Festivals and Culture
First on the List: Cubbing
Joan L. Cannon writes: When I was in my thirties, I used to think that one day, somehow, I'd get to go to Ireland or England and go cubbing. For those to whom that's a new term, it refers to the practice of taking novice hounds out to learn how to be fox hunters in the autumn, when the fox cubs are still denned with their mothers. I thought of this as an ideal time to have an experienced hunter under me in an undemanding cross country ride in an ancient and romantic tradition. more »
Two For the Holly
The harried cook and shopper will appreciate these verses from a more-than-seasonal contributor to our site. Enjoy first, then suit up with warm attire - tire chains and shovels if needed - and accessorize for the mall encounters with smartphone lists and apps.
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Thursday is the New Black
Doris O'Brien writes: So why deny folks that pleasurable opportunity in lieu of staying home with family and friends, watching TV, or maybe even talking to one another? There are lots of movie-goers on Thanksgiving; why not shoppers? But far be it from me to tell business people how to run their enterprises or customers how to spend their time or money. After all, nobody has to shop on Thanksgiving if they don't want to. more »
Beauty's Legacy, Material Opulence and Personal Excess: Gilded Age Portraits
With the amassing of great fortunes came the drive to document the wealthy in portraiture, echoing a cultural pattern reaching back to colonial times. A brilliant generation of American and European artists rose to meet that demand. The exhibit examines those portraits of famous society beauties and powerful titans of business and industry. more »