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Welcome to WHYY's weekly series of commentaries written for our air by some of the best Philadelphia Inquirer commentators, columnists, critics and writers. The commentaries are aired every Sunday at 10:37 a.m. on Weekend Edition.
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Commentary from the 
Archive
Monica Yant Kinney 02-08-09 These days there are no lack of stories of hardship and survival. Some are more compelling than others. Most reflect the toll of difficult transitions. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Monica Yant Kinney discovers that compassion moves in mysterious ways.  
Melissa Dribben 02-01-09 The word "change" is used so often that it struggles to find meaning every time it's uttered. Central to the election of a new president, at a personal level "change" can be as welcomed as it is rejected. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Melissa Dribben find out it's not always easy to let go of the familiar. 
John Timpane 01-25-09 Remember that exhilarated feeling that comes after a good conversation, a lively party or a satisfying meal? It happens all the time and when it's all done there's an urge to return to reality. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer John Timpane gets us back on track after the presidential inaugural exuberance. 
Trudy Rubin 01-18-09 Americans have been watching with rapt interest the confirmation hearings for different government officials appointed by President-elect Obama. The most captivating was that of Senator Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State. In our ongoing series of commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Worldview columnist Trudy Rubin explores some of the sticky points in Clinton's history. 
Rick Nichols 01-11-09 Pie making conjures up warm memories in most Americans and there are enough songs, poems and recipe contests to prove that sweet affection. In our ongoing series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer writers, food writer Rick Nichols traces the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition baking all sorts of pies. 
Frank Fitzpatrick 01-04-09 It's almost a cliche to say that at 82, Joe Paterno's life is all about football. In fact it seems impossible to imagine him being passionate about anything else. That's probably what he's thinking too. In our ongoing series of commentaries from the Philadelphia Inquirer, sports writer Frank Fitzpatrick reflects on the Joe Paterno's phenomenon. Dan Rubin 12-28-08 When a community gathering place disappears there are all sort of side effects, a sense of loss, a social network dismantled and all the off characters that make a place swing disperse. In our ongoing series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer writer, Dan Rubin sees hope for one such marketplace. 
Melissa Dribben 12-21-08 At this time of the year, it's tempting to make lists that recount all important events since January 2008. Can you remember that far back? Seems like an eternity. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Melissa Dribben ended up writing a free form poem to fit it all. 
Frank Fitzpatrick 12-14-08 Talking about the antics of the Philadelphia sports fans has become a sport in of itself. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, sports writer Frank Fitzpatrick remembers the fortieth anniversary of a particularly low day in sports "fanhood." 
John Timpane 12-07-08 Every New Year's Day we take some time to look back, but this year has been so chock full of unprecedented news and events that its hard to believe it's been only 12 months ago that we welcomed 2008. Philadelphia Inquirer writer John Timpane looks back... and forward. 
Rick Nichols 11-30-08 Food and more food. That's the most common topic of conversation this holiday season, aside from the economy of course. In our ongoing series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, food writer Rick Nichols looks at the future of one of the few open markets on the east coast, as it faces new risks. 
Trudy Rubin 11-23-08 President elect Obama is not wasting any time naming his cabinet. In our weekly series of commentaries from writers from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Trudy Rubin is focusing on the new Secretary of State. Although Hillary Clinton's appointment has not been confirmed, her first choice is retired general James Jones because of his ability to mesh the "soft power" work of our diplomats and with "hard" military power, when needed. Melissa Dribben 11-16-08 It's never easy to say farewell. But when it comes to the last goodbye, writing the eulogy is the most complicated of balancing acts. In our weekly series of commentaries from writers from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Melissa Dribben tackles the problem of being thoughtful and fair. Melissa Dribben 11-09-08 Two years of following the Presidential campaigning have given us a pretty good idea of today's American landscape of small towns, rural expanses, suburbia and large metropolis. But there's a catch. We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Melissa Dribben reflects on the old and tired image of the good town-bad city. John Timpane 11-02-08 So here we are, two days away from the presidential elections and the excitement is building for most... but a reminder never hurts. We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer John Timpane reflects on the satisfaction and pleasure of casting your vote. Dan Rubin 10-27-08 Philadelphia is talking, thinking, and breathing sports this week. But it doesn't always bring the best in the fans, including some writers. We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Dan Rubin on city rivalry. 
Rick Nichols 10-19-08 An apple a day keeps the doctor away, remember? But there's also a poetic side to the apple harvest and it's in the variety of flavors and names, Jonna Golds, Topaz, Galas, Empires, Macouns, and Pinatas. Oh my! Philadelphia Inquirer food writer Rick Nichols follows our region's delectable apple trail. Rick Nichols 10-12-08 It's hard to think of good food when you talk about hospitals. But some people are really trying to change that. We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, food writer Rick Nichols explores a decade long attempt at making hospital food fresh and healthy. Melissa Dribben 10-05-08 It is the season for political "double-talk" and it appears that there is no end in sight. We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Melissa Dribben on why politicians have to make things up. John Timpane 09-28-08 Remember the slogan "this was the week that was"? Well think of all the news since Monday: Money, politics and bloggers! We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer John Timpane on a media cornucopia. Chris Satullo 09-21-08 Concerts, theater and arts shows, Philadelphia is a place of myriad cultural events. So what's wrong with this picture? We continue our series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Chris Satullo on The Big Canvas project. 
Rick Nichols 09-14-08 Nothing like a nice glass of wine with dinner. We continue our WHYY series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, food writer Rick Nichols on conning serious wine tasters. Melissa Dribben 09-07-08 Motherhood is a juggling act. We continue our WHYY series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Melissa Dribben on working mothers. Melissa Dribben 08-31-08 Teen siblings at each other's throat? We continue our WHYY series of weekly commentaries from writers of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Today, writer Melissa Dribben on a surprising side of sibling rivalry. 
John Timpane 08-24-08 A working vacation to heal the soul. Today, Philadelphia Inquirer writer John Timpane on working in a poor village in Mexico. 
Rick Nichols 08-17-08 You say toma-toe, I say to-mah-toh. Today, Philadelphia Inquirer food writer Rick Nichols on heirloom tomatoes that take center stage. Michael Klein 08-10-08 Philadelphia Inquirer writer Michael Klein explores the dwindling power of expensive TV anchors. Rick Nichols 07-27-08 Today, food writer Rick Nichols debunks bottled water gimmicks. Dan Rubin 07-20-08 Philadelphia Inquirer Metro columnist Dan Rubin on the "texting" side of driving. Alfred Lubrano 07-13-08 Philadelphia Inquirer writer Alfred Lubrano on living on half a meal. John Timpane 07-06-08 John Timpane, writer and editor of the Sunday Inquirer's Currents section, on the cultural meaning behind choosing a baby's name. John Timpane 06-29-08 Philadelphia Inquirer writer and editor John Timpane on a needed change of pace. Chris Satullo 06-22-08 Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Chris Satullo praises brevity. Monica Yant Kinney 06-15-08 Philadelphia Inquirer writer Monica Yant Kinney on casino palaces feeling the pain in Atlantic City. Inga Saffron 06-08-08 Philadelphia Inquirer architecture writer Inga Saffron on yet another change in the city landscape. John Timpane 06-01-08 John Timpane, writer, poet and editor of the Sunday Inquirer's Currents section reflects on the "ides of.... June". Rick Nichols 05-25-08 Philadelphia Inquirer food writer Rick Nichols on taming the traditional burger. Melissa Dribben 05-18-08 Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Melissa Dribben talks about America's obsession with the wealthy in our society. John Timpane 05-11-08 John Timpane, writer, poet and editor of the Sunday Inquirer's Currents section on Myanmar's deadly isolation Rick Nichols 05-04-08 Today food writer Rick Nichols on a new season for the farmer's market at Headhouse Square. Jeff Gammage 04-27-08 Philadelphia Inquirer writer Jeff Gammage on the difficult task of finding a name for our new major league soccer franchise in Chester. John Timpane 04-20-08 John Timpane, writer, poet and editor of the Sunday Inquirer's Currents section explores the many ways of saying "go ahead and vote!" Monica Yant Kinney 04-13-08 Philadelphia Inquirer Metro columnist Monica Yant Kinney on the Princess Industrial Complex. It's all about pink stuff for your kids. John Timpane 04-06-08 John Timpane, writer and editor of the Sunday Inquirer's Currents section, on the cultural meaning behind choosing a baby's name. Rick Nichols 03-30-08 Philadelphia Inquirer food commentator Rick Nichols on food pleasures in any language. Chris Satullo 03-23-08 Chris Satullo on the question behind Mayor Nutter's presidential candidate endorsement. Melissa Dribben 03-16-08 Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Melissa Dribben on Elliot Spitzer and other politicians in the dangerous game of sex and power. Dan Rubin 03-09-08 Dan Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer Metropolitan columnist on a Philadelphia popular fashion statement. Rick Nichols 03-02-08 Rick Nichols, Philadelphia Inquirer food columnist on Philadelphia's beer tradition. |
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