Movie Review—Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians
Theatrical release poster

by Peter J. O'Connell

Crazy Rich Asians. Released: Aug. 2018. Runtime: 120 mins. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some suggestive content and language.

The rising importance of Asia in world affairs and the growth of the Asian/Pacific population in the United States have not been reflected in an increase in American films featuring Asian and Asian-American casts and themes. The last U.S. film before this year with an all-Asian and Asian-American cast was 1993's The Joy Luck Club. That situation seems about to change now with the release of the very popular and highly praised Crazy Rich Asians, which promises to spawn a lucrative franchise.

The film, smartly directed by Jon M. Chu, based on the novel by Kevin Kwan, may revive the romantic comedy genre, so popular in the 1980s, '90s, and '00s but flagging in recent years. Constance Wu stars as Rachel Chu, a lovely young woman who has become a professor at New York University after being raised in Queens by a struggling single mom (Tan Kheng Hua). Rachel's boyfriend is another young professor, actually Nick Young (Henry Golding), a good-looking and charming fellow from the Chinese community in Singapore.

Nick invites Rachel to accompany him to Singapore for the wedding of his best friend, Colin (Chris Pang), and to meet the Young family. It is only on the flight to Singapore that Rachel learns for the first time that the modest Nick is the scion of an enormously wealthy family and is expected by the family to become head of its economic empire soon. Rachel is disconcerted by this news. 

She is even more disconcerted when she meets Nick's family and realizes that Nick's mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), dislikes her because of her lower-middle-class background and her American individualism. But Rachel, motivated by her love for Nick and belief in his love for her, attempts to make her way amid the class and cultural pitfalls all around her in Singapore and the personal issues involving jealousies and affairs that emerge for several of the characters. (The film is a bit overstuffed with secondary characters and subplots.) These attempts by Rachel are amusing, but at one point she even has to deal with an incident reminiscent of a famous scene in The Godfather! All of this takes place against a background of jaw-gaping, mega-Gatsbyesque parties and celebrations put on by the rich and famous of the island nation. 

As Shakespeare wrote: “The course of true love never did run smooth.” And eventually the possible future together of Rachel and Nick hangs in the balance as families and their values clash. The movie has had a kind of Shakespearean scope, but does it have a Shakespearean romantic resolution? Of course, you know the answer to that question, but how it all plays out definitely is fun. 

The film's casting couldn't have been better. Constance Wu holds both our attention and affection throughout, and Henry Golding is the essence of “handsome hunk,” but utterly lacking in the narcissism sometimes associated with HH's. Michelle Yeoh is a wonder as Nick's mother. Her gentility is so glacial that she could cool a movie theatre in summer even if the air conditioning were off. And the movie's production design—those costumes! those settings! those parties!--is spectacular, to say the least.

“Footnote” to the film: The Wedding Banquet, directed by Ang Lee, came out in 1993, the same year as The Joy Luck Club. Set in New York City, its hilarious plot, like that of Crazy Rich Asians, centers around a wedding, but with gay characters involved. The cast is Asian, Asian-American, and Caucasian.  

National Medicare Education Week: Get ready for Medicare Annual Enrollment with these online resources

(BPT) - Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is almost here — the time (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) when people can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the year ahead.
Thankfully, there are tools and resources to help you navigate the process and select a plan to meet your needs. National Medicare Education Week begins Sept. 15 with one goal: to help empower people to make informed choices about their Medicare coverage. Local education events are planned across the country and online to help you prepare for the fall Annual Enrollment Period. You can check out a list of events in your area at www.nmew.com.
Here’s a roundup of frequently asked questions about Medicare you might expect to hear at a National Medicare Education Week event and online resources that can help you get started in your own decision-making process.

1. How do I know which Medicare coverage is right for me?
Each person needs to make coverage decisions based on his or her health care needs and budget. To do that, you need to understand your options.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is provided by the federal government and includes hospital and medical coverage. But it doesn’t cover everything. You may have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Coinsurance for most Part B services, for example, is 20 percent of the cost. In addition, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs.
If you want additional coverage, there are two ways to get it.

* Add Medicare supplement insurance and/or a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) to Original Medicare.

* Choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which combines Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) in one plan. Most plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), and many offer coverage for things like routine dental and eye care. Medicare Advantage plans also put a cap on your out-of-pocket costs for the year. There’s no cap with Original Medicare.

2. Does Original Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing care?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental, vision or hearing care. Some costs may be covered if you have an eye injury or a certain medical condition, such as diabetes or cataracts.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover dental and vision care, including routine eye exams, eye glasses or contacts.

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you may need medical treatment, but neither Part B nor Part A covers routine hearing tests or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer this coverage.

3. How can I get coverage for my medications, since Original Medicare doesn’t provide it?
You have two options for prescription drug coverage: You can add a standalone Part D plan to Original Medicare, or you can join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Look for plans that cover the drugs you take. Each plan has a formulary that lists which drugs are covered and what the cost is. Most formularies are tiered, dividing drugs into levels of cost. Typically, low-tier drugs will cost less than high-tier drugs.

4. Why are the costs for my prescription drugs going up? Can I switch plans?
Part D prescription drug plans may change copays, premiums, deductibles and other costs from year to year. They may also add or delete specific drugs from their formularies.

If your drug costs are going up, you are free to shop for a different plan during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. You can look for plans using the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov.

The bottom line
You have choices to make when it comes to Medicare. But you’re not alone. There are many tools and online resources to help you navigate the process and select a plan to fit your needs.

For more information on any of the questions above, explore MedicareMadeClear.com or contact the Medicare helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Movie Review—BlacKKKlansman

by Peter J. O'Connell

BlacKKKlansman. Released: Aug. 2018. Runtime: 135 mins. MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references.

Pulpy films with racial themes—such as The Klansman, Mandingo, and the “blaxploitation” flicks (Super Fly, Shaft, etc.)--were popular in the 1970s and early 1980s, as were such comical “switched-identity” films as Watermelon Man and Freaky Friday. Now director Spike Lee has given us a fact-based film about race and identity switches in the 1970s that is an outstanding “dramedy.”  

BlacKKKlansman is the story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first African-American officer hired by the Colorado Springs police department. Ron encounters both friendship and discrimination from his fellow cops. Assigned to the records room, he is bored and requests undercover work.

One of his first undercover assignments is to attend a rally at a local college at which “black power” advocate Kwame Ture/Stokely Carmichael (Corey Hawkins) speaks. At the rally Ron meets a student leader, the lovely Patrice (Laura Harrier). Ron starts dating Patrice but is conflicted by her hostile attitude toward cops, whom she calls “pigs.”

One day Ron is startled to see a recruitment ad for the Ku Klux Klan in the Colorado Springs newspaper. He calls the number in the ad and, using his own name but pretending to be a white man, chats with the local KKK leader, Walter (Ryan Eggold), who invites him to come and meet other members. The spit-and-polish police chief (Robert John Burke) agrees to acceptance of this invitation, but to deal with the obvious problem, real Ron will be the telephone connection with the Klan, but the “white Ron” will be Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver).

Ironically, Flip is a Jewish officer, and Jews, of course, have, like blacks, historically been targets of the Klan. To add to the irony, though Flip is Jewish that identity never has meant much to him. His outlook changes, however, as he becomes involved with the Klan members. He begins to see Jewish identity as a very precious thing.

In addition to Walter, who is eager for new members, the main Colorado Springs KKK members are Felix (Jasper Paakkonen), who is more radical and intensely suspicious of new members, and the somewhat slow-witted Ivanhoe (Paul Walter Hauser), who cyptically refers to an upcoming attack. The Klansmen sometimes come across like three “Stooges” but at other times as moral monsters. The banality of their evil is embodied in the suburban settings where they meet and are served coffee and cookies by Felix's solicitous wife (Ashlie Atkinson). 

Suspense mounts as Flip attempts to fend off the probings of Felix. Humor increases as real Ron engages in a number of “simpatico” long-distance conversations with KKK head, David Duke (Topher Grace). As part of an attempt to gain respectability for the Klan, Duke styles himself as “National Director” rather than “Grand Dragon” and wears three-piece suits instead of white robes and hood. He says that he can tell that Ron is true white man by the way that he speaks. 

Matters move to a climax both harrowing and hilarious when Duke comes to Colorado Springs for the induction of “white Ron” (Flip) into the KKK and “black Ron” is assigned by the police department to provide security for the National Director. All this while the local chapter sets about launching its attack.

The movie ends with some actual news footage reminding us that the KKK is still around 40 years after the Stallworth story and that racism is still a problem. These points are hammered home at the end, but the bulk of the film is most powerful when more subtle, as when the Klan members walk away from a shooting range and we see the targets at which they have been firing. 

The acting throughout is fine; in fact, excellent by Driver, Burke, and Grace. John David Washington, Denzel Washington's son, is quite good as Stallworth, though his emotional range might be more varied. He deserves kudos, however, for his skill at wearing the Afro wig that Lee's costume department has inflicted upon him. It looks more like a motorcycle helmet than a head of hair. 

   

   

Interesting story on the founder of Little League baseball

A statue at the Original Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, commemorates Carl E. Stotz's nephews, for whom he came up with the idea for Little League baseball. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Enright.

Millions and millions of kids and adults have been influenced by Little League baseball, but only a fraction of these folks know much about its founder, Carl E. Stotz, and his complex legacies.

Stotz was an exemplary leader whose abilities were highlighted in Pulitzer Prize-winner Gary Wills' study of leadership types, "Certain Trumpets: The Call of Leaders." By Wills' key definition, leaders mobilize others toward shared goals, and Stotz's performance was a grand slam.

It was in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1938, that Carl Stotz, unemployed and poor, developed his vision of a scaled-down baseball game while seeking recreational diversion for his two nephews, ages 6 and 8. He laid down the rules of play, the dimensions of the field, the type of equipment and the importance of volunteers. Box scores appeared in local papers.

Soon, Baby Boomers would see Little League as "the greatest thing."

Stotz promoted his leagues for their character building, educational value and the unadulterated joy of playing baseball. Volunteerism was another cardinal consideration; when neighboring communities asked Stotz to organize leagues for them, he passed, urging the locals to do it themselves.

After World War II, Little League grew in influence.

In 1946, there were 12 leagues, all in Pennsylvania. Then came the explosion: by 1949, there were 307 leagues; by 1951, 776; in 1954, 3,300; and in 1956, Stotz's last year with Little League, there were 4,000.

In 1956, Stotz and the league acrimoniously parted ways and for decades, Little League hardly acknowledged him. He had serious disagreements with the growing commercialism of Little League, the increasingly fierce competition of what used to be healthy play, and the pressures of big business sponsorships and endorsements.

In hindsight, his foresight was a fastball over the heart of the plate.

Inevitably serious concerns and even scandals erupted. Example: As a result of adults behaving badly, two World Championships were forfeited. I was particularly appalled as kids were treated like miniature adults -- a medieval practice. When a child was at bat in a pressure situation, announcers would say things like: "Now we'll see what Joey is really made of." Such characterizations created an outcry in the 21st century and it seems that the medieval practices stopped.

After he left Little League, the founder created another, almost entirely unknown legacy. Until his death in 1992, he continued his affiliation with the Original Little League in Williamsport, which played on the same field of early days, now named Carl E. Stotz Field. Click here to continue reading.

ARE YOU GOING TO DURHAM FAIR?

by Peter J. O'Connell, Editorial and Research Associate            

Tens of thousands answer “Yes” to this question each year, for the Durham Fair, first held in 1916, has become the most popular agricultural fair in Connecticut and one of the largest such fairs in all of New England. It is also the second largest fair in North America staffed entirely by volunteers—no paid management or employees. And this in a town of only about 8,000 people!

The four-day Fair takes place during the last full weekend in September (this year Thurs., Sept. 27, through Sun., Sept. 30) in an area adjacent to the center of the town of Durham, which is north of New Haven and south of Middletown on Route 17 and also accessible by Route 68 from Interstate 91. Several parking lots are available, and there is a shuttle bus that goes around the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds has both permanent buildings for agricultural and commercial exhibits and space for stages, tents, and other structures that are brought in each year. And, of course, a carnival midway is set up.

Entertainment

The Durham Fair is noted for the quality of entertainment that it has featured over the years. Many of the biggest names in the world of music have appeared. This year folk rocker Melissa Etheridge performs on Main Stage on Fri., Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Country stars Scotty McCreery and Sam Grow appear there the next day at 5:30 p.m. On Sun., Sept. 30, at 11:30 a.m., the talented USO Show Troupe celebrates Military Appreciation Day at the Fair there with pieces ranging from Today's Top 40 to Broadway, Big Band, and patriotic favorites. A variety of acts also perform through the four days on Center Stage and Green Stage. 

For those who find the roar of engines to be music to their ears, the Motorized Events Ring presents Demolition Derbies, Monster Truck Freestyles, and other vehicular attractions.

Exhibits

The Durham Fair has over 20 departments of exhibits (more than 12,000 exhibits in three buildings) by adults and teens, plus others by younger kids. 

The departments cover:

• livestock—cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep, swine, llamas

• plant science—flowers, fruit, horticulture, vegetables, giant pumpkins, Christmas trees

• personal skills—art, baking, canning, crafts and collections, needlework, photography

• animal pulls—horse pulls, ox pulls, pony pulls 

The animal pulls are among the most popular events at the Fair, reflecting as they do a heritage deeply rooted in Durham's agricultural past when animals worked the land. Now these powerful beasts of burden battle it out to haul carts, logs, and machinery well into the night. 

And for the first time, this year the achievements of breweries and cideries across the state are celebrated in the CT Craft Beer & Cider Tasting.

Midway and More!

Whether you prefer the slow, steady rhythm of the carousel, the fast flipping of the Zipper, the ups-and-downs of the roller coaster, or some other kind of traditional carnival ride, the Fair's Midway has it for you. 

The Fair offers education as well as entertainment and excitement. The Discovery Center is an area of the Fair that offers topical seminars, interactive displays, and demonstrations by experts all-day, every day on foods, farming, home and garden care, and more. The Durham Fair Farm Museum offers a vast collection of antique farm equipment and collectibles that will transport you back to the days of hand-cranked tractors, blacksmiths, and pot-bellied stoves. 

And, of course, a variety of Vendors at the Fair offer souvenirs and all the favorite “fare” (food) that folks love at such events.

Admission

A variety of pricing situations exists for tickets to the Fair, but, basically, tickets on Thurs., Sept. 27, are $9; with children 11 and under, active-duty military with ID, and attendees in wheelchairs admitted free. For Fri., Sat., Sun., tickets are $14; with children 11 and under, active-duty military with ID, and attendees in wheelchairs admitted free. Seniors (62 and over) are also admitted free on those three days. 

Information

https://www.durhamfair.com  

So go to the Durham Fair! You'll even find parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme there. 

Melissa Etheridge set to rock Westport’s Levitt Pavilion

Melissa Etheridge was never the kind of singer-songwriter to just hit the stage, zip through some tunes and hightail it home. She’s all about connecting with her audience, and she makes sure it happens at every show.

The Grammy winner spoke about it in a phone chat, where she also revealed her next album drops early next year. And Etheridge said she may perform a song or two from it when she rocks Westport’s Levitt Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 25.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve created the music so that it does connect,” she said. “I count on that when I play... I craft my shows in a way so not only are they hearing the songs they know and love, but they’re also having an experience they will remember, so they want to come back again.” Click here to continue reading.

NORTH HAVEN SAYS: “HAVE FUN AT OUR FAIR!”

 



                                                             

by Peter J. O'Connell, Editorial and Research Consultant           

It's fairs and festivals time in Connecticut, and one of the most eagerly anticipated of these will be opening soon. The always popular North Haven Fair makes its 76^th annual appearance from Thursday, September 6, through Sunday, September 9.

The fairgrounds, at 290 Washington Ave. (Route 5), are easily accessible for the thousands who flock there each year. It's only 10 minutes from New Haven and 35 minutes from Hartford. Just take I-91 to Exit 12 or the Wilbur Cross Parkway to Exit 63. Ample free parking is available. 

Admission is just $5 for an adult on Thursday, September 5, and $10 the other three days. Children under 12 always are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, and seniors (age 65 and older) can enter for $5 on Sunday, September 9. Discounts for multiple-day passes are available. 

Once admitted to the Fair, you can attend all exhibits, events, and shows for free. And there's plenty of all of these. For example:

EXHIBITS include ones dealing with vegetables, baking, flowers, woodworking, sewing, scouting, photography, sheep shearing, ten different breeds of cattle, eagles and hawks, rabbits, chicks and chickens, and more!

EVENTS include weight-pulling contests featuring ponies, horses, oxen, tractors; chainsaw carving; pioneer life demonstrations; kids' games and contests; water balloon toss; hula hoop contest; horseshoes played with toilet seats; and more! 

SHOWS include wrestling; Dino Trail--”dinosaurs” wander about; Marvelous Mutts dog show; Racing Pigs; music by Bad Mannerz (classic rock), Chris Zumba (varied), No Excuses (party rock and dance), more; and more!

In addition to all the free activities, there will be amusement rides and carnival games and an extensive collection of vendors purveying goods and services, including: automobiles; home remodeling; foods ranging from french fries and barbecue to baked potatoes and chowder to grilled cheese and donuts; collectibles; toys and novelty items; patriotic apparel and merchandise; and more! 

So plan to go! You can get info at http://northhaven-fair.com or by U.S. Mail at:

North Haven Fair Association

P.O. Box 14

North Haven, CT 06473