PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 by Philadelphia Weekly

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ALLIN Philadelphia casinos are betting big on the future

A God-awful record: Philly on pace for worst year ever for overdose deaths. | Page 14

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FROM THE EDITOR

FOR THIS KID, THE LOCKDOWN UNLOCKED THE WRITER WITHIN

len,” a children’s book about a little boy (like here’s a cute Disney song that himself) who suffers from seasonal allergies goes: but overcomes them in the end. Rory Wilson [Kid’s verse] said Fionn had the idea for the character sev“Stranded! I’ve been grounderal years ago, but only felt energized to put ed – the one time I did nothing pen to paper (or, in this case, crayon) when he wrong, And I’ve never been so bored, was forced to be extra creative with his down time. that’s why I’m singing this here song, “As COVID struck, it was a lot of confuI’ve lost morale, miss my best pal, I long to sion…We really didn’t know what was going ride my pig on the freeway... on,” said Rory. [Parent’s verse] “We were keeping abreast of the It’s not time to go out, must keep news but it was changing so fast. my children occupied, We were all a little bit worried, but If only they published and Endrather than delving into the fear less Lockdown Parent’s Guide, that was coming out of the TV every No outdoor tasks without our day, we said, ‘OK, let’s sit down and masks, make a list of all the stuff that we We wash our hands until they’re want to do. We know we are going dry as HAYYYYYYYY…” to be home. We probably will be for For many Philly kids who have a while.’ been stuck at home for months – ei“So, we asked Fionn, ‘What do ther being homeschooled or learnyou want to do with your time since ing virtually – this little rhyme we have so much of it?’ And he said, rings true. ‘I want to be an author.’” Nine-year-old Fionn Wilson That’s when Fionn’s parents decould have spent his time quarancided to help him realize his dream. tined at home playing video games, @ RUFFTUFFDH They told Fionn to do some research over-snacking in front of the TV or on how to make it sucked into screen happen. So he drew time with whatever Fionn Wilson the illustrations, dedigital device his parwith his book, veloped a concept ents afforded him. "Colin Pollen" and storyboard and Instead, he decided Image: moved along to next to write a children’s Courtesy of steps. He found an book. He even manRory Wilson online publisher, got aged to get it puba copyright, and, as of lished. And It’s sold Dec. 1, “Colin Pollen” so many copies he’s had sold 70 copies on donating part of the Amazon. proceeds to charity. “It was such a crapDespite the dumppy time, so we decidster fire this year has ed, let’s make somebeen, an inspiring thing, because being story did come my creative makes you way not long ago. So feel better,” said Rory. I wanted to use this Once the book space this week to started making a share it with you. small profit, the WilHopefully, it will sons decided to doleave you feeling nate some of it to the hopeful, thankful American Academy and a little less cyniof Allergy, Asthma cal about the future. and Immunology Wilson, who lives (AAAAI), which fojust outside Philly cuses on advancing treatment for allergies, with his parents Rory and Kyran, suffers from seasonal allergies and has had to miss out on asthma and immunology for patients across the U.S. school, sports and other fun times because of Fionn told me he’s writing a sequel to “Colit. But it was just this challenge that brought in Pollen” and plans for the books to be a sehis imagination to life. A few months ago, Fionn wrote “Colin Pol- ries.

JENNY DEHUFF

DON’T GO IT ALONE ANOTHER LOCKDOWN IS TOUGH,

BUT PW HAS YOUR BACK.

For the rest of this year, gyms and restaurants are closed. Business is tough, and the city isn’t helping any of us during what should be the best time of year. PW gets how unfair this is, and we’re to help: from now until 2021, just contact us and we’ll run your ads for free— because you deserve a hand getting through a tough holiday season.

FREE ADVERTISING PW has packages available right now for companies impacted by the city’s lockdowns—and the ads are FREE. If your business has had to shut down, call us now! We’ll help you get back in business. JOURDAN COOPER IS READY TO FIND YOU EVERY CUSTOMER THAT’S OUR THERE. EMAIL HER AT: JCOOPER@PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM OR 267-296-1094

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

$15,000

Annie McCormick is an award-winning

journalist based in Philadelphia, PA. Since 2012, Annie has worked as a general assignment reporter for ABC affiliate 6ABC Action News. She has extensively covered crime in the Philadelphia region for close to a decade. A New Jersey native, Annie began her career as a photojournalist during an internship in The White House. From there, she launched her career working for multiple newspapers and wire services.

PARTY POOPER

Cover design: Jerilyn DiCarlo Photo Credit: : Whitney Thomas Camino Books, Inc. P.O. Box 59026 Philadelphia, PA 19102 www.caminobooks.com $19.95

Philadelphiaweekly.com @phillyweekly DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

DOCTOR, THE HITMAN , AND THE MOTORCYCLE GANG

THE

The True Story of One of New Jersey’s Most Notorious Murder for Hire Plots

ANNIE McCORMICK

Forget about renting an Airbnb on New Year’s Eve if you’ve gotten anything but great reviews as a guest. As a new safety initiative to prevent parties (and thus, the spread of COVID-19), the vacation rental online marketplace is no longer letting people book a night’s stay unless they’ve had anything but stellar feedback from an Airbnb property owner. In addition to its global party ban, Airbnb said they’ll be deploying more stringent restrictions on one- and two-night reservations that may pose a “heightened risk” for gatherings. Kind of reminds you of that time around Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis when Airbnb was accused of discriminating against Eagles fans for being too rowdy.

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DOCTOR, THE HITMAN AND THE MOTORCYCLE GANG

Reporter Annie McCormick met Kim Pack on the first anniversary of Kim’s mother’s murder. Over the next five years, McCormick tracked the case even as few clues emerged. She continued to gather information, sorting through gossip, rumors and facts to uncover the doctor’s web of lies. Dr. Kauffman shunned the media and his stepdaughter, moving on with his life in the very same town. Meanwhile, investigators uncovered how the doctor worked with the outlaw motorcycle gang, the Pagans, to run a prescription pill mill out of his New Jersey Office. More illegal deeds would catch the attention of The FBI and DEA. The twists and turns of Dr. Kauffman’s lies and schemes would leave Kim Pack, her tight-knit New Jersey community, and even investigators shocked.

THE

In May of 2012, popular radio host and veterans advocate April Kauffman was shot to death in the bedroom of her home in Linwood, the affluent town just outside Atlantic City, New Jersey. Her daughter, Kim Pack, never doubted her stepfather Dr. James Kauffman was responsible somehow.

Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher Jenny DeHuff Editor in Chief

CITY

Reading material ANNIE McCORMICK

That’s how much Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia donated to Philabundance, the city’s largest nonprofit that provides food to families in need. Philabundance recently got ravaged by cyber thieves who took $1 million in a phishing scam over the course of a year. Live! Casino & Hotel staff This is the true story of Tuesday one of New Jersey’s spent Giving packing most notorious murder for hire cases: and The sorting more than 2.5 The Doctor, Hitman and The Motorcycle Gang. million lbs. of food collected during Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger food drive, which benefits Philabundance.

OF OUR

John Montesano Art Director

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, Tom Beck, Paul Davis Resolve Philadelphia, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Kerith Gabriel, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Zachary Bard.

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

Did you know that 6abc’s Annie McCormick put out a true crime book? She’s the author of “The Doctor, the Hitman, and the Motorcycle Gang: The True Story of One of New Jersey’s Most Notorious Murder for Hire Plots.” It was released in March and tells the story of a prominent doctor who links up with members of the Pagan biker gang to sell opioids on the street. When the doctor’s wife finds out his secret and threatens divorce, he hires a hitman to kill her. “Since I was in high school, I’ve been an avid true crime reader and I had always known I wanted to write true crime books,” McCormick toid PW. “I just couldn’t understand what drives people to kill and how in so many cases... divorce is not on the table as an option.” The Action News reporter, who’s originally from South Jersey, said to stay tuned – because she has more projects in the pipeline.

Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Michael Chambers Controller Director of Circulation Signature Supporters: Ted Kazantzis

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

CRIME BEAT

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TIS THE SEASON TO BE WARY

FBI warns of online holiday scams

is the season to be jolly, as the song goes. But for burglars, shoplifters, con artists and other criminals, it’s open season – on you. December is a peak month for crime. Criminals love the holiday season, but not for any spiritual or sentimental reason. It is simply a time of grand opportunity. I wonder how the COVID-19 lockdown will affect that. One change I suspect will be an increase in online scams, as more people will be shopping online rather than physically shopping at stores. The FBI warns shoppers shopping online to be on the lookout for scams. “Scammers don’t take holidays off from swindling unsuspecting shoppers,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “There are a variety of ways that fraudsters try to scam you during the holiday season, including through online shopping scams. “As more people shop online this year, the FBI is asking the public to know the telltale signs of these scams and protect yourself and your financial information. The simplest tips can save you a lot of money: Verify the legitimacy of websites before providing financial or personal information; if the deal from an unknown seller looks too good to be true it just may be a scam, so do your due diligence; and do not click on email or text message links

panies offering employment. from unknown senders.” During the holiday season, shoppers should According to the FBI, scammers often offer too-good-to-be-true deals through “phishing” be careful if someone asks them to purchase gift cards for them. In these scams, emails or advertisements. These the FBI tells us, victims receive schemes offer brand-name mereither a spoofed email, a spoofed chandise at extremely low prices phone call, or a spoofed text from or offer gift cards as an incentive. a person in authority requesting Some sites offer products at a great the victim to purchase multiple gift price, but the products being sold cards for either personal or busiare not the same as the products adness reasons. vertised. As an example, a victim receives The FBI also warns shoppers to a request to purchase gift cards avoid untrustworthy sites or ads offor a work-related function or as a fering items at unrealistic discounts present for a special occasion. The or with special coupons. Victims gift cards are then used to facilitate end up paying for the item as well as the purchase of goods and services, giving away personal information which may or may not be legitiand credit card details. mate. Some of these incidents are Shoppers should beware of posts PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM combined with additional requests on social media sites that appear to for wire transfer payments. offer vouchers or gift cards. These One should also watch out for fraudulent offers come on as holiday promotions or contests. Others appear to be from known friends charity scams. These scams are set up to promote false charities and they profit from who shared the link. These scams lead shopgood-hearted people who believe they are pers to participate in an online survey that is making donations to legitimate charitable ordesigned to steal your personal information. ganizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FBI further warns shoppers to beware Charity fraud typically rises during the holiof sites and posts offering work they can do day season, when people seek to make end-offrom home. These so-called opportunities rely on convenience, and, during the COVID-19 year tax deductible gifts or they want to help lockdown, may seem a welcomed income, but those less fortunate. Seasonal charity scams can pose greater difficulties in monitoring bethey may be frauds. One should carefully recause of their widespread reach, limited durasearch the job posting and individuals or com-

PAUL DAVIS

tion, and – when done over the internet – minimal oversight. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FBI at 215-418-4000, or file a complaint online at www.ic3.gov. The Federal Trade Commission, whose mission is to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices and provides information to help spot and avoid them, also offers some tips for holiday online shoppers. Type a company or product into your search engine with terms such as “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to find out more about the company or product. Read reviews from other shoppers, experts, and columnists can give one an idea of how a product performs. But, the FTC advises, don’t put all of your trust in one review. Consider a brand’s reputation for quality and good customer service. The FTC also recommends that shoppers use a credit card, as they can offer extra protection. Also look for a secure checkout. See if the website starts with “https” (the “S” stands for secure) when checking out. The FTC also recommends that shoppers keep records such as emails and online receipts. Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He is a Philadelphia writer who has written extensively about organized crime, cybercrime, street crime, white-collar crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

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NOT CASHING OUT YET Philly casinos hope better days are in the cards

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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The $700 million Live! Casino Hotel in South Philly is expected to open its doors early next year. Owners of the facility said that, despite the havoc COVID has wreaked, there never was a thought of pulling out of the project. Image | Tom Briglia, courtesy of Live! Casino-Hotel Philadelphia.

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues to burn across America like a molecular version of a California wildfire, it’s not surprising that optimism appears headed for the endangered-species list. But in South Philadelphia, hard by Citizens Bank Park, a $700 million monument to that most important of human attitudes is being constructed. Sometime before the end of March, Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia will debut as the second gaming hall within the city limits. Located on the south side of Packer Avenue between 10th and Darien streets, the adult playground will open with a full-service casino (including a 29-table, state-of-the-art poker room), a FanDuel-branded sports book and several bars. Its restaurant inventory will include Prime Rib, the steakhouse that had a 22-year-run inside the Warwick Hotel, the

Southeast Asia-centric Luk Fu (pronounced back,” says Joe Billhimer, executive vice-pres“luck foo”), taqueria and burger outlets, both ident of Baltimore-based Cordish Gaming Group, the in-the-works pleasure dome’s maof which will be fronted by restaurateur-cumjority owner (and co-developer/owner, with TV-star Guy Fieri, and casual-dining concepts Comcast-Spectacor, of Xfinity Live!, the funfrom three longtime Philly favorites, Chinaand-games emporium on the site town’s Sang Kee Peking Duck House, where the Spectrum stood for deReading Terminal staple Termini cades). Brothers Bakery and Lorenzo and BY CHUCK “Adding a casino to the already Sons Pizza. As the city’s first casifamous sports stadium district is no-hotel complex, it will offer guests DARROW pretty awesome. And we have a lot 208 luxury rooms and suites in a of folks that are planning on careers 12-story tower. with us – there are thousands of jobs Despite the toll COVID has taken on bricks-and-mortar casinos in this region related to this. So, there was never a thought and elsewhere (on the other hand, the virus to pull this project.” While the pandemic caused the property’s has, unsurprisingly, propelled online gamopening to be pushed back from the end of bling revenues to unprecedented heights), and this month to sometime in the first quarter of an earlier-in-the-year, coronavirus-imposed 2021 (a specific date has been targeted but not cessation of construction that lasted 43 days, yet announced), its impact on the city’s existscrapping the project was not an option. ing gaming hall has been far more severe. “There was never a thought of pulling

In mid-March, Rivers Casino Philadelphia voluntarily closed for four months. The week before Thanksgiving, the City of Philadelphia included the Fishtown gambling den in its list of mandatory restrictions. Its reopening is currently set for New Year’s Day. Nonetheless, the decade-old casino’s top executive shares Billhimer’s confidence in a bright –and profitable – post-COVID world. “I would say we’re beyond optimistic about the Philadelphia market in particular because of the [impending] vaccine,” offers Eric Fitzgerald, who took over as the riverside facility’s general manager in mid-October. “We’re excited that by the end of December...I think 15, 20 million people, will have the vaccine and each month [the number of recipients] will get bigger and bigger. “And so, as we start the first quarter of SEE CASINO, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

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Officials with Philly’s Rivers Casino are optimistic that a COVID vaccine will lead to better times, starting as early as the first quarter of 2021. Image | Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

CASINO, FROM PAGE 7 2021, we’re very optimistic that each quarter we’ll just continue to track back to a post-pandemic type of atmosphere and feel in the casino.” However, both casino execs suggest that not everything will return to the way it was in late-February, regardless of a vaccine. Some COVID-inspired safety protocols, they say, will likely be permanent. “There’s going to be a lot of things that go beyond the pandemic in terms of what we’ve put in place here [including] sanitation stations and our AtmosAir system, which recirculates air through the building 12 times;

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

three times is normal in buildings,” says Billhimer of Live! “And we’ve implemented a technology in the slot area that allows us to shut machines off for social distancing.” Billhimer adds that another strategy involves the use of “ticket-in-ticket-out” – or TITO – technology installed at slot machines and table games. The system cuts down on the handling of cash, which has been identified as a major potential source of COVID germs. “We designed the facility in a way that allows for the future, beyond the pandemic, so people will feel safe,” he says. And while nothing has yet to be set in stone at Rivers, Fitzgerald believes that some by-

products of the pandemic may very well live on in The new owners of a COVID-free (or, at least, Bally’s in Atlantic COVID-controlled) world, City are planning among them plexiglass a massive rehab shields separating gamproject for the blers and slot machine property. Image | placement based on soBally’s Facebook cial distancing. He says that any decisions will be predicated, at least in part, on customer input. The belief that the sun will come out tomorrow also has currency among those who run Atlantic City’s nine casinos. “We feel very bullish on Atlantic City because of the vaccine. It’s going to be a good thing,” says Steve Callender, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, the trade/ lobbying arm of the seaside gaming industry. “We believe that we can have the best summer that we’ve ever had and the best fall that we’ve ever.” That’s certainly the nine-figure bet a Rhode Island-based company placed when what used to be called Twin River Worldwide Holdings last month closed on its deal to purchase Bally’s Atlantic City. The company, now known as Bally’s Corp., paid Caesars Entertainment Inc. a bargain-basement price of just $25 million for the 41-year-old, mid-Boardwalk casino-hotel. It intends to invest at least $90 million into a massive rehab project that will see virtually every inch of the property get a makeover, from the entire inventory of more than 1,200 hotel rooms and suites to the spa which, when it opened in 1990, established the template for such high-end facilities throughout the city, but which for years has suffered from neglect. Elsewhere in town, Callender, a Caesars Entertainment regional president, will oversee some $400 million worth of capital improvements at the gaming conglomerate’s three AyCee casinos – Caesars, Tropicana and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. And on a much smaller – but still-significant – scale, Resorts Casino Hotel, the oldest legal gambling operation outside of Nevada, recently announced a partnership with the Dougherty family, which owns two of the city’s most venerated eateries, Dock’s Oyster House and the Knife & Fork Inn. The deal will result in the opening of a new steakhouse next spring. And Ocean Casino Resort has begun construction on a slot-machine lounge for high-limit players that will feature 140 units, upgraded food-and-drink service and even private restrooms.

Interestingly, the rose-colored view of the future held by executives in this area isn’t necessarily shared in every gambling jurisdiction. Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gambling Business, the industry’s leading trade magazine, predicts the pandemic’s forced funneling of business to cyberspace will continue regardless of the vaccine’s ultimate effectiveness. While he concedes that some casinos elsewhere have successfully adapted to the new world order of operating in the age of COVID, “It’s doubtful the old ‘normal’ will ever return. Many states have seen what the benefits of online gaming has meant to casinos and state tax coffers. The big takeaway from the pandemic will be the quick spread of legal online gaming in states where it currently doesn’t exist. It will benefit casinos, states and gamblers.” Nonetheless, in this neck of the gambling woods, Live! honcho Billhimer’s view seems to prevail. “For us to be putting this business together – multiple businesses under one roof – is a big part of the recovery and is something we’re very optimistic about,” he says. “We’re going to get there.” Chuck Darrow has spent more than four decades as a writer and broadcaster specializing in covering the Philadelphia region’s arts, entertainment and casinos. He is still afraid he may one day have to work for a living. Follow him on Twitter

@CHUCKDARROW

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VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

Digging the new PW I just want to thank Jenny DeHuff for having the courage to change up the content of PW a little bit and to give a voice to those of us who have been ignored and marginalized

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

by the Inquirer and Daily News. It’s a pleasure reading the work of Jenny and Paul Davis. Keep up the good work.

Donovan Farr | Philadelphia

Make Lincoln Drive safe again Here is a proposal to make Lincoln Drive safe again, as yet another section of the weekly wrecked guardrails are being repaired. There are about 21 dings and bings to those steel rails even after some of the same sections have been repaired, yet again. Who recalls that car that went airborne over the guardrail, landed and spun around facing front back to the Drive? The tales of wreckage are in the guardrails; one, two or three every weekend. That curve, “The Thelma and Louise Curve,” with the plastic orange barriers, gets hit so often, why repair it anymore? We might be able to make Lincoln Drive safer with a simple traffic experiment. The dangerous section is only seven-tenths of a mile long, just downstream from Rittenhouse Street until it widens out again at “BJ Turn”

as we head into town. Let us experiment for several months by making that dangerous short section into one lane each way, with a wider lane by making the two very narrow lanes into one wide enough lane to help drivers make those tight curves. Bells Mill Drive, Gypsy Lane and others in the Park are one lane roads. Let us see if one lane traffic for that section improves our safety on Lincoln Drive. To summarize: Two lanes both ways along the Drive until the light at Rittenhouse Street, slow down to one lane each way for only seven-tenths of a mile on the twisty turny bit, and go back to two lanes when it widens and straightens out past the stone bridge on the right. Worth trying as an experiment to improve safety?

Gardner A. Cadwalader | Philadelphia

Six-foot rule ignored at museum Would you be interested in letting the public know that the Philadelphia Museum of Art does not enforce the six-foot rule? I am a patron and I see that when bags and pocketbooks are inspected that the people and the guards stand extremely close. The guards and I want the guidelines adhered to – a six-foot table would help, but alas, only a wooden stool has been placed near the guards. It is not adequate. Also, outside, the restrooms on the first floor (called ground floor) there are no signs

telling people how many are allowed in at a time. Please investigate the matters I have outlined for you. I have written letter after letter to Director Rub to no avail. Honestly, I am 78 years of age and I have worn protest signs inside PMA about this important safety issue and I am prepared to be arrested over this. The leaders of the PMA are defiant and they threaten and disrespect public safety. The visitors and the staff, guards, etc. are in great risk of contracting the COVID virus. Please help!

Mina Smith-Segal | Philadelphia

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Image | Jan Antonin Kolar

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching.

Your turn: Amid the city’s shutdown, how do you plan to celebrate? At home? Headed to a place outside of the city? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

VOICES OF OUR CITY

ARE YOU READING THIS?

The contradiction of AOC selling GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS. $58 ‘Tax the Rich’ sweatshirts Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city? Democratic-socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has rolled out new products in her boutique online store supposedly dedicated to racial and economic justice. This website includes tees and other items slogans “Drink Water and Don’t be Racist,” “Cancel Student Debt,” and others. Most notably, though, the store includes a ‘Tax the Rich’ sweatshirt that will run your card up $58. The material is Made in the USA – which is surely wonderous considering the congresswoman’s ardent stance against basically anything involving “America First.” The sweatshirt priced the highest, actually, is the unisex “Social, Economic, and Racial Justice” sweatshirt – at $65. It is even “Union Printed.” Unfortunately, though, this item is sold out. Sorry to rain on your parade. If you order the wrong item or are dissatisfied – the website does not accept returns or exchanges. If you are overseas, you will be unable to obtain any products from the store, an interesting stance considering leftist xenophobic accusations toward the right. Jokes aside, this is all to comment on the pure ridiculousness of AOC’s store. For an espoused socialist who wishes to redistribute all wealth in this country and dismantle capitalism, it is beyond ironic for her to be charging such expensive prices for self-promotional purposes. The $58 “Tax the Rich” sweatshirt could only have been devised as a joke, it seems. AOC makes a congressional annual salary of $174,000, not barring media appearances and, of course, her online store. The contradiction here could not be more real. We the taxpayers are funding her in Congress, and technically, to even be able to have the outlet to charge people for posh clothing. But no matter, here she is, charging $58 for a “Tax the Rich” sweatshirt. Let’s be honest here. What

sort of demographic do you think is fleshing out $50-plus for any sweatshirt? The ironies run deep through this entire website. There is only one system that could possibly allow such a forum to exist. Capitalism. The system she wishes to tear down. Through free markets, AOC is able to sell her goods and services. She is able to promote these lavish products – virtue-signaling in her undeniable comfort in a civilized society. In February 2019, the American Action Forum found that Cortez’s beloved “Green New Deal” would cost between $51 – $93 trillion in the next 10 years. Even more insane is that the non-partisan group found a potential cost of $600,000 per American household. AOC may want to “Tax the Rich,” but her policies supporting such a proposal would tax all of the American people to such a radical measure. One might assume that the congresswoman’s boutique provides donations to charity, or another organization dedicated to fighting income inequality. Actually, just the opposite. All contributions go to the Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez re-election fund. And since the purchases are legally campaign contributions – you cannot be an illegal alien to participate. Considering her take on immigration, this is, you know... interesting? The shop also sells $27 coffee mugs, $24 campaign posters, $10 button sets, and $27 tote bags. Federalist Senior Editor Chris Bedford tweeted a picture of the “Green New Deal” hoodie. “There is no end to the ironies in the @AOC store #GreenNewDeal,” he wrote. Author Ryan Girdusky also sounded off, tweeting, “AOC has a store where she’s selling shirts...otherwise known as capitalism.” According to AOC herself, preorders are now available for her apparel. Go get yourself a commie tee made on the back of capitalism today!

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Gabe Kaminsky is a writer whose work has appeared in The American Conservative, RealClearPolitics, The Washington Examiner, The Washington Times, and elsewhere. He is a Philadelphia native and student at the University of Pittsburgh, and can be reached at gkaminskycontact@gmail.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

MUSIC

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FROM NORTH WALES TO ‘ANOTHER GALAXY’ Sharon Little’s new EP drops next month

Sharon Little returned to her home state to sign with Winding Way Records in Newtown Square. She also found ways of incorporating Manayunk in her music video for “Star Crossed Lovers.” Image | Amie Harwick

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MUSIC

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hilly’s own powerhouse singer, Sharon Little, will release her new EP, “Another Galaxy,” on Jan. 22. For the North Wales native, this release marks a triumphant return to music following an uncertain hiatus. Though she currently spends her time in Los Angeles, where she partnered with Grammy Award-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld to bring “Another Galaxy” to life, Little has found ways to stay true to her roots on the east coast. Her first single, “Star Crossed Lovers,” dropped last month. Little found initial success in 2012 when she signed with CBS Records after performing on “The 10! Show” at NBC in Center City. She released her first album shortly after, titled “Perfect Time For a Breakdown,” and within weeks Little was chosen by Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and T Bone Burnett to open for their Raising Sand tour. She began touring with legends such as Jonny Lang, Chris Isaac, Pat Benatar and Al Green. Her music from that era became ubiquitous on TV, her hit “Follow That Sound” became the theme for “The Cleaner” on A&E. Her music has also been featured on “NCIS,” “The Good Wife,” “Ghost Whisperer” and “NUMB3RS.” Everything was going perfectly for Little until CBS Records encountered financial trouble and dissolved, leaving her as a music industry orphan - an artist without a parent label. In 2019, Little discovered Winding Way Records, a record label located in Newtown Square. She was quickly brought on board with Winding Way. Thrilled to be signed in her home state again, and working with Sonnefeld, who is also originally from Philadelphia, Little found ways of incorporating Manayunk in her music video for “Star Crossed Lovers.” PW recently caught up with Little to talk about her new music and working back in her home state. PW: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you become interested in music? Who were some of the people who influenced you? SL: My first musical experience was with my grandmother. She used to take me to the church down the street and I would sing hymns. She was the first person I ever sang for. Growing up, I loved all the ‘90s hip-hop and R&B, like En Vogue, Young M.C., Mary J. Blige, Sade, all of that. Michael Jackson was one of my earliest influences. Eva Cassidy was also a major influence.

Sharon Little and Grammy Award-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld have teamed up on Little’s soon-to-be released EP, ‘Another Galaxy.’ Image | Amie Nicole

favorite was when Robert Plant walked into But the most important reason that I kept my dressing room on the last night of the tour, singing and writing wasn’t because of any of and said, ”Poppit (that was his nickname for those influences. It was because of my best me)...I wish you the best of luck going from friend Jodi, who died in a car crash when she was 15. She and I used to play guitar together strand to strand in your career!” It was quite and pretend we were the Indigo Girls. She was the moment and was, without a doubt, one of the best times I will ever have in my lifetime. so brave and courageous. I carried her confiPW: Your new EP, “Another dence with me after she died. Galaxy,” drops early next year, PW: I’ve read that you were and the first single, “Star Crossed working as a waitress, playing BY EUGENE Lovers,” dropped last month. with some local Philly bands and Talk a little about how the album ZENYATTA performing on “The 10! Show” at and single came together. How is NBC in Center City. Then, almost “Another Galaxy” different from overnight, or at least almost overyour previous albums? night for the music business, RobSL: I had a song that I wrote called “Pluert Plant, Alison Krauss, and T Bone Burnett picked you to open for their “Raising to,” and Tim had started writing a song called Sand” tour. What was that like? It almost “1000 Light Years Away.” They were both metaphors about space and the universe, relating sounds like a movie script. SL: Honestly, it felt totally natural. For the to love. So we decided to just start writing a whole record on those themes. “Star Crossed first time, I felt like I was actually fitting in. I had a really hard time in school. Walking into Lovers” came about in that way as well. We rounded the EP off with “Wait For Me,” a song adulthood, being a musician and wanting to we wrote on the day of the solar eclipse (Aug. continue that path was really tough because there were a lot of people telling me I didn’t 21, 2017). Tim produced “Another Galaxy,” while have a chance. “Perfect Time For a Breakdown” was proWhen I was chosen to be the opener for Alison Krauss, T Bone Burnett, and Robert Plant, duced by Mark Howard and “Paper Doll” was produced by Don Was. Tim and I worked more it finally felt like someone said, “This is yours, like a partnership than the other records. I you got this.” They were so sweet and welcomfeel more invested in this project. I had more ing. Walking onto stage in a different city evsay. Tim is from Philly too, and came up makery night for 90 shows was invigorating to say ing hip-hop and R&B records. His approach to the least! I have endless stories from that tour, but my the drums is more programmed/electronic, a

little more modern. PW: How has the pandemic affected your career? How have you spent your downtime? SL: I’ve been more productive lately. I have more time. Before the pandemic hit, I was bartending at a small Italian restaurant in LA. Now I have as much time as I need to dedicate to my music. There hasn’t been much downtime, but if you want to get personal, [laughs] I am a huge fan of the I.D. channel, and have been binge watching murder mysteries. PW: You have shots of Manayunk in the “Star Crossed Lovers” video, and you signed with Winding Way Records in Newtown Square last year. Is it good to be back and working in the Philadelphia area? SL: Yes. I’m signed to Winding Way Records, and it’s the best label ever, I’m so happy to be working with them. The funny thing is, the president of the label, John Fisher, is the one who shot the footage in Manayunk. “Star Crossed Lovers” is about a love affair I had with a guy who lived in Manayunk, so I felt it was necessary to get some footage from Philly in there to stay true to the

song. I’m actually not in Philadelphia, but I miss the hoagies and Wawa like super crazy! Tim and I are based in Los Angeles. It’s funny that we moved to Los Angeles only to get signed to a label based in Philadelphia. PW: What’s ahead for you when – or maybe if – the pandemic clears? More new music? Back on the road for appearances? SL: As of now, Tim and I are writing our next record, making new “Favorite Friday Covers” every week, and making music videos for the upcoming songs on “Another Galaxy.” Hopefully we will be touring this record as soon as it is safe to do so. I can’t wait for all of this to be over. I need to be on the road! I’ve never felt comfortable in any of the places that I’ve lived because I’d rather be touring instead, waking up in a new city every day, meeting new people and performing. That’s home to me. PW: What are the best ways for your fans to keep up-to-date with what you’re doing? SL: I’m very active on all the social media platforms right now, because that’s all we’ve got! If you want to keep up with me, just check in on my Instagram (@sharonlittlemusic) and watch out for new videos for my original songs on YouTube (sharonlittlemusic). Tim and I also have a weekly cover song series “Favorite Friday Covers” where we release a new cover song every Friday on my IGTV and YouTube. You can also find me on TikTok and Facebook.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

GOSSIP

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ICEPACK

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DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

DRUGS AND DEATH

As tensions rise, Philly’s on pace for the worst year ever for overdose deaths

new (wrongheaded?) roles as street savvy arhiladelphians set many records of which we all can be proud. biters of dangerous police activity will stretch Certainly, the names of “Molly thin their abilities to heal and balm. Schuyler” and “Joey Chestnut” Hey, maybe we can call a cop to help, and… will go down in the annals of comah, never mind. petitive chicken part dining as Live Nation property members of the elite Wing Bowl This is weird. And sad. If true. But, not encrew. Have the Eagles yet to have tirely unexpected as I heard, since the beginset records as to how far down a championning of the pandemic, that regional Live Naship team can fall yet? I bet it’s close. tion teams with pricey (now empty and Near the weekend, however, we just unused) real estate across the country discovered that Philadelphians felled would soon have to sell off their properBY A.D. by fatal drug overdoses rose in the first AMOROSI ty assets, much like Four Corners/Bowhalf of 2020, hitting a peak of nearly 600 ery Presents/R5 had to do with Boot & victims. This rise in lethal overdoses Saddle mere weeks ago; sell that venue was so dramatic that, by the end of this cal- to save its Union Transfer. Several Facebook endar year, according to JAMA Psychiatry – a posts on Sunday, pulled down as soon as they journal published by the American Medical went up, detailed how food vendors who work Association focusing on research in psychiregularly in Upper Darby’s legendary Towatry, mental health and behavioral sciences er Theatre – the place where Bowie recorded – Philly will surpass its own death toll record “David Live at the Tower Theatre” in 1974, from 2017, the worst year ever for drug overand the home of so many intimate concerts dose deaths. from Harry Styles to Alicia Keys and beyond I knew you had it in you, Philly. – had to get their catering equipment out of The blame for these drug deaths can be the U-Darb property, as it was shutting down spread across fatal human foible faultlines, for good and selling. Opened in 1927 with a such as fentanyl-laced everything, the lack nearly 3,200-person capacity, the Tower was a of proximity to treatment due to COVID-19 genuine home (to me) as my grandfather led lockdowns, and the genuine depression felt at the orchestra there for a time, as well as bethe hands of a pandemic. Ultimately, though, ing home to my glam rock past with wee early people either like to, or need to, get high to get shows from Lou Reed, T-Rex, Ziggy-era Bowie, away from it all – whatever IT and ALL are. If and the still shaggy Springsteen for his “Born there are real questions to be answered and to Run” shows. Larry Magid held the note on serious solutions to be found, for this city and the Tower forever until he left the LN fold. If its most vulnerable, it will be in its smartest the Tower needs to close and sell, just like the and most sympathetic psychiatric and mental Troc, another piece of Philly theater history health workers, care-giving employees whose goes with it (and believe me, this means the

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Live Nation-owned Theatre of Living Arts on South Street sells next). This is developing. A rumor. Whatever. Either way, it’s sorrowful to hear. Bacon Bros house Use your own six degrees of separation joke here: The tony, super-house that Kevin and Michael Bacon grew up in, at 2117 Locust Street, is for sale. Asking price: $1,333,333. Considering that the Bacon Bros’ pop was the legendary Ed Bacon, architect and exec director of Philly’s City Planning Commission until 1970, the space is surely solid and teeming with Masterman High memorabilia in the basement. New ghost kitchens We’ve been talking about Philly ghost kitchens since summer, from when Peter Serpico and Stephen Starr popped up with Pete’s Place on South Street through to last week’s discussion of Jose Garces and Bitars’ spooky culinary salons. Fried chicken magnate, and one-time PW columnist Reuben “Big Rube” Harley, is getting ready to open Chef Big Rube’s Kitchen out of two separate ghost kitchens across town, Foodnest and Fairfoods, and will cook all-day breakfasts, halal burgers and his famed fried Image | Courtesy Steven Singer chicken. New album There’s new music from Pax Ressler, 1812 Productions’ nonbinary composer and performer with a long series of Philly stage productions behind them dating back to Shakespeare in Clark Park’ s “Twelfth Night,” as well as a role as director of music at Tabernacle United Church at 37th and Chestnut. This week, Ressler releases their long-awaited “Change,” an album of queer and trans love songs, now available on Bandcamp. Masked Philly: Steven Singer In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during COVID19’s pandemic, I reached out this week to Steven Singer, the jeweler who everyone seems to hate, what from his advertising. Only days after feeding Thanksgiving dinner to the staff at Pennsylvania Hospital (where he had his recent open heart surgery), Singer talked to me about his new, healthful regimen, and a level of relaxation necessary

to mend a literally once-broken, now-repaired heart. “I spent the lockdown playing with my grown-up toys, more – my motorcycle, my car and my bicycle,” said Singer. “Going for a ride or a drive is therapeutic and relaxing, and not something I made as much time for before. But when solo activities are some of the only activities one could do, that time was nice to have.” Singer wasn’t completely alone during these treks, as he took his pooch and side-kick “Buddy the Jeweler” along. “Buddy absolutely loves to ride in the car.” The mask? Singer is used to them as he has had several procedures across 2019 and 2020, including open heart surgery. “People send me masks – sweet that as a high-risk person, people have thought of me. If I had to choose, one employee and friend sent me a mask with my initials and that might be my favorite because I don’t get it mixed up with all my family’s masks in the house. I know it’s mine.” Right now, when Singer takes off the mask, he gets in bed and kisses someone that loves him very much. “And then I kiss my wife. My dog Buddy the Jeweler gets top priority.” When masks are gone longterm, he plans to go to a nice restaurant, have a very nice meal and sit close to other people. Until that time, Singer is looking forward to dealing with couples face-toface, over the next several months of engagement and wedding rings, at his eponymously named jewelry salon. “We’re in the love business,” he said. “It’s been tough for people to be separated from loved ones. I’ve seen more people sending ‘I love you’ gifts. It’s an honor to be a small part of that expression. We’ve learned a lot about helping guests virtually through video chat, chat, text and phone, but, we’re hoping to see more customers in-store soon. “Also, we just fed the entire staff of Pennsylvania Hospital working on Thanksgiving Day, and I am looking forward to being there to support more frontline workers and healthcare heroes, AND supporting more local restaurants. It’s win-win.”

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MUSIC

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CATCHING UP

WITH TIM

WEAVER Check out his new single, ‘Cigarette,’ now and his debut EP next month

Philly’s Tim Weaver drops his debut EP, ‘Stranger,’ next month. Image | Sam Interrante

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

hiladelphia-area budding sing- during the pandemic. PW: Talk a little about your start in er-songwriter Tim Weaver recently released the first single, music. When did you first become interested in being a singer/songwriter? Who “Cigarette,” off his upcoming were some of your early influences? debut EP, “Stranger,” out next TW: My parents were both music edumonth. cators, so I was reading music Drawing elements probably before I was reading of folk, rock and pop combined letters. My parents never wrote with his extremely thoughtful BY EUGENE any music themselves, but they songwriting, Weaver’s latest tunes ZENYATTA always had a wide range of reare bound to appeal to many difcords at the house. I was always ferent audiences. very compelled by music that Influenced by the likes of The could strike an emotive tone. I remember Postal Service, David Bazan and Manchesmy dad – for some reason – really loved ter Orchestra, Weaver blends synthesizers “Odelay” by Beck and “Whatever and Ever, with sweeping vocal textures and acoustic Amen” by Ben Folds Five, even though he instruments to create a moment where the listener looks inward and finds closure. For was a band director and would regularly Weaver, music is the ultimate vehicle for listen to John Phillip Sousa for the fun of it. The Ben Folds Five record was the first connection and for healing. PW recently caught up with Weaver to time I remember thinking, “I didn’t know talk about his upcoming EP and his life music could do that.” I always wanted that

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY CD playing in the car wherever we drove because I wanted to hear songs like “Smoke” and “Brick.” I wrote my first song when I was about 14 because I wanted to see if I could write something that sounded like things I had heard on records that were in heavy rotation in my CD player. My main influences when I started to regularly write songs were Sufjan Stevens and a niche-Christian artist named Derek Webb. Each of them had this knack of making mundane and profound statements in the same stanza. I was really captivated by that. PW: Your single “Cigarette” was recently released, and your debut EP “Stranger” is set to be released early next year. How did both the single and album come together? What are the best ways for people to hear them? TW: I couldn’t tell you when I first wrote “Cigarette.” I had written the song as a warning to myself about the perils of diving into something too fast too soon. I tend to let the more romantic side of my brain take over when I start something new, which usually leads to short-sighted assumptions and maybe some self-made disappointment. I actually forgot I had that song until I started playing out more last year. I honestly just needed songs to fill sets and I found the song as I was digging through old voice memos and word documents. Everything on the record was done remotely and in my studio in my apartment. It was a feat, and I’m really glad I did it. A lot of “Stranger” was written over the course of a few years, but I decided to give them life beyond me and a guitar during sets that I would play at SoFar Sounds shows last year. The more I played them live, the more I would get a feel for what they would be when I recorded them. The best way for folks to hear them is to follow me on Spotify and Instagram. That way, they’ll be notified when they can pre-save the songs and project when it’s released. I have a Bandcamp as well, but I’m most active on Spotify. PW: Has the pandemic and all of the closures it brought impacted your career? How have you spent your downtime? TW: Like anyone in the music business, the biggest disappointment is not playing shows. Getting paid to play is great, but it’s playing that I miss the most. I hate not being on stage. It’s been a challenge to keep my head up, but I don’t know if I would have given the attention to these songs had I not had this time to myself. My main job (teaching piano and guitar) hasn’t been affected that much, which is great. I’m thankful that it has stayed consistent over these eight long months. Some days I feel like I’m performing for them. More than anything, it’s affected how I think about reaching out to an audience. I realized I was completely out of my element when it came to digital marketing and outreach, so I decided to take some LinkedIn

MUSIC courses and hire someone to help me with this release (thanks, Carolyn!). As an artist, I was just starting out. It was hard to have that excitement drop so suddenly. In my downtime, I’m still recording and writing and learning. I don’t like the idea of not being good at what I do or aspire to do, so I wake up around 5:30 a.m., get coffee going, and then sit and practice mixing and production techniques before I teach my guitar and piano students in the evenings. PW: When you’re not making music, what are you doing? TW: Distance and trail running have turned into my go-to hobby. It gets me out of my head in the best way. But, truly, I do music about 90 percent of the time. Whether practicing, teaching, or researching, it’s usually all music. Figuring out how to make teaching over Zoom exciting for kids has been pretty consuming. I also am a pretty big nonfiction reader. I am also very, very fond of coffee. I am usually tweaking my pour-over methods on the regular. My girlfriend and I cook a lot, as well. I’m 1000 percent better at cooking than I was in March. PW: How has technology – streaming services, social media, etc. – made a difference in your career? Do you enjoy interacting with your fans on social media? Has technology made it easier for artists who might not have a deal with a big record company get their music to the public? TW: I can safely say that I would not have any audience (large or small) without the ability to immediately connect with folks after a show I’ve played. I think Instagram is one of the best things for artists right now. There’s so much to take advantage of on that platform. It’s also instant feedback if you’re trying to flesh out ideas for a new song or project. I love interacting with folks over social media. I think the thing I’ve loved the most is connecting with other artists. The camaraderie has been nice, especially over the course of the pandemic and navigating a new release like the one I’m doing. There are definite advantages to streaming. You’re on your own timeline for releases. You don’t have to chase the dream of record-label money anymore, but playing the algorithm game can get pretty tiring. I guess that’s the big trade-off. I feel artists can show off some grit, though. You’re essentially an entrepreneur whether you want to be or not. That’s a great and challenging thing. I’m very thankful for services like Spotify or Apple Music, but it can require just as much and more from an artist to take advantage of every aspect of it independently. PW: What are the best ways for your fans to keep up to day with what you’re doing? TW: The best way is to check out my Instagram (timweavermusic) or website (timweavermusic.com). I don’t blog much, but I update my stories often with new happenings. I also am my idiot self on my stories, and I like to see when people enjoy seeing a fool be ridiculous.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

Holiday happenings around the city

Santa visits East Passyunk

The holidays are here, and all kinds of things are happening around the city. Some are online. Some are in-person. All will be a blast.

Santa will be located by the Gateway tree at Broad Street and East Passyunk Avenue. Folks will be able to bring their own camera and take holiday photos with Santa at no cost, while adhering to social distance guidelines. There will be three chances for photos with Santa this year: Sunday, Dec. 13 from 11am – 1pm; Saturday, Dec. 19 from noon – 2pm; and Sunday, December 20 from noon – 2pm. Visiteastpassyunk.com

The Polar Express

Love + Grit Sweepstakes

Holiday auction

Frisky for the Holidays

The Philadelphia Film Society, for the third year, is sponsoring a food drive benefiting Philabundance. This year, the free screening and food drive will take place at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy-Yard on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6pm. Come see Robert Zemeckis’s beloved animated Christmas film “The Polar Express” on the big screen at the Drive-In at the Navy Yard and get into the season’s spirit of giving by donating a canned good or non-perishable food item in lieu of paid admission. Tickets for this event are free but registration is required. A donation of a non-perishable food item is suggested. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Filmadelphia.org

Join the CEC for The Season of Hope Holiday Auction to Benefit the CEC. The Community Education Center, with the local artist and small business communities, as well as loyal community supporters, will come together to give a much-needed financial boost to the center as much of the center’s earned income has been severely curtailed due to covid restrictions. The donated items range from prints by renowned local artists to beauty salon services by La Pearl’s Beauty Emporium. To access the auction, see www.cecarts.org and Facebook – CEC ARTS.

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

This holiday season, the good folks at Visit Philly encourage you to give gifts to people you love from places you love. As restrictions persist and calls for equality and justice continue, there is an opportunity to make change and strengthen the community by shopping with Black-owned businesses, which are disproportionately at risk of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. So here’s your chance to win 10 gifts valued at $500 from Black-owned shops for yourself or someone you love by entering the Love + Grit Sweepstakes, a holiday contest inspired by Visit Philly’s podcast. Visitphilly.com.

Calling all sexy vixens for a special two-hour striptease aerobics masterclass featuring sultry holiday tunes! Join Timaree and Deb for the 10th annual “Frisky for the Holidays” workshop, which will be virtual this year. Get ready, Santa Baby, ’cause this will be one HOT holiday party! As in past years, the playlist will include a mix of hip-hop and holiday-themed music. In addition to old favorites like Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree” and Selena Gomez’ “Winter Wonderland,” we’ll have a handful of new routines to keep you on your “mistletoes.” And, of course, you’ll also do some raunchy grinding on the floor. Cost: $18 for a virtual ticket. Dec. 11, 8-10pm. Phillydancefitness.com

THE RUNDOWN

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Happy Hour: Drinking, Then and Now

Bottoms up! At this festive virtual BYO happy hour presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, mixologist Lee Noble from Art in the Age joins curator Jack Hinton for a conversation about the museum’s collection of historic European drinking vessels. Learn all about vice and virtue in drinking culture as Lee demos a history-inspired cocktail. Free but donation appreciated; registration required. Dec. 11, 5-6pm. Philamuseum.org

Are you an inexperienced cook looking for advice? Do you like a good drink? How about taking in some cool art? Philly has you covered with these upcoming events.

Cooking, drinking, art and more Deri Dari

Virtual museum

Pre-Columbian art

Pop! The Musical Exhibition

Deri Dari, the brand new virtual cooking experience for aspiring chefs and inexperienced home-cooks alike, launched in Philadelphia on Dec. 3 – ahead of national roll out to cities such as New York and Chicago in 2021. A custom-built, virtual platform aimed at connecting at-home cooks and those eager to improve their culinary skills with a professional chef, users can browse a range of dishes or themes, i.e. holiday meals for a family, or can search directly by chef. Cooking experiences range from 30-90 minutes and include grocery delivery for added convenience. Classes start at $15 for a side dish. More information can be found on the Deri Dari website, derdari.com.

The Getty Research Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art have announced a two-part virtual event exploring the display of one of the most important private collections in the United States of avant-garde and pre-Columbian art. During the first half of the 20th century, Louise and Walter Arensberg carved out a unique place in the history of collecting. No one before them had made such audacious connections between modern painting, Renaissance literature, and pre-Columbian sculpture; and few, if any, used collecting more forcefully as a medium for artistic creation and intellectual exploration. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6–7:30pm, with a second installment next March. philamuseum.org.

The Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum is an innovative and informative platform now available to art enthusiasts, students, architects and designers of all stripes looking for a rewarding stay-at-home online art experience. The museum features 33 galleries filled with striking visuals and fascinating histories. It is the work of renowned Philadelphia architect and art aficionado Joel Levinson. The Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum is perfect for families and individuals looking for a virtual escape during this time of social-distancing, especially when many museums are not open, and during the upcoming holidays. Access to the museum is without charge. Ddvm.org

The University of the Arts will present “Pop! The Musical Exhibition,” a web-based, interactive multimedia musical experience. The project will be available for viewing at popthemusicalexhibition.com on Dec. 11 at 8pm, Dec. 12 at 8pm, and Dec. 13, 2pm. Who shot Andy Warhol? The fabulous Warhol Superstar Candy Darling hosts a happening whodunit musical in which the famous – and infamous – denizens of Warhol’s legendary Factory all have motives to pull the trigger. But the pop art icon unravels an even bigger mystery as he confronts not only the prime suspects, but also his art and his own greatest creation: Himself.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

THE RUNDOWN

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Virtual Philly Ghost Walking Tour

Although Philadelphia may have played a pivotal role in American democracy, Philadelphia also has a spooky side to inspire world-renowned authors such as Edgar Allen Poe to write “The Murders of Rue Morgue” and “The Raven,” Bram Stoker’s research for “Dracula,” and David Lynch’s inspiration for “Eraserhead.” This virtual walking tour delves in the ghastly tales of supernatural sightings of German soldiers, as well as famous sites such as Bishop White’s House, Pennsylvania Hospital, City Hall, Independence Hall and Walnut Street Theater and so much more. Your guide will take you on a virtual tour of “Philly” from their own home giving you total attention and a chance to learn all about this haunted city. Saturday, Dec. 12, 8-9:30pm. $35.

The city is on shutdown for at least another three weeks. Thankfully, we have eventbrite.com to bring us some virtual events that are certain to keep us entertained. Check out eventbrite for details on these and other upcoming events.

Fun stuff you can do from home Holiday dance tradition

Be one of the first to witness the virtual debut of the 29th Performance Season of “Carols in Color,” a Philadelphia holiday dance musical tradition by Eleone, filmed throughout landmarks in Philadelphia. “Carols in Color,” the holiday dance musical celebration originally conceived and choreographed by Leon Evans, now restaged and adapted by Shawn-Lamere Williams and under the executive direction of Sheila A. Ward, will warm the hearts of you, your family, and friends. Sunday, Dec. 20, 6-7:30pm. $15.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Grab a cocktail and join NAAIA Philadelphia online for some holiday cheer, including Christmas songs, games and, of course, outlandish holiday sweaters. The ugly sweaters are optional – but the fun is not! This event is free to attend, but they do welcome donations of any amount to support the Reid Cares Foundation. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30-7pm

DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

New Year’s Eve celebration featuring Turae

This year, thankfully, is almost over. What better way to say “goodbye” to the bad and “hello” to surely better days ahead than to attend a really funny show? Here’s a virtual comedy show via Zoom featuring Philadelphia’s own Turae! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with plenty of laughter! Thursday, Dec. 31, 8pm to 1am on New Year’s Day. $25.

Martha Graham Cracker’s Ho-Ho Hoedown

Get ready for a pay-what-you-can live performance from Martha Graham Cracker, the world’s tallest and hairiest drag queen. Martha and her band will perform live from a secret location, and you’ll watch it live on your phone, computer, TV, etc. This is the finest quality livestream. It will look great. It will sound great. The show will be easily accessible via a link that will be provided prior to the performance. Saturday, Dec. 19, 8pm. $1 to $250.

NEW YEARS

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Ring out this miserable year in style

The city is ready to party. We just need to know where and how this year. BY EUGENE ZENYATTA

he steaming cesspool of woe that is 2020 is almost over. It’s time to say goodbye and welcome in a surely much better 2021. But how can we do that in style, with everything pretty much closed? We’re not sure, so we’re asking Philly and Philly-area restaurants and bars to tell us if they have anything special planned for New Year’s Eve. Pickup and delivery options? Actual in-person dining and celebrating if you’re out of the city limits, but not too far out? Special deals, meals and drinks? Just, please, give us something fun to do this New Year’s Eve. If your fine establishment is planning something great for Dec. 31, we want you to tell us so that we can tell everyone else. Just send an email with all of the info to mail@philadelphiaweekly.com by Dec. 17. Then, in our Dec. 24 edition, we’ll publish a hopefully extensive list of where people can go or what they can do to celebrate a new year finally arriving. So don’t delay and don’t be shy. People are really ready to kick 2020 to the curb, and they want to do it in style. Send us your NYE specials so that everyone knows where to go to have fun, eat great food, etc. this Dec. 31.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

NICE RACK

SEX WITH TIMAREE

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DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

IT UP

Q: Hey hey. I use Viagra and other pills to and involves not just penis veins but also a lot help my ED. But lately they aren’t helping. of emotions, hormones, nerves and muscles. I do get an erection, but it doesn’t last. What There are many reasons for a disruption to else can I do? Any suggestions? Please help! this largely unconscious bodily response. That I should work on my flow chart making includes stress, which can create a feedback skills, because boy howdy, there are a lot of loop of anxiety about sexual performance that potential answers to this. Like leads to even further difficulties. A LOT. Ultimately, most result in Given how goddamn “unprecesuggesting you talk to your medidented” everything is in 2020, it cal doctor, TBH. would be understandable that Let me start by stating that someone might be depressed or you’re far from alone here. Erecanxious, which then influences detile dysfunction is the most comsire, arousal and sexual response. mon sexual issue that men report Addressing psychological barrito their doctors. Clinically, ED is ers to erection may vary from prodefined as trouble getting or susfessional sex therapy and sensate taining an erection for the kind of focus techniques to general stress sex you want to be having. reduction tactics, exercise and talk A rigid dick isn’t necessary for therapy. Sometimes it’s about resatisfactory sexual experiences, framing expectations for a given but not being able to engage in the encounter and taking off the preskind of sex you like can be really sure of goal-oriented sex. frustrating and stressful. I’ve spoken to a number of men @TIMAREE_LEIGH First, I’m gonna back the truck who know that the first sexual enall the way up and review how counter they have with a new parterections work. You probably know that ner always causes them stress-related sexual arousal causes blood to flow into the penis. response issues. Maybe it’s cumming faster Specifically, it causes a release of nitric oxide, than they want, not being able to cum, or havwhich increases the amount of blood that is ing trouble with erections. These guys may flowing into the erectile tissue, while the veins stick to sex acts that won’t them require maincollapse down that normally allow that blood taining an erection for their partner’s pleato flow back out, keeping it in the penis. sure initially, and save the more demanding Figure out where in that process your erecactivities for when they’re more comfortable. tion difficulties are happening, and maybe that Physical reasons for erection difficulties are can point to the cause. But despite my high even more common. Heart disease, smoking, school theology teacher’s assertion that “men high cholesterol, and alcohol consumption are like microwaves and women are like ovare big ones. Medical conditions can be the ens,” male sexual arousal is actually complex culprit: Diabetes, Parkinson’s, multiple sclero-

TIMAREE SCHMIT

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

sis, sleep disorders, obesity, and treatment for prostate issues. Many medications can affect erections too: Diuretics, chemotherapy, muscle relaxers, drugs for high blood pressure, antihistamines and notoriously: Some anti-depressants. I’ve talked to guys who went on cross-country bike rides and temporarily found themselves unable to get hard. The list goes on. Since there are so many potential explanations, the solutions will be as varied. Doctors make the general recommendation that anything that’s good for your health is good for your erection. It’s vital to manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, stop smoking and limit drug and alcot also a lot hol consumption, muscles. get regular exercise, ruption to eat healthier, and onse. That take steps to manfeedback age stress and other mance that mental health isifficulties. sues. “unprece- Because erecn 2020, it tion issues can be a able that symptom of some ressed or other, underlying uences de- medical issue, I can’t esponse. recommend enough ical barri- that you connect from pro- with your doctor and nd sensate make sure there’s eral stress not something e and talk more serious at about re- play. At minimum, r a given they might need to ff the pres- change up your med. ications. er of men Beyond trying a sexual en- different pill, there new part- are other options: ted sexual Testosterone theraing faster py, penile injections m, or hav- (some administered guys may by doctors, some can uire main- be done by yourself), ner’s plea- intraurethral or inemanding tracavernosal medimfortable. cations, and vacuum culties are erection devices. In smoking, clinical trials, even shockwave therapy and innsumption jections of plasma and stem cells have shown an be the results. ple sclero- If all of the above fails, there are surgical

SEX WITH TIMAREE options too. One implant is a bendable rod, often made of silicone, that can be angled up or down and provides consistent firmness. Another implant is inflatable – two cylinders inside the penis can be pumped up to create an erection where the stiffness can be controlled. Like all operations, there is a degree of risk and need for recovery time. On the upside, surgical implants allow for more spontaneous sex than some other options, since you don’t need to wait for a medication to work. Imagine if science put that much thought into most medical issues. The mind reels. Anyway, you have options. In the meantime, while you’re figuring out a long-term solution, you can use this time to approach sex from a new angle. Instead of looking at it like a sport where you need specific equipment and success is defined narrowly, consider treating sex like a playground. Explore your partner’s body like it’s the first time you’ve seen it. Sex can be a creative, sensory adventure where the aim is simply to connect and have fun. Sexual dysfunction is often defined by things not going the way you want or expect them to, but if you can break away from those expectations you just might find out that sex can be a whole lot more interesting. Have a question for Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly. com.

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

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

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SECRETARY/ LEASING AGENT - F/T Located in Montgomery Co. Pleasant person with good phone skills, to show apts., process applications, minimal secretarial work. Email resume to: nsgprop@gmail.com or Call 732-886-6830 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 MondayĘźs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

Amdocs, Inc. seeks Solution Architects in Philadelphia, PA to lead solution architecture throughout project lifecycle (Business dvlpmnt, Presale, Scoping, Dsgn, Dvlpmnt, Ongoing ops) & be accountable for solution integrity. Ensure SW solution meets customer business & tech needs by leveraging Amdocs assets, value proposition, & best practices while integrating w/customer IT envrnmnt. Reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Comp Sci, Indstrl Eng & Mgmt, Info Systms or rltd & 5 yrs rel exp. To apply, email careersta@ amdocs.com and ref job ID HR-7027.

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REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY New Listing | Whitman This charming home greets you with exquisitely finished hardwood floors, an exposed brick wall extending up to the second floor, dimmable recessed lighting and fresh paint throughout, an open living room and dining area layout, and a convenient first-floor powder room with floating vanity sink tucked away behind a gorgeous barn door. The generously sized backyard patio with six-foot privacy fencing is perfect for entertaining and has a garden bed and side alleyway for convenient outdoor storage. $265,000

New Listing | Passyunk Square This townhouse offers a charming facade and wonderful curb appeal. The first floor entryway opens to a spacious open concept living and dining room with large windows and coat closet. The updated kitchen provides ample space for prep and dining. Granite countertops, stylish wood cabinetry, and newer appliances in great condition. The east facing back window faces the private and neat patio, perfect for cooking and entertaining. $350,000

New Price | Passyunk Crossing This sunny and fresh 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is located in the heart of Passyunk Crossing. No detail was spared when rehabbing the kitchen and the bathroom, closets, floors, stair rails, and more. Head outside to the nice courtyard/patio for barbecuing or just simply relaxing while staring at a beautiful pine tree that contrasts against the sky. $299,000

New Price | Fairmount This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home was completely renovated in 2012 and there is currently 3 years left on the tax abatement. Enter the living room and notice the beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Moving toward the back of the house through the dining area you’ll find a modern galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Through the kitchen into the backyard you’ll find an amazing outdoor space that is perfect for entertaining. $489,000

New Listing | Bella Vista This bi-level, park-view, 2nd floor front condo is recessed from the street, and is an incredibly light-flooded, open space. This unit is centered over a full city block of greenspace. The southern facing living room features a 14’ high framed ceiling, two 8’ high windows, recently refinished espresso stained modern open-riser wood stairs, and a streamlined Guto Indio DaCosta IC/Air3 ceiling fan. A deeded parking space is included just outside the front entrance! $416,000

New Price | Naval Square This meticulously maintained home comes with a 1-car garage parking spot! Enter into an open floor plan drenched with natural light. Fantastic living/dining area with 9ft ceilings features gleaming oak floors, substantial moldings, and large sliders to the Juliet balcony. Naval Square amenities include: a concierge, a state-of-theart fitness center, a seasonal pool, a dramatic community room w/40’ domed ceiling, and a 24-hour secure, gated community. 2 BR | 2 BA $589,000

“QUARANTINE IS KILLING ME! I CAN’T STAND THE INSIDE OF THIS APARTMENT ANYMORE!” -Literally Every Young Person in Philly Philadelphians have been trapped in their house for months. Work from home, eat at home, live at home. They’re craving a change of scenery. Don’t wait for them to start searching online. Give PW readers a reason to move today. Contact sales@philadelphiaweekly.com today to get your property listed. All real estate ads come with a FREE Real Estate Reggie listing each week! DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Looking to Move Up?

600 Addison St 19147 Two Bedroom, two bath from $2,100 A premium location in Society Hill for spectacular, new construction rentals in this boutique building. Full size elevator service to all floors. Site finished, hardwood floors; Samsung appliances; stone counters; custom window treatments; glass shower doors; soaking tubs; washer/dryer in each unit. Walkscore calls this location Paradise with a score of 99. The perfect location to enjoy all that Center City has to offer.

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REGGIE Location, lifestyle, luxury

$2,495 / 2br - 1000ft2 - BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM! REDUCED DEPOSIT! CENTER CITY. 1900 Arch. Center City Philadelphia offers the region’s best shopping, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Home to the Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square, and City Hall districts, Center City is the perfect choice for those looking to work or attend school in the city. Location, lifestyle, and luxury! This 14-story rental community features more than 300 1- and 2-bedroom luxury apartments in Center City’s Logan Square neighborhood. Located just steps away from the new Comcast Center, 1900 Arch offers a resident roof deck, a public courtyard, a state-of-the-art fitness center, resident lounge, and an underground parking garage. Features: Hardwood floors throughout. Modern, fully-equipped kitchens with granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, glass tile backsplash, Grohe gooseneck faucets, under-mounted sinks, and breakfast bar. Full-size Bosch washer and dryer in each apartment. High-efficiency, individually controlled A/C and heat. High ceilings and expansive double pane windows with natural lighting. Custom window shades. Cable-ready. High-speed Internet. Amenities: State-of-the-art fitness center with flat screen TVs. Entertainment lounge featuring Wi-Fi, leather club chairs, billiards, shuffleboard, and gas fireplace. Fully furnished resident sky deck. Resident courtyard with fire pits. Dog-walking and pet-sitting services available. Resident bike storage. Bike-share program. Green roofs. Elevator. Pet friendly. Dog Park. Neighborhood: Local attractions include Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Walnut Street Shopping, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Schuylkill River Park. Situated closely to the Comcast Center, One Liberty Place, Two Liberty Place, and Logan Square. Local universities include Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson University. Rittenhouse Square Park Farmer’s Market, Parc, Rouge, Dandelion, Garces Trading Company, El Vez, and Sampan offer exceptional dining within a few blocks. Easy access to Market East SEPTA station and SEPTA bus routes, and routes I-95 and 76. (267) 634-0472.

Rittenhouse

$1,000 / 1br - Newly Renovated One Bedroom, Rittenhouse Square, Center City (20th and Chestnut). Newly Renovated Rittenhouse Square One Bedroom Apartment – Only $1,000 per month, Heat, Hot water & Gas included. Available for Lease Date starting January 1st or Before. RobinApartments. com. Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Just two blocks from Rittenhouse Square, Brand new beautiful Hardwood Floors throughout, Cable & Internet-ready, Good sunlight, Laundry facilities in building, Built-in shelving bedroom, Within UP & Drexel Shuttle District, Walking distance to University City - UP & Drexel & Hahnemann Hospital. Maintenance included, One cat allowed, Packages accepted at RE office for your convenience. Robin Apartments management graded A+ by University of Pennsylvania student survey eight years in a row. Leasing January 1st or before. Apartments can be viewed BY APPOINTMENT M-F 9:00 - 5:30, For additional information and viewing please call (215) 567-3325.

Studio near Temple

$775 / 1br - Studio available for rent near Center City (1222 N. Carlisle St.) Studio apartment near Temple University/Center City. Close to all public transportation. Fresh grocer, Aldi, CVS, and laundromat right across the street. On the second floor. Lots of natural light, hardwood floors, full size kitchen and bathroom. Cozy space for one person. $775/month. Water and internet are included. $60 credit check required. First month, last month, and one month security deposit to move in. One year lease. Please message, call, or email to schedule an appointment. Diana – (201)-889-0583.

Want to list your apartment with Real Estate Reggie? For only $75, you get 100 words to describe your place. For only $125, you get 100 words, plus a photo. Need something more or different? Reggie can make it happen. happen Deadline is every Monday at 10 am for Thursday’s issue. Email him at REReggie@philadelphiaweekly.com for details.

The Alexander

$3,456 / 2br - 1173ft2 - Extraordinary Center City 2 bed/2 bath Home Available. 300 Alexander Court. Discover the definition of exceptional living at The Alexander. Here, at our high-rise Philadelphia apartments, you will find the perfect blend of modern design and enduring style. The Alexander will feature luxurious homes with unique configurations and unmatched amenities, all in a smoke-free environment. Enjoy upscale urban living from the rooftop deck, the lavish courtyard or by simply letting our on-site concierge assist with making your everyday a little more extraordinary. Live in a walkable, pet-friendly residential neighborhood near museums and parks. Classic, warm, and inviting – find your future at The Alexander. Features: Oversized windows for extra light. Walk-In Closets. In-home washers and dryers. Spacious studio-, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes available. Wood-Like Flooring throughout apartment. Custom cabinetry in Kitchens. Open-concept floor plans. Views of Center City Philadelphia from select apartments. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops in Kitchens. Picturesque terraces and balconies in select apartments. Community Amenities. Smoke Free Building. Valet Laundry Service Available. Access controlled garage parking. Storage available. 24-hour Concierge. On-Site Management. Bike Storage with Mechanic Station. TV Lounge. 2nd Floor landscaped terrace with BBQ Grilling Stations. Penthouse and Townhomes available. Roof Terrace with Observation Deck. Refreshing, Spa-Inspired Indoor Pool. Pet Grooming Station. Public Art Landscaping. Pet Friendly. Lavish Community Clubroom with Demonstration Kitchen. Fitness Center with Cardio Equipment. Package Receiving. Children’s Play Room. On-Site Underground Parking Garage. Call Now: (215) 5964234 x 89 or Text 89 to (215) 596-4234 to contact our team.

Arts condo

$1,000 / 345ft2 - Arts Condo, 1324 Locust #615-Center City Studio w/ Utilities Included! 1324 Locust St. The Arts Condominium building, formerly the historic Sylvania Hotel, is located in the Avenue of the Arts section of Washington Square, just off Broad Street. This studio includes a kitchenette with a microwave and mini refrigerator, AC unit, ceiling fan, hardwood floors throughout and bathroom with retro black and white tile and shower. The building features include a 24 hour concierge, wheelchair accessibility, 24 hour fitness center, secured bike storage room, coin operated laundry facility on site, community room, business center, and free wifi in common areas! Sorry, no pets. $250 move in fee. Moving permitted weekdays and Saturdays from 8-4:30 pm. UTILITIES INCLUDED (Electric, water and basic cable). 215-735-7368. www.ocfrealty.com.

Spring Arts Point

$2,000 / 3br - 1566ft2 - Gorgeous Condo Unit for Rent in Center City. 1121 Hamilton St. Gorgeous 3 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths Bi-level-condo unit in the burgeoning Spring Arts Point neighborhood. Beautiful granite and stainless custom kitchen opens to the spacious living/dining area. Awesome countertop and cabinet plus pantry. Stainless steel appliances. 9’ ceilings and large, plentiful windows, Hardwood floor throughout. Lovely Spring Arts Point condominium community. Less than 5 minutes to all major highways and so many premier restaurants and nightlife around the complex to choose from, as well as shopping, public transportation, access to Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing, the PA Convention Center and the Reading Terminal Market. Please contact Kin: 267-912-7888.

Tree-lined street

$1,695 / 1br - 890ft2 - Bilevel on Tree Lined Street in Center City. 2027-31 Arch Street. Exposed Brick. Bonus Room. Quartz Countertops. Upgraded Appliances. Garbage Disposal. Dishwasher. Microwave. Washer/Dryer. Great Closet Space. Storage. Pet Friendly (Restrictions Apply). On Call Maintenance. 24/7 Customer Service on Call. Desirable Location. Pay No Rent Through 12/31/20. JAR Reinhold Residential Real Estate LLC. metropolitan-living.com.

Logan Square

$900 / 1br - Affordable Logan Square Courtyard One Bedroom, Center City (18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway). Affordable Logan Square Courtyard One Bedroom - Only $900 per mo., Heat, Hot Water, and Gas included. Available for Lease Date starting January 1st or Before. RobinApartments. com. Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Logan Square, Laundry Facilities on Premises, Cable & Internet-ready, Maintenance included, Full Kitchen and Bath, One cat allowed, Packages accepted at RE office for your convenience, Robin Apartments management graded A by University of Pennsylvania student survey eight years in a row, Leasing January 1st or before, Apartment can be viewed M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional information and viewing please call (215) 567-3325.

Premium flooring

$1,450 / 1br - 800ft2 - Beautiful Apartment for Rent in Center City. 1223 Wood Street. Beautiful 1 bedroom apartment, 1 full bath. Gorgeous granite and stainless custom kitchen opens to spacious living/dining area. Marble and Premium hardwood floors throughout the entire unit. Additional features include private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner . This building is conveniently located in the Center City district with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from. Also, shopping, public transportation, and access to Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing, the PA Convention Center and the still bustling Reading Terminal Market. Please contact Kin at 267-912-7888.

Great kitchen

Granite kitchen

New condo

Dynamic location

$925 Beautiful Studio Condo in Center City w/ Great Kitchen. 1324 Locust St 522. Available Now: Fully furnished unit! This studio apartment is on the 5th floor in the Arts Condominium building. All utilities included, except for in-unit internet. The unit is fully furnished including TV, bureau, bed with linens, desk and desk chair, couch, stools, floor lamp, ceiling fan, art work, wall mirror, refrigerator, microwave, towels, plates, cups, silverware. Features include central a/c, hardwood floors, expanded closet, new door lock, and great kitchen cabinets. Just steps from Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts, offering some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city, this unit has all you need to live comfortably in an unbeatable location. About The Neighborhood: Centrally located just off Broad Street, and walkable to a long list of convenient and fun neighborhood favorites. The iconic Avenue of the Arts is home to big names like the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Wilma Theater, University of the Arts, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, amazing eateries like City Diner, Sumo Sushi, Big Gay Ice Cream, Giorgio on Pine, Volvér, and hotspots such as Woody’s, Fox & Hound, Howl at the Moon, and MUCH more! Jg-realestate.com. $1,600 / 2br - 930ft2 - Brand New 2 Bedroom Condo for Rent in Center City. 211 N Camac Street. Brand-New 2 bedroom condominium with 1 full bath in the heart of Center City. Gorgeous custom-kitchen with granite countertop and stainless appliances, opens to the spacious living/dining area, premium hardwood floors throughout . Additional features include private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner units. This building is conveniently located in the Center City district, just across from PA Convention with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from, walking distance to shopping mall, Greyhound Bus Station, Jefferson Train Station and still bustling Reading Terminal Market. Please call Kin at 267-912-7888.

Natural light

$3,200 / 3br - Center City Townhome 3 Bedrooms. N. 22nd. St. near Race. 2 Stories. 3 Bedrooms. Over 1800 Square Feet. 2 Full bathrooms, 1 Powder Room. Eat In Kitchen. Living Room/Dining Room Area. Hardwood Floors. Fireplace. Central AC. Patio. Laundry Room. 1 Parking Space. No Pets. No Smoking. Call Edward at Cobrin Realtors at (610) 667-1122 x 101.

$900 / 2br - Two Bedrooms available for rent near Center City (1418 W. Girard Ave.) Two bedroom one bathroom apartment near Temple University/Center City. Close to all public transportation and close to fast food restaurants, CVS, with laundromat across the street. Located on top of a restaurant on the third floor. Lots of natural light. Older apartment building. $900/month. Water is included. $60 credit check required. One year lease. First month, last month, and one month security deposit to move in. Diana. (201)-889-0583.

The Victory Building

Plenty of windows

Center City townhome

$1,350 / 1br - Luxurious One Bedroom in Center City – TWO MONTHS FREE. 1011 Chestnut St. The Victory Building (Unit 606E). Located in the heart of bustling Center City, this beautifully restored Philadelphia landmark building boasts one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live. Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! FEATURES: Controlled access. On-site laundry. Open-concept kitchens. Granite countertops. Tile and granite baths. Hardwood flooring. Dramatic high ceilings. Bi-level units available. AMENITIES: PMC Lifestyle™ Program. Doorman. Elevator. Fully-equipped fitness center. Pet friendly. Rittenhouse Square Park Farmer’s Market, Parc, Rouge, Dandelion, Garces Trading Company, El Vez, and Sampan offer exceptional dining within a few blocks. Easy access to Market East SEPTA station and SEPTA bus routes, as well as routes 76 and 95. (215) 510-0727.

$1,550 / 1br - 835ft2 - Center City Luxury Apartment - Limited Time Specials. 117 N. 15th near Arch/Cherry. Natural Light Throughout. Plenty of Windows. Wood Flooring. Granite Countertops. Stainless Steel Appliances. Dishwasher. Garbage Disposal. Microwave. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Pet Friendly (Restrictions Apply). MetroFit Room. Indoor Basketball Court. Lounge with Caterer’s Kitchen. Conference Room. On Site Maintenance. 24/7 Lobby Attendant. Convenient Location. JAR Reinhold Residential Real Estate LLC. metropolitan-living. com.

Convenient location

$1,895 / 2br - 950ft2 - Center City When You Need It, Suburbs When You Want It. W. Rittenhouse Street near Morris Street. Enjoy the convenience of living minutes away from Center City, Philadelphia, without the hassle of city life. Rittenhouse Hill is located one block away from the train station and easy access to everything Philadelphia has to offer! Call Now & Ask About Our Specials. (610) 488-4023.

$2,200 / 1br - Beautiful 1BR Granite Kitchen Center City Skyline Views. 201 S. 18th Street. Looking for a new home? Come check out Apartment 1608, a newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment with hardwood floors located in Center City on Rittenhouse Square! Call 844-808-1705 to schedule your tour today. AMENITIES: Brand-new 8000 square foot resident lounge with top-of-the-line fitness center & free Wi-Fi. Pet friendly – dogs large and small and cats welcome. Elevator building with 24/7 doorman and concierge desk staff. Amazing roof deck with great views. APARTMENT FEATURES: Renovated, modern granite kitchens with dishwashers. All utilities included (except cable/internet). Oversized floor plan. Large closets. Upgraded carpet or hardwood-style floors. Gorgeous CITY VIEWS from your living area & bedroom. The Rittenhouse Claridge offers you the opportunity to live in Philadelphia’s most vibrant, walkable neighborhood. We are located in the best neighborhood at the best address – at the corner or 18th and Walnut - right on Rittenhouse Square! This apartment will rent quickly, so call John at 844-808-1705 to schedule an appointment or reserve this apartment. www. rittenhouseclaridge.com. $1,175 / 420ft2 - Studio for rent in center city (Philly) (Riverwest Building Near Rittenhouse). Studio Apartment in a newly renovated luxury building located at the corner of 21st and Chestnut, just minutes away from Rittenhouse Square, Universities and public transportation. This unit is 420 sq ft on the 4th floor and ready to move-in. Dynamic center city location. Big walk-in closet. Newly renovated kitchen cabinet and refrigerator. Contemporary Lobby. Telephone intercom with Push-Button admittance. Direct TV equipped with 7 premium channels. Individually controlled cooling system. New state of the art fitness center. New on-site laundry facility. Parking facility available back side of the building (with additional charge). 24 hours lobby facility with secured entrance access. High Speed internet access facility available. Convenient Dining, Shopping and Entertainment Locale. Meeting and Media rooms. Business center with high speed internet access and meeting room. Minutes to Public Transportation (Subway One Block Away) & Major Highways. Conveniently located near University City (UPenn, Drexel Univ. and USP) and walkable distance to 31st station. Grocery Store One Block Away. Rent includes: Electric, Water, Heater, Gas, Sewer, A/C, TV, Fitness Center, Business Center, Trash Removal, Pest Control Services, Secure Access, Semi furnished with utensils. For more information contact: Indra at 856-313-8063.

Fully furnished studio

$950 / 1br - Fully Furnished Studio Arts Condo Center City (Arts Condo 13th & Locust). PRICE REDUCED! Available Immediately! MOVE-IN READY! Fully Furnished STUDIO in Luxury Arts Condominium Building located at 13th and Locust. 1st month Free with a 12 month lease. One price gets everything, ready to go, fully furnished, just bring your clothes. Largest studio in the building. Incredible downtown location, close to theaters, restaurants, shops, universities, and hospitals within steps of your doorstep. Utilities Included (Heat, A/C, Water, Electric). Willing to negotiate with good tenant and longer lease terms. Incredible deal at this price. Pets must be under 40 lbs and have additional pet fees. BUILDING & COMMUNITY FEATURES: Beautiful art-deco style high-rise. Magnificent Grand Lobby with high-speed internet access terminals. Controlled Access. Onsite Laundry Facility. 24-hour Lobby Attendant. Professionally-Designed Fitness Center. Call Maggie for info at (215) 847-1900.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | DECEMBER 10 - 17, 2020

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