Phillyist's favorite birthday present this year was a pair of socks that had sock monkeys on them. We tried to engage our partner in a discussion of the possible philosophical implications of having socks with monkeys made of socks on them, but he didn't take the bait. In any event, one may say we are predisposed to sock monkeys, which is why we can't stop giggling with joy over Mew Gallery's upcoming Sock and Awe......

It's time again for First Friday. What's that you say? You don't like the looks of tonight's weather forecast? Silly readers! A little cold and wet never killed anyone (well, pneumonia and tuberculosis aside, at least). And besides, all those warm bodies packed into a little art gallery, accompanied by free wine? You'll be warm for sure, in no time flat! Here are a few places where we suggest keeping dry. Before jumping on the......

...so go make one happen. Want to speak out about the violence in your neighborhood? Have concerns about drug sales conducted in broad daylight? What else is on your mind? Take it out of your mind and put it in the lap of (in all likelihood) future Mayor Michael Nutter. Tonight there's a town hall meeting in South Philadelphia where you can bend the good man's ear. Have at it. Nothing changes if you don't......

Head on down to Mew Gallery tomorrow night to help them welcome Confections: Photography, an exhibition by Amy Stevens. Seems Ms. Stevens has an obsession with cake imagery and a fetish for color; while the latter is certainly an asset to most any artist, those of us with a baking problem can certainly see the artistic benefit of the former. The project started as a celebration for her 30th birthday; the idea was she'd bake......

From 1988 to 1994, Sassy Magazine offered a generation of teenage girls entertainment news, love and life advice, and a feminist perspective. Though its publication ended well over ten years ago, many of its readers remain devout fans - to the extent that two of them, Kara Jesella and Marisa Meltzer, have released the book How Sassy Changed My Life. The book is tells the story of Sassy's history through interviews with writers and staff......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Friday Acoustic Philly: An evening of acoustic music (and puppets) from a variety of acts, courtesy of Acoustic Philly at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street). 7:30 PM - 1AM. $5 bowerbird presents: Normal Love, Snacks & Drums Like Machineguns, Clown Food & Mincemeat or Tenspeed at Lava (4134 Lancaster Ave) 8PM. $5 Kill Your Idols: Robert Drake is hosting a free midnight screening of the coming-soon-to-DVD post-punk......