Today was the first day in eons I spent cleaning up the news aggregator.

What that entails is visiting each blog on the blogroll, one by one and making a rather subjective determination if it stays in the aggregator or goes.

While I could (and do sometimes) use scripts to automate the process of verifing that blogs on the blogroll exist, and have recent posts, it takes a human invested in what this site is about to actually keep Philly Future working appropriately.

Along the way you end up discovering people who have migrated their blogs new locations, who themselves have moved away from Philly, who have given up blogging entirely, or have just mysteriously disappeared.

It probably sounds simple, sites like this should be removed from Philly Future right? But it isn't always that simple.

For example, Mark at the Long Cut. He was a Philly Future Featured Blog, Matt interviewed him way back 2005. He hasn't updated his blog since... well since January 2008. Should I remove his link? Some would say so. But his last post leaves me hope he will someday come back to blogging. So I hold out hope.

Speaking of Matt, a huge contributor to Philly Future in the past, one of the reasons it was the success it was for so long, his blog hasn't been updated since late last year, but like the Long Cut, it stays.

How about Mr. Dave Luna. A writer we've linked to here since, oh, the beginning of time, and someone who enriched the Philly blogosphere while he was blogging. Well he deleted his feed. That's easy.

Uncle Horn Head hasn't updated since October 2006. One of my favorite bloggers. But after two years, well it's pretty clear he's not coming back. Still miss him and Dave.

And what of Jim Capozzola and Star C. Foster (Sarcasmo). Both will never update their blogs again, yet there is no way I can remove those blogs from the blogroll. I feel honor bound to leave them linked, even though both have left this mortal coil, because they were so much a part of what made the Philly blogosphere - what made and continues to make Philly - so special to me.

A special shout out needs to go to Keystone Politics, Philadelphia Will Do, and Hallwatch.org for laying foundations in Philly for what's come later. Hallwatch was true citizen journalism at its finest, while Keystone Politics helped to provide a space for people to keep infromed about their state, and Dan McQuade shows just what is possible when a newspaper freely sponsors a blog.

All are missed.

To be sure there are a great, great many old timers still keeping at it and there are a ton of new voices who have joined the great online conversation. Where that leads Philly Future I am still figuring out and will post some thoughts shortly.

Thank you for keeping up with the journey so far.

Karl

Hello,

Quick update: Due to issues at the previous host that kept me from gaining the access I needed to diagnose the performance issues Philly Future was suffering, I have migrated Philly Future to a new host. This enabled me to determine that the blog aggregator, The Philly Wire, was the root cause of Philly Future's instability.

I will be upgrading Philly Future to the next major Drupal release to see if this resolves the issue. Going from Drupal 5.x to 6.0 involves major work since the templates that Philly Future employs need to be redone to be compatible. Finding uninterrupted to to accomplish this will be a challenge.

It is possible that this will not resolve the issue since it appears it to be one of sheer growth. The aggregator has grown to a size that a Drupal on any under $100 hosting solution cannot satisfy.

Installing memcached should help as a next step, which I will take, however, the smart, cost effective solution is to go distributed - to host Philly Future's aggregator process on Amazon web services or Google's App Engine. Incur the CPU and memory cost there, and consume the results of that processing here. More than likely, that will be the next phase of rebuilding Philly Future. If and when Philly Future goes this route I plan to document the process for others, and to hopefully build a solution that can be used by others who would like to build similar services.

I'd like to apologize for the issues Philly Future has been experiencing. Attempting to resolve them part-time, in fits and starts, the way I have has been largely unsuccessful.

So it is long past time I do this and practice what I preach - please join me at this google group to start an open conversation about Philly Future's management and its future.

Thank you,

Karl

Hello everyone, Philly Future is still here. I am working with our host to try and discern what has triggered the slow site performance these past few days. During this time, Philly Future may go into maintenance mode where no access is possible, do not be alarmed, we will be back.

Thanks for your patience,

Karl

In a thought provoking piece, one that helps me focus on where Philly Future is lacking, Christopher Anderson compares various local online media, including Philebrity, Philly.com, Citizen Mom, Beerleaguer, Philly IMC, Young Philly Politics, and Mere Cat. It's a a great read. Various new media is not as open as you'd think, and Philly.com still has a ways to go.

I've fallen way behind on handling Philly Future add requests. Rest assured I will be getting back to you shortly. Apologies on the delay.

Karl

If you can, watch what is going on with the planets
They say it's a remarkable time, in several meanings...
_________

Sirena of the Big City Gullies, what will be our news...
_________

They show a certain assortment of american flicks
about here. I sometimes find time to watch them.
However, when they do not rightaway fight to death
and explode the world to pieces (showpiecing),
Americans seem to spend all their time mainly
palavering in tongues that I bear not to listen to
for longer.
A world that talks that much cannot be in right order.
_________

You have your choice, now remember: your young hero's
mother, from the land of the wicked witch of the west,
made her thing with a kenyan wonderman.
That's the story you're gonna be told.
(She went so far west as to inhabit the land
of the dancing demons beyond the ocean.
Her Son had good rest halfway that. (Mr. Relay.)
This is open source information but one has to take
in regard that bit more of knowledge. I wonder...)
_________

For decades now I have been listening along the tunes
of some jewish boys from New York City. Only lately
I realized spontanely that their theme is that of the
sweet shots of the shop. Which means (sweet shots are
new grass and so) they serve Baal, according to the terms
of their origin. Sweet shots are especially the topic
of this canaanite god, as are thunderstorms (electricity).
The lucky boys could have become excellent
sinagogue singers but they took to the radio roads
to sing to everyone who would listen.
I'm more likely to turn their music off since I know that...
_________

America (the US of A) will know a straight thing
by September 2009. Hear my word!
_________

...better love next time...

AUTHENTIC, Collective for Women Artists and Musicians of Color
PR+, “It’s All in the Name.”
___________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Women, under 25, Making Moves in Art and Music While Giving Back to Philadelphia

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, AUTHENTIC and KHOLI PR+ will present (in conjunction with Philadelphia’s local artist hotspot, The Arts Garage), a “Dance for Democracy, the third event in AUTHENTIC’s “Art for Awareness” series.

AUTHENTIC is asking that all community organizers, promoters, politicians, business executives, and anyone not named in this list come out to The Arts Garage on November 1, 2008 at 6 pm.

Everyone is invited because democracy is not anyone’s exclusive responsibility.

“Dance for Democracy” takes the best of your local poets, musicians, artists, and community organizers, then brings them out from behind closed doors into public view to release their political opinions. The event, sponsored by Glaceau Smart and Vitamin Water and The Arts Garage, is part community fundraiser for Philadelphia’s Project H.O.M.E. and City team Ministries, part listening party for Philadelphia native and recently-signed Columbia recording artist, Selina Carrera.

Simone Banks and Carrie Y.T. Kholi, Co-Founders and Partners in AUTHENTIC and PR+, agree to describe their “mixed-medium” events using one word: different.
“I wish we could put questions on our flyers,” says Banks. “Like, ‘Tired of the same ol’ same ol’?’” “Philadelphia has a lot of really awesome and authentic artists and musicians right here. We also pull from NY, D.C., Baltimore, and Atlanta. You don’t have to go far to find talent. AUTHENTIC and the artists that we work with are just trying to remind people that you can do that. You can find the talent, market it, and still care about your community. You can still give back. This is not something we see every day.”

“We are writers and students first, you know?,” adds Kholi. “… Simone is a journalist because of Temple University. I care about words and craft because of Hampton University. We stalk talent because we feed off of it. It fuels our passion. It makes us stop and think, ‘Who is this artist? What can I do for her? What can she do for AUTHENTIC? What new partnership, new creative force is going to be formed?” As she laughs, Kholi adds, “Then we think, ‘Now how can we write about this, blog about it, talk about it, let the world know?’”

“Dance for Democracy” will serve as a solid opportunity for the Philadelphia community leaders to come together with the Philadelphia community. This is an event, a moment of extreme potential, not to be missed.

Final Event Details:
• Where: The Arts Garage, 1516 Parrish Street, Philadelphia, PA / 1533-35 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA (Both addresses apply to the same venue.)
• When: November 1, 2008 at 6 pm

Entry fee:
• One donated coat for Project H.O.M.E.
OR
• $5 donation to City Team Ministries

*** THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT ... BRING TWO COATS ... ONE FOR YOU ... AND ONE FOR PROJECT H.O.M.E.

About Selina Carrera
Selina Carrera is a prolific, stylistic vocalist, recently signed to Columbia Records as a recording artist. Carrera's distinctive sound is a blend of Latin jazz and hip-hop, vocally. A futuristic lyricist too complex to be classified as a rapper, she fits under the title of MC, and is also a spoken-word poet. Like most great vocalists, Carrera began singing in her church choir at the age of eight, and has been professionally trained since the age of ten. Carrera's main musical influences are samba, salsa, jazz, funk, and hip-hop. A Philadelphia native, Carrera was both a student at the Girard Academic Music Program and a vocal major at the Creative and Performing Arts High School.

Recently, her hard work has been recognized not only locally, but also around the country. Carrera has been humbled by having the privilege of being managed by Chris Schwartz, co-founder of the renowned independent label, RuffHouse Records. RuffHouse was responsible for fostering such acts as Kriss Kross and The Fugees. Carrera is now hard at work producing her debut album.

Selina Carrera is blessed beyond words and feels completely satisfied with the way life is taking her. As a real musician she is definitely an artist on the rise and will be truly legendary.

About AUTHENTIC / PR+
Authentic / PR+, as a partnership, is a visual art and music collective focusing on female artists, usually of black and Latino descent. We work with, and brand, many female artists in various geographic regions of the United States, some including Queen Sheba, DJ ShErOck, Toy, DJ Victoria, Selina Carrera, and many more. AUTHENTIC recognizes the power of music and art to change and affect lives and, as such, is in the process of creating a series of events raising awareness about sexual violence, homelessness, LGBTQ rights, and AIDS; especially within the Philadelphia community.

“Art for Awareness” Events:
• September 3, 2008: AUTHENTIC Launching at Luxe Lounge (featuring TK Wonder)
• September 14, 2008: “Sex-Less” (An MC Battle of the Sexes) at Silk City
This event was sponsored by The Peace and Love Movement and Rebel City Music. It was a promotional event to support non-violence by encouraging alternative means of expression.
• October 24, 2008: Rough Language Poetry Slam at Bubble House (featuring Selina Carrera, FlyGirrl, and Amun Miraaj)
This event was sponsored by AUTHENTIC and Below the Radar Productions. It was a $500 Poetry Slam raising awareness for breast cancer.
• November 1, 2008: “Dance for Democracy” at The Arts Garage
• January 17, 2008: Rough Language Poetry Slam
• February: Details TBA
• March 13-24 2008: EXPOSE: Art for AIDS

Media Contacts:
Carrie Y. T. Kholi
AUTHENTIC / PR+
404.732.5592
carrie@roughlanguage.com

Here is to a great 4th of July from the city at the heart of the American Revolution.

ushistory.org

Charters of Freedom - The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights

I hope you are doing well Philly Future folks,

Karl

The latest and most informative website site for Seger Park located between 10th and 11th Streets in Washington Square West neighborhood of Philadelphia - Seger Park

If you like, you can visit the site through Friends of Seger Park.

SpotCrime.com has been given access to the Philadelphia's Police Departments data. We are working on updating the site everyday. Please sign up for our alert feature to see our updates in your neighborhood.

SpotCrime has added over 1 m. crime incidents to our database in the last three months.

Particularly in Philadelphia, you'll notice that the map shows less shootings than before. The reason for this is because we now have data for many other crimes coming from the police department. To see a specific crime like "shooting", deselect the other crimes in the check boxes and hit refresh.

All events are sourced. By clicking on the crime page and clicking view source, you'll be able to see if the item came from a news report or the police department.

Hi folks,

I haven't been around all that much since I've needed to concentrate on a number of personal concerns. Normally, I would be posting about the talk occurring from Philadelphians online. I'm not going to get the chance to do that today. But that doesn't mean that Philly Future can't help you explore and take part. Here's how:

Keep an eye on the Philly Wire. Philly Future surfaces conversations and headlines from across the region. Click and take part.

Search the Philly Wire for endorsements of fellow online travelers and local mass media.

Post here or on your favorite blogs your thoughts, your feelings, your concerns. Talk. Speak out.

And more than anything else - get out and vote.

Have a great day everyone,

Karl

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women will be held on October 2, 2008 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Now in its fifth year, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women is a non-profit, non-partisan, one-day annual conference that features more than 75 renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, business and entrepreneurship, career resources, work-life balance, media, and more. The Conference offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth. Learn more and register at http://www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org

Are you the next Hitchcock, Lucas, Romero, or Spielberg? Then TFF is for YOU. Submit your films and screenplays, and be a part of this one-of-a-kind film festival. Terror Film Festival is a world renowned international independent film festival that's designed for filmmakers and screenwriters. TFF runs every October in the heart of Philadelphia PA at the prestigious and creepy Ethical Society Building (right across from beautiful Rittenhouse Square) and we offer over $10,000 in cash and prizes, ranging from our coveted Claw Awards to loveable cash. Plus, our world-class screenwriting competition!

TFF is like no other festival in the world because it’s geared to promote YOU. And we’re the only festival in the world who places your director photo, project poster, website link, and project synopsis on our website just for SUBMITTING a project. TFF pioneered the concept in 2006 and we’re proud to continue to offer it to our creative artists.

Check our "Reviews" webpage to see what everyone’s saying about our festival! Win FREE Festival VIP Passes. Go to our tickets page to enter! TFF Bad-Azz Festival VIP and One Day Passes go on sale starting every February 14 (Valentine’s Day)!

Claw, Festival Director
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
Horror, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Thriller, Drama, Screenplay
www.TerrorFilmFestival.net
October 21-25, 2008 | Philadelphia, PA

Come check out the second annual Mt. Airy Kids' Literary Festival- from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, 2008, presented by the Big Blue Marble Bookstore in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia! Authors/illustrators/musicians include Two of a Kind, Alix Berenzy, Charlene Crawford, Dar Hosta, Adam Rex,Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Eloise Prescott, Muriel Feelings, Miriam Peskowitz, and Denise Valentine.

Here's the full schedule:

Mt. Airy Kids' Literary Festival
Friday April 11 through Sunday April 13, 2008
Friday, April 11

7:00-7:45pm - KIDS' CONCERT! with Two of a Kind.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe
Saturday, April 12

10:30am - Olivia Crafty Fun and Activities! (For preschoolers and younger readers)
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe
Join Olivia the pig, and color, cut, and race her through a variety of paper activities.
With pastry refreshments from High Point Cafe.
Sponsored by High Point Cafe

11:00am - Reading and Collage/Art Activity with Dar Hosta, author of Mavis & Her Marvelous Mooncakes and If I Were a Tree.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

12:00pm - Reading with Alix Berenzy, author of Sammy the Classroom Guinea Pig.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe
With refreshments from Weavers Way.
Sponsored by Weavers Way Co-op

12:45pm - Game/Giveaways!
Location: Big Blue Marble
Wander around the Big Blue Marble and participate in games and giveaways of kid literary fun!

1:00pm - Reading with Charlene Crawford, author of Adventures with Granny in the Garden.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

2:00pm - Reading with Adam Rex, author of The True Meaning of Smekday and Pssst!
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

3:00pm - Reading with Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

4:00pm - Daring Book for Girls Scavenger Hunt/Book Signing! Join us while we scavenge for books, following clues around the Big Blue Marble, and meet Miriam Peskowitz, co-author of The Daring Book for Girls.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

5:00pm - Favorite Bedtime Story Reading!
Location: Maternal Wellness Center
Join the folks at the Maternal Wellness Center and cuddle up in their community living room for a cozy bedtime story reading. Kids, come dressed in your pajamas, share your stories, and eat snacks.
Sponsored by the Maternal Wellness Center
Sunday, April 13

12:30pm - Craft/Art Activity and Signing with Jan Jugran, author of Willow Becomes Brave and Puppy Love.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

1:30pm - Reading with Muriel Feelings, author of Jambo means Hello and Moja means One.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

2:30 - Storytelling with Denise Valentine, of Keepers of the Culture Storytelling Organization.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

3:30 - Reading with Eloise Prescott, author of Aisha's Crowning Glory.
Location: Big Blue Marble Cafe

Yay!

Hello everyone,

There is a new website available for your use here in Philly and anywhere else in the states. We are a small team of local programmers and designers in Philadelphia that got a bit tired of using websites like craigslist for selling and buying stuff. So we decided we can do something better. We built and designed www.zurpit.com, it is completely free and shall always remain so. We used everything we can come up with to create a user friendly and easy to use interface. It will be easier to find what you are looking for and even easier to list anything you want to sell. We are asking you, fellow Philadelphians to help us spread the word and make Zurpit the new spot for buying and selling here in Philadelphia and more. We need your suggestions so we can improve and we WILL! The future of Zurpit is in your hands! Check it out and give us any feedback you may have good or bad.