Do you remember the 2003 award-winning movie Anger Management, directed by Peter Segal, starring Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler? Adam Sandler plays a businessman mistakenly sentenced to an anger management program. Jack Nicholson plays an aggressive anger management instructor.

It probably is not a good sign that anger is so common that millions of people will go see a movie just to laugh about it. It is also telling that the instructor in the movie had more difficulty controlling his anger than did his students. This is equivalent to a driver’s education instructor who cannot drive a car.

In the movie, this makes for comic relief. In the world, this makes for hypocrisy. Few people think anger is a good thing. It can make the blood boil and keep us awake at night. There is no way to be angry and have the peace of Christ. There is no way to be angry and share the peace of Christ.

Jesus teaches, “Let go. Get over the rage. Turn the page. Make peace even with your adversaries.” Letting go, not being mad, and making peace is hard.

I remember watching an interview of former Indiana University basketball coach Bob Knight, who once got so mad during a televised basketball game with Purdue University that he famously picked up the chair he was sitting on and threw it completely across the floor.

During the interview, Coach admitted he really did have a hard time controlling his temper. You may have heard the saying, “Don’t beat a dead horse.” Coach Knight’s wife told him once, “You can get off now, Bob. The horse is dead.”

Some things that make us mad are minor. We usually get over them quickly and move on. But some things that happen are life-altering and moving on is next to impossible. When we, or someone we deeply care about, is wronged in a serious way, it is not comparable to a bad call by a referee in a basketball game. Holding a grudge can be a natural reaction to a serious grievance.

It is important to point out Jesus does not say, “You do not have a reason to be angry.” He does not say, “You are not justified in being angry when you or someone you love suffers harm.” What Jesus teaches is “If you want to be forgiven, then you have to forgive too.”

Jesus arguably makes the “Don’t Stay Mad” doctrine even harder for us when he sets aside what is a popular notion — “Don’t get mad. Get even.” Unfortunately, Jesus rules out revenge too! Can you feel the disciple’s hill getting steeper to climb all the time? I can…

Christ’s teachings about forgiveness are drawn from the Personal Holiness Code in Leviticus, which reads “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.”

More often quoted today, however, and also found in Leviticus, is the standard “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This principle is commonly misused as an excuse for retaliation when what it really calls for is that the scales of justice be in balance.

In other words, we don’t amputate the hand that shoplifts or stone adulterers to death, but we do want the punishment to fit the crime.

If you have a grievance, and you want to know how to turn the page and get over the rage or if you are fighting the instinct to get even, I encourage you to read Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7).

You can also join us Saturdays @ Six or Sunday morning at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Our series on Christ’s Sermon on the Mount continues with the message “Privacy Please” based on Matthew 6.

Reverend Andrews is Minister at Community Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Beach (Steeple on the Beach) located five blocks south of Hillsboro on AIA. See more @ www.communitych.org or on Facebook.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

King Kong vs. Godzilla will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This international classic has been an influence for young people. The Japanese art form of “anime” is the flower that this film seeded.

Pacific Rim also owes a debt to this classic. This new release opens in 2013 when the first Kaiju attacks the California shores. Kaijus are giant sea creatures from the Pacific rim that want to eradicate mankind. The world governments unite and create the Jaeger Program. Jaegers are giant robots that are used to battle the Kaijus, piloted by two people in the central processing unit.

The robot vs. sea monster battles become a generational conflict. During one such battle, Raleigh (Charlie Hunnam) loses his brother and his Jaeger, Gipsey Danger, is sent into a storage unit. After years of self-imposed exile, Raleigh is greeted by his old boss, Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba). The Kaijus are planning a full frontal assault and the Gipsey Danger must be taken out of mothballs in what could be mankind’s last stand.

Like a good war movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood, Pacific Rim snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. Character clichés mount and Mr. Pentecost gives a rousing speech about the survival of mankind with a nod to Shakepeare’s Henry V and Bill Pullman from Independence Day.

Co-written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, this film is the director’s first movie in five years. Despite being on the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery IMAX screen, del Toro’s visual eye seems a bit rusty.

All of the battles take place at night, in the rain or underwater. Fortunately, his attention to detail is not lost in the background, especially in Hong Kong scenes that look like Disneyworld Epcot at night.

Ironically, the secondary characters create most of the audience empathy. Ron Perlman shines as Hannibal Chau, an entrepreneur who sells Jaeger anatomy on the black market. Nerds Geiszler (Charlie Day) and Gottleib (Burn Gorman) steal the spotlight as bickering scientists who unlock the secrets of the Kajiu.

Pacific Rim is the victim of high expectations. Fans of giant monsters and robots like the film. It should be interesting to see if the film will be remembered in 2063 anno domini.

Fans of the 1963 film King Kong vs. Godzilla will have an opportunity to see this epic FREE on the big screen August 17 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 954-357- 6530 at Imperial Point Library.

Pompano Beach’s Eric Krauss follows his shot on the 12th hole at the Woodlands Country Club during the sixth annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament at the Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Patrick Peterson said it was important for his inaugural football skills clinic to be in his hometown.

“I was born and raised here in Pompano where there is a great tradition and a lot of great athletes,” said Peterson, 21, a twotime All-Pro defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals. “I felt it was an obligation and a priority for me to come back and give back to the kids and show them that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.”

More than 175 youngsters ranging in age from 7 to 17 turned out for the inaugural “Patrick Peterson Skilled Football Camp” at the Four Fields Sports Complex in Pompano Beach recently. Peterson’s parents, Patrick Sr. and Shanera, were also on-hand to help out. The age group ranged from 7 to 17, and he made it a point to greet every camper individually.

Many of Peterson’s pro and college teammates were on-hand to help Peterson deliver his message that reinforces the values of hard work and respect that he learned as a young man.

“Hard work and dedication is what I thrive off of,” Patrick Peterson said. “[My dad and I] continuously worked day in and day out. Even when I was 2 years old, I had a work ethic that I always wanted to be better.

“Not being good enough was never an option,” Peterson continued. “I always wanted to be better than the guy I lined up against. I wanted to be the best player I could be every time I stepped on the field … to show them there are always ways to get better. It is a pleasure to be here and be in these guys’ good graces to give back and share … my football knowledge with them.”

Peterson first started playing youth football with the Pompano Eagles and went on to star at Blanche Ely and LSU before getting drafted by the Cardinals in the first round.

Shanera said her son started to say the word “football” at age 2. She agreed it was important for him to hold his first clinic in his hometown.

“It was very important because, when he started planning it, he always spoke of doing his first camp in Pompano Beach, where he was from,” Shanera said.

Peterson Sr. agreed: “It’s great to see my son giving back and teaching the kids to become something they have always dreamed of.”

The kids paid a $10 fee and got a T-Shirt, lunch, drinks, grab bag with Arizona Cardinals flag, wristband and specialty-made blackout for under their eyes.

Pompano Beach’s Bryce Cunneen, 11, came away impressed.

“It felt great meeting Patrick Peterson because he is a great football player and role model for kids,” said Cunneen, a sixth grader at St. Coleman’s School. “[He] and his dad do a lot for the Pompano Beach community, including his speed and agility training.

“The clinic was awesome,” Cunneen added. “We learned how to be a better athlete and ‘how if you look up to your dreams, you will always go up! Never give up! They taught us a lot with the drills, how to perform at our optimum level! “

Peterson shared one message with the players that he hopes will stick.

“Never give up on your dream and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything, even yourself,” Peterson said. “You always have to have confidence in yourself and self motivation, I believe, to be successful.”

Wow, is it really momma’s yahrzeit again? Has she really been gone for so long? Wow.

You know what WOW stands for don’t you? WOW stands for Women of the Wall. WOW stands for women who are standing up for their rights as human beings and as Jews. This is a group of women who once a month head over to the Kotel, the Wailing Wall, to pray … and they do something that my mother never did (at least, not that I know of), but my wife did right here at our Temple, wear a tallit, a prayer shawl.

The first time I did the High Holy Days here, I don’t think that any woman had worn one during the services and, if they did, I think maybe they would have been shot … or spit on, or yelled at.

The truth is that as soon as Carol put on her tallit, she was immediately reprimanded in harsh tones and harsh glares. But, it was not one of the men in the Congregation who did so. No, it was one of the women.

My wife was a Brooklyn girl and, as such, she knew how to open up her mouth. I don’t know what Carol told her, I do know that by the end of the service the woman was quite taken by her.

The founding documents of this great country, that we are blessed to live in, states, “We hold these truths to be selfevident: that all men are created equal.” Notice it doesn’t say anything about women, nor does it say anything about slaves. Slaves have been looking for freedom throughout all time … and women, too, have been looking for the same freedom as men have had…

Fortunately, there have been many changes in the world and many changes in our faith since my mother and my wife passed away.

It is no longer an uncommon sight to see women in a Conservative Shul wearing a tallit. It is no longer unusual for a member of a Reform Synagogue to wear a Yarmulke. It is not unusual for a Conservative Shul to be egalitarian and count women toward the minyan and call them up for any and all honors. And even the World of Modern Orthodoxy is moving in directions that many never believed would come as Rabbi Avi Weiss just ordained a group of women.

Yet, in Israel, there is a politically powerful “Ultra Religious Minority” who would still keep women in the back of the bus, who would still keep a woman from wearing anything that shows a little arm or a little leg … and, who would still try to keep women from praying at the Wall, especially if they happen to be wearing a Prayer Shawl. WOW!

How would my wife and my mother respond to the Women of the Wall? My wife would probably have flown to Israel to be with them. My mother might never have chosen to wear a tallit. She might not have chosen to be called up for an Aliya. But, I will tell you what I think she would have done. I think she would have rooted them on … and, if anyone tried to stop them … well, I think she would have been one of the first to raise her voice and, if necessary, her fists.

Come to think of it, I think my mother of blessed memory just might have wound up getting herself locked in jail defending the rights of the Women of the Wall. So, if you ask me what kind of woman my momma was, I can answer that in one word … WOW!

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. High Holy Days tickets are now on sale in the Temple office off of Hillsboro and Military. Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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.

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.

Do you realize how blessed we are to live in this great country where we can hear the thunderous sounds of fireworks and firecrackers and not worry that those loud bangs and booms are the sounds of bombs set off by terrorists?

As I watched the display, I thought about what it must have been for the likes of my Bubbe and Zaide (for my grandmother and grandfather) to have crossed the ocean, being fortunate enough to be able to get out of their native country and land on these hallowed shores, making America their home and having faith that their progeny would experience a freedom in America that they could never know from whence they came.

Yes, I am gung ho about America and I am gung ho about freedom, but please notice that the word is ‘freedom’ … not “free-dumb.” With freedom comes great responsibility. So, as we celebrate the 4th, I hope you will take some time to contemplate your responsibilities to G-d, to the world, to America, to your fellow human beings and to the environment.

In the Torah, we are told that we are to be “A light unto the nations.” As I looked at the dazzling display of fireworks in the sky, I remembered those holy words and I thought about how we kindle lights each Shabbat.

The next time you light those lights, take time to look at the flames on the candles. Have you ever noticed which way the flames go? They go up into the air, up toward the sky.

Let this be a reminder that if we wish to be a light unto the nations, then we have to remove some of the darkness that others are experiencing. And, if you are wondering how we remove darkness, look at the flames of those candles again. Let the fact that the flames reach up toward the sky remind us that we should always strive to lift others up, to lighten them up.

To lighten up has many meanings in our modern world. Someone who wishes to lose weight might lighten up on the number of calories they consume or lighten up on their carb intake. Someone who is taking things too seriously might need to lighten up.

I saw a patient the other day. He was obviously having trouble seeing the light in the midst of the darkness he was experiencing, and the physician treating him asked me if I could stop in and try to lift his spirits. As I walked into the room, his facial expression said it all, and his body language made his mood even more obvious.

Thinking out of the box, I told him about my recent visit for my annual physical, where after finishing examining me, the doctor said, “Rabbi, you are as strong as an ox.” That sounded great to me, but, then, he continued, “The only thing is that the ox is very old, eats too much and is in failing health.”

And, at that moment, the patient I was trying to comfort put a grin on his face and said, “Rabbi, I guess the ‘Yokes’ on you!”

The joke may have been lame, but as I left the room, that patient was still smiling. Life is truly a miracle. On the one hand, words can put someone into bad humor; on the other hand, sometimes even bad humor can lift a person’s spirits.

G-d Bless America!

P.S. – Don’t worry; I actually got a great report from my doctor.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. High Holy Days tickets are now on sale in the Temple office off of Hillsboro and Military. Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m.