February 17, 2012
A Byrd’s Eye View N
e
w
s
l
e
t
t
e
r
ABOUT FILMS, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
The Vow Gives Beautiful Meaning to Second Chances By Art Byrd
A Quote by
It’s hard to get someone to fall in love with you one time, but to set out to do it a second time is one of the greatest hooks for a film. That’s why the movie The Vow had me hook, line and sinker. The timing of the release -- near St. Valentine’s Day -- was a genius move by the people behind The Vow. The movie is about two people deeply in love and the very unusual situation that takes their love to the limit. Leo, played by Channing Tatum (Dear John), and Paige, played by Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), are a married couple driving home from a movie. When they stop at an intersection, Paige unbuckles her seat belt to kiss Leo just as their car is rear-ended by a snowplow. Paige goes through the windshield; she survives, but her and Leo’s love is changed forever. In an interesting twist, Paige has no memory of a five-year block of her life, which includes her marriage to Leo. What helps make this story believable is that it’s based on a true story. McAdams is amazing as she navigates Paige through two worlds: her old life with her parents and sister, and the one she can’t remember with Leo. He goes on a quest to show Paige the life she had.
“....I like to go on really different types of dates. Going someplace new or some new part of the city, something that's not your average thing. Something where you just go have an adventure together. “ Actress Rachel McAdams (The Notebook),currently starring in The Vow, in the theaters now.
February 17, 2012
The movie shows Leo and Paige’s relationship from the beginning with their first meeting at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Their first date was beautiful and showed their connection to each other. I like that Paige was not forced to get her memory back. Leo let her adjust to her new but different life situation, even though his heart was breaking. The casting of McAdams and Tatum makes The Vow work. Their on screen chemistry and emotional intensity had the Richter-scale-of-love in the red. The Vow felt like a real-life fairytale. The movie proved that if you can have someone fall in love with you for a second time it is truly an endless love. The Vow will make you look at the one you love with an unbound heart. And isn’t that what love is about? Here is the trailer for The Vow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8swF2-R6X9A
Fill Your Think Tank with Gasland By Michele Ristich Gatts If last year’s string of earthquakes – most likely caused by the local injection well -- left you shaken, you’re not alone. For me, that reality seems to fly in the face of politicians and business big-wigs predicting fracking will line our pockets with money and our streets with gold. For this old journalist, that meant more digging. And an important piece of evidence I turned up is Gasland. No matter what side of this controversial issue you’re on now, I highly recommend you watch the documentary by Josh Fox to make a more informed decision. The Pennsylvania man decided to check into the issue when he was offered big bucks to allow fracking on his considerable property in Milanville. Gasland presents the stories of numerous people in communities where fracking started years ago. I won’t go into details, but I’ll give you the hint that the air, land and water is lined all right, and the warning that what you see may disturb you. It left me more shaken than that quake New Year’s Eve. Learn more about Gasland at http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/ View the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZe1AeH0Qz8 Visit the documentary’s Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/gaslandmovie
February 17, 2012
Appetites Light Up at Phoenix Fire Grill By Monnie Ryan To read the full version of this review, visit http://mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com
Finding a new restaurant where the food is outstanding never fails to be exciting, and it’s even better when the excitement remains on subsequent visits. Such is the case at The Phoenix Fire Grill and Bar just south of Canfield. The food here is more than a cut above the ordinary, and each time we've stopped we've found something new to love. The prices are reasonable and several of the dinner entrees are available in "lunch" portions until 4 p.m. daily. It took a while to decide what to try our first time here, but finally I picked a fire-grilled black-n-bleu pizza; diced blackened chicken on seasoned white pizza with garlic, sliced plum tomatoes, bacon, three cheeses and crumbled bleu cheese ($7). Jack “settled” for a barbecue chicken quesadilla from the appetizer menu (also $7). A crispy tortilla shell is filled with roasted peppers and three cheeses and served with smoked onion dip. The quesadilla was stuffed with far more "insides" than is typical; it was delicious, and he said the smoked onion sauce added a special touch he loved. My pizza, though, was wonderful. The crust is particularly flavorful, and the whole thing oozes with so much melted cheese that it was hard to pick up without dripping. The blackened chicken flavor is outstanding and blends perfectly with all that cheese. On our next visit, we both thought the lunch portions of entrees would be a good way to go this time. My choice was the Shrimp & Scallops Jambalaya $9 for lunch, $16 for dinner), and Jack picked Chicken Marsala Portobello ($8/$14). But then, my eyes spotted something else -- and I threw caution to the wind and insisted I had to have it. "It" was the Tuna Carpaccio appetizer, or Sashimi-style Ahi tuna marinated, rolled in spices, pan seared rare, sliced and served on assorted greens with ginger soy sauce. Delicious? Oh my. In fact, I didn't want to eat anything else; and the slices were so numerous that the appetizer would have been sufficient for an entire lunch for me. Jack’s grilled chicken breast and portobello 'shrooms were served over rice pilaf and topped with fire roasted veggies and a lemon with a white wine and garlic butter sauce. The breast was a little on the skimpy side, he noted, but it was quite good (the sauce was outstanding) and the portobello slices were plentiful. Meanwhile, once I stuck my fork in the Jambalaya I was hooked. The bowl of rice pilaf was topped with two very large tiger shrimp, two equally large scallops and a few slices of Andouille sausage, all sautéed with bell peppers and onions and simmered in sherry wine sauce with a touch of marinara. If you go: The Phoenix Fire Grill and Bar, 5231 S. Canfield-Niles Rd., Canfield; 330-533-9999. www.phoenixfiregrill.com
February 17, 2012
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY: FEB. 18TH-MARCH 16TH Ongoing The Biennial Faculty Exhibition Presented by The McDonough Museum of Art, 525 Wick Ave., Youngstown, running from through Friday, March 16. This show will feature works in various media by Studio Art Faculty in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University, and highlights the works of three new members of the faculty - Charmaine Banach, Stephen Chalmers, and Rich Helfrich. Museum hours and more information are available at 330-941-1400.
Saturday, Feb. 18th Ostatki: A Polish Carnival Celebration Polish Youngstown is inviting the entire Mahoning Valley to join them this year at 7 p.m. at The Youngstown Club, 201 E. Commerce St., downtown. There will be live music, basket raffles, trivia games and dessert, and the evening will climax with the presentation of the celebratory paczki: special oversized donuts with a hidden surprise for one winner. The person who picks the paczki with the hidden prize wins a one-year membership to the Youngstown Club. Tickets are $40. For information, call 330-518-9963.
The Faces of Black History Presented by New Jersey-based dance troupe Prospect Theatrics, the group celebrates American history contributions made by African-Americans and will perform a tribute to Michael Jackson and the Tuskegee Airmen. at 7:30 p.m. in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center on the YSU campus.
Ward Beecher Planetarium 1 and 2:30 p.m.: Great Space Treasure Hunt; 8 p.m.: Oasis in Space. The Planetarium is located on the YSU campus.
Sunday, Feb. 19th 76th Annual Art, Music and Tea Reception Presented by The Polish Arts Club of Youngstown from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Butler Institute of American Art, North, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown. This free event will honor and feature world renowned colorist Julian Stanczak during the visual art portion of the program, and musical entertainment will be provided by Dr. Joanne Uniatowski, performing Polish folksongs. Julian Stanczak's work is in the Butler's permanent collection and he will be interviewed by Dr. Lou Zona. The modern art style known as Op Artwas was named for his first major show in New York in 1964. For more information, call 330-743-1107.
Free Guest Artist Recital featuring pianist James Wilding Presented by The Dana School of Music at 3 p.m. in the Bliss Recital Hall on the YSU campus. Mr. Wilding was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, studied and earned degrees from the University of Cape Town, Youngstown State University, and Kent State University. For more information, call 330-941-3636.
February 17, 2012
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY: FEB. 18TH-MARCH 16TH (CONT’D) Tuesday, Feb. 21st Blogging While Black Lecture by Shawn Williams at 7:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room of Kilcawley Center. The lecture conveys the experiences of the speaker and other online bloggers to provide tips for journalists wishing to make inroads in the use of social media.
Thursday, Feb. 23rd Klondikes, Chipped Ham and Skyscraper Cones: The Story Of Islay’s Lecture presented by The Mahoning Valley Historical Society featuring Brian Butko at 6:30 p.m. at the Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Islay’s operated hundreds of dairy stores across Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, with 11 plants stretching to Iowa and Islay’s history reveals changing business patterns over the past century. For more information, call 330-743-2589.
Friday, Feb. 24th SMARTS Fundraiser The annual and much-anticipated fundraiser that benefits Youngstown State University’s SMARTS -Students Motivated by the Arts -- and the McDonough Museum of Art on the university’s campus. Guests will enjoy music from the classic horns of Second Avenue Project, who play selections from Swing to Top 40–to keep everyone dancing Friday, Feb. 24 at the McDonough. 6:30 p.m. begins the Friends Reception ($80); 7:30-10:30 p.m. is the Main Celebration ($45). For tickets or more information, call YSU SMARTS at 330-941-2787 or visit mcdonoughmuseum.ysu.edu.
Sunday, Feb. 26th An Evening of Gospel Jazz Rich traditions are explored through gifted YSU students—and a special guest to be revealed that evening. The event is free and open to the public. YSU, Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center: 6 p.m.
Learn to Write from the Heart Would you like to write from the heart? Join Robyn Podboy, Author of Beyond Beautiful and Beautiful Seeds of Change for a fun evening that will help you discover your authentic writing. Writing from the Heart Workshop will have simple, fun and inspiring exercises to help release the fear of writing and let the words flow. The workshop is on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Bella Nitesh Spiritual Wellness Center, 7255 Glendale Ave., Suite #4 in Boardman from 6-8 p.m. Bring a journal. The cost is $10.
February 17, 2012
ON STAGE The Victorian Players: Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror Running Feb. 17-26. Evening performances will be at 7:30 pm. with matinees at 2 p.m. Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror puts the famous sleuth on the trail of another exciting murder mystery. The theater is located 702 Mahoning Ave., near downtown Youngstown. Extra parking across the street at the former Flynn’s Tires.
The Youngstown Playhouse: Romeo and Juliet Running weekends from Feb.17-26. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information for this classic tale are available at 330-788-8739. The Playhouse is located on 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown.
Oakland Center for the Arts: Shining City Running weekends through Saturday, Feb. 18. Evening performances will begin at 8 p.m. Shining City is set in Dublin, where a guilt-ridden man reaches out to a therapist after seeing the ghost of his recently deceased wife. The Oakland is located at 220 W. Boardman St., downtown Youngstown. For tickets or more information, call 330-746-0404.
The New Castle Playhouse: Greater Tuna Running weekends through Sunday, Feb. 26. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m and Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m. Greater Tuna tells the story of Texas' third smallest town and the eclectic band of citizens who live there. The New Castle Playhouse Annex Theatre is located at 212 East Long Ave., New Castle, Pa. For tickets or more information, call 724-654-3437.
The DeYor: He Loves Me! She Loves Me Not? The Stageplay An Urban play that has universal messages about, fear and commitment. Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m at The DeYor (Ford Family Recital Hall) 260 West Federal St., downtown Youngstown. Tickets available at the box office are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Youngstown State University: Medea Performances begin Feb. 23 and run through March 4 in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater on the YSU campus. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 330-941-3105.
Sneak Previews for Oscar Nominated Short Films in Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Filmmakers Centers for the Arts is providing a sneak preview of the 2012 Oscar Nominated Shorts. The categories to be shown are animation, live action and documentary. The screenings will continue through Feb. 23. For times and locations, visit http://theaters.pittsburgharts.org/
February 17, 2012
The CIFF Coming In March, Volunteers Wanted The 2012 Cleveland International Film Festival will take place from March 22-April 22. The 36th CIFF’s program information will be available at www.clevelandfilm.org next week. The “in your hand” CIFF Program Guides will be ready the first week in March. The CIFF is looking for enthusiastic individuals (ages 18 and over) to be part of their volunteer team. A variety of shifts and tasks are available. Also, they are offering free parking (when available) during the shifts, a CIFF volunteer t-shirt, and CIFF film vouchers in exchange for volunteering.
For more, visit: https://www.shiftboard.com/clevelandfilm/ register.html.
Toastmasters Provides Friendly Approach to Public Speaking Are you facing your fears in 2012? Could one fear be public speaking? You can look fear in the eye with Toastmasters. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that provides a friendly, comfortable environment in which to learn and practice to become a better communicator and leader. Executive 408 Toastmasters is a local group that meets every Monday from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 Western Reserve Rd., Boardman. Toastmasters International includes more than 200,000 men and women in more than 10,000 clubs in more than 90 countries. Visit the website at http://www.speakingclub.org/
February 17, 2012
PRIVACY POLICY Some of you on A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter mailing list came to us from other e-mails sent to us regarding stories about Arts events in the area. We thought you would be interested in reading about additional Arts-related information of interest in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, and added you. However, if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, simply send a blank e-mail to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
The e-mail addresses we have are NEVER shared in any way with anyone, nor are they sold. All copies of the newsletter are sent as blind carbon copies, so that no one receiving the newsletter knows the addresses of anyone else receiving it. If you have received this free newsletter as a forward and would like to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com.
Excerpts from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Review, Newspaper, available throughout the Valley and online at http://www.thereviewnewspapers.com/
Another Way To Get A Byrd’s Eye View Excerpts of our newsletter are now online in the form of a blog. You can view shortened versions of reviews and find documents from past newsletters. You can also give us feedback on the site. Be sure to bookmark us at http://www.artbyrd.blogspot.com
Art Byrd Jr. has won awards as a filmmaker and journalist. After working many years as a videographer and director for WFMJ TV News, he retired from broadcasting to share his experience and insight with students as an instructor at Youngstown State University. Art has written and produced numerous Indie films, which have been shown at prestigious film festivals. In addition to teaching and writing/ producing A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter, Art also does freelance media work. He is based in Youngstown, Ohio. Michele Ristich Gatts began her full-time career in journalism with WKBN TV News, where she worked closely with radio news as well. After a decade in broadcasting, she branched into print, working five years for The Business Journal in various reporting and editorial capacities. Michele was fortunate to be recognized with a few prestigious journalism awards along the way, and has done a little teaching for YSU. She currently works as a freelance writer, editor and media consultant, and is based in Youngstown, Ohio. Contact her at michelegatts@yahoo.com. Monnie Ryan retired in 2003 after 14 years as managing editor of The Business Journal in Youngstown, where she continues to contribute to the print and online editions. Articles she has written have appeared in more than 20 national publications and at several travelrelated Web sites, and she has won numerous awards for photography. Contact her at mryan62692@aol.com.