By the time we decide to have a catch, I've had two or three beers, and I'd be willing to bet Jake and Scott have each had at least ten, so our passes are not all that accurate. We hit parked cars, knock over a few tables of food, beam one or two guys in the back, but no one cares, because we are Eagles fans in Eagles jerseys who are ready and willing to cheer on the Birds.

What is it about Philadelphia that conditions, over and over, the same kind of response? It goes back to the combination of what was and what isn't. What isn't is a city that feels energized by the world around it. It's just not open enough. And that lack of openness leaves it feeling all too often more lackadaisical, somber, and somnolent than it should be. What was, of course, are the physical ruins of a city that in its scale, ambition, and architecture mirror the world's greatest.

Highlights from our Book Quarterly and our brand-new columnist

by Brian Howard

Palin is the latest piece of McCain quackery.

by David Faris

Even if Obama is elected, I still fear the terrible machine.

by Bruce Schimmel

What You Say

There is conflicting evidence as to where the hated designation "Sixth Borough" originated, or the identity of the first Philadelphia journalist to sell their soul for a byline in the New York Times lifestyle section by using the hated phrase.

For those who just won't let August go, I'mo let you linger but for a second longer in the summer wind.

Ah, Netflix: the glue that holds this relationship together.

Anti-violence advocates held rallies, and editorials demanding change were penned. But one word was conspicuously missing from Chester's urgent debate about violent crime: gangs.

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

by Amy Z. Quinn

The organizations are against nursing homes completely: They see them as depressing layaways for human beings, where dignity is lost in a vacuum and independence is mythical.

by Mary F. Patel

Center for Emerging Visual Artists | Projects Gallery | Painted Bride | Arcadia Boutique | Copy Gallery | Edge Gallery

Pichet Klunchun and Myself and The Show Must Go On

by Rachel Frankford

The price to see the most talked-about contemporary art in the city? The cost of a subway ride to West Philly.

Yale MFA Photography 2008 | Education and Life: Lost Murals of Leon Sitarchuk | Offspring of the Winds: The Horse in Art and Imagination

by Tami Fertig

Hot Air

by Danielle Zimmerman

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted by a * . 13 NORTH

Museums and exhibits have varying schedules;please call for exact days, hours and prices. 12 STEPS DOWN , 831 Christian St., 215-238-0379. MEGAN BROWN, Features recent

ADAM KIRSCH The literary critic and author reads from his new biography, "Benjamin Disraeli," which examines the British politician's lifelong struggle with his Jewish identity,

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. theater LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AND PHILLY FRINGE Now in

Unlike Trains' Milos, I Served the King of England's Jan Díte is no feckless innocent. His surname translates as "Child," referring not just to his playful, boyish appearance but to his immature amorality.

Films will be shown in a secluded spot perfect for dragging up lawn chairs or spreading blankets or, of course, driving up and re-creating the environment in which these films were most often seen the first time around.

Send repertory film listings to molly.eichel@citypaper.net

"No love is uncomplicated, but my new relationship is much less complicated than my other relationship that I had while living in Philly. I'm totally in love and am with an amazing person and I know that comes out in my newer songs."

J. Edward Keyes on Shuffle

Liam Finn | The Everybodyfields | Hip-Hop Lives with Baby Blak | Arbouretum | Back to School Hip-Hop Jam with Viro the Virus

Tue., Sept. 9, 8 p.m., $12-$14, with Silver Jews, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 888-468-7619, r5productions.com.

by Kevin Pearson

Wed., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35, with Hayden and Greg Laswell, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

by M.J. Fine

Fri., Sept 5, 9:30 p.m., $10, with The Donuts, Beretta 76 and Parallax Project, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

by A.D. Amorosi

Dolich looks and sounds like a lifer, a guy who's been elbow-deep in flour and water since he's been able to open his eyes. But the truth is that he was a trial lawyer for a decade before he even knew how to spell spelt — and the fervent cult following Four Worlds now enjoys began with a single e-mail between friends.

Bistrot La Minette | Hinge Café | Josh McCullough at Time

There's enough originality here to spawn a whole new fan base.

So, What Do You Do?

by Amanda McKenna

Cooking Class with Top Chef Alum Tre Wilcox | Azul Cantina: Tequila School | Japanese House Tea Ceremony | GreenFest Philly | Copper Clambake

Hitting the Wall at the Red Bull Soapbox Race

by Lori Hill

Sheila Frank Spring 2009 Show | Oh, I'm So Glad We're Friends! | Grasshopper Second Anniversary Party

GreenFest Philly Happenings

by Aaron Moselle

You're Just a Small-Town Girl, Livin' in a Lonely World

by Natalie Hope McDonald

by A.D. Amorosi