What's HapPENNing?

Another midterm, another all-nighter--especially because you lost your entire weekend to entertaining your parents, assuming they've left already (middle-aged couple with the "Proud Penn Parents" pins sitting under Commons this morning: we're talking to you. Go home.) But if you care to give yourself a study break, or if you feel like being truly collegiate and "winging it", we have a whole slew of Philly events for ya!

Das Racist Who: Real, live Brooklyn hipsters who, like, played at Bonnaroo! When and Where: Tonight at 8:30pm at Union Transfer (11th and Spring Garden) Why: The $15 you spend on this band that sounds like a Ludacris-Tribe Called Quest mashup (officially called "alternative hip-hop") will get you to dance your skinny jeans off!

Dispatch Who: Dispatch When and Where: Tuesday at the Tower Theater (69th and Ludlow; take SEPTA's Market-Frankford line to 69th) Why: Because it's been a while since you sat around a campfire, singing "The General."

World Food Day Celebration Who: Oxfam America, PennSID, GlobeMed, Fair Food Philly, and Oxfam Corps When and Where: This Wednesday from 6-7:30pm in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge Why: Eating junk food can make you a good person? We're there. The dessert reception and world hunger panel discussion with food justice leaders (ooh lala) from around the globe are a tempting combo. Unfortunately, we're still not sure whether to recycle the plastic cartons Houston salads come in! We recommend bringing a doggie bag.

Mayer Hawthorne with Special Guest Cheers Elephant Who: Soul singer Mayer Hawthorne and local band Cheers Elephant When and Where: Thursday at 8pm in Harrison Auditorium (3260 South St.) Why: Because he spells his last name with a broken heart instead of an "O". And because SPEC got it right last year with fun. who became famous, like, the day after coming to campus. $10 w/student ID.

Charitable Laughter Who: Mask & Wig, Bloomers, Without A Net, Simply Chaos and Penn Six When and Where: 8pm on Saturday night at the Iron Gate Theater (37th and Chestnut) Why: It's Freshman Performing Arts Night without all the random a capella groups, and the proceeds benefit Philadelphia's Art Reach, a local non-profit! Tickets are only $5 bucks, so there's no reason to NOT go!! Expect your usual roundup of sex jokes, Jewish jokes, and Jewish sex jokes.

Pizza Week Who: Pizzeria Stella When and Where: Every day through Friday at Stella's Pizzeria (2nd and Lombard) Why: As part of Center City's Restaurant Week, a pie (cheap, wood-fired, AND artisanal! YUM!), an antipasti, and gelato for $25 is well worth the 25 minute SEPTA ride $15 cab ride.