fans: Philadelphia Metropolis

Born to Boycott

By Janet Golden» Not so long ago I emailed a close friend an article that revealed her favorite line of yoga wear, Lululemon, came from a company that promoted the works of Ayn Rand. I expected her to be grateful for the news and, since she is a good left political activist, to thank me for alerting her so she'd never shop there again. Instead she asked: "Why did you have to tell me that?" I was shocked at her response. But then, I come from a boycotting family. Growing up in Southern California we boycotted all things John Birch Society. No Russell Stover candy ever passed my lips. As my mother taught me, Mrs. Stover gave money to the Birchers. (Comments)

Part Two: Takeover at Olney High

Could Olney High become a model for high school turnarounds? With its emphasis on discpline, with intense oversight of teachers, and with a program that puts troublesome students in special classes, Olney may have found a formula that works. Connie Langland reports from Olney in the second part of this special Cover Story. (Comments)

Election 2011: Seven Trends That Are Changing Philadelphia

When Michael Nutter is elected to a second term Tuesday, he will face trends that could change the city's future. In this Metropolis Spcial Report, Senior Editor Tom Ferrick examines in detail the state of the city under Nutter and the outlook for his second term. (Comments)

Why My Mother Loves the Phils

By Nicole Del Casale» As I think back to the last time I sat in the crowded venue of Citizens Bank Park, I remember the pained expression on my mother's face as I screamed "goodbye!" over the tumultuous rumble of the excited fans. I had to leave the game in the bottom of the 7th in order to drive back to D.C. for a midnight shift. As I kissed my mother and ran up the concrete stairs, I smelled the air, savoring my last game of the season, the Phillies up 6-1 against the Giants, and saw my mom sadly turn away, confused that I could possibly leave at such an exciting moment in the game, but happy that the Phillies were dominating. (Comments)

Creating the New City: Part One

By Ada Kulesza» This is a story about lovers. It's no love story; rather, it is a story about people who love a city they have inherited, an ancient place founded by Quakers and built by Revolutionaries. Pockets of that old world are still scattered around Philadelphia, but the men who first built it wouldn't recognize it. Philadelphia is the bone yard of the Industrial Revolution. The ruins of extinct businesses stand like empty monuments to an economy that's gone. But, many of the young people living here today see beauty in its post-industrial shell. Look inside and you'll see people working, slowly, to create the city's new eco (Comments)