401 South Columbus Blvd.
(215) 923-2500
Join us for a fabulous brunch buffet 10am-2:30pm ($39.95/person) or a delicious dinner buffet 4:30-8pm ($49.95/person).

Lacroix
210 W. Rittenhouse Square
(215) 790-2533
Join us for our award-winning Easter Brunch, served 10:30am-7pm.

Chez Colette - Sofitel Philadelphia
120 South 17th Street
(215) 569-8300
May you find all of your Easter eggs at Chez Colette! Enjoy our brunch buffet perfectly designed by Sylvain Harribey, Executive chef. The ideal way to celebrate Easter!

Find more restaurants opened on Easter on OpenTable.com

Step aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia at Penn's Landing for an afternoon or evening of unparalleled cruising fun on the Delaware River. You'll dine, dance, enjoy star-quality entertainers and breathtaking skyline views, all for one price

Times:
April 12 1:00 pm

Tickets: 17.95-35.90

Info Phone: 866-455-3866

• Buy tickets

Swarovski

Slip into Glamour at Swarovski. Share the benefits of being a Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) Member with a friend!

Experience the debut of Swarovski's glamorous new Watch Collection. Unique crystal detailing and meticulous craftsmanship make these watches stand out as this season's must have item! Try on 3 watches and receive a FREE gift. While supplies last.

If you are a SCS Member, bring a friend to our Swarovski retail store between April 1 - 30; if your friend signs up to be an SCS Member, you will receive a stunning tote bag* adorned with crystal leaves. Not an SCS Member yet? It is easy to join, just ask a sales associate for our Instant Membership Kit or join online at www.swarovski.com. * While supplies last.

Messages Cards & Gifts - Come visit our new store!

FREE Vera Bradley gift with any Vera Bradley purchase.
FREE Yankee Car Jar with any Yankee Candle purchase.

It's Estee Lauder Gift Time at Douglas Cosmetics!

April 8 - 25, rreceive your 7 piece gift FREE with a $27.50 Estee Lauder purchase. While supplies last. One to a customer.

Crabtree & Evelyn - Customer Appreciation Days

20% off storewide!
April 15 - April 19.

Lord,
by the suffering of Christ your Son
you have saved is all from the death
we inherited from sinful Adam.
By the law of nature
we have borne the likeness of his manhood.
May the sanctifying power of grace
help us to put on the likeness of our Lord in heaven
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Finally, it is a time for "Spring cleaning"! I received a notification from Facility Operations about the outside of our windows cleaning. Depending on the weather, cleaning is scheduled on April 14-17, from 9 AM - 5 PM. All windows should be closed during these times!

If you didn't discover Tria yet - a cozy cafe that stands out of a pack, here is another reason to visit that innovative place with very friendly waitstaff and great selection of wine and beer - they also offer Wine or Beer classes every week. Here is a calendar of events happening at Tria.

In addition to classes Tria promotes Sunday School. Each Sunday you can stop at the cafe and learn about and enjoy a different not-so-common wine, cheese and beer—and at 50% or more off our regular prices.


The Roasted Beets with Bulgarian Feta Cheese is my favorite appetizer in Tria - simple, yet winning dish. Mild Bulgarian feta and refreshing beets were unusual but delicious combination.

Find more about a history and traditions of celebrating Passover on my blog.

Gerald Kolpan | Etta

Free Library of Philadelphia

April 15, 2009 19:30 pm

Gerald Kolpan is an Emmy Award-winning television reporter and former contributor to NPR's All Things Considered. He has more than 20 years experience as a features reporter for Fox 29 News and is a regular contributor to national newspapers and magazines. Etta, his first book, is imaginatively based on the sketchy details of the life of Etta Place, former Philadelphia socialite turned outlaw and paramour of the notorious Sundance Kid. Publisher's Weekly describes the novel as a ''winning tale of the Wild West.

Smith & Wollensky offer POURINGS AND PAIRINGS event on April 22. Please, notice that you can save $25 by using American Express. (Regular Price $125. American Express Promotion price $100 pp.) Click on the picture to see the menu.

If you have participated in the previous wine series events hosted by Table 31 you will be pleased to find new events scheduled :

April 17 • The Duckhorn Vineyards Dinner
April 23 • The Allegrini Winery Event
May 6 • The Jordan Wine Dinner
May 10th • Mother’s Day Brunch DTBD Trimbach Wine Dinner

For the full menu, additional details, and to make reservations, please call 215.567.7111 or visit www.Table-31.com

Hundreds of Easter lilies trumpet the season and fill Longwood's Conservatory with their signature fragrance and stately flowers. April 1-April 17, 2009

As a reminder, the fountains run will begin to work on April 15 and will run continuously throughout the day till October 15th, from 9:00 am to gardens close. Five-minute shows delight visitors at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 pm.

A picturesque outdoor cafe will open today. The place is perfect for spring, summer and autumn dining. A beautiful fountain display lines the seating area, while the fare comes from Table 31's exceptional kitchen. And the view looking up at the tallest building between New York and Chicago is pretty nice, too.
Here is the Table 31 Plaza Cafe Menu