I just listened to “The Pod F. Tompkast” and I’m glad to report it is a funny (better be!) and promising first effort. I’m a big fan of the Philly-born and bred comedian and after years of hearing him politely bust balls and dish on the inner workings of the comedy world on numerous radio shows and podcasts, I was excited to hear what kind of show he would put together.

I’m trying to raise some funds for Back on My Feet, a great nonprofit that promotes self-sufficiency for the homeless. I’m doing so by running a long race called the 20in24. I’m part of a 5-member team—The State Chomps— that will run a total of 126 miles (maybe more!) in 24 hours (25.2 miles per person), then drink a lot and moan about being sore.

Little Neal Schon’s head groovin’ closeup (1:24), little Ross Valory’s awesome mustache (2:33) and little Steve Smith’s complete lack of energy behind the kit (3:56) should guarantee an A++ for this school project created by some funny kids from Philadelphia Academy Charter. I now have hope for the future. More Journey Goodness Neal Schon’s Greatest [...]

Todd chats with the always engaging Eric D. Johnson at Johnny Brenda’s about pulling double duty in two popular bands (Fruit Bats and The Shins), album art, intimate shows and enjoying everything Philly has to offer… like a watching “a guy running down the street with a beard of puke.” Thanks, Philadelphians!

Every so often someone is kind enough to make music custom tailored to my particular needs. (More musicians need to do this.) I love alt country music, preferably the flavor laced with some bar-soaked edge and a shot or two of world weariness (Drag The River, Centro-matic, Son Volt) and I also dig the old-timey power pop infused punk (Big Drill Car, Doughboys, The Mats). When I find successful merger of the two, I get a bit giddy. Jeremy Porter, front man of Detroit’s Fidrych and The Offramps, takes both genres and effortlessly crafts a seriously enjoyable record with a variety of moods and tempos and lots of clever songwriting.

Video mavens Ken and Phil from the After School Specialists made a nifty little animated film based on one of our more inane podcast chats. Created for the UsedWigs Live event on March 19, 2010 at World Cafe Live in Philly.

Save that date, caress that date, love that date. UsedWigs Live at Upstairs at World Cafe Live with Special Guest Audible and Dave Hill!

Conan O’Brien comes to Philly — Tower Theater, Upper Darby — on June 7th. This comedy juggernaut is called “The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television” Tour. Sweet!

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Free at Noon WXPN Concert on January 29! Concert Starts at 12:00 p.m. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philly. This is a free show but registration is required at www.xpn.org

If you live in Philly then you know Ben Franklin invented everything — electricity, bifocals, stoves, the printing press, cars, space travel, donuts, skullets, pogo sticks, Epilady razors — I’m talking everything. Artist Scott C reminds us Ben was also a visionary who was quite handy with robotics. Details: archival giclee art print, printed on 100% acid free- cotton rag archival paper, hand signed edition of 50, dimensions: 11 inches x 14 inches (includes 3/4 inch border).