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Entertainment
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SECTION
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
THINGS TO DO OR SEE TODAY AND BEYOND
GRAND RAPIDS
GRAND RAPIDS
Circle on the Side features family drama ‘The Lyons’
New Kids and Family Expo coming to DeVos
Circle Theatre’s main stage productions start up in May, but you don’t have to wait until the warmer weather to catch a show.
Kohler Expos is bringing a new event to downtown that focuses on family bonding activities, education and fun while providing a one-stop shopping showcase of everything families need.
Circle on the Side is offering “The Lyons” for two weekends starting Thursday. “The Lyons,” which had a short run on Broadway, is a two-act play about a family full of conflict. Ben Lyons, the homophobic patriarch of the family, is dying, and his wife and children have gathered in his hospital room to say goodbye. Ben’s wife, Rita, has been in a loveless marriage for 40 years. His daughter, Lisa, is an alcoholic. His son is gay. Six performances are scheduled Thursday through Sunday and Jan. 23-25 at Aquinas College Theatre Annex, 1607 Robinson Road SE. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 ($15 for members) at the Circle Theatre box office or 616-456-6656. Get more information at circletheatre.org.
GRAND RAPIDS
Midtown Men join GR Symphony with sounds of the ’60s
M
ichael Longoria, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and J Robert Spencer, four stars of the original cast of the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” will join the Grand Rapids Symphony in DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, to celebrate the music that defined the ’60s.
Filmloom
“Jersey Boys” on Broadway tells the story of the The Four Seasons. This weekend, the quartet also will perform songs from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations and more. Three shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets are $18 at the DeVos Hall box office, ticketmaster.com or 800-982-2787.
More than 50 vendors will be at the Kids and Family Expo at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday with the latest in products and entertainment to make parents’ busy lives healthier, easier and more enjoyable. Physical and mental activities and games will be available for kids ages 3-15, including a zipline ride through DeVos Place. Coloring, balloons, storybooks, art walls, kids movie school, self-defense, face painting, inflatables and much more will be offered between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children (ages 3-15). Free giveaways will be held throughout the day. Get details and a complete schedule at kidsandfamilyexpo.
GRAND RAPIDS
WYCE: Live at Wealthy Theatre
GRAND RAPIDS
Griffins Great Skate Winterfest slated at Rosa Park Circle
The live concert series from local radio station WYCE continues at 8 p.m. Thursday when San Fermin, with special guest Filmloom, performs at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE.
A chance to skate with your favorite Grand Rapids Griffins players and raise money for the Griffins Youth Foundation comes once again at the annual Great Skate Winterfest. The event runs from noon Saturday through 10 p.m. Jan. 19. Catch part of 34 hours of continuous skating by the hockey players at Rosa Parks, Circle’s ice rink, 35 Monroe Center NW. Winter activity demonstrations including snowboarding, zoo animals, sled dogs, ice sculpting, a children’s activity tent and more are all part of this free event. Some activities require a fee and donations are encouraged. You can sponsor a Griffins player and find details at grifffinshockey.com/ greatskate.
San Fermin is the work of Brooklyn composer and songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone, brought to life by an eight-piece chamber pop ensemble. Described as a pastiche of postrock, chamber-pop and contemporary classical composition, the San Fermin album was named among NPR’s 50 Best Albums of 2013. The concert is a benefit for Well House, which provides safe, affordable housing to the homeless. The all-ages show starts at 7 p.m. and will be recorded for video replay on GRTV. Tickets are $16 at the door or $14 in advance online at grcmc.org.
GOOD READ
‘Great Debate’ traces history of political split In our fractious modern age, it can appear as if Republicans and Democrats differ on everything. But Yuval Levin, editor and founder of National Affairs, argues the divide can be traced back to two prominent 18thcentury thinkers: Edmund Burke, an Irish-born British parliamentarian who has been considered the founder of both modern conservatism and liberalism; and Thomas Paine, the son of a Quaker corset maker who, despite just five years of schooling, rose to be one of the age’s most original thinkers. Details, J7
Great Performances Happen at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center
January 24
A group of amazing performers, superb musicians, superior vocalists, great arrangers and creative composers, The Hit Men are hitmakers of the 60's, 70's and 80's - including performing and recording members of mega-star acts like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Critters, and band-mates who played and performed with Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon and more. thehitmensite.com
January 31
"Top notch instrumental wizardry"
John Sinkevics, GR Press
Electrifying combination of fiddler and electric cellist, with feel-good melodies and footstomping, rock influenced rhythms.
THE HIT MEN
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES:
Fri, Jan 24, 7:30 pm
A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR BASEMENT
THE MOXIE STRINGS
GLENN BULTHUIS & THE TONEDEAFS: Playing the Music of the Beatles
Fri, Jan 31, 7:30 pm
Thurs & Fri, Mar 20 & 21, 7:30 pm Thur, Apr 24, 7:30 pm
Reserve your seats: 616.878.6800 or vsfac.com 84th & Burlingame SW, 1.5 miles west of US-131, Byron Center (15 minutes south of GR) Thank You Community Partners:
Dan Pfeiffer Automotive, Kawasaki Good Times Foundation, Van Singel Family Foundation, Henry & Connie Mast, Owen-Ames-Kimball, TowerPinkster, VanderLaan Family Foundation, Godwin Plumbing/American Standard, Wireless Squad/Verizon Wireless
4713294-03
Former stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Tommy James & The Shondells and other megastars acts!
J2 / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
Entertainment FILM REVIEW
Solitary tale of ‘Llewyn Davis’ a triumph By John Serba
jserba@mlive.com
“Inside Llewyn Davis” opens with its title musician performing the traditional folk song “Hang Me, Oh Hang Me.” The song’s narrator is telling the first-person story of his execution. “So put the rope around my neck, hang me up so high,” goes the final verse. “Put the rope around my neck, they hanged me up so high.” Note the switch to past tense: The narrator becomes a ghost before the song ends. There’s much evidence in “Inside Llewyn Davis” that its titular protagonist also is on the cusp of non-existence. He has no home. He gets no mail. He sells no albums. His union accreditation for working a blue-collar sailor job is expired. He’s even trying to pass the philosophy of non-life to the next generation, scraping up a few dollars to abort an unwanted child (it’s not the first time he’s done that, either). Confronted by his sister to give up his unending tour of clubs, couches and spare bedrooms of New York City and get a job, he replies that he doesn’t want to “just exist.” CAT AS METAPHOR
One of the film’s recurring images is an orange tabby cat. It’s a metaphor: Llewyn chases it like an elusive dream. But cats also are often linked with mysticism and the supernatural. They are elusive and independent, finicky and moody. However, the cat is not his. It belongs to a friend who often gives him a place to crash. Llewyn accidentally lets the cat out, carries it on the subway, brings it to another friend’s place, loses it, retrieves it and brings it back, only to learn it’s the wrong orange tabby. “Where’s his scrotum?” screeches the cat’s owner, splaying its legs open. What are Joel and Ethan Coen suggesting here? That Llewyn is like a cat, and lacks the testicular oomph to change his life and contribute to society in a more practical way? Every scene in “Inside Llewyn Davis” is a sumptuous delicacy of dialogue, performance, setting and scintillating subtext. FOLK MUSIC SCENE
The writers/directors use the 1961 Greenwich Village folk-music scene as the grungy backdrop for Llewyn’s myriad woes. He sort-of-exists a beat prior to the folk explosion to come and is ahead of the curve, so he suffers. He’s impossible, an egotistical and condescending jerk. His life dangles on the cusp of self-destruction, like the lengthening cigarette ash of a nightclub patron. Llewyn is played by Oscar Isaac with the perfect degree of exasperation and incorrigibleness required to make him a great, Coenesque leading man. We admire the character as an artist — he’s uncompromising and has extraordinary talent — but loathe him as a person. Our analog is Jean (Carey Mulligan), who regularly berates him with comical cruelty. But she might also love him, probably for his ability to be so sensitive, credible and sincere in song. That’s why Llewyn takes himself so seriously — too seriously. At a dinner party, he is asked to play a number,
From left, Julianne Nicholson, Meryl Streep and Margo Martindale in a scene from “August: Osage County.” (AP/The Weinstein Co.)
FILM REVIEW Oscar Isaac is the title character in “Inside Llewyn Davis.” (Courtesy)
‘INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS’
‘Osage County’ feels stagey
rrrr Cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen Run time: 104 minutes Rating: R for language including some sexual references
and he hems and haws. The requester counterpunches: “I thought singing was a joyous expression of the soul!” Jean is carrying Llewyn’s child, even though she lives with her boyfriend, Jim (Justin Timberlake). She and Jim are folk musicians as well. They perform “Five Hundred Miles” as a trio with a noob-soldier friend (Stark Sands). The performance is as corny as it is beautiful. Yet, it’s clear by his expression that Llewyn believes the song is an obvious choice, that they’re sellouts pandering to an audience that is beneath them. MUSIC A KEY
In their depiction of any music not performed by Llewyn, the Coens blur the lines between mockery and reverence. In one of the film’s most droll scenes, Jim brings Llewyn into the studio to record “Please Mr. Kennedy,” a goofy novelty song about astronauts, and Llewyn fakes it, turning down future royalties in lieu of an immediate paycheck. In one of the film’s most heartbreaking scenes, Llewyn plays “Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song),” a gorgeous and wrenching piece of poetry and is met with cruel indifference. The musical curation is by T-Bone Burnett, who famously collaborated with the Coens for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” His work here colors and enhances the Coens’ themes with understated wit. Like many Coen Bros. films, “Inside Llewyn Davis” can be bleak and cynical. Their fine-tuned, surrealist worlds offer an absurdist viewpoint on various tragedies — in this case, a lack of appreciation for fine art in a crass and artificial popcultural landscape. They’ve written a withering funny/sad script in which lines often are repeated in circular arguments, in the face of Llewyn’s frustration. They employ a narrative switchback in the final act — the final “verse” of Llewyn’s story — to reiterate that trudging into the face of a roaring gale over and over again is a difficult and thankless task, a choice that wears down Llewyn’s existence to almost nothing. The movie is on one hand a loving ode to the sounds of the time and place, but on the other, a very sly lampoon. It’s as much a celebration as it is a lamentation.
n Serba John
'AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY'
jserba@mlive.com @mlive.com
rrts
M
eryl Streep’s eyes bulge. Her wig is disheveled, her hands flutter and scratch, her head bobs and twitches. In “August: Osage County,” she plays Violet Weston, habitual pill-popper and cancer-stricken matriarch of a family whose dysfunction is one split atom away from nuclear destruction. Her line-readings — of dialogue written by Tracy Letts, who won Tonys and a Pulitzer for penning the play of the same name — are delivered with offhanded cruelty, inflicting psychological blunt force trauma on her children, grandchildren, siblings. She speaks the truth in nasty, hurtful tones. It’s quite the symbolic whopper that Violet has mouth cancer, huh? This is Streep doing what she does best: Streeping. It’s entertaining, no doubt, and she’s surely one of Hollywood’s greatest chameleons. She can gracefully elevate a romantic comedy and turn a base-hit biopic into a home run. Her performance in “August: Osage County” is monolithic, similar to her recent turns as Margaret Thatcher, Julia Child and a nasty nun in “Doubt.” But there’s a tipping point here, where her performance goes beyond
Cast: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Margo Martindale Director: John Wells Runtime: 121 minutes Rating: R for language including sexual references and drug material
characterization into capital-A acting. It’s memorable, but a screeching distraction from the task at hand. She’s not alone. The Weston family’s favorite daughter, Barbara, is played by Julia Roberts, who engages with Streep in capital-A Acting pugilism. Brought together in the wake of their father/husband’s death, they bellow and snipe and, as depicted in the movie poster, scrum like rugby goons. They share a terrific scene where Barbara tries to get a visibly inebriated Violet to eat some fish, and in her frustration screams at her mother, “Eat the fish, b---h!” Then they smash dinner plates like petulant children. Others participate in the acting Olympics. Margo Martindale silver-medals as Violet’s similarly nasty sister, and Chris Cooper is her husband, merely earning a bronze by backing off the volume and delivering the film’s most realistic, nuanced performance. Benedict Cumberbatch is their son, a bumbling embarrassment to his mother.
Ewan McGregor plays Barbara’s philandering husband, and Abigail Breslin is their angsty daughter. Juliette Lewis is Barbara’s sister, who shows up with her latest beau, a big-city ego-creep played by Dermot Mulroney. Julianne Nicholson is the youngest daughter of the core family, and she’s part of the eat-the-fish scene, but seems like a guppy swimming among Roberts’ and Streep’s sharks. Each star gets a chance to take center stage with his/her own ugly revelation, usually a contrived and hyperbolic family secret that threatens to upend everything — a bunch of rain dances conjuring a thunderstorm of misery. It feels stagey, and John Wells directs as if he’s wheeling a spotlight on each member of his dream cast. Maybe it feels less artificial on the stage (I haven’t seen the play), but on the screen, it often betrays its origin. It’s ill-fitting for the sweaty, dusty rural-Oklahoma authenticity Wells tries to develop. Somewhere among the verbal melee is a discussion of female familial roles, past, present and future, and the idea that sometimes the ties that bind also can strangle. But the primary message extracted from this rubble of showy performances and affected plot twists is that awful children are the product of awful parents. Here in Osage County, during a stifling August, the offspring learn this truth, see that their mother is beyond help and struggle to cultivate hope for themselves. They’re trying not to be awful, but are finding the awfulness embedded deeply in their nurture.
FILM REVIEW
Solid actors abound in ‘Lone Survivor’ By John Serba
jserba@mlive.com
The key scene in “Lone Survivor” finds its quartet of U.S. soldiers encountering a smattering of goats. It’s dire — the people who herd them in the mountains of Afghanistan could jeopardize their attempt to take out a camp of militants. Their guns pointed at the men and boys, the four Navy SEALs debate: Kill them, and their mission is safe. Spare them, and it’s jeopardized. They argue, but ultimately opt for mercy. They are good men. Abandoning the operation, they trudge back up the mountain. Meanwhile, one of the Afghani boys skips and skitters over the rocks with the swiftness of someone intimate with the treacherous terrain. This is trouble. Marcus Luttrell has said publicly the debate never happened. It’s a Hollywood con-
From left, Taylor Kitsch, as Michael Murphy; Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell; Ben Foster as Matt “Axe” Axelson; and Emile Hirsch as Danny Dietz in a scene from the film, “Lone Survivor.” In the age of the superhero, the movies’ most reliable real-life hero has been the Navy SEAL. (AP/Universal Pictures)
'LONE SURVIVOR'
rrrs Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster Director: Peter Berg Runtime: 121 minutes Rating: R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language
coction. Luttrell is the writer of “Lone Survivor,” an autobiographical account of his harrowing experience in that rural Afghani valley. He and his cohorts never considered murdering civilians. Although it deviates from what really happened, the big-screen version of his story addresses the moral quandaries of a wartime soldier on the ground and makes for a richer experience. It’s just a different route
to the truth. Without this flourish, “Lone Survivor” would be a onedimensional action picture. But it does that dimension well. It’s tense and told with much visceral imagery. When the Afghani soldiers finally track them down, the SEALs find out their superior training only goes so far when they’re grossly outnumbered. They plan, execute and regroup, but ultimately take several bullets and tumble painfully down the rugged mountainside. Mark Wahlberg plays Luttrell, and Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster are his brothers-in-arms. That’s a solid group of actors, capable of conveying bravado and desperation with authenticity and conviction.
The narrative primarily is procedural; character development is limited to brief conversations about wives and girlfriends. The movie is less interested in engaging the heart than bodily fluids: blood, adrenaline, testosterone. Director and screenwriter Peter Berg succeeds in cultivating suspense despite us knowing the outcome. Wahlberg narrates in voiceover this sad, violent story, extraordinary in its details. The movie has its moments of hoo-ah American jingoism, but they come caked in blood and spattered with shrapnel. It might be a little heavyhanded and simplistic, but it’s still a strong indictment of war and its moral compromises.
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / J3
Entertainment “It is just as crazy as you think it is. All the situations are 100 percent real. Nothing is faked.” CORY WHARTON, GRAND RAPIDS NATIVE AND TV PERSONALITY ON MTV’S NEW SEASON OF “REAL WORLD: EX-PLOSION”
Pop Scholars, above, joins Jay Leno and Chris Tucker as part of LaughFest’s 2014 lineup. (Courtesy) GRAND RAPIDS
LaughFest 2014 adds to hilarious lineup By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk jkaczmarczyk@mlive.com
LOS ANGELES
GR native joins drama, world of MTV’s ‘Ex-Plosion’ By Todd Chance
tchance@mlive.com
Grand Rapids native Cory Wharton was barely in diapers when the MTV reality show “Real World” premiered in 1992. Wharton, 22, is one of the personalities on the upcoming season, titled “Real World: Ex-Plosion,” and set in San Francisco. It premiered at 10 p.m. Wednesday. Wharton, a Grand Rapids Community College graduate who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in physical fitness training and chase his dream of stardom. “I watched the show growing up,” Wharton said in a phone interview. “I wanted my foot in the door to somehow be on TV. God blessed me with this opportunity.” Wharton currently works at Equinox, a fitness club in West Hollywood, and says he wants to use this promotional opportunity to launch his fitness website and related programs. The latest incarnation of the show sticks to the original formula:
“Strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped.” The roommates often love, hate and share “confessionals” describing their feelings alone in front of a camera.
watch me grow up through this process. You learn a lot about yourself as an individual being on this show.”
NEW SEASON, NEW TWIST
Wharton described the long process of auditioning for the show, complete with written submissions, photos, follow-ups and numerous interviews. He says his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Ondersma, was part of his interview process, but he didn’t put the pieces together until her appearance on the show. “These people know everything about you,” he said. “They know how to make you happy, how to get you upset. They diagnose everything about you to figure out how to create story lines. Little did I know that would be part of the show.” The show received attention in its early seasons for taking on controversial social issues such as racism, abortion, religion and sexuality. “It is just as crazy as you think it is,” he said. “It really is. All of the situations are 100 percent real. Nothing was faked. All the drama really goes down.
The new twist this season comes when all of the housemates’ ex-partners move into the same house while they are away for a weekend. “About five weeks into taping, we go on a three-day boating trip,” Wharton said. “We come home to the house and find that our exes have moved in. It was a negative experience for everybody. Exes are exes for a reason. They are in the past.” The original roommates have the opportunity to vote the “exes” out of the house. The drama around Wharton and his ex-girlfriend centers around a “fling” he has with cast member Jenny. Wharton admits to moments captured on camera that he’s not proud of. “I’m young,” he said. “I’m going to make mistakes. But you live life and learn. Hopefully, people will be able to
VIEWERS ‘KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU’
GRAND RAPIDS
Find museum’s scavenger hunt on phone the front desk. Using an app from GeLo, a West Michigan based technology startup, the hunt for the alphabetical list of objects now can be done on visitors’ By Todd Chance smartphones. tchance@mlive.com “It’s really a good test to see A scavenger hunt through how our audiences will use the Grand Rapids Public the technology here. We can Museum? see this going from a simple There’s an app for that. scavenger hunt into diving The museum previously deeper into certain collechas offered the scavenger tions,” said Kate Moore, direchunt, “Collecting A to Z,” using tor of Marketing and Public paper and pens handed out at Relations.
Grand Rapids Public Museum shares ‘Collecting A to Z’ with attendees through app
The relationship between the museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, and GeLo began during ArtPrize in September 2013 when visitors could access information about artists and entries simply by walking up to them. The technology utilizes proprietary Bluetooth Smart Beacons combined with GeLo’s content management system and mobile device app. The GeLo system creates a signal zone around particular exhibits using strategically
12th Annual
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Saturday, January 18 10:00am-3:00pm
placed beacons. When a scavenger hunter enters the signal zone, the Bluetooth signal triggers the GeLo app on his or her mobile device alerting the hunter that an item has been found. The scavenger hunt experience also is enriched by audio, video and photos along with clues steering players towards the next item on the hunt. Currently, the application is available for download for the iPhone and iPad only.
• Colin Kane and Brad Williams, 8 p.m. March 11, Orbit Room. Free Admission Kane, a New York native, has been performing his “comedy smack-down” across the country since 2002. Williams, a native of California who performs at Disneyland, makes humorous observations of individuals shortcomings and proves anyone can overcome everyday obstacles such as disability, relationships sex and race. • The Diversity Show, 8 p.m. March 15, Wealthy Theatre. $7 admission Comedians of different races perform and challenge stereotypes to the audience. Full lineup of comics performing in the Diversity Show will be announced soon on LaughFest’s website. • Pop Scholars, 8 p.m. March 7, Wealthy Theatre. $7 admission Grand Rapids area performers Mike Ryskamp, Matt Sterenberg, Dave Lyzenga and Andy Allen make up a fast-paced, fourman improvisational comedy group that regularly plays sold-out shows. • Out of the Box, 7 p.m.
GILDA’S LAUGHFEST 2014 When: March 6-16 Where: 40 venues in Grand Rapids plus Holland and Lowell Tickets: Single tickets go on sale beginning Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 from Ticketmaster More info: Call 735-HAHA (4242) or go to LaughFest’s website
March 8, Living Word Christian Center Church. $10 admission Grand Rapids native and comedian Hen Sapp, with special guests Chinnta Morris and Rod Alanson, will take the stage offering a variety of comedic skits, including music and other surprises. OTHER ACTIVITIES COMING TO LAUGHFEST ARE:
• Creativity Uncorked, LaughFest Edition, 7:30 to 9 p.m. March 7 and March 14, Grand Rapids Art Museum. $30 admission Participants will go through the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s galleries on a fast paced creative mission to be inspired to create works of art in GRAM’s studio. A cash bar will be available to individuals participating in the event, which is designed to create an evening of wonder, fun and laughter. • UICA Ping Pong: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts will host ping pong for LaughFest guests, drop in players and anyone who wants to participate in a tournament. Drop-In dates are March 9 to March 16, during UICA’s regular hours (UICA is closed Mondays). $8 admission includes free gallery admission to ticket buyers. Ping Pong Tournament is 7-11 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 8. The tournament will be played elimination-style. Registration fee is $20 per single player or per doubles team. To register, visit laughfestgr.org.
Grand Rapids native and comedian Hen Sapp will be at LaughFest 2014 with Out of the Box humor.
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Grand Rapids native and Grand Rapids Community College graduate Cory Wharton poses with fellow cast member Jenny from the upcoming season of MTV’s “Real World: Ex-plosion.” The show was set to debut at 10 p.m. Wednesday. This season will be held in San Francisco. (Courtesy)
Gilda’s LaughFest 2014 is heading into another growth spurt. The festival of laughter welcoming Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker and more to Grand Rapids is adding several shows to its lineup. Single tickets went on sale Friday at the Van Andel Arena Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets for the “March Madness” bringing Jim Gaffigan and Sinbad back to West Michigan for the fourth annual festival of seriously funny stuff. LaughFest 2014 returns March 6-16 with more than 200 free and ticketed shows with more than 60 artists at 40-plus venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland during the 10-day festival.
J4 / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / 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.
MUSIC
JAN. 17 19
Grand Rapids Symphony — 60’s Hits with the Midtown Men: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Fri & Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. varies. 616-451-9451
FILM
Karisa Wilson at the Dogwood Center: Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, 4734 South Campus Court, Fremont. 7:30 pm. $12.50. 231-924-8885
JAN. 13 18
Knickerbocker Film Series — “A Miracle in Spanish Harlem”: Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland. Mon-Sat, 7:30 pm. $6/regular admission, $5/seniors, Hope faculty and children. www. hope.edu/arts/knick
Blue Water Ramblers: Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St. 8 pm. $12 General, $10 Seniors, Student w/ID, $10, 2nd student free $9 Members, $3 2-12 year olds. www.grfolkarts.org
JAN. 20 25
Knickerbocker Film Series — “Blood Brothers”: Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland. Mon-Sat, 7:30 pm. $6/regular admission, $5/seniors, Hope faculty and children. hope.edu/arts/knick
JAN. 20
West Michigan Jazz Society Monday Night Jazz Series: Bobarino’s, 20 Monroe Avenue NW. 6:30-8:30 pm. Students and members $5, non-members $10. wmichjazz.org
JAN. 21
Travel and Adventure Film Series Buddy Hatton The Treasures of Taiwan: Grandville High School, 4700 Canal Ave. SW, Grandville. 7 pm. $6 at the door. Season tickets all 7 performances $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. 254-6430
Choral Concert: Calvin College Chapel, 835 Knollcrest Circle SE. 8 pm. Free. grago.org/index.php/ programs/ JAN. 23
Homecoming with the Davis and Brewer Family: St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. 7:30 pm. scmc-online.org
FAIRS/FESTIVALS
JAN. 25
JAN. 24
Whole U GR Holistic Health Expo: St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom NE. 10 am-4 pm. $8 - $10. 648-5207
GRCC Music Department Faculty Recital — Dr. Libor Ondras, Viola an dViola d’amore: GRCC Music Center, 151 Fountain St. 7:30 pm. $5/adults, $3/students and seniors. www.grcc.edu/music/ performance-calendar
COMMUNITY
JAN. 12 26
Quilting: Byron Center United Methodist Church, 2490 Prescott St. SW, Byron Center. 10 am-1 pm. Free. 878-1618
JAN. 25
“An Evening with Jeff Daniels” at the Dogwood Center: Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, 4734 South Campus Court, Fremont. 7:30 pm. $25. 231-924-8885 STAGE
THRU JAN. 19
The Milliner: Spectrum Theater at GRCC, 160 Fountain St. NE. Wed, Sat & Sun. jtgr.org JAN. 12 19
Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company’s Tartuffe: Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson SE. Sun, 3 pm; Thu-Sat, 8 pm. $14/adults, $7/students. www.dogstorytheater.com JAN. 16 25
The Lyons: Circle Theatre, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. circletheatre.org Circle on the Side - The Lyons: Moose Cafe, Cook Carriage House. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm. $17-$15. 4566656 JAN. 17 18
Homeschool Performing Arts Production Of Peter Pan: Caledonia High School, 9050 Kraft Ave, Caledonia. 7 pm; Sat, 1 and 7 pm. $10-$8. 517-525-6651 The Fabulous Fable Factory: Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. 7:30 pm; Sat, 2 and 7:30 pm. $5. 455-1001 JAN. 17 25
The Tempest: Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1607 Robinson Rd. SE. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm. $8/general; $6/ students. 616/456-6656 JAN. 17 FEB. 2
Clybourne Park: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave.. $28-$16. grct.org JAN. 20 21
Call for Auditions for Nunsense: Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 South Main St., Cedar Springs. Mon & Tue, 6:30-8 pm. $10 - $15. 616-696-0456 JAN. 24
The Hitmen: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. 7:30 pm. www. thehitmensite.com JAN. 24 25
Comedy Improv with Contents Under Pressure: Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. Fri & Sat, 7 pm. $7. 455-1001 JAN. 25
River City Improv: Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Ave. SE. 7:33 pm. $10. 752-8570 ART/MUSEUMS
JAN. 12
10 Potters; 10 Weavers: Design Quest, 4181 28th St. SE. www. designquest.biz
The January Series — John M. Perkins — “Love is the Final Fight — The Life and Legacy of John M. Perkins” in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www. calvin.edu/january/2014
Wayne “The Train” Hancock: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 7 pm. $15/day of, $12/advance. pyramidschemebar.com
A Capell-Off 2014: Ceglarek Fine Arts Center, 10760 68th Ave., Allendale. 7 pm. $10-$5.
JAN. 26
JAN. 20
Tetrad Band: Whiskey River Saloon, 4050 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville. Fri & Sat, 8:30 pm. No cover. 616538-1220 JAN. 26
JAN. 18
GRCC Music Department Recriutment Outreach — High School Music Festival: GRCC Music Center, 151 Fountain St. 9 am-6 pm. $10. www.grcc.edu/music/performancecalendar
JAN. 24 25
JAN. 13
Wayne “The Train” Hancock will perform Jan. 26 at The Pyramid Scheme. See nightlife — Courtesy
“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 NW. Mon & Sun. www.artmuseumgr.org THRU JAN. 19
GRCC Student Exhibition: GRCC Collins Art Gallery, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Free. 234-3544 THRU JAN. 25
Drop-In Family Saturdays: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. Sat, 1-4 pm. www. artmuseumgr.org THRU JAN. 31
Chari Jousma Pottery: MercuryHead Gallery, 962 E. Fulton St. 456-6022 THRU FEB. 2
Grandmother Power — A Global Phenomenon: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. www. grmuseum.org THRU FEB. 10
Indoors and Outdoors: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. 878-6800 JAN. 12 26
Sarah Tule - Watercolor: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. fhfineartscenter.com JAN. 13 MAR. 21
The History of Space Photography: Grand Valley State University Gallery, Performing Arts Center 1 Campus Drive, Allendale. www. gvsu.edu/artgallery JAN. 13 APR. 1
Tuesdays with Todd and Brad - A Michigan Tribute: Bruce and Mary Leep Art Gallery at the Postma Center at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, 300 68th Street. 616-222-4530 JAN. 15
Grandmother POWER Lunch Series — Grandmothers and Education: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. 11:30 am-1 pm. $25/non-members, $20/members. www.grpm.org The History of Space Photography Opening Reception: Grand Valley State University Gallery, Performing Arts Center 1 Campus Drive, Allendale. 5-7 pm. www.gvsu.edu/ artgallery The History of Space Photography Reception: Grand Valley State University Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale. 5-7 pm. www.gvsu.edu/artgallery
The January Series — Kevin Schut “Of Games & God - A Christian Exploration of Video Games”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www.calvin.edu/january/2014
JAN. 19
JAN. 16 18
JAN. 13 FEB. 17
Indoors and Outdoors Reception: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. 2-3:30 pm. 616-878-6800
Comedian John Heffron: Dr. Grins at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. Thu-Sat. thebob.com
Cooking Matters: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. Mon, 6 pm. free. 616/988-5400
JAN. 23
Steel Stone & Clouds Exhibit In Support of Coit Creative Arts Academy: Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St. SE. 5-9 pm. Free. www. therichardappgallery.tumblr.com JAN. 24
Insight into the Exhibition — Mary Ann Aitken — A Retrospective 1983-2011: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton. 7 pm. Members - Free/ Non-members - $5. 454-7000 JAN. 25
Ethnic Traditions Celebration Keeping Culture Alive: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. 10 am-3 pm. www.grpm.org NIGHTLIFE
THRU JAN. 26
Revival ‘80s Dance Night: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. Sun, 9 pm. www.billyslounge.com JAN. 13 AND 20
Monday’s BassBin: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. Mon, 9 pm. www.billyslounge.com JAN. 14
The Creepshow + Murder Party + Sailor Kicks: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 8 pm. $14/day of, $12/advance. www.pramidschemebar.com JAN. 14 AND 21
Tuesday’s The Line Up: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. Tue, 9:30 pm. www.billyslounge.com JAN. 15
This or The Apocalypse: The Stache, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 5:30 pm. $12/advance, $14/day of show. sectionlive.com Amanda Shires: Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill, 760 Butterworth St. SW. tiptopdeluxe.com JAN. 16
Thursday Night Band: Cheers Restaurant, 3994 Plainfield Ave. NE. 8:30-11:30 pm. Free. 616363-1188 Ghost Heart: Founders Brewing Co, 235 Grandville Ave. SW. 9:30 pm. Free. foundersbrewing.com Josh Thompson: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 8 pm. $14.93/advance, $18/day of show. sectionlive.com K Theory: The Stache, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. $10/advance, $12/day of show. sectionlive.com WYCE Live at Wealthy presents San Fermin: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. 8 pm. $14/ advance, $16/general admission. www.grcmc.org
JAN. 16 AND 23
The ‘90s Holla Back: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. Thu, 8:30 pm. $2 cover charge. www. billyslounge.com JAN. 17
That Freak Quincy: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. $5. www. billyslounge.com Fusion Show Presents — Welcome to Grand Rapids Vol. 2: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 6:30 pm. $10/day of, $8/advance. www.pyramidschemebar.com JAN. 17 18
Guinness Brothers Band: Whiskey River Saloon, 4050 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville. Fri & Sat, 8:30 pm. No cover. 616-538-1220 JAN. 18
Hip Pocket: Billy’s Lounge, 1437 Wealthy St. SE. $5. billyslounge. com Gasta with Moxie Strings: Founders Brewing Co, 235 Grandville Ave. SW. 9:30 pm. $5. foundersbrewing. com Seth Glier Concert: Seven Steps Up, 116 S Jackson St., Spring Lake. 8 pm. Tickets start at $25 in advance. 231-557-7687 Dirt Monkey: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. $10/ advance, $15/day of show. www. sectionlive.com JAN. 19
Seth Glier Concert: Seven Steps Up, 116 S Jackson St., Spring Lake. 8 pm. Tickets start at $25 in advance. 231-557-7687 I Am Hair Battle & Fashion Expo: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 6 pm. $25. www.sectionlive.com JAN. 21
Walk Off The Earth wsg Parachute: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 6:30 pm. $20. www.sectionlive.com JAN. 22
Emancipator Ensemble wsg Odesza, Real Magic: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. 9 pm. $15/advance, $18/day of show. www.sectionlive.com JAN. 23
River Whyless with The Wallace Collective: Founders Brewing Co, 235 Grandville Ave. SW. 9:30 pm. Free. www.foundersbrewing.com JAN. 24
Run That Shit - Hip Hop Vinyl Selections: The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW. 9 pm. $5. www. pyramidschemebar.com
JAN. 13 APR. 14
Newcomers Club of Greater Grand Rapids: Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church, 6595 Cascade Rd. SE (NE corner Cascade & Burton). 10:15 am. 616-222-4522 JAN. 14
The January Series — Nicole Baker Fulgham — “Educating All God’s Children”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www.calvin.edu/ january/2014 JAN. 15
The January Series — Zachary Karabell — “Trend and Repeat —- What History and Economics Can Teach Us About the Future”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www.calvin.edu/january/2014 Center for Michigan Community Conversation: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. 7 pm. Free. 988-5400 JAN. 16
The January Series — Michael K. Le Roy — “The Sustainability of Higher Education and the Future of Calvin College”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www. calvin.edu/january/2014 Author Talk and Booksigning with Jennifer Chiaverini for her new book “Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival”: Schuler Books & Music-Alpine, 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Walker. 7 pm. www.schulerbooks.com JAN. 17
The January Series — Linda Smith — “Renting Lacy — A Story of America’s Prostituted Children”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www.calvin.edu/ january/2014 JAN. 17 AND 24
Let’s Play! Workshops: Grand Rapids Public Library Ottawa Hills Branch, 1150 Giddings Ave. SE. Fri, 9 am. Free. 988-5400 JAN. 18
Kids & Family Expo: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. 10 am-6 pm. www.kidsandfamilyexpo.com Comedian Caroline Rhea headlines Rockford Education Foundation event: Rockford High School Auditorium, 4100 Kroes St NE, Rockford. 8 pm. $40. www. rockfordschools.org/ref JAN. 18 AND 25
Creative Movement: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. Sat, 10:30 am. Free. 456-3232 x4
JAN. 21
The January Series — Paul Douglas — “Climate Change — Natural Cycle or Troubling Trend”: Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 3201 Burton St. SE. 12:30 pm. www.calvin.edu/january/2014 Free Writing Seminar with Tom Rademacher for Adults: KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave., Wyoming. 6:30 pm. Free; registration starts on Nov. 15. 784-2007 BOOKS
THRU FEB. 25
Cozy Tales for Chilly Days: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. 10 am. Adult 14-64: $12, Senior 65 & older: $9, Students with ID: $9, Children 5-13: $6, Children 3-4: $4, Children 2 & younger: Free. 957-1580 THRU FEB. 28
Spilled Ink — The Book Club for the Rest of Us: Grand Rapids Public Library (various locations), various locations. free. 6169885400 THRU MAR. 31
One Book, One City for Kids: Grand Rapids Public Library (various locations), various locations. Free. 988-5400 JAN. 13
Meet the Author — Kristina Riggle: KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood. 6 pm. Free. www.kdl.org JAN. 14
Author Tiffany Root Book Signing Event: Biggby Coffee, 5795 Byron Center Ave. SW. 6-7 pm. 877-7270697 JAN. 23
American Nations: Loosemore Auditorium GVSU, 401 W. Fulton St.. 7 pm. Free. 616-331-2770 OUTDOORS
JAN. 20
Martin Luther King Habitat Restoration Service Day: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW. 10 am-3 pm. $30/members, $36/non-members. www.blandfordnaturecenter.org JAN. 23
Owl Prowl: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW. 6-7:30 pm. $3 members/ $6 nonmembers. 735-6240 JAN. 24 26
Huntin’ Time Expo: The DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. 1-9 pm; Sat, 9 am-7 pm; Sun, 9 am-3 pm. $5$10. 364-9000 SPORTS
JAN. 21
WWE Smackdown: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. 7 pm. $97.50-$17.50. ticketmaster.com JAN. 24 25
Nuclear Cowboyz: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. Fri & Sat, 7:30 pm. $87.50-$27.50. 1-800745-3000 JAN. 26
The Original Harlem Globetrotters: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. 2 pm. $95-$21. 1-800-745-3000 DINING
JAN. 21
GRCC Cooks - Flatbreads and Soups: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. 234-4140 JAN. 24
“Crafts and Courses” Food/Beer pairing event hosted by Amy Sherman: Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. 7 pm. $45 per person ($40-Pint Club members) in advance only at SBC or via phone. www.sbrewing.com DANCE
JAN. 18 AND 25
Young Dancers: Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch, 111 Library St. NE. Sat, 10 am. Free. 988-5400 JAN. 19
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Free Dance Master Class: West Michigan Ballet Studio, 6086 Fulton Drive, Ada. 11 am-12:30 pm. Free. 800-221-3796, ext. 210 JAN. 26
CARE Ballet: KDL East Grand Rapids Library, 746 Lakeside Dr. SE. 2 pm. Free. www.kdl.org
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / J5
Entertainment HOLLAND
‘Girl Rising’ to be shown to students, community mscott2@mlive.com
Three West Ottawa High School sophomores have spearheaded an effort to share with students the feature film “Girl Rising.” The film tells the stories of nine girls in developing nations who overcame hardships to pursue their dreams of education for a better life. “Girl Rising” has become a global movement for social From left, West Ottawa High School sophomores Olivia Allen, change to raise awareness Samantha Modrzynski and Faith Stieg have spearheaded an efand eliminate the barriers to fort to share the feature film “Girl Rising,” which tells the stories education for girls worldwide. of nine girls who overcame tremendous obstacles to pursue their For $2, on Friday, students, dreams of education and a better life, with the school commuparents and community memnity Friday. (Teresa McCrumb/MLive.com) bers can watch the PG-13 film.
Sophomores Samantha Modrzynski, Faith Stieg, and Olivia Allen will make a brief presentation before the 90-minute film. The event runs 6-8 p.m. at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center, 1024 136th St. in Holland Township. “What started out as a conversation with a few students after watching the trailer for the film on girlrising.com has turned into a movement to educate students about the need for the education of girls in developing countries,” said Teresa McCrumb, who teaches world history. “This has been such a great
experience for these students and myself as a teacher to work on a project that has taught my students real-world skills and real-world issues, as well as made them realize the value of their own education.” The initiative began in September, when McCrumb showed her history students the film’s trailer and asked if any would be interested in taking it on as a project. She said the students stepped forward and eventually formed a club, Calling for Equality, to get more students involved. She said the club has grown to 25 girls and boys helping to
promote the film. The group has made posters, created flyers and used social media to promote the film. The young ladies in the film, directed by Academy Award winner Richard Robbins, are from Peru, Haiti, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, India, Nepal and Cambodia. Students have been educating themselves on the issues to be able to better speak to the struggle to get girls educated in developing countries. Students will have a chance to buy tickets during lunch and the community can email cfe.girlrising@gmail.com to reserve tickets.
C E L E B R A T I O N S TO PLACE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT GO TO WWW.MLIVE.COM/CELEBRATIONS
4765465-01
By Monica Scott
Questions call Lisa at 616-254-0607 or email lcaswell@mlive.com. 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.
Hooyer-Van Koevering Ball-Meyer Anthony and Michelle Ball of Sparta announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Marie Ball, to Brian Joseph Meyer, son of Ken and Julie Meyer of Kalamazoo. Emily attended Calvin College and Graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor's degree in Nursing. She is employed at Spectrum-Butterworth in Grand Rapids. Brian graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical Engineering. He is employed at Enduro Engineering in Lansing. They will both reside in Lowell. The wedding is planned for June 21, 2014 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belmont, MI. 4760127-02
Brian and Barb Hooyer of Hudsonville announce the engagement of their daughter, Stacie Renae Hooyer to Chaz Tyler Van Koevering. Chaz's Parents are Den and Barb Van Koevering of Jamestown. The future bride is a graduate of Freedom Christian School and the future groom of Unity Christian School. Both are employed at Gerrit's Appliance. The wedding is planned for June 27, 2014 in Hudsonville, MI.
James & Laurel Mac Owan Jr. ~ 50TH ANNIVERSARY ~ James and Laurel are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their children: Barbara and Jim Wood, Amy and Mark Monroe, James and Tanya Mac Owan; 5 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and 1 great-grandson.
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Tom and Camille McDermott
Harris- Rietema Stephen and Lisa (Rietema) Harris were married September 7th, 2013, at St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood California. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Rietema of Grand Rapids, MI. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harris of St. Louis, MO. Lisa's good friend Jamie Kuzmicz, her sister-in-law Michelle Rietema and sister Holly Martens were bridesmaids, her sister Jill Crist was Lisa's matron of honor and Lisa's nieces Elsie and Baylor were flower girls. Stephen was attended by his good friends Chad Morse, Chad Cohen, Travis Bible, Jake Smith, Joe Mcnew and his brother Chris Harris was his best man. After their honeymoon in Mexico the couple now resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Williamson - Hubach Savannah Jan Williamson and Jacob Alan Hubach were married on October 26, 2013 at Camp United Methodist Church in Shallotte, NC. Reverend Tony McGhee officiated. A reception was held at The Isles Restaurant in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. The bride is the daughter of Dr. DeCarol and Mrs. Jan Williamson of Rocky Point, NC. The groom is the son of Mr. John Hubach of Byron Center, MI and Ms. Kelly Lang of Sparta, MI. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Jordan Williamson Cline, bride's twin sister, was maid of honor; bridesmaids were Marnie Williamson, Heather Borton, Love Williamson, Jessica Williamson, Stephanie Reeves, and Rosanna Simonson. Flower girls were the Bride's nieces, Jadyn and Taylor Cline. The groom's best friend, Jeff Bremer, was best man. Groomsmen were John Hubach II, Josh Hubach, Daniel Cline, Dell Williamson, Jonathan Williamson, and Markus Hillman. Ring Bearers were Aaron Williamson, son of the bride and Cage Hubach, son of the groom. The couple will reside in Rocky Point, NC
~ GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ~ Tom and Camille McDermott of Sarasota, FL, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family at their residence in Florida. The former Camille Truszkowski of Grand Rapids is retired from Forest Hills Schools. Tom is retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools. The couple were married December 28, 1963. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Ronald and Jeanne Breen ~ GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ~ Celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary, Ron and Jeanne (Chandler) were married on January 4, 1964 in Kalamazoo. Their children are: Pamela (John) Wyatt of Walled Lake, Jeffrey (Mary) Breen of Portage, Kimberly (Joseph) Kuiper of Rockford, Scott (Torree) Breen of Grand Ledge. They have eight grandchildren. Both are MSU graduates. Ron retired from General Motors - Kalamazoo (Supervisor of Salaried Personnel). They celebrated at the Rose Bowl and will take a New England trip this summer.
4760124-01 4759634-02
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To Place Your Own
ANNOUNCEMENT Go to
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 Bradford and Sharon DeVries
Roger and Shirley Harroun
Bradford and Sharon DeVries are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They were married on December 28, 1963. Brad and Sharon have raised an amazing family filled with love and lots of laughter. Their children include Kristen DeVries, with children: Jessica (Shane), Marrah, Mikaleigh and Kortney; Jennifer DeVries with children: Jacob, Jordan, Mitchell, and Madison; Amanda (Jerry) London, with Justine; Walker (Tammy) DeVries with children: Scout and Carson. Bradford and Sharon are Grand Rapids natives. All of their children were raised in the Northview School District. Bradford and Sharon then moved to Coopersville, where they still reside today. One of the most important things for them is family. The family loves to all get together as often as possible for any occasion. To celebrate their 50th Anniversary the whole family, all 23, will be going on a weekend vacation to Irons, MI. Happy Anniversary Brad and Sharon! Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa. We Love you! 4760023-01
Krum – Bolles
~ DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ~ A 60th wedding anniversary was observed on Sunday, Jan. 6th, 2014 by Belmont residents Roger and Shirley (Ealy) Harroun. The occasion was celebrated with a family dinner and a cruise in March. The Harroun children are: Ken Harroun, Jim and Renee' Harroun, and Randy and Cherie Johnson. They have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 4764142-01
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
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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
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For More Information, Contact
Celebrations Dept.
888.868.5356 or celebrations@mlive.com
J6 / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
Entertainment GRAND RAPIDS
Music Conference to kick off at Amway Grand Plaza By Monica Scott
mscott2@mlive.com
Grand Rapids will host the annual Michigan Music Conference beginning Thursday, that is expected to draw almost 2,000 music students from middle and high schools across the state. The conference will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place and run through Saturday. “This year’s attendees and performers include members of the Michigan AllState Band and Orchestra, Michigan Music Educators Association Honors Composition Concerts, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association AllState Band and Orchestra Concerts and Michigan School Vocal Music Association Honors Choir Concerts,” said Beth Purcell, MMC Association and Conference manager. “Grand Rapids has always
been very generous to the Michigan Music Conference attendees.” Attendees also may work toward their Michigan music teacher certification credits during the conference. The mission of the conference provides support and professional development to educators and vibrant musical experiences for their students. A free performance by the 338th Army Reserve Band on Thursday at DeVos Place is featured as a conference highlight for all attending students and families, as well as the general public. Limited performance tickets will be available at the DeVos Grand Gallery Box Office from Thursday through Saturday, as well as one hour prior to each performance at the performing venue. For more information about the event, visit the conference website.
“Rafal Blechacz stood out to us as a truly distinctive musical figure.” DANIEL GUSTIN, IRVING S. GILMORE INTERNATIONAL KEYBOARD FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Rafal Blechacz has been named the 2014 Gilmore Artist by the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. The 28-yearold Polish pianist will play May 3 and May 6 at the festival, to be held April 24 through May 10. (Courtesy)
KALAMAZOO
Polish pianist Blechacz named 2014 Gilmore Artist By John Liberty
jlibert1@mlive.com
Curator Cindy Buckner discusses the “Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting” at the preview event at Grand Rapids Art Museum in October. The exhibit ends its three-month run today. (Lauren Petracca/MLive.com) GRAND RAPIDS
Painting exhibit ends run at GR Art Museum By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk jkaczmarczyk@mlive.com
Landscape paintings by Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keefe at the Grand Rapids Art Museum are a respite from the bleak midwinter of January. Winter will linger a little longer in West Michigan, but art by Martin Johnson Heade and Marsden Hartley will not. “Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 18201950,” an exhibition of 48 paintings, from artists such as Thomas Cole in the early 19th century to Arthur Dove in the middle of the 20th century, ends today. The museum’s final DropIn Tour was Saturday. The exhibition from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts include Homer’s “Driftwood,” his final painting created at age 73, as well as an early view of what eventually became Yosemite National Park, by Albert Bierstadt. The display of the natural wonders and unique beauty of the American land opened in October at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. One painting depicts a Michigan scene, titled “Interlochen, Michigan,” by Carl Hall, a painter who flourished in the mid-20th century. The paintings show how artists from Hudson River School artist Thomas Cole to American Romantic artist Washington Allston, and American Impressionists Childe Hassam and Willard Metcalf to mid-20th century artist Arthur Dove have celebrated the beauty of nature and captured its essential role in the American experience. Most of the work portrays
“Masterpieces of American Landscape” exhibit features paintings from artists of Hudson River School. Most of the work portrays New England and New York. IF YOU GO
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM What: “Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820-1950” Where: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center When: Ends today Regular museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaysSaturdays (until 9 p.m. Thursdays), 12 noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays. Admission: $15 adults, $13 seniors/students, $5 ages 6-17, free for children age 5 and younger, free for museum members. Tickets: 800-585-3737 More info: 616-831-1000
New England and New York, where early American artists flourished. But the exhibition, to a degree, reflects the westward march of Manifest Destiny with work by Worthing Whittredge, who traveled through the Missouri territory during the Civil War era. Most of the work by artists such as George Innes aren’t in storage but usually are on view in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston one of the oldest museums in the United States.
Six years after making his North American debut at the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Poland’s Rafal Blechacz will return to Kalamazoo as the 2014 Gilmore Artist. The 28-year-old pianist was named the recipient of the prestigious award Wednesday. He is one of the youngest of seven Gilmore Artists and second from Poland. As the Gilmore Artist, Blechacz will receive $300,000 to pursue his musical career over the next four years. “Rafal Blechacz stood out to us as a truly distinctive musical figure whose passionate commitment to his art and profound musicianship portend a long and brilliant career,” festival director Daniel Gustin said. Rafal Blechacz (pronounced Ra-FAW BLEH-hawtch) will perform at 8 p.m. on May 3 and May 6 at Chenery Auditorium
GILMORE ART IS T AWARD
PREVIOUS WINNERS • England’s David Owen Norris (1991) • Finland’s Ralf Gothoni (1994) • Norway’s Leif Ove Andsnes (1998) • Poland’s Piotr Anderszewski (2002) • Argentina’s Ingrid Fliter (2006) • USA’s Kirill Gerstein (2010)
during the festival, which will run April 24 through May 10. Blechacz was born in 1985 and began taking piano lessons at 5. He won his first piano competition at 11. In 2005, he won the 15th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. His performance was so dominant, the international jury opted not to award a second-place prize. Blechacz also swept all the special prizes at the competition, including the
Audience Award. In 2008, he made his North American debut at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, where, according to the Kalamazoo Gazette review, he “dazzled a large audience at Western Michigan University’s Dalton Center Recital Hall with consummate artistry. Every note struck radiated musical understanding, expressed through flawless keyboard technique.” In September, Blechacz’s released “Chopin Polonaises.” It went gold in Poland the day it was released and also won the German Record Critics’ Award in the piano music category. He will now return to Kalamazoo as the main attraction of the festival. “To receive this prestigious award is a great honor for me,” Blechacz said. “The award offers superb support for my upcoming musical projects and undeniably is a significant factor in the furthering of my career.”
KALAMAZOO
Blechacz relieved he can share news with friends friends, and I have so many people I would like to share this news, but I couldn’t,” he said. By John Liberty Rafal Blechacz (pronounced jlibert1@mlive.com Ra-FAW BLEH-hawtch) is Rafal Blechacz can keep a the seventh Gilmore Artist secret. and the second from Poland The 28-year-old Polish pia(Piotr Anderszewski, 2002). nist officially was named the He’s also one of the youngest 2014 Gilmore Artist, one of the as Leif Ove Andsnes was also most highly-regarded prizes 28. The Gilmore Artist Award in the music world. comes with a $300,000 prize The Irving S. Gilmore to be spent by the artist to International Keyboard further their musical career Festival made the announceover the next four years. An ment Wednesday, but during anonymous, six-person panel a phone interview Tuesday weighed nominations from all night from his hotel room over the world, as submitted in New York City, Blechacz by music industry professaid he has known since July. sionals. The nominees do not Blechacz said he met with know they are being considfestival director Dan Gustin in ered. Berlin, Germany, after Gustin Blechacz was interviewed sent him an email. Blechacz by the New York Times and had no idea what business NPR, among others, as part of they would cover. the announcement. “I supposed we would be He will also perform and discussing my next concert at answer questions about the the Gilmore Festival in 2014. honor during a live-streamed But when I heard the news concert today at The Green that I’m a Gilmore Artist, I Space in New York City, prewas lucky I was sitting,” he sented by WQXR-FM (105.9). said. You can watch the event on Blechacz sat on the Gilmore The Green Space’s website, Artist news for several www.thegreenespace.org, or months. He did first tell his via The Gilmore’s website, parents and sister, who had thegilmore.org. The 75-minthe best reaction of them all, ute event will begin at 5:30 he said. Blechacz said it’s a p.m. Blechacz will be joined relief to finally share the acco- by Gustin and 2010 Gilmore lade. Artist Kirill Gerstein, who “It was not so easy for will participate by Skype from us, because I have so many Germany.
Polish pianist recently named 2014 Gilmore Artist
The Gilmore Artist Award should help propel Blechacz to a new level, he said. “It’s a very prestigious award. There are new possibilities, new opportunities to develop the career. Of course, it’s a lot of money. Now it’s too early to talk about my plans connected to such a big amount, but I have some interesting ideas. For example, there are recording projects with the great orchestras, great conductors. Maybe I will buy a new concert piano, because in my house I have a Steinway Model B, but I would love to have in the future a Steinway Model D, which is a concert piano. So maybe this award can help this. We will see,” he said. Blechacz, who made his North American debut at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival in 2008, will perform twice — at 8 p.m. May 3 and May 6 at Chenery Auditorium — during this year’s festival, which will run April 24 through May 10. Blechacz was born in 1985 in a northern Poland town, which has a population of about 23,000 people. He said no one in his family is a professional musicians, but a piano has always been in the home. He started taking piano lessons at 5. By 11, he won his first competition. His musical path changed in October, 2005, when he
stormed through the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. His performance at the renowned competition so impressed the judges, they did not award a second prize. Blechacz, who became the first Polish musician in 30 years to win the contest, also swept the other prizes, a first at the competition. After the show-stopping display, Blechacz was invited to perform at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival in 2008. At 22, he played the Dalton Center Recital Hall where “every note struck radiated musical understanding, expressed through flawless keyboard technique,” according to the Kalamazoo Gazette review. He’s since gone on to perform with many of the world’s top orchestras and conductors in some of the best concert halls. He’s released several albums with Deutsche Grammophon, including “Chopin Polonaises” in September. In the midst of his skyrocketing music career, he’s also pursuing a doctorate in music philosophy at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Blechacz said he finds time to read and write between concerts or when traveling. He said he hopes to finish his studies in 2015.
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / J7
Books
Birthdays
‘The Great Debate’: Tracing the left-right divide
I
n our fractious modern age, it can appear as if Republicans and Democrats differ on everything other than the color of the sky. But Yuval Levin, editor and founder of National Affairs, argues that the divide, at its heart, can be traced back to two prominent 18th-century thinkers: Edmund Burke, an Irishborn British parliamentarian who has been considered the founder of both modern conservatism and liberalism; and Thomas Paine, the son of a Quaker corset maker who, despite just five years of schooling, rose to be one of the age’s most original thinkers.
The two men, who met in 1788 and had a meal or two together, conducted a dialogue that continues to inform American political parties today, Levin argues in his excellently researched Levin new book, “The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left.” “In both cases, the parties to the great debate of the late eighteenth century clearly prefigured key
Where the two differed and clashed most famously was over the French Revolution, Levin writes. While Burke was appalled by what he saw as the excesses of the French Revolution, which to his mind destroyed but did not build, Paine was so delighted by the principles espoused by the revolutionaries that he moved to France. (The firebrand spent one year in prison for having allies who weren’t deemed radical enough.)
REVIEW Yvonne Zipp yzipp@mlive.com
elements of the left-right divide of our time,” Levin writes. “The arguments between them had to do much more than the particular promise and peril of the American and French revolutions, and they have lasted because they brought to the surface a disagreement within liberalism that has never lost its salience.”
THE TROUBLE OF QUOTING EXCELLENT AUTHORS
COMPLICATED ISSUES
It’s too simplistic to argue that Republicans are automatically for Burke and Democrats automatically for Paine, Levin writes. “No less an icon of the American right than Ronald Reagan accepted the Republican Party nomination for president in 1980 by reminding his supporters of Paine’s call for transforming failed governing institutions,” Levin writes. “No less an icon of the American left than Barack Obama has reportedly described himself as a Burkean eager to avoid sudden change.” Paine was for revolution; Burke was for evolution. Rather than throw out everything that came before, he argued, a moderate path would create change on the back of tradition. Levin arranges their arguments by philosophy, drawing most heavily from Burke’s “Reflections on the Revolution in France” and Paine’s “The Rights of Man,” which he wrote in response to Burke. Both supported the American colo-
‘THE GREAT DEBATE’ Author: Yuval Levin Publisher: Basic Books Pages: 296 Price: $27.99
nists but reached their conclusions from very different paths. SELF GOVERNMENT, SELF DETERMINATION
Paine, author of “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man,” was a believer in self-government and the right of individuals to self-determination. Burke blamed the British for making life untenable for the colonists. While he didn’t argue Parliament’s right to tax the colonists, he felt it was bad policy to make citizens so miserable that they felt like throwing off British rule.
Levin, a self-confessed Burkean, spends more ink on Burke’s arguments. But that’s understandable, given that Paine’s arguments are more easily understood by 21st century mores. Burke takes a little more nuanced explanation, especially when he argues in favor of prejudice as a useful societal shorthand. (It’s worth noting that Burke was in favor of Catholic rights in Ireland, against slavery and spent years trying to impeach Britain’s chief governor in India for abuses against Indians.) Levin quotes extensively from both writers — fans of both men will find plenty of passages to cite. That can occasionally run him into trouble, since few writers are the equal of either Burke or Paine. But in “The Great Debate,” Levin isn’t so much focused on rhetorical flourishes of his own as thoughtfully laying out the two men’s philosophies. Under Levin’s careful analysis, both Burke, who argued on behalf of prudence and moderation, and Paine, who was for a radical egalitarianism, deserve the title as fathers of modern liberalism.
REVIEW
Monk Kidd novel follows lives of slave, unwilling owner By Rasha Madkour
The Associated Press
Meet Handful, 10 years old, a sewing prodigy and a slave. Meet Sarah, 11 years old, a voracious reader and Handful’s unwitting owner. They are the stars and alternating narrators of Sue Monk Kidd’s new novel, “The Invention of Wings.” Kidd, whose bestselling debut novel, “The Secret Life of Bees,” was the basis of a movie starring Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson, again Kidd explores an unusual relationship between black and white female characters. This time, she bases the novel on the life of Sarah Grimke, a 19th-century abolitionist from an affluent
‘THE INVENTION OF WINGS: A NOVEL’ Author: Sue Monk Kidd Publisher: Viking Pages: 384 Price: $27.95 Online: suemonkkidd.com
plantation-owning family in North Carolina. Kidd imagines Grimke as having witnessed a slave flogging at age 4, an event so traumatic that it left her with a mostly lifelong stutter. When presented with her own slave on her birthday, the precocious Sarah — who fancies a future as a jurist — consults her father’s library and draws up a manumission document. The next morning, she finds it at her bedroom door, torn in two. The book’s characters tend toward
caricatures and its plotlines are mostly unsurprising. But Kidd writes beautifully and the book shines
brightest in illuminating the daily humiliations and abuse of slavery. The inhumane working conditions are illustrated by Handful’s pithy observation while beating washed bed sheets on a rail to dry: “The rail in the stable was forbidden cause the horses had eyes too precious for lye. Slave eyes were another thing.” The disregard for familial relationships is painfully clear when marriage and death in the Grimke family leads to the redistribution and sale of slaves’ children and siblings. Most excruciating are the descriptions of the various punishments inflicted on slaves, from liberal cane-whippings to a gruesomely creative one-legged punishment to the treacherously hard labor at the city’s Work House. “The Invention of Wings” isn’t Kidd’s strongest work, but it’s an absorbing, illuminating, enjoyable read.
BESTSELLERS FICTION 1. Sycamore Row, by John Grisham. (Doubleday, $28.95) 2. Cross My Heart, by James Patterson. (Little, Brown & Co., $29) 3. Command Authority, by Tom Clancy. (Putnam, $29.95) 4. Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King. (Scribner, $30) 5. The First Phone Call from Heaven, by Mitch Albom. (Harper, $24.99) 6. Takedown Twenty, by Janet Evanovich. (Bantam, $28) 7. The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. (Little, Brown & Co., $30) 8. The Longest Ride, by Nicholas Sparks. (Grand Central, $27) 9. Innocence, by Dean Koontz. (Bantam, $30) 10. Inferno, by Dan Brown. (Doubleday, $29.95) 11. The Gods of Guilt, by Michael Connelly. (Little, Brown & Co., $28) 12. King and Maxwell, by David Baldacci. (Grand Central, $28) 13. Dust, by Patricia Cornwell. (Putnam, $28.95)
14. And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini. (Riverhead, $28.95) 15. Winners, by Danielle Steel. (Delacorte, $28) 16. The Valley of Amazement, by Amy Tan. (Ecco, $29.99) 17. S., by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst. (Mulholland, $35) 18. Mirage, by Clive Cussler and Jack B. Du Brul. (Putnam, $28.95) 19. The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton. (Little, Brown & Co., $27) 20. The Signature of all Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert. (Viking, $28.95) 21. The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, by Fannie Flagg. (Random House, $27) 22. The Cuckoo’s Calling, by Robert Gailbraith. (Mulholland, $26) 23. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross, by James Patterson. (Little, Brown & Co., $20) 24. Gone, by James Patterson and Michael Lewidge. (Little, Brown, $28) 25. The Lowland, by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Knopf, $27.95)
NONFICTION 1. Killing Jesus, by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. (Henry Holt, $28) 2. Things That Matter, by Charles Krauthammer. (Crown Forum, $28) 3. Guinness World Records 2014. (Guinness World Records, $28.95) 4. David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Little, Brown & Co., $29) 5. George Washington’s Secret Six, by Brian Kilmeade. (Sentinel, $27.95) 6. The Pioneer Woman Cooks, by Ree Drummond. (William Morrow, $29.99) 7. I Am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai. (Little, Brown & Co., $26) 8. Si-Cology 1, by Si Robertson. (Howard Books, $22.99) 9. The Bully Pulpit, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. (Simon & Schuster, $40) 10. Miracles and Massacres, by Glenn Beck. (Threshold, $27) 11. Let Me Off at the Top!, by Ron Burgundy. (Crown Archetype, $22) 12. Happy, Happy, Happy, by Phil Robertson. (Howard, $24.99) 13. Break Out!, by Joel Osteen. (Faithwords, $26)
14. The Duck Commander Devotional, by Alan Robertson. (Howard, $16.99) 15. The Daniel Plan, by Rick Warren. (Zondervan, $24.99) 16. Staying Strong, by Demi Lovato. (Macmillan/Feiwel & Friends, $19.99) 17. Humans of New York, by Brandon Stanton. (St. Martin’s, $29.99) 18. One Summer, by Bill Bryson. (Doubleday, $28.95) 19. Grain Brain, by David Perlmutter. (Little, Brown & Co., $27) 20. The Duck Commander Devotional: Pink Camo, by Alan Robertson. (Howard, $16.99) 21. Giada’s Feel Good Food, by Giada De Laurentiis. (Clarkson Potter, $32.50) 22. Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg. (Knopf, $24.95) 23. Zealot, by Reza Aslan. (Random House, $27) 24. The Legend of Zelda, by Shigeru Miyamoto. (Dark Horse Comics, $34.99) 25. The Reason for My Hope, by Billy Graham. (Thomas Nelson, $19.99) — Publishers Weekly
Actress Betty White turns 92 on Friday. (AP file)
Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali, and others TODAY
Actress Luise Rainer is 104. Singer Glenn Yarbrough is 84. Rock musician Cynthia Robinson (Sly and the Family Stone) is 70. Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh is 63. Radio-TV personality Howard Stern is 60. Broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour is 56. Singer Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Amerie is 34. Rock singer Zayn Malik (One Direction) is 21. MONDAY
TV personality Nick Clooney is 80. Actor Richard Moll is 71. Rock musician Trevor Rabin is 60. Hemsworth Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 53. Actor Patrick Dempsey is 48. Actor Orlando Bloom is 37. Actor Julian Morris is 31. Actor Liam Hemsworth (Film: “The Hunger Games” movies) is 24. TUESDAY
Singer Jack Jones is 76. Singer-songwriter Allen Toussaint is 76. Movie writerdirector Lawrence Kasdan is 65. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd is 62. Movie writer-director Steven Soderbergh is 51. Actress Emily Watson is 47. Actor Jason Bateman is 45. Actor Zach Gilford is 32. Actor Jonathan Osser is 25. WEDNESDAY
Actress Margaret O’Brien is 77. Actress Andrea Martin is 67. Actor-director Mario Van Peebles is 57. Actor James Nesbitt is 49. Actor Chad Lowe is 46. Rapper/reggaeton artist Pitbull is 33. Electronic dance musician Skrillex is 26. THURSDAY
Author William Kennedy is 86. Singer Barbara Lynn is 72. Movie director John Carpenter is 66. Singer Sade is 55. Model Kate Moss is 40. Rock musician Nick Valensi (The Strokes) is 33. Actress Renee Felice Smith (TV: “NCIS: Los Angeles”) is 29. Actress Yvonne Zima is 25. FRIDAY
Actress Betty White is 92. Actor James Earl Jones is 83. International Boxing Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali Earl Jones is 72. Rhythmand-blues singer Sheila Hutchinson (The Emotions) is 61. Singer Paul Young is 58. Actor-comedian Jim Carrey is 52. First lady Michelle Obama is 50. Rapper Kid Rock is 43. Actor Freddy Rodriguez is 39. Actress-singer Zooey Deschanel is 34. DJ/singer Calvin Harris is 30. Folk-rock musician Jeremiah Fraites is 28. SATURDAY
Movie director John Boorman is 81. Singer-songwriter Bobby Goldsboro is 73. Comediansinger-musician Brett Hudson is 61. Actor-director Kevin Costner is 59. Rock singer Jonathan Davis (Korn) is 43. Singer Christian Burns (BBMak) is 41. Former NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous is 41. Actress Samantha Mumba is 31. Country singer Kristy Lee Cook (TV: “American Idol”) is 30.
J8 / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
Advice Carolyn Hax / Tell Me About It
Jeanne Phillips / Dear Abby
Don’t assign blame with friend
Rental cars should come with manuals
Dear Carolyn: Recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage (but will still require surgery and other treatment). I have told only a very few people. One was a friend of over 20 years, who then told an acquaintance, someone I never would have told. There is so little I can control about this process but this is the one thing I should be able to control, especially given that I am a very private person. I was very angry that my alleged friend told someone else. No, I didn’t tell her not to share, but no one should need to be told that, should they?! I do not believe her telling was malicious, but still ... why would she think she had the right?! She said she just didn’t think about it. When I told her that after 20 years of being friends, she should know how private I am, she said she didn’t realize. In some ways that is even more hurtful. How can you be friends that long and not know that most essential part of me? I am feeling confused about whether I should try to make amends, wait for her to take the next step (she has already apologized) or leave it. I have so much to deal with right now it is hard to know what to do. — L. That’s understandable — with everything you have to think about, you want to take friendships for granted a bit, not add them to the fret list. At the same time, it’s also common for people with big problems to dwell disproportionately on smaller ones. Stress rarely respects its assigned place, and your mind might prefer to pin much of your stress on an indiscreet friend, because that’s something it thinks it can manage. Either way, you’ll want to put this incident to rest, and when in doubt I suggest turnabout: Shouldn’t you, after 20 years of friendship, also know your friend well enough to recognize that she doesn’t share your sense of privacy? I offer this not to shift any blame to you; if anyone’s to blame here, it’s your friend for overstepping, though I think friendship and decency are best served by not assigning any blame here at all. Instead I advise recognition: that you and your friend are very different on this count; that you both lost sight of this, despite your long history; and that friends can overcome such a difference as long as there’s respect — even if it comes after the fact in the form of a sincere apology. Good luck with your treatments — I hope they’re effective and quick. 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
D
ear Abby: We rented a car while we were on vacation. Most of the newer cars have all kinds of hightech equipment and devices — different kinds for different models of vehicles. The problem is the instruction booklets that describe how the equipment operates are never provided with the cars. It’s dangerous to try and figure out how the equipment operates by trial and error while starting to drive an unfamiliar vehicle. Why don’t the rental agencies provide the instruction manuals, or at least a pamphlet summarizing the procedures? Surely not many people would steal them, since they’re just using the cars for a short time. Also, it would be helpful if the rental agencies would include an inexpensive ice scraper with every car in appropriate areas of the country, so customers could clean their windshields and avoid the hazard of obstructed vision. — Car Renter in Charlottesville, Va. Dear Car Renter: What you’re describing is also true with loaner cars that are offered when a vehicle is being serviced. I am pretty sure the reason those items are not provided is fear that they would be stolen. However, I agree that knowing how to operate the radio, heating, air-conditioning and street map functions on the newer cars can be confusing — which is why you should ask to have the pertinent pages of the manual photocopied so you can refer to them as needed. (The technologically inclined can Google the make of car and ask “How to turn on the radio,” etc. because the information is available online.) Write to Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or DearAbby.com.
Hints From Heloise
Harriette Cole/ Sense & Sensibility
Flashback column is from the 1990s
Circle of friends wishes to reach out to woman
Dear Readers: This is the second in our series of Heloise Flashback columns. See what you think about these hints from the 1990s. Many are still good today! Dear Heloise: Maybe 30 years ago I read somewhere, I think in your mother’s column, the following suggestion that has come in handy year after year. Get a box and start putting little things that children enjoy looking at in it. Accumulate them slowly — an old watch, a pin, an earring, dice, just anything. Instead of throwing the items away, put them in this “treasure chest”! You’d be surprised how many hours mine has kept little ones (and not-so-little ones!) busy while their mom could visit with me. — Mrs. W.H. Schmidt Folsom, Calif. Sounds like a good treasure chest to me, and it’s still a wonderful hint after all these years. UPDATE: Just remember that very small children and small objects (anything they can put in their mouth, nose or ears!) don’t mix. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I was surprised about the use of pantyhose to keep golf clubs in. Here are a couple of other ideas: — If you buy a lot of onions, put them one at a time in the pantyhose, then tie a knot, put in another and repeat. — Instead of using string to hold up unruly plants, use pantyhose; they won’t cut into your plants. — Marion Turner Tyler, Texas Dear Heloise: I use a snap-top eyeglass case to keep crochet hooks together. I also use eyeglass cases that open at one end to keep the remote controls free from dust. — Marjorie Thompson Sacramento, Calif. 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 have a group of friends. How do my friends and I make a friendship connection with a woman that we previously didn’t really like? We want to be closer to her now because we realize that out of our friend group, she is the one who isn’t really close to anyone. Her father recently died, and we know that she is sad. Even though we don’t love her personality because she can sometimes be loud and a little mean, we feel that we should try to be there for her. How should we go about that? — Ready to be Friends, Boston Dear Ready To Be Friends: It is wonderful that your hearts are softening for this friend during her time of need. Reach out to her and let her know how sorry you are that her father passed. Either individually or as a group, invite her to do something social with you. Check in to see how she is managing. It is possible that she could shed some of her presumed meanness if she believes you and your other friends are authentically interested in being her friend. If she falls back into mean behavior, tell her in the moment when something she says hurts your feelings. When she is loud, let her know. There’s a good chance that she doesn’t realize her volume. Dear Harriette: I work with a personal shopper at the local department store, and he helps me (for free) to find what I need when I go shopping. He is nice and extremely helpful, but there is one thing that drives me crazy. He has halitosis! Nearly every time I work with him, his breath smells. Sometimes I bring mints and share them with him. Other times I try to stay a safe distance away. Apart
from this being awkward, I also feel like he should know that he has bad breath. As a salesperson, he needs to be at the top of his game, which includes smelling fresh and healthy. Right? — Sensitive Shopper, New York City Dear Sensitive ShoppER: Your heart is in the right place. What you can do is to schedule a shopping appointment with him and tell him you want to have a meeting before you get started. In a private area, commend him for his great work during the time that you have been using his services. Tell him you have something sensitive you need to share with him. Explain that you have noticed that he often has bad breath, and that you are concerned that it may stand in the way of him getting more sales. Add that he probably should get a physical because halitosis is often a sign of a medical condition. Remind him of how special he is to you and that you are offering this feedback with the greatest of respect. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. If so, be honest in what you tell him. Then, continue to shop.
Write to Harriette Cole at United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Email: askharriette@harriettecole.com
Make groceries last even longer I
love this stuff so much, I must admit to being slightly compulsive — gathering, testing and assessing techniques. Here are a few of my new favorites: BERRIES: Are you familiar with that sick feeling that comes when you notice that the berries you bought yesterday are already showing signs of mold and turning brown? Here’s the remedy: As soon as you bring them into the kitchen, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider) and ten parts water. Give the berries a bath in the mixture. Swirl them around a bit and then gently drain, rinse and place in the refrigerator. Don’t worry. The solution is so weak, you will not taste the vinegar. POTATOES: To keep potatoes from growing big ugly sprouts before you have time to use them up, store them with a couple of apples. For some reason, that really works to halt the sprouting. NUTS: Roast nuts and then store them in the freezer. This is for all kinds of nuts, even those you plan to use in baking. Roasting improves the flavor and increases the useful life; freezing keeps them from turning rancid. DISINFECT THE FRIDGE. I plead guilty on this one. I just don’t think about it if I can’t see a mess. The truth is that any time something spoils in the refrigerator, it leaves behind mold you can’t see, which then attacks the new, fresh stuff you put in there. Disinfecting the inside surfaces on a regular schedule will make everything last a little longer and smell a lot better. MUSHROOMS. Never store these guys in a plastic bag because that traps moisture, which just encourages the growth of mildew. Instead, store mushrooms in a paper bag. Now the air can circulate and the mushrooms will remain dry and lovely for weeks. 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
Social media can affect marriage Q: A:
How can I tell if Facebook and social media are negatively impacting my marriage? Even the best marriages can fall prey to subtle threats posed by social media, so you’re wise to be on guard. If you’re spending more time on Facebook than you are interacting with your spouse, or if online “relationships” are more satisfying than your marriage, this is a definite sign that something isn’t right. Secrecy in any form is another danger signal. Do you log off or minimize the Facebook window when your spouse walks into the room? If so, you need to ask yourself why. Transparency is the foundation of trust, and trust is essential to every successful marriage. In connection with this last point, there are several other questions to ask yourself about your interactions with online friends, especially those of the opposite sex. Do your conversations include things that should be kept between you and your spouse? Do you find yourself daydreaming about any of these people? Do you look for excuses to visit them online? Do you share thoughts, feelings or problems with them that you don’t reveal to your mate? If so, there’s a danger that these relationships may be crossing the line between the platonic and the romantic. If you are seeing any of these red flags, I’d urge you to sit down with your spouse and take a very close look at your situation. It might be a good idea to do this with the assistance of a trained counselor. You can locate one by calling Focus on the Family. What can I do to help my spouse overcome his pornography addiction? He knows it’s killing our marriage and has tried to stop, but it seems to be a losing battle. Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: Sadly, sexual addictions of all kinds have become widespread in contemporary society. It affects men and women from all walks of life. It’s important to keep understand that your role is not to keep him accountable. Instead, it’s critical that you begin to do what you can to care for your own heart, and find help for how his addiction has hurt and impacted you. The good news is that effective help is available. We suggest that you begin by seeking professional counseling together. The most successful approach involves an initial program of intensive therapy, followed by regular and ongoing counseling sessions. Also key to recovery is identifying a trusted friend or group of people who will provide an environment of support. Focus on the Family can provide you with referrals to programs of this kind. Send your questions to Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO 80995.
Q: A:
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS / SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 / J9
Travel MONTPELIER, VT.
Snow? Vermont areas say season looks good By Wilson Ring
“It’s wondrous chaos up here.” Toland said the business at Jay Peak is up 24 percent over last year, but comparing this season to last isn’t perfect because the resort has 930 more beds than it did a year ago through the construction of a new hotel and 100 condominiums. At Killington, farther south in central Vermont, the story was similar. As of just before Christmas, business was about 9.5 percent ahead of the same point in the 2012-13 season and the slopes have been full, spokesman Michael Joseph said. Last week’s ice storm hurt, Toland and Joseph said, but both resorts have ample snowmaking systems and the temperatures have generally remained cold.
The Associated Press
The Dallas skyline is reflected in the Trinity River in Dallas. (AP)
DALLAS
History, arts sustain cultural appetite in Texas’ Big D
The state’s ski areas say the early season is looking good, despite some rain, with the slopes full of skiers, many of whom are staying in area hotels and eating in local restaurants. Even though northern Vermont was expected to get only a dusting of snow in a storm that hit southern New England and parts of New York recently, snow down-country boosts interest in skiing, sending people north to the slopes, said JJ Toland, a spokesman for Jay Peak ski resort, just south of the Canadian border. “We could definitely see some day traffic because God knows we don’t have any beds left,” Toland said Wednesday.
GO FOR THE FOOD
Sublime ice cream in Sicily IF YOU GO
By Amir Bibawy
LA VOGLIA MATTA
The Associated Press
highway on the northern edge of downtown. At the 5.2-acre (2-hectare) park, adults and kids can do everything from peruse books, magazines and newspapers set out on shelves to play badminton, pingpong or chess for free. If you build up an appetite with all that activity and can spare a few dollars, a line-up of food trucks can provide nourishment. For a more refined eating experience, the park’s elegant glass-walled restaurant Savor offers dinner entrees for about $25.
D
The Associated Press
allas is a city that likes to do things big, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to sell the ranch to have a good time here. With an arts district that has hit its stride in the last several years, a soaring new bridge over the Trinity River and a new park created over a downtown freeway, there are plenty of things to see and do for free in the city known for its glittering skyline, well-heeled locals, and, of course, as the home of television’s scheming oil-rich Ewing family in the long-running series “Dallas.” DEALEY PLAZA AND PIONEER PLAZA
As the city marked the 50th anniversary of the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the eyes of the world turned to Dealey Plaza, which Kennedy’s motorcade passed through as shots rang out from a sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository. Admission to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the president’s life and death, is $16 for adults. But just wandering through the plaza — gazing from the sloping stretch of road that Kennedy’s limousine traveled, and then up to Lee Harvey Oswald’s sniper’s perch — is free. A block east is a memorial to Kennedy designed by architect Philip Johnson. The cenotaph, or “open tomb,” is a square, roofless room with 30-foot concrete walls. Nearby Pioneer Plaza provides a classic Texas photo opportunity with the recreation of a cattle drive featuring bronze steers driven by cowboys on horses. DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART AND DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT BUILDINGS
Take in masterpieces ranging from “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet to “Cathedral” by Jackson Pollock at the Dallas Museum of Art, which revived a free general admission policy a year
OAK CLIFF AND THE MARGARET HUNT HILL BRIDGE
Rafael Boff, of Brazil, takes photographs while visiting Dealey Plaza, site of president John F. Kennedy’s assassination, in Dallas. The building once used as a book depository is seen in the background.
ago. After surveying its collection spanning 5,000 years of history, head to Flora Street to some of the other buildings that make up the Dallas Arts District, the largest in the nation. While buying tickets to the opera or a play might cost a pretty penny, it won’t cost a thing to take in the buildings designed by architectural luminaries. There’s the I.M. Pei-designed Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Renzo Piano-designed Nasher Sculpture Center. A few years ago, two other buildings were added: the Joshua Prince-Ramus and Rem Koolhaasdesigned Wyly Theatre and the Norman Foster and Spencer de Graydesigned Winspear Opera House. For architecture stretching back in time, the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Catholic church, was built in 1902 in the High Victorian Gothic style by Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton. KLYDE WARREN PARK
About a year ago, the city saw the debut of a park created over a roaring
The Oak Cliff neighborhood, located just southwest of downtown, includes the Bishop Arts District with an array of restaurants and independent shops to browse. The Oak Cliff area also is still home to several sites linked to the assassination of Kennedy, from the rooming house where Oswald lived in the weeks leading up to the assassination to the spot where he shot and killed Dallas police Officer J.D. Tippit, to the still-functioning Texas Theatre where he was arrested. A scenic way to connect to Oak Cliff from downtown is with a drive over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. The steel bridge that opened in 2012 links downtown with West Dallas, where there’s a burgeoning redevelopment along Singleton Boulevard. To continue into Oak Cliff, head south.
Sicilians pride themselves Where: Corso Umberto 34, on their contribution to the Syracuse, Sicily world of ice cream. History may not credit them definitively with the invention of The corner mom-and-pop the frozen treat, but it turns parlor in Syracuse is a couple out that nature allowed them of blocks across the bridge to have ice long before elecfrom Ortygia, the touristy tricity made its way to the center. Voglia Matta is nearly Mediterranean island. unknown to tourists; I found Within Italy, which already it through a friend who was takes credit for making “gela- born and raised in the city. We were so smitten by to” a world favorite, Sicilians deservedly top the list of the Voglia Matta’s offerings that best ice-cream makers. everything after that paled in On a recent trip here, I comparison. found the sights, stunning as they are, took a backseat to BUS TRIPS the food, and I spent seven 2014: days on a quest for Sicily’s 1/18 - Detroit Red Wings vs Los Angeles Kings ... $125 best ice cream. I tried ice 2/15, 3/15, 4/5 Soaring Eagle....................... $36 $25 BACK cream parlors in most of the 4/19-4/21 - Kewadino Casino Run ............... $199 island’s big cities, and many UP TO $167 BACK+ 2 BREAKFAST B&H 5/3 Firekeepers & Gun Lake ......................... $45 of its small ones. And while $40 BACK what makes great ice cream 5/7-5/13 - Washington DC ........................... $759 is certainly subjective, the 5/27 & 8/26 - Shipshewana ........................... $63 main criteria for me were texGift Certificates Available ture and taste. Great Christmas Gifts - Not Just A Bus Ride! With that in mind, and mouth, and after a couple of For details & dozen cones, the trophy went additional trips see: to La Voglia Matta, which www.travelbydawn.com or literally translates to crazy email: travelbydawn@yahoo.com desire. Call: 231-343-3424
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By Jamie Stengle
WINDOW SHOPPING
Dallasites like their shopping. And while a stop by Chanel or Hermes could easily break the bank, spending an afternoon window-shopping won’t cost a thing. At Highland Park Village, a Mediterranean Spanish-style outdoor shopping area that opened in the city’s swanky Highland Park enclave in 1931, visitors can stroll tree-lined sidewalks past stores ranging from Anthropologie and Williams-Sonoma to Harry Winston and Dior. 4763648-01
Quality, Affordable Travel since 1967! SEATTLE
Pinball museum growing part of silver ball revival By Donna Gordon Blankinship The Associated Press
For $13, you can play pinball until your arms fall off at Seattle’s working pinball museum. The two-story storefront in Seattle’s International District is filled with games from every era from the 1960s to today. The museum, which houses about 50 or so machines, started in 2010 as one couple’s obsession and grew to be something they wanted to share with others, or as Cindy Martin puts it: a good solution when they ran out of space in their garage. “Any serious collector will tell you collecting these
machines is an incurable disease,” said Charlie Martin, her husband and business partner. They keep the equipment fixed up — with some help from other collectors — offer brief historical information and “fun” ratings on small cards above the games and sell snacks, beer and soda to visitors from around the world. The Seattle museum is one of a handful around the country celebrating a pastime that seems to be in the midst of revival. In December, four one-ofa-kind artist-made machines were on display and — of course — were playable.
While They Last!
Canadian Rockies Tour Explore Banff, Jasper and Whistler
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Riviera Maya
14 days from $1499* Departs June-September. Start in Seattle and drive through the lush forestlands of the Pacific Northwest. Visit Grand Coulee Dam and then head east to the “Big Sky Country” of Montana followed by journey’s through Glacier & Waterton National Parks. Travel through Kootenay National Park and then spend two-nights in Banff National Park. Continue northbound along the Icefields Parkway and in the heart of the Canadian Rockies you will visit Lake Louise; experience a “snow coach” ride onto Athabasca Glacier; Jasper & Yoho National Parks; Revelstoke and the Lake Okanagan region. Continue to Kamloops, “Canada’s friendliest city;” and the resort town of Whistler. W histler. T Then hen ttravel ravel tto o Vancouver Vancouver ffor or y your our ttwo-night wo-night stay stay before returning to Seattle. Enjoy a city tour including a stop at Pike Place Market before flying home. *PPDO. Plus $159 tax/service/government fees. Seasonal charges may apply. Add-on airfare available.
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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. 4764406-02
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Travel
CURRENCY E XCHANGE
Approximate value of a U.S. dollar in these markets, as of Wednesday.
Euro — $1.37 Canadian Dollar — $1.08 Swiss Franc — 0.91
Mexican Peso — 12.95 Japanese Yen — 104.30 Indian Rupee — 61.08
Thai Baht — 32.82 New Zealand Dollar — 83¢ Australian Dollar — 90¢
Swedish Krona — 6.51 Philippine Peso — 44.38 Brazilian Real — 2.36
Euro, New Zealand dollar and Australian dollar rates given in U.S. equivalent; all others given in foreign equivalent.
A street is lined with potted plants in front of shops in the Yanaka neighborhood of Tokyo. Despite the lack of yards, residents and shopkeepers maintain streetside gardens in flowerpots. (AP)
TOKYO
Older way of life persists amid Japanese capital’s busy urban sprawl
Sample quiet rhythms of Tokyo’s Yanaka district
T
By Linda Lombardi
The Associated Press
he typical visitor to Tokyo envisions a futuristic city of skyscraper canyons and electronic gadgets, but in the eastern part of the city, an older way of life persists. “In Yanaka, you have the history, the tradition, the temples,” said Allan West, who has lived there for more than 30 years, but “without any of the self-consciousness you have in Kyoto,” a city known for cultural preservation. Yanaka is one of a trio of neighborhoods called Yanesen after their first syllables (Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi). They are part of the shitamachi or old downtown district of Tokyo. Yanaka has a mid-20th century vibe uncommon in Tokyo, which was mostly destroyed twice in the 20th century by earthquake and war. Small one-product shops that have sold rice crackers or traditional handicrafts for generations co-exist with modern art galleries and young bakers of artisanal European breads, set on wandering streets and alleys with a low, human scale very unlike the highrises of familiar Tokyo neighborhoods such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Yanaka Ginza shopping street, a short walk from Nippori Station. As you leave the station you’ll pass Yanaka Cemetery, worth a visit to see the gnarled cherry trees, even when they’re not in bloom. There, you might have an encounter with the wandering cats that are mascots of the neighborhood. Continue downhill from the station, and you’ll come to a broad staircase leading to Yanaka Ginza, where visitors can find old and new crafts, old and new food, and souvenirs and gifts. A Western-style bakery that boasts an oven made with stone from Mount Fuji stands next to a shop that sells Japanese sweets. There’s a shop devoted to items handcrafted from bamboo, a tiny stall where you can get T-shirts custom-printed with illustrations of various animals, and a shop that sells traditional wooden and straw-rope sandals. You’ll see the feline motif throughout, from a modern gift shop of cat-themed gifts to a shop that sells the traditional bean paste-filled cakes made in the shape of a fish, but here, of course, in the form of a cat. If you’re hesitant about a bean-flavored dessert, order one of the soft ice cream cones that come with a sample.
ART AND CRAFTS
Artist Allan West works in his studio in the Yanaka neighborhood of Tokyo. Only nine stores remain in Japan that sell the traditional pigments with which West paints — four of which are in Yanaka. (AP)
fish paste. It’s interesting to wander the residential alleys, where the unpaved streets are crowded with meticulously cared-for potted plants in front of small homes tightly packed together. You’ll also find yourself stumbling upon some of the 100 temples in the Yanesen area, with 73 in Yanaka alone. NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE To explore the rest of the neighborhood What also is special about Yanaka is the from Yanaka Ginza, you may pick up a detailed SHOP LOCAL window it offers on the everyday life of the tourist map for 300 yen, but any of the free Yanaka has few of the big franchise stores, neighborhood. Yanaka Ginza sells everyEnglish neighborhood maps you can find often Western, that you see in the rest of the thing practical locals could need. Some of it around town will do just as well. Turn right at Tokyo. “People live above their businesses,” is familiar: a drugstore, small grocery, fish the end of the shopping street, and you’ll find said West, an American artist. “None of this shop, butcher and clothing and handbags from a tourist information center with many maps has a big corporation behind it. Pretty much cheap to fashionable. Others are more unusual and brochures (though its opening hours are the individuals who run them are there.” to Westerners: a shop that sells just pickled somewhat irregular), which also can arrange The easiest place to start exploring is the old vegetables, and one that offers various kinds of guided tours by reservation.
This unassuming, sometimes shabby neighborhood has been a center of the arts for centuries and still supports the old and new. Many traditional crafts still are practiced and can be seen in action. “There are a lot of open workshops,” said West, who also holds open studio hours where you can watch him paint. “You’ll walk by the tatami maker, the silversmith and can look into the window and see them doing that.” Only nine stores remain in all of Japan that supply the traditional pigments, ground from precious stones, with which West paints, and four of them are in Yanaka. Contemporary art galleries also exist, some in repurposed buildings such as an old public bathhouse and a pawnshop built in 1847. BREAK FROM THE BUSTLE
Another way in which Yanaka is unlike the rest of Tokyo is that the streets are quiet at night, so it’s best visited in the daytime. But this is part of its charm and another reason to come. Another Westerner who has lived here for decades, Dennis Pasche, said, “It’s good for relaxing — to remove stress, to decompress.” Pasche has built a Swiss chalet in Yanaka on what he says is the highest point in Tokyo, but despite this re-creation of something of his native Switzerland, he is passionate about his adopted home. “In Tokyo, you can find whatever you want,” he said. “In Shinjuki, Roppongi, Shibuya, you find the Western world. If you are interested in the culture, you need to come downtown. This is downtown. The culture remains here, alive.”
HOUGHTON
Winter tourism off to a promising start in Upper Peninsula’s Copper Country By Dan Roblee
The Associated Press
There’s no business like snow business so far this winter in the Copper Country, and many in winter recreation and related businesses say things are just starting to build momentum. “The rentals haven’t been crazy yet because people don’t expect the snow, but sales have been awesome,” said Brad Barrette, rentals manager at snowmobile dealership Houghton Powersports. In late December, he said, rentals were booked solid, and reservations were strong heading into January. His first sleds went out a full month ahead of last year’s.
Businesses that depend on the snow, such as snowmobile dealerships and ski hills, say it’s night and day compared to last year, when there was no snow — and no business at all — in December. In a seasonal business, that one-month swing makes a huge difference in the bottom line, noted Chad McIntyre, manager of M&M Powersports in Hancock. Related businesses such as hotels, restaurants and equipment and apparel retailers, also are showing gains. Diane Peterson, president of the Keweenaw Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and manager of the AmericInn hotel in Calumet, said her December
about 40 percent occupancy last year. Spring is the slowest season, with about 10 percent occupancy. She said there always is some lag time between snowfall and when potential tourists who hear about it can schedule their vacations, and the time she spends at the visitor’s bureau has convinced her things should be getting even better for the AmericInn and other tourism businesses Snowmobile riders prepare for a trip in Houghton. (AP) in the next few months. “When you’re looking at the room occupancy rates at the were on average only about amount of phone calls, those hotel were up 10 percent to one-quarter full last winter, have increased immensely,” 15 percent over last year’s. according to numbers comPeterson said. That’s a significant jump, piled by the visitor’s bureau. At Mount Bohemia in Lac considering Houghton and Summer generally is the busi- La Belle, company president Keweenaw County hotels est season, Peterson said, with Lonie Glieberman said season
pass sales already are nearly double last year’s total of 2,200 passes. About 550 skiers and snowboarders were on the hill on opening day Dec. 14 — more than a month ahead of last year’s opener. “We haven’t really got into our busy days yet for daily ticket sales, but that opening in December was equal to one of the top five days for the year every other year,” Glieberman said. Glieberman estimated about 80 percent of his clientele comes from out of town, and said on-site lodging was booked through the holidays, with reservation levels for later in the season about double last year’s.