AltWeeklies Wire
The Strange Odyssey of the Ron Paul Tent at Occupy Phillynew
Ron Paul supporters and Occupiers make for strange bedfellows. In Philly, the rift hit a tipping point when an unknown intruder broke into the tent, stole campaign literature, and left a "steaming pile of shit" on the floor.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
11-09-2011 |
#OCCUPY
Introducing the Artist Formerly Known as Steph Hayesnew
While almost everyone in Philadelphia knows musician Steph Hayes, it’s just now becoming common knowledge that for years, Hayes struggled with a secret burden. The drum rolls theatrically and the host announces, for one of the first times ever in public, the artist formerly known as Steph Hayes. “Introducing Mr. Stephan Hayes!” the host trills. As Hayes starts to play, the physical changes from seven months of hormone replacement therapy are noticeable. In more ways than one, Stephan Hayes is a new man.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
09-28-2011 |
Profiles & Interviews
Mob Attacks Terrorize Philadelphia Neighborhood, Retaliation Threatenednew
About an hour after police disperse kids after a fight some say was racially motivated in a Philadelphia park, a mob of 50 - 75 teens crossed paths with 37-year-old Mark Lavelle. He says one kid swung a gun in his face, as others kicked in his door and beat him with pipe in front of his wife and kids. The next day, another mob--possibly the parents-threatened him. That night, more assaults that end with a cop shooting a man.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
09-14-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Megan's Flaw: When a Sexual Predator Isn't One in the Eyes of the Lawnew
Two and a half years after Derrick Cook almost killed Katrina Mansfield, she sits quietly in a courtroom, alone, awaiting what the justice system considers fair trade for what she calls her life sentence. By any reasonable definition, Cook is a violent sexual predator—except, after a drawn-out and botched hearing to determine the status, in the eyes of the law.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
05-25-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Philadelphia's Soda Fee is Not as Taxing as we Thinknew
To say that Mayor Nutter’s proposed “Healthy Philadelphia Initiative” (the two-cents-per-ounce junk-drink tax) is in disarray would be charitable. City Council grows increasingly hostile toward the plan. A loophole might negate its stated health goals.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Jacob Lambert |
03-29-2010 |
Economy
A Writer Finds Lust for Life in the Wake of Deathnew
“Sauntering, in the best sense, is when you’re walking the ground like it’s holy, and that’s how I wanted to view Philadelphia, and I do,” says local poet CA Conrad. “It’s not perfect. I’ve seen so many people kill themselves... die of murders.”
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
03-29-2010 |
Author Profiles & Interviews
Maybe it's Time for Philadelphia to Consider Banning Pit Bullsnew
On the weekend of Feb. 19, there were three serious pit bull attacks across Philadelphia. A 52-year-old woman nearly lost her left hand to one of the dogs. Ten-year-old Philip Sheriff was found facedown on a ballfield, his right arm almost severed.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Jacob Lambert |
03-15-2010 |
Animal Issues
Well-Endowed: Very, Very Large Drawings on Display in Philadelphianew
In a word? Satisfying. Seven artists' work is effectively installed in a compact space, and a striking variety of approaches and mediums suggests perennial issues relating to drawing.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Robin Rice |
01-12-2010 |
Art
Developing a Mathematical Model for Predicting Murders in Philadelphianew
John Toczek is rolling out a project he's calling the Analytics X Prize. It's a contest to develop a mathematical model for predicting murders in Philadelphia, something the Police Department could use to best deploy its resources.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Brian Howard |
01-05-2010 |
Crime & Justice
Recession Diaries: Tales of Philly's Young, Educated and Underemployednew
While the less educated are getting hit the hardest, things are quickly deteriorating for the college-educated work force. Experts say that one in five college graduates say they're overqualified for their current jobs.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Daniel Denvir |
11-30-2009 |
Economy
How South Philly Became the Center of the Alt-Wrestling Universenew
This sub-genre flips the focus back from operatics to athleticism, catering to those for whom the Monday Night Raws and SmackDowns and even the TNAs of the world have gotten too far removed from what they love about the sport, or the art, or however you care to refer to it. (Just don't call it "sports entertainment.")
Philadelphia City Paper |
Shaun Brady |
11-17-2009 |
Sports
A Snitch in Time: A Philly Gunshot Victim Defies the Inner-City Code of Silencenew
It's been five months since Maurice Ragland testified against the man he says shot him. In doing so, he broke the cardinal rule of the Philadelphia streets -- Do Not Snitch. That he survived his wounds is amazing enough, but that he testified is just as amazing.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Mike Newall |
10-19-2009 |
Crime & Justice
How One Sword-Swallower Sired a Legion of Philly Freaksnew
Almost single-handedly, Red Stuart, who at 58 is the world's oldest active sword-swallower, has helped bring to Philadelphia one of the country's most up-and-coming sideshow scenes.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Bill Meagher |
10-13-2009 |
Culture
Salon Culture is on the Rise in Philly as Local Art Lovers Make a Case for Intimacynew
The kind of audience-performer bond that you find at a salon helps to build a real sense of community around the arts. But who in their right mind would let their rugs get worn and their walls get smeared all in the name of intimacy, creativity and communal vibes?
Philadelphia City Paper |
A.D. Amorosi |
09-22-2009 |
Art
Elementary School Dropout: Why I Am Giving Up Teachingnew
Many teachers overcome the numerous challenges and serve the children of Philadelphia for decades. But I won't be.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Brenden Beck |
09-21-2009 |
Education