Natalie Hope McDonald

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Natalie Hope McDonald is a writer and editor based in Philadelphia. You can reach her at www.nataliehopemcdonald.com and on Twitter @NatalieMcD.

July 7, 2015

Music Videos

The greatest herb of all

Local marijuana activist N.A. Poe is getting ready for Smoke Down 2.0, a cannabis legalization rally on July 10 (4 p.m.) in Love Park. To help spread the word, Poe and some fellow pot proponents borrowed a page from the Whitney Houston songbook, creating a hilarious new video that is sure to make even Aunt Dionne proud (once upon a time ago, Ms. Warwick was busted for pot in Hawaii).

June 9, 2015

Entertainment

Caitlyn Jenner’s big reveal? Reactions from Philadelphia’s transgender community

He was 22 when he first realized he wanted to transition. “I began changing to male pronouns,” says Jaden Remy, now 30. While Remy’s story mirrors those of many other transgender men and women, the truth is that not every transgender story is like the next. Race, age and economics each play an enormous role in how successfully (or not) someone is able to transition, which makes Caitlyn Jenner’s reveal that much more of hot-button issue for many within Philly’s own trans community.

June 2, 2015

LGBT

Philadelphia's Gayborhood by night: The people, places and evolution of a neighborhood

Then there are the party people. They’re the ones who show up religiously for shows and to dance, to crowd into outdoor tables at Woody’s, catcall friends across the street and strip down to next to nothing at The Bike Stop. These are the people who create the momentum for the self-described freaks and gender illusionists to step onto the stage or to spin the next record as most of us are drifting off to sleep.

May 20, 2015

Holidays

Staycation, anyone? Get reacquainted with Philly on Memorial Day Weekend

Staycation, anyone? Get reacquainted with Philly on Memorial Day Weekend

May 6, 2015

Lifestyle

Mother’s Day Special: Local celebs share stories about Mom

For most of our lives, our mothers are our caretakers, the people we talk to about our ups and downs, the women with whom we share our deepest fears and our greatest news. They’re the ones we tend to thank on national TV (just ask the Phillies) and who always seem to give us advice whether we like it or not.

May 1, 2015

Lifestyle

Get Gardening: Everything you need to know to become the ultimate urban gardener

A good way to get started gardening is to remind yourself that no place is too small to grow. Herbs, for example, can be easy to tend on a windowsill and ultimately add flavor to meals (here’s how to build a kitchen herb garden).

April 22, 2015

Lifestyle

Barking orders: An urban guide to dog-friendly Philly

Philly is going to the dogs. If you have any doubt, consider that on the first warm days of spring, they tend to outnumber the humans at cafes like Rouge and Parc, and all along al fresco spots on East Passyunk Avenue, and in Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Truth is, Philadelphia is a very dog-friendly city, with parks and places that not only welcome Fido, but also cater to his every need. I should know. My own pampered pooch, a Brussels Griffon named Louise, has been to more haunts in this city than some children I know. Over the years, we’ve figured out where to score the best treats and who serves ice in the complimentary water bowls.

April 20, 2015

Lifestyle

For the love of bike sharing: Is Philly ready for Indego?

Bill Chenevert doesn’t need any convincing. The 32-year-old from Newbold is already geared up for the new bike share program that launches in Philly later this month. “It’s just time,” he says. “There’s a critical mass of cycling happening in Philadelphia, and I’m pumped to just have more cyclists on the road making motorists more aware of us and our rights to be on the road with them.”

April 13, 2015

The Arts

10 Philadelphia female artists you need to know

The Philadelphia Ten, known simply as “The Ten,” was a group of female artists who exhibited together starting in 1917, largely to draw attention to their work in an art world that was dominated mostly by men at that time. These women – all painters – spent decades traveling the country and showcasing their work in what was then considered a fairly rebellious act.

March 31, 2015

Comic Books

Geek out at these top comic book shops

Face it. You’ve been waiting for Catwoman to come out of the closet ever since she first purred into your life. Add to that: Your bedroom is covered with manga posters and you’ve kept every wristband from every Comic Con you’ve ever attended. If you’re looking for the new DC Comic to complete your collection or simply want to marvel at an old favorite like Sin City or Ghost World, here’s a handy list of comic book shops for every Dark Knight devotee, graphic novel nut and Star Wars junkie in Philly and South Jersey region.

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