I had the wonderful opportunity to drive around in a brand new Jeep Patriot for a solid week. To get more specific, I was driving around a Patriot Latitude X 4X4 (Base MSRP $23,895) with the “Preferred Package.” This incredible set of additional options added on pretty much anything I’d want from a vehicle, from leather seats, a power sunroof to a beefed up sound system (9-piece Boston Acoustics with subwoofer) with Sirius Satellite Radio/CD/DVD/MP3 (via aux, USB and HDD storage) & Navigation.

Oh, if only I could summon it at will. The first thing I noticed about the vehicle was its TARDIS-like dimensions. This thing is small (dwarfed only by its cousin, the Jeep Compass), yet surprisingly roomy on the inside. Fellow Geekadelphian, Robby P. and I actually enjoyed an afternoon of bro-ing it up on a series of errands while with the vehicle.

We grabbed some cheesesteaks at my personal favorite, Dalessandro’s in Roxborough, we picked up an AC unit for Rob’s living room and even went American Pickers-style on a curb-abandoned piece of furniture I was going to use as a new coffee table (decided against it). For a split second, we almost stopped and got too absorbed in a [sidewalk] “lawn” sale. (more…)

Fright Night is hitting theaters today, and in celebration Dream Works Pictures will have a food truck driving around Philadelphia today giving away various vampire inspired treats at different locations. Depending on your stop try “Bloody Jerry’s,” “Steak Stakes,” “Garlic Chips” or “Blood Red Popsicles.” I honestly think this is a great promotion for what looks to be a fun take on one of my favorite genre films of the 80s.

If your looking to get some free snacks you can catch the truck at the following locations and times:

Rittenhouse Square  10:15 a.m
JFK Plaza  3:00 p.m.
McFadden’s (461 N 3rd St) 7:30 p.m.

You can also follow the truck on Facebook at www.twitter.com/buzzboPHILLY

The Halloween event of the year for Philadelphia genre fans is back with its fifth installment, the Exhumed Films 24 Hour Horror-thon at the iHouse. While there will still be 24 hours of great horror and genre programming this year in gloriously grimy 35mm, quite few things are changing with this year’s installment of the Horror-thon.

The first change? VIP seating at a small premium cost. This came from the fact that seating for the event is first come first serve, and the line usually starts about 2-3 hours before show time. These seats will accommodate folks would that would rather pay the premium then wait in line for good seats.

The second difference? Normally you don’t know any of the films being shown until they are unspooled in front of you, but this year we know at least one before hand. The Dead, a British zombie film will get its Philadelphia premier sometime that night. It looks to be a lot of fun for fans of old school Romero style zombie films.

Along with the premier of The Dead, the Exhumed Crew is also setting out to play all new films that they have never showed before at any previous event. That brings us to the final change, which is the price. Regular tickets are now $30, $40 for a VIP ticket.

I honestly can’t wait for the Horror-thon, the programming is always top notch and you undoubtedly see things you wont see elsewhere else. So mark your calendars for Saturday October 29^th and Sunday October 30^th and get your tickets here before they sell out like they always do. See you there!

It’s Saturday and you and your loved ones are home with nothing to do. It’s a beautiful summer day and it seems like a shame to waste it. Whatever will you do?

Well, thanks to the crew at The Weekend Map, you never have to ask yourself that question again. They have just launched the Philadelphia version of the interactive weekend planner; you just go to the site and decide what you want to look for in your area. Looking for a Farmers Market to buy some local veggies? Done. What if you want to check out some Jazz in Northern Liberties? The Map can do that. Maybe you’re in search of a yoga group to join in the morning? No problem. Just click on the pop up symbol on the interactive map and it will give you all the necessary information so that you are never bored on a weekend again.

Now, the Map is still in Beta, so things are a bit glitchy at this point. But once everything loads the Map serves as a one stop shop to plan a weekend in or around Philadelphia. Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean. It just might make me go outside and get some sun every once in awhile.

The Weekend Map – Philadelphia
www.theweekendmap.com/philadelphia

We get it. You’re jonesing. Bad. The Boy Who Lived is all grown up. Harry Potter has kids. And sideburns. Panem has been overthrown and you’re still peeved that Jennifer Lawrence has been cast to play Katniss in the upcoming film. So what’s a self-respecting adult fan of YA fantasy lit to do? Have no fear, kiddos: Ransom Riggs has your fix in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

“Peculiar” is the operative titular word here, describing not only the tone of the book–a captivating blend of magical mystery, realism and creeping menace reminiscent of the Harry Potter series–but also the transformation of the main character, Jacob, from routine teenage outcast to young man determined to pursue his unique destiny.

Read on for the rest of the review / how to win a free copy.

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Left: Rachel, Top Right: Charm Necklace, Bottom Right: Bubble Necklace

Today’s Geek of the Week features Rachel Goldfarb, local jewelry designer and friend of Geekadelphia. We’re taking a look into her life of modern day silversmithing.

So Rachel, how long have you been making jewelry? How did you get started?

If you asked my mom she would tell you I have been doing jewelry type things my whole life. I guess I didn’t properly start until about four years ago when I learned to silversmith. I started to make jewelry for friends and family and then I applied to a craft show to see if I could get into it. To my surprise I did and then my business started!

Where do you draw your inspiration?

For the most part when I am trying to come up with a new design I begin to play with things in my studio. I just start to tinker. I feel like by having fun with my materials I kind of rediscover them and it leads to interesting designs. (more…)

This month’s 8static is here, hitting Studio 34 this Saturday at 7pm. This weekend’s chiptune dance party brings in FlashHeart from NYC, and Philadelphia’s own Ro-Bear and an0va. Philly’s enso will be providing the 8-bit visuals.

Are you an aspiring chiptuner? Show up right at 7pm to sign up and play during the open mic before the main show begins. Joey Mariano (of Animal Style) will also “be giving an introductory lesson on the VGM Music Maker tracker.”

Tickets are only $8, $5 if you RSVP using this Google form. And make sure you let ‘em know you’re coming by RSVPing on Facebook.

Get ready to dance.

8static
Saturday, August 13th, 2011
www.8static.com

Studio 34
4522 Baltimore Avenue
www.studio34yoga.com

2011 has marked the 175th Anniversary of Laurel Hill Cemetery and it has been commemorated in various ways, including the restoration of older sections and the placement of new headstones for previously unknown notables. Now, The Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery has announced the publication of the first book about the historic site; 175 Years of Reflections, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 1836-2011.

The book is a collection of 175 remembrances about the cemetery, dating all the way back to it’s founding to the present day and includes poems, journal entries and much more. Through these you get a picture of what the Laurel Hill Cemetery has meant to people and to the city of Philadelphia. It really is a unique way to understand something that has been a part of this city for so long.

The book will launch with a party at, where else, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, August 13 at 1:00pm. The event is free and open to everybody, but you have to register in advance online. All proceeds from the book will go to support the Friends of the Laurel Hill Cemetery.

175 Years of Reflections, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 1836-2011 is a book that looks at the times past of a Philly landmark in a very distinctive way. Make sure you check it out and learn a little something about the history of the city you call home.

Laurel Hill Cemetery Book Launch
laurelhillbooklaunch.eventbrite.com

Laurel Hill Cemetery
www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org

Who would win in a fight: The Doctor or Harry Potter?

It’s the type of question that would vex any card-carrying nerd. This must have crossed former Geekadelphia Geek of the Week Jeffro Kilpatrick’s mind at some point, because he created the above image for a TeeFury shirt. And for the low cost of $10, you can walk around sporting this limited edition design that lets everyone know what happens when two cherished (and scarf-loving) genre icons get literally tangled up with each other.

Come to think of it, maybe these fellas aren’t fighting after all. Maybe they are just in a rush to save their respective universes and had the misfortune of over-accessorizing.

Either way, it’s an awesome shirt. But remember, this shirt is available at TeeFury for today only so act quickly before it vanishes like a Tardis heading to its next adventure.

I don’t think I can ever remember a time when “Being Green” was such a part of the national conversation (that and the debt ceiling). Going Green has not only become the responsible thing to do, but it is also the “hip” thing to do. If you’re cool and happening, then you also do things in a Green way. And now two Philadelphia based urban clothing lines, Aphillyated Apparel and Verde Styles, have taken it upon themselves to make the next generation aware of the Green Initiative with Power Down Philly.

At 3 PM on August 11th at the PHS Pops Up Garden at 20th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, the two clothing companies are teaming up with Hewlett-Packard and Temple University to create the first Green block party. Music will be supplied by Dave Patten and some of the best DJs the city has to offer. But what makes it a Green event, I hear you asking? Well, all the DJ equipment and lighting is going to be powered by bicycle.

Yes, bicycle.

Four bicycle generators are going to be set up that attendees will be able to pedal and power the event. The hope is that this interactive approach to renewable energy will turn younger people on to the benefits of going Green. Grab you bicycle shorts and make sure you limber up. If nothing else, it’s a great way to get a workout and save the planet at the same time.

Power Down Philly
powerdownphiladelphia.com
www.facebook.com/powerdownphilly

Some of you may be wondering why I’m not covering the big reveal of who the new Ultimate Spider-Man is. To be honest, I just don’t care. While I think it’s a good idea and I will definitely read the first issue of the new Ultimate Spider-Man book, Ultimate Fallout is just so bad it’s not worth anyone’s time. Let’s move on, shall we?

The Infinite #1
By Robert Kirkman and Rob Liefeld

Rob Liefeld is definitely a very dividing topic among fanboys. You either like his stuff or you don’t; there isn’t a lot of middle ground. I happen to be part of the former group. I have always enjoyed his books, from Youngblood to X-Force to Cable and, if you take his material for what it is (more…)

The brainchild of two Temple University students, Harvey Schnitzel, Time Traveler started as a simple comedy short and is now growing into a full blown webseries. In the words of Alexandra Peck, one of the creators:

“In the short, Harvey is a day-dreaming greeting card creator in the year 1997 who is strongly opposed to the development of the e-card, citing a love for vintage and the idea of a better time. The story in the webseries follows this lead, essentially suggesting that Harvey can never find the best possible era to live because there is no, true ‘perfect era’. In each episode, an allergic attack sparks a jump from the present to the past (or future) which features the same people who exist in the present, but, with a time related-twist. Somehow, Harvey can never find the perfect era.”

Shot digitally, the first series will span six 10 minute episodes and will feature heavy improv by the actors. Check out the hilarious project video and be sure to support the Philly Kickstarter scene.

The Project: Harvey Schnitzel, Time Traveler – Live Action Webseries

Creators: Alexandra Peck, Jason A Pearlman, Luke J Marron, Daniel Dorff

The Sweet Spot: $35 bucks gets your name in the website credits, free hugs and a DVD of the whole series, but high rollers can drop $1000 to add foot rubs, grape feeding, and private performances to the list. What, no ecard?

Funding Deadline: August 16th, 2011

More Info: Check out more Harvey on YouTube and Facebook

And of course, don’t forget to hit up the Kickstarter page to support them.

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Every Monday Geekadelphia features a Kickstarter created by local Philadelphians. Check em out and support our local geek scene. If you have a project that you’d like featured on site, contact geekadelphia@gmail.com