Six months ago, Sgt. Erik Arroyo and a caravan of five Humvees were tearing across the desert in Iraq's Diyala Province. Their mission wasn't meant to be complicated: Arrive at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, drop off uniforms, weapons and other supplies, and return to home base.

In a folding beach chair, next to the green Dumpster, in the rain.

by Duane Swierczynski

Why does SEPTA hate us so much?

by Steve Conn

My odd eye is a groundhog on peyote. Picasso on speed.

by Bruce Schimmel

What You Say

When the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust Inc. posted a sign nearly two years ago asking for adaptive reuse proposals, Groverman's Ohio House Partners cast the winning proposal: It calls for a light-fare, grab-and-go bakery, deli, coffee shop and meeting place.

3, 10, 16, 427, 489 : Running Numbers offers foolproof material for those of you preparing for Philly's Phunniest Person Contest, starting July 11 at Helium Comedy Club.

A Camden activist uses Sicko to get his message to the masses.

by Adam Lipper

The ghosts of Pier 34 and Heat linger. I'm not being coy. I'm not playing judge, despite owning decent robes (those Polyphonic Spree auditions!) and a powdered wig that goes on for days.

For Megan Calvert, merely traveling the world wasn't going to cut it anymore.

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

Police Capt. Lou Campione was the kind of officer who gave toys to low-income children on Christmas, attended community meetings and personally showed up at crime scenes along with lower-ranking officers.

by Brian Hickey

President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Advisory Fund

by Ted Hesson

by Mary F. Patel

Gallery Joe, Artists' House, Mew Gallery, Michener Museum and more.

David Kessler | Ween | Storefront signs | Green hat

by Mark Cofta

Fri., July 6, 6-8:30 p.m., runs through Sept. 15, Pentimenti Gallery, 45 N. Second St.

by Patrick Rapa

Mon., July 9, 7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St.

by Jeremy Baron

July 11-15, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.

by Sara Scott

Jill Maio | Ava Blitz: Archaic Smile | Hitoshi Nakazato: Print Series

You'll Find You

by Monica Weymouth

Books on Wheels

by Tami Fertig

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted with Reception 201 GALLERY , 1400

Museums and exhibits have varying schedules; please call for exact days, hours and prices. ABINGTON ART CENTER , 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, 215-887-4882. THE HANDMAKING,

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance FIRST FRIDAY Headlong Dance Theater presents an informal

STANLEY WEINTRAUB The author reads from his new book,"15 Stars: Three Generals Who Saved the American Century," which examines into the lives of George C.

To paraphrase H.L. Mencken, no one ever went broke underestimating the mind-set of the 12-year-old boy. Judging by the cheers that greeted every appearance of heroic semi-trailer/robot Optimus Prime and the gushing standing ovation following the screening I attended, Hasbro execs may as well start shopping for solid gold back scratchers and money-burning fireplaces right now.

"I think the reason the Palestra stands apart, it has the tradition, the fans, the atmosphere, but it really was the place where college basketball turned into the amazing beast that it is today."

La Jetée/Sans Soleil | WR: Mysteries of the Organism | Sweet Movie | Cult Camp Classics 4: Historical Epics

Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net. AMBLER THEATER 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-345-7855, www.amblertheater.org. The Birds (1963, U.S., 119 min.) Feathered creatures look cute

Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn is a charmer. An indie pop total package, really. She's got this playful, mysterious voice that soars acrobatically over her swooning

Polynesia

by Rodney Anonymous

Eva Ayllón | Lucero | DJ Aktive & the Gentleman Crew | O'Death | Aunt Dracula/Abe Vigoda | Tortoise

Sat., July 7, 9 p.m., with SORTED!, Johnny Brenda's 1201 N. Frankford Ave.

by A.D. Amorosi

Sat., July 7, 9 p.m., with Rhythm Method, Grape Street Pub, 4100 Main St.

by Deesha Dyer

Thu., July 5, 9 p.m., with My Teenage Stride and Brown Recluse Sings, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave.

by Brian Howard

Sat., July 7, 9 p.m., with Flosstradamus, Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St.

by Elisa Ludwig

Making Time, Fri., July 6, 9 p.m.-3:30 a.m., with Pink Skull, Adam Sparkles, JDH, The Broadzilla DJs, Dave P, Mike Z, Dave Pak and the Rock Tits DJs, Pure, 1221 St. James St.

by A.D. Amorosi

Feathers are flying in the battle that will determine whether you can serve foie gras in Philadelphia.

Music has always been the thing at Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, but even institutions like Ortlieb's have to evolve with the times.

>> NOW SEATING: Bon Bon Artisan Gelato >> WAITING LIST: Cochon | Pier 22 Restaurant | Max and David's

Get Out!

by Ciana Hardwick

Frozen Assets

by Kelly White

Studiokitchen Blog | ChocoPods | FantaSuteki Platters | Spaghetti Squash | SaveSURGE.org

Q: I love to eat brunch, but I'm always working on Sundays. What places offer brunch food on other days of the week?

Michael Eric Dyson breaks it down.

by Deesha Dyer

Doug Martsch

by Peter Baker

Big Fun for Little Ones

by Donny Sheldon

Sustainability Salon: Becoming a Localvore

by Erin Brodbeck

Philadelphia Canoe Club Open House

by Sara Scott

You Just Need to Hug It Out

by Alexandria Symonds

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

by Mary Armstrong

Moral Fiber Dresses

by Deidre Wengen

The Kutztown Folk Festival

by Amy Strauss