By: Mary Fran BontempoAh, Paris. Je t’aime. Je t’adore—Paris, I love you. I adore you.Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris gives us Gil Pender, an American writer visiting the magical city with his fiancée, Inez, and her parents, for whom the preceding sentiments hold true—perhaps even more so than Gil’s feelings for his betrothed. A screenwriter from California, Gil has thus far made a successful living writing for the movies. But finding his creative juices [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.My feet don’t even hit the floor in the morning and the question pops into my head:“Oh god. What am I going to make for dinner?”If you happen to be responsible for feeding and watering the familial masses, the next meal is never far from your mind. What do I have in the freezer? Is there any milk? [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoThink of it as an updated version of the Broadway musical, 42nd Street. Or better yet, Glee: The Broadway Years.NBC’s new television musical, SMASH, has it all: The talented chorus girl dancing the line and hoping for her big break, the naïve mid-western transplant with the golden voice waiting tables and harboring a dream of her own, a smarmy director trying to work the casting couch, and a high-level producer [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoI’ll admit it: Watching the Grammy Awards makes me feel old.About a million years ago, I knew most of the performers being recognized for their work in music. Their names were recognizable, the songs, sing-able.Now, not so much.With foul-mouthed “artists” (Isn’t it interesting that world-class singers like Frank Sinatra were simply called “crooners” while invective slinging rappers like Eminem are called “artists”? But I digress….) like Nicki Minaj, and songs [...]
No person should have to live without love or chocolate. A holiday that celebrates both deserves a little attention! Join NRFGP as we visit the venerable Shane Confectionery in Olde City Philadelphia for a sweet Valentine's Day treat. A trip to the newly renovated shop, operating as Shane Candies since 1911, is truly a unique experience, as well as a step back in time.SHANE CONFECTIONERYConfectioners on Premise since 1863Shane Candy Co. ~ Store [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.What in the world was that?During Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show, viewers were treated to yet another installment of “Yes, I'm way too old for this, but because I am a delusional rock star, I will now prance around, act foolish and lip sync my way through my former hit songs while you all pay me homage and [...]
Do you remember Matthew Broderick's star turn in the hilarious teen movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Check out this sneak peak of one of today's Super Bowl commercials spoofing the film. Full of references to the original and great fun! Enjoy!--Mary Fran
