Polished 2nd St.

Tom Lamb of Bucks County has been employed by the history City Tavern in the heart of Olde City for more than 11 years as director of operations. "The historical atmosphere is what I love. Plus, I get to meet a lot of out-of-town guests. It's a really happy environment."

Dawn Carty has been working as a bartender at Bleu Martini, at 24 S. Second St., for about two years and makes between $100 minimum and $300 on a good night on weekends. "I like how there's so much to do in such a small area. We do great business all the time and it's an high-class place."

Lavinia Topan, originally from Romania, has been working at Cafe Spice, on 35 S. 2nd St. for three years now. "There's lots of restaurants and this area is very cultured and historically charged with a lot of tourists." When not working, Topan takes classes at Drexel University studying International Business and resides in South Philly

Justine Cassady has been working in Glam Nightclub for about nine months now on 52 S. 2nd St. "It's conveniently located to everything. It's a more upscale environment and everything's pricy around here. All the food's great -there's a little bit of everything to do."

Bodegas, Tiendas y Restaurantes of N. 2nd St.

Juan Rodriguez, originally from Mexico has been working on 2nd Street for four years as a sandwich prep cook in Rodriguez Groceries. "2nd Street is alright. A lot of people around here don't have a lot, but we do OK for ourselves here."

Pedro Rodriguez, owner of Rodriguez Groceries holds down the bullet-proof counter. He's owned the bodega for nine years now and knows no English. "Me gusta la comunidad y la gente, pero no me gusta las horas- trabajo cuatorce horas, siete dias cada semana." (I like the community and the people, but I don't like the hours- I work 14 hours, seven days every week.)

Rodriguez Groceries 3100 block of N. 2nd Street.

Elvy Decoo, originally from the Dominican Republic, has been working on 2nd Street for a year in Jesus Groceries, which is owned by his mother. "No good business because there's not enough people living around here. Not enough money to be had."

Jesus Groceries also on the 3100 block of N. 2nd Street.

Jay, a day-time worker at D&W Beer Distributor has been working on 2nd St. for six years. Originally from Korea, he said he doesn't much care for the neighborhood he works in. "I don't like 2nd Street very much. Too much noise."

D&W Beer Distribuotr. 3001 N. 2nd St. In the heart of a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood.

Poulo Thau, originally from China has been working at Sun House Chinese Restaurant on the corner of 2nd and Lehigh for two years. "It can be danger around here, but it's OK. I like seeing the different people."

Life of a Colleague: Ashley king

The Characters in my Life

I'm generally a mild-mannered guy, but like all of us, I can snap. Especially in the morning, I am at my worst, so my self-portrait depicts me in Hulk-mode.

I like to unwind. Maybe a little too much sometimes. I love to mix things up with my friends and that is what is happening here with my friends Matt (center) and Brandon at my buddy Jared's hot tub last weekend.

Billiards has become a Friday happy hour tradition. My roommate Justin Bossinger prepares for a clutch shot at the Draught Horse this past Friday.

Beligerance, Bill. Following an embarassing loss in pool, my buddy Bill Dunn drowns his sorrows in a beer.

My father, Jim Glenn hangs out at the dinner table last weekend. He lights a fire under my ass when I am slacking off, but always trusts that I will make the right decision in the long run. He's one of the reasons I went into Journalism and is a constant inspiration.

My mother, Denise Glenn rolls her eyes at my father (as always) after dinner. She is one of the most creative people I know, always hard at work and getting me outdoors. If she's not making mosaics, she's playing the flute or geo-caching- always on the move.

Temple Living Editor Steve Wood peers over his cubicle wall in search of an escape. Wood is possibly the hardest working man in journalism, often sleeping in the break room of The Temple News office.

The Big Bossman a.k.a Chris Vito, The Temple News Managing Editor explains the etiquette of early dating door-holding during production night in TTN office. I put in close to 20 hours a week at the news as well as traveling with him to basketball games, so Vito is a pretty big part of my life.

Philly A to Z

A sign for 'a'ccumpuncture hangs in Chinatown on Vine Street between 4th and 5th streets.

B&Bs Restaurant and Pub is on Lombard between 21st and 22nd streets.

Charlie's Bar sign on Race St. between 19th and 20th streets.

A rusty Dodge van sits on Broad Street near Olney Avenue in North Philadelphia.

Engraved 'E' on Lombard somewhere between 22nd and 24th streets

Ernie's Break'f'ast truck sits in front of the SAC on 13th Street between Cecil B. Moore and Montgomery avenues.

A Coors Li'g'ht neon hangs in the window of Food Way bodega on Cecil B. Moore Avenue between Broad and 15th streets.

A sign advertising a town'h'ouse for rent hangs on Lombard Street between 8th and 9th streets.

A Schw'i'nn mountain bike is locked up in front of the SAC on 13th Street between Cecil B. Moore and Montgomery avenues.

A sign for a construction company J. Brigeport hangs on Lombard St. between 21st and 22nd streets.

An advertisement for aspiring filmma'k'ers hangs in front of the Campus Police headquarters on Berks Mall