Pennsylvania

Last month I described Birdman – unfavorably – as a “series of carefully scripted temper tantrums meant to embody the struggle of making capital ‘A’ Art.” I wouldn’t have guessed that a short time later, another film fitting that description would knock me on my ass.

Whiplash is a trenchant examination of greatness, approaching the idea not by deconstructing a success story, but instead by observing an integral moment in the life of someone who … See more →

A technically adroit series of carefully scripted temper tantrums meant to embody the struggle of making capital “A” Art, Birdman pays lip service to the nuance that accompanies authenticity, but it tends to make its points as loudly as possible. This is probably about as good as overwrought showbiz navel gazing gets, and it’s still pretty off-putting.

I saw dozens of great shows there over the years. My first: H2O, 1996. My last: Mission of Burma, 2008.

The era of @R5Productions shows in the First Unitarian Church basement in Philly is ending. r5productions.com/2014/09/17/our…

Okay, Philly. Head over to @johnnybrendas tonight, where I’m judging the final @usairguitar qualifier of the season. johnnybrendas.com/event/606865-u…

I am judging the 2014 @usairguitar Philadelphia Qualifier! You should come.

Attend: ticketfly.com/purchase/event…

Compete: eventbrite.com/e/us-air-guita…

PA may finally privatize liquor stores. A union who’d face competition as a result made this divinely inept scare ad. youtu.be/kOHKD84NpiA

“Da prom here… is we don’ ave enuff akkers hew are willen to masser da Filelfia acksin.” nytimes.com/2014/03/02/opi…

Taking my mom to see Mamma Mia. Looking for other males with whom I can exchange sympathetic looks.

McConaughey is excellent, but the redemption story is pretty by-the-numbers, and is ultimately overpowered by a rather shrill anti-FDA polemic.

One day, SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, we will be alone together. And everyone who knows you will forgive what I do.

And now Sugar Mom’s is gone. Philly doesn’t seem to want me to come back. glamorosi.blogspot.com/2013/12/777-Le…

Totally forgot how architecturally interesting Allentown and Bethlehem are.

It just wouldn’t be Philly if the cab driver didn’t get petulant about me paying with a credit card.

Yesterday in Philly, my neighbor was the only person on a busy bridge that tried (and failed) to stop a jumper. What the FUCK, Philly?!

Very sad to hear that Lorenzo’s – the best drunk slice in Philly – has been gutted by a fire. I hope they bounce back. blog.philadelphiarealestate.com/blackened-pizz…

Thanks to all of tonight’s @usairguitar competitors in Philly for putting on a hell of a show!

Too tired to figure out what to say about winning tonight’s Philadelphia regional @usairguitar Championship. Also pretty thrilled.

All @mSutters ever wanted from an @AndrewWk show was a bloody nose, and now I have given it to him.

Sorry, Philly, I can’t do Yuengling anymore. It is gross. (@ North Star Bar) 4sq.com/vA7nVh

Philly people: hit me up if you wanna do happy hour. Also, is it just me, or does the Schuylkill look grosser than usual?

Philly fans know how to make a guy feel loved. I am beyond honored to represent them again at the @usairguitar National Finals on July 23rd!

Oh, Philly. I missed you.

To my Philly people: I’m not saying I hadn’t been to an R5 show in ages, but the last time I saw the sound guy, he was clean shaven.

My Philly friends are awesome. I miss them.

Very sad to hear that the Khyber in Philly stopped doing shows. I saw so many awesome bands there over the years. citypaper.net/articles/2010/07/29…

Relieved I didn't have to compete in Philly tonight. Toughest judges and crowd EVER.

Hello again, Philadelphia. I thought we talked about getting some deodorant for your cab drivers.

Soaking up lots of beer with a massive Lorenzo's slice. God I miss this stuff.

Lots of great tours have stopped in Philly but not Boston since I moved. It so used to be the other way around. Grass is always greener.

Hey Philly, when did the PECO building's news crawler ugrade to this full-color, graphical affair? Too much opportunity for yuck.

Even with the rain, it's great to see you, Philadelphia.

Realized tonight that Mike Watt chooses to play with guitarists who sound not like D Boon did, but how he would by now if he had survived.

This month, Cambridge and Philadelphia are my parallel universes. As part of the bargain, my desk chair in the latter is now made of cat.