A Byrd's Eye View-July 2013

July 13, 2013

A BYRD’S EYE VIEW N

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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

The Lone Ranger May Be A Generation Too Late

by Art Byrd When I heard they were making a Lone Ranger movie. My next thought was who was going to make it. This is a valid question. I read super producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the team behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movies were involved. Maybe, The Lone Ranger has a chance to shoot up some good box office results.

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Then, the film was shut down in 2011 because the budget was too high at $250 million dollars.

Things got resolved. The Lone Ranger was on again with a reduced budget of about $215 million.

History note: there was another Lone Ranger movie in 1981 called The Legend of The Lone Ranger. The movie belly flopped at the box office.

Is it a good choice to bring the Lone Ranger to the big screen again? I say it is good choice, not a great choice. The young audience that goes to the movies during the summer may not know who The Lone Ranger is.

The original Lone Ranger was a 1930s radio serial, then a popular TV series in the 50s and a cartoon in the 60s.

For a Lone Ranger movie to work it had to be beyond great, and it just didn't happen that way for me with this movie.

The Lone Ranger mystique has a lot of built in hero things. First, he got a mask for the secret identity element, a sidekick, Tonto, fighting injustice and has a recognizable theme song with the William Tell overture.

“A film actor is just a victim of directors and editors” Actress Helena Bonham Carter, starring as the peg legged madam in The Lone Ranger, currently in theaters.

July 13, 2013

The Lone Ranger starts at a fair in 1933, a young boy dressed in cowboy outfit with a mask. He comes upon an Indian mannequin that comes alive and revealed to be Tonto, the Lone Ranger's sidekick. Now, an elderly Tonto tells the story of the Lone Ranger.

The movie goes back to Texas in 1869, a lawyer named John Reid played by Arnie Hammer (The Social Network) is on a train going to his hometown of Colby to become the prosecutor. On the same train is outlaw Butch Cavendish play by William Fichtner (Prison Break) and Tonto played by Johnny Depp, who is really good as Tonto as his expression and tone of voice are priceless. Cavendish is being transported to be hung publicly. Tonto is there for something that was not really revealed in the movie.

The action starts when Cavendish men hijack the train and break the outlaw out. In Colby, John’s brother Dan, who is a Texas Ranger is saddled up to go after Cavandish. First, he must say goodbye to his wife, Rebecca played by Ruth Wilson (Luther) and their son.

The storyline suggests that Rebecca and John had a thing for each other. Dan seeing the attraction coming out again, decides to make John, a Texas Ranger, to go with them to get Cavendish.

Later on, the Rangers are ambushed by the Cavendish gang in a canyon. Cavendish cuts out Dan’s heart and wounded yet thought to be dead John is left to die.

Somehow, Tonto who was in jail, arrives at the aftermath of the ambush. While, he is burying the Rangers and about to turn dirt on John, who wakes up. The expression of Tonto seeing John alive was great. Total Depp.

I tried to like this movie as it had some good moments like when Tonto presents Reid with the mask, the white horse choosing the Lone Ranger and the train action sequences.

One moment that stood out was the back story of Tonto. The audience will understand why he was different from the other Indians. Tonto’s story is a very touching story.

Reid/The Lone Ranger starts off as a whining wimp trying to adjust to being the masked man which includes not wanting to hold a gun. Then, out of nowhere, he becomes a master horseman and a gun shooting expert. I didn't buy it.

The cast makes The Lone Ranger not a total bust. Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins) as Latham Cole, the ruthless railroad tycoon, Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter) was witty as the peg legged madam and Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan) as Capt. J Fuller, a corrupt calvary officer. Wilson as Rebecca showed great strength and compassion.

There are some hero movies, where the hero should be introduced doing what they do best; dealing with injustice in the first movie. Then, have the origin story start in another movie. Maybe, this should have been done with The Lone Ranger. It took too long to get going.

The movie had a lot of the elements to succeed: an amazing producer, a great director and a high-quality cast but the script wasn't sure if it was a comedy or drama.

I hate to see the Lone Ranger ride off into the cinematic sunset unless a sequel happens with a better storyline with the Lone Ranger and Tonto taking care of serious wild wild west justice.

July 13, 2013

Bob Evans Puts Pride in Down-Home Cooking

By Monnie Ryan

It's a bit out of the ordinary for me to review a chain restaurant, and even more uncommon when it's one that doesn't serve alcohol since most of the time, my husband Jack and I like to enjoy a beer or glass or wine when we eat out. Breakfast, however, is a different story; somehow, cabernet and scrambled eggs don’t sound very appetizing.

Besides that, Bob Evans is an Ohio staple, starting out some 50 years ago in Rio Grande (for you tenderfeet, that’s “Ryoh,” unlike the river that separates Texas and Mexico). That's not to say the other meals aren't good, though – we’ve never had a “bad” meal here. And now that the chain has undergone a substantial remodeling outside and in, it seems a good time to give it a plug.

There's another Bob Evans secret I'll share for what it's worth (and to us, it's worth plenty): Sign up online to get email news, and you'll get great deals on meals. Just about every week, we get BOGO offers for breakfasts and dinners, and there have been very few we haven’t cashed in.

When it comes to breakfasts – a meal I would argue Bob Evans does best - I have two favorites, starting with sausage gravy. Growing up on a farm with a cook-from-scratch mother, sausage gravy was what’s for breakfast. But when I got married, it was to a handsome fellow who (gasp!) didn't much like sausage in any shape or form, so the only place I could get it was at – you guessed it.

Lunch and dinner entrees are all over the map, from big salads to pasta to fish. One of my favorites is the slow-roasted turkey breast, with plenty of tender meat over stuffing with mashed potatoes and gravy and a side (make mine the buttery baby carrots). Jack is fond of the potato-crusted flounder filet, which usually comes with a baked potato, broccoli and baked rolls or buttermilk biscuits (he substitutes other things depending on his mood). He's had the salmon filet, too (with a choice of Bob Evans Wildfire BBQ sauce or garlic herb butter) and likes that almost as well.

Bob Evans has other options, too, such as a $5 carryout value menu that includes a number of items including signature soups (we especially like the tomato basil and beef vegetable). Every once in a while we'll take one home for later – there’s plenty to fill up two large bowls.

Each store also has a small selection of gift items, and on several occasions we've purchased whole pies from the in-store bakery (the cookies and banana bread are delicious as well).

If you go: Bob Evans 1100 N. Canfield-Niles Road Austintown, Ohio 44515 (330) 652-8211 http://www.bobevans.com

July 13, 2013

Everybody Has a Breaking Point

By Monnie Ryan 5 stars (out of 5) What's in a name? If it happens to be mine, you can be sure I'll take notice. I first discovered C.J. Box's series featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett years ago with the first - Open Season - simply because Pickett is my family name. I'd have read it just because of that, but the fact that it fell into the genre of books I love most made me even more eager to check it out.

That was then - 2001 - and I've been a happy reader ever since. As always, I couldn't wait to get the 13th and latest, Breaking Point, on my Kindle. And like all the others, it was hard to put it down and the ending, which of course I won't reveal, made me want to learn what happens next.

Part of the books' appeal is that they're not simply about the game warden and his adventures, but his wife and children as well. But now, his daughters are practically grown (one is in college), and I was curious to see how the family dynamic would be worked into this story. And in fact, while Joe's wife Marybeth has a bit of a role here, there seemed to me to be noticeably less emphasis on the family angle in this installment. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the next book in the series.

This one, which brings into play the dire consequences of government power gone wrong, is based on a true story that ended up before the Supreme Court (Sackett v. EPA 2012). Butch Roberson, Joe's family friend and business owner, has become the target of the Environmental Protection Agency, which apparently is out to get him by ruining everything he's tried hard to build up by declaring a tract of land on which Butch and his wife plan to build a retirement home a protected wetland. But then, two EPA agents are murdered, and the evidence points to Butch as the killer - suggesting that he may have reached his breaking point.

As Butch goes on the run, a manhunt ensues, and it becomes clear that the powers-that-be aren't looking to capture him alive. As the local game warden and a man who is familiar with Butch, Joe is called into service to assist in the hunt. But early on he begins to suspect that something is very wrong and that some of the very people who employ him may be less than honorable - and who, by the end, bring Joe to a breaking point of his own.

If I have a criticism, I suppose it would be that almost all of the U.S. government folks are shown in a much less-than-positive light - bringing to mind the political rants late author Vince Flynn would insert into his novels (for the record, he's a favorite author too). At the same time, author Box is a life-long resident of Wyoming, so I'm sure the Sackett case struck a few personal chords. And, much of the criticism here is justified; sometimes, the government really is out to get you.

Breaking Point by C.J. Box (Putnam Adult March 2013); 384 pp.

July 13, 2013

What’s Happening Around The Valley: July 13-18 Sat, July 13 The Tenth Annual Smoky Hollow 5k Run and One-Mile Family Fun Walk The Tenth Annual Smoky Hollow 5k Run and One-Mile Family Fun Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Youngstown State University WATTS Center. Fruit pies will be awarded to the top three finishers for each male and female age group and also for the overall top finisher. Ribbons will be given to each walker, and children age 10 and under will receive a medal. Registration and more information about these events are available at www.gopherarun.com.

Northside Farmers Market Northside Farmers Market, which features fresh produce and baked goods for sale, cooking demonstrations and tastings happens every Saturday at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St., Youngstown from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dedication of the Pennsylvania And Ohio Canal Historical Marker The City Of Warren presents the Dedication of the Pennsylvania And Ohio Canal Historical Marker on at 11 a.m at the Raymond John Wean Foundation Building in downtown Warren. This program will include information about the canal, canal songs, excerpts from a recording of a tour of the area, and the dedication of the Historical Marker. More information about this free event is available at (330) 394-5729.

The Raymond John Wean Foundation Building is located at 147 West Market Street, across from Courthouse Square.

Yellow Brick Road Concert Mill Creek MetroParks presents Yellow Brick Road in a concert on at 7 p.m at the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion. Yellow Brick Road performs the soft rock music of Elton John. Tickets and more information about this concert are available at (330) 702-3000.

Sun, July 14 Summerfest 2013 Summerfest 2013 at St. Luke Parish will have a concert featuring Seven Nations, County Mayo and the Shaffer Brothers. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The cost will be $15. St. Luke Parish, is at 5235 South Ave, Boardman.

Firestone Park presents a free concert featuring Riverhawk performing a combination of Rock and Top 40 Country Music, at 2 p.m. at the Park Gazebo. More information about this concert is available at (330) 482-3822.

Firestone Park is located at 347 East Park Avenue in Columbiana

July 13, 2013

What’s Happening Around The Valley: July 13-18 (cont’d) Sun, July 14 Aut-Mori Grotto Open House Aut-Mori Grotto is having an open house from Noon-3 p.m at the Grotto Hall in Youngstown. A chance to meet the Grotto Clowns, the charities the Grotto supports and have lunch with hot dogs, fries and pop.

Grotto Hall is located at 563 N. Belle Vista Avenue in Youngstown.

Mon, July 15 A YSU Welcome Celebration for Drs. Randy and Rhonda Dunn Youngstown State University presents A Welcome Celebration for Drs. Randy and Rhonda Dunn at 3:30 p.m. at the Kilcawley Fountain Commons. This Welcome Celebration will celebrate the arrival of YSU's 8th president and welcome the Dunns to the community. Refreshments will be served.

Reservations and more information about this event are available at (330) 941-2714.

Summer Vegetable Garden Class The Ohio State University in Canfield presents its final Summer Vegetable Garden Class of the season at 6 p.m at the G.R.O.W. Gardens and Hoop Houses in Youngstown. This class will include handouts and activities, and experts will be available to answer gardening questions, share details about plants growing at the gardens, and provide their personal strategies for the best vegetables.

More information about this event is available at (330) 533-5538.

The G.R.O.W. Gardens and Hoop Houses is at 100 Broadway Avenue in Youngstown.

Tues July 16 Youngstown Community Concert Band Austintown Township Park is having a free concert by the Youngstown Community Concert Band at 7 p.m. More information about this free event is available at (330) 793-0718. Austintown Township Park is located at 6000 Kirk Road.

Wed, July 17 Live! at the Morley Mill Creek MetroParks Live! at the Morley presents The Strange Familiar in a free pop music concert at 7 p.m. at the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion. More information about this concert is available at (330) 702-3000.

Thursday, July 18 The Warren Community Amphitheater :Jones And Company The Warren Community Amphitheater presents a free Thursday Night Concert featuring Jones And Company at 7 p.m. More information about this concert is available at (330) 675-3081.

The Warren Community Amphitheatre is at 321 Mahoning Avenue,Warren.

July 13, 2013

On Stage The New Castle Playhouse: Sweet Charity, The Musical The New Castle Playhouse presents Sweet Charity, The Musical, running weekends from Friday, July 12th through Sunday, July 28th in the Augustine Auditorium. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Sweet Charity tells the bittersweet and humorous story of the naive and trusting Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who falls in love too easily. Tickets and more information about this show is available at (724) 654-3437.

The New Castle Playhouse 202 East Long Avenue, New Castle.

UPCOMING The Victorian Players: Sparky...From Chicago The Victorian Players brings to the stage the drama Sparky...From Chicago, running weekends from Friday, July 19th through Sunday, August 4th. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Sparky...From Chicago tells about the life of Jack Ruby, the killer of Lee Harvey Oswald, from his life in Dallas, his connections to the Mob in Chicago, and up to the fateful day he shot Oswald. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (330) 746-5455.

The Victorian Players is at 702 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown.

The Oakland Center for the Arts: Hair The Oakland Center for the Arts showcasing the musical Hair running weekends from Friday, July 26th through Saturday, August 10th. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. The Musical, Hair, tells the story of the "tribe," a group of of politically active, long-haired hippies of the "Age Of Aquarius" living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting conscription into the Vietnam War. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (330) 746-0404.

The Oakland Center for the Arts is located at 220 West Boardman Street in Youngstown.

Stambaugh Auditorium Summer Concert Series Continues The “Bands at the Baugh” outdoor concerts featuring some of the area’s most well-known performing artists. The shows will take place on the third Thursday of each month in the newly renovated formal garden on the south side of the auditorium. The series runs from June through September. Dates and artists scheduled to perform include: July 18, Steve Lewis; Aug. 15, The Zou; and Sept. 19, Brooklyn 232. 5:30-7 p.m. $9 (plus $1 service fee) which includes one drink from the cash bar.

Stambaugh Auditorium Gardens is located at 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown.

July 13, 2013

YSU’S Summer Festival of the Arts Brings Different Worlds Together Youngstown State University's annual Summer Festival of the Arts has over 70 local, regional, and national artists in this year juried arts event. Artist's Marketplace and family activities including children's hands-on art tent. Music, theater and dance performances by various groups throughout both days. Festival of Nations features foods and performances from the various ethnic and cultural groups in the Mahoning Valley.

Visit the website for more information and schedules: www.ysu.edu/sfa Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 11am-5pm As part of the Summer Festival of the Arts, Youngstown State University and the City of Youngstown present the Youngstown Jazz Fest 2013 on Sunday, July 14th at 7 p.m. at Central Square in Downtown Youngstown. Youngstown Jazz Fest will feature Kirk Whalum, winner of two Stellar Gospel Awards and a Grammy Award, and Local National Recording Artist, Soundoctrine, performing their unique blend of funk, soul, jazz, and fusion. Tickets and more information about this Festival are available at www.youngstownjazzfest.eventbrite.com.

The Rib Festival Is Back Eastwood Rib Festival is back after one-year hiatus at Eastwood Mall. Ribs from national vendors and music from local and national acts. The Georgia Satellites perform on July 19; Starship performs on July 20 and Fran Cosmoon plays July 21. July 18-21.

The food and fun will be on tap 11am – 10pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am – 8pm Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.

Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank will get a buy-one admission – get-one-admission-free.

Hot ribs, cool music and dozens of special attractions

July 13, 2013

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.

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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 reviews from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Buckeye Review Newspaper, available throughout the Valley at various newsstands.

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.