Inquirer Columnists

Manuel hoping Phillies bounce back
Bob Ford: Phillies played the shame game

Annette John-Hall: Pit bull of a hockey mom leading war on diversity

By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

No matter how much John McCain tried to reclaim his party's middle ground while accepting the Republican nomination for president last night, I still can't shake the feeling that we have another war on our hands.

The theater is as good as any of the new Philadelphia venues. In the main auditorium, paneled in maple and cherry veneers, the walls have rhythm, the result of patterned materials and lighting.

Changing Skyline: A stylish state college building sweeps into view

By Inga Saffron, Inquirer Architecture Critic

If you don't get a warm, welcoming feeling when you amble across the campuses of Pennsylvania's public universities, you're in good company. For years, their defining architectural motif has been the towering blank wall and the skimpy slot window. The classrooms are about as pleasant as the local motor-vehicle office.

Sideshow: Jennie Garth details her agonies 2:28am: By Tirdad Derakhshani , Inquirer Staff Writer

Jennie Garth, who is reprising her role as Kelly Taylor on the new 90210, tells People.com that this year she has had to walk through the fires of existential damnation and general misery.
Cheat Sheet: Dealing with damage a flood leaves behind 2:28am: By Alan J. Heavens , Inquirer Real Estate Writer

Full hurricane force rarely hits as far inland as Philadelphia, but it doesn't take even a Category 1 storm to flood a basement. Here's some advice on dealing with the havoc water can wreak on a house.
PhillyDeals: PhillyDeals: Comcast shop for Phantoms' playing space 2:27am: By Joseph N. DiStefano , Inquirer Staff Writer

Taxpayers, hold on to your wallets. Stadium fever (minor-league version) is coming to a small city near you. Comcast Spectacor L.P. wants to build a 10,000- to 12,000- seat arena to replace the Spectrum as a concert and minor-league pro sports venue.
Time to ... 2:28am: By Michael Martin Mills , Inquirer Columnist

Maintain water-conservation efforts. The overall ecosystem still needs moisture. Dryness is not necessarily a function of heat, so don't let cool evenings fool you into not watering.
Commentary One Last Thing: Pivotal conventions 2:27am: On both sides, this year's gatherings marked the start of changed strategies that have transformed the race.

By Jonathan Last , For the Inquirer

ST. PAUL, Minn. - In the space of two weeks, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain have radically revised the strategies of their campaigns.
Commentary Back Channels: GOP likes Palin; really, really does 2:27am: By Kevin Ferris , Editor of the Editorial Page

ST. PAUL, Minn. - One of the first e-mails that hit the inbox last Friday made reference to how much Sarah Palin looked like a young Sally Field, star of the overwrought TV show Brothers & Sisters. You remember last Friday, when the world awoke to rumors of Sarah, and collectively said, Barack Who? (OK, maybe that was just me.)
Commentary Worldview: Petraeus on achievements in Iraq and what's ahead 2:27am: By Trudy Rubin , Inquirer Columnist

As John McCain and Barrack Obama gin up their campaigns, a general of importance to both of them is winding down his job.
Power Up: Battlefield Heroes free, but too freely cartoony 09/04/2008: By Dennis McCauley , For The Inquirer

What do you get when you cross a venerable war-game franchise with cartoon graphics, a massively multiplayer approach to combat, and free distribution?
Jonathan Storm: TV's frenzy over story is no surprise 09/04/2008: By Jonathan Storm , Inquirer Columnist

Oh, those darn media! Who do they think they are? CNN's Campbell Brown questioning Sarah Palin's motherly concern in running for vice president, knowing her pregnant daughter would be held up to international scrutiny and ridicule.
Inqlings: To VH1 Soul, Philly has it 09/04/2008: By Michael Klein , Inquirer Columnist

VH1 Soul is here this week shooting Soul Cities, a travel/entertainment series chronicling the combinations of culture, food and music unique to Philly, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, the Bay Area and Memphis.
Sideshow: One champagne-ugly host 09/04/2008: By Tirdad Derakhshani , Inquirer Staff Writer

English "Smile" singer Lily Allen, 23, pulled an Amy Winehouse on Tuesday night, becoming increasingly drunk and abusive at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London, which she cohosted with Elton John. Sober at first, she thanked police for rescuing a close friend of hers who she said had been kidnapped for ransom.