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ISSUE . May 17th, 2007
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Cover Story


What About Al?
The Republican nominee for mayor would like you to know he's alive and well. And serious about the job.
by Tom Namako
Taubenberger, looking out of place in a black suit, took the stage halfway into the event. In German, he explained that he's running uncontested in the primary. "The pundits say I'll win this one," he noted, his voice thick and paced as a sports commentator, "but come out and vote anyway. You never know. There may be an organized write-in campaign against me. Or I may sleep in."


Opinion


Opinion :: ComicCon(test)
Editor's Letter:
ComicCon(test)
Announcing City Paper's Comics Issue
by Duane Swierczynski
Pardon the format change here, but I want to announce a special issue we’re planning. That’s right — the all-Sudoku issue. Oh, I kid. Nah, we’re doin’ a comics issue.

Slant:
Schemers on the Schuylkill
Should marketers name our neighborhoods?
by Andrew Zitcer

I am struck by the stickers' tone of righteous indignation. Just a marketing scheme. My first thought: If you object to this marketing scheme, it seems hypocritical to fight it with a ... marketing scheme. But then I want to know why. What is it about the moniker that is so troubling?


Loose Canon:
Through a Window, Darkly
People are too stunned to be anything but perfectly civil.
by Bruce Schimmel

"Washington kept slaves here?" a blond girl with a Midwest twang asks no one in particular. "Whoa." Nearby, teens in blue uniforms from North Philly point excitedly to where the president kept slaves shackled at night.


Feedback:
Letters to the Editor
What You Say
Sean Gone | The Answer: Not Too Far | All Aboard


Naked City


Naked City :: A Peach of a PlanA Peach of a Plan
Paul Glover's Philly Orchard Project wants to fill your vacant lot with fruit.
by Sam Tremble
There is no standard model for the orchards. Some will operate as nonprofit neighborhood businesses. Others will donate harvests to low-income residents while others, tended casually, will have free harvests.

Running Numbers
A scholarly look at the digits that matter.
by Nick Norlen
4 Number of hours teams will have to collect items in the city May 19 during the Singles Urban Scavenger Hunt. Note to participants: Pickup lines won't help when trying to pick up scavenger hunt items. Or ever.

Icepack
Amorosi on the news, nightlife, gossip and bitchiness beats.
by A.D. Amorosi
I  caught Vanity Fair's Nick Tosches' sushi story where he mentions Philly's Sasha Issenberg's book, The Sushi Economy, and calls him "her" a few times. Maybe my paisan Tosches meant to be bitchy. That's nose-pinching, Tony-kill-Christopher cruel, yo.


News


News :: The WinnerThe Winner
What Michael Nutter was like on election day
by Doron Taussig
The person who won the heart of Philly's voters in the 2007 Philadelphia mayoral race was awakened, unhappily, at 5:30 in the morning on election day. Sitting up in bed, the political wunderkind looked around, blinked and considered her options. Then, Olivia Nutter went back to sleep.

The Bell Curve
City Paper's Quality-o-Life-o-Meter
When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

Knox's Landing
The break-in wasn't the most telling sign of Tom's bad day.
by Tom Namako
It was an intriguing exchange between opponents as Fattah leaned in to tell Knox, "Things are going good, just the way we want it to, this thing is going just the way we planned. If this goes good for you, then this goes good for me."

Philly Blunt:
The Right Thing, Done
Michael Nutter was the right choice.
by Brian Hickey
Nutter's victory will (hopefully) long live as a beacon of everything that's right. Namely, the fact that the voters can see through the empty-suited, race-baiting pandering and do the right thing. Sometimes, at least.

Two Minutes With...:
Kevin Scott
Founder, Philadelphia Fair and Clean Election Pledge
by Tom Namako
City Paper: What should we think about candidates who didn't sign? Kevin Scott: That doesn't mean they're against it. That's their choice, obviously. It's a starting point. Even a lot of candidates who haven't signed yet will have time to take a look at it and come on board.

Pain Killed
A drug maker's guilty plea vindicates Fishtown man whose son fatally OD'd.
by Jeff Deeney
"What did he take last night?" Bisch asked. "Don't lie. Just tell me. I need to know." Eddie's friends looked at one another and decided to spill it. Bisch wasn't messing around. "Oxy. He took Oxy at a party last night."


Arts


Arts :: Pryor Commitments
Art:
Pryor Commitments
One of Philly's busiest actor-directors plans his next breakthrough.
by David Anthony Fox
City Paper: Did people say you reminded them of Hannibal Lecter?

Peter Pryor: Yes. Millie Hiibel's costumes were part of that — leather and metal. And then there was the hump. We worked with that a lot. At first I looked like Uncle Fester.


Culture Shock:
Things That Matter To People Who Matter
Clutch | George J. Kreier | Sam Shepard | Joan Shepp Boutique
George J. Kreier was a master mold-maker here in Philadelphia and carried on the tradition of architectural ornamentation during a time period when the rise of modernism almost completely wiped it out. —Adam Wallacavage

Now See This
Get Out!
Rick Moody | Bernard Gotfryd | UArts Book Party | Philadelphia Stories Anthology | Kurt Vonnegut, In Memoriam

Arts Picks:
Dishwasher Pete
Fri., May 18, 7 p.m., Space 1026, 1026 Arch St.
by Mary Armstrong
Pete Jordan — aka Dishwasher Pete, who washed dishes in every state and wrote about it in his zine of the same name — has finally given in and gathered his writings into a book.

MOMIX
Thu., May 17, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 18, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 19, 2 and 8 p.m., Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
by Deni Kasrel
The saying "often imitated, never duplicated" may be a cliche, but it accurately describes the theatrical dance troupe MOMIX.

Christopher Hitchens
Tue., May 22, 8 p.m., $6-$12, Philadelphia Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St.
by Joel Tannenbaum
Once upon a time, people in Europe used to believe silly things. Then there was this thing called the Enlightenment, and it was awesome, and everyone in Europe except for a few freaks and halfwits stopped believing silly things and started doing calculus.

Re-View:
Far Eastern State
Susan Hagen's sculptures recreate scenes from a penitentiary's past.
by Robin Rice
Currently seven of those doors frame miniature scenes from the prison's past, each meticulously carved and constructed with historic accuracy by sculptor Susan Hagen. Her husband, architect Tom Buck, built some of the furniture, even turning tiny table legs.

Theater Review:
Flying Blind
A discourse punctuated with sleight-of-hand feats, Out of Sight is a tribute to Sara Felder's nearly blind, opera-loving mother.
by Mark Cofta
Sara Felder begins with joking announcements — "turn on your cell phones, take out hard candies to unwrap during the show" — that soon morph into stories about her mother.

Kane Mutiny
PTC's Orson's Shadow is pretentious, tedious and unfunny. But give it a point for guts.
by David Anthony Fox
The subject is what might have been the collaboration of the century: Orson Welles directing Laurence Olivier in Ionesco's play, Rhinoceros. Yup, it really happened, in 1960.

Shipwreck
Hedgerow's Tempest conceit dissipates into a hodgepodge of pragmatic, disjointed decisions.
by Mark Cofta
Directors must arrive at Shakespeare with some concept: nothing wacky or tacky, necessarily, just a vision that unifies and guides the play.

Dirty Bird
Curio theater nurtures its growin audience with The Green Bird.
by Mark Cofta
Director Jared Reed's take on 18th-century Commedia Dell'Arte style uses Gozzi's magical story of transformation and redemption as groundwork for an extended improvisation blending contemporary puns, audience participation and low-tech fantasy.

Nothing To Shout About
What drives the Luna Theater Company's revival of Trus West? Just yelling, apparently.
by Mark Cofta
My throat ached in sympathy, but I felt little else; yelling does not equal passion.

Dance Review:
Connect Four
Philadanco called its spring season "The Philadelphia Connection." Boy, did it connect.
You could practically see the sparks coming off the energized dancers and electrifying the audience


Arts Agenda


Arts Agenda :: Last ChanceLast Chance
Catch It or Regret It
by Monica Weymouth
Paintings by Isaac Bushkin | Coming of Age: Emerging and Established Artists | Jim Houser: This Beating Heart Acts as a Timer

Arts Agenda Picks:
Just Do It
Samuel R. Delany
by Natalie Hope McDonald
Thu., May 17, 5:30 p.m., free, Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St.

On The DL
Kirk Hastings' Doo Wop Motels
by Mickey Jou
Sat., May 19, 1 p.m., free, Borders Books & Music, 515 Route 73 South, Marlton, N.J.

Just Do It
Re:Pair & Imperfection
by Mary Wilson
Opening reception Thu., May 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m., exhibit runs through Aug. 23, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S.18th St.

On The DL
The Tempest
by Holly Otterbein
Thu., May 17, 7:30 p.m., pay what you can; Fri.-Sun., May 18-20, 7:30 p.m., registration required, meet at the Ellsworth-Federal stop of the Broad Street Line.

Galleries
Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted with Reception b>. 201 GALLERY ,

Museums/Exhibits
Museums and exhibits have varying schedules; please call for exact days, hours and prices. A-SPACE , 4722 Baltimore Ave., 215-727-0882. MIRROR IN THE KILLING FIELD:

Performing Arts
Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance ICI, MAINTENANT (HERE, NOW) Underground DanceWorks presents an

Readings/Book Signings
ADAM WALLACAVAGE The Philly-based photographer and artist presents his new book "Monster Size Monsters" and offers complimentary cocktails at his nautical-themed Sailor Jerry store. Thu,


Movies


Movies :: Crimes of AdmissionCrimes of Admission
Highlights of this year's pricey-but-potent Tribeca Film Festival.
by Sam Adams
This year had its operatic moments, notably the screenings of Passio, Paolo Cherchi Usai's silent tribute to cinema's first century, in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Stranger Than Fiction
A new trilogy by French filmmaker Marine Hugonnier takes audiences on a journey through a conflicted present and a dystopian future.
by Mary Wilson
What if the Swiss Alps were permanently closed to the public? If a "last tour" of the world's parks became a viable marketing scheme?

Playing with Fire
Provoked sensationalizes the sensational.
by Cindy Fuchs
A man lies snoring in his bed. Within seconds, he's on fire, dashing from his room, down the stairs and outside to his front lawn, where he writhes in pain as a neighbor rushes to cover him with a blanket.

Repertory Film
Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net.


Music


Music :: Original SkinOriginal Skin
Manayunk's Skin Radio gambles on AM, HD and local music.
by Will Dean
AM radio is usually the grazing ground of stolid, dull creatures like talk radio, 24-hour news and the odd religious station. Since January Manyunk's Skin Radio, WHAT AM 1340, has unveiled a new, old format to the land of amplitude modulation: modern rock music.

Hang The DJ:
Goin' Through Changes
J. Edward Keyes on Shuffle
by J. Edward Keyes
One of the genuine upsides springing from the recent deluge of young rock bands is the opportunity to watch them as they try to maximize their chief attributes in the noble pursuit of the Defining Work.

Goerne Supremacy
Matthias Goerne, baritone; Christoph Eschenbach, piano, Mon., May 14, Perelman Theater
by Peter Burwasser
The truly natural musician is a rarer breed than you might expect. When you are in the presence of one, it is unmistakable.

Soundadvice
Get Out!
Spring Gulch Folk Festival | Gemini Wolf | Porcupine Tree | Coyote Bones | The Rosebuds | KRS-One/Marley Marl

Music Picks:
Joan as Police Woman
Fri., May 18, 9 p.m., with Andrew Bird, Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St.
by M.J. Fine
rock/pop (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION) So much has changed since the mid-'90s, when major labels threw money at any halfway talented alt-rock band. Back

Chamber Music Now!
Sat., May 19, 3 and 8 p.m., Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
by Peter Burwasser
The nascent new music ensemble Chamber Music Now! has a level of energy and ambition that is reminiscent of the early days of Relåche.

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
Sun., May 20, 2:30 p.m.; Mon., May 21, 7:30 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St
by Peter Burwasser
Beethoven's nine symphonies cast a huge, even ominous shadow over subsequent generations of German composers.

Laura Veirs and Saltbreakers
Thu., May 17, 8:30 p.m., with Lake, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.
by M.J. Fine
Not for nothing did Laura Veirs rename her band. For one thing, The Tortured Souls never really suited the timbre of her quiet rhapsodies.

Falcon Ridge Preview Tour
Thu., May 17, 7 p.m., $10, Milkboy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave.
by John Vettese
When it comes to uncovering and nurturing new talent in the rootsy singer-songwriter realm, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is at the top of its game


Food


Food :: Oh, My Darlin'Oh, My Darlin'
Clementine's Bistro fields a winner.
by Trey Popp
Fundamentalists of the Gregorian calendar will tell you that the first day of spring comes on March 20 or 21, depending on the timing of the vernal equinox. But anyone who eats knows that there is a more important event no amount of astronomy can pin down in advance.

Forked Tongue:
Market Resurge
Talking with Judy Faye about the renewed Italian Market Festival.
by Merilyn Jackson
Start at Fitzwater Street to sample everything from peeled mangoes to roasted goat sandwiches. Hit Ninth and Montrose beginning at noon Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday to check out chefs' demonstrations that'll feature talent from Vesuvio, Clementine's Bistro and other area restaurants.

Jolly Good Yello
How Yello'bar got bought, got named and got a life.
by Will Dean
We love our corner bars. It seems like those street-anchoring drinking places have always been there — pillars of taproom mythology. But just like the Hindu, Norse and Greek traditions, each has its own creation story.

Feeding Frenzy
Restaurants opening, closing and pending
by Drew Lazor
>>NOW SEATING: Cobre, 812 N. Broad St. >>WAITING LIST: Unnamed bar/restaurant, 700 S. Fifth St. | Bobby Chez, 1352 South St. | Supper, 926 South St.

Small Bites
Little Vittles
Great Tea International | Dattilo's | Canine Delights at Tavern 17 | Ross' Espresso Bars | Holy Toast Bread Stamper | Casa del Dolce

What's Cooking:
The Week In Eats
Get Out!
by Monica Weymouth
Spring Wine Dinner | Barbecue on the Farm | 8 Days of Eats | Summer Wine Class | Get Authentic With Amada

Top 5:
French Toast
Leaders of the Stack
by Termeh Mazhari
1) Sabrina's Café | 2) Continental Mid-town | 3) Valanni | 4) London Grill | 5) Loie Brasserie

Watering Hole:
Leroy's Showcase Lounge
It's Where We Drink
by Will Dean
Many years ago, the bright red carpet at West Philly's Leroy's Showcase Lounge was regularly trod upon by some of our favorite acts: Harry Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Staple Singers and Patti LaBelle, to name a few.

You Ask We Answer
Culinary Mysteries Solved
Q: I'm sick of boring potato and macaroni salads. Are there any local restaurants or markets that offer some interesting variations?


Agenda


Agenda :: Leaving Baghdad
Agenda Lead:
Leaving Baghdad
Kevork Medzadourian looks back on Iraq.
by Termeh Mazhari
Kevork Medzadourian's memoir My 41 Years in Iraq follows his adventures as an Armenian in the Middle East, starting with his birth in 1927 and ending with his relocation to Havertown in 1969.

Agenda Picks:
Just Do It
New Hope Celebrates: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
by Natalie Hope McDonald
On the heels of Philly's Equality Forum, New Hope pays homage to friends of Dorothy at its annual gay pride festival.

In The Event That...
You Want a Different Type of Health Coverage
by Ryan Creed
Do hospitals and the people in them depress you? The fine corset-clad folks at Passional have found a solution to your problems, albeit one friendlier than your insurance provider will likely offer.

Kids, etc.
Big Fun for Little Ones
by Tami Fertig
The Adventures of a Boy and His Dog on the High Seas | Once Upon a Time | Down by the Stream | A Special Day for Children | Rubber Ducky Regatta

Accidental Tourist
Flip Orley
by Mickey Jou
If he could hypnotize Eagles coach Andy Reid: "First thing I'd tell him is get rid of that horrific wide receiver [Terrell Owens] — though I think he might've already done that."

On The DL
Lemon Ridge Garden Party
by Mary Armstrong
Lemon Ridge Garden is so much a work in progress that members have yet to decide which design (of four proposed by Community Design Collaborative) should be used for the space.

Just Do It
Kinetic Sculpture Derby
by Joel Tannenbaum
Having moved to Fishtown to attend film school/be a bike messenger/work at American Apparel, you think you've seen it all. But you probably have not seen a giant rat being wheeled down Lehigh Avenue, with a spaceship and several flying pigs close behind.


 
 
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