By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Two new films open this weekend, one full of sound and fury from the Walt Disney marketing machine, the other quietly garnering awards on the film festival circuit. There will be no contest as to who the box office champion will be this weekend. Through contrasting filmmaking, there is no mistaking the variety of good films opening this weekend.

1945 opens when a train drops off an Orthodox Jew and his full grown son at a Hungarian village in August in 1945. The United States has dropped the atomic bomb in Japan and battles of World War II have subsided. It is the wedding day for the town clerk, but his focus seems distracted by the two visitors. Could these two men be heirs to the Jews who were deported during the Holocaust?

In the Hungarian language with English subtitles and clocking in at 90 minutes, 1945 is the most unique epic on the big screen. Shot in black & white film stock, 1945 echoes many great American Westerns, most notably 3:10 to Yuma and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. It is a story about the Holocaust, but with an emphasis upon living with the consequences of surviving this horrible time.

Black Panther is the 18th film in the Marvel Comic Universe, the penultimate film before Avengers: Infinity War opens this May 4. While this information provides subtext and an appreciation for the vast tapestry of these Marvel movies, Black Panther is a stand-alone movie whose lead character was introduced two years ago in Captain America: Civil War.

With the demise of his father and king, Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is the heir to the throne of Wakanda, a legendary country in the hidden jungles of Africa. Isolated for thousands of years, Wakanda is considered a third-world country. In fact, it is a country with hidden technical and medical superiority. Through ritual and tradition, Prince T’Challa is proclaimed King and is given the additional title of “Black Panther” — protector of the kingdom.

As the Black Panther, King T’Challa’s first job is to bring Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) to justice. Besides being implicated with the death of Black Panther’s father, Klaue has been selling Wakanda weapons to terrorist organizations throughout the world. One customer — Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan) — has had a grudge with the Wakanda leadership since the Rodney King riots of 1992. This conflict leads to a satisfying climax that works as a big comic book epic, while focusing on a human story about two men who qualify as the modern day version of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper.

1945 and Black Panther create contrasting forms of escapism this weekend.

After the Olympics, South Florida’s longest standing film festival, The Miami International Film Festival, kicks off its 35th year. Writer/Director Jason Reitman will be presenting Tully, starring Charlize Theron, and Isabelle Huppert will be receiving the Precious Gem – Icon Award for her body of work. For a list of films and times, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com.

Deerfield Beach

Jan. 30: A woman said that her vehicle parked at 37 NE 5 St. was entered while she slept and several bags containing clothing, jewelry and tools were stolen. The total loss was $12,400.

Jan. 30: Someone broke into a vehicle parked at 194 SE 2 St. and stole a computer, medications and a $1,300 money order.

Jan. 30: A man said that an individual with whom he had an argument slashed the tires on his car parked at 4300 N. Powerline Rd.

Jan. 30: A woman reported that her home at 4047 Newport North broke into her home and stole $250 and medications.

Feb. 1: A trailer at 381 SW 14 St. was broken into and a pressure cleaner was stolen.

Lighthouse Point

Jan. 18: The victim said someone spray-painted graffiti on a stop sign at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. The damage was $250.

Jan. 18: Someone stole a tag off a 2006 Lincoln vehicle parked in a driveway at 4041 NE 31 Ave.

Jan. 25: While reviewing surveillance video of the night before, the store employee saw a male subject taking clothing and running out of the store at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. The loss was estimated at $119.94.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

52 Deerfield Moments

Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School House (Next to City Hall)

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The final 26 moments (out of 52) have been completed — pictures of moments in the history of the city set up on canvases with info. Light refreshments served. Donations encouraged. For information, call 954-429-0378.

DBICA meeting

Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church / Educational Center

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speakers: David Miller, CPRP, director, Parks & Recreation Dept.; Jessica Shuler, of the Center for Active Aging. Deerfield Beach Island Community Association (DBICA) represents property owners east of the Intercoastal Waterway and from SE 10 Street north to the Boca Raton city line. They meet the third Thursday of the month. For more information, visit www.dbica.com.

Fish Fry

Friday, Feb. 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Parish Hall

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy beer- battered Cod, Syracuse Salt Potatoes and homemade coleslaw for only $10 ($5 for kids). Eat in or take-out. Tickets available at the door. Also March 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Feb. 16, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your blanket and/or folding chair and buy some great food. Entertainment, full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Tiger Trail Festival

Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Center

520 MLK Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Live music, entertainment, cultural foods, art displays, kids zone, vendors. Fun for everyone! For more information, call 954-786-4585.

Lenten services

• Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sundays – Holy Communion at 10 a.m. , Fridays – Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., Sat. Feb. 17 – One-Day Retreat – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 954-695-0336

• Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(free, open to community, all services by Rev. Dr. James W. Legge)

• Worship & Lunch: Wednesday, Feb. 21 to Wednesday, March 21, noon to 1 p.m., includes guest speakers

• Seasonal Concert: Saturday, March 17, 3 p.m., with guest musicians, held in the Sanctuary

• Palm Sunday: March 25, 10 a.m., in the Sanctuary, Palm Procession and music by the Chancel Choir featured

• Maundy Thursday Communion: Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m.

• Good Friday “Vigil:” Friday, March 30, 12 to 1 p.m.

[Easter: Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m., in Sanctuary]

Fellowship and Hospitality are always part of worship. Parking available and complimentary. For more information, visit www.communitypreschurch.org or call 954-427-0222.

“And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ₁He was in the wilderness for 40 days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.”

(Mark 1:12-13 NRSV)

The 40 days of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. This is a season when we are encouraged either to give up something decadent or start something healthy. I have always found Lent to be a joyous time even during the struggle. In our resistance, we are reminded why … it is because of God. And when I crave something decadent, I am forced to think about God. And let’s say, during Lent, I think about God a lot.

My son and daughter came back from Youth Group with a burning question. While Lent is 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter, Sundays are not factored into the 40 days. Therefore, do Sundays count?

And, if Sundays don’t count, would it be OK for us to break our pledge? My kids deducted that there is a loophole in Lent. My daughter gave up chocolate during Lent, but if the Lenten Loophole allows, maybe she could have a candy bar on Sundays. My son gave up pizza during Lent, but maybe Sunday would be a day where he could enjoy a cheesy slice of heaven.

I don’t think I had a great answer. But I did ask them the question: “What does your conscience tell you?” They both seemed disappointed. They made the right choice. Maybe my answer wasn’t that bad after all. But that wasn’t the only time I was confronted with the “Lenten Loophole.”

A choir director who served in a church I once served did not like Lent because she found it to be, in her words, depressing. We omitted the word “alleluia” from worship during Lent and would bring it out during Easter really giving that word a new and special meaning.

In the meantime, in an effort to find happy and uplifting music without the word alleluia, she found music that was a little quieter and more contemplative and, in her words, she found that music depressing.

“Can we sing this song?” she asked as she handed me a piece of music riddled with the word “alleluia.” I told her no, for obvious reasons. She said “But, Sundays don’t count during Lent.”

Truthfully, this started a great conversation. We talked about the value of being quiet and contemplative. We talked about the traditions that most people brought with them to Florida, namely, observing Sunday as a part of Lent. And we found some music that was happy and uplifting that didn’t include the specific word “alleluia.” I think we both grew from this conversation.

Before I go any further I want to make it clear, Sundays do count during Lent. Easter is a moveable feast but always lands on a Sunday. Ash Wednesday is a moveable feast but always lands on a Wednesday. Omitting Sundays from the 40 days is a matter of Math, not a matter of Faith.

But I think the bigger issue is loopholes. What do we gain by looking for an escape clause? What benefit do we receive when we are given permission to cheat? And, ultimately, who are we cheating? Who are we kidding?

There is joy in discipline. When we resist temptation, we find ourselves stopping, pausing and reflecting on why. The why is God and the moment of contemplation is a moment of joy. I look at Lent less as an obligation and more as an opportunity. And, when I confront a day or more over and above the 40, I embrace this as yet one more opportunity.

What do we find in a loophole? We find empty space. At best, we experience a delicious moment that disappears and leaves us unsatisfied. We may even find disappointment. But we will not find joy.

Joy is hard to come by. But Lent is God’s gift to those of us who seek joy. Have a blessed and joyous Lent.

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

This month, we celebrate Valentine’s Day as a significant cultural, religious and commercial reflection of romantic love.

As a practicing clinical psychotherapist, I meet with many couples who tell me that their romantic love has dwindled or even disappeared and they want my counseling to help them get back to feeling and expressing the love they experienced when they first met.

To recreate or restore a past romantic period to the present time is difficult, if not impossible, but, as a psychotherapist, I do help couples retrace the disappearance of their romantic love and help them rekindle it. I ask each partner to observe and discuss love as it relates to them individually and jointly. I usually get a confused look from the couple when I ask each to observe the love they have for self. I am not talking about narcissism, the insatiable need for constant attention and admiration, but I am talking about healthy love and care for oneself. Healthy love and care for oneself is part of the formula to be able to love another person.

“Start with self love and self care. Take care of your own needs then serve others from that place of care and abundance. This way you will be giving the best of yourself, not the rest of yourself.”

What are some areas in a relationship that cause couples to go off track when it comes to romantic love?

• One area is relationship boundaries. A boundary is any line that sets a limit. No one is born with automatic boundaries. They are developed over time and many enter adulthood with broken and damaged boundaries. Research shows that abuse, humiliation, shame and some mental disorders negatively affect the development of a healthy loving relationship. Our boundaries determine how we bond with others and, if we have broken boundaries, we become vulnerable to sabotage by others. It is our responsibility to develop boundaries and adjust them as needed throughout our lifetime.

One therapeutic exercise I use to teach people about boundaries is having them say “no” to something asked of them that they think or feel obligated to say “yes.” By saying “no,” it eliminates the role of victim and helps set a boundary.

• Another area to examine is codependency, which is the control, nurturing and maintenance of relationships with individuals who are chemically dependent or engaging in undesirable behaviors. A classic codependency model is the alcoholic husband and the enabling wife. This model exemplifies the saying “when there is ongoing conflict, there is underlying agreement…” in other words, “it takes two to tango.”

Codependent people with weak boundaries are experts at tolerance for mental and physical pain. It becomes difficult for them to notice that someone is hurting them or that they are hurting themself.

Recovery from codependency, as well as learning to set boundaries in a relationship, is achievable and can help restore romantic love — positive change is always possible.

Dr. Julia Breur is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.drjuliabreur.com.

By Rachel Galvin

Owner Ana Gajardo shows off the Stages bikes.

Workouts are good for you but they also can get dull real fast. Ready to illuminate your workout and try something a little different? Well, if indoor cycling is in your wheelhouse, then you might want to try the newly-opened Ride Element.

This locale offers indoor cycling with a kick. Not only do they feature Stages bicycles, the crème de la crème of indoor bike technology, but also a light show with every ride. The stream of lights is sure to pep up your energy at just the right moment to keep you going. Lights otherwise are kept dimmed so that the focus becomes on the rider, not the people around him or her, making for a true judgment free zone. The bikes also have a “SprintShift™” shifter that helps to more rapidly increase or decrease the intensity. Each click equates to an intensity change of 1 ½ twists on a normal bike.

You can have statistics on your progress emailed to you so you can rate your performance, or you can take a class that focuses on unplugging from technology and just enjoying the ride. It is a great way to unwind and take out the stresses of the day.

TRX anyone?

Besides bikes, they also are a designated Premier TRX facility. Besides bands, they have kettlebells, ropes, slam balls, medicine balls and other ways to do functional training.

For owner Ana Gajardo, Ride Element is more than just fitness; it’s also about the community. She does her best to create an atmosphere that makes people want to not only workout, but also stay awhile, to sit in the lobby, buy some merchandise, drink a kombucha or other drink and meet fellow fitness lovers. She also likes to give back to the community and is looking for ways to partner up with other businesses in that endeavor. Her business focuses on four elements: music, energy, passion and community.

Before opening Ride Element on Feb. 3, Ana had been doing indoor cycling herself for 10 years and loved it and decided to get certified.

“I took the first class in college at FAU and fell in love with it. It’s the only thing I could stick with. I never got bored. It is always different. I am always improving and challenging myself.”

She knows education is important, which is why she offers continued education to her instructors. In addition to the certification they already have in indoor cycling, they will be getting Stages certification so they will be experts on their bikes. She will be hosting TRX classes as well.

Ride Element is located at 3496 NE 12^th Ave. in Oakland Park, FL. They are open Monday through Friday 5:30 to 11 a.m. and then again at night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.to noon. For more information, call 954-280-RIDE or visit www.therideelement.com.

By “Cinema” Dave

www.cinemadave.livejournal.com

As much as I was boycotting the NFL last season, the professional football league did much to redeem themselves with Superbowl LII. Perhaps it was pandering to veterans, but having Medal of Honor winners (lead by Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams) open the game with the ceremonial coin flip was a step in the right direction. Despite battling the flu, Pink sang a beautiful National Anthem in under two minutes, while Leslie Odom Jr. lead an inspiring chorus of “America the Beautiful.” The actual game was a thriller for people who normally do not enjoy the sport. Beyond the respect given the Christian faith in victory, Miami Dolphins fans enjoyed the fact that Don Shula’s former third-string quarterback Doug Pederson, coached the Philadelphia Eagles’ first Superbowl title.

Football withdrawal weekend is real and, fortunately there are a variety of opportunities for entertainment in South Florida residents with numerous art fairs and festivals. For those more interested in science and nature activities for family fun, the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery & Science (at 401 SW 2 St.) features a Sunday afternoon visit from literary icon, Curious George, the monkey who encourages reading.

In addition, besides screening mainstream movies like Marvel’s Black Panther and A Wrinkle in Time, the IMAX theater there hosts a fine series of documentaries. With an emphasis upon knowledge, visualization and entertainment, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3-D is no exception. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film opens with both a paleontology and historical hypothesis. The meteors that killed dinosaurs on the African section of Pangaea scared the lemurs, who hid in the trees on a land form that separated from the major continent. As island dwellers, the lemurs rebuilt their habitat and lived their life in relative obscurity.

Despite adapting through millions of years of evolution, the lemurs of Madagascar are on the endangered species list in the 21st Century. The growth of tourism and housing development harms these indigenous creatures. Fortunately for the lemurs, they have an advocate for their cause, Professor Patricia C. Wright .

For more information, visit https://mods.org/films/island-lemurs-3d.

Deerfield Beach

Jan. 23: Someone stole a Ford F350 single cab pickup truck from a driveway at 298 SE 8 Ave.

Jan. 23: Someone entered a vehicle parked at 1233 SE 12 Ave. and stole a wallet with $250 and credit cards.

Jan. 23: A man reported that someone broke into his vehicle and stole 15 silver bars, a laptop and a briefcase.

Jan. 23: A woman reported her Toyota stolen from 610 NE 37 St.

Jan. 25: It was reported that a red tricycle was stolen from 3973 NW 9 Ave.

Lighthouse Point

Jan. 13: A homeowner used his 9mm Beretta to kill an opossum in his backyard at 1900 NE 28 Ct. Police determined it was killed humanely.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Valentines Concert

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Royal Fiesta Event Center at The Cove

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dinner concert with internationally acclaimed singer Gene Townsél, to benefit the establishing of a Performing Arts Center for talented but disadvantaged youth in Deerfield Beach. On the bill with Gene will be Evangelist Delbert Mohorn. For more information, call 561-436-0868.

Plants & People Day

Sunday, Feb 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Vendors sharing information on a variety of products related to plants and wildlife. Crafts and food for sale. Noted speakers throughout the day. Free raffles, music and $5 tour of the Sample McDougald House.

Valentine’s Day Big Band Dance

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

A variety of music from the ‘20s, Swing era and more. For more information, call 954-786-4111. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.

52 Deerfield Moments

Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School House (Next to City Hall)

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

2×3 canvases of the final 26 moments on display. 52 Deerfield Moments is an ongoing educational project of The Deerfield Beach Historical Society. It captures 52 moments in the history of our city. Free event. Light refreshments served. Donations encouraged. For information, call the Historical Society at 954-429-0378.

When I was a 20-something, I knew there were two things that must not be named: Voldemort and the phrase “I quit” — because conventional wisdom commanded we follow the perseverance of Navy SEALs, who during training never “ring the bell” — never quit — because in the words of one commencement speaker, if “you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.”

What if that’s the worst advice. What if the only way to live a life worthy of your God-given calling is to quit? If you’re experiencing frustration, burnout and hopelessness, may I suggest ringing the bell in these seven ways?

1. Quit worrying about what people think of you. Lecrae, a Christian rapper, recently tweeted, “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.” You can’t make everyone happy, so quit trying to please everyone and live a life worthy of your calling.

2. Quit investing in bad habits. I hate jogging, but I do it regularly — mostly so I can continue to eat all the Chipotle I want. I know that if I come home after a busy day and hit the couch, the only marathon I’m participating in is binge-watching The Office on Netflix. However, the advice Rory Vaden, author of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success, which is posted on my front door, reminds me daily that success requires doing the necessary things even if I don’t feel like doing them. It’s not a quick fix, but a lifestyle change.

3. Quit taking yourself so seriously. A general aviation magazine wisely noted that professionalism has less to do with a paycheck and more to do with your attitude. Flying passengers was definitely a serious job, but that didn’t stop me from having fun — I once threw a party for my passengers while sitting on a taxiway awaiting departure clearance to LaGuardia.

4. Quit asking the easy questions. Adam Grant, in his recently released book Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, shares how corporate cultures that welcome individuals with dissenting opinions are more creative and make the greatest impact on society. Quit asking the easy questions like “What makes me happy?” and start asking “How do I quit being a comfortable consumer and become a risk-taking producer?”

5. Quit being so easily offended. David McCullough Jr., in his 2012 commencement speech to Wellesley High School, tells graduates that contrary to what little league trophies, exceptional middle school report cards, or even doting family members suggest, “You are not special … even if you’re one in a million, on a planet of 6.8 billion, there are nearly 7000 people just like you.” Same is true for you and me: We aren’t any more special than the next, and that’s okay.

6. Quit taking pride in being busy. Senior pastor of Life.Church, Craig Groeschel, writes in his book Chazown: Discover and Pursue God’s Purpose for Your Life, “Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose.” Why? Because it’s easier to say, “I’m busy” — which sounds like we’re important, than it is to discipline yourself and live your values and priorities consistently. Schedule time this week to reflect on what matters most to you. Remember Andy Stanley’s advice that a “yes” is a “no” to something, which conversely is true.

7. Quit living your dream. Mark Batterson, author of Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small, talks about how our dreams are tied into the dreams of those before us, up-line, and the dreams of those that come after us, down-line. His point: to honor both those before and after us we must quit our wimpy personal dreams and act upon the desires God has placed deep within our hearts — dreams that require divine intervention to be accomplished.

From this day forward, quit the status quo — the safe and predictable life — while chasing the purpose God has for your life (which is anything but safe and predictable). Begin to pray and seek wise counsel so that you’ll be able to quit the “right” wrong pursuits and behaviors limiting your God-given capacity as a person and leader. Then ring the bell.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before being able to accept his God-given calling, C.J. had to completely trust God and quit being a commercial airline pilot. He loves to mentor the next generation of leaders and considers himself a fast food connoisseur. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@dfb.church.