Almost since the time of its creation in the 1730s, Samson, an opera by Jean-Philippe Rameau with a libretto by Voltaire, has been the domain of historians, despite its impressive authorship. After the work was twice rejected by censors because of its controversial religious subject, it became a lost artistic treasure. Rameau began to cannibalize his score, which no longer survives, reusing its music in other contexts. Yet Samson continues to fascinate, with interest stimulated by the survival of half of its creative product, Voltaire’s libretto. Together with contemporary accounts, some of which identify the destination of music recycled from Samson, the text has set scholars speculating on what might have been.

Rameau remade

Los Angeles County, CA

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Herbie J Pilato

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the commentary and quotes in this article are from the author's interview with those mentioned.]. Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the most popular actors from the 1950s to her unfortunate passing from cancer in 1995. Before, during, and after her benchmark Emmy-nominated role as twitch-witch Samantha Stephens on TV's Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972), Montgomery made over 200 additional appearances in other weekly shows, TV-movies, and feature films.

'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery Received Death Threats for Protesting the Vietnam War

Actor Buddy Ebsen, who died at age 95 in 2003, found fame by starring in two of the most popular classic television shows in history: The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962 to 1971) and Barnaby Jones (CBS, 1973 to 1980). On the Hillbillies, he played former Tennessee country mountain-folk-turned-wealthy Beverly Hills resident Jed Clampett. On Barnaby Jones, he was one of TV's most senior, slyest, health-conscious detectives. Ebsen, however, almost became even more famous for a certain big-screen classic film in which he ultimately did not appear.

'Beverly Hillbillies" Actor Buddy Ebsen Was "Bitter" about not playing the Tin Man in 'Wizard of Oz'

Reginald John “Rex” Whistler died in Normandy eighty years ago, on July 18, 1944, when a German mortar exploded next to him. His body, according to witnesses, was tossed into the air and he was killed instantly, without a mark on him. He was thirty-nine and had, in the decade or so before the war, made a reputation in England as one of its leading painters, illustrators, designers, and, above all, muralists. His society connections—he was on the periphery of the “Bright Young Things” who hung around with Cecil Beaton, the Paget sisters, Teresa “Baby” Jungman, Chips Channon, et hoc genus omne—brought in valuable commissions that earned him a reasonable living and allowed him to be lodged occasionally in some of Britain’s finest houses while doing his work. When the Marquess of Anglesey paid him £1,000—equivalent today to around £70,000—in 1938 for a spectacular mural on the long wall of his dining room at Plas Newydd in North Wales, Whistler self-mockingly rebuked him and said that he, in fact, owed Lord Anglesey.

Whistled away

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	Bottle in her hand, the whisky up high, two hands to heaven, wild horses run wild. Beyoncé is now the latest celebrity to launch her own line of alcohol, partnering with Moët Hennessy to craft her very own flavor of what has long been her drink of choice in honor of her great-grandfather. Pour It Up! 9 Musician-Owned Liquor & Non-Alcoholic Drink Brands to Put on Your Radar






	As unveiled Monday (Aug. 19), the superstar’s new SirDavis whisky is described as a “harmony of spice with sublime hints of fruit” and retails online for $89. It’s currently only available for pre-order, but will...

Beyoncé Launches SirDavis Whisky Honoring Her Great-Grandfather

Just when everyone at the monastery has heaved a sigh of relief that the repulsive villain of The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Pavlovich, has at last gone home after behaving scandalously, he reappears. “They thought I had gone, and here I am again!” he chortles maliciously, devising fresh disgraceful actions. In much the same way, Marxism, which we had all thought over and done with, has returned in new forms among the woke intelligentsia. Antifa, “occupiers” of this and that, anti-Semitic college mobs, and other American versions of Red Guards keep emerging, each outdoing the last. The slogan “Death to America!” is now heard not only in Tehran and Pyongyang but also on campuses across the West. Marx and Engels famously began The Communist Manifesto (1848) proclaiming that “a specter is haunting Europe—the specter of Communism,” but today it is more like a zombie, unexpectedly risen from the dead. History did not end, it just had taken a brief nap.

The red star returns

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Carol Cassada

In the upcoming episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful (B&B), fans should brace for some potential surprises as Thomas Forrester and Paris Buckingham's relationship takes a new turn. When Thomas and Paris return to Los Angeles, they may be bringing more than just their engagement news—they could have a baby on the way!

The Bold and the Beautiful: Paris and Thomas Come Back with a Baby Surprise!

At the Salzburg Festival, there is a great variety of music, but we are in Mozart’s town, as a statue, candy wrappers, and other things let you know. On weekends, the festival stages “Mozart Matinées.” A regular conductor of them is Andrew Manze, from England. He is a violinist as well. He studied classics at Cambridge. One of those Englishmen . . .

Mozart in the morning

Plymouth, MA

Dianna Carney

The Plymouth Public Library Foundation has announced the return of its Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, a two-day celebration that promises to be a highlight of the summer season. Set to take place on the scenic Plymouth Public Library Lawn, the festival will run from 10 AM to 4 PM on both Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th. This family-friendly event is designed to offer something for everyone, making it a perfect outing for people of all ages.

50+ Artisans, Food Trucks & More: Get Ready For The 5th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

It's been two decades since beloved actor Brian Kelly died of pneumonia at 73 in 2005. Best known as Porter Ricks in the classic TV family show Flipper(NBC, 1964-1967), Kelly had once suffered a paralyzing motorcycle accident that ended his acting career. However, he rechanneld his creative talent and became a producer. This is his story.

The Paralyzing Accident & Tragic Death of TV's 'Flipper' Father Brian Kelly: Two Decades Later

The First and Original Macaron Franchise Celebrates Strong Start to 2024. – the leading French pastries and macaron franchise in the United States – continues to see an increase in demand for its franchise opportunity throughout the first half of 2024, with the opening of seven new locations thus far in 2024. In addition to the opening of new locations, the brand is excited to announce four new deals signed for the first half of 2024, bringing six locations into development. With 15 thriving years of operation, the concept has seen immense popularity with its pastry shops, boasting 63 operational locations throughout the nation.

Le Macaron French Pastries Sees Record Growth Thus Far in 2024

Who was William Henry Grenfell (1855–1945), the first and last Baron Desborough? Famous enough in his time to be saluted on his death at the age of eighty-nine in an editorial in The Times of London, he was described as a “perfect Englishman” more than once. Acclaimed as an outstanding athlete, Desborough had an extraordinary career of public service that began in his twenties as a Liberal MP and continued into his eighties. Since his death, he has been overshadowed by his wife, Ettie (1867–1952), as charming a woman as ever lived, and their son Julian Grenfell (1886–1915), one of the most glowing of the golden boys to perish during the Great War.

A sportsman among Souls

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WyoFile

The woman who shot a video of a hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning told WyoFile she and her family were terrified as the blast sent boiling water and rocks skyward, destroying parts of a boardwalk, its guardrail and a nearby bench.

Yellowstone hydrothermal explosion: ‘We were terrified’

South Carolina State

Explore Beaufort SC

The mantis shrimp is one tough customer. Beautiful and deadly are two words you don’t typically use to describe shrimp, but the mantis shrimp is definitely in a class of its own; earning a reputation as the ‘savage boxer of the sea’ and one of the most fearsome creatures in the ocean. And, they're right at home here in South Carolina.

Savage Boxer of the Sea: The Deadly Beauty of Mantis Shrimp

Cooking With Maryann

I love macaroni salads, and this is truly a special one. It's got something for all of the tastebuds and textures. Soft, crunchy, chewy, sweet, savory, tart, creamy, and oh so fresh! Here's what you'll need to make 8-10 side servings:

Amish Macaroni Salad

2foodtrippers

The Vesper Martini may or may not be a double agent. After all, this cocktail's code name is the James Bond Martini. Either way, you don't have to go undercover to craft the sophisticated sipper at home when you follow our special mission a/k/a the Vesper Martini recipe.

Vesper Martini a/k/a The James Bond Martini

Quincy, MA

Get ready for an afternoon filled with live music, fun activities, and local vendors. The Friends of Ruth Gordon Amphitheater has invited the community to join them for the Friends Rock Music Festival on Sunday, August 11th from 2 PM until 8 PM. This free-to-attend festival promises a day filled with a diverse lineup of artists and bands, offering something for every music lover. Performances will include:

Live Music, Delicious Food & More: Don't Miss This Free Music Festival in Quincy

Says the Scripture, and I have quarreled with life,. (to grouse is human, to grouse more simply divine),. and am I right to suspect it’s not actually mine. “How could it not be?” you’ll ask, suggesting. you grasp little of canines and less about life,. which is...

A dog by the ears

Massachusetts State

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, is still looking for a forever home for an adorable six-year-old French bulldog named Joannie. The local animal rescue explains: “Joannie was found as a stray extremely emaciated and less than half her current weight now. She was missing fur on her body, face and ears. She has been nursed back to health and is doing wonderfully. While her age and exact history is unknown, it is clear she has mothered more than enough litters in her short lifetime.”

Meet The "Extreme Snuggler" French Bulldog Still Looking For Love

Everybody loves a comeback these days, whether it’s a return to Y2K fashion, the collective embrace of the avocado green kitchen (are we Sheldon Cooper?), or the viral unexpected red trend that is a blatant ’90s throwback. Going into 2025, we’re still having a retro moment, Behr believes. Today the California-based paint company crowned Rumors, a deep red, its 2025 color of the year. It’s rekindling the ’90s nostalgia for all things red—but not in a way that reminds you of your regrettable makeup choices.

Behr’s 2025 Color of the Year Is a New Spin on a ’90s Classic

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Two Iphigenias at Aix

A fascinating aspect of Samson—the lost opera from the 1730s with music by Jean Philippe Rameau and words by Voltaire that inspired the creation of a...

Two Iphigenias at Aix

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