It's difficult to make inroads into opera, but this year is already proving to ease the challenge through a talented (and attractive) group of all-stars.
In this Jan. 11, 2013 photo provided by the Metropolitan Opera, Juan Diego Florez, performs as Count Ory with Pretty Yende as Countess Adele during a dress rehearsal of Rossini's "Le Comte Ory," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. (AP Photo/Metropolitan Opera, Marty Sohl)
Perhaps it's not a surprise that this year marks some big anniversaries for opera as well. The striking Polish tenor Piotr Beczala will star in the Metropolitan Opera's unusual staging of "Rigoletto" set in 1960s Las Vegas to honor Verdi's 200th birthday. In May, Jonas Kaufmann -- Germany's sexiest tenor -- will play the title role in "Parsifal" to mark the 200th anniversary of Wagner's birth.
Edward Benjamin Britten will also be ringing in a birthday in 2013. At this year's Glyndebourne Festival in London 'Billy Budd' returns to mark Britten's centennial birthday. The hot tenor from South Africa Jacques Imbrailo will play the title role.
This must be the year for South African singers because aptly-named Pretty Yende made a splash at her Met debut last week. Also in the spotlight at the Met this month is the blonde beauty Kristine Opolais, who appears in Puccini’s "La Rondine."
Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap the draft in the best way they know how: letter grades! Fitz and Frank discuss all 32 teams division by division as they give a snapshot of how fans should be feeling heading into the 2024 season. The duo have key debates on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and more.
The first electric vehicle I ever drove was a Tesla Roadster in 2011. It was with great anticipation that I slid behind the wheel of the 2025 Acura ZDX Type S. Sure, it's a midsize SUV, but it wears the Type S moniker, a name reserved only for the most fun-to-drive in the Acura stable. On launch, the ZDX will be available in A-Spec and Type S trims -- both of which come equipped with a 102 kWh battery.