Philadelphia Weekly |December 19 - 26, 2019

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the win

Inside the world of a South Philly bookie He’s back! A.D. Amorosi revives the rant, rumor and babble that is Icepack. | Page 14

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FROM THE EDITOR

To the city’s next top cop

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12.21

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hen it comes to who the next where he’s fingerprinted and processed. police commissioner will be “Now this kid is in our [database],” my in this city, the focus this week friend said. “He may never commit anothhas been on what decision er crime in his life, but he’s stained now. We Mayor Jim Kenney will make. pull him over five years from now, it’s there It’s been the prevailing and he’s gonna be judged as a troublemaker headline in what’s being tout- off the bat, even if he was caught speeding.

He’s not gonna get the benefit of the doubt beed as a “tough decision.” The goal is to ensure the city’s next top cop isn’t as sheisty as his cause in our eyes he’s already a fuck up. This kid could be a college kid who turned his life predecessor(s). But let’s keep it real, it’s not around, but in the eyes of the law he’s a fuck that tough of a call and to be honest, whomevup because he’s in the system as a er Kenney picks isn’t going to vastly deviant. It’s just never a good place change much. to be.”

One person isn’t going to right But in talking to them it’s highthe historic wrong mindset of a ly obvious there’s a mentality shift police force that subconsciously that needs to happen – one that no believes it is above the law in its mayor or new top cop is going to fix. treatment of select Philadelphia The level of cynicism comes from a residents. collective from things that are seen Let me preface this by saying that every day, personal political affilI’m not talking about all cops, in fact iations and I think in some cases, of the 6,500 or so on the city’s force, burnout. A new commissioner isn’t remember that only a handful were going to curb the cop who autocaught writing racially charged matically judges black and brown posts or using unnecessary force. I people. They’re not going to curb also know a number of Philly cops how cops view illicit drug users, sex personally, some of whom share workers, the city’s homeless and stories with me of life on beat and @SPRTSWTR people living on public assistance. who I drink beer and watch Eagles That is an ingrained mindset. games with on Sundays.

And sadly, it’s one that will always be there They’re good people doing a dangerous job. as long as there are police and as long as But within all of that, there’s still this undercurrent of cynicism towards how they there are people they feel don’t fit society’s view people, and depending on the section norm. Social activists can try to change it, we of their beat or district, how they view an as journalists can try to call it out and force those in power to enact policies that level the entire class of people. To be honest, when I hear their stories and hear people referred to playing field, but when you give someone a as “ghetto trash,” or “those welfare moms,” badge, a gun and supreme power to “call it as [they] see it,” as my one friend suggests, it’s alI realize it’s less about race when it comes to the larger majority of Philly’s finest and more ways going to be a recipe for disaster.

I’ve always viewed cops from two separate about social structures designed of which in lenses. I understand the stressors of their job their mind are to the detriment of our society. but I too have also been arrested, fingerprint“We show up at a house for a noise complaint and you got this mom with like six kids ed and processed for complete and utter bullshit and like this kid am now listed in police screaming in our face, using profanity, calling databases, so it’s a kid gloves situation for me us pigs and we’re supposed to remain cool, calm and collected? Get the fuck outta here,” – in even the most minor of situation.

If I could offer advice to the soon-to-be said my one cop friend, who for obvious reasons asked to remain unnamed. “Her color named top cop?

Listen to residents first and actual on-thedoesn’t matter – I’ve been screamed at by all ground field cops second. kinds of the city’s trash, color agnostic. We Not what the police union says on behalf don’t come to your door calling you names and of cops, not what the mayor thinks about the cursing at you but we’re supposed to just take it? Some cops aren’t built like that – and that’s police force, but listen to the people on patrol, the detectives, the special units et al and their where the problem lies.”

Another example came from another police view of the city and its residents.

Do I think it’ll create change? No. But at buddy who actually works in a nicer district. least I know you’re listening to the right peoShe told me a story about a kid who was ple on both sides and not just trying to apcaught shoplifting recently from a store. Following standard procedure, they arrest him, pease the ones who just gave you supreme put him in the car and take him to the station power.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

Ask local music venues and promoters and they’ll tell you that Live Nation has been a bully on Philly’s live music scene for a minute. We know this, because we know a lot of the people who run these venues and promote them. Well apparently everyone will know after a lawsuit from the landlords at The Met Philadelphia, arguably the outfit’s crown jewel in Philly, who claim that Live Nation stiffed the venue out of proceeds from last week’s Madonna concert and has broken an agreement to let the longtime church that uses the venue to continue to have it Sundays. Mind you, it was church funds that aided in a reported $58 million renovation to the property in 2018.

They say God don’t like ugly – or in this case – divine greed.

Live Nation only

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CITY

Is ‘jawn’ dead?

That’s what an opinion piece in the Inquirer suggests, saying that Philadelphia’s once oft-used term is played out, probably courtesy of all the people not from Philly using it completely.

sees green

Tierra Whack, Vans hook up to help Philly schools

OF OUR

You agree with the Inky? Is jawn tired?

Tell us your thoughts at voices@philadelphiaweekly.com and we’ll run them in next week’s issue.

We know how broke ass the Philadelphia School District is and so does its former students. One of whom is North Philly artist Tierra Whack, who teamed up with skate apparel company Vans to give back – specifically to Philly schools. Vans is accepting applications for schools to receive $10,000 to fund their music program – or most likely fund a music program. To enter, visit vans.com/ givesaband, fill out the form and Vans could hit you up mid-January to let you know you just supplied your school with equipment to kickstart a rock band, jazz band or classical ensemble on top of a $10k head start.

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

John Montesano Alan Bauer Art Director Managing Editor Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, Tom Beck, Jared Brey, Michael Greger, Jamie Giambrone, Courtenay Harris Bond, Brian Hickey, Jon Hurdle, Resolve Philadelphia, Dan Savage, Timaree Schmit, Stephen Silver, Steve Teare. Interns: Cheyenne Fowler, Alex Nagy

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

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To purchase advertising in Philadelphia Weekly, contact Sales at 215-543-3743, ext. 104, or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

No down time, whatsoever

Like him or hate him on the field, off the field Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins is doing his part to make a better Philadelphia. On Sunday, he was integral in the Birds win over the Redskins, and less than 24 hours later, he was on a podium inside Arch St. Methodist Church in Center City denouncing police corruption and imploring Jim Kenney to make the right choice in the replacement for Philly police commissioner. Respect.

6,500 The number of officers in the city who will be affected by Mayor Jim Kenney’s decision for a new police commissioner. On Monday, dozens of people under the umbrellas of Live Free Campaign of POWER, Color of Change, Media Mobilizing Project, and the Pennsylvania chapter of the ACLU rallied to make sure Kenney knows they ain’t playing around with this decision. The group told PW via email that it dropped off signed letters from over 1,600 to the mayor’s chief of staff and even had an impromptu meet with acting police commish Christine Coulter.

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“I’ll never tell her but I bet our rent on that game. Thank goodness they won or I’d definitely be a single man paying child support right now.”

— Group of guys sitting at the bar at Loco Pez discussing barely winning the line following the Eagles improbable comeback against the lowly Washington Redskins last Sunday. I mean, in his defense, that one should have been a lock, but he broke the cardinal rule in this town: NEVER BET ON THE BIRDS.

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The Sultan

speaks If you gamble on sports, meet the South Philly bookmaker with all the angles

BY PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY STAFF

W

hile other kids his age were perfecting their baseball swing, “The Sultan” was drawing to an inside straight.

Gambling has always been in his blood.

These days, he’s still watching baseball, but most likely as a split screen on the computer he uses to take and make sports bets.

Indeed, even though sports betting is now legal in Pennsylvania, there’s still plenty of work for an old-school bookie.

We at PW aren’t using The Sultan’s real name because, well, he doesn’t want to get busted. We recently caught up with him to talk the ins and outs – and it’s really the outs for most people – of sports betting.

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

But firs “I’ve b since I w ‘Rounders 1998 film s as New Yo like, organ uncle was what was math, so h He felt r school, as the rage networks tourname cards wer too. You k where yo teams, dro to hit it “b “So like shit, and bling,” he always be and gamb for it. It’s known ga Fast-for taken a lo applied it willing an sports bet meet him type to pu “Now is bling] is I was doin pick a par you just p where it k So it’s lik ample is m never gam football, a So I think tially it’s j three peop small and “From potential c can pay up “It’s mo people I k the Sultan they got a talk it out don’t let t as they ca money. I n would disa like the pe Or like jus The Su from midmakes sen the NFL, that time.

Oh, and not a typo

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY But first, some background.

“Bookies get a lot of soccer action because, “I’ve been playing poker and gambling if you’re a degenerate gambler, it’s on when since I was about 10, whenever the movie you wake up,” The Sultan explained. “The ‘Rounders’ came out,” he said, referring to the Premier League is on [by] 7 or 8 a.m. Sunday 1998 film starring Matt Damon and Ed Norton morning. So if you’re waking up, and you may as New York City poker cheats. “I would just, have lost last night or you’re trying to keep evlike, organize neighborhood poker games. My erything going, you throw out a few bets here and there. A lot of people are into soccer now, uncle was a book, and I didn’t really know like a lot.” what was going on, but I was very good at But some people have no clue about betmath, so he would show me shit.”

He felt right at home by the time he hit high ting soccer. Like three-way betting (win, lose, draw), among other opschool, as poker was all tions. the rage with national “If they don’t know networks broadcasting what that is, then I know tournaments.

Parlay they’re just throwing cards were popular then, like pasta on the wall too. You know, the cards and seeing if it sticks,” where you pick a few The Sultan said. teams, drop $5 and hope All that sounds well to hit it “big.” and good, but legalized “So like we all did that betting has to be a threat shit, and sports gam– South Philly bookmaker The Sultan to The Sultan’s business bling,” he said. “I’ve just model, right? There are always been into sports sportsbooks at casinos, apps and many, legal and gambling. It’s almost like I have a knack ways to make bets. for it. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve just always Not so fast. known gambling.”

“Last week, I probably took in $130,000 Fast-forward to today, and The Sultan has taken a lot of what he learned back then and in bets [also known as the handle],” he explained. “I don’t have any whales (people applied it to his present-day work. He is ready, willing and able to satisfy your craving for who make super big bets), but when you get a sports betting. But first, of course, you have to whale, who knows what it could get to? If I had a whale, it could get to over 300 grand.” meet him – not easy to do, given he’s not the type to put up billboards along I-95.

“Now is a weird time because [sports gamSEE BOOKIE, PAGE 8 bling] is openly accepted,” he said. “Before I was doing parlay cards. Like nobody could pick a parlay when you’re that young because you just pick favorites. But parlay cards, that’s where it kind of starts for almost everybody.

So it’s like word of mouth. The perfect example is my roommate from college. He has never gambled because he’s been into fantasy football, and now he’s into it because it’s legal.

So I think it’s pretty weird for me, but essentially it’s just word of mouth. If I know two or three people who say you’re cool, we’ll start small and kind of go from there.”

“From there” often means making sure a potential client is on the up and up and, yes, can pay up if, or more likely when, they lose.

“It’s more like if they know two or three people I know, they ain’t going anywhere,” the Sultan continued. “I mean, just make sure they got a good job. I meet up with them and talk it out. You know they can pay up and you don’t let them off the leash at first. As long as they can pay up, it’s pretty easy to get the money. I never really had a problem. Money would disappear here and there. But those are like the people who have lost their lives, right?

Or like just gave up on life.”

The Sultan’s busiest time of the year is from mid-October through the Super Bowl. It makes sense – college basketball and football, the NFL, NHL and NBA are all in season at that time.

Oh, and Premier League soccer. No, that’s not a typo.

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“People don't realize you're going to lose more than 40 percent of your bets even if you're really fucking good.”

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BOOKIE, FROM PAGE 7 But why? Why would anyone go to The Sultan instead of a casino’s sportsbook or an app?

“Online gambling and casinos are basically kinda like the weed clubs now,” The Sultan said. “Everyone’s gonna go at first because the novelty is new, it’s legal. But once they realize you gotta put up money every game, they’re out. They may last two weeks, but you go bust.

If you don’t have the credit line and kind of like the payment plan and type deal, and you put up $400 every game, if you lose three, you’re done.”

The bookmakers saving grace, according to The Sultan? Credit.

“The credit line is why bookies will always be around,” he explains. “Say somebody wins or loses two grand. A lot of times on bounceback week, I’ll wait, collect half, and then see what happens [the following] week.”

But sometimes even the best lose. The Sultan’s biggest loss was the Eagles-Patriots Super Bowl. A double whammy for him, since he also “hates the Eagles.”

“The local thing is no joke,” he said when talking about clients who like to bet the home teams. Emotional betters “The run they went on was a real killer because it was followed by [Villanova winning the NCAA Tournament in March 2018]. So once you combine two [big games] with people hitting every fucking time and bailing out, it gets expensive, yeah.”

So what percentage of The Sultan’s clients actually win on a consistent basis?

“Not many,” he said. “If somebody is winning with me, I’m like, ‘what do you know?

Let’s split some bets and find a big book.’”

And why don’t more people win? After all, the experts say you only have to hit 52.5 percent of your bets to turn a profit, even if you’re playing with -110 on the line, or the “vig” (aka, the “juice,” “cut” or “take” a sportsbook makes by never, ever offering even odds on a game).

“People don’t realize you’re going to lose more than 40 percent of your bets even if you’re really fucking good,” The Sultan said.

said when the home they went ollowed by urnament e two [big cking time ah.” n’s clients

dy is winou know? ook.’” win? After to hit 52.5 rofit, even e line, or r “take” a ering even

ng to lose ts even if tan said.

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Image: BeatingBetting.co.uk

No, people lose money because they don’t manage their money, bet too often and, in a nutshell, they make stupid bets.

We’ll explain that last one in a bit.

“The mismanagement of money is the biggest one for sure because once [they’re in], people just start going crazy,” said The Sultan. “Then they try to make up for it. This time of year are like the [NCAA] holiday tournaments before conference play. People were betting on [teams like] University of Louisiana-Lafayette. I just laugh because you know they’re just throwing darts at a dartboard hoping it hits. A 2 p.m. game? They need the action. There’s a huge difference between needing action or like having a long-term plan of like, ‘hey, there’s nothing I like, I won’t take it tonight.’ Like most, if they play a game every day, they’re not going to win.”

The other prevailing mistake?

“The volume of the bets [people] place is second,” he said. During an average NFL week, “I would only really make five big plays. If you don’t like a game, just don’t play it. There’s always gonna be another game, literally nonstop. It does not stop. That’s the best way to put it.

There always will be another day.”

And, finally, the stupid bets.

“Trying to hit nine games (out of nine games in a parlay) is just ridiculous,” he said. “I think Twitter affected that a lot. Because people see some jerkoff hit like a 20team parlay and they want to go do it, but they just can’t.

“The people who are trying to bet like the five, six- and 17-team parlays will go to (casino sportsbooks) because no bookie will accept that shit. Because it’s like playing

the lotto, essentially. You know, going to Sugarhouse is hysterical because everyone is trying to bet a parlay.

They actually have a line for single bets. Go sometime on a Wednesday afternoon – nothing is fucking funnier to see.

“I think betting is going to have a bad rap [in the next] five years or so. They (the Twitter and other media “experts”) don’t show a ticket. They don’t prove it. Twitter is bad because a lot of people, they never show their real record. They just post every night but don’t prove their bet at all. Which is very alarming. it’s like the end of Prohibition, everyone wants to make a rum or a liquor.”

For most people who make these mistakes, it doesn’t end well.

“Most people who are gamblers, they want the instant gratification and don’t have the patience and kind of psyche to lose,” he said. “I’ve never seen more people want to bet than this year. It’s crazy. Since high school, I couldn’t really talk to people about this shit. Now it’s like everyone I know is betting like $5, $10 bucks or whatever. In a year, it will be $50 to $100.”

So if you want to try your hand or you’re already on a bookmaker’s card, what’s the ideal amount to bet to ensure you aren’t putting a fist through a wall? “[People] should bet 2-to-3 percent of their bankroll.

Maybe 3 percent at most. If you don’t do that, once you’re down, you’re just going to go, like in a poker tournament, on tilt and throw it all on a Patriots money line or something crazy with such bad odds.”

“You know they can pay up and you don't let them off the leash at first. As long as they can pay up, it's pretty easy to get the money.

I never really had a problem.

Money would disappear here and there. But those are like the people who have lost their lives, right? Or like just gave up on life.”

– South Philly bookmaker The Sultan

@PHILLYWEEKLY

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

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House rules Philadelphia renters dealing with major issues forced to lie down and take it – or risk eviction

O

n their first visit to the house, though the rental agent assured them they’d have running water throughout the house by Corrine Morris and her boyfriend day’s end.

Charles Hagood used some imagMorris thought the delay would be no big ination, envisioning the busted-up hardwood living room floor deal. The water, however, would never be fixed. And a leak would start, creating a black restored, visualizing their kids mold stain in the kitchen. Eventually, Morris enjoying the back yard with the and her family – none of whom did anything back steps fixed and the concrete littering the grass hauled away. The rental agent told them wrong – even faced eviction. The experience would prove character defining – involving the repairs would be completed soon, and in Morris in a dispute that would April, 2017, they put down a change how business is done deposit on the $950 per month for Philadelphia’s tenants and three-bedroom home.

BY STEVE VOLK property owners, and demonMorris, already the mom AND JULIE CHRISTIE strating how, even in a system of a perceptive 3-year-old girl changing for the better, renters named Chloe, was four months will often be forced to choose pregnant. Hagood had two children from a previous relationship. The between subservience and an existential fight.

‘A very large step for Philadelphia’ home in East Germantown was the bowl to In November, Philadelphia passed a Right blend their families. But three target dates the to Counsel bill that will provide a free attorrental agent set to complete repairs slipped by, and after two months of waiting, Morris ney to anyone who faces eviction and earns income at 200 percent or less of the federal asked: “Do we just need to move on?” poverty level. The bill curbs the historic imThe agent instructed them to move in, saying the remaining work could be finished with balance of power between property owners and renters, which plays out most dramaticalthem onsite. They arrived in June to find the floor finished, though not the stairs or the ly in court.

There, landlords have traditionally emyard, and something new: The only running ployed attorneys about 81 percent of the time water came from a pipe in the basement,

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY compared with 8 percent of renters. The disparity shows in the results, tabulated in a report compiled for the Philadelphia Bar Association: 78 percent of renters without attorneys face “disruptive displacement,” saddling them with debt or even leaving them homeless; while 95 percent of renters with lawyers wind up with better results all around, ranging from less cash owed and more time to move to full judgments in their favor.

“The importance of the Right to Counsel bill can’t be minimized,” says Rachel Garland, a veteran of the city’s eviction courts and managing attorney at Community Legal Services. “This is a very large step for Philadelphia.”

Data analyzed for this story suggests that about 12 percent of the city’s evictions are possibly unjust, conducted in clear violation of city ordinances. Morris’ story is a case in point. The right to counsel bill offers the chance to correct these abuses. But while some landlords might change their behavior, according to eviction experts like Garland, attempts at exploitation won’t stop.

The subject of evictions only received national attention in 2016 when former Harvard Fellow Matthew Desmond published Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Desmond, a sociologist who now runs the Eviction Lab at Princeton, argued that evictions are a “cause, not just a condition – of poverty.” Evictions are disproportionately leveled against black renters, particularly child-rearing women, even when controlling for factors like income.

These forced moves create havoc in entire families and communities, causing families to double-up in overcrowded homes, forcing parents out of work, setting back entire classrooms in school (beyond even the evicted child) and generating adverse health effects,

like depression. A city task force reported that about 20 percent of people newly entering city homeless shelters report eviction as the cause.

Philadelphia recently tipped over from an owner-occupied housing market to more than 50 percent renter occupied. The number of properties available to low-income renters has also dwindled by 20 percent between 2000 and 2014, according to a Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank study, creating a supplier’s market for those renting to impoverished families.

The result is that Philadelphia renters are among the most severely rent-burdened in the United States – paying 30 to 50 percent or more of their monthly incomes to keep a home.

In Philly, the number of eviction filings dropped by about 17 percent over the last six years. However, a recent report by the Reinvestment Fund, a nonprofit devoted to community development, suggests the decline might reflect broad economic forces, the number of evictions rising and falling with the local unemployment rate.

Evictions, then, will always be with us, a product of economic cycles. And while most evictions concern straight-forward disputes over money owed, a portion are unfounded, inflicting damages tenant attorneys can ameliorate but not undo. This is something Morris knows because she lived it.

‘I’d never been through anything like this before.’

Standing five-foot, three-inches and maybe 120 pounds, complete with a growing pregnant belly, Corrine Morris spent days, weeks, months, trekking from the basement to the kitchen and bathroom with five-gallon buckets of water. The average family requires 80 gallons of water per person each day, meaning 16 trips per person in her care. Morris kept a pot of water boiling almost constantly for cooking, cleaning up after meals and provid-

ing bathwater for her family.

A property manager working for her landlord made continued promises he’d get the water fixed, yet never did, and offered shifting excuses. Morris felt increasingly helpless.

“I was 25,” she says. “I’d never been through anything like this before.”

She and Hagood had met, two years earlier, working the same shift at a Northwest Philadelphia Lowe’s. He greeted customers while she operated a nearby cash register. They talked, bonding over their dedication to their kids, and started dating. The plan, when they moved in together, was for him to continue working while she stayed home, tending to the children and their new place, which came to mean this constant effort to gather water.

“We would get creative,” says Morris, recalling how she and Hagood began to keep jugs of water in the kitchen and bathroom, and how they discovered, if they held them a certain way, they could wash their hands as if from a tap. All this, she says, “to survive in our own house.”

When she could, Morris also got online, combining search phrases like “tenant rights” and “Pennsylvania.” She discovered, quickly, that when landlords fail to make necessary repairs, vital to the house’s habitability, she could withhold rent. This option, along with calling the Department of Licenses and Inspections, comprise renters’ only real power, which they often resist using for fear of escalating conflict.

Morris had paid her first month’s rent before moving in, but by the time the second month came due she understood her rights and decided not to pay. She also started bypassing the property manager she knew only as “Gerald” to try and reach Simon Bouha-

11

20 The percentage of people newly entering city homeless shelters reporting evicition as the cause.

SEE EVICTION, PAGE 12

Of the 2,300 evictions in 2018, 12 percent found that landlords did so in the wake of a reported L&I violation.

A problem known in Philadelphia housing circles as ‘retaliatory eviction.’ | Image courtesy: Visit Philadelphia Image:vistiphilly PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

NEWS

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

One would think the threat of withholding rent would entice a landlord to fix major repairs at Philadelphia rentals, but data suggests that some just go the route of removing tenants altogether. | Image: Wikicommons

EVICTION, FROM PAGE 11

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dana, president of Home 4 Rent, the Brooklyn-based company that owned the property.

Bouhadana had, by this time, been covered in the Philadelphia Inquirer for failing to follow city lead remediation codes in another property, but Morris was unaware of the story.

Another month passed before water worked anywhere beyond the basement, and then only to an upstairs bathroom, still cold. Any sense of blessing Morris felt was short-circuited when she saw big rivulets of water, streaking the walls around her stove. The new water service had revealed a massive leak. Thick black ribbons of mold soon formed. She and Hagood found the conditions so unlivable, they packed their kids up to live with relatives until they could get the house into shape.

Morris visited her 3-year-old, living with a grandmother in West Philadelphia, in scenes that became increasingly bleak. “Mommy,” Chloe would ask, “Why are you sad?”

Morris felt increasingly helpless and depressed, trying to function as a mother and putting on “a front” for her family so they couldn’t see she was falling apart. Realizing this was beginning to affect her emotional and mental well-being, Morris used her last remaining power and called the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

The September 2017 L&I visit recorded nine total violations, including the still unrepaired back stairs, cracks in the building’s foundation, and the leak that caused mold. Morris, still working from the tenant advice she found online, also sent Bouhadana a letter, establishing a written timeline of events and explaining she would not pay that month’s rent. “The last thing I wanna do,” she thought at the

time, “is look like I’m just a crazy black lady.”

A little more than two weeks later, Morris arrived home with several bags of groceries.

She stopped outside her front door, curious, when she discovered a letter poking from the top of her mailbox. The return address listed an attorney, causing a tremor of fear in her stomach.

Still standing in her doorway, she tore open the envelope and started to read but the words made no sense. Her eyes darted around the page trying to take the message in. Rather than make needed repairs, Home 4 Rent demanded all past due payments plus late fees, totaling $3,971, and insisted she and Hagood get out, too.

Slowly, she understood: She was being evicted.

She read it several times, still on the stoop.

All her senses numbed, like she’d left her body. But the words never changed.

‘As a young black woman with no money, can I win?’

Morris’s predicament appears grossly unjust, yet this basic scenario is common enough that it has a name: Retaliatory eviction. A tenant requests needed repairs. The landlord ignores or refuses. The tenant insists, sometimes phoning L&I or withholding rent. And the property owner, tired of dealing with a nettlesome tenant, retaliates by filing an eviction.

Attorney George Donnelly, at the Public Interest Law Center, a nonprofit legal firm designed to promote civil rights, recites a list of clients, including Morris, who faced retaliatory eviction, and a line he uses, any time he’s testified on the subject before City Council.

“Landlords in Philadelphia respond to repair requests with eviction notices.”

NEWS

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Paul Jay Cohen, general counsel to the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia (HAPCO), says he doesn’t know how many evictions in the city might be retaliatory but believes the number is “small.”

A local fair housing ordinance against retaliatory eviction prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for numerous reasons, including joining a tenant’s union. The ordinance also states that any finding by L&I of a code violation, for up to a year prior to the eviction filing, provides the basis for tenants to argue the eviction is retaliatory and places the burden of proof on the property owner to prove that it’s not.

According to data analyzed for this story, nearly 12 percent of evictions filed in 2018 appeared to fall within this ordinance. An analysis of eviction filings in the Philadelphia Municipal Court alongside L&I code violations in 2018 – where the property also received a code violation in the calendar year leading up to the eviction – found that more than 2,300 evictions last year appear to violate the city’s ordinance. Additionally, more than 42 percent of those evictions were filed within three months of an L&I violation. These numbers only indicate evictions that violate one specific ordiack lady.” nance that attempts to curb retaliatory evicer, Morristions but doesn’t account for cases in which groceries.L&I was never called, meaning this finding r, curious,could be an undercount. g from the Nevertheless, the numbers are alarming, ress listedsuggesting that slightly more than one in 10 ear in herevictions are, without some compelling counter-evidence from the property owner, illegal. tore open According to tenant attorneys, landlords the wordscan even file an eviction before L&I has a round thechance to inspect the property, sometimes n. Ratherup to two months before the violation is filed.

4 Rent de-Further data suggests that the number of pos late fees,tential retaliatory evictions in 2018 grew to d Hagoodmore than 3,100 cases – or more than 15 percent. was being Morris’ experience of retaliatory eviction is particularly instructive, capturing the power a the stoop.righteous tenant with an attorney can wield, d left herand the degree to which renters will remain at a disadvantage. no money, By the time Morris received this letter, she was worn down by months of having a basic rossly un-request – please fix the water – ignored. She on enoughsaw her own vulnerability, most, through the viction. Aeyes of her daughter, Chloe, who continued to e landlordcheck on her mom’s welfare. “Mommy,” the sts, some-girl would say, “don’t be sad.” rent. And This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be, Morris ng with athought. No 3-year-old girl should be consolng an evic-ing her mother. She worried the stress she felt was hurting her daughter and the baby inside he Publicher. She also knew she was being wronged al firm de-and needed an attorney. She and Hagood each es a list of made calls to various city law firms, finding no retaliato-assistance. But her research also taught her time he’sshe might be able to get one for free at Comouncil. munity Legal Services, so she visited with a ond to re-representative there and waited to hear back.

In the meantime, the rental agent who originally showed her the property got in touch with an offer that only left her more confused.

If she just left, he told her, she could get her security deposit back and the whole thing would be over. He refused to put the offer in writing, so Morris feared she could leave the property and still face the claim against her, for nearly $4,000. But she thought about taking it, anyway.

Then the call came back, through Community Legal Services, confirming she’d have an attorney. Still, she had to compose herself.

“As a young black woman with no money,” she wondered, “can I win?”

Shortly after she came to court with an attorney, Home 4 Rent withdrew its eviction filing. But her case wasn’t over. Morris’ lawyer, Donnelly from the Public Interest Law Center, filed a suit against Home 4 Rent, which settled without a trial. Morris also served as a co-plaintiff in a second suit, this one a class action, which alleged that attempts to collect rent from her were a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The suit claimed that landlord attorneys violate the Act when they demand back rent at a time, legally speaking, that the property owner is not entitled to payment. Home 4 Rent had not filed a city-required certificate of rental suitability before renting the home to Morris and Hagood, indicating the home was in habitable condition, which must be filed before collecting rent from anyone.

As of right now, when a landlord files an eviction, they are expected to indicate whether they are aware of any code violations at their property. Of the 2,300-plus evictions in 2018 identified as potentially retaliatory, more than 96 percent of them included no such admission from the property owner.

The rights of property owners are traditionally accorded greater respect than those of renters, and the landlord also has a lot less at stake.

“To the landlord, this is a business decision,” says Garland, “as to what they’re doing with this investment property. Whereas for the tenant, this is their home. This is where they’re raising their family. This is where they are creating stability for themselves and… to lose that on a very quick timeline just sets the rest of their life off into a downward spiral.”

This is an excerpt of House Rules, but read the entire report at philadelphiaweekly.com

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This article is part of Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project among 23 news organizations, focused on Philadelphia’s push towards economic justice. Read more of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.

@BROKEINPHILLY PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

14

CULTURE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Icepack IS BACK All the rumor, rants, innuendo, gossip and all-around babble you remember

D

They wanted something that spoke directon’t hold me to this, but, I’m ly to you, of you. almost certain I started my Make no mistake. It’s a different time now weekly Icepack column for than then. On the downside, there’s more City Paper near the end of snowflakes out there ready to jump on the 1989.

The column, then, was counterculture bandwagon. There’s also less name-above-the-title people out meant to be snarky, there getting drunk and snorting a not-so-politically correct look lines in public, or making fools of at what was happening – or what

BY A.D. themselves while out-and-about could happen – in this city accordAMOROSI – “The Lampshade on the Head” ing to rumor, want, innuendo, gosphenomenon. sip, rant and all-around babble I Plus, snark, that glorious blend of sarcasm picked up on, made up, and-or formed very and cynicism, is passé, so last century – undefinite opinions thereof. less you mold it just right.

Icepack caused trouble for many, good for On the upside, there’s more people givothers, and lots of red faces from where my ing it a go in regard to victims got slapped or emnew theater companies barrassed or made to cry or casting opportuniin the rain. ties (same with locally But – and this was the filmed flicks), opening main thing – Icepack was new restaurants or findalways meant to bring ing fresh house parties joy, have fun with the for your band to play or news and conjecture of for you and your DJ to Philly’s social, artistic, rap. Plus, everyone is so political, entrepreneurial self-obsessed that they and culinary scenes and pretty much make fun of scenesters. It was made to themselves with every make stars out of deservselfie. Why snark when ing people not-so-near to the limelight, and, yes, dim a few bright bulbs someone else does the work for you?

Just know, I’ll be watching either way. too.

So enjoy Icepack. Think of it as an old That stayed the focus of Icepack until 2014, when I moved the column to Metro Philadel- friend and for you, New Philadelphia, a freshfaced homie. If you have a tip or something phia right before that chain bought up City wise or stupid to say, feel free to email, or @ Paper, only to sell it after a year to Broad Street Media (who owned Philadelphia Week- me on Twitter.

With that all said, here’s some hits: ly in 2015), who then, summarily, ended CP. Gearing up for its Jan. 26 debut, La Anyway.

Parnada, If I dare say so, there was nothing exactly East Passyunk Avenue’s favorite Abruzlike Icepack. It was, — in my biased opinion — the coolest column for said news and con- zo restaurant, Le Virtu, is facing weirdness. jecture – and it was all mine. That must be First, they announced a sell-off of their true of the present as well, since Philadelphia 5-year-old Neapolitan eatery, Brigantessa, last week to one-time Jean George chefs Scott Weekly invited me to bring Icepack back.

“Every individual reading should buy the NFL Commish the cutest puppy ever, and send it to him in time for Christmas.”

Image: pixabay

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

CULTURE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Calhoun and David Feola for what is being reported as a new snout-to-tail restaubar, Ember & Ash. Personally, I think Neb & Ass would’ve been funnier, but it’s not like Calhoun and Feola are a comedy team. I digress.

Brigantessa’s last day is New Year’s Eve, and it’s a shame to see it go as – whether with its original third partner, chef Joe Cicala, or not – the Brig served a mean mortadella calzone and a swell late night Amari. Cicala?

That reminds me. Even though Joe traded East Passyunk for North Broad and the Divine Lorraine with his self-named restaurant, Cicala casts a long shadow on the South Philly block.

When Chris D’Emilio opened D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats near Le Virtu, serving sorbet and Italian sandwiches designed

by Philly friendchefs a la Marc Vetri and Jeff Michaud, he asked Joe Cicala for a sandwich: La Calabria with ‘Nduja — a spreadable pork salume Joe serves at his new Cicala at Divine Lorraine — caramelized red onion jam, and provola piccante cheese.

Great, right?

Not to Le Virtu peeps where Cicale once did his chef thing with and with whom bad blood Image: Wikicommons was spilled. Rumor has it Le Virtu, perhaps spooked by the ghost of Cicala, bugged D’Emilio to take the Cicala sandwich off its menu for a matter of good neighbor relations, and they did.

Yeah, I’m gonna miss that sandwich. Then again, Le Virtu grills up a mean Brodetto, so it’s “mezza dozzina di uno e sei dell’altro.”

Mike Vick: Still a dirty dog?

My inbox has been loaded with Change.org petitions asking that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell not honor one-time Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick at January 2020’s Pro Bowl with an honorary captain position.

Why not? Dogfighting.

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The motherfucker Vick led a dogfighting ring when he had the money and the options to do something truly worthwhile during his career, like self-immolation. And yet Goodell remains steadfast in his loyalty to Vick and his gift of this public honor. Goodell pretty much threw Colin Kaepernick under a bus FOREVER for not signing a waiver that would’ve covered his ass and everyone else’s connected to that recent NFL tryout debacle (leaving only Jay-Z with egg on his face).

But the commish is cool with Vick killing perfectly healthy dogs for bloodsport just because the former Eagle said he was really, really sorry — oh, and gave money and time to the Humane Society?

I’m not looking for Goodell’s job to be lost or vengeance to be had.

That’s exactly the shit I’m against. I do however think that every individual reading should buy Goddell the cutest puppy ever, and send it to him in time for Christmas. If you have time to knit green Eagles sweaters with No. 7s on them — Vick’s old number — better still.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE: In Jason Segel/ AMC/Dispatches from Elsewhere all-over-Philly fashion, HBO’s newest face, Kate Winslet, has been filming “Mare of Easttown” in Coatesville and Phoenixville since October, but got caught dining in Philly in December, so far, with stops as Vedge and HipCityVeg. What, no V Marks the Shop? Plus, we have friends who spied her strolling the length and breadth of Love Park’s Christmas Village, which is downright seasonal … Before playing his Dec. 28, “TrapStar” showcase at The Met, Philly rapper-crooner PnB Rock celebrated his 28th birthday at Lucky Strike on Dec. 9.

Accompanied by fam and friends, the Rocks spent several hours bowling and noshing.

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VOICES

16

OF OUR

CITY

Brain disease is not a joke

To the Editor,

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

Brain disease is not a joke. Would you feel As the parent of a child with a serious mental illness I cannot express how offended comfortable joking about cancer, heart disease, or diabetes? Stop joking about illnesses I am by your “ad” for a writer. And I can only that affect the brain – So wrong!! imagine the hurt felt by those who struggle I think an apology is in order! with mental illness who see this ad! HOW Sad and concerned, INSENSITIVE – actually disgraceful on your part!

— Karen Redmond | Philadelphia

Children in need deserve merry xmas To the Editor, For many children, the Christmas season is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Many children are taking part in fun holiday traditions: picking out the perfect Christmas tree, visiting Santa, and spending time with family and friends.

But, for more than 5,000 Philadelphia kids in foster care, Christmas looks very different.

What most of them want more than trees, Santa and parties is a family. They want a place where they feel they belong, a safe place where they can play, dream, and grow.

In my work as the executive director of an organization that supports children and families with social services, I see kids like these every day. And it’s hard to celebrate this season with my own family without thinking of them and wondering if they know how much they matter.

Right now, more than 125,000 children across the United States are waiting for adoptive families. That is enough children to nearly fill Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field combined. Children in foster care need families who will love them and provide them with stability. But every year, roughly 20,000 teens in foster care will “age out” without a family to call their own. Between today and the time your family wakes up on Christmas morning, nearly 800 youth will have to leave the foster care system alone.

Children who leave foster care without an adoptive family often face challenges like homelessness, poverty, incarceration, and substance use disorder, continuing a vicious cycle of trauma in our city and around the country. As a community, we must step into these hard places. We must be proactive and find ways to prevent this cycle of trauma.

Even in this season of joy, many children enter foster care because their parents are ex-

periencing difficult situations.

A dad struggling with addiction should know that he can achieve his sobriety in rehab while his children are safe and loved, without having to watch them go into foster care.

The Safe Families for Children program is a national movement for parents who are facing heartbreaking situations like these. It’s designed to keep families together, allowing parents to work through difficult situations, while host families temporarily care for their children anywhere from a few days to several months. During this time, parents stay highly involved in their kids’ lives.

Through Safe Families for Children, we are seeing families stay together and gain new support networks right in their community. When a child goes into foster care, they typically spend two years there. But children hosted through Safe Families typically return home in just 45 days. With foster care, only around 50 percent of children are reunified with their families. But with Safe Families, 93 percent of children are able to return home.

The Safe Families for Children program empowers parents to get back on their feet faster, keeps families together, and keeps children from enduring additional losses and trauma. We’ve seen this program work when the community rises to meet the needs of its most vulnerable. There are so many ways to get involved, whether it’s by hosting a child, supporting host families with meals, transportation, or babysitting, or by mentoring a child.

Consider making this holiday season the most wonderful time of the year for a family in need.

Heather Bert is executive director for Bethany Christian Services of the Greater Delaware Valley.

— Heather Bert | Philadelphia

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

“Fascism is unfolding and in power. This regime must be driven from office NOW and they must be driven out on the basis of repudiating the whole fascist program – from the caging of children to banning Muslims to the shredding of environmental protections to their attacks on LGBTQ people, their threats against the people of the world and so much more.”

— Samantha Goldman, an organizer with Refuse Fascism Philly, prior to the group’s protest at last Saturday’s Army-Navy game, which President Trump attended.

Your turn:

Do you agree with Samantha?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

—

VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

17

THE WEEK IN TWEETS Last week, our call for writers of a counterculture nature went completely off the hinges.

While we received a ton of great pitches as a result, some believed we poked fun at mental illness.

We see it differently, but we hear you. Here are a few of those responses… @PhillyWeekly how could you possibly have thought of and executed this unbelievably offensive cover? Shame on you. You owe an apology to anyone with #mentalillness, who treats mental illness or just cares about #mentalhealth @PJK4brainhealth @JudgeWren @ APAPsychiatric @APA — Stephen Fried |

Voices in your

head

@stephen_fried

By the cover, I’m guessing they operate on a barebones budget and don’t have the typical safety nets afforded to a larger newspaper. Still, highly unfortunate. How about a mental health issue to counter the stigmatizing cover, @PhillyWeekly? I know some people willing to help.

— Broadcast Thought |

@BTDocs

PhiladelphiaWeekly.com | @phillyweekly

FREE | DECEMBER 12 - 19, 2019

Hey @PhillyWeekly did you consider running this by....anyone???

What do you think could possibly be wrong with it? I’ll let you go first..Cc @NAMICommunicate @jack_turban @ ViolenceWonks @ amybarnhorst @BTdocs @ DrHowardLiu @chandan_ khandai @brianros1 — Jessi Gold |

@drjessigold

So hey @PhillyWeekly if you’re ever on the fence or need a gut check, let me know. As an alum, I’d [be] happy to lend Her recent stop at The Met Philly confirmed it: we’d still totally smash Madonna — even at 61. | Page 8 an ear once in awhile.

I am not saying that Unacceptable @PhillyWeekly.

We still have a lot of work to because I think I’m better Symptoms of #mentalillness do to combat stigma, especially or smarter or whatever are not fodder for your if “alternative” publications like but as someone who poorly designed advertising @PhillyWeekly think this genuinely wants you to campaign. is acceptable language. succeed.

Are you psycho enough to write for PW?

– Maryanne ReillySpong PhD |

@MaryannePhD

– André Picard|

@picardonhealth

— Erica Palan |

@errrica

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

18

VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

As neighborhoods change, hazards must be a focus

To the Editor,

There’s no doubt Philly is changing. A century ago, Philadelphia was an industrial powerhouse. That brought prosperity to Philly neighborhoods, but it also meant tremendous pollution. Today, many former industrial sites are being rezoned and redeveloped for residential use. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Kensington and the surrounding communities, where condominiums and apartment buildings with names like “Tie Factory Lofts” and “Frankford Stacks” are a nod to the area’s industrial tradition.

Development in these areas is occurring at breakneck speed and radically reshaping neighborhoods.

Developers behind these projects have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure new construction does not expose communities to past environmental threats and air quality hazards. And Philadelphia residents must hold them accountable.

Formerly industrial land often contains significant environmental contaminants like asbestos, lead, volatile organic compounds, solvents and a host of other toxins.

Exposure to these contaminants can create serious health issues, including a wide range of respiratory conditions and cancer.

Developers must adhere to specific standards in testing land for these hazards and safely removing contaminated dirt and materials from the site.

Unfortunately, developers eager to meet construction deadlines cut corners, withhold information and even mislead regulators on the extent of environmental hazards on specific projects. At Clean Air Council, we’ve seen this occur time and time again.

Environmental testing results are never

shared with the city, or contaminated dirt is not disposed of properly. Some developers are all too willing to put profit before the health of the very residents they’re hoping to attract.

But the problem is deeper than that.

In Kensington and surrounding communities, this construction is also affecting residents already living there – many have lived in the area for generations.

These neighborhoods already have some of the greatest health challenges in the city – from some of the highest rates of childhood asthma to some of the shortest life expectancies.

Throughout the city, these hazards often disproportionately affects people of color. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children suffer asthma-related hospitalizations at a rate five to six times higher than that of non-Hispanic white children, according to Philadelphia’s Health of the City 2018 report.

As development changes these communities, we must make public health a priority. Residents can report construction dust, illegal burning, demolitions and other potential hazards to the city at: phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/report-a-health-or-safety-concern/report-air-and-noise-pollution/ It falls on developers to do the right thing and make sure construction projects don’t jeopardize public health. It falls on the city, neighbors and concerned citizens to keep them honest and guarantee the development does not put future or current residents at risk.

Joseph Otis Minott, Esq. is the executive director and chief counsel of Clean Air Council.

— Joseph Otis Minott, Esq. | Philadelphia

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Dangerous fee hikes for immigrants in the works

To the Editor,

Vulnerable immigrant communities are under attack.

The Trump administration has proposed policies that will slap a series of fees on Philadelphia’s immigrants, and then will use the revenue generated from these fees to fund the detainment and deportation system currently striking fear in communities of immigrants across the country.

Immigrant populations throughout the United States are being dealt a harsh blow by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services through a regressive tax on immigrants, refugees, and asylees. The proposed fee schedule would exorbitantly raise required fees that immigrants must submit to the U.S. government to file for various forms of immigration relief. It would eliminate fee waivers for naturalization purposes, raise naturalization fees by 83 percent, and establish new fees for asylum applications.

Ultimately, this administration is prioritizing enforcement over integration in the same way that our government has prioritized incarceration over education for citizens. It is another example of a wrong-headed policy that creates more problems than it solves.

The policy is also a blatant attempt to wrest power from minorities by affirmatively preventing low-income immigrants from naturalizing and being able to vote. These fee increases and the proposed elimination of fee waivers have real consequences for Philadelphia’s immigrants like the clients our team at HIAS Pennsylvania serves every day.

For instance, one of the extremely vulnerable Ethiopian asylees we serve arrived in the United States after fleeing the Ethiopian Civil War. He was granted asylum in 2011, and received his green card four years later. After arriving in the U.S., he was diagnosed with diabetes and placed on dialysis.

Because he is unable to work and has no family to support him, he relies on Supplemental Security Income to pay his rent. However, due to a rule that requires legal permanent residents to naturalize within seven years of arrival to continue accessing SSI benefits, his SSI was recently cut off and he will need to naturalize to regain his primary source of income. While under the current policy he would receive a fee waiver to cover the costs of applying for citizenship, the proposed rule change would preclude him from receiving the waiver and require he pay $1,170, almost two full months of SSI payments.

Due to his low income and health issues, he risks homelessness.

The largest fee increase is for victims of crime, or someone who obtained their legal status by cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation of a crime committed against him or her. Crime victims who seek to bring over qualifying family members have to pay 559 percent more, $1,515, to ask for permission to get the family support that they may desperately need in the wake of a crime. Imagine being trafficked at a young age – 14 or 15, drugged and prostituted by a violent American criminal for months or even years, escaping, cooperating with police to bring criminals to justice, and then, in an attempt to start your life over as an adult, seeking to bring a sister, brother, or other beloved family member here to help you heal, and being told that all that you suffered, all your reliving of the trauma that you suffered to bring the criminal to justice, was not sufficient. This proposed rule would also introduce a $50 asylum application fee. USCIS claims the fee would “alleviate the pressure” on the backlog of asylum applications, thereby leaving USCIS employees more time and resources to perform other immigration duties. However, many people fleeing extreme situations in their home countries and seeking asylum in the United States do not have $50 to spare.

Two important proposed fee hikes also require immigrants to pay to get their day in court – the application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal (increasing by 216 percent) and the request for a hearing on a decision in naturalization proceedings (increasing by 151 percent).

In other words, if an immigrant feels they had an unfair hearing, they would have to pay an exorbitant sum to appeal. This proposed fee hike could have deadly consequences. Don’t let the fear win. The public has until Dec. 30 to submit comments about the proposed rule change. All are encouraged to submit a unique comment via the USCIS website.

For more information about the rules and about how to write a comment visit the Catholic Legal Immigration Network website . If you wish to avoid having your name and identifying information become part of the public record, you may submit comments anonymously.

Cathryn Miller-Wilson is executive director of HIAS Pennsylvania.

— Cathryn Miller-Wilson | Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

PARTY

19

Popping the cork Last chance to make PW’s ultimate NYE party list

Y

o, Philly bars, restaurants and cost, etc. – and make your best pitch as to party places: This is your last why folks should spend their time and money chance to make Philadelphia with you instead of someone else.

Weekly’s ultimate New Year’s Eve Then, in our Dec. 26 issue, we’ll cobble tobash list. Act now – or get left out. gether all of those emails into the ultimate We all know there are thou- NYE party list and spread the news to everysands of people looking to fill body else – all those people looking to tear it their bellies and empty their wallets on New up on NYE and, more importantly for you, Year’s Eve. They will be seeking spend big bucks. We’ll pubout the best meals and deals to lish a collection of the best of ring in 2020. They will be lookthe best Philly has to offer on

BY PHILADELPHIA ing for the hottest party spots NYE. Then all you have to do is WEEKLY STAFF and the best grub for their atsit back and watch them walk home festivities. through your door (or call or Will they find you – or will visit your website, you get the they be headed to your competitor down the idea) and hand over their hard-earned cash. street?

We’re talking to you, restaurants, bars, We’re making it super easy for them to clubs, catering services and everybody else show up at your spot. We’ll be publishing a who wants to grab some money on NYE. This list of all of the places hosting dinners and is your night to shine, err, profit. parties and offering catering to the folks planDon’t put this off. Don’t let this grand opning a party at home. The best part for you? portunity slip by because you were busy All you have to do to make that list is drop us wasting your time buying your kids presents a line. or something and then forgot about it.

Email your event, NYE specials or services Hit us up now. to mail@philadelphiaweekly.com by Friday, @PHILLYWEEKLY Dec. 20. Send us all the details – time, place,

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

20

THUR DECEMBER 19

HOLIDAYS

Photo Night with Drunk Santa

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

Santa has had one too many.

You probably would have, too, if you had to fly around the world and deal with taking pictures with millions of children every year. Drink up with the big man while there are no kids present. | 8 pm. Free. Garage, 100 E. Girard Ave.

Witch Market: Winter Solstice Shop around at this pop-up of all things weird and witchy.

Local vendors – including Black Cat Clothiers and Ludlow Luna – will be showing off their odd goods. Get roped in to this wonderful world with some tasty food and drinks, and all the wares will make you stay. | 9 pm. Free. Lucky’s Last Chance, 848 S. 2nd St. facebook.com

Women are extremely capable of everything, especially of being funny as hell. Remind yourself this Woman Crush Wednesday of that. Catch some of the funniest women in Philly let it all out. | 8 pm. $16. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.

TRAP Karaoke

The Philadelphia Moth GrandSLAM

INTERESTS

Really Funny Comedians (Who Happen to be Women)

MUSIC

INTERESTS

utphilly.com

COMEDY

punchlinephilly.com

facebook.com

Some of those who shared their stories in the Moth’s weekly StorySLAMs have made it to these championships. These seasoned storytellers will face off in a competition of the best tales. | 7:30 pm. $25. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Mindfulness at the Museum It’s about time we center ourselves amid all this holiday stress. Stop by for some meditation where you’ll sit in silence with others and reflect on the experience after. This is great for getting you into the mindset to try the same at home – if you could get everybody else to be quiet for a few minutes.

At this session, participants will enjoy a combination of walking and seated meditation for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The session continues with a moment of reflection, providing them with an opportunity to learn more about the individuals they have taken this journey with, and how collective experiences relate to the art. The instructor provides closure by offering a brief meditation and encouragement to the group, asking participants to consider how their liberation exists in the collective when we are mindful.

What: Mindfulness at the Museum Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. When: Friday, Dec. 20, noon. How much: Free More: eventbrite.com

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Spots fill up quickly to perform at this night all about cultural empowerment and bringing together a community. Get up there and sing to whatever the fuck you want. Who knew a night full of people performing Lil Uzi and Future could be so empowering? | 8 pm. $30.

Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. universe.com MUSIC

Lolife

This artist creates sounds that will replicate the sweetest of dreams. Chill out to these bedroom pop sounds, and get ready for a huge variety of genres from the other local bands on the bill for the night. | 7:30 pm. Free. Century, 1350 S. 29th St. facebook.com COMEDY

Lovable Monsters & Friends

All comedians are a little crazy, but we love them anyway. Celebrate the eccentricities of local funny

people Che Guerrero, Rob MUSIC Crews and more at this biweekly performance. | 8 pm.

Free. Manny Brown’s, 512 You won’t he South St. Christmas b eventbrite.com This is strict party led by INTERESTS that knows w they’re talkin be afraid to g the top – thi 9 pm. Free. F Filbert St. Notorious RBG herself will be eventbrite. in Philly to accept the Only in America award, offered to American Jews who have MUSIC achieved excellence. | 5:30 pm. Free. National Museum We promise of American Jewish History, always make 101 S. Independence Mall E. strive for som with every re info.nmajh.org newest relea Get What Yo expect to he knows exact fucking wan DECEMBER 20 Union Trans Garden St.

Go Go Holida

Only in America: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Daugh

FRI

PARTY

The Ugly Sweater Party

We know we’ve thrown quite a few parties like this your way, but trust is – this is THE one to be at. Grab a sweater from a thrift store or from your grandparents’ closet and show it off to the ladies all night. | 10 pm. $5-$7. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. facebook.com SHOW

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Bring the whole family to this heartwarming play that will teach you the real meaning of the holiday season. It’ll never get old. | 7 pm. $33$103. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. kimmelcenter.org

utphilly.com

CALENDAR

LYWEEKLYPHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY INTERESTS

MUSIC

Go Go Gadjet Holiday Party

You won’t hear any traditional Christmas bangers here.

This is strictly a funk EDM party led by a local group that knows what the hell they’re talking about. Don’t be afraid to go a little over the top – this is their thing. | 9 pm. Free. Field House, 1150 Filbert St. eventbrite.com

Mindfulness at the Museum

Stop by for some meditation where you’ll sit in silence with others and reflect on the experience after. This is great for getting you into the mindset to try the same at home – if you could get everybody else to be quiet for a few minutes. | Noon. Free.

Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St.

21

COMEDY

I’ll Have What She’s Having

Get in on all the action with their recreation of “Die Hard,” an action movie we all know and love a little too much. | 8 pm. $20. CSz Philadelphia, 2030 Sansom St. eventbrite.com

SAT DECEMBER 21

eventbrite.com MUSIC

Daughters

LGBTQ

We promise this band will always make you proud. They strive for something different with every record. In their newest release, “You Won’t Get What You Want,” you can expect to hear a band that knows exactly what they fucking want. | 8:30 pm. $25.

Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. utphilly.com

HAUS Gives Back

All the club kids will be coming out around Christmas time to hit up this charity party. Proceeds raised will be given to Morris Home, a local organization that supports trans and nonbinary people in living safe lives. | 9 pm. $5. Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.

MUSIC

Man Overboard

Pop-punks follow holiday traditions, too. The band has been playing this Lost Tape Holiday show since 2014.

Come celebrate the season with them and hear some never-released tracks. | 8 pm. $25. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. eventbrite.com

facebook. com

INTERESTS

Star Wars Christmas Craft Bazaar

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” just premiered yesterday. Your nerdy fan tendencies have probably been reignited by now if you went to see the movie. Load up on some unique Star Wars gear here. | Saturday, 9 am. Free. Buzz Cafe Philly, 1800 N. Howard St. facebook.com

DISCUSSION

The Longest Night

The holidays are the best time of the year for some, and the most difficult for many others. This gathering hosted by the city Office of Public Engagement will acknowledge those who may feel stressed or left out during the season. | Friday, 8 pm.

Free. City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. secure.everyaction.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

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DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

The Starting Line

We weren’t sure if we’d ever see these guys again. These Phillybased pop-punks are back on the road, courtesy of their “Est. 1999” tour. They haven’t released anything since 2012, so you’ll probably get treated to a slew of new material...assuming there’s new music coming down the road. Just hang in there; your patience will get you past the finish line. | 8:30 pm. $32.50. Franklin Music Hall, 421 N. 7th St. bowerypresents.com

PYRAMIDNYE2020.EVENTBRITE.COM

(INSIDE THE BNY MELLON CENTER) 1735 MARKET ST., 52ND FL, PHILA., PA

MUSIC

LGBTQ

Ruffhouse PHL: Long Jawn

Baby, it’s cold outside.

Bundle up in your warmest undergarments for this annual party with DJ Phillip Kimball.

Don’t worry, you’ll still get your chance to show off your sexy and take it all off. A hoe never gets cold. | 10 pm. $5-$10. The Bike Stop, 204 S. Quince St. facebook.com

MUSIC

PARTY

The Front A Very Mary Bottoms: Christmas Champagne Jam Local drag queen Mimi Imfurst These guys are bringing their annual holiday show to Philly from Asbury Park. Several musicians and comedians – including Mannequin Pussy and Chris Gethard – will perform across three stages at three venues. Pretty epic glow-up. | 6 pm. $40-$45. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St.

will take the crowd back to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. You may think it will be religious, but it’ll be a raunchy, Vegas-style rendition of the miracle. We have a feeling this Mary isn’t actually a virgin. | 7:30 pm. $15-$25. Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St. eventbrite.com

thefillmorephilly.com INTERESTS PARTY

The Nightmare Before Christmas Dance Party

Christmas doesn’t always have to be all red, green and tinsel.

Halloween will creep its way into the holiday season at this dark dance party. Gift and coal receivers rejoice here, where all are welcome, regardless of whether they’ve been naughty or nice. | 10 pm. $10. Ruba Club, 416 Green St. facebook.com

Holiday Punk Rock Flea Market

It’s always the right occasion to do a little shopping around.

Especially if you have access to a goldmine of old punk goods and oddities. It always feels like Christmas when you find the perfect things you never knew you needed. | 10 am. $5. 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St. facebook.com

SUN DECEMBER 22

LGBTQ

Drag Queen Story Time

Drag queens are definitely some of the most talented performers ever. Spice up your afternoon with a colorful reading of children’s books from local queen Maria TopCatt. Kids will also get the chance to work a runway and lip-sync to their favorite songs. | 3 pm. Free. Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave. facebook.com PARTY

Festivus

This party will stick to the strict traditions of the fictional “Seinfeld” holiday. Show off mi Imfurst your strength in the most ridiculous way possible, ack to whether it’s arm wrestling or rth of k it will be balancing a stool on your chin. a raunchy, | 4 pm. Free. The Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Ave. n of the eeling this facebook.com virgin.

Franky ncellor St.

y

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY PARTY

ETC: Holiday Rave

Trip out at this party that will have you seeing some crazy visuals. Open up that third eye with killer performances

by Jayo, Dave Tidey and Shearn. No drugs here – just a genuine good time that will have you transcending to another universe. | 10 pm. $10. The Boom Room, 1300 N. Front St. eventbrite.com MUSIC

PJ Morton

Being extremely musically talented runs in the family for Morton – his father, Bishop Paul S. Morton, is a famous gospel singer. He’s a member of Maroon 5, but he’s always creating successful solo projects. | 8 pm. $25.

Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. venue.tlaphilly. com

INTERESTS

Christmas for the Homeless

Many get caught up in selfish feelings during the holiday season, but the focus should really be on giving rather than receiving. | 9 am. Free.

Lowe’s, 3800 Aramingo Ave. facebook.com FUNDRAISER

Al Zamora Toy Drive

This show featuring several local talented musicians will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. | 6 pm. $10. Warehouse on Watts, 923 N. Watts St.

23

COMEDY

Just Mike, the Poet: Word Play

Life could always stand to get a little spiced up with some wordplay – especially from this guy. Aside from having us cracking up, Mike will be collecting toys for the children of gun violence victims. What a stand up guy. | 8 pm. $10. Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. facebook.com

wowphilly.com

INTERESTS

Chanukah on the Avenue

Light up the first night of Chanukah at this community-wide celebration. The whole avenue will be shining bright with candles and tons of festive treats and traditions. | Sunday, 5 pm. Free. The Singing Fountain, Tasker St. and E. Passyunk Ave. facebook.com

nk

occasion g around. e access to nk goods ys feels like find the ever knew . $5. 23rd 23rd St.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

24 X

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MON DECEMBER 23

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 SHOW

One-Man Nutcracker

You know the “Nutcracker” ballet that’s comprised of about 1,000 dancers?

Well, Chris Davis is here to assume all the roles by himself.

We have no damn clue how he does it all, but prepare to be astounded. | 2 pm. $25. Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St.

SHOW

2 Tired 2 Christmas

Secret Pants – a local sketch comedy group – is sadly hosting its last variety Christmas show ever. Help wrap up its historic 10-year run by showing up for this hilarious crop of comedians. | Monday, 8 pm. $10. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave. eventbrite.com

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

onemannutcracker. brownpapertickets. com

INTERESTS

The WorstCase Scenario Survival Experience

It’s just about the end of the year, but we can pretend that it’s also the end of the world. This interactive survival simulation will have you jumping from a train car, picking locks and diving deep into a ball pit. It’s probably a lot more fun than the actual end of days might be. | 9:30 am. $19-$23. The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. fi.edu INTERESTS

Winter Break Skateboard Camp

Keep the kids busy while they’re home for the holidays. Put them in this program where they’ll learn to shred like the pros. Best of luck trying to get them to put the boards down once they go back to school. | 9 am. $100. Skate the Foundry, 849 N. 40th St. skatethefoundry.com MUSIC

Tigerbeats

This weekly staple of live music and DJs is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Thanks to them, Mondays in Philly don’t completely suck. You better come pay your respects and keep the dancing going every week. | 10 pm. Free. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. facebook.com MUSIC

It’s a Very Aktive Christmas

NJ-based label Aktive Records is hosting this show featuring some of its finest talent, like Lil Benzy and Tony De Shayes. All ticket proceeds go toward the record label’s efforts in homeless outreach. | 7 pm. $10. Voltage Lounge, 421 N. 7th St. voltagelounge.com INTERESTS

Open Mic Mondays

As someone with talent, you may be wondering when and if it will get discovered.

Your friends may know you’re talented, but you have to share those gifts with the world to get them to hear you. | 8 pm. Free.

The Victoria Freehouse, 10 S. Front St. facebook.com

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10 Under $10 Low on dough? You can still have a blast Go Go Gadjet Holiday Party

This is strictly a funk EDM party led by a local group that knows what the hell they’re talking about. Don’t be afraid to go a little over the top – this is their thing. | Friday, Dec. 20, 9 pm. Free. Field House, 1150 Filbert St. eventbrite.com

Holiday Punk Rock Flea Market

It’s always the right occasion to do a little shopping around. Especially if you have access to a goldmine of old punk goods and oddities. It always feels like Christmas when you find the perfect things you never knew you needed. | Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 am. $5. 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St. The Nutcracker

TUES DECEMBER 24

PARTY

One Crazy Night

You already know what you’re in for. This is apparently where all the Jews will be on Christmas Eve. Festive donuts, candle lightings and Jewish musicians will all help elevate this party to the next level. | 9 pm. $10. Fringe Arts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd. tfaforms.com PARTY

Matzah Bash

Ball out at the “biggest Xmas Eve party in Philly.” This is the perfect party to let loose and prepare yourself for the craziness that will inevitably ensue tomorrow. | 10 pm. $10. NOTO, 1209 Vine St. eventbrite.com

Facebook.com

INTERESTS

Tuesday Night Hang Out

Club going up on a Tuesday.

Come meet some new friends and score cheap deals on drinks.

There’s no reason for your night to be lame if you have somewhere you can go like this. | 10 pm. Free. Saint Lazarus Bar, 102 W. Girard Ave.

PARTY

Christmas Eve Celebration

Secure your spot at one of the biggest holiday parties in the city.

It’s too late to get on the naughty list by now, so don’t hold back.

Just make sure you don’t get too hungover. | 9 pm. $10. Bleu Martini, 24 S. 2nd St. eventbrite.com

facebook.com INTERESTS SHOW

The Nutcracker

Make a tradition out of going to the ballet for the holidays. You’ll never really see a performance as beautifully choreographed as this one. There’s a reason why it’s stuck around for so many years. | Noon. $45-$169. The Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. paballet.org

The Original Songwriter’s Open Mic

The emphasis here is on original music created by the performers. Get up there and blow the crowd away. Any talent is welcome, but just remember this crowd is ready to hear your organic lyrics and sounds. | 8 pm. Free. SawTown Tavern, 4717 Princeton Ave. facebook.com

Drag Queen Story Time

Drag queens are definitely some of the most talented performers ever. Spice up your afternoon with a colorful reading of children’s books from local queen Maria TopCatt. Kids will also get the chance to work a runway and lip-sync to their favorite songs. | Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 pm. Free. Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave.

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. | Monday, Dec. 23, 8 pm. $5. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, 1509 South St. Facebook.com

Tigerbeats

This weekly staple of live music and DJs is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Thanks to them, Mondays in Philly don’t completely suck. You better come pay your respects and keep the dancing going every week. | Monday, Dec. 23, 10 pm. Free. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. Facebook.com

The Original Songwriter’s Open Mic

The emphasis here is on original music created by the performers. Get up there and blow the crowd away. Any talent is welcome, but just remember this crowd is ready to hear your organic lyrics and sounds. | Tuesday, Dec. 24, 8 pm. Free. SawTown Tavern, 4717 Princeton Ave.

Facebook.com

Facebook.com

Festivus

Christmas Day Skate Party

Show off your strength in the most ridiculous way possible, whether it’s arm wrestling or balancing a stool on your chin. Air your grievances on the open mic – just try not to yell too loudly. | Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 pm. Free. The Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Ave.

Santa can finally take a load off after such a busy season. Skate around with him after you’ve opened all your presents. You have to see him one last time before he retires to the North Pole until next year. | Wednesday, Dec., 25, 6 pm. $3. Rolling Thunder Skating Rink, 7017 E. Roosevelt Blvd.

Facebook.com

facebook.com

Christmas for the Homeless

HAUS Gives Back

Give back to the community by providing meals and gifts to people in Kensington who don’t have a warm home to go to for the holidays. | Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 am. Free. Lowe’s, 3800 Aramingo Ave. Facebook.com

All the club kids will be coming out around Christmas time to hit up this charity party. Proceeds raised will be given to Morris Home, a local organization that supports trans and nonbinary people in living safe lives. | Friday, Dec. 20, 9 pm. $5.

Tabu, 254 S. 12th St. facebook.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

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CALENDAR

WED DECEMBER 25

INTERESTS

Christmas Day Skate Party

Santa can finally take a load off after such a busy season.

Skate around with him after you’ve opened all your presents. You have to see him one last time before he retires to the North Pole until next year. | 6 pm. $3. Rolling Thunder Skating Rink, 7017 E. Roosevelt Blvd. facebook.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY MUSIC

Jungle Bells

We’re over this bitter cold weather. Let’s transport ourselves to humid jungles in primitive lands. Powerful drums and bass provided by tri-state area musicians will fulfill all your jungle fantasies. | 9 pm. $14. Warehouse on Watts, 923 N. Watts St.

PARTY

Phestivus

Camp Phuckit – an easygoing camp of artistic folks, will be hosting this party right after the holiday. After your family dinner, come party with another tight-knit family. | 9 pm. Free. Saint Lazarus Bar, 102 W. Girard Ave. facebook.com

wowphilly.com INTERESTS INTERESTS

Being __ at Christmas

Reflect on how you feel this holiday with your family. It doesn’t matter what gifts you receive or that you buy for others – all that matters is that you are living your life. | 10 am. $15. National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall E. info.nmajh.org

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Open Jam

Give the gift of your talent this Christmas. Bring whatever you have to show off to this hangout spot and let it all out. It’ll be like being with family. | 7:30 pm. Free.

The Grape Room, 105 Grape St. facebook.com

FOOD & DRINK

Tunes, Tacos, Tequila

Unfortunately, it’s fucking freezing here. Go away on a tropical paradise in Mexico with the three magic Ts. We’re going with you. | Wednesday, 8 pm. Free. Hi Vi Lounge, 5744 Market St. facebook.com

CALENDAR

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Best BETS The Starting Line

We weren’t sure if we’d ever see these guys again. These Philly-based pop-punks are back on the road, courtesy of their “Est. 1999” tour. They haven’t released anything since 2012, so you’ll probably get treated to a slew of new material...assuming there’s new music coming down the road. Just hang in there; your patience will get you past the finish line. | Saturday, Dec. 21, 8:30 pm. $32.50. Franklin Music Hall, 421 N. 7th St. Bowerypresents.com

A Very Mary Christmas

MUSIC

Come Together: Tribute Performance to Abbey Road

A whole crew of local musicians has joined to perform the iconic Beatles album live – a feat that The Beatles apparently couldn’t even do. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the record’s release with a stellar show. | Thursday, 8 pm. $20. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.

Eventbrite.com

worldcafelive.com

THUR DECEMBER 26

INTERESTS

Creation Station

Do you have a budding engineer at home? Bring them to this interactive event where they can build anything their hearts desire. Knowing how to use your hands will always be more valuable than knowing how to use an iPad. | 10 am. $19-$23.

The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. fi.edu COMEDY

Grin and Beer It

Turn that frown upside down, this comedy show is bound to be entertaining. Jessa Reed, Sam Ike and Jamie Wolf will be your hilarious hosts. You won’t have to fake a smile here. | 9 pm. $5.

Earth Bread and Brewery, 7136 Germantown Ave.

Local drag queen Mimi Imfurst will take the crowd back to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. You may think it will be religious, but it’ll be a raunchy, Vegas-style rendition of the miracle. We have a feeling this Mary isn’t actually a virgin. | Saturday, Dec. 21, 7:30 pm. $15-$25. Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.

MUSIC

Musiq Soulchild

Musicians like Musiq make the whole Philly music scene proud.

He’s helping to keep truly soulful R&B on the map. With nine Grammy nominations, we’d say he’s doing a pretty damn good job at that. | 6 pm. $64-$84. City Winery, 990 Filbert St. citywinery.com INTERESTS

The Great Continental Regift Exchange

Not happy with the gifts you got yesterday? It’s pretty savage, but you could trade them for somebody else’s. At least you won’t be wasting anything. | 6 pm. Free. The Continental, 1801 Chestnut St. facebook.com

SHOW

Jimmy All the Way

Shit’s about to get ridiculous.

Game Changer Wrestling presents yet another insane production featuring Philly’s own Jimmy Lloyd. It’s times like these that remind us why this is the most wonderful time of the year. | 8 pm. $25-$45. Voltage Lounge, 421 N. 7th St. eventbrite.com MUSIC

Lil Baby

This young rapper got his start in Atlanta with the likes of Young Thug and Coach K. He was way too talented to be committing petty crimes in the streets, and we’re so damn happy he’s been recognized and able to get his music out into the world. | 8 pm. $70-$80. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St.

One-Man Nutcracker

You know the “Nutcracker” ballet that’s comprised of about 1,000 dancers? Well, Chris Davis is here to assume all the roles by himself. We have no damn clue how he does it all, but prepare to be astounded. | Monday, Dec. 23, 2 pm. $25. Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St. Onemannutcracker.brownpapertickets.com

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience It’s just about the end of the year, but we can pretend that it’s also the end of the world.

This interactive survival simulation will have you jumping from a train car, picking locks and diving deep into a ball pit. It’s probably a lot more fun than the actual end of days might be. | Monday, Dec. 23, 9:30 am. $19-$23. The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. fi.edu

Winter Wonderland

Photo Pop Philly is back this holiday season! Winter Wonderland is the third installment by Photo Pop Philly, an interactive experience where guests can immerse themselves in a magical wonderland filled with selfie-worthy art, sensational murals, exciting installations, and of course, endless photo opportunities! Photo Pop’s Winter Wonderland exhibit is open until Jan. 5. The brand’s latest edition is located in the newlyrestored food hall, The Bourse, in historic Old City Philadelphia. Free to $20. photopopphilly.com/winter-wonderland

thefillmorephilly.com

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

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Bloody business Q: I am a 60-year-old heterosexual man, and isn’t something to worry about. But if you saw I am being told that I’m normal. I have been blood in your semen that one time and you to several urologists, and they say I have health insurance and you’re a have no medical issues. But I’m havhypochondriac like me, Dr. Winter ing a hard time buying it, because recommends a visit to a doc for a for the last six months, my ejaculate short consultation and a quick physhas been extremely bloody. This is ical exam. embarrassing, especially since oral “But in a case like TMIAS’s, sex – giving and receiving – has alwhere the issue is ongoing and the ways been my favorite. subject is over 55,” said Dr. Winter, The urologists’ explanation is “a typical evaluation would include that as you get older, there are blood a PSA blood test (a prostate cancer vessels within the penis that can screening test), as well as testing for break during an erection. They gave STIs (such as gonorrhea, chlamydme some pills to ensure there was ia, and herpes), along with a urinalno infection, but then they told me ysis to check for blood in the urine that I’ll probably have to use conand urinary infections. If those doms for the rest of my life. tests were not revealing, I would @FAKEDANSAVAGE consider doing an ultrasound or My partner doesn’t need contraceptives, so we haven’t used conMRI of the prostate and surrounddoms for decades. If I were bleeding ing organs, as well as putting a camout of any other orifice, there would be a team era up the urethra (called cystoscopy) to check of doctors helping me. Is there really no hope? out the plumbing.”

– Tell Me It Ain’t So Assuming you’ve had all those tests, and your prostate was present “Hematospermia – on photo day, and the docblood in the ejaculate – tors found no sign of canis usually not considered cer or infection, TMIAS, a big deal, in the sense then what the hell is going that the vast majority of on? the time it’s not a sign of “Typically, the cause cancer,” said Dr. Ashley would be something such Winter, a board-certified as dilated blood vessels urologist, the cohost of along the ejaculate exit The Full Release podcast, route,” aka the urethra. and my go-to expert on Quickly: The urethra is all blood-in-spunk-related a tube that connects the matters. “I’d want to know outside world (and all how much he’s actually those piss bottoms) to your bleeding and what they’ve bladder; it’s the tube we done to check him out. But all piss through. In males, that said, sometimes a guy the urethra pulls double with a large prostate will bleed with orgasm.” duty, men also ejaculate through it (and some For everyone out there panicking because women do, too!) – it runs through the prostate they saw blood in their semen one time a degland, a gland that produces about a third of cade ago, Dr. Winter says a one-off bloody load the seminal fluid.

DAN SAVAGE

“For everyone out there panicking because they saw blood in their semen one time a decade ago, Dr. Winter says a one-off bloody load isn’t something to worry about.”

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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An enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, which can make urination difficult and uncomfortable, and can also result in – you guessed it – blood in the semen.

One possible “fix” for an enlarged prostate is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which basically amounts to “a ‘roto-rootering’ of the prostate,” as Dr. Winter so vividly put it. A doctor shoves something called a resectoscope up your urethra and slices away chunks of prostate tissue.

“The problem with these procedures is that they can cause a person to stop ejaculating at all,” said Dr. Winter. “So if TMIAS has already had a fairly robust evaluation, then either using condoms or just having his sex partner adapt to the presence of blood may be the best solution. And in the absence of an infection, shooting a bloody load into your partner is not dangerous. Couples have intercourse during menstruation without harm, and plenty of F-F couples if you sawhave sex during menstrue and youation as well.” d you’re a But hold on and back Dr. Winterup and wait just a goddoc for adamned minute: Didn’t uick phys-your doctors say everything looked normal?

TMIAS’s,Doesn’t that mean your g and theprostate isn’t enlarged?

Dr. Winter, “A ‘normal’ prostate ld includegenerally means that ate cancerit is not cancerous and testing fornormal in size for your chlamyd-age,” said Dr. Winter. “As h a urinal-you get older, your prostate gets bigger. So the urineit’s highly probable that what TMIAS has is a If thosebig-ass-but-normal-for-his-age prostate. And , I wouldbigger prostates tend to have larger blood vessound orsels lining the urethra and are therefore more surround-likely to bleed when he experiences those loveing a cam-ly contractions associated with orgasm. When y) to checkTMIAS was told that ‘there are blood vessels within the penis that can break,’ I suspect his tests, anddoc was referring to this and was trying to as presentsimplify the explanation.” d the doc- And while the presence of blood in your gn of can-ejaculate may not be normal or ideal, TMIAS, , TMIAS,it’s likely your normal, and there’s nothing ll is goingyour doctor – or a team of them – can do about it. he cause “Sometimes a lack of a ‘fix’ is not dismishing suchsiveness, it’s just an admittance that a lot of d vesselsthings medical folks do/offer aren’t perfect,” ulate exitsaid Dr. Winter. urethra. Follow Dr. Ashley Winter on Twitter @Ashurethra isleyGWinter, and check out The Full Release nects thepodcast, which she co-hosts with comedian (and allMo Mandel, at thefullreleasepod.com. ms) to your tube we Q: I’m a woman with a dating profile on OkIn males,Cupid that states I’m nonmonogamous and ls doubleonly looking for the same. Recently, I had two (and somegreat dates with a guy who described himself e prostateas monogamous on his profile. However, after a third of our first date and a lot of messaging, I intuited that he hadn’t actually read the fine print on

my profile. Usually guys bring that up when they’ve read it, and he hadn’t mentioned it once. So I brought it up at the end of our second date when we were having post-dinner drinks at a bar.

In retrospect, I should have set up a time to seriously discuss this, not spring it on him while we were drinking, but I felt like the longer it went unsaid, the more “betrayed” he might feel. And boy, did he have a reaction. He went from “This is not a deal breaker” to “Oh my god, I can’t do this, I should just go” in 20 minutes, and then rushed out of the bar.

We cleared the air the next day, and he apologized for being a jerk and bailing. But clearly we’re not going to be dating going forward.

Maybe this was always how a guy like him was going to react, but when is the right time to bring nonmonogamy up if you meet someone in real life first? Or if it’s clear someone didn’t read the damn fine print on your profile before jumping straight to infatuation?

He claimed his meltdown was an emotional response to the conflict he was feeling between (a) the expectation that serious relationships need to lead to monogamy and (b) the great time he was having with someone who turned out to be (gasp) nonmonogamous.

Was there a better way to have shared this information? A time sooner or later? We were really clicking, so his freakout was a huge surprise.

– Read The Fine Print

“Dude should have read the fine print on your profile. He should have done his screw diligence – but you should have done yours, too. Or followed through with yours.”

Dude should have read the fine print on your profile. He should have done his screw diligence – but you should have done yours, too. Or followed through with yours.

You read the fine print on his profile, RTFP, you knew he described himself as monogamous, but you went on a date with him anyway – you went on two dates and swapped a lot of messages – without stopping to ask him the dreaded direct question (DDQ): “My profile says I’m nonmonogamous and only looking for the same, and yours says you’re monogamous. Are you making an exception for me because I’m amazing or did you not read my whole profile?” You should have asked this guy the DDQ not to spare him the horror of your company and avoid wasting his time, RTFP, but to spare yourself that stupid scene in the bar and avoid wasting your time.

On the Lovecast, Erika Moen’s sex toy gift recs! Listen at savagelovecast.com.

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

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

BLOOD DONORS All donors paid $40.00 No appointment necessary.

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

Email resume: amanda@alphabetacademy .com 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.

NOTICES 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 January 6, 2020 at 6 PM at: www.storagetreasures.com: Unit 4023 Trixie A Castro Buckley Unit 1016A James Culver Unit 1109 Lateef White

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215-465-7525 NOTICES Estate Notice Estate of ALMA (NÉE LENTZ) PRINCE, deceased. Late of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to; CHRISTINE T. DUNIGAN 741 DELAWARE AVE. Help Wanted WANTED IDM/EDM DEMOS . contact : vegaanthony915@gmail.com

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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF RICHLAND DOCKET NO.: 2019-DR40-3202 NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS TO THE DEFENDANT: JOHN DOE, BIRTH FATHER YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE: 1. That an adoption proceeding was filed in the Family Court of Richland County on September 23, 2019, and in this Complaint you are alleged to be the father of a Caucasian/African-American, male child born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2019.

2. That the Plaintiffs in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of confidentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plaintiffs and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2019-DR40-3202. 3. That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is filed by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption.

To file notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Richland County Court, Clerk of Court Richland County Family Court, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings. 4. That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identified child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7).

This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E). Raymond W. Godwin, Esq. (SC Bar #2162) PO Box 354 Greenville, SC 29602 PH (864) 241-2883 FAX: (864) 255-4342 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS Date: November 6, 2019

Legal Notices The Law Office of Lakisha N. Dean, Esq. 811 Church Road, Suite 116 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone (856) 359-5222 Fax (856) 486-1135 Attorney for Plaintiff Attorney ID No. 037262001 SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY CHANCERY DIVISION: FAMILY PART CAMDEN COUNTY DOCKET NO. FM-04-1439-18 CIVIL ACTION KAIRI CORSEY: Plaintiff vs.

PERCELIA BLIDGE: Defendant SUMMONS From The State of New Jersey, To the Defendant Named Above: PERCELIA BLIDGE The Plaintiff, named above has filed a lawsuit against you in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The complaint attached to this summons states the basis for this lawsuit. If you dispute this complaint, you or your attorney must file a written answer or general appearance in accordance with R.5:43(a) with the deputy clerk of the Superior Court in the county listed above within 35 days from the date you received this summons, not counting the date you received it. The address of the deputy clerk of the Superior Court is: Camden County Superior Court, 101 South 5th Street, Camden, New Jersey 08103. A $175.00 filing fee payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court and a completed Case Information Statement (available from the deputy clerk of the Superior Court) must accompany your answer or motion when it is filed. You must also send a copy of your answer or motion to Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address appear above, or to Plaintiff, if no attorney is named above. A telephone call will not protect your rights; you must file and serve a written answer or appearance (with fee) if you want the court to hear your defense.

If you do not file and serve a written answer or appearance within 35 days, the court may enter a judgment against you for the relief Plaintiff demands, plus interest and costs of suit. If judgment is entered against you, the Sheriff may seize your money, wages or property to pay all or part of the judgment.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may call the Legal Services office in the county where you live. A list of these offices is provided. If you do not have an attorney and are not eligible for free legal assistance, you may obtain a referral to an attorney by calling one of the Lawyer Referral Services.

A list of these numbers is also provided.

Michelle M. Smith, Esq. Clerk of the Superior Court DATED: July 19, 2018 Name of Defendant to be Served: Percelia Blidge 1936 North Patton Street Philadelphia, PA 19121 CAMDEN COUNTY: Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court Civil Processing Office Hall of Justice 1st Fl., Suite 150 101 South 5th Street Camden, NJ 08103

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3 BED | 1 BATH | 1,092 SQ FT | $250,000

LISTINGS

4 BED | 4.1 BATH | 4,217 SQ FT | $569,000

4802 Renoir Ln, Schwenksville

JUST REDUCED

or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com

5 BED | 4.1 BATH | 3,758 SQ FT | $549,000

3900 Ford Road, #23B, Philadelphia

9 Heckamore Rd, Bala Cynwyd 5 BED | 2.1 BATH | 2,272 SQ FT | $449,000

2 BED | 3 BATH | 2,000 SQ FT | $199,900

1351 Bobarn Drive, Penn Valley

1901 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia

5 BED | 4.1 BATH | 6,647 SQ FT | $1,099,000

1305 Summer Hill Lane, Gladwyne

LISTINGS

Rittenhouse Sq

39 Fairview Road, Penn Valley

LOT | 0.5 ACRES | $150,000

INVESTMENT | 1,650 SQ FT | $1,395,000

5 BED | 5 BATH | 5,881 SQ FT | 1,050,000

406 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala Cynwyd 6 BED | 2.1 BATH | 3,035 SQ FT | $899,999

1417 Centennial Rd, Penn Valley

CONDO LIVING

500 Kingsley Court, Philadelphia 3 BED | 2 BATH | 2,000 SQ FT | $490,400

• Rooftop Pool • Fitness Center • Parking • 24 HR Security

190 PRESIDENTIAL BLVD, #415, BALA CYNWYD

2224 Carpenter St, Philadelphia

2 BED | 2.1 BATH | 1,970 SQ FT | $625,000

3 BED | 2.1 BATH | 1,455 SQ FT | $485,000

4 BED | 2.2 BATH | 3,197 SQ FT | $799,000

191 PRESIDENTIAL BLVD, #824-25, BALA CYNWYD

809 Latona Street, Philadelphia

• All Utilities Included

239 Trianon Ln, Villanova

2 BED | 2 BATH | 2,100 SQ FT | $325,000

3 BED | 1 BATH | 1,288 SQ FT | $299,000

• Includes Real Estate Tax

4 BED | 3.1 BATH | 3,443 SQ FT | $798,000

1750 OAKWOOD TER, UNIT#1A, PENN VALLEY

224-30 W RITTENHOUSE SQ, #1017, PHILADELPHIA

2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,299 SQ FT | $227,000

1 BED | 1 BATH | 570 SQ FT | $275,000

5 BED | 3.1 BATH | 4,371 SQ FT | $849,900

421 Old Gulph Road, Penn Valley

2369 Pineview Drive, Malvern 5 BED | 3 BATH | 2,666 SQ FT | $785,000

39 Aberdale Road, Bala Cynwyd

19 ROCK HILL RD, #2E, BALA CYNWYD

4472 Almond St, Philadelphia

7 BED | 3.2 BATH | 2,818 SQ FT | $749,500

2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,216 SQ FT | $168,000

3 BED | 1.1 BATH | 1,280 SQ FT | $269,000

Sales

215-543-3743 ext. 104

5 BED | 4.3 BATH | 6,144 SQ FT | $1,325,000

1814 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia

To advertise in this section contact

Unit #510 1 BED | 1 BATH | 825 SQ FT | $310,000

THE KENNEDY HOUSE

1124 Youngsford Rd, Gladwyne

PW REAL ESTATE

• 24 HR Maintenance

#1024-1025 2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,165 SQ FT | $475,000 NEW LISTING Unit #1919 1 BED | 1 BATH | 606 SQ FT | $219,000 Unit#1819 1 BED | 1 BATH | 606 SQ FT | $199,000 NEW LISTING Unit #1512 STUDIO | 1 BATH | 475 SQ FT | $175,000 Unit#2911 STUDIO | 1 BATH | 522 SQ FT | $174,900

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019

34

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Society Hill This historically certified home, a classic beauty from the late Federal style circa 1830, has been lovingly restored and thoroughly maintained. You’ll be welcomed by a strong, handsome brick facade with historic details including a fire insurance plaque, shutters, and brass details. This home features vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and remote-control skylights that close automatically when it rains. Enjoy the incredibly deep brick patio with custom landscaping.

$1,200,000

New Price | Northern Liberties Welcome home to this beautiful new construction in Northern Liberties. Walk into your large living room as you’re welcomed by huge windows in the front and back of the home. The open concept flows right into your dining room and stunning eat-in kitchen, which includes a large island with waterfall quartz countertops. Off the kitchen is the entrance to the large backyard. Enjoy the stunning roof deck. 10 year tax abatement pending.

$699,900

Sold | Rittenhouse Square This historically certified home has been turned into a modern masterpiece. It features maple floors, high ceilings, custom built-in wardrobe cabinetry, a stunning gourmet kitchen, a state of the art intercom system with exterior camera, and a full finished basement. The open living room and dining room look out onto the paved garden.

This home comes with one-year pre-paid parking at a nearby garage. Plus a 10-year tax abatement! 4 BR | 4 BA

$1,200,000

New Listing | Grays Ferry Welcome home to this new construction beauty! There is still time to pick your own finishes, upgrades and paint colors to truly make this home your own. Featuring 3 BR, 2.5 BA, a nicely sized backyard, a roofdeck, a 10 year tax abatement pending, and comes with a 1 year builder’s warranty. Enter into your modern kitchen filled with natural light, stainless steel appliances, white shaker cabinets and an open concept which flows right into the dining room and large living room. Estimated completion date is February 1st, 2020.

$425,000

Girard Estate Area This updated row home features an open floor plan with beautiful hardwood flooring, original banister, and both ceiling fan and chandelier lighting. The updated galley kitchen comes with white shaker cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

Enjoy the rear patio for gardening and entertaining.

$275,000

New Listing | 510 Manton Street Open Saturday 12 - 1 Newly renovated townhome located in Dickinson Narrows.

Walk into the spacious living area followed by the separate kitchen with grey cabinetry, plenty of cabinet space, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliance package and the entrance to the nicely sized backyard. On the main floor you will also find built-in shelves, an extra closet and a powder room. This home also featuresbeautiful bamboo floors and recessed lighting throughout. 3 BR | 2.5 BA

$489,000

PW REAL ESTATE To advertise in this section contact Sales

215-543-3743 ext. 104 or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2019 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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