Philadelphia Metblogs » phi_robin

Philly’s Quirk Books and Zombies take Internet by Storm

phi_robin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:34:35 +0000

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Braaaaaaains!

Are you a zombie fan? Are you a Jane Austen fan? If you can answer “yes” to either of these questions, there’s a treat in store for you! Philly publisher Quirk Books has a new take on a classic read, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Yes, you heard me correctly. Author Seth Grahame-Smith (see also Big Book of Porn, Pardon My President, and How to Survive a Horror Movie) has injected zombie mayhem into the original work, a totally legal maneuver allowed by public domain law.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a blurb hit the internet a few weeks ago, and spread like wildfire through Austen blogs and zombie blogs to places like Entertainment Weekly’s Pop Watch and the London Sunday Times. Rumors of movie deals abound. Ah, the power of the internet. Isn’t it perfect for film?

Quirk featured the title last week at NYC’s Comic Con, besieged equally by Austen and zombie fans, and quickly ran out of promotional postcards. All this, and the book is not even available yet. The publication date of April 1 approaches, as do those brain-thirsty zombies. Some say Jane Austen would be rolling in her grave, while others say she would approve of the parody, and is just trying to get out! (Perhaps she would like to read it!)

Philadelphia Discounts Every Week!

phi_robin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:04:50 +0000

No, I’m not being paid for it, but I’m trying to clue you in on some great deals! A while back, a close friend sent me a list of shows she might like to see, all at discount prices. It turns out that these are accessible to anyone. I always thought the PhillyFunGuide was meant for visitors, but no! It’s for you and me, too, Philly residents! To sign up, go here, and just fill out your info. Every week, you’ll get an email, showcasing a number of events and the low, low prices you are privileged to. Among the choices of categories: classes and workshops, film, free, dance, gay & lesbian, kids, lectures & literature, multicultural, museums & galleries, music, outdoors, sites & attractions, special events, sports, theater, and visual arts. Check it out!

Punk Rock Flea Market to resume in new space

phi_robin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:01:07 +0000

For those of you disappointed by the postponed Punk Rock Flea Market, where many meant to shop for local crafts and gifts, I have news. The flea market will be held on February 1, at the Electric Factory. It will be over in time for the kickoff of the Super Bowl, so don’t worry, you artsy-yet-sportsy people!

Details on the whole fiasco are here.
Details on the market:
Sunday February 1st 2009 10:00am to 4:30pm
At The Electric Factory (7th and Willow Sts – Center City – Philly)
All Ages / 21+ To Drink / $3 Entry Donation /

I don’t know – maybe you can find some cool Valentine’s gifts there! Or just a little something for yourself to enjoy during the winter cold!

Recycle your trees!

phi_robin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:02:52 +0000

My source tells me that you can get rid of your Christmas trees in two ways. I don’t want to see any more of yours laying on the sidewalks for the garbage men!:

A) 2009 Christmas Tree Collection Program will run until Sat., January 17. Citizens who wish to drop off their tree for recycling may take it to the Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers located at 3033 South 63rd Street, Domino Lane and Umbria Street, and State Road and Ashburner Street during this week only. The sites are open from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Saturday.

The program is designed to provide citizens with an environmentally safe alternative for disposal of used trees. Commercial entities are not permitted to use Sanitation Convenience Centers to dispose of their trees. Christmas trees brought to the site should be in the following condition: Free of all decorations and ornaments, Untied, Free of plastic bags or wrappings. Christmas trees set out for collection will be picked up as rubbish. Citizens should set trees out on their regular rubbish collection day at their authorized collection site. Citizens who require additional information regarding the Christmas Tree Recycling Program may contact the Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.

B) Christmas Tree Removal: For a limited time, the Pedal Cooperative is offering Christmas Tree removal. The tress will be used for wood chips and they will also be composted. Cost for pickup is $1 a foot. The Pedal Cooperative
pedalcoop@gmail.com
(484) 222-1231

Punk Rock Flea Market postponed! (Shopping weekend!)

phi_robin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:02:20 +0000

This just in – a little late, but at least I didn’t walk there, as I was planning – the Punk Rock Flea Market (below) is postponed due to some permit issues with the building and city. Check the R5 website for details.

1. Not so sure if it’s always this close to the holidays, but the Punk Rock Flea Market is on Saturday, from 10-5. $3 donation. The Starlight Ballroom: 460 N. 9th St.

Records, crafts, clothes, toys, furniture, food, etc!

2. 2nd Street Shopping Spree: Shop at 3 stores and receive subsequent discounts at each. The stores are: Art Star (623 N. 2nd), Conspiracy Showroom (910 N. 2nd), and Arcadia (819 N. 2nd). When you shop at the first, you get a 10% discount and coupon for 15% off the 2nd store, then at the 2nd store, you get a coupon for 20% off at the third.

New bike racks!!

phi_robin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:16:46 +0000

Have you noticed all the bike racks popping up along city sidewalks? I can hardly believe my eyes. I was wondering if the long-rumored bicycle/pedestrian coordinator was ever hired in the city, and it seems she has been. I’m probably way behind on that news. A quick look at the Streets department website shows me that indeed, there exists a Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Task Force. Hooray! Now I can easily find a parking space. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Philadelphia. Much better than seeking out a signpost which is already loaded with bikes.

Local’s the word lately – more craft fairs!

phi_robin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:16:55 +0000

Yeah, didn’t you notice how much the words “buy local” are being used these days? Of course! It makes sense: support your community, and your community will prosper. Buy local, eat local, grow local, do local. And this means staying away from huge international chains. Yes, there’s a lot to be said for them, but try, try, try to stay away and support your local farmers, craftsmen, shops, etc.

In that spirit, here are two more craft fairs I know of this coming weekend. I’m sure there are more! Add on, if you like:

Shop, Rock & Roll: Girls Rock Philly and Mew Gallery present their combo craft sale at the Old Pine Community Center (401 Lombard) on Saturday, December 13, 2-6 p.m. Bands included. Sliding donation of $5-10.

The New Studio Holiday Bazaar: The New Studio (1241 Carpenter St., 3rd floor) has a fair selling gifts & goodies for mind, body, & spirit. Snacks. Friday, December 12, 7-10 p.m. and Saturday, December 13, 1-5 p.m.

Enjoy!

West Philly – 1 Weekend, 2 Craft Shows

phi_robin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:34:09 +0000

This year, buy your holiday hand-crafted gifts fresh and local! Enjoy light refreshments and music while you shop, relax, and catch up with friends and neighbors. Don’t miss out! Celebrate the season with the West Philly Neighborhood Craft Festivals. We feature local artists and fine crafts for every budget at:

1. The University City Arts League Craft Show and Sale Party & Opening, Dec. 6, 5-8 pm.
Sale runs through Dec.19!
Hours: Monday-Friday 4-9pm; Saturday & Sunday noon-6pm.
4226 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ph: (215) 382-7811
www.ucartsleague.org

2. Made in Philly Craft Fair @ Studio 34, featuring over 40 local craft folk and artisans.
Sponsored by Studio 34 & Vix Emporium.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1-7 pm
4522 Baltimore Avenue
215-387-3434
www.studio34yoga.com

Support Philly Boys, and the Cradles to Crayons Foundation, in the Santa Speedo Run

phi_robin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:21:27 +0000

Since the year 2000, the Philly Boys, a group of balls-out guys with hearts, have headed to Boston for the Santa Speedo Run, a charitable and hilarious 1.25-mile jog through freezing Boston. Every year, they raise money for a different charity, and this year it is the Cradles to Crayons Foundation, an organization that collects winter essentials for disadvantaged tykes. They really need some support, as a speedo isn’t enough! (I know, that was terrible.)

Our Philadelphia “boys” run on December 13. Please consider giving to this wonderful cause today by clicking on the “Philly Boys” link, above. Thanks!

5 days until: The Philadelphia Marathon

phi_robin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:42:10 +0000

It’s that time of year again! The Philadelphia Marathon is scheduled for this coming Sunday, November 23 at 07:00, beginning at 22nd and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Check out one of these “cheer zones,” too!:

* 16th & Arch (Mile 1) Starbucks
* 4th & South (Mile 4.5) Starbucks
* 10th & Chestnut (Mile 5.5) Starbucks
* Memorial Hall (Mile 9.5)
* Philadelphia Museum of Art (Mile 13.5 & Finish)
* Kelly Drive & Fountain Green Drive (Mile 15 & Mile 23)
* Main Street & Levering (Mile 20) Starbucks

The race is full (18,000 runners!), as is the half-marathon (same start time, same place, and the Rothman 8k (starting at 07:15, same place).

Come out and cheer on the runners who have worked so hard to prepare for this race! (Find the course here.)