February 21, 2014
A Byrd’s Eye View N
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ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY
12 Years As A Slave Is A Must See History Lesson by Art Byrd
A Quote By
12 Years As A Slave was a hard movie to watch because of the brutality and the lack of human compassion. The movie showed the cruelty that slaves in America endured. 12 Years As A Slave is based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, a free man from Saratoga Spring, New York. He was a skilled carpenter and fiddle player. Northup had a wife and two children. Amazing Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup with the openness and rawness needed for a tough role like this. In 1841, Northup is offered a two week job as a musician in Washington, D.C by two men, he has just met. They drug him and he wakes up in chains and shortly, sold into slavery. The movie follows Northup as he is shipped to New Orleans and renamed Platt by Theophilus Freeman played by Paul Giamatti. He sells Northup to plantation owner William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch). Northup and Ford have a good relationship. Northup shows Ford, how to transport log swiftly and cost efficiently downstream. In gratitude, Ford gives Northup a violin. On the Ford plantation, Northup has to deal with a very racist carpenter, John Tibeats played by Paul Dano. Later, Tibeats attacks Northup with a whip and he fights back by beating Tibeats with the whip.
“I like to disappear into a role. I equate the success of it with a feeling of being chemically changed. That's the only way I can express it....It's a strange thing, but you get this click in your brain; the wonderful feeling that the entirety of a character is suddenly available and accessible to you.” Oscar nominated Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, starring in the Oscar nominated film 12 Years As A Slave.
February 21, 2014
That action almost cost Northup his life as Tibeats retaliates with some men who try to hang or lynch Northup. The plantation’s foreman saves Northup, but leaves him hanging from the tree, just balancing on his toes. You could hear him choking. The camera stay on Northup as he struggled to stay alive. It was a gut wrenching scene to watch. Director Steve McQueen used long scenes to tell this story. In certain scenes, the camera would just stay there, which made me feel very uncomfortable. Ford saves Northup’s life by selling him to Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). Epps turns out to be very mean by whipping slaves who didn’t pick 200 pounds of cotton a day. Northup who would come up short on the cotton picking and would have to be whipped. A young female slave named Patsey played wonderfully by Lupita Nyong’o picks 500 pounds a day. She is praised by Epps for her daily feat. Yet, he repeatedly rapes Patsey at any occasion. Mistress Epps, Epp’s wife played by Sarah Paulson is very envious of Patsey and verbally abuses her every chance she can. Later, Patsy has returned from another plantation with a bar of soap to wash with. Epps is upset and forces Northup to whip her, then takes over himself. The scene is well shot and very graphic. The harshness of 12 Years As A Slave makes it a heart breaking movie to watch, but has to be seen. Northup is working on the construction of a gazebo with a Canadian carpenter named Bass played by Brad Pitt. Bass speaks up about his displeasure with slavery with Epps and Northup. Northup asks Bass to deliver a letter to New York. Bass refuses fearing for his own life, then agrees to mail the letter. Afterwards, the local sheriff comes to the plantation with another man. The Sheriff calls Northup over and asks him a series of questions about his life in New York and his name. The Sheriff is convinced and the man who arrived with him is the shop keeper Northup knew in New York. Northup embraces the shopkeeper. Epps tries to stop Northup from leaving, but the Sheriff tells him there is nothing he can do. Northup returns to New York and his family as a changed but not a broken man. 12 Years As A Slave is not for everyone, kids under 13 years old should not see the movie until they are older due to the graphic scenes. 12 Years As A Slave saddens your heart, but also lifts it.
The Game of Hope Is Ready To Take To The Court The 2014 Game of Hope, a charity basketball game featuring teams comprised of local community leaders and helps raise funds for The Hope Foundation of Mahoning Valley. The game takes place at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 at YSU’s Beeghly Center. The Hope Foundation provides grants and other services to support local charities who share its goal of improving the lives of chronically/terminally ill children, and the Game of Hope basketball event is its signature event, having raised more than $75,000 since 2005.
February 21, 2014
Ice House Inn By Monnie Ryan Editor's note: To read the full version of this review, visit http:// mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com If you've ever driven on State Route 46 from Austintown to Niles, you've probably noticed the upside-down sign marking the Ice House Inn at the corner of Webb Road. A popular watering hole and community gathering place for many, many years, the Ice House has undergone renovations inside and out, including the menu. Wings have long been a specialty of the house here, and we know quite a few folks who rave about them. Quite honestly, until a year or so ago, we weren't that impressed; but lately, we've been raving as well. Boneless versions are available now for those who are so inclined - I still want to pick around the bones, thank you very much. They're meatier now, and the sauces are quite tasty (the butter garlic, lemon pepper and teriyaki come to mind immediately). A dozen goes for $10.99; usually, though, Jack opts for something else and I get six of the butter garlic for $5.99. For the record, other sauces include mild, hot, gold rush, barbecue, ranch and parmesan; if you want extra sauce, add 50 cents. Wings also are available for carryout; 50 cost $39.99. On Mondays and Wednesdays, wings are 50 cents each, by the way, so we try to remember to stop in then when we're in the mood for the popular appendages. And while we're on the subject of specials, the Ice House serves up prime rib beginning at 4 p.m. every Saturday for $10.99. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet, but it's very near the top of my food bucket list. Sandwiches are always a good choice, and both of us are especially fond of the Greek Gyro ($6.99). I love the chicken park sandwich, a lightly breaded  breast topped with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce for $7.99. Also tasty are the Reuben, chicken and greens and 1/2-pound sausage patty - you won't leave hungry, that's for sure (all sandwiches come with fries). With the remodeling has come a very welcome expanded dinner menu - and just about everythings sounds delicious. On our most recent visit, Jack tried the fish & chips ($8.99), ordering cole slaw and pasta - the latter spaghetti with red sauce - while I wanted the fried perch with pasta and a salad ($9.99). Alas, mine wasn't to be; the perch wasn't available on the day of our visit, so I made  last-minute switch to that chicken parm sandwich. While we waited, we sipped one of the beer specials for the day - bottles of Bud for just a buck. I expected the standard fries with my sandwich, but when our orders came I was happy to see they'd given me the pasta I'd wanted with the perch that wasn't to be. The reason? There are a number of pasta dinners on the menu, from plain old pasta and two meatballs to chicken parmesan (a breast fried, topped with mozzarella and marinara over pasta to chicken diablo (not peppers in marinara sauce with chicken over the pasta of the day). Since I'm always leery of ordering nothing but pasta unless I've tasted the sauce, I figured I'd try it as a side before shelling out the 11 bucks or so for the dinner version. In fact, the sauce was quite tasty - so when and if I'm in the mood, I won't hesitate to order one of the pasta dinners. Between the two of us, we had quite a bit left over to take home, and a couple of days later we learned it heats up quite well. If you go: Ice House Inn 5516 W. Webb Road Austintown, Ohio 44515 Open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
February 21, 2014
First Phone Call from Heaven Hits Ringer by Monnie Ryan 5 stars out of 5
My primary knowledge of Mitch Albom has come through his gig as a panelist on the ESPN series "The Sports Reporters," and I must say I've been a fan for years. When his book, Tuesdays with Morrie, became a best-seller, a few years back, I admit to being a bit surprised. What on earth, I asked myself, does this have to do with sports? I also admit I didn't read it - nor have I read any of the other non-sports books he's written including The Five People You Meet in Heaven, another one that was wildly popular. But this time, I decided it's past time to let go of my hangup on the sports aspect and give one of his books a try. And now, I'm an even bigger fan. This one takes place in small-town Coldwater, Michigan, where nothing much of note ever happens until a handful of residents start getting phone calls from dead people they've known and (in most instances) loved. Of course, they're both skeptical and overwhelmed with joy, but their skepticism is put to rest when the callers use words and phrases that are familiar, making them believe they must be real. The calls also are most welcome because the callers make it clear there's a wonderful life somewhere in the hereafter; in fact, the reasons for the calls is to let people know they needn't worry about dying and to ask that they spread the word. As you might expect, those who already believe quickly are turned into zealots, and those who don't step up their protests that the whole thing is some kind of hoax. Woven in between are backstories of the folks who are getting the calls (and one notable guy who isn't) as well as history lessons about Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone. At just 336 pages, this one easily can be read in a few hours - and it's so well written and the story so intriguing that I wanted to do just that. But because I didn't start it till late in the evening, exhaustion set in and I had to call it a night. The next morning, I almost resented the fact that a handful of family members would be spending most of the day with us - that's how much I wanted to get back to my reading. The minute we left and I hit the "on" button on the dishwasher, I grabbed my Kindle and told my husband not to interrupt me unless the house caught fire. In short, this is a wonderful "feel good" story that centers on human behavior and is almost guaranteed to leave a smile on your face in the end no matter which side of the hereafter debate you're on. And as you might expect, I've put Albom's earlier books on my must-read list. The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom (Harper, November 2013); 336 pp.
February 21, 2014
On The Wall McDonough Museum- Biennial Faculty Exhibition The John J. McDonough Museum of Art presents the Biennial Faculty Exhibition running through Friday, March 7th. The exhibition will feature works in various media by Studio Art Faculty in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University, and highlights the works of new faculty members, Claudia Berlinski, Missy McCormick, and R.J. Thompson. Museum hours and more information about this exhibition are available at (330) 941-1400. The John J. McDonough Museum of Art is at 525 Wick Avenue in Youngstown
The Trumbull Branch of the Butler Institute of American Art-American Pinball The Trumbull Branch of the Butler Institute of American Art presents an exhibition titled American Pinball, showing through Sunday, March 16th. American Pinball is drawn from the extensive collection of Warren businessman Rob Berk and offers insight into the history and artistry of arcade game machines. Also included are pinball art designs by John Popadink. Museum hours and more information about this exhibit are available at (330) 743-1107. The Trumbull Branch of the Butler Institute of American Art is located at 9350 East Market Street in Howland
Mill Creek MetroParks-Nature Photography Exhibition Mill Creek MetroParks showcases its annual Nature Photography Exhibition, displaying though Sunday, March 9th in the Ford Nature Center. This exhibition will feature photographs of nature taken by local and regional residents who are amateur artists. Exhibit hours and more information are available at (330) 740-7107. Ford Nature Center is at 840 Old Furnace Road in Youngstown.
Mad About The Arts Ready To Dazzle In Its 19th Year In its 19th year, Mad About The Arts will be an amazing evening celebrating contemporary art, jazz, wine tasting and food sampling. Mad About The Arts will take place on Friday, February 21, from 6:30 pm to 10pm at the McDonough Museum of Arts. Tickets are no longer available online but will be available at the door prior to the event (checks only, please).
February 21, 2014
What’s Happening Around the The Valley: Feb 22-25 Saturday, February 22 Northside Farmers Market Northside Farmers Market in the winter happens at the First Unitarian Universalist Church. Features produce (apples, squash, lettuce), baked goods, fair market coffees, demonstrations, music and tastings. During winter, the market occurs indoors in Channing Hall (the basement community room of the church).10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St., Youngstown; 330-518-6971
Panel Discussion on Nelson Mandela Panel discussion on the legacy of Nelson Mandela starts at 7 p.m in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center at YSU. Panelists on the subject are Dr. Daniel Ayana, of YSU’s history department; Dr. Dolores Sisco, English department; Dr. Frank Ackpadock, senior researcher, Regional Center for Urban Studies; Dr. David Porter, political science department; Dr. Samuel Adu-Poku, department of art education; and Dr. Christian Onwudiwe, department of criminal justice.
Sunday, February 23 Pasta Cook-off and Wine Taste Benefit Pasta Cook-off and Wine Taste Benefit takes place at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s HeartWalk. Local restaurants and amateur chefs will compete for the People’s Choice Award. Amateur wine makers compete for the Gold Award in their categor. The benefit starts at 12:30-2 p.m. $13 adults, $6 for children up to 11 years; $35/family with two adults and two children 11 years and under, and includes meal, dessert and light beverage. Blessed Sacrament Parish is located at 3020 Reeves Road N.E. in Warren.
Monday, February 24 Dana Young Artist’s Contest Winners Under the direction of John Wilcox, The Dana Symphony Orchestra will feature the three Dana Young Artist's Contest winners; Lauren Eisenreich, Philip Monrean and Victor Cardamone at Stambaugh Auditorium. The second half of the concert will feature the epic work The Planets, by Gustov Holst. Stambaugh Auditorium is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue in Youngstown.
Open Poetry Reading Open Poetry Reading is happening at Metamorphosis Gallery, 6 State St in Struthers; An open poetry reading occurs weekly at the gallery. Call for more information. 8 p.m. Free.
February 21, 2014
What’s Happening Around the The Valley: Feb 22-25 (cont’d) Monday, February 24 Toastmasters Meeting Youngstown Executive Toastmasters 408 members and guests meet to practice skills useful in public speaking, including giving speeches, speaking extemporaneously, listening, and providing each other with feedback and evaluation. Youngstown Executive 408 Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication. Call for more information on participating. Meetings are free for guests. The meeting is 6:45-8:45 p.m. http://www.speakingclub.org. Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland.
Tuesday, February 25 Slave Narratives Panel Discussion A panel discussion on the historic significance of slave narratives and offer insights is being presented by The Mahoning Valley Historical Society at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center starting at 7 p.m. 12 Years a Slave recently hit the big screen and was received with great critical acclaim. Solomon Northup's story, along with many others, is told through the powerful literary form of Slave Narrative. The stories told by fugitive slaves in the late 18th and early 19th centuries helped to spark the Civil War and offered firsthand accounts of the horrors of slavery. After the Civil War, many newly freed slaves also told their stories. These narratives help to shape the true story behind our nation's darkest hours. Join historians Vince Shivers and Kenneth King, Professor Sarah Brown-Clark, and Dr. Diane Barnes as they discuss the historic significance of slave narratives. Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center is located at 325 West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown.
Play in a Day Will Be a First for the Oakland The Oakland Center for the Arts will present Play in a Day on Saturday, Feb. 22, a special event in which a group of writers, directors and actors will create and perform a series of 10-minute plays in about 24 hours. The writers will meet at the Oakland on the evening of Feb. 21, where they will be given the details of their cast. Then, they will then be locked into the theater for the night to write a script. The next morning, each of the directors will select the script he or she wants to produce. The actors and directors will then rehearse all day and perform the play in the evening for an audience. The event will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland’s theater at 220 W. Boardman St., downtown. Tickets will be $5 at the door.
February 21, 2014
On Stage Victorian Players: Sandbag, Stage Left Sandbag, Stage Left hits the Victorian Players Stage from Feb. 14-March 2. The play is a parody of serious courtroom dramas such as “Witness for the Prosecution,” “Twelve Angry Men” and “Night of January 16th.” Performance times: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Victorian Players Stage is at 702 Mahoning Ave in Youngstown.
The Oakland Center for the Arts: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom The Oakland Center for the Arts presents the drama by August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, running weekends from through Saturday, February 22nd. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom takes place at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Ma Rainey, Mother of the Blues, will be recording her first album, but knows she will be cheated by the white producers and rails against their demands. All of this throws the producers and band members into disarray, and the ensuing conflicts lead to violence and tragedy. Performances are at 8 p.m each night. Reservations 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.
Top Hat/Fairview Arts and Outreach Center: Ragtime Top Hat/Fairview Arts and Outreach Center brings Ragtime to its stage Feb 21-Mar 8. The story of this turnof-the-century musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront the timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information call 330-750-0513. tophatproductions.org Top Hat/Fairview Arts and Outreach Center. located at 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road, in Struthers. UPCOMING
YSU’s Spotlight Theater: Twelfth Night In 2014 YSU’S Spotlight Theater presents TWELFTH NIGHT IN 2014 based on the work by William Shakespeare in Bliss Hall starting on February 28th through March 9th. This will be an unique and hysterical reimagining of Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies -- a mad-dash, contemporary mash-up of Shakespeare and Carnival on a Caribbean Island. Shipwrecked Viola disguises her gender to join the entourage of Orsino, a hip-hop music mogul. Love triangles ensue, pranks abound, identities cross and laughter swells! The show dates and times are February 28, March 2, March 7, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. March 3 and 9 at 2:00 p.m. General Public $10 YSU Faculty and Staff, Sr. Citizens $5 YSU Students FREE Call the Box Office for tickets -330-941-3105
February 21, 2014
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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.
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.