PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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Can Dom Giordano fill Rush Limbaugh’s shoes?

Put down the mask, stop worrying and learn to love the jab. | Page 11

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FROM THE EDITOR

COVID RESPONSE: BE KIND, BUT PUSH FOR COURAGE

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eople on the political right are continue to take absurd precautions against a fond of repeating Ben Shapiro’s virus to which they are almost completely imline, “Facts don’t care about your mune? Should we not attack them as viciously feelings.” We do so because it is of- as they attacked us? ten true: The facts of the physical The rebuke would be well-earned, but as world are unaffected by how we good as it might feel in the moment, it would feel about them. Reality is what it not help anything or make life in the city betis. It’s a fair rejoinder to utopian ter.

What if, this once, we choose not to “own plans that are hopelessly out of sync with rethe libs”? What if, instead, we try to underality. stand our tremulous neighbors and But society is not a purely factutry to convince rather than to asal construct. How we relate to each sail? other — and especially how we treat I’ve lived around here my whole those with whom we disagree — is life, and I know full well that part affected by feelings and is an imof being a Philadelphian is telling portant part of building trust in it like it is, not taking a lot of crap a community. Facts may not care from anybody. But a part of it also about your feelings, but man does is true neighborliness. That means not live by facts alone. treating people we encounter like The battle of opinions over members of a real community, not COVID lockdowns, mandates, and adversaries on a Facebook page. vaccines has been a major divide in “Brotherly love” means just what our city and in society at large. How it sounds like — you love your sibwe have handled the arguments has lings, even when all their opinions not always reflected the best part of are bad. our nature. Every political disagree@KYLESAMMIN I personally can’t wait to throw ment is now viewed through the away all of the dubiously effective lens of the culture war and we often cloth masks I own and breathe free feel like two rival tribes uneasily inair 24/7. But let’s consider the trauma of the habiting the same country.

Living together in a nation as big and di- past year when we confront those who don’t feel the same way. There is some low-grade verse as ours requires tolerance and even compassion for those whom we fervently be- PTSD floating around the city caused by fear lieve are wrong. When the pandemic began, of the virus. That threat may have been overblown in some of the more hysterical media experts in Washington and Harrisburg urged us to “follow the science” (as though “the sci- reporting, but COVID is real and it had a menence” dictated a single answer) and to obey tal effect on people. Folks who spent the last the increasingly draconian measures imposed year-and-a-half being afraid will have a hard by decree by the nation’s governors and bu- time snapping out of it and back into regular life. Many will hold on to masks as though reaucrats.

“Two weeks to flatten the curve” turned they were magic amulets, a source of comfort if not of actual protection. into a year of misery.

On the other side are those who see the inThen the vaccines came, and we were finally going to be free. “The science” gave us a way finitesimal risk of vaccination as equal to or greater than the much greater risk of conto live again. But not so fast: while a majority tracting COVID. Study after study shows that wanted to get vaxxed and get out there again, the experts urged ever more caution, even getting vaxxed saves lives and that, even if no vaccine is 100% effective, one’s risk of serious for the vaccinated. Joe Biden campaigned on a promise to “shut down the virus,” not the infection is drastically reduced through vaccination. But mistrust of authority (somewhat country, yet the threat of more lockdowns looms. Even now, the CDC and local govern- understandable given the CDC’s mismanagement of the crisis) and conspiratorial thinkments talk of rolling back the freedoms they had allowed us to reclaim. The “Delta surge” ing lead many to refuse to take the simple step that would lead to herd immunity and an end sounds like the next excuse to lock us down, to all of this. but its effect on the vaccinated is no greater We should not let either of these fears rule than that of any other variant. our city. We shouldn’t shame people who are Some of this is disagreement on facts, but most of it is disagreement on feelings, a differ- scared, but we should encourage them to be brave. It may seem absurd to treat irrational ence in risk tolerance and understanding of fear like it is based in reality, but we’re not golarge numbers. As Anthony Hennen wrote in this space last week: “Vaccines work. Masks ing to win over the fearful except by treating them with kindness and respect. aren’t necessary if you’re vaccinated.”

Be kind, but push for courage. The pandemSo what can we make of those on the left — those who once called lockdown opponents ic is on its way out; let’s take the opportunity to renew the ties of friendship that the lock“science-deniers” — who now deny science themselves in insisting that the vaccinated downs frayed.

KYLE SAMMIN

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4

STATE OF OUR CITY

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DOGS, BEER AND FUN STATE

OF OUR

CITY

NATIONAL LEMONADE DAY Image | Courtesy of Craft Hall

Sabrina’s Café is partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for a sweet lemony treat in the form of a lemonade stand in celebration of National Lemonade Day on Friday, Aug. 20. This charitable bash will run from 8am – 4pm. Folks are invited to stop by and sip on freshly squeezed lemonade, served on the newly renovated outdoor patio. Guests are welcome to pay as they see fit, and proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade, a pediatric cancer charity founded by Alexandra “Alex” Scott after her diagnosis with neuroblastoma. For details, visit sabrinascafe.com.

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Image | Punch Media

Craft Hall has announced a major expansion outside with the addition of the city’s only hybrid dog park and beer garden. At Unleashed Bark and Beer and Puppy Porch, dog owners and their four-legged friends are invited to enjoy the dog days of summer in the new off-leash dog park, beer garden and dog-friendly dining patio. Beer, wine, cocktails, themed cocktails and new dog cocktails will be available. For more information, visit crafthallphilly.com.

The current number of homicide victims year-to-date under Mayor Jim Kenney and District Attorney Larry Krasner’s leadership. This represents a 25 percent increase over the same time last year and is higher than the annual number of homicides that took place in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

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Kyle Sammin Senior Editor

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta.

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5

CRIMEBEAT

FOP President John McNesby says the city should send a message to criminals that ‘the police are coming, and they are not going to take any shit.’ Image | Courtesy of John McNesby

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‘COPS NEED TO BE COPS’ A conversation with FOP President John McNesby

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early every cop I’ve spoken to recently complains about a lack of support from the city’s leadership and the general public. I reached out to John McNesby, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Philadelphia Lodge #5, and asked him what needs to be done to show more support for cops.

“There is a lack of support across the board for police,” McNesby replied. “We’re seeing officers fired at a record rate. We got a district attorney who is arresting everybody without proper charges or probable cause, and they are all being found not guilty.”

McNesby said that morale is low in the Philadelphia Police Department because officers can’t get days off due to the dwindling ranks at roll calls.

“The lack of support is scary. I think every-

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

body is afraid of the media and they are gun shy about coming out and openly supporting the police. It’s a shame,” McNesby said. “But at the end of the day the officers know the FOP is behind them 100 percent.”

The FOP went all out in its support of Carlos Vega in the Democratic primary race against DA Larry Krasner. I asked McNesby if the FOP will support Republican candidate Chuck Peruto in the general election.

“I think Chuck Peruto is a good guy. I think his heart is in the right place, but the only thing that’s not in the right place is the numbers. There is an eight-to-one edge,” McNesby explained. “He’s got a better chance of getting on that next skyrocket to the moon than winning this election, but we’re going to support him.”

I suspect that many Democrats will cross party lines and vote for Peruto in the general

election. McNesby agreed. I asked what specifthey are not going to take any shit. Right now, ically the FOP has against Krasner. the players know there ain’t going to be any “He’s been a defense attorney his whole consequences. We need to change that atticareer, and he’s filed a number of tude and change the atmosphere,” lawsuits against the police, and he McNesby said. “You are not going believes the police are no good,” to buy your way out of this, pray McNesby replied. “It’s like we have your way out of it, or sing your way two public defenders in the city. out of it. They need to let us do our It’s also his lack of genuine conjobs. Cops need to be cops.” cern for the families who lost loved What are the primary goals of ones.” the FOP? McNesby added that Krasner is “The top goal is to make sure we more of an advocate for the crimdon’t lose another cop next year. inal defendant than the crime vicWe want the Police Department to tim. be fully staffed and equipped. We “There are not a whole lot of also want the police to work with people committing a whole lot of the community to get their support crime in the city. There is a small and full cooperation so we can stop amount of people committing a some of these murders.” whole lot of crime, and Krasner McNesby, a retired police offiseems to be letting them go out the cer, said he became an officer in PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM door.” the late-80s and was assigned to McNesby said there is a lack of the East Division. He served in the cooperation between the Philadelburglary detail, the narcotics detail phia police and the DA’s office, noting that Poand the East Division Task Force. In 2000, he lice Commissioner Outlaw does not appear at was transferred to the Narcotics Division and his press conferences, and he does not appear assigned to the Gun Violence Task Force. In at police press conferences.

2002 he was elected Vice President of the FOP, “Krasner has no cooperation with the Pennand in 2007 he was elected president. He has sylvania attorney general or the federal law been reelected four additional times. enforcement partners. One of his first acts I asked him if he would recommend that after he got elected was to drop out of the Disyoung people become cops. trict Attorney’s Association, which is a great “Absolutely,” he replied. “It is a great caresource for someone coming into office. He’s reer. It pays good and takes care of your famon an island by himself,” McNesby said. ily. And I think we can get this police departHe spoke of the crime surge in the city and ment back to where it needs to be.” what can be done to curb it.

Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears “We need to send a message to these thugs here each week. He can be reached via paulon the street that the police are coming, and davisoncrime.com.

PAUL DAVIS

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Rich Zeoli is one of the local voices on WPHT. Image | Courtesy of Audacy

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hiladelphia’s The Big Talker has a smallish mouth, but that’s OK with the bosses who have signed off on significant changes at our region’s leading conservative broadcaster. Bigger isn’t always better, they say.

WPHT/1210-AM knew change was coming for a while. We all did, after The Biggest Talker, Rush Limbaugh, announced last year he was dying of lung cancer.

Limbaugh helped create and shape the conservative movement, and revived the AM band, with power so great it was grudgingly acknowledged by NPR, which had to hate every corpuscle of his being.

“His voice entertained millions of listeners, cheered conservatives hungry to see their beliefs reflected on the airwaves, and elevated long-shot Republicans to national prominence,” wrote NPR media critic David Folkenflik. Presidents courted Limbaugh’s support.

Limbaugh’s death in February at age 70 blew a huge hole in the programming of the 650 radio stations, mostly AM, that carried him live every weekday. It was a seismic shock, and Limbaugh had anointed no heir.

Embracing the crisis, Audacy execs decided to turn it into an opportunity to expand local programming in Philly.

Auda-what?

After a 50-year run as Entercom Communications, in March the company rebranded it-

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

ON THE AIR

Philadelphia. self Audacy. In 2017, He looked at the Entercom acquired bullpen and saw CBS Radio (which Dom Giordano, owned WPHT) and a long-time talkhad become the No. show veteran who 2 radio broadcaster worked his way up after iHeartMedia from the bottom, (which distributed starting in 1987 with Limbaugh).

WDVT/900-AM, the In Philadelphia, talk station owned Audacy owns (by by broadcaster descending ratings Frank Ford. He then share, starting at worked overnights the top) WIP-FM, at WWDB/96.5-FM KYW-AM, WBEBbefore arriving at FM, WOGL-FM, WTWPHT two decades DY-FM, WPHT-AM. ago.

Until July, Taking LimWPHT’s weekday baugh’s time slot is local voice was just a challenge, says Mitwo shows – Rich chael Harrison, the Zeoli, 6-9 a.m., and founder of Talkers Dom Giordano, 9 magazine and a recognized talk a.m.-noon. After that, it was all radio authority. But it’s a smart syndication: Limbaugh at noon; move, he says, because Giordano Sean Hannity from 3-6 p.m.; Mark

BY STU BYKOFSKY is “the dean of Philadelphia talk Levin from 6-9; former NRA show hosts.” spokeswoman Dana Loesch from Still not filled is the morning 9-midnight; Coast to Coast, 1-5 time slot Giordano left, but you a.m.; Fox News Rundown, 5-6 a.m.

With Limbaugh gone, “we thought more can bet it will be someone with a local connecof a local story would be better for our listen- tion.

“I am not trying to be the new Rush or ers,” I am told by David Yadgaroff, senior vice president, and marketing manager for Audacy anything like that,” says Giordano, who is a

Changes at WPHT put Giordano in Limbaugh’s time slot

known quality in the Philadelphia market. His goal is to “get every listener and advertiser you possibly can” and make his show feel like a club of like-minded people, which is to say conservatives.

Before Limbaugh, the noon-3 time slot was kind of a death valley. Morning and afternoon drive time were all important, but Limbaugh changed that. “Since Rush took noon-3, it became appointment radio, one of the most desirable and important periods in talk radio,” says Harrison.

When Limbaugh died, his time slot was filled by a variety of guest hosts. Ratings dropped from 4 just before his death to 2.3 a month later. The slot was finally filled by Premiere Networks’ Clay Travis and Buck Sexton – two men to replace one Rush.

About 400 stations took the new show, says Harrison, with the rest either taking other syndicated shows, or filling the slot with local talent, as WPHT is doing. “The feeling in radio,” Harrison says, “is that a good local show will beat an equally good [nationally] syndicated show.”

The final Limbaugh time slot rating of 2.3 was just a little stronger than Giordano’s, who is very different from the man he is replacing.

Limbaugh prided himself on almost never having guests, because he felt – with some justification – he was more entertaining than they were. When he did have a guest, it was always someone he agreed with, or who agreed with him. No alternative views were welcome.

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Taking Limbaugh’s time slot is a challenge, says Michael Harrison, the founder of Talkers magazine and a recognized talk radio authority. Image | Courtesy of Michael Harrison

He always had callers waiting, but got to very few, as he talked, and talked and talked for three hours.

Conversely, Giordano treasures guests. “Big issues, big guests” is one of his catchphrases.

Most – but not all – guests agree with his point of view. Giordano tries to get elected officials on the air and on the record and relishes a good argument. He also takes plenty of phone calls.

After flying solo forever, a couple of years ago Giordano picked up an on-air sidekick in Dan Borowski, who produces the show, and who occasionally disagrees with Giordano’s opinions, which the host tolerates.

One thing Giordano never tolerates is anyone going racial. When he hears someone heading in that direction, he cuts them off.

He’s a bedrock conservative, but not a hater.

His mind can be changed. When Donald J. Trump announced his candidacy, Giordano was not a fan, but after Trump breezed to victory, Giordano became a strong defender of #45.

It’s easy to tell he’s a native of South Philly from his voice, less easy to tell he has an advanced degree. What I mean by that is he comes off more like a mechanic than a master’s in education.

In terms of style, the better choice to fill in for Limbaugh might have been New Jersey native Rich Zeoli, who uses heavy doses of hu-

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mor, which Limbaugh did, and which Giordano does not.

He was a successful political consultant when the broadcasting bug bit him on the doorstep of middle age. In 2010, he scrounged any job he could at WPHT, starting with a show heard only on the internet. He worked “whatever shift I could get,” the station’s gristle – nights, weekends. He made himself available, he had talent, and it paid off.

He admits to being “very libertarian,” against government control, regulation, and restriction. That can cause some tight threading of the needle, such as when he rails against authority, while reflexively backing the cops, the very symbol of authority.

He has the good fortune to have former TV anchor Dawn Stensland, with her infectious laugh, as his “news” person and second banana.

When I looked into the ratings, I was surprised that WPHT just barely cracked the top 20 – 19th place in the June Nielsen book – given that it’s only conservative competitor is low-rated WNTP/990-AM. Black talk WURD/900-AM aims at a radically different audience.

Being 19th is no big deal for WPHT, says Yadgaroff.

“It doesn’t have the same mass appeal nature as [all news] KYW or [all sports] WIP,” he SEE FEATURED, PAGE 8

Rich Zeoli uses heavy doses of humor, like Limbaugh did.

Dom Giordano does not. Image | Courtesy of Audacy

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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Unlike Rush Limbaugh, Dom Giordano treasures guests. ‘Big issues, big guests’ is one of his catchphrases.

Image | Courtesy of Audacy

FEATURED, FROM PAGE 7

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

says.

“It doesn’t have to crack the top 20 to be important,” says Harrison. “Some of the most successful people and shows don’t necessarily have the same ratings as you think of as mass media.”

Yadgaroff sees the station as “a boutique.

It’s like a high-end store in a mall that not everybody shops at, but those who shop at it, love it, and visit it frequently.”

I can’t say the station strikes me as a boutique. It carries many commercials from doctors and dentists, home remodelers, dog food makers and financial advisors, and its content is often guided by right-wing talking points.

The station declined to provide a list of its top advertisers, but did produce Scarborough research showing its audience is 70 percent

more likely to have a second home than the average household, 45 percent more likely to have a postgraduate degree, 66 percent more likely to be self-employed, 80 percent more likely to have a home valued at more than $500,000.

Then I take a second think and understand that Philadelphia is one of the most blue cities in the nation, and its once blood-red suburbs are turning purple, if not blue. Democrats recently captured Delaware County, once owned by the GOP. With Democrats holding a 7-1 voter registration edge in Philadelphia, there’s little appetite for conservative blather.

That’s why it is not fair to measure WPHT against sister stations WIP or KYW. Will Giordano be able to regain Limbaugh’s 4 rating?

Will the new 10 a.m.-noon host pull his or her weight?

Will these combined factors lift the station in the ratings?

And will it matter to the bosses who seem pretty content right now?

Stu Bykofsky served the Philadelphia Daily News as an editor, reporter and columnist for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2019. He now publishes at the centrist stubykofsky.com. Follow him on Twitter @ StuBykofsky.

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10

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

IN DEFENSE OF WORKING CLASS POWER “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as ‘right to work.’ It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights….Wherever these laws have been passed, wages are lower, job opportunities are fewer and there are no civil rights. We do not intend to let them do this to us. We demand this fraud be stopped.” – Martin Luther King Jr. Mark Mix (“Forced union dues fuel a culture of big labor corruption in Pennsylvania,” July 8 Voices) begins his anti-union tirade by focusing on the alleged actions of IBEW business agent John Dougherty and ends his piece asserting that Pennsylvania needs a “Right to Work” law to combat a “culture of corruption” led by union “bosses.” According to Mr. Mix, workers need to be saved from “compulsory unionism.” Contrary to Mr. Mix’s comments, there is no such thing as “compulsory unionism.” Unions are voluntary organizations.

Unions aren’t run by “bosses.” Members elect their representatives. The same cannot be said for Big Business or the organization Mr. Mix heads. When was the last time workers got to vote on their bosses?

Mr. Mix and Right to Work billionaire activists want to defund unions by inhibiting their ability to collect agency fees. This would render unions ineffective at representing workers on the job. The government has long ruled that unions must represent all workers at a workplace regardless of whether they are union members or not. In other words, non-members in a unionized workplace get to use the resources that dues-paying members provide. As unions are de-funded through “Right to Work” laws, unions will have to represent members with less resources, which means poorer quality representation, less means to enforce safety protections, and less resources to politically defend workers’ rights.

Presumably, Right to Work activists hope that a less effective union would result in more intense exploitation of workers (i.e. more work and less wages). dissatisfaction with unions would grow, and more workers would drop their dues and membership which would further defund unions and eliminate the workers’ movement.

Dues and agency fees allow workers to afford consistent contract and safety enforce-

ment. Employers routinely violate collective bargaining agreements, OSHA rules, and safety rules putting workers and the general public in danger. This was the reason workers and members of the public died when the old Salvation Army building on 22nd and Market streets in 2013. That collapse killed six people, injured 14 and caused severe loss to many who lost loved ones. For that reason, workers who benefit from collective bargaining agreements owe to their co-workers to pay dues (if they are members) or contribute to the resources they use through agency fees (if they are not members).

Mr. Mix ought to know that unlike the organization he works for, working-class people are not granted large sums of money from corporations in order for them to have their voices heard and their needs met. Rather, workers rely on each other to fund their common defense and generate collective power. In other words, we pay dues. We pay our share as a commitment to each other and our families. Mr. Mix wishes to isolate workers from each other and defund unions so that the dictatorship of the bosses and the dictatorship of corporate America can continue to go on unchecked.

Since 1999 Mr. Mix’s organization has spent nearly $44 million to promote anti-unionism and millions more through ads to support anti-union politicians. Why would a historic big business-funded organization spend tens of millions of dollars to “help” workers isolate themselves? One has to suppose that they are doing it for the same reasons a lion tries to isolate a gazelle from the rest of the pack: the pack provides strength in numbers. Isolation mitigates that power.

Working people are strong together and weak when divided. Right to Work has nothing to do with winning workers’ freedom or dignity. It is about stripping workers of the one tool they have to establish democracy. If Right to Work activists were really worried about the rights of workers, they would be outraged about the way multi-millionaires and billionaires abuse the wealth that workers generate. My guess is that workers at Amazon and elsewhere would not have voted for their hard-earned wealth to be spent on sending Jeff Bezos into orbit.

Dr. Keon Liberato-Mercedes is a Philly native, resident, father, railroad track worker and president of local 3012 Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division.

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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THE SHOUT OUT Image | Larry Bridges

The Eagles have opened training camp to prepare for the upcoming season.

Your turn: So how do you think the Birds will do this season? Any shot at the playoffs?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

VOICES OF OUR CITY

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PUT DOWN THE MASK: Or, how I learned to stop worrying and love the jab The line between caution and hysteria is a thin one. The recent rise in COVID cases has revealed that too many people in power during a plague means that they can mandate whatever they wish, and to oppose them is to be a crank.

After almost 18 months of lockdowns, restrictions, and mandates, we don’t need more knee-jerk responses. We need to focus on what keeps COVID hospitalizations and deaths low.

Getting more people vaccinated is paramount. Not another mask mandate for all.

Not more social distancing. It’s about vaccinations. The spike in cases is happening among the unvaccinated population. Public health efforts need to center on reaching out to the vaccine-hesitant. We do not need to restrict what vaccinated people can do. It’s a violation of their freedom, and it’s foolish public policy when we know the vaccinated are not a problem.

For one, resorting to universal masking, regardless of vaccination status, only makes getting more people vaccinated harder. If you have concerns about getting the vaccine, and you have to wear a mask even after getting vaccinated, then why bother? At least Gov. Wolf has the sense to recognize such foolishness.

“We did a masking mandate back when we vaccinated – the spike is driven by the unvaccinated, another point in favor of the effectivedidn’t have a vaccine, back in the early days, but we’re not there now,” Wolf told KDKA ra- ness of vaccines.

Getting vaccinated is especially important dio. “People have the ability as individuals to make the decision to get a vaccine, and if they for adults who have a medical condition. Since the plague reached America in March 2020, do that, that’s protection.” only 8 percent of adults hospitalThe vaccine-hesitant are already ized by COVID had no underlying worried about getting a jab – telling medical conditions, according to the them nothing will change beyond CDC. Of adults hospitalized with an angry “you won’t die” isn’t exactCOVID, almost 60 percent had hyly persuasive. The priority should pertension, 50 percent had obesity, be on increasing outreach efforts 43 percent had a metabolic disease, so health officials can hear the conand 36 percent had a cardiovascucerns of the hesitant, answer their lar disease (some conditions overquestions, and explain the benefits lapped). of the vaccine. Indignant anger What these numbers make clear doesn’t help, but treating adults is that healthy, vaccinated adults with dignity can go a long way. do not need mask mandates to stay Let’s also keep in mind that the safe. Adults with health complicarecent COVID rise has not been a tions who are vaccinated may need drastic spike. Even though COVID to mask in crowds, depending on cases have surged in recent weeks, @ANTHONYHENNEN what their doctor recommends. Unhospitalizations have only slightly vaccinated adults need to get jabbed increased, according to the CDC. Cases are 171 percent higher than two weeks as soon as possible to lower their chances of ago in Pennsylvania, but hospitalizations are a serious case or spreading it to adults with a only up 26 percent and deaths are down 49 per- medical condition.

What is not needed is public health officials cent. That’s a reflection that younger people exaggerating the threat that rising cases pose. are still susceptible to COVID and should get

ANTHONY

HENNEN

Breakthrough infections, where a vaccinated person catches COVID, are incredibly rare.

More than 161 million Americans have been vaccinated: Only 4,072 have been hospitalized due to COVID, and 849 people have died. Furthermore, 74 percent of those hospitalizations were among people older than 65.

Vaccines work. Masks aren’t necessary if you’re vaccinated.

It may be wise to recommend older Americans wear masks in some contexts, but general restrictions “due to an abundance of caution” are irrational and hysterical. They undermine public trust in vaccines and they show a level of fear wholly out of place in a free society.

Health officials and opportunistic politicians have implored the public to “follow the science” and “trust the science.” Most of us have. Vaccines are the key to a post-plague society not haunted by pain and death.

Let’s not grant politicians more power due to irrational fear. Let’s not undermine trust in vaccines by demanding the public dons the mask again.

Instead, let’s focus on persuading at-risk adults who are vaccine-hesitant that the jab is safe, and not freak out whenever case counts rise.

Thom Carroll

Enjoy the Region’s Trails

Run, walk or bike. Relax or play. Get into nature. Do what you love #OnTheCircuit.

circuittrails.org/mycircuittrails PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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VOICES OF OUR CITY

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PENNSYLVANIA MODERNIZES TECHNOLOGY POLICIES With the recent passing of House Bill 1621, Pennsylvania now has modernized its policies and laid the foundations for accelerating innovation and technology in the state’s commercial hubs, including Philadelphia. Also known as the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, the bill will streamline the deployment of small cells across the Commonwealth. Small cells, small sized antennas that are located on structures like streetlights and utility poles, increase wireless coverage and capacity and are critical to the development of the next generation of wireless networks, known as 5G. Wireless carriers have already launched 5G networks here in Philadelphia, but now with a streamlined process for deploying small cells, Image | Franck

more Philadelphians will experience the benefits of 5G with speeds up to 100 times faster and the ability to handle up to 100 times the number of connected devices compared to 4G. For innovators, 5G unlocks endless opportunities in digital health, public safety, manufacturing and many more sectors. And for the 23% of residents – disproportionately from underserved backgrounds – who lack reliable broadband at home, 5G means greater access to telehealth, remote learning and public services.

With a statewide process for small cell installation, Philadelphia and the Commonwealth are now poised to realize the benefits of 5G.

St. Martin Torrence, Government Affairs Manager for Crown Castle.

BILES OFFERS A TEACHING MOMENT

For all parents and those of us living with mental illness, Simone Biles’ withdrawal from Olympic competition recently is a teaching moment. The problem is, what do we teach?

Biles had to withdraw. No doubt about it.

The fact that her mind and body were not in sync as she stepped up to attempt moves that in many cases only she, no one else on the planet, has been able to complete, risked a terrible injury and a sure loss for her team. Had she competed she may have hurt herself badly enough to end her career. Had she competed her scores would have been so low that there’d be no chance her team could win. So she left the floor.

This is not unprecedented in sports. Zack Wheeler, the Phillies’ ace pitcher, could take the mound and pitch a no-hitter, only to come back five days later, not be able to keep his head in the game, and get shelled so badly that his coach pulls him out of the game early and replaces him.

In neither situation did the athlete quit.

That’s the first distinction we have to make. If Biles or the pitcher were quitters they would not be competing in elite sports and we would never have heard of them. An elite athlete gives their life to their sport. They focus only on technique, fitness and competition. It’s when the focus blurs that trouble begins.

So we must keep in mind, and must teach our children, that Biles’ has never quit and neither should they. When things get tough you stick it out, you show up, you do your best.

As of this writing, Biles was in Japan practicing so that she possibly could compete this week. If she gets her mind back into the state she, and her coach, need it to be she’ll take the floor. If not she won’t. She has spent a lifetime facing and overcoming adversity. She’ll know best. But she’ll try.

This is the lesson we must take away from this. It’s not OK to quit if you just don’t feel up to something or if things get too hard. But if an injury, physical or mental, makes it impossible to perform, you adjust as necessary. Maybe even withdraw. But then you get back at it and chase the goals you set for yourself.

Meaningful work is crucial to mental health and physical fitness. In every case we must continue to do the work. The lesson to never quit can be criticized. What, are we supposed to stay in a bad job or an abusive relationship?

Of course not. But if we can do the work and accept that quitting is not an option we will withdraw from bad or dangerous situations and get back to being healthy. To surrender to fate and stay in a bad situation is to quit. To stay focused and to do the work required to excel enables us to continue to move toward our

best.

Biles has the discipline to do this. We must develop it, too.

Then there’s the conversation about mental health that Biles’ and other athletes’ experience has intensified. In some sense this is a good thing. Any positive attention to mental health can help eliminate stigma, and most people place Biles’ example in a positive light.

But her struggles are temporary and situational.

A break in performance is not a mental illness. Biles, at least from her portrayal by USA Gymnastics, her coach and her interviews on NBC and other media, is not clinically ill. She can get up again and perform without severe medical intervention. She is not socially debilitated the way a person with severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia is. We must not conflate attention to positive mental health with attention to severe mental illness. To do this pathologizes a problem athletes have faced as long as there has been sports. To do so minimizes severe mental illness to a condition one can just get over if they change their mindset.

Neither is true.

Just as a person can have poor physical fitness without having a disease, a person can suffer poor mental health without suffering from a mental illness.

Let’s not lose sight of the people with true, serious, biologically-based mental illness through our efforts to normalize mental health challenges. In the broad scope of athletics and performance, in our efforts to teach the lesson “don’t quit,” we are normalizing what is normal.

We must not lose sight of the people with mental illness whose troubles go far beyond losing a medal or getting pulled from a baseball game. Treatment for their conditions are much more difficult, and their lives are much more difficult, than anything Simone Biles faces.

Let’s reach out to Biles with acceptance and encouragement. But let’s not confuse her troubles with those faced by people with mental illness. It’s like equating the flu which keeps a person in bed for a few days with cancer, which can keep a person in bed and kill them.

Let’s keep a sense of perspective. Biles’ situation is unfortunate but she’ll get over it. A person with serious mental illness will not get over it. They may find meaningful work and good medication and manage their illness well, they may succeed in life. But they will deal with it for a lifetime, not the few years a person competes in sports or the few days of the Olympics.

George Hofmann is the author of Resilience: Handling Anxiety in a Time of Crisis. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, their daughter and two poorly behaved dogs.

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY

Image | Courtesy of My Local Brew Works

International Beer Day is right around the corner on Aug. 6, and we’ve rounded up our favorite breweries, collabs, and beer pubs in the Philadelphia area to celebrate the special occasion with a pint in hand.

My Local Brew Works Frankford’s up-and-coming nano-brewery specializing in contract, special events, and direct-to-public brewing is saying cheers to International Beer Day just days later on Wednesday, Aug. 11 with a beer giveaway to the Philadelphia arts community. In honor of theater returning, My Local Brew Works is giving free four-packs of limited-edition, summer-inspired brews to light crews, grips, actors, performers, ticket booth workers, etc. from 1 – 5pm at The Wilma Theater along the Avenue of the Arts. 4500 Worth St. | mylocalbrewworks.com

Devil’s Den

The popular South Philly gastropub boasts one of the city’s largest curated craft beer selections – from Hazy IPAs to Belgian Stouts to German Wheat Beers. The ever-evolving rotating draft offerings include premier breweries such as SingleCut Beersmiths, SweetWater Brewing Co., Brewery Ommegang, and Left Hand Brewing Company. Imbibers may enjoy hard-to-find craft beer including Belgian Golden Ale La Chouffe (8% ABV) from Brasserie d’Achouffe. 1148 South 11th Street | 215-339-0855 | devilsdenphilly.com

East Passyunk Avenue

East Passyunk Avenue, home to more than 160 independently owned businesses in South Philadelphia, is no stranger to locally-sourced craft beer. Separatist Beer Project boasts a rotating menu of housemade brews available in drafts and crowlers, to be enjoyed for takeaway or sit-down at the uber-popular avenue location. Down the road at Stickman Brews, the local brewery puts American twists on Belgian-inspired beers, IPAs, and all things in-between. The Bottle Shop is a staple in the beer community for their impressive selection of domestic and craft brews, rare finds, plus a wide range of seltzers, ciders, and even fine wines. Check out the respective businesses’ websites for more info.

1904 E. Passyunk Avenue | visiteastpassyunk.com

Philadelphia Brewing Company

The brewery, located in Kensington, is raising a glass to International Beer Day on Friday, Aug. 6 while enjoying live jazz music from the loading dock for the brand-new summer series from 8 – 10pm, happening every Friday.

Beer lovers can enjoy an array of signature brews such as the Kenzinger and Walt Wit – ideal for sipping amidst the famed beer garden. 2440 Frankford Ave | 215-4272739 | philadelphiabrewing.com

2SP Brewing and Wawa

2SP Brewing Company and Wawa are back at it with another brew-tastic collaboration – this time featuring the ultimate shore sipping brew. Delaware County neighbors and friends have created Sunfest Strawberry Lemonade Shandy, a crushable, light-bodied beach beer with a touch of sweetness made with Wawa’s fresh lemonade. 120 Concord Rd #101-103 | 484-483-7860 | 2spbrewing.com

Image | Courtesy of 2SP Brewing Company

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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THE RUNDOWN

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Philly Tailgate Games

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the pregame will be “the game” at Wells Fargo Center when the arena hosts The Philly Tailgate Games presented by Yuengling Traditional Lager.

At this block-party-style event, fans can close out their summer and kick-off tailgate season by competing for tailgate glory in games like Cornhole, Ladder Golf, Washers, Jenga, and more for epic prizes like a year of free beer and Flyers season tickets. The games will also feature great food, great Yuengling beers, and live music from Lost in Paris right outside Wells Fargo Center. Noon. wellsfargocenterphilly.com

From tailgate parties to a great flea market and more, here are a few things you won’t want to miss.

Image courtesy: visitphilly.com

Party, shop, listen to music One Africa! One Nation Uhuru Flea Market

Ghostly Circus: Portals

One Africa! One Nation Uhuru Flea Market is an economic development institution of the African Peoples Education and Defense Fund and Black Star Industries. For the last 16 years, this seasonal market has provided opportunities for budding and established small business owners to build their customer base, as well as learn important tools such as marketing and merchandising. Vendors make and sell a wide array of products for the whole family, including body butters, plants, custom clothing, home goods, vintage items and more! Clark Park. Aug. 14 at 9am. uhurufleamarket.blogspot.com

The Ghostly Circus returns to historic Fort Mifflin to stage its latest otherworldly production, “Portals.” Now in its eighth year, the Ghostly Circus will bring music, dance, art and performance experiences of a decidedly supernatural nature for one night only to what many consider the most haunted location in Philadelphia. In “Portals,” attendees will explore the historic barracks and armories of Fort Mifflin while taking part in an interactive storytelling experience. “Portals” will be available for one night only on Saturday, Aug. 14. There will be an all-ages showing at 6pm, followed by a 21-plus showing at 8:30pm and an after-hours dance party at 10pm featuring DJs Illexxandra and Tektite. Tickets: 7textures.com/ghostlycircus

An Evening of Vocal Fireworks: Amici e Rivali

The Unlikely Candidates

Two of opera’s most thrilling tenors, Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres, come together for an evening of vocal pyrotechnics, picnics under the stars, and a dazzling fireworks display as part of the Mann’s Summer Picnic Series. Following the release of their critically acclaimed album, Amici e Rivali (Friends & Rivals), the “dueling tenors” reunite for a friendly sing-off of opera favorites and a few surprises. The evening concludes with a fireworks display high above the Fairmount Park concert venue. The Mann Center for the Performing Arts.

Aug. 26 at 7pm. operaphila.org

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Indie-rock radio hitmakers The Unlikely Candidates are back with their first headline tour since the start of the pandemic and will be in Philadelphia on Oct. 11 at Milkboy Philly. The Unlikely Candidates have just released their new radio single for “Gemini,” which sounds like old school Maroon 5. The track is the follow up to their previous radio singles, “High Low” and their first No. 1 Alt Radio Hit “Novocaine.” Tickets: eventbrite. com

THE RUNDOWN

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Sebastian Maniscalco

Touted as “…the hottest comic in America,” by The New York Times, Sebastian Maniscalco has celebrated heights only a few comedians ever achieve. Currently on the road for his new “Nobody Does This Tour,” the man Vulture said, “built a tremendous fan base the old-fashioned way: one joke at a time, one audience at the time,” has announced over 15 arena dates for the second leg of the blockbuster tour, including a stop at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 24. WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com

Want to laugh at one of today’s hottest comics? Or would you rather take in some great pro wrestling?

Or both? Here are a few events that you’ll want to put on your calendar.

Laugh, cheer, take in some art Theatre on the Verge Presents: As You Like It

Physical comedy, live music, and Shakespeare’s classic verse combine for a compelling evening at Theatre on the Verge’s flagship production of As You Like It. It opens on Aug. 7 at Green Lane Park and continues Aug. 12 through Aug. 15 at the Abington Art Center. All performances are outdoors, so bringing a blanket and/or chairs is encouraged. Admission is free, but donations are always gratefully accepted and appreciated via GoFundMe. Find more info at instagram. com/theatreontheverge

Glory By Honor

For the first time in nearly two years, Ring of Honor is returning to the historic 2300 Arena in the City of Brotherly Love for not one, but two live events: ROH presents Glory

By Honor Night 1 on Friday, Aug. 20 and Glory By Honor Night 2 on Saturday, Aug. 21. Both shows will be streamed live for HonorClub. GBH Night 1 is headlined by Flip Gordon challenging for the ROH World Championship, while Night 2 features current ROH World Champion RUSH and Dragon Lee of La Faccion Ingobernable against Bandido and Rey Horus. 2300 Arena. 2300 S. Swanson St. Bell time: 7pm. rohwrestling.com

Big Thief

Big Thief, known for its albums, “U.F.O.F.” and “Two Hands,” is back on the road. Check them out in Philly on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 at Union Transfer. The shows are sold out, but check utphilly.com for a waiting list.

SPILL: Recent Paintings by Joseph Miceli

Hello World presents an exhibition of ink paintings on paper

by Philadelphia artist Joseph Miceli. This exhibition of recent work opens in The Small Gallery continues through Sept. 30.

The Small Gallery at Hello World is located at 3661 Walnut Street in the heart of University City. Joseph’s imagery inhabits an elusive periphery heightened by the alluring interplay of his reservoir of narrative elements. Although his symbolic temperament and constructs appear familiar, the undertones originate in the residue of lingering memories and current societal realities. shophelloworld.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Image | Gerd Altmann

ICEPACK

BLOWN COVERAGE News outlets fail in reporting on hit-and-run

BY A.D. AMOROSI

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

I

t’s the first week of August. You’re busy gasping for air, pulling down your masks in the humidity. Who could concentrate or express themselves, broadly, beyond thought bubbles through this heat? With this hottest month, then, it’s time for A.D.’s short attention span theater, and a bunch of short hard jabs, wonky random observations and rude news blips.

Why so little coverage?

So, was it me or did the Philly Inquirer

avoid any real, deep reporting on last week’s angrily tragic intentional hit-and-run that found one Steak 48 mother-of-three, Adriana Moreno-Sanchez, dead, and a handful of others horribly wounded? I knew more from Inky’s front pages about COVID-kids going to back to school (yawn), spiking local tornado counts (double yawn, who doesn’t leave a room when someone boringly espouses extensively on rain and wind), and the mess of Sixers Ben Simmons and Daryl Morey (triple yawn, mega ugh) than the depths of the depravity that was that hit-and-run. Actually very few outlets and writers I would’ve expected to hear from had anything to say about this, save for 6ABC’s Dan Cuellar’s live and doggedly on-the-case reporting. So, why so little news of this beyond Action News? If the cops and those in psychiatric care dropped the ball on the guy who did the killing, why don’t we know this?

Now hiring Since it was Montco police who caught the driver in the Steak 48 murder, it is weirdly interesting to note that Montgomery County’s Correctional Facility and its Department of Human Resources just announced they’re seeking qualified applicants for correctional officer jobs. Is Montco here to buck the defund-the-police trend?

Simmons’ trade price Going backward to speak on Ben Simmons (yeah, I know what I just said), and maybe Sixers’ owner Michael Rubin: the top ticket asking price that you’re looking for in trading Simmons to the Spurs or the Warriors (rumored in sports circles to be four, first-round

picks, three pick swaps, and a young player in exchange for Simmons). Sixers front office, you do know Ben’s on the losing side of bozo, that the reason you’re getting rid of him is because he blows (or at least blows in Philly) and cost us a title? You’re going to be lucky if you get four good tires for him.

Meek Mill lobbies Senate Now, I would normally call on Philly’s Meek Mill to pull out his pal card with 76ers owner Rubin, help out here, and bring some sense to the trade. But Millie is actually smartly busy in an activist, socio-political sense with his calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to bring about criminal justice reform at the national level through the “Protect Our People” campaign.

Uninterrupted and More Than A Vote, both started by LeBron James, numbers among its members such luminaries as WNBA baller Natasha Cloud, Kevin Hart, dog killer Michael Vick, and OH WTF Ben Simmons. C’mon, man.

Great start for pitcher Quick slide from b-ball to baseball to welcome pitcher Kyle Gibson to the mound, especially since he made a strong Phillies debut in his weekend 15-4 win over the Pirates. He reminds me of another Phillies classic thrower, Hall of Famer Jim Bunning – the pitching and his baseball unionizing innovations, hopefully not all of his politics.

No Boss rest stop NJ isn’t just for cops who are pissed off they can’t stop the underage drinkers hanging around the bars in its shore towns. The late likes of James Gandolfini, Celia Cruz, Frank

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Sinatra and Whitney Houston, along with variants, freaking out about Fauci’s call for Jon Bon Jovi, Connie Chung, Toni and Judy a potential third round of vax shots and new Blume – New Jersey-ans all – got their roses mandates – I reached out this week to drag enlast week with a series of Jersey Turnpike-aptertainer Anthony Mauriello, better known as proved Garden State Parkway rest stops. Atza Maria TopCatt. nize. Then again, why no Springsteen? Now This Drag Mafia soldier and the celebrated that he’s on Broadway and writing books with creator of TopCatt Cabaret, the last WednesObama, is he too good for a rest stop? day of every month at Concourse Dance Bar, Comcast profit spikes of course, took some time for self-care and Along with its pandemic pausing, plan to feature resome binge watchal-time Olympic ing, and perfecting footage into coma few skills, “that I mercials during an thought I was pretOlympics no one ty good at but found watched anyway room for improve(with an expected ment. Those skills high rate of profwere drinking and it despite athlete eating!,” laughs dropouts and twistTopCatt. “Now, I’ve ies), Philly’s fave cawalked A LOT to bler, Comcast saw burn off those extra a massive Q2 profit pounds. I wake up, rise due to huge pop in my earbuds sales of its broadand just walk as far band services (and as my feet would yet, their phones take me. Very Forare for shit) and a rest Gump of me, I quick rebound in know. I also finally business at NBCUmoved into my own niversal. Good for place, so painting Brian Roberts, Daand decorating vid L. Cohen & Co. a house became Now, make those skills.” bundling packages TopCatt seems Image | Courtesy of Anthony Mauriello better, would you? iffy about wearing New music masks. A fave mask In preparation for his Pink Moon tour (he’ll was given to the drag doyenne by dear friend hit Philly’s TLA in November), soft, but swagand fellow drag colleague Eric Jaffe. “We were gering Philly nu-soul lion Pink Sweat$ just at a gig and I really needed a mask for this teamed up with the equally swaggering but new outfit because I left the matching mask soft IV Jay for a steamy new track “Vibrate” that I had made at home, and I could NOT put and its swell, corresponding video. “Vibrate” on a mask that didn’t match my outfit AND I is the first song from IV’s upcoming EP, execreally wanted to wear this new really cute oututive produced by Pink Sweat$, who also got fit that I made specially for this gig! Eric then tagged as a co-writer on her previous 5TH ELreaches in their bag and pulls out this mask EMENT EP. and hands it to me! It went perfectly with the Tony Luke Jr. album look, and it was over the top! Queens helping The 2300 Arena finally hosted a party the queens, one magical mask at a time.” But, ask other day for sous vide sandwich king, actor TopCatt what will be the fate of the mask goand singer Tony Luke, Jr. for his debut album ing forward, the drag doyenne jokes, “Burn “Strong In Broken Places,” which happens to it! I’m kidding! I spent way too much money be dedicated to his son, Tony III, who passed on them to throw them away. And all of them away from a heroin overdose four years ago. have different stories attached to them…. I’m Raise a glass to the two Tonys. The album just trying to follow the guidance of science! If was released in June, features a handsome they say ‘put it on so we can continue to precover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirvent,’ then sure enough I will and I will do it ror,” and finds its proceeds going to the Sound in style!”

Mind Network for those struggling with menCurrently, Maria is prepping for the metal health and addiction issues. ga-reveal of TopCatt Cabaret, “my biggest Masked Philly: Anthony Mauriello/Malineup yet, with the biggest names I’ve had ria TopCatt the pleasure of working with. I am consumed In Icepack’s too-long and overly complex with preparations for that show! Feathers, and continuing saga of asking mask-donning sequins, fringe, it’s everywhere! But, I have a local celebrities what they’ve been up to, benice long week planned to unplug from everyyond the pale, during C-19 – from lockdown to thing and relax… so I’ll just be tumble weedthe current reopening, present-day unmask- ing around and I can’t wait to do nothing.” ing and re-masking, worrying about Delta

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MUSIC

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‘My music is my healing place’ P

BY EUGENE ZENYATTA

Danie Ocean and her band hit the stage again on Aug. 14

Danie Ocean and her band will be returning to the stage at Winding Way Record’s Music in the Park alongside other special guests on Aug. 14 at Clem Macrone Park in Bryn Mawr. From left are John Fisher, Rochelle Kilson-Drayton, Danie Ocean and Bill Giffear. Image | Courtesy of Winding Way Records

AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

hiladelphia area singer-songwriter Danie Ocean has a rare condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa, causing her to be legally blind by the age of 24.

Now 36, she uses her talent and platform to spread her message that anyone can use their gifts to overcome life’s obstacles. Trained as a clinical therapist, she consistently strives to find the connection between art and healing. This has allowed Ocean to share a deep emotional connection with her listeners.

“As someone who is visually disabled, I know that everyone is going through something. My music is my healing place; my hope is that others find the same healing in it,” she said.

Ocean and her band will be returning to the stage at Winding Way Record’s Music in the Park alongside other special guests.

This outdoor concert will be held at Clem Macrone Park in Bryn Mawr Aug. 14 at 5pm. Reserve your free tickets at windingwayrecords.com.

Ocean captivates listeners with a “Nu Soul” sound; combining elements of R&B, jazz, soul, and pop into one unique and eclectic mix. She is best known for her powerhouse vocals on her originals that grab your attention, and her diverse catalog of creative covers (Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Hall & Oates, Jill Scott, Paramore, Bill Withers) which span the ‘70s to present.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Ocean was named amongst the Top 40 African American Millennials Who are Making a Difference in Pennsylvania by Gov. Wolf.

During the pandemic, Ocean didn’t stop working. Instead, she teamed with industry legend and Grammy Award-winning producer Vidal Davis, who has worked with Kanye West, Justin Beiber, Usher, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Jamie Foxx, Musiq Soulchild, and others, to produce an LP entitled “Love Won’t Let Me Fail.” She recorded and distributed the LP herself.

PW recently caught up with Ocean to talk about her career and the upcoming show.

Let’s go back to the beginning. When did you become interested in music? Who were some of your early influences?

As long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with music. My parents collected albums

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

like some people collect books, so instead of shelves of books in my house we had bookcases of albums, and I was always reaching for something new.

I am deeply influenced by classic R&B, jazz, singer-songwriter/folk, and pop music.

I grew up with MTV and Napster. They both introduced me to music that I might have not been introduced to. I’m really grateful for that because I think it’s made me a well-rounded musician using varying styles in my music.

Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and India Arie are probably some of the most influential to my heart space.

You use your talent and platform to spread your message that anyone can use their gifts to overcome life’s obstacles. Talk

a little about how being visually disabled influences your music.

It’s not easy being a visually divergent musician. Life can disable you if you let it. When I get ready for a gig, I create a scene or a vibe in my head that I’m going for and I execute. In that space I am the creator, author, and hero of all my dreams. When I am in the space or creating, collaborating, or performing I get to reclaim my power back from all things that feel too hard to manage. I’m so thankful that I’ve developed enough courage and resilience to keep practicing what I love so much.

You kept working during the pandemic, teaming with Vidal Davis on “Love Won’t Let Me Fail.” Did you encounter any production challenges?

I worked with Vidal Davis and the Danie Ocean Band in 2018 for the album “Love Won’t Let Me Fail.” It was grounding to work with a Grammy Award-winning producer. I felt like he saw me and got my vision and who I was an artist. I’m really grateful for that experience.

Right before the pandemic hit, the band and I were working on a new album and then everything shut down. I came out with two solo albums, a self-titled album “Danie Ocean” and the album “The Awakening” which are both on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play and Tidal. Those albums are incredibly special to me because I play all the instrumentation on the albums as well as doing all the production. It was a real creative and skill stretch for me, but because the pandemic afforded me so much

19

time, I was up for the challenge. I am really proud of myself and the vulnerability I was able to have in that album because I was going through a lot of deep grieving.

What’s ahead for you in the coming months?

The Danie Ocean Band has a gig on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 5pm (Clem Macrone Park, Radnor), and we are working on a new band album that will include some tunes we have been performing for the past two years. For some of our fans, this will be a long awaited reunion. I am also working on a new solo album called “Love Monk.” My hope is both of these albums will be out by the end of this year. For more details and updates, you can visit my website: danieocean.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021

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AUGUST 5 - 12, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

SEX WITH TIMAREE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE LOWDOWN on getting it up of emotions, hormones, nerves and muscles.

Editor’s note: This “Best of Sex with Timaree” first appeared in the Dec. 10, 2020, There are many reasons for a disruption to edition of PW. this largely unconscious bodily response. That Q: Hey hey. I use Viagra and other pills to includes stress, which can create a feedback help my ED. But lately they aren’t helping. loop of anxiety about sexual performance that I do get an erection, but it doesn’t last. What leads to even further difficulties. Given how else can I do? Any suggestions? Please help! goddamn “unprecedented” everything is in I should work on my flow chart making 2020, it would be understandable that someone skills, because boy howdy, there are a lot of might be depressed or anxious, which then inpotential answers to this. Like A LOT. Ultifluences desire, arousal and sexual response. mately, most result in suggesting Addressing psychological barriyou talk to your medical doctor, ers to erection may vary from TBH. professional sex therapy and Let me start by stating that sensate focus techniques to you’re far from alone here. Erecgeneral stress reduction tactile dysfunction is the most comtics, exercise and talk therapy. mon sexual issue that men reSometimes it’s about reframing port to their doctors. Clinically, expectations for a given encounED is defined as trouble getting ter and taking off the pressure of or sustaining an erection for the goal-oriented sex. kind of sex you want to be havI’ve spoken to a number of ing. men who know that the first sexA rigid dick isn’t necessary ual encounter they have with a for satisfactory sexual experinew partner always causes them ences, but not being able to enstress-related sexual response gage in the kind of sex you like issues. Maybe it’s cumming can be really frustrating and faster than they want, not being @TIMAREE_LEIGH stressful. able to cum, or having trouble First, I’m with erecgonna back tions. These the truck all guys may the way up stick to sex and review acts that won’t how erecthem require tions work. maintaining You probably an erection know that for their partarousal causner’s pleasure es blood to initially, and flow into the save the more penis. Specifidemanding cally, it causes activities for a release of when they’re nitric oxide, which increases the amount of more comfortable. blood that is flowing into the erectile tissue, Physical reasons for erection difficulties are while the veins collapse down that normally even more common. Heart disease, smoking, allow that blood to flow back out, keeping it in high cholesterol, and alcohol consumption the penis. are big ones. Medical conditions can be the Figure out where in that process your erecculprit: Diabetes, Parkinson’s, multiple scletion difficulties are happening, and maybe that rosis, sleep disorders, obesity, and treatment can point to the cause. But despite my high for prostate issues. Many medications can afschool theology teacher’s assertion that “men fect erections too: Diuretics, chemotherapy, are like microwaves and women are like ovmuscle relaxers, drugs for high blood presens,” male sexual arousal is actually complex sure, antihistamines and notoriously: Some and involves not just penis veins but also a lot anti-depressants. I’ve talked to guys who went

DR.TIMAREE SCHMIT

“Despite my high school theology teacher’s assertion that ‘men are like microwaves and women are like ovens,’ male sexual arousal is actually complex and involves not just penis veins but also a lot of emotions, hormones, nerves and muscles.”

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY on cross-country bike rides and temporarily found themselves unable to get hard. The list goes on.

Since there are so many potential explanations, the solutions will be as varied.

Doctors make the general recommendation that anything that’s good for your health is good for your erection.

It’s vital to manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, stop smoking and limit drug and alcohol consumption, get regular exercise, eat healthier, and take steps to manage stress and other mental health issues.

Because erection issues can be a symptom of some other, underlying medical issue, I can’t recommend enough that you connect with your doctor and make sure there’s not something more serious at play. At minimum, they might need to change up your medications.

Beyond trying a different pill, there are other options: Testosterone therapy, penile injections (some administered by doctors, some can be done by yourself), intraurethral or intracavernosal medications, and vacuum erection devices. In clinical trials, even shockwave therapy and injections of plasma and stem cells have shown results.

If all of the above fails, there are surgical options too.

One implant is a bendable rod, often made

SEX WITH TIMAREE of silicone, that can be angled up or down and provides consistent firmness. Another implant is inflatable – two cylinders inside the penis can be pumped up to create an erection where the stiffness can be controlled.

Like all operations, there is a degree of risk and need for recovery time. On the upside, surgical implants allow for more spontaneous sex than some other options, since you don’t need to wait for a medication to work.

Imagine if science put that much thought into most medical issues. The mind reels.

Anyway, you have options. In the meantime, while you’re figuring out a long-term solution, you can use this time to approach sex from a new angle.

Instead of looking at it like a sport where you need specific equipment and success is defined narrowly, consider treating sex like a playground.

Explore your partner’s body like it’s the first time you’ve seen it.

Sex can be a creative, sensory adventure where the aim is simply to connect and have fun.

Sexual dysfunction is often defined by things not going the way you want or expect them to, but if you can break away from those expectations you just might find out that sex can be a whole lot more interesting.

Have a question for Dr. Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.

“Because erection issues can be a symptom of some other, underlying medical issue, I can’t recommend enough that you connect with your doctor and make sure there’s not something more serious at play.”

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Legal Notices

Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart, 456 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)922-3715 to satisfy a lien on August 10th, 2021 at approx.6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: A090 Stephen Virelli

Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by 1645 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (445)300-5955 to satisfy a lien on August 10th, 2021 at approx.

8:00pm PM: www.storagetreasures.com: James Gibbs #5147

Legal Notice STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHARLESTON IN THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DOCKET NO. 2021-DR- 10 -1241 SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES VERSUS Taneesha L. Jackson & Tracey Epps DEFENDANTS. IN THE INTERESTS OF: MINOR CHILDREN BORN: 2011, 2013, 2017 TO DEFENDANT: Tracey Epps YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action filed with the Clerk of Court for Charleston County on April 23, 2021. Upon proof of interest, a copy of the Complaint will be delivered to you upon request from the Charleston County Clerk of Court, and you must serve a copy of your Answer to the Complaint on the Plaintiff, the South Carolina Department of Social Services, at the office of its Attorney, Kenneth Murphy, II Legal Department of the Charleston County Department of Social Services, 3366 Rivers Ave., N. Charleston, SC 29405 within thirty (30) days of this publication, exclusive of the date of service. If you fail to answer within the time set forth above, the Plaintiff will proceed to seek relief from the Court. Kenneth Murphy, II, SC Bar # 101817, 3366 Rivers Ave. N. Charleston, SC 29405, 843-953-9625

Full Time Flagger Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites.

A valid drivers license is a must, good pay & benefits.

If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Boulevard King Of Prussia, PA 19406 on Mondays 9am -12pm or apply online at or online at www.trafficplan.com U PENN RESEARCH STUDY Are you or someone you know living with HIV and struggling with feeling down lately? You may be eligible for a research study using an FDA approved antidepressant medication and teletherapy at the U OF PA. 10 wk study. Must be 18–70 years old & HIV positive.

Compensation provided.

Call 215-573-2881.

Teaching Position - F/T Teacher Assistants PT/FT, experience preferred.

Email resume: amanda@alphabetacademy .com

GENERAL AND TREATMENT FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED Open your heart and home to children of all ages New Foundations, Inc. 215-203-8733 www.nfi4kids.org

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General Employment

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Local South Philly Haunted House looking for haunters & make up artists. Go to: frightfactoryphilly.com or Call 215.33.ghost PAID RESEARCH SUBJECT SPACE MISSION SIMULATION 8 day study of resilience at U. of PA. Must be healthy, about 27-55 yr. old with BS/BA or military exp.Compensated time & travel.

Call 215-573-5855 Public Notice Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless is proposing to collocate antennas on an existing 131.8-ft tall water tank located at 2001 Constitution Ave, Philadelphia, Phila. Co, PA 19112 (39° 53’ 28.8” N / 75° 11’ 12.6” W). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: K. Eisele, Terracon, 844 N. Lenola Rd, Ste 1, Moorestown, NJ 08057, 856-813-3267, or Kathy.eisele@ terracon.com

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