ON THE SILVER SCREEN: “GAME” HAS RIVETING SECOND HALF BUT FIRST HALF IS TOO “FAIR” IN RETELLING OF PLAME AFFAIR
Printer-friendly versionBy Brian Lafferty November 6, 2010 (San Diego)–I remember following the Valerie Plame scandal. I was astonished when I heard a CIA operative’s name was leaked to the press. I was mad when I learned of the motive and whom it allegedly came from. I was happy when Scooter Libby was convicted. Soon I was beyond outraged when George W. Bush commuted Libby’s sentence. When Bush left office, I could not be any more relieved when he refused to pardon him. As you might tell, the Valerie Plame Affair inspired a lot of emotions in me. I hoped Fair Game would instill the same degree of passion. I wanted to get angry. I wanted that roller coaster of emotions. Alas, it barely delivered. I left feeling a little angry but mostly empty. The “Fair Game” is Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) a CIA operative married to Ambassador Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn). Plame is asked to investigate the possible sale of uranium to Iraq. As we all know, nothing turned up. Bush declares war and Wilson writes a damning op-ed. In retaliation, Scooter Libby (David Andrews) leaks his wife’s name to a columnist. Her career is ruined and the two must deal with the fallout. As I look at my description of the plot, I lament a movie that could have been something more. It’s not that the movie tells us stuff we know a lot about. It presents clear facts and a convincing, well-plotted story. What’s lacking is passion. The first hour, which entails the investigation, the op-ed, and the war, is content only to present facts. Everything, the performances, writing, and atmosphere, has a matter-of-fact quality. It has such an air of ordinariness that I had a hard time getting into the story. It isn’t until Plame’s identity is leaked that the movie picks up. It is at this point that the performances blossom. The last forty minutes contain the intensity and fire sorely lacking in the first hour. It is here that I got mad (in a good way, of course). When the Plames are harassed by people calling them traitors, when Wilson’s lunch with diplomats is wrecked by a woman badmouthing him, I was burning. Unfortunately I had to wait a full hour for that. I’m not saying the investigation and op-ed should have been junked. I will say that they needed to be written, acted, and directed with the same bite, tension, suspense, and passion as the last forty minutes. Printer-friendly version
GUHSD SCHOOL BOARD TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON BUDGET NOV. 9
Printer-friendly version November 6, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Grossmont Union High School District’s board has announced a special budget workshop on Tuesday, November 9th upstairs in the Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway. The public session will begin at 5 p.m., with discussion of the new Alpine High School at 7:30 p.m. The District faces a potential shortfall of millions of dollars due to state budget cuts and the economic downturn, which has reduced property tax revenues. “We are close to the bare bones currently,” trustee Dick Hoy told Santee.Patch.com in a recent interview http://santee.patch.com/articles/qa-with-guhsd-candidate-richard-hoy-2 , adding that staff would present a variety of options for balancing the budget. “My goal will be to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, but that may be wishful thinking.” All residents of the district are welcome to attend. Printer-friendly version
CELESTIAL TIPS: DESERT STARGAZING CLASSES OFFERED BY FAMED ASTRONOMER
Printer-friendly version November 6, 2010 (Borrego Springs) — Dennis Mammana, famed astronomer, night-sky photographer and syndicated columnist, will offer a series of classes in stargazing in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Courses range from the basics of star map reading to tips on watching the upcoming Geminoid Meteor Shower. An overnight camping trip is also planned. Scroll down for a complete list of classes. The Fall Evening Sky Saturday November 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Borrego Springs, California Ever wonder how astronomers can peer into the starry night sky and know exactly what they’re seeing? Join noted astronomer and syndicated columnist Dennis Mammana for this enlightening class. Here you’ll learn how to read a basic star map, how to use your eyes like a pro, and how to find those seemingly impossible star patterns once and for all! Program begins at 4 p.m. at the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Library in Borrego Springs. Later in the evening—at 7:30 p.m.—you can try out your new skills under the real autumn night sky, as Jim and Grace Rickard share with the public their telescopes and celestial expertise at the Borrego Springs Lutheran Church. For more information, visit http://www.abdnha.org/pages/07/1011.htm#mammana or call 760.767.3099 for reservations. The Stars Belong to Everyone Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. PST Borrego Springs, California The seventh annual outdoor Desert Skies Lectures Series at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center amphitheater continues at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27. People are fascinated by astronomy, yet many in today’s world are captivated not by the natural, but by the supernatural of this amazing science. In this light-hearted look at astronomy in our popular culture, noted astronomer and syndicated columnist Dennis Mammana will show why the stars really do belong to everyone. After the presentations, view the wonders of the heavens through a telescope, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring a blanket on which to sit. While it isn’t necessary, feel free to bring binoculars and a flashlight with red lens or covering to protect night vision. For more information visit http://theabf.org/event/lectures/stars_belong_everyone or call the Anza-Borrego Desert Institute at 760.767.4063. Rain of Fire! Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. PST Borrego Springs, California The Sunday Stargazing at the Springs lecture series continues at 6:30 p.m. on November 28, 2010 with this program about the upcoming Geminid meteor shower. December nights in the desert… what a magnificent time for stargazing, especially when shooting stars are raining down from mid-December’s Geminid meteor shower. Discover the origins of the year’s best shower, why it returns annually, and how to watch it successfully. The evening begins with a light dinner, followed by the presentation by noted astronomer and syndicated columnist Dennis Mammana. Then it’s out to the Springs’ Astronomy Park for some telescope viewing of the magnificent desert sky (weather permitting) with expert amateur astronomers. For more information and reservations, call the Springs at Borrego RV Resort at 760.767.0004 or visit: http://www.springsatborrego.com/stars.php No RV is necessary to enjoy the program. Desert Stargazing Campout Saturday/Sunday, December 4/5, 2010 Borrego Springs, California Noted astronomer and syndicated columnist Dennis Mammana, along with California Overland Desert Excursions, will hold an exciting overnight desert campout on Saturday/Sunday, December 4/5. And few places enjoy a sky as star-studded as the Anza-Borrego Desert and Borrego Springs—one of USA Today’s Top Ten Stargazing Locations, and California’s first (and only) official International Dark-Sky Community. After a stirring excursion through the rugged Borrego Badlands in open-air jeeps and former military vehicles, a mouth-watering chuck wagon dinner, campfire and S’mores, and more, Mammana will offer a captivating tour of the heavens with eye and telescope. Weekend includes the above, all camping gear, gourmet chuck wagon dinner and full hot breakfast the next morning, and much more. All you need to bring is some warm clothing, a pillow, and a sense of adventure! Advanced reservations are required. For more information or reservations, call Joe Raffetto toll-free at 866.6.EXPLORE or 760.767.1232, or visit online at http://www.californiaoverland.com and scroll down to "Upcoming Events". Booking rapidly, so don’t delay! About Dennis Mammana: For nearly four decades, Dennis Mammana has brought the wonder and mystery of the cosmos to audiences around the world. He is a nationally syndicated columnist, a popular lecturer, and an invited member of TWAN (The World At Night)—an international team of the world’s most highly-acclaimed night sky photographers. He can be visited online at dennismammana.com. About Borrego Springs: Located in the heart of Southern California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, Borrego Springs has long been a haven for amateur astronomers. It has been designated by “USA Today” as one of the nation’s top ten stargazing locations, and in 2009 it was named as California’s first International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association. For more information, contact Dennis Mammana at 760.767.3656, mammana@skyscapes.com http://www.dennismammana.com. Printer-friendly version
INFANT CAR SEATS CALLED DUE TO LACERATION AND CHOKING HAZARDS
Printer-friendly version November 6, 2010 (Washington D.C.)–The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Britax Child Safety Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of Chaperone infant car seat, made in China. About 23,000 were sold at retailers nationwide from June 2009 to October 2010 for about $230. This product was also recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The harness chest clip can break and pose a laceration hazard. Due to its small size it also poses a choking hazard. The firm has received four reports of the chest clip breaking. Injuries from three reports included minor lacerations and scratches to arms and a finger; and one report involved an infant placing the clip in his mouth. Consumers should immediately contact Britax for a free repair kit, which includes a replacement chest clip. Registered owners have been directly contacted by Britax. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Recall Notice: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=10C006000&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=rss. This recall involves Chaperone infant car seats with model numbers E9L95P2, E9L95P3, E9L95P5, (Sold in Canada) E9L69N9, E9L69P2, E9L69P3, and E9L69P5 (Sold in the US) manufactured between April 2009 and May 2010. The white serial label with the seat’s serial number, model number, and manufacture date can be found on the underside of the car seat. For additional information, contact Britax at (888) 427-4829 or visit the firm's website at www.britax.com. Printer-friendly version
LOCAL GIRL GETS E-COLI FROM CHEESE SOLD AT COSTCO
Printer-friendly version National warning issued over Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese November 5, 2010 (San Diego)–The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is warning the public not to consume Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese which is associated with a nationwide outbreak of E.coli 0157:H7 infections. To date, 25 people in four states have been infected with the disease, including a 6-year-old girl from San Diego County. All were infected after consuming the cheese samples at Costco stores, however the cheese may have been available at farmers markets or online. “The girl is doing well now and did not need to be hospitalized,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., County Deputy Public Health Officer. “We urge consumers who have purchased the cheese not to eat it. They can return it to the store where they bought it, or throw it away in a closed plastic bag and place it in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals from eating it.” E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. If anyone experienced or has symptoms of the illness, they should contact their physician immediately. Costco has voluntarily removed the cheese from its stores and has called almost 6,000 customers who purchased the cheese to warn them of the possible contamination. Costco is offering full refunds to people who return the cheese. HHSA is collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Costco in the investigation to determine the source of the E. coli 0157:H7. Additionally, the FDA and the state of California have initiated an investigation into Bravo Farms. For more information, please visit the FDA web site at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm232748.htm. Printer-friendly version