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ISSUE . November 15th 2007

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Cover Story

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The Prodigy

Sheng Kai Dong was a budding math whiz. And then the accident happened...

by Doron Taussig

"Now," he said, "what would 8 percent of 250 be?"
There was a long silence. Eight percent of 250? How would one even begin to divine this mystery? Davidson looked down at his overhead projector, preparing to reveal his secret, but as he did, a single adolescent voice rose up from the crowd.
"Twenty," it said.
"I got the chills," Davidson recalls. It was a 12-year-old boy who, just two years prior, had been living in a small village in China. His name was Sheng Kai.

Opinion

Editor's Letter:

Gimme Some Truth

For CP's annual writing contest, it's imperative to honor that silent pact with your reader: I'm not making this up.

by Duane Swierczynski

I love reading fiction and nonfiction; it's my twin nerdly passion. At any given moment, I'm reading a novel and a nonfiction book — usually, a biography or a book about Philly history. What bugs me, though, is when some author tries to mix both.

Slant:

Riverside's Loss

The life of a city depends on its immigrants.

by Nathaniel Popkin

On a November morning in Riverside, N.J., there's a lone skateboarder on Pulaski Avenue. His wheels scratching macadam make the only human noise.

Loose Canon:

Of Matriarchs and Throwaway Kids

What was the Duchess of Dotage doing at StoryCorps?

by Bruce Schimmel

I didn't expect Suzanne Roberts — the generous matriarch of the Comcast clan and host of a national show on seniors — to be trundling up the steps of the little metal trailer parked on Independence Mall.

Feedback:

Letters to the Editor

What You Say

"How much to cancel if I don't like it?" The answer was more than $100! | John Davidson makes me wish I hadn't paid all my tickets! | I've been amazed and appalled at the sudden visibility of Ron Paul and his presidential candidacy.

Naked City

Spitting Image

There's a former Philadelphian inside Hiroshima's Phanatic doppelganger. But we can't tell you who.

by David Dritsas

The story starts to sound like something out of a Green Lantern comic book. According to Sly, each Slyly is responsible for finding the next, and it has become a tradition to fill the position with an American.

Icepack

Amorosi on the news, nightlife, gossip and bitchiness beats.

by A.D. Amorosi

Well, the consensus is in and the majority of y'all talking about that Aussie children's toy stuffed with 1,4-Butanediol — the chem that metabolizes into ol' anesthetic GHB — were of two minds. One: If this were the '90s, Aqua Dots parties would be on, and raging and raving with Wink and Level 13. Two: Have you seen 'em? Could I give you 20 bucks for one?

Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

I assume I inspired Benjamin Franklin's Numbers: An Unsung Mathematical Odyssey (Princeton University Press), which details Franklin's less-chronicled interest in mathematics, namely his fondness for so-called "magic squares," which I gather are kind of like Sudoku, but less pointless.

News

Heart of the Problem

As the city probes EMS efficiency, it faces questions about a death that should not have been.

by Mike Newall

"He died of a heart attack while waiting for a train." So reads Andrew Burke's makeshift memorial, which is posted on the front door of El Azteca II.

The Bell Curve

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

Villanova campus locks down after man fires shots in the air; student body alerted via text message. 911! My BFF Chaz is ROTF bleedn his AO. Even

City Space:

A Re-Renewal

Locals hope a pair of City Council bills will bring peace to Manayunk.

by Jason Tomassini

Stuart Shils came to Manayunk in the mid-'80s hoping for a quiet, affordable place to raise a family. "I used to go out there with a snow shovel and sweep up the crack vials," recalls Shils, 53. "There would be people sitting there with legal notepads and piles of $100 bills."

Philly Blunt:

In the Name of Justice

If you don't think cop killers deserve to die, there's something wrong with you.

by Brian Hickey

Listen, I'm all for a good debate. So here's what ticks me off: All anybody does to counter my stance — that anybody who kills a cop deserves to die — is call me a name, claim that I don't have a right to have an opinion, or condemn the whole capital-punishment system as racist and broken.

Political Notebook:

On the Records

Why a house vote about the transparency of government documents won't be happening. Plus, the latest on the Kelly/Oh race.

by Mary F. Patel

More than a week after voters went to the polls, the frantic tallying continues among the camps supporting Republican City Councilman at-large Jack Kelly and challenger David Oh, who were involved in a too-close-to-call race for the final seat.

Arts

Art:

Man at Work

Jeb Kreager of New Paradise gets physical in Mr. Marmalade.

by A.D. Amorosi

Jeb Kreager likes to work. Theater audiences know that from the daring physical effort he's put into every New Paradise Lab show.

Culture Shock:

Things That Matter To People Who Matter

Good Eats | Charles Bronson | The World Without Us | West River Drive

I love learning not only how to make onion soup, but why onions caramelize in the first place. | Of all the Bronson moves that Clint Eastwood ever copied, this was the most important. | I heard Alan Weisman interviewed on NPR, and I was fascinated by his speculation on what New York City would look like 500 years from now, if humans were to disappear tomorrow. | It brings you right to the Ben Franklin Parkway, where you can easily become a world flags buff!

Theater Review:

No Kidding

A lot of Mr. Marmalade is shocking and hilarious. But its concept wears thing.

by David Anthony Fox

"I've carved out some time," says he, beaming at the little woman like he's God's gift. "Thirty minutes?" she asks, pathetically hopeful. "Ten," he insists, never losing his unctuous smile.

Victor Spoils

There are many reasons to revive An Empty Plate in the Cafè du Grand Boeuf, but the Arden's new revival misses the most important one.

by Mark Cofta

The local playwright's hot right now, with the Off-Broadway success of last season's magnificent Opus, but his newest work (with composer Michael Ogborn) isn't ready, and this is the Arden's 20th year, so why not look back fondly with Hollinger's first full-length play?

Anti-Social Studies

by Mark Cofta

We're hardly surprised to find lunatics running the asylum, so it's easy to accept The Faculty Room as just another school satire — at first.

Dance:

Following Footsteps

The Martha Graham Dance Co. presented a retrospective montage that covered Martha's artistic career, from its beginnings right up to her late works

by Janet Anderson

Martha Graham had the rare ability to inspire her associates while defiantly doing things her way. Transformative people like her, and Balanchine to name another, leave behind disciples as well as techniques.

Opera:

The Green Issue

It is not entirely inappropriate that the musical score was the star of this beautiful sounding production.

by Peter Burwasser

A pair of happy young couples is introduced to the powers of jealousy, lust and infidelity by a cynical older couple. As with Shakespeare, the comedies of Mozart always have a dark side.

Arts Picks:

Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz

Opening reception, Cerealart Project Room Presents Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz, Fri., Nov. 16, Cerealart, 6-9 p.m., 149 N. Third St., 215-627-5060, cerealart.com, martin-munoz.com.

by Kelly White

It's snow globe season, and no matter what fancy phone you get as a holiday gift each year, you always remember shaking that useless, transparent trinket until the white glittery particles dance like snowflakes.

New Edge Mix

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 16-17, 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 18, 3 p.m., $10-$12, Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-1911.

by Deni Kasrel

"A lot of artists fall away before they even get to be what we call 'emerging,'" says Theresa Shockley, executive director of the Community Education Center, who notes that many aspiring creative souls "want to pursue their art, but then they see there's no money and nobody's really presenting artists in that stage of development.

Arts Agenda

Last Chance

Catch it or Regret It

by Holly Otterbein

Dom's Drive-In and Ice Cream | My Biology | Group Exhibition

Arts Agenda Picks:

On The DL

Book, Paper, Scissors: Artists' Book Fair

by Dana Henry

Sat., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-701-6172, philadelphiacenterforthebook.org

Just Do It

Identity: An Exhibition of You

by Tami Fertig

Runs Nov. 16-April 20, free with museum admission, Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., 215-448-1200, fi.edu

Galleries

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted with Reception 222 GALLERY , 222

Museums/Exhibits

Museums and exhibits have varying schedules; please callfor exact days, hours and prices. ABINGTON ART CENTER , 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, 215-887-4882. INSIDE/OUTSIDE: HABITAT, Features

Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER This performance art piece by Marcie

Readings/Book Signings

ALINA WHEELER The author reads from her new book, "Designing Brand Identity," an artist's guide to marketing her art, herself or a product through the

Movies

No Future in It

The world doesn't end soon enough in Richard Kelly's Southland Tales.

by Sam Adams

This is the way the world ends: not with a bang, or with a whimper, but with the whoosh of air out of a whoopee cushion.

Picture Perfect

Talking with Brian De Palma about Redacted

by Sam Adams

"I read about the incident, and I said to myself, 'This is Casualties of War all over again,'" De Palma recalls. The parallel to the incident behind De Palma's Vietnam drama pointed up differences as well as similarities between the two wars.

Truth of the Matter

Brian De Palma's Redacted shows war imagery because the media won't.

by Cindy Fuchs

"Welcome to the oven," narrates Pfc. Angel Salazar (Izzy Diaz), "aka Camp Carolina, our home away from home in this godforsaken country."

Ball Mitzvah

Jewish influence upon Basketball.

by Steve Cohen

There was a time, strange as it might seem, when short Jewish men dominated the world of basketball. "It's not just that Jewish players were instrumental in the evolution of basketball, but basketball was an important part of Jews' evolution as Americans," says Vyorst.

Repertory Film

Your weekly guide to local film events, festivals and under-the-radar screenings.

Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net.

Music

All of Life Is There

The West Philly Orchestra looks to Balkanize the city.

by Shaun Brady

With virtually every three-block subsection of the city sneering with hipster civic pride/superiority, residents have long borne witness to the Balkanization of Philly.

Sturm und Twang

Lewis & Clarke explore uncharted territory at the banks of the Delaware Water Gap.

by A.D. Amorosi

"There are no Roscoe Holcombes on porches," he explains with a laugh. "There are still casualties and characters lurking around in the trees up there, but they are for real, no romance."

Aid or Invade:

Norway

Rodney Anonymous vs. the World

by Rodney Anonymous

Artist: Combichrist
Album: What the F**k Is Wrong With You People?
Country of Origin: Norway

Music Picks:

The Bird and the Bee

Sat., Nov. 17, 9 p.m., $15, with Orphan Family and Charlie Wadhams, North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., northstarrocks.com.

by John Vettese

Like neo-dance diva Imogen Heap, Greg Kurstin and Inara George favor titillating electronic beats and dreamy vocals.

Buck 65

Sat., Nov. 17, 9 p.m., $10, with Bernard Dolan, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

by Drew Lazor

Blessed with one of the most incomparable voices in music, Buck 65 has been required reading for backpack nerdster types since the release of 1997's Vertex.

Philomel

Fri., Nov. 16, 8 p.m, Christ Church, Second and Market streets; Sun., Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 Martins Lane, $30-$40, 215-487-2344, philomel.org.

by Peter Burwasser

A standout cantata is "Ich habe genug" ("I have had enough"), which has become a signature piece for Julianne Baird, the world-renowned Baroque soprano and Philly-area resident. You are not likely to hear a more tonally resplendent and dramatically compelling rendition of this gorgeous music elsewhere.

Bush Tetras

Sat., Nov. 17, 10 p.m., with Certain General and Bunnydrums, Tritone, 1508 South St., 215-545-0475, tritonebar.com.

by A.D. Amorosi

With 1980's "Too Many Creeps," Bush Tetras invented the brand of scabby lo-fi punk-funk that DFA, LCD, NYPC and other initial-happy dance teams currently crave.

Food

Knock Off

The Gayborhood's popular new haunt doesn't seem concerned about its food.

by Trey Popp

If I were gay, single and only mildly interested in dinner, I'd probably be milling around the bar at Knock right now instead of writing this review right now.

Party Hearty

To get a good meal at Festivals, you'll need good timing.

by Elisa Ludwig

On one visit, we were presented with a multipage menu that tempted us with mentions of goat curry, pholourie, baked macaroni and cheese and jerk chicken. Then we were told that the kitchen had been wiped out by a large party the night before so our choices were limited to baked and barbecued chicken.

Killer Tap

Inside the world's first all-in-one beer machine.

by Chad Crisp

Popular Science magazine calls John B. Carnett, its veteran photographer of almost 20 years, a "DIY madman" due to his obsessive drive to customize. His 100-year-old home in Philly's Graduate Hospital neighborhood is a testament to his desire to build things by his own specifications.

Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING Academia del Caff

What's Cooking:

The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Debut of Tröegs Mad Elf 2007 | Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours | French Beer Dinner at Chick's | Native American Thanksgiving Dinner at White Dog Café | Beef & Beer Auction for Gryphons Rugby Club

Top 5:

Crème Brûlée

Burnt Sugar Fix

by Carolyn Wyman

1 Banana Crème Brülée, Tangerine | 2 Chocolate Caramel Crème Brülée, Brasserie Perrier | 3 Saffron Crème Brülée, Horizons | 4 Mango Crème Brülée, Susanna Foo | 5 Oatmeal Crème Brülée, Solefood Restaurant

Small Bites

Little Vittles

The James Beard Foundation's Celebrity Chef Tour: Jose Garces and Christopher Lee | Adopt-A-Turkey | "Thanksgiving" at Noshery | Keller's Butter Turkey Sculpture

You Ask We Answer

Culinary Mysteries Solved

Q: I love a good deal. Where can I get some non-steam-table all-you-can-eat in the city?

But Once a Year

We ask Philly's finest what they like on the side.

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Though the turkey is the de facto star of most holiday meals, the beverages and side dishes that accompany the Thanksgiving bird are the real keepers of family tradition.

Zin the Mood

All-American holidays call for all-American wines.

by Peter Burwasser

When the menu morphs due to diverse cultural inputs (lasagna at the Italian gathering; a nice brisket for a Jewish family; a zesty tom yum soup to start in the Thai household), there's only one happy solution — serve lots of different wine and hope for the best.

Agenda

Agenda Lead:

Black Comedy

Lewis gets to the root of it.

by A.D. Amorosi

"Once I became a mainstream comic," he says, "I knew we were all in the shitter."

Agenda Picks:

Just Do It

Le Affaire

by Monica Weymouth

Sat.-Sun., Nov. 17-18, 1-6 p.m., Letau Designs Studio, 621 Reed St., Suite 2R, 215-964-9237

On Th DL

Omniana

by Dana Henry

Fri., Nov. 16, 9 p.m., $5 (free for members and those in costume), Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, 215-887-4882, abingtonartcenter.org, omnianathegame.com

What We Heart

Elizabeth Santry Note Cards

by Eileen Talone

$6-$8, available at Mew Gallery, 906 Christian St., 215-625-2424, mewgallery.org

Just Do It

Climbing Mount Olives

by Ptah Gabrie

Sun., Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m., free (registration required), Rolling Hill Park, 1301 Rose Glen Road, Gladwyn, 610-645-9030

On The DL

Vinyasa Yoga Benefit

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Sun., Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m., $50 suggested donation, Dhyana Yoga Old City, 68 N. Second St., 215-496-0770

Just Do It

V.I.P. Fashion Show

by Luke Sirinides

Sun., Nov. 18, 6-10 p.m., $10-$20, North American Motor Inn, 4444 City Line Ave., 267-982-9273

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