An open mic with Paul F. Tompkins, the nicest guy in comedy.

by Patrick Rapa

Philly loses one of its biggest biking advocates.

by Brian Howard

What You Say

So whenever we hear the Greens and their lefter-than-thou purist ilk spout off about how the Republicans and Democrats are all the same, well, fuck them. Seriously.

Why was the death penalty pursued so doggedly in the Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski case?

by Isaiah Thompson

Who the hell do you think you are?

by Jeffrey C. Billman

It's not that DLI isn't doing its job. Indeed, the price tag of the fraudulent claims amounts to less than 1 percent of the total cost of unemployment benefits. The problem isn't that Pennsylvanians are suddenly lazy; rather, it's a symptom of the recession.

Sure, the city has its rules; and yes, cash-strapped cities can't very well ignore potential sources of income. But at the same time, there must be some room for discretion and common sense.

When news breaks, we make jokes.

John Vettese sees what develops | Andy Warhol: Polaroids and B&W Prints

by John Vettese

Aug. 20-Sept. 12, $20, Randall Theater, Temple University, 2020 N. 13th St., 215-923-8909, mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.

by Mark Cofta

everyoneisphotogenic.com | The Double Life Is Twice as Good | Cropsey | Galaxie 500

Directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who captured the cantankerous heart of Harvey Pekar in American Splendor, stumble in milking Jonathan Ames' novel for every ounce of quirk.

Play it again, Sam

by Sam Adams

Lines like "You and I are carpenters, we build the bridge that we deserve. We hammer out the meaning, from the words," make you wonder. Curran sounds like a good Irish name: Did she go to parochial school?

Taj Mahal | Malinky | TinBird Choir | Ken Ulansey | Jeff Tweedy | Annie & the Beekeepers | Nudie & the Turks | Richard Thompson

The Spinning Leaves perform with as few as two members and as many as 20, but they recorded Love with over 50 musicians from the Philadelphia folk scene.

Sat., Aug. 21, 9 p.m., $10, with Jay Purdy, Toy Soldiers and Cheers Elephant, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 877-435-9849, johnnybrendas.com.

by A.D. Amorosi

Roc Marciano's Marcberg

by J. Edward Keyes

"Neighbors Know My Name"

by Amy Baily

Fri., Aug. 20, 9 p.m., $10, with Lo Power Plane and Giant Mind, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 877-435-9849, johnnybrendas.com.

by Patrick Rapa

The slick, saturating design indicates the Yoos are aiming for a higher, sleeker purpose. There are no less than six types of light fixtures and four kinds of wall treatments, including elaborately patterned bronze paper; a stretch of waterless waves lit blue and red to mimic a sunset at sea; a mural; and a three-dimensional expanse of tiled square blocks that looks like something off the set of Legends of the Hidden Temple.

Visually, chaat is something like taco dip that believes in dharma, with multiple layers representing wildly different textures.

La Tomatina Tastings at Amada | Sour Fest 2010 at Devil's Den | Summertime Lobster Bake at City Tap House | Meet Your Local Cheesemaker Happy Hour | Hudson Beach Glass Beer Tasting with Triumph Brewing Co.

Karmichael's Kafe | Biba | Monk's Cafe | Tiffin | The Diving Horse | PINOT Boutique

Michael Capuzzo investigates a cold case club in his book, The Murder Room.

by Will Stone

Beirut | Bar AIDS

Is Black Landlord really celebrating my b-day by having its BBQ on Aug. 22?

Fri., Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919, prettythingsproductions.com.

by Stephen Rose

Fri., Aug. 20, 2 p.m., free, Atomic City Comics, 638 South St., 215-625-9613, bestphillycomics.com.

by Eric Henney

Fri., Aug. 20, 7 p.m., $25, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 5900A Greene St., 215-849-1991, phillycircus.com.

by Stephen Rose

Thu., Aug. 19, 8 p.m., free, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-763-8100, originalalamo.com.

by Molly Eichel