Locust Moon Comics shop, which recently moved into a new, spacious location near 40th and Chestnut, is celebrating the release of its first book this week. Locust Moon Press has teamed up with Dark Horse Comics to release the 430 page science fiction fairy-tale anthology titled Once Upon A Time Machine. This is a long-awaited release – the book represents the culmination of three years of collaboration in Philadelphia and beyond.

The project began in the summer of 2009, when Locust Moon’s creative director Chris Stevens came up with the idea for a collection of futuristic stories based on classic myths and fairy tales. He began reaching out to local creators and established an online presence to make contact with artists and writers across the world. As an Internet buzz began to build about the book, an unexpected email came from Dark Horse Comics and the project which began with no money, artists, or scripts, became a major release from one of the biggest comic book companies in the world.

“Locust Moon is a place built on the passions of a lot of people,” says publisher and co-owner Josh O’Neill. “It’s living proof that with an open heart and open doors you can create something much bigger than the sum of its parts.”

The book release party is on Wednesday (Oct 10) at 7:30 p.m. where many of these parts will be on display. The party will feature a gallery show of original pages from the book, signings by dozens of the book’s authors, and a hell of a bash, in general.

Check out an animated book trailer:

The national Bain Worker Bus Tour is visiting Philadelphia on Monday and Tuesday and this afternoon the bus will make a stop at a Dunkin’ Donuts branch at 55th and Chestnut at 2 p.m. The bus tour is traveling through swing states to warn voters of the dangers of a “Romney Economy.” Bain Capital is the private equity firm founded by Mitt Romney and Bain workers on the tour include current and former employees from Dunkin Donuts, Sensata, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels, Outback Steakhouse, and other national chains. They will speak on their experiences working for Bain-owned companies.

The tour includes colorful street theater that will feature a Mitt Romney character who will be challenged by a group of protesters and former Bain workers.

On Tuesday, the bus will be at a center city Staples store at noon.

Update (9:30 am): Woodland Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets is still closed. Shuttle buses are operating from 49th and Woodland to 40th Street.

Oct. 7, 11:03 am: Philadelphia Water Department crews are out fixing a water main break at 43rd and Woodland this morning. Due to the break, the eastbound lane of Woodland Avenue is closed and the Route 36 and 11 trolleys are diverting onto Chester Avenue from 40th – 49th Streets. Some buildings in the area temporarily lost water service but it was restored by 9:10 a.m. Stay tuned for updates.

Somebody near 43rd and Spruce is ready for Fall.

The next couple of weekends are packed with awesome events and activities for pets and their owners. Here are the details:

Saturday, September 29

Bark in the Park
Clark Park “B” (43rd and Chester)
2-3 pm
Friends of Clark Park are inviting dogs and their owners to join them in Clark “B” Park, near the bowl. There will be more than 25 doggie contests with prizes, a chance to meet the vet and all kinds of fun for dogs and their human friends. All are welcome.

“End of Summer” Sidewalk Sale
Baltimore Pet Shoppe, 4532 Baltimore Ave
11 am – 3 pm
Stop by Baltimore Pet Shoppe this Saturday to check on their “End of Summer” sale. Huge savings on pet toys, accessories and treats (30-75% off).

Sunday, September 30

Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis De Sales Church, 4625 Springfield Ave
Noon
Bring your little best friend to be blessed in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the friend of all of God’s creatures.

Saturday, October 6

Low Cost Dog and Cat Vaccine Clinic
UPenn Alpha Psi, 4002 Pine Street
10 am – 4 pm
Alpha Psi, the veterinary fraternity at University of Pennsylvania, is having a low cost vaccine clinic. Rabies and Distemper shots – $10 for both, microchipping – $20. Also, bring your dog or cat for a free physical exam by UPenn Veterinary students. If you have questions, email: upennalphapsi@gmail.com

Earth Cup Doggie Strut
Earth Cup Coffee, 405 S. 45th Street (45th and Pine)
Noon – 2 pm
The Annual Earth Cup Doggie Strut will feature tons of great stuff: Prizes for all participants, a doggie photo booth, nail clipping and info booth by UPenn vets, generous treats from Baltimore Pet Shoppe, best trick/costume competition, music and more! You can sign up at the cafe or just show up and sign up at the event. For more information, visit Earth Cup’s Facebook page.

Drexel University officials have announced that the school will use a $10 million donation to build a community center that will offer residents in Powelton Village and Mantua a host of services, from free legal and health clinics to art programs and advice for small businesses.

Two properties and a former elementary school on Spring Garden Street between 34th and 35th streets will house the center, which will occupy about 29,000 square feet.

Drexel President John Fry told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he wants the center to help Drexel become the most civically engaged university in the country. Dana Dornsife, a 1983 Drexel graduate, and her husband David donated the money for the project, which will draw on faculty and student expertise to help address issues in the surround neighborhood.  The Dornsifes are based in California.

The center is expected to open in 2014.