Stand or fall

There’s something about the beginning of fall, when the heat and humidity of summer are replaced by a cool crispness in the air, that feels like a fresh start. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of going back to school, or maybe it’s the perfect sleeping weather, but I always feel more productive, more creative and more energetic at this time of year.

Good thing too, because now that everybody is back from the shore, there’s more going on in and around town than ever!

Blend coffee and games

Take a break from the bars from 7-10 p.m. Sept. 27 at Chapterhouse, 620 S. Ninth St., with a night of friends, fun and coffee. Take the autumn chill off with a steaming cup of joe and a night of relaxation — or, better yet, get yourself totally over-caffeinated and then blow everyone away in the speed rounds!

Back-to-School Party

There’s no way around it, kids, summer is officially over and it’s back-to-school time — Back-to-School Party-time, that is! The fun starts at 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. They’ll have drink specials, contests and prizes, with music by DJs Venus7 and Droo Trax, and a show hosted by The Goddess Isis as “Ms. Shirley Knott.” Don’t give her any lip, boys, or she’ll whip out her yardstick and show you what it’s made for! Cover charge is $10 for those 18-20, $5 for 21 and up and free for students 21 and over with college ID.

Physical education

Like it was for me, was physical education simultaneously your favorite and most feared subject? Well, put those fears behind you once and for all at 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. Second St. Enjoy drink specials until midnight and go-go-aerobics all night, while DJs Trprkpr and Sharyn Stone keep you pumping at this NSFW Dance Party. Cover charge is free for the first hour, then $5 after 11 p.m.

Jewels of Jazmine Thai

Get a taste of the exotic at 10 p.m. Sept. 28 at Jazmine Thai, 344 W. Gay St. in West Chester. Enjoy a night of cabaret in the ’burbs with Anita Mann, Karyn Thomas and Gracie Freebush. Start with a fabulous Thai dinner before the show and stay late for karaoke.

Drag Brunch at the Venture

How do you make a meal as naturally perfect as brunch even better? Add drag queens! See for yourself from noon-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. You’ll get a great brunch, a variety of drink specials and fantastic entertainment with no cover charge.

Codebreaker

Explore themes of criminal justice at a showing of the film “Codebreaker” from 8-10 p.m. Oct. 3 at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave. It’s a fascinating documentary about Alan Turing, the gay British man considered by many to be the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, who was pivotal in breaking the Enigma code during World War II and ushering in the computer age. In the early ’50s he was prosecuted for being homosexual and after accepting chemical castration as an alternative to prison, he committed suicide at age 41. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there’s no cover charge, but seats are limited so get there early.

Miss Delaware Pride Pageant

Are you a Cruella? An Ursula? Or better yet … a Maleficent? Find out at 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at Ramada Newark, 260 Chapman Road in Newark, Del., at the Miss Delaware Pride Pageant. This year’s theme is Evil Disney and your hostess is Miss Reading Pride 2013 Gracie Freebush. Featured entertainers include Karyn Thomas, Ashley Lynn and DJ Chris Emanski, with more to be announced. Cover charge is only $10 and all ages are welcome. For more information, see www.delawarepride.org.

Questions, comments, favorite Disney villain you identify with most? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!

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