November 15, 2013
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
Thor: The Dark World Worth Dropping Cash Hammer For By Arthur Byrd
A Quote By
I’m not the biggest fan of sequels. Yet, Marvel keeps making sequels which are worth the wait. When Thor came out in 2011, I wasn’t that interested in seeing it, even though, I like his comic. I was surprised and really liked the movie. The casting of Chris Hemsworth as Thor made the movie work. Along with Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Thor’s father, Natalie Portman as scientist Jane Foster and Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Thor’s brother who would later terrorize Earth in the Avengers. In the sequel, Thor–The Dark World uses the good versus evil card very well. The opening voiceover explains about the Dark Elves and their leader Malekith played by Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who) who were trying to put the cosmos into darkness until the Asgard Army lead by Thor’s grandfather defeated them. Malekith sacrificed his troops to escape. After many years, Malekith is back to destroy Asgard and the cosmos during the convergence, which is a rare alignment of the Nine Realms (planets) which would allow him to take out everyone in one quick swoop. The Aether, a power force is what Malekith needs to complete his vengeful plan. The only thing is, that somehow the Aether made its way to Earth (movie magic, wink, wink) and is discovered by Jane, who is infected by it. Thor finds out and comes back to earth to protect her. In the last movie, Thor left Jane. It has been two years, she is not happy. After being slapped in the face, Thor takes her to Asgard.. Malekith and his bad dark elves reappear in an invisible spaceship and unleashed destruction on Asgard as they try to get the Aether that is in Jane.
“I've never taken any acting classes. I took an acting class when I first started acting when I was 10. The guy who owned the school told me I would never be an actress and I should stop immediately. I deduced that he didn't know what he was talking about and left... I'm a firm believer in everyone being born with what they need to be attractive...” Actress Kat Dennings, (Two Broke Girls) currently starring in Thor: The Dark World in theaters now.
November 15, 2013
The effects and action in Thor: The Dark World are really good. I saw the movie in 3-D and really liked it that way. Superhero movies can be very cheesy, but this one has some emotion. There is a death involving someone in Thor’s family, I wish they would’ve done it, if it had to happen, in a future Thor movie, but I can understand why it may have been necessary to happen in this movie. I liked the character, very strong and beautiful. There was some comic relief provided by Darcy, Jane Foster’s assistant play by Kat Dennings (Two Broke Girls). She was funny and very sarcastic. Anthony Hopkins was a standout in his role as Odin. Thor: The Dark World was entertaining mixing cosmic action, family relationships and a love story. Pardon the pun, dropped the hammer and go see Thor: The Dark World and remember to stay to the very end of the titles, it will be worth.
Who Stole Cuzzin Eddie's Scratch Off Ticket?? Is Coming To Warren Hot Topix presents Who Stole Cuzzin Eddie's Scratch Off Ticket?? a comedy/drama story about a drunken homeless man and his poor family hit's for 10 million dollar's on a scratch off ticket! But there's one problem, someone stole it before he could cash in on his reward! The production is set for November 16th at W.D Packard Music Hall in Warren. This stageplay marks Writer/Director Mike Forney’s third play. Tickets are $25.00 advance and $36.00 at the door. Ticket Outlet Locations- Box Office -Packard Music Hall, Ryans Chair in Youngstown, Ohio & RBG's in Warren Ohio. For express ticket information contact Hot Topix at 330.406.9656 Here is a behind the scene look at Who Stole Cuzzin Eddie's Scratch Off Ticket?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsRhmT8p0Ec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7csZgoeYU
November 15, 2013
THE VALLEY MARKETPLACE By Monnie Ryan To read the full version of this review, visit http:// www.mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com Anyone who knows me knows I love to visit places that have a variety of merchandise, whether it be food (Middlefield Cheese and End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia) or just interesting "stuff" (Andrews General Store in Howland Township). If there's a chance to combine those visits with food, it's like frosting on the cake. So when I learned about The Valley Marketplace on South Avenue in Boardman Township, I couldn't wait for it to open so I could check it out. The official grand-opening was Sept. 19 to 21, and my husband Jack and I were there front and center, shopping basket in hand. This is part of a third-generation family business that started the original Farmers Market in 1932 about 20 miles south of Philadelphia, website information says. The same market concept has been brought here, where the majority of vendors are from Middlefield. At last check, there are about 30 vendors. Products, most of which are made onsite, range from fresh-baked goods like pies and breads as well as candles, Amish-made furniture, cheeses, fresh fruit and even freshmade ice cream. Many of the sections offer samples, so you can try before you buy. Breads are my downfall, but I stayed in control the first time we went and bought a single loaf of garliccheddar for $5. As a special, anyone who spent $5 got a free mini-loaf of wheat bread - still warm. I should note that here and there are small alcoves with seating, so it's possible to eat comfortably while you shop. In the center is Our House Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the three days the marketplace is open (Thursday, Friday and Saturday only). Offerings include a family style, all-you-caneat Amish Wedding Banquet ($20 per adult), which includes oven-baked chicken and a meat of the day plus plenty of stick-to-your-ribs sides, dessert and beverage. If you prefer, create your own meal by purchasing a la carte items like a chicken drumstick ($2,) mashed potatoes and gravy ($2.50) and a slice of pie ($2.50). If chicken's not your thing, check out the wonderful delicacies at Harley's Smokehouse, another vendor that offers seating. The Killcreek Meats butcher shop is nothing short of awesome; the just-cut array of beef and poultry almost begged to jump into our shopping basket. We spent a bit of time looking through some of the crafts, gift and sign shops as well. Display cases and open racks let it all hang out, and prices are clearly marked. If there's a downside, some vendors don't accept credit cards, so if you plan on serious shopping, be sure to take some cash. If you go: The Valley Marketplace 6121 South Ave. Boardman, Ohio 44512 (330) 248-7034. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
November 15, 2013
October List is Good from Finish to Start 5 stars (out of 5) By Monnie Ryan Quick: When was the last time you couldn't wait to get to the beginning of a book? Well, this one gives you that chance. The October List takes place over a three-day weekend, starting on Sunday with a frenzied investment firm office manager named Gabriela whose young daughter has been kidnapped. A relatively new friend and venture capital fund manager has left her to go deal with the kidnapper, who's demanded a $500,000 ransom plus a mysterious document called the "October List" that belongs to her boss, who's gone missing (along with most of the firm's money) and is being sought by police. From there, everything moves backward in time, with each chapter revealing new clues as to how the first chapter (which really is the last) came about. Honestly, if I were judging this one on the plot alone, I'd probably stick with a four-star rating. But the creativity of writing a whodunit starting with the last chapter first - and pulling it off in great style - is worth the extra star and then some. I'll also admit to two other things: First, it's not all that easy to read; for at least the first half-dozen chapters, in fact, I was pretty sure this wasn't my cup of tea. But mostly, I think, that happened because our minds just aren't trained to see and do things in reverse order - just try writing a sentence backward. So as the chapters moved along, I had to work at remembering the who's who and what's what that happened before (or I should say after). The second admission is that when I finished the book, yes, I went back and read the first (last) chapter once again to make sure all the ends were properly tied in my mind. Despite my five-star rating, I don't think this book is for everyone - certainly not anyone who enjoys a tried-and-true approach to writing (and reading). I also hope this bit of nonconformity doesn't start a trend, because no matter how well written I think this book is, I'm not chomping at the bit to read another one like it. But for those who like a bit of a challenge - and a pretty darned good mystery - I say it's definitely worth a try. October List by Jeffery Deaver (Grand Central Publishing, October 2013); 320 pp.
November 15, 2013
What’s Happening Around the The Valley: November 16-22 Saturday, November 16 An Evening Of Art And Jazz Stambaugh Auditorium presents An Evening Of Art And Jazz on Saturday, November 16th at 6 p.m The evening will feature artist Al Bright, professor emeritus of Art at Youngstown State University, painting to the music of pianist Joe Augustine, a national recording artist, composer and arranger. Tickets and more information about this event is available at (330) 259-0555. Stambaugh Auditorium (1000 Fifth Avenue) in Youngstown. Sunday, November 17 Organ Concert Series Organist Nathan Laube will perform at Stambaugh Auditorium. Laube is a newly appointed assistant professor of music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. His repertoire spans five centuries, including his own virtuoso transcriptions of orchestral works. Tickets and more information about this concert are available at (330) 259-0555. Monday, November 18 The Dana School of Music: Jazz Ensembles 2 and 3 The Dana School of Music presents Jazz Ensembles 2 and 3 in a free Concert on at 8 p.m. in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center, on the campus of Youngstown State University. More information about this concert is available at (330) 941-3636. Wednesday, November 20 Lecture: Demanjuk In Munich The Youngstown State University Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies presents Professor Lawrence Douglas in a free Lecture entitled Demanjuk In Munich at 7 p.m. in the Gallery Room in Kilcawley Center, on the campus of YSU. Professor Douglas is a specialist on war-crimes trials and will discuss the recent trial in Germany of John Demanjuk for serving as an accessory to the murder of almost 28,000 Jews in the Sobibor killing center. More information about this lecture is available at (330) 941-1604. America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Bluegrass to Broadway Bluegrass and Country Music The Dana School of Music and the Youngstown State University Diversity and Multicultural Office present America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Bluegrass to Broadway Bluegrass and Country Music at 7 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium This program will feature a showing of High Lonesome - The Story of Bluegrass And Country Music, a lecture, and a discussion. More information about this event is available at (330) 941-3636.
November 15, 2013
On STAGE The Youngstown Playhouse-Race The Youngstown Playhouse presents the drama Race, by David Mamet, running weekends from Friday, November 15th through Sunday, November 24th. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Race follows three attorneys, two black and one white, who are offered a chance to defend a white man charged with a crime against a black woman, and who struggle with their own feelings about race. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (330) 788-8739. The Youngstown Playhouse is at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown. Trumbull New Theatre-The Clock Struck Twelve: A Mystery-Farce in Three Acts The Clock Struck Twelve: A Mystery-Farce in Three Acts is a production of Trumbull New Theatre. A struggling singing team seeks shelter in a haunted mansion and the fun ensues. 8 p.m., Nov. 8-9; 15-16 and 22-24 and 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24. 8 p.m. $12, $10. For ticket info: call 330-652-1103 and click on http://www.trumbullnewtheatre.com Upcoming New Castle Playhouse: A Christmas Carol New Castle Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol, The Musical, by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, and music by Alan Menken. A Christmas Carol, The Musical, is based on the Charles Dickens' 1843 classic, about Ebenezer Scrooge, and his holiday change of heart to find the Christmas Spirit. The musical will run from Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, December 8th in the Augustine Auditorium. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets and more information about this show are available at (724) 654-3437.’ New Castle Playhouse is at 202 East Long Avenue in New Castle.
Oakland Cinema Series presents Do It Again Oakland Cinema Series is showing Do It Again all weekend at The Oakland Center for the Arts. This documentary is a chronicle of Boston Globe reporter Geoff Edgers’ quest to reunite the British rock group, The Kinks. The film will be shown two nights: 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16. at 7 p.m. $10. The Oakland Center for the Arts is located at 220 W. Boardman St.Youngstown
November 15, 2013
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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.
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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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