November 30, 2006

Kal Penn, Actor

Sofitel Hotel, Tues., Nov. 21, 1:30pm.

On Philadelphia: “I came to Philly from my home in Jersey to do a TV show called Rap Around when I was 15. That was cool. I did speech and debate tournaments at Penn in high school. It's such a close city. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle was written by Jon Hurwitz, who went to Penn. I didn't have any input into the writing of that, or in the writing of the sequel. I personally think White Castle is disgusting. It's pretty gross.”

Kal Penn stars in National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj, which opens in Philly this Friday.

Posted by jfusco at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

November 24, 2006

Shohreh Agdashloo, Actress

Four Seasons Hotel, Mon., Nov. 20, 2:45pm.

On Philadelphia: “It's a mixture of Europe and the U.S. It's the Colonial buildings next to high-rises. It's so quiet and serene and clean. We should really be thankful to Mayor Street because it looks beautiful. When I was 24 I drove out [of Iran] singing ‘freedom, democracy, justice.' I appreciate each and every day I'm living in this country and this democratic society. I want to go to all the great museums you have here. I wish I could stay more and enjoy the serenity that exists in this city. You can hardly find it anywhere else. Don't take it for granted.”

Shohreh Agdashloo stars in 24, and her latest film The Nativity Story opens Dec. 1.

Posted by jfusco at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2006

Ludacris, Rapper/Actor

Sofitel Hotel, Fri., Oct. 27, 7pm.

On Philadelphia: “Philly’s like a mini-New York, if I had to say so. All I know is the streets are narrow as hell. That’s what I know about Philly. I put Beanie Sigel on a song that had other rappers who were incarcerated. Not to mention he’s a great MC. Will Smith was a historic figure in hip-hop and rap. Look where he’s at now. ‘Summertime’ was an inspiration. He shot that video here in Philadelphia. Always a fan. Just like in the South—Atlanta, where I’m from—they have hard crowds here in Philly. If you’re not good, they’re gonna tell you. Yep.“

Posted by jfusco at 08:17 AM | Comments (0)

November 02, 2006

James Carville and Mary Matalin, Political Consultants

Drexelbrook Catering Center, Thurs., Oct. 26, 5pm.

On Philadelphia: JC: “I've lived here. It's tumultuous. Colorful. Center City has really changed. It's a lot cleaner, a lot safer. There are a lot more artsy things and restaurants. I remember when Friday Saturday Sunday was the ultimate, and I used to love to go to the Saloon. There's a place Tom Foglietta used to take me to in a house. Shanks? Am I right? Yeah.”

MM: “When James was working here, I used to come up on the train. He was in the middle of the campaign, so I'd wander around by myself. It's just an incredible, inspirational, beautiful city. When we had the convention here, my baby was a year and change, maybe 2, and the one that's now 11 was sort of post-toddler and talking. They came to the convention and it made such a good impression on them. You're lucky to live here.”

James Carville and Mary Matalin were in town to speak at the Main Line Chamber of Commerce 2006 Red Carpet Dinner.

Posted by jfusco at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)