Like the Vet, guard was institution
Albert LaGrotta excelled at baseball as a young man and was surrounded by the sport in later life. As a security guard at Veterans Stadium from the first pitch in 1971 to its...
Magic speller
Imagine standing before an audience of eager listeners while spelling the word "stylopharyngeus." Just the thought of it makes most flinch, but Tricia Ann Powles knows the trick lies in tackling the word...
Johnny Brenda’s
Fishtown has been hailed as Philly's newest up-and-coming neighborhood. Young singles and couples are purchasing and renovating homes there. Bohemian storefronts dot the streets and banners proclaiming "Welcome to Fishtown" flutter in the...
Shrink rap
Many questions remain in the realm of mental health. What constitutes "mad," for example? What's the difference between mental illness and eccentricity? Stability and instability? Dysfunctional and dangerous? Given the range of human...
Escape from the concrete jungle
Once every couple of years, a computer-animated film comes along that is so jaw-droppingly amazing, it makes us forget whatever came before it. Madagascar, the new CGI offering from Dreamworks about animals escaping...
The red-hot Ridgeline
If I were in charge of advertising for the new Honda Ridgeline, I'd hire the Marlboro Man. I'd open my commercial with some really butch scenes of the leathery-faced guy in jeans roping...
Heroes in war and peace
Their tombstones represent only a synopsis of their earthly existence. Yet those familiar with the history of the Revs. Edward Burke and James Dalton know just how much the priests understood the...
Votes counted, cash isn’t
As the winners of the primary election celebrated last Wednesday afternoon, Shaniya Randolph did a slow burn. The resident had been promised $50 to pass out fliers for the Democratic ticket at local...
Neighbors not feeling lucky
As with all gambles, it's a case of risk vs. potential reward. Supporters say bringing slots-only parlors to South Philly will boost city revenues and tourism and provide hundreds of job opportunities. But...
Vintage Recipes
Several weeks ago, a friend asked me to recommend a Barolo she wanted to use in a recipe for beef braised in red wine. The recipe specifically stated Barolo should be used. I...
