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!

Don’t mention the war…I think I did it once..but I got away with it..”

Yeah, “The Germans” is my favorite episode of “Fawlty Towers“. Which reminds me – My awesome new friend and I checked out the 1st ever Christmas Village at City Hall on Tuesday. Now I’m REALLY angry that my new computer isn’t here yet – because I took some rockin’ photos of some hilarious stuff I found.

I’ll tell ya about it, any way.

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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.)

I’m betting a few of you are rock ‘n roll fans. Here’s a FREE event for you:

Henry Owings-author of The Rock Bible and publisher of Chunklet magazine-will be in Philly doing an in-store event at AKA Music in Old City (27 N. 2nd St.) on Sunday, November 9 at 3 p.m.

Henry will be discussing how The Rock Bible was conceived and created, and of course, the dos and don’ts of rock ‘n’ roll. He’ll then open up the floor to a Q&A followed by a signing.

Keep reading for more info. on the book!

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Amy Sedaris will be appearing at Foster’s Homeware (399 Market St.) TODAY. She’ll be cooking with Michael O’Halloran, of Bistro 7, at 5pm. At 6pm, there’s a Q&A with Amy, and at 6:30, there’s a signing of her book, I Like You, newly available in paperback. If I could get in the door, I would. Tickets were sold out as of last week, but there is free limited standing room available. Get in line, now!

Having been away for a while, I’m going to post some random things I’ve been doing/finding out about/hoping to do. I’ve found some more free movies, at the World Cafe Live. Maybe this will take me to the West. I never get over there!

I ran the Midnight Madness run for Back on My Feet, two weekends ago, already. The three races of the day were a huge success, raising $90,000.

I’m excited to see that local guy G. Love will be performing at the Festival Pier on August 16. I’m going!

Speaking of the Delaware riverfront, Philly Skyline has dubbed this season as “Summer of the Delaware.” Check out his fancy articles and terrific information. I’m psyched about the bike trail!

End of the summer will bring a visit from my sister. We’ll be lolling about in the city. What to do? What to do? Eastern State, Fairmount Park (does anyone know of any tours over there?), Kelly Drive, historic things, ice cream, Italian Market. Any suggestions?

It seems my economic stimulus payment has come and gone pretty easily. So, I’m looking for inexpensive (i.e. FREE) things to do lately. My good friend has sent me a list of things she’s come up with. Thanks, L!

We are deep into the free outdoor movie season. Here are some links to places you can see them!:

City Hall

Headhouse Square
(This one has dance lessons, too!)

Penn’s Landing

Schuylkill Banks

Northern Liberties

Jefferson Square Park

Music:

Free concerts, too!

Rittenhouse Square

Mummers Museum

Other parks in the city have various film/concert activities, as well!

If you have more to add, please do so! I know there’s gotta be more music events.

It’s too hot to think. I’m wearing a shirt that’s extremely light and fine; I don’t care if anything peeks through.

This past weekend I spent my Sunday at Target, having an iced coffee at the cafe while reading a book, trying on new summer shorts and dresses, walking around the aisles checking out everything I could… anything to stay inside that sweet, sweet air-conditioned sweetness.

What are some of your free or low-cost ways to stay cool and healthy while still getting out of the house? The main branch of the Free Library at 19th and Vine has always been a summer favorite of mine—I could spend all day roaming the stacks—but alas, I am working full time now.

At least my office building is also air-conditioned.

I’m going to this fun, free IgnitePhilly thing at Johnny Brenda’s on Wednesday. It seems kinda cool and interesting, and, well, I’ll be avoiding the gym in favor of a cold one at the bar. Ignite is holding these events around the world.

The pitch: If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 slides and they rotated automatically after 15 seconds? Around the world geeks have been putting together Ignite nights to show their answers. Ignite is a series of speakers talking about inspiring projects for 5 minutes. The presentations can be serious, funny, or somewhere in between. We just hope that it would help ignite something in someone.

Check the site for more details. Speakers start at 7!

This MUST be one of the top weekends for planning outdoor events in Philadelphia. I mean, there are tons of things I want to attend, and I hope I can get to half of them.

Friday is National Bike to Work Day. Dust it off! Nutter gives out free coffee and bagels: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., while supplies last.

Saturday, I’m getting up early, because of the day’s lineup. First off, there’s a flea market at Gloria Dei Church (Old Swede’s, at Columbus & Christian), from 8-3. Behind the brick walls lies one of the area’s oldest churches and cemeteries. You can get a tour of the church, hear the Mummer’s Choir at noon, indulge in some chili, hot dogs, and, of course, soft pretzels. “The Best Fleas at the Oldest Church”

Another Flea Market: 10th & South, 9-5.

Next up – The Italian Market Festival. You should know where this is: south 9th Street. (Saturday & Sunday, 10-5). I went last year, and was surprised at the diverse performances of dancers, singers, etc. There are all types of arts & crafts, foods, and wares in general being sold on the street. Tasty!

I wish I could be 3 places at once. (more…)