Artists have used the expression "This one's for the fans" to excuse any number of musical atrocities, from crappy concert set lists to shitty albums that only a fanboy or girl could love. In the case of NIN's The Slip, the phrase was an excuse to give away the band's eighth major album. In May, lead singer Trent Reznor made available the entire album for download, as a gift to fans for years of support.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY Invincible: Outdoor screening of Invincible, part of the City Hall Film Series in the City Hall Courtyard, 8:30PM. Free Improv: The N Crowd present a double feature of improv comedy at the Actors Center (257 N 3rd), 8PM. $10 SATURDAY Three Bands at Once: Rooftop CD release BBQ featuring Controlled Storms, Toy Soldiers, and Power Animal on top of the Whole Foods Parking Garage (929 South), 4PM.......

What's new and/or interesting in Philly theaters this weekend. What We Do Is Secret A musical biopic telling the story of Darby Crash, the Los Angeles punk icon and lead singer of The Germs who took his own life in 1980. Reviews are mixed, but there's no misunderstanding how Phillyists Ross and Jill felt about the movie when they saw it at the Philadelphia Film Festival—they hated it! This Phillyist is going to take their......

It's amazing how much people love the shore. When Memorial Day comes, all you have to do is turn on the local news to see flocks of people crowding the AC Expressway. When you think about it, however, the shore is just a relaxed seaside town with restaurants and shops. Granted some of the towns boast beautiful views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets. But, for the price of a week in Ocean City, NJ,......

Former Phillyist, now full-time blogger and author, Jen A. Miller made it to the finals of the Hot Blogger Calendar contest. You're next, Jill! Ladies and Gentleman...The Beatles...I mean, The Jonas Brothers! Philly Comedian Doogie Horner teaches Things To Say During Sex over at Comic Vs. Audience. (Buzz Feed picked up the post yesterday. Of course they did, it was about sex.) The Bicycle Chef shows us how to make and can Summer Garden Salsa.......

A tall, icy glass of our favorite internet junk, just for you. America, in the person of San Francisco native Craig Billmeier, AKA Hot Lixx Hulahan, has won the Air Guitar World Championships. We are swelling with patriotic pride. Our sister site LAist reports on a woman who continued Twittering even while having a baby. That's dedication. Looks like no Preacher on HBO after all. The new head of HBO felt the adaptation was just......

Hey guys, have we mentioned it's Live Arts Festival/Philly Fringe time? Despite being a good recycler, you're still a little trashy. We'll admit, we didn't know what khat was, but apparently ICE doesn't like it. The guards at the Art Museum are asking for paid sick leave. It's like talking to a statue. A peek into the Democratic National Convention… and getting there. While in the political mood, get involved with a worthy cause. It's......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Watch Dance: "Miro Through The Lens," a behind-the-scenes look at the film and video work of Miro co-artistic director Tobin Rothlein, at Girard College (2102 S College Ave), 6:30-8:30PM. Free Eat and Drink the Hope: Obama acceptance speech party with free apps (‘til 10) at Abbracio (820 S 47th), 7PM-midnight. Free Movies. Outdoors: Scribe and WPEB radio are presenting Street Movies in Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine),......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. COMEDY Comedy Stop Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City Mon, 9/1/08 - Tue, 9/30/08, many dates and times $23 On sale: Fri, 12PM, Ticketmaster Brian Regan Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City Sat, 11/15/08, 8PM $42.50 On sale: Sat, 10AM, Live......

The best of the internet, squirted out in flavorful neon globules, just for you. This is pretty hilarious: Denny's just started offering a new Rockstar Menu, featuring dishes created by actual rockstars when asked what they like to eat late at night. We're particularly excited about the Heart on a Plate created by Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal. (Via Filter) Director Mathieu Kassovitz says a troubled production and some bad editing have turned......

This is the green issue, so it's appropriate to read it online. Then grab a bite to eat. If you've got the cash and time, try "Philly's greenest restaurateur." We Shop Eco. Make sure Fido is on board with the eco-friendliness. We really can't take it that far though. And biking in the city still scares us. Lessons learned from the Olympics. Keep on getting ready for Fringe; good luck getting into Wandering Alice though.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Art and Wine: Art exhibit by the residents of Park Pleasant Nursing Home and free wine and cheese at Abbracio (820 S 47th), 5-7PM. Free Knitty: Knitting circle at Vagabond (37 N 3rd), 6-8PM. Free Phishy: Strange Design and Long Walk Home at the Khyber (56 S 2nd), 8PM. $8 Quizzo Mania: Get your Quizzo on at 12 Steps Down (831 Christian), 9PM; The Black Sheep (247 S.......

Looking back on a week's worth of local Craigslist hijinks... With this weather lately, it kind of feels like fall—and when we think of fall, we think of Halloween. Apparently, so does this guy, who's ready to trade in fun summer lovin' for some blood-curdling connections. Perhaps it's naivete, but we can't figure out if this person really wants to film you getting pied in the face, or if it's a euphemism for something else.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Slamming: The theme of this month’s First Person Story Slams: “Worst Ever.” At L’Etage (624 S 6th), 7:30PM. $10 Two-Step Program: Folk dancing lessons sponsored by the Fairmount Park Commission at the Art Museum Steps (26th and the Parkway), 8-10:30PM. $3 Game Night!: Game night every Tuesday at The Dive (947 E Passyunk), 8PM. Free Only Beach We’ll See This Week: Bob Beach Trio and friends at Upstairs......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Tuesday post only collects the early announcements, so definitely check back on Thursday for the latest ticket news. A Cursive Memory Chameleon Club, Lancaster Tue, 10/21/08, 6PM $8 On sale: Today, 10AM, Ticketmaster Mountain Stage Live! featuring Todd Snider & Jim Boggia Keswick Theatre, Glenside Thu, 10/23/08, 7:30PM $39-$49 Pre-sale: Today, 11AM - Wed, 8AM, Ticketmaster On......

Ever wake up in the morning to discover that your favorite radio station has completely switched formats? Instead of waking up to "Layla," you get "Jesus Loves Me," or instead of "Oye Como Va," you get "I Kissed a Girl." Rarely, if ever, do we like it when radio stations change their M.O.s (we still miss Y100, even if it exists online)—but if WYSP introduced its new format this morning with "Paradise City," we think......

The best of the internet, chopped into tiny bits and grilled for your enjoyment. NME profiles an American teen who quit school to work on perfecting his Guitar Hero game. His skills have already netted him prizes, and he hopes to go professional eventually. Oh, and don't worry—his parents have hired him a tutor so he can continue his education. (Via Ross) On September 1st, you can go into any participating Chik-Fil-A wearing a sports......

Image courtesy of the British Library. Londonist explored the hidden basement levels of the British Library.Phillyist wondered whether AT&T was treating them just like everyone else.Bostonist got all worked up about grammar. A local man, member of the Typo Eradication Advancement League and apparent troublemaker, was busted (or is it got busted?) fixing/besmirching an historic sign at the Grand Canyon.Seattlest talked with icanhascheeseburger.com head honcho Ben Huh about the existence of dirty LOLcats and......

Sometimes, though, we do miss it. But not today! THE HUSH SOUND AT THE TLA Join The Hush Sound, The Cab, Steel Train, and The Morning Light tonight at the Theater of the Living Arts for their Dance Across the Country Tour. Sure, the tour name is über-lame, but the bands promise a decent live show. With an 8:00pm start time, the show will let you get the rock out and still leave you some......

We're excited about the night of Art, Music, & Film being planned by Studio 34 for August 23rd in West Philly. They're planning an art extravaganza celebrating the premiere of the short film In this place by Cait Davis. In her first film since graduating from college last year, Cait explores personal growth and development. Also enjoy artwork by local artists: installations, short stories, paintings, pottery & more! Bands throughout the night. Support your local......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY Jazzy: Nick Colionne, part of Smooth Jazz Summer Nights at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing (Chestnut and Columbus Blvd), 7:30PM. Free Nebula: Nebula, Totimoshi, Serpent Throne, and El Toro de Oro at the Khyber (56 S 2nd), 9PM. $10 Benefit for Philadelphia Jobs with Justice: NYC-based Rude Mechanical Orchestra joins locals Tha Truth, Old Goats, and International Anthem for Irrational Numbers at LAVA Space (4134 Lancaster),......

What's new and/or interesting in Philly theaters this weekend. Stealing America: Vote by Vote This documentary takes a look at how electronic votes are tallied and how susceptible voting machines are to tampering. You can tell by the title that it doesn't come to any happy conclusions. Critical opinions on this film are split right down the middle, so we're not sure what to tell you. It could leave you better informed about what to......

Can you believe Labor Day weekend is right around the corner? We can't either. Here's what's going on this weekend. Wildwood Block Party & Festival is on Saturday. It has the usual: games, crafts, food, entertainment, etc. Stone Harbor Merchants' Day Sale is on Saturday. The town, with its normally expensive shops, opens its doors to some great discounts. Heading to AC? Here's what's going on: Comedian Andrew Dice Clay is at the Borgata on......

A tall, icy glass of our favorite internet junk, just for you. Another unique and fascinating website, London Bananas features pictures of discarded banana skins found throughout the city of London. (Via Sarah) PC Magazine lists the top 100 undiscovered websites of 2008. (Via Scott) Dude was fishing with his granddaughter recently in a private pond in North Carolina when she gave him her Barbie-branded rod and reel to hold while she went to the......

It’s bringing Tina Turner to mind: Do we really need another hero? When it comes to Philly sports, the answer is always yes; does Cole Hamels really fit the bill? It’s Fringe’s first sell-out! Good for them, crappy for us. There’s so much there, they needed an added web exclusive. Cupcake Bandit! We’re all about it, and eagerly await the Film Bandits premiere (if you can’t wait, check out their film festival). Yet another reason......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. COMEDY Margaret Cho Merriam Theater Fri, 10/3/08, 7:30PM $32.50-$48.50 On sale: Sat, 10AM, Ticketmaster MUSIC Relient K with Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes Electric Factory Wed, 10/15/08, 7:30PM $17 ($19 day of show) On sale: Today,......

We like dance. We like film. Put ‘em together and you got a series preview. Bryn Mawr Film Institute will be screening two offerings from the Bolshoi Theatre: The Pharaoh’s Daughter tomorrow night and Bolt next Thursday, both at 7:30PM. The screenings serve as a preview of the BMFI fall series of ballet and film, which we await in a pool of anticipatory drool. Pharaoh’s Daughter is unique in that it was originally mounted with......

The best of the internet, squirted out in flavorful neon globules, just for you. The boys at Penny Arcade really outdid themselves today. But... ahem... well, not to get even nerdier than usual on you or anything, but... they also spelled wookiee wrong. It's two e's at the end. Everybody gets that wrong. Cinematical picks seven romantic comedies actually worth watching. The three main stars of the original The Greatest American Hero TV show have......

As if we weren’t already anticipating the hell out of Live Arts/Fringe, this piece on Kate Watson-Wallace and her work Car has got us buckling up. If you’re still making up your schedule, they have some suggestions. An ancient Mexican snack makes its way to South Philly, and helps out indigenous farmers. “Is the world ready for composted human feces?” We’re going to say “No,” but then we’re not anarchists. We’ve got hips and tits,......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Hard Core Barbie: Project Runway viewing party every Wednesday, with Barbie design challenge for all in attendance, at National Mechanics (22 S 3rd), 11PM. $7 Gay Catholic Erotica Author: Scott D. Pomfret reads from his new book Since My Last Confession: A Gay Catholic Memoir at Giovanni’s Room (345 S 12th), 5:30PM. Free PW Concerts in the Park: XPN welcomes Adam Arcuragi and The Capitol Years in Rittenhouse......