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The Holmesburg branch is one of four Carnegie libraries slated for closure under Mayor Nutter's budget plan. The industrialist had 25 built in the city.

Changing Skyline: Cuts weren't in Carnegie's library plans

By Inga Saffron, Inquirer Architecture Critic

Sure, Andrew Carnegie was a robber baron who built the formidable business empire that became U.S. Steel. But most Americans probably know him as the guy who went from town to town, scattering public libraries the way Johnny Appleseed planted trees.

Ben Affleck visits a camp for displaced people just north of Goma in eastern Congo. He's on his fourth trip there in a year, to see the crisis firsthand. (See "Ben there, doing that.")

Sideshow: Bill Maher? Not an Oscar prayer

By Tirdad Derakhshani, Inquirer Staff Writer

Pray it ain't so, Oscar. At least, that may have been what political comedian and movie maker Bill Maher said after the documentary branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday the 15 semifinalists for next year's best-documentary Oscar. Maher's Religulous, the sharp-edged pan of organized religion, was not among them.

Cheat Sheet: You'll find a wide variety of yule lighting options - 2:27am: By Alan J. Heavens , Inquirer Real Estate Writer

Outside, it's sure beginning to feel a lot like Christmas - time to start looking for lights for the holidays, so you can hang them before it gets even colder. Right now, stores have ample supplies and variety, though lights tend to be pricier at the start of the season than at the end.
PhillyDeals: Bank failures need deep probe, expert says - 2:27am: By Joseph N. DiStefano , Inquirer Staff Writer

Should the government treat bank crashes like air crashes? As a Cold War-era engineer, Dad's favorite assignment was "failure analysis," when he'd convene teams of engineers to review why their satellites blew up, to fix problems, and to prevent repeats.
Garden Q&A - 2:28am: By Michael Martin Mills , Inquirer Columnist

Question: My Caryopteris incana has done very well in sun and well-drained soil. I wonder if it's good to cut it back every year. Right now, it's about three feet tall, and I'd like to see it shorter, with new growth next year.
One Last Thing: The Big Three don't measure up for a bailout - 2:27am: By Jonathan Last , For the Inquirer

Another month, another bailout. Detroit's Big Three automakers went to Washington this week looking for a $25 billion taxpayer-funded handout.
Karen Heller: Too much stuff is not enough - 2:27am: By Karen Heller , Inquirer Columnist

We are fast approaching the most meaningful, emotional, important holiday of the year. I speak, naturally, of Black Friday.
Daniel Rubin: Memories fade, but still endure - 11/20/2008: By Daniel Rubin , Inquirer Columnist

The memories fade in and out, like the signal from some faraway station. Henry Eckenrode does not recall when he was born, how many children he has, or how many grandchildren.
Phil Sheridan: Birds may not be able to clean up mess - 11/20/2008: By Phil Sheridan , Inquirer Columnist

Donovan McNabb was humming circus music as he walked toward the stage for his weekly Wednesday session in the center ring.
Jonathan Storm: '24' returns with prequel to 7th season - 11/20/2008: By Jonathan Storm , Inquirer Columnist

Jack is back, and all's right with the world, which means that in Fox's 24, it's a complete mess, and only one man can possibly save it.
WHYY hires Satullo as news executive - 11/20/2008: By Jonathan Storm , Inquirer Columnist

WHYY yesterday hired former Inquirer editorial page editor Chris Satullo for a new position overseeing the public broadcaster's radio, TV and Internet news operations. He will begin work Dec. 15.
Sideshow: Sexiest man? It's Jackman - 11/20/2008: By Tirdad Derakhshani , Inquirer Staff Writer

In what will surely be the most important event of his life - and the biggest boost to his career - actor, singer and dancer Hugh Jackman, who turned 40 on Oct. 12, has been crowned People's Sexiest Man Alive, succeeding Matt Damon.
Morning Bytes: McNabb's question: To leave or not to leave - 11/20/2008: By Frank Fitzpatrick , Inquirer Columnist

Alas, poor McNabb, I knew him well. Maybe Donovan McNabb will be back. Maybe he won't. One thing seems certain: