When SEPTA Bashing Gets Desperate

OK, let's face it: You know and I know that SEPTA has a ton of problems. It's a running joke in the city.

For all its flaws, we can agree that the service isn't the worst in the world, but it is far from perfect. The fact that you can take public transit to just about ANY point in the city is amazing, and we really are lucky to have it. Imagine all the poor folks stuck in the suburbs who have to drive everywhere.

SEPTA is going to raise it's fairs AGAIN for the first time in 3 years, and it isn't going to be pretty. New rules on passes, not to mention an increase averaging about 5% on all fairs (save the based Bus and Subway fare). You've heard that SEPTA is going to go ahead with the name change of Pattison Station to AT&T Station, and I argued that the name change isn't going to mean anything in the whole of the budget.

Why? Because the budget hole is $100 Million, and SEPTA is only getting $3 Million. In other words, not much.

So when I saw that Fox News was reporting on SEPTA tonight and them WASTING money, I could, you guessed it, only sit in anticipation to find out what they were doing now. My fairs are going up thanks to these assholes, and they're WASTING MONEY?! Fuck 'em!

The report... was sad at best.

Jeff Cole, who I greatly admire, has a series that takes on government waste. The problem? 99% of the time, it's basically nothing. For example, he was outraged that the PA Government spent money on those little book-things you get when the government gives out an award.

Tonight's complaint? SEPTA is spending money on making their employees happy! The bastards!

No, it's not making health care better or giving more vacation time! No! That cost's MONEY! Instead, they spent about $10k on... parties and awards. No, you didn't misread that: Ten Thousand bucks to throw a Christmas Party and give some awards to the upper-management. About half of that money was for the part alone.



"OH NOES!", you may be screaming, "SEPTA is wasting a TON of money on this stuff! No wonder my fare is going up!! THOSE ASSHOLES!" Then again, if you think that, you're either an idiot or just simply ignorant, and I can forgive the second one. SEPTA's annual budget? $1.132 BILLION.

I will repeat this: SEPTA's operating budget for 2010 is $1.132 BILLION DOLLARS.

So SEPTA spending $10k on a party and some awards? Not really all that bad for once. SEPTA selling the naming rights to a station for $3 Millions, and people defending it so we don't see a fair hike? Pretty stupid since that's less than 1 percent of the budget, and only 3% of what the budget shortfall is.

Feel free to read their actual operating budget for yourself. (PDF FILE!!!!!!)

Photos from KYW1060

The Big 4: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax on the Big Screen!

I was a teenager again.

In 2002, I was an oddity in my high school. I, unlike 99% of the other students, listened to metal. Not only that, but I was still just getting into the genre. By the time I graduated, I had gone from listing to Winger’s Seventeen, to listening to Slayer’s Reign in Blood. Those were truly a magical time, and I had one simple vision of all these guys just getting together and playing at each other shows. That was true to some regard; Anthrax let Metallica share its space, Dave Mustaine formed Megadeth after getting kicked out of Metallica, and Kerry King formed Slayer after playing in Megadeth. The dream of everyone in the metal world was to finally, after 25 years, see all of them play the same concert. To see the Big Four in the single greatest concert ever!
Last night, we all got to be kids again.

At movie theaters around the world, The Big Four: Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer, and Metallica were unleashed upon the world, causing not devastation, but the rarest joy you could ever see at a metal concert. It was, in and of itself a different experience than any concert anyone had been to. You’re in an air-condition movie theater with a ton of people. Do you mosh? Do you sing along? Do you act like you do at a show?

To read the rest of my FIRST ARTICLE EVER on Blow The Scene.com, click here!

Go Skateboarding Day 2010 - Some Tips

I won't go into the mess that was the last year in terms of go skateboarding day, but it seems to be kinda quiet this year. I won't be able to do much this year, so here's some advice to keep in mind:

• 1. Despite the rumors, no, you can not skateboard at Dilworth Plaza, LOVE Park, or the Municipal Services building on Go Skate! Day. They didn't change the law, they didn't give out permits... don't bother.
  
  
• 2. If you are confronted by an officer, be as polite as possible if they are trying to be polite as well. If they immediately start hassling you, ask yourself A) Am I skating in a place where I know its illegal and B) Do they have a point? If you're able to, simply speak in a calm matter and co-operate. If they become abusive or start by using force despite the fact you are not doing anything to warrant it, REPORT IT! Get a badge number, post it on a blog... get the word out about them! Simply fearing retaliation will do nothing more than allow it to continue!
  
  
• 3. Try to hit the legal places, like FDR Park on Broad and Delaware Avenue. The best way to get there is to take the Broad Street Subway to the end of the line (Pattison Ave) and keep going South. You can't miss it. There's also "5-Block" off Broad and Girard. Trust me, you can't miss it. Just listen and look for a ton of skateboarders.
  
  
• 4. Make sure you always carry a copy of the actual law, §10-610. Skateboarding, Rollerblading and Bicycling on Public Property! If any officer says your breaking the law and you know you're in the right, take this out. It states, and I quote, skateboarding is allowed on "public roads, highways, bicycle and/or skateboard paths, or sidewalks abutting private property....... Recreation Department facilities, which facilities shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the Recreation Department." So if you get hassled for skateboarding on the sidewalk, you're in the right!

Got it? Good!

Have fun and stay safe out there!


EDITORS NOTE: Recent visitors of this article include: North Penn School District and City of Philadelphia. HI THERE!!! :D

SEPTA: On Sale Now, For a Limited Time!!!

How much does it cost to buy a part of the soul of Philadelphia? Apparently, $5 Million Dollars.

This week, it was announced that SEPTA, along with Titan Outdoor LLC (the company that handles all of their outdoor advertising), sold the naming rights to Pattison Ave Station. The station is at the end of the Broad Street subway and lies at, you guessed it, Pattison Avenue where all the stadiums are. Since opening on April 8, 1973, the station has served as a gateway to the stadiums and the community. The naming rights were sold for $5 Million Dollars to AT&T, which will, for the next 5 years, have it renamed "AT&T Station".

So what's in a name, you ask?

SEPTA selling the naming rights is the larger issue at play here, and the one that deserves the most scrutiny and, yes, outrage. We're not talking about a simple naming problem, or the fact that the name will cause confusion for countless riders and tourists.

No, the bigger problem here is that we're looking at a very short-sighted solution to a very big, long-term problem.

Of the $5 Million deal, SEPTA is only getting $3 Million, and the City of Philadelphia (who also own the route itself and leases it to SEPTA) get's $2 Million. On the surface, this looks like a win-win situation for the two people involved since they get some money they desperately need. In reality, it's not a lump-sum payment. The amount is spread out over the 5 years of the contract.

What about the argument in favor of this deal? How it makes money for an agency and city that really needs it?

Well, it SOUNDS cool... until you realize that both SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia are facing $100 MILLION deficits for the next 5 years. In return for getting 3% of their budget settled, they're willing to sell off part of the city to the highest bidder.

Or, in other words, you know those guys who are willing to have a logo tattooed on their face for life if you pay them? Yeah, that's SEPTA and Philadelphia.

Not pictured: Dignity and Self-Respect

So let's put this into some perspective. Imagine you need $100. Badly. You need to find a way to raise some cash, but you're running out of ideas. You're parents have decided not to give you that raise in your allowance that you asked for, and you've already cut out what you can from your budget. Someone comes up to you can says they'll give you $3 Bucks, but there's a catch; they get to write the words "Eat My Shorts" on your face, and you have to leave it there for a month. Do you take the cash, or do you look for cash somewhere else where you won't make a full of yourself for life, like the sewer?

That is, in essence, where both SEPTA and Philadelphia is. No one is saying $3 Mil is something to sneeze at,but the idea that taking care of 3%, or in Philly's case 2%, of your budget by destroying part of your image isn't smart.

This isn't a small ad, or even a temporary ad-wrap on a building; this is something's NAME.

Not only that, but how much is this going to COST?

Let's keep a few things in mind, here: SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia agrees under this contract that ALL references to this station name has to be changed. ANY AND ALL REFERENCES. You're talking about replacing a LOT of signs here. The Subway cars would need to get new signs, so would all the maps (plastic, metal, and paper)... and the city has to pay to redo the maps to change the reference. In the city's case, the cost may not be much since it has to do that type of stuff constantly, but SEPTA? This stop is at the end of the line here! This can't come cheap!

So in order to get $3 Million, SEPTA may have to spend 1/3rd of THAT JUST to update everything!

Not only that, but now SEPTA is saying that since this sale went so well, they want to do it with MORE stations! Can you imagine this idicoracy? Market East Station being sold to McDonald's and calling it McDonald's East? Disney buying City Hall Station and calling it "Disney Present Philadelphia"? Pabst Blue Ribbon buying Spring Garden Station and calling it "Pabst Blue Ribbon Station?! OK, that last one isn't out of line...

Again Not Pictured: Dignity

Look, I've come to the defense of SEPTA and them selling ads before to help raise cash. It can be done in a fairly nice, even downright "hip". If SEPTA want's to raise money through advertising, L&I needs to loosen up a little and actually help them. In 2006 when they let Dunkin' Donuts do a wrap at 1234 Market Street, they wound up getting fined double what they were paid for the ad, and it lost money.

We've seen SEPTA now allow advertisers buy up entire stations, sometimes resulting in some horribly tacky results. Suburban Station jumps to mind first, as well as Market East and Spring Garden Station. To paraphrase what the brilliant street artist Bansky once said, "You're not allowed to do something to make an area look nicer, but a corporation is allowed to make it look worse."

The real problem in all of this is that it is a short-sighted solution.

Let's look at it as seriously as possible here: SEPTA is saying that the deal went good and that they, in turn, want to do it for more stations. That means that when the contract runs out, they'll sell the naming rights AGAIN. In 5 years, don't be surprised if you hear that SEPTA is running scared because no one wants to buy the rights to a station because of one problem or another. The state, in turn, KEEPS cutting SEPTA's funding because, you know, they can easily get the money by either selling another station's name or raising the cost of said rights.

This isn't a viable solution at all. What IS is more people writing to the people in the House of Representatives for Pennsylvania and telling them to increase SEPTA's funding. Tell them to actually HELP people get around in Philly so that we can help the rest of the state get out of it's budget problem by being able to get to work.

REMEMBER: Only YOU can save us from becoming an idiocracy.

Nate Webster Throws His Hat into the Ring for Montco Commissioner

A complete unknown has entered the 2011 race for County Commissioner of Montgomery County, and his name is Nate Webster.

"People are sick and tired of all the bickering," Webster said. "Governing is about what we can do for the people, not what government can do for politicians."

"I doubt the party establishment will get behind me, partly because of my age. But I'm not going to be pushed out by party insiders," he said. "If I get pushed out, it will be the voters of Montgomery County who reject me.

"I'm in this until the bitter end," he added.

His biggest challenge will not be the establishment of the Democratic Party, but the cynicism of many due to one simple thing: His age.

Nate Webster is 18-years-old.

To that end, it is worth noting that Nate actually was a campaign manager last year. He also states he has no plans on being a career politician, saying that this is what he wants. " I'm not running for commissioner so that some day I can be governor or attorney general."

His platform is admirable: More transparency to county government, namely when it comes to bidding on contracts, and publishing the workings of the government online.

--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--

I've been down this road myself, and Nate, I want to give you a few bits of advice:

First, most of the stuff you're going to have to deal with at first will have to deal with your age. Everyone anyone makes that THE issue, turn it around on them. Make sure that they know that you're in this to win, not as a prank, a stunt, or anything else. The fact that you're not embedded in the current political process is actually an access.

Congrats on getting started so early, and smart move! This gives you enough time to start building up a base, get your name out there, and build some decent momentum before the actual primary races start to heat up. You're up against someone like Joe Hoffel, and this makes the trail all the more harder.

Some people won't take you seriously, and more people than you may imagine will try to take you down simply because you're not 50 yeas old. More importantly, there are a lot of people who will look up to you for the same exact reason. On a personal level keep them close; a professional level listen to the critics, and realize that some of them are stubborn as a mule.

You've already ran a campaign, and I'm sure you don't need me to go on and on about this, that, and the other. So let me leave you with this:

"NEVER let the bastards get you down."

Good luck, and here's to you!

Article referenced, and photo courtesy of, The Phoenix

In Defense of Pitbulls

I have never for the life of me understood why people seem to hate Pit Bulls.

Growing up, I didn't like dogs at all. I lived next door to a guy who had one for protection that was incredibly mean. All the other dogs on the block seemed to have this thing about wanting to get close to me for a bite, and basically I didn't have anything close to a good experience with one. Up until 4 years ago, I had to deal with one on my block that was never on a leash when it was outside and would chase me. Not fun.

Since then, I've warmed up to dogs. I've always been allergic, so that hasn't helped the situation much. Working downtown and with a lot of people who own and downright love them... well, it's forced me to open up more. I can't do much, though, and I'm still nervous around them.

So when I hear people decry the American Pit Bull Terrier, or the Pit Bull... I'm left scratching my head.

The main argument I've heard are that they're "more aggressive". In my experience, and even statistically... it's basically baloney. Just like most dogs, they're loyal to their masters and family, and friendly to strangers. It's more of a reputation than anything else.

The problem, though, is that a lot of people who get Pit Bulls tend to get them for the wrong reason. Look at Micheal Vick, for example. He used them in dog fighting, making them more aggressive needlessly and forcing them to fight. Sadly, a lot of people do the same thing. You also have people buying them just because they want to look like they have a "tough dog", so they actually try to make them mean as well.

Then you have the people who get them because they simply love dogs.

A co-worker of mine rescued a pit bull from the street out of the rain that wasn't doing too good. A few days later, he found out why the dog was acting so sick; she was pregnant. He now has a bunch of cute little puppies to give away, and he's making sure they go to good homes. The dog is a sweetheart.

Pit Bulls, by and large, are no more aggressive than most other breeds of animals. In fact, there was one that lived down the block from me. Remember how I said most of the dogs on my block tended to have a need to get a little too close to me? This one didn't. She was very nice, sat at her house whenever tied up, and when she was walked, was very nice towards me and respectful. It was a mix of both a boxer and a pit bull. In my life, the dogs that have been aggressive have been the ones that seem like they should be nice... but aren't.

Philadelphia City Council has been trying to ban Pit Pulls for years, and it is simply impossible. The law forbids banning specific breeds of dogs, and for that, I am actually thankful. In fact, a ban would simply make it worse in this city! Can you imagine them being banned? You already have jerks owning them, and they're in the minority. What happens when they're the majority?!

Pit Bulls are, by and large, kind, caring animals, nor worse or more violent than most of the dogs out there. Just treat them with the same love and respect you would any dog and you'll be fine.

Photo Courtesy of Manly's Republic

Video of the Day: Nuclear Assault "Critical Mass"

Written in 1989, Nuclear Assault's "Critical Mass", as well as this music video, seems incredibly app for today's world. The oil spill going on now is a mess, and in fact, it is fair to call this Obama's Katrina. Why? Because of not only the location and magnitude... but the response to it has actually been worse than that.

Today, a natural gas line in Texas exploded today, killing 3 people with 10 people currently missing. Such as a shame.

Brave New World Comic Book Discussion: Superman "Red Son"

In what has to be my favorite Superman story of all time, Red Son asks a simple question: What if Kal-El landed in Communist Russia instead of Kansas?

The result is one of the most interesting comics of all time, skewing both modern politics and bits and pieces of the DC Universe, taking all the characters you know and love and putting them in a universe that is slightly askew-ed!

The Comic Book Discussion Group at Brave New Worlds is a really fun affair, and it gives you a chance to check out comics you may have either never heard of or would never have thought of reading before. For example, I got to read "I Kill Giants", which quickly became of my favorite books of all time.

The group is really nice and welcoming, and anyone and everyone is welcomed and greeted with open arms. The discussions tend to stay focused on the book itself, and allow for even smaller discussions about related topics. I wouldn't be shocked if we wind up discussing the political power structure between the United States and Russia for the better part of the late 80's... or how Superman could never have a kid with Lois Lane because of the... ahem... parts.

The meeting is June 14th at 7PM in the Brave New Worlds lobby. Feel free to get a copy at the store!

Brave New Worlds
45 N. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA
Hours – Sunday 11-6, Monday-Saturday 11-8
215-925-6525

The Philadelphia Art Scene: Getting Better!

It was roughly a year ago when I last wrote about the Philadelphia Art Scene, and how I ranted that the local blogs only seem to support... well... boring stuff. I recanted, somewhat, saying that good art was out there in the city but it just wasn't getting the attention it deserved.

To a large degree, I still think that's true (especially on the blog end), but I've seen a TREMENDOUS jump in the quality of work being put out in the city.

Tonight on First Friday, I went to the Salt Gallery for the first time. I decided not to display my work because, to be honest, it was just too hot. The gallery celebrates contemporary and up-and-coming artists, and in general has a nice blend of everything, including pop art. Located at 212 Race Street, it is worth taking a look!

But the biggest shocker for me wasn't in the gallery, but on the street. While walking past Christ Church, a few paintings grabbed my eye, one of which I could swear I had seen before.

John McGinn was born in Kingston, NY, and moved here in 1985 with his family. The son of a master painter, John at age 31 paints like an old master and is, without a doubt, the best painter I've ever seen on the streets on First Friday. It was very inspiring, very stunning, and the photos don't do his work justice. If you get the chance, or simply the privilege, you must see one of his painting in person! I asked him about galleries and his answered simply mirrored mine whenever I was asked; "I've actually never bothered to try."

Over at Digital Ferret, the artist Jeremy Hush had an opening on Fourth Friday, and the show will be running through the month. Creating surreal and creepy landscapes. He has absolutely stunning work in the tradtion of other artist such as Edgar Allen Poe... well, if he drew, at least.

The scene is getting better, and I can actually smile now. :)

IMAGE: "Lingerie" © Gouache on Panel 2ft x 4ft by John McGinn

FEAR FACTORY - June 6th - Meet and Greet and Concert!!!

Fear Factory. The name alone commands a respect very few metal bands have. Having been one of the biggest driving forces of heavy metal during the 90's, and still keeping the flame strong during the better part of the last 10 years, the band went on "hiatus" in 2006.

This year, they came back in a BIG way.

Enlisting the help of Strapping Young Lad's rhythm section, the newly-reformed Fear Factory will be playing The Trocadero on June 6th with the help of Prong. This comes with the release of their new album "Mechanize".

Not only that, but FEAR FACTORY IS DOING A MEET-AND-GREET AT RELAPSE RECORDS AT 5PM AT DIGITAL FERRET!!!!

Yes, kiddies, you read that right; Fear Factory will be at Digital Ferret Records signing the new album, old ones, and anything else you can bring, even boobs! I plan on being there, snagging some photos, hanging out, and maybe even getting a slice of pizza (Guys, trust me, more people will come if you offer FREE PIZZA!!!).

So, there you go. Get your shit together and make sure you come out to this!!!!

FEAR FACTORY - Meet-and-Greet - 5PM:
Digital Ferret - 32 South 4th Street - Philadelphia, PA‎

FEAR FACTORY, Prong, Silent Civilian, and Thy Will Be Done - 6PM:
The Trocadero - 1003 Arch Street - Philadelphia, PA 19107

EDIT: Yeah, the poster says 7PM. That's because I'm stupid and made a mistake. DOORS AT 6PM, and show starts at 6:30PM. On the plus side, it may be for the better if you get there at 7PM...

For the Record, Chase Bank STILL Sucks Ass

A few months ago, I ranted about how stupid, inept, and annoying Chase Bank's Credit Card Debt department was. About 2 months ago, I wound up caving in and paying off the entire debt.

Then came the bill.

Chase has a loophole in how this works. You can pay off everything, every last cent you owe, and they can STILL send you a bill based on the interest of what was left before you made the payment! So after paying over $760, I got a bill for $7.

So Chase Bank... go fuck yourselves.