Van Gogh Up Close–The Philadelphia Museum of Art

By: Mary Fran BontempoCommon knowledge regarding Vincent van Gogh has most people recalling the tidbits they learned about the renowned painter when they were children--namely, that he created the well-known painting entitled Starry Night and that he famously lopped off a piece of his own ear.But van Gogh's influence and stunning talent created a far reaching legacy that transcends our often narrow perception of the artist.Thankfully, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's current exhibit, Van [...]

2018-10-30T09:51:47-04:00April 6th, 2012|0 Comments

A Little Bit of Europe, A Little Bit Away

by Chrysa SmithLook to the right. Then think old-world workmanship, medieval art and artifacts and hundreds of rolling acres. Somewhere in England? Scotland? France? Actually, it's Pennsylvania.Hard to believe that the state known for it's cheesesteaks, die-hard sports fans and steel mills is actually home to this beautiful, castle-like museum situated in Bryn Athyn--a stone's through and miles apart from the City of Brotherly Love. On the other hand, it makes perfect sense [...]

2018-10-30T09:51:48-04:00April 5th, 2012|0 Comments

How to Milk a Goat

By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this column, click the play arrow below.In the midst of yet another Bontempo family water crisis, my husband and son were contemplating the prospect of putting in a new garbage disposal after discovering a leak in the bottom of the old unit.“We could probably do this,” Dave said. Given the fact that the last foray under the sink resulted in the hot and cold [...]

2018-10-30T09:51:53-04:00April 3rd, 2012|3 Comments

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen–A Movie Review

By: Mary Fran BontempoThere's not enough dreaming in the world these days.The harsh realities of life over the past several years have conspired to keep most of us planted on terra firma, our hearts and imaginations too occupied with survival to allow much time for dreams.So when, in the new release Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, a wealthy sheik decides to bring the peaceful, soul-stirring sport of salmon fishing to his desert home in the [...]

2018-10-30T09:51:54-04:00March 30th, 2012|0 Comments

Hope in a Calendar and a Scale

by Chrysa SmithEstee Lauder is famous for saying that what they sell is 'hope in a jar.' True, true. But now, hope does spring eternal as MAC Cosmetics is selling hope beyond the chronological, with the introduction of their newest model. Not an anorexic with martyr eyes and sunken bones, but a 90 year old woman with chutzpah. Iris Apfel, with her enormous black-framed glasses has taken MAC to another level---showing that beauty [...]

2018-10-30T09:51:54-04:00March 29th, 2012|1 Comment
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