You can plan as much as you like for a trip, but you can’t plan the weather. That doesn’t mean you won’t still have lots of fun! It was raining buckets on my head for …
November 27, 2015
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia in the rain
At the World’s End: Centralia, the Burning Town
In May 1962, an ill-advised trash fire set light to the veins of coal running beneath the small mining town of Centralia, PA, and sparked a dangerous inferno that has raged ever since. Despite various …
July 30, 2012
Pittsburgh (Yes, Pittsburgh)
A few years ago, The Economist pointed out that Pittsburgh’s changing demographics would make for a “rosier future.” Sure enough, it’s a hot place for young people to visit. Aging baby boomers in the steel …
July 26, 2012
Catching the Holiday Spirit: Newtown, Pennsylvania
By nature, Philadelphia is a hectic city. The people are tough. The suburbs extend forever. The highways are always congested. Plus it was Christmastime, and family obligations amplified every stressful second. Philly is not my …
December 17, 2011
Penn State Is a Plantation, and JoePa Was the Owner
There is a continental stench coming out of Penn State. Step back, consider yourself a neutral observer with no stake in the scandal. Let’s say you knew there was an eyewitness to the (alleged) rape …
November 22, 2011
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
This year is an especially good time to visit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the home of the National Civil War Museum, with interactive exhibits that let you intensely and personally experience the 150th anniversary of the war. …
April 29, 2011
Murals and Mosaics in Philly
Bits of blue, red and yellow colored glass cuts into odd shapes and formations, as creatively painted murals liven up murky walls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The usually boring, nondescript walls lining Philly’s alleyways reflect years …
October 7, 2010
Polar Bear Plunge, Pittsburgh
When Bill invited me to jump in the Monongahela River, it was New Year's Eve, and I had knocked back half a bottle of champagne. "It's tomorrow morning," Bill said. "Just bring a swimsuit and …
March 28, 2010
Black Gold: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Oil City might just be the most relevant small town in the world today. Here lie the remnants of the world's first commercially successful oil wells, dating from the 1860s. …
December 30, 2009
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love – famous for Breyers ice cream, Tastykake and, of course, Philly cheesesteaks – is located approximately two hours south of New York City and two and a half hours …
August 21, 2009
Lap of luxury
Three members of the Hempfield Area School Board in Pennsylvania are in hot water for spending more than $9000 of school district funds on a junket to the National School Boards Association convention in San …
May 20, 2009
Pittsburgh
The Chargers play Pittsburgh on Sunday at their place, Heinz Field. The way San Diego has been playing lately, taking six points is tempting. I was born in Pittsburgh, Mercy Hospital, at 3:06 in the …
January 7, 2009
Claire Litton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Flashbulb anticipation The Jonestown massacre was responsible for my growing up bereft of popular culture. Not because I was orphaned by Kool Aid--drinking parents or because I belonged to a cult, but because my mother …
June 28, 2007
Claire Litton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
My Body is my paintbrush Everyone asks the question: "How much money do you make as a professional belly dancer?" The "baby" belly dancers want to know because they've got dilated dollar signs in their …
June 21, 2007
Claire Litton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Art makes me uncomfortable So, a guy -- let's call him Mr. Teacher -- at the school where I often pose nude for figure-drawing classes asked if I would be willing to work with him …
June 14, 2007