Indoor Fireworks at Franklin for 4th

Wawa Welcome America continued its celebration on Tuesday with the Go 4th and Learn series. Young enthusiasts learned the inner workings of fireworks from a Franklin Institute scientist.

An aerial display was used to show what an exploded fire cracker looks like, and how the chemicals burned in the process cause the dissipation of all the different brilliant colors into the air. What a positive way to learn about an Independence Day tradition.

- Rachel Zanan and Sydina Williams

Steal Away and Catch a Movie

People gathered on blankets in front of a large screen in Rittenhouse Square to view To Catch A Thief. The movie, set in France, centers around “Cat” who is a reformed jewel thief. He is brought out of retirement to clear his reputation as there is a copy cat on the prowl. He is pursued by Philadelphia’s own, Grace Kelly (better known as the Princess of Monaco).

This was the first of five Wawa Welcome America film screenings planned for this week. The serene scene on a balmy evening provided a positive image of a relaxed summer night in the City.

-Photographer: Meredith Wertz. Writers: Lisa Simon and Sydina Williams

Hezekiah Walker Ushers in a Cool Celebration to Beat the Heat at Wawa Welcome America

In celebration of Simon PR’s engagement with the City of Philadelphia on behalf of the 2010 Wawa Welcome America Festival, for the next week, Philly P.I. will be showcasing positive images from the enormous, free 11 day 4th of July Festival.

Yesterday the photographer was up close and personal with the “pastor of hip hop” Hezekiah Walker and his Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Here Hezekiah Walker inspires the audience with his “Raise the Praise” concert at Penn’s Landing as part of Welcome America’s “Taste of Philadelphia,” which ran from Friday through Sunday. Hezekiah combined with the heat and humidity made this the hottest crowd in America.

-Lisa Simon, Photographer and Writer

-

A Performance Tip

Busking -- the practice of performing in public places for tips or gratuities. Busker -- a person who is performing for tips.

Many corners in Philadelphia have Buskers. And while many are not very good performers, occasionally there are exceptionally good performers who are Busking.

On one weekend afternoon, there was a troupe of young adult Buskers performing in Philadelphia's Love Park. These performers were amazing, with their gravity defying acrobatics. Their leaps and break dancing showed precision and amazing skill.

So the next time you are out walking in Center City Philadelphia, look and listen for Buskers, especially in the parks. And if you find that occasional good performance, take a moment and enjoy the show.
- Steve Ehrlich, Photographer and Writer

reference Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busking

Power of the Press

This sculpture located at JFK Boulevard and North Broad St., just outside Thomas Paine Plaza, depicts Benjamin Franklin in 1728 as a 22 year old printer. Franklin believed in the “power of the press.” The Pennsylvania Gazette and the annual Poor Richard’s Almanac were the most famous publications he printed.

Many people don’t know that Franklin’s successful print shop printed Pennsylvania’s first currency. By the late 1740s, Franklin had become one of the wealthiest colonists. Sculptor Joseph Brown, a 1931 Temple University grad, captured Franklin’s energy as a craftsman and entrepreneur, a most positive image of an iconic Philadelphian.

- Collaboration of Steve Ehrlich (photographer) and Lisa Simon (writer)

Philly P.I. Returns

As the blogosphere ebbs and flows so too did Simon PR’s Philly P.I. (Positive Image.) We’re now pleased to bring Philly P.I. back with an emphasis on the Image. Beginning today, Philly P.I. posts will feature positive images of our fair City accompanied by brief descriptions.

So, check out today’s beautiful skyline shot from New Jersey. It looks like the Spirit of Philadelphia is making a U-Turn. With calm waters and bright skies, this photo captures the calm of a recent weekend.

- Collaboration of Steve Ehrlich (photographer) and Lisa Simon (writer)