Within earSHOT

Going to college is kinda like going to church or temple. You know you should be taking it seriously. But you can’t help yourself from giggling when you shouldn’t, daydreaming, wondering about worldly pleasures, or at least the hottie in the row in front of you.

We here at Earshot understand.

While your future is forever, college is a few precious years, a shimmering oasis where, if you’re lucky, you have neither parents nor boss to answer to. Yes, you should learn. But damned if you shouldn’t enjoy it.

Enter Earshot. In this, City Paper’s back-to-school issue of sorts (though you don’t have to be in school to enjoy it), we try to give you the straight dope on what goes on around Philadelphia so you don’t have to waste any time that might be better spent doing keg stands.

Web slinger Brian Glaser gives you the rundown of all the important Philly sites, and some of the most disgusting sites anywhere.

Second-hand diva Jen Darr hooks up with some local artists/bargain hunters to find cool dorm/apartment furniture without ever setting foot in IKEA.

Once you’ve got all the proper toys in your crib, you’ll want to have some friends over. Sean O’Neal talks to Philly’s original rave promoters, who share some party-throwing headaches that might make you think twice about turning your next cocktail party into a warehouse blowout. If you just can’t help but get a groove on, Sean picks five regular DJ nights around the city you don’t want to miss. Also, DJ Cozmic Cat shares some of her favorite stores to pick up records.

For those days when you just don’t feel like venturing outside, Rosemary Darigo gives you her wiseass take on what’s new on the tube. And if you’re not old enough to buy a beer, Hillary Rea lets you know what you can do in this town without proper ID.

Brett Burton gets to the bottom of the Gap’s insidious Everyone In Vests campaign and lists five thrift stores that haven’t yet been picked over (and where you could maybe buy a vintage vest).

As a service to you, we test the partyability of UPenn’s brand new Inn At Penn.

And finally, a big shout-out to City Paper designers Kurt Ciliberto and Brian Hogan for making this installment look so sharp.

None of this was easy. We do it because we care.

—Brian Howard