I think comics are a forgotten part of newspapers' very DNA. Sure, there are still Sunday funnies in the Inquirer and the Daily News — though I can't remember the last time I sat down and really savored a Lockhorns strip.

For the first time, Gov. Ed Rendell and state Sen. Vince Fumo — the prime movers bringing casinos to Philadelphia — met with anti-casino representatives. That's what the Delaware River Neighborhood Alliance (DRNA) says. That's what I saw. Though, officially, the Aug. 2 meeting never took place.

Mary talked with us as we toured the sections of the city most devastated by the storm. We saw her community, the Lower 9th, up close. The hauntingly empty streets, with houses standing, but little sign of human habitation.

The "Freepers" and Hill should more rightly call themselves "A Gathering of ChickenHawks" as the majority of posters on that board are "Keyboard Kommandos." | The elimination of the transfer causes an excessive and harsh burden on low-income individuals, families, children and workers. | While I respect the societal forgings from the early unions, I fail to see their relevance in today's age. | I took around six hours to cut off circulation to my testicles with split speaker wire tightened every 20 minutes or so.

Philly-based artist Denise Fike had dragged her 10-foot, metallic-gold painting of Ms. Parker with her. Others brought fan fiction (the Carrie-and-Big saga ended too soon for some) and drove from as far away as Tennessee.

There wasn't exactly a dearth of politicos last Wednesday night at Philadelphia magazine's party commemorating its annual Best of Philly issue. This year's schmoozy boozy confab was held at Rae in Cira Centre.

You'd think that W. Wilson Goode Jr. would kick back and enjoy some light summer-recess reading — we're looking at you, J.K. Rowling — after his convincing primary election victory in May.

I was never one for comics (graphic novels, my ass). Was too busy being a kid playing outside and developing social skills.

If life's such a cabaret and cabaret's such a life, what is Wynne Alexander bitching about with these sniping new tunes and this book about civil unrest and protest pop?

"I don't know if you've heard, but the CIA is completely insane. Sure, we all knew they did bad things, but there's more: They did bad things badly." —Rick Flom

The Art Institute's black-and-white prints of vintage Philadelphia caught Gov. Ed Rendell's eye.

If you've heard of things like Godzilla bukkake, testicular salination and baby Jesus butt plugs before, then Warren Ellis might already be your drinking buddy.

My call two weeks ago for more non-Shakespeare outdoor plays doesn't mean I object to the Bard sans roof — especially in the idyllic setting of the Delaware Shakespeare Festival's Richard III.

17 young people participate in this summer's Big Picture Mural Arts Program.

If it's sinister shots of Al Capone you're after, you may just want to grab Francis X. Dolan's book and incarcerate yourself on the sofa.

Domenic Priore recounts the years when the Strip foretold a future for American rock in a post-British-invasion world.

In You Can Run: Gay, Glam and Gritty Travels Through South America, Archer recounts every ramshackle hostel, smelly bus and curiously funny-looking meat with an almost unflagging enthusiasm.

For Dinosaur Jr. at least, maturity doesn't mean mediocrity.

Neil Finn's songs are rarely clear-cut; at times they're downright obscure. But he has a keen ear for unlikely details.

Headlined by the reunited Rage Against the Machine, Randall's Island and the Rock the Bells Festival boasted an undercard of hip-hop royalty

On paper, this is your garden-variety got-cash track — but it holds the distinction of being the one summer banger capable of making North Philly and the Theater District realize they have something in common.

Philly punk supergroup Armalite was slated to play one of its ultra-rare shows back in March, when drummer Jeff Ziga went and crashed his bike. Twice. The band is now taking precautions to make sure the guy behind the drum kit stays intact.

We know what you're thinking: These guys better have a good reason for the pretentious punctuation mark in their name.

From the tortuously pun-happy mind of bassist Evan Lipson comes Deviled Leggs, a "highly celebratory evening of revolutionary and experimental dance music."

Crayfish Party | Great City Grill | Patio in Paradise | Deuce! Deuce! | Brewers Chili Showdown

1 Locust Rendezvous | 2 N. 3rd | 3 Nodding Head | 4 Royal Tavern | 5 Sugar Mom's

Eugene Mirman isn't just an absurdist comics' absurdist comic. He's the absurdist comic. 

Once upon a time, home movies were made on actual reels of celluloid film — which made barbecues, weddings and kindergarten plays look totally awesome.

Philly Gay Calendar's "Boys of Summer" party promises to toss the sand and family overboard while keeping the good stuff — mixed pink drinks, sizzling men and skimpy outfits.

Before Kate Moss and Pete Doherty rolled out of bed, rock and fashion were a hot, stylish couple. Local fashion entrepreneur Rosie Kim is hoping to bring back the glam at Rockstar's Fashion, a red carpet night of edgy threads and music.

It's the mini-gaming mecca's time to shine now, as it prepares for a veritable army of aspiring Oakenfolds to descend onto the boardwalk for three long days of exhibits.

Melissa Yerkes couldn't stop collecting stamps. So the 27-year-old local artist did what any resourceful packrat would do: She got crafty.

Lolli Lolli offers hip parents an alternative to Baby Gap with an offbeat selection of clothing, toys, games and furniture.

At Champion of Champions — Body Challenge Fitness Center's first-ever bodybuilding show — Philly's best and burliest will flex it out.