We love food. Not just because it's a necessary substance for sustaining life. Perhaps, we should say we're in love with food. That's why we would risk personal relationships for an ourstanding meal, why The Food Network is one of the only TV stations we can find without using the guide, and why we comb the pages of picture-heavy cookbooks the way most people thumb through the latest edition of Playboy (NSFW). And so......

Such is the title of the latest book from equally adored/abhored author Dave Eggers. Hear him discuss What Is the What tonight at the Central Library. His book is the choice for this year's One Book, One Philadelphia program, which aims to increase awareness about literacy and libraries. Eggers is the literary darling that some people love to hate. We admit that his ubiquitous presence around the time that A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius......

You wouldn't know it from looking at me, or from looking at Ross, but this Phillyist has always had a thing for bad boys. Somewhere near the top of my list of dirty, sexy, hunky sits Anthony Bourdain. Sure, he's got a history of substance abuse, smokes like a chimney, is far too fond of fried foods, and, oh yeah, is old enough to be my father. But I'd run off on a culinary adventure......

Philadelphia area native Alice Sebold's books tackle some pretty hefty topics. Her memoir, Lucky, confronts the rape she experienced as a freshman in college. Her first novel, The Lovely Bones, is told from the perspective of a 14-year-old girl who is raped and murdered. She narrates the story from heaven, watching as her family deals with her death. Sebold's novel may have been a hit at a time when chick lit ruled the shelves, but......

Tonight, after happy hour and before whatever else you're doing, spend some time with Michael Palin. He's the guy in the video above who's not John Cleese, and he's one of the funniest actors from Monty Python's Flying Circus. Having added travel documentary host to his list of talents, Michael Palin will speak at the Central Library's Montgomery Auditorium tonight at 7:00 p.m. He'll discuss his new book, Diaries 1969 - 1979: The Python......

An anonymous, private donor has a challenge for the Philadelphia Free Library: if they can match every dollar with a dollar raised from another source, they'll get $15 million toward refurbishment and expansion of the Central Library on Logan Circle. Governor Corzine's car was doing 91 in a 65 MPH zone on the night of his recent accident, and although it slowed to 30 before the crash, the trooper driving now admits that his......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Mr. McFeeley: Not the Mr. Rogers delivery man, but William S. McFeely, the award-winning biographer, discusses a local painter whose work is much in the news these days: Thomas Eakins. 7PM at the Central Library (1901 Vine Street). Free. The Philly King World DJ Championship: The Klasik Hip Hop Movement is hosting The Philly King World DJ Championship at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street) at 8PM. $25 to......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: My God, It's Full of Stars: It's time for the monthly meeting of the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society at Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute (222 North 20th Street). This free event is open to the public, includes an astronomy lesson a lecture, and access to the rooftop observatory. 7:15 Metropolitan Philadelphia: Historical specialist Steven Conn discusses Philly, its cultural import, and its "long-term viability." 7PM at the Central......

Starving Artists Monologue Halloween Slam!: Visit Fergie's Pub (1214 Sansom Street) to see actors out-monologue each other for cash prizes. For an extra spooky twist - there will be a cold-reading contest featuring readings from classic monster movies - and $2 off the $10 admission given to anyone who comes in costume. The Philadelphia Reader: Robert Huber and Benjamin Wallace discuss articles from Philadelphia Magazine's past about Philly personalities. Free at 7PM at the......

Heck, this Phillyist is a PC user, and even we're excited to learn that Apple co-founder Steve "Woz" Wozniak will be speaking at the Central Branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine Street) this Saturday at 2PM. Woz will be on hand to promote his book, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It , and, we imagine, basking in the adoration of......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Headhouse Square Movie: Free screening of Philadelphia on Headhouse Square. Giveaways at 7PM - movie at 8PM. Concerts in the Park: Free performance by DJ Junior and Tortured Soul in Rittenhouse Square. 7-9PM Amy Goodman: Amy Goodman, author of Static: Government Liars, Media Cheerleaders, and the People Who Fight Back, speaks at Central Library (1901 Vine Street) at noon. Free Got a frugal tip? Don't be stingy! Send......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Free Movie in the Park: PDR Movie Night in Conshohocken-Windemere Park (3900 Conshohocken Ave) presents Lion King at 8pm. 2nd Tuesdays at The World Cafe: Local chanteuses Vanida Gail and Lili Anel perform at The World Cafe (3025 Walnut Street) at 8PM. $7 Monte Irvin: Here's a library event for you sports fan, Hall of Famer and Negro League Baseball Star, Monte Irvin, will be speaking at......

He's not been resurrected and subsequently locked away (at least, not that Phillyist is aware of. We're too lazy to keep track of every conspiracy theory out there) - but The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival is putting on a FREE production of Two Gentlemen of Verona at 7PM every Wednesday through Saturday through August 20th. Between this and the recent free staging of Tweltfh Night in Clark Park, we're beginning to wonder if there isn't some......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Free Screenings Under the Stars: Commerce Bank presents a free screening of the John Waters musical Cry Baby - which will be preceded by a Drag King/Johnny Depp lookalike contest. The contest begins at 7:30, and the movie at dusk. (When we went to Jaws last week, "dusk" proved to be approximately 8:45.) Maggi, Pierce & EJ: Philadelphia trio Maggi, Pierce & EJ (see Phillyist's interview with them......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Fat Girl Film Fest: The FGFF wraps up with Fat Chance, a documentary about one man's struggle with his weight and identity. Doors open at 7:45, the show begins at 8. $5 suggested donation. At the Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street). Music at the Church: Lettermen, Jena Berlin, The Progress, Yo Man Go and Order of Service at The First Unitarian Church (22nd & Chestnut Street). $8. All Ages.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Agent Moosehead: Agent Moosehead, F, Zs, Mogawi, Low Water & Steve Angel at The Fire (412 W. Girard). 9PM $6 Sri Chinmoy: We don't know who Sri Chinmoy is, but clearly lots of people do, because we can't seem to go ten feet in Center City without someone telling us about his shows at The Kimmel Center tonight. He is performing both at 6PM and 8:30PM. Tickets are......

Frugal in Philly is a weekly celebration of all things Philly that are fun, frugal (costing $10 or less) or free! Stop here each week to see what Philly's got to offer for those of us who haven't quite mastered the art of becoming Independently Wealthy (although believe us, we're trying). Featured Pick of the Week: Chronicling the Chronicles of Narnia Phillyist knows there are all kinds of controversy brewing about the movie version of......