Proponents say that amended dog laws will finally protect the pups in Pennsylvania's infamous puppy mills and help law enforcement catch abusers. But to owners worried about reconfiguring or rebuilding kennels, regulating temperature or paying extra vet bills for things they've always done themselves, the proposals seem draconian and punitive.

I always figured I'd end up here — but I kind of wanted out for a little bit.

by Brian Howard

While other cities struggle with aristocratization, Philadelphia waits for its money to start talking.

by Nathaniel Popkin

As Nutter's first major public project, the South Street Bridge could set a new standard.

by Bruce Schimmel

What You Say

While all interactions with Colbert are priceless, some are more priceless than others. Hence the Colbert Scavenger Hunt.

The only thing worse than Philly losing its sole Mobil five star-restaubar is losing the gum tree at Ishkabibbles.

The finalists gear up for battle

Running Numbers gives back. And just in time for tax season.

In the end, however, good looks and flash may not really matter (strange but true). Against powerhouse Democrat Daylin Leach — backed by incumbent Connie Williams and all the state's Democratic party brass all the way up to Sestak, Casey and Rendell — the Republican candidate will have his or her hands full.

When news breaks in Philadelphia, we make jokes.

"When someone in the Muslim community tells you, 'We don't vote,' they're coming from an old way of thinking. That really was the case; for a while we stayed away from voting, and some members still feel that way. Things have changed a lot, though."

by Mary F. Patel

Street on building your reputation

Writers Without Borders delivers international lit to UPenn's doorstep.

by Rachel Frankford

When it comes to art, goodness has (almost) nothing to do with it.

by Robin Rice

Third time not the charm

by David Anthony Fox

Othello's leads shine.

by David Anthony Fox

Opening reception Fri., April 11, 6-9 p.m., runs Sat., April 12-Sun., April 13, noon-6 p.m., 16 E. Springer St., Mount Airy, gotellmama.org, creativerescue.org.

by Patrick Rapa

Thu., April 10, 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat., April 11-12, 8 p.m., Sun., April 13, 2 p.m., through April 19, $25-$100, Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine St., 215-569-4060, ruddydance.org.

by Deni Kasrel

Sat., April 12, 8 p.m., $15, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, pennpresents.org.

by Janet Anderson

Becoming Blurred/While We Swallow Deception | Cave Paintings | Textile Constructions/Art Quilts

The Pennsylvania Project

by Dominic Mercier

You Play With Your Food

by Joe Pelone

Brett Webb-Mitchell

by Annamarya Scaccia

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted with Reception 13 NORTH ART 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. METAMORPHOSIS, Features work

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance BREAKING POINTE West Chester University Dance Co.'s spring

ANNE PERRY The author reads from her latest mystery novel, "Buckingham Palace Gardens," in which Detective Pitt is called on to solve the case of

David Ayer's first stab behind the camera was 2005's Harsh Times, and there are more than a few thematic similarities between that film and Street Kings — namely, protagonists who can't be held responsible for their own flaws.

Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net.

"People have a built-in bullshit meter. You can tell when a band is manufactured, and you can tell when it's doing exactly what its supposed to be doing. That's why Adam can play the crap out of a marching bass drum with bells strapped to his legs, and people accept it."

Rodney Anonymous vs. the World

by Rodney Anonymous

Spoons for Adam | China Forbes | The Duke Spirit | Kathleen Edwards | The Chamber Music Now!

Tue., April 15, 8 p.m., $10, First Unitarian Church chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

by M.J. Fine

Wed., April 16, 9 p.m., $8, Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

by Shaun Brady

Sat., April 12, 8 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.; Sun., April 13, 7:30 p.m., Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore; $27-$32 (students free with ID), 215-922-2190, orchestra2001.org.

by Peter Burwasser

In this hall of soft bourgeois serenity, there is no such thing as a grilled-cheese craving.

"Mindless, repetitive tasks are the curse of the printmaker," she says. "You put all this effort into the beginning, then you make the same thing over and over — just like making jam!"

>> Now Seating: Blue Nile Falls Ethiopian Restaurant | Painted Cottage Café >> Little Vittles: Cochon | Dante & Luigi's

Close your eyes and imagine the far end of Wharton Street — out where the CSX freight tracks bunch up against a bend in the Schuylkill. It's OK — I couldn't conjure up much of an image, either.

Get Out!

by Dena Merlino

Buzz Words

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

The Sweet Spot's Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies | Vegan Mac and Cheese at Gianna's | Ayala's Herbal Water | Horizons: New Vegan Cuisine

Making nice with Susie Essman

by Tami Fertig

Polaroid Pins

by Danielle Reicherter

Studio 34

by Dana Henry

Your Updo is Glittery

by Aly Semigran

Heavy Metal Parking Lot

by Mary Wilson