For Americans, it was easy to take a stance on the Abu Ghraib scandal based on the information we were being fed. But we weren't there. We can't even begin to comprehend what truly happened. Philadelphia artist Daniel Heyman can.

Are you really free if you're too fat to walk to the doughnut store?

by Wendy Ginsberg

I've become a phillyhistory.org junkie.

by Duane Swierczynski

Why stake our future on casinos that are enviro-monsters?

by Bruce Schimmel

What You Say

Ten days into the new year, Quentin Carroll, an 11-year-old ice hockey player, found himself 100 yards from a triple shooting inside Simons Recreation Center in West Oak Lane. It's no wonder, then, that Quentin was among 100 students citywide recruited for a youth summit on the need to include security and cleanliness in the forthcoming GreenPlan Philadelphia. 

After reading last week's environmentally friendly Home and Design issue, Running Numbers has decided to go green. Call it a recycled concept.

As amazing as what gay rights activist Barbara Gittings accomplished was how she accomplished it.

by Natalie Hope McDonald

In this era of stupid hubris, know what nobody humbly does anymore? Implore y'all. No one tries to entreat you nicely or cadge you without badgering you or even provoke you prettily and please-ily. People bug. Jam cell-phone cameras at you; get snarky and markedly rude as a point of entry rather than an exit strategy. Just this time: I'mo adjure, beseech, entreat and supplicate.

There was a time, as recent as last year, when Community College of Philadelphia student Ashley Alice could handle possible teacher strikes and increases in tuition. Then, she got pregnant.

A paroled mobster is sent back to jail despite the cops' shifting priorities.

by Brendan McGarvey and Gabriele J. Valentine

Why do candidates go negative? It's not just because it works.

Civil-rights activist, mayoral candidate, Democrat

by Brian Hickey

I'm a recent college graduate who decided to stay here in Philadelphia after completing my degree. I'm starting to realize that there isn't much going on in Center City. What are you planning on doing to keep college graduates here and attract more large/r corporations to this city?"

Is there anything worse for a black man than finding out he's related to Strom Thurmond?

by Brian Hickey

What are the Republicans doing to advance their agenda in a city in which Democrats are firmly entrenched?

by Mary F. Patel

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

Sadly, 33-year-old Chris Lyon's chance to shine was cut terribly short last month when he was killed in a motorcycle accident near his Texas home.

Sesame Street Old School: Volume One; America Runs on Dunkin'; Classical Discoveries; Tiffin Store

Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics, by Jennifer Baumgardner

by M.J. Fine

Singer's humor is lost in translation in The Wilma's Enemies, A Love Story.

by Mark Cofta

Playwright Nagle Jackson's A Hotel on Marvin Gardens is undeniably clever, but his direction should land him in jail.

by Mark Cofta

Samuel Barber's work is unconventional in a cannily compelling way.

by Peter Burwasser

Runs through March 31, Esther M. Klein Art Gallery, University City Science Center, 3701 Market St.

by Amy Strauss

Her Holy Water: A Black Girl's Rock Opera, Fri.-Sat., March 2-3, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.

by Deni Kasrel

Opening reception Fri., March 2, 7 p.m., exhibit through March 30, Space 1026, 1026 Arch St.

by Kelly White

Alida Fish's collection of tintype photographs, The 20 winning images from the annual Nikon Small World competition and Stormy Weather: Imagining Lena Horne… going, going…

Closer

by Lisa Tauber

Rick Ray

by Mickey Jou

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted by a * . 222 GALLERY

Museums and exhibits have varying schedules; please call for exact days, hours and prices. ABINGTON ART CENTER , 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, 215-887-4882. JOSEPHINE ALCOOT:

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance BROWN BAG AND THE BALLET Roxey Ballet presents

ENEMIES: A LOVE STORY BOOK CLUB Following the evening's performance of the stage adaptation, Wilma Theater hosts a discussion of the Isaac Bashevis novel as

"Love makes you do things you don't wanna do." So pronounces an old bluesman at the start of Black Snake Moan, which proceeds to take up this theme with a vengeance.

David Fincher's excellent new movie is acutely aware of its problems, and winds them into an intriguing, often witty mix of causes and effects.

Remember those old Warner Bros. cartoons where Bugs Bunny would drag his paw across the dirt, challenging Yosemite Sam to cross one line after the other?

Belinda Carlisle

by M.J. Fine

Symphony No. 41 in C Major, second movement

by Shaun Brady

Under Byen; Chava Alberstein; Pine Leaf Boys; Leon Bates; Shannon McNally; Kimya Dawson; Red Sparowes; Rob Crow

Fri., March 2, 10:30 p.m., $12, with Patrick Watson, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.

by Nicole Pensiero

New Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Fri., March 2, 8 p.m., $15-$35, Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.

by Peter Burwasser

Thu., March 1, 9 p.m., $8-$10, with Destructo Swarmbots, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave.

by A.D. Amorosi

Sat., March 3, 8:30 p.m., $7, with Tom Brosseau and Hezekiah Jones, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.

by John Vettese

The walls of my stomach are melting. I pound on my belly, trying to smother its contents like a campfire. Through tears, I glance at my bowl: It's still half-full of habaneros and hot sauce-soaked oatmeal.

It was only there for a short while but it appears that Heaven has left the kitchen.

NOW SEATING: Clementine's Bistro 1617 E. Passyunk Ave.; Ortlieb's Jazzhaus,  847 N. Third St.; SliCE, 1180 S. 10th St.; New Samosa, 1214 Walnut St.

Oil & Vinegar, Michael Jackson, Maria Liberati, Teahouse Fire Reading, Red Ball

by Elisabeth Holm

Drink Big

by Tim Hyland

It's Where We Drink

by Will Dean

Brooklyn's Scissor Sisters cut up the dance floor

by A.D. Amorosi

Big Fun for Little Ones

by Linnay Trail

Learn to Communicate With Your Pet Workshop

by Lisa Tauber

The In-Bloom Date

by Monica Weymouth

Ashes to Asses, Bust to Bust

by A.D. Amorosi

Glass Sampler Class

by Lisa Tauber