Opinion
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Opinion
The Local Lens: Who Let the Dogs Out?
Who let the dogs out? Or, how come there are so many pit bulls in the world? Where did these dogs come from? I have a good neighbor who has…
Thom Nickels | 06/23/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference
What about writers’ conferences? Are they valuable for people who want to write? I felt very privileged to be included in the 69th annual Philadelphia Writers’ Conference (PWC). My participation…
Thom Nickels | 06/15/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Celebrating Matt Moll
While hanging out at the decidedly downscale, hipster-free Sam and Ruthie’s Riverwards bar with a young artist friend (we had come from a Center City play entitled How to Use…
Thom Nickels | 06/08/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Mr. Spock’s Machine
When I became a man, I put away childish things. Then one day a woman talked to me about a Wishing Machine — or, as I like to call…
Thom Nickels | 06/01/2017 -
Crime
OPINION: When It Comes to Gun Laws in PA., Common Sense is Not Too Common
This article was submitted by State Rep. Donna Bullock, who represents the 195th District of Philadelphia. To contact Rep. Bullock, visit http://www.pahouse.com/Bullock/. Recently in a House State Government Committee hearing, an…
Donna Bullock | 05/30/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Post-Primary Politics
I don’t get to hang out with my brother very often, but when I took the train to Exton this past weekend to spend some time with him, I expected…
Thom Nickels | 05/24/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Happy Birthday, Walt
On May 31 this year, America’s greatest poet, Walt Whitman, will be 198 years old. His birthday celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 5 PM at the…
Thom Nickels | 05/21/2017 -
History
The Local Lens: Old Money Mansions
The life of Philadelphia’s wealthy and privileged classes can be fascinating to study. Take for instance one of Philadelphia’s most famous mansions, Ardrossan, the 50-room Georgian Revival estate in…
Thom Nickels | 05/18/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Developers Should Take the Character of the Neighborhood Into Account
Is there not a single space in my Riverwards neighborhood that has not been rezoned for rehab by developers? The other night I was making my way to a friend’s…
Thom Nickels | 04/19/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: Art Receptions Aren’t What They Used to Be
Some time ago I wrote a column about Philadelphia’s whacky reception groupies, or people who seem to spend a lot of time trying to find art receptions in the…
Thom Nickels | 04/14/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Lens: The New Politics of Aging
When my parents (who were part of America’s so-called “Greatest Generation”) were in their 50s, they seemed much older than the 50-plus people I know today. American society was…
Thom Nickels | 04/06/2017 -
Opinion
The Local Len: My Own “Phantom Rider”
Years ago the Philadelphia Daily News published a weekly SEPTA column called “The Phantom Rider” by an anonymous writer who recounted his experiences while riding the El and the…
Thom Nickels | 03/31/2017