The Press Releases I Get In My Inbox, Vol. 1

Sometimes I get a press release in my inbox for an event or product or feature that I do want to write about, but can’t figure out how to stretch it into a whole post. (And I’m great at stretching pointless things into a whole post!) With that in mind, introducing the occasional feature “The Press Releases I Get In My Inbox,” about, uh, the press releases I get in my inbox.

• Tonight, there’s a reading at the Khyber to benefit Lois Murphy. Murphy is running against Jim Gerlach for the 6th Congressional District in the ‘burbs. (Gerlach is the suburban congressman who isn’t nearly as hilarious as Curt Weldon.) But putting aside politics, here’s the lineup for this shebang: Jennifer Weiner, Buzz Bissinger (Friday Night Lights, A Prayer for the City), Ken Kalfus (A Disorder Peculiar to the Country), Lise Funderburg, Elise Juska and Curtis Sittenfeld (Prep). And: Duncan “Atrios” Black! Seriously, even if this thing was supporting the poaching of babies, I’d consider going. You can buy tickets at the door. (And, for good measure, here’s the PW writeup.)

• The GMTPC — just yesterday! — launched Sound About Philly, a podcast “insider” tour of Philadelphia. The episode I listened to was one of the few podcasts I’ve ever been able to get through (Jon Solomon’s is another one) and so, for that, it deserves some props. Plus, it allows people to make their own ‘casts and has an RSS feed. Impressive work.

• Sam (nee Matt) Schwartz is collecting American Apparel ads from the Kids’ issue of Vice: “While reading the issue, I had to apologize to the man sitting next to me on the plane and explain to him that VICE was not pornography. We settled our conversation by agreeing that magazines were all about the money, then ripping off the back cover and throwing it away with our peanut wrappers.” The address he wants you to send them to is Sam Schwartz, P.O. Box 63770, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Why am I posting this? Uhh, hello, have you seen the back cover of today’s PW? Y’know, me posting this is ironic or funny or something. Or, well, not.

• And, from down the shore: “Cowboy’s, gangster’s and bad boy’s –- oh my! It’s all about the ladies on Saturday nights at Planet Rose with the addition of The Men of the Cave. Planet Rose Karaoke Lounge at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, Home of The Quarter, announced The Men of the Cave will perform every Saturday night beginning September 23, 2006…. The show runs just over one hour and will feature a rotating cast of six from the 18 Philadelphia cast members. The show features different segments of men throughout the ages, including the 1800’s Cowboy, 1930’s Gangster, 1950’s Bad Boy, 1980’s Breakdancers, and the men of the future. ” Put in the [sic] where appropriate.

John Updike To Do Photo Shoot In Bikini

Here’s a little pop quiz for you. What is funnier than suburban alt-weekly Philly EDGE — which usually limits its coverage to the always-popular hot girl with puppies genre — doing a story on John Freakin’ Updike?

Give up?

It’s when the first reference in the story is to “Reading native John Updike.”

Coming soon from Philly EDGE: A story about “Germany native The Pope.”

Living legend [Philly EDGE]
May 26: Puppy! Girl! Yay! Et Cetera!

Blogicized: Poetic Philadelphia

• Sometimes, you just need a sestina about Philadelphia. [The Trouble With Spikol]

• What really gets the Inquirer excited is definitely new bus maps from the Center City District. Now Philadelphia’s transportation system is perfect! [Blinq]

• Comcast will allow its flagship sports network on satellite if you simply sign this online petition. Or not. When you’re done that, though, be sure to vote if you’ve seen a UFO. [Welcome to Phillyville]