Bar Noir, late night. Much smoke, little light. Bobby Startup, owner David. Always cordial, misbehavin'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's almost always a line, but if you're very fabulous (and a little patient), you'll get in sooner or later. Everyone is dancing, everywhere – on benches and tables. You're certain to find the best mix in Philadelphia. No Attytudes here, just peaceful people dancing the night away.

A limousine scavenger hunt to benefit the Greater Philadelphia Film Office was held Saturday, November, 17th in The Mayor''s Reception Room. The first scene was a lively cocktail party as guests gathered to receive clues to films shot in Philadelphia. The action continued as the guests raced to waiting limousines to scour the City unraveling riddles, all the while nibbling food and sipping (or gulping) champagne. Meanwhile, back at The Hall, the hunters returned to the victory party, scores were tabulated and prizes awarded as all enjoyed dessert and dancing.

Philadelphia Cares held its third annual Turkey Ball at City Hall on Friday, November 16th. There was a live band, open bar, tables of munchies and boxes to collect the canned goods that guests brought. Philadelphia Cares is a local non-profit, volunteer organization that mobilizes thousands of volunteers year-round to help meet critical social, educational and environmental needs throughout the Philadelphia area. The ball is their largest gala. All ticket sales and silent auction proceeds benefited the ongoing programs.

The Young Friends of the Community Coalition and 170 of their friends held their Philadelphia dinner cruise on the Delaware, Wednesday, November 14th, aboard The Highlander. We pushed off at 7:15 from Penn's Landing to the tunes of jazz group, The Underwoods. Community Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to charitable services for the homeless, family support services, one-to-one advocacy, all with the basic idea of respecting the dignity of each individual helped.

The Print Center of Philadelphia held an open house auction called Beatnik Bash, with staff and guests dressed in black berets and turtlenecks. The crowd was enthusiastic (not a Beatnik trait, but hey, this is Nouveau Beat) and pre-bid on such items as an original Robert Asman Print.