September 20, 2012

September 20, 2012 34st.com

"WALLFLOWER" REVIEW • DIY TIE–DYE JEANS • PENN CREATURES

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow 34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012 10

LOL

FILM

FILM REVIEWS THE PERKS OF BEING DIRECTED BY THE AUTHOR Stephen Chbosky’s cinematic adaptation will please fans of his novel and coming–of–age dramedy suckers alike.

BY BEN LERNER

S

ince “The Perks of Being A Wallflower” hit bookshelves in 1999, it has continuously inspired young adults in the midst of their angsty, transitional mid–teens.

The novel, told in a series of

letters to an anonymous reader, deals with common issues of adolescence – experimenting with sex, drug usage, sexuality and more – through the eyes of shy high school freshman Charlie. The film ver-

sion of "Wallflower," Emma, Logan and Ezra feel infinite. written and directed by not quite, detracts from her its author, Stephen Chbosky, is the most faithful ad- performance. But she really aptation of a book since Louis could have benefited from a tutorial on the pronunciation Sachar's "Holes."

The film, Chbosky's direc- of “can’t.”

Like the book, the movie torial debut, stars Logan Leremphasizes Charlie’s discovman (“Percy Jackson & The ery of new music and literaOlympians: The Lightning ture along with his discovery Thief”), Ezra Miller (“We of weed and sex.

Charlie’s Need to Talk About Kevin”) English teacher (a warm and and Emma Watson (Emma mature Paul Rudd) gives him freaking Watson).

The 20–year–old Lerman passes classics like “On The Road” surprisingly well for 15, de- and “Walden,” and his newlivering an adorably awkward found friend group partially performance as the titular revolves around shared music wallflower. Miller epitomizes tastes, in a perfectly pretenthe playful but pained spirit of tious way that rings all too scene–stealing Patrick, a gay true. “You have really good senior who takes Charlie un- music taste,” Sam tells Charlie der his wing. Emma Watson as if it is the highest possible is a far cry from her days as compliment, before revealing a know–it–all witch, sweetly her dark secret of once lisportraying Sam, Patrick’s tening to Top 40. While the short–haired free–spirited script perhaps makes one too stepsister. It’s easy to see why many worshipping references Charlie falls for her character, to “Asleep” by The Smiths, although Watson’s subpar the film’s soundtrack is actuAmerican accent almost, but ally quite terrific.

Read the interview at 34st.com

and nds e, I a r r ne pris o ru ant sur t d cte eas 's expe o my pl roducer y l l u T "I f offee. to the p c d fetch promote tant." was assis

The movie's three young leads are backed by a strong supporting cast, including Rudd, Joan Cusack, Kate Walsh ("Private Practice") as Charlie’s mother and Nina Dobrev ("The Vampire Diaries") as his older sister, who is in an abusive relationship.

The tone of the film gradually transitions from a dark comedy with real laughs and charm to a truly wrenching drama dealing with suicide, sexual abuse, homophobia and mental illness. Bring tissues for the latter half hour of the film, which moves from relatable adolescent struggles to draining, intense drama. “The Perks of Being A Wallflower” is good enough to join the ranks of high school classics, but don’t expect all “Rocky Horror” fun. Although there’s plenty of that – and a hilarious mistaken “brownie” scene.

MOVIEMAKER PROFILE: Rayne Harris Junior Health and Societies major Rayne Harris spent a month on a movie set this summer in Seattle, working as a producer’s assistant. She (probably) still wants to be a pediatric cardiologist but was excited to talk to Street about dabbling in the world of film.

highbrow ego food & drink film feature music arts lowbrow

34

ST

Penn’s only film production club shows prowess of aspiring filmmakers

BY JULIA LIEBERGALL

T

he scene opens with a chilling picture of a wounded man, alone in a bar, handling the now– empty glass that has been set before him. He sets it down and stands to leave, only to walk backwards from his barstool. The waitress in the foreground also walks backwards, as do the passers–by on the streets outside. The events, we realize, are taking place in reverse, played before a haunting a capella score that anticipates our protagonist’s anguish.

No, this isn’t the music video for “Closing Time” by Semisonic or a scene from “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” It’s the plot of the music video “Nobody Loves You Like Me,” one of the many projects written, acted, shot, produced and directed by Penn students in Bent Button Productions.

Founded three years ago by a group of aspiring student filmmakers, Bent Button is Penn’s only film production

34TH STREET Magazine December 1, 2011

DO YOU PAY PER VIEW?

Two Bent Button films Film polled you to find out how you are getting your Sunday afternoon were top–ten finalists at the movie fixes.Film Here’s what we learned. BY ANTHONY KHAYKIN Penn Student Festival, and “Nobody Loves You hough we all know the watch Hugo in theaters. And we you guess then that Penn stuLike Me” ended isup for winning Internet porn fit this mold of overworked Ivy dents would prefer to get their the audience choice (thanks Avenue award.

Q), the League students well, with only RomCom fix online with free Outside collegethe scene, bedroomofis the no longer only about 17% of Penn undergrads streaming websites like SideReel Bent Button members area being ceded to digitalhave terri- watching movies at the Rave ev- and Ch131 rather than pay for won numerous and ery semester. tory. For every girlawards with daddy’s services provided by Netflix and achievements for things AmEx, window browsinglike on But how about the other ste- Redbox? animation, and reotype, the one that says all colFifth Avenuescreenwriting has been replaced While 75% of us watch movfiwith lmmaking. online shopping. And lege students are poor? The free ies online, nearly 50% pay for Two–and–a–half minutes FYEs everywhere have virtu- movement of information made it. I hear Horrible Bosses — a isallybarely enough time to(pun get possible by the interweb makes new release on iTunes — is hysbeen rendered useless from Commons to Huntsintended) with the existence of terical, but is man, let alone iTunes long enough Whose recommendations do you take? the multifarious store. it worth the to Things tell an 50 are engaging no differentstory here 1.5 salads at 47.7% Other through lm. But at Penn, fiwhere theBent RaveButgets Sweetgreen 40% 40 A Friend ton Productions, with nearly half the traffi c its for talthe it would Cinema Studies ented andscreenings diverse staff, has midnight of blockhave cost if 30 Major 26.2% 25% 25% done that.Twilight With aasportbusterjust hits like Hulu I had seen it Professor or TA 20 folio ranging fromthe comedic does the day after newest in theaters?

Street sketches to troubling, plot– episode of 30 Rock airs. This Ramen noo10 *Students surveyed were allowed to choose more twisting shorts, there anymakes sense.

We is Penn students dles Check out our commentary on aren’t than one option.

0 thing the busy club hasn’t done? are too procrastinating that bad, I has made horon“No Pennone InTouch and adesignguess.

KStew's dancing in the trailer ror fi lm yet,” Merrin points ing funny lacrosse pinnies for entertainment accessible and The average Penn student for "On thewithRoad" out, “but we’re nothing’s stopping the clubs involved in to inexpensive to anyone an (who@34st.com is anything but average, if them.” leave the comfort of our beds to AirPennNet account. Wouldn’t you ask Amy Gutmann) watch-

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es seven m every semes tic proves t to watch sa than at the tional $20 of popcorn not include tions). The ing seven m less than 30 many conv paid service ing interru buffering an immunity and most im ing to wai watching 72 on Megavid Not to m price to pa the big pictu savings of students wh services rath movie theat tween $196 depending Netflix or i Moral of th judge if you

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

“Sometimes our members don’t know how to write a script and need a writer,” says Merrin. “Or they don’t know how to use a camera, or how to direct or find actors.” Club members volunteer to fill the missing slots in the production, thus creating a dynamic approach to the filmmaking process. While each movie’s theme remains unique to its inventor, the end result reflects collaborative effort and camaraderie.

“We try to have at least one movie in each stage of production, which is to say, one in the planning stages, one being filmed and one in post–production, at any given time,” says Merrin. The films usually run under five minutes and reflect a wide array of genres: dramas, documentaries, comedies and even music videos. A number of Bent Button projects can be seen on the group’s Facebook page as well as on YouTube.

Bent Button members are encouraged "Founded three years ago, to submit their films Bent Button is Penn's only fitonished contests and film production club." film festivals, especially those club. “[It’s] meant to be a happening at Penn and othcommunity and resource for er college campuses. One filmmakers and would–be popular choice is the Ivy filmmakers on campus,” says Film Festival, the world’s president and co–founder largest student–run film fesJason Merrin, an Engi- tival, held annually at Brown neering senior majoring in University. Last year, Bent Digital Media Design. “We Button member and Colhave members interested in lege junior Erin Peraza won all stages of the filmmaking the festival’s “Seven–Day process: writing, producing, Screenplay” competition, acting, directing, editing and which requires contestants to more.” create a script that incorpoSince its start, Bent Button rates several themes and elehas devoted itself to the art ments within just one week. and instruction of filmmak- Her screenplay, “Damsel at ing. Experienced and inex- the Pier,” follows three naive perienced students alike are kids from wealthy families encouraged to come to meet- (wonder where she got that ings with some sort of idea or idea) who find entertainment vision. Oftentimes, that’s all by creating stories about a 8 they have. mysterious woman.

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

RIGHT ON THE (BENT) BUTTON FILM

*A simp of 100 Pen surveyed to 11their film v

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow 34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012 12

MUSIC

COEXISTING

Carly’s Awesome, So Listen Maybe

Indie bigwigs Grizzly Bear, St. Vincent (and David Byrne) and The xx all released new albums this week. Never heard of them? Allow us to break it down for you.

Some may cringe at her poppy anthems, but Carly Rae Jepsen's supporters beg to differ.

A

dmit it, you liked “Call Me Maybe.”

Even if you hated yourself for it (and couldn’t admit it publicly), you found that little summer song to be catchier than you could believe. Nobody, myself included, expected Carly Rae Jepsen to be more than a one–hit wonder.

But if you’re still thinking like this, then you clearly haven’t heard her newest album, "Kiss."

While Beyonce sings with soul and Lady Gaga flexes her pseudo–intellect, Miss Jepsen focuses on fun. She employs energy and effortlessness. This is exactly the type of album a 26–year– old pop star should be putting out. You might think music should be fraught with meaning and depth, but usually I just want to dance to it. Mostly CRJ evokes a sound similar to an 80s–inspired Robyn.

And have you ever been to

You're OK, Carly Rae

a club when a Robyn song comes on? It’s blissful madness. Once the DJs get a hold of them, every single song on this album will be staples in dance halls across the country.

So what if her album release was delayed to potentially capitalize on her newfound fame? The success of “Call Me Maybe” might have hindered lesser artists, and Carly Rae will need to back up the hype she created with summer’s most popular song if she wants to remain relevant. But if she keeps producing stuff like "Kiss," she's here to stay, undoubtedly.

— Zacchiaus McKee

“A HIGH ADRENALINE DRAMA.”

BY KILEY BENSE, BEN BERNSTEIN AND ALEX HOSENBALL

Grizzly Bear Who: Hailing from Brooklyn, Grizzly Bear began in the early 2000s, carrying with them a sense of occasionally weird, yet still melodic, experimentation. Since then, the band has had two big releases in addition to this week’s "Shields" — "Yellow House" and "Veckatimest." On "Yellow House," expect to hear some of the band’s more psychedelic material, including the single “Knife,” perhaps one of their best–known pieces. However, the band may be most recently known thanks to "Blue Valentine," a movie with a soundtrack prominently featuring softer songs from "Veckatimest."

Sounds like: Have you ever wanted a lullaby as an adult? A lullaby not only soothing in melody and soft–spoken, but tinged with Grizzly Bear spotted in the wild the yearning and pains that come with advanced age? Grizzly Bear fits perfectly into this niche from time to time — the band also fits into psyche–rock and, occasionally, pop. Whenever you need to be (moodily) soothed, take a listen.

Listen if you like: Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, Phoenix, Animal Collective

David Byrne and St. Vincent Who: David Byrne was a founding member of Talking Heads, cementing the band’s legendary new wave status in history as a songwriter and vocalist; he went on to a long and varied solo career. St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) is an indie– rock songstress and virtuoso guitarist who rose to prominence after singing backup for Sufjan Stevens. “Love this Giant” is the product of a three–year collaboration between the two of them — the talented beauty and the graying veteran, a pairing not unlike the partnership formed by Allison Krauss and Byrne and Clark looking at the head and feet of a tall man, respctively Robert Plant for the Grammy–winning album “Raising Sand.”

Sounds like: Something like the sum of its parts: the pointed sweetness of Clark’s voice punctuates rather than deflates Byrne’s rough and ragged presence. Combining churning rock with a horn section gives the songs a buoyancy and bounce that neither Clark nor Byrne quite capture in their own work.

Listen if you like: One or both of the parties involved. New–wave devotees and contemporary indie fans alike will enjoy this album.

Janet Walker, YAHOO! VOICES

The xx

BACKWARDSTHEMOVIE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BACKWARDSTHEFILM

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

CENTER CITY RITZ EAST 2nd St btwn Chestnut & Walnut Sts 215/925-7900

PENNSYLVANIA AMBLER THEATER BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE 108 E Butler Ave 824 W Lancaster Ave 215/345-7855 610/527-9898

CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SHOWTIMES

IN PERSON at RITZ EAST: FRI 9/21! Q & A with the director following the 7:15 show and SUN 9/23 with producer, writer and actress following the 1PM show.

IN PERSON at BRYN MAWR: FRI 9/21! Q & A with producer, writer and actress following the 5:15 and 7:30 show and SUN 9/23 with director following the 4:15PM show.

IN PERSON at AMBLER: SAT 9/22! Q & A with filmmakers following the 1pm show.

UPenn Daily Pennsylvanian 2col (3.558") x 3.5"

Thurs 9/20

Who: Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim have a history that goes far beyond The xx. They have been close since age three, attending school, going on vacations and, in 2005, founding The xx together. Joined by producer Jamie Smith, who now goes by Jamie xx, the group began performing at local venues while still in high school, honing their dreamy, minimalist pop sound. With their eponymous 2009 debut, they found themselves propelled to indie superstardom, complete with sold–out shows and the numThe xx dress up for Color War ber three spot on Pitchfork’s 2009 year–end list.

Sounds Like: The xx's music consists mainly of whispered, sensual lyrics against a spare instrumental backdrop. Their delicately crafted songs carry an emotive quality that makes every lyric sound visceral and consequential. Croft and Sim gently alternate between lyrical back–and–forths and harmony, while the instrumental effects are never overpowering and provide an appropriate frame for the emotional quality of the lyrics.

Listen if you like: Bon Iver, Florence + the Machine, Grizzly Bear

DIY: Bleached Tie–Dye Jeans

This week's featured artist Lorena Nicol teaches you how to add some flair to your basic blue jeans.

Supplies: 1 pair old jeans 1 pair rubber gloves Bleach Hydrogen peroxide solution Rubber bands Buckets for soaking and rinsing

…and let Street satisfy your culture cravings every week with these Philly arts finds. Check out 34st.com for details.

BY DAVID GALPERIN

Step 1: Bind Slowly scrunch the fabric into small sections and twist rubber bands around each one. Vary the size of the sections to vary the resulting pattern, making sure to twist the rubber bands tightly until the pants are wound into a ball.

Step 2: Submerge I used one part bleach to three parts water for this pair of shorts, and left it for about two hours. Less durable fabrics will release their color more quickly — some pieces bleach well in as little as 15 minutes. Denim will need at least an hour. Check on the fabric every so often, but try not to pull it out of the bleach too soon.

Step 3: Rinse & Neutralize I use four buckets labeled bleach, water, neutralizing agent and water. Even if you do a final rinse under a faucet, submerging the fabric in water at least once is a good idea. Soak in two parts hydrogen peroxide solution to 10 parts water for at least 10 minutes to stop the bleach, and then rinse again.

Step 4: Dry "Toss the finished piece in the dryer so you can find out right away how it turned out."

Lorena Nicol

2. Open Air by Rafael Lozano–Hemmer Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

Opening Celebration: Sept. 20, 7:30–11:30 p.m.

Free 3. Enchanted Drawing: Animation Across the Disciplines International House Philadelphia 3701 Chestnut St. Screening Sept. 21, 7:00 p.m.

Free (RSVP Online) 4. In the Artist’s Studio: Eric Fischl in Conversation Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 118 N. Broad St. Sept. 29, 5:30 p.m. $15 (Pre–registration required) 5. Angels in America, Parts One and Two Wilma Theater 265 S. Broad St. On stage until Oct. 21 $10 Student Rush Tickets

“Most of my designs are intended for other people — it’s bliss seeing what I create make someone else happy.

Plus I love the thought of my ideas walking around on the streets, seeing the world.”

Check out Lorena’s work in an extended interview online at 34st.com.

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

Safety Notes: Make sure to do this in a well–ventilated area (outdoors if you can), and wear gloves to protect your skin. Throwing on some sweats and a t–shirt you can get messy is also a good precaution.

1. Excursus III: Ooga Booga Opening Program Institute of Contemporary Art 118 S. 36th St. Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.

Free

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

ARTS

13

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

LOL

LOWBROW

You may not know it, but Penn is home to a number of strange, incredible, horrifying, outrageous and bizarre creatures – and we’re not just talking about the kids in Gregory College House. There are monsters around you every day, but it’s dangerous to go alone. Take this guidebook with you to help you navigate this weird world.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY FARYN PEARL AND LIZZIE SIVITZ Savage creatures that don’t care about your orgo exam that's in five freaking minutes or life in general – they just want you. They’re parasitic, often jumping from one friend to another, feeding on your false sense of obligation.

Most likely to be seen: Swarming poor, unsuspecting freshmen on Locust; making nests underneath your bed; slipping under your door at night; everywhere.

Weakness: Silver headphones.

A fratstar who was struck down during the sickest game of beer pong ever dude, really. That night, he was killing it. Now, he kills.

Markings/Physical Attributes: A beer helmet that constantly sprays Pabst Blue Ribbon on any unlucky visitor; glazed, inhuman eyes that, if they catch the sight of breasts, will rate them completely arbitrarily.

Weakness: Cleanse diets.

Those of Ware College House are normal Penn students by day, but by night they turn into Ware–wolves. These party animals are desperate to get into any party and will kill for PBR. Most likely to be seen: In line at a frat party insisting that the same female–to–male ratios are not applicable to beasts.

Markings/physical attributes: Ware College House t–shirt ripped to shreds and hanging off his fur.

This four–headed dog guards the entrance to Amy Guttman’s house. It has a head for each of Penn’s four undergraduate schools.

Most likely to be seen: Snarling at those trying to enter Guttman’s secret lair.

Weakness: Any member of one of the seven schools now ranked more highly than Penn.

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

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This mythical beast is half frat guy, half sensitive English major. See, he’s reading "Pride and Prejudice." He’s totally into women’s feelings…on the top.

But from the turtleneck down he’s a rugged womanizer and 100% Greek.

Most likely to be seen: Writing a paper about feminist motifs in English literature while crushing a Natty Light in the living room of his fraternity house.

Markings/physical attributes: Always carrying a Moleskine.

A siren who lures in potential donors with her flattering rhetoric, youthful looks and strong handshakes.

Most likely to be seen: The rarest of these creatures, she sometimes appears at alumni events. Although she is rumored to live on campus, many claim she’s doesn’t exist.

Weakness: Nothing can stop the Gutmann. Nothing.

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

This Drexel dragon guards the border between Penn and Drexel’s campus.

Most likely to be seen: At Sabrina’s ordering a dragon–sized portion of challah french toast.

Markings/physical attributes: Drexel t–shirt.

Rumored to once be human, these former Engineering students lurk in the depths of DRL, only appearing after dusk. Then they disappear when a member of the opposite sex passes by.

Most likely to be seen: At 1 a.m. on a Friday night, making snide comments about anyone who dares to go out.

Weakness: Daylight, or anything that involves more than one person. Stimulation is their mortal enemy.

Disclaimer: This section is fantasy, not reality.

34th Street Bar Guide

CHERRYSTREET

A guide to bars and nightclubs on or near Penn’s campus

129 N. 22nd Street • 215-561-5683 — We’re located a block from the Schuylkill River Trail and known for our great community atmosphere. Come by for great food, great drinks, and a great time!

SUNDAY, 9/16: Rock & Roll Half Marathon Food and Beverage specials all day!

MONDAY, 9/17: Cherry Street Tavern vs. Philly Bruins: $3 Philly Bruin Pints all night. Kenzinger, Pennsylvania Pale Ale, Commonwealth

The Starlight Ballroom — 452-472 N. 9th Street • 215-908-2063 • starlight-ballroom.com

Venue available to book parties!

Club Pulse — 1526 Sansom Street • 215-751-2711 • pulsephilly.com THURSDAY — COLLEGE NIGHT AT PULSE! 10:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. • Live Band and DJ all Night!

• Drink Specials $2 Beer, $3 Mix Drink

Dock Street Brewery & Restaurant

NO COVER CHARGE — TUE, THU, FRI, SAT AND SUN

Lucky Wednesdays: 18 to Party & 21 to Drink Top DJs will spin the night away!

11 pm to 3:30 am

701 S. 50th Street • 215-726-2337 • www.dockstreetbeer.com Founded in 1985, Dock Street is the 1st microbrewery in Philadelphia and one of the 1st in the country. Dock Street Brewery is located in a majestic, old firehouse. We’re known for our delicious, artisanal beers brewed on premise along with awardwinning wood fired gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, salads, vegan and vegetarian specialties. Movie night every Tuesday at 8pm!

Copabanana — 40th & Spruce • 215-382-1330 • copabanana.com/uni.php

Copabanana is THE place to go for margaritas! Half price margaritas Mondays from noon to midnight. Happy Hour Mondays to Fridays from 5-7pm. Open late seven days a week!

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

tAVERN

The Bar Guide is a Paid Advertisement

15

1949 Callow Day begins as a way to arouse interest in the crew team. Students from Penn and other schools all along the East Coast gather on the Schuylkill to cheer on the Quakers.

1951

Callow Day is renamed Skimmer Day, a reference to the straw hats that people would wear during the event.

[ ] SKIMMER [FEST] 1950s

Over the next decade, Skimmer grows into a weekend–long celebration consisting of concerts, dances and fraternity parties.

1963

Skimmer celebrations turn from rowdy to riotous, as students overturn cars and set the trolley tracks on fire.

Skimmer is promptly banned.

1973

Despite efforts from student groups to reform Skimmer activities, the University officially introduces Spring Fling weekend as Skimmer’s replacement.

2012

The Class Boards and SPEC combine Fall Fest amd the reincarnated Skimmer to create Skimmer Fest. SEE YA THERE!!

september 20

7

2012

3 HIGHBROW

the roundup, word on the street, overheards, locust lexicon

market terms

4 EGO

ego of the week, guide to sabs, what your resume says about you

6 FOOD & DRINK dollar stroll guide, byo baltimore, grilled cheese recipe, farmers market glossary

FROMtheEDITOR

BIRTHDAY

I turned 22 yesterday. 22. 2–2.

Aside from gap year–ers, super seniors and international students from countries that have compulsory military service, this is the bookend opposite 18 — the oldest you will be as an undergrad at Penn.

You look forward to mobile freedom at 16, jury duty and lottery tickets at 18 and holding alcohol over the heads of youngsters at 21.

22 unlocks no new doors, and until you qualify for the senior discount at IHOP, neither does any other year from now on.

There’s a reason that fake IDs don’t put you at 21. They put you

8 FEATURE

8

the truth behind the 40th street mansion

10 FILM

perks of being a wallflower review, student filmmaker of the week, the bent button

12 MUSIC

three big indie releases, an ode to carly rae

perks of being a wallflower

13

at 22 or 23, or one of those more “realistic” ages, as though being 21 were too ideal to be true. For me, this was the case on– and off–paper — I can’t think of a more fun or enlightening year.

This is the first birthday that I’ve actually felt a little bit older. But drinking with my best friends and my new cactus, Ike, at midnight, I didn’t feel any less fun or enlightened, or any less pleased to be the birthday girl.

10

13 ARTS

DIY tie dye jeans, get up offa that thing, artist profile

14 LOWBROW

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

penn creatures field guide

2

16 BACKPAGE

40th st. mansion

DIY tye-die denim

It takes a ton of people to make this magazine — even YOU can get your name on the bottom of this page.

Come to our meeting tonight to find out how.

WRITERS' MEETING 4015 WALNUT 6:30 P.M.

skimmer history

34TH STREET MAGAZINE Elizabeth Horkley, Editor–In–Chief Joe Pinsker, Managing Editor Adrian Franco, Online Managing Editor Hilary Miller, Design Editor Chloe Bower, Design Editor Sarah Tse, Photo Editor Laura Francis, Asst. Photo Inna Kofman, Asst. Design Stephanie Witt, Asst. Design Paige Rubin, Highbrow Zacchiaus Mckee, Highbrow Patrick Ford–Matz, Ego Sandra Rubinchik, Ego

Katie Giarla, Ego Patrick Del Valle, Food & Drink Isabel Oliveres, Food & Drink Abigail Koffler, Food & Drink Alex Hosenball, Music Ben Bernstein, Music Kiley Bense, Music Ben Lerner, Film Samantha Apfel, Film Megan Ruben, Arts Eillie Anzilotti, Arts Faryn Pearl, Lowbrow Lizzie Sivitz, Lowbrow Colette Bloom, Back Page Zeke Sexauer, Back Page

Julia Liebergall, Copy Mariam Mahbob, Copy Amanda Shulman, Copy Cover Design: Chloe Bower & Hilary Miller Contributors: Kelly Lawler, David Galperin, Christina Prudencio, Claire Illmer, Maegan Cadet, Hosenspam

Contacting 34th Street Magazine: If you have questions, comments, complaints or letters to the editor, email Elizabeth Horkley, Editor-–in–Chief, at horkley@34st.com. You can also call us at (215) 898–6585.

To place an ad, call (215) 898–6581.

VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.34st.com "Second to my Bat Mitzvah, this is the best day of my life" - B.S. ©2012 34th Street Magazine, The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc. No part may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express, written consent of the editors (but I bet we will give you the a-okay.) All rights reserved. 34th Street Magazine is published

by The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc., 4015 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19104, every Thursday.

LOCUST LEXICON

Wanna Walk to Class?

OMG, Highbrow’s givin’ you a little lesson on the lingo you should be using.

TTFN. L...O...L? SABS: See and Be Seen, SABS is seeing everyone you vaguely know all at once.

Examples: Locust Walk, Sweetgreen, Metro DFLD: Don’t Feel Like Dancing, for when you just aren't feeling it.

Girl 1: OMG, THEY’RE PLAYING CALL ME MAYBE THIS IS OUR SONG. Girl 2: Eh, DFLD. GOML: Get on my Level. Yeah, step it up, bro.

You need to step it up and GOML

dude, I hate being drunk alone.

Shots, anyone?

2400 ON THE SDTs: A pun on a perfect score on the SATs; a 99th percentile SDT score denotes a superjap.

Elyse, are you wearing Hunter Boots and jeggings for the third day in a row? You would totally get a 2400 on your SDTs. BOMO: Black Out Make Out, the drunk uncle of the DFMO. Dude, you were so wasted last night, you were BOMOing with like every girl.

DILLIGAFF: Do I Look Like I Give a Flying Fuck? Perfect for those of us who like to swear like a sailor or just enjoy your standard acrobat porn.

Girl 1: Oh my God, Stacy is dancing all up on your ex.

Girl 2: DILLIGAFF? Let’s go get cheese fries.

HOMEBREW: The ultimate chill lingo if you’re just a dude who likes to chill with other dudes.

Hey Homebrew, how’s it hanging?

Grab a brewski and let’s bro out.

THEROUNDUP

at

Guy 1: Why did Skulls get kicked off of campus?

Guy 2: Someone died.

Guy 1: AGAIN?!

Freshman: You know what? Alcohol doesn’t really taste that good.

Girl: My most recent Google searches are “Late night ice cream delivery” and “Is it possible to get herpes from a slide?” What does that say about my life?

Sorority sophomore: Oh wow, I am totally craving water right now.

Girl: I want to own her… not like sexually, but…

Senior: I'm not looking for a love interest. I'm looking for a nice bod and a pretty ok face.

I

t’s happened to the best of us. You spend the evening chatting it up with someone in your hall/suite/living unit and end with that fateful question: “Hey, what time do you have class tomorrow?” The other person answers: “10 a.m.”

You obviously start at 10 and pose the question: “Hey, wanna walk over together?” The person nods excitedly and your plan is set.

Stop right there.

That was a terrible idea. Who wants to combine potential friends and cheerful conversation with the terrible situation that is the morning?

Walking to class together requires an obscene number of decisions. Will you and your friend eat breakfast? Where shall that happen? Oh, you just want to grab coffee? Nope, I don’t have any Dining Dollars. Okay no problem, we’ll meet at the corner outside Starbucks.

Breakfast issues resolved, the hard part seems to be over. Oh wait, one more question: "What time do you leave for class?" I’ve heard answers to this question ranging from 20 minutes before to two minutes before the class begins. These people cannot walk to class together. You agree on a time, likely a middle–ground compromise that is sure to disrupt each of your morning routines in some annoying way that causes you to forget your umbrella/water bottle/something crucial to your happiness.

Even if all these issues are addressed, there remains a good chance that this person will be late/ get nervous and leave early/sleep in/skip class/ turn out to be far from a morning person and you will arrive to class more disgruntled than usual with an opinion of your new friend colored harshly by their morning habits (which is truly a terrible way to judge people).

If, after all this, you still think walking to class with a friend is a good idea, I offer you one strategy: waiting. Keep talking to new people. If you see them walking into Williams at the same exact time as you day after day, they might be a nice walking buddy. Walking buddies are like five– layer cakes: they either look magnificent or topple over in a colossal failure. There’s not much in between.

So yes, I like to make friends. I’m a big fan of meeting new people and bonding with them. I’d totally love to get to know you, maybe at Kiwi or Metro or anywhere other than on the way to class. Talk to you later, I have a 2 p.m.

send us gossip at highbrow@34st.com

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

Oooooh, girl, it is not a good week to be a member of the frat formerly know as Skulls. So many questions! Will they rise again as TUSK? Will the Alpha chapter fade into oblivion? Only time will tell, but here are some things we know for sure…

Attention seniors! Looking for a job? Struggling through OCR? Fret no longer, have we the opportunity for you. One Oz senior has used his Twitter account to advertise for a personal assistant, because, you know, Oz guys need someone to coordinate Wild Wednesdays and Oztoberfest. Be warned, though, there are some stipulations. Candidates must “be on the East Coast and be smart.” Can Highbrow apply?

Sigma Kappa got an eyeful this weekend at their Moms’ Weekend, which was wilder than imagined—though we’re not referring to the girls or their mamas. While the girls were listening to Taylor Swift and teaching their moms to play beer pong outside, one guy was having even more fun—getting a blowjay in the window across the street in full view of the party. Isn’t that what SK’s call Dove Love?

One recently unaffiliated senior tried to be a good samaritan this week as he randomly stumbled into AXO to let them know their front door was open, but stumbled onto something else instead. He was only trying to keep the girls safe from potential burglars, but the boy walked in to one of the girls hooking up with a guy right in the front room. Next time, get a room. Or at least shut the door.

Highbrow hears one SAE guy was too drunk to break up with his girlfriend and asked one of his brothers to do it for him via text. Well that’s one way to do it… Brilliant? Heartless? Who are we to judge?

One study abroad student came back to Penn only to participate in an altercation at Smoke’s. Apparently, the girl and her study abroad bros made some exclusive pinnies, which she subsequently lost, only to find someone else wearing them at the crowded bar. We don’t have an exact transcript to share, but we like to imagine that “finders keepers, losers weepers” came up at some point. Or a slightly more colorful version—whatever works.

over heard PENN

BY ABIGAIL KOFFLER

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

wordonthestreet

HIGHBROW

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highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

EGO

EGOOF THE WEEK : BERYL SANDERS

Beryl Sanders is SAS Chair for the 2013 Class Board, VP of Programming for Panhel, a member of both SPEC Connaissance and the Honorary Degrees Committee for NEC and former Membership Director of Penn Dems. Oh, and a participant in the Jewish Renaissance Project, just for good measure.

Street: How have you prepared to be this week’s Ego? Beryl Sanders: I’ve listened to Beyonce’s “Ego” a million times within the last two days.

And I’ve just been dancing in my room like, “Such a big ego!

That’s me! I’m the ego!” All my friends were like, “Uh…” Street: What advice would you give freshmen?

BS: Don’t let a certain thing that you’re involved in — sorority, fraternity or club — define who you are. Sooner or later, everyone will be able to get into Smoke’s, and you’re going to say, “Are my friends awesome or are my friends cool?” It’s so much better to be awesome. I’m not cool.

Street: What has Panhel taught you about Greek life?

BS: A lot of your friends will end up in different places and you think that it’s gonna change everything in your Penn career — but it doesn’t.

Second, you’re gonna love wherever you end up because you’re gonna find friends there. My third piece of advice is that Greek life is a huge part of my Penn career, but I also love my friends who aren’t in sororities. It’s really important to have a mix.

Street: There are two types of people at Penn.

BS: Those who sleep at Van Pelt and those who laugh at people sleeping at Van Pelt.

I’m proud to say I’ve been on the “Sleeping in Van Pelt” Tumblr.

Street: What’s your guilty

pleasure?

BS: Show tunes. All my roommates love indie, hipster music, and I can openly say I have the worst taste in music. I remember living in the high rises sophomore year and belting, “TOMORROW!” and my friends were like, “Shut up! You’re not Annie!” But, like, I am Annie.

Street: Which Hogwarts house would you be in?

BS: I think I’m a Gryffindor.

Street: We think you’re a Hufflepuff.

BS: I knew you were gonna say that! Why would you say that?!

Because Hufflepuffs are nice?

Street: Who’s your alter ego?

BS: Shoshana from "Girls." All

hummus grill 34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

make it a feast!

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my friends are Marnies and Jessas ‘cause

they’re so cool, but every group of friends needs a Shoshana!

Street: What will you miss most about Penn?

BS: Doing the

“Beryl Walk–and–Talk.”

That’s such a stupid answer, but I love Locust Walk.

It’s good to

just see a lot of people you haven’t in a while and be like, “OMG! How was your summer?” And when it’s not summer, “OMG! How was last Tuesday?” That’s the thing I’m gonna miss most about Penn.

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T

he art of the SABS is simple in origin, yet complex in execution. Sure, we’ve all been trained in the techniques of fake studying and disaffected body language, but in order to SABS, to truly see and be seen, one must not only possess these basic skills, but also the ability to elevate them to a professional, self–obsessed level. Release yourself from the constraints of humility — let your Ego soar. You deserve it, you beautiful person. | BY PATRICK FORD–MATZ

COMPASS TABLES:

Perhaps the very epicenter of the SABS movement, the Compass tables have in recent semesters become less popular, which, in the illogical physics of postmodern youth culture, makes them much more popular. They’re always crowded enough to look crowded, but never fear — there’s usually a chair somewhere between the sorority lunches and misplaced engineers. Bonus points if you manage to not trip over the anti–theft chair/table cords on the way out.

WHAT YOUR RESUME SAYS ABOUT YOU GROUPS: CLASS PRESIDENT: I friended the entire Penn 2013 Facebook group before NSO. I have wealthy parents who funded a campaign with a professional videographer.

THEATRE: My parents cry themselves to sleep every night because they paid $200,000 in tuition and my future job title is “aspiring actor/part–time waiter.”

MOCK DEBATE: I got cut from every fraternity except the business frat.

IMPROV TROUPE: I’m funny! But I make the occasional race joke, and nobody wants that.

CASTLE:

The Compass tables’ cool European younger brother is the Castle patio. Chilling all cool–like at the southern tip of Locust Walk, they offer keen SABSers the opportunity to “oh hey didn’t see you there!” pretty much everyone at Penn. There’s no avoiding that intersection, and that means there’s no avoiding you. Bring a salad, cigarette or piece of classical French lit to make a day of it, and let the Castle’s aura make you that much cooler.

A CAPPELLA: COME SEE OUR SHOW!

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

THE ART OF THE SABS

PENNQUEST: I love pooping outside. And talking about pooping. And poop.

SENIOR SOCIETY: I am an elite, elusive and involved leader on campus. JK. I have an older brother who went to Penn.

SPORTS: This is the only reason I got into an Ivy League school.

FRATERNITY: I would die for my bros.

SORORITY: I wouldn’t say that I’m, like, a typical sorority girl, you know?

VAN PELT BASEMENT:

POSITIONS: PRESIDENT: I started this five–person group during my senior year when I realized that I only had high school activities listed on my resume.

VICE PRESIDENT: I deserved the president’s position, but I wasn’t as popular. I still get to do all the president’s work, though!

COLLEGE GREEN:

This is a tough one. If you can pull off the College Green SABS, you’re a pro. If not, all you’ll be left with is grass stains and ants in your backpack. Factors to consider: posture (how to lounge without really looking like you’re trying to lounge), grass texture (too patchy makes you look poor, too thick may result in wet–ass syndrome) and proximity to the Walk (too close makes you look desperate, too far makes you look irrelevant). Master the College Green SABS, and you can do anything.

TREASURER: I have no idea what I’m doing, but they gave me this position because I’m the only Wharton kid in the club.

SECRETARY: I didn’t get any other exec position, but I’ve been in this club since freshman year.

SOCIAL CHAIR: I drink a lot.

PHILANTHROPY CHAIR: My grades suck.

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR: I can keep all important messages under 140 characters. #skillz WEB MANAGER: I basically run this ship.

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

The fake–studying Mecca of life at Penn, the Van Pelt basement is an excellent choice for those SABSers looking to make a social statement without the guilt of getting nothing done. Being surrounded by other fake–studiers and the occasional lost A–student should apply just enough crowd pressure to encourage you to read a chapter, or page, or word, or to even take out a book, or to just look blankly at your backpack for a couple minutes. Omg, is that Jessica? Jessica! Over here!

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highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

FOOD&DRINK

GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! The coolest street in West Philly is right around the corner, and it deserves more love. Exhibit A: The Baltimore Dollar Stroll is tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.! The street is taken over by dozens of restaurants and vendors selling food, drinks, theater tickets and art, all for just a buck (seriously) while live music and performances happen all around. We may not all be Tracy Turnblad, but Baltimore gives us plenty of reasons to sing!

Here’s how we’d burn a Hamilton at the Dollar Stroll: MILK & HONEY MARKET 4435 Baltimore $1 scoop of Bassetts Ice Cream

VIENTIANE CAFÉ 4728 Baltimore $1 naam salad

THE SUNFLOWER TRUCK STOP $1 zucchini bread with homemade jelly

GREEN LINE CAFÉ 4239 Baltimore $1 vegan cupcakes QUEEN OF SHEBA 4511 Baltimore $1 can of beer ELENA’S SOUL 4912 Baltimore $1 mac and cheese FIESTA PIZZA 4518 Baltimore Avenue $1 slice of pizza

AKSUM 4630 Baltimore $1 roasted garlic hummus and pita GOJJO RESTAURANT AND BAR 4540 Baltimore $1 Ethiopian cheesesteak

ATIYA OLA’S SPIRIT FIRST FOODS 4505 Baltimore $1 beverages

GOLD STANDARD 4800 Baltimore $1 mini black bean burgers

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

Photos by Maegan Cadet and Christina Prudencio

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PSA: YOU CAN BUY BOOZE O N BALTIMO RE (At

49th St. Br ing a friend take a walk , and some t ote bags and yo u're golden . See also: Baltim ore BYOs)

If you’ve been at Penn for more than a week, you’ve probably already been to the same BYO twice. Instead of cabbing downtown for overpriced and (occasionally) underwhelming food, walk to Baltimore instead. Great food, better deals, no cabs: need we say more?

BANANA LEAF

ADVENTUROUS Vientiane Café 4728 Baltimore Ave. Don't Miss: The Vegetarian Naam (pronounced “nom”) Salad.

It’s super nommy.

AUDREY CLAIRE Aksum 4630 Baltimore Ave. Don't Miss: The specials. They've got hookah if you're into that too.

SITAR

Desi Village 4527 Baltimore Ave. Don't Miss: The Samosa Chat – a little spicy, a little tangy, a lot delicious.

SALENTO

If the produce at Fro Gro makes you weep quietly and Trader Joe’s is just too damn far, head to The Clark Park Farmer’s Market (at 44th and Baltimore). It's open every Saturday from 10–2, year– round.

By Abigail Koffler

By Isabel Oliveres

USUAL

Clark Park: Your Saturday Mission

The Gold Standard Café 4800 Baltimore Ave. Don't Miss: The Gold Standard does more than brunch – try the Marinated Flank Steak sandwich.

Put a sour twist on this lunchtime favorite with farm–fresh ingredients from the Clark Park Farmer’s Market. Bonus points for eating it outside on Baltimore and enjoying the scenery.

By Patrick Del Valle

mouth in the most perfect way.

John & Kira’s Chocolates: Some of the ingredients in these ever–changing array of chocolates are from the rooftop garden at University City High School.

How’s that for local?

The jargon: Free–range: A term that means animals have had access to the outdoors. Usually applies to eggs.

Organic: Food produced without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, additives or irradiation. Organic food sometimes looks less than perfect but tastes great.

Hydroponic: A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water, sans soil.

Bikram Yoga University City, Philadelphia

Hot Yoga Penn Students and Faculty:

– 2 slices Forest View Bakery white bread – 2 oz. of Hails Family Farm extra–sharp cheddar – 1/4 of an Eden Garden Farm green apple – 1/2 oz. of Hails Family Farm butter 1) Thinly slice cheddar cheese and apple 2) Layer cheddar cheese and apple between bread 3) Preheat skillet over a stove on medium–high 4) Evenly spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread 5) Cook on skillet until outside of sandwich is golden brown and cheese is melted 6) Instagram your creation #baltimore #clarkpark #edgy

$25 for 3 classes or $149 for 20 classes 4145 Chestnut Street 215-921-2495 • bikramyogaucp.com

with Penn ID valid through October 7

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

Clark Park Grilled Cheese

The goods: The Fahnestock Fruit Farm: This stop is obligatory. The Fahnestock Fruit Farm is the only remaining vendor from the market’s inception 12 years ago.

This family­–run farm is in its third generation. Right around this time of year, they have incredible cider.

Hails Family Farm: Chobani is so lame compared to yogurt from this dairy farm. There’s chocolate milk(!!), 16 types of cheese and when the season strikes, eggnog.

Brogue Hydroponics: Really pretty hydroponic lettuce for when you’re feeling fancy.

Market Day Canele: Get this: Philly–made caramels flavored with vanilla, rum and orange zest. These will melt in your

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

BYOBaltimore

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highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow 8

The year is 1853, and Philadelphia, like other large cities in the U.S., is undergoing an urban transformation. With mass transit on the horizon, the closely– knit city center has begun to diffuse, paving the way for development on its outskirts. Samuel Sloan, a young architect best known now for the establishment of the first American architectural periodical, is at work in West Philadelphia fulfilling the demands of wealthy citizens who wish to buy into a suburban Utopia.

One such person is John P. Levy — half of the successful steamboat–manufacturing company Neafie & Levy.

Levy moves from his former home near the wharf in Kensington to a com-

paratively idyllic environment, purchasing 400 S. 40th St. for the then–hefty sum of $6000. A newly–inducted member of the industrial elite, he’s exactly the sort of resident developers of the area are hoping to seduce. It’s a successful match, and shortly after moving in, Levy begins development himself. Intimately connected to the industrial growth of Philadelphia and its story of suburbanization, he is buried at Woodland Cemetery in a marble mausoleum.

Fast forward to the mid–20th century, and the property is metamorphosing.

A nursing home buys the building and begins the process of adding cinderblock wings. Extending on every side except the north, they dominate the structure’s appearance. The formerly–glorious property — the work of an esteemed architect at his most ambitious — is effectively entombed.

Despite the pseudo–fortifications, the community holds the property in sufficient esteem to add it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. “The continuing value of the house, despite changes in architectural style, attests to the transcendent power of the suburban vision,” its nomination form reads.

vocal opponent of Penn’s designs since they were first announced last spring — in fact, I tracked him down via the comments section in the Daily Pennsylvanian article that broke the news. Unlike the majority of internet commenters, he used his real name.

On the payroll of an institution whose plans he vehemently disagrees with, Wunsch’s affection for his post makes his position all the more precarious. He describes the perks of teaching alongside living history and having the privilege of educating some of the best students of historic preservation in the country. “I think it sets a really dispiriting example for them to see that their future alma mater may be in the business of demolishing historic buildings,” he says.

Despite the unpalatable additions made in the 1950s, Wunsch firmly believes the property to possess the same significance it held when it was added to the historic register. He stresses that the home’s majestic innards are still intact.

“The additions have not fundamentally compromised it,” he explains. “They’ve obscured it without wrecking the core.

They could be stripped away and you could see what was originally there.” In lieu of this, he advises me to “look up” in my observance of the house. Traces of the original structure can be seen nearer to the sky.

Aaron Wunsch is a historic preservation professor at Penn. He has been a

Just around the corner from 400 S. 40th St. is Woodland Terrace. Com-

posed entirely of Samuel Sloan–designed houses, the street is designated a historic district. These homes might be said to be the siblings of 400 S. 40th St. — they’re certainly treated as such by the residents.

Mary Daniels has lived in the same house on Woodland Terrace for over 50 years.

She raised a family, sent her children to Penn and lost her husband there. She used to be a conflict resolution teacher, and now she’s embroiled in a new contention.

I meet Daniels at her home.

When she shows me in, it becomes obvious why this is her preferred meeting place.

Unable to hide my enchantment, I remark on what a beautiful old house she lives in. “This is what it’s all about,” she says with a smile, raising her hands and motioning to the perfectly–preserved walls that surround her.

Mary Goldman, Daniels’s friend and neighbor, joins us shortly, and I learn that Goldman and I neighbors. She lives three houses down the street from me, which I find hard to believe — not just because of the years of life that separate us, but because her house is old and beautiful and pristine, and mine has red cups on the lawn and a mattress in the

living room. I live in what she good–humoredly designates “one of the animal houses” — her home is on the national historic register. She’s lived there since 1962.

Neither Daniels nor Goldman can remember much of what the contested property was like when they moved in.

As far as they can recall, those cinderblock wings were always there. They remember a sale to nameless owners, who turned it into an ambiguous “personal care home” that was poorly–run.

The home was so understaffed that patients would often wander around the neighborhood.

Goldman recalls one woman in particular who was permanently stationed outside, asking for cigarettes.

Daniels and Goldman have one abiding cause to fight for when it comes to 400 S. 40th St. — the preservation of an area they call home. This, they believe, is contingent on the prevention of the construction of a 5–story, 122 unit–dense apartment complex.

Daniels sums up her feelings at the end of our conversation: “This is my home. And it’s a setting that’s gracious and beautiful, and it adds to my life enormously, and I intend to stay here,”

she says, letting escape the slightest tinge of heretofore–withheld emotion. “This is where I belong, and this is what I believe in.”

Barry Grossbach has lived in the neighborhood for 42 years, having formerly presided over the Spruce Hill Community Association and currently serving as the chair for the zoning committee. In contrast to Daniels and Goldman, he supports Penn’s current plan.

He speaks of the issue in passionate tones, clearly frustrated by the current standstill caused by disagreement. He doesn’t hide his personal aversion to the property: “It was a depressing nursing home” he remarks conclusively. “There was a woman who used to stand outside asking for cigarettes.”

In Grossbach’s mind, the current positioning of the property isn’t much of an improvement. “As much as people would like to say this is a residential, home–owning neighborhood, it’s not — it’s student housing.” He’s doubtful that any single–family homeowner “in their right mind” would want to live there now. “Go out on Friday or Saturday morning. Walk up and down the 4000 block of Baltimore, right across from Woodland Terrace, and you tell me how many red plastic cups there are.” He has a point— these are the very "animal houses" Goldman referred to.

I’m not sure what I’m expecting when I meet Ed Datz, head of Penn's Facilities & Real Estate Services and my last interviewee. But he’s not the slick–haired, fast–talking developer I had reductively envisioned. He’s sympathetic to the cause and even echoes Wunsch’s advice.

“You can see in the fabric what [the mansion] was before all the appendages were added,” he offers. “We went through a lengthy process in trying to preserve it.”

The history of the site since 2007 speaks on his behalf. The first plan that was introduced was for a 10–story hotel built atop the historic house. This plan was immediately rejected by neighbors from Woodland Terrace and Spruce Hill alike. “You were preserving the house and destroying the neighborhood,” Daniels says of it.

She held the same sentiment in 2010, when a new, seven–story proposal that also preserved the house was introduced.

Despite the slighter height, the plan was rejected outright as well. In Wunsch’s opinion, this was the most satisfactory option to date, and something the community should have tried to work with rather than reject outright.

What happened next addressed the concerns neighbors had of increased traffic and unseemly sightlines. A five– story design was introduced, but the catch was that the historic mansion be demolished.

This plan was approved by the Historic Commission via a financial hardship claim made by Penn — a notion that plenty found ludicrous. According to the university, investors could not

Aaron Wunsch

be attracted to the site unless an 11.5% return could be guaranteed. “Wouldn’t we all like to have that in our pockets?”

Goldman quips. Datz calmly suggests that critics talk to other developers.

As of now, the property stands in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Licensing & Inspection review. Both are appeals of earlier decisions made by the city to allow for demolition and new construction.

Compromise is the word on everybody’s lips, but no one can seem to agree on what it entails. For Grossbach, it’s about preserving history while accepting new development. “You get to a certain point and change becomes a little scary, and a little threatening to the whole essence of what your community is,” he says.

With renovations constantly in flux on campus and a population that is overwhelmingly temporary, it’s no small wonder that West Philadelphia has retained so much of its historical groundwork. Though in–transit 20–somethings have replaced the industrial elite and red cups menace the formerly–manicured lawns and porches, as Wunsch puts it, “the fabric is still there.”

How much longer it will be there remains to be seen.

Elizabeth Horkley is the Editor–in– Chief of Street. She is a senior studying English.

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

34TH STREET Magazine September 20, 2012

When plans were announced in the spring to demolish the mansion at 40th and Pine, much of Penn took notice for the first time of something they walked by everyday. Steps slowed outside the complex. What was heretofore unknown assumed an aura of mystery. What history was encased in those cinderblock wings?

In our midst, a legal battle among Penn, developers and the community drags on over a proposed apartment complex intended for graduate housing.

With neighbors divided, preservationists up in arms and the university caught in the middle, 400 S. 40th St.’s future is up in the air. The house has been there for more than 150 years, but when you graduate, it might not be.

Sarah Tse

Sarah Tse

highbrow ego food & drink feature film music arts lowbrow

Photo of interior by Aaron Wunsch

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