Perhaps you’ve already noticed the Federal Homeland Security police cars around town, and if you read Sherri’s post about Kerri-Lee’s dress quest you know why they’re here. This weekend Philadelphia will host Prince Charles of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. I happen to work for someone who was invited to one of their events, so I can pass along some etiquette. If you happen to run into Chuck and Cami on Broad Street tomorrow, remember to first address them as “your royal highness,” then as the conversation continues refer to them as either “Sir” or “Madam.” It’s also customary for men to do a head-only bow and for women to curtsy.
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I’ll admit it, I have fancy dress balls a bit on the mind these days. Not only is the sesquicentennial Academy Ball happening tomorrow, I’ll be getting all dolled up for a certain exhibit opening in the near future.

So I couldn’t help taking particular notice of D-Mac’s* post on Philadelphia Will Do about how Fox-29 anchor Kerri-Lee Halkett has invited the Internet-surfing public to choose her dress for tomorrow night’s gala event.

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In recognition of the fact that I have let the photo posting slide this week (I have been traveling out of town and generally been busy), I thought I would feature a larger selection of the photos that have been posted lately to the Metroblogging Philadelphia Flickr group. (Here’s to hoping you have some time this Friday afternoon for a little time to procrastinate!)

I’m starting off with some pictures of nature around Philly, which I had hoped would show more snow, but the snow just isn’t sticking yet. However, I think that all of these photos convey the bitter cold we’ve been experiencing recently.

by Moocat

by Moocat

by jenkardux

by Ted Adams

And then there are the wonderful pictures of the city’s people and places, and there are really far too many to choose in one day, but here are some recent ones that I just love.

This month two people featured the Spruce Food Market. I am sure it’s a Philly institution, but it reminds me of one of the things I loved about living in New York City, where all of the little bodegas and food marts filled the sidewalks with flowers. I see less of that in Philadelphia, but when I do, I love it.

by podolux

by dangerussbrown

There have also been some fantastic photos of the city at night. I guess I am not the only one to cart a tripod around on a regular basis. Either that, or these people have amazingly steady hands.

by dangerussbrown	by podolux	by dangerussbrown	by podolux
by anjan58	by podolux	by ashleystar	by savone

Please add your Philadelphia photos to the Metroblogging Philadelphia Flickr group. Readers’ photos will be featured here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

According a news break on 90.9 WHYY just a minute ago, Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos has proposed a trans fat ban for Philadelphia, similar to the one that passed that is now law in New York City. I did a little searching and found the bill. It looks like Philadelphia is now in for this debate. What do you think, does this have a possibility of becoming law in our city of cheesesteaks?

This story is far too cute and feel-good to pass up. Seventeen year old Malakiah Ayres ran back into his house past protesting firefighters to rescue his little kitten, Missy. This was after already going back in for his grandmother. A gas line nearby ruptured and caught fire, thankfully it was put out before it spread.

It’s so nice to see a story like this about a benevolent animal loving Philadelphia teen among all of the crime and violence. I hope he and Missy have many years of fun together.

In addition to being the political headquarters of the US in the Revolutionary period, Philadelphia was also the headquarters for finance. Before Wall Street, banks on and around Chestnut Street kept the economy moving by giving loans and printing money. Young Involved Philadelphia is holding a reading group for the book The First Wall Street next Monday — I just started reading. More details.

So you made a resolution to excercise more, or maybe to join a gym, and most certainly to lose some of the extra weight you packed on but you have yet to make good on any of it and it’s not looking like it is going to happen either. Well Mickey DeLorenzo has a work-out routine for you that can be done in the comfort of your own home right in front of your television, and he’s not talking bow tie or RIchard Simmons either. Instead Mickey claims he has lost nine pounds playing video games.

Not just any video games mind you but instead Wii Sports for the Nintendo Wii. The Nintendo Wii is the next generation video gaming console from Nintendo (the makers of such classics as Mario, Metroid and Zelda) and it features a new take on gaming. The Wii-mote uses motion sensing and DeLorenzo has molded a work-out routine to utilize these features. Of course it does involve a little more than sitting on your couch and waving your arm but I can honestly say that the Wii is a blast and if you can find one it is worth the buy and for $250 it’s cheaper than some year long gym memberships.

Check out DeLorenzo’s blog where he details his endevors here or check out the Gamespot review of Wii Sports.

Each semester I look forward to receiving the Non-Credit course guide from Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street. I pour over the catalog circling all of the things I wish to learn more about. Is there ever enough time? The Spring of 07 offers many opportunities. A course about King Tut that would be a great compliment to the Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute as well as the new Egyptian exhibit at University Museum looks interesting. Or how about a behind the scenes look at the city by signing up for, ‘Center City Savvy’ or ‘Great Architecture of Philadelphia’. This is a great way to meet other people while learning, just for fun. Check it out. Courses run from $45 to about $295. Call to get your catalog at 215-204-6946.

Yesterday’s Metro featured an article about a local author that has particular interest in the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla (whatever her title is)to Philadelphia this weekend. Steve Grasse has actually calculated an amount that he feels Great Britain owes the world in reparations for all of the problems that it has caused the world. He plans to host a rally this weekend to coincide with the visit.

It doesn’t happen to me very often, but I think this one has me speechless.

Remember when everyone found out about the gigantic fence proposal for Independence Hall and agreed it was a terrible idea? Maybe not, but here is the good news anyway: they scrapped the idea. Now they will install something called “bollards” linked with chains. Unfortunately, they will also put up a tent for visitor bag checks. In the end, though, one tent is a heck of a lot easier on the eyes than a 6 foot fence cutting independence square in half.