Some really stupid things in history

By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times The other day I watched the movie “Titanic” for the second time. It seemed a lot longer than before, and much less plausible. What seems totally implausible is that any ship was thought unsinkable, that the captain agreed to increase speed in the known presence of icebergs, that the lookout binoculars were left behind in England, that the flotation...

Battling the 20-minute weekend

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Why does the weekend go by sooooo quickly? Am I right? (Of course I am) The work week drags on and on and on…but Friday comes and I blink and it’s Sunday night. It feels exceptionally fast once the summer ends and the days are shorter. Daylight Savings Time messes everything up (MAJORLY) and makes those precious 48(ish) hours of downtime feel fleeting. So,...

On Stage (Extra) JJ Grey and the music of the swamp

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times JJ Grey JJ Grey doesn’t hollowly boast about “draining the swamp” but rather brings the music of the swamp to listeners around the world. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Grey and his band JJ Grey & Mofro are known for playing lively southern swamp rock. On October 21, JJ Grey & Mofro will visit the area for a show at Union Transfer (1026 Spring...

Ryan Costello’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Donald J. Trump, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan are trying really, really hard to make sure U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello doesn’t get re-elected in 2018 — although it may be his own history that ultimately proves his undoing. Oh, sure, the President and the Speaker of the House — as fellow Republicans — will swear until the cows come home that they back the two-term...

What To Do: Carve up some fun

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times One of the most eagerly-anticipated autumn events in the area is “The Great Pumpkin Carve” (Chadds Ford Historical Society, Route 100, Chadds Ford, 610-388-7376,www.chaddsfordhistory.org) which is running now through October 21. The colorful event began with the carving competition on October 19. Live entertainment, hayrides and hot food are featured...

On Stage (Bonus) Colin Hay is more than just ‘Down Under’

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Colin Hay For most musical acts, there is a pattern to follow. You release an album and then you tour in support of that album. If you’re a popular musician, that’s what you do. On March 3, Colin Hay released his new album “Fierce Mercy” on Compass Records and has been touring almost non-stop ever since. On October 20, he will bring his U.S. tour...

On Stage: The Patriot Tour comes to Philadelphia

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Marcus Lutrell While various activities around the country may or may not show disrespect for the country, there are many activities bolstering patriotism – events such as Veterans’ Day parades and Flag Day events. On October 20, the Kimmel Center will host an event that is 100 per cent respectful and even more patriotic – the Patriot Tour. The Patriot...

Strong passions — pro and con — surround Donze’s run for District Justice

By Mike McGann, Editor, the Times Jane Donze Jane Donze suggests that she isn’t entirely sure why she seems to invoke deep passion — both positive and negative — in her run for District Justice in 15-3-04, the Unionville and Kennett areas, but since the primary, she’s been both the recipient of enthusiastic support across the political spectrum as well as the target of criticism — again,...

Art Watch: the Delaware County Studio Tour is on

By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times Rev up your engines and sync your google maps ap and prepare to explore the arts from the 51 artists at 19 studio locations showing throughout Delaware County this weekend! Most everyone knows about the Chester County Studio Tour which is now a blockbuster May event every year, but the Delaware County Studio Tour is still getting its sea legs, as it is just in...

On Stage: The Main Squeeze

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Main Squeeze The Main Squeeze relocated from the Midwest to the West Coast and now are in the middle of a long tour of the East Coast – a tour that brings then to the area for a show on October 17 at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, http://undergroundarts.org). The band features Ben “Smiley” Silverstein, keyboards;...