#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Melting ice
(Photo by @denisewalksphilly)
If you worked hard to shovel a parking spot in Philly or to find one that wasn’t entombed in snow and ice, are you entitled to it? That’s the eternal question of the “Savesies” debate — ie, the practice of putting an object like a chair or cone in a spot to save it.
The debate has never been hotter — actually colder — than right now in South Philly, where unplowed streets and giant snow banks remain more than a week after snow fell. Continue reading…
South Philly residents hope cones will save their parking spots. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)
Philly playwright Albert Innaurato’s classic comedy comes home in a production that finds familiarity, love and tension in the queer reckoning between who you are and who you could have been.
“Gemini” is part of an EgoPo season focused on Philadelphia playwrights. Continue reading…
Jeff Pfieffer as Herschel, Tommy Sullivan-Lovett and Eliza Waterman rehearsing for EgoPo’s upcoming production of Gemini, written by Albert Innaurato and directed by Dane Eissler. (Devon Roberts -Wanderin’Eye Photography)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• All seven Pa. House Democrats have signed onto impeachment articles against DHS head Kristi Noem. [Capital-Star]
• Judge blasts federal lawyers over removal of President’s House slavery exhibit, calls their argument that the government “gets to choose” what history is shared to be “horrifying.” [AP/WHYY]
• Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon says ICE detainees are treated like “federal prisoners” at Philadelphia detention center. [WHYY]
• One year after the Northeast Philly plane crash, “eerie,” “devastating” scene still strong in neighbors’ memories. [WHYY]
• Guerrilla imitations of common road signage use a distinctive brand of Philly humor to alert residents of ICE threats and looming authoritarianism. [Hyperallergic]
• Today is Groundhog Day. What’s the legend behind Punxsutawney Phil? Explaining the tradition’s origins. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will host an event at City Hall to recognize the city’s What Works Cities Certification, a national recognition for excellence in using data and evidence to improve outcomes for residents. (1 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Where to watch and celebrate Unrivaled’s Philly games
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, Feb. 2: Podcast Club: The ’90s
This month’s theme is “the ’90s.” Every third Thursday, at Benna’s Cafe in Passyunk Square. (6:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 3: How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia
Join the Committee of Seventy for the launch of a new civic education resource: How the Philadelphia Ward System Works — a clear, practical guide to how wards shape local politics and how residents can run for committee person. This is a nonpartisan training on how to run for committee person in the May 19 primary election. At Black Leadership Pennsylvania HQ in Germantown. Free with registration. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 3: WAR of the WORDS: Dad Joke Quizzo & Wordplay Shenanigans
Assemble your squad for dad joke and wordplay battle, courtesy of the notorious fellows behind It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia. At Tattooed Mom. Free. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 5: Speaker Series: Tending the Canopy
Part of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Academy Town Square. In this installment, WHYY’s Maiken Scott speaks with three local experts who illuminate how and why trees are planted, and what it takes to sustain a healthy urban forest. Pay-as-you-wish, $0 to $10. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: Valentine’s Market
Shop Immigrant Marché at Triple Bottom Brewing. Explore artisan goods, books and treats. Free to attend. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: One-Night Only Reading Series: “Horsegirl & Cowdaddy”
The Wilma’s reading series returns for a new year. Horsegirl, a trans woman in her 30s, lives a life of routine alongside her father, Cowdaddy, in a forgotten town in Southern Pennsylvania—until she falls in love with a new-to-town teacher, triggering a physical transformation in the wake of which Horsegirl must decide for herself what a happy life looks like. Post-show reception included. $35 tickets. (7 p.m.)