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ISSUE . July 19th, 2007

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Cover Story

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A Cure for What Ails Us?

Breaking down Gov. Rendell's ambitious health-coverage plan.

by Tom Namako and Doron Taussig

Is this really going to happen? Some people must hate this idea, right?
Oh yes. Rendell actually introduced CAP to the Legislature this past spring but it never reached a full vote. Opponents include small business owners and hospitals. It's too early to say how specific votes will shake out, but these are powerful lobbies. House Speaker Dennis O'Brien, who represents parts of Northeast Philly, has said that the bill would have to change a lot to gain approval from the legislature. Rendell himself says he thinks the chances of passage are 50-50.

Profile: Pearl Johnson

What was once a manageable disease has become a financial and time-consuming nightmare.

by Brian Burke

While Johnson can't complain about the cost of using the Health Care Center — it's free — she's worried about the length of time it takes to get care. She usually has to wait two hours just to see a doctor, and it takes three weeks to get her test results.
"If there's something wrong," she says, "I could be dead in three weeks."

Profile: Lashundra Bryson

Pulling staples out of someone's skull would seem absurd to anyone with insurance.

by Brian Burke

The boyfriend, who didn't want his name used, had fractured his skull in a skateboarding accident about two years ago in California, but didn't have health insurance. When he was discharged from the hospital, the nurse — knowing how costly a return visit would be — gave him forceps so someone else could do the job.

Profile: Brian McTear

When he was very young, Brian McTear knew two things about himself: He was a musician, and he had cystic fibrosis.

by Daniel Scully

"I start my day inhaling a bronchodilator for around 15 minutes; then I spend about 20 minutes inhaling a saline solution to break up the stuff in my lungs," he says. He is constantly two weeks on, two weeks off a nebulized antibiotic, and he takes extra enzymes before every meal because his pancreas doesn't produce enough to digest food.

What Makes Them Sick?

Locals share their health care horror stories.

NAME: Caroline May
ADDRESS: Philadelphia
My main health care problem is bipolar disorder, and when my claims started coming back, they said at the bottom, "lifetime maximum was reached."NAME: Katie L. Thompson
ADDRESS: Via E-mail
I broke my arm back in February by falling down the steps at [a local music venue] and went from having no previous debt to being about $30,000 in debt.

Opinion

Editor's Letter:

Sidewalk Tiger

The second installment of a short noir story.

by Duane Swierczynski

Now, after seeing that second tiger, I started to pay attention.
It was too much of a coincidence.
I took the El a few stops down to K&A, where I found two memorials. Then back on the El to West Philly, where I wandered around until I found three more. And finally to Southwest Philly, where I came across another two. All of them children, cut down by cars or bullets, presumably.

Slant:

Sick of Waiting

Where's the "decent health care" we voted for?

by Robert Sigmond

Showing how Americans and others who live in foreign countries get much better health care, Sicko demonstrates that the issue is not really money. No other country comes close to spending as much money on health care as we do.

Loose Canon:

Eat a Perpetual Peach

Here's the future drill in this cradle-to-cradle world: Girl eats peach, girl poops peach, poop makes new peach.

by Bruce Schimmel

So here's the future drill in this cradle-to-cradle world: Girl eats peach, girl poops peach, poop makes a new peach. (I know it's a gross thought, but consider this an opportunity to, uh, digest it.) For, just like nature, the idea is to engineer a system where the waste product of one process provides the fuel for another.

Feedback:

Letters to the Editor

What You Say

I was totally floored at the poorly written and absolutely inaccurate review of Tavern 17. | Congratulations on one of the funniest, best-written articles I've ever read! | I was touched about it being the officer's "least favorite piece of gear." It is also probably his most powerful. | Snyder's article fails to mention that every female duckling born on the farm is discarded as trash. | From now on, I will always order foie gras if it is on the menu; preferably with a veal entree. | There is nothing to respect about a president who buys time hoping for a magic wand to resolve the tragedy he has created in Iraq.

Naked City

...And Stay Out

Hakim Ali's using his years inside to help ex-cons stay on the up and up.

by Mary Wilson

Forty-eight years and several prison sentences later, Ali recalls the incident as a turning point in his life, the point where his anger got the better of him. He served almost 40 years in prison for robbery and other crimes. Since his second and last release in 2003, Ali has been working tirelessly to put that experience to use at Reconstruction Incorporated, which attempts to heal the scars left on a community whose sons, fathers, and husbands have been locked away in disproportionate numbers.

Icepack

Amorosi on the news, nightlife, gossip and bitchiness beats.

by A.D. Amorosi

A message to Misters Ansill and Apaghian, who ended their fine foodie run of quirkily French Pif and quirkily romantic Astral Plane, respectively, June 14: You both made Bastille Day no (Greek) picnic.

Eastern State Redemption

After 48 years in prison, the East Germantown Cowboy tells his story.

by Andy Greenberg

When Bill Barnes was first tried for armed robbery in 1955, the 19-year-old pled guilty. He was hoping for forgiveness. Instead, he got a conviction and a stay in Eastern State Penitentiary. That two-year sentence was the first chapter in a career of crime, one that would send him to every institution in and around Philadelphia during 48 long years of incarceration.

Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

With the Phillies closing in on 10,000 losses, the Running Numbers Bureau of Sports Antiquities was reluctantly dispatched to Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Fine Print:

Tour de Farms

Three women from DC pedal their way to Montreal, hitting urban farms as they go.

by Sam Tremble

Today's ride climaxes at Yard's Brewery, just around the corner from Greensgrow, but the women of WGCT won't turn around for home until they reach Montreal. There they plan to spend time with Santropol Roulant, a successful nonprofit that pairs youth with the increasing elderly population in a bike-only meals-on-wheels program.

The Hammer Returns

Tom DeLay at the Constitution Center.

by John Oliver Mason

In the back of Kirby Auditorium at the National Constitution Center, a young woman typed into a laptop adorned with a National Rifle Association bumper sticker: "The Second Amendment is not a loophole."

News

Turf War

A judge rules against NoLibs gardeners in "squatter's rights" fight.

by Deborah Scoblionkov

The genesis of the garden came in 1984, when George Atkins' wife didn't want to live next to a dump and ordered him to clean up the lots adjacent to their home, which he did. The city hauled away rusted cars, and a used-appliance dealer removed refrigerators, washers and dryers.

The Bell Curve

City Paper's Quality-o-Life-o-Meter

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

Two Minutes With...:

Norma Brooks

Weavers Way Farm co-founder

by Daniel Scully

Without Mort and Norma Brooks, Philadelphia would probably be a hungrier, less nutritious place. The pair was instrumental in making the Weavers Way Co-op the local-food-producing mainstay it's become.

Philly on the Potomac:

In Bed With Congress

Where do local officials rest their heads in D.C.?

by Paul Fain

Given the headline-hogging of today's politicians and pundits,it's not a stretch to imagine a Tinseltown-style "map to the stars" for D.C., complete with a guided stroll among the Georgetown manses of the power elite. Highlights would include multimillion-dollar houses owned at one point by JFK, Sen. John Kerry and Bob Woodward. But don't expect to see Philly's lawmakers on the map.

Philly Blunt:

Fight Schlubs

Do we really want mixed-martial arts in Philly?

by Brian Hickey

It was one of those moments that makes you wonder whether things will ever be the same, if what was once a cultural touchstone really just spat out its slobbery mouth guard for the final time.

Political Notebook:

The Other Al

Can Al Schmidt revitalize the local GOP?

by Mary F. Patel

Schmidt asks one primary question: What good have the Democrats done in power? Crime, urban blight and the loss of jobs have all metastasized under the Democrats' watch, he says.

Arts

Art:

Purloined Letters

Getting to the meat of the Poe-boy sandwich.

by Shaun Brady

When authors Louis Bayard and Matthew Pearl each discovered that the other had written a mystery novel involving Poe, and further that they were scheduled to be published on the same day, they may have felt eerily close to Poe's tale.

Culture Shock:

Things That Matter To People Who Matter

Amy Butler fabrics | Interactive murder map | Summer reading | Gnocchi al pesto at Pesto

"Just when you thought the Internet was only good for scoring a penis growth patch or reading snarky blogs by snarky blobs, here's the toe tag for a major metropolitan city." —Joseph A. Gervasi

Theater Review:

So Farce So Good

Ray Cooney keeps it in the family

by Mark Cofta

It Runs in the Family follows a familiar formula, but that's not a bad thing when the parts add up to such a satisfying whole.

Magical Mystery

The Mystery of Irma Vep is a cross-dessing, pun-dropping masterpiece

by Mark Cofta

Not only do two men play four roles each, but Jim Helsinger cleverly upgrades the stagehands, making each scene change a comic ballet, climaxing with mummies re-creating Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

Arts Picks:

Illadelph Festival

Sun.-Sun., July 22-29, University of the Arts, 211 S. Broad St.

by Deni Kasrel

Ever seen a hip-hop dance show and marveled at the all of the boogalooing, backflips and windmills and then thought, "Dang, I wish I could do that?" Well, now you can.

The Skull Project

Opens Fri., July 20, 7-10 p.m., Jinxed Clothing, 620 S. Fourth St.

by Rachel Frankford

Without human skulls, there would be far fewer tattoos (there would also be far fewer, if any, humans with heads, but heads are rarely tattooed anyway).

Arts Agenda

Last Chance

Catch it or Regret it

by Monica Weymouth

Heat 2007 | Manybody: A Group Exhibition | Ike Taiga and Tokuyama Gyokuran: Japanese Masters of the Brush

Arts Agenda Picks:

Just Do It

DARFUR/DARFUR

by Peter Baker

"DARFUR/DARFUR" documents how drastically daily life in Darfur has been altered by constant violence.

On The DL

Owen Egerton

by Sara Scott

Sometimes it's OK to laugh when people die — in fiction, anyway.

In The Event That...

You Love Science Like Homer Loves Doughnuts

by Tami Fertig

Two-dimensional, three-fingered, chicken-colored animations though they may be, The Simpsons (Maggie, Lisa, Bart, Homer and Marge) arguably reveal more about human tendencies than most real, fleshy actors do.

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. ABINGTON ART CENTER , 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, 215-887-4882. THE HANDMAKING,

Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance FRANK'S PLACE The Brandywine Ballet Company presents this

Readings/Book Signings

BRUCE BUSCHEL The Philadelphia native reads from his new book, "Walking Broad," which consists of interviews of Philadelphia residents that he encountered while walking from

Movies

Back in Pink

Reviews from Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - Week Two

Coming Up Short

Shorts programs are a mixed bag. Out in Philly is no different.

by Ashlea Halpern

For every keeper in a shorts program, there are two throwaways — the kind of shit biscuits that make YouTube videos of zany cats look Oscar-worthy.

Art of Darkness

The Spanish Inquisition targets Goya and his subjects in Milos Forman's biopic.

by Cindy Fuchs

Observing the grim new world of 1792, the Spanish Inquisitors are upset. For one thing, the latest etchings by one Francisco Goya (Stellan Skarsgård), royal portraitist, are scandalous.

Repertory Film

Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net. AMBLER THEATER 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-345-7855, www.amblertheater.org. All About Eve (1950, U.S., 138 min.) A sneaky waif

Music

Joy & Paine

DJ Rob Paine on 15 years of making reggae in the house of Worship.

by A.D. Amorosi

As Worship pulls up to the bumper of local poet/toaster El Feco, Paine'll bring to the stage Wareika Hill — one of Philly's finest young live bands to back Feco & Fam for a mix of federation tradition and kinky vibes.

Reconsider Me:

Uneven Flow

M.J. Fine does it again

by M.J. Fine

Metallica won for Best Metal Performance in 1989, 1990 and 1991. But in 1994, the Grammy went to an arty little number with a spoon solo. How'd that happen?

Under The Rock:

Quintessential Brits

by Michael Pelusi

Art Brut | Nick Lowe | Saint Joan

One Track Mind:

Shazy Hade

"Danny X"

by Patrick Rapa

I want one-car-garage rock that sounds like it wasn't just recorded in a garage, it was written there, by a guy who doesn't have any idea why he woke up there.

Soundadvice

Get Out!

Music Picks:

Battles

Thu., July 19, 8 p.m., with Fucked Up and Singer, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.

by Atom Goren

Battles plays as if its members are robots. Ones made by aliens who just happen to be adept at programming robots to play hooky, math-y and playful-as-hell instrumental-ish music.

Musiq Soulchild/Chrisette Michele/Raul Midon

Fri., July 20, 7 p.m., with Chrisette Michele, Raul Midon, Penn's Landing Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard and Market Street

by Deesha Dyer

Musiq Soulchild is the biggest name on the bill at this year's Penn's Landing R&B summer series, but wise eyes are going to look out for Chrisette Michele.

Food

Juliana Theory

New from the owners of Radicchio, Bistro Juliana isn't packed ... yet.

by Elisa Ludwig

It hasn't been open long, but already there's a bench outside Fishtown's Bistro Juliana anticipating future crowds lining up under its red awning.

Farms on Film

Two documentaries raise awareness for "Buy Fresh, Buy Local"

by Mary Wilson

While politicians butt heads over global warming, bloated health-care premiums, rampant obesity and malnutrition, many small farmers are quietly offering a simple solution to it all: Eat locally grown food.

Nick of Time

Hugs for Puppies director Nick Cooney speaks out on foie gras.

by David Snyder

David Snyder recently caught up with Nick Cooney to get his thoughts on London Grill co-owner Terry McNally's characterization of Hugs for Puppies' tactics and Snyder's experience at Hudson Valley.

Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING Sant Gardez Pan de Vida >> WAITING LIST Jose Pistolas | Bindi | Beneluxx Tasting Room

What's Cooking:

The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Ciana Hardwick

Farm to Fork Week | James Beard Dinner | PA Preferred Best Chef | Creative Cocktails | Good Food, Good Beer and the Rest is History

Top 5:

Center City Sips Snacks

Happy Hump Day

by Jeremy Baron

1.) Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff, 2.) Beef Negimaki, 3.) Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls, 4.) Beef Satay, 5.) Pigs in a Blanket

Watering Hole:

Binti's International African Lounge

It's Where We Drink

by Will Dean

Binti's is one of the few places around that plays soukous, a mixture of rumba and traditional African rhythms that originated in the Congo.

Small Bites

Little Vittles

Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water | Eggplant Fries at World Café Live | Budweiser MLB Logo Beers | Reese's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Cups | NordicWare Octopus Cake Pan

You Ask We Answer

Culinary Mysteries Solved

Q: After a few years in NYC, I got used to finding food at all hours of the night. Here, I always end up at Lorenzo's after last call. What else is open late?

Agenda

Agenda Lead:

Witch Slapped

Glinda tells all.

by A.D. Amorosi

Since its Mischief Night 2003 Broadway debut, Wicked has been giving a whole new voice to the resident witches and bitches of Oz.

Agenda Picks:

Just Do It

Punk Rock Flea Market

by Holly Otterbein

Contrary to the image of a Johnny Ramone look-alike peddling goods out of his mom's garage, the Punk Rock Flea Market offers much more than leather jackets and Subhumans posters.

Kids, etc.

Big Fun For Little Ones

by Donny Sheldon

After potions class and Quidditch practice, little wizards can trade the wands for spatulas and work on their kitchen skills.

Just Do It

Indie Rock Bingo

by Deesha Dyer

Putting an indie-rock twist on the senior center game of choice, Philly native and self-proclaimed bingo junkie Courtney Bennett makes the traditional chips hip.

In The Event That...

You Have a Fresh Pair of Fishnets

by Jena Williams

Forget garden parties and the summer wedding circuit. At their annual Libertine Ball, neighborhood kink shop Passional gets your freak off its leash — and into some leather cuffs.

In The Event That...

Your Klingon Is Getting Rusty

by Donny Sheldon

Star Trek has certainly lived long and prospered. Forty years after its debut, diehard fans come together and celebrate the sci-fi institution at the Salute to Star Trek Convention.