21 minute read
Last Call
SCREEN TIME
Needles scarier than the COVID-19 vaccination!
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Jim Keogh
Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
I’ve been amused by the Facebook traffic generated by people of a certain age who one moment are complaining about the “everybody gets a trophy” culture they claim is ruining today’s children, yet in their own posts they’re pleading to be publicly acknowledged for getting their COVID-19 vaccine. The comments of support and congratulations are their prize for bravely making and keeping an appointment at CVS. (By the way, in his terrific HBO standup special “The Great Depresh,” Gary Gulman makes a compelling argument that any player who endures the endless boredom of a typical youth baseball season deserves a trophy, at the very least.)
I’m pro-vaccine (got mine — trophy please!), but I do harbor sympathy for people who may be avoiding the shot because they suffer from trypanophobia — a fear of needles. I imagine that asking a trypanophobe to voluntarily have a needle inserted into their arm is the equivalent of asking someone with coulrophobia, a crippling fear of clowns, to sit in the front row at a circus. I’m not great with heights, and at this stage of my life you’d only get me on a rollercoaster at gunpoint.
Of all the phobias, the fear of needles seems to me one of the most logical. The invasion of the body by a pointed metal shaft is an unnatural act, even if that shaft is ultrathin and the pain nothing more than a pinch, I can understand the anxiety it produces in a way the fear of, say, cotton candy does not.
Movies are no friend to the trypanophobes among us: You could easily stage a mini-film festival featuring scenes in which needles are applied in the direst ways, the kind that would convince the truly afflicted to never get the vaccine. So as a public service to my needle-averse friends, I recommend they avoid the following movies and one TV show, or at least fast forward through these particular scenes: h Saw II (2005) – A group of people will be imprisoned in a room until they starve to death unless they can retrieve the key to unlock the door. Sadly, the key rests at the bottom of a pit filled with filthy hypodermics. An unlucky young woman is tossed into the pit to retrieve the key, and watching this sequence unfold would leave any true trypanaphobe on the floor curled in a fetal position, gently rocking until they reach their happy place. h Pulp Fiction (1994) – After a dinner date with her husband’s underling, Vincent Vega (John Travolta), Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) snorts from Vincent’s stash of heroin and overdoses herself into a near-coma. Vincent races her over to the home of his dealer, who frantically fills an enormous hypodermic with adrenaline, which Vincent plunges directly into Mia’s heart. The enduring image: a revived, disoriented Mia, with the hypodermic protruding from her chest, being asked to say something and managing only to reply, “Something.” h Requiem for a Dream (2000) –Darren Aronofsky’s hellscape of drug addiction in Coney Island ends with a
John Travolta and Uma Thurman star in “Pulp Fiction.” MIRAMAX
NEW ON DVD
‘Vanquish’ stands alone among new releases
The pandemic doldrums can be felt, with just one in DVD release of note for the week of April 27.
“Vanquish”: Filmed in 2020 amid the pandemic, Morgan Freeman stars as Damon, a retired police officer who blackmails Victoria (Ruby Rose), his caretaker with a hidden special set of skills, to eliminate the gangsters who have dirt on him.
In his review for the Star Tribune, critic Chris Hewitt said the crime thriller “is an example of the sort of pandemic-friendly filmmaking that, for a while, it looked like we were going to be stuck with but hopefully won’t be.”
While praising the film’s leads, Hewitt notes that “Vanquish” suffers from the performance of the actors in supporting rolls.
“Freeman and Rose are fine in the movie, even if the best that can be said about it is that it kept capable actors busy while they waited for something better to come along, and Patrick Muldoon is surprisingly effective as an evil sleaze. But, elsewhere on the cast list, there are hints that adding a COVID-19 safety line-item to the budget resulted in slashing the money available for actors.”
Out on demand April 27
“Here Are the Young Men”: Based on the Rob Doyle novel of the same name, the movie follows three Dublin teens celebrating high school graduation with a debauched bender marked by increased violence. Stars “Queen’s Gambit” breakout star Anya TaylorJoy, Travis Fimmel and Finn Cole.
“Justice Society: World War II”: The Flash travels back in time to join the fight between DC’s superhero team and Nazis in this animated film, the latest entry in the DC Universe Movies line.
Out on demand April 30
“The Virtuoso”: Anson Mount plays an assassin sent to a small town on a job by his mentor (Anthony Hopkins). The methodical assassin must decipher a cryptic clue to identify his target, with an added complication presented by an alluring woman (Abbie Cornish).
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Maureen Burdulis DYLAN AZARI
Memento
Continued from Page 22D
it has a rich history.”
Burdulis still has the token and not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about returning it to its rightful owner. “He must be well into his 40s by now,” she estimates. “I just have a goodwill feeling that this article can help me identify him.”
Burdulis has five children and 18 grandchildren, which is to say that she can recognize a significant moment in a child’s life when she sees it. “I have always respected that a boy could express his feelings,” she says. “For a kid that age, I thought it was pretty powerful.”
The YWCA is currently undergoing a $24 million renovation project including a refresh for its five-lane heated swimming pool. It still offers learnto-swim and synchronized swimming programs like the ones Burdulis oversaw so many years ago. Teaching swimming is a funny thing because it demands trust and scrutiny on the part of both swimmer and coach. This is why I believe that the little boy, now a grown man, will remember Burdulis with the same esteem and reverence she had for him.
Placing the medal in his hands after all these years will bring her great peace. Let’s get our sleuth hats on — we’ve got a war memento to return.
What do we know? h Male h Born in the mid to late 1970s h Grew up in Worcester h Likely has extended family in the Midwestern United States h Attended swim classes at the YWCA of Central Mass in the 1980s h Has an uncle who fought in the Korean War
If you have any leads, you can find me on the internet. Operation “Cowboy County” is in full swing.
Hip-Hop Beginnings
If you want to not only dress like a hip-hop artist but start making your own music (and music videos), check out The Empire grand opening tomorrow. Local artists Nino Help and Yonisa Feliz aim to make Empire not only a clothing store but a media production space for both established and up-and-coming artists. Everything needed to make your content professional will be available, including a large green screen, smoke machine and specialized lighting. Anyone who shows up during store hours Friday will be entered into a free raffle for a gift package of clothing, with the winner announced at 4:30. (VM) What: Grand opening of The Empire When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30 Where: 5 Jacques St., Worcester (next to Hope Cemetery) How much: No admission cost but visitors can purchase an extra raffle slot for one dollar
The Empire will hold a grand opening April 30. PROMOTIONAL IMAGE
Funny Guy
“If my girl ever got me $200 worth of tools,” jokes comedian Corey Rodrigues. “I’d say ‘Return ‘em, and get me four PlayStation games.’” Later, in the same routine, he describes a woman cornering him after a show, berating him for not owning a hammer. Rodrigues has a way of taking everyday life and elevating it to absurd levels, with side-splitting results. (VDI) What: Comedian Corey Rodrigues When: 8 p.m. April 30 Where: The Comedy Attic at Park Grill, 257 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $20
Moving Slowly
“SlowRaiser” is what the the Sprinkler Factory calls its “6.5th annual ArtRaiser” art auction event. Art donated in support of the Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester, will be in a silent and “slow auction” May 1 to 15. The auction can be previewed online. There will also be in-person bidding at the Sprinkler Factory Gallery (must be scheduled). (RD) What: “SlowRaiser” When: May 1 to 15. Where: Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester; www.sprinklerfactory.com In-person: 5 to 8 p.m. May 6; 5 to 8 p.m. May 7; 3 to 8 p.m. May 8; 5 to 8 p.m. May 13; 5 to 8 p.m. May 14; 3 to 8 p.m. May 15. Limited to 25 guests per 1 hour time slot. Links to schedule an in-person visit via Eventbrite will be posted soon.
Guitar wizard Carlos Odria SUBMITTED PHOTO
Exploring a world of art
Refugee Artisans of Worcester co-founders Joan Kariko and Ellen Ferrante “share the belief that with every piece of art, the result is a reflection of the artist’s life history, that the work is comprised of more than a single life but the expression of thousands of years of cultural history,” according to the organizations website. Art lovers can see that for themselves at a gallery opening for RAW, which will feature work from weavers, basket makers, jewelry makers, fabric enhancers who use embroidery and bead embellishments, knitters, stone masons and seamstresses, from several different countries. The event will also feature demonstrations of weaving and basket-making, as well as live Bhutanese Drummers and jazz guitarist Carlos Odria. (VDI) What: Gallery Opening for Refugee Artisans of Worcester When: 7 p.m. May 1 Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester How much: Free Comedian Corey Rodrigues
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WARL ADOPTION OPTION
Meet Montana
Welcome to Adoption Option, a partnership with the Worcester Animal Rescue League highlighting their adoptable pets. Check this space often to meet all of the great pets at WARL in need of homes. WARL is open seven days a week, noon-4 p.m., 139 Holden St. Check them out online at Worcesterarl.org, or call at (508) 853-0030.
Are you looking for a happy go lucky, energetic, playful friend to fill your heart and time with? Look no further, meet Montana! This young guy loves adventure and can be a bit mischievous. His silly faces and antics will keep you laughing for years to come. An ideal home for Montana would be one with a lot of room to run and explore. Montana loves to zoom around and is obsessed with toys, it doesn’t matter if it’s a tennis ball, plush toys or rope toys, he’s game and zoomies are a daily part of life for him. Right now Montana only knows how to sit, but he catches on very quickly to other tasks. He is currently working on his leash manners and drop-it, since he loves his toys, but doesn’t always love letting them go. He plays rough with his toys and likes to bounce and jump around. Montana seems to like some other dogs, but it depends on their size and energy level. Given his breed and his desire to chase, we would not recommend him living with small animals. If you would like to know more about Montana or you would like to make an appointment to meet him, please contact the shelter to meet him.
WARL COVID-19 Procedures As of Nov. 9, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we want to share with you some changes we have implemented so that we can continue to serve the pets and people of our community while keeping our team protected. h ADOPTIONS: At this time, adoptions are being held BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. If you are interested in adoption, please visit our website worcesterarl.org/ adopt/ to learn more about our available animals then call us at (508) 853-0030 ext.0 or email us at info@worcesterarl. org to schedule an appointment. h CASUAL VISITS TO THE SHELTER are prohibited. We will strictly enforce this in order to keep our animal care team protected while still maintaining the most essential function of our operation ... finding homes for animals in need. h ANIMAL SURRENDERS: Our business practice for surrendering a pet remains the same. All pet owners must contact WARL in advance of surrendering a pet. Please call (508) 853-0030. h SPAY/NEUTER CLINICS: All scheduled appointments will be honored. If you have a scheduled appointment, we will be contacting you to discuss changes to our drop off/pick up procedures. h DONATIONS ACCEPTED except for open bags of food. h Pet food, cat litter, and other shelter supplies will be essential in continuing to provide for our animals and to assist community members in need. To avoid unnecessary travel and exposure, items can be purchased online from our Amazon Wishlist - https:// www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ wishlist/3AX342JIL73M0 h Weekly training classes are going on for adopters. h The WARL Volunteer Program is temporarily suspended. All regular volunteer shifts are on hold. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can. We have many animals in our care who depend on us to stay healthy and well. The above measures help to protect our staff and community from the spread of COVID - 19 by minimizing face-to-face interactions while continuing to operate only core essential services. Please continue to follow our Facebook page for additional updates. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the shelter at (508) 8530030 or info@worcesterarl.org.
Montana is available through WARL’s adoption program. PHOTO
COURTESY OF SARA MCCLURE
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Screen Time
Continued from Page 23D
scene of exceeding despair. Too many needles over too many years results in the forced amputation of a junkie’s arm, the procedure performed as his mother undergoes electroshock therapy to treat her pillinduced psychosis and two addict friends suffer their own tortures. Simply brutal. h Seinfeld (“The Glasses” episode) – Yep, not even a sitcom is a refuge. Fearing she’s contracted rabies, Elaine goes to the hospital for meds. Just as the doctor is about to stick her with a hypodermic, she asks, “Is this going to hurt?” to which he replies, “Yes, very much” before driving that sweet needle home.
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JONESIN’ “Ask Your Doctor”--they sound like prescriptions. by Matt Jones
Across
1 “Dis or ___” (“You Don’t Know Jack” round) 4 Ozone depleter, for short 7 Brotherhood brothers 12 Obama’s first chief of staff Rahm 14 Fragmented 16 *”Feel the need to get in hot water? Ask your doctor if ___ is right for you.” 17 *”Are you managing your health under ‘New Rules’? Ask your doctor if ___ ...” 19 Our top story? 20 Things to pick 22 Film set in cyberspace 23 7, on a grandfather clock 24 Chime in 26 Prefix meaning “iron containing” 27 Maritime patrol org. 29 *”Lack of unusual influences getting you down? Ask your doctor if ___ ...” 31 “Atlas Shrugged” novelist Rand 33 “And giving ___, up the chimney he rose” 34 Marlins’ MLB div. 35 In-browser programs 39 Tiny amounts 41 Conk out 42 Feast on the beach 44 Roman 1011 45 *”Do you need to reach higher in life? Ask your doctor if ___ ...” 48 Aquafina rival 52 Game show host Convy and Muppet ... well, we don’t get a last name 53 Gnocchi-like dumplings (from the Italian for “naked”) 55 “Who Let the Dogs Out?” group Baha ___ 56 “You’re in trou-bllle ...” 57 Poison lead singer Michaels 58 Barely enough 60 *”Want to feel like you did it your way? Ask your doctor if ___ ...” 62 *”Feel like the only way to be cured is by meat? Ask your doctor if ___ ...” 64 Milk acid 65 Seven days from now 66 Nebraska senator Ben who voted to impeach in the February 2021 trial 67 ___ Equis 68 “Black-ish” dad
Down
1 “Done it before” feeling 2 Cremona violins 3 Gambit 4 Capital of the 21-Down Empire 5 Moroccan hat 6 Medical center 7 Age range for most high schoolers 8 Heavy burden 9 Bucks’ org. 10 Out of ___ (askew) 11 Like some renditions 13 Rapa ___ (Easter Island, to locals) 15 Trivia quiz website that also offers pub trivia 18 Licorice-flavored seeds 21 See 4-Down 25 Kept inside 26 Former Army base in N.J. 28 Gadot of “Wonder Woman” 30 Scarfed, even more slangily 32 Barks sharply 35 Marinated Philippine dishes 36 Disinfectant ingredient 37 Kuala Lumpur’s ___ Towers skyscrapers 38 Provide table talk? 40 “What’s the ___?” (“So what?”) 43 ___ Reader (alternative digest) 46 Home of Odysseus and Penelope 47 Won on eBay, usually 49 Took an x-ray of, perhaps 50 Kendall or Kylie 51 Consumption 54 Cozumel y Mallorca, por ejemplo 57 Rite performed by a mohel 59 Dairy dweller 61 Some two-door Audi models 63 One of “Two Virgins” on a 1968 album cover
Last week's solution
LAST CALL
Johnny Bui, author of ‘Who’s Doing It’
Sarah Connell Sanders
Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
Johnny Bui’s book, “Who’s Doing It: The Rise of The Young Entrepreneur,” explores the intersection of self-initiative, societal expectations and curiosity. Bui believes you are only limited by your ambition and willingness to keep trying.
Tell me about growing up in Worcester.
I’m the oldest in a family of four. Our parents immigrated here from Vietnam. I remember growing up very close to Clark University, which is why I attended University Park Campus School. Growing up in Main South, the neighborhood wasn’t always great. UPCS was my world. My goal for all six years and literally everything I did was directed at getting good grades in order to get into college. The road after that was something of a mystery to me. I didn’t have any family members or relatives to turn to for advice about being a college student.
Where did you end up?
Clark University, but that was never my plan for all four years. It was just meant to be a place for me to find myself. I enrolled between 2016 and 2018 and I experienced a ton of growth personally and professionally. I majored in business, but to get there, I had to study biology, sociology, psychology, economics, ethics, and entrepreneurship. I visited the Career Service Center every single week of my first semester. And then, weekly for the second semester. The goal there was just to accelerate my learning and ask, “How do I get to the point where I can make a decision about what I want my career to be?” Between me and my counselor, it was always a conversation of where I should be? What should I be doing? How do I get ahead? I studied in Luxembourg during my sophomore year and got international experience there. By this time, as a sophomore, I was leading the Entrepreneurship Club, working at a farmers market started by another student, and then I eventually left to start my own business. At the same time, I was supposed to succeed in my classes. I was doing so many things.
When did you decide you were going to write a book?
Becoming an author was something that was on my bucket list. It’s one of those things you say, but you don’t actually know when you’re going to do it. I never set out to write a book while I was still in college, the opportunity just came up. That opportunity manifested at Clark while I was going through my rigorous coursework. I was posting so much on LinkedIn at the time and a professor from Georgetown University came across my profile and reached out to ask if I wanted to participate in his pilot program. In 2018, I also received the decision that I was accepted to Babson College and I started preparing to transfer. The Georgetown professor’s Creator’s Program was all about leading students through an open source and making it accessible to students from all over the U.S. I told him I was interested, then it was just a matter of putting together a book.
How did you decide what to write about?
I attended intro sessions and met the rest of the cohort and learned more about what this program would encompass. In June of that year, I attended a youth entrepreneurship conference in New York called Next Gen Summit. By that time I had accepted that I was going to go through with the whole program and publish a book. The main takeaway from the conference was that there were so many young people out there, my age and younger, doing amazing things and living their lives in unconventional ways. Coming from a first-gen background, my parents had laid out three traditional paths for me: lawyer, doctor, or another position in the medical field. That list completely disappeared when I went to this conference because I realized there were so many other possibilities. It was mind boggling. I left the conference knowing, “I want to write a book for a first-generation kid that doesn’t know about the limitless possibilities that he or she can achieve.” I spent the next three months interviewing young entrepreneurs and learning about their unconventional journeys, both pitfalls and successes.
Have you taken your own advice?
It was like an act of defiance against what I knew growing up. Again, my view of the world was so small and limited to the walls of UPCS. So in essence, through the book and with everything that I do subsequently after is further evidence of me continuing to push the envelope of what is possible. I mentioned that I interviewed young entrepreneurs that reached a certain level of success like “Shark Tank,” Forbes 30U30, “MasterChef Junior” — but, nothing that would catch headlines across news channels. This was intentional because I wanted them to be relatable. I anticipated that the majority of people reading the book would not recognize these names, just like me. We’re just ordinary people doing extraordinary things and I want to show these readers that with choice, they can “do it.” And most importantly, they can do it differently.
What career path did you ultimately take?
I’m sort of doing a hybrid career. I have the corporate life that I was always hoping for, but I’m also a real estate agent. It’s a blend. The corporate life, or any nine to five job, is a rat race. I don’t want to do that forever. My end goal is to become an investor. I like the independence of real estate because you get out of it what you put in. It’s more of a mindset thing than anything. I see everything that can be done as possibilities, possibilities as opportunities, and I consider myself an opportunist. After taking advantage of as many opportunities that I could get my hands on in college, my perspective of the world has been dramatically widened. “Who’s Doing It?” may sound like a call out to be the only one to do something but I interpret it as a calling to reject the hand they were given in life, or the hand that they were taught to accept, and truly following what you want to do.
Johnny Bui is the author of a book on young entrepreneurs. SUBMITTED PHOTO
