News Archives

Greening boosts home prices—here’s the proof

RESEARCH/Wharton professor comes up with the facts and figures that show neighborhood greening is a sound investment. Flowers, as you’d expect, take center stage at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s annual Flower Show. But as you wander the rose-scented aisles this year (March 6-13), you may notice a small booth that features nothing floral at all but showcases some of the most important work done by PHS—the greening of Philadelphia.

Cookbooks

If you’re crazy about food and the master chefs and experts behind some of your favorite dishes, then mark your calendars from March 11 through 20 for the regional celebration, “KitchenAid The Book and The Cook.” In the neighborhood, three venues will be turned into food havens: the Penn Museum (3260 South St.), World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) and Abbraccio (820 S. 47th St.). For a complete list of events, go to www.thebookandthecook.com. Friday, March 11

Catholics left in limbo?

Popes do not retire. They have been forced out of office and have died while in office, but only one sitting pope, Pope Celestine V, has ever resigned his office, doing so in 1294. “ Dante called it ‘The Great Refusal,’” says E. Ann Matter, professor and chair of Penn’s Department of Religious Studies. “It touched off the debate, afterward, of whether the papacy was an office for life or if a pope could resign. And nobody has since resigned. … It sort of made the idea that the nature of the papacy is a lifetime commitment, and you just don’t step away from it.”

Ask Benny: Is there a database for Penn's public art?

Dear Benny, As an art lover, I’ve noticed many outdoor sculptures as I walk around campus, but know there must be more. Is there a way I can find out the location of all of the sculptures at Penn, as well as information about the artists who made them?—Sucker for Sculpture

Brinkley on the art of the interview

Douglas Brinkley—a renowned historian who has contributed to, written or edited more than 60 books—knows a thing or two about a good interview. “The first rule is to know your subject,” he said at a Feb. 15 talk at Kelly Writers House. “Always try to interview people in their homes, never in their place of business.”

News briefs

Treasure hunt

At Work With...Matt Barnes

Are you an apple or a pear?

Show Marie Savard a woman, and she can instantly tell if they’re more susceptible to heart disease or osteoporosis and if they should take up cardio or strength training as the best way to lose weight. Savard Nu’70GrNu’72 M’76 is a successful and well regarded internist, women’s health expert and advocate for patient rights—but she’s hardly a clairvoyant. So, how does she know a woman’s health future just by looking at her?

Out & About: Conquering Van Pelt

Surely you know where the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library is, even if you haven’t been inside. The massive brick building takes up more than a block along Walnut Street (between 34th and 36th), and faces College Green, the very heart of campus. Claes Oldenberg’s “Split Button,” one of the most recognizable sculptures on campus, sits right in front of the steps.

Staff Q&A: Jeanne Arnold

Jeanne Arnold says affirmative action is no longer just about ensuring people access to opportunities. That much, she says, is now assured, thanks to laws recently upheld by the Supreme Court.