September 16–23, 1999 city beat Venice the Menace Bass-ackwards thinking marks the Planning Commission’s role in development of Venice Island. by Frank Lewis Write draft plan, then use it to decide which proposals to approve. That was how everyone thought…

August 12–19, 1999 on media Take It Outside Freelance writer Pat Jordan says he’s been splattered by the supposed bad blood between new Philadelphia magazine editor Stephen Fried and his predecessor, Eliot Kaplan. Jordan — perhaps best known here for…

August 5–12, 1999 city beat The Gang that Couldn’t Ship Straight Several arrests, including one in Philly, end boneheaded trans-Atlanticgun-running ring. by Frank Lewis An alleged Florida-to-Ireland gun-smuggling operation, perhaps most notable forits breathtaking amateurism, ended with several arrests last…

July 15–22, 1999 cover story Uncivil Actions by Frank Lewis Research assistant: Debra Auspitz The dean of Temple’s law school has been sued again for allegedly suppressing free speech. Is he a serial First Amendment violator or the victim of…

June 10–17, 1999 city beat Pub Brawl Guinness’ efforts to help new pubs succeed gives some veteran publicans the feeling the brewer has them over a barrel. by Frank Lewis If there is an immutable truth in the Irish pub…

April 29–May 6, 1999 city beat Mother and Child Reunion A City Paper article brings together two people separated by adoption 30 years ago. by Frank Lewis Last month, Linda Hurd helped two adult adoptees—twin brothers—find their birth father. One…

April 22–29, 1999 cover story Who Am I? Pennsylvania already denies adoptees access to their birth records. Now activists are fighting a proposed law that would make it a crime to search for birth parents. by Frank Lewis The meeting…

March 4–11, 1999 cover story Mendte Telepathy NBC-10 anchor Larry Mendte knows what you think about local television news. And he’s one of the few in the industry who cares enough to want to change your mind. By Frank Lewis…

May 13–20, 1999 city beat|primary 99 7 Up Incumbent Councilman Rick Mariano’s not the brightest bulb in the marquee. But does that mean his 7th District seat is in jeopardy? by Frank Lewis Who is Richard Mariano? Listen to Larry…