Grand Rapids Press - Nov. 10, 2013 - Section J by Grand Rapids Press

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

YOUR GUIDE TO THE DAY’S BEST LEISURE ACTIVITIES & MORE

GRAND RAPIDS

Chefs Auction to raise funds for March of Dimes

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias at DeVos Hall tonight

The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction event raises money to support healthy pregnancies and babies.

Standup comedian Gabriel Iglesias will perform at 8 tonight at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, as part of his national “Stand Up Revolution” tour.

The event is Monday at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, and starts at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Twenty local chefs are participating this year, each featuring their signature dishes from some of West Michigan’s finest restaurants. The program and live auction begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $150 ($100 is tax deductible) at signaturechefsauctiongr.com.

The word “fluffy” is becoming synonymous with the comedian. His “Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy” comedy special aired on Comedy Central and its DVD is sold in stores nationwide and on iTunes. His website is called fluffyguy.com. The comedian employs his weight and trademark Hawaiian shirts as his calling cards for those new to his comedy. Tickets are $42 at DeVos box office, Ticketmaster outlets or Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

GRAND RAPIDS

‘West Side Story’ hits the stage

roadway Grand Rapids brings “West Side Story” to DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, for eight performances, Tuesday-Nov. 17. Tickets start at $32. This revival updates the classic musical without changing the well-known music. Standards such as “I Feel Pretty,” “America” and “Maria” are included in the production,

among other favorites. The introduction of Spanish into the lyrics and dialogue aims to bring authenticity and a grittier feel to the story of two lovers connected to rival New York gangs. To purchase tickets and to see a full schedule of show times, visit the box office during regular business hours or go to ticketmaster.com or broadwaygrandrapids.com. Details, J2

GRAND RAPIDS

GRAM hosts Classical Concert Series today

IN THEATERS

‘12 Years a Slave’ a powerful film

Strolling through the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW, is taken to another level with its Sunday Classical Concert Series. GRAND RAPIDS

Veterans Day parade, ceremony slated on Monday Monday is Veterans Day and a time to remember, honor and thank those who serve in our nation’s military.

Members of the Grand Rapids Creston JROTC marched during the 2012 Veterans Day Parade. (MLive.com file)

A parade and ceremony will be held on Monday morning in Grand Rapids. This year’s parade starts at 10 a.m., traveling Division Avenue to Fulton Street, ending at Veterans Memorial Park, 101 E. Fulton St.

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Patrons viewing the current exhibits today, including “Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820-1950,” also will be treated to live classical music. At 2 p.m., the works of Franz Josef Haydn, Robert Schumann, Maurice Ravel and Nikolai Kapustin will be performed by pianist Ralph Votapek. The series is set to run every Sunday at 2 p.m. through Dec. 22. No reservations are needed. Chairs are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. The performance is included with admission to the museum: $5-$8 for non-members. Admission is free for members and children 5 and younger. Details at artmuseumgr.org.

“12 Years a Slave” is raw emotion manifest. One of its many affecting scenes shows Solomon Northup strung up on a noose with just enough slack in the rope to keep his toes on the ground. He performs a perverse ballet in the mud so he will not choke. We hear only the squish of his feet in the wet soil. In the background, other slaves go about their business. The camera stares unflinching at his struggle for an unbearable length of time. It holds long enough that it ceases to be a picture of a man suffering. It becomes a portrait of helplessness, agony, despair and rage. Steve McQueen directs “12 Years a Slave” with a pure, awful righteousness. Pure, because he depicts cruelty with brutal clarity. Awful, because it’s a true story that must be shared. Details, J5 — John Serba

J2 / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Entertainment GRAND RAPIDS

‘West Side Story’: An edgy, gritty tale of love IF YOU GO

By Todd Chance

‘WEST SIDE STORY’

tchance@mlive.com

Contemporary. Edgy. Gritty. Actor Jarrad Biron Green, who stars as Tony in the nationally touring production of “West Side Story,” said this tour will surprise audiences. Starting Tuesday, Broadway Grand Rapids is bringing the show to DeVos Performance Hall, but the musical many fans remember as a quaint and campy portrayal of gang life in New York, has been updated in 2009 by the book’s original author Arthur Laurents. The love story between Tony and Maria, inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” now is cast against a more grim reality of violence and ethnic segregation. The introduction of Spanish into the lyrics and lines of the show give the story more authenticity. The revival attempts to bring the show into a more current setting and give it that gritty edge Green describes. Green, who is taking a leave of absence from his senior year as a musical theater student at NYU, said most of the actors in the production are either bilingual or have experience with Spanish. About 10 percent of the show is per-

When: Tuesday-Nov. 17 Where: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW Tickets: Start at $32, broadwaygrandrapids.com.

MaryJoanna Grisso is Maria, and Jarrad Biron Green is Tony in “West Side Story.” (Courtesy)

formed in Spanish. “I feel that this new version empowers The Sharks as characters,” Green said. “In the original, it was as if The Jets were the heroes. Giving The Sharks their language leveled the playing field and allows for a deeper emotional bond with the audience.” In the musical, the rival gangs The Sharks hail from Puerto Rico, and The Jets are working -class PolishAmericans. “The hate between the two rival gangs is heightened,” Green said. “Tweaks have been made to the dated dialogue, and it has a more con-

temporary and edgy feel. In turn, this serves to heighten the romance between Tony and Maria as their ‘forbidden’ love is all the more dangerous and daring.” This revival updates the musical and its score from Sondheim and Bernstein without changing the wellknown music. Standards such as “I Feel Pretty,” “America” and “Maria” are present among other favorites. “It’s very clear what’s going on in the scenes,” Green said. “So, if audience members don’t speak Spanish, they’ll still understand it and won’t feel left out.” Green is joined in the cast by MaryJoanna Grisso (Maria), Michelle Alves (Anita) and Michael Spencer Smith (Bernardo). Grand Rapids will be the second stop in a 10-city tour that started in Memphis on Tuesday.

FILM REVIEW

Redford gives career performance in a gripping story of survival By John Serba

jserba@mlive.com

There is being alone, and there is loneliness. “All Is Lost” splits that hair. It’s a story in which one man faces terrible adversity while crossing the Indian Ocean via sailboat. This man, unnamed, finds loneliness forced upon him when his craft is rammed by a stray shipping container, the first in a series of events testing his will to live. Honestly, I can only assume his motivation. The dialogue in writer/director J.C. Chandor’s script could fit on a single page. The man is played by Robert Redford in an uncanny display of nonverbal characterization. Many will point out how Redford, at 77, challenged himself with a demanding physical role. But his work here trumps any superficialities. His motives are never detailed, so we have to intuit them, or project our own upon him (Why would I take such a trip? To seek solitude and self-reflection). The film opens with a brief voiceover, a letter he writes to his undetermined loved ones, before flashing back eight days. It’s the last bit of dialogue in the entire run time, save for “Help!”, a brief S.O.S. call into a malfunctioning radio and a bellowed expletive, unrepeatable here. He wakes up to find his modest yacht stuck on the metal shipping container, a sizeable hole in his hull. You can sense his thought process in his expression. He’s a reasonable, resourceful man.

Robert Redford is the only cast member in “All Is Lost.” (Courtesy)

He doesn’t panic. Chandor focuses on the minutiae, what Redford does with his hands — tying knots, patching a hole, shimmying up the mast, bandaging a wound. Not until deep in the narrative does he ever seem desperate. Chandor’s choices as a writer are shrewd. He has no use for backstory cliches or exposition, and keeps the narrative immediate, for that is where his protagonist must exist in order to survive. “All Is Lost” is a gripping exercise in visual storytelling. Chandor, who helmed the excellent, wordy Wall Street-crash ensemble drama “Margin Call,” also challenges himself and succeeds in showing, not telling. He rarely diverts from the man’s point of view. The sailboat cabin feels claustrophobic. The ocean feels vast, infinite. The danger is paramount. The filmmaker doesn’t overuse music to manipulate our

'ALL IS LOST'

rrrr MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language Cast: Robert Redford Director: J.C. Chandor Run time: 106 minutes

emotions. There are plenty of creaks and groans and rumbling clouds to unsettle us. The story is best conveyed with pictures, performance and sound. It’s a small movie, hinging on Redford, whose performance likely will be praised and ranked among his best. The film is a classic man vs. nature drama, tense and suspenseful. Embedded in Redford’s acting is wily determination but also the realization that such a trait might not be enough. Nature is too big, too overwhelming, too powerful. It will pummel you with your own insignificance.

GRAND RAPIDS

Monster Magnet opens tour here ByJohn Serba

jserba@mlive.com

Dave Wyndorf’s gospel-viarock ’n’ roll is simple: “Bring it!” The mastermind behind Monster Magnet is weary of the passive nature of the modern world. There’s too much talk, not enough action. To quote one of his lyrics from the band’s new album “Lost Patrol,” he believes people spend too much time “staring at a screen, wondering what happened since the death of cool.” Wyndorf is a character — and a survivor. A native of Red Bank, N. J., he dogged it in the New York City punk, rock and psych scenes for years before he picked up a guitar and formed Monster Magnet in the late 1980s. That band’s story is not unusual: a well-received first album (“Spine of God”) on an indie label leads to a contract with a major during the grunge heyday, a brief stab at crossover success (1998 record “Powertrip” went gold), then a return to clubs and a cult following. Under Wyndorf’s leadership, Monster Magnet offered fuzzed-out psychedelic freakouts and crunchy, riff-driven rockers, a couple of which became radio and MTV hits in the 1990s: “Space Lord,” “Negasonic Teenage Warhead.” The band differentiated itself from its peers with Wyndorf’s tongue-in-cheek throwback-rocker persona and wily lyrical turns-ofphrase, which were as likely to reference Jack Kirby-era Marvel Comics as they were to detail insane drug trips, cloaking his personal stories in bizarre sci-fi imagery. Now, Wyndorf is moving forward by looking back: “Lost Patrol” has more in common with the 1960s psych-garage rock he loved as a kid than the largerthan-life sounds of Monster Magnet’s commercial heyday. It also marks a fresh start in his home country. Burned out on playing the same heavy-metal dives across the U.S., the band — now consisting of guitarists Phil Caivano and Garrett Sweeny, bassist Chris Kosnick and drummer Bob Pantella — has made its living in Europe for the past 10 years. Its first full-blown American tour in a decade kicks off Thursday at The Intersection. In conversation, Wyndorf is animated and amiable, eschewing typical newalbum/new-tour talking points for amusing tangents and anecdotes. I caught up with Wyndorf on the morning of his 57th birthday for a spirited conversation, oft punctuated with my laughter:

Monster Magnet launches its first full-blown American tour in a decade on Thursday at The Intersection. (Courtesy) IF YOU GO

And the rest was just all the dumb stuff I thought was cool years earlier. That’s what I carry a torch for, that little cobbler shop of stuff.

MONSTER MAGNET When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday Where: The Intersection Tickets: $16 in advance, $19 day of show, etix.com Opening acts: Royal Thunder, Zodiac, Tru-Burn Info.: sectionlive.com

talk about it all the time, what the next big thing is. But unfortunately now, everything is the next big thing, and nothing is the next big thing. It’s a lot of talk. The current state of music is so splintered. I can go to some obscure corner of the Internet and find a group of weirdos that like this particular sub-sub-genre of music, and that’s all we’re going to talk about. Like I said, there’s a lot of talk (but) physically, you gotta bring it. If it’s going to count for anything, you’ve gotta bring it.”

Are you representing rock ’n’ roll as it stands right now? Are you carrying the torch for it? It’s much more personal with me. I carry my own rock ’n’ roll torch. … In certain circles in New York in the late ’70s, the intelligensia would talk about what was and wasn’t cool — ELP wasn’t cool, the Stooges were cool, blah blah blah. It was finely honed. It was boiled down to a basket, a small European basket, of stuff, components that made for cool music. It probably was just in my head. But that was a part of what formed Monster Magnet.

I ask that question because I think it ties in with the lyric you wrote, “Staring at a screen, wondering what happened since the death of cool.” When did the definitions change? Sometime around the ’80s, the definition of “cool” became less laid-back and not caring about society to a person who just gets over whatever way possible. “(Expletive) everybody, I got mine!” Yeah, you’re cool.

I’m listening to the new record, and it’s obviously the thing you want to be doing right now. Can you talk about what it was like flirting with the mainstream for five, 10 years? Flirting with the mainstream — let’s say flirting with a wider audience. Fist-in-the-air rock is something that I always loved and was a natural progression for us, from the first records to “Powertrip.” In my head, bands always did that. They always had a couple of really weird psych records that are amazing. That was part of my whole thing — part of my whole plan with Monster Magnet was to get to that anyway. I didn’t expect it to get to the mass audience. I didn’t expect that many people to like it or take it seriously. We’d tour all over the world. I’d go somewhere else and put my fist in the air and wear leather pants, and these (expletives) would take it seriously. (laughing)

Q In my world, rock ’n’ AWhenrollI was began in Michigan. a kid, there was I see you’re kicking off your tour in Michigan.

British rock, American rock — and then Detroit rock. It was a whole different thing. They took the ’60s and did it right. It was a realistic view of psychedelic music. It’s often imitated, never equaled. It’s a different world now. I’ve never seen anything quite like this accelerated pace of copping styles. When I was a kid, every 20 years, something comes back. Now, it’s every two years. People 4732442-02

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Entertainment FILM REVIEW

Dense ‘Thor’ lost in its own world The Asgardians have not lightened up since 2011’s “Thor.” The cosmic pseudogods weighed down that movie, posing and speaking in Shakespearean timbre like the bunch of elitist blowhards they are. Even when they drink and party in celebration of victorious battle, they’re haughty, witless bores. We get a big, steaming dose of them in sequel “Thor: The Dark World,” which is unfortunate. On the Marvel Comics movie timeline, the story is set after its titular hero, again played by Chris Hemsworth, helped save Earth in “The Avengers,” a movie that hit all the comic-book tones perfectly, soft-shoeing the gravitas while emphasizing snappy comedy and thrilling, propulsive action. HEMSWORTH WORTHY

“Dark World” director Alan Taylor tries to square-peg that light tone into the round hole of Asgard, a place populated by dramatic sticks-in-themud. Hemsworth is again sincere and likeable in the role of a super-hunk trying to straddle two worlds, but he often seems lost in his own movie. “Dark World” is the first film in the “Avengers” canon to feel like a contractual obligation. Its five credited screenwriters apparently believe the English language is a means to convey exposition laden with multisyllabic gibberish about the Convergence of the Nine Realms and the Bifrost, and includes title cards identifying

'THOR: THE DARK WORLD'

rrss Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins Director: Alan Taylor Runtime: 112 minutes Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence and some suggestive content

different worlds as Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, Asgard, etc., even though they all look the same. The narrative loses us in the opening scenes, where Anthony Hopkins, as Thor’s papa Odin, the King of Asgard, buries us in gobbledygook via voiceover. The prelude sets up the story: The Dark Elves, ancient enemies of Asgard, were long ago vanquished and banished from the realm. But they’re plotting a return, and seek the source of their power, a floating special effect resembling a tentacled glob of cherryflavored cough syrup. It’s dubbed The Aether. Conveniently, The Aether turns up on Earth, and is discovered by Thor’s love interest from the first movie, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Good thing, because she’s been longing for Thor and his meticulously waxed musculature, and now he has an excuse to come back for a visit and save her from awkward dates with a dweeb played by Chris O’Dowd, and her demise. The Aether infects her, giving her a CGI rash on her arm. He whisks her away to Asgard, where she’s placed

Chris Hemsworth is the title character in “Thor: The Dark World.” (Courtesy)

in another special effect that determines her life is in danger, an obvious point any one of us could have made, and at much less expense. Of course, targeting Jane are the Dark Elves, led by Malekith (an unrecognizable Christopher Eccleston), a tragically stiff white-skinned baddie who could be the genetic offspring of Middle Earth and Kronos (that’s the Klingon homeworld, nonTrekkites). His right-hand monster is a stomping bizarro-Hellboy type, moonlighting from his gig on Rob Zombie’s concert tour. They attack Asgard, and buried somewhere in the plot is an explanation as to why they inevitably end up landing on Earth for the third act. There’s much huffing and puffing in the many, many Asgard scenes. Hopkins acts

as if his costume weighs 150 pounds, delivering multiple boring speeches and pounding the butt of his kingly staff on the ground to emphasize his overwrought-thespian line readings. Portman seems half-interested in an empty distresseddamsel role, and who can blame her? Kat Dennings returns as her comic-relief sidekick, and her performance is perky but grating. Stellan Skarsgard also revisits his wacky-professor role, which requires him to embarrass himself for a paycheck. The plot convolutes so Thor must commit treason, and team up with his fiendish brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), locked in an Asgardian dungeon at the start of the film, to defeat the threat and save his girlfriend. This is when Hemsworth

GRAND RAPIDS

UICA closing its Urban Clay Studio By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk jkaczmarczyk@mlive.com

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is closing its Urban Clay Studio in order to use its space for a wider range of purposes. UICA is revamping the two-story studio to provide dynamic exhibition, event, art conservation and preparatory space. Organizers hope the newly named “Art Commons” will become a magnet for a wide variety of artists, designers and creators as well as a meeting place for local groups. Its large windows on the street level will serve as a showcase for art for passersby when the Art Commons opens in early 2014. The Urban Clay Studio will close Dec. 31, according to executive director Miranda Krajniak. “While we’re sorry to remove this resource for the dedicated ceramics artists who used it regularly, we believe that a more multipurpose studio approach will best serve our mission of engaging contemporary artists and audiences in the Grand Rapids community and beyond,” said Krajniak, appointed interim executive director in May, a post made permanent in August in the aftermath of the takeover of UICA by Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State

University. UICA has begun the process of cataloging equipment and reaching out to the community for ideas on what will best serve the ceramicists who currently use the facilities, Krajniak said. The Urban Clay Studio, which occupies a sunken space at the northwest corner of UICA’s Gallery on Fulton at Commerce Street, is the largest exhibition space and most public studio in the building at 2 W. Fulton St. The new Art Commons will host expanded adult classes and artist workshops. Organizers hope it will bring community members from various disciplines and backgrounds together to collaborate and learn from each other. Additionally, the Art Commons will include a gallery area featuring large-scale hanging artwork, projections, and other work that requires a nontraditional environment. “The Art Commons is a unique space within the UICA and will have the flexibility to hold live performance, meetings, classes, events, critiques, and artist workshops,” Krajniak said. “By programming the space and hanging artworks, we’ll activate the corner of Commerce Street, a gateway to an increasingly revitalized part of downtown. The Urban Clay studio was a part of UICA in its former home at 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE

and was moved when the nonprofit, contemporary arts organization took up residence in the Gallery on Fulton in 2011. The studio, which offered classes in beginning ceramics, throwing on the potter’s wheel, and Raku pottery, was equipped with 13 wheels and four electric kilns as well as an extruder, a slab roller and a downdraft table. Kendall College formerly used UICA’s facilities for its ceramics classes. But when KCAD moved into its Woodbridge N. Ferris Building last year, the college built a new state-of-the-art clay studio in the building at 17 Pearl St. NW, the former home of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Urban Clay Studio members paid UICA fees beginning at $85 a month for general access to the studio or fees beginning at $115 per month for 24-hour access to the facilities. UICA has been letting memberships end without renewal for the past several months to prepare for the Art Commons launch, Krajniak said. The announcement suggests that organizations such as Division Avenue Arts Collective, Heartside Business Association and Avenue for the Arts in the Heartside Neighborhood may be interested in using the Commons. Jenn Schaub, neighborhood revitalization associate for

Dwelling Place and coordinator for Avenue for the Arts, said, however, that neither the Heartside Business Association nor Avenue for the Arts has yet discussed using the Art Commons. “We’ve had great, successful events at UICA over the last six months, and we look forward to working with UICA both as a rental space and as a community collaborator in the future,” Schaub said.

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and Hiddleston engage in “witty” “banter.” They wrestle with the dialogue, but it will not submit. Hiddleston was the bright spot in the first “Thor” and a scene-stealer in “The Avengers,” but this lousy script gives him nothing inter-

esting to do or say. Taylor is a veteran of “Game of Thrones,” and knows his way around swords and monsters. His action direction is serviceable but unmemorable, and sometimes, “Dark World” feels like “Lord of the Rings” with ray guns. He, too, must contend with the lousy writing, but gamely creates enough dramatic momentum to mildly satisfy fangirls and boys feeling the tug of obligation to see this thing in the context of this juggernaut franchise. They also may appreciate the handful of character bits showcasing Thor’s transition from beefcake party bro to heartsick hero bearing the burden of responsibility. Somewhere in his eyes, even in the heat of this movie’s many brouhahas, he just wants to cross the stars to be with his lady. Whatever. Speaking as a former 12-year-old devourer of Marvel funnybooks, I don’t know if I’d cross the street to see this dull spectacle again.

Now Showing! Showtimes for November 10 - November 14, 2013

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (PG13)

ENDER’S GAME (PG13) Sorry, No Free Passes

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jserba@mlive.com

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Thank you

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Retirement Community

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J4 / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Entertainment ADA

Ada teen’s song picked as theme for natl. radio show By Jan Holst

Advance Newspapers

Tony Moceri, 13, of Ada, is a musician. He plays percussion at Forest Hills Central Middle School, where he is an eighthgrader. He has been playing piano formally since kindergarten and before that, by ear, and now one of his compositions is the signature music on the nationally syndicated Sean Hannity radio show. Tony said that he has been “making music” since he was about 7 years old. “I just play,” he said, “and once I establish something, I write the base down.”

“I don’t know how he does it; something just pops out of his head,” said his father, Greg Moceri. Dad, who owns a consulting and talent coaching business, has been involved in radio for years and has worked with the Hannity Show for the past decade, but that isn’t why Tony’s music was chosen for the show opening. It’s because the piece was exactly what the show producers and Hannity himself were seeking, according to his father. “They wanted a change and asked for something

upbeat and lively for the show opening,” said Greg Moceri. “I wasn’t thrilled with what I was finding, and then I remembered Tony’s piece and sent it to some people I work with. They all thought it was perfect, and so I sent it to Sean. I didn’t tell him where it came from; I didn’t want him to feel obligated. But he loved it, and now they are using it.” “Isn’t this a great story,” Hannity said in a telephone interview from his New York studio. “When Greg sent me the music, I thought it was a pop song and wondered why I had never heard it. I love music and this is spectacu-

lar.” Tony didn’t find out that his music was chosen until after it hit the airwaves. “I was really surprised. I had no idea he was going to do it.” Tony has been working on a couple of pieces, “trying to master” them for a recording studio session for which he and a friend, who writes vocals, were preparing. “I liked the song, so I sent a copy of what I was working on to my dad.” “Frankly I think I could have made it sound better,” Tony said of the piece that is now heard on more 500 stations across the nation and by 14 million listeners.

Hannity said he is pleased with the results of the new show opening. “ I really need to hear more from him,” he said. “He is on the payroll now, so he won’t get away with only one. “I am thrilled that he is a teenager,” he said. “This is the story of America. Somebody sends something in somewhere and a new opportunity for someone is born.” Tony showed his music prowess early on, said his mom, Peggy Moceri. “He has been pounding on a keyboard of some sort since he was able to sit up by one,” she said.

Music by Tony Moceri, 13, of Ada, is the theme song for the Sean Hannity radio show. (MLive.com)

C E L E B R A T I O N S TO PLACE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT GO TO WWW.MLIVE.COM/CELEBRATIONS

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Questions call Lisa at 616-254-0607. To mail or email your info. go to www.mlive.com/celebrations-forms to download/print forms. Deadline is 2 weeks prior to publication date.

Greening - Melton

Harrison ~ Klunder

Orlowski - Welniak

Thomas and Terri Greening of Grand Rapids are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jennifer Greening to Joshua Melton, son of John and Lori Melton of Austin, Texas. Jennifer attended Northern High School and graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a bachelor's degree in music. She resides in Chicago and is a library technician at Moody Bible Institute. Joshua graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a bachelor's degree in urban ministry. He resides in Chicago and is a shift supervisor at Starbucks. A January wedding is planned in Chicago.

Amanda Orlowski and Nate Welniak will be married on September 27, 2014. Amanda is the daughter of Jim and Lori Orlowski; Byron Center. Amanda is a graduate of Western Michigan University, she is currently employed at Metro Health Hospital and will receive her RN degree from Kellogg Community College in May 2014. Nate is the son of Jim Welniak; Middleville, and the late Terri Welniak. Nate received his bachelor's degree in Construction Management from Ferris State University and is currently employed at VanLaan Concrete.

Katlyn Jean Klunder and Brian Mark Harrison were united in marriage July 27, 2013 at First Byron Christian Reformed Church. Parents of the couple are Bill and Diane Klunder of Byron Center and Gene and Debbie Harrison of Kent City. Matron of honor was Amanda Friend and bridemaids were Jessica Reimink and Kelli Potts. Flower girls were Ava Friend and Leah Wiltrakis. Best man was Steve Harrison and groomsmen were Paul Fessenden and Torrence Sanders. Ushers were Bill Klunder and Chad Friend. The couple resides in Walker.

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Kirgis ~ Moon

JANET O'CONNELL

Stephanie Moon, daughter of Mike and Ann Moon, married Rhett Kirgis, son of Michael and Charlene Kirgis, on June 22, 2013. The beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Kirgis cottage on the shore of Big Platte Lake was followed by a weekend of festivties with close family and friends. The groom is a graphic art and designer. The bride is a high school art teacher. Both Rhett and Stephanie are W.M.U. graduates. Their home is in Colorado Springs, CO.

Dream Come True! On Sat., Nov. 16, from 1-4 pm, at the Family Christian Bookstore, 3120 28th St. SE. Grand Rapids, author Janet O'Connell will be available to sign her first newly published book, "When They Died Where Did They Go?" Janet believes she has written a book that will greatly comfort young children. This book was created to help children find a way to work through their grief by faith. Janet is a former teacher who is writing children's books to help preschoolers build a foundations of faith. She is currently working on a Christian ABC book called The ABC's of God's Love, to be publish by Christmas. To preview, "When They Died Where Did They Go?" you may visit her website at www.janschristianbooks.com .

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C. John Gill HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY from your 12 children, 42 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and our spouses. We love you.

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Jim and Ginny Lauer

Corinda Lydia Grace Huss Baby Corinida was born on April 29th, 2013 at 4:55pm, weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21" long. She was delivered to Corinda Alicia Huss at Spectrum-Butterworth Hospital by Dr. Robyn Hubbard in Grand Rapids, MI. Corinda Lydia Grace was named after her great-great-great grandmother, her great-grandmother, her grandmother and her mother, officially making baby Corinda the 5th Corinda in the family. She was welcomed by many aunts, a few uncles, and her very excited, first-time grandparents, Corinda and Mark Huss of Grand Rapids, MI, Tina and Larry Gibson of Lansing, MI and Juli Roe of Lansing, MI. 4724643-01

Harlan & Sandy TenHarmsel

~ GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ~

Happy 45th Anniversary to Harlan & Sandy (Engelsman) TenHarmsel! Harlan & Sandy of Zeeland celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on November 8, 2013. The couple celebrated with a special family dinner and a trip to Florida. Harlan & Sandy were married on November 8, 1968 at Highland Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. They were highschool sweethearts. Sandy retired from Zeeland Public Schools in 2004 after 23 years. Harlan retired from AT&T in 1999 after 31 years. They are the loving parents and grandparents of one son, Mike (Stacy) TenHarmsel and one daughter, Amy (Eric) Harrington and six grandchildren, Marissa, Jacob & Olivia TenHarmsel and Jace, Emma & Seth Harrington; all of Zeeland, MI.

Jim and Ginny (Saul) Lauer currently of Grandville, MI, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. They were married November 9, 1963 at St. Patrick's Church in Grand Haven, MI. Their children are: Chris Waldron and Dave Lauer and their grandchildren are: Travis Waldron, Maddie Lauer and Heather Waldron. An Alaskan cruise was taken in September and a trip through Oklahoma and Kansas is planned for next spring to complete their travels to all 50 states.

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THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / J5

Entertainment FILM REVIEW

‘12 Years a Slave’ enthralling, wrenching jserba@mlive.com

Steve McQueen directs “12 Years a Slave” with a pure, awful righteousness. Pure, because he depicts cruelty with brutal clarity. Awful, because it’s a true story that must be shared. Solomon Northup was a free man living in Saratoga, New York, when he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American South in 1841. When he was finally released, he wrote a firsthand account detailing his experiences, and it’s the basis for the film. McQueen and screenwriter John Ridley’s translation from words to moving images is so powerful, it forces us to question the nature of storytelling itself. Why tell this particular story? Why depict Solomon’s

dramatic moments. Other characters turn up in Solomon’s narrative: A slave trader (Paul Giamatti), a wandering Canadian worker-forhire (Brad Pitt), a pampered “house slave” (Alfre Woodard) speaking of karmic destiny, the slave Robert (Michael K. Williams), whose fate illustrates what happens when one is stricken by fear. The incidental characters offer myriad angles on the truth at hand, be they social, spiritual or political, right or wrong or somewhere in the fog between.

'12 YEARS A SLAVE'

rrrr Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbendr, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o Director: Steve McQueen Runtime: 134 minutes Rating: R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality

horror in such graphic detail? To remind us of the human capacity for cruelty, perhaps, or to shake people from the perceived safety of their warm, comfortable homes. Those ideas are on the surface, and they’re valuable. But the beating heart of this story is truth without adornment, pure and precious. Truth is what strengthens us, inspires our compassion, gives life meaning beyond the existential. Chiwetel Ejiofor finds truth in his portrayal of Solomon Northup. His defining moment is declarative: “I don’t want to survive. I want to live,” he tells another griefstricken slave. We see Solomon stripped of everything — his wife and children, his career as a violinist, his dignity, his identity. He is beaten and tortured in acts of thoughtless savagery. He must hide his intelligence lest he be further punished. His fellow slaves are murdered, raped, paraded nude in front of plantation owners prior to purchase. They are called beasts and livestock, and likened to baboons – lan-

DIALOGUE AS POETRY

Benedict Cumberbatch, left, and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in “12 Years A Slave.” (Courtesy)

guage far more traumatic than the terrible, colloquial N-word, which makes us flinch in other contexts. There are no straight lines in Ejiofor’s characterization. Solomon is a base amalgam of selflessness and selfishness, of indignation, misery and longing. He also has hope, symbolized by a violin, a gift from the “kind” slave owner Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch), who sees humanity in his subjects, but turns a blind eye to greater inhumanities. He’s a good argument for the annihilation of tradition.

Ford preaches Sunday sermons to the slaves, and twice McQueen indicts such spiritual hypocrisy by drowning out his discourse with the prevailing sound from the preceding scene — one, a vulgar and degrading song sung by a cretinous plantation worker (Paul Dano), and the other, the wracked sobs of a slave woman separated from her children. Consequences force Solomon from Ford’s plantation to that of Epps, a noxious cretin whose favorite Biblical passage is the one where

resistant subjugates are to be “beaten with many stripes.” Epps is portrayed with disturbing savagery by Michael Fassbender (who also starred in McQueen’s other features, “Shame” and “Hunger”). Lupita Nyong’o plays a young slave, Patsey, the object of Epps’ grotesque affection, and therefore the object of his wife’s (Sarah Paulson) hatred. Patsey comes to Solomon for help, an impossible situation for all parties. Nyongo’s performance is brave and inspiring. She and Ejiofor share several of the film’s definitive

Ridley’s script turns the stiff dialect of the times into poetry, and McQueen assures that Sean Bobbitt’s cinematography, which captures the natural beauty of rural Louisiana, matches it. As we age, we better understand the adversities and blessings that define us as individuals. The truth in Solomon Norhtup’s story reflects that, even when the details of his story are extraordinary. The way McQueen tells it brings the human condition into stark focus — Solomon survived his ordeal, and it cost him most everything but his core humanity. The ending is wrenching, unsettling and far from tidy. It feels true. “12 Years a Slave” is difficult to watch, enthralling in its horror, but necessary, and essential. It is not easily forgotten, as it should be.

C E L E B R A T I O N S TO PLACE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT GO TO WWW.MLIVE.COM/CELEBRATIONS

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By John Serba

Questions call Lisa at 616-254-0607. To mail or email your info. go to www.mlive.com/celebrations-forms to download/print forms. Deadline is 2 weeks prior to publication date.

Gene & Dorothy Gort

Orlowski Smith

~ DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY ~ Gene and Dorothy (Vanden Brink) Gort celebrated their 60 years of marriage with a family dinner. They were married October 30, 1953 in Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church by Rev. A Rozen. Their children are: Kim and Jayne Gort of Holland, MI, Robert Gort of Los Angeles, CA and Glenn Gort of Holland, MI. They have been blessed with 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Brock Orlowski and Abigail Smith were married on July 27, 2013 in Ft. Wayne, IN. Brock is the son of Jim and Lori Orlowski; Byron Center and Abby is the daughter of Tim and Ang Smith; Ft. Wayne. Brock is currently teaching at Blackhawk Christian High School and Abby will graduate in May with her BSN from Indiana Purdue Ft. Wayne. 4731996-01

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Tom and Sue Bart

To Place Your Own

ANNOUNCEMENT Go to

Tom and Sue Bart celebrated 50 years of marriage on October 26, 2013. This past July, they celebrated this happy event with their four "gorillas" and their families at The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Tom and Sue have four daughters: Chris (Scott) Jech of Chatfield Minnesota, Cheryl (Mike) Hellman of Walker, Michigan, Kelly (Fred) Russo of Coopersville, Michigan, and Jennifer (Bernie) Krzewski of Walker, Michigan. They have eight grandchildren: Katie and Tom Jech, Ian and Lauren Hellman, Elizabeth and Kobe Russo and Teague and Luke Krzewski. They also have one grand-cat "Cuddles", and three grand-dogs, "Ronda", "Cooper" and "Boomer". Tom and Sue are both retired and occasionally travel but mostly keep busy cheering at their grandchildren's football, hockey, softball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball and cross country events.

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mlive.com/celebrations mlive. mli iive. ve v e.com/cele e. ebra ebratio bra b br ratiio ons n ns or to download forms go to

mlive.com/celebrations-forms

Krum – Bolles

Darcy Kay Krum married Eric Matthew Bolles on July 18, 2009 at Yarrow Golf and Country Club, Augusta, Mich. The bride is the daughter of Linda and David Krum of Schoolcraft, Mich. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree and then Southeastern University with her Masters in Education. She is employed with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa, Fla. as a 2nd grade teacher. The groom is the son of Nina and Milton Bolles of Twin Lake, Mich. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree. He is employed with Verizon, Tampa, Fla. in sales. Maid of Honor was Kenzi McNally; Bridesmaids were Denise Krum, Jessica Ashley E. Carter, Stevens and Kirsten Bolles. Best man was Mike Bolles; Groomsmen were Dean daughter of Jacque and Mich., is engaged Krum, Levent Cur and Rob Osborne; Ushers were Lee McNally and Blake Krum. Scott Carter to Jacob T. of Schoolcraft, Youngblood Youngblood, The couple reside in Riverview, Fla. 3703835-01 of Kalamazoo, son of Debra Mich. and Brian The bride-ele ct is attendin g Hope College. The future groom attended Universit employed with y of North Automotive Concepts CARSTA Western Ohio. He is Technician. R as a Collision Repair A June 12, 2010 wedding is planned .

Carter – You ngblood

nsberger ier – Ma Millerma

13, 2009 on June Mansberger William aier of d Lucas d Millerm Mich. aier marrie Dr. Edwar sity of Toronto aier and th Millerm r, Kalamazoo, ion. Univer Sarah ElizabeNature Cente of Dr. Janet MillermCollege at the in Communicat M.A. azoo ter at Kalam is the daugh a graduate of Trinitypursuing her associate. He is of Illinois development Paw Paw, Mich. ry The bride Mich. She is University as a erger of Stratford Adviso Kalamazoo, tly attending Cara Program with Mark Mansb and is curren yed with The Dr. Nancy and He is employed sity. Hallemeier, She is emplo is the son of an Univer were Kate Flower girls Michig groom rn maids The Kraus; Brent te of Weste aier; Brides t. a gradua a senior analys Sonja Millerm Williams and SashaBest man was erger Kraus. Mansb Group as of Honor was Ebrahim, Jenn & Maya Andrew erger. and h Maid Olivia Jeff Salima The and 01 Milo Mansb tra, Brian, Gilbert, Marietta 3687087Rebecca na & Cecily were Nayt Hiems Marietta and Elijah were Aalian Groomsmen bearers were Ring Schimnoski; o, Ill. Millermaier; and Max reside in Chicag The couple

David and Carol Rice GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

David and Carol Rice of Grand Rapids and Marco Island, Florida are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 9, 1963.

They are blessed with 2 daughters: Suzanne Kuhn (Steven) and three grandchildren, Tyler, Jordan and Sarah Ann; Jennifer Collins (Dan) and two grandchildren, Amber and Tyler.

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For More Information, Contact

Celebrations Dept.

888.868.5356 or celebrations@mlive.com

An anniversary celebration will be celebrated at a future date. 4725870-01

J6 / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Calendar

Post your event to the calendar To submit an item for the entertainment calendar, go to myevent.mlive.com or email events@mlive.com or call 877-414-0136. Items will be published as space permits.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Presentation: Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale. 7 pm. Free and open to the public. Located in the fieldhouse. 331-2345

MUSIC

NOV. 10

Bowling Green State University Men’s Chorus: Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE. 4 pm. Freewill offering. 616/456-1773

NOV. 14

Delicious Dishes for a Heart Healthy Holiday (Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 4:30-6 pm. $30. 8055308 ext 205

NOV. 13

The Bach Chorale of Grand Rapids Fall 2013 Concert: St. Adalbert Basilica, Cr. 4th and Davis. 7:30 pm. $15-$12. www.bachchoralegrandrapids.org

Growing Global, Farming Local Refugee Benefit Silent Auction: Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 6:30-9 pm. $20, $25 at the door. 965-8056

NOV. 15

An Evening of Celtic Music with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas: Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard St., Allegan. 7-9 pm. $20 to $25 at the Gate. Save $5 per ticket for Adv. Purchase. 269/903-6883 The Classical Concert: Royce Auditorium, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. 8 pm. $26 and up. 454-9451 ext.4 Classical Coffee Concert: Royce Auditorium, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. 10 am. $12. 454-9451 ext.4 STAGE

THRU NOV. 16

“An Ideal Husband” by Oscar Wilde: Calvin College Gezon Auditorium,, 3201 Burton St., SE. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm. www.calvin.edu NOV. 15 23

Cornerstone University Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. $12/adults, $10/students, seniors, $5/CU students. www. cornerstone.edu/theatre NOV. 15 DEC. 15

The Sound of Music: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave.. $35-$18. www.grct.org NOV. 10

Gabriel Iglesias “Stand-Up Revolution”: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. 8 pm. $69.50-$39.50. www.devosperformancehall.com Sesame Street Live “Make a New Friend”: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. 1 and 4:30 pm. $18.50 $57.50. 1-800-745-3000 NOV. 11

Auditions for Carol Burnett Skits at Dinner Theater: Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. 6:30 pm. Free. 455-1001 NOV. 12 17

West Side Story: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Tue-Sun. broadwaygrandrapids.com NOV. 14 16

The Death of Schopenhauer: Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson SE. ThuSat, 8 pm. $10. dogstorytheater. com “Leaving Iowa”: Evergreen Ministries, 4512 48th Ave., Hudsonville. Thu & Fri, 7 pm; Sat, 2 pm. $7/ Adults and $5/Students. 5380990 A Carol for Tiny Tim: Kent Theatre, 8 N Main , Cedar Springs . Thu & Sat, 7:30 pm; Fri, 2 and 7:30 pm. Adults, $10. Students, $5. 616/540-9165 NOV. 15 16

Contents Under Pressure: Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. Fri & Sat, 7 pm. www.masterarts.org ART/MUSEUMS

THRU NOV. 15

Dark Flight - Ryan Thompson: 106 Gallery, 106 S. Division Ave.. Mon-Fri, Sun. www.calvin.edu/ centergallery Aquinas Faculty Exhibit: Moose Cafe, Cook Carriage House. MonFri, Sun. 616/307-3650 THRU NOV. 17

Branching Off, the Recent Paintings by Charles A. LaRue: Merizon Studio, 9087 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia. Free. merizonstudio.com THRU NOV. 30

Artists - Jackson Botsford, Bob Gronevelt, and Cortney Richter: Flat River Gallery and Framing, 219 W. Main St., Lowell. 987-6737 Great Lake Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Free with general admission. 616/9291700 THRU DEC. 4

Pulso-Arte de la Americas/Art of the Americas: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton. Free at Fed Galleries, $5 at UICA. kcad.edu/events/Pulso/ THRU DEC. 13

FHFAC 10 Year Anniversary Retrospective: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. www.fhfineartscenter.com

BOOKS

Teen Book Club: Coopersville Library, 333 Ottawa St., Coopersville. 6:30 pm. Free. 837-6809

Pixar in Concert: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. 3 pm. $18 and up. 454-9451 ext.4

The Crane Wives will perform tonight at Founders Brewing Co. See nightlife. (MLive.com file)

Jay and Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala “A Jurassic Affair”: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. 6 pm. www.grpm.org NOV. 15

Exquisite History 3 - The Visionary Workbook: Center Art Gallery at Calvin College, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. www.calvin.edu/centergallery THRU DEC. 21

Sleigh Bells and Holly: LowellArts!, 149 S. Hudson St., Lowell. www. lowellartsmi.org THRU DEC. 31

Be Curious - A Glimpse at New GRPM Collections: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. www.grmuseum.org THRU JAN. 2

John August Swanson Art Exhibit: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, 300 68th St. SE. 9 am-4 pm. Free. 616-455-5000 THRU JAN. 5

Shattered - Contemporary Sculpture in Glass: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. www.meijergardens.org NOV. 26 JAN. 5

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. Tue-Fri. www.meijergardens.org THRU JAN. 5

Michigan Artist Series - “Joey Ruiter - Objects in Motion”: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. www.artmuseumgr. org THRU JAN. 12

10 Potters; 10 Weavers: Design Quest, 4181 28th St. SE. www. designquest.biz “America Near and Far - Photography from the Collection, 18701930”: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. www. artmuseumgr.org THRU JAN. 13

“Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820-1950”: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center. artmuseumgr.org THRU JAN. 25

Drop-In Family Saturdays: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. Sat, 1-4 pm. www. artmuseumgr.org NOV. 10

Sunday Classical Concert Series Works by Franz Josef Haydn, Robert Schumann,Maurice Ravel, and Nikolai Kapustin, R: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. 2 pm. www.armuseumgr.org NOV. 11 14

BFA Exhibit featuring Dillon Vrosh, Rachel Masincavage, Jodi Carpenter, Paul Warfield: Grand Valley State University Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale. Mon-Thu. www.gvsu. edu/artgallery NOV. 12

GRAMStudio Workshop - Papermaking for Young Adults: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. 6:30-9:30 pm. www. armuseumgr.org NOV. 14

FHFAC 10 Year Anniversary Retrospective Reception: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. 6-8 pm. www. fhfineartscenter.com

Fusion Shows Presents - Mike Mains and the Branches + The Dockside Fever + West and Run: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 7 pm. $10/advance, $12/day of show. www.pyramidschemebar.com NOV. 10, 17 AND 24

Team Trivia: Cheers Restaurant, 3994 Plainfield Ave. NE. Sun, 7-9 pm. $8-$15. 363-1188

Make a New Friend: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $16 and $20. www.vanandelarena.com

The Mane Event: The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. 8-11 pm. $7, $12/after 9 pm, $25/stylist per category. See Facebook

NOV. 13

NOV. 12

NOV. 15 17

Asking Alexandria - The Death to Destiny Tour wsg All That Remains, Sevendust, Emmure, For Today: Orbit Room, 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE. 6 pm. $30.50/ advance, $35/day of show. www. orbitroom.com

Cooking Healthy and Delicious the Mediterranean Way: Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 10-11:30 am. $25. 8055308 ext 205

22nd Annual Christmas Through Lowell: Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, 113 Lafayette St., Lowell. Fri-Sun, 9 am-5 pm. Free. 616-897-9161

Holiday Pie Filling (Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 6-8:30 pm. $55. 805-5308 ext 205

Beneath the Wreath: St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris Ave SE. Fri-Sun, 9 and 11 am. $5/ticket and kids 15 years old and under are free. 616/260-8904

NOV. 13, 20 AND 27

Team Trivia: Cheers Restaurant, 3994 Plainfield Ave. NE. Wed, 8-10 pm. Free. 363-1188 NOV. 14

Thursday Night Band: Cheers Restaurant, 3994 Plainfield Ave. NE. 8:30-11:30 pm. Free. 363-1188 Moss Folk, Zen Star Beat Cult, Bermudas: Mulligan’s Pub, 1518 Wealthy St. SE. 10 pm. Free. www. mulligans-pub.com NOV. 14

Monster Magnet wsg Royal Thunder, Zodiac & Tru Burn: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 7:30 pm. $16/advance, $19/ day of show. www.sectionlive.com

Comedian Dave Koechner: Dr. Grins at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. Thu-Sat. www.thebob.com Funktion: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. 8 pm. $5. www. billyslounge.com Matt Ten Clay & The Howlers: Mulligan’s Pub, 1518 Wealthy St. SE. 10 pm. Free. www.mulliganspub.com Carielle Album Release + Filmloom + Wayne Szalinski + Jake Kalmink: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 7 pm. $10/ advance, $12/day of show. www. pyramidschemebar.com 40 Below Summer: The Stache, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. $12/advance, $15/day of show. www.sectionlive.com Hip Pocket: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. 8 pm. $5. www. billyslounge.com Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, Lake Timber: Mulligan’s Pub, 1518 Wealthy St. SE. 10 pm. Free. www. mulligans-pub.com Featuring the Billies at Quinn and Tuites Irish Pub: Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub, 1535 Plainfield Ave. NE. 9 pm. No Cover. 616/363-8380 Ultraviolet Hippopotamus wsg Afro Zuma, Genetics: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. $10/advance, $15/day of show. www.sectionlive.com

Connor’s Friends: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 22 Sheldon Ave. NE. 6-8 pm. Free. 235-4726

“Clothed in Love” Extravaganza 2013 - Charity Fashion Show and Auction Supporting Teens in Foster Care: Midtown Center, 96 West 15th St., Holland. 6-9 pm. www. rickrackministry.org

OUTDOORS

NOV. 14

All About Owls: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW. 6-7:30 pm. $3 members/ $6 nonmembers. 795-6240 SPORTS

NOV. 15

Alzheimer’s Association Night with the Griffins!: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. 7 pm. $13-$17, code: ALZ. 800-272-3900 DINING

NOV. 10

Buttery Croissants (Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 1-5 pm. $100. 805-5308 ext 205 NOV. 14

Holiday Pie Preparation: MapleCreek, 2000 32nd St. SE. 3-5 pm. Free. www.maplecreek.org NOV. 15

Meatloaf and Mashed (Couples Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 6-8 pm. $125/two adults. 805-5308 ext 205 Charming Mothers & Delightful Daughters: Alpen Rose, 4 E. Eighth St., Holland. 10 am. $59 per person. 283-2710 Everything But Turkey (Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 10 am-12:30 pm. $45. 805-5308 ext 205

Health insurance shoppers

Health insurance rates in Michigan are expected to increase as much as 40% in 2014!* If you purchase your own insurance, Priority Health is inviting you to avoid the price hike and save with a 2013 MyPrioritySM individual or family plan, extending affordable coverage through next year. Act fast as these low cost rates end soon! Subject to age, location, and health assessment

Coverage includes: and more covered 100%

Stepdad + Flint Eastwood: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 8 pm. $10/advance, $12/day of show. pyramidschemebar.com

Meanwhile Movie - The Neverending Story: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. 8 pm. $6/advance, $5/member. www.grcmc.org/ theatre

GWAR: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 7 pm. $20/ advance, $23/day of show. sectionlive.com

“Look Me in the Eye - My Life with Asperger’s” with John Elder Robinson: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. 7 pm. 234-3390

Colorful Pasta (Family Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 10 am-noon. $55. 805-5308 ext 205

Author Talk and Booksigning with Kristina Riggle for her new book, The Whole Golden World: Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. 7 pm. www.schulerbooks.com

NOV. 16

Special Activity - Living Landscape: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. noon-midnight; Sat, 10 am-midnight. www. armuseumgr.org

A Prodigal Story for the Marketplace: Center Art Gallery at Calvin College, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. www.calvin.edu/centergallery

Juice for Your Soul (Class): Downtown Market Grand Rapids, 435 Ionia Ave SW. 6-7:30 pm. $30. 805-5308 ext 205

Magic the Gathering GPT Toronto Event: 28th Street Showplace, 1256 28th Street SW, Wyoming. 9 am. $25. 214-8262

NOV. 13

NOV. 15

NOV. 12

THRU DEC. 17

NOV. 13

NOV. 16

Snowblood’s Journal: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. 7 pm. Free. 988-5400

NOV. 14 16

NOV. 15 16

NIGHTLIFE

Be A Teen Director - Animation Short: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. 6:30 pm. Free. 988-5400

An Evening with John Douglas: Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. 7 pm. schulerbooks.com

NOV. 11

The Company We Keep wsg Child Bite, Bowery, Between Brains: The Stache, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 7 pm. $12-$5. www.sectionlive.com

Cosby Sweater: The Stache, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. Free. www.sectionlive.com

The Crane Wives: Founders Brewing Co, 235 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. Free. foundersbrewing.com

NOV. 10

Apple Harvest Day: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 22 Sheldon Ave. NE. 9:30 am-2:30 pm. Free. 616/235-4726

West Michigan Ski Patrols Annual Ski and Board Swap: Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd., Belmont. Free. www.nspskiswap. com

Creativity Uncorked - Colors, Blends, and Tastes: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. 7-9:30 pm. www.armuseumgr.org

NOV. 10

COMMUNITY

Plainwell Area Arts & Crafts Club Annual Craft Show: Plainwell High School, 684 102nd Avenue, Plainwell. 10 am-3 pm. Free. 269/6923169

FILM

NOV. 16

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THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / J7

Books

Birthdays

REVIEW

Book tracks family’s year in Iran

By Jessica Gresko

The Associated Press

ooman Majd’s book about spending a year in Iran with his family arrives in bookstores just as Americans’ interest in the country might be picking up. In September, for the first time in more than three decades, the presidents of both countries spoke by phone. Now, renewed talks about Iran’s contested nuclear program are making news. Majd, author of two other books about the country, couldn’t have known things would take such a turn when in 2011 he moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Tehran to introduce his wife and 8-month-old son to the country where he was born. Still, Majd understands more about Iran than most Westerners, who might just know about the Iran hostage crisis or have seen last year’s blockbuster “Argo.” Majd, in contrast, was born in Tehran in 1957. And while he spent his young life abroad, his family has strong ties to the country. Majd’s father was a diplomat. His maternal grandfather was an ayatollah. And he is related by marriage to the family

‘THE MINISTRY OF GUIDANCE INVITES YOU TO NOT STAY’ Author: Hooman Majd Publisher: Doubleday Pages: 272 Price: $26.95

of Mohammad Khatami, Iran’s president from 1997 to 2005. By the time Majd arrives in Iran for his family’s yearlong stay, however, Khatami is out and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in. Despite his government contacts, Majd isn’t allowed to work while in the country. And though he is a journalist, he isn’t even supposed to write. Setting up a life for himself and his

“The Ministry of Guidance Invites You to Not Stay: An American Family in Iran” is by Hooman Majd. (AP)

family keeps him somewhat busy. He wants Internet access that gets him to censored sites such as Facebook and Twitter as well as the New York Post, for example. And he finds sup-

pliers for illegal staples: liquor and DVDs of foreign movies. Still, without a job to go to, it seems a lot of Majd’s year involves seeing friends and family and going to parties. Daily life itself makes for decent reading. Readers learn Iranian children don’t ride in car seats, riding instead on adults’ laps. Lipstick and nail polish are banned but women wear them anyway. A plate of greens is an obligatory part of dinner. Sanctions make using credit cards impossible, but debit cards are OK. Interesting as his observations are, Majd’s book isn’t a broad look at life in Iran. The people and families he knows and interacts with are the ones with means, the kind whose wealth lets them skirt many of the restrictions that are part of living in the country. Another pitfall of the book is that sometimes Majd assumes readers know more about Iran than he should. He tries to weave history throughout, but he might be better off starting with something akin to Iran 101. That said, Majd’s book is worth reading, if only because it’s easier than trying to travel to Iran for a visit.

‘Luminaries’ takes readers to gold rush-era New Zealand

n October, Eleanor Catton became the youngest writer ever to win the Man Booker Prize, Britain’s highest literary award. The 28-year-old New Zealandraised writer took home $80,000 for her second novel, “The Luminaries,” a giant brick of a book set during that country’s 19th century gold rush, and her publisher is rushing another 100,000 copies to print. The Booker is the literary prize that most often seems to grade by the pound — favoring books weighty enough to deserve the name “tomes.” For those of us who like our fiction with enough heft that it could do serious damage if dropped on a toe, this is all for the good. At 848 pages, “The Luminaries” even outclocks Donna Tartt’s fabulously twisty art heist/meditation on grief, “The Goldfinch,” which also was released in October. While Tartt’s plot, involving a real painting by Karel Fabritius and a boy orphaned in an attack on a museum, was justly called Dickensian by critics, Catton is the one who writes in a dense Victorian style. “The Luminaries” is a funhouse mirror of a novel set in an ornate Victorian frame. Bookworms will adore it, but this isn’t a book to flip casually through in a night. The book has been arranged by astrological signs and according to the waning of the moon, but those not versed — or interested — in reading astral charts (guilty) won’t find it much of a hindrance to enjoyment. (Although I wouldn’t skip them entirely. For example, when the omniscient narrator intones things such as the Age of Pisces being “an age of mirrors, tenacity, instinct, twinship and hidden things,” there

Our narrator also is fond of taking characters to task for not explaining things simply enough for readers, which is like iron pyrite calling cubic zirconium a fake. To wit: “The interruptions were too tiresome, and Balfour’s approach too digressive, to deserve a full and faithful record in the men’s own words. We shall here excise their imperfections and impose a regimental order upon the impatient chronicle of the shipping agent’s roving mind; we shall apply our own mortar to the cracks and chinks of earthly recollection, and resurrect as new the edifice that, in solitary memory, exists only as a ruin.” If this quote makes you grin, go buy the book with all speed.

REVIEW Yvonne Zipp yzipp@mlive.com

are at least a few clues to set you on your way.) THE PLOT

Set in the gold-mining town of Hokitika circa 1866, the book is at its heart a mystery: A stranger arrives in town to find 12 men in secret conference about a dead hermit, a fortune in gold and a prostitute who might have tried to kill herself. The coroner’s verdict is that the hermit, Crosbie Wells, appears to have drunk himself to death. Despite the fact that no foul play is suspected, each of the men find themselves implicated in crimes surrounding his death. The stranger, Walter Moody, a lawyer by training who literally just got off the boat from Scotland, also is reeling from an unexplained event aboard the ship, the Godspeed. “There were eight passengers aboard the Godspeed when she pulled out of the harbor at Dunedin, and by the time the barque landed on the Coast, there were nine. The ninth was not a baby, born in transit; nor was he a stowaway; nor did the ship’s lookout spot him adrift in the water, clinging to some scrap of wreckage, and give the shout to draw him in,” our narrator helpfully explains. The plot is complicated by the dead man’s widow, who arrives in time to contest the sale of Wells’ estate and seems to have a past with several characters and a nefarious captain.

New Zealand author Eleanor Catton won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction Oct. 15 for her second novel, “The Luminaries.” (AP)

THE CAST

Catton does a terrific job of recreating a 19th-century gold rush town and laying out her copious cast, who include a Free Methodist chaplain, two Chinese prospectors who ‘THE LUMINARIES’ are treated in a historically accurate, Author: Eleanor Catton which is to say, brutal way, and a Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. Maori who was the dead man’s only Pages: 848 friend. There also is a pimp, opium Price: $27 dealers and the richest man in town, who went missing the night Wells died. There are drug addicts, politicians, “The Luminaries,” a book to curl prospectors, young lovers, betrayals, up with and savor, also is about storyseances, double-crosses and gold telling, reading and just what constisewn into corsets — all conveyed by tutes a novel. It also may, at its heart, the coy narrator, who is fond of drop- be a ghost story. ping clues and asides in the primly It is, in fact, a hoot for anyone who buttoned up manner of the day. Not loves reading purely for reading’s only is all profanity conveyed by sake. dashes, so as not to offend gentle senThose who want a fully explained sibilities, there’s a scene in which a plot, however, will want to refrain judge carefully lays out euphemisms from hurling the book across the the court may employ when referring room. You could seriously hurt someto one character’s job, prostitution. one with that thing.

BESTSELLERS FICTION 1. Sycamore Row, by John Grisham. (Doubleday, $28.95) 2. The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. (Little, Brown & Co., $30) 3. Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King. (Scribner, $30) 4. The Longest Ride, by Nicholas Sparks. (Grand Central, $27) 5. We Are Water, by Wally Lamb. (Harper, $29.99) 6. Gone, by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. (Little, Brown & Co., $28) 7. Identical, by Scott Turow. (Grand Central, $28) 8. Storm Front, by John Sandford. (Putnam, $27.95) 9. Starry Night, by Debbie Macomber. (Ballantine, $18) 10. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, by Helen Fielding. (Knopf, $26.95) 11. Just One Evil Act, by Elizabeth George. (Dutton,

$29.95) 12. Never Go Back, by Lee Child. (Delacorte, $28) 13. The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert. (Viking, $28.95) 14. The Wolves of Midwinter, by Anne Rice. (Knopf, $25.95) 15. The Lowland, by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Knopf, $27.95) 16. W Is for Wasted, by Sue Grafton. (Putnam, $28.95) 17. The Circle, by Dave Eggers. (Knopf, $27.95) 18. The Dogs of Christmas, by W. Bruce Cameron. (Forge, $15.99) 19. The Quest, by Nelson DeMille. (Center Street, $26) 20. Silent Night, by Robert B. Parker. (Putnam, $24.95) 21. Doing Hard Time, by Stuart Woods. (Putnam, $26.95) 22. Christmas Bliss, by Mary Kay Andrews. (St. Martin’s, $16.99)

23. Inferno, by Dan Brown. (Doubleday, $29.95) 24. Deadline, by Sandra Brown. (Grand Central, $26) 25. Police, by Jo Nesbo. (Knopf, $25.95) NONFICTION 1. Killing Jesus, by Bill O’Reilly. (Henry Holt, $28) 2. David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Little, Brown & Co., $29) 3. I Am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai. (Little, Brown & Co., $26) 4. Things That Matter, by Charles Krauthammer. (Crown Forum, $28) 5. Si-Cology 1, by Si Robertson. (Howard Books, $22.99) 6. Forty Chances, by Howard G. Buffett. (Simon & Schuster, $26) 7. My Story, by Elizabeth

Smart. (St. Martin’s, $25.99) 8. Guinness World Records 2014. (Guinness World Records, $28.95) 9. The Duck Commander Devotional, by Alan Robertson. (Howard Books, $16.99) 10. Driven, by Donald Driver. (Crown Archetype, $25) 11. The Power of Right Believing, by Joseph Prince. (FaithWords, $24) 12. Break Out!, by Joel Osteen. (FaithWords, $26) 13. Johnny Carson, by Henry Bushkin. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28) 14. Grain Brain, by David Perlmutter. (Little, Brown & Co., $27) 15. The Reason I Jump, by Naoki Higashida. (Random House, $22) 16. What Are You Afraid Of?, by David Jeremiah. (Tyndale, $24.99)

17. Pokemon X & Pokemon Y, by Pokemon Co. Int’l. (Prima Games, $19.99) 18. History Decoded, by Brad Meltzer. (Workman, $24.95) 19. Extortion, by Peter Schweizer. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $27) 20. Orr, by Bobby Orr. (Putnam, $27.95) 21. There’s More to Life than This, by Theresa Caputo. (Atria, $25) 22. Humans of New York, by Brandon Stanton. (St. Martin’s, $29.99) 23. Happy, Happy, Happy, by Phil Robertson. (Howard Books, $24.99) 24. One Summer: America, 1927, by Bill Bryson. (Doubleday, $28.95) 25. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix, by Mike Searle. (Prima Games, $34.99) — Publishers Weekly

Actor Ryan Gosling turns 33 on Tuesday. (AP)

Happy Birthday, Leonardo DiCaprio, others TODAY

Actor Russell Johnson is 89. Actor Albert Hall is 76. Lyricist Tim Rice is 69. Rock singermusician Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) is 66. Actorcomedian Sinbad is 57. Actor Hugh Bonneville (TV: “Downton Abbey”) is 50. Actor-comedian Tracy Morgan is 45. Actor Bryan Neal is 33. Actress Heather Matarazzo is 31. Country singer Miranda Lambert is 30. Actor Josh Peck is 27. Actress Kiernan Shipka (TV: “Mad Men”) is 14. MONDAY

Marc Summers is 61, Stanley Tucci is 52, Demi Moore is 50, Billy Gunn is 49, Leonardo DiCaprio is 38, Joseline Hernandez is 26, Mark Sanchez is 26, Vinny Guadagnino is 25, Christa B. Allen is 21, Trey Smith is 20. TUESDAY

Rhythm-and-blues singer Jimmy Hayes (Persuasions) is 70. Singer-songwriter Neil Young is 68. Actress Megan Mullally is 55. Olympic gold medal gymnast Nadia Comaneci is 52. Actress Radha Mitchell is 40. Actress Lourdes Benedicto is 39. Actress Tamala Jones is 39. Actor Ryan Gosling is 33. Actress Anne Hathaway is 31. Actress Macey Cruthird is 21. WEDNESDAY

Actress Madeleine Sherwood is 91. Producerdirector Garry Marshall is 79. Actress Goldberg Frances Conroy is 60. Actresscomedian Whoopi Goldberg is 58. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is 46. Actor Steve Zahn is 46. Actor Gerard Butler is 44. Actress Monique Coleman is 33. THURSDAY

Today’s Birthdays: Former U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is 91. Actress Kathleen Hughes is 85. Composer Wendy Carlos is 74. Britain’s Prince Charles is 65. Pianist Yanni is 59. Actor Josh Duhamel is 41. Rock musician Travis Barker is 38. Actress Olga Kurylenko is 34. Actor Graham Patrick Martin is 22. FRIDAY

Judge Joseph Wapner is 94. Actor Ed Asner is 84. Comedian Jack Burns is 80. Actress Joanna Barnes is 79. Pop singer Frida (ABBA) is 68. News correspondent John Roberts is 57. Former “Jay Leno Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks is 56. Rapper E-40 is 46. Country singer Jack Ingram is 43. Rock singerKroeger musician Chad Kroeger is 39. Pop singer Ace Young is 33. Actress Shailene Woodley is 22. Actress-dancer Emma Dumont is 19. SATURDAY

Actor Clu Gulager is 84. Journalist Elizabeth Drew is 78. Blues musician W.C. Clark is 74. Actor Steve Railsback is 68. Actress Marg Helgenberger is 55. Rock musician Mani is 51. Former MLB All-Star pitcher Dwight Gooden is 49. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 49. Olympic figure skater Oksana Baiul is 36. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is 36. Actress Kimberly J. Brown is 29. Rock singer Siva Kaneswaran is 25. Actor Noah Gray-Cabey is 18.

J8 / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Advice Carolyn Hax / Tell Me About It

Jeanne Phillips / Dear Abby

Woman stews over holiday card

Marital infidelity is unfit topic for dinner

Dear Carolyn: Each year, my mother-inlaw sends out a (ridiculously braggy and self-righteous) holiday “letter” updating her friends and extended family members. She recently sent a group text to my husband, his sister and me asking for our favorite pictures from the year to include in her Christmas letter. My issue isn’t that she ignores the concept that our favorite picture would be used for our own purposes, it’s that she insists on having us be a part of this letter. Since our engagement, my husband and I have sent out our own holiday card to friends and family on both sides. We’re adults also — shouldn’t we be treated like them? I plan to call her and say that although I’m thankful for her thinking of us, we will again be sending out our own holiday card and do not need to be explicitly included in hers. Our concerns, whether they come from my mouth or my husband’s, are bound to ruffle feathers and create additional problems. Am I just stirring up unnecessary trouble? If we do not go along with this holiday letter nonsense, many texts, emails, phone calls, handwritten letters, etc. will follow. Is it possible that we should just roll over? — Adults Treated as Children I could spend days trying to figure out why the content in her Christmas letter and your grown-up holiday card has to be mutually exclusive, and why her request for your “favorite” picture can’t be satisfied with your second- or fifth- or 19th-favorite shot from this past year (I won’t tell!). But while that sounds delightful, I’ll pass, because it’s beside the point. You aren’t looking to present legitimate arguments against your mother-in-law, you’re looking to present any argument against your mother-in-law. Even if she deserves every bit of your revulsion — those “many texts, emails, phone calls, handwritten letters” she uses to get what she wants, by the way, are your best argument there — a slap-fight over every outfit or mass mailing is not a path to victory or even detente. Instead, it gets you exactly where you are now: stewing up to your neck in a broth of her every offense. Please trade that for a strategy of ruthless, don’t-look-back sorting. Imagine a giant wheely trash bin — label it “Ridiculous.” Imagine an old-school desktop in-box — label it “Real.” Wants a photo for her insufferable annual brag rag? Ridiculous. “Here. It’s of all of us on St. Crispin’s Day.” (Hook shot! Thump. ) Um ... I’m going to have to make something up here ... her trying to dictate how you live, love, raise kids or schedule your time? Real — inbox. (Swish. ) Write to Carolyn Hax at Tell Me About It, Sunday Source, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071. Email: tellme@washingtonpost.com

Mary Hunt / Everyday Cheapskate

ear Abby: My brother-in-law cheated on my sister two years ago. He was caught by the private eye his lover’s husband had hired. My sister took him back and has been trying to be “the good wife,” but he has never really seemed to be sorry or a changed man. My problem is I can’t stand him. When we get together as a family, I know I’m supposed to be civil and respectful, but I ask myself, “Why?” I love my sister and the children. The holidays are coming. I’d like to ask him if he’s faithful now, but if I did, I know he’d only lie. Can you offer me some advice? — Holding A Grudge in St. Cloud, Minn. Dear Holding A Grudge: Yes. For the sake of your sister and the children, please resist the urge to make things more difficult by confronting your brother-in-law. Asking him about his fidelity status would embarrass him and possibly terminate their participation in any visit. Because your sister is trying to make her marriage work in spite of the hurt her husband has caused, the kindest thing you could do for her and the children would be to make the reconciliation as easy as possible. Tempting as it may be, please don’t stir the pot.

Write to Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or DearAbby.com.

Hints From Heloise

Harriette Cole/ Sense & Sensibility

Hints for a slippery tub

Reader experiences profiling while shopping

Dear Heloise: I truly appreciate all of your wonderful hints. I have a very slippery tub, and both my husband and I have fallen, even with a bath mat. What product would you recommend to apply to make the tub less slippery? — Anna G., via email Anna, you are not the only one! I have almost taken a “header” while getting out of the tub/shower at some hotels! Maybe it’s time for you to get a new bath mat? They can get slippery when old or wet with soap and hair shampoo. You can use bathtub strips that are sort of gritty, rather like fine sandpaper. Bath tub appliqués are another option. Some of them have a texture to make them non-slip. Use as many as needed. Another suggestion may be to get some “shower shoes” if it’s really a problem. Shoes made for water have non-skid soles and even some house socks have them, too. Wear them in the shower and just carefully remove them to wash your feet and then put them back on. Hope this helps! — Heloise Dear Heloise: As the parent of an 11-yearold, I have purchased children’s liquid doses of cold medications, etc. They come with small, plastic cups with exact measurements on the sides. I always store the extra cups in a drawer. I was mixing something and needed a measuring device in addition to my small set of measuring spoons. I thought about the little cups. Sure enough, I was able to measure everything I needed and get the dish done without having to wash everything repeatedly. The medicine cups are reusable and dishwasher safe in the top rack. I don’t use the same cups for medicine and ingredients. — Debra in Salem, Ore. Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, by fax to 210-HELOISE. Email: Heloise@heloise.com

Dear Harriette: I went shopping the other day in a fancy dress shop, and I felt like the salesperson was watching my every move. It gave me the creeps. I’ve been seeing all this talk about black people being profiled first by cops and now in fancy stores, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. Eventually, I left the store without buying anything, because it made me feel uncomfortable to be followed around. Part of me feels like just leaving did nothing, because the salespeople probably don’t even realize how offensive their actions are. But I was afraid I might get arrested or something if I said anything. What should I have done? — P.O.’d, Chicago Dear P.O.’d: It is good that you realize that simply walking out is not enough. Part of the problem with racial profiling is that many people do not realize that they are doing it. Awareness is step one toward ending this offensive behavior. What you can do now is find out the name of the manager and/or owner of the store and write a letter stating what happened and how you felt. Explain that you feel you were treated not like a viable customer, but more like a potential thief. If you know of others who have had that experience at that store, you may want to have them sign your letter. There is power in numbers. But one letter is enough. If you like, you can hand-deliver it. You can also send a copy to your city government or the press. Most importantly, let the management know that you felt disrespected and ask for an apology. Dear Harriette: My mom’s birthday is next month, and I really want to go home to visit her. The problem is, I can’t afford it. I am a college student, and I have tons

of debt. I don’t have the money to buy a plane ticket — or even a bus ticket, for that matter. I feel like my mom would really like to see me on her birthday. We haven’t seen each other for months. Would it be horrible for me to ask her to send for me to be with her on her big day? I don’t know what to do. — Longing for Mom, Syracuse, N.Y. Dear Longing for Mom: Call your mother and tell her that you are missing her terribly and want to spend her birthday with her. Ask her if she would consider sending for you. She will likely be thrilled to know that you want to be with her on her special day. Chances are, if she can afford to send for you, she will. If she cannot, she will still know that the desire is there to be together. Send her a lovely card and talk to her when her birthday arrives.

The power of scarcity Y

ears ago I had a frugality wake-up call — something I admit to needing from time to time. It’s so easy to get sloppy in a country where we are surrounded by abundance and a seemingly endless supply of everything. It was the morning of our annual holiday dinner party. I had limited time and many things to do to get ready for the big event. On my list was “clean patio chairs,” because we would undoubtedly need them for additional seating. I wanted them sparkling clean and presentable. The chairs had been out during several recent rainstorms and they showed it. I grabbed my supplies, only to discover that I had just one roll of paper towels, and it was partly used. This would be a three-roll job at the very least. I was too busy to carefully count out one or two towels. My style was to spin off a big wad. Normally, this shortage would have sent me on a quick trip to the store to replenish my supply. But, as you may recall from previous columns, I do not have a car. I live in automobile-dependent Southern California and by choice I share a vehicle with my husband. On this day he was at the office and I wasn’t. I did not have time to walk to the nearest store, so I decided to go with the only choice I had at the moment: Make do. I carefully tore off three towels. I scrubbed and cleaned. Then instead of tossing those wet towels in the trash (my first inclination) I opened them up, straightened them out and cleaned some more. At first I was irritated that I had to do this, but it didn’t take long to turn this into a game to see how long I could make the towels last. I worked my way through the chairs and ended up with clean white chairs and towels to spare. I was downright proud of myself. Write Mary Hunt at Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723, or Email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com.

Jim Daly / Focus on the Family

Teen father must learn responsibility Q:

Our teenage son’s girlfriend is pregnant. He’s 17 and she’s 16. It’s difficult to admit this to anyone. What does he most need to hear from us? We’re sorry to learn of this difficult situation. Your son and his girlfriend have clearly made a serious mistake, but mistakes of this kind can be important stepping-stones to maturity and adulthood. Our counseling team suggests that your whole family can play a role in guiding the expectant mother through this frightening new experience. She needs to be reminded of the value of the precious life she’s carrying. In partnership with her parents, you can help her weigh and balance her options and determine what her personal goals ought to be at this point. She won’t be able to do this without the assistance of caring, lifeaffirming adults. Your son also needs your understanding. At his age, he’s trying hard to become his own person. Unfortunately, his bid for independence has put him in an awkward position. Unlike the girl, who has to deal with the realities of pregnancy, a teenage dad can find it easy to dissociate himself from the situation. Part of your role will be to see that this doesn’t happen. Gently but firmly compel him to face the implications of his choices. Talk to him about the sanctity of human life. Help him think about the tremendous and awesome responsibility of bringing a child into the world. Encourage him to discuss these issues openly with his girlfriend and her parents. Urge him to explore ways in which he can take an active role in the pregnancy, the birth and the crucial decisions that lie ahead. We’d strongly suggest that all of you seek professional counseling as you attempt to navigate these waters. Contact Focus for a free consultation and referral. May God grant you strength during this emotional time! Should I accept a “friend” request on Facebook from an old boyfriend? I’m very much in love with and committed to my husband, so I feel sure that this will not pose a threat to our marriage. Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: The first thing you should do is sit down and discuss this with your husband. Tell him about the “friend” request, and ask him how he feels about it. It’s important to be open and honest and lay everything out on the table. Keeping secrets only undermines trust. If your marriage is as strong and healthy as you say it is, then it’s worth protecting. Send your questions to Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO 80995.

Q: A:

Write to Harriette Cole at United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Email: askharriette@harriettecole.com

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / J9

Travel “East Tennessee’s got Dollywood. Nashville’s got the music. ... What we’re trying to do is develop an educational vacation.”

PARIS

Art exhibit examines surrealism, communism By Thomas Adamson The Associated Press

Reality bites — even in the dreamy world of surrealism, the 20th century artistic movement involving Andre Breton and Salvador Dali. So in 1927, when the Parisbased surrealists decided to engage with reality and join the French Communist Party, it nearly was their end. How could a movement that was, after all, defined by escaping to imaginary landscapes, subconscious automatic writing and dreams survive the shock of Marxist politics between the wars? A new exhibit titled “Surrealism and the Object,” which opened Oct. 30 at Paris’ Pompidou Center, attempts to answer this question. It draws on the world’s biggest surrealism archive to tell the untold story of how artists reconciled their fantastical dreaming with materialist Marxist politics by channeling their artistic message through poor, everyday objects such as blocks of wood, string, man-

Dinosaur skeletons are posed in front of a large glass wall at Discovery Park of America, a new museum and educational venue in Union City, Tenn. (AP)

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A Stearman PT-17 biplane hangs suspended over a Marine helicopter at Discovery Park of America, which opened this month. IF YOU GO

atrium. There are exhibits with Native American artifacts and a room filled with classic and historic cars, including a limousine owned by the early 20thWhere: 830 Everett Blvd., Union City, century comedian W.C. Fields. Tenn. The military section showcases the Admission: Adults, $13.95 (two-day pass, Civil War and World War I and II. A $19.95); children 4-12, $10.95; ages 3 large hall has a Stearman PT-17 biplane and younger free suspended in the air, a tribute to miliInfo: discoveryparkofamerica.com tary pilots trained at a nearby airfield. or 877-885-5455 One intriguing feature is a theater that simulates the violent 1811-12 New MUSEUM FEATURES Madrid earthquakes, which re-formed Once inside, visitors go down an the region’s topography. elevator or escalator to a bright, threeA children’s section includes the level atrium. The escalator is a learning Crawlers Cove for infants and the experience; its mechanism is encased in Fantasy Forrest for toddlers. There are glass so visitors can see how it works. plans to have concerts and other special Dinosaur skeletons are set up in the events on the property.

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he gleaming white building with curved exteriors and a spaceshiplike tower emerges from the flat landscape of West Tennessee like something out of science fiction, but it’s not a villain’s lair or superhero’s headquarters. It’s Discovery Park of America, a museum, education center and tourist attraction that opened Nov. 1 in Union City, Tenn., a town of 11,000 a few hours’ drive from Memphis. With exhibits about natural and regional history, dinosaurs, Native Americans, energy, transportation, science, the military and space flight, the museum may be described as a miniSmithsonian Institution. There’s an earthquake simulator, a glass-encased observation tower and a 50-foot metal replica of the human body that includes a 32-foot slide. The 50-acre complex boasts an old train depot, a century-old church and flower gardens, plus enough land for outdoor events and future expansion. Union City resident Robert Kirkland shelled out $80 million to build the museum. Kirkland plans to keep the exhibits fresh and unique with a $3 million annual investment. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said the state plans to include Discovery Park in tourism marketing efforts. “Northwest Tennessee needs a venue,” Discovery Park of America CEO Jim Rippy said. “East Tennessee’s got Dollywood. Nashville’s got the music, Memphis has got the music. What we’re trying to do is develop an educational vacation, a place for children and families.”

nequins and umbrellas. The surrealist-communist chapter is little known, but it changed the face of 20th century art. “This is the key story of surrealism that has never been written. ... Suddenly, they decided to join the ranks of the Communist Party, and they had to deal with the real, after years of opposing reality,” curator Didier Ottinger said.“It was a crisis. (Commun-ism) opposed commercial artwork.

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*Prices per person based on double occupancy including round-trip airfare from O Hare or Detroit via charter air round-trip airport/hotel transfers, hotel taxes and baggage handling, fuel surcharges, all pre-collected U.S. and foreign taxes and fees including September 11th Security Fee, $10 late booking fee if applicable and the services of an Apple Representative. All packages are based on the lowest hotel/air classes available at time of publication, capacity controlled and subject to availability and change without notice. Promotional pricing may only be available for a limited time. Checked bag fees from the air carrier may apply, ranging from $10-$100 per bag. Please see the individual air carrier s website for a full detailed description of baggage charges before making your purchase. ALL-INCLUSIVE and Unlimited-Luxury. resorts include all meals, drinks, non-motorized watersports and more. $10 Dominican Republic Tourist Card fee payable at resort airport upon arrival-cash only, U.S. dollars. Apple Vacations is not responsible for errors or omissions. Cancellation policies apply. See the Apple Vacations Fair Trade Contract ) 2013. 4725621-02

J10 / SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Travel

CURRENCY E XCHANGE

Approximate value of a U.S. dollar in these markets, as of Wednesday.

Euro — $1.36 Canadian Dollar — $1.04 Swiss Franc — 0.91

Mexican Peso — 13.05 Japanese Yen — 98.03 Indian Rupee — 61.46

Thai Baht — 31.08 New Zealand Dollar — 85¢ Australian Dollar — 96¢

Swedish Krona — 6.47 Phillippine Peso — 43.02 Brazilian Real — 2.27

Euro, New Zealand dollar and Australian dollar rates given in U.S. equivalent; all others given in foreign equivalent.

Dusk falls on the Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh, Morocco. (George Aquino/MLive.com)

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO

Renowned square offers cultural spectacle to simply marvel at the intimidating sight that greeted my arrival. The Djemaa el Fna is a cultural street amphitheater complete with snake charmers, monkey “trainers,” henna tattoo artgaquino@mlive.com uino@mlive.com ists, tooth pullers, fresh orange juice and spice vendors, plus the constant buzz of scooters carrying small families, the clack-clack sound of horses pulling their carriages inhabited by charmed passengers and a motley collection of here isn’t a place in the world loosely constructed pushcarts carrying everymore fascinating, per square thing from mountains of watermelon to stacks foot, than the Djemaa el Fna of pointy Moroccan babouches. To witness the Djemaa el Fna for the first in Marrakesh. time is like watching the biggest flash mob, Morocco’s most famous square costume party and traffic jam you’ve ever pales in comparison to the size of encountered, all at once. Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the The L-shaped Djemaa el Fna is like a blank world’s largest (and perhaps eericoncrete canvas the size of about three footest), to the scenic beauty of the Red Square in ball fields. The surrounding buildings — home Moscow, to the architectural symmetry and to cafes, kitsch retailers and multi-leveled opulence of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City restaurants with canopied terraces — serve as — and is a universe away from the unbearable viewing stands to the cultural spectacle in the I wished to financially support. Just like taxi garishness of New York City’s Times Square. square. prices within the medina quarter, it is advisBut in terms of bringing to life the rich and able to negotiate a fair price before partaking THE STUFF OF DREAMS diverse cultural appeal of a nation, all the in services. Despite the choice actions of a few, aforementioned city squares combined are no I have dreamed of visiting an exotic place I find Moroccans to be some of the most hospimatch to the Moroccan theater that is showlike Marrakesh ever since the global adventable people I have encountered in my travels. cased every day in the Djemaa el Fna. tures of Jonny Quest and Tintin captivated me FOOD, MUSIC, WARES TAKE CENTER STAGE It’s mid-morning. The desert sun is beatas a child. The allure continued when I dising down, and I can feel sweat beads dripping covered the vivid flavors of Moroccan cuisine. As the sun sets with its orange hues and the down despite my airy linen attire. In the last There’s no sensation better than taking a whiff cooling clouds roll in to provide a respite from half-hour since I left the tranquil confines of the aromas of simmering lemons, olive oil, the heat, the matinee of the day also gives way of Zaouia 44, our family’s rented riad in the onions, paprika and ginger in a tagine. to a more festive atmosphere for the Djemaa el Medina, I have walked past donkey carriages The Djemaa el Fna has served as the center Fna main feature in the evening. For starters, carrying scraps of wood and sacks of what of commerce and entertainment in Marrakesh there are more than 100 pop-up food vendors appeared to be the evening’s garbage, avoided since the Almohads took over from the found- who set up shop in the square, complete with being trampled by a tourist bus maneuvering ing Almoravids in the late 1000s. I imagine elaborate food displays and seating for 10 to its way through the narrow streets by pressing very little has changed in terms of the activi100 people. my body against the exterior concrete walls ties that transpire in the market square since The noise in the square also amplifies to of an electronic spare parts shop and experiits inception in the 1100s. a jubilant level as more musicians and perenced the most captivating 10-minute cab ride However, the influx of tourists in recent formers take to the square when the air cools through the sites and sounds of the Medina. decades also have given way to some of the down. Even the adhan (call to prayer) durmore capitalistic vendors who are more ing the maghrip (sunset) and isha (evening) GLORY OF THE SQUARE aggressive in collecting dirhams for photoseemed to have intensified with the orchestra My taxi driver dropped me off at the perimgraphs or for petting their cobras (that they of horn-blowing and drum-thumping. There eter of the square, where a cavalry of colorful will plant on your shoulder without your are Andalous and Gnawa bands performing horse carriages lined the street that led to permission). My zoom lens might have saved Islamic spiritual songs and rhythms, along Djemaa el Fna, a UNESCO heritage site on me the aggravation of dealing with the opporwith traditional music, poetry and dances to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. I had to tunistic vendors while allowing me to be more a captivated crowd of onlookers. Instruments pause as soon as I stepped foot on the square selective with the vendors and local models range from the krakebs (Moroccan iron casta-

George orge Aquino quino

A waterseller is shown in Djemaa el Fna.

A Moroccan snail vendor is shown in the Djemaa el Fna.

nets), gimbri (a string lute), n’far (3-meter-long copper horns) to various percussion drums made with lamb (small), goat (medium) or cow or camel (large) leather. There also are acrobats, Moroccan boy bands performing Rai songs, carnival games and countless walking vendors selling everything from intricate metal lanterns to lighted boomerangs that color the sky as they are launched. It’s a daunting task for a visitor to settle on one food stall in Marrakesh. The food selection was absolutely intoxicating — from the tiny snails you eat with a toothpick, lamb kebabs, gigantic egg sandwiches, Merguez served with crusty kohbz bread to the ominous sheep’s head that is proudly displayed like a Peking duck in a Chinese restaurant. As if that wasn’t enough, the aromas of turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and cumin permeated throughout as clouds of steam rose from the hundreds of live kitchens in the square. One of my main missions on this trip was to photograph the Djemaa el Fna from one of the terraces overlooking the vibrant scenery below. I perched myself like a hawk eyeing its prey in one corner of the terrace and shot away with my camera as if capturing this scene was the only thing that really mattered. At that moment, it truly was.

A busy food stall serves plates of Merguez and other Moroccan specialties in the Djemaa el Fna.