As of March 10, 2020, Philly is watching cases of COVID-19 confirmed closer and closer to home. Meanwhile, racism against Asian people rises here and abroad. Alaina Johns washed her hands before writing.

The arts calendar used to confine its self-producing frenzy to the Fringe—but now independent artists, and their questionable PR practices, are a year-round event. Alaina Johns has tips to make everyone’s lives easier.

“I would love to pick your brain!” Yes, I’ve heard it before, many times, and you probably have, too. But what happens when we talk about the price, and why is this especially tough ground for creative professionals? Alaina Johns considers.

For the first time in 15 years, Kyle V. Hiller shared some of his own spoken word—and as we observe MLK Day 2020, the timing couldn’t be better to think about the words we choose, write, and speak.

The weather is dreary, the parties are done, and your social-media feeds are full of people fixated on dieting for the new year. How will you get through? Alaina Johns shares her tips.

Is the BSR team going to take their chance in 2020 to stop being so easily offended? Finally, an answer.

A venerable alt-weekly announces a new direction in painfully offensive terms. Philadelphia deserves better. Alaina Johns considers.

Representation is changing, and especially after recent elections, Philly is alive with new possibilities. With 2020 looming, what are our responsibilities? Kyle V. Hiller considers.

Ah yes! Darkness, freezing weather; the long, dreary tunnel of winter looming after the holidays—and the cold I just caught. Alaina Johns whines.

Do you remember a time in your life when the decisions really started? Do they come quickly? How do you handle it when it’s time to make a choice? Alaina Johns considers.