1. Yes, it's called the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail Roadkill BBQ. But before you even start swerving to hit those critters looking all soft and cute alongside the road you drive to work on every day, realize that the folks at the six wineries that make up the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will be doing the cooking. And while you might be savoring some oddball treats, the menu mainly consists of beef, chicken and pork dealios and there definitely will be no stray dog or feral cat on the menu. And, natch, everything will be accompanied by the perfect wine. Participating wineries include Twin Brook, Folly Hill, Va La, Chaddsford, Kruetz Creek and Paradocx. Dates and prices for the outdoor picnics vary by winery, so call them individually for details. www.bvwinetrail.com. (MB)

2. This is the day to tell MySpace you need some space, before you're consumed by the broadband Bluetooth BlackBerry abyss. It's high time to Celebrate Low Technology. Make a mix-tape from your vinyl collection. Write letters. Use a phonebooth just to look mysterious. And if you're reading this online, ride your bike and go grab a hard copy. Tactile experiences are good for the soul. (NN)

3. They originated in Central Asia and somehow found their way to the state parks of Delaware. They're yurts -- and beyond being eye-pleasingly cylindrical, they're an affordable camping option for city-dwellers who prefer to sleep in a bed as they get back to nature. Plus, they're fun to talk about, possibly giving the phrase "pitching a tent" a run for its money. $47 per night for out-of-state patrons, $38 per night for residents, located in Trap Pond State Park and Lums Pond State Park, www.destateparks.com/Activities/ camping/yurts.asp. (GM)

4. Wishing for an old-fashioned Independence Day complete with marching band? How about picnicking at a performance by the group devoted to America's March King, composer of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," the Upper Darby Sousa Band? Don't forget Sousa was a Philly-kinda guy for much of his life—his was the house band at Willow Grove Park—so represent! 7:30 p.m., free, Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, 610-891-4663, www.co.delaware.pa.us/summer/ index.html. (MA)

5. Fourth of July ... on a Tuesday? Christ. If you're not feeling quite yourself today, Wednesday, I refer you to the private eye Bible of Booze, Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye. In it, hero Philip Marlowe comes to the realization that he's "looking at life through the mists of a hangover." What does the toughest dick in L.A. do about it? "I decided to kill the hangover. Ordinarily I was not a morning drinker. The Southern California climate is too soft for it. You don't metabolize fast enough. But I mixed a tall cold one this time and sat in an easy chair with my shirt open and pecked at a magazine ... I was handling the drink carefully, a sip at a time, watching myself." Take advice as needed. (DS)

6. Philly bike culture: it's grungy, great and overwhelmingly male. But chromosomally gifted pedalers have a savior in Sturdy Girl Cycling. Named a "2005 Club of the Year" by USA Cycling, this women-only bike club offers rides from the basic (a 27-mile base ride every Monday evening for all skill levels) to the ambitious (individual time trials on MLK Drive every Saturday morning). Membership $25 per year and up, rides held all summer long, www.sturdygirlcycling.com. (GM)

7. To my mind, bikes are works of art to begin with. But to the artists let loose in the Neighborhood Bike Works parts bin each year, bikes are simply composed of things you make art with. The results can be viewed and purchased at the annual Bike Parts Art Show, with pieces made of chains, cogs, wheels, ball bearings, handlebars and the like. Proceeds go to the West Philadelphia nonprofit that toils to put disadvantaged youth on bikes and then teaches them how to ride safely and repair them. Opening reception is Thu., July 6; we're sure the show at Nexus Gallery, 137 N. Second St., will be just as packed for today's First Friday, www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org. (BH)

8. Think of The Royal Stumble as American Idol for local beer. About a dozen brewers descend on Nodding Head with kegs. The public vote with their gullets. The brewery whose keg is kicked first walks out with a real, live championship belt. The Stumble, now in its seventh iteration, tends to sell out, so get to the polls early. It's the right thing to do. 1-5 p.m., $30, Nodding Head, 1516 Sansom St., second floor, 215-569-9525, www.noddinghead.com. (BH)

9. The image of chicks on roller skates may have you remembering Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu, but with names like Bettie Machete and Contessa Cutthroat, the free-wheeling women of Philly Roller Girls are anything but goody-two-shoes. Catch Philly's own Broad Street Butchers take on the Hostile City Honeys when the all-girl, skater-owned and -operated leaguers hit the rink for some seriously gross misconduct—tattoos and all. $10-$20, Millennium Skate World, 1900 Carman St., Camden, N.J., 856-757-9460, www.millenniumskateworld.com, www.phillyrollergirls.com. (NHM)

10. For the first time since 1960, the World Congress of Soil Science is meeting in the United States, and we've got it here at the Convention Center. These are serious folk (wetlands, erosion) but there's likely to be intriguing spinoff from these international types. Wait a day, then stick your head in the Convention Center to see if the soil folk want visitors (or just go in and cool off). July 9-15, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., www.paconvention.com. (JA)

11. If you're batty for bats, wild for wildlife or think such alliterative turns of phrase are even remotely cute, you'll fit right into the Philadelphia Zoo's Docent Council. The three-part volunteer training course, which starts in September but is taking applications now, teaches regular Joes all about conservation, biology, animal behavior, habitats and horticulture, then turns them loose on unsuspecting groups of day campers and stroller moms. People who think it'd be funny to push a bratty kid into Big Cat Falls need not apply. Free, Philadelphia Zoo, 34th St. and Girard Ave., 215-243-5200, www.philadelphiazoo.org. (AH)

12. They don't call us the second fattest city for nothing—celebrate good eats with the Reading Terminal's Taste of Philadelphia food tour. The 50-minute tour is led by CP's own Carolyn Wyman, author of SPAM: A Biography and Better Than Homemade: Amazing Food That Changed the Way We Eat, and takes a Food Network-y peek into the pop history of Philadelphians' gastronomical faves (soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, etc.). Every Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m., $8.95-$14.95, Reading Terminal Market info desk, 12th and Filbert sts., 215-545-8007, www.readingterminalmarket.org. (AH)

13. The Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival turns 12 today. Running through July 25, this year's festival features new films by returning favorites Q. Allen Brocka and Todd Stephens, as well as screenings of the camp, er, classics Barbarella and The Bad Seed. (SA)

14. Egalité! Philadelphia takes the French Revolution seriously, or maybe it's the yummy food and great wine. It's the day Philly claims to be the Paris of America, Bastille Day. For the 24th year, West Philly's White Dog Cafe shuts down Sansom Street, provides a buffet, lights sparklers and everyone storms the Bastille and frees imprisoned French poodles. Then they eat and dance. Meanwhile over at Eastern State Penitentiary, you can storm the prison walls and escort Marie Antoinette to the guillotine—and then eat! Sat., July 14, 8 p.m., $45 dinner and entertainment, dancing only is $5, suggested dress is red, white and blue, White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom St., www.whitedog.com/ bastille.html; Storming the Bastille, Sun., July 15, 5:30 p.m., free, Eastern State Penitentiary, www.easternstate.org/events/bastille.htm. (JA)

15. The Blob sounds lame enough on paper, but to watch the giant glob move slowly and steadily across the big screen is genuinely frightening—particularly the scene in which the blob slides into the very theater where you now sit (the 1958 film was shot partly in Phoenixville). In addition to a screening of the sci-fi classic, Blobfest features a running-out re-enactment, costume contest and "atomic picnic." Yes, Phoenixville is proud. The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, 610-917-1228, www.thecolonialtheatre.com. (TF)

16. There's a friendly little Chestnut Hill park where the grass is rarely cut and dogs play all day. For 10 Wednesday summer evenings, this tucked-away pocket of greenery, Pastorius Park, hosts the most low-key, relaxed outdoor summer concerts imaginable. The music varies week to week but don't miss Toubab Krewe, five Asheville guys who blend West African music with something called "Dirty South." Every Wednesday from June 14-Aug. 16 (Toubab Krewe Aug. 9), 7:30 p.m., free, Abington and Lincoln Drive, 215-248-8810, www.chestnuthillpa.com/pastorius.asp. (JA)

17. Fifty-five years ago today, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill that created the Delaware River Port Authority. Fifty-five years later, we still don't know what the hell it does. Take a stroll down to Penn's Landing and sob silently as you reflect upon the missed opportunities. (DS)

18. AC busted? Don't even own AC? Wrap your meat hooks around a copy of Film Noir Classics, Vol. 3, which hits stores today, and throw yourself a chilly noir film fest where the only thing running hot is the sting of betrayal. The highlight of the set might be Robert Montgomery's Lady in the Lake, shot from the perspective of the private dick protagonist. Then again, it might be seeing a pre-Khan Ricardo Montalban in Anthony Mann's Border Incident. (DS)

19. Say it along with Eliza: The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. Ms. Doolittle would approve of the brashness of day-tripping to the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and—oh, my!—skipping Shakespeare. PSF gives us George Bernard Shaw too—or the sweet musical-theater equivalent: My Fair Lady. It might not be George Cukor directing Audrey Hepburn, but we bet it'll still be loverly. (And if nothing but the Great Shakes will do, Othello runs in repertory.) $29-$44, DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Allentown, 610-282-WILL. (LH)

20. As your sad little city container garden wilts under the relentless heat of the summer sun, head out to Longwood Gardens Founder's Day Celebration. To celebrate 100 years of perfectly manicured magnolias and irrigated irises, Longwood brings on the giant birthday cake, fireworks and behind-the-begonias stories from Longwood's gardeners. Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org. (CV)

21. Up until a few months ago, Franklin Square was mainly a place to score drugs or play dodgem with the cars on the "Race-way" to the Ben Franklin Bridge. Right now, it's a construction site. However, on this day, local tourism officials claim it will not only be safe enough for visiting kiddies—it will actually be appealing to their tourism-dollar-toting parents. That's because of the now-being-built twin playgrounds, new 30-horse carousel and an 18-hole miniature golf course incorporating Philly landmarks. But to most, the biggest attractions will be the new lighting and around-the-clock security. Franklin Square "Funland," 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, Race Street between Sixth and Seventh sts., 215-629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org. (CW)

22. Did you come down with a wicked case of McPheever? Were you a card- carrying member of the Soul Patrol? Did you think both American Idol finalists blew and wished Paris Bennett won instead (Come on! Did you see her audition?!)? Catch the Top 12 Idol finalists before they fade into obscurity. 7 p.m., $38.50-$72.50, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 215-336-2000, www.ticketmaster.com. (ME)

23. Back flips, BBQ and Budweiser, baby. I'm putting my money on NASCAR's dreamy Carl Edwards to execute his trademark post-win back flip and drive his Office Depot Ford right into Victory Lane at the conclusion of the Pennsylvania 500. Catch all 600 exciting left turns at the oh-so-strange 2.5-mile tri-oval Pocono Raceway. www.poconoraceway.com. (CV)

24. Fifty years ago today, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed their last comedy act together at the Copacabana Club in New York City. We don't really care about this. But it's nice to have an excuse to drink a martini. (DS)

25. AC still busted? Pick up a copy of David Goodis' Black Friday, reprinted this month by Serpent's Tail. The story involves a petty thief named Hart, burdened with a dead man's wallet containing $11,000 and running for his miserable little life on a cold Philadelphia night. You wish, right? (DS)

26. You don't have to go all the way to the islands to hear steel drums. As part of the Young People's Concert Series, the Caribbean Youth Panoramics Steel Pan Orchestra Capoeria Troupe plays Caribbean rhythms. The Brooklyn-based band is made up of children ages 6 to 18 (think Menudo) who play everything from island rhythms to classical music and interpretations of Top 40 tunes. Now pass the dutchie already. 11 a.m., free, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org. (NHM)

27. There may be more to Super Mario Bros. than meets the ear when PLAY! A Video Game Symphony comes to the Mann to sing the praises of more than 20 popular video game soundtracks. If you ever thought The Legend of Zelda or Battlefield 1942 had a little something more going for them than simply strategy, you'll enjoy this full orchestra and choral performance complete with big-screen highlights from each game. 8:30 p.m., $48-$75, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org. (NHM)

28. You've seen it on TV. A bunch of really hip city dwellers gather for a funky afternoon of cold beer, hot dogs and water sports. You, too, can throw a makeshift pool party. Call in sick today, then invest a couple of bucks in some of those blow-up kiddie pools. Take over a nearby parking lot or set up shop on the sidewalk. Coupla cheapie lawn chairs, some drinks in a cooler, a boom box and a hibachi, and you have the makings of a really cool soiree. Just make sure to enforce the "no peeing in the pool" rule. (MB)

29. Local actor Grover Silcox performs "The Tell-Tale Heart" with terrifying realism. On the street, we would avoid this sort of shifty-eyed nutso, but in the Eastern State Penitentiary's center surveillance hub—where Silcox will deliver his dramatic reading of Poe's little thriller—we will clap nervously, discuss the modern implications of the story and go to bed afraid. 5:30 p.m., $10, Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd St. and Fairmount Ave., 215-236-3300, www.easternstate.org. (TF)

30. If you can do without booze—no, seriously—your friends will love you if you treat them to a real, live pool party like when you were kids. Check out the local community center, which usually has a higher standard of conduct for its users. Most likely you can rent the whole pool and all the floaties, swimmies and noodles you need for two hours for about $10 a person. (MB)

31. is a scientific fact that at any given moment, there is a rerun of Law & Order on. Celebrate the late Detective Lenny Briscoe's alcoholism by playing the Law & Order Drinking Game! Take a swig every time there is a cop in the lawyer half of the show (and vice versa), there is a black screen with a location, a perp is read his rights, or the victim's name is mentioned. Extra points go to any underaged players for irony alone. (ME)