"Quaker City Mercantile (formerly known as Gyro Worldwide) takes a run at revamping the classic sneaker"

There was a day when the Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor model was the only sneaker worn by basketball players -- be it Bill Russell or the third-string scrub on the high school team.

Most of them were white canvas high-tops that featured a discreet blue star on the ankle.

Now, with the shoe getting retro attention from retailers, Philadelphia advertising agency Quaker City Mercantile (formerly known as Gyro Worldwide) has created four new Converse designs.

As interpreted by QCM, the sneakers feature tattoo-like designs like a skull and crossbones superimposed on a butterfly and a 1940s-era bathing beauty. A leather pair, in chocolate brown, features the slogan, "Death or Glory."
Definitely not your father's Chucks.

The shoes, which retail for up to $120, were created under Quaker City Mercantile's Sailor Jerry brand under license from Converse parent Nike.
Last year, Gryo gave similar treatment to Pepsi Co.'s Mountain Dew brand, launching a line of T-shirts, stickers and related merchandise.
Sailor Jerry products are sold online, on www.sailorjerry.com, and in the retail store, at 38 N. 3rd St. in Old City.

Judicial PR CeislerJubelirer, a Center City PR firm that specializes in "media and issue advocacy," becomes the first such firm to represent Pennsylvania's First Judicial District, which includes Court of Common Pleas, Orphan's Court, Traffic Court and Municipal Court.

The arrangement calls for CeislerJubelirer to work as a "communications adviser," mainly in the area of media relations. It will partner with the court's community relations firm, ACG Associates of Philadelphia.

Other CJ clients include Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Sallie Mae, IBEW Local 98, Eagles Youth Partnership, National Environmental Trust, Westrum Development Corp., Partners for Sacred Places, a group dedicated to preserving historic sites in Philadelphia.