• Just went and checked out a great venue on the Quizzo Bowl front. In fact, I think I can even throw out the term “cautiously optimistic” that we will have a deal lined up soon.
• This could only happen on the Love Connection.

(Updated! Now Working!)

• Ginger and I have decided that our 2008 resolution is to be classy. In an effort to prove it, we had a drink at both Rae and XIX on friday. Very classy, even though when I told the waitress that “I’d have whatever the happy hour special is” probably wasn’t real classy. But hey, it’s early. I’m still learning.
• Happy birthday Benedict Arnold!
• The Patriots are favored by 14 points over the Chargers. Do you think the Patriots will cover?

Philebrity seems to think so. The controversy stems from the fact that (as noted in an excellent City Paper cover story) Space 1026, a hip artsy commune, decided to put together a Mummers troupe this year. Excellent, fun idea, right? Most people thought so. But local hipster king Joey Sweeney was a little disappointed that hip youngsters were joining in what he sees as a racist, homophobic black eye on the city. Then after a number of people stood up for the 1026 kids and the Parade in general, he went back out and really decided to rail against the Mummers Parade. This is where it gets fun: Lord forgive us, but it’s always been plain as day to us that the culture of Mummery is just another one of those places where Philly’s ugly ghosts hang out. After all, a parade that began in blackface can only ever get so far from its roots. (Don’t believe that people haven’t forgotten this? Go ask some black people what they think of the Mummers Parade — a black troupe has not marched since 1929.

For JGT’s take on the matter, click below (Warning. This is the part where Johnny gets self righteous.)

Continue reading “Is the Mummers Parade Racist?” →