34th Street Magazine

This Week In...

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:45:35 -0500

MUSIC

Thursday, 2/4: Telepathe with Prowler, Kung Fu Necktie, $10, 21+

Telepathe (it’s pronounced “telepathy,” guys) are a couple of New York girls just trying to make some fun music. Their dreamy vocals are nicely offset by their insatiable taste for bass and beats, and in the tradition of Bat for Lashes, everything is totally dance-friendly. A healthy helping of fuzzy noise makes their music perfect for a night of shoegaze-shuffling.

Thursday, 2/4: Dancing without Borders, The Barbary, $10, 21+

First Friday

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:04:26 -0500

The first Friday of every month, Philadelphia comes alive with gallery openings, performances, talks and copious free booze. Check out Street’s picks for some shows to check out this Friday and beyond.

Art in the Age

116 N. 3rd St.

artintheage.com

6:00 — 8:00 p.m.

Don't Touch That Dial

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:06:14 -0500

As she hauls in a box of dusty Motown records, the DJ formerly known as Condom Lady situates herself inside the WPEB studio preparing for her Saturday afternoon radio show. This week she’s featuring musical selections from a box she found on the side of the road, supplemented by a discussion on needle safety. The Condom Lady began her career illegally as a West Philadelphia radio pirate. Now, 11 years later, she no longer has to broadcast out of vans, avoid the Federal Communications Commission or answer to her old name.

Ask An Alum

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:02:59 -0500

This week' alum: Petey "Buttons" Mickelson (W' 25), Penn Football Player 1921 - 1925

Both teams have strong passing games. Which defense is better prepared to stop an air attack? - Pumped For Passing

Super Bowl Drinking Game

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:01:11 -0500

Month In Music

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:47:28 -0500

FEBRUARY 2

The Album Leaf A Chorus of Storytellers
Disco Biscuits Planet Anthem
k.d. lang Recollection
Lil Wayne Rebirth
Nneka Concrete Jungle

FEBRUARY 9
Massive Attack Heligoland
Young Jeezy Thug Motivation 103
Sade Soldier of Love
Jahiem Another Round

FEBRUARY 15
Peter Gabriel Scratch My Back

FEBRUARY 16
Juliana Hatfield Peace and Love
The Game The R.E.D. Album
Wu-Tang Return of the & Friends

FEBRUARY 23
Alkaline Trio This Addiction

One Track Mind

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:45:30 -0500

Britain’s electro-pop scene shows no signs of losing its steam. No doubt about it, these Manchester blokes are blowing up. However, their Jan. 11 album Acolyte is only available in the UK iTunes Store. Damn the Atlantic!

Defibrillator

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:37:54 -0500

Some might argue that it’s odd for me to feel so strongly connected to a song that was released twenty-one years before I was even born. However, the instant the familiar bongo-drums of “Cecilia” begin streaming through my headphones, I am instantly brought back to the hot summer nights of my childhood. In the car for emergency ice cream runs, my father, in his infinite music wisdom, used Simon & Garfunkel’s story of a capricious lover to cultivate my own love of music.

From The Editor: 2.04.10

zachw — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:33:29 -0500

I'm all for supporting good causes, but there is little that gets under my skin quite like those pesky volunteers that stand on corners around campus soliciting money for various charities. Whether it’s dying polar bears or women's rights, most are obnoxious and all are extremely hard to avoid.

Penn's Own Musicians On The Rise

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:19:10 -0500

This campus is full of alarmingly qualified individuals, so it comes as no surprise that a number of accomplished musicians and potential stars walk among us. Check out these four Penntastic musical acts (all of which have released legit albums and EPs) still on the upswing of their auspicious arcs.

MALIK (Malik Smith)

youtube.com/user/keysongmusic

C'10

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Influences: 90’s R&B from TLC to D’angelo; neo-soul like Jill Scott; MTV at the turn of the millennium; reggae

This Is The Afterparty

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:11:04 -0500

In 2008, Made in the Dark catapulted Hot Chip to the forefront of electropop, capturing the attention of hipsters across the country. Yet what makes this British band unique is not their ability to craft heart-pounding, synth-infused dance beats, but their willingness to explore life beyond the dance floor — namely, the introspection that follows once the lights go out and the alcohol wears off.

Hibernation Satiation

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:01:56 -0500

It was a sad day when the 36th and Walnut Farmers’ Market closed for the winter. You savored that last bag of Honeycrisp apples, dreading months of frozen peas. You had loyally purchased local food while the fall harvest was abundant, but dwindling produce supplies and gray winter skies foretold the shortage to come. But despite the freezing temperatures and barren landscape, a surprising number of local options remain.

Penn Food Week

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:58:14 -0500

A collaboration between Bon Appetit at Penn Dining, UCCANF, CAUSA, and Fox Leadership, Penn Food Week has been in full swing since Monday. As this week — dedicated to sustainability — comes to a close, catch up on what you missed. While you may have missed the boat on the tomatoes lecture, take the time to attend the remaining events.

Today
Food and You: Health and Nutrition
Presented by the Health and Societies Student Advisory Board and Bon Appetit
A seminar dedicated to answering all your questions about nutrition and healthy eating.

Old McDonald Had A Farm(er's Market)

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:55:27 -0500

Farmers’ markets are often at odds with the weather. In the spring, they’re inundated with locavores browsing the organic produce while they munch on free samples of chevre. When it dips below 20 degrees, like it did this weekend, vegetable farmers can’t even make the trip, and the merchants are hard-pressed to get much of a turnout at all.

All Co-oped Up

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:29:55 -0500

By now you may have realized that the campus supermarkets don’t exactly live up to their names. Products are rarely fresh nor are they supreme; have a marketing major solve that riddle for you. Fortunately, for the dedicated who are content with making the occasional trip further afield for finer foodstuffs, there are a number of good options for natural foods grocers.

Gadgets The Cool Kids Have

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:54:56 -0500

When Apple announced the production of the awkwardly named iPad, Street found out what the flyest kids at Penn are playing with. Despite some of the steep price tags, these electronics will make your lives a little easier and at least more entertaining.

1 iamaKey: If it looks like a key and feels like a key LaCie’s iamaKey is definitely not a key. Instead, the imitation doubles as a storage device that can hold up to 32GB and fit easily onto a key ring. $19.99-$99.99

12 Words To Make You Sound Smart

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:41:25 -0500

Admit it. You came to Penn thinking you’d learn a bunch of fancy new words and impress everyone with your Ivy-League vocabulary … but your TA barely speaks English. Never fear, Street is here! We’ve compiled a list of a dozen intelligent-sounding words to sprinkle into conversation. Whip one out in lecture, and who knows . . . you might just convince your Comp Lit professor that you really do deserve that B-.

1. Liminal, adj. – relating to sensory threshold, barely perceptible

Ego Of The Week: Sam Adelsberg

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:36:18 -0500

Sam Adelsberg, a Sphinx superstar, has played on the American University in Cairo basketball team, chaired almost every committee, club and activity involving the Middle East and wears a lot of backwards caps. This charismatic dude sat down to talk sick nasty dance moves, old Egyptian men and his admiration of Amy Gutmann.

Street: What don’t most people know about you?

Sundance Shoutouts

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:22:52 -0500

Last weekend, after 10 days and 200 films, Sundance concluded another exciting indie film festival. We’re disappointed we couldn’t be there, but Street has, of course, been keeping up with the latest buzz. Here are some of our most anticipated Sundance features that were recently picked up by distributors:

Nowhere Boy

Guilty Pleasure: Troop Beverley Hills (1989)

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:18:26 -0500

With its celebration of ’80s-style overindulgence and superficial consumerism, Troop Beverly Hills is just the film to combat those recessionista blues.

Sparks Fly

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:14:34 -0500

Nicholas Sparks should be proud of himself. Not only has he carved out a second home atop the New York Times bestseller list, but he has also practically monopolized the cinematic genre of tear-jerking romance. His name has become synonymous with stories pairing beautiful dream-girls and sensitive rebels, so his faithful should go into Dear John knowing what to expect. Non-fans, on the other hand, probably shouldn’t go at all.

Dear Channing

rayajalabi — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:04:10 -0500

Street: Dear John letters must be extremely painful to receive. Did you speak with any soldiers who received them while overseas

Overheard: 2.4.10

rayajalabi — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:55:29 -0500

At a frat party:
Girl: Why do you keep eggs in the freezer?
Frat Boy: So they last longer … they just last longer that way.

Walking down Locust:
Boy: I need to stop starting sentences with “the best thing about cruises is …”

Toasts & Roasts

rayajalabi — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:52:36 -0500

Jersey Shore superstars and IT couple Ronnie and Sammi Sweetheart brought their fake-tanned bods to the Illadelph this weekend. Though Sammi reportedly wore a Yankees cap (WTF, that’s not very sweet, Sammi), we salute all things Jersey Shore.

Street Walker

rayajalabi — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:51:40 -0500

I look both ways before I cross the street. Twice.

No, this is not a metaphor for a paralyzing fear of the world, nor is it a commentary on the nature of Philly cab drivers. As much as I try to fight it, I have to look left, then right, then left again before stepping foot onto the stripy crosswalks of Spruce or Walnut.

My friends roll their eyes and wait for me, post-jay-walk, as I apologetically stand at the opposite corner, crossing only after the illuminated little man tells me I can.

True Life

rayajalabi — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:50:34 -0500

Last week, I took part in the massive disappointment known as Restaurant Week. Tempted by tapas at an affordable price, I seized the opportunity to dine at a restaurant where my student-sized wallet might not usually be so welcome. The meal went fantastically — we were seated at an intimate round table, and the conversation was as delightful as the pork buns. After dessert, I sat back and began to digest. As everyone was winding down and planning the rest of their nights, our previously surly and bewigged waitress dropped off the check, grinning from ear to ear.

Help Yourself

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:49:29 -0500

Confidence Confidential by Dr. Lane Golic claims to hold all the secrets necessary to evolve from a wallflower to a life-of-the-party-flower. However, after reading the book thoroughly and giving its tips a test drive, I can tell you with certainty that it is a huge load of crap.

Toasts & Roasts

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:44:54 -0500

TOASTS

Rush is, like, totally the worst week ever. Highbrow salutes the end of man-flirting and sorority-schmoozing as we welcome the glories of pledging.

To cap off the week of fratitude, two gentlemen took a Saturday evening stroll on Locust — naked. Balls-a-flyin’ and bros-a-cheerin’, these boys celebrated the end of rush in style. Though we commend their ballsiness (pun!), we hope these pledges know there’s a semester full of pledgetastic nudity in store for them.

True Life: I Live In The Boonies

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:42:48 -0500

Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of having a class in DRL complains about how far away it is. If it makes you feel any better, I promise, I live farther away from it than you do. DRL’s vomit green tiling is two miles from my front steps and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Back In Black(Berry)

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:41:20 -0500

You know that Ego of the Week question, “There are two types of people at Penn …”? Well, after a little social experiment I took part in these past couple of weeks, I would divide Penn into BlackBerry users and everyone else.

It’s no surprise that smartphones took over campus long ago, but I didn’t realize the ubiquity of the BlackBerry in particular until I suddenly found myself without. A switch from T-Mobile to AT&T had the Applephile within me jonesing for an iPhone. So, I happily indulged in what many consider the most beautifully designed device of the century.

What Philly Sounds Like

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:11:49 -0500

Jeff Woloszyn is sitting outside of his establishment at 15th and South streets playing the guitar. It’s 10 a.m. on an uncharacteristically sunny November morning, and South Street Sounds is closed for another two hours. Rather than opening early, Jeff is enjoying the morning, singing about journeying to Chinatown to pick up his favorite dumplings. His tall, lanky frame is folded like a slinky over a stool, spilling on to the sidewalk, and his head is tilted upwards as if he’s singing to the sun.

Shall We (Improvise Our Contact) Dance

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:03:58 -0500

To a bystander, contact improvisational dance may seem like an orgy … or a gentler version of human bumper cars. But Adams Berzins, a Philadelphia contact-improv legend, rents out space at The Parlor to show dancers the true art of body play. A handful of attendees roll around on the studio’s wooden floor, reaching and extending until they collide with each other’s body parts — all body parts. Hips gyrate hips. Hands drape around waists. Moans escape students' mouths. Dance, huh?

Looks On Locust

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:56:53 -0500

Despite the bizarre weather, Penn students continue to keep their oversized brains warm and cozy. Whether boho or baseball, hats and headgear have dominated Locust Walk. Through ear flaps and muffs, fur and wool, we’re digging some of our peers’ edgy styles. Here’s a look at some of our favorites from the week.

Ego Of The Week: Michelle Newman

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:53:11 -0500

Don’t be fooled; this College senior may be deceptively cute, but she’ll kick your ass. Michelle Newman lead Women’s Rugby to victory last semester as forwards captain, while simultaneously orchestrating the most succesful Charitable Laughter in recent history. The current chairwoman of Bloomers, Michelle is busy enough, but refuses to settle for a less than unfathomable resume, juggling positions as a Peer Mentor at the Penn Women’s Center and the first student board member of the American Poetry Review.

Cleanse Yourself

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:39:33 -0500

Street sent one of its own on a mission to look fab and feel hip by performing the less than popular “body cleanse.” By detoxing and purifying his body wih a special diet, Jake Blum goes on the journey used to lose weight … and bowel control.

Recently Opened And Closed

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:36:48 -0500

RECENTLY OPENED

Zavino — Wine Bar and Pizzeria

Sweet Freedom Bakery — Allergen-Friendly Bakery

Sugarcube — Dessert Truck

R2L — New American

RECENTLY CLOSED

Paloma — Mexican

Ava — Italian

Michael’s Cafe — Traditional American

From The Editor: 1.28.10

sarahbethmckay — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:36:02 -0500

So, you picked up Street. You’re probably sitting in class, not even trying to hide that you’re not paying attention to a single thing the professor says. Or you’re in Houston, eating overpriced sushi, reading the magazine because you’re sick of talking to people (or they’re sick of talking to you). Regardless: it’s Thursday, and you’ve checked out.

Drink Of The Week

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:35:20 -0500

If all the mention of after-dinner liqueurs gives you a hankering for a lemony digestive:

Ingredients

15 lemons

1 lime

190 proof Everclear*

2 – 4 cups sugar

2 – 3 cups of water

(a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water makes a classic simple syrup, but use more sugar if you want your limoncello a little thicker or sweeter)

Also needed: A zester, an airtight container and a strainer (or cheesecloth).

Cin Cin

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:28:01 -0500

After-dinner drinks conjure up memories of hazy gentlemen’s clubs. And by memories, we mean completely fictitious scenarios drawn up in our heads. Regardless, delicately sipping on an aromatic and full-bodied liqueur after a hearty meal is a long-steeped tradition. The Italians stick out as the utimate masters of this intricate art. Liqueurs are obtained most commonly by the maceration and infusion of plants or citrus rinds in ethyl alcohol or brandy.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:18:05 -0500

Friends, amigos, amis. No matter the language, the word "friends" has the same connotation. Marc Vetri’s newest addition to his notable empire, Roman-style trattoria Amis, embraces its name. Here, friendship defines the atmosphere. From the servers to the managers to Vetri himself, the Amis staff perpetuates the high standard of service critics expect at Vetri’s other lauded eateries. The fabulous food tastes even better when served in an amicable environment.

Finding Themselves

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:15:29 -0500

Spoon has never paid much heed to consistency. The band’s first four full-length albums were grab bags of indie-pop sounds, as if they weren’t quite ready to settle down with a style of their own. On Transference, they have finally settled, and the result is the most cohesive album of their career.

Understanding GaGa

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:14:03 -0500

Whether you love or hate GaGa, take a listen to some of these influential tracks to discover what she's all about.

1. “Radio Ga Ga,” Queen

2. “She Blinded Me With Science,” Thomas Dolby

3. “Black Sweat,” Prince

4. “The Big Beat,” Billy Squier

5. “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie

6. “Rapture,” Blondie

7. “Life On A String,”

Laurie Anderson

8. “Vogue,”

Madonna

9. “Handle Me (Soul Seekerz Remix),” Robyn

10. “Perfect

(Exceeder),” Mason & Princess

Superstar

11. “Girls, Girls, Girls” Motley Crue

Puntal/ Contrapuntal: Lady GaGa

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:09:58 -0500

LADY GAGA IS USHERING IN A NEW, FAR MORE REFRESHING, ERA OF POP

I am an outsider to pop. In fact, for years pop music has done nothing but frustrate me and leave me despondent and dismayed by the state of mainstream culture. “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas makes me nauseous and the sound of Taylor Swift’s voice has the potential to turn me violent. From the moment I received my first Rancid tape ten years ago, I’ve always looked at pop music culture as something too stale and too safe. But then I heard “Paparazzi.”

One Track Mind

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:08:53 -0500

With their new single, “Good Morning,” Rogue Wave have taken all of the things they had going for them — beautifully layered guitars, mellifluous vocals, a healthy sense of introspection — and completely obliterated them, opting instead for the same sort of sugary pop their original music seemed to be a reaction against. At first listen, this track just sounds fake and overly synthesized. This initial diagnosis ultimately holds true after multiple listens. Electropop may occasionally be formulaic and contrived, but Rogue Wave should’ve left electropop to those who know how to do it.

Major (-Label) Flop

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:06:45 -0500

We’ve really tried to understand the acclaim surrounding Motion City Soundtrack’s major-label debut. We’ve listened to the boasts about quality producers and mixers, the latter of whom worked with Nirvana and Sonic Youth, and the claims that this album shows the potential of “pop-punk.” Unfortunately, when it comes to the music, all we’ve heard is a potential soundtrack for the next American Pie movie which, by the way, is not a good thing.

Guilty Pleasures: Rascall Flatts

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:03:44 -0500

There are a lot of reasons I hate myself for loving Rascal Flatts. It really bothers me that the lead singer, the appropriately named Gary LeVox, is fat, spikes his hair and doesn’t play an instrument. They have multiple sets of hits that are, both melodically and lyrically, effectively the same song. And they had the audacity to write the only song to ever feature my name about a girl dying of cancer.

Who Wore It Better?

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:30 -0500

Helpful Hostess

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:44:08 -0500

Happy Restaurant Week, student! What a lovely treat it shall be to share a delicious meal with yummy friends. Whether you are feasting on escargots at Le Bec Fin, or enjoying a spicy plate of enchiladas at Lolita, this evening promises to be the stuff of dreams.

Unless of course you set free the boorish degenerate that lies just below your shiny exterior. Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine that you are seated at the restaurant, bathed in candlelight and the gentle scent of thyme. Now, keeping your eyes closed, answer me this: Where is your napkin?

Report: Student Just Up And Drops Class

rayajalabi — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:42:06 -0500

According to a report from the University Registrar this Wednesday, College junior Clyde Clintock dropped Introduction to Psychology after attending only one of the Tuesday/Thursday lectures. Students present during the class, which concluded after a brief overview of the syllabus, witnessed no signs of Clintock’s impending withdrawal.

“He looked okay,” said a Wharton sophomore who sat two rows behind Clintock. “He had a notebook for the class and he had written ‘Intro to Psych’ across the top with this squiggly line below it. I think it was in Sharpie.”

On The Edge

rayajalabi — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:47:15 -0500

2010 may just be Mel Gibson’s comeback year. Since his little outburst a few years ago he has been entirely absent. Apart from his unfortunate anti-Semitic outburst and his bizarre Mayan epic Apocalypto, Gibson has been lying low, and Edge of Darkness marks an impressive, if somewhat surprising, return to form.