PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

FREE | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

PhiladelphiaWeekly.com | @phillyweekly

Philly Music Fest, XPoNential to return this fall

Image | Courtesy of Sophia Valdes

The day the music

Revived

SNL star Melissa Villaseñor brings her ‘California Girl’ tour to town next month. | Page 18

PHILLY

NOW! WANTS TO K

9 1 D I V O C e f a s a s a w w o “ Haccine developed so quickly? ” v eth, MD k a d a V h Center #3 a lt a n e e H e ia h lp Dr. L e ector, Philad l Acting Clinica

Dir

tells us how: Unlimited research budgets

A huge head start

Scientists didn’t have to wait for grants or budget approvals.

Scientists had been studying these kinds of viruses for years.

Scientists worked together

Thousands of volunteers

Sharing data across the world, instead of competing.

It didn’t take years to recruit people to test the vaccine.

Find a vaccination location at phila.gov/vaccine, call 311 or SCAN THIS CODE: NM-00461318

THE

BIG

Towering view Greg Burton caught this shot of The Bellevue Hotel on a magnificent day in Philadelphia. You can see more of his work on Instagram: @burtonlens. If you have a photo you’d like to share with the city, send it to mail@ philadelphiaweekly.com or tag us on social at #PWBigPic.

PICTURE

3

4

STATE OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

CITY

Image | Bobby Pavlovsky

Image | Courtesy of New Liberty Distillery

STATE

OF OUR

HUMILITARIAN TO DROP NEW EP Humilitarian, Philly’s five-piece rock group with a sound drawn from jam-band psychedelia and crunchy alt-rock, laced with touches of funk, jazz and indie rock, will release its sophomore EP, “Head in a Jar,” on May 28. Follow the band on Instagram, @humilitarian_ phl, and Facebook, @humilitarian.phl, or check out their music on Bandcamp.

NEW SIMONS CHEF

What Dad wants Your dad is a man who wears many hats, appreciates variety and quality, and has been known to knock back a few. That’s why a perfect Father’s Day gift for your old man is the Kinsey Spirit Trio from Olde Kensington’s New Liberty Distillery. This Kinsey Spirit Trio gift set contains three bottles perfect for teaching an old dog even older tricks from Pennsylvania’s oldest whiskey brand. Visit millstone-spirits-group.square.site for details.

Simons, Frank & Co., the restaurant group responsible for concepts such as Royal Tavern, Cantina los Caballitos, Cantina Dos Segundos, Khyber Pass Pub, Triangle Tavern, Royal Boucherie and Royal Sushi & Izakaya, announced Chef Brian Lofink has joined the team as culinary director. Lofink will oversee culinary operations of the kitchens at five of the company’s diverse restaurants, as well as the PHS Pop Up Gardens managed by the company on South Street and in Manayunk.

Image | Courtesy of Simons, Frank & Co.

Philadelphia Weekly Holdings, Ltd. 1520 Locust Street, suite 501 Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-543-3743

Philadelphiaweekly.com @phillyweekly MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher

John Montesano Alan Bauer Art Director Managing Editor Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta.

Intern: Genevieve Wittrock

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

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.

BRING YOUR STORY INTO FOCUS

Woden helps brands convert audiences into evangelists. Begin crafting your story today. learn more:

WODENWORKS.COM

6

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE RETURN OF THE MUSIC

Philly Music Fest, XPoNential are ready to rock come fall

FESTIVAL The Irreversible Entanglements are one of the many bands ready to hit the stage again at Philly Music Fest, Oct. 6-10.

Image | Bob Sweeney

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

7

LEF IMAGE: Alex G will perform at Philly Music Fest this fall. As COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, music festivals are making a return to the city. Image | Tonje Thilesen RIGHT IMAGE: Catch Stella Ruze at the Philly Music Fest in October as a bunch of Philly musicians hit stages around town for in-person performances. Image | Courtesy Stella Ruze

C

OVID-19 spelled the end to For tickets, schedules (exact set times live, in-person music for should be announced about two weeks in admore than a year. No shows, vance) and more, visit phillymusicfest.com. no concerts, no festivals.

“Look, last year was tough, but we innoNow, though, there is a vated and donated over $100,000 to musicians, light at the end of the tunvenue staff and music education, through our nel. Slowly restrictions are virtual festival and micro-grant campaign,” being lifted, and venues are founder and curator Greg Seltzer said. “We’re beginning to come back to super proud of that, but getting back into venlife. ues and having our community safeTwo Philly faly gather together in-person – the vorites are also set to return this excitement is incredible and we’ve BY: EUGENE fall: Philly Music Fest and the XPoworked hard to ensure that our 2021 ZENYATTA Nential Music Festival. Here’s a lineup matches the enthusiasm. look at what we know about both “The growth of PMF, from two right now. shows and one venue to six shows Philly Music Fest returns for its fifth annual and five venues, is a testament to the strength music festival Oct. 6– 10. Uniquely known for and passion of our local music community,” exclusively featuring Philly bands performing Seltzer said. In addition to the six PMF shows, at independent venues, PMF is a nonprofit in PMF will again feature two “bolt-on” events the business of related to music. raising money PMF’s Tech for kids’ music Tour at Guru education and Technologies giving opportuin Center City nity to emergis scheduled for ing musicians.

Thursday, Oct. “Our genre is 7 between 4 and Philly” – Philly 7pm. Tech Tour Music Fest feawill feature pantures jazz, rock, el discussions on hip hop, punk, startup, venture bluegrass, folk, capital and tech spoken word topics, along and Americana with a diverse artists – all of array of bands whom call The playing before, City of Brotherly Love home. after and in-between the panel discussions.

Venues hosting in-person, musical perforTech Tour is free and open to the public, but mances this year include World Café Live, space will be limited.

Johnny Brenda’s, Milkboy, REC Philly and On Saturday, Oct. 9 from noon to 2pm, PMF Ardmore Music Hall. Over the past five years, will again host Inside Hustle at World Cafe PMF has featured 96 bands from Philly, and Live. Inside Hustle is a series of panel discusthis year will host national touring artists sions featuring music industry professionals such as The Menzingers, Alex G, Hop Along, that conveys content regarding the business Ivy Sole, Son Little, Spirit of the Beehive, Conand industry of music in Philadelphia. Panel trol Top, Queen of Jeans and Moor Mother, as topics will include: Should I Stay or Should I well as emerging artists Moses Mosima, BarGo – exploring Philly as a home for musicians; ney Cortez, Irreversible Entanglements, Stella Company in My Back – answering questions Ruze, Highnoon, Moor Jewelry, West Philadelconcerning forming an entity, tax and acphia Orchestra, Annonxl, Lunch and Kelsey Cork and The Swigs.

SEE MUSIC FEST, PAGE 8

“The growth of PMF, from two shows and one venue to six shows and five venues, is a testament to the strength and passion of our local music community,”

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

8

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

MUSIC FEST, FROM PAGE 7 counting; and Only a Pawn in Their Game – how musicians can maximize and control their own destiny among an industry of corporate conglomerates.

Philly Music Fest’s impact has grown each year. In 2017, the nonprofit donated $15,000 to music education programs. In 2018, the total increased to $25,000, then $40,000 in 2019 and $50,000 in 2020. Programs that received donations include Rock to the Future, Girls Rock Philly, Settlement Music School, Musicopia, Live Connections, and Play on Philly.

PMF deployed over 330 micro-grants in 2020 to musicians and venue staff struggling as a result of COVID-19. The funds for the micro-grants were crowdsourced from the community and, importantly, through a donation by WXPN. And speaking of WXPN, the non-commercial, member-supported radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, recently announced the artists who will perform in its 2021 XPoNential

Music Festival presented by Subaru. The annual three-day festival that features the expertly curated mix of established and new artists enjoyed

by WXPN members and listeners will take place Friday, Sept. 17, Saturday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 19 at Wiggins Park on the Camden, New Jersey, riverfront.

This year’s lineup includes Dawes, Los Lobos, The Record Company, Shovels & Rope, Ani Difranco, Strand of Oaks, Devon Gilfillian, Nicole Atkins, Cory Henry, Adia Victoria, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jade Bird, Sierra Ferrell, Sofía Valdés, Michaela Anne, Paul Beaubrun And Lakou Mizik. Additional performers will be announced this summer.

The XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru is WXPN’s signature annual concert event that draws audiences from throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, Mid-Atlantic region, and Northeastern U.S. Produced in partnership with the Camden County Board of Commission-

ers, the family-friendly XPoNential Music Festival is now in its 17th year at Wiggins Park. It is known for convenient access via public transportation, natural amphitheaters that produce great sound, plenty of activities for kids, extensive food, drink, and vendor selections, and festival seating and riverfront promenades that offer spectacular views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline.

Weekend passes to the 2021 XPoNential Music Festival are currently offered in pairs and only as a thank-you gift with an XPN Membership of $30/month or more. Individual weekend and daily passes will be available for purchase at a later date.

Details about the XPoNential Music Festival are located at the festival website, xpnfest.org.

The festival hashtag is #xpnfest.

Follow and share on Twitter at @xpnfest, on Facebook at facebook.com/xpnfest, and on Instagram at @wxpnfm.

Control Top will be performing this fall during Philly Music Fest. PMF and the XPoNential Music Festival both are welcome returns to the city’s live music scene. Image | Courtesy of Control Top

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Why Lyft?

Earn additional income In-app tipping Drive in your free time

Sign Up to Drive

Earn and extra $150 when you complete your first 20 rides in 30 days. *Terms apply. A new Driver applicant must complete their Driver application and become approved to drive on the Lyft platmorm within 30 days of starting the application in order to be eligible to complete the Reward Criteria.

Sign up to drive using code:

PHIWEEKLY Sign up to drive at https://lyft.com/driver today.

Questions about driving? Text 302-747-0113

10

THE RUNDOWN

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

International Burger Day

International Burger Day is right around the corner, and we’ve got juicy details on where to celebrate the food-lover’s holiday on Friday, May 28, at Philadelphia area venues. Happy eating.

Image | Courtesy of Forsythia

Forsythia

Old City’s contemporary French bar and restaurant helmed

by Chef Christopher Kearse boasts an ever-evolving menu of French-forward dishes that rotate by the month, with one constant – the famous Burger Royale ($16) which consists of two smashed patties oozing in raclette and their top secret “comeback sauce.” 233 Chestnut Street | 215.644.9395 | forsythiaphilly.com

Rex 1516

Royal Boucherie

Image | Courtesy of Royal Boucherie

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Old City’s American brasserie specializing in French-style cuisine boasts an elevated take on the classic cheeseburger – which just so happens to be a fan-favorite among local foodies – with their Grass-Fed Boucherie Burger ($18) consisting of bone marrow, watercress, and gruyere cheese, with the optional add on of bacon for $2, served with french fries. 52 S. 2nd Street | 267.606.6313 | royalboucherie.com

Philadelphia’s go-to for elevated Southern cuisine offers not one, but two crowd-pleasers for burgerlovers on their all-day menu, starting with the “Best of Philly” Hamburger ($17), an 8 oz house grind patty, bacon, spicy pimento cheese, crispy red onions, and bibb lettuce, with add-on of fried egg for $2. Vegans, too, can enjoy this stellar sandwich with the plantbased alternative Veggie Burger ($14) composed of black bean and roasted beet patty, vegan pimento cheese, crispy red onions, and bibb lettuce. 1516 South St | 267.319.1366 | rex1516.com

The Twisted Tail

The popular Southern-inspired restaurant and bar on Headhouse Square puts a twist on the classic cheeseburger with The Twisted Burger ($14) crafted with bacon, blue cheese, and bourbon BBQ sauce, available on the popular brunch menu. 509 S. 2nd Street | 215.558.2471 | thetwistedtail.com

Square 1682

The modern American kitchen located at the intersection of 17th and Sansom streets boasts a premiere staple amongst the bevy of delicious brunch offerings with the Wagyu Burger ($18) composed of a double bacon cheeseburger, cooper sharp, hickory bacon, and served with fries. 121 South 17th Street | 215.563.5008 | square1682.com

Grubhouse at The Bourse

Old City’s modern artisanal food hall offers its signature Hangover Burger ($10), composed of onethird pound of LaFrieda beef with pork roll, American cheese, fried egg, and chipotle sauce to top off the masterpiece of a sandwich. 111 S Independence Mall E | 215.625.0300 | theboursephilly.com

THE RUNDOWN

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

11

French Toast Bites Ale

What started out as a freshly made street food treat in Philadelphia has now found its way onto the beer scene just in time for summer. Yards Brewing Company and Lokal Artisan Foods have joined forces to collaborate on the release of the new French Toast Bites Ale – a smooth and malty collab inspired by the famous French Toast Bites sold at Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park. Look for it in grocery stores, bottle shops, bars and restaurants throughout Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware. lokalartisanfoods. com | www.yardsbrewing.com

From a mural art crawl to a special fundraising movie event, the days and weeks ahead offer a lot of options to get out and about.

Image | French Toast Bites

The city is opening back up Philly AIDS Thrift fundraiser

Philly AIDS Thrift invites you to grab your cha-cha heels, clutch your pearls and head to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for a special movie fundraiser at sundown. Philly AIDS Thrift, in collaboration with Philadelphia Film Society, presents a special Philly Gay Pride Month drive-in movie with “Female Trouble” on Wednesday, June 2. The 1974 cult classic by John Waters stars the one and only Divine – and the drive-in event will feature Divine-esque drag queens greeting and thanking all the movie-goers. For tickets and more information, visit phillyaidsthrift.com.

Mural Art Crawl

Northern Liberties Business Improvement District announced the debut of a brand-new, self-guided Philadelphia Mural Art Crawl just in time for summer.

Northern Liberties Mural Hunt: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Street Art will debut on Friday, May 28 and run through Monday, July 5. Participants in the scavenger hunt can participate by downloading the free Let’s Roam app from Google Play or the Apple store, then locate the mural hunt on the app’s regional map. Once activated, participants can go at their own pace to find 20-plus pieces of street art and murals, while learning about the art pieces’ history and significance. For more information about the Northern Liberties Mural Hunt, visit the NLBID website at explorenorthernliberties.org.

Lost Bread Rittenhouse

Lost Bread Rittenhouse (2218 Walnut St.) announces the debut of Lost Bread pizza, new dinner service, expanded days of operation, more delicious baked goods, and local beer to go. Now that warm weather has arrived and the sidewalk cafe is open, look for the much-anticipated debut of Lost Bread pizza, made with the same artisan precision and attention to detail as the bakery’s bagels, breads and cookies. Also look for the addition of pizza bagels using Lost Bread’s famous bagels, plus look for their famous pretzel shortbread cookies, bake your own cookie kits and dog bones for a crunchy treat for your furry friend. LostBreadCo. com/rittenhousecafe.

Celibacy and Sedition: Pennsylvania’s Other 18thCentury Landmarks

Join Carpenters’ Hall and Mindy Gulden Crawford, executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania and author of Historic Pennsylvania: A Tour of the State’s Top 100 National Landmarks, as she discusses some of the other remarkable 18th-century sites that enrich our commonwealth, but are not in Philadelphia. This virtual event is a fun opportunity to learn about national historic landmarks that aren’t in our city. June 10 at 6pm. carpentershall.org

Blume Burger

Teddy Sourias and Craft Concepts Group have announced the grand reopening of Philadelphia’s most stylish and Instagramworthy neighborhood burger bar and restaurant. Blume Burger debuted May 21 at 1500 Locust Street in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The big vibes, the flowering plants and the vibrant colors are back – and this time with over-the-top burger creations, boozy milkshakes, tasty sides, wood-fired pizzas and an eye-catching new streetery. For reservations, visit OpenTable.com or call 267-761-5582.

Image | Eddy Marenco

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

12

THE RUNDOWN

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Sweet Tooth

Ten years ago, “The Great Crumble” wreaked havoc on the world and led to the mysterious emergence of hybrids – babies born part-human, part-animal. Unsure if hybrids are the cause or result of the virus, many humans fear and hunt them. After a decade of living safely in his secluded forest home, a sheltered hybrid deer-boy named Gus (Christian Convery) unexpectedly befriends a wandering loner named Jepperd (Nonso Anozie). Together they set out on an extraordinary adventure across what’s left of America in search of answers – about Gus’ origins, Jepperd’s past, and the true meaning of home. June 4.

Want to know what’s coming up on Netflix next month? Head over to netflix.com for all the details.

But here are a few offerings that we’re going to watch and their debut dates.

Netflix in June Good on Paper Dancing Queens

The story centers around Dylan Pettersson (Molly Nutley), a 23-yearold girl from a small island in the Bohuslän archipelago with big dancing aspirations. When she’s talked into cleaning at the struggling drag club Queens, the club’s star dancer and choreographer (Fredrik Quiñones) accidentally discovers Dylan’s talent.

She desperately wants to be a part of the show, but she’s a girl – and it’s a drag show. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. June 3.

Andrea Singer always put her stand-up career first, and while dating came easy, love wasn’t a priority ... that is until she meets Dennis, a quirky nerd with disarming charm who coaxes her into letting her guard down. Her best friend Margot isn’t convinced he’s all he seems and she urges Andrea to embark on a wild goose chase to uncover who Dennis really is. Based on a mostly true story, the film is written by and stars Iliza Shlesinger. Also starring Ryan Hansen, Margaret Cho, and Rebecca Rittenhouse. June 23.

Carnaval

The digital influencer Nina discovers a video of her boyfriend’s betrayal going viral and, to overcome the breakup, she uses her contacts to travel to Salvador during Carnival, all-inclusive, together with her three best friends.

Cast: Giovana Cordeiro, Gkay, Bruna Inocencio, Samya Pascotto e Flavia Pavanelli. June 2.

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Fatherhood

In this heartwarming, funny and emotional true story, Philly’s own Kevin Hart stars as a widower taking on one of the toughest jobs in the world: fatherhood. June 18.

Penguin Town

You’ve never met penguins like these before. Forget ice and snow, this rowdy colony of African penguins are hitting the sun-drenched beaches and breaking all the rules. Every summer, these tuxedoed birds vie for prime real estate on the sandy shores of Simon’s Town, south of Cape Town, and stir things up. While humans apply sun block and wax their surfboards, these endangered little guys, who have adapted to heat and can travel long distances, are causing traffic jams in the streets and bringing mayhem to this tropical paradise. June 16.

I

CRIME BEAT

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

13

THE REAL

Legendary FBI agent Joe Pistone worked for the Office of Naval Intelligence, and his first assignment was the Philadelphia Navy Yard, from 1967 to 1969. Image | Courtesy of Joseph Pistone

DONNIE BRASCO

Legendary FBI agent Joe Pistone talks about his Philly connections

I

first interviewed legendary undercover FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone back in 2004 for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Pistone infiltrated the New York Bonanno Cosa Nostra crime family in 1976, and for the next six years he gathered evidence that led to more than 100 federal convictions of Cosa Nostra members from New York, Florida and Michigan.

Pistone’s incredibly dangerous life undercover with the mob was the subject of the 1988 book, “Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia - A True Story by FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone.” The book was the basis for the 1997 film “Donnie Brasco,” which starred Al Pacino and Johnny Depp as Pistone, who used the name Donnie Brasco while undercover.

Along with “Goodfellas” and “A Bronx Tale,” “Donnie Brasco” is one the three most realistic modern mob movies, in my view. Fuhgeddaboudit, as they say famously in the film.

I reached out to Pistone as I was interested in his Philly connections, one of which is his friendship with actor/writer/producer Leo Rossi, who is from Northeast Philly. The two friends are now doing a podcast called “Deep Cover - The Real Donnie Brasco.”

I asked Pistone how the podcast came about.

“Leo and I have been friends for over 20

years. I had a TV show called ‘Falcone’ and was involved in. Rossi and Pistone interviewed Leo was a cast member,” Pistone replied. “We a federal prison warden on one episode, and became friends, as he’s from Philadelphia and they discussed the Commission trial and the I’m from Jersey. We started working on other Pizza Connection trial in other episodes. In an upcoming episode, they plan to discuss Piprojects together and produced a couple of stone’s work overseas. movies.

“The podcast is about criminal “I said to Leo, everybody has a activity, organized crime in the U.S. podcast, why don’t we do someand foreign countries, and every thing? We have a friend named so often we’ll have on a guest that John Mosher, who has a manis associated with law enforcement agement company out of Philly, or a former gangster, “Pistone exand he knew Matty Staudt of Jam plained. “We also talk about how Street Media. We spoke to Matty, ‘Donnie Brasco,’ the book and movand he thought it was a good idea. ie, came about. We offer a lot of inWe went into the studio in Philly sight into the TV, movie and literand recorded the first one. Everyary industries.” body liked it and it took off from You can listen to “Deep Cover – there.”

The Real Donnie Brasco” on SpotiPistone said they recorded seafy, Apple, and other outlets, and the son one and they have recorded podcast is free. four episodes of season two.

“The podcast is doing well,” Pi“In the first season, we discussed stone said. “We’re blowing up, as my undercover endeavors, the sixPAULDAVISONCRIME.COM they say.” year operation where I infiltrated It is not well known, but before the Colombo and Bonanno crime Pistone became an FBI special families. We spoke of how I was proposed for membership as a ‘made man,’ agent, he was a Naval Investigative Service (NIS, later called NCIS) special agent, working and what it was like working undercover in at the Philadelphia Naval Base. that type of situation against the mafia.”

“I worked in the Office of Naval Intelligence, Pistone said they also discussed the RICO statute and other undercover operations he and my first assignment was the Philadelphia

PAUL DAVIS

Navy Yard, from 1967 to 1969. We investigated crimes committed by civilians or people in the military on the federal installation,” Pistone recalled. “Any government installation is ripe for the mobsters with gambling and stealing.

There is a lot to steal on a government installation, and they got all the ways to do it.”

I asked him about “10th & Wolf,” one the films he and Leo Rossi made together. I noted my disappointment that the South Philly crime story was filmed in Pittsburgh.

“We originally were going to film in South Philly, and we scouted locations, but that movie was financed by one person, and he was from Pittsburgh. He said they had places in Pittsburgh that could pass for Philly.”

I asked about the genesis of the story, which is reportedly based on the Merlino-Stanfa internecine mob war in the 1990s. Pistone said it was based on the undercover work of one of his ex-partners in the FBI who infiltrated the South Philly mob.

With his many Philly connections, I asked Pistone what he thought of the city.

“I love Philly. It’s a great city,” Pistone said.

“It has great Italian restaurants and Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks, and I think it’s a great sports town.”

Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He can be contacted via pauldavisoncrime.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

14

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

THE SUMMER

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

CAMP CAMPOUT I was stuck waiting in a line outside my neighborhood rec center last week. Compared to all the other lines I’ve waited in around Philly, the weather, at least, made this one easier. It was warm and sunny, not bitter cold like a November bathroom line at the Linc.

It was mid-morning and bright, not like the Sarcone’s bread line in the predawn hours of Christmas Eve. It was even nicer than the summer concert lines at the Festival Pier, thanks to no one being drunk and disorderly.

Nope, this was a totally different kind of line on that beautiful, spring day. This was the line of parents trying to enroll their kids in a dependable, affordable, and safe summer camp. So, unfortunately, this still ranks as the most desperate and sad line, comparatively.

Weather be damned.

We were told ahead of time that this year would be “different.” A similar message was sent last year when capacity was capped at a fraction of the regular number of kids. And of course, back then, masks were worn all day, food was handled differently, there were no trips, and no pools. Yet, here was a line of people hoping for it all again. Even after that back and forth last summer, closed pools left real scars and heartbreak amongst our children.

Just add it to the tab as parents we’re facing uncertainty constantly, and having things change in the moment. Despite the mayor’s promises, I’ll believe pools will reopen this year when I see it. Whatever – just please offer us something for our kids. Compared to the school district, the rec center camps are five days a week at least! They’re already playing with house money.

And so, the line formed longer and longer as texts between parents sounded the alarm.

For four hours before the doors opened, we waited. When the doors did open, it was only a matter of minutes for the bad news to filter out: The same restrictions and caps were in place. There were only 20 spots available, despite the marked increase in demand. I was

fortunate – privileged – enough to be one of the few parents who walked away with a slice of relief. It was not far behind me that the threshold of despair was drawn. Since last summer, we’ve seen vaccines arrive, jobs start back up, and our knowledge about this disease grow … and yet, we’re still stuck. Twenty spots, just like last year. Apparently, the only real “difference” this year is the desperation parents feel.

On another sunny day last week, relief looked to be ahead when the city announced it would be removing almost all COVID-19 limits on June 11. There was now no official capacity restriction on summer camp, and the rec centers should be completely back open by the time camp starts up. The line of parents had dispersed, but since I was lucky and privileged to be far enough up front, I also felt the responsibility to look back. So, I asked our rec center about expanding capacity, and I stood ready to send texts bouncing around the “wait list” of worried families to bring them that same relief I had.

Since this is a story about waiting in Philly-centric lines, most of you probably can guess what happened.

No one cared. Capacity restrictions are still in place, and the only hope I could draw out was “anything is possible.” Excuse me, if that’s not exactly the relief myself and others are seeking at this point. Parents have been reacting to every twist and turn this year, but apparently no one else is. It’s a badge of honor to get the freshest bread or the best seats in the house, but this isn’t fun and games. Even the relief of peeing out that Bud-lite in a Porta Potty pales in comparison to the relief of reliable childcare.

So, I think it’s fair to ask the city – and our leaders – to view last week’s line differently.

Please recognize how this was a group of desperate people trying to provide for their children. The weather held up. It did its part. Now do yours.

Alec O’Neill | Philadelphia

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Image | Justin Casey

This Memorial Day will look a lot different than last year’s.

Your turn: What are your plans for this year’s holiday? Getting away? Staying closer to home? Attending a ceremony to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

VOICES OF OUR CITY

Hair Skin and Body Salon Spa

Save $7

10% off

off Wine Tasting event by using code: PhillyWeekly (Ends July 31st)

We cater to all your beauty needs and exceeding your expectations of professional beauty services.

Purchase products and book appointments online Curbside and in store shopping available.

off private Wine Tasting or Private Event (Ends July 31st)

for new customers!

3933 Ridge Ave (North Philly) - 215-229-9050 6 greenfield Ave (Ardmore) - 610-226-2708 - nbeautyhair.com

@nbeautyinc

Local Philadelphia Florists Rena and Renee Nealy a mother-daughter duo!!

Mother’s Day

Pre-Orders Available Now!!

Save $100

1516 N 5th St St 213 Philadelphia PA 19122 Hours: Reservation Only

noseypalate.com -

@NoseyPalate

You take phenomenal photos. Let us share them. We’ll share it and follow.

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM

Germantown area

Curbside Pickup and Delivery Available!!

610-348-2628 - randrfloralcreations.com

@randrfloralcreations

@PhillyWeekly

NICE RACK

GLAD THE MASK MANDATE

HAS BEEN DITCHED Wearing the face mask during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult everyday process to endure. Constantly, over-andover again, the management of many public places would overbearingly remind me to pull my mask over my nose. And, over-and-over again, I despised it. But I kept my cool.

Time-and-time again, I would walk to the neighborhood Family Dollar store only to have forgotten to take a mask. Silly me!

A good friend of mine works as a billing clerk for the Department of Otolaryngology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. It seems as though much of my adult life I suffered from

seasonal allergies. Some years it’s worse than others. A few years ago, he suggested that I come to his workplace to be checked.

So I did.

The assigned medical team gave me a complete examination. When the X-ray was sent to the doctor, I was told that one of my nostrils’ airway cavity was anatomically narrower than the other.

That didn’t seem to surprise me. Although it is a public safety issue, wearing the face mask seems smothering to me.

I am glad CDC has ditched the mask policy for fully vaccinated people. For I, too, am one.

Wholesale To Public

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

Wayne E. Williams | Camden, New Jersey

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

16

Image | Clayton Cardinalli

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

CALM

Stop acting like rabbits on meth laced with MDMA

DOWN T

he funniest part of coming Black Thought and the rest of The Roots Crew through the lion’s share of a long just got their day jobs renewed for another pandemic, its quarantines, its dis- five years. So congratulations all around. So, tancing, its vaccination issues, and please let’s name a Picnic date to celebrate, continued masking (pleeeeeeee- shall we? aaaase!) is that having the streets Live music returns crowded with vaxed-up bozos is Speaking of The Roots Picnic: So, I was actually and truly worse – so much worse – reading Variety (full disclosure, I work there) than having the cities frozen in still life and when I saw a new story on the multi-million empty due to COVID fears, real and imagined. dollar rehabbing and August reopening of Now, I knew that all of you would come back Manhattan’s beloved live music venue, Irving to the block more excitable than horny rabbits Plaza. Blahblahblah, it’s great. Lavish. Lots on meth when the quarantine broke. I didn’t of ventilation. “We are excited to reveal our expect the meth to be laced with MDMA, that grand reopening series of shows and look foryou’d need to keep up the long-winded disward to reopening our doors and bringing live cussions of self-care, that you’d be music back to New York City,” said all wiggly and up-close rather than Geoff Gordon, regional president, Live precaution-ar-ily distanced, and Nation, which operates the venue.

BY A.D. SO FUCKING TALKATIVE, STILL. That’s Philly Live Nation Geoff GorAMOROSI Didn’t you people get all that pentdon – the man behind making Made in up everything out on all those Zoom America, The Roots Picnic, HoagieNcalls? Cripes. ation and the Peach Fest with all of Comcast’s future its names-above-the-title – running Philly and Last week, Philadelphia’s premier corpoNYC. Atza nize. rate multimedia wooly mammoth, Comcast, After-hours clubs saw its stock drop 5.5 percent due to the anWe’re hearing from friends and habitues nouncement of the mega-deal between Disthat Club Heat – Old City’s last great afcovery and WarnerMedia’s parent company, ter-hours dance floor and bottle service boite AT&T, which are getting set to merge their from the people behind Phil’s Steaks – is getcontent businesses. What does this mean for ting ready to reopen after a long C-19 hiberyour Xfinity bill and its offers of high-speed nation. That’s fresh. Which reminds me: Old upgrades, let alone NBCUniversal’s still-carCity’s first great after-hours dance floor, that paint-new-smelling streamer Peacock and its of Revival on 3rd Street, is looking to get one European pay TV giant Sky? We knew for a of its finest assets on the map of the Philadelwhile that Comcast and CEO Brian Roberts phia Music Alliance and its Broad Street Walk were interested in WarnerMedia and wanted, of Fame. DJ Bobby Startup, my friend and the at one time, to merge it with NBCUniversal. man behind everything from Larry Magid’s Could that still happen with a crazy pricey, original Electric Factory (as stage manager multi-billion-dollar bid? Or will Comcast just and photographer), the East Side Club, Bar sit still and stay content to the last of the verNoir, and of course Revival, is the subject of a tical integrationists owning content and disFacebook campaign to get his name and star tribution? One definite thing to come out of alongside those of Gamble, Huff, Hall, Oates, NBCUniversal and its network upfronts the Blavat, Dion, Avalon and more. It looks as if other day is that “The Tonight Show Starring Philly drummer Joey Bruno and T-shirt makJimmy Fallon” just got renewed for another er Dennis McHugh are behind the FB plea. five years. Which means Philly’s Questlove, Not only do I second that (e)motion, I’d like

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

GOSSIP

to be the guy who gives Startup the award.

Of course, the last year of Galicia’s life has Huzzah. All of this is crucial to consider as been devoted to crafting a fresh, nouvelle ItalPhiladelphia is currently dicking around with ian-based steak menu for the old bank builda 4am curfew for all of its bars so as to make ing just off the Main Line on Lancaster Avup for lost revenue during the pandemic. Cool, enue. Before that, however, with no time for that; but does this mean after-hours joints can cute hobbies, most of Galicia’s quarantine life then stay open until, was devoted to his and his say, 6am? wife Erika’s brand baby, Restaurant news Caleb.

Lousy, lousy news “It was a very difficult when it comes to one time because I was workof my favorite downing six- or even seven-day town restaurants. One weeks at my old job,” of the last of Philly’s claimed Chef Jose, whose fine dining white linen every non-cooking minute joints, Davios Northwas devoted to his son. “I ern Italian Steakhouse learned how to share my on 17th Street, is going time between my famidark due to something ly, which was wonderful, to do with lost leases, and my job, because I had etc. I know the very to spend so much time at same thing is happenmy job.” This was particing with Radicchio this ularly tough for Galicia, week, and for that I feel considering the pandemloss. But Davios, man; ic’s safety closings and the a mean, cold, crisp, layoffs of everyone from tall, all-vodka martifront of house managni and a handsomely ers to kitchen staff, all of grilled porterhouse, which meant that the chef with (if you knew to got a quick education as to ask for them, they juggling many jobs under weren’t on the menu) the culinary umbrella. “I an appetizer of fried learned a lot too, how imImage | Courtesy of Jose Galicia chicken livers like my portant your family’s famthe ones my Neapoliily support is when you tan vs. Calabrese aunts are always working.” used to fight over as to who did what best (forThe mask? Galicia is definitely “pro” face get about the meatball argument? Fisticuffs). covering all the way. “My favorite mask is the Word has it that both locations are looking one my wife made for me,” said Chef Jose. for new homes. My suggestion for Davios? Go “Erika took the time to design my mask, pick right across the street to Sofitel. I know they my favorite color, the fabric is very soft and have dining, but nothing significant, signature it’s all perfect for me. When the pandemic and-or sensational. Just saying. started, she worried so much. And I wear it, New mockumentary all the time, everywhere I go to protect myself, Philly native and star-creator of “It’s AlI feel everyone should wear a mask to protect ways Sunny in Philadelphia” Rob McElhenourselves and everyone around us.” Now, ney is happily lampooning his own blind that’s a gentleman. purchase of the ages-old Red Dragons Welsh Not only does Chef Jose look forward to football team (with a guy he’s never met, a mask-less moment with “less trash, less Deadpool/Marvel actor Ryan Reynolds, until things to carry, less money to spend” on this filming) in a new Welcome to Wrexham COVID ephemera, and more time for in-permockumentary for FX. A freshly minted trailson “sports, concerts, theaters and travel.” er on YouTube finds its Wales-based “transGalicia is focused on DePaul’s Table, as well lator” claiming, “The tall, skinny one does as being ruminative and thankful regarding movies, the muscular one sells cream cheese his business. “Many people gave me good adfrom Philadelphia or something.” Plus, both vice and taught me many good things all the Reynolds and McElhenney have changed their years that I have been working in the restauTwitter handles to “Wryan” and “Wrob” to rant industry. I started in a dishwasher posifeel closer to all things Wales-ian. Mae hyn- tion where many of the people who work in ny’n ddoniol iawn. the kitchen started. But God has something Masked Philly: Jose Galicia good for everyone, and right now that’s my In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking new job, at DePaul’s. This is the result of hard mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve work, and God’s blessings. I always believe in been up to, beyond the pale, during C-19 – from this life nothing is free, if you work hard, you lockdown to the current, slow re-opening and will reach all of your goals. Be kind, be good, ever-questionable masking – I reached out this be patient, and something special will happen week to Jose Galicia, the executive chef of Dein the kitchen.”

Paul’s Table: Modern Italian Steakhouse in @ADAMOROSI Ardmore.

ARE YOU READING THIS? GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS.

Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city? Chances are they read PW, and we want to help you get more of them. Our marketing team will help you build a multi-channel campaign that delivers REAL RESULTS, and new customers in the door.

PW

E-News

Native Content

@phillyweekly

$62.50 / week 28,500 circ $237 / article 18,900 weekly visitors

$150 / week 15,800 subscribers

$50 / week 19,500 followers

NO MATTER THE PLATFORM, PEOPLE TURN TO PW REACH YOUR AUDIENCE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

CONTACT JOURDAN AT 267-296-1094 OR JCOOPER@PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

18

COMEDY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

LAUGH OUT LOUD AGAIN SNL star Melissa Villaseñor brings her ‘California Girl’ tour to town

Comedian and ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Melissa Villaseñor takes the stage at Punch Line Philly June 3-5. Image | Robyn Von Swank

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

H

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

R

COMEDY

sions of the pop queens like Britney, Christieady to laugh out loud again? na, Mandy Moore, Shakira, Avril Lavigne. I While inside a comedy club realized I was going to be a comedian after I watching a real, live comedian? If performed for my school talent show my sophso, you won’t want to miss comeomore year. dian, writer and SNL cast memI got such great laughs and immediately felt ber Melissa Villaseñor when she brings her national “California a flame-like sensation in my soul that clearly Girl” standup tour to Punch Line Philly June said, “this is what I’m supposed to do. This is my purpose. I am awake now.”

3-5.

You auditioned for SNL in 2009, but Villaseñor is a stand-up comedian, actress didn’t make it until 2016. What was it like, and impressionist who broke barriers by becoming the first-ever Latina cast member first, when you weren’t accepted and, secof “Saturday Night Live.” She is an accom- ond, when you learned that you would beplished musician and artist, and her celebrity come a featured cast member?

When I wasn’t accepted, I was heartbroken impressions and standup have made her a faand was searching around for something else vorite of fans and critics alike.

Villaseñor has been a cast member on to do with my life. I wasn’t even near ready NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live since 2016. because I didn’t even know who I was yet, and I wasn’t funny. Sure I had some good imHer spot-on impressions of celebrities, inpressions, but that’s not enough. I am glad the cluding Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga, have amassed millions of views online. She hosted universe gave me more time to grow personally, physically and as a comedian/performer.

The 2021 Independent Spirit Awards, followDoing a lot of stand-up on the road made me ing in the footsteps of past hosts including Seth Rogen, John Mulaney and Nick Kroll, stronger and helped me find a voice and point and Sarah Silverman. This summer, she can of view.

Who’s your favorite person to do an imalso be heard in the voiceover roll of Sister pression of? Who’s the toughest?

Mary Margaret alongside John C. Steve Buscemi because he soothes Reilly and Jason Mantzoukas, among others, in the new AMC stop-motion BY EUGENE me and makes me laugh. Also, Steve animated series “Ultra City Smiths.” ZENYATTA Buscemi is the toughest because I can’t do his voice well, but I can make his faThe detective comedy series features cial expressions and mannerisms well. stop-motion animation of baby dolls You’ve been headlining clubs and therepurposed as a grown-up cast of characters. aters for more than a decade. How did the In the world of animation, Villaseñor has also voiced characters for “Toy Story 4,” pandemic impact that schedule? How did “Wreck It Ralph 2,” Cartoon Network’s “OK you spend your time when pretty much evK.O.!” and Fox’s classic shows “American erything was closed?

The pandemic pretty much cancelled the Dad” and “Family Guy.” She has appeared in person on Comedy Central’s “Awkwafina Is summer tour I had scheduled, as well as the Nora from Queens,” HBO’s “Crashing” and goal to tape my first comedy special.

So like all of us, I had to float a bit and keep “Barry,” and Freeform’s “Alone Together.”

She appeared as herself in her own episode the brain busy and healthy. I really did a lot of Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix series “Comedians of art and took naps with my dog. I think that in Cars Getting Coffee” and also as cat owner was it.

You’ve also done a lot of movie and TV Karen in Adam Sandler’s “Hubie Halloween.”

Villaseñor burst onto the scene with her work. Are you working on any new projects we should keep an eye out for? standup and celebrity impressions as a Yes! My first book will be out next year with semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent” and Chronicle Books. It’s all about being a good has continued to tour ever since, headlining stand-up comedy clubs and theaters in the nut and loony in life and includes personal U.S. and internationally for the past 10 years. stories, drawings, and activities for the reader She has been named one of Forbes’ “30 Under to join in on. And a new song this summer!

What will people see when they head out 30” and Rolling Stone’s “50 Funniest People to Punch Line in June for your shows? PoRight Now.” Chronicle Books will be publishing her up- litical comedy? Storytelling about everyday coming book, a creative self-help journal fea- life? We’re pretty sure impressions will be at least part of the show. turing original art.

They will see jokes about my weirdo self, For tickets and details about Villaseñor’s upcoming Philly shows, visit punchlinephilly. my Mexican family, impressions of people I know as well as some of my celeb imprescom. sions! I try to tie everything to being real to PW recently caught up with Villaseñor to talk about the upcoming shows and her ca- who I am, and silly, of course.

What are the best ways for your fans to reer.

Let’s go back to the beginning. I read stay up-to-date with what you’re doing?

Follow me @melissavcomedy on Instagram that at age 12 you were already doing imand Twitter, of course, hehe. But also my pressions. When did you realize that you newsletter: sign up at melissavillasenor.com. wanted to make comedy a career?

This is true! I began with singing impres- Thanks!

ARE YOU READING THIS? GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS. Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city?

Chances are they read PW, and we want to help you get more of them. Our marketing team will help you build a multi-channel campaign that delivers REAL RESULTS, and new customers in the door.

NO MATTER THE PLATFORM,

PEOPLE TURN TO PW PW $62.50 / week 28,500 circ Native Content $237 / article 18,900 weekly visitors @phillyweekly $50 / week 19,500 followers E-News $150 / week 15,800 subscribers

Reach your audience and grow your business. Contact Jourdan at 267-296-1094 jcooper@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

NICE RACK

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

ARE YOU READING

THIS? GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS.

Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city?

Chances are they read PW, and we want to help you get more of them. Our marketing team will help you build a multi-channel campaign that delivers REAL RESULTS, and new customers in the door.

PW

E-News

Native Content

@phillyweekly

$62.50 / week 28,500 circ

$237 / article 18,900 weekly visitors

$150 / week 15,800 subscribers

$50 / week 19,500 followers

NO MATTER THE PLATFORM, PEOPLE TURN TO PW REACH YOUR AUDIENCE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

CONTACT JOURDAN AT 267-296-1094 OR JCOOPER@PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

SEX WITH TIMAREE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

The continued neutering of the internet Time to get a little personal, friends. This ability to do what it set out to do. Even the Department of Justice was clear that it will week, WordPress nuked my sexuality educabe harder for it to locate victims of tion website – without any warntrafficking with this law’s passage. ing or recourse. I had, it appears, But its insidiousness is in the unviolated their terms and conditions intended (?) impact of silencing by including pornography *GASP* already marginalized groups: sex amongst the columns, news links workers were affected most seand podcasts. For over a decade, verely – as well as queer people, my content was apparently fine, artists, educators and grassroots but one day it was simply not – and years of work was removed without justice groups that fight for sexual an option to edit. freedom.

This is not the first time I’ve What FOSTA-SESTA does is hold been de-platformed for content of a websites accountable for hosting saucy nature and it surely won’t be content that supports the sale of the last because – terrifyingly – sexsexual services. Because the sale uality is being increasingly targeted of sex is illegal in most of the U.S., for censorship online. there is no distinction between peoDepending on who you are and ple whose chosen profession is sexhow you use the internet, you may @TIMAREE_LEIGH ual in nature and those who are achave noticed most sites took a detually trafficked – coerced or forced cidedly prude turn after 2018. Social into prostitution. media sites revised Not wanting to be their community held liable for any viostandards to become lation, sites like Facemore aggressively book banned not only anti-nudity, commuadvertisements for nities like Patreon perfectly legal forms began ejecting adult of work like porn or content, and people in stripping, but even a variety of industries open discussions of found themselves unsexual preferences or able to do their jobs. even use of the term The reason?

A “looking for a good pair of laws known time tonight?” They as FOSTA-SESTA, began removing the which were written pages of sexuality edpurportedly to comucators, visual artists bat sex trafficking. Of and many LGBTQ course, all good peoperformers, openly ple are opposed to huacknowledging that man trafficking and they were being overno one wants to vote ly cautious and have a against a law that claims to fight it, so these 1 in 10 false positive rate. bills passed overwhelmingly. What critics at After a ban, a well-funded corporation or the time correctly predicted though was that government may be able to fight back, but not only would the bill not have that effect, volunteer-run organizations and small busibut that sexual expression would be silenced nesses are more likely to fall apart completeacross the web. ly. For example: after five years of local acFOSTA-SESTA fails first and foremost in its tivism, SEXx collective – which I co-founded

DR. TIMAREE SCHMIT

“Since most children already do not get comprehensive sexuality education or media literacy training, taking down all the sex ed pages is like outlawing drivers ed classes and relying on ‘Fast & Furious’ movies for our socialization instead.”

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

SEX WITH TIMAREE

learn more and sign up for early access at nourity.com

– was erased from Facebook. Just this week, the nonprofit Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health announced that, due to the censorship they’ve faced because online, they will be rebranding to the opaque name of SHIP. Many major online communities have followed suit with this prudery, ranging from the decision to remove all adult content from Tumblr when it was purchased by Verizon (effectively destroying the monetary value of the site), to Twitch’s rules that allow nudity and violence in games but not by the human streamers who use their site, and most recently: the prohibition of “female nipples” from items for sale on eBay. Many of these communities have migrated to Twitter where sexual content is allowed, effectively proving the point that these sites could very easily loosen their regulations and continue to function. The ACLU has pointed out that, while “perfect content moderation may be impossible,” these platforms can do better.

“They should give users more control, and respond to user experiences and reports, rather than rely so heavily on automated detection.

They should also provide transparency, clarity, and appeals processes to regular users.”

There are several reasons for people to be concerned. First, there are the many atrisk groups impacted by this pearl-clutching.

Overwhelmingly the folks impacted have been

those who are already fighting for survival and who depend on internet communities.

There’s also a dangerous effect of ghettoizing sexual content to purely pornographic sites. Since most children already do not get comprehensive sexuality education or media literacy training, taking down all the sex ed pages is like outlawing drivers ed classes and relying on “Fast & Furious” movies for our socialization instead.

Further, there are geopolitical impacts for people who aren’t even on sites like Facebook. Aside from the silencing of free expression around sexuality, social media sites have been operating outside of government oversight and are worryingly influencing international politics through their moderation choices and collusion with repressive regimes.

So what can we do? First FOSTA-SESTA must be overturned and other potentially damaging reforms of the Communications Decency Act – like the SAFE TECH act – need to be dropped. We also have to shift our usage away from social media sites, financially support journalism and independent artists, and raise awareness about these issues to stem the slow choking death of free expression.

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

“We have to shift our usage away from social media sites, financially support journalism and independent artists, and raise awareness about these issues to stem the slow choking death of free expression.”

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

OVERWHELMED, School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing?

COVID19? Safety?

Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School?

Reopening? Green CONFUSED, Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent?

Food?

Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

NEEDTesting?

ANSWERS. COVID19?

Phase?

Check?

Rent?

Food?

School?

Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting?

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

SEND Q's TO

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety?

Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent?

Food?

Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

Phase?

Testing?

COVID19?

FREE, ANON. INFO-LINE Rent?

Food?

School?

Check?

Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting?

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

TEXTING Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening?

Green Phase?

Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

EQUALINFO School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety?

TO 73224

Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus THX! Check? Rent?

Food?

Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

Phase?

Check?

Rent?

Testing?

COVID19?

Food?

School?

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

22

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY                                                                                       

                                                                            

                                                                  

                                                                           

                                                                                             

                                                                                        

GET MORE

RIGHT NOW, IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET, SO WHY NOT JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND SELL YOUR HOME FOR TRIPLE WHAT IT’S WORTH? 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!

at Siena Place

HUGE NEW 3-4 bedroom townhomes starting at $540,900

Largest townhomes in Packer Park Abundant green space • Easily accessible Private garage & ample street parking Convenient to FDR Park, airport, Walt Whitman Bridge & more!

215.339.5390 SIENAPLACE.COM MODEL HOMES OPEN

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon, Thurs thru Sat 11-5 | Sun 12-5 2300 Hartranft Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145 Between Penrose Ave. and 26th St. BROKER COOPERATION IS WARMLY INVITED & APPRECIATED. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

All prices and features subject to change without notice. Please see sales consultant for details.

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

MARKETPLACE General Employment

General Employment

Non-CDL Drivers

Wanted

­

Paratransit Operations

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

NM-00459443

Because we know that buying your first home should be an enjoyable experience. One you remember for all the right reasons. Family-owned for more than 50 years, Solo Real Estate provides the support and services you need, so that buying a house is a decision you won’t regret.

23

Apply in Person

­

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO RELOCATE A BRANCH OFFICE Notice is hereby given that Citizens Bank, National Association, One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903, has filed an application with the Comptroller of the Currency on May 27, 2021, as specified in 12 CFR 5 for permission to relocate the branch at 701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 to 726-28 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Any person wishing to comment on this application may file comments in writing with the Director for Large Bank Licensing, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th Street SW, Mail Stop 10E-2, Washington, DC 20219 within 15 days after the date of this publication.

Windows

HAPPY WINDOWS Shutters, 2-Inch Wood, Pleated Shades, Roman Shades, Drapes, Verticals, Mini-Blinds

Discount Price With Installation

Call Eileen

215-465-7525 Apartments for Rent

8500 BUSTLETON AVE. Corner of Evart St. Spring Special 1 & 2 BR $900 - $1,200. Water & gas included. 215-742-2261 Grant Garden Apartments Spring Special, upgraded 1 & 2 BR, 1 BA. $850 - $1,050 includes water. Laundry rm on site. Off of Blvd. 215-464-6411

General Employment

Driver & Warehouse - F/T Apply in person, Between 11am-3pm. 911 Christian St. No experience necessary.

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

SECRETARY/ LEASING AGENT - F/T Located in NE Phila. 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 Teaching Position - F/T Teacher Assistants PT/FT, experience preferred.

Email resume: amanda@alphabetacademy .com Full Time Flagger Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites.

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

If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Boulevard King Of Prussia, PA 19406 on Mondays 9am -12pm or apply online at or online at www.trafficplan.com

Recent

break up?

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

PAID RESEARCH SUBJECT SPACE MISSION SIMULATION 8 day study of resilience at U. of PA. Must be healthy, about 27-55 yr. old with BS/BA or military exp.Compensated time & travel.

Call 215-573-5855 MAINTENANCE TECH Must have knowledge of plumbing, painting & some electrical. Prior maintenance exp. necessary. Salary commensurate with exp. Email: nsgprop@gmail.com

NICE RACK?

Junk Cars

LOOK! AAA ABBAS AUTO WE BUY ALL CARS IN ANY CONDITION! WE ARE THE JUNKYARD NO TITLE OR KEYS NEEDED USED AND JUNK CARS WANTED. TO 25K! 732-278-3579

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

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 27 - JUNE 3, 2021

Why Lyft?

Earn additional income In-app tipping Drive in your free time

Sign Up to Drive

Earn and extra $150 when you complete your first 20 rides in 30 days. *Terms apply. A new Driver applicant must complete their Driver application and become approved to drive on the Lyft platmorm within 30 days of starting the application in order to be eligible to complete the Reward Criteria.

Sign up to drive using code:

PHIWEEKLY Sign up to drive at https://lyft.com/driver today.

Questions about driving? Text 302-747-0113