Today is the day. And the image says it all. We know how great Philadelphians are, how proud and patriotic we can be. And we also know how much every true Philadelphian loves to complain. Sports, weather (guilty as charged) and politics, among other things. Well, the fact is that if you don't vote, your complaints are merely worthless and meaningless strings of words, thrown together by someone with no legitimate right to complain.......

In part, Barack Obama’s speech at Constitution Center denounced comments made by Reverend Jeremiah Wright in a 2003 sermon. The Illinois senator also tried to redeem his own credibility as a political figure, as well as the credibility of his church as a legitimate religious institution. Framed by a historical overview of the events and policies which inform lingering racial resentment, his speech provided a brilliant assessment of race relations in the United States. Here's......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Friday: Better Late Than Never: Anne Lamott reads from her latest book Grace (Eventually) at the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch (1901 Vine), 7PM. Free Don’t Shoot First: Space 1026 (1026 Arch) converts their space into the Mos Eisley Cantina for their food show and potluck tonight from 7-10PM. $5 (Free with a dish to share—they request special brownies) Feeling Like Some Lebanese: "Improvisation and Emotion in......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY The N Crowd: Weekly improve comedy show at The Actors Center (257 N. 3rd), 8PM. $10 Andrew Gregory: Andrew Gregory (CD release party), John Francis, and Ian Thomas at Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd), 10:30PM. $10 Leslie and the Ly’s: Leslie and the Ly’s, MC Digga and Sgt. Sass at North Star Bar (2639 Poplar), 9PM. $10 Intertwine: Opening reception for Intertwine, with work by Brooke Hine,......

There is a new Queen of Soul. Sorry Mary, Alicia, and Jill, but there is a woman from Brooklyn who's reminding us all of how it's done. Her name is Sharon Jones, and she and her backing band, the Dap-Kings, will slay your ears and make you yearn for a time when people sang (and didn't sample), "Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean." Jones brings the soul while......

(This review contains spoilers; although if you think the movie can be spoiled I admire your optimism.) The Brave One is about Erica (Jodie Foster), a middle-aged New York City native who wanders the streets of the city for work (she records the sounds of the city for her NPR-style radio show). She manages to go for four decades or so without being the victim of any violent encounter to speak of, before one fateful......

Hey there, readers! I'm back liveblogging the second day of the First Annual BlogPhiladelphia "unconference." This post will be constantly updating throughout the day, so it's going to stay at the top of the Phillyist main index. But be sure to scroll down for the rest of our regular content, and see full liveblog after the jump! (Meanwhile, forgive us any resulting funny HTML, folks. We're fixing mistakes as soon as we find them.)......

It’s the final day of station WHYY 90.9’s fundraising drive. I know, I know, you don’t like to be asked for money, because you’re a stingy bastard, and you hate those annoying pledge drives, but just think of all the moments that you’ve spent with good old NPR this year. Checking the weather before you leave the house on Morning Edition; commuting with Radio Times host Marty Moss-Coane; picking-up great conversation starters on Fresh Air......

We know, it's snowing (or something like it) and yes it's still April, but we have a great band for you to go see tonight. Some of you won't want to venture out tonight, but we definitely think it will be worth it. Screw the snow/slush/rain and come out tonight to see the Headlights perform in the middle of two other bands, Page France and The Trolleyvox. All three bands are a mix of infallible......

Monday New York native Richard Goode, piano, comes to Philadelphia (thanks to the PCMS) for an evening of hits: Bach, Mozart, Brahms, and Debussy. Perelman Theater (Kimmel Center); 8 PM; $22 Tuesday Feel-good concert of the week: NPR’s Classical music program, From the Top, hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley, returns to the Kimmel Center to showcase the next generation of Philadelphia’s classical musicians. You’ll be sure to leave the hall uplifted and awed. Verizon......

Another quick look at how the election turned out for the region: we've got 3 new Democratic members of the City Council, Philly voters overwhelmingly supported the 3 ballot questions (which means, in case you didn't understand them - and we wouldn't blame you - that Gulf War vets will get special payments; the city charter will be changed to promote disadvantaged businesses; and the children of firefighters and police who die on the......

If it weren't for our life as an -ist, we're not sure we'd ever leave our apartment. Fortunately, to fully -ist, one must seek out the new, the fresh, and the unknown. Brand new, or just new to us, that's what we're all about this week. Phillyist keeps it fresh by getting a new motto, learning to prioritize, and taking in an experimental indie rock show. Torontoist does their first post in franglais, gets ready......

Ever wonder who thought up that “Philly’s More Fun When You Sleep Over” campaign? His name is Ed Tettemer of Red Tettemer, and yesterday he spoke to the day 2 lunch crowd at the Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit. Though he says he’s a lot of things – including a failed blue grass guitarist – Tettemer is also an advertising guru, and spoke about the need (at least in his business) for good ads,......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Movie Monday at The Troc: This week,"NERRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDS!" Revenge of the Nerds. $3 admission, applicable towards concession. Doors open at 6, the show starts at 8, and you must be 21+ to attend. The Troc is located at 1003 Arch Street. Scott Simon: NPR's Scott Simon will be speaking about his novel, Pretty Birds, at the Free Library's Central location (1901 Vine Street). Noon. Free. Vinnie Spins Rock, Rock,......

For those of you who haven’t heard of them, the Prometheus Radio Project quite simply rules. Named for the Titan who stole fire from the Greek gods, the project goes around the country, constructing community radio stations and training lay folks to operate audio and station equipment. Born out of West Philly’s WPPR – Radio Mutiny (whose info and manifestoes can be found on the Prometheus site), the Prometheus folks have gone legit as an......