First Friday

csff, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.

July 2nd is First Friday!

Curbside Cafe will also be parked out front and serving their awesome burritos starting at 6pm!

Talking Summer Reading on the Radio

Benn will be on WYPR's (88.1FM) The Signal today at noon (and again at 7PM) to talk Summer reading suggestions.

There is only so much time on air to talk about new books, so be sure to stop by the store - this summer has been a great one for new releases.

Listen live online.

Check out the mp3.

Wednesday Is Comics Day

Benn's weekly comic preview is up at largehearted boy.

Faux You, Urban Outfitters

Philadelphia-based retailer Urban Outfitters plans to split the facade of a new store on the Upper West Side into four distinct "storefronts": a hat store, a hardware store, a neighborhood bar and a bodega.

"The whole idea was to do this kind of ironic statement of lining the building with storefronts that would be reminiscent of independent businesses," says Ron Pompei, creative director of Pompei A.D., which designed the store, slated to open in August. "It's the story about the streets of New York as they once were."

It's like Stepford Shopping.

Come to Hampden, where you can get the real deal.

Hangry

hangry, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.

When Benn's hungry he gets angry that he can't eat the toys. New Heidi Kenney plushes are in!

Celebrated Summer Records Opening July 2nd

csr_opening_web, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.

Mom Finds Number 7

Photo provided by Michelle Senderhauf

"When I got to the rest stop, I was looking around at the trees and I saw this little metal marker in the shape of the book—kind of like a baseball diamond— and that's when I freaked out," Senderhauf said. "It was right under the soil. I didn't have to dig deep. I saw a little Baggie and thought, 'No, this is going to be some junk.'"

Instead, it was a bejeweled number seven, about 4 inches tall.

Another number found for Clock Without a Face!

Dads Are Awesome

Father's Day is coming up. Remember your awesome dad by getting him a copy of Lords of Chaos. Or you know, some other book.

Honfest 2010

Well, Honfest is this weekend, and lucky for you we finally updated the Hampden Merchants website. Check out the actually searchable list of businesses in the Greater Hampden Area! The diversity in this neighborhood never ceases to amaze me.

So come check out the neighborhood, while drinking in the streets.

Curbside Cafe will be parked right outside our door Sat & Sun!

ETA: Sorry, Curbside Cafe is not going to be there on Sunday!

You Can't Win by Jack Black - June Reading Club Pick

Our Reading Club pick for June is You Can't Win by Jack Black.

As always, the discussion meeting is the last Wednesday of the month, 7pm at Atomic Books!