Verdi’s “Aida” is many operas in one. Even for scholars, critics and performers, it’s the opera remembered from childhood. (Did we really see it with elephants?)It’s grand opera with the “Triumphal March,” dancers, Egyptian soldiers and Ethiopian captives. It’s dramatic opera with loyalties of love vs. country. And it is, despite all of the trappings, intimate chamber opera — heartrending solos ...

Now that the holidays have passed, a blah ambiance may settle in the January air. Break away from the norm by preparing recipes with international roots from a popular Cooking Channel personality. It’s a new year and we’re all a year older. We indulged in rich foods, cookies,... [This is a summary. To read the full article on SouthPhillyReview.com, click the headline above.]

As every opera lover knows, ours is not exactly a golden age of Verdi singing. With full-fledged Italian dramatic voices in short supply, even the major opera companies must scramble to assemble even satisfactory casts for such enduringly popular if vocally demanding fare as Verdi's "Aida."

Italian citizen Prospero Bertani traveled to Parma in 1872 to see Verdi’s “Aida,” not once but twice; neither time convinced Bertani of the opera's merit. He wrote the composer asking for a refund for his tickets and related expenses, including a “disgustingly bad dinner” for two lira.

Mamma mia! Carmela and Janice are back together ? hide Ma's good china! Actually, the former Sopranos in-laws are reuniting on a spring episode of Edie Falco's Showtime comedy Nurse Jackie. Aida Turturro, who was so memorable as Tony Soprano's whackjob sister, Janice, guest stars as an attorney named Laurel. She's tough and says what she's thinking, but she's not a psychopath like Janice, says ...

Alex Ben Block Despite receiving tepid critical reviews Aida Takia-O'Reilly tells THR the comedian's performance was funny and to "never say never" for a fourth hosting turn. read more

THE bomb squad were called when a carer found a First World War hand grenade in a kitchen cupboard.

AIDA FLORES, at center, was honored as a Kiwanis Terrific Kid. Also pictured are, from left, Kiwanis member Larry Tonjes, teacher-on-special-assignment April Barnhardt and Kiwanis member Barney Moore.

Three more members of a San Diego street gang have been convicted for their roles in two Orange County jewelry store robberies, with two learning their fate from a jury today and the third having ent

HFPA President Aida Takla-O'Reilly brought Ricky Gervais back to host the Golden Globes after his controversial 2011 performance. Will the gamble pay off? HFPA President Aida Takla-O'Reilly brought Ricky Gervais back to host the Golden Globes after his controversial 2011 performance. Will the gamble pay off?