| July, 2013

FLICKS: Wolverine, Blackfish & The Body

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

As the Wolverine, Hugh Jackman burst upon the celluloid screen 13 years ago in X-Men directed by Bryan Singer.

Much like John Ford’s influence in developing John Wayne’s image, Singer presented Jackman as an iconic leading man for the 21st Century. For an unknown Australian song and dance man, Jackman has become a durable leading man.

The Wolverine is Jackman’s sixth appearance as Logan, alias Wolverine. While this is a standalone movie, the film takes place after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and before next Summer’s future blockbuster, X-Men: Days of Future Past. Stick around during The Wolverine’s closing credits for the exciting movie teaser.

The Wolverine opens with a depressed Logan, the ultimate soldier cursed with eternal life. In his long existence, Logan keeps losing the loves of his life. Recently Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) died at his hand and the guilt has caused Logan to become a hermit in the Canadian woods.

Enter Yukio (Rila Fukushima), an employee of Yashida (Hal Yamanouchi), a dying industrialist whom Logan rescued from the atomic bomb blast at Nagasaki. Yashida would like to offer Wolverine the gift of death.

With such a serious theme in the background, The Wolverine could have been bogged down with theories and theology. Fortunately, director James Mangold has directed a visual treat (one feels like they are roaming the Morikami Gardens). The action sequences are directed with visual clarity; most notable is the creative detail utilized during a fight sequence aboard the bullet train racing at 300 m.p.h.

On a far more serious note, Blackfish opens tomorrow. This documentary reviews whale captivity and theme parks. Much like Ric O’- Barry’s The Cove, Blackfish presents how creatures of the wild cannot be confined to cages; for whenever there is a conflict between man and nature, monsters are born. In this case, senior trainer Dawn Brancheau died during a routine exhibition at Sea World Orlando on Feb. 24, 2010.

Also opening tomorrow is a Spanish Hitchcockian thriller titled The Body. After a femme fatale meets her maker, her body disappears from a morgue. This conspiracy-laced noir features Belen Rueda, Spain’s answer to Meryl Streep.

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Everything’s Coming Up Rosen: It’s back to school time

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Where did the summer go? It gets shorter every year. All around me are the signs, the marketing, the reminders, the reach for dollars in the name of our kids. It’s back to school time.

I was thinking of that theme tonight while watching the 60 Minutes interview with Bill Gates, the famous Harvard dropout I reflected on the many ways we learn that have nothing to do with school. When our official book learning curriculum comes to a halt, life learning takes its place and self motivation is the engine that really defines the learning curve. Life learning is the school from which we graduate only on the day we are interred.

Alas, that our impoverished world has not produced more Bill Gates. Those of us not so blessed must rely on the creativity of teachers, most of whom are in unimaginative physical settings and must, therefore, in their own small territory, devise ways to keep 21st Century kids from thumbing their way through classes on their smart phones.

I’m hoping that among my readers each of you has had at least one memorable teacher who has sparked an interest in a subject otherwise “dead” to you.

For me, it was Mr. Sayles, my high school English teacher in my senior year, who spent months using as his teaching tool not any book or video. The New York Times was his text. All our lessons had sprung from its content. I remember especially his emphasis on the Book Review section, as we pawed through it for a few weeks, talking about the content page by page. I realize now why on Sunday mornings, as I dive into my Times, I separate the sections – placing the Book Review at the bottom, savoring it for the last and best read, and taking weekly notes regarding my own future reading.

What a dull subject Geography was for me until I was assigned to Miss Martin’s class when we studied the Caribbean countries (at a time when my most distant travel was from Brooklyn to The Bronx, and when I had no hope of ever expanding that horizon). She didn’t have us memorize facts about climate, history, natural resources, politics and history. Instead, my group was assigned to plan a virtual trip to Puerto Rico having to choose a travel agent, transportation (I’d never been on a plane), hotel, sights and finances to the point where we took a class trip to an airport.

How could I have known at the time that I would someday wind up on the streets of Kathmandu, among other exotic locations? My interest in travel was sparked by that early experience.

I’ll save my tirade in the cause of greater support for creative teachers. I can only begin to imagine the many changes in knowledge delivery that have taken place since “my day” and will continue with the accelerated swiftness of our technological age. And, as a one-time parent of school age kids, I know how you can’t wait for the school year to begin!

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 27 A man reported that his bag was stolen while he was on the beach at 100 NE 21 Ave. The bag contained an iPhone5 valued at $300.

July 28 A man reported that while he was in jail, he stored his truck containing tools with a friend. After the man was released, he found out his tools were missing and that his friend had them. After being confronted on the matter, the friend returned the tools. Incident was reported at 300 SE 12 Ave.

July 28 A woman was arrested and charged with a narcotics violation at 179 SW 3 St. The woman was in possession of five crack cocaine rocks.

July 28 Someone broke into Family Dollar at 5233 N. Dixie Hwy. and stole $60 from the register, $200 in coins and $210 from a locked box.

July 28 A woman reported her vehicle stolen from 4334 NW 5 Ave. A witness reported that she saw a man steal the car.

July 28 A woman reported that two men broke into her car parked at 2001 W. Sample Rd. and stole a purse.

DEERFIELD – District 4

July 21 Residential burglary was reported at Pine Tree Apartments,418 Lock Rd. Unknown suspect(s) entered the residence via an unlocked sliding glass door (no signs of forced entry). Suspect(s) removed a 32-in. flat screen television and key ring (w/3x keys) and then removed the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot. Vehicle was recovered in the 1006 zone at 286 SW 1 Terr.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 24 A man reported that his leaf blower valued at $199 was stolen from a shed at the rear of his home at 4000 NE 22 Ave. He believes his step daughter may have stolen it.

July 24 A man reported his rental vehicle broken into in the parking lot of Packy’s Sports Pub at 4480 N. Federal Hwy. His brief case, digital camera, laptop and a checkbook were stolen.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

Local Youth Sailing Program

Dear Editor:

Learning to sail has been the most rewarding experience of my life and has opened many doors to opportunities that I otherwise would have never been exposed to.

I have had the chance to crew on a variety of boats with many amazing people not only near home, but also all over Florida and in the Abacos.

I owe all of these amazing experiences to my parents, who signed me up for sailing lessons when I was 7 years old and encouraged me to continue, despite my initial protests.

The Youth Sailing Program is a non-profit program run by Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club (HISC) that teaches children how to observe boat safety and how to sail small boats. Now that I am older, I have been given the opportunity to instruct other kids; this experience has made me realize how educational and fun the Youth Sailing Program is. The most rewarding aspect to me is being able to get the shyest of kids out on their own by the end of the four weeks, instilling a new feeling of courage and independence. But in the same breath, I love seeing naturally outgoing children who show up, ready to start and eager to learn.

Our lessons are open to children older than 8 who are interested in learning how to sail Prams, Sunfish or Lasers. All instructors are volunteers who greatly enjoy seeing the children out on the water despite the occasional crying or screaming.

I strongly encourage all HISC members, and non-members alike, to bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews to try out sailing.

The next four dates are our fall series — August 3, 10, 17, and 24 (weather permitting). On the fourth date, we always have a picnic. We encourage everyone to come out and celebrate with us! I hope to see old and new faces this coming fall out on the lake!

Mikayla Scott

Deerfield Beach

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

Book signing

Thursday, August 1, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grille 401 N. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Local author, and Observer “Nautical View” columnist, Jim “Chiefy” Mathie will meet and greet and sign his book “Catching the Spear-It! The ABC’s of Spearfishing.” His first book, “Catching the BUG—The Comprehensive Guide to Catching Spiny Lobster,” will also be available.

Backpacking for Academic Readiness

Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

E. Pat Larkin’s Community Center Auditorium 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Sponsored by Embracing Team Inc. and A.S.A.P Florida. Helps local families get ready for school with FREE book bag filled with folders, markers, pencils, notebooks. Youth attending will also enjoy FREE health screenings, school resources, vouchers, raffles, entertainment and guest speakers. 954-394-6344 or embracingteaminc@gmail.com.

Health Fair and Car Show

Saturday, August 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Broward Outpatient Medical Center 150 SW 12 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Free admission, family event. FREE health screenings, classic car show, music, food, bounce house and more. 866-646-CARE or email info@browardoutpatient.com.

Broward County Resource Fair

Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Join Commissioner Chip LaMarca for a day of access to great info. and valuable resources through Broward County. 954-357-7004 or clamarca@broward.org.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, August 3, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center 2200 NE 38 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 3-7, LHP. $45 (includes materials/lunch). Limited space. Register online: aux37.org or call 954-557-0582.

Deerfield Beach Country Music Festival

Saturday, August 3, noon to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot 149 SE 21 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE event. Live entertainment from variety of country music artists, food, arts & crafts. Complimentary parking/shuttle available at the Cove Shopping Center and St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Shuttle service will run continuously, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.deerfieldbeach. com/cmf or 954-480-4429.

Voice Lessons

Saturday, August 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Source 230 Lock Rd. Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33442

Hosted by Gene Townsel. 561-436-0868.

Rock Star 101

Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9

Monday, August 12 to Thursday, August 15

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; optional extended hours – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Constitution Park 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Camp is offered to 6-12-year-olds. Learn vocal techniques, choreography for music video, song writing, rock and roll appreciation, microphone technique and stage presence. $110 perweek; add $25 for extended hours. Register: www.deerfield-beach.com or at Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation facilities. 954-480-4494.

2013 National Night Out

Tuesday, August 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, Pavilion #10 401 S. Powerline Rd Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.

Sponsored by Broward Sheriff’s Office and city of Deerfield Beach. FREE event. LIVE music, food, prizes, children’s activities, BSO demonstrations. Document shredding available. Operation Medicine Cabinet will take your un-wanted, expired medications for $5 Walgreens gift card. 954-571-4552

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CLERGY CORNER: Back to Shul

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LeslieM

Back to Shul … I mean, back to school … The new school year is about to begin and teachers, those amazing souls who spend the day tending to a whole classroom full of precious students, will once again ask that most famous of questions, “How did you spend your summer vacation?”

Many little ones spent the summer at sleep-away camp, and I was pleased to read that there were a few camps this year that actually forbid the campers from having cell phones and other technological devices. (Wow, what I wouldn’t give to have a month without being so connected.)

Now, you might be wondering to yourselves, “But, if they didn’t have cell phones or computers, how did they keep in touch with their parents?” Well, with school starting again, let me be the first to remind you of a dying art. You may have heard of it before. It’s called “WRITING!” That’s right; they kept in touch by writing letters. You remember the letters of the alphabet, don’t you? Well, thank a teacher if you can put them together into a coherent sentence and take a pen and write a letter to someone you care about.

There was a little one away at camp this summer who had probably never written a letter before although he was incredibly fluent in texting with every abbreviation you can imagine. But away at one of those camps without cell phones, he had to learn the art of letter writing.

He did pretty well at it, too; but, when he got a letter from his mother that ended with, “P.S. I love you,” he had to write back to find out what P.S. meant. And so it was that he began to finish all his letters to his parents with just that, “P.S., I love you.”

There was a beautiful, heart-warming movie out a few years back starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler called, “P.S. I Love You.” It told the story of a husband who, knowing he was dying, wrote a series of letters to his wife. Each of those letters was actually an assignment. Like a teacher, he was telling her to do something.

The truth is that, while she was doing each of these assignments, she wasn’t really sure what the purpose was. Her best friend in the movie (and her mother as well) were afraid that those assignments were keeping her tied to the past. But, as the movie goes on, we learn that each bit of homework was actually moving her into a bright new future.

That’s what teachers do; they try to steer our children toward a bright new future.

The Beatles had a song that said: “As I write this letter, send my love to you, remember that I’ll always be in love with you. Treasure these few words, ‘till we’re together, keep all my love forever, P.S., I love you.” I know you think you know what P.S. stands for, but that’s not what it meant to my mother of blessed memory. To her, P.S. stood for Public School. I was able to write this letter today because of Public School and because of the many teachers I was blessed with and, as to Lincoln Elementary School back in Rock Island, IL, all I can say is “P.S. I Love You!” And to the teachers I am still blessed to know, “P.S., I Love You Too!” To the parents and to the students reading this today, I hope you write to your teacher often and that you close each letter with that most meaningful of post scripts “P.S. I Love You!”

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and of the Association of Professional Chaplains, He works professionally in this capacity with a number of healthcare facilities in the area, and with hospice. He is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach

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ROX Florida Beach HP volleyball championships

Posted on 25 July 2013 by JLusk

The ROX Florida Beach HP volleyball championships were held July 18-20 on Deerfield beach. Categorized by age groups, boys and girls comepeted in individual and team competitions. The host hotel was Wyndham Restort. Pictured here are the 16 U girls and the winners (photos provided by John Esposito). For more information, visit www.floridavolleyball.org/teamflorida- beach-hp-all-stars.html.

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Golf tourney raises $75k

Posted on 25 July 2013 by LeslieM

Pages 09-16By Gary Curreri

Friends of Frankie keep turning out year after year.

The sixth annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament at Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac recently pulled in $75,000. In addition to the money raised, it also raised awareness for automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The location may have moved during the six years of the annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament; however, one thing hasn’t changed – people still care. A record number of 242 golfers recently turned out for the tourney, whose proceeds go toward the purchase of AEDs and scholarships to local high school students.

It was the most players ever by 12 and we had a waiting list of 30,” said Frankie Foundation Vice President Mike Goodrich, of Coral Springs. “The course is different and the banquet facility is different. We are excited about that because we were able to dress up the banquet facility and be able to accommodate all of us now, so the synergy we were able to generate there would continue what is coming off the course into there.”

Tammy Good, Shane Munson, Tracey Adcock and Dave Anderson carded a 59 to top all golfers on the east course, while Doug Kingera, Eric Depp, Hernan Millan, Hilarion Millan shot a 61 to win on the west course.

The tournament once again honored Frankie Speciale, who died of a massive heart attack while playing in a recreational men’s soccer league match in Deerfield Beach in 2007. Even though the 1982 graduate of Pompano Beach High School was given CPR immediately, his life could not be saved. It is believed an automated external defibrillator might have made the difference in him surviving.

Goodrich, who was a classmate of Speciale’s, said the tournament has grown over the years. The first tournament at Colony West drew a capacity crowd of 144 golfers. It then moved to Palm Aire Country Club in Pompano before ClubLink owners of both Palm Aire and Woodlands suggested the tournament move to Woodlands because its banquet facility can accommodate the 242 golfers.

We’ve raised more than a half million dollars in six years,” Goodrich said. “We have given out more than 40 AEDs to cities, churches, charities, Kids in Distress, Sheridan House and other foundations.”

Goodrich said the Frankie Foundation still has the same sponsors and vendors since it started including One Step CPR, the presenting title sponsor. Goodrich said the scramble/best ball tournament is run totally by volunteers and all of the proceeds go toward the scholarships and AEDs.

Lon Rosen, of One Step CPR, hopes to generate awareness and teach people the importance of having a defibrillator at golf courses and different athletic events.

People don’t even know what a defibrillator is,” Rosen said. “We are just scratching the surface. We want to send a message through the Frankie Foundation of what an AED [is].”

Rosen noted that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 325,000 deaths each year, and that it claims a life every two minutes.

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FLICKS: Still Mine

Posted on 25 July 2013 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

I’ve been waiting seven months to write about Still Mine, a beautiful film that screened at the Miami International Film Festival and the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Still Mine quietly rides the emotional roller coaster from sadness to joy with understated dignity.

Age is an abstraction, not a straight jacket,” says Craig Morrison (James Cromwell). In his 80s, Morrison proves this theory by living an independent life on his farm in Canada. His wife Irene (Genevieve Bujold) faces the onset of dementia. When she is injured in a fall, he decides to build an ergonomically friendly home on his own land.

Despite his knowledge and experience in construction, Morrison runs afoul government bureaucrats, upset that he is not pulling permits and waiting for building inspectors.

Still Mine, a universal story that echoes August Strindberg’s play An Enemy of the People and the writings of Thoreau, is also a love story that will attract Nicholas Sparks’ fans.

Based on a true story, writer-director Michael Mc- Gowan said of his film, “I didn’t want to sugar coat it, but I wanted authenticity. Craig is not a saint; but he was responsible for his own fate.”

Regarding Cromwell, Mc- Gowan said, “Collaborator, strong presence … made the film better, and we had no disagreement.”

Michael had my back,” Cromwell added.

This collaboration was never more apparent than a brief outdoor shower scene with Cromwell in the buff and the intimate love scene with costar Bujold, who was reluctant to do a nude scene.

McGowan said, “She changed her mind when she saw that the crew was not gawking during the shower scene. Her scene was shot towards the end of production and it was comfortable. On the day of the shoot, the scene was vulnerable and intimate; she understood that and embraced it. In the end, she was happy she did it.”

Cromwell was introduced to the public four decades ago in the television show, All in the Family and has worked steadily with 167 credits, including films like L.A. Confidential, The Green Mile, and Babe, a life-changing motion picture that earned Cromwell his only Oscar nomination thus far.

Cromwell said about Babe, “I did not want to do the film. The character only had 16 lines, but it was a trip to Australia.”

For those who have seen Babe with an audience, tears are shed when Cromwell’s Farmer Hoggett says, “That will do, pig; that will do.”

Cromwell said, “I never paid attention in the past; but, this time, I looked in the lens and I saw the reflection of this person. I looked at the pig and I looked up and saw my father. When I said the line, my Dad was talking to me.”

In many ways, Still Mine reconnected me with lessons from my father, lessons I recommend to Observer readers.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 25 July 2013 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 19 A man placed his keys and cell phone on the ground to play basketball at LA Fitness at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Upon returning, he realized his cell phone was stolen.

July 20 A woman reported her car parked at 400 SE 21 St. broken into and her purse stolen.

July 20 A woman was arrested and charged with DUI at 1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd. She was involved in a vehicle crash before being arrested.

July 21 A woman reported her home at 505 NW 1 Terr. burglarized. She is not sure what was stolen.

July 21 It was reported that Schulz Landscape Service at 10 Helwig Place was broken into and two SunPass transponders were stolen from unlocked pickup trucks.

July 21 A man reported being hit in the forehead with a liquor bottle while he was at the Tropicana nightclub at 4251 N. Dixie Hwy.

July 21 A man reported his home at 418 Lock Road entered and his television stolen. His car that was stolen from the parking lot was later recovered.

July 21 Two men were arrested and charged with grand theft. On July 6, they entered Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. and stole two televisions. One man was charged with the theft on July 17. The other man was additionally charged with the grand theft. He was already in custody.

DEERFIELD – District 4

July 12 Residential burglary took place at Pine Tree apartments, at 1741 NW 2 Court. The victim’s apartment was forcibly entered via the smashed patio sliding glass door. The TV was removed. No other property was taken. Total loss was $700. The scene was processed and the area canvassed.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 15 A woman reported that someone entered her car parked at 5200 N. Federal Hwy. while she was pumping gas. She said that her cell phone was stolen.

July 17 A woman was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and keeping a vehicle for drugs at 5400 N. Federal Hwy.

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