February 9, 2013
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
Zero Dark Thirty Goes Deep Into A Real Life Event by Art Byrd
A Quote by
Many movies use the “based on a true story” tagline as a way to convey believability to them. Zero Dark Thirty is really based on a true story that has an effect on all of us, as Americans, the 9/11 tragedy. The name that has echoed throughout our consciousness for more that ten years was Osama bin Laden. The question was, with all the military and intelligence strength that the United States has. Why couldn't we find him? In 2011, bin Laden was tracked down and killed. Zero Dark Thirty reveals the supposedly very accurate details on what really happened on the track-down and the mission that lead to the demise of Osama bin Laden.
Zero Dark Thirty focuses on the story of a female CIA operative who tracked bin Laden to a fortress in Pakistan. The movie is directed by Kathryn Bigelow, who won an Oscar for the Hurt Locker which was a movie about a bomb squad during Iran war. She is a master storyteller especially with Zero Dark Thirty.
The opening sequence is just a black screen with the sounds of 9/11 calls from people trapped in World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. Those sounds were a very powerful way to grip the audience right away. Then, the movie moves to a secret location, where Maya, a CIA operative play by the amazing Jessica Chastain (The Help). She is a witness to an enhanced interrogation torture to a terrorist being administrated by the another CIA operative Dan played by Jason Clark (Lawless).
“There is this immediate connection, this intimacy when you're acting because there's no room to be polite or shy. Also, as an actor I get to connect with women I've never met before.” Oscar nominated actress, Jessica Chastain, who is starring in Zero Dark Thirty and Mama both currently playing in theaters.
February 9, 2013
In the news, we have heard about water-boarding, a torture technique where someone is held down with a towel over their face as water is being poured on them. The person feels like they are drowning. As for Maya, I wish we would have learned more about her, such as her background and education, like how did she become such a good analyst. Yet, the movie works well, jumping Maya into the action and we slowly find out that she is very good at what she does. Zero Dark Thirty does a great job of keeping the audience off-balance. In one scene where Maya and a fellow operative, Jessica played by Jennifer Ehle (Ides of March) are having dinner, just unwinding at a hotel. A bomb goes off blowing them out of their seats. The first half of the movie moves slow. As Maya and the other operatives are trying to get information on a certain bin Laden operative presumed dead. It was very interesting, how they tracked down the alive operative who was personally delivering information to bin Laden. Yet, CIA higher-ups were not taking action to engage in a takedown of bin Laden. Every day, Maya would write on a window with lipstick how many days have passed since they got the Intel of where bin Laden may be. Finally, the mission is given a “go.” Bigelow uses the camera to take the audience on the raid with the Navy SEALs strike team as they storm the compound. We are there as the strike team went from room to room and encountered bin Laden's family members with some of them being killed and others be rounded up. When the moment comes when the strike team guns down bin Laden. Sitting in my seat, I felt a bit of relief. The scene had so much tension, it was good to get a break. When the body of bin Laden is brought back to the base. A nervous Maya walks over to the body-bag and slowly unzips it. Then, she looks in as the team nervously wait for her decision. She stares for a moment and then looks over at the team and nods “yes.” The strike-team leader speaks into a phone saying that bin Laden has been identified as the dead corpse. Zero Dark Thirty has a great cast with Chastain leading the way. Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) as a CIA overseer who stalls the raid brought some believability to the story. James Gandofini (The Sopranos) as the CIA director was very good. Zero Dark Thirty was a name for the time of the bin Laden raid. The movie takes us into the world of those who worked tirelessly to bring justice to our country. Most times, we watch a movie for a little fantasy but Zero Dark Thirty is far from that as it provided a realistic look at an actual event that is told in an effective cinematic way.
February 9, 2013
Halliday's Winery Shines at Special Events By Monnie Ryan Editor's note: To read the full version of this review, visit http://mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com. A couple of months ago, my husband Jack and I stopped at Halliday's Winery in Lake Milton to sample a few of the wines. On a typical day, we wouldn't call it a restaurant - there are a few appetizers, paninis and salads, but it's not a place where you can have a full meal. But as we sipped our wine and shared a delicious tomato and basil bruschetta appetizer, we noticed flyers announcing a wild game dinner on Feb. 2. Back home, we checked with our Niles friends Jerry and Barb, who agreed it sounded like fun, we called and made reservations. At $25 a person, we considered the price quite reasonable, especially given the rather extensive menu. For the record - and the reason for this review - is that other special events are in the works as well (since St. Patrick’s Day is my favorite holiday, I expect to be there for the March 15 to 17 weekend celebration, for instance). For the wild game dinner, we arrived early enough to take advantage of the two-for-one drink specials (I enjoyed my favorite Reisling, while Jack tried both the blackberry and honey peach homemade Sangria). But it was the menu that had us salivating from the git-go: Bacon-wrapped duck, venison lasagna, smoked goose, goose reuben casserole and wild mushroom and squirrel soup (well, we were a little skittish about that squirrel soup). As happy hour began, trays of tasty hors d'oeuvres appeared, ranging from salmon spread and crackers to dough folded over much like peroghies filled with squirrel to walleye sushi, elk- and duck-stuffed quiche. Our favorite, we decided, was the cream cheese roll-ups that were wrapped not in the usual soft taco and sliced, but rather in goose "proscuitto" with a bit of fresh green onion in the center. Fabulous! The soup course came next, served at the tables. The first was wild mushroom, which was quite tasty. My choice, though, was the second: Antelope chili. The meat was very tender, the chili much the same as "regular" chili, and the whole thing was topped with shredded cheese and a dab of what appeared to be sour cream. As for the entrees, the only disappointment, if you can call it that, was that the goose reuben casserole wasn't much to honk about. The venison lasagna was unusual and very tasty - venison and sauce inside round lasagna noodles maybe 3 inches in diameter with sauce and ricotta. We also loved the elk meatballs, each topped with a roasted red pepper and cheese. If you go: Halliday's Winery 2400 N.E. River Road Lake Milton, Ohio 44429 (330) 654-9463) http://www.hallidayswinery.com
February 9, 2013
Art of Racing in the Rain is Doggone Great Read 6 stars (out of 5) By Monnie Ryan As is my custom, I wrote this review right after I finished reading the book. This time, though, it was slow going; it's difficult to see the keyboard with tears in your eyes. When I first learned of The Art of Racing in the Rain and the fact that it's written from a dog's perspective from a Colorado friend on Facebook, my first thought was "Oh boy. This is bound to be sappy and hokey and I doubt I’ll even want to finish it." Oh boy, was I wrong. Basically, it's a dog's take on life; Enzo is a mostly Labrador mutt who gets to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift, who hopes to make it big on the professional circuit. Enzo, who tends to ponder such weighty issues as his inability to speak and lack of opposable thumbs, follows Denny through life as he meets the love as his life, struggles with who he is and who he wants to be and spills his thoughts about everything from his four-legged perspective. To my great surprise, from the first few pages I was totally hooked. Sappy and hokey? Well, I suppose; but it's also so beautifully and intelligently written that every page is a joy. Yes, I chuckled; yes, I outright cried. Neither emotion, of course, comes as a big surprise: much of what's here I knew (or was pretty doggone sure) would happen. Still, I hung on every word, certain that the next paragraph would bring a smile or a lump in my throat ("The car goes where the mind goes," as the author puts it). Bottom line? Whether or not you're a fan of dogs - in fact, I'm a rabid cat person - this book is absolutely, positively not to be missed. The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel by Garth Stein; Harper Perennial 2009; 321 pp.
Fighting Back Is The First E-Book From Newsletter Creator The first e-book written by A Byrd’s Eye View creator, Art Byrd is available free in the ITunes bookstore. The book is based on a Toastmasters speech given by Byrd about being unjustly fired from a fast food restaurant. He was given the encouragement to fight back by a friend. Byrd did so with an interesting result. Fighting Back has interactive video and audio of the whole Toastmasters speech which includes the story of Tea Maker that emphases fighting without fighting. The free e-book can be downloaded from the ITunes bookstore by looking under Professional and Technical, then Education and then, Arthur Byrd.
February 9, 2013
From Yo to Z: Favorite Things Around the Valley by Lori Factor, Assistant Director of the Performing Arts Series, YSU.
Handel's Ice cream- No matter the weather, this is on the top of our list.
Butler Institute of American Art- My kids will always vote for a trip there on a day off from school.
We enjoy eating out and regularly frequent many restaurants. We like locally owned places such Zenobia in Canfield, and Lemon Grove and V2 Downtown.
For a fun night out with friends we really like Vintage Estates. Their flatbread pizzas and phenomenal assortment of craft beers makes any night special.
Because I work at YSU's College of Fine & Performing Arts, we tend to go to many music and theater events as well as art exhibits at the McDonough. We could be out several nights each week!
February 9, 2013
What’s Happening Around The Valley: Feb 9th - Feb 14th Saturday, Feb 9 The Ward Beecher Planetarium: Two Small Pieces Of Glass The Ward Beecher Planetarium presents Two Small Pieces Of Glass running Saturdays from February 9th through February 23rd for two shows at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. Two Small Pieces Of Glass will explore the history of the telescope. More information about this program is available at (330) 941-1370. The Planetarium is located on the YSU campus.
The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place In Nature Mill Creek MetroParks will present a discussion on the book by David Suzuki, The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place In Nature, at 1 p.m at the Ford Nature Center. The discussion will focus on the book about living sustainably and humankind's physical, spiritual, and social connections to nature. More information about this event is available at (330) 740-7107. Ford Nature Center is located at 840 Old Furnace Road in Youngstown.
Symphonic Valentine Concert The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra presents a Symphonic Valentine Concert at 8 p.m at the DeYor Performing Arts Center. Symphonic Valentine will feature vocalists Lisa Vroman and J. Mark McVey and guest conductor Carl Topilow with the orchestra, as they perform Gershwin ballads and great romantic songs from Broadway and beyond. Tickets and more information are available at (330) 744-0264. DeYor Performing Arts Center is at 260 West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown.
Artists of the Rust Belt Winter Market Artists of the Rust Belt Winter Market is happening on Saturday Feb 9 at the B&O Station from 12 noon to 7 p.m. There will be local art from over 30 artists, food, music and beer. Admission is $1 and under 18 are free.
Dance for the Music The Stambaugh Chorus and Youngstown Area Community Concert Band will hold a fundraiser dance called Dance for the Music at Stambaugh Auditoruim. The dance will feature a catered dinner and a one hour ballroom / line dance lesson by Judy Conti. Then, there will be opening dancing from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Stambaugh is located at 123 McKinley Avenue in Youngstown.
February 9, 2013
What’s Happening Around The Valley: Feb 9th - Feb 14th (cont’d) Saturday Feb 9 Latino Valentine Dance OCCHA (Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana, Inc.) is having a Latino Valentine Dance on from 6 p.m to 11 p.m. There will be dancing and food including Spanish beans and rice, baked chicken, pasta, salad, bread, coffee and dessert. Beer, wine and mixed drinks will be available for purchase. ($15 in advance or $20 at the door) The dance will be held at OCCHA Social Hall, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown, OH 44502.
Sunday, Feb 10 Regional Photographer Series - Stephan Elko The Butler Institute of American Art presents an exhibit entitled, Regional Photographer Series - Stephan Elko, running from Sunday, February 10th through Sunday, May 19th. This exhibition is part of a series that showcases the work of regional photographers who utilize digital media and methods to create their work. More information about this exhibit or the series is available at (330) 743-1107. The Butler is located at 524 Wick Avenue in Youngstown.
Faculty and Guest Artist Recital The Dana School of Music will present a free Faculty and Guest Artist Recital by the New Amici Trio on at 3 p.m in the Bliss Recital Hall on the campus of YSU. The New Amici Trio, Ensemble In Residence at Youngstown State University for over 30 years, features violinist Hristo Popov, cellist Michael Gelfand, and pianist Cicilia Yudha. More information about this free recital is available at (330) 941-3636.
Thursday, Feb 14 Winter Concert featuring the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club Mill Creek MetroParks presents a Winter Concert featuring the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, on at 7 p.m. at the Yellow Creek Lodge. The Mahoning Valley Button Box Club performs polkas and more on Diatonic Button Box Accordians. More information about this concert is available at (330) 755-7275. The lodge is located at 79 South Bridger Street in Struthers. Easy Street’s Las Vegas Valentine Easy Street Productions is presenting the Youngstown Symphony Society’s second Hometown Heroes concert series with an evening of music called Easy Street’s Las Vegas Valentine. The event will salute some of the most legendary Las Vegas entertainers. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin and Patsy Cline are just a few of the artists whose music will be featured. The production will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Ford Family Recital Hall, 260 W. Federal St., downtown Youngstown. Tickets are $25 for the show and can be purchased by calling the box office at 330-744-0264 or online at youngstownsymphony.com.
February 9, 2013
On Stage The Victorian Players: Finale Finale takes place in March 1873 and the John Wilkes Booth family, some living, some deceased, reassemble to deal with ghosts which have haunted the family name for years. The play will run weekends from Friday, February 8th through Sunday, February 24th. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (330) 746-5455. The Victorian Players Theatre is located at 702 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown.
Salem Community Theatre: Game Show Salem Community Theatre presents Game Show by Jeffrey Finn and Bob Walton. Game Show is set during a live broadcast of a fictional, long-running television game show, where anything can and does happen, and the behind-the-scenes backstabbing antics are commonplace. The show runs from Friday, February 1st through Sunday, February 10th with evening performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information. Call (330) 332-9688. Salem Community Theatre located at 490 East State Street.
The New Castle Playhouse: A Tuna Christmas The New Castle Playhouse will showcase the comedy A Tuna Christmas. The play tells the story of Texas' third smallest town and the eclectic band of citizens that make up this town, as they celebrate Christmas, create Christmas Yard Sign Displays for the annual contest, and attempt to put on A Chirstmas Carol. The play will be running weekends from Friday, February 8th through Sunday, February 24th. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m and Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at (724) 654-3437. The New Castle Playhouse Annex Theatre is at 202 East Long Avenue, New Castle, PA
Youngstown Playhouse: Six Nights in The Black Belt Six Nights in the Black Belt is a deeply moving story based on the life and death of Jonathan Daniels. He answered Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to assist with voter registration in Selma, Alabama in 1965. Daniels couldn’t have known that this journey was to be his last or the impact he would have upon those around him. This play part of the Griffith-Adler Actors Series is directed by Carla D. Gipson. Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, February 8th & 9th at 7:30 p.m.
February 9, 2013
On Stage (cont’d) Trumbull New Theatre: The Sunshine Boys The Sunshine Boys tells the story of Al and Willie as "Lewis and Clark" were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs. The play runs February 8-9, 15-17 at the TNT. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. The TNT is located at 5883 Youngstown-Warren Road SE, Niles, Ohio
Upcoming Youngstown Playhouse: Avenue Q Avenue Q, The Musical, is a coming-of-age parable, addressing and satirizing the issues and anxieties associated with entering adulthood. The production will run weekends from Friday, February 15th through Sunday, February 24th. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (330) 788-8739. The Playhouse is located at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown.
YSU Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater: Broke-ology YSU’s University Theater presents BROKE-OLOGY, a drama by Nathan Louis Jackson in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater. BROKE-OLOGY revolves around the King family whose members have weathered life's hardships,
surviving with their love for each other intact. William King lives in the house his two sons grew up in. He's alone, but he maintains his allegiance with their mother in his own way. When the brothers are called home to take care of him, they find themselves strangely at odds. The show will run two weekends, February 21-24 and March 1-3. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while the Sunday matinee performances are at 3:00 p.m. Advance tickets are necessary; no event tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets may be purchased by calling 330-941-3105 or online at www.ysu.edu/givetoysu keyword BROKE-OLOGY. Show tickets may be purchased by calling the University Theater Box Office at 330-941-3105. Ticket prices are free for YSU students with ID; $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, YSU faculty and staff and high school and college students from other universities, Penguin Club members and YSU alumni. Parking is available in the M1 Wick Avenue parking deck for all shows for a nominal fee.
February 9, 2013
Youngstown State University’s celebration of African American History Month is underway. Here are some of the events. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 5 p.m. Reception, Bliss Hall Art Gallery, 6 p.m. Panel Discussion, Zona Auditorium, Butler Institute of American Art. Reception and panel discussion on African Art Display. The artistic talents of Saihou Omar Njie will be on exhibit. Njie grew up in The Gambia, West Africa and now is on the roster of Teaching Artists for the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Friday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., The Ohio Room, Kilcawley Center. Keynote by Mwatabu S. Okantah, “Black Arts and The Civil Rights Movement.” Okantah is the author of several published poems, in addition to being a performer. Okantah has collaborated with the Cavani String Quartet, the Rhodes Street Rude Boys and heads the Muntu Kuntu Energy Group. Saturday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m., St. Augustine Church, 614 Parmalee Ave., Youngstown. Save Nubia Project Seminar. Professor Manu Ampim will lead the seminar. His latest project draws upon his archaeological research of the classical African civilizations of Ancient Kush and Nubia, which are in danger of being flooded. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., The Ohio Room, Kilcawley Center. E.P. McNight will present her onewoman play “With Grace I Stand.” McNight, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, currently travels throughout the country with her highly acclaimed show, “I Question America: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer.”
Laser Shows Featuring Rock Band Are Coming To The Planetarium Youngstown State University’s Ward Beecher Planetarium will presents a series of laser shows featuring the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23. During the weekend, other additional programs will be presented in black history and astronomy. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open approximately 15 to 20 minutes before show time. All programs are approximately 40 minutes in length. Visit www.wbplanetarium.org for the schedule or call 330-941-1370 for more details. The Planetarium is free and open to the public but there will a suggested donation of $1 per person for the special event laser shows.
February 9, 2013
The B&O Station Will Be The Place For A Cupcake Showdown. The Sweet Life Cupcake Competition will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 16 at B&O Station Banquet Hall. Professional bakers competing include Bartell’s Cupcakery, The Cake Boutique, Debbie’s Cupcake Crazy, Enjoy!, Kravitzs Delicatessen, Lil’ Baby Cakes, Mon Amie Bakery, Stephanie’s Sweet Spot, and Sugar Mama’s. The event will feature a silent auction, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, and a special Cupcake Creation Station for kids. Tickets are available through professional bakers as well as online at www.mvbcfriends.com. Ticket prices are $7 in advance and $10 at door for adults; $4 in advance and $5 at door for children (10 and under); and free for and children (3 and under). The competition will benefit the Friends of the Mahoning Valley Birth. The B&O is located at 530 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown.
The New Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center Will Host the First Cookie Table & Cocktails. The inaugural “Cookie Table & Cocktails” be held on Saturday, February 16, in the new Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center. The event is a “fun and frivolous wedding reception atmosphere” with music, dancing, appetizers, beverages, and a cookie tables. Organizers are boasting Cookie Table & Cocktails will have the biggest cookie table in the Valley. The event will be from 7- 11 p.m. The History Center is located at 325 West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by contacting the Historical Society at 330-743-2589. For more information, contact MVHS Campaign Director Cheryl (Staib) Lewis at clewis@mahoninghistory.org or (330) 743-2638.
February 9, 2013
Mad About The Arts Will Celebrate Its 17th Year. Mad About The Arts will provide an evening of music, art, food and drinks at the McDonough Museum of Arts on the campus of Youngstown State University. Mad About the Arts is a fundraiser for the McDonough Museum and YSU SMARTS-Students Motivated by the Arts. The benefit will be on Friday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m with the Friend of the Arts Preview Reception ($80) and 7:30 p.m- 10:00 p.m with the Main Celebration ($50). Tickets can be purschased online by visiting www.ysu.edu/givetoysu and select Mad About the Arts. For tickets or more information, please contact SMARTS at 330.941.2787. Space is limited.
SECONDS SUNDAYS with Soundoctrine Makes Its Debut A New Era of Jazz is starting in Downtown Youngstown with Second Sundays with Soundoctrine. Local favorite band, Soundoctrine will playing smooth jazz at the Lemon Grove on Sunday, February 10th from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Joining the band will be DJ Phil The Beat, Special Guest Artist Jazz Composer, Jim Couchenour and vocalist Natalie Sprouse. There will a buffet style menu from award winning Guy’s Barbecue at $15 per plate. Admission is $5.00 Proceeds to benefit The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.
Follow this event on Face Book at http://www.facebook.com/ SecondSundaysWithSounDoctrineAtTheLemonGrove
February 9, 2013
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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/
Movie reivews from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Buckeye Review Newspaper, available throughout the Valley at various newstands.
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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.
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.
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