debate: Philadelphia Metropolis

Murder, Inc.

Just when you think you have a problem under control, it slips from your grasp. Mayor Nutter is probably regretting his rhetoric over lowering the homicide rate, At least he is getting frustrated at the trend lines, using the word... (Comments)

The Hipster Commandments

Best of VoxPop» As South Philadelphia native, I am annoyed at how my neighbors have handled the influx of hipsters moving into our neighborhood. I wouldn't use the word "hate" or even "dislike." Overwhelmed is more accurate, so great has the influx been. My neighborhood, which is just off East Passyunk Avenue, was once a place of close-knit relationships among neighbors, with families who have lived here for generations. Now, it feels like we have been invaded by aliens. Many of my neighborhood favorites - the thrift stores, bars, coffee shops and restaurants - have become a study in beards and plaid. (Comments)

Election 2011: The Curious Case of Karen Brown

There was a point during my interview with Karen Brown, the Republican candidate for mayor, when the conversation turned from the mundane to the strange so quickly I had to stop -- to make sure I heard what I just heard. "Wait a minute," I asked her, as she munched on a sandwich and fries at Darling's Diner. "Are you telling me your car has been vandalized eight times? She nodded. (Comments)

No Heaven, No Hell

By O.K. Pham» "Your children are lovely," the old stranger lady remarked at a community festival we attended last fall, her compliment a mere preface to this next question, "Do you take them to church?" Sensing an unsolicited sermon on the horizon, I gathered my brood for a swift but polite retreat: "No, but it's nice meeting you." Her unwelcome insistence beckoned as we meandered through the crowd, "It's not too late to teach the kids about our Savior!" For most of my adult life I've stayed clear of religious conversations, reluctant to debate a subject matter that I think is too personal. My own parents' marriage was compromised (Comments)

Republicans in Cars

I did a double take the other day when I read that Gov. Corbett's Transportation Advisory Committee was due to issue its report on August 1. I said to myself: I thought we already had a Transportation Advisory Committee and... (Comments)