The Guide 02-10-2012 by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

THE GUIDE

A GUIDE TO THE GUIDE

FIVE FOLKS In this season of hearts and cupids, we asked: “WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ROMANTIC COUPLE FROM HISTORY, LITERATURE, MOVIES OR TV?” “I’ve been partial to ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ but I liked ‘Dharma & Greg,’ the way they played so well off each other.” Garrett Schrader, 21, Medford, N.J.

“I’ve got to go with Paris and Helen of Troy, the way she sparked one of the biggest wars of their time.” Jeffrey Homschek, 19, Pittston

“Antony and Cleopatra. He said, ‘(Forget) my responsibilities. I’m going to stay in Egypt.’ ” Christopher Waugh, 20, Nanticoke

“I’m a tragic romantic. ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ ” Melissa Howells, 30, Dunmore

“I like those romantic comedies like ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ ” Caitlyn Burnett, 22, Binghamton, N.Y.

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 570-8295537 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.

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Corinne Farrell and her husband, Mark, demonstrate a yoga position that increases balance. By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

As they sat facing each other, Corinne and Mark Farrell of West Pittston joined hands and spread their legs wide on the floor. Pressing foot against foot, they helped each other work toward what a cheerleader might call a “teddy-bear split.” Then yoga instructor Corinne slowly leaned back, gently pulling her husband’s torso with her. Aaaah! What a good stretch for the back and the hamstrings. “Couples yoga is all about building honesty and communication,” Corinne said. It’s not a competition, to see who’s more limber or Zarko who has better balance, she explained, but a way to be close and help each other have a relaxing, enjoyable experience. “You learn to respect and honor your partner’s feelings and limitations.” Corinne will teach a LaBrecque Candlelight Yoga class for couples – or pairs of good friends – on Saturday at Arts YOUniverse in downtown Wilkes-Barre, with her husband aiding in the demonstration. Previous yoga experience is not necessary. The workshop is just one selection in a “Pick Your Passion” evening designed as a celebration of Valentine’s Day weekend. Other options at Arts YOUniverse include “Couples Collage,” during which you can create a piece of artwork with art instructor Gwen Harleman; “Cheek to Cheek,” during which instructors Raphael and Lauren Cooper will teach beginner’s ballroom dancing; and “The Newlywed Game,” during which Angel Berlane will help the “never-wed, newly wed or nearly wed have fun learning about your special someone in a lighthearted setting.”

IF YOU GO What: ‘Candlelight Couples Yoga,’ ‘Couples Collage,’ ‘The Newlywed Game’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek’ workshops When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Arts YOUniverse, 47 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre Cost: $25 per couple More info: 970-2787 ••• What: Screening of ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ When: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday Where: F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre Admission: Free as a gift to the community. ••• What: Broadway Love Songs Who: Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic When and where: 8 tonight at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre; 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton. Admission: $15 for students, $28 to $60 for adults More info: 341-1568 ••• What: ‘Love Letters’ When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Dietrich Theater, 60 East Tioga St., Tunkhannock Tickets: $15. Benefits the Wyoming County Cultural Center. More info: 996-1500

••• Another Valentine-weekend treat is a free screening of the 1993 rom-com “Sleepless in Seattle,” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The F.M. Kirby Center offers the movie as a gift to the community at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Kirby’s renovation, Kirby spokesman Will Beekman said, “The time has come to also say ‘thank you’ to the people who have helped keep those brass doors open.” ••• Speaking of the Kirby, don’t forget the Broadway Love Songs that will fill the air there tonight at 8, thanks to Northeastern

Pennsylvania Philharmonic and guest soloists Phil LaBrecque and Christiane Noll. Among their numerous credits, Noll created the roll of Emma on Broadway in “Jekyll & Hyde,” and LaBrecque starred as Ravenal in the Hal Prince revival of “Showboat” on Broadway. He also has sung the roles of both the Phantom and Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera,” which is one of many shows to be represented on tonight’s program. If you miss the Philharmonic concert at the Kirby tonight, a repeat performance will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Scranton Cultural Center. ••• As for romantic plays, your best bet this weekend is probably “Love Letters” at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock. “It’s witty and it’s insightful and it’s sad and funny all at once,” said Hildy Morgan, who plays Melissa to David Zarko’s Andy in the show. The show covers the two friends from their first meeting at age 7 during the 1930s and follows them through the next five decades as they write letters to and, yes, love each other. “He can be such a stuffed shirt and she can be just awful, drinking too much,” Morgan said. “And yet they never stop loving each other. They each are, for the other, the one person they can be themselves with. That is a strong bond.” Melissa and Andy never marry each other; that probably would have destroyed their friendship for sure. “And yet they grow old together,” Morgan said. “Their lives are intertwined. It’s really lovely.”

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THE GUIDE

No-frills, budget basics done well here

ere in the restaurant-review department, we have a special place in our hearts for little birds. So when a little bird tipped us off that a little-known spot in Forty Fort made a lot of good food for cheap – but it’s actually better to say inexpensive – we were intrigued. We even invited the little bird to come and show us herself. After all, she talked a good game about the fresh-cut french fries here, in this onthe-mainland but sort-of-off-the-beatenpath spot, and was especially excited that you get a pretty darn good pile for $1.99. So, of course, we had to get us some of those. After settling into a booth in the surprisingly spacious interior – as usual, exterior appearances deceive – I couldn’t help noticing the small menu was just loaded with the word “homemade.” For lunch, burgers seemed the thing, burgers or perhaps a daily special, posted on a white board. (An entire section labeled “hoagies” also contained a “no longer available” Post-It note. I’m curious about that, but oh well.) I considered a mushroom-Swiss burger, homemade of course, but decided on a classic patty melt ($4.99) without regret. The meat had a decidedly hand-formed taste, and the butter-soaked flavor of the grilled bread was happily dominant. Yes, this is basically grilled cheese containing a hamburger, but sometimes it can still be dry or bland. Not here. My only improvement suggestion would be a smattering of fried onions, as brown as possible, which I almost consider a withoutwhich-nothing for this particular item. Luckily, the juicy taste of the burger unadorned didn’t leave me longing at length. And the fries lived up to their billing. They were of perfect weight, not skinny strings but not fat steak fries either, were especially crispy and had a lovely almost-

CLARK VAN ORDEN/THE TIMES LEADER

Homemade burgers and fresh-cut fries as well as basic breakfasts make the grade at Kitchen Korner in Forty Fort.

Restaurant Review What: Kitchen Korner Where: 91 Shoemaker St., Forty Fort Call: 570-718-0966 Credit cards? No Hours: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Breakfast served all day. Wheelchair accessible? Yes

auburn hue. Mine were just a touch undercooked, but my little bird of a companion found hers perfect. (I think she dreams of these at night.) Her main plate was a day’s special: a chicken parmigiana sandwich that included the treasured fries for $5.99. For 50 cents more, she got a cup of gravy to make her handheld spuds more downhome diner style. It was a tad watery, but it got the job done. The chicken sandwich did have a nonhomemade appearance – a perfectly round patty on a basic round bun – but little bird said it still tasted homemade, a credit to the staff that surely doesn’t want to hand-crank everything. The sauce – not too chunky, bully for that – and the

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A hit from Cupid’s arrow has a lovely side effect: uncontrollable, head-overheels desire for someone in your sights. Get whacked with R Bar and Grill’s version of Cupid’s Arrow and you’ll fall, all right – possibly off your bar stool. “I asked myself what the most romantic things are about Valentine’s Day,” owner Lauren Maga said. “Strawberries, chocolate, and Champagne seemed to be the answer, so I put all of those together in one glass.” Maga mixed chocolate vodka, strawberry schnapps, strawberry syrup and cranberry juice to accomplish the task. After shaking and pouring that mixture into a glass, she fills the rest of it with sparkling wine and tops it with a chocolate-covered strawberry. “It’s sweeter, more along the sweet taste of the Champagne,” she said, “but you’ve got that hint of chocolate beneath all of it that makes it really delicious.” ••• CUPID’S ARROW Served at: R Bar and Grill, 144 W. Union St., Nanticoke Price: $4.50 Recipe: • 2 shots chocolate vodka • 1 shot strawberry schnapps • Squirt strawberry syrup • Splash cranberry juice Shake ingredients together well and pour into glass. Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling wine of your choice, then garnish with a chocolate-covered strawberry.

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cheese did fine work in fixing up what might have been a frozen patty. Nothing to complain about, though. I practically forced the little bird to eat dessert, too, and she willingly obliged. After all, these were advertised as homemade, too, and we wanted to give a shoutout if one were deserved. Turns out, yep. An extremely moist, sweet-but-not-overly-so strawberry coffee cake tasted fresh out of the oven and only set us back $2.25, giving us all the more reason to return to Shoemaker Street sometime soon. Perhaps for breakfast. It would be fun, I decided, to have a few more breakfasts out, especially at the little neighborhood spots that still have $1.99 combinations on the boards. Here, you’ll find plenty of those, plus omelets, pancakes and even eggs between pancakes. (We always look for the offbeat choice.) If you get up before we do, be our next little bird. Go for breakfast. Then send a note. We’re just looking for one good reason to rise 30 minutes earlier, that’s all.

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EVENTS

THE GUIDE

T H I S W E E K : F E B 10 TO 16 , 2012

KIDS T H I S W E E K : F E B. 10 TO 16 , 2012 Hands-on Science, an interactive display. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday. 654-9565. Preschool Story Time. Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave. 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays through March 30. For ages 3 to 5. Registration: 6931364. Valentine Story Time, for ages 3 and older. Laflin Public Library, 47 Laflin Road. 4 tonight. Signup: 654-3323.

Winter in the City, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by Paul LaBelle & the Exact Change. Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. 5:30 to 8 tonight. $15 benefits Scranton Tomorrow. 963-1575. The View with a Scranton Attitude: Let’s Hear It from the Girls! A local rendition of the syndicated talk show. Tonight with cocktails at 6, event at 7. $6. 344-1111. Student Bridge-Building Competition. Watch high-schoolers test their skills. Viewmont Mall, Scranton. 10 a.m. Saturday. 346-7655. Night at the Races. Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. Saturday with doors at 5:30 p.m. and post time at 6:30. $10 includes dinner/drinks. 654-0263. Diamond Drop Dinner Dance, sponsored by the Helping Hands Society. With wine, beer, Lady A & Destiny and prizes including a $5,000 diamond. Edgewood in the Pines, Drums. 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $35. 455-4958.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Children’s Theater Workshop of the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts, J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 7 tonight; 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10, $5 students. 4545451.

50/50 Bingo, with food and drinks. Pay per card. Noxen School and Community Center, School Street. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. 298-2052.

Preschool Story Time, for ages 3.5 to 5. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10 a.m. Saturdays through Feb. 18; 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday. Signup: 823-0156.

Teddy Bear Ball, 8th annual fundraiser to buy bears for emergency personnel to give to children in trauma. With dancing, raffles, food and music by Jimmy T. Nesbitt Medical Arts Building, Kingston. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday. $5 or $2.50 and a new bear. 899-3306.

Move into Motown. Learn a few moves, listen to Motown music and make a craft. Ages 4 and up. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Saturday. Signup: 823-0156.

Midwinter Ethnic Food and Craft Festival, with icons, pottery and prizes. Holy Resurrection Cathedral, 591 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 822-5452.

Sweetheart Party, with themed play, singing, dancing and Valentine-making for 5 and under. Gymboree, 1159 Route 315, Plains Township. 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday. $20. 209-2908. Story Time, for 18 months to 3 years. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St. 10 a.m. Tuesday and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. 654-9565.

Movies at Misericordia, a screening of “Tower Heist.” Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday. $3. 674-6411.

Myasopusna Celebration, the pre-Lenten party with Ukrainian food, crafts and entertainment by the Holy Year Choir, Kazka Folk Ensemble and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers. Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic Church, Bliss and Center streets, Hanover section of Nanticoke. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. $10. $13 at door. 735-4654 or 824-3880. Rockin’ the Benefit, a fundraiser for Kara Edwards of Plains Township, who is battling cancer. With the Phyllis Hopkins Band, Pop

Preschool Story Time, for age 3 to pre-kindergarten. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St. 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. 654-9565. My Grownup and Me, play time and stories for ages 1 to 3. North Branch of the Osterhout Library, 28 Oliver St., Wilkes-Barre. 10 a.m. Thursdays through March 1. 822-4660.

FUTURE

Rox, Andrew Sleboda and the Godinez Brothers. Ole Tyme Charley’s, Plains Township. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday. $10. 822-3332. Knitting Class. Arts SEEN Gallery, 71 Main St., Pittston. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. $10. 9702787. Mardi Gras Night, sponsored by the Pittston Area ICE Club with New Orleans food, maskdecorating and entertainment. Pittston Area High School, 5 Stout St., Yatesville. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday. $4, $3 children. 654-2415.

FUTURE Clarks Summit Festival of Ice, the annual downtown celebration. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 17-18; 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19. 587-9054. Jim Thorpe Winterfest. Downtown Jim Thorpe. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 18-19. 325-5810. World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, on “Can We Feed the Planet Without Destroying It? Our Global Challenge” with Tim Searchinger of Princeton University. Presented by the Schemel Forum in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall, 300 Madison St., University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17. $20. 941-7816. Night at the Races, sponsored by the Mountain Top Welcome Club to benefit the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, the Wright Township Park Expansion and Candy’s Place. Wright Township Fire Company, 477 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. Feb. 17 with doors at 6:30 p.m. and races at 7 p.m. $5 includes food, beer,

133 N. River St., King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Monday. Free. 208-5900.

READS T H I S W E E K : F E B. 10 TO 16 , 2012 Open Readings, poems, short stories, drama and creative nonfiction by students, faculty and community members. Gold Room,

Book Signing and relationship Q&A with David Weinberger, author of “Think Smart.” Barnes & Noble, 7 S. Main St., WilkesBarre. Noon to 2 p.m. Monday. 208-4700. Writers Critique Group. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. 823-0156. Wyoming County Reads, a discussion in conjunction with the community reading of Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” on “Psychological

“Best Pizza on the Mountain Taste Challenge,” raffles and DJ music. 868-6467. Back Mountain Has Talent, with instrumentals, singing, dancing, poetry, theater and comedy. Auditions at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 with the top three winners performing 7 p.m. Feb. 18 along with Christian-music group WatersEdge. Prizes awarded. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. Free. 675-3131. Black History Month Film Series, a screening of “Night Catches Us,” about political and emotional forces in race-torn Philadelphia. Alden Trust Room 219, Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Free. 674-1483. Tribute for the Troops, food, music, raffles and games to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Wright Township Fire Company, 477 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. 3 to 10 p.m. Feb. 18. $12. $15 at door. 233-5195 or 239-1122. German Night, with buffet and the Walt Groller Orchestra. St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 18. $25. $30 at door. 823-7736. Night at the Races, sponsored by the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist. Seton Catholic High School, 37 William St., Pittston. Feb. 18 with doors at 6 p.m. and post time at 7 p.m. $5; $10 per horse. 654-0053. Pink Elegance on Parade, with a fashion show, lunch, raffles and cash bar. Wear pink to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton. 1 p.m. Feb. 19. $40. 947-5852.

Insights – Treatment of Mental Illness Yesterday and Today.” Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 836-1677. Author Talk, with Crystal Kuykendall, author of “From Rage to Hope: Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students.” Diversity Institute Dinner, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 5:30 p.m. Thursday. 674-1483.

NEW RELEASES Tough Care, an account of caring for a dying spouse by Kingston native Bernard Mooney. Selfpublished and available at amazon.com.

Crystal Kuykendall will speak Thursday at Misericordia University.

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The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR., a children’s musical based on the “Flat Stanley” book series KISS Theatre Company, 58 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. Feb. 17; 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 18; 2 p.m. Feb. 19. 829-1901.

‘The View with a Scranton Attitude: Let’s Hear It from the Girls!’ returns to the Scranton Cultural Center tonight with Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko-McNulty, restaurateur Brenda Bistocchi, radio personality Sue Barre, Marisa Burke of WNEP-TV, Mary Ann Moran of the Lackawanna Historical Society and moderator Laurie Cadden.

THE GUIDE

Bloody brutal or airy and light? By MARY THERESE BIEBEL mbiebel@timesleader.com

rawling to the feet of Tamora, queen of the Goths, a young Roman named Lavinia begs for death, a fate preferable to a mauling by Tamora’s two sons, who are panting with lust and bloodthirst. “Be a charitable murderer,” Lavinia pleads. “I won’t hear her speak,” Tamora snaps. “Away with her.” The sons take the young woman off stage, and when members of the audience next see Lavinia, they may well be disturbed. “The most horrifying moment is Lavinia and what happened to her,” said Justin Costello of Kingston, who is directing “Titus Andronicus” for Oblivion Productions to benefit the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. Lavinia’s torture is one of many brutal incidents in the tragedy, which Shakespeare wrote in his early years, when bloodbaths and vengeance were popular themes. As the play begins, a war has ended and Lavinia’s father, Titus, orders the death of Alarbus, an elder son of the conquered queen. Thus begins a cycle of revenge. “Imagine being a mother who has the relief that her sons have been saved and not killed in a horrible war, only to have a son ripped away from you to be killed in sacrifice to appease the gods and people of Rome,” said Alice Y. Lyons, who portrays Tamora. “Tamora decides she will take revenge on Titus in the most evil ways possible,” Lyons said, and violence and vendettas continue in a domino effect. The play is daring, graphic and

BEL L ES

C O N S TR U C TIO N C O . PA012959

THE BES T PAGE 6

RO O FIN G S ID IN G W IN D O W S & C ARPEN TRY

824- 7220

AMANDA HRYCYNA/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Title character Titus Andronicus (Sam Troy) is horrified by the fate of his daughter Lavinia (Kathryn Priestash).

for mature audiences only. “I don’t know how people will react,” Costello said. “I don’t know if they’ll walk out or if they’ll stay.” He hopes they’ll stay and ponder the message: Nothing good ever comes out of revenge. “Sometimes it takes the strongest person to drop the knife, to just say, ‘No, it has to end.’ ” The play is “not for the faint of heart,” Lyons said. “I hope (audiences) can look past all of the shocking aspects of this production, that are so pivotal to its plot, and realize that what is going on, on stage, is going on every minute, every second in our society. “Our world is a cruel place,” she said. “We hear of rapes, murders, robberies, arrests, dictators trying to control their countries. We plot how to get back at someone for something they did to us.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Rehearsing for the music- and laughter-filled ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ are Margaret Callan, Drake Nester, Nick Klem, John Bubul, Ashley Thomas and Cara Medwick, in front, and D.J. Nat, Rachael Pompeii and Lukas Tomasacci, in back.

But when we get this revenge, are we ever really fulfilled? “Hopefully, because this play is so in-your-face about the wrongs of society, it will make the audience second-guess their choices and their actions, even the simple ones,” she said. ••• Looking for a lighter theatrical experience? The King’s Players are bringing “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” to the stage starting Thursday. You’ll meet a crew of precocious whiz kids, from the pigtailed sprite in mismatched sneakers to the genius in parochial-school plaid to the socially

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awkward boy who “writes” words on the floor with his “magic foot” before he spells them aloud. What problems do they face? Ashley Thomas’ character, Logianne, frets about losing the bee and disappointing her two dads. Margaret Callans’ character, Olive, wishes her parents would pay more attention to her. Cara Medwick’s character, Marcy, so badly wants out of the pressure-cooker of competition, she deliberately misspells. Through it all, there are lots of laughs, and singing. “We’ve got a lot of really strong voices,” director Dave Reynolds said.

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Members of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans perform dances from Serbia during a previous local show.

••• Finally, for abundant music and See PLAYS, Page 7

TH E TTAA X M A N R .Jacob Z agrapan ,In c.

S TA G E

PLAYS

T H I S W E E K : F E B. 10 TO 16 , 2012 Death by Chocolate, a murdermystery farce preceded by “A Guide to the Teenage Zone.” Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre. 7 tonight; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $8, $5 seniors, $4 children. 690-1128

Continued from page 6

Sam Falbo, James Langan and Michael X. Fallon star in the Scranton Public Theatre’s production of ‘The Best of the Best,’ four one-act comedies at the Olde Brick Theatre in North Scranton through Feb. 18.

The 39 Steps, the Tony Awardwinning comedy-thriller by Actors Circle. Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Through Feb. 19: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $8-$12. 342-9707.

Amato Auditorium, 1560 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday (Feb. 17). Donation. 270-2192.

Best of the Best, four one-act comedies by Scranton Public Theatre as part of the Jason Miller Playwrights Project. Olde Brick Theatre, 128 W. Market St., North Scranton. Through Feb. 18: 8:15 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. $10. 344-3656.

Calling All Dancers, auditions for 18 and older for a May fund-raiser by Applause Theatre. Arts YOUniverse, 47 N. Franklin St., WilkesBarre. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 592-5996.

Live from the Met, a high-def transmission of Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung,” the final opera in the Ring Cycle. Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre. Noon Saturday. 825-4444.

Saturninus (Dave Giordano) and a servant (Mark Bohn) rehearse a scene in ‘Titus Andronicus.’

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Auditions for “The Last Voyage of the SS Gigantic,” a comedy by the Nuremberg Community Players. Black Creek United Methodist Church, 158 Golf Course Road, Sugarloaf. 7 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday. 889-5817.

dancing from Eastern Europe and beyond, you can watch the Tamburitzans of Duquesne University perform Sunday at Hazleton Area High School. The event is part of a Midwinter Festival, coordinated by Tamburitzan alum Andrew Buleza of Wilkes-Barre. “It’s really a show like none other,” said Joshua Pribanic of North Huntington, a freshman who received the Andrew S. Buleza Scholarship to Duquesne. Buleza, who has brought the Tamburitzans to Luzerne County for 18 annual shows, proudly notes the Tamburitzans are celebrating 75 years of bringing foreign culture to the stage. This year’s opening number depicts St. George’s feast day, which Pribanic said “is celebrated all over the Slavic countries with gift-giving, dancing and singing.”

THE GUIDE

AMANDA HRYCYNA/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

IF YOU GO What: ‘Titus Andronicus’ When: 8 tonight and tomorrow night; 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Little Theatre of WilkesBarre, 537 North Main St., WilkesBarre Tickets: 823-1875 ••• What: ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

through Feb. 18; 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Where: King’s College Theater, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre Tickets: 208-5825 ••• What: Tamburitzans of Duquesne University When: 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Hazleton Area High School, 1601 W. 23rd St., Hazleton. More info: 570-824-1007

Fiddler on the Roof, the timeless musical set in a Jewish village in Russia. F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. 826-1100. As You Like It, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy by the Wyoming Seminary Middle School Players.

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PAGE 7

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THE GUIDE

New on DVD

“THE SUNSET LIMITED,” GRADE B-PLUS: After a thwarted suicide attempt, two men discuss life, death and the existence of God. “A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR CHRISTMAS,” GRADE C-MINUS: The dope-smoking buds cause a holiday fracas. ••• Also new on DVD this week: “DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2”: Times have changed and so has the house in 1916 as war impacts life. “PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR: OPERATION: GET DUCKY”: The penguins face another big mission. “FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN”: A seemingly perfect family faces dysfunctional and destructive elements. Julia Roberts stars. “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL”: Broadway’s longest-running production celebrates a quarter century. “A WARRIOR’S HEART”: A high-school student (Kellan Lutz) deals with his father’s death. “THE REBOUND”: A woman (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her kids move to the big city.

-- McClatchy Newspapers

Movie Amy In the mood for romance? Three sure things: ••• “MIRACLE IN THE RAIN” (1955, Warner, unrated, $20): This World War II-era tearjerker is a heartfelt stunner. A shy secretary (Jane Wyman) meets an outgoing G. I. (Van Johnson) in a Manhattan downpour, and you can guess the rest. “LOVE STORY” (1970, Paramount, PG, $20): New to Blu-ray, the 1970 romance between rich boy Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) and working-class girl Jenny (Ali MacGraw) has aged surprisingly well. Their “verbal volleyball” is especially enjoyable. “ANNIE HALL” (1977, MGM, PG-13, $25): They were exes in real life by the time they shot this Oscar winner. But Woody Allen and Diane Keaton still seem like the perfect couple. A bittersweet gem, it can sweep you away again and again. Amy Longsdorf also profiles celebrities for the Sunday Etc. section of The Times Leader.

A memorable tale By RICK BENTLEY McClatchy Newspapers

Thriller done right

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

He must have joined “The Agency” with an eye toward excitement, exotic locales and danger. But in Capetown, a backwater as far as foreign intrigue goes, agency newcomer Matt Weston is stuck — a one-man show, running a never-used “safe house” in the C.I.A.’s real-estate portfolio. “I’m staring at four walls all day,” Matt (Ryan Reynolds) complains to his boss. Until the day he plays host to America’s “most notorious traitor,” a sell-to-the-highest-bidder rogue named Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington). Frost doesn’t want to be a “houseguest.” And a lot of ruthless people want a piece of him. That’s the set-up for “Safe House,” a pulse-pounding secretagent variation on the “everybody’s out to get you” thriller IF YOU GO formula. Well-cast, well-acted and brilliantly shot, it’s a What: “Safe House” ★★★ most entertaining look at Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, spycraft and spies. Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard Washington relishes play- Directed by: Daniel Espinosa ing bad guys, and he’s a for- Running time: 115 minutes midable character. As bad Rated: R for strong violence, some language guys swoop in and kill his guards, he plays mind games with his last surviving captor — Weston. Back at CIA HQ in Langley, Va., those trying to figure out what Weston and Frost are doing (Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson and Sam Shepard) sputter jargon on a “need-to-know” basis. It’s all catnip to espionage fans. The water-boarding? Pretty graphic. The “extraction team” uses it seemingly as contrivance. Swedish director Daniel Espinosa’s visual take on South Africa is that Capetown could be any modern city, surrounded by more striking scenery, but the photography and editing are exciting — breathless chases, brutal, blurry fights and unnerving shootouts. And Espinosa keeps this movie on wheels with foot chases across the roofs of a shantytown township and screeching car escapes through city streets. It’s not Bond, or even Bourne, but this team extracts a top-notch thriller from pretty thin material.

“The Vow,” loosely based on a true story, follows a woman who comes out of a coma with no recollection of her married life. It has likable stars and little sticky sentimentality. It’s easy to fall in love with Rachel McAdams, and Channing Tatum shows physicality and vulnerability. The scenes play at a pace that gives the audience time to get to know these people, and even the pivotal car crash is staged poetically.

IF YOU GO What: “The Vow” ★★★ Starring: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange Directed by: Michael Sucsy Running time: 104 minutes Rated: PG-13 for language, partial nudity

Amnesia is always tricky because it’s often used as a way around plot obstacles. It works here because it drives the love See VOW, Page 9

Squeaky-clean silliness By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

IF YOU GO

Cast and crew err on the side of silly in “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” the amusing sequel to the unlikely 2008 hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Jules Verne’s novel becomes a jokey lark, with corny wisecracks and comic sidekicks. For those who’ve forgotten, the idea is that while “most consider” the stories of 19th-century novelist Verne “science fiction, Vernians know otherwise.” Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) does. He lost his dad on an epic “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Years later, living with mom (Kristin Davis) and over-compensating stepdad, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), the re-

What: “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” ★★ Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Michael Caine, Luis Guzman Directed by: Brad Peyton Running time: 90 minutes Rated: PG for some adventure action and brief mild language

bellious teen gets a coded radio message from his grandpa: “The island is real.” That would be Verne’s “Mysterious Island.” And they know where it is. That sets the stage for a stepfather/son bonding trip to the South Pacific, where they hire a See JOURNEY, Page 9

ALSO OPENING What: “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (3D)” Directed by: George Lucas Summary: Lucas has planned to convert the “Star Wars” saga to 3D to re-release all six films theatrically. He had been waiting until there were enough 3D screens available, and the time has come. Episode I is the first to hit theaters. After this, each film will be released in order at the same time in consecutive years, depending on how well the first re-release does. Source: Internet Movie Database

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√

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 charming ode to a long-ago movie era. PG-13 for a disturbing image and crude gesture. 100 minutes. ★★★ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – That “tale as old as time” returns in 3-D. G. 84 minutes. ★★★★ BIG MIRACLE – Stranded whales become an international cause. PG for language. 107 minutes. ★★★ CHRONICLE – If you had superpowers, would you do good or evil? PG-13 for action, violence, theme, language, sex, teen drinking. 84 minutes. ★★★ CONTRABAND — Mark Wahlberg is a master criminal gone straight. R for violence, language, brief drug use. 109 minutes. ★★ 1/2

VOW Continued from page 8

story. Incidentally, when they say the film is loosely based on a true story, that means almost nothing is the same. In the original, the wife awakens from her coma, her husband says they are married, and they go on with their lives using deep religious faith. Had the film actually been based on that story, it would have been forgettable. It’s the struggle to rekindle a love that once burned brightly that grabs our heart. “The Vow” is a reminder of how beautiful it is to fall in love, even a second time around.

JOURNEY Continued from page 8

XOXO

PG-13 for violence, sexual references, language, drugs, partial nudity. 89 minutes. ★ MAN ON A LEDGE — A so-called thriller about a disgraced cop who threatens to jump. PG-13 for violence, brief language. 102 minutes. ★ 1/2 RED TAILS — The famed Tuskegee Airmen get the heroic rendering they deserve. PG-13 for war violence. 125 minutes. ★★ THE WOMAN IN BLACK – A handsome nerve-jangler stars a grown-up Daniel Radcliffe. PG-13 for theme, violence, disturbing images. 96 minutes. ★★★ UNDERWORLD AWAKENING 3D – Humans discover Vampire and Lycans, and a war to eradicate both species begins. R for violence, gore, language. 88 minutes. ★★

XOXO

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SNEAK PREVIEW *This Means War - PG13 110 min 7:10pm Tuesday, February 14th ***Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in 3D - PG - 105 min. (1:15), (3:40), 7:00, 9:15 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D in D-BOX - PG - 105 min. (1:15), (3:40), 7:00, 9:15 *Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - PG 105 min. (12:40), (3:00) *Safe House - R - 125 min. (12:30), (3:10), 7:10, 9:45 ***Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 3D - 140 min. (12:55), (3:45), 7:05, 7:20, 9:55, 10:10 **The Vow - PG13 - 115 min. (1:10), (3:50), 7:30, 10:10 Chronicle - PG13 - 95 min. (1:00), (3:30), 7:20, 9:40 The Woman In Black - PG13 - 105 min. (12:50), (3:10), 7:10, 9:30 Big Miracle - PG - 115 min. (12:50), (3:15), 7:10, 9:40 One For The Money - PG13 - 100 min. (12:40), (2:50), 7:20, 9:30 The Descendants - R - 125 min. (12:50), (3:40), 7:15, 9:50 The Grey - R - 130 min. (12:40), (3:20), 7:15, 10:00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close PG13 - 140 min. 7:00, 9:50 Red Tails - PG13 - 130 min. 7:00, 9:45 (No 7:00 Show On 2/14) ***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) (No shows Sat 2/11) Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - G - 95 min (12:30), (2:40), (4:50) Man on a Ledge - PG13 - 115 min. (2:50) only

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.

STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 PHANTOM MENACE STAR WARS: EPISODE 1: PHANTOM MENACE (XD-3D) (PG) 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 7:30PM, 10:30PM

ARTIST, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:05PM, 2:35PM, 5:00PM, 7:35PM, 10:00PM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2012) (3D) (G) 1:10PM BIG MIRACLE (DIGITAL) (PG) 1:20PM, 4:00PM, 7:05PM, 9:40PM CHRONICLE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:20PM, 1:25PM, 2:30PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 5:50PM, 6:50PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM, 10:15PM CONTRABAND (DIGITAL) (R) (2:30PM, 5:05PM, DOES NOT PLAY ON SAT, 2/11), 7:50PM, 10:25PM DESCENDANTS, THE (DIGITAL) (R) 1:45PM, 4:35PM, 7:20PM, 10:20PM EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:35PM, 3:30PM, 6:55PM, 9:50PM GREY, THE (2012) (DIGITAL) (R) 1:40PM, 4:25PM, 7:45PM, 10:35PM HUGO (3D) (PG) 4:05PM, 7:00PM, 9:55PM JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (3D) (PG) 11:55AM, 2:15PM, 3:30PM, 4:45PM, 5:55PM, 7:15PM, 8:30PM, 9:45PM JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (DIGITAL) (PG) 1:00PM MAN ON A LEDGE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:00PM, DOES NOT PLAY ON SAT, 2/11 ONE FOR THE MONEY (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:10PM, 2:25PM, (4:55PM, 7:10PM, 9:30PM, DOES NOT PLAY ON THURS, 2/16) SAFE HOUSE (DIGITAL) (R) 12:45PM, 2:05PM, 3:25PM, 4:45PM, 6:15PM, 7:25PM, 8:55PM, 10:05PM STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - PHANTOM MENACE (3D) (PG) 3:05PM, 6:05PM, 9:05PM STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - PHANTOM MENACE (DIGITAL) (PG) 12:05PM VOW, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:50AM, 1:05PM, 2:20PM, 3:35PM, 4:50PM, 6:10PM, 7:20PM, 8:40PM, 9:50PM WOMAN IN BLACK, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:15PM, 1:35PM, 2:40PM, 3:55PM, 5:10PM, 6:25PM, 7:40PM, 8:50PM, 10:10PM Sneak Preview of THIS MEANS WAR on Tuesday, February 14th at 8:00pm 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

the Dietrich Theater Tioga St., Tunkhannock WEEK OF 2/10/12 – 2/16/12

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG)

BIG MIRACLE PG

Fri. 7:00, 9:20 Sat. 1:00, 3:30, 7:00 , 9:20 Sun. 1:00, 3:30, 7:00 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:00 Wed. 12:15, 7:00

Fri. 7:15, 9:40 Sat. 12:30, 3:15, 9:40 Sun. 12:30, 7:15 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:15 Wed. 12:05, 7:15

SAFE HOUSE (R)

THE GREY (R)

Fri. 7:10, 9:35 Sat. 1:15, 4:30, 7:10, 9:35 Sun. 1:15, 4:30, 7:10 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:10 Wed. 12:10, 7:10

Fri. 6:50, 9:25 Sat. 12:45, 4:00, 6:50, 9:25 Sun. 12:45, 4:00, 6:50 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 6:50 Wed. 12:00, 6:50

836.1022 www.dietrichtheater.com

PAGE 9

low-rent chopper pilot (Luis Guzman, funny) and his daughter, given va-va-voom by Vanessa Hudgens, to take them there. They find the place, all right. Along with grandpa (Michael Caine in “Indiana Caine” mode). There are gigantic bees, poodle-size elephants and a boiling volcano, but not much menace. We never fear for anybody, and the action scenes are little more than 3-D showcases ripped off from “Star Wars.” It’s not Vernian or smart or even that clever. Just squeaky clean and scare-free.

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 — An extremely annoying Sept. 11 drama. PG-13 for theme, imagery and language. 129 minutes. ★★ THE GREY — Liam Neeson is among a band of oil-refinery workers stranded in the tundra. R for violence, disturbing content, language. 117 minutes. ★★ 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 ONE FOR THE MONEY – Kathryn Heigl surrounded by no-names.

THE GUIDE

CELEBRITY Q&A BY R.D. HELDENFELS

JUMBLE

UNIVERSAL SUDOKU

BY MICHAEL ARGIRION & JEFF KNUREK

Fabienne Delsol sings in Toyota ad Q. I saw a Toyota Prius ad with a song where the words were “Baby, come along with me,” I think. Who sings this song and is it on CD? A. That’s French singer Fabienne Delsol, and the song is known simply as “Come Along.” It was included on Delsol’s 2007 CD “Between You and Me” but is also available as a download. Q. I noticed that in several scenes in “The Conspirator,” directed by Robert Redford, some of the interior sets had Venetian blinds on the windows. Did they have blinds in 1865, or is this a mistake in the film? A. Redford is known for his attention to detail, and from what I can find the blinds were no mistake. They were in use in the United States well before the Civil War. DeVenco, a Georgia-based maker of wooden blinds, offers styles dating back to colonial America along with historical tidbits on its website. It even quotes an ad for wooden blinds from 1767.

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION

CRYPTOQUOTE

Q. What happened to “The New Adventures of Old Christine”? A. The series starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus ended its CBS run in 2010. The Emmywinning “Seinfeld” co-star will be back in series TV on April 22 with “VEEP,” an HBO series in which she plays the vice president of the United States. 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

PAGE 10

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Relationships

often are built over encounters that are few and far between. In order for the relationship to gain momentum, someone has to take initiative. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People want to know how you did what you did. Some of them would like to know whether you can help them achieve similar results. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Mood swings are not always a negative occurrence. Today’s shifts in feeling will be the cause of spontaneous excitement.

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

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Due to the

uninspiring nature of mundane chores, it’s often difficult to get started, though satisfying to finish. Handle things quickly, and it soon becomes second nature. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you don’t have the buy-in and support of your family, it will be very difficult to be successful in today’s big tasks. So communicate your desire clearly. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There will be a financial reversal. The one who usually wants to save will spend, and the one who usually spends will save. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re a little obsessed right now with an object of desire. When you really want something, there’s no point in putting it off.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Even though

you are a strong individual, you are also quite impressionable. Use this to your advantage. Surround yourself with the kind of people you want to be more like. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Something is not working in your daily routine, and this may be causing you to feel tired or unwell. This is an easy fix once you pinpoint the exact problem. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll work on your mindset and make a conscious effort. Your mental take on things will have an effect on how you look and the way you carry yourself. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Followthrough is a strength of yours. You’ll commit fully to whatever action you

take. And because you are feeling impulsive now, you might not think it through. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A former sweetie may romanticize about your past together. Gently nudge everyone into the present because there’s a lot of good in what’s going on now. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 10). It’s your turn to have fun. Your internal search engine scans the world at large for the data that will contribute to your happiness. Professional achievement will be good for your finances in March. Humor will be a cornerstone of your attitude. April’s “setbacks” are a blessing, as they guide you to more fruitful efforts. Taurus and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 25, 49, 30 and 14.

Husband disregards wife’s fear of his aggressive driving Dear Abby: There is an ongoing issue between my husband and me. It’s his disregard for my personal safety. Our large city is known for its heavy, fast traffic and impatient drivers. “Jon” is a good driver. He likes to drive in the left (passing) lane on the highway or tollway, usually about five miles above the posted speed limit. This is considered too slow for many drivers, who become

DEAR ABBY ADVICE impatient and aggressive having to be behind us in the fast lane. They flash their headlights and tailgate us, trying to get him to move over into the right lane so they can pass, but Jon refuses to yield. If they start to pass us on the right, he will speed up and race them. He says he’s “teaching them a lesson.” I have told my husband that

these games are dangerous and they scare me. Not only could we get into an accident, but we could get into an ugly confrontation or worse. I am terrified in these situations and he knows it, but he continues. I try to drive as often as possible, but I can’t see as well, so Jon drives at night or when we’re going long distances. With the price of gas and considering the inefficiency, it doesn’t make sense to go in separate cars. Do you have any suggestions? — On a Collision Course in Houston

GOREN BRIDGE

Dear On A Collision Course: Jon should be told that impeding the flow of traffic is a very dangerous practice. His childish behavior could incite road rage, and it is everyone’s responsibility to minimize instances in which road rage can occur. Contact the Department of Public Safety to get a copy of the Texas Drivers Handbook. That way you can show Jon in black and white that his behavior is not only wrong but dangerous. While some husbands are not receptive to a wife’s

THE GUIDE

comments about their driving, most will listen to what a state trooper has to say about good driving practices versus bad ones. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. And one more word of advice: Continue being the driver as often as possible. Your lives could depend on it. 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.)

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

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The Tamburitzans

Sunday, February 12, 2012 Hazleton High School 3PM Curtain Tickets = 1-877-822-5452 themidwinterfair@aol.com