August 16, 2013
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
2 Guns Locks and Loads The Fun By Art Byrd
A Quote By
The first time I heard about 2 Guns was from a trailer leading into another movie. That was two weeks before it was in theaters. Usually, that is a bad sign, a movie with no upfront buzz. Even though, the movie has two large stars, Denzil Washington and Mark Wahlberg in a buddy type movie. I was not expecting much except the usual snappy dialogue, huge explosions and the “can they trust each other “situation found in other buddy movies. Ok, 2 Guns has all of that. I liked the movie because it was really fun. Washington plays Bobby Beans who is plotting a small town bank robbery with Stig played by Wahlberg. They want to rob the bank because it supposedly has $3 million dollars in drug money belonging to drug king, Papi Greco played by Edward James Olmos. Beans and Stig both think the other is a bad guy. The rub is that both are working undercover. Beans for the DEA, Drug Enforcement Agency and Stig for U.S Naval Intelligence. The movie has a great twist when the bank robbery nets more than $43 million instead of the $3 million. Beans and Stig try to figure out whose money it really is. All kinds of shady characters start popping up to claim the money including a sadistic CIA agent played wonderfully by Bill Paxton. His performance is over the top, but it was great.
“I'm always friendly and encouraging on set. I want people to be at their best creatively...I want people to come see my films and enjoy them, but at the end of the day you can't control what people think.” Actor Mark Wahlberg, who is teamed up with Denzil Washington in the movie, 2 Guns in theaters now.
August 16, 2013
In a buddy movie like this you get a femme fatale. 2 Guns has one with Paula Patton as DEA agent, Deb who has ties with the stolen money, but we are not sure how. Washington and Wahlberg made this wacky cat and mouse movie work with their individual quirkiness and their admiration for each other’s skills in getting in and out of trouble. 2 Guns is a throwback to Redford and Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with its humor and shootouts when the characters are in deep trouble. So, holster your disbelief and just have fun with the movie. 2 Guns Trailer http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Yz1z3cRoQNk
T-Shirts Orders For Recovering Stephen Vidman Stephen Vidman, a graduate of McDonald High School, who was hit by a truck while working on his job with ODOT. Friends and family are selling Victory for Viddy T-Shirts. The T is black with red and white Logo. Orders will be taken until Sat. Aug 17th. No orders will be taken without payment (cash or check made out to cash) and there will be no late orders accepted, no exceptions. The T-Shirts are $10. each. Add $1 per added size above XL. Mail or drop off to: Victory for Viddy T, 825 Oregon Avenue, McDonald, OH 44437 or call JoMarie @ 33-530-6611. For updates on Stephen, Like Victory 4 Viddy on Facebook
August 16, 2013
Gasoline Alley Powers Up Burgers and Beer By Monnie Ryan
Editor's note: To read the full version of this review, visit http://mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com Wouldn't you like to get away where everybody knows your name? How about a place where everybody knows what you like to drink? Both are hallmarks of Gasoline Alley in Niles, where you're a "regular" if you've been there a couple of times. All my husband Jack and I need to do is grab a booth, and almost before we're settled in our seats, a smiling server -- who most likely is the bartender as well -- is on the way with a Yuengling, a Michelob Ultra and a frosty mug (the latter two for me). Of course, that's a small problem if you've decided on something else that day -- once in a Blue Moon I prefer one of those, and occasionally a Bud Lite Lime sounds appealing. When that's the case, be forewarned that if you're a regular, you'd better yell out your change in drinking habits the minute you come in the door! A bar takes up most of one side of the place, with booths on the other side and a row of small round tables in the center aisle (and yes, it can get a bit crowded and noisy, especially in the evenings). There's nothing on tap here, by the way; for beer, it's bottles only, but there's a full bar. A couple of TV sets are always going, menus are on each table and a whiteboard on the wall lists daily specials. The decor is decidedly, well, gasoline -- old license plates cover the walls and old-time gasoline company neon signs hang from the ceiling. Neighborhood bar notwithstanding, Gasoline Alley has a reputation for great food -- most notably burgers, wings and chili. Those items also are among our standard lunch items, although we've been known to venture away from those to try one of the daily specials, like a delicious green pepper and egg sandwich on a sub-style bun or a sloppy joe. My usual burger is the Hot Rod, a bacon cheeseburger with hot pepper cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. The full platter, with a side of those wonderful Idora Park-style fries that are best when sprinkled with vinegar, is $6.50. Jack's burger of choice is the Alley Platter, 1/4-lb. burger with grilled onions and melted cheddar cheese (the platter, with fries, also is $6.50). The chili dogs are delicious too -- topped with New Castle dog sauce -- and at just $1.75 we can pig out on two or three. The wings, though, are truly special; plump and juicy with plenty of great-tasting sauce choices. Our favorites are, in rank order, garlic butter, Louisiana garlic butter and teriyaki. Usually, we get two different flavors, 10 of each for $6.95. Most often, we'll order 20 ($11.95), eat what we want and take the rest home for later. If you go: Gasoline Alley 500 Vienna Ave. Niles, Ohio 44446 (330) 652-0555 .
August 16, 2013
The English Girl One of Silva’s Best By Monnie Ryan 5 stars (out of 5)
When it comes to books, not much thrills me as much as learning Daniel Silva has produced another featuring art restoration expert and Israeli super-spy Gabriel Allon. No surprise, then when I couldn't wait to get my Kindle stylus tapping on the latest adventure. That said, I always open them with a sense of hesitation; I'm always fearful (make that scared to death) that something awful will happen to him and/or his beautiful and talented wife Chiara. So, as each chapter begins and Gabriel's always complex, always dangerous adventures unfold, I take a deep breath in anticipation of reading something I hope I never have to read. That is, I think, a complement to Silva, who has managed to tap into my emotions like few authors have done and, simply put, make me care enormously about all of his characters. This one begins as a young British woman with links to the Prime Minister disappears on the island of Corsica and, in part to avoid a scandal that threatens to topple the government, Gabriel is called upon to handle negotiations with what is assumed to be a kidnapping. Of course, nothing in the world of espionage is ever as it seems, and just when you think a situation has been resolved, a new and even more potentially dangerous twist appears on the horizon. Along the way are Silva's wonderful insights into his characters -- not many authors do a better job, IMHO -- as well as interesting and informative looks into the history of the countries in which the action takes place (most notably Israel, a country that has long fascinated me). Much more than that I can't say without revealing too much of the plot, although I will add that the ending brings into question exactly what Gabriel's role will be in future books. But I enjoyed this one from beginning to end and think it's one of Silva's best - were it possible, in fact, I'd have given this one 6 stars. The English Girl: A Novel (Gabriel Allon) by Daniel Silva (HarperCollins Publishers July 2013); 490 pp.
August 16, 2013
What’s Happening Around The Valley: August 17-24 On Going Northside Farmers Market The City Of Youngstown presents the North Side Summer Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m at the First Unitarian Universalist Church. The North Side Summer Farmers' Market features fresh locally and regionally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, occasional cooking demonstrations, and a North Side community yard sale. The First Unitarian Universalist Church at 1105 Elm Street, at the corner of Elm Street and Illinois Avenue, across from Wick Park in Youngstown.
Shaker Woods Festival Columbiana presents the 31st Annual Shaker Woods Festival running weekends Sunday, August 25th from 10 a.m until 5 p.m. on the Shaker Woods Grounds. The Festival will include hand-made arts, crafts, displays, food, live musical entertainment, and man-made gardens to explore. The Festival Grounds are located at 44337 County Line Rd, Columbiana, OH 44408
Saturday, August 17 Music Under The Stars The Lake Milton Arts Council And Youngstown State University present a YSU Jazz Band Concert entitled Music Under The Stars, on Saturday, August 17th at 6:30 p.m at the Waterfront Amphitheater at Lake Milton State Park. Music Under The Stars will feature live jazz music and entertainment by YSU students performing on a variety of instruments. Admission is $10. More information about this event is available at www.LakeMiltonInfo.com. Waterfront Amphitheater at Lake Milton State Park is at 16801 Mahoning Avenue.
Antique Car Show/Cobra Car Cruise Vista Center of Boardman will host its second annual Antique Car Show/Cobra Car Cruise, Corn Roast and Family Picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. at the center. Car registration is free. Vista Center is located at 830 Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman.
Sunday, August 18 Concert Firestone Park in Columbiana presents a free concert featuring The Figley Boys performing a variety of music from the '70s through the music of today at 2 p.m. at the Park Gazebo. Firestone Park is at 347 East Park Avenue.
August 16, 2013
What’s Happening Around The Valley: August 17-24 (cont’d) Sunday, August 18 USA Dance Ballroom Dance Event The monthly dance event is free and open to the public in celebration of National Ballroom Week at the American Orthodox Center in Youngstown. The evening will feature East Coast Swing lessons starting with Beginner Basics at 5 p.m., followed by an Intermediate/Advance Lesson at 5:30 and open dancing from 6:15 till 9:00 pm. American Orthodox Center located at1025 N. Belle Vista, Youngstown.
Monday, August 19 Downtown Movie-The Avengers Downtown Youngstown presents the free movie, The Avengers at the Covelli Centre. The Avengers, stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson, and tells of a team of super humans assembled to save the planet. Movie stars at dusk.
Monday Night Writers Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers from 6 to 8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Cafe, 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or at nancy@nancychristie.com. Peaberry’s Cafe is located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield.
Tuesday, August 20 Classic Rock Concert Austintown Township Park presents a free concert by Sound Bite, a Classic Rock Band at 7 p.m. More information about this free concert is available at (330) 793-0718. Austintown Township Park is at 6000 Kirk Road, Austintown.
Wednesday, August 21 Concert Mill Creek MetroParks Live! at the Morley presents Driven To Tears, a Police Tribute Band, in a free concert 7 p.m at the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion. More information about this concert is available at (330) 702-3000.
Saturday, August 24 The Art of Wine The Butler Institute of American Art presents The Art of Wine at 7 p.m. The Art of Wine is a wine tasting event that features wine from nine Ohio wineries, wine pairings, and more. Tickets and more information about this event are available at (330) 743-1107, extension 210. The Butler Institute of American Art is at 524 Wick Avenue in Youngstown
August 16, 2013
On Stage The Victorian Players Youth Theater-The Princess Who Had No Name The Victorian Players new youth theater will present The Princess Who Had No Name at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The play is a fairy tale that includes many familiar characters from other stories, including Hansel and Gretel, Goldilocks and Cinderella. Tickets are $7 ($5 for seniors and students). Call 330-746-5455. The Victorian Players is located at 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.
New Castle Playhouse-Rabbit Hole New Castle Playhouse presents the drama Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire will run weekends through Sunday, August 25th. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Rabbit Hole explores the way people deal with grief, both individually and as families, as it tells the story of a couple trying to recover from the accidental death of their child. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (724) 654-3437. New Castle Playhouse (202 East Long Avenue)
Youngstown Native Is Releasing Her Second Book Youngstown native author Kim Hight is releasing her second book, Spiritual Gangsta. She is having a release party on August 18th, 2013 at the Debartolo Stadium Club (Inside the YSU stadium) from 2-4 p.m. They will be a photo opportunity with Kim from 2:45-3:15 pm. A chance to purchase the book. For more information go to Facebook-Poetry For Entertainment Public Speaking Club Meets Every Monday Get your speak at Youngstown Executive Toastmasters 408 which meets every Monday for members to practice various skills useful in public speaking, including giving speeches, speaking extemporaneously, listening, and providing each other with feedback and evaluation. The club meets at 6:45 p.m -8:45 p.m at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W Western Reserve Rd Poland, OH 44514. http://speakingclub.org/index.html
August 16, 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 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,
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.