The Guide 01-27-2012 by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

THE GUIDE

A GUIDE TO THE GUIDE

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Oscar nominations came out this week, but why should the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have all the fun? We hit the streets of downtown Wilkes-Barre this week to ask:

“WHICH MOVIE WOULD YOU NOMINATE FOR AN ACADEMY AWARD?”

“I really liked ‘The Help,’ and I think Viola Davis should win for best actress.” Jackie Torres, 18, Hazleton

“I went to ‘Puss in Boots’ with a bunch of my college friends, and we loved it. It should win for best animated film.” Jasmine Santiago, 18, Nanticoke

“ ‘Twilight’ was really good, the way (Bella) had the baby and how everyone reacted.” Gabrielle Fathel, 18, Wapwallopen

“ ‘Midnight in Paris’ was the only one I’ve seen, and I liked it, so that gets my vote.” Brian Kurilla, 29, Champaign, Ill.

“I saw ‘Contraband’ last night, and I thought it was excellent.” Courtney Carey, 21, Wilkes-Barre

GETTING INTO THE GUIDE All submissions must be received two weeks in advance of the pertinent event. E-mailed announcements via guide@timesleader.com are preferred, but announcements also can be faxed to 570-829-5537 or mailed to 15 North Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. The Guide provides advance coverage and/or notice for events open to the public. Events open only to a specific group of people or after-the-fact announcements and photos are published in community news.

All announcements must include a contact phone number and make note of any admission or ticket prices or note that an event is free. We cannot guarantee publication otherwise. We welcome listings photographs. First preference is given to e-mailed high-res JPGs (300 dpi or above) submitted in compressed format to guide@timesleader.com. Color prints also can be submitted by U.S. mail, but we are unable to return them. Please identify all subjects in photographs.

spokorny@timesleader.com

FEATURES EDITOR

LISTINGS Marian Melnyk guide@timesleader.com Fax: Attention: The Guide 8295537

Sandra Snyder - 831-7383 ssnyder@timesleader.com

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FEATURES STAFF

Mary Therese Biebel - 829-7283 mbiebel@timesleader.com Sara Pokorny - 829-7127

Advertise: To place a display ad - 829-7101

PLAY CATCH-UP

After she watched a feisty maid give a meanspirited society woman her comeuppance in “The Help,” Yvonne Cooper of Tunkhannock walked out of the theater feeling certain. “I thought, that lady who made that pie (OctaviaSpencer,asMinny)shouldgetSupportingActress. She was awesome.” Cooper, 70, is one of several savvy movie buffs who correctly predicted last year’s top Oscar winners in a Times Leader contest, and she typically bases her opinions on films she has just seen. But, she admits, just as emotion and memories of an actor’s achievements likely influence voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, they carry weight with her as well. “I loved Christopher Plummer in ‘The Sound of Music,’ ” she said, hinting she’d favor Plummer to win the Supporting Actor categoryforhisrolein“Beginners,”inwhich he portrays an older man finally coming out of the closet during his sunset years. If you saw “Beginners” in Northeastern Pennsylvania, by the way, chances are it was during the 2011 Fall Film Festival at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock. And if you’d like to see Glenn Close’s cross-dressing, Oscar-nominated performance in “Albert Nobbs,” which was released in major markets early last year, you may have to wait for another film festival to see it on the large screen. “We’re trying to get that one,” said Jennifer Jenkins, director of theater arts at the Dietrich. Meanwhile, as cinema fans await the Academy Awards presentation, which will air Feb. 26 on ABC, they can reflect on a year of films and just how good, or not so good, they may have been. “Itwasawful.Itmadenosense whatsoever,” Elizabeth Parrish, 69, of Hanover Township said, describing “The Tree of Life.” She’s mystified as to how that movie received a Best Picture nomination, alongside “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “Ex-

Still need to see the movies nominated for big-category Oscars? Here’s a bit of help: ••• On DVD now: • “Beginners” • “The Help” • “Midnight in Paris” • “Moneyball” • “The Tree of Life” Still in local theaters: • “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” • “The Descendants” • “Hugo” • “ The Iron Lady” • “War Horse” May arrive here soon: • “Albert Nobbs”

tremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris,” “Moneyball” and “War Horse.” “I don’t think the caliber of films this year was as good as it usually is,” she said, giving Cooper “The Descendants” credit for “fabulous” Hawaiian music in its soundtrack but calling the movie itself “mediocre.” “I loved ‘War Horse,’ ” she said. “I think it’s a touching movie, but I don’t think it’s necessarily an Awards movie, just a feel-good movie.” Parrish, who also correctly Parrish predicted last year’s top Oscar winners in The Times Leader contest, expects to hear good things about “Hugo” this year. “Any time Martin Scorsese is involved, that carries some weight,” she said. She joins fellow-winner Cooper in praising “The Help,” and she’d like to see Viola Davis (who played Aibileen) win for Best Actress. But then Parrish has always liked Meryl Streep, too, and Streep has been nominated for her performance in “The Iron Lady.” Decisions, decisions. But it’s all fun. As Cooper said, going to the movies offers “a little bit of an escape; it shows you how other people live. “ I really like when a film is based on a true story,” she said earlier this week, as she and her daughter headed out to catch “We Bought a Zoo.”

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By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

THE GUIDE

Events

2708. Celebrity Bartending with Spanish-American leaders. El Rincon Latino, 69 N. Main St., WilkesBarre. 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. With all tips benefitting Allied Services Pediatric Program. 3481498.

THIS WEEK: JAN. 27 TO F E B. 2 , 2012 Early Bird Sports Expo, displays of outdoor equipment, including boats, RVs, ATVs, outfitters, hunting and fishing equipment, taxidermy, archery supplies and more. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 594-0250. Northeastern Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show, the latest in products and services including building materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants and landscape displays. With guests Harry Rinker, HGTV’s “Inspector Collector” and Tom Silva of “This Old House.” Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 2 to 7 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $7.50. 970-7600. Polish Costume Embroidery, a discussion and demonstration by Alice Rae Kutish of the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America. In conjunction with the “Polish in Luzerne County” exhibit. Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. $4, $2 children. 822-1727. Night at the Races, with several regular races, a pick-a-pony bonus race, a losers’ raffle and prize raffle as well as door prizes. St. Andre Bessette Parish

Reads

THIS WEEK: JAN. 27 TO F E B. 2 , 2012

Writing Workshop, an informal session with the Campion Literary Society. Room 117, Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free. 208-5900. Wyoming County Reads, a discussion in conjunction with the communitywide reading of Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” on “Literary Analysis Through Plot, Character, Setting and Conflict.” Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 836-1677.

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Author Talk, with renowned microbiologist Cornelia Saceanu, Ph.D., of Nanticoke, author of “Deadly Harvest” and “Seeds of Death” and developer of a rapid method of detecting tuberculosis. Stettler Learning Resources Center of Wyoming Seminary, North Sprague Avenue, Kingston. 7 p.m. Thursday. Free. 270-2195.

FUTURE Wyoming County Reads, a community-wide reading of “One Flew Over

BEST BET Is there a more fun rite of winter around these parts than a Night at the Races? This weekend offers two options, on the east and west sides: one sponsored by St. Andre Bessette Parish at the Holy Saviour worship site on Hillard Street in Wilkes-Barre and the other sponsored by the Wyoming Area Drama Club Parents Association at the West Wyoming Hose Company #1 on Shoemaker Avenue in West Wyoming. You can win not only cash but door prizes or some great raffle prizes, plus enjoy unlimited food and drink for a small admission fee. Yes, you can buy your tickets at the door. See the listings below for complete details.

at Monsignor Curran Hall, Holy Saviour Worship Site, 52 Hillard St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday with doors at 6 p.m. and post time at 7 p.m. $5 includes food and drinks. 328-1729. Nite at the Races, sponsored by the Wyoming Area Drama Club Parents Association. West Wyoming Hose Company #1, 926 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming. Saturday with doors at 6 p.m. and post time at 7 p.m. 8830693. Happy 123rd Birthday, a celebration with cake, a library trivia

quiz and prizes. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., WilkesBarre. 2 p.m. Monday. 823-0156. Just for the Record, a musicsharing session of vinyl records. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday. 823-0156. The Early Tobacco Industry, a talk by Dominic Keating, president of the Avanti Cigar Co. Presented by the Frances Dorrance Chapter of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology at the Duryea Municipal Building, 315 Main St., Duryea. 7 p.m. Tuesday. 842-

Renowned biologist Cornelia Saceanu will speak Thursday at Wyoming Seminary’s Stettler Learning Resources Center in Kingston. the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey with related discussions at the Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 836-1677. Events include: · “R.P. Murphy: Hero, Rebel, Christ Figure or Madman?” 7 p.m. Feb. 8. · “Psychological Insights – Treatment of Mental Illness Yesterday and Today.” 7 p.m. Feb. 15. · “Kesey’s Themes – Liberation, Reality and Reformation.” 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Doves and Thunder Gods, a novel by Laurel Run native Patricia Hester about three nurses serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, has been released for Kindle and is available on amazon.com.

Thursday Talks! A talk on making sushi with experts from Wegmans supermarket. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Thursday with cocktails at 6 p.m. and event at 7 p.m. $7. 344-1111.

FUTURE Night at the Races, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. St. Andrew Church Hall, 318 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. Feb. 4 with doors at 6:15 p.m. and post time at 7:15 p.m. $5 includes food, drink and door prizes. 824-7645. Judi H Rock On, the second annual cancer fundraiser in memory of cancer victim Judi H. Perry Hartridge. With refreshments, cash bar, and music by Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change and Jack Bordo with Old Friends. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 4. $40 includes raffle tickets for a Fender Stratocaster guitar and Roland amplifier. 800-424-6724. New England Contra Dance, with music by fiddler Ryck Kaiser and pianist Jill Smith. Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., Kingston. Feb. 4 with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and dance at 7 p.m. $9. 333-4007.

Kids

THIS WEEK: JAN. 27 TO F E B. 2 , 2012

Smok the Polish Dragon, storytelling, craft-making and Polish treats with Helen Grebski of the Polish Room of Wilkes University. For ages 4 to 10. Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. $3. Reservations: 822-1727.

China for Children. Learn about the Chinese New Year and Zodiac with the Wyoming Valley China Center. Hoyt Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 6 to 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Register: 287-2013. Story Time, for ages 18 months to 3 years. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St., Pittston. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 14. Registration: 654-9565.

Outdoors

THIS WEEK: JAN. 27 TO F E B. 2 , 2012

Snowshoes and Cross-Country Skis will be available for use at no cost at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There must be six inches of snow for snowshoes and four inches for skis. 403-2006. Eagle Watch, a field trip to the Eagle Institute to observe raptors soaring, feeding and nest guarding. Bring a lunch. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Brisco Mountain and Emory roads, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 4. $25. Reservations: 270-2192. Winter Gardening Workshop, with the Penn State Master Gardeners on “Seed Starting, Succession Planting and Vegetable Varieties.” Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Free. Registration: 836-3196. Owl Prowl, an evening walk and indoor session to learn about owl species that reside in the park. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Registration: 403-2006. Cross-Country Ski, along the Frost Hollow, Snowflake, Abington and Turkey Hill trails of Lackawanna State Park. Hike if no snow. Meet at the first parking area off Lake View Drive. 10 a.m. Sunday. Free. 586-1930. Nescopeck State Park Hike, six moderate miles at the state park. Meet at the Mountaintop Hose Co. #1, Routes 309 and 437, Mountain Top. Bring lunch and water. 11:45 a.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 889-5256.

FUTURE

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a children’s theater presentation by Scranton Public Theatre with student actors joining the professionals. Wyoming Area High School, 20 Memorial St., Exeter. 2 p.m. Saturday. $4. 344-3656.

Preschool Story Time, for ages 3 to pre-kindergarten. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St., Pittston. 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 14. Registration: 654-9565.

FUTURE

Winter Gardening Workshop, with the Penn State Master Gardeners on “Weeds and Other Invasive Pests.” Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 4. Free. Registration: 836-3196.

Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s classic story about the unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider by Theatreworks USA. F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday. 826-1100.

Preschool Story Time, with stories, snacks and crafts. Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays from Feb. 3 to March 30. For ages 3 to 5. Registration: 6931364.

Winterfest 2012, with snowshoeing, children’s games, a sled-dog team, orienteering, ice fishing and ice safety demonstrations. Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 4. 403-2006.

Restaurant Review

Maers hits the smoky spot with more than barbecue

Cheers!

By SARA POKORNY spokorny@timesleader.com

What: Maers BBQ Where: 50 South Main St., WilkesBarre Call: 570-822-2337 Credit cards? Yes Wheelchair accessible? Yes

AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

Downtown Wilkes-Barre now has a new hotspot for pork – and plenty more – at the former site of Tony Thomas Deli.

beans and cheddar cheese with salsa and sour cream for $6.99. Also on the “entrees” portion of the menu was a Maers BBQ Sampler starring smoked pulled pork, brisket and three ribs in signature sauces. The pork was more than pleasant (as it was in the ravioli) and the brisket bountiful. The ribs contained just a bit of fat here and there that lowered a would-be perfect score but certainly didn’t derail the meal. Our taster paired this with a basket of fresh-cut potato chips (for a reamake a difference? Taste for yourself with six-packs of craft beer sold at Krugel’s Georgetown Deli, 720 Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township. ••• • PORKSLAP PALE ALE Brewed by: Butternuts Beer & Ale, New York Type: American Pale Ale Alcohol by volume: 4.30 percent Price: $9.99 • ELLIE’S BROWN ALE Brewed by: Avery Brewing Company, Colorado Type: American Brown Ale ABV: 5.50 percent Price: $11.99 • RED RACER PALE ALE Brewed by: Central City Brewing, Canada Type: American Pale Ale ABV: 5.00 percent Price: $14.99

sonable $1.49) which drew plenty of their star power from a signature barbecue-rub seasoning. As much as we applaud fresh-cut chips, we must admit we often find them too dry or bland or, on occasion, soggy. Not here. These pack a definite crispy punch, and the rub piles on flavor. Fries also are fresh-cut, but we just didn’t have the stamina. Meat-lovers among us sampled a basic burger — rave reviews, and the bun was toasted (nice!) — and a Maers Cheesesteak:

thinly shaved brisket with caramelized onions and choice of cheese, also $6.99. Few complaints either, except that temperature might be improved. Certain items weren’t piping hot, but that, we’re sure, can be worked out in quick time. Finally, we shared something absolutely fabulous from the “Flatbreads” menu. These, too, were unexpected treasures. Homemade, grilled flatbread can be topped with garlic shrimp ($8.99), buffalo chicken ($7.99) or pulled pork, brisket or grilled chicken (with caramelized onion, cheddar and barbecue sauce, also $7.99.) The flatbread itself, sporting tasty grill marks, was neither thick nor thin and had a hearty, snappy texture. Diced chicken was plentiful, fresh and clean, with no rubbery feel, and the buffalo sauce — oh my, oh my. Oh my!

A gorgeous red-orange hue with a distinctive sheen appeared almost speckled with flavor, and the first taste verified this. The lush sauce was certainly spicy but not so much so that lightweights will be excluded. We lapped it up. And we’ll lap it up again, when we return to try a host of other intrigues. Spinach and artichoke dip? Homemade meatballs? Maybe even “The Monster,” a bacon cheeseburger between two grilled-cheese sandwiches? Speaking of cheese, it’s also here in mac-and-cheese form as a $2.99 side, as are garlic smashed potatoes, baked beans, vegetables and coleslaw. All the makings of a perfect barbecue joint and then some in a most comfortable, impressively stylish downtown atmosphere. And open late on weekends — until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and midnight Sundays. What more could we ask for? Mondays? Maybe, but we’ll cut these hard-working new guys a break for now. Times Leader food critics remain anonymous.

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Micro breweries, those smaller entities that churn out limited numbers of brews, are embracing the beer can. The craft-brewing industry has long thought cans were inferior to bottles, mostly because they compromise taste. And even though cans protect against light damage and preserve beer chemistry, older cans often caused the beer to absorb the aluminum and take on a metallic taste. Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, Colo., was the first craft brewery to challenge the system and can premium India Pale Ales in 2002. The line went over well and piqued the interest of other craft-beer makers. A recent development, in July 2011, took away the fear of canned beer almost entirely thanks to the introduction of insulating water-based linings. Abita Brewing Company of Louisiana offers three brews in such cans. So, does the container really

IF YOU GO

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ll it took was about two spoonfuls of soup of the day to confirm this was no run-of-the-mill barbecue joint. How many other sandwich shops at heart offer roasted cauliflower soup as a special? This one was, in a word, exquisite — zippy as all get out with a wonderful porridge-like consistency — and, best of all, it was included with another delightful surprise that jumped off this impressively creative menu. Pulled Pork Ravioli, that would be, an attractive $12.99 including a garden salad or soup. The clearly homemade pasta stuffed with a mixture of pork and pillowy Ricotta cheese blew me away on presentation alone. The dish was far more artful than I ever expected from a downtown shop with “BBQ” in its name. And the taste was every bit as exciting, with a homemade, nicely nuanced Bolognese sauce standing out. Pulled pork also provided the meat in the sauce, of which the red component had personality aplenty. Pulled pork also makes other menu appearances, in novel incarnations such as Pulled Pork Quesadilla, which also boasts pickled red onions, black

THE GUIDE

By KENNETH TURAN Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Before it became known as psychoanalysis, the radical new method of dealing with emotional crises pioneered by Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and others was known simply as “the talking cure.” Talk — smart, satisfying and sometimes even thrilling — is at the heart of “A Dangerous Method.” “Method” stars Viggo Mortensen as Freud, Michael Fassbender as Jung and a game but somewhat miscast Keira Knightley as Sabina Spielrein, a woman who influenced them both. David Cronenberg’s confident direction is essential in making this kind of intel-

lectually stimulating cinema look easy, but the critical component is Christopher Hampton’s classically well-written script. Hampton is working from both his own play on the subject (“The Talking Cure”) and John Kerr’s “A Most Dangerous Method,” a comprehensive history of this three-way relationship. Mortensen and Fassbender do a splendid job of turning iconic figures such as Freud and Jung into compelling people. Along with co-star Vincent Cassel, they are strong enough to compensate for Knightley, who improves as the film goes on but lacks the substance to make us believe her character is as crucial to both men’s careers as

history insists. “Dangerous Method” begins with Knightley’s least convincing moments, her arrival in 1904 at Jung’s Burgholzli clinic in Zurich as the 18year-old Spielrein, screaming, ranting and in the throes of complete hysteria. Knightley throws herself into these scenes but comes off as an actress acting crazy rather than a character going mad. The buttoned-down Jung tells his wealthy and proper wife that Spielrein might be a good candidate for this new talking method of Freud’s he’s read about. See METHOD, Page 7

‘Man on a Ledge’ wobbles but entertains

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By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

The first laugh doesn’t give it all away. KyraSedgwick,playingaNewYorkTVreporter, shows up to cover the would-be suicideofthe“ManonaLedge.”Shefinishes herbreathlessreport,andthen,withmore than a hint of Rita Moreno in her voice, says, “Suzie Morales reporrrrrting.” Well, snicker. Then we see Genesis Rodriguez, who as Angie has shown up to pull off an elaborate jewelry-store burglary in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” togs — lots of skin andapush-upbrawhoseengineeringonly NASA could appreciate. Tee hee. Aguy’sstandingonaledgeoftheRoosevelt Hotel, threatening to jump, and the gum-snapping New Yorkers below yell “Just get ON with it.” “Man on a Ledge” isn’t a caper comedy. It’s a heist picture, a thriller, and a not-that-

IF YOU GO What: “Man On A Ledge” ★★ 1/2 Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Genesis Rodriguez, Edward Burns, Ed Harris Directed by: Asger Leth Running time: 100 minutes Rated: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language

thrilling one at that. But its makers have enough of a sense of humor to get how silly it is and run with that on occasion. Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) has the title role, a guy who broke out of prison days before, an ex-cop standing on that ledge, proclaiming his innocence and demanding that the most unstable, hard-drinking negotiator on the NYPD (Elizabeth Banks) clock in to talk him down. In brisk early scenes, we see the prison break, meet the jumper’s brother

(Jamie Bell) the brother’s girlfriend (Rodriguez), and the jumper’s former partner (Anthony Mackie). We realize, long before the cops, that this is no mere suicide. Nick Cassidy, standing on that ledge, is drawing attention and coordinating a heist as he does it. “Man on a Ledge” gambles that itcanletusstaytwostepsaheadof thecops(EdwardBurns,etal)yettwosteps See LEDGE, Page 7

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“The Grey” is an old-fashioned survival tale with pretensions it’s something more. Not a lot more — a hint of the psycho-cerebral here, a smidgen of the primal there. Liam Neeson stars in Joe Carnahan’s latest splash of testosterone, about a wintry plane crash in the Alaskan arctic in which wolves stalk the survivors. Their only protection is each other and the hunter (Neeson) whose job it was to understand wolves and shoot them when they got too close to oil workers. The crash itIF YOU GO self is scary, What: “The Grey” ★★ 1/2 surreal and Starring: Liam Neeson, graphic, among Frank Grillo, Dallas Rothe best ever berts, Dermot Mulroney filmed. Those Directed by: Joe Carnahan who walk away Running time: 112 minutes from it find Rated: R for violence/disthemselves in a turbing content including snowy hell. bloody images and for Then we pervasive language start to meet the sketched-in “types” that the script has packed onto that plane, and the movie loses its lovely promise. There’s the sensitive guy with brains (Dallas Roberts), the dad missing his kid (Dermot Mulroney), the hothead Latino ex-con (Frank Grillo), the gentle man-mountain (Nonso Anozie) and a few others. They’re in the middle of nowhere, with no real survival gear and no prayer of being found. Not before they freeze to death. Not before the wolves get them. Neeson, as Ottway, the hunter who takes over this survivor “pack,” lays out the wolf problem: pack dynamics, territory, feeding range. The men, a rough crew of strangers, must scramble through whiteout condiSee GREY, Page 7

METHOD

Continued from page 6

tions, keeping warm, keeping the wolves at bay. The idea from this script is that the humans revert to a sort of pack mentality, with Ottway as the alpha dog, challenged by others as the weak and the careless are picked off. The characters pick up random bits of back story, and the film begs us to wonder about the woman we see in Ottway’s vivid, hallucinogenic flashbacks. The spare use of music emphasizes the howling tundra winds, and the production design gets across the bleak, hostile terrain this mismatched crew must master. The dialogue is hardbitten but not particularly punchy or pithy. Death scenes are handled with a manly grace, with the fatalistic Ottway (Neeson is perfect for this) urging the dying to let it “slide over you.” But “The Grey” sets up scenarios it forgets about, such as how to battle a wolfpack. And it either lost track of the wolves in editing or Carnahan realized how “Twilight”-fake the beasts looked and limited their scenes in the final edit. Digital scenery, digitally enhanced snowstorms? Good. Digital wolves or werewolves? Bad. Why in this post-“Avatar” era this should be a reality is anybody’s guess. The makings of a solid adventure tale were here. But what came out in “The Grey” is entirely too much like the title: colorless, and grey, and too digital for its own good.

Under Jung’s care, Spielrein’s quite severe problems emerge: beatings by her father lead to sexual arousal, making her feel “there is no help for me; I am vile and filthy and corrupt.” But the woman’s intelligence, insight and desire to be a physician also come into focus. Jung’s continued interest in

LEDGE Continued from page 6

behind its own twists long enough to work. Thevillainisplayedwithvenomous relish by Ed Harris, a robber-baron developer/jewelry mogul ripped straight from today’s zeitgeist. He’s a rich guy who figures he doesn’t have to play by society’s rules. The script is perfectly pithy, even

picture. Seductively played by Cassel, Gross is an immensely charming, cocaine-sniffing social nihilist whose motto is “never repress anything.” He influences Jung’s thoughts about Spielrein, and that in turn creates problems in Jung’s increasingly complex relationship with Freud. When a director who perennially goes for broke decides to exercise restraint on screen, the results are invariably worth the effort.

when its plots twists don’t live up to Spike Lee’s “Inside Man.” “My choice, my only choice, is easy — to jump or not to jump,” Nick declares. Worthington only rarely suggests the end-of-his-tether mania that would be this jumper’s disguise. He’s playing a guy who isn’t that convincing as an actor. You’ve got to love lines like “Women jump for love; men jump for money,” and the villain’s marching orders for businessinNewYork—“Inthiscity,

on this island, we don’t go to work. We go to war!” It’s hard to take any of it too seriously, and Danish director Asger Leth doesn’t. There’ isn’t muchpacetohis“tickingclock” thriller. The absurdities begin with the moment Nick checks into the hotel — “Room 2505,” yet laterit’s“Wegotajumperonthe 21st floor!” Leth’s real gamble is that there are enough explosions, one-liners, chases and shootouts that we won’t notice.

ALSO OPENING What: “One For The Money” (not screened for critics) Starring: Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara and Daniel Sunjata Directed by: Julie Anne Robinson Genre: Action/ Comedy/Crime Plot summary: An unemployed and newly divorced woman lands a job at her cousin’s bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past. Running time: 106 minutes Rated: PG-13 for violence, sexual references and language, some drug material and partial nudity. Source: Internet Movie Database

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GREY

Freud’s methods leads to one of the film’s high points, their1906 meeting in Vienna. The two have so much to say to each other the encounter turns into a13hour conversation. With psychiatric practice in its infancy, neither man is sure what will happen next. And neither expects that once Jung returns to Zurich, Spielrein will want to begin a sexual relationship with him, which he initially rejects. Then a new patient, the wealthy Otto Gross, sent to Burgholzli by Freud, enters the

THE GUIDE

Still Showing

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED — It’s diminutive friends overboard on a cruise. G. 87 minutes. ★ 1/2 THE ARTIST — Michel Hazanavicius’ black-and-white, nearwordless film is a loving, irresistibly charming ode to a long-ago movie era . PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture. 100 minutes. ★★★

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – That “tale as old as time” returns in 3-D. G. 84 minutes. ★★★★ CONTRABAND — Mark Wahlberg is deep within his zone as master criminal gone straight. R for violence, language and brief drug use. 109 minutes. ★★ 1/2 THE DESCENDANTS – George Clooney is a lawyer coping with a family crisis and daunting inheritance. 115 minutes. R for profanity, drugs, adult themes. EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE — This griefdrenched Sept. 11 drama is incredibly mawkish and extremely annoying, even infuriating. PG-13 for theme, imagery and language. 129 minutes. ★★ THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO — A stark but enthralling adaptation of the first of Stieg Larsson’s trilogy. R for violence, rape, torture, sexuality, graphic nudity and language. 158 minutes. ★★★ 1/2 HAYWIRE — Special-ops bad ass Mallory Kane must figure out who double-crossed her after a mission in Barcelona. R for some violence. 93 minutes. ★★★

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HUGO 3D – Martin Scorsese

dives headlong into a magical 1930s Parisian world. 127 minutes. PG for violence, menace, adult themes. ★★★ THE IRON LADY – Meryl Streep’s Margaret Thatcher has Oscar written all over her. PG-13 for violent images and brief nudity. 104 minutes. ★★★ 1/2 JOYFUL NOISE — Squeakyclean pop tunes, romance and a big dollop of prayer. PG-13 for language. 118 minutes. ★ 1/2 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — GHOST PROTOCOL — One of Tom Cruise’s finest action flicks. PG-13 for action and violence. 132 minutes. ★★★ RED TAILS — The famed Tuskegee Airmen get the heroic rendering they deserve. PG-13 for war violence. 125 minutes. ★★ SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS — Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law bicker, banter, bob and weave. PG-13 for intense violence, action and drug material. 129 minutes. ★ 1/2 TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY – A concise, precise and very gray adaptation of the spy thriller. R for violence, adult themes. 127 minutes. ★★★★ UNDERWORLD AWAKENING 3D – When humans discover Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species begins. R for violence, gore and some language. 88 minutes. ★★ WAR HORSE — Steven Spielberg’s sweeping, historical epic. PG-13 for intense war violence. 146 minutes. ★★ WE BOUGHT A ZOO — A family buys a zoo. Surprisingly charming. PG for language and theme. 123 minutes. ★★ 1/2

New on DVD

This week’s DVD releases include a high-flying film classic and a powerful tale about a man fighting cancer. “WINGS,” GRADE A: The wait is finally over: The film that won the first Best Picture Academy Award is available for the first time on Blu-ray and DVD. The World War I drama has been beautifully restored one frame at a time. The original negative was lost decades ago, but a duplicate negative, housed in the Paramount archive, was

Movie Amy IT’S FREEZING-COLD OUTSIDE SO WHY NOT HOLE UP INSIDE WITH A TRIO OF TERRIFIC, MUSTSEE TV SERIES? ••• “JUSTIFIED: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” (2011, SONY, UNRATED, $40): No sophomore jinx for this superb series starring Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens. After busting up the Crowder crime family, Raylan faces a new adversary in the deceptively maternal Mags Bennett (Emmy-winning Margo Mar-

used to make this release. All the work was worth it. The movie’s unbelievable aerial dogfights and battle sequences look brilliant. “50/50,” GRADE A-MINUS: This account of a 27-year-old man’s cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease works because the filmmakers realize cancer can be faced with humor. Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns in a powerful and believable performance as Adam, the young cancer patient. The best acting, other than an Oscar-worthy performtindale), the mastermind behind another insidious backwoods brood. Watch one episode, and you’ll be hooked. ••• “30 ROCK: SEASON FIVE” (2010, UNIVERSAL, UNRATED, $50): Still one of the funniest shows on TV, the latest batch of episodes finds Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) facing a pile of problems, including her Dad’s “gentleman’s intermission,” having to give up the perfect pair of jeans, and boyfriend Carol’s (Matt Damon) desire to sleep over. One of the highlights of the season is a live show with hilarious cameos by everyone from “Mad Men’s” Jon Hamm to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

ance by Gordon-Levitt, comes from Seth Rogen. ••• ALSO NEW ON DVD: “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3”: Cameras capture images of a couple dealing with a demon. “REAL STEEL”: Hugh Jackman stars in this film about the near future when boxing goes high tech. “THE WHISTLEBLOWER”: An American police officer (Rachel Weisz) uncovers corruption in post-war Bosnia.

-- Rick Bentley McClatchy Newspapers

••• “SHAMELESS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON” (2011, WARNER, UNRATED, $40): Meet the Gallaghers, a clan so outrageous they make the Botwins from “Weeds” look like the Von Trapps. Frank (William H. Macy) is a boozeloving father of six who spends most nights passed out on the kitchen floor, leaving it to his oldest daughter (Emmy Rossum) to keep food on the table. The whole cast is first-rate, but Macy, Rossum and co-star Joan Cusack are particularly adept at handling the show’s shifts between black comedy and deep-dish drama. Amy Longsdorf also profiles celebrities for the Sunday Etc. section of The Times Leader.

A farm frolic will celebrate ‘Charlotte’ With a “cluck, cluck” here and an “oink, oink” there, a pig’s snout here and a duck’s bill on that human face, the national touring company Theaterworks USA will have no problem representing the animals in E.B. White’s classic “Charlotte’s Web.” But if you bring your children to the stage show at the F.M. Kirby Center on Sunday, you’ll probably want to come early and visit live barnyard friends on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square. “All the animals are very, very friendly,” said Suzanne Kelly of The Lands at Hillside Farms in Kingston Township, who plans to bring an Alpine goat named Heather, two cows namedDotsandPrecocious,twoBa-

Stage THIS WEEK: JAN. 27 TO F E B . 2 , 2012 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A barbaric haircutter exacts revenge. Kiss Theatre, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 tonight and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $14, $9. 829-1901. Forever Plaid, the Broadway musical. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 8 tonight and Sat-

IF YOU GO

What: “Charlotte’s Web” When: 2 p.m. Sunday Where: F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre Tickets: 570-826-1100 Related event: Hillside Farms animals will visit Public Square from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

bydoll sheep, some chickens and a cute young creature known as Mr. Fezziwig. The little guy with the Dickensian name is an 8-week-old piglet, Kelly said, and he just might become as popularasWilbur,thepigintheplay. As of Wednesday, Kelly joked, she didn’t have a spider to bring. But young audiences will see a theatrical Charlotte, who uses urday; 3 p.m. Sunday. 823-1875.

Don’t just watch a movie, experience it! All Stadium Seating and Dolby Surround Sound ALL FEATURES NOW PRESENTED IN DIGITAL FORMAT

UNDERWORLD AWAKENING UNDERWORLD AWAKENING (XD-3D) (R) 12:55PM, 3:10PM, 5:25PM, 7:40PM, 10:00PM

E.B. White’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’ comes to the F.M. Kirby Center this weekend.

her weaving skill to try to save Wilbur’s life. “It’s a story about bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship,” said Will Beekman of the Kirby Center, adding school groups will attend a Monday show.

BEST BET

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the Broadway musical comedy about two scam artists. By the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $16, $14 seniors, $10 children. 454-5451.

Power. Politics. Assassination. The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble has taken on Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ as its 2012 Theatre in the Classroom project. Audiences can catch the drama before it hits the road in a two-night special showing at 7:30 tonight and Saturday at the Alvina Krause Theatre in The Amazing Kreskin, magician, downtown Bloomsburg. Director mentalist and TV star. Scranton James Goode hopes to relate the Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington story of senatorial turmoil amid today’s polarization. $12. 784-8181.

See STAGE, Page 14

A DANGEROUS METHOD (DIGITAL) (R) 12:30PM 2:55PM 5:20PM 7:50PM 10:15PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED (DIGITAL) (G) 11:55AM 2:20PM 4:50PM ARTIST, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:05PM 2:35PM 5:05PM 7:35PM 10:10PM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2012) (3D) (G) 11:55AM 2:15PM 4:30PM 7:00PM 9:20PM CONTRABAND (DIGITAL) (R) 2:10PM 3:35PM 4:55PM 6:15PM 7:35PM 8:55PM 10:45PM DESCENDANTS, THE (DIGITAL) (R) 1:45PM 4:35PM 7:20PM 10:30PM EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:35PM 3:30PM 6:55PM 9:50PM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE (2011) (DIGITAL) (R) 11:50AM 3:15PM 6:50PM (DOES NOT PLAY ON TUES., JAN. 31) 10:20PM GREY, THE (2012) (DIGITAL) (R) 1:40PM 4:40PM 7:45PM 10:40PM HAYWIRE (DIGITAL) (R) 12:15PM 2:40PM 5:10PM 7:55PM 10:25PM HUGO (3D) (PG) 1:10PM IRON LADY, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:00PM 2:30PM 5:00PM 7:30PM 9:55PM JOYFUL NOISE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:25PM 4:00PM 7:20PM (DOES NOT PLAY ON THURS., FEB. 2) 10:05PM (DOES NOT PLAY ON THURS., FEB. 2)

MAN ON A LEDGE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:00PM 2:30PM 5:00PM 7:30PM 10:00PM MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 3:45PM 6:45PM 9:45PM ONE FOR THE MONEY (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:10PM 2:25PM 4:45PM 7:10PM 9:30PM RED TAILS (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 1:15PM 4:25PM 7:25PM 10:15PM SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 4:15PM 7:15PM 10:35PM TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (DIGITAL) (R) 2:40PM UNDERWORLD AWAKENING (3D) (R) 4:10PM 6:30PM 8:45PM 11:00PM UNDERWORLD AWAKENING (DIGITAL) (R) 1:50PM WAR HORSE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:20PM WE BOUGHT A ZOO (DIGITAL) (PG) 7:05PM 9:40PM

NO PASSES

You must be 17 with ID or accompanied by a parent to attend R rated features. Children under 6 may not attend R rated features after 6pm

*One For The Money - PG13 - 100 min. (12:40), (2:50), 7:20, 9:30 *The Iron Lady - PG13 - 115 min. (1:00), (3:40), 7:30, 10:00 *Man On A Ledge - PG13 - 115 min. (1:10), (3:40), 7:30, 10:10 *The Descendants - R - 125 min. (12:50), (3:40), 7:15, 9:50 *The Artist - PG13 - 110 min. (12:50), (3:10), 7:20, 9:40 *The Grey - R - 130 min. (12:40), (3:20), 7:15, 10:00 The Grey in D-Box - R - 130 min. (12:40), (3:20), 7:15, 10:00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close PG13 - 140 min. (12:30), (3:30), 7:15, 9:50 Haywire - R - 105 min. (1:00), (3:20), 7:30, 9:50 *Red Tails - PG13 - 130 min. (12:45), (3:40), 7:20, 10:05 ***Underworld Awakening in 3D R - 100 min. (1:20), (3:40), 7:30, 9:50 ***Beauty and the Beast in 3D G - 95 min. (12:30), (2:40), (4:45), 7:00, 9:10 Contraband - R - 120 min. (1:15), (3:45), 7:00, 9:30 Joyful Noise - PG13 - 130 min. (12:45), 7:00 Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - PG13 - 130 min (3:30), 9:40 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - G - 95 min (12:30), (2:40), (4:50) Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - PG13 - 140 min 7:00, 9:50 SPECIAL EVENTS

The Metropolitan Opera: Götterdämmerung LIVE Saturday, February 11 at 12:00pm only

LA PHIL LIVE Dudamel Conducts Mahler Saturday, February 18 at 5:00pm only The Metropolitan Opera: Ernani LIVE Saturday, February 25 at 12:55pm only National Theater Live: The Comedy Of Errors Thursday, March 1 at 7:00pm only The Metropolitan Opera: Manon LIVE Saturday, April 7 at 12:00pm only All Showtimes Include Pre-Feature Content

(Parenthesis Denotes Bargain Matinees)

Avoid the lines: Advance tickets available from Fandango.com Rating Policy Parents and/or Guardians (Age 21 and older) must accompany all children under 17 to an R Rated feature *No passes accepted to these features. **No restricted discount tickets or passes accepted to these features. ***3D features are the regular admission price plus a surcharge of $2.50 D-Box Motion Seats are the admission price plus an $8.00 surcharge First Matinee $5.25 for all features (plus surcharge for 3D features).

825.4444 • rctheatres.com

• 3 Hrs. Free Parking At Participating Park & Locks with Theatre Validation •Free Parking at Midtown Lot Leaving After 8pm and All Day Saturday & Sunday.

the Dietrich Theater Tioga St., Tunkhannock WEEK OF 1/27/12 – 2/2/12

THE GREY (R)

THE DESCENDENTS (R)

Fri. 12:10, 3:10, 7:00, 9:45 Sat. 12:10, 3:10, 7:00, 9:45 Sun. 12:10, 3:10, 7:00 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:00 Wed. 12:10, 7:00

Fri. 12:30, 4:00, 7:05, 9:30 Sat. 4:00, 7:05, 9:30 Sun. 12:30, 4:00, 7:05 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:05 Wed. 12:15, 7:05

HUGO 3D (PG)

WAR HORSE (PG13)

Fri. 12:20, 3:20, 6:50, 9:35 Sat. 12:20, 3:20, 6:50, 9:35 Sun. 12:20, 3:20, 6:50 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 6:50 Wed. 12:05, 6:50

Fri. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45, 9:40 Sat. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45, 9:40 Sun. 12:00, 3:30, 6:45 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 6:45 Wed. 12:00, 6:45

836.1022 www.dietrichtheater.com

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By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

THE GUIDE

CELEBRITY Q&A BY R.D. HELDENFELS

JUMBLE

UNIVERSAL SUDOKU

BY MICHAEL ARGIRION & JEFF KNUREK

‘Terra Nova’ might return in the fall Q. The last new episode of “Terra Nova” that aired in December was advertised as the season finale. Does this mean that we won’t be seeing any new episodes again until next fall? If so, why such a short season? A. I cannot even assure you there will be a second season, since Fox has not made that decision at this point in writing (although two producers told the Hollywood Reporter they are guardedly optimistic about a pickup). The first season consisted of 13 episodes, which was Fox’s plan from the beginning, since the post-January part of its season tends to get crowded by the return of “American Idol.” That’s also close to the cable model of many dramas, which will do relatively short seasons to control costs and free up their cast members for other projects.

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION

CRYPTOQUOTE

Q. I saw “The Destructors,” a British film written by Graham Greene, on television in the late 1970s. It was about a group of boys in postwar London on a bomb site, where they destroy the only surviving house. If you could advise where I might find it, I would be most obliged. A. Most likely you saw an installment of “Shades of Greene,” a series of adaptations of short stories by Greene, one of which was “The Destructors.” Unfortunately, I do not know of an authorized release of the series or of that individual episode. Do you have a question or comment for the mailbag? Write to me at rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com or by regular mail to the Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309.

HOROSCOPE BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

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ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your commu-

nication skills will be highlighted. You’ll make your story so interesting that others may ask for follow-up guidance. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Making others happy is just part of your deal now. The better you do this the more personal satisfaction you’ll derive from your interactions. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Recreation is not just for fun now. Your competitive instincts will kick in. You’ll be sure to address the issue of rank.

ON THE WEB For more Sudoku go to www.timesleader.com

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may

resist change even though you know it’s inevitable. That is only natural and a way of honoring this special time. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will ask for assistance, but you won’t depend on it. Your reliance on yourself is unshakable. The more you can do on your own the more confident you’ll be. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your focus on joint finances, children and friends will yield an interesting and unexpected outcome. You’ll realize how well you know your people. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). How would you like to be honored in this lifetime? You’ll soon get a taste of it. Start now by focusing your energy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll be

locked in on your target. There’s something you need to understand, and you’ll learn it from your experiences. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have not yet reached the limit of your capacity for joy. You won’t willfully be able to go there, but you can quietly suggest this to yourself. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may visit the land of dissatisfaction with your life — but you’ll stay only for a short time. Move to the feeling that will help you be positive and craft a stellar plan of improvement. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll embark on an adventure. It starts off in familiar waters, and quickly you’re out

to the unknown and unpredictable sea. You’ll navigate both with equal skill. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Lately there have been a few mismatches in your world. You would love to know about the people who would love to know you. Your social luck is about to turn around. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 27). Your feelings of safety, security and certainty won’t come from the outside world. Your experiences help you continue to grow a powerful core inside of you. The goals you set next month will bring you into new circles. You’ll give a presentation in March that attracts investors. Love drives the action in April. Pisces and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 10, 43, 24 and 19.

Old high school letters bring back memories best forgotten Dear Abby: I received a large white envelope from a friend I had been close to in high school. “Jen” returned every letter, card and note I had written to her throughout our four years of school. She thanked me for being a good friend and thought I might like to have them. I can’t tell you how upsetting it was to read how awful I was as a teenager. I was promiscuous, used foul language and

DEAR ABBY ADVICE made references to experimenting with drugs. I have been married for 23 years and have three children who would be crushed if they discovered my past. I don’t know what to do. I can’t bring myself to throw the letters away and have hidden them in my hope chest. What should I do with them? — Secrets of the Past

Dear Secrets: The problem with the written word is that it often outlives the writer. If you don’t want your children or grandchildren to remember you through your true confessions, censor them NOW. Unless you’re “hoping” your family will discover the letters after you’re gone, you should destroy them. However, if they contain memories you would like to keep, copy the passages down and place those in your hope chest. Dear Abby: I am very fair-

GOREN BRIDGE

skinned and turn red easily, especially when I’m nervous or embarrassed. It has made me afraid to speak in public or to go to large events where there may be a lot of people. Do you have any advice on how I can get over this? — Blushing Even Now in Phoenix

treatments for it, and you can find out more about them by discussing your problem with your physician and/or a psychologist. You might also benefit from attending a phobia support group. The psychologist can help you locate one or more of them in your community.

Dear Blushing: What you have described may be a symptom of social phobia, the most common form of an anxiety disorder. There are effective

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby’s “Keepers,” P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)

THE GUIDE

CROSSWORD

WITH OMAR SHARIF & TANNAH HIRSCH

HOW TO CONTACT: PAGE 11

Dear Abby: PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Celebrity Questions: TV Week, The Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, PO Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265

THE GUIDE

THE GUIDE Holy Resurrection Cathedral • Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – presents –

19th MIDWINTERFESTIVAL Ethnic Food and Craft Festival

Admission Free Cathedral Parlors at 591 North Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA

Saturday, February 11th • 11AM - 6PM TOLL FREE 1-877-822-5452

729829

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Due to overwhelming response, we’ve extended our offer!