So the news got you down? Or maybe it lifted your spirits? Although that would be rare. What's to do about our the daily dose of information? That's the point writer John Timpane is making with his commentary on how we use the news in our everyday lives.

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It's never easy to acknowledge that recent history and on-going tragic events, have not eliminated prejudice and bigotry. In fact, says writer Melissa Dribben, in too many instances, racial and ethnic discrimination can still raise it's ugly head at the drop of a hat.

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Figuring out which cities are building new stadiums and how much they cost has become a sport unto itself. Here in Philadelphia it's now time to celebrate the centenary of one of our most storied ball parks. Commentator Frank Fitzpatrick has the story.

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On days like these, all the songs and poems about spring start popping up in your mind. It's time again for flowers, budding trees and… allergies. Gardeners are on hyperdrive, and churches, sanctuaries, and temples are sprucing up for a week of celebrations. As commentator John Timpane remarks, it is a time for renewing the spirit and an remembering the meaning of lent.

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It's shad time and food aficionados are ready for the flavorful bony silvery fish. Aside from being the reason behind the name of our Fishtown neighborhood, some historians say that salted shad from the Delaware River fed General George Washington's troops in 1776. Inquirer food commentator Rick Nichols tells the story.

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At one time or another we've all been surrounded by people who rush, cars that wiz by after honking relentlessly, pedestrians being terrorized into running on crosswalks, e-mails that shout for immediate responses, kids that want something "RIGHT NOW!" and so on. What ever happened to politeness and patience? That's what "Philadelphia Inquirer" writer Jon Timpane explores today.

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It seems that the more chaotic life gets, the more advice there is about organizing things. It's almost an obsession among lifestyle magazines and "how to" TV shows. What to do? In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Melissa Dribben observes that time to organize, time to do things, is still a scarce currency.

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When writer John Updike died on January 28, sports writers mourned the loss of a man who truly understood the poetics of sports. His Rabbit novels feature a one time basketball star, but among baseball fans, Updike's tribute to Ted Williams, ranks as one of the best sports essays ever. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Frank Fitzpatrick pays homage to the novelist.

Judging from the amount of studies, advise columns and over the counter medications, sleep, good old basic sleep, continues to be an elusive goal for millions of us, especially parents. In our regular series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Melissa Dribben observes that for a mother, the best vacation might be a long siesta.

From the time it takes to develop the idea for a retail business to the opening day, things can drastically change. Take the economy for instance. In our ongoing series of commentaries from The Philadelphia Inquirer, food writer Rick Nichols questions the timing of starting a slew of new Philadelphia luxury steak houses.