On June 25, 2010, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) placed a ticket on the windshield of my car.  It was not the first ticket the PPA has issued to me, and it probably won’t be the last.  But what makes this ticket different is the fact that it was completely erroneous and unwarranted.

The incident occurred on the small one-way street between Sansom and Walnut off of 34^th Street.  The area is popular because of New Deck Tavern, White Dog Café, and Mad Mex (where I work as a bouncer).  I parked on the corner next to the tall red post and bushes, or about two car lengths in front of the BMW pictured above.  The only sign is positioned above a garage door, which I circled in yellow.  I took a picture of the sign as well.

Based on the location of the sign, I assumed that parking in front of the garage door is prohibited.  Clearly, the owner of the BMW pictured above interpreted the sign the same way I did.  The fact is, on any given day of the week, there are three or four cars parked along this street, but never in front of the garage door.  And I have never seen a car get ticketed, much less towed as the sign indicates, for parking here.

More importantly, the PPA employee who issued the ticket I received wrote along the bottom, “Permit parking only- sign posted, no permit displayed.”   Wait just a second! First of all, I assumed only parking in front of the garage door was a violation.  Secondly, according to the misplaced sign, the penalty for parking there is being towed.  The sign says nothing about receiving a $51.00 fine for parking without a permit.

In order for this fine to be enforced, three things must happen.  The sign should be positioned so drivers are not tricked into thinking that only blocking the garage door is a violation.  The sign should also be changed to say “No parking from here to corner.” And the sign must also indicate that in order to park in this location a permit is required.

I have a court date in October to contest the ticket.  In the mean time, I no longer park along this street.  If a Mad Mex customer parks there, I warn them to move their car.  They never do, and none of them have ever gotten a ticket.  This infuriates me even more.

Criminal behavior is a prevalent societal problem, and nearly 40% of it involves youth. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s biennial report, in 2008 there were roughly 2.11 million youth arrests made (persons under the age of 18), and of those arrests, approximately 96 thousand were considered violent crimes (murder, rape, and robbery). Juvenile justice facilities are designed to house these youth offenders, and commonly exist in the forms of residential treatment centers, group homes, and detention centers. Although each facility may be set up differently in terms of program structure and level of security, all facilities share a common goal: to reduce the likelihood of youth reoffending. I feel that many juvenile justice facilities are far from reaching this goal, and I know that is an unfortunate truth, but from personal experience with working inside a facility, I simply don’t believe that juvenile correctional facilities operate as effectively as they could.

I have worked within a juvenile detention center for girls for the past six months, and even in that short time, I have a gained a fairly good insight into its operation. This highly secured facility operates much like a school, only more strictly. Girls will have classroom time, activity time, and cell time. And typically, some sort of weekly anger treatment or therapy exists for the delinquents.

School is broken down into “comprehension” levels as opposed to grade levels. In terms of what the actual levels are and how placement into those levels works, I’m not certain. However, from interviewing several of the girls within the facility, I’ve learned that there are “easy” sections and “hard” sections, and typically once a girl is placed in a section, she remains with that section throughout her sentence. The classroom technology is limited, mainly because of the lack of facility funding and the girls’ restricted privileges. Classroom space is cramped and uncomfortable. Textbooks are outdated and minimal – they don’t always match up with a particular girl’s education level and there aren’t enough for all of the girls. All of these conditions, along with the girls’ dissatisfaction with the way school is run, could possibly hinder this juvenile justice facility’s attempt at providing successful educational services, since it is viewed in such a negative way by most of the girls.

Activity time consists of supervised periods throughout the day that could best be compared to electives. Girls have the opportunity to exercise in a gym, knit and sew, cook, play basketball, or even watch television up on the floor containing the cells. The girls that I have interviewed have all shown interest in these activities. Some sort of enrichment is necessary to alleviate the possible depression that being locked up and restricted may bring. Few girls have complained about the way the activities are designed.

Cell time doesn’t need much explanation; it takes up the most time in the girls’ daily routines. Other than the standard cell time, if a girl severely misbehaves towards another girl or officer, she will be placed on lockdown – a stricter version of cell time where activities are greatly limited and sometimes even removed completely, and education materials and meals are experienced within the confinement of the cell.

The juvenile justice facility that I am familiar with, as well as most juvenile justice facilities, offer anger management treatment programs and counseling. Attendance of inmates in these programs is often required, however, I have been finding out with each new girl I meet that the programs really aren’t run as well as they could be. It is unfortunate that not enough emphasis is being placed on those programs because theoretically, if they were reinforced and if they operated more effectively, recidivism could potentially be reduced.

It is difficult to side with girls who have committed severe and inexcusable crimes. Instinctively, punishment seems like a fair or suitable fate for these girls. However, punishment for such a high-risk population isn’t the best option and therefore I can understand why juvenile centers are (theoretically) designed the way they are; to correct poor behavior rather than punish it However, perhaps if more focus could be placed on enhancing the way the educational system operates within facilities, as well as increasing the amount of unique enrichment programs and other recreational activities offered for the juveniles then something may actually be gained from the juvenile justice system and the goal of correcting such poor behavior could be achieved.

Heather Schwartz is a junior psychology major at Drexel University.

It’s almost impossible nowadays to go on an actual vacation without toting along at least some form of modern technology, like a laptop or Blackberry. However, I was determined to spend my vacation in Kerala, India over the past winter break technology-free and I am proud to say that I succeeded. Instead of relying on any form of modern digital technology, I spent my vacation in India not quite remembering how to drive a stick-shift, building a nativity scene out of mud and twigs, visiting a Hindu temple, riding an elephant, and fishing.

On the second day of my stay in India, I decided to give driving a shot. In India the driver is situated on the right side of the car — normally the passenger side in the United States. And there are apparently no driving rules where I was in India, which means that there are no lanes or stoplights and no driving etiquette that I could discover. Driving over there is further complicated by the lack of automatic gears in cars, at least in the one I was driving. My attempt at driving a car with a manual transmission was unsuccessful, even though I was taught how to drive a stick-shift long ago when I first learned to drive.

Failing at driving did not interfere with my trip. One day, I was able to visit a nearby orphanage, St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, a picturesque estate-like home surrounded by inviting greenery. Although I’d expected the children to be somewhat sullen and Slumdog Millionaire-like, the children were probably the happiest and healthiest kids that I’d ever met. I spent almost an entire day there and since I’m not particularly adept at swinging on the swing or sliding on the slide, we instead built a nativity scene outside the home. Since there are no AC Moore or Michael’s craft stores there, everything was hand-crafted out of ‘earthly materials,’ including the actual figurines.

My non-technological adventures continued. The same day that I gained admittance into a Hindu temple, I was permitted to ride an elephant. Normally, non-Hindus are forbidden from entering a Hindu temple, though there are certain temples that are tourist attractions and are easily accessible. I was awed by the temple’s vibrant colors and historical architecture. After I watched an elephant procession on the way home from the temple and voiced my desire to ride an elephant, my uncle arranged it. It was truly an unforgettable experience, though I doubt that I will ever want to ride a 10-foot elephant again.

Even less exotic animal encounters were a new experience for me. Fishing in India was entirely different from the fishing that I am used to. While I normally fish with reels, rods, and worm bait, such equipment is not readily available there. I was forced to rely on hand-crafted fishing spears and dried dough for bait. It was especially difficult to ‘reel’ in a fish; when I caught my first fish, I had to manually pull the fishing line from the water and rest it on the ground without losing my balance. I ended up catching more fish with dried dough than I would have with earthworms and a modern rod and reel.

My trip to India over winter break was probably the first actual vacation that I have ever had from omnipresent digital technology. My experiences were far more exciting than checking for missed calls on my phone or new e-mails on my laptop.

Giby George is currently a sophomore at Drexel University, majoring in biological sciences with a pre-med concentration.

Hungry? Tired of the unexciting options that constitute on-campus cuisine in Philadelphia? If you’re looking for something less greasy (not to mention gas-inducing) than Taco Bell, check out some of these restaurants around the city. You might need to shell out a few extra bucks, but it’s worth it to escape that potent lunch truck odor-at least for an evening.

One of my favorite restaurants in Philly is La Crêperie Café, located on 17^th and Sansom Street. This adorable French bistro has a huge assortment of crepes to satisfy any craving or preference you have. There are traditional varieties (the gâteau de crêpe au jambon features ham, swiss cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and garlic), creative blends (the la gourmande includes turkey, eggs, crème fraiche, mushrooms, and herbs de Provence), and the really creative variety, like la Philadelpiene, which is the crepe’s answer to a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak.

La Crêperie Café is a low-key yet elegant dining option. Grab a few friends and enjoy the French pop music playing in the background, admire the cheery yellow walls, and pull up a rustic blue rocking chair. Pair your crepe with a glass of their delicious homemade iced tea. Oh, did I mention the dessert crepes? Picture strawberries, bananas, blueberries, nutella, ice cream, and whipped cream served in a delectable crepe, sprinkled with powdered sugar. Or maybe you’d like to pair your nutella with some peanut butter. And perhaps you’d like to substitute pear and add some roasted almonds. Anything you want, La Crêperie Café can make it happen – and they’ll make it happen oh so deliciously.

Perhaps it’s Mexican fare, not French, which really strikes your fancy. Lolita, a Mexican BYOB restaurant in Midtown Village, is a pricy option, but their braised boneless short rib with a smoked bacon-chayote-potato gratin and grilled asparagus is spicy, hearty, and delicious. Their margarita mixes are tasty, too, even if you drink them tequila-free.

If “Mexican” screams “BURRITOS” to you, not gourmet entrees, then I’ve got a real treat for you. Check out MexiCali, located on 40^th street, and satisfy your craving with delicious chicken, steak, pork, chorizo, and vegetarian options. And the prices aren’t bad-you can get a fantastic chicken burrito with rice, pinto beans, cheese and salsa for only $4.79, which, nowadays, is quite a bargain.

Continuing on with the theme of sandwich wrap options, you simply must stop by Pita Pit, located just a block away from La Crêperie Café. You can customize your own pita, creating a meal that’s as healthy as you’d like it to be. Or, you can pile on the hummus, load up on guacamole, or add extra bacon. It’s all up to you.

Are you a fan of Thai food? I sure am, and my favorite place to get my Thai on has to be Lemongrass, which is in University City on 37^th and Lancaster Ave. Stick with the classic pad Thai dishes if you’re unsure about this cuisine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend the Evil Jungle Princess. The name is fantastic, and it’s a wonderfully seasoned and spiced chicken and vegetable dish.

French, Mexican, Thai… are you wondering if there’s any good ol’ fashioned, classic, hearty American food to be had in Philadelphia? You can bet on it. New Deck Tavern, in between Drexel and Penn’s campuses on 34^th and Sansom, is a classic English pub, full of post-workday crews of rowdy businessmen in suits, college kids chugging whatever’s cheapest on tap, and clusters of twenty-somethings gossiping and drinking cocktails. If you really want to have a true English pub experience, order the fish and chips or their rich shepherd’s pie. To me, however, the true reason to go to New Deck is for the burgers and fries. Sometimes, a thick burger and a pile of steak cut fries is just what I’m hankering for.

I almost forget to mention my absolute favorite kind of food – sushi! You’re in luck, for as an amateur sushi connoisseur, I’m somewhat familiar with the Japanese offerings in the Philly area. First, there’s Ajia, located on 31^st and Walnut, which features an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet that, at $20 a person, is quite a bargain. Make sure you come hungry, though! Nara, on 40^th and Spruce, and Mizu Sushi Bar, on south 40^th Street, are two other delicious options. Mizu offers fast deliveries, reasonable prices, and adorable (and free) soy sauce containers that resemble metal, but are made of plastic. Other Japanese (or fusion) restaurants that offer sushi, including Pod, Fuji Mountain, Morimoto, and many others, are more high-priced but definitely worth an occasional treat.

If you’re on the lookout for great eats in Philadelphia, you won’t have to travel far to encounter numerous delicious finds, no matter which area of this fabulous city you call home.

Julia Perch is a junior at Drexel University studying English. She is currently the editorial co-op student for the Drexel Publishing Group and the managing editor of DPG Online. She can be reached at pg@drexel.edu.

If you’re looking to shop on the cheap, you’re in luck, for Philly is bursting with thrift shops, flea markets, and lots of inexpensive finds.

Clark Park, a city-owned park on 43^rd and Baltimore Ave., holds monthly flea markets during the sunny months of year, from April to October every Saturday until Thanksgiving, Clark Park holds farmer’s markets. This is a great place to get some fresh produce for low prices.

Philly AIDS Thrift, located at 5^th and Bainbridge (just south of South Street), is an amazing find. It’s a hole-in-the-wall spot, jam-packed with clothing, accessories, shoes, books, music, toys, dishes, home goods, and pretty much everything else. The prices are fantastic, the labels you might discover here are even better, and the cause is absolutely the most worthwhile reason to shop here. Currently, Philly AIDS Thrift has donated $145,000 to Philly-area AIDS organizations.

Right across the street is Philly AIDS Thrift’s own furniture annex. Perhaps you should rent a pick-up truck for this particular shopping excursion?

Continuing down Bainbridge Street, you’ll find the indistinct-looking Mostly Books, a used bookstore with an enormous inventory. According to their website, Mostly Books has over 100,000 books in their collection; they also have LPs, CDs, and old photographs, too. The store itself is kooky, woodsy, and in adorable disarray. There are wooden planks placed haphazardly, doors that lead to nowhere, brick ceilings, and random staircases. The ceiling is at least two stories high; the entire store is a sight to behold. Most books and records are under $5, and old photographs are 79 cents each. Does anything cost under a dollar these days? Apparently so, at Mostly Books.

Reverie, a vintage clothing store located on 205 W. Girard Ave., offers free personal shopping services. On the second Thursday of every month, Reverie hosts “On Girard,” a showcase evening displaying new items and a featured artist.

Buffalo Exchange (17^th and Chestnut) is a perennial can’t-miss. The store’s inventory consists of donations, trades, and anyone in the Philly area who has extra clothes to spare. The prices are great, and everything feels trendy and current; some thrift stores tend to have too many articles of clothing that feel dated in a bad way… i.e., neon nylon windbreakers from the 1980s. However, at Buffalo Exchange, you’re likely to find relatively new clothes from popular brands.

The Midtown Village area of the city (From Market to Spruce, and 15^th to 11^th) is full of amazing finds, including Robin’s Book Store, the oldest independent book store in Philadelphia, plus a huge variety of home goods, art galleries, and clothing shops. Doggie Style is chock full of accessories and goodies for your pup, and Open House is a modern home furnishings store. Take a walk through this neighborhood and you’re bound to find numerous delicious restaurants, cafes and other sweet treats, and Grocery, an adorable gourmet market.

These are just a few of the copious offerings in the Philadelphia shopping scene. Next time you need to run an errand or are grabbing a bite to eat, take a stroll around the neighborhood.  Who knows – you might just encounter Philadelphia’s latest and greatest unknown shopping find.

Julia Perch is a junior at Drexel University studying English. She is currently the editorial co-op student for the Drexel Publishing Group and the managing editor of DPG Online. She can be reached at pg@drexel.edu.

If you live in Philadelphia, you’re probably familiar with some of the popular areas within the city limits. South Street, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the shops along Chestnut and Walnut Streets are all definitely worth a few visits, but there’s much more excitement to be had throughout Philadelphia. This city is huge and worthy of some serious exploration – so show it some brotherly love!

The Art Scene

If you’re an art aficionado living in Philadelphia, you probably already know all about First Friday. If not, time to change the error of your ways. During the first Friday evening of every month, 40-plus art galleries throughout Old City open their doors, rain or shine, allowing art fans to circulate, sampling free cheese and wine and checking out the local art scene.

Currently, the Painted Bride Art Center is presenting The First Person Festival of Memoir & Documentary Art, which runs from Nov. 3 until Nov. 8. Authors Rita Mae Brown and A.J. Jacobs will be attending, and the festival culminates with the annual “Grand Slam,” a competition to find the best storyteller in Philly.

The Painted Bride Art Center also has two new exhibitions opening on Nov. 6, the first Friday of the month, which will run until Dec. 18.

Another gallery located in the Old City/Northern Liberties area is Art Star, which functions as part boutique, part art gallery. Described by Philadelphia magazine as “the city’s first cutting-edge craft shop,” Art Star features work by emerging artists and debuts new exhibitions every six weeks. Most recently, Art Star featured work by famous artist Kurt Halsey, who came to the exhibition’s premiere. Beginning Nov. 7 and running until the end of 2009, Art Star will showcase its annual holiday show, featuring handmade ornaments and cards on sale.

If museums, not galleries, strike your fancy, check out the Institute of Contemporary Art, located next to Urban Outfitters on S. 36th Street. Admission is free, and the museum’s “Whenever Wednesday” series offers fascinating programs, free refreshments, and an opportunity to talk to artists up-close and personal. On Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., the ICA will present cinematic classics Top Hat and Singin’ in the Rain, which will be preceded by a Fred Astaire versus Gene Kelly debate; Drexel English professor Paula Marantz Cohen will co-host the presentation.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will hold its 33rd annual craft show from Nov. 12 until the 15th, featuring work from 195 of the best craft artists throughout the country. For the first time in the craft show’s history, artists from Korea will be displaying their work. The event will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

The unseen art scene is clearly thriving in Philadelphia. If you love art, there’s something to savor nearly every day. But art is only the beginning. Look for my future coverage of more unseen Philly scenes, including food, movies, and music from around the city.

Julia Perch is a junior at Drexel University studying English. She is currently the editorial co-op student for the Drexel Publishing Group and the managing editor of DPG Online. She can be reached at pg@drexel.edu