Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, January 7, 2017

B4

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mountain Views-News Saturday, January 7, 2017 

Jeff’s Book Pics By Jeff Brown

SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEWS: 


By Sean Kayden


Making a Difference: Stories 
of Vision and Courage from 
America’s Leaders by Chesley B., III 
Sullenberger

As a follow up to his phenomenal New York 
Times bestselling memoir, Highest Duty, 
Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger 
explores exactly what it takes to lead and 
inspire. In Making a Difference, one of 
the most captivating American heroes 
of this century—the courageous pilot 
who brought the crippled US Airways 
Flight 1549 safely down in New York’s 
Hudson River—engages some of the most 
accomplished men and women in the 
fields of technology, medicine, education, 
sports, philanthropy, finance, law, and the 
military in inspiring conversations on true 
leadership. With powerful thoughts and 
invaluable guidance from such notables 
as former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, 
legendary baseball manager Tony LaRussa, 
NASA Flight Director Eugene Kranz, 
and Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Making a 
Difference is a potential life-changer that 
stands with Katie Couric’s The Best Advice 
I Ever Got, Lee Iaococca’s Where Have All 
the Leaders Gone, Michael J. Fox’s A Funny 
Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, 
and other classic volumes that celebrate 
human achievement and triumph.

The Dry: A Novel by Jane Harper 

 “One of the most stunning debuts 
I’ve ever read… Every word is near perfect.” David 
Baldacci A small town hides big secrets in The Dry, an 
atmospheric, page-turning debut mystery by award-
winning author Jane Harper.After getting a note 
demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk 
arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades 
to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty 
years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke 
was his alibi. Falk and his father fled under a cloud 
of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of 
Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together 
at the time of the crime. But now more than one person 
knows they didn’t tell the truth back then, and Luke is 
dead.Amid the worst drought in a century, Falk and the 
local detective question what really happened to Luke. 
As Falk reluctantly investigates to see if there’s more 
to Luke’s death than there seems to be, long-buried 
mysteries resurface, as do the lies that have haunted 
them. And Falk will find that small towns 
have always hidden big secrets.

Three Days in January: Dwight 
Eisenhower’s Final Mission by Bret 
Baier and Catherine Whitney

Bret Baier illuminates the extraordinary 
yet underappreciated presidency of Dwight 
Eisenhower by taking readers into Ike’s 
last days in power. Baier masterfully 
casts the period between Eisenhower’s 
now-prophetic farewell address on the 
evening of January 17, 1961, and Kennedy’s 
inauguration on the afternoon of January 
20 as the closing act of one of modern 
America’s greatest leaders — during which 
Eisenhower urgently sought to prepare 
both the country and the next president 
for the challenges ahead.Those three days 
in January 1961, Baier shows, were the 
culmination of a lifetime of service that 
took Ike from rural Kansas to West Point, 
to the battlefields of World War II, and 
finally to the Oval Office. When he left 
the White House, Dwight Eisenhower had 
done more than perhaps any other modern 
American to set the nation, in his words, 
“on our charted course toward permanent 
peace and human betterment.”On January 
17, Eisenhower spoke to the nation in one 
of the most remarkable farewell speeches 
in U.S. history. Ike looked to the future, 
warning Americans against the dangers 
of elevating partisanship above national 
interest, excessive government budgets (particularly 
deficit spending), the expansion of the military-
industrial complex, and the creeping political power 
of special interests. Seeking to ready a new generation 
for power, Eisenhower intensely Kennedy before the 
inauguration.Baier also reveals how Eisenhower’s 
two terms changed America forever for the better 
— perhaps even saved the world from destruction — 
and demonstrates how today Ike offers us the model 
of principled leadership that polls say is so missing 
in politics. Ike successfully guided the country out 
of a dangerous war in Korea, peacefully through the 
apocalyptic threat of nuclear war with the Soviets, 
and into one of the greatest economic booms in 
world history.Five decades later Eisenhower, an often 
forgotten giant of U.S. history, still offers vital lessons 
for our own time and stands as a lasting example of 
political leadership at its most effective and honorable.

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR 

WITH NEW JAMS

The xx – “Say Something Loving” – One of the 
most anticipated records of the year is “I See You” 
from The xx, which is out on January 13th. The 
band’s third LP and first in nearly 5 years already 
debuted their fantastic first single, “On Hold” 
a couple of months ago. They follow up with 
“Say Something Loving.” The track samples the 
Alessi Brothers’ 1978 track “Do You Feel It?” and 
highlights the vocal chemistry of singers Oliver 
Sim and Romy Madley Croft, as well as Croft’s 
scant yet signature guitar playing. It’s a promising 
second release and an indication that the record 
may just live up to its lofty expectations. I sure 
hope it does. 

 Dams of the West – “Death Wish” - Chris 
Tomson, the drummer of Vampire Weekend is 
just another member of the band doing a side 
project. His solo entity doesn’t rely on electronics 
or a complex sound like his comrades’ individual 
endeavors or like Vampire Weekend themselves. 
Tomson, who plays every instrument here, 
occupies a sound more entwined in indie 
and garage rock roots. The first single off his 
forthcoming debut record, “Youngish American,” 
due out next month is called “Death Wish.” With 
lyrics like “Didn’t really start to floss until I was 
31” and “I think I’m ready to be a father now, 
but I want to get some pizza first,” you have to be 
somewhat intrigued by the lyrical choices. At any 
rate, it’s a different type of song, one that doesn’t 
take itself too serious, but perhaps there is 
actually a seriousness embedded deeper within. 
Nonetheless, it’s a great jam no matter what.

 Ivey – “Last Week” - Ivey is a groovy, four-
piece alternative band from The Gold Coast of 
Australia that recently released their slick new 
single, “Last Week.” The hip alternative rock act 
has one EP under their belt and a few singles 
from last year. I totally dig the combined baritone 
male vocal with a flattering female counterpart. 
It’s absolutely refreshing and alluring. While they 
do share the duo male-female vocal arrangement 
like The xx, Ivey specializes in pleasing, chorus-
laden indie-pop. The two bands are words apart. 
“Last Week” leans in the sonic direction of Best 
Coast meets The Kooks. I know that these are 
two seemingly polar opposite acts that Ivey kind 
of lays in between. But hey, not a bad place to be, 
honestly. 

 Shortstraw – ‘Thailand” – Indie rock band, 
Shortstraw hails from Johannesburg, South 
Africa, but have a Southern California vibe 
throughout. The band has released a slew of 
singles within the past few months and their 
most recent one is “Thailand.” It’s probably safe 
to stay it will be off a future 2017 LP. With three 
full-length records already in their artistic vault, 
“Thailand” is just another lively, dance-worthy, 
indie-pop jam worth your attention. In the midst 
of a cold winter, this one will get you moving 
in the right direction. Presently, “Thailand” is 
the most fun, upbeat track of the season, a song 
seemingly appropriate for summer yet it works 
wonders any time of the year. Sign me up for this 
intoxicating jam.

 Little India – “Youngblood” – Vancouver 
indie rockers Little India just released their 
debut LP “Neon Jungle” in late November. Their 
featured single is “Youngblood,” a danceable 
track that is catchy as hell. It’s another feel good 
song in not so good times. It’s the kind of song 
that will get stuck in your head for days and you 
have no qualms or complaints about it. The band 
could be compared to indie-pop breakthrough 
artists, Walk The Moon, but at the end of the day, 
leave comparisons to the wayside and enjoy Little 
India for the hip, fun, infectiously addicting band 
that they are. 


All Things By Jeff Brown

THE SUN STANDS STILL AS THE EARTH 

REVOLVES AROUND IT!

On the Marquee: 

Notes from the Sierra MadrePlayhouse

The sun is not standing still as the earth revolves 
around it. To start with,the sun revolves on its 
own axis,about one turn every 27 days.Then ,along 
with our little solar system,the sun is hurtling 
through space around the Milky Way Galaxy at 
nearly 500,000 miles per hour.The Milky Way is 
moving about 1,296,000 miles per hour around 
the core of the cluster of galaxies of which it is 
only a small part.At the same time,our cluster 
of galaxies is moving at enormous speed away 
from other galaxy clusters.Of course,according 
to Einstein’s theory of relativity,it is impossible to 
measure absolute motion in space because there 
is no object in the universe that is absolutely at 
rest,against which its motion can be measured.
Good grief I’m dizzy!

OPENING BEE-LUTHER-HATCHEE

By Artistic Director, Christian Lebano

After talking about Bee-luther-hatchee for years, 
we are now one week from opening! The journey 
from the first time I heard this play mentioned and 
sought it out to read it to opening night has been 
long and winding – with many ups and downs 
along the way. My commitment to producing this 
play has never waivered and now that we are about 
to share it with our first audiences, I’m excited and 
nervous.

 As I’ve shared with you, I’m in this show as well 
as being its producer, a new double for me – and 
one I don’t think I negotiated as well as I might 
have (hard to step out and look at the big picture 
when I was so focused on creating the character 
of Sean Leonard). I’d forgotten how single-minded 
(and neurotic, I’ll admit) I become when I’m IN a 
show. It’s been a while and the chops were a little 
rusty, but I have to say I am loving acting again. 
It’s how I started and it brings such a special kind 
of joy to me. I won’t let it be another three years 
before I do it again. I’m so looking forward to 
sharing this character with audiences.

 We put a terrific team together to build this 
show. We have a terrific cast – Olivia Cristina 
Delgado, Tamarra Graham, Jon Sprik, and Leilani 
Smith all of whom are wonderfully talented 
and really nice people. I am sure you will enjoy 
getting to know them on stage as much as I have. 
The designers have each spent so much time 
considering the various elements that comprise the 
whole experience – their work is beautiful and I am 
eager to share it. The crew, ably led by our Stage 
Manager, Derek Copenhaver, have worked long 
hours to bring this show to life. The Playhouse 
staff and volunteers led by our Technical Director, 
Todd McCraw have worked in concert to make 
sure that all of the elements are ready. And our 
Director, Saundra McClain has brought her years 
of experience and particular insights to this show 
– it is so much more than I ever imagined for her 
participation.

 Diane Siegel, whom I’ve written about often, 
has put together a scintillating series of outreach 
events to support and surround this show. We are 
so proud of how deeply into various communities 
this show will reach because of the work she has 
done.

 And then, of course, there is the Sheri and Les 
Biller Family Foundation Grant which has made 
so much of this possible. Their support and faith 
in what we were creating has been more than 
encouraging – it has been life-giving. We honestly 
would not have been able to do it, but for their 
generosity.

 And now it is up to YOU! I do hope you will 
see Bee-luther-hatchee. It is definitely the meatiest 
play we are doing this season – don’t let that deter 
your attendance – this is an honest play about a 
dishonest subject. It is filled with mysteries and 
provocative ideas. The arguments in the show are 
positively Shavian and thrilling in their honest 
and complete dedication to a point of view. You 
will be left debating the central idea long after the 
show is over. We will be having talk-backs after 
every show to allow for some audience debate and 
consideration of the ideas raised. I hope you’ll stay 
for them.

 As always we do all of this for you – our faithful 
patrons. I look forward to seeing you from the 
stage and in your favorite seats, this time from 
a new vantage! For tickets please call Mary in 
the box office at 626.355.4318. Hope to see you 
soon! 

BUSINESS NEWS & TRENDS

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett


HOW TO INCORPORATE 
FAMILY VALUES 
IN YOUR ESTATE 
PLANNING

 

 Baby boomers know money isn’t the only 
important aspect of estate planning. For example, 
a 2012 study released by the Allianz Life Insurance 
Co. showed baby boomers wanted to leave their 
family more than just financial assets. Researchers 
found baby boomers identified family values as 
some of the most important things to pass down to 
heirs.

 In 2012’s economic climate, it’s no wonder family 
values were at the top of the list. In economic 
downturns, financial inheritances are always more 
tenuous than the consistent worth of family values. 
Thus, family values (tax-free of course!), made the 
top of the list in importance.

 But what is interesting is a similar study released 
by Allianz in 2005 which showed family values were 
also among the most important legacies boomers 
wanted to leave behind, even though the economy 
was more robust.

 What these studies demonstrate is the enduring 
importance of family values, morals and meaningful 
possessions as part of a carefully crafted estate plan, 
regardless of the economic climate.

 Do you have family values you wish to pass on? 
Of course you do! And yet you likely haven’t acted 
to ensure the legacy you are creating is the one you 
really want to leave behind.

 Including family values in your estate plan 
can be easy, when it’s built into the process, 
though that is not the norm with most estate 
planning lawyers or with the DIY legal document 
services. You should consider including written 
memoirs, video or audio recordings of family 
stories in your estate plan. Think about it. These 
are the things most likely to be lost after your 
death. While your finances will be managed per 
estate law, intangible values and lessons have no 
protection and easily fade away soon after you die. 
Could you imagine how valuable it would be 
to hear your family history directly in the words 
of your grandparents, great-grandparents or even 
earlier generations right now? What would that be 
worth? Can you even put a price on it?

 I encourage you to think of estate planning not 
as just a set of documents. If you want to pass 
down a truly holistic legacy, one that manages 
and preserves both your finances and your family 
values, you absolutely can. Work with a lawyer who 
will guide you in creating a comprehensive estate 
plan that protects and preserves your whole wealth 
– not just your financial assets, but your family’s 
heritage, too. Your heirs will be all the richer for it.

 Dedicated to empowering your family, increasing 
your wealth and building your legacy,

A local attorney, father, and CASA volunteer (Court 
Appointed Special Advocate for Children), Marc Garlett 
is on a mission to help parents protect what they love 
most. His office is located at 49 S. Baldwin Ave., Ste. G, 
Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Schedule an appointment to 
sit down and talk about ensuring a legacy of love and 
financial security for your family by calling 626.355.4000 
or visit www.GarlettLaw.com for more information.


NUTS AND BOLTS OF ACTING TECHNIQUE 

A FOUR MONTH INTENSIVE 

Sundays, January 15 - May 7 (No class Easter, April 16) 

2:00pm - 4:00pm 

Zydeco Casting Studios 

626-355-4572 

Nuts and Bolts begins at the beginning and proceeds in a clear and detailed step by step manner... clarifying 
your understanding of the process of acting... giving you a “tool kit” to own and use... providing you with a solid 
foundation from which to work. This will always be the most important step an actor can take on the path to a 
rewarding career.

Career Launching 
Pad

ZERO TO SPEED...in 6 
weeks 

LEARN THE PROCESS

 ..step by step 

COMMERCIAL AUDITION TECHNIQUES... 

CAMERA TECHNIQUE... 

PROFESSIONAL TOOLS... 

CAREER ADMININSTRATION 

Be completely ready and... 

LAUNCH AT THE AGENT SHOWCASE! 

Can we brag? Over 80% of our graduates have signed with top industry agents. If working as an 
actor is your goal...this class was designed to meet it!

COMMERCIALS A-Z 

Sundays, January 8 - Febuary 12 

5:00pm to 9:00pm 

Zydeco Casting Studios 

Call: 626-355-4572


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com