Philadelphia Weekly | January 23 – 30, 2020

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He is

Philly Jesus’ journey to hell and back You won’t believe what one man saw while riding SEPTA | Page: 12

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FROM THE EDITOR

Brother Divine

had only heard about the man in our forced Grant to change his life – or so he tells cover story before I ran into him in our writer.

Old City in 2016.

I remember a guy that day who was spacey, Michael Grant pretended to but charismatic, forlorn, yet prideful in that “anoint” my infant son and then we felt he was serving a higher purpose or asked me for $5 for the photo opp. I calling, so to speak. It was one of those memgave it to him, figuring $5 ories where I can recall thinking “wow, I finally ran into this, dude,” for the Gram was worth the 36 peofollowed by “of course, he’s asking ple who would ultimately like the me for money.” photo and that I was helping a local There’s something to be said for guy with a pretty popular act. people who hit rock bottom and can I never thought to realize that I pick themselves up. I think it serves was feeding into a serious addiction as inspiration for those looking to and a story of how feeling unwantblaze a similar trail but don’t know ed, mistreated and ostracized led to how or where to begin. chasing pain medications, which led It was through getting locked up, to perusing the notorious streets of a lenient judge – and a bit of white Kensington, hoping to score. privilege – that aided in Grant’s refTo people who have encountered ormation, ending up in a sober livGrant on the street, he’s Philadeling house which set him on the path phia’s version of the Naked Cowof righteousness he claims he’s on boy in Times Square or the scores @SPRTSWTR now. of people dressed as The last time I superheroes along saw Grant dressed Hollywood Bouleas Philly Jesus was vard. But to those who two years ago swingknow him, they know ing on the outside of how pills gave way carousel that comes to heroin and life deto the City Hall courtrailed by drugs. yard each Christmas, People who knew pretending he was him told me that bestowing miracles he “was crazy,” or on all the onlook“why would you let ers with their cell that disgusting guy phones out, arguably touch your baby?” going after the same I only saw him as a Instagram-worthy guy with a schtick, moment I was a few one that would make years prior. for a good laugh. But Two years is a long knowing what Grant time ago, however was doing to himself and a lot can change. when he took off the In the story you’ll cloak and put down read in this week’s the staff is quite the issue, it appears the tale of woe you can life of Michael Grant read right here. (aka Philly Jesus) has I don’t want to give changed for the better too much of the piece – literally through his away written by PW newcomer Jason N. Peters (@jpeters2100), but belief in divine intervention.

I, for one, certainly pray he’s telling the it brings a lot of joy to find out this tale of reformation and how his belief in a higher power truth.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

GoPuff, the idea of two Drexel grads, has reportedly now turned into a near $1 billion munchies empire. It’s been said that GoPuff could rival beloved franchises like Wawa in Philadelphia due to its ease of convenience and selection.

Is this a crazy idea? Could GoPuff, which hawks all the snacks and more you could want when you want them for...whatever reason, actually surpass Wawa as a goto munchies destination in the Greater Philadelphia Region? Whether you think it could be on its way or how it’ll be a cold day in hell before that ever happens we’d love your thoughts. Tell us via voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

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Coming for that No. 1 spot

STATE

OF OUR

CITY

An ode to crap For the past few weeks, a water main break and subsequent sinkhole along North 3rd St., in Old City has been a veritable pain in the ass for both the residents – but perhaps most importantly the businesses that live along the corridor. If there is one good thing to come from it, it’s a cocktail called the “Sinkhole Special” artisans from Art in the Age have constructed in its infamous honor. For $12, show AITA some love and try this drink made with Kinsey Rye Whiskey, Sierra Fig Cordial, Averna, and cacao and macadamia bitters, and garnished with bruleed orange peel, cacao nibs, and – almost perfectly – a mini shovel.

The number of years North Philly native Theophalis “Bilaal” Wilson spent in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Wilson was convicted of a triple murder in 1989, but was released Tuesday in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas. He’s the 12th person to be exonerated under DA Larry Krasner’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).

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Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher Kerith Gabriel Editor in Chief

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To contact the news department: mail@philadelphiaweekly.com.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

THEY SAID IT...

“Interesting that this only became a story after [the smell] starting hitting the rich areas of Delco. I guess others are just used to it... reminder that we live near some of the most polluted areas of the country.”

— Everyone knows that the comments often times on an Inquirer story are better than the story itself. This one came from reader BMcNulty, who chimed in on the online Inky headline: “Delco stinks, County and State officials are trying to figure out why.”

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Now this is rich

Imagine your car is impounded. Sucks right? Now imagine while it was in the impound a police officer allowed his stepdaughter to use it at her high school prom. From the files of #OnlyInPhilly, former city cop James Coolen Jr. pleaded guilty to this on Jan. 16 and was sentenced to 12 months of probation for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle after taking someone’s confiscated 2018 Porsche Cayenne from the PPD’s evidence parking lot.

OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

“It smells like a dead possum’s ass crack down here.”

— We hope to never find out what that smells like but we couldn’t help but laugh while we waited at the Lombard-South stop alongside a group of well-dressed dudes waiting for the Northbound subway train along SEPTA’s Broad Street Line on Jan. 19.

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“I was always afraid of needles so I had someone shoot it up for me…. I’d turn my head and have an old woman shoot me up.”

– Michael Grant, aka Philly Jesus

From addict Michael Grant transformed into Philly Jesus.

Almost every day you can find Mike dressed as Jesus Christ spreading positivity throughout Philadelphia. Image | Jason N. Peters

How Philly Jesus beat his addiction through faith

“T

o get high off the stuff you At 16 years old, the man who would later be known as “Philly Jesus” was in the early need to take 16 at a time … throes of drug addiction. Mike went to rehab as a teenager following this Coricidin I doubled the dose overdose – it would be neither his first nor his first stint in rehab. because I wasn’t BY JASON overdose Michael Grant was born in CottN. PETERS man in 1986 and raised in the neighfeeling the same borhood of Olney. Early exposure to effects, and they thought I narcotics and an addictive personality blazed a trail for what would become a dewas trying to kill myself,” Mike ex- cade-long battle with drug abuse.

The story of Philly Jesus is a familiar tale, plained. “I overdosed on Coricidin” with an unusual ending. The story of a shy adwho turned to drugs to fit in. Those (an over-the-counter cold and flu olescent drugs immediately caught up to him, but he seemed to kick the habit by 17. medicine).

Then at 19 years old, following a traumatic

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

injury, Mike left the hospital with “prescriptions of morphine, Percocets, and opiates.” After initially taking only what was prescribed to him, he began to abuse his pain medicine.

Once Mike’s family found out about his drug abuse, they “cut me off to my supply by speaking to my doctor … so I went to the street, I found out about pills on the street and powder form heroin. I began snorting heroin. My tolerance was building up, I was resilient to my normal dosage. Then I was introduced to shooting it up, but I was always afraid of needles so I had someone shoot it up for me…. I’d turn my head and have an old woman shoot me up.”

That is the story of millions of Americans.

The ritual is the same across the country, individuals with a predisposition to drug addic-

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tion are triggered by prescription drugs, then, his path to sobriety and re-built his relationafter they’re hooked on prescription drugs, ship with Jesus. they turn to the street. Addicts introduced to Mike didn’t enjoy his time in rehab. Socialprescription drugs often climb up the “Perc ly he struggled, that’s partially why he got ladder” starting at 5mg of Percocet, then caught up with drugs in the first place. Rehab 10mg, 20mg, until they’re popping two 30mg is a fast-paced social setting filled with new Percocet pills daily. At the top of the Perc faces and confusing backstories, withdrawal ladder, you’re paying for 60mg of Percocet to and tremendous stress. Mike needed his own “achieve” the high you need. This is where space. most people jump off the ladder, diving into “We could either go to an NA (narcotics heroin in an attempt to be fiscally responsible. anonymous) meeting or a Bible fellowship.

The majority went The prescripto NA, so I went to tion drugs that the Bible fellowMike was given ship just so I could set him off on a get away from evseven-year opioid eryone,” he said. bender. “PanhanMike had a dling, robbing long-established and stealing to relationship with feed my addicChristianity, attion,” Mike said, tending Catholic as he speaks with grade school, then a rare level of Roman Catholic honesty when disHigh School. When cussing his past he first began atbehaviors. “From tending this Bible my own biologifellowship, he had cal family memstandard stoner bers, I would rob beliefs: “God’s an and steal. From alien. The Bible acquaintances, I was written by would try to beAncient Astrofriend people just nauts ... I used to to like get close watch a lot of Anto them and steal cient Aliens and their wallet. I was get high ... so that a scumbag in my stuck with me.” drug addiction, I Before Mike’s was horrible.” departure from Over time, drug rehab and the Biaddiction beat ble fellowship, he him into a corhad done a full 180 ner. The days of and decided it was chasing highs and time to get serious hunting for heroabout his faith. in on Kensington “I’d still be on Beach wore him drugs if I had nevdown.

“Eventually I Michael Grant, aka Philly Jesus, has battled back from drug er accepted Jesus,” he said. After was writing fake abuse before curbing his addiction through God. spending ages 19 to checks and stealImage | Jason N. Peters 26 addicted to opiing credit cards.

Basically, it just all caught up to me. Detec- oids, Mike was finally able to curb his addiction through God. tives came to my house,” he said.

Religion and faith have a strange way of Thanks to a dose of white privilege, Michael Grant went to court and was sent to Gauden- stepping up when society is failing. Addicts have been let down by drug companies that zia Rehabilitation Center and not prison. enabled them, insurance companies that profIt’s not unusual to find God in rehab. Six steps of “the 12 Step Program” either men- ited off of them, and politicians who allowed it to happen. When society seems to have failed tion the word “God” directly or allude to a you, God exists as a final refuge. When there is higher power. Although most rehabs claim not to recommend a specific religion, it is suggest- no social safety net, outside forces step in.

Through faith, Mike found sobriety and ed that you put your faith in a higher power. through sobriety he found even more faith.

Thinly-veiled Christianity often appears in In the seven years he was addicted to opioids, the language and rituals of rehab centers. For example, the logo for Gaudenzia Rehab vague- he ruined relationships with friends, family, ly resembles a Celtic Cross. Coincidentally, and most importantly himself. He spent years Gaudenzia is where Michael Grant began on SEE PHILLY JESUS, PAGE 8

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PHILLY JESUS, FROM PAGE 7 plotting his next high, and life passed him by.

Mike had been to 20 different rehabs before he got clean, and in that time period he watched addicts like himself drop like flies. It’s no surprise that he views his sobriety as a miracle, because it is. The fact of the matter is, most people who walked in Michael Grant’s shoes are dead or in the process of dying. Surviving seven years of opioid addiction is no small feat.

Through sobriety, Michael Grant transformed into Philly Jesus. Almost every day you can find Mike dressed as Jesus Christ spreading positivity throughout Philadelphia.

He says he is a performance artist, using his portrayal of Jesus to function as a “billboard for Christ.” Over the course of the last five years, Philly Jesus has garnered attention and acclaim throughout the city.

It’s a jarring sight to first spot Mike dressed as Jesus Christ among skyscrapers and tourists. People wonder if Mike actually thinks he is God, people wonder if Mike is a right-wing radical, and people wonder where he came from.

Philly Jesus is a product of the opioid epidemic, the modern American Dream. He is a man who faced great obstacles, made bad decisions young, and has had to work off those decisions every day since. Like many other addicts, his struggles don’t stop at sobriety, “getting sober” is just one facet of an addict’s life.

For seven months in 2018, Philly Jesus was isolated to his bed and in and out of psychiatric facilities undergoing treatment for frequent “visions, hallucinations, and mirages.”

An allergic reaction to the drug Haldol left him “unable to lift my leg to get in the shower, and I wasn’t able to lift my arm to brush my teeth.” That same year, Mike attempted suicide, his father died, and more recently, his marriage of three years came to an end.

Addicts, like all people, live full and complex lives.

It’s easy to write off Philly Jesus as a pariah. Mike expressed mild frustration, explaining that it’s not so easy to be Philly Jesus.

“I never called myself Philly Jesus, people gave me that name and I just rolled with it. …

I stuck with it for seven years now, nearly every day… but sometimes I’m just too stressed out,” he said.

In 2020, Michael Grant is 33 years old, several years sober and every bit as interesting as he ever was. Mike is currently couch-surfing, without any formal employment or housing.

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

I’d still be on drugs if I had never accepted Jesus.”

– Michael Grant, aka Philly Jesus

Passersby on the south side of City Hall on Broad Street stop for a selfie with Philly Jesus.

Image | Jason N. Peters

He’s working to fund what he calls “The Philly Jesus Ministry.” Michael is a non-denominational Christian who believes that “true followers of Jesus are part of no denomination.”

He believes that man-made religion is driven by “the pride and ego of man, thinking that ‘my doctrine is right’ and ‘your doctrine is wrong.’”

Michael Grant’s light and caring disposition is what makes him stand out. His energy is unmatched, and his character is strong.

He’s polite and respectful, even when people are not polite and respectful to him.

The story of Philly Jesus is a familiar tale,

with an unusual ending. Some 46 percent of Americans say they have a family member or close friend who is (or has been) addicted to drugs.

Odds are you have someone like Philly Jesus in your life, a once shy adolescent who turned to drugs and got caught up. Now Philly Jesus bears his cross for all to see, whether we ask him to or not.

“I’m just a late bloomer,” Mike says, “all those drugs held me back … but it is what it is.”

@Jpeters2100

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Whack making moves JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

H

Icepack takes on music, food, boxing and more

ello from Collingswood, NJ. I’m city’s overall appearance? It’s not the ‘90s. I’m pretty sure that people know that Philly has over here in South Jersey for January’s end, eating at Nunzio’s restaurants. Just saying.

Whack’s big move and the Kitchen Consigliere, so Two years after her critically lauded first to avoid the cheese of Restaurant studio album of avant-garde rap epics in imWeek in Philly, which now seems mature, “Whack World,” North Philly’s Tierto go on forever and forever. If I ra Helena Whack is quietly gearing can’t get a whole portion of something, up for major moves and a big 2020.

I just can’t be in the same city. I’ll duck Along with signing a publishing deal back into town for Fergus Carey’s openBY A.D. with Philly expatriate Jody Gerson’s ing of The GOAT and The Fairview AMOROSI Universal and readying her sopho(more on those later), but, beyond that, more record release, Whack (who I’m off the grid and over the bridge. made a splash on the Grammy red By the way, I feel as if I must ask a question here: is Philadelphia, as a restaurant carpet) is calling on fans to create new onstage outfits for her upcoming tour. destination city renowned the world over, not Adobe and Whack launched “What Whack ready to be over a discount week that cheapWears” before the weekend, inviting fans to ens its fare, wrecks a great percentage of its “create and share an original pattern or dechefs and servers (ask your wait person how sign using any Adobe Creative Cloud app, like much they like Restaurant Week) and the

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Photoshop, Fresco or Illustrator.” From there, City, dealing with everything from training, Whack and her stylist Shirley Kurata will “cutting weight, dealing with media obligatransform selected creations into “one-of-a- tions, and the boxing moms having to keep kind outfits – and Tierra will wear a winning everything together while maintaining their design on stage, each night of her 2020 tour.” sanity,” wrote Rosado. Check www.ragingMake it wild, kids. If you hit up WhackXAdo- babe.com/boxingmoms for a preview.

New place to eat be.com there’s information and a video where Christina Martinez isn’t Tierra talks about the just my neighbor at South Adobe collaboration.

Philly Barbacoa. She’s Last showing my James Beard nomiNext time you watch nated, immigration rights Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, activist, expert butcherApple or Amazon, blame ing neighbor who, just yourself for closing the happens to be prepping a cherished Ritz at the new space right next door Bourse cinema complex to the SPB with Dionicio in Old City. Its last screenJimenez, a local, loved ings are Jan. 26, and the Mexican chef. The new property shutters Jan. space, Casa Mexico, at 31. Apparently, the rise in 1134 S.9th, will have guisastreaming killed the film dos (stews) for breakfast, theater. Plus, it could have grilled tacos for dinner, used some sprucing up and will allow BYOB. (same with Ritz Five).

While the plan is to have But still. No more “Midnight Madness” series screening cult classics. Casa Mexico ready for February, Martinez’s husband, SPB partner and instrumentalist Damn.

Benjamin Miller, will tackle his Taste & Sound Funny thing is, word had it that when the theaters were originally for sale by Mark Cu- dinner and performance residency at the ban’s Landmark Company at the end of 2018, Barbacoa, Jan. 28-30, with Philly percussionist Shakoor Hakeem and cornetist Graham both Amazon and Netflix were rumored to be interested in the buy (Cohen Media made that Haynes. Miller writes that the “musical performance incorporates all elements of a meal purchase, as well as the decision to close the being prepared.”

Bourse’s Ritz). Ritz Five – who’s to say what Last notes could happen? Could Amazon and Netflix be Pour out a 40 for Jimmy Heath. The legendlured into buying the Ritz Bourse? Wait and ary Philly born and raised tenor saxophonist see. who all but carried bebop on his back passed “Boxing Moms” away on Sunday. Along If you know anything with playing leader to one about Philadelphia boxof this city’s most ausing, or boxers, you know picious large scale jazz the name “Raging Babe,” bands in the late 40s with and its boss lady, boxing John Coltrane, Benny promoter, marketer and Golson, and Cal Massey, all-around fights brander, he was a Heath Brother, Michelle Rosado. And if through and through, you know anything about playing with bassist Percy the ambitious Rosado and drummer Tootie. beyond her relationship While no formal tribwith Philly fights major ute is planned as of press domo, Russell Peltz, worktime, I expect the Ars ing with Top Rank Boxing Nova Workshop’s closing to promote ESPN cards, reception for jazz phoand promoting her own tographing local Ryan shows, you’ve gathered Collerd’s exhibition of silshe’s all about the next very live photos of Tootie, step: multi-mediation.

Sun Ra and more, Jan. 23 After taking a stab at at Space & Co (2200 WalMixcloud morning ranut Street) to be as much dio with “The Morning Natasha Bhogal on Unsplash of a celebration of Collerd Punch-In,” Rosado is moving into reality television, via YouTube as it is of the legacy of Jimmy Heath, along and IGTV, with her show “Boxing Moms.” De- with the passing of another local lion, Philly music store legend Benny Cintiolli, whose buting at January’s end, the program about death several weeks ago leaves a sizeable hole the tribulations that matriarchs go through in many a musicians’ heart. to watch their children get into the ring just finalized its first episode’s last bits of filming – @ADAMOROSI a family’s journey from Allentown to Atlantic

“Next time you watch Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Apple or Amazon, blame yourself for closing the cherished Ritz at the Bourse cinema complex in Old City.”

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PEOPLE

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Did that really happen?

One man’s observations while riding SEPTA

BY GIL GADSON

O Image provided by: Kerith Gabriel

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

ne of my pet peeves are the people on the subways and buses insulting my intelligence. It’s bad enough if they’re clearly high, an idiot, lying, etc., but when they include my abstract ass into their bizarre world of stupidity, it never ceases to amaze me.

But sometimes they are purely entertaining to the point of laughter.

One gentleman recently, who seemed to be close to, if not drunk, started singing. The lyrics were his, did not rhyme and he wasn’t a singer. This didn’t stop him.

In his lyrics he said: “I’m her’ to make your day, don’t cry for me. Just help me get something to eat so I can continue to make you smile. I jus’ wanna see you smile.”

PEOPLE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY The ironic part is that everybody liked him, he was a likable guy. He must have gotten $10 from that subway car alone.

Frankly, I think some of these people may be brilliant because more so than not, even if it’s only due to annoyance, riders give them money and food. And there is no greater stage, forum and platform for these characters than SEPTA buses and trains. There are some routes that are clearly the territory of the boldest, funkiest, loudest, profane and insane people in Philadelphia.

As for the buses and trains, SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line (the El) along with the No. 16 and No. 4 buses, which comprise the Broad Street Line, have no rivals. It seems that this is the performance circuit.

Act one is what I call the Fare Technique.

This is performed by the ones who have no SEPTA card or money, but get on as if they do.

They make sure they get on either first or last.

If they get on first, they move out of the way hoping that in the middle of everyone using their passes, they can ease back into a seat and the driver will just keep on going and ignore them.

The other day, a woman got on who the driver knew, and he’d had enough. He stopped the bus as this woman tried to chat me up. I didn’t respond. The driver came out of his seat, confronted the woman and said, “You do this shit every day, either get the hell off my bus or I’m calling the police ... we ain’t movin’ ‘till you get off this damn bus, woman!”

This woman turned in her seat, leaned over, looked at me, pointed her thumb at the driver and said, “is all that necessary ‘’ as she crossed her legs, smiled her three-toothed smile and winked at me. I said, “Don’t you realize you’re holding everybody up?” She said, “No I’m not! The bus driver is, I’m jus’ tryin’ ta ride, man.” When the police arrived, she was escorted off the bus and smacked her butt as she told the driver to kiss it.

All class, this one.

Act two is something I refer to as “the fruitless search technique.”

With the most sincere look on his face and periodically holding up one finger to the driver this hopeful rider dug into and searched every pocket and bag he had, knowing all along he’d find nothing. I laughed because he kept looking up to see how far we’d gone. After a number of blocks, he gathered his things, thanked the bus driver and got off happily.

Mission accomplished.

Farther down the road, another raggedy, obviously high guy kept letting everyone go on before him with grand gestures of courtesy, calling everyone madam and sir. When it was his turn, he inched close to the driver

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and with one finger raised as if he was about to divulge and share the secret of life itself.

He started with: “Sir” … and that was all he got out as the bus driver opened the doors and with his one finger raised, along with a smile said, “Get off!”

Accepting defeat, the man bowed and said, “As you wish, kind sir.” The entire group of people in the front broke into laughter, even the bus driver, who, I might add, told the guy to get back on as he shook his head laughing and continued driving. This guy sat down with dignity, crossed his legs and held his head held high.

And now, I have saved the best for last.

I will never understand people who are incredibly loud on their phones as if they are sitting on their recliner at home. It wouldn’t be so bad if these conversations weren’t so annoying or a topic that could clearly wait.

One of the latest prizewinners was a man who looked to be in his 60s, had obviously just done a bit of shopping, evidenced by the bags on the seat next to him.

He called an obviously tolerant friend or someone just like him, and then proceeded with the most annoying, detailed, repetitive and irritating conversation I ever heard.

It went like this: “Yeah, man, I made me a cake, with da’ icin’ and everything. My sister gon’ try ta tell me how ta cut it.

She said I should cut it into four pieces and give her one. Hell, I told her I’d cut it into six pieces and think about it, know what I mean?”

He continued. After cleaning it up a bit to translate his words to the written word, it sounded something like this: “Anyway, I just came from the vegetable and fruit sto’ and and I got me some tomatoes, some taters, some onions, some cucumbers and sum ‘talian (Italian) dressin’. I had me a chicken already seasoned up, and I put dat in the oven and then made my salad. Maaaannn, soon as I was done, my brother knocked on da door. I think he smelled it all the way from his house. First thing he said is, ‘It sure smells good in here.’ I said, ‘Yeah, and it gon’ smell good when you leave man, whatcha’ want?’

I gave him some anyway. He my brother, ya know? Hey man, this my stop comin’ up, gotta go. I call ya’ when I get home.”

Some people were laughing and shaking their heads and some were just as annoyed as I was. This man had talked as if his friend were sitting across from him and totally was oblivious to everything around him.

These are just a few of the things that have happened on our public transportation system. Rest assured, there will be more.

“Frankly, I think some of these people may be brilliant because more so than not, even if it's only due to annoyance, riders give them money and food.”

@STRINJUB

Image provided by: Kerith Gabriel

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

14

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

‘Service to our country’ T It’s tough to be a Muslim in America.

Meet the boys still out to clean it up

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Youth members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Philadelphia chapter are pictured during a New Year’s service day where the boys picked up the remains of a night of New Year’s Eve partying along Philly streets. | Image courtesy: Salaam Bhatti

disregard doing anything of value in a counhere’s no redeeming quality to being a Muslim in America right try that essentially devalues what their faith now. stands for, but it hasn’t stopped one group On a world scale, there are infrom carrying out their civic duty all across ternment camps in ChiAmerica. na, ethnic cleansing proOn New Year’s Day, a group of posals in Myanmar and youth from the Ahmadiyya Muslim

BY KERITH laws created specifically Youth Association took to Philly GABRIEL to exclude those of the Muslim faith streets to literally provide a clean in India. slate heading into a new decade.

Here in the United States, the Picking up litter left over from a Trump Administration has essentially listed night of New Year’s Eve festivities, a collective Muslims as Enemy No. 1, a travel ban still em- of 10-12 young men swept up portions along ployed on many Muslim countries and a war South Street. in Iran kickstarted following the assassination They did this on the same day insensitivity of a general in that predominantly Muslim of a different kind was on full display when, country, it’s been tough to find a silver lining. despite previous outlash, a few Mummers still All of that hatred is enough to make one thought it to be OK to wear blackface during

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Despite a political climate that doesn’t favor people of the Muslim faith, these Philly-based Muslims tell us that it’s important to carry out civic responsibilities as it’s a major part of a promise of faith and service to the communities. | Image courtesy: Salaam Bhatti Philly’s annual New Year’s Day celebration.

It’s no secret that Philadelphia, despite its boast of diversity and inclusion, still has a long way to go in both. It’s a city deep-rooted in past discrimination that to this day still has a seedy underbelly depending on which section of the city you inhabit.

So what’s it like being a Muslim man picking up trash on the streets of Philadelphia?

We caught up with Madeel Abdullah, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Philadelphia chapter, to discuss how this mission came about and what it’s like to carry it out within a social and political climate mired in hatred, bigotry and a whole lot of misinformation.

What sparked this nationwide action by members of your organization and of the Muslim faith?

For decades, our brothers have spent New Year’s Eve at our mosques across the country.

We engage in fun activities, enlightening conversations, prayer, and good food. With this concentration of people who have a desire to do good, the logical next step was to go out and do something. But what? Five years ago, we piloted a project to clean Times Square after the ball dropped. We were inspired by Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association chapters in Canada, England, and other nations who did this in their country. The pilot worked well, and so we rolled it out across the country.

Specifically here in Philadelphia, why did you decide to make the cleanup after

the Mummers Parade?

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Historically, the Mummers Parade has been known to allow both racially insensitive and other derogatory costuming and performance. What is the sentiment of AMYA’s Philly chapter knowing that the cleanup will help with a parade that still has a great deal of sensitivity training to undergo?

We don’t have any affiliation with that group. Trash is trash. We pick it up because cleanliness is very important in Islam. We’ve adopted roads, highways, and also cleaned up Independence Hall during the government shutdown early last year because the trash was piling up.

What does AMYA believe this cleanup teaches the youth who take part?

We believe this teaches our Muslim youth that service to our country is a part of Islam.

Through this service, we have a great time with each other throughout our sleepover event and enjoy the camaraderie of cleaning up our community. It also teaches each one of us that littering exponentially increases into a bigger problem, so it’s best to throw things in a trash can rather than on the ground.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

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The filthy

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A

5 Questions with MLW’s Tom Lawlor

is capturing the attention of lmost everyone fans everywhere. with even a casuAnother reason to keep an al interest in proeye on MLW? The talent rosfessional wrester is stacked. tling has heard From current champ Jaof WWE – maybe cob Fatu to even newcomer the sons of AEW. legends – BriMore serious

BY PHILADELPHIA an Pillman Jr. fans know of WEEKLY STAFF and Marshall ROH and New and Ross Von Japan.

Erich, sons of the legendary But there’s another wresKevin Von Erich – to former tling promotion that’s making big waves of its own – MMA standouts such as Major League Wrestling. By King Mo Lawal, MLW shows combining the best of pro are packed with established stars and up-and-coming talwrestling – violence and efent. fective storytelling – MLW

Catch ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor and other Major League Wrestling stars when they hit the 2300 Arena on Feb. 1. Image | Harry Aaron / MLW

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor promises pain and lots of it for his opponent when Major League Wrestling rolls into the 2300 Arena on Feb. 1.

Image | Basil Mahmud / MLW In advance of MLW’s Feb. 1 event at the 2300 there was a point a few months back where I Arena (the old ECW arena to most wrestling thought perhaps I’d end up somewhere else in fans around here) PW recently caught up with the future, but Court Bauer, his team, and myone of the most well-known MLW stars: Tom self worked together to ensure that I’m right Lawlor. Or, as he’s more commonly, and ap- where I belong: in the Major League.

MLW has done a tremendous job of loading propriately, known, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor.

It’s a well-earned nickname. A former UFC the roster with every style of wrestling on the planet, from high-flying to hard-hitting. You star (he went 10-6 in the MMA promotion), Lawlor is known as one of the dirtiest players get every flavor you could hope for at an MLW show. in the game.

Philadelphia has to have some fond In your MMA days, you often entered the octagon by imitating other fighters memories for you. Back in February, you took the world chamand even Hulk Hogan. pionship from Low Ki Has there always been when you met at the a professional wres2300 Arena. What was tler inside you just that night like and waiting to get out? how did it feel wresI’m in the combat tling in front of the sports business. I had Philadelphia fans? my first fight in 2003 and I don’t dwell on the my first wrestling match past very much. Defeatin 2005. ing Low Ki after such a There’s not a profeslong reign was certainly sional wrestler inside a highlight of my year, of me waiting to get but in reality I feel like out, there’s simply my a year later, that night personality waiting to meant very little when get out. Whether it’s an it came to the rest of my MMA fight inside a cage year, and I view it as a or a four-way match indisappointment. My 2020 side of a squared circle, – “Filthy” Tom Lawlor will make up for it. my goal is to bring you Your opponent a legitimate fight every time I step through the curtains. If I want to for Fightland on Feb. 1 hasn’t been announced yet. Is there anyone you’d espedance a little beforehand, so be it. cially like to get your hands on, and can What’s been your biggest challenge moving from MMA to professional wres- you describe the night he is going to have when he steps inside the ring with you? tling?

I’d love for it to be a Von Erich brother or The schedule and seemingly nonstop travel. one of their all-hat, no-cattle buddies, but my When I was primarily fighting, things were relatively docile when it came to being on the guess is that they have had enough already.

For whoever has the unfortunate task of road, however wrestling is a constant nonstop grind. Early morning flights, usually followed facing me on Feb. 1 I urge you to get your liquid foods ready, because it won’t be Pat’s or by another, and some less than nutritious food options on the road, have made that the big- Gino’s you are stuffing your face with, but rather my two fists. gest lifestyle difference.

Major League Wrestling | Saturday, Feb. There are a lot of wrestling promotions 1, 7 p.m. at the 2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson these days. Why did you recently sign a St.. Tickets: $15-$80 MLW2300.com. More info: multi-year deal with MLW? What sets it Mlw.com. apart from the other promotions?

I’ve been with MLW from day one, and

“MLW has done a tremendous job of loading the roster with every style of Wrestling on the planet, from high flying to hard hitting.

You get every flavor you could hope for at an MLW show.”

@PHILLYWEEKLY

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

VOICES

18

What’s left to be accomplished?

OF OUR

CITY

THE SHOUT OUT

– Gloria Norton | Philadelphia

No war with Iran To the Editor, Trump’s actions have led us to the brink of war with Iran. From withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal to extrajudicially assassinating Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, and keeping up a campaign of maximum pressure, Trump and his cabinet are beating the drums of war.

– Jeff Shapiro | Bala-Cynwyd

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Remove Trump from office

To the Editor,

No American is above the law, including the president of the United States. Donald Trump’s attempts to pressure Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 election demonstrate that he is a danger to our democracy. Thanks to public testimony during the impeachment hearing, we have irrefutable proof that Trump abused his power – threatening to withhold $400 million in security aid unless Ukraine complied with his request.

If any other American or public servant committed these crimes, they would be behind bars. Now that the House of Representatives has voted to impeach Trump, it’s up to the Senate to hold Trump accountable. Lawmakers are bound by oath to defend the Constitution, and Trump’s behavior, as outlined in the House’s articles of impeachment, make it clear he’s unfit to remain in office.

Poll after poll demonstrates that the American people are sick and tired of Trump’s assault on the rule of law. The way forward is clear: removal.

With the integrity of our elections and the health of our democracy at stake, it’s the right decision to make.

He MUST be held accountable!

To the Editor, I am a lovely 57-year-old who has lived in Philadelphia all my life. I have decided to speak up for the young, old and those who have been abused or just simply overlooked.

The city has built drug houses after boarding up crack houses. It really just doesn’t make sense. Mayor, when was the last time you took a walk under the subways? There are homeless people everywhere – young, old, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, etc. We have properties going up everywhere in North Philly.

I am grateful to be a homeowner, but y’all want my house too. Just give all of us 10 years free taxes and call it a day. That will resolve that!

The point is, they’re getting ready to close another shelter where they feed people at Broad Street Ministry. There’s a lot of money in Philadelphia. On top of it, I work for PCA at $7.25 an hour. It’s really sad, even though I am grateful. Bullets flying and homeless are in the streets, and y’all keep making excuses that they don’t want to be in a shelter.

So, what’s left to be accomplished? People are lying on vents in Philadelphia near prestigious hotels. A lot! Start with the people on the streets. Go out and really take an inventory. There is so much more I can say, even though I can’t fix this. I hope one of you government officials actually take a look and really do something about it.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Photo by: Craig Whitehead

– Terri Griffith | Clifton Heights

We watch Cecily Tynan every night – on TV, we’re not stalking her or anything. And she says, despite the recent cold snap, this winter has been way milder than usual.

Your turn: Why do you think this winter has, so far anyway, been warmer than most? Climate change? Just good luck (or bad luck if you’re one of those people who like ice and snow)?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

Senators must hear all the evidence To the Editor, My name is Alisa and I live in center city Philadelphia. I care about our country and I care about how the impeachment trial about to start in the U.S. Senate is conducted.

I believe in everyone’s right to a fair and impartial jury and a fair trial. That means that the U.S. senators must base their decisions on the evidence. It also means that the House must present a full case, being allowed to call all necessary witnesses and allowing all evidence in the trail record. The people of this country and of the world must see what’s happening.

I want all of the senators to vote for a fair trial regardless of their party affiliations. I want all of the senators to vote for public documents regardless of their party affiliations. Regardless of the outcome, the process is vitally important to prove that we are still a republic which can conduct itself impartially and respects the rule of law.

– Alisa Deitz | Philadelphia

including s. Donald aine to inate that he s to public t hearing, mp abused $400 milcomplied

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VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

19

No arrest: Blame the bladder To the Editor, I have been putting my body on the line for more than 30 years now, starting with a protest involving three others at the first such anti-nuke activity at Oak Ridge Laboratories near Knoxville, Tenn., in August 1988. I’ve since been arrested at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas, and twice on the Nevada Test Site in opposition to nuclear weapons.

I was also detained at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., for demonstrating against Central American policies emanating from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (aka the School of the Americas), and was twice handcuffed for protesting government policy (or lack thereof) in Washington, D.C., regarding climate change.

Blame it on my bladder. I didn’t get arrested, as I had planned, with 40 others at Jane Fonda’s 13th Fire Drill Friday against federal inaction about climate change on Jan. 3 in Washington, D.C. Just as the rally ended on the southeast lawn of the Capitol Building, I hurried through security to access a men’s room in the hallowed halls of Congress. I finished my business and approached the hundreds of marchers outside, who were by then blocking the intersection of Capitol and First Streets NE. The Capitol Police had just given their last of three warnings to the crowd to cease and desist.

As I stepped off the pavement to join the most committed protesters, I was told by one of the officers to turn around or I would be arrested and face additional, more serious charges, including the crossing of a police line. He asked if I was carrying a

toothbrush, since I would need it while I was locked up for the weekend awaiting an appearance before the judge on Monday. I moved back onto the sidewalk.

Those handcuffed for “unlawfully demonstrating” included actor Sam Waterston (“The Killing Fields,” “Law & Order,” etc.); Janet Redman, climate director of Greenpeace USA; and retired Air Force officer Colleen Boland, coordinator of Veterans Against Climate Change. They and the others were charged with “crowding, obstructing or incommoding.” In theory, those arrested would be offered a post and forfeit – whereby one pays a $50 fine and is released back into society after being transported by paddy wagon to the warehouse at 67 K Street NW. Post and forfeit is an option reserved for people without criminal histories who have not been engaging in the same conduct repeatedly.

Fonda had been arrested five times since her first Fire Drill Friday in October. For that reason, she chose to step back with most of the crowd at the final police warning. She had already been locked Photo by: Vlad Tchompalov up overnight for one of those arrests in the D.C. jail, which she complained had been hard on her 82-year-old bones. The actress moved Fire Drill Fridays activities to Los Angeles on Feb. 7, after she resumed production on her TV show, “Grace and Frankie,” on the west coast.

On the sidewalk, I talked with rally speaker Veronica Coptis, executive director of the Center for Coalfield Justice and chair of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Sierra Club’s executive committee, as demonstrators were led away by the cops after high noon. Veron-

ica had spoken eloquently that morning as a mother in her fight for environmental justice in southwestern PA, and linked the global climate emergency to the military industrial complex. (U.S. drones had just killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad that day.) The theme of this first Fire Drill Friday of 2020 emphasized that “Holding Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable Can’t Wait.”

Others at the rally podium included actor Iain Armitage (“Young Sheldon”), who pledged to limit his plastic consumption; film director Josh Fox (“Gaslight”), who is now working on a project focused on climate refugees; and Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, North America director of 350.org, a woman of color who challenged us to listen to the voices of diversity in the climate justice movement.

Of course I’m disappointed that I wasn’t arrested (it would have been my eighth bust for nonviolent civil disobedience). I spent a long July Fourth holiday weekend in a Texas jail cell once, and I wasn’t quite prepared this time for hearing the slam of the barred doors again.

The timing had seemed so auspicious, though ... threatening weather held its precipitation until after the Photo by: Vlad Tchompalov arrests, I was wearing my new Elvis “Jailhouse Rock” T-shirt and it was Greta Thunberg’s 17th birthday. But my daughter was later celebrating her 44th with family at a birthday party in Virginia, where my wife was patiently awaiting my return from the nation’s capital as well. Direct action is not for everyone, least of all me that day, but I believe we all need to consider ramping up our activism in light of climate chaos and other things that should outrage, if not enrage us, in this decade that history may remember as the Raging Twenties.

I think it may get ugly out there in the years ahead.

Consider two laws proposed in Harrisburg

by PA senators in 2019: the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, Senate Bill 887 (SB 887), and the Commonwealth Cost Reimbursement Act (SB 323). SB 887 would make felons of protesters, and could punish violators with a year in jail and a fine of at least $5,000 for a firsttime offense. SB 323 would make such demonstrators pay for all governmental costs incurred in response to their actions. Senate Bills 807 and 323 are both autocratic pieces designed by the American Legislative Exchange Council that aim to criminalize our right to protest at pipelines and other fossil fuel sites. [On Nov. 3, the steering committee of the Green Party of Pennsylvania voted to oppose SB 887 and SB 323.]

The slippery slope being molded here is intended to scare us from rising up to exercise our most basic democratic rights. As ALEC was shopping such bills from state to state, it issued a boogeyman letter from fossil fuel giants urging lawmakers around the country to curtail the “growing and disturbing trend” of eco-radicals roving the land, intent on destroying America’s corporate infrastructure. I don’t know about you, but my hackles are up. It’s time we take back our government, our energy system and our future from the corporations and corrupt politicians whose decisions and deceit contribute to the global climate crisis.

Doug Mason is chair of both the Centre County Green Party and the Sierra Club Moshannon Group in central PA.

DOUG MASON | CENTRAL PA

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

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THE

Lookin' good Hey, the city cleans up awfully nice, doesn't she? Many thanks to Jeff Freedman for this shot he took while downtown in the City of Brotherly Love. If you have a picture you'd like to share with us, email it to mail@philadelphiaweekly.com or tag us on social media using the hashtag #PWBigPic.

BIG

PICTURE

21

22

THUR JANUARY 23

COMEDY

Lovable Monsters & Friends

THE SCENE A WEEK'S WORTH OF ADVENTURES A C R O S S P H I L LY N E I G H B O R H O O D S

All comedians are a little crazy, but we love them anyway. Celebrate the eccentricities of local funny people Che Guerrero, Rob Crews and more at this biweekly performance. | 8 pm.

Free. Manny Brown’s, 512 South St.

Credit: Image | FransA at pexels.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY LGBTQ

Miss L’Etage Pageant

Claws will come out at this second annual drag competition. Some of Philly’s hardest-working queens will be out in full force to battle for a crown and the title of Philly drag royalty. | 8 pm.

Free. L’Etage, 624 S. 6th St. facebook.com COMEDY

Everything is FINE!

WWIII may be starting soon, and Australia is nearly burnt entirely to ashes. Let’s just take some time to enjoy life while everything comes crashing down around us.

Josh Kosh, Frank Neblett, Chris Wood and Lump Hamilton will be your comedy pilots for the night – they’ll get us flying high and away from all the bullshit. | 8 pm. Free. Germantown Garden, 1029 Germantown Ave.

eventbrite.com INTERESTS

The Snake Pit

Business-minded people will step up to the pit to pitch their innovative ideas. In this local version of “Shark Tank,” each contestant is given information on what the judges want to hear. The winner will be named the Pitch Viper. | 8 pm. Prices vary. Front Street Dive, 10 S. Front St.

facebook.com

facebook.com MUSIC LEARN

Science After Hours: The Roaring 20s

Throw it back to those golden days before the Great Depression hit. We hope these 2020s take some inspiration from the carefree attitudes of this decade. Just leave the Prohibition behind, though – nobody needs to go through that again. | 7 pm. $25. The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Bacon & Legs Drag Brunch Fanci DisMount Stratton will be the beautiful host of this delicious brunch. Waitresses have nothing on the amount of serving that is about to go down. We’ll take ours with an extra side of sauce, please.

Featuring Lady Geisha, Aloe Vera and Aida Stratton, don’t miss a very special Sunday brunch – the kind that you don’t see too often at the local pancake house or diner.

fi.edu

What: Bacon & Legs Drag Brunch When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 1 pm.

Where: City Winery, 990 Filbert St. How much: $15 More: citywinery.com

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Making Time with James Murphy

The 20th anniversary of this transcendental sound experience is about to get crazy. Murphy of LCD Soundsystem has been delivering the sounds of the future since 2001. | 9 pm. $35. Warehouse on Watts, 923 N. Watts St. eventbrite.com MUSIC

Led Zeppelin II The second coming of the legendary rockers definitely doesn’t disappoint. They carry all that same spirit

and perform all the same COMEDY shenanigans as the greats once did. However, this isn’t a “Greatest Hits” kind of show – you’ll get to hear all the deep cuts and more. | 8 pm. Philly Come $17.50. Theatre of Living Arts, fiercest glad 334 South St. it out with se figures to tu venue.tlaphilly.com ring in time.

Philly Impro MUSIC Sansom St.

Wrestl Throug Time

Motionless in White

This band’s music is heavy in all kinds of ways. Lead vocalist Chris Motionless lets all his emotions out in his lyrics, accompanied by banging drums and screeching guitars. Don’t be sad – be mad that there’s nobody else out there who can do it like them. | 7 pm. $29.50. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. facebook.com

FRI

JANUARY 24

MUSIC

Indigo De Souza

Music is second nature to De Souza and her indie-pop band. She’s been playing since she was 9, with much support from her mom to keep on going. The band’s debut album, “I Love My Mom,” is obviously a heart-felt tribute to that support. Thanks, Mom, because without your encouragement, we may not have been able to hear this beautiful voice. | 8:30 pm. $10. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. eventbrite.com

eventbrite.

MUSIC

Aweles

Local pop pu the spotligh showcase. D and a few m winning ove gaining som 7 pm. $10. T Girard Ave.

eventbrite.

CALENDAR

LYWEEKLYPHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY COMEDY

Wrestling Through Some Time Philly Comedy Wrestling’s fiercest gladiators will battle it out with several historical figures to turn back the ring in time. | 9 pm. $12.

Philly Improv Theater, 2030 Sansom St. eventbrite.com MUSIC

Aweless Nights Local pop punk acts have the spotlight at this talent showcase. Dan Ex Machina and a few more will be winning over new fans and gaining some recognition.| 7 pm. $10. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave. eventbrite.com

COMEDY

Amir K

Behind all the silliness, though, you probably wouldn’t imagine that this guy is a SAG-winning actor for his performance in the film “Argo.” You really can’t judge a comedian by his routine. | 8 pm. $20. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. punchlinephilly.com LGBTQ

23

LGBTQ

Amateur Drag Attack

You know queens thrive when they’re grabbing attention on stage, so you better come and show your support. Get spicy with DJ Hot Sauce controlling the tunes. | 9 pm. $5. Tabu, 254 S. 12th St. facebook.com MUSIC

Gender Reveal Party

Cory Wong

We’re not putting gender labels on colors at this party.

We’re leaving it up to you to express yourself and all that makes you comfortable in your skin. Fuck expectations and fuck the gender binary. | 10 pm. $5-$10. The Bike Stop, 204 S. Quince St.

Once you hear his guitar – which almost sounds like something out of a video game. In the funk group Vulfpeck and in his solo career, Wong has made a brand for himself as a fearless Fender shredder. | 8:30 pm. $25. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St.

facebook.com

venue.tlaphilly.com

KID FRIENDLY

Dinos After Dark

Pay what you wish to get a closer look at the Academy’s unbelievable dino collection. Run through all the exhibits with your kids, and stop by the Dino Drafts Beer Garden after they have you running in circles. | Friday, 4 pm. $2-$10. Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. ansp.org

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

CALENDAR

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

FOOD & DRINK

All-Weather Get Together

Remember how we all felt two weeks ago when it was almost 70 degrees? We can feel like that every day if we just embrace the weather how it is. Warm up with some drinks outside - come dressed in ski lodge attire if you desire. | Saturday 12 pm. Free. Evil Genius Beer Co., 1727 N. Front St. facebook.com

SAT JANUARY 25

MUSIC

Good ‘n Country Saturday Night

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JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Chill out to some covers of country and bluegrass songs.

You’ll feel like you’re spending a relaxing night under the stars, even though you’ll really be inside a bar. | 8 pm. $5. The El Bar, 1356 N. Front St. facebook.com MUSIC

Radio 104.5 Winter Jawn

AJR, Local Natives, Moonroof and Sub Urban are all headlining this annual free concert. Radio 104.5 remains connected to what the Philly music community wants, and damn do they deliver every year. | Noon. Free. Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave. eventbrite.com

PARTY

Gimme Gimme Disco

ABBA will never get old to us.

Boogie to all their classics – with some other’ 70s- era Cher and The Bee Gees mixed in there.

Good luck finding a man after midnight, though. | 10:30 pm. $14. The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St. thefillmorephilly.com ART

Frank Ocean Night

We’re not crying, you are. Catch those serious Frank feels at this gallery dedicated to his gamechanging music career. Local artists will be displaying works that honor Ocean for who he is. | 6 pm. $5. Philly Art Collective, 253 N. 3rd St. eventbrite.com

LGBTQ

Illusions Drag Show

A proper drag performance is all about illusions. What you see isn’t always what you get with queens. These ultimate masters of deception always make for the most exciting entertainers. | 7:30 pm. $15.

Tabu, 254 S. 12th St. eventbrite.com PARTY

Night Drive

Music up, reality off. Drive into the darkness to these synthwave and nudisco songs designed to help you disassociate from reality in a fast car. We just can’t guarantee that you’ll look like Ryan Gosling in the process. | 10 pm. $5-$7. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. facebook.com

CALENDAR

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

SUN JANUARY 26

SHOW

Marry, Marry, Quite Contrary

The human side of them, typically not allowed to be shown on TV, is revealed through acts of chaos and of girls who are about to lose their damn minds. They can’t keep smiles on their faces anymore . | 2 pm. $15.

Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. facebook.com COMEDY

Lee Camp

George Carlin’s daughter credits Camp with being one of the only comedians to “keep her father’s torch lit.”

Camp’s reign as the host of the show “Redacted Tonight” has helped him assert his brand of fierce and fearless stand-up comedy. | 8 pm. $11-$15. Ruba Club, 416 Green St.

COMEDY

Dina Hashem

Keep this one on your radar.

TBS named Hashem a comedian to watch at the New York Comedy Festival this year, and rightfully so.

With countless appearances on podcasts and standup specials, you have to catch her while she’s here for just one night. | 10 pm. $16. Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St. goodgoodcomedy.com LGBTQ

Bacon & Legs Drag Brunch

Fanci DisMount Stratton will be the beautiful host of this delicious brunch. Waitresses have nothing on the amount of serving that is about to go down. We’ll take ours with an extra side of sauce, please. | 1 pm. $15. City Winery, 990 Filbert St. citywinery.com

eventbrite.com

25

LEARN

Civics on Tap: Philthadelphia

If you’re just hanging out in Center City all day, you probably don’t have a sense of how dirty this city can get. We fucking love it here, but go to any El stop past 2nd St. and you’ll see what we’re talking about. Join tour guide Michael Idriss as he highlights all of the worst qualities of our filthy little city. | 4 pm. Free. Triple Bottom Brewing Co., 915 Spring Garden St. facebook.com MUSIC

Glenn Bryan and Friends

Bryan is a classically-trained pianist who excels in all forms of music. He and his friends will hopefully have us feeling soothed and ready to head back to work tomorrow. | 7:30 pm. $20. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. eventbrite.com

ART

Pancakes and Booze Art Show

Free all-you-can-eat pancakes serve as a uniter to get everybody into this pop-up art show. Get drawn in by the food and booze, and stay for the incredible work of Philly artists. | Sunday, 8 pm. $10. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St. eventbrite.com

INTERESTS

Art Star Crap Bazaar

This isn’t to be confused with the craft bazaar hosted by the same folks. Vendors will be selling off anything that they don’t need. If you’re into giving unwanted items new life, come by. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. | 11 am. Free. Art Star, 623 N. 2nd St. facebook.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

CALENDAR

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

10 Under $10 Low on dough? You can still have a blast Amateur Drag Attack

Claws may come out at this competition of amateur drag talent. You know queens thrive when they’re grabbing attention on stage, so you better come and show your support. Get spicy with DJ Hot Sauce controlling the tunes and guest judge Maria TopCatt who will help pick the fiercest queens of the bunch. | Friday, Jan. 24, 9 pm. $5. Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.

Super Secret Comedy Show

Are you into surprises? Invest your few dollars well into some random local talent. You won’t know who hits the stage at this show until the lights go down.

We don’t really think anything bad will come of this, so we say take the chance. | Monday, Jan. 27, 8 pm. $5. Win Win Coffee Bar, 931 Spring Garden St.

facebook.com

Eventbrite.com

Good ‘n Country Saturday Night

Tattooed Momedy

Chill out to some covers of country and bluegrass songs. You’ll feel like you’re spending a relaxing night under the stars, even though you’ll really be inside a bar. | Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 pm. $5. The El Bar, 1356 N. Front St.

This month’s headliner is Molly Hanulec, a local comedian who’s always busy cracking us up with her shows at Good Good Comedy Theatre. Plus, there’s $1 tacos here, so how could you even dare to think about passing this up? | Tuesday, Jan. 28, 8 pm. Free. Tattooed Mom, 530 South St.

Facebook.com

facebook.com

Night Drive

Music up, reality off. Drive into the darkness to these synthwave and nudisco songs designed to help you disassociate from reality in a fast car. We just can’t guarantee that you’ll look like Ryan Gosling in the process. | Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 pm. $5-$7. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. Facebook.com

The Wire Quizzo

This TV show has long been considered one of the best of all time. Do some detective work in unearthing all the little bits of information you need to know for this trivia. In between rounds while you’re not being interrogated, sing karaoke to songs straight from the show. | Tuesday, Jan. 28, 8 pm. $7.

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. eventbrite.com

Civics on Tap: Philthadelphia

We fucking love it here, but go to any El stop past 2nd St. and you’ll see what we’re talking about.

Join tour guide Michael Idriss as he highlights all of the worst qualities of our filthy little city. | Sunday, Jan. 26, 4 pm. Free. Triple Bottom Brewing Co., 915 Spring Garden St. Facebook.com

2020 Rocky Awards

It’s been a long three years without this light in our lives. This dance award show allows people of all styles to move in all ways possible with each other.

It’s all about encouraging all types of movement, while awarding those who can really tear it up. | Monday, Jan. 27, 5 pm. Free. FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd.

Fringearts.com

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Psychedelic Comedy Show

We’re feeling a little funny. You’ll feel it all kick in once comedians China Cat Jubilee and Damon Dietz take the stage with Thomas Davis and Friends, who will lead us on a vivid musical journey. | Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 pm. $8. Connie’s Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St. facebook.com

Heavy Metal Karaoke

Your parents always said this kind of music had no lyrics – just jumbled sound. Prove them wrong by showing you know every word to every damn Slayer song. All those hours spent in your room alone blasting these tunes have finally paid off. | Wednesday, Jan. 29, 10 pm. Free. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St. eventbrite.com

DANCE

2020 Rocky Awards

It’s been a long three years without this light in our lives. This dance award show allows people of all styles to move in all ways possible with each other. It’s all about encouraging all types of movement, while awarding those who can really tear it up. | Monday, 5 pm. Free. FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd. fringearts.com

MON JANUARY 27

LGBTQ

Queen of the Night

This mock pageant crams everything you love about pageants into a digestible show.

Watch gifted queens show off their best talents and be put to the test through several challenges. “Geriatric gem” Dominic Lee will be the host for the evening. | 8 pm. $5. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, 1509 South St. facebook.com

MUSIC

Illiterate Light

It just takes two to make it right.

That must be the philosophy that Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran follow with their music making.

With Gorman on guitar and lyrics and Cochran on drums, they have unlocked a whole other state of being with their sounds. | 8 pm. $12. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave. eventbrite.com

COMEDY

Super Secret Comedy Show

Are you into surprises? Invest your few dollars well into some random local talent. You won’t know who hits the stage at this show until the lights go down. We don’t really think anything bad will come of this, so we say take the chance. | 8 pm. $5. Win Win Coffee Bar, 931 Spring Garden St. eventbrite.com

CALENDAR

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TUES MUSIC

Homegrown Open Mic Showcase

Every Monday, local musicians come out to show us what they’ve got at this open mic.

Now, it’s coming down to the wire as four musicians face off to move into the final showcases. Support these talented locals as they bare all to become a champion. | Tuesday, 8 pm. $5. MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut St. milkboyphilly.com

JANUARY 28

COMEDY

Tattooed Momedy

A monthly comedy showcase of some funny ass people from Philly and beyond. This month’s headliner is Molly Hanulec, a local comedian who’s always busy cracking us up with her shows at Good Good Comedy Theatre.

Plus, there’s $1 tacos here, so how could you even dare to think about passing this up? | 8 pm. Free. Tattooed Mom, 530 South St. facebook.com

MUSIC

Sleeping with Sirens

Honestly, we haven’t listened to this band’s work since their 2013 album “Feel,” but we’re so happy to see they’re still going strong. They seem focused on chasing a new sound, but simultaneously preserving all that makes their music unique to them. | 8 pm. $25. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. utphilly.com MUSIC

Hands Like Houses

These Aussies have been captivating fans for quite a few years. Always touring and releasing something new, they’re a heavy rock fan’s dream

27

come true. They may be reaching a bit of a peak with the release of their newest album “-Anon,” slated as “their most determined release to date.” | 7 pm. $20.

The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. facebook.com TRIVIA

The Wire Quizzo

This TV show has long been considered one of the best of all time. Do some detective work in unearthing all the little bits of information you need to know for this trivia. In between rounds while you’re not being interrogated, sing karaoke to songs straight from the show. | 8 pm. $7.

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. eventbrite.com

TRIVIA

Philly Quizzo

Sure, you may live here, but what do you really know about Philly? Put all that useless – and not so much – knowledge to the test here. You’ll be quizzed on the city’s past, present and future. | Tuesday, 6 pm. Free. Triple Bottom Brewing Co., 915 Spring Garden St. eventbrite.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

28 X

CALENDAR

WED

FITNESS

Doorobics with Dorinda Medley

JANUARY 29

MUSIC

Secret Drawer

The contents of someone’s secret drawer reveals a lot about who they are. In this case, this indie punk band probably has a bunch of guitar picks, strings, patches, stickers and cigarettes jammed into theirs. We vibe with that. | 7:30 pm. $7. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St. eventbrite.com LGBTQ

Freaky Wednes-They

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

It’s a little shady in here. Drag queens will go head-to-head and impersonate each other to win the title of Philly Chameleon. Adopt a person’s persona by any means necessary, no matter how bitchy you have to be. | 9 pm.

Free. Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.

Join this firecracker as she whips you into shape with some good old aerobics.

She’s guaranteed to “make it nice” for everybody. | 7 pm. $70. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. offer.fevo.com COMEDY

Hilarious Colombian Americans

This is exactly what it says it is – a line-up of ridiculously funny comedians from NYC with Colombian backgrounds. Growing up multicultural is no joke, unless you’re these guys who could make any kind of person crack up. | 8 pm. $15. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. facebook.com

MUSIC

Luke James

We can’t stop swooning over James. His soulful R&B beats make us feel like he’s confessing his love for us right here, right now. He has been releasing a few singles that are gathering tons of streams, so we’re sure there are plenty of others falling in love with him like we are. | 7 pm. $18. Voltage Lounge, 421 N. 7th St. eventbrite.com MUSIC

Matoma & Two Friends

We’re ready to get away from this frigid Philly weather.

Allow this tropical house DJ and his good buddies to take you on a journey through lights and sounds. Get hyped and think of a warmer place. | 7:30 pm. $29. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. thefillmorephilly.com

facebook.com

TRIVIA

Skate Video Quizzo

These are those kinds of videos that you binge watch for hours on YouTube. They’re always a great reminder that even though the day may be going bad, it could be worse – we could have just smashed our faces onto the pavement. | Wednesday, 7:30 pm. Free.

Boot and Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St. bootandsaddlephilly.com

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MUSIC

Heavy Metal Karaoke

Your parents always said this kind of music had no lyrics – just jumbled sound. Prove them wrong by showing you know every word to every damn Slayer song. All those hours spent in your room alone blasting these tunes have finally paid off. | Wednesday, 10 pm.

Free. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St. eventbrite.com

CALENDAR

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Best BETS Stranger Pigs

Join Martha Graham Cracker and her middle school sweetheart, Johnny Showcase, as they awkwardly slow dance. Chase the winter blues away by dancing to the raucous Balkan brass band music of the West Philadelphia Orchestra. Let’s battle the supernatural monsters and get to the bottom of the mysterious events in our hometown, shall we? | Friday, Jan. 24, 8 pm. $25-$200.

Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. pigiron.org MUSIC

Little Big Town

We have to give this group credit for helping to keep country alive and thriving today. We’re not the biggest fans of the genre, but after listening to some of their hits, like “Girl Crush” and “Better Man,” it’s easy to see why these four are so well-respected by country fans and figures. | Thursday, 8 pm. $15-$109. The Met Philly, 858 N. Broad St. themetphilly.com

Amir K

He’s the refreshing storyteller the world needs right now. Behind all the silliness, though, you probably wouldn’t imagine that this guy is a SAG-winning actor for his performance in the film “Argo.” You really can’t judge a comedian by his routine. | Friday, Jan. 24, 8 pm. $20. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. punchlinephilly.com

THUR

Here/Now

JANUARY 30

MUSIC

Terminally Chill

We’re gonna ride this vaporwave into oblivion, and you should too.

Come jam to some of the best lo-fi/chillwave music you can imagine. It’s like the lo-fi hip-hop radio on YouTube come to life. | 10 pm. $4. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. eventbrite.com

LGBTQ

Fierce, But Always Friendly: Drag Bingo

Let drag queen Pi take you under her wing tonight. Fly high and score big in bingo to win some sick prizes. She may look fierce, but she’ll be the sweetest bitch you’ll ever meet. | 6:30 pm. $5.

Tattooed Mom, 530 South St. facebook.com

COMEDY

Chris Hardwick

No stage fright here – Hardwick is a little too used to performing and being around celebrities.

He’s pretty unshakeable and, given his multi-year contract with AMC, he’ll just keep popping up on more TV shows everywhere. | 8 pm. $25. Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St. philadelphia.heliumcomedy. com

MUSIC

Issa Philly Vibe

Catch a vibe at this solid hip-hop showcase. Some of Philly’s best hidden talented artists will take the stage to show off what they have. If you have some chops on you and want to be heard, this is the place. | 7 pm. $10. Bourbon and Branch, 705 N. 2nd St. eventbrite.com

MUSIC

Roddy Ricch

Compton simply breeds some of the finest rappers in the whole damn world. Tickets are flying by fast to see this rising star. His fame launched after his 2018 single, “Die Young,” and he’s been landing collabs and millions of streams ever since. | 8 pm. $27.50. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. venue.tlaphilly.com MUSIC

Billy Woods

You may think that no topic is off-limits from rap, but the vivid stories of his life bring something fresh to the table. He’s coming in hot off a busy year of putting out music in 2019, and you bet he’ll just get bigger and better in 2020. | 9 pm. $12. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave.

It takes a lot to live in the moment, but we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. Especially since a new record is about to drop from these Philly hardcore rockers. Come out for a solid record release show. | Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:30 pm. $10. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St. eventbrite.com

Sleeping with Sirens

Honestly, we haven’t listened to this band’s work since their 2013 album “Feel,” but we’re so happy to see they’re still going strong. They seem focused on chasing a new sound, but simultaneously preserving all that makes their music unique to them. | Tuesday, Jan. 28, 8 pm. $25. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. utphilly.com

Hilarious Colombian Americans

This is exactly what it says it is – a line-up of ridiculously funny comedians from NYC with Colombian backgrounds. Growing up multicultural is no joke, unless you’re these guys who could make any kind of person crack up. | Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8 pm. $15. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. facebook.com

eventbrite.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

SAVAGE LOVE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

The Long Game NICE RACK

the wife is concerned, WCGF, but you’ll Q: I’m a 30-year-old bi male. I’ve been with my wife for five years, married nine months. send me the same e-mail half a dozen times in A month into our relationship, I let her less than a week. know that watching partners with other men Look, WCGF, some people mean it when has always been something I wanted and that they say, “We can have threesomes/go to sharing this had caused all my preBDSM parties/try cuckolding once vious relationships to collapse. Her our relationship is solid.” But some reaction was the opposite of what I people don’t mean it. They tell their was used to. She said she respected kinky and/or nonmonogamous my kink, and we both agreed we partner what they want to hear in wanted to solidify our relationship the hopes that after the wedding before venturing down the cuckold and the house and the kids, their road. husband and the father of their chilFast-forward a couple of years, dren (or their wife and the mother and we are in a healthy relationof their children) isn’t going to leave ship, living together, regularly visthem over something as “trivial” iting sex clubs (though playing only as a threesome, a public spanking, with each other), and beginning to or cuckolding. Complicating matadd some cuckold dirty talk to our ters further, some people say it sex play. and mean it and then change their Then after I proposed, we got mind. busy… with wedding plans. Sex and To figure out what’s going on @FAKEDANSAVAGE experimentation were set aside. (and to figure out whether you’re Once we got married, we started… doing something wrong), you’re looking for a house. Sex again took a back going to have to risk being a little pushy – not seat. about putting up a profile, but about having Life has settled down now, and when I bring a conversation. You’re ready for this to hapup my desire to see her pen, she tells you she with other men, she is willing, but nothing tells me she’s willing, ever happens. If she but the conversation does want it to happen, quickly ends. I have sugwhat steps can you take gested making profiles together to make it hapon various websites, but pen? If she doesn’t want it doesn’t happen. Am I it to happen – if she nevdoing something wrong? er wanted it to happen I fear that saying, “Let’s – you need her to level make a profile right with you. now,” is pushy, and I Remember, WCGF, absolutely do NOT want to be the whiny and she’s the one being asked to take the risks pushy husband. Any advice you might have here – it’s her picture you want to put on a prowould be amazing. file, not yours; she’s the one who’s going to po– Wannabe Cuckold Growing Frustrated tentially be meeting up with strangers for sex, So you don’t want to be pushy where not you; she’s the one who is risking exposure

DAN SAVAGE

REACH OUT TO US. Carry PW’s at your spot. drops@philadelphiaweekly.com.

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

“She also might worry that you’re going to want her to fuck other guys way more often than she’s comfortable with.”

SAVAGE LOVE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

to STIs, not you. (Although you could wind up exposed, too, of course. But just because you’re comfortable with that risk doesn’t mean she is.) She also might worry that you’re going to want her to fuck other guys way more often than she’s comfortable with. There are a lot of solid reasons why she might have developed cold feet, and by addressing her concerns constructively – no face pics, no strangers, no cream pies, it can be a very occasional thing – you might make some progress.

But if it turns out this isn’t something she wants to do – because she never did or because she changed her mind – then you have to decide whether going without being cuckolded is a price of admission you’re willing to pay to stay in this marriage.

Q: I did one of the things you always say is bad, immature, and hurtful. I was a jerk to my girlfriend for weeks because I wanted her to break up with me. I know it was cowardly. I but you’llthink she is a great womn times inan, but I just wasn’t into the relationship and I let n it whenit go longer than I should mes/go tohave. I felt terrible that ding onceshe loved me and I didn’t But somelove her back, and I y tell theirdidn’t want to hurt her. nogamous My question is this: to hear inWhy do you think sabweddingotaging a relationship in this way is so bad? kids, theirI’m glad she hates me now. She can feel antheir chil-ger instead of sadness. I didn’t want to be a he mother“great guy” who did the right thing when the ng to leaverelationship needed to end. I want her to think “trivial”I’m awful so she can move on with her life. If I spanking,said all the right things, that makes me more ting mat-attractive and a loss. ple say it I’ve had women do that to me – break up ange theirwith me the “right” way – and I respected them more and felt more in love with them going onand missed them more. I still think about her you’rethem because they were so kind and respectg), you’reful when they dumped me. ushy – not I prefer the relationships I’ve had that endut havinged with hatred, because at least I knew we is to hap-weren’t good for each other and the end was you sheno skin off my back. Isn’t it better this way? t nothing(I’ve got no sign-off that creates a clever acro. If shenym. Make one up if you want to publish my o happen,letter.) n you take – Annoying Shittiness Should Help Outraged ke it hap-Lovers Escape esn’t want I did what I could with your sign-off. f she nev- Being a jerk to someone you’re not intero happenested in seeing anymore in the hopes that r to levelthey’ll dump you is never OK. It’s certainly not a favor you’re doing them, ASSHOLE, if WCGF,for no other reason than they’re unlikely to the riskscall it quits at the first sign of your assholery. t on a pro-When someone’s actions (jerkishness, assoing to po-holery) conflict with their words (“I love you, rs for sex,too, sweetheart”), the person on the receiving g exposureend of crazy-making mixed messages rarely

bolts immediately. They seek reassurance.

They ask the person who’s being an asshole to them if they’re still good, if everything’s OK, if they’re still in love.

And those aren’t questions the person being an asshole can answer honestly, ASSHOLE, because honest answers would end the relationship. And that’s not how the asshole wants it, right? The asshole doesn’t want to honestly end things themselves; the asshole wants to dishonestly (and dishonorably) force the other person to end the relationship. So the asshole says we’re good, everything’s OK, I still love you, etc., and then dials the assholery up a little more.

Does the other person bolt then? Nope. The other person asks all those same questions again, the asshole offers up the same lying assurances, and the other person asks again and is fed more lies. This sometimes goes on for years before the person being emotionally abused by a lying asshole decides they can’t take it anymore and ends the relationship – often over the objections of the person who wanted out all along!

Gaslighting isn’t a term I throw around often or loosely, ASSHOLE, but what you describe doing – and what you’re attempting to rationalize as a gift of some sort – may be the most common form of gaslighting. Nothing about being gaslighted in this manner makes it easier to bounce back after a relationship ends. It makes it harder. Yeah, yeah, your ex “gets” to be mad at you, but she’s going to have a much harder time trusting anyone after dating you because your assholery will likely cause her to doubt her own judgment. (“This new guy says he loves me, but the last guy – that fucking asshole – said he loved me, over and over again, and it was a lie. What if this guy is lying to me, too?”)

These brand-new insecurities, a parting gift from you, may cause her to end or sabotage relationships that could have been great.

As for your worry that a person may wind up carrying a torch for an ex who ends things with kindness and respect, well, torches have a way of burning out over time, and it’s even possible to will yourself to set a torch down and walk away from it. But the kind of emotional damage done by actions like yours, ASSHOLE? That shit can last a lifetime.

“When someone’s actions (jerkishness, assholery) conflict with their words (‘I love you, too, sweetheart’), the person on the receiving end of crazy-making mixed messages rarely bolts immediately.”

On the Lovecast, erotic hypnosis with Michal Daveed: savagelovecast.com.

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE OF SAVAGE TO LOVE! Read: PhillyWeekly.com Have a question?: mail@savagelove.net

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32

MARKETPLACE

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MARKETPLACE

EMPLOYMENT

REAL ESTATE SALE Apartments for Rent

General Employment

Non-CDL Drivers

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Immediate Positons Available / Paid Training / Benefit package Match of salary with experience!

Flexible Shifts Available • Safety Bonus Incentives • Great Company Culture Apply in Person Monday through Friday • 9:00am to 3:00pm 4201 Tacony Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 | 215-992-8000 Apply online:www.philly.totalbusco.com

Assistant Teacher Position CHILDCARE ASSISTANT

We are looking for nurturing and loving caregivers for our infant and toddler classes. Full time and Part time positions are available at ALL of our Alphabet centers.

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED PAY-RATE BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS CALL 215-595-2250 EMAIL A RESUME TO AMANDA@ALPHABETACADEMY.COM

1340 South 13th Street Phila, PA 19147 LEARN, LOVE, AND GROW WITH US!

AB MALE BLOOD DONORS NEEDED Will be compensated up to $85.00 for a complete donation, starting on their 2nd visit!!

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Be in good health. Walk-ins are welcome. New donors will be paid $40.00 for a full donation.

INTERSTATE BLOOD BANK 1250 N. BROAD STREET. PHILA PA. 19121 215-765-2554

BLOOD DONORS All donors paid $40.00 No appointment necessary.

Walk-ins welcome. Must be healthy and have proper I.D. Must provide Social Security card.Interstate Blood Bank 1250-52 N Broad St. Phila PA 19121 215-765-2554 Hrs. 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

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

Plumbers Wanted Outside digging work mechanics/helpers valid driver lic & exp a must 215-342-7200 Sr. Architectural Designer Stull Investment Co. Philadelphia, PA. Work under Architect in architectural design; conduct design research & code analysis; develop design solutions; produce design presentations & construction drawings; Req.: MS in Architecture, Architectural Design or related; 6+ month exp.; Proficient: Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, SketchUp, Rhino, 3dMax, etc.; knowledge of building codes, structures & architectural design Email: Elizabeth@flow.gives

FLAGGERS ($12.50/hr) Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to set up and direct traffic around construction sites. A valid PA driver license and clean driving record a must, good pay and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Blvd, King of Prussia, PA on Mondayʼs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

21ST & PINE AREA- Lg. Studio, wood floors, sep. eat-in kit., $900+cooking gas & elec., heat incl. 215-384-4202

Recent break up?

PW Classifieds is a great place to sell your ex’s stuff.

8500 BUSTLETON AVE. Corner of Evart St. Winter Special 1BR $875, 2BR $1,100, water & gas incld. 215-742-2261 Grant Garden Apartments Winter Special, upgraded 1 & 2 BR,1 BA. $750 - $980 includes water. Laundry room on site.

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215-465-7525 Legal Notices

Notice of Public Sale The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart 501 Callowhill St Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)627-3510 to satisfy a lien on February 3, 2020 at 6 PM at www.storagetreasures.com: Unit 1055 Maurice Hall|FS Jeans Unit 2119 Joseph Bond Unit 2175 Liberty Church Philadelphia INC Unit 4025 Brian R Mildenberg

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at Siena Place

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

34

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

2001 Waverly Street Open Saturday 11:30 - 1:30 & Sunday 12 - 2

New Listing | 2120 Spring Street Open Sunday 2 - 3

Welcome home to this beautifully designed, 5 bedroom, 5.2 bathroom estate. From the impressive exterior to the well thought-out interior, this stunner features elevator access on each floor, a 2-car garage, an outdoor roof deck, and 6.5 years remaining on the tax abatement! The chef’s kitchen is a dream with it’s sleek design and high-end Thermador stainless steel appliances, and a huge quartz waterfall island.

Walk into this oasis of quaintness and charm, located on a very quiet block right in the heart of Logan Circle. This house is the perfect blend of historic character and modern amenities. It has ample storage with custom built-ins cabinets, a large outdoor space with mature plantings, and has been lovingly maintained. The house was just repainted, floors were sanded and basement walls resurfaced.

$2,800,000

$595,000

New Listing | Logan Square

New Price | Fishtown

The first floor is an open concept living/dining room with wood floors, an oversized newly remodeled eat-in kitchen with new appliances, and access to the brick paved patio and garden. The second floor features 2 bedrooms with new cherry hardwood floors, beautiful wood beamed ceiling and a very large adjoining deck. The master suite occupies the entire third floor and includes cathedral ceilings and yet another large, private deck with great city views.

Stunning loft in a former industrial building emphasizes a contemporary design, while preserving and highlighting the unique historical features of the original structures. Complemented by exposed brick and a corner location, this loft is illuminated by natural light streaming through oversized factory windows. The amenities include a resident lounge, a fitness center, extra storage, and low condo fees. A deeded parking space is an added bonus.

Washington Square West

New Listing | East Kensington

$675,000

This three story home is located in scenic and desirable Washington Square West. It offers high-end finishes, beautiful random width heart pine floors, high ceilings, central air, and private parking! The first floor features an open layout living room with a fireplace and a love - ly mantle, connecting to a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, and granite counter tops with access to a lovely outdoor brick patio. 2 BR | 3 BA

$749,000

$415,000

This freshly rehabbed 2 BR 1,5 BA home is ready for you to move right in! Enter through the front door into the sun drenched living room with beautiful wood floors, original exposed brick wall, and a charming wood staircase. Make your way through the dining area into the modern kitchen: complete with a marble tile backsplash, stainless steel/energy efficient appliances, and granite counters. Off of the kitchen, make your way out to a spacious patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

$234,000

PW REAL ESTATE To advertise in this section contact Sales

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JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Kathy & Patrick Conway

118 QUARRY ST.

Fabulous Newer Home, 2800 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms + Den, 2.5 Baths, High Ceilings, Hardwood Floors Throughout with Garden, Deck & Garage

$949,900

We know real estate.

We know the city.

CENTER CITY PHILA.

713 Waverly Road, Bryn Mawr

3900 Ford Road, 21S, Philadelphia

4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 3,526 Sq Ft | $949,000

2 Bed | 1.1 Bath | 1,230 Sq Ft | $138,500

NEW LISTINGS

788 PANORAMA RD, VILLANOVA 4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 3,185 Sq Ft | $749,500

PHILADELPHIA JUST REDUCED

5 Bed | 3.1 Bath | 3,667 Sq Ft | $649,000

200 S NARBERTH AVE, NARBERTH UNDER CONTRACT

401 HIDDEN RIVER RD, PENN VALLEY

Multi-Family | 0.29 Acres | $735,000

3 Bed | 3.1 Bath | 2,000 Sq Ft | $486,300

41 OAKLAND TER, BALA CYNWYD 4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 3,294 Sq Ft | $549,000

WILLIAM PENN HOUSE

500 KINGSLEY CT, PHILADELPHIA

Unit #2904 3 Bed | 2 Bath 1,404 Sq Ft | $700,000 NEW PRICE Unit #923/924 3 Bed | 2 Bath 1,581 Sq Ft | $499,000 Unit #2720 2 Bed | 1 Bath 1,134 Sq Ft | $465,000 Unit #814 2 Bed | 1 Bath 825 Sq Ft | $350,000 Unit #5101 Bed | 1 Bath 825 Sq Ft | $310,000 Unit #1914 Bed | 1 Bath 495 Sq Ft | $309,000 NEW PRICE

519 SPRUCE LN, VILLANOVA 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,750 Sq Ft | $675,000

3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 1,455 Sq Ft | $475,000

JUST REDUCED

424 DEVEREUX DR, VILLANOVA

2504 S AMERICAN ST,

THE KENNEDY HOUSE 1901 JFK BLVD, PHILADELPHIA

Lot | 0.68 Acres | $665,000

PHILADELPHIA

207 LINDY LN, BALA CYNWYD

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 990 Sq Ft | $264,900 3598

6 Bed | 5.1 Bath | 6,281 Sq Ft | $999,000

4 Bed | 4.1 Bath | 5,393 Sq Ft | $589,000

INDIAN QUEEN LN, PHILADELPHIA

LISTINGS

4802 RENOIR LN, SCHWENKSVILLE

4 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,776 Sq Ft | $220,00

4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 5,029 Sq Ft | $1,199,000

39 FAIRVIEW RD, PENN VALLEY

1124 YOUNGSFORD RD, GLADWYNE 5 Bed | 4.3 Bath | 6,144 Sq Ft | $1,325,000

1351 BOBARN DR, PENN VALLEY 5 Bed | 4.1 Bath | 7,547 Sq Ft | $1,099,000

5 Bed | 4.1 Bath | 4258 Sq Ft | $549,000

1305 SUMMER HILL LN, GLADWYNE Lot | 0.5 Acres | $150,000

406 BRYN MAWR AVE, BALA CYNWYD 6 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 3,035 Sq Ft | $899,999

1417 CENTENNIAL RD, PENN VALLEY 5 Bed | 3.1 Bath | 4,371 Sq Ft | $849,900

LISTINGS 809 LATONA ST, PHILADELPHIA 3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,288 Sq Ft | $299,000

224-30 W RITTENHOUSE SQ, #1017, PHILADELPHIA

MAIN LINE CONDOS

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 570 Sq Ft | $275,000

190 PRESIDENTIAL BLVD, #415, BALA CYNWYD

1141 DALY ST, PHILADELPHIA

2 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 1,970 Sq Ft | $625,000

3 Bed | 1.1 Bath | 1,100 Sq Ft | $265,000

39 ABERDALE RD, BALA CYNWYD

1750 OAKWOOD TER, UNIT#1A, PENN VALLEY

3900 FORD RD, #23B, PHILADELPHIA

6 Bed | 3.2 Bath | 3,750 Sq Ft | $785,000

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,299 Sq Ft | $227,000

2 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,000 Sq Ft | $199,900

421 OLD GULPH RD, PENN VALLEY 4 Bed | 2.2 Bath | 3,197 Sq Ft | $799,000

$1,600,000

1919 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA

3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2,475 Sq Ft | $489,000

3141 SPRING MILL RD, PLYMOUTH MTG

$1,049,000

813 FITZWATER ST. Build Your Dream House,

2224 CARPENTER ST, PHILADELPHIA

344 W 7TH AVE, CONSHOHOCKEN

It Doesn’t Get Much Better Luxury at it’s Best, Courtyard Than This, Double Property House, Seven Year Tax + 2 Car Garage, Pristine Abatement 4300 Sq. Ft., Perfect, All New 4 Bedroom, 4 Bedroom + Den, 4.5 3.5 Bath with Terrace & Bath, Garden, Terrace and Unbelievable Deck Fabulous Deck

A Super Large Garage 20x80 with 3 Exposures $1,050,000 Kathy, Patrick & The Conway Team are proud to announce that Ellen Carasick has joined our team. Ellen comes to us with 35 years experience. WELCOME ELLEN.

• Rittenhouse Square • Rooftop Pool • Fitness Center • Valet parking • 24 hr security • 24 hr Maintenance • All utilities included • Includes real estate tax no transfer tax

MAIN LINE SUBURBS

FOUR SUPER LISTINGS 112 CHRISTIAN ST. #H 623-25 S. ORIANNA ST.

What They Are Saying: “The sale of my condominium unit in Queen Village was handled extremely professionally by the Conway Team. Their personal attention to detail, knowledge of the process, responsiveness and assistance in ascertaining a fair market price resulted in a prompt closing which satisfied all parties. I would not hesitate to recommend the Conway Team to anyone considering the sale or purchase of a home. On a personal level their patience and congeniality made what could be a stressful process a sheer pleasure.” - Michelle and Vince

215.266.1537 215.850.3842 215.627.6005 conwayteam@gmail.com

MAIN LINE SUBURBS

35

• Rittenhouse Square • Rooftop Pool • Fitness Center • Parking • 24 HR Security • 24 HR Maintenance • All Utilities Included • Includes Real Estate Tax

PW REAL ESTATE To advertise in this section contact Sales

215-543-3743 ext. 104

or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com

#1024-1025 2 Bed | 2 Bath 1,165 Sq Ft | $475,000 Unit #1919 1 Bed | 1 Bath 606 Sq Ft | $199,000 NEW PRICE Unit#1819 1 Bed | 1 Bath 606 Sq Ft | $199,000 UNDER CONTRACT Unit #1512 Studio | 1 Bath 475 Sq Ft | $175,000 Unit#2911 Studio | 1 Bath 522 Sq Ft | $174,900

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JANUARY 23 - 30, 2020

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