By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Lone Ranger has created a cultural divide — mainstream media hates the film, while the RottenTomatoes .com opinion poll has proclaimed the film as “certified fresh.”

It is not a family-friendly flick like Despicable Me 2, but The Lone Ranger will likely, be on this film columnists Top 10 List this year.

It is definitely better than the Summer blockbuster World War Z, which presents Brad Pitt as a father who takes his family into the City of Brotherly Love. On the crowded streets of Philadelphia, people start to go crazy and become zombies. His family makes a hasty retreat.

Fortunately, Brad Pitt is a scientist with the World Health Organization. After his family is given shelter, Professor Pitt starts to track the germ that is causing all the problems. The contagion is part of a conspiracy with roots in Korea and the Middle East.

The problem with World War Z is deja vu. If you have seen 28 Days Later or Dawn of the Dead, or any of the Resident Evil movies, you have seen this flick already. Using the found footage documentary technique, it seems this low-budget motion picture spent most of their money paying Brad Pitt’s salary.

For those seeking a contrast between cowboys and zombies, Kristen Wiig’s Girl Most Likely opens next week. After suffering from a nervous breakdown, Wiig’s character returns home to her kooky mother. Annette Bening co-stars as the hippie chick Mama who is more interested in kinky sex than her daughter’s well-being. The preview looks funny.

Next week, Sally Kellerman returns to South Florida to promote her autobiography, “Read My Lips.” Last seen in South Florida seven years ago promoting The Boynton Beach Club, Kellerman will be visiting July 17 with lunch at Pier 66 and an evening at Cinema Paradiso to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and be interviewed by film professor Foster Hirsch. On July 18, Kellerman will attend the Cinema Paradiso-Hollywood fundraiser before returning to California.

Introduced to the world in the movie version of M*A*S*H, directed by Robert Altman, in which she played “Hot Lips” Houlihan, Kellerman was featured in two more Altman movies, Brewster McCloud and Pret- A-Porter. She portrayed Jodie Foster’s mother in Foxes and Rodney Dangerfield’s love interest in Back to School. Her voice heard on many television commercials, she has released two albums and tours her cabaret act across the world.

For more information on Kellerman’s itinerary, call 954-525 FILM.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 1 A man reported he was sitting in his car parked at 109 SE 3 Court when two men using handguns approached him and demanded his wallet and cell phone, which he gave to them.

July 1 A man reported his home at 181 SW 5 St. entered and a television, X-360, iPad and DVD player stolen.

July 1 The laundry room at the Avalon Resort, 735 S. Ocean Dr., was entered. A coin machine was broken into and $200 was stolen.

July 2 A woman reported her car parked at 401 S. Powerline Rd. broken into and a purse stolen.

July 2 A woman reported her home at 410 NW 46 St. entered, and jewelry and a laptop computer stolen.

July 2 Someone jumped over a fence at Tecta America at 1431 SW 30 Ave. and stole copper cable.

July 2 Two men robbed a man and a woman. Using a gun they stole $500 and sunglasses. Incident took place at 2096 NE 2 St. The subjects fled on foot.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Incident began on Monday, June 10, at approximately 5:30 p.m., when the victim and her friend were at their community’s pool. They left their belongings on chairs adjacent to the hot tub. The juvenile and her two friends were in the hot tub. The juvenile stole the victim’s iTouch (MP3 player).

On June 13 in Riverglen, at 4400 NW 6 St., a maintenance employee, who had seen a security video, recognized two of the girls from the pool on July 10. The other girl identified the juvenile as having stolen an iTouch. The juvenile provided a Post Miranda warning confession. Juvenile was charged with Grand Theft.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 29 It was reported that a sign was stolen from Bateman, Gordon & Sands, Inc. at 3050 N. Federal Hwy. It cost $1,000 to replace the sign.

July 1 A woman reported her vehicle parked at 3260 N. Federal Hwy. burglarized. Her purse containing $300, a credit card, a cell phone and a driver’s license was stolen. Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

Practice Precaution – Prevent a Drowning Tragedy

Dear Editor:

It only takes a minute. You look away, you may not hear the splash and your child is nowhere in sight. Drowning – the harsh reality of losing a child in as little as 20 seconds.

Sadly, in 2012, Broward County lost nine children under the age of 4 to drowning accidents, and, since January 2013, there have been two more. Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is committed to educating parents and caregivers about taking precautions to help end these preventable tragedies.

Living in South Florida, we are surrounded by water. Although children may know how to swim, if left unsupervised, they can drown in less than 2 inches of water. When participating in outdoor water activities, I encourage you to follow these safety-conscious behaviors:

• Never leave a child alone around water-not even for a moment!

• Teach your child to swim as soon as he or she is able to crawl.

• Always designate an Official Water Watcher. Similar to a “designated driver,” this person is solely responsible for keeping an eye on children in or around any body of water.

• Avoid distractions while watching children around a pool (i.e., texting, talking on the phone, barbecuing or sleeping).

• Utilize layers of protection including self-closing gates, locks on gates and doors, and pool covers.

• All doors leading to any body of water should have anaudible alarm to indicate when they are being opened.

• Keep lifesaving equipment nearby, including a cell phone, reach pole, and life preservers with a rope.

• Anytime a child is missing, immediately search all bodies of water first. Do not scan; look thoroughly!

• Learn CPR.

As we enter the summer months, I encourage you to visit www.sheriff.org/drowning to fill out a Pool Safety Survey and assess the watersafety precautions you have in place for your family. As a central part of the Drowning Prevention Task Force, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Division also provides community education and awareness seminars to public and private organizations, such as condo associations, schools and businesses to help you identify potential hazards. To schedule a seminar for your community or business, call 954-831-8210.

While you are out enjoying a fun day in the water this summer, please remember to be responsible and practice safety. Make a commitment to safeguard our children from becoming victims of this entirely preventable tragedy.

As always, you can stay upto- date on BSO news and information when you become a fan of our Facebook page (Broward Sheriff’s Office – Official), follow us on Twitter@browardsheriff or sign up for our CyberVisor program.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

Sheriff Scott Israel

AARP driver safety program

Thursday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point 227 NW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save money, earn a discount on your car insurance and update your driving skills! Provides those over 50 years of age with updated information on current Florida Statutes, as well as coping with changes which have occurred in their driving years. $14 for the 6 hour course ($12 for AARP member). Space limited; reservations required. 954-480-4447.

“Pompano Has Heart” award presentation

Thursday, July 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Heart of the Gourmet 816 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Community service award presented to BSO deputy, Mike Johnson. Complimentary wine & food, networking opportunities, raffles and more. Donations accepted and 10 percent of all sales to Pompano Has Heart. 954-654-3757 or www.pompanohasheart.org .

Class of 1973 40th Class Reunion

Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14

For details, contact Karen McCarver Bauer at 386-409-7816 or Cindie Bautista Deery at 561-901-9337.

2nd Annual Boca Burger Battle

Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m., (6 p.m. for VIP) to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park Palmetto Park Rd. & Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

This Grilling Affair includes over 20 chefs competing for the coveted Best Boca Burger trophy. Besides burgers, there will be all the sides & fixins’, from French fries and onion rings to salads and apple pie. Quench your thirst with beer, wine or spirits. Portions of proceeds benefit PROPEL. $55 per person, VIP: $85. Age 21 + only. No pets. Rain or shine. 561-338-7594 or www.bocaburgerbattle.com.

Save at the Pump!

Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Valero 1380N. FederalHwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

The Journey Church has prepaid down the price of gas 50 cents for two hours. Stop by and receive complimentary windshield cleaning.

1st Annual Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, July 13, 8:30 a.m.

Westside Park 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Kiwanis Club Deerfield Beach West will honor Dr. Nathaniel Knowles. Guest speaker: Judge Elijah Williams. $25. Proceeds benefit Christmas in July for needy children. 954-732-9883.

2nd Annual Summer Splash Community Event

Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Everest University 225 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

FREE family event with Splash Zone, bounce houses, food, refreshments, music, haircuts, face painting, wing eating contest and much more. 954-783-7889.

Meet to Beat the Heat

Saturday, July 13, 6 to 8 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Complimentary ice cream and popsicles, children’s activities, Blood mobile. Christian music. Casual attire. 954-427-0222. www.communitych.org.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, July 14, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks lodge 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults: $5/Children: $2.50. Open to the public. 954- 587-1121.

ArtHall

Wednesday, July 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown Pompano Beach 50 NE 1 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE. Perspectives of Eastern Europe and South America through oil painting. Meet the artists, enjoy music, refreshments. 954-586-1111.

Leukemia & Lymphoma “Give Back Night”

Wednesday, July 17, 5 p.m. ‘til close.

Tijuana Flats 278 S Federal Hwy Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

10 percent of sales after 5 p.m. will be donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For information, visit www.justinqueso.org.

Save the Date: American Legion Celebrity Golf Tournament

Friday, July 19, 8:15 a.m. (Shotgun Start)

Deer Creek Golf Club 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Sponsored by American Legion Glenn Miller Post 287. Registration: $125-per person, $400: foursome. Info on participation and/or sponsorship, call 954-290-4342 or email DMartin5683@gmail.com.

I had the privilege of being able to go and see the fireworks at Deerfield Beach on the Fourth of July.

What a great time of year as we celebrate the independence of our country! I could not believe the number of people there at the beach to watch a fireworks show. I was really surprised because I thought it turned out to be one of the best fireworks shows in a very long time.

As we were walking back to our car, I began to calculate all the time and energy we had invested, along with thousands of others for some entertainment. We spent 15 minutes driving each way, 30 minutes walking each way, and 25 minutes being entertained.

I am not trying to say that there is anything wrong with being entertained because I absolutely loved the fireworks show and I was definitely entertained.

I guess it made me a little sad because we have an Easter sunrise service every year and we are always trying to find ways to get people to attend this wonderful celebration. I believe that it comes down to having a relationship with God and getting to know Him on a more personal level. Moses wanted to see God and have an encounter with Him, and, when Moses did this, he left God’s presence changed. When I am in church and spending time with God, I always leave changed and closer to God. What good does it do if we say we are friends with God and then not spend any time with Him? When people leave the sunrise service on Easter morning, they leave changed because they have had an encounter with God.

When I left the fireworks display on the 4th of July, I felt entertained. I felt good because it made me happy and kept my attention, but that was it.

When we left the fireworks show, it was over until next year.

When we have an encounter with God, we will leave His presence changed for good if we choose. Jacob had an encounter with God and he had a limp for the rest of his life as a reminder that he would be forever changed. It is nice to be entertained and have a good time, but it is even better to spend time with God and leave with something that you will never forget.

Sometimes, God will encourage us when we are down, love us when we are sad, hold us when we are hurting or even correct us when we make mistakes. No matter what the encounter, I always leave God’s presence with something I need.

The fireworks were great, but they did not help me with anything going on in my life. God wants to help you and encourage you, but you have to look for Him.

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor of Christian Love Fellowship Church

By Gary Curreri, Special Correspondent

Pompano Beach Middle School’s Daishaon Spann said she doesn’t feel any pressure following in her five sisters footsteps on the track.

The Pompano Beach Middle School sixth grader didn’t display any nerves as she ran away with the county title in the girls’ 800-meter run with a time of 2:26.08 in the recent Broward County Middle School track and field championships at South Plantation High School. Spann also placed fourth in the 200-meter dash as she clocked a 27.36.

“I just wanted to go out and make everybody chase me,” said Spann, 11, who is the No. 3-ranked girl in the 400- meter dash and 800-meter run in the AAU national Submidget Division. She is moving up to the Midget Division this year. “I like racing because it relieves stress and I like to travel a lot. I don’t feel pressure having to follow in their footsteps. I am looking to make a name for myself.”

Spann had a pulled muscle during the 400-meter dash at last year’s nationals in the AAU competition and took fourth.

Other locals who performed well at the county meet were Pompano Middle’s Carshalylah Harrison, who won the girls’ high jump in 4- 10.00 and placed fifth in the girls’ 400-meter dash (1:04.06). Deerfield Beach Middle School’s Sara Carroll was second in the girls’ high jump (4-08.00). Pompano Middle’s Sameria Gainer was third in the girls’ shot put with a toss of 27-01.50. Deerfield Beach Middle’s Taylor Broward was fifth in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles (18.88). Deerfield Beach Middle’s Sara Carroll was seventh in the 800-meter run (2:48.35).

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When I heard that the politically-correct Walt Disney studios would be producing The Lone Ranger, I started posting on websites — “They had better play The William Tell Overture stanza March of the Swiss Soldiers.’” Director Gore Verbinsky did not disappoint. The adopted Lone Ranger Theme is heard and it was one of the most rousing moments in cinema since John Williams conducted the “Indiana Jones Theme” 32 years ago. The audience exploded and clapped in unison.

Inspired by Miguel Cervantes Don Quixote, this story is told from the perspective of the trusty sidekick Tonto (Johnny Depp). We meet the tenderfoot lawyer from Harvard, John Reid (Armie Hammer). Unlike the stoic portrayals by Clayton Moore and John Hart, this future Lone Ranger is a bit goofy and is slow to adapt to the culture of the wild wild west. Then again, it is important to remember that this story is told from the perspective of Tonto.

While on patrol with his While on patrol with his brother, Reid and the Texas Rangers are ambushed by the notorious Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner), who is part cannibal. Unlike pretty boy villains from The Avengers and Star Trek, Cavendish is one of the most loathsome villains to arrive on the big screen since Bruce Dern shot John Wayne in the back in The Cowboys.

Tonto rescues Reid and convinces the neophyte to wear a mask to disguise his identity. As the pair track down the Cavendish Gang, they encounter a railroad baron (Tom Wilkinson) and a prostitute with an ivory leg (Helena Bonham Carter). When a white horse joins the pair, the legend of The Lone Ranger begins.

The Lone Ranger returns the viewer to the thrilling days of yesteryear. Like a good action serial that inspired The Rocketeer and the best Indiana Jones movies, Verbinski directs uncomfortable moments that lead to a satisfying conclusion each time. There is also an homage to the Buster Keaton Classic The General, featuring the stonefaced Tonto riding the rails.

As much as Moore’s Lone Ranger encouraged being a responsible American citizen, this update features modern cultural concerns. We see corrupt businessmen in collusion with government officials. When bunny rabbits get too aggressive, Tonto states that “nature is out of balance.” The purity of The Lone Ranger’s values might be old-fashioned, but are still needed in the 21st century.

Along with Star Trek Into Darkness, The Lone Ranger is the best summer blockbuster this summer. There is not a better movie to see this 4th of July weekend.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Ya gotta love a country that can produce – within the remnants of Guttenberg print, as well as modern day social media – – columns, blogs and Letters to the Editor excoriating Edward Snowdens whistleblowing as being a danger to the country, and, in equal space, lauding the man for being a patriot, with digital news outlets relentlessly redundant in offering passionate opinions – on both sides and in between. If this isn’t a metaphor for what is “right” (as opposed to “wrong”) about our country, I cannot imagine a better one.

Personally, I have been hoping for such a national debate for quite a while. The obvious fear of a “slippery slope” is on everyone’s mind, a legitimate concern as we study how dictatorial governments usurp power sometimes so gradually as to leave a naïve constituency in shock as it realizes how powerless it has become. This can happen as a result of evil intent – or benign inefficiency .

The other side of that coin is the existential threat we face from clusters of irrational enemies requiring our use of sophisticated surveillance to thwart major disasters. And, alas, there is no official set of rules we can apply to define the boundaries, or to identify standards. Many who express passion on one side or the other are privileged to only partial information. So whistle blowers, watchdogs and defenders of our national security haggle over several versions of the truth, which we, the people, are charged with sorting out. And, just as an aside, it is ironical, though not too surprising, to note the incongruous lineup of allies as the progressive left and the libertarian right cuddle up to each other.

How is it possible to measure the effects of what Snowden did? We will never accurately be able to assess damage and we will never accurately be able to assess the degree to which some parts of our privacy may be restored as a result of his disclosures.

What actually happens to Snowden is a distraction – albeit Hollywood style – from the debate concerning the balance between security and privacy.

The nanosecond speed with which people trumpet to the world the fact that they are about to go to the john, order a Scotch or dance naked makes one wonder about privacy as a priority.

We are a country suffering from dysphoria, dissonance, disaffection, discord, disenchantment, disgruntlement, distrust, disillusionment, dispiritedness and dysfunction. And, if there’s anything we know how to do, it is to “dis” one another.

But here’s the bottom line: It is healthy that we ARE having this debate out in the open. It need not be vitriolic or accusatory. Hopefully, it will settle into more transparency balanced with an understanding and acceptance of the necessary secret measures our government must take in the name of security.

And so here’s to another Happy Birthday to our very flawed, but nonetheless better than any other, country on the planet.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 28 A home at 2726 SW 15 St. was broken into. Electronic equipment, cellphones and jewelry were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $1,500.

June 28 A home at 332 NW 3 St. was entered and a laptop computer and a tablet were stolen.

June 29 A home at 821 NE 50 St. was entered and jewelry and a laptop were stolen.

June 29 A woman reported that her home at 1421 SW 5 Terr. was entered and various items stolen. Total loss was estimated at $8,000.

June 29 A man doing renovation work on a house at 210 SW 1 Court reported that the windows and an air conditioning unit were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $750.

June 30 A car parked at 648 Siesta Key Circle was broken into. The woman who owns the car reported a window smashed. Nothing was stolen from the car, but the interior was rummaged through.

June 30 One woman and two men were seen in a vehicle stopped at a home at 900 SE 11 Ave. A neighbor witnessed the people in the vehicle pry open a shed at the property and steal a generator valued at $750. The victim was in bed with a headache during the theft.

June 30 A woman was shopping at Dollar Tree at 4008 W. Hillsboro Blvd. and noticed that someone had stolen her purse with $600, credit cards and a driver’s license.

DEERFIELD – District 4

June 25 Commercial burglary took place at Publix at 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Subject stole $21 worth of beer and food from the business and left without paying for merchandise.

June 25 Commercial burglary occurred at FRSTeam, at 1919 NW 40 Ct. A representative of the company indicated that an unknown person removed a black HP laptop with a fingerprint scanner and an Apple iPad from the office. Complainant initially tracked the computer north on Powerline Road but lost contact. Loss was estimated at $1,000.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 25 A woman reported that her car at 2121 NE 42 Court was entered and rummaged through.

June 27 A woman reported that her car at 2160 NE 42 Court was entered. Items from the glove box and the car’s interior were rummaged through.

Open GREEN Space

Dear Editor:

There are those opposed to growing a useless, privately owned wasteland into an industrial park and open green space.

Why?

The residents want to rid themselves of the vermin and snakes from their lawns.

The city applauds the 1,500 jobs the project will create along with $1 million in tax revenue it creates yearly.

Turning a useless, privately-owned weed factory into a project that includes 47 percent of the land into open green space and a lake at the builder’s expense is a sensible move.

The only dissenters don’t live in the district.

The residents want the project. The commissioner of District 2, who represents the residents, wants it.

What is the real problem?

If the city doesn’t grow and create more commercial taxes, the burden falls on you, the citizens of Deerfield Beach, to make up what we need. Do we really need more taxes?

Bernie Parness

3074 Harwood F

Deerfield Beach

RE: Observer Letter, June 27

Dear Editor:

Concerning Mr. Dix’s comments that I have a biased self serving opinion regarding our fire department. No one wants a bad inefficient fire department, however, our fire fighters are paid well above the national standards of income. Firefighters work only part of the week (although 24 hours shifts) and hold down other jobs in many cases. I am shocked to see that we do not even meet the national standards in response time. I see the fire department ( I respect all of those fellows) bringing a giant fire truck plus an ambulance to condos, when a lady calls and says she fell off a chair. There are hundreds of wasted trips (they can justify as one can justify anything) where you do not need a fire engine. This merely justifies increased salaries and pensions. Pensions allow a firefighter to live a life of luxury when most people have to survive on Social Security. The average salary of a fire fighter is $62,800 plus enormous benefits. A Captain’s salary is $101,612, a Lieutenant $90,039.32, a fire fighter/paramedic $140,644,00 and it goes on and on. Confirmation on the Internet. The pensions are beyond belief compared to most American pensions. The average income for Florida residents is $39,256. I wish the average American had the kind of pension allotted to retirees of our Deerfield Fire Dept. I am as concerned for the safety of our people as anyone else.

Dr. Charles Laser LLD/HC

Deerfield Beach