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Top Pick : The Adjustment Bureau

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:11:49 GMT

Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? Matt Damon stars in this thriller -- based on the short story "Adjustment Team" by Philip K. Dick.-- as a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself -- the men of The Adjustment Bureau -- who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path ... or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her. We've never met a Philip K. Dick story, novel or big-screen adaptation we didn't like -- but if we had to pick one to anchor the bottom of our list of faves, 'The Adjustment Bureau' would be it. Director George Nolfi just can't seem to put any oomph into the proceedings, and the film can't decide if it's a sci-fi thriller, a conspiracy mystery, a love story or a religious tract -- and given the ending that accedes to a higher power, maybe even He (or She) didn't know either. This one sounds better on paper than it plays. Vitals: Director: George Nolfi. Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terence Stamp, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery. 2011, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 106 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $60.735 million, Universal. 3 stars

DVD Releases - Jun 21, 2011

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:03:34 GMT

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terence Stamp, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery. Available as a Blu-ray Combo (Blu-ray plus DVD) and as a DVD single. Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, "Leaping Through New York," "Destined to Be" featurette, "Becoming Elise" featurette, commentary by director George Nolfi. Blu-ray adds "The Labyrinth of Doors: Interactive Map of New York" that allows viewers to use the Adjustment Bureau's network of portals to leap from location to location, trigger a short video in each place with a look behind the scenes or a scene from the film. (Universal). Anti-Nazi Classics: Four Films About Nazi Germany. Four-disc set: "The Murderers Are Among Us" (1946): Using a film noir style infused with expressionism and a documentary-like point of view, this feature, the first produced in post-war Germany, follows a man and a woman returning to war-torn Berlin; "I Was Nineteen" 1968): This gritty, realistic film, based on director Konrad Wolf's actual experiences, follows a young Soviet soldier of German descent who returns to his homeland as part of the victorious Soviet Army; "The Gleiwitz Case" (1961): To justify invading Poland, the Nazi high command hatches a secret plan: six Polish men from an SS training camp are sent on a special mission to the town of Gleiwitz, to fake a Polish raid on Germany; "Naked Among Wolves" (1963): Starring Oscar Nominee Armin Mueller-Stahl and based on true events related by Buchenwald survivor Bruno Apitz, this was the first German film about life and death in a concentration camp. (First Run Features).

Bedways (2010 -- Germany) Miriam Mayet, Lana Cooper, Matthias Faust, Laura Tonke, Arno Frisch, Moritz Ross. Director Nina Bader wants to shoot a film about love and sex and invites her actor-friends Hans and Marie for screen tests for a couple of days. For Nina love is not necessarily a matter of emotion - she is rather looking for an authentic depiction of sex. The intimate collaboration turns into experiments with film, love and bodies and finally has an impact on the private relationships between the three of them. It seems that the boundaries between acting and reality begin to disappear. (Strand Releasing)

Bending All the Rules (2002) Colleen Porch, David Gail, Bradley Cooper. A serial dater, who always puts her love life behind her career, finally lands her lifetime dream -- her own photography exhibition -- but things get complicated when she finds herself being romantically pursued by two men. (Lionsgate).

The Best of I Love Lucy Includes 14 of the funniest and most recognizable episodes, $19.99. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).

Big Time Rush: Season One, Volume Two (2010) Two-disc set with the last seven episodes of the season, $19.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Cedar Rapids (2011) Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Sigourney Weaver, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Stephen Root, Kurtwood Smith, Alia Shawkat, Rob Corddry. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, "Mike O'Malley: Urban Clogger," "Tweaking in the USA," "Wedding Belles: Crashing a Lesbian Wedding," "Top Notch Commercial." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Convention Connection" featurette, "Fox Movie Channel Presents: Direct Effect Miguel Arteta," "Ed Helms Mad Chopper Skills," digital copy. (Fox).

Ceremony (2011) Uma Thurman, Lee Pace, Michael Angarano, Rebecca Mader, Reece Thompson. Extras: Deleted scenes, extended scenes, outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, "Max Winkler Makes Ceremony," "Making of Ceremony," more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Closer: The Complete Sixth Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 15 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Police Files: Unaired Scenes," "Kyra Sedgwick Opens Up About The Closer," "Script to Screen: Making Episode 3: In Custody," gag reel. (Warner).

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011) Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Peyton List, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn. Available on single-disc DVD, two-disc DVD, and three-disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack. Extras: Commentary, two "My Summer Vacation" shorts; Blu-ray adds four more "My Summer Vacation" shorts, six deleted scenes, gag reel; Combo Pack adds more shorts, more deleted scenes and an alternate ending. (Fox).

Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1999) Anthony Edwards, Charles Dance. A man hypnotizes the woman he loves to fall for him but she fixates on the wrong man. (Curb Entertainment).

The Eagle (2011) Channing Tatum, Denis O'Hare, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland. Theatrical and unrated versions. Extras: Alternate ending, deleted scenes, "The Eagle: The Making of a Roman Epic," commentary by director Kevin MacDonald. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds an unrated version of the film. (Universal.

Elektra Luxx (2011) Carla Gugino, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Marley Shelton, Timothy Olyphant, Malin Akerman, Adrianne Palicki, Emmanuelle Chriqui. Extras: Deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Eclipse Series 27: Raffaello Matarazzo's Runaway Melodramas. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, film critics, international festivalgoers, and other studious viewers were swept up by the tide of Italian neorealism. Meanwhile, mainstream Italian audiences were indulging in a different kind of cinema experience: The sensational, extravagant melodramas of superstar director Raffaello Matarazzo. These galvanic hits about splintered lovers and broken homes, all written by Aldo De Benedetti and starring mustached matinee idol Amedeo Nazzari and icon of feminine purity Yvonne Sanson, luxuriate in delirious plot twists and overheated religious symbolism. Four of them, each more unbridled and entertaining than the last, are collected here, chronicles of men and women on winding roads to redemption: "Chains" (1949), "Tormento" (1950), "Nobody's Children" (1952) and "The White Angel" (1955). $59.95. (The Criterion Collection).

Family (2006) Renee Humphrey, Boyd Kestner, Tanner Richie. A small-time crook on the run takes a ride with a father and his 10-year-old son, a ride that puts her into jeopardy. (Curb Entertainment).

happythankyoumoreplease (2010) Josh Radnor, Malin Akerman, Kate Mara. A group of twentysomething New Yorkers struggle to figure out themselves, their lives and their loves. Extras: Commentary by producer-writer-director-actor Josh Radnor and producer Jesse Hara, "happythankyoumoremusicplease" featuring singer-songwriter Jaymay, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Just Write (1997) Jeremy Piven, Sherilyn Fenn. A tour bus driver convinces a beautiful starlet that he's an important screenwriter, then has to live the lie. (Curb Entertainment).

Kiss Me Deadly (1955) In this atomic adaptation of Mickey Spillane's novel, directed by Robert Aldrich, the good manners of the 1950s are blown to smithereens. Ralph Meeker stars as snarling private dick Mike Hammer, whose decision one dark, lonely night to pick up a hitchhiking woman sends him down some terrifying byways. Brazen and bleak, "Kiss Me Deadly" is a film noir masterpiece as well as an essential piece of cold war paranoia, and it features as nervy an ending as has ever been seen in American cinema. New high-definition restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini; new video tribute from director Alex Cox; excerpts from "The Long Haul of A. I. Bezzerides," a 2005 documentary on the "Kiss Me Deadly" screenwriter; excerpts from "Mike Hammer's Mickey Spillane," a 1998 documentary on the author whose book inspired the film; a look at the film's locations; altered ending; booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and a 1955 reprint by director Robert Aldrich. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders (2009) Bosnia. Rwanda. Kosovo. Sierra Leone. Pakistan. Just a few of the world's humanitarian and political crises in the past years. Whether the result of war or nature, these disasters devastate populations and cripple health systems. Despite the immense dangers and difficulties of the work, one organization, Doctors Without Borders, has continuously intervened at these frontlines of overwhelming human need. Set in war-torn Congo and Liberia, "Living in Emergency" interweaves the stories of four volunteers with Doctors Without Borders as they struggle to provide emergency medical care under the most extreme conditions. (First Run features).

Louie Season 1 (2010) DVD/Blu-ray combo with 13 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, unaired and unrated comedy sketches, commentary. (Fox).

Marple: The Pale Horse (2011) Premiering on PBS Masterpiece Mystery! on July 10th, ITV Studios' new adaptation finds Julia McKenzie ("Cranford") as the beloved spinster sleuth, taking on a spooky murder case at an inn run by three modern-day witches. Two-disc set. Extras: Bonus disc with full-length, 1996 "Pale Horse" adaptation without Marple and co-starring Jean Marsh ("Upstairs, Downstairs"). $29.99. (Acorn Media).

Medium: The Final Season (2010-11) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $42.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurettes. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).

Mega Python vs. Gatoroid (2011) Debbie Gibson, Tiffany. It's a python vs. genetically enlarged alligators in the Everglades in this Syfy Channel thriller. (Image Entertainment).

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gunslinger. 1956 low-budget Western gets the MST3000 treatment. (Shout! Factory).

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Hamlet.The 1961 German TV movie starring Maximilian Schell gets the MST3000 treatment. (Shout! Factory).

Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2. Three-disc set with "We Love Our Friends," "Sisters and Brothers" and "Summer Vacation" DVDs. Seven hours of entertainment with episodes featuring Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go! The Wonder Pets! Blue's Clues and Yo Gabba. $36.99. Extras: Team Umizoomi Music videos.

Nickelodeon Favorites: Summer Vacation (2011) Six summer-themed episodes from six pre-schooler favorite shows: "Dora the Explorer: Baby Crab," "Go, Diego, Go!: Panchita the Prairie Dog," "The Wonder Pets!: Save the Hermit Crab!/Save the Dolphin," "Blue's Clues: Blue's Big Car Trip," "Yo Gabba Gabba!: Summer" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan: The Hula Duck Dance Party." $16.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Orgasm, Inc. (2009) In this shocking and hilarious documentary, filmmaker Liz Canner takes a job editing erotic videos to be used for a drug trial sponsored by a pharmaceutical company that is developing an orgasm cream for women. The experience launches Canner on a nine-year odyssey as she follows the companies that are racing to be the first to win FDA approval for a product to cure a new condition -- "female sexual dysfunction." The potential prize: billions of dollars in profits. (First Run Features).

Playing House (2010) Mayra Leal, Sarah Prikryl, Craig Welbacher, Matt Lusk. In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie ask their best friend Danny to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair, a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave. (Maya Entertainment).

Rocko's Modern Life: Season One (1993) Two-disc set with 13 episodes of the wacky Australian wallaby and his pals, $19.93. A favorite with viewers and critics alike, "Rocko's Modern Life" debuted in 1993 and, over the course of its four-season run on Nickelodeon, garnered a Daytime Emmy Award and an Environmental Media Award. Brimming with anthropomorphic social satire and offbeat humor, "Rocko's Modern Life" follows the misadventures of an Australian wallaby named Rocko, who encounters various dilemmas and situations regarding otherwise mundane aspects of life. His best friend, Heffer, is a fat and enthusiastic cow, while his other friend, Filburt, is an easily upset turtle who often feels uncomfortable or disturbed. Ed Bighead lives next door to Rocko and detests him. These folks live in a bizarre district known as O-Town, and most of the episodes revolve around Rocko trying to cope with the absurdities and dilemmas he encounters in life. (Shout! Factory).

Roger Corman's Cult Classics: The Women in Cages Collection. Three films in new anamorphic widescreen film transfers. "The Bird Cage" Inside the hellish women's prison called The Big Bird Cage, inmates like Terry (Anitra Ford) struggle to survive. They get their chance to escape when scheming revolutionary Blossom (Pam Grier) engineers a prison break ... from the outside in. Also starring Carol Speed (Abby). Directed by Jack Hill. "Big Doll House" Pam Grier joins a group of sexy, young female prisoners in their struggle against a sadistic warden. This shockingly real film is perhaps one of the most influential of all women-in-prison films. Also starring Judy Brown, Roberta Collins and Sid Haig. Directed by Jack Hill. "Women in Cages" Innocent Carol Jeffries (Jennifer Gan) is framed by her drug-dealing boyfriend and ends up in a tough prison in the Philippines jungle in Women In Cages. She must face off against the sadistic warden, Alabama (Pam Grier), who takes great pleasure in alternately seducing and torturing her prisoners. Also starring Judy Brown and Roberta Collins. Directed by Gerry De Leon. Also available on Blu-ray Disc on Aug. 23. (Shout! Factory).

Unknown (2011) Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella. Extras: "Unknown: What Is Known?" featurette. Also available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, which adds the featurette "Liam Neeson: Known Action Hero."(Warner).

The Wild West Collection. Two memorable classic films starring football great Jim Brown, "Rio Conchos," a film by Gordon Douglas and "Take a Hard Ride," a film by Antonio Margheriti. "Rio Conchos" (1964): In avenging himself against the Apache Indians who have massacred his family, ex-Confederate Army officer Lassiter (Richard Boone) recovers a stolen U.S. Army repeating rifle and finds himself arrested by the U.S. Army in connection with the stolen firearm. Lassiter is offered his freedom if he leads a small group into Mexico, consisting of an Army captain (Stuart Whitman), a Buffalo Soldier sergeant (Jim Brown, in his film debut), a knife-wielding Mexican prisoner (Tony Franciosa) and an Apache woman warrior. After blasting their way through bandits and Apaches, they discover a megalomaniacal Confederate soldier (Edmond O'Brien) selling guns to the Apaches. "Take a Hard Ride" (1975): Take a tough-as-nails trail boss (Jim Brown), a smooth gambler (Fred Williamson), a ruthless bounty hunter (Lee Van Cleef), a mute martial arts master (Jim Kelly), a desperate prostitute (Catherine Spaak) and hundreds of greed-crazed gunmen. Turn them all loose in a chase to the Mexican border for a fortune in gold, and you have the action-packed epic "Take a Hard Ride." Hollywood legends Dana Andrews, Barry Sullivan and Harry Carey Jr. co-star. (Shout! Factory).

William & Kate (2011) Camilla Luddington, Nico Evers-Swindell. A&E telefilm about the royal couple. (A&E Home Entertainment).

You Got Served: Beat the World (2011) Set within the high-energy world of hip-hop dance competition. As three crews put their futures on the line battling their way to the finals at the International Beat the World competition in Detroit, off-stage pressures force them to realize there may be more at stake than just being crowned the best. Extras: "3RUN: The Crew Behind the Moves." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Rotary Club of Ladner donates $20,000 to REACH

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:00:12 GMT

On June 21st, 2011 Reach Child and Youth Development Society was presented with a generous donation of $20,000 from the Rotary Club of Ladner in support of their work with children with special needs and their families.

“We are grateful for this donation” says Renie D’Aquila, Executive Director of Reach, “the Rotary Club of Ladner has provided a range of support to Reach Society over the years. Recently the Ladner Rotarians have physically helped with painting our sheds and buildings and participating in our preschool program. Recognizing that 15% of the population has special needs and that the incidence rates are increasing we simply cannot meet the ever growing demand. Today’s generous donation from the Rotary Club of Ladner will enable more children and youth with special needs to receive the help they need.”

Reach has been serving the community of Delta since 1959, supporting the development of children throughout all stages of childhood. Programs and services include developmental assessments, preschools, therapies, autism intervention programs, youth social programs, and family support and education. Reach has recently launched a $4 million capital campaign to build a new, community-based child development centre in the heart of Ladner. The new centre will be bigger and more accessible than the current Reach centre in east Ladner, enabling more children, youth and families to benefit from programs and services.

“ As a Past President of the Rotary Club of Ladner I am aware of Reach Society’s incredible community contributions and I know of no other project that will impact the community more than this one,” says Irene Forcier, Chair of the Reach Foundation. “Children are our future. All children need our support and this by far is the best form of support children with disabilities and their families can hope for. A building in the heart of the community built with learning in mind will help us all. Rotary has stepped up to the plate once again and makes us all proud they are serving our community.”

The Rotary Club motto is Service Above Self, and since 1905 Rotary Clubs worldwide have been supporting organizations locally and abroad. The Rotary Club of Ladner has been in existence since 1957. This donation to Reach is through the Avenue of Community Service, where Rotarians give back to the places they live in.

“Supporting youth initiatives has become Rotary’s new avenue of Service”, says Ladner Club President Guillermo Bustos, “but it is especially important to support children and youth with special needs. We hope that other clubs and community organizations will join in this effort.”

For more information about Rotary Club of Ladner contact incoming President Linda Ottho, Box 77, Delta, BC at 604-240-1733. For more information about Reach Child and Youth Development Society programs and services, or about the capital campaign call 604-946-6622 (local 301 for Renie D’Aquila Executive Director and local 385 for Reach Foundation Chair Irene Forcier) or visit www.reachdevelopment.org

Top Pick : Red Riding Hood

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:12:55 GMT

Dark interpretation of the Grimms' fairy tale (already pretty dark), set in medieval times. Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She's in love with brooding outsider Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Max Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie and Peter are planning to run away together when they learn that Valerie's older sister has been killed by the werewolf that prowls the dark forest surrounding their village. For years, the people have maintained an uneasy truce with the beast, offering the creature a monthly animal sacrifice. But under a blood red moon, the wolf has upped the stakes by taking a human life. Hungry for revenge, the people call on famed werewolf hunter, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), to help them kill the wolf. But Solomon's arrival brings unintended consequences as he warns that the wolf, who takes human form by day, could be any one of them. As the death toll rises with each moon, Valerie begins to suspect that the werewolf could be someone she loves. Panic grips the town as Valerie discovers that she has a unique connection to the beast -- one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect ... and bait. Take two snarky, handsome heroes at odds with each other over the love of an independent, petulant heroine, throw in Catherine Hardwicke as director, and what do you get? No, not 'Twilight,' but an adult-themed facsimile. Unfortunately, where 'Twilight' has a syrupy, involving story line, 'Red Riding Hood' is a messy tale at best, with a sloppy plot and aimless acting -- there's one scene in which Seyfried stands around, looking as if she's waiting for acting instructions. At least the sets are medieval lush and the sound -- especially the creak and crash of doors slamming and wood shattering -- is stupendous. Vitals: Director: Catherine Hardwicke. Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Billy Burke, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 100 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $37.186 million, Warner. 3 stars

DVD Releases - Jun 14, 2011

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:02:55 GMT

Adrift (2009 -- Brazil) Laura Neiva, Vincent Cassel, Camilla Belle. While spending summer vacation with her family in the idyllic southeast coast of Brazil, 14-year-old Filipa discovers that her father, a famous author, is betraying her mother by dallying with a beautiful young American woman -- and she soon discovers that her father's infidelity is only the first of many dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect family. (Universal). Battle: Los Angeles (2011) Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo, Michael Pena. Available on DVD, Blu-ray and in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.Extras: Four featurettes: "Behind the Battle," "Aliens in LA," "Preparing for Battle," "Creating L.A. in LA." Blu-ray includes a "Command Control" interactive viewing mode, allowing audiences to experience the film with picture-in-picture featurettes, storyboard comparisons and "Battle Points" within the context of the movie. (Sony).

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011) Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson, Jessica Lucas, Michelle Ang, Portia Doubleday, Emily Rios, Faizon Love. Available as a Motherload Edition Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy) and as a single-disc DVD; both include extended versions of the film. Extras: Commentary, gag reel, deleted scenes. Blu-ray adds "Big Momma's: Bigger Busts Countdown," "Making the Music" featurette, "Baby You Know" music video, "Lyrical Miracle" music video. (Fox).

Bob the Builder: The Big Dino Dig The Movie (2011) Bob and the Can Do crew are joined by a new truck named Rubble to help build an enormous amusement park in this feature for kids aged 2-5. Extras: "Diggin' It Up" music video. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

Chained (aka Hobby Farm) (2010) Paul Murphy, Travis McMahon, Vince Sorrenti, Gerard Kennedy. An ex-con is rewarded for his silence by being put in charge of a gentleman's pleasure house, but revolts against the crime syndicate when faced with the horrific treatment of the enslaved girls. (MTI Home Video).

Chatroom (2010) Aaron Johnson, Imogen Poots, Matthew Beard, Hannah Murray. Thriller about a dark, manipulative teen who creates an online chatroom, where he tries to control the lives of four people who seek him out for help, resulting in tragedy. (Screen Media).

The Con Artist (2010) Rossif Sutherland, Donald Sutherland, Rebecca Romijn, Sarah Roemer. When Vince is paroled after serving time for a heist gone wrong, he's forced back into a life of crime as a car thief, where he finds solace welding sculptures out of metal and old car parts. But when his raw and evocative sculptures are discovered by a calculating art dealer, he gets a chance for a new life as an artist. (Entertainment One).

The Concert (2010 -- France) Melanie Laurent, Aleksei Guskov, Dmitri Nazarov, Valeiy Barinov, Miou-Miou. (The Weinstein Company/Arc Entertainment).

Elvira's Movie Macabre: Night of the Living Dead and I Eat Your Skin Double-feature DVD with the original "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) and "I Eat Your Skin" (1964), about a cancer researcher who turns natives into zombies; $14.98. (Entertainment One).

Elvira's Movie Macabre: The Satanic Rites of Dracula and The Werewolf of Washington Double-feature DVD with "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" (1973), starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Dean Stockwell in a tale about Count Dracula unleashing a fatal vampire virus on the modern world; and "The Werewolf of Washington" (1973), starring Lee and Cushing in a story about the U.S. presidents press secretary being bitten by a werewolf; $14.98. (Entertainment One).

Everwood: The Complete Fourth Season (2005) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98. (Warner).

Eyes of the Chameleon (2005) Lawrence Bucher, Robert Scott Howard, Garvin Lee. A young woman's world spins out of control when she's attracted to an occult sexual group in Las Vegas -- and her friends mysteriously begin to die gruesome deaths. (Troma/CAV Distributing).

Giant Robot Action Pack. "Crash and Burn" (1990): In the year 2030 humankind's worst nightmares have become an oppressive reality: Big Brother has come to life in the form of Unicom, an all-powerful conglomerate that emerged in the wake of a devastating global economic collapse. A group of dissenters has surfaced to fight Unicom's autocracy and stop the murderous Synthoid -- a humanlike robot programmed to kill all those who pose a threat to the organization. Starring Paul Ganus, Megan Ward, Bill Moseley and Ralph Waite, and directed by Charles Band. "Robot Wars "(1993): The ultimate battle between metallic giants begins when a malicious foreign dignitary hijacks the last mega-robot on Earth, the MRAS-2, and threatens to unleash its crushing powers against the people of the Eastern Alliance. Starring Don Michael Paul, Barbara Crampton and Lisa Rinna. (Shout! Factory).

The Glades: The Complete First Season (2010) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, behind-the-scenes footage, featurettes, director and cast commentaries. (Fox).

Hall Pass (2011) Dir.: Farrelly brothers; Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate, Nicky Whelan, Richard Jenkins. Extras: Deleted scene. Also available as a Blu-ray Combo, which includes an extended cut of the film, a gag reel and a deleted scene. (Warner).

Happiness Is ... Peanuts: Snoopy's Adventures (2011) New DVD collection that features themed compilations of favorite Peanuts television programs. This first entry in the series pairs TV special "Snoopy's Getting Married, Charlie Brown" with an episode from "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show" on one disc, $14.97. (Warner).

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Ultimate Edition. More than four hours of special features and collectibles including a photo book featuring 44 pages of rare photos of the cast and crew, concept sketches and paintings, and behind-the-scenes insight. Also features limited edition character cards, a lenticular card and a bonus digital copy of the film. Includes all new documentary "Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 5: Evolution." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Ultimate Edition. More than four hours of special features and collectibles including a photo book featuring 44 pages of rare photos of the cast and crew, concept sketches and paintings, and behind-the-scenes insight. Also features limited edition character cards, a lenticular card and a bonus digital copy of the film. Includes all new documentary "Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 6: Magical Effects." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Have a Laugh Volume 3. Restored short "Mickey's Delayed Date," edited shorts "The Whalers," "Chef Donald," "How to Play Baseball" and "Pluto and the Gopher," and BLAMS! (repurposed cartoons) #7: "Golf," #8: "Cooking" and #9: "Glider." $19.99. Extras: Mash-up music video of crazy cartoon clips remixed to the hit song, "I Gotta Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas. (Disney).

Have a Laugh Volume 4. Restored short "Mickey Down Under," edited shorts "Hawaiian Holiday," "Horn," "How to Swim" and "Pluto's Surprise Package," and BLAMS! (repurposed cartoons) #10: "Beach," #11: "Fox Hunt" and #12: "Hockey." $19.99. Extras: Mash-up music video of crazy cartoon clips remixed to the hit song "Play My Music" from "Camp Rock." (Disney).

Haven: The Complete First Season (2010) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $44.98. Extras: "Welcome to Haven," "VFX of Haven" and "Mythology of Haven,", audio commentary on select episodes, podcasts with cast and crew. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Entertainment One).

Insignificance (1985) Four unnamed people who look and sound a lot like Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and Joseph McCarthy converge in one New York City hotel room for this compelling, visually inventive adaptation of Terry Johnson's play, from director Nicolas Roeg. With a combination of whimsy and dread, Roeg creates a fun-house-mirror picture of Cold War America that questions the nature of celebrity and plays on a society's simmering nuclear fears. "Insignificance" is a delirious, intelligent drama, featuring magnetic performances by Michael Emil as "the professor," Theresa Russell as "the actress," Gary Busey as "the ballplayer" and Tony Curtis as "the senator." Newly restored digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Nicolas Roeg and producer Jeremy Thomas, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: New video interviews with Roeg, Thomas, and editor Tony Lawson; "Making Insignificance," a short documentary shot on the set of the film; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Chuck Stephens and a reprinted exchange between Roeg and screenwriter Terry Johnson. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Jackass 3.5 (2011) More unrated and uncensored escapades by the Jackass crew. Extras: "Jackass: The Beginning," deleted scenes, outtakes, Jackass European tour. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).

Kill the Irishman (2011) Ray Stevenson, Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio. Action-packed story about the rise and fall of real-life Irish-American mobster Danny Greene, who started out with the Italian Mafia then went on to create his own gangster empire, along the way surviving countless assassination attempts. Extras: Hour-long documentary, "Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman," featuring never-before-seen crime scene footage; interviews with the FBI agents and mobsters who worked with Danny Greene; interviews with family and friends. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (2010 -- Hong Kong) Donnie Yen, Shu Qi. A masked warrior tries to subvert the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II. Extras: Making-of featurettes, talent interviews. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Well Go USA).

The Makioka Sisters (1983) This lyrical adaptation of the beloved Japanese novel by Junichiro Tanizaki was a late-career triumph for world-class director Kon Ichikawa. Revolving around the changing of the seasons, "The Makioka Sisters (Sasame-yuki)" follows the lives of four sisters who have taken on their family's kimono manufacturing business, over the course of a number of years leading up to the Pacific War. The two oldest have been married for some time, but according to tradition, the rebellious youngest sister cannot wed until the third, conservative and terribly shy, finds a husband. This graceful study of a family at a turning point in history is a poignant evocation of changing times and fading customs, shot in rich, vivid colors. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Audie Bock.Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Marvel Knights Animation: Spider-Woman -- Agent of S.W.O.R.D. (2011) Ripped from the pages of "Secret Invasion" and "New Avengers," this animated feature follows the new adventures of Jessica Drew as she rediscovers her life in a world she did not make. Seeking revenge against those who destroyed her life, Jessica Drew must rise to become Spider-Woman again, even if it means her ultimate demise. Extras: Visual history of Spider-Woman, music video. (Shout! Factory).

Midnight Movie: The Killer Cut (2008) Rebekah Brandes, Brea Grant, Daniel Bonjour, Greg Cirulnick. Reworked version of the cult film, with new sequences and effects. A midnight showing of an early 1970's horror movie turns to chaos when the Killer from the movie comes out of the film to attack those in the theater. Read more about "Midnight Movie." Extras: Commentary by writer-director Jack Messitt, "Destroying the Illusion" behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, storyboard comparisons, cast, crew and VFX featurettes. (Bigfoot Entertainment).

Monogamy (2010) Rashida Jones, Chris Messina, Meital Doha. Increasingly anxious about his impending marriage to Nat (Rashida Jones) and thoroughly bored with his day job as a wedding photographer, Theo (Chris Messina) establishes a hobby: He's hired by clients to clandestinely snap voyeuristic photos of them as they go about their days. Things go smoothly until a sexy exhibitionist (Meital Dohan) leads him into an all-consuming obsession. As Theo stalks her day and night, the woman's mysterious public trysts send him reeling, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about his sex life at home. Extras: Behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes, deleted scenes, essay by film critic Amy Taubin, music video "You Don't Know (Nat's Song)" by Rashida Jones with Bummer and Lazarus. (Oscilloscope Laboratories).

N-Secure (2010) Cordell Moore, Essence Atkins, Denise Boutte, Lamman Rucker. A wealthy businessman who needs to control every aspect of his life, including his relationships with both his new and ex girlfriend, finds himself ensnared in a web of revenge and murder. Extras: "Inside N-Secure." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Red Riding Hood (2011) Dir.: Catherine Hardwicke; Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Billy Burke, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie. Also available as a Blu-ray Combo Pack, which includes an extended cut and an alternate ending. (Warner).

Snoopy's Adventures (2011) First in a new series of "Happiness Is ... Peanuts" DVDs. Includes the TV special "Snoopy's Getting Married, Charlie Brown" plus an episode of "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show"; $14.97. (Warner).

When They Were Young (2011) Documentary takes a look at rare high school and youth basketball footage of NBA superstars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, as well as up-and-comers LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthon. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

Yo Gabba Gabba!: Circus (2011) Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex star in four episodes: "Circus," "Treasure Hunt," "Flying" and "Fun"; $16.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Delta Police seek tips in Sunshine Hills sexual assault

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:34:25 GMT

On June 9 2011 at approximately 10:30 p.m. Delta Police responded to a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred in the area of the 11400 block of Bond Blvd in the Sunshine Hills neighbourhood of North Delta.

The Victim reported that she was walking her dogs when an unknown male came up from behind, grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. The suspect left the area after the assault.

Several police units including the K9 Section and Air 1 were involved in an extensive search of the area. The Delta Police Criminal Investigation Branch continues to investigate this incident. The Delta Police have been conducting a door to door canvass of the area seeking further information.

The suspect is described as a male possibly in his 20’s and wearing dark clothing.

Police are trying to identify two females walking in the area that may have passed the victim, prior to the assault. One of the females has blonde hair and was wearing athletic attire. Delta Police would like to speak with these women as they may have information that could help assisting in identification of the suspect.

Police remind the public to:

Be familiar with your surroundings
Walk in high visibility areas with sufficient lighting
Carry your cell phone if possible
Walk with a friend
Report incidents to police as soon as possible

The Delta Police have set up a tip line and encourage anyone with information regarding this sexual assault to call the Delta Police at 604-946-4411 and refer to tip 11-12377.

‘Traditional’ schools proving very popular in Delta

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:23:43 GMT

Delta, BC – A more formal learning environment with a focus on manners, school-wide homework policies, and uniforms is proving to be a popular choice for Delta families.

The Delta School District introduced its first ‘Traditional School’ at Tsawwassen’s Pebble Hill Elementary in 2008. A ‘traditional’ setting provides a private school style, but in a public school setting. The Delta School District decided to offer this form of education, as a way of delivering choice to families. The more structured learning environment quickly proved to be a popular option.

Enrollment at Pebble Hill had been declining. From September 2006 to September 2007, the student population dropped from 184 students to 146. Once the school became traditional, enrolment started to increase, back up to 164 students in the 2010/2011 school year. Kindergarten numbers have nearly quadrupled from 12 students in 2008 to 43 students enrolled for the upcoming 2011/2012 school year.

The success at Pebble Hill prompted the district to open a second traditional school in North Delta the following year. Jarvis Traditional Elementary School opened its doors in September 2009. Enrolment jumped from 363 students in 2008 to 391 students in 2010. Parents supported the new school format for a variety of reasons.

“At Jarvis, the parents who have chosen the traditional school seem to be parents who prefer schools with uniforms and with the increased attention to displays of respectful behaviour, such as formal greetings and the emphasis on manners,” said Ragini Kapil, Principal at Jarvis Traditional Elementary and formerly Principal at Pebble Hill Traditional Elementary.

The traditional model offers parents a choice that was not available previously in the public school system, explains Garnet Ayres, Delta School District Deputy Superintendent. “All of our schools are fairly traditional in one sense of the word, but parents have responded to these changes positively and the increase in enrolment at each school has been an indicator of that,” he said.

Now, the Delta School District is proud to announce that Heath Elementary School will become a traditional school as of September 2011. This decision was made following a consultation process involving parents, students and staff, which garnered great support for a switch to a traditional model.

“I’m excited because this decision was very much made in community,” said Janet Lauman, Principal at Heath Elementary.

Heath Traditional Elementary School is located at 11364 72nd Avenue in North Delta. Registrations are now being accepted for the fall and already there is an upturn in enrolment.

Local Social Worker wins Royal Bank 'Top 25 Immigrant' award for 2011

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:37:20 GMT

For the greater good

The field of social work is an intense career path that demands the ability and empathy to fight passionately on behalf of others, and that suits Alex Sangha of Delta, B.C., perfectly. In fact, speaking up for those who need a voice is a part of everything Sangha does, as a registered social worker, a grad student, founder of a gay and lesbian South Asian organization called Sher Vancouver and co-founder of Mindset (Mental Health Education, Awareness and Support) at PICS settlement agency.

Where does Sangha’s passion for advocacy come from? Born in the United Kingdom to Indian parents, Sangha, whose youth was spent largely in Canada, says he himself faced discrimination and disadvantage, not only for being South Asian, but for being gay. His experiences overcoming injustice in his own life, including tough years as a teenager dealing with bullying, has led him to become a vocal advocate for others.

“I feel if you give back and help others then you reap rewards of positive energy, positive feedback, and an intrinsic feeling of health and wellness. I felt it was necessary to make the most of my opportunities in Canada and fight for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed,” he says.

“I have my grandfather’s spirit in me. My grandfather spent his whole life helping South Asian immigrants in England settle in that country. My mother was devoted to giving back because it was a tenet of her Sikh faith. And I learned values of caring, sharing and collective goodwill through my professional education as a social worker.”

Krista Engelland Declares for Mayoralty Race

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:38:52 GMT

We’re off and running for November’s civic election. A familiar name and a new civic organization are ready to run.

“I am running as the Mayoralty candidate with One Delta, a new civic organization,” five time Councillor KRISTA ENGELLAND announced today.

“I'm running because I firmly believe we need a new direction at city hall. I care deeply about Delta, its people, its history and its land use,” Engelland stated. “As Mayor I intend to ensure Delta residents have a real say in their community.”

Engelland went on to say, she has a vision and a plan for the community and there are many opportunities that are not being realized. “People are telling me they feel powerless and need a Mayor who will lead the community.”

“People are encouraging me to run because they feel their concerns are not being heard by this mayor and this council. They are frustrated by a lack of transparent processes and accountability. “

Engelland said her 15 years as a Delta Councillor prepared her for the job as Mayor. “I know what it takes to run a municipality. Delta needs a full time Mayor who will take a lead for Delta residents and work to achieve what is best for their interests first.”

“There is an opportunity for change this November and I am the right person to be that change.” Engelland is a life-long resident of Delta and has lived in all three communities. Engelland grew up in Ladner, graduating from Delta Senior Secondary. She and her husband started their family in North Delta and later moved to Tsawwassen. She works at the family business located on River Road.

Universal Friendship and Karma

alexsangha@deltafreepress.com (Alex Sangha) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:39:42 GMT

It is difficult to be friends with everyone. People will have differences of opinion, personality clashes, and unresolved issues that they may or may not be aware of.

People who try to make a difference in this world often come under attack from some people. I was recently harassed in a hate spilled online conversation from someone I consider to be a closeted homosexual. He did not like my style of advocacy and establishment of Sher Vancouver which is a gay and lesbian organization for South Asians and friends.

This person also called my daily battle with depression as an “imagined mental condition.” This is an insult to everyone who lives with mental illness and to myself and my family who had to cope with numerous hospitalizations, suicidal episodes, and medication treatment trial and error over the last twenty years. Some of the medications contributed to my weight gain, development of diabetes, and cholesterol. The side effects of some medications can be devastating to your motivation and energy levels and sleeping patterns.

The fact that I am working on my second Masters degree and have been employed as a Youth Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, as well as founded a mental health, environmental, and gay and lesbian organization for my community is evidence of my determination and discipline to think positive, be positive, and work for the betterment of the marginalized and oppressed in society and victims of discrimination.

In addition, I enjoy writing to release my creative energies and have been a social affairs columnist with three newspapers. I have contributed numerous letters to the editor and have launched a popular national green photo contest on my environmental blog as well as published a book called Imagine which is available everywhere through Amazon.

For my efforts, I have been profiled in the Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver issue and most recently was nominated for the Royal Bank Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.

I would like to be a social entrepreneur and that is exactly the type of work I enjoy doing and want to be involved with as a social activist and social worker.

The good news is I receive messages of encouragement and support from friends, allies, and supporters on a regular basis. Positive reinforcement is important. The few people who have went to extraordinary lengths to bring me down and judge me and try try to break my spirit I have forgiven. I wish they find their calling and a positive direction in their life.

The principle of universal friendship is not necessarily to be friends with everyone but to wish everyone health and happiness and good fortune. What messages you send out into the universe is what you get back in return. This is karma and karma has carried me forward during the best and worst of times. It can for you to. Best wishes and God bless.

Alex Sangha, BSW (UBC), MSc (London School of Economics)
Registered Social Worker

Delta’s Premiere Public Screening of: A Chemical Reaction – April 12, 2011

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:03:54 GMT

With the enacting of the new cosmetic pesticide bylaw in the Corporation of Delta, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Delta Pesticide-Free Working Group are inviting residents to learn more about how cosmetic pesticides affect our health and the environment at a community dialogue and film screening on Tuesday, April 12th at 7pm at Burnsview Secondary School.

The evening will also feature the screening of the film ‘A Chemical Reaction’, which tells the story of a powerful community initiative that eventually resulted in Canada’s first by-law to ban the use of all chemical pesticides and herbicides, in the town of Hudson, Quebec. The by-law withstood a challenge by the chemical industry in the Supreme Court of Canada and so far the provinces of Quebec and Ontario have implemented provincial bans on the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides. 168 Canadian municipalities have adopted similar by-laws.

“The documentary, A Chemical Reaction, is 75 minutes of pure inspiration that a community can come together and overcome great odds to effect change,” said Judy Kilcup, Delta Resident and chair of the Delta Pesticide-Free Working Group.

Canadian Cancer Society Health Promotion Coordinator, Natasha Raey notes that, “The CCS is pleased to partner with the Delta Pesticide-Free Working Group and Burnsview Secondary School to raise awareness about the potentially harmful effects of pesticides. We are extremely pleased with the step that the Corporation of Delta has taken to increase the health of its residents (through the cosmetic pesticide bylaw) and we hope that this public screening will help to further educate our communities on the health risks associated with unnecessary cosmetic pesticide use.”

Admission is free for this family-friendly event. The organizers encourage everyone to attend and learn more about how individuals and communities can work together to reduce pesticide use.
For more information contact Natasha Raey at (604) 202-4189 or nraey@bc.cancer.ca.

To learn more about A Chemical Reaction, and to purchase a copy of the DVD, go to ifightcancer.ca.

Sean Hodgins' Ironic Humor: chooses parrot-green T-shirts for Century Group's Southlands development supporters

news@deltafreepress.ca (Greg J. Edwards) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:20:11 GMT

Speakers have cast so much birdseed about at Delta's suspended? adjourned? and now-secretive Southlands-ALR public hearings, I don't know whether to tweet? twitter? chirp? or squawk?

But I do know that I want to pat Sean Hodgins on the back for his fitting show of Irish humor: His choice of parrot-green T-shirts for Century Group's supporters to don is great irony.

But I wonder, Why has Delta's mayor and council said nothing to dispel the myths they've parroted?

Myth 1: Drainage: During opening comments, a Delta manager explained that drainage is not and will not be an issue. Why? For two reasons: One: Tsawwassen, including Southlands Farm, drains to the 12th Avenue dike pump at a cheap rate to taxpayers, so drainage will not be an added expense for Deltans should Southlands Farm return to the ALR.

Two: Southlands Farm has its own internal drainage system that the Department of Agriculture helped design and install years before Century Group took it over. Again, drainage is not an issue.

But several parrot-green shirts ignored these facts and prattled on and on about drainage: What about the drainage? The drainage will cost me, Joe Taxpayer, blah, blah, blah, if Southlands is returned to the ALR.

Mayor and Council did not dispel this nonsense. Why?

Myth 2: The Spetifore-Southlands Farm is poor farmland. Again, parrot-greens got up and retold this tall tale ad nauseam even though documents dug up from archives attest to this farm's fertile history, and even though recent agriculturalists' reports confirm its very arable nature.

Mayor and Council said nought. Why?

Myth 3: Even though there's no zoning change involved in returning the Southlands to the ALR, parrot-greens got up and engendered fear of a lawsuit if this land's zoning is changed.

Council said nothing to allay this unfounded fear Why?

Myth 4: "No due process" is another of the parrot-greens' slogans: Century Group haven't had "due process." The Hodgins should be given "due process" before Council applies to return the Southland Farm to the ALR.

Mayor and Council failed to explain that the Southlands' return to the ALR does not deny Century Group the right to re-submit their development plan to Council. Why?

Besides, Century Group took over the Spetifore-Southlands, not before, but just after, Delta had held the longest-running hearings in Canadian history, during which Deltans gave their resounding "No!" to its development. Those hearings are part of the "due process" that the parrot-greens ignore.

What's more, since those hearings in '89, Century Group recovered their money and more when they sold acreage to the Boundary Bay Regional Park, a deal that is also part of Century's history of "due process".

And, over the years, Delta has refused other Century offerings of free land for permission to develop, offerings and refusals that part of "due process".

Plus, the parrot-greens ignore Century's successful four-year public relations campaign of glossy mail-outs, charrettes, public hearings and open houses, complete with barn flies on the cookies, meant to enamor us all with their Southlands plan, which would spoil the efficient farming of at least two-thirds of these 500-plus acres by dividing it up into small unproductive hobby farms; and which would put condos on wildlife habitat, which is on a flood plain, prone to liquefaction during earthquakes, and rising sea levels due to global warming.

If "due process" has been denied anybody, it has been denied to Deltans who've fought for over 30 years to preserve the Spetifore-Southlands Farm for food, and to protect Delta's stretch of the Pacific Flyway, a north-south migration route for the world's birds: Why?

There's evidence of the Spetifore Farm's irregular removal from the ALR back in '81, evidence that includes a letter from a former provincial cabinet minister, Stephen Rogers, to a former premier, Bill Van der Zalm. Now there's fertile ground for a legal inquiry.

Myth 6: No matter how many times brave little Debbie McBride stands up to assure Tsawwassenites that Century Group will never set up a piggery, a mushroom farm, a giant chicken barn, or a light-emitting greenhouse butt up against their built-up area--for a long list of reasons--parrot-greens hop up to repeat the scare stories, implying that if Century Group, Tsawwassen's largest landlord, doesn't get their way, they will have a snit and foul their own nest. Of course, Century Group never dispel this whopper. And Council has never countered it, either.

Recalling that Mayor Lois Jackson is never shy of protecting herself from voters who take her to task at public hearings for failing to live up to her past commitments to preserve farms and habitat, I chatted with her before the third evening of hearings. I told her I couldn't understand why so many speakers were allowed to pass off nonsense as fact. She didn't explain why she's quick to defend herself, but she did say that Council's duty at public hearings is to listen, that Council makes its decisions based on fact, not nonsense, that Deltans' questions will be addressed at the end of the hearings--dare I call them smearings?

Since then, citing a lack of consensus--fueled in great part by the nonsense parroted by the parrot-green T-shirt gang--Mayor Jackson has decreed that the Southlands-ALR hearings are suspended till April 14 so that she can hold a closed summit with the developer and whomever she deems fit to invite from the eco-side. What's more, the mayor is keeping the eco-siders' IDs a secret, an official secret. So, many are wondering, How can public hearings be held in seclusion from voters? And, did Mayor Jackson and Council let the parrot-greens spred their birdseed so that she could use "no consensus" as an excuse to hold in camera meetings, a.k.a a mayor's summit?

Their birdseed begs another question: Has Century Group been promoting their Southland Plan in order to talk up their land's value before sale to an eco-trust? Perhaps the parrots' stuff have got to me, but think about it: Why else would Century propose condos for their flood plain, which is prone to liquefaction, and claim that their larger tract is infertile only to turn around to say that the land that they swear is worthless as a farm has great soil for students to learn farming, and organic gardens, and hobby farms?

More 'seed, please. The parrots are hungry.

Greg J. Edwards

Fraud Scam Offers Multi- Destination Vacation

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:30:10 GMT

Deal is No Deal

The Delta Police received information of yet another fraudulent scam being used to relieve you of your money and compromise your credit card(s).

In this scam the caller makes phone contact and indicates you have won a vacation trip to multiple destinations. Locations named include Cancun, Disneyland and Daytona Beach. All the “winner” pays is a registration fee of $194. This is where the caller transfers the phone to an associate who appears to be the “closer” and pressures you into participating and providing your visa number and security code. Locations and amounts of money indicated in this scam will possibly vary with every call but the elements of the scam may stay the same in this particular fraud scenario.

These scammers can come across as very legitimate but remember, if it sounds too good to be true is usually is.

The Delta Police remind citizens that it is never advisable to give your credit card or any personal or financial information over the phone or internet.

In this case, the complainant was astute and did not buy-in to the scam.

Public Support 3 to 1 for ALR Inclusion of the Southlands

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:50:34 GMT

A report from Delta Staff on the correspondence received up to March 7, 2011 shows clear majority support for an application to return the Southlands to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). For Delta residents, 985 have indicated support for the ALR application while only 501 have indicated opposition. For those outside of Delta, 441 have indicated support for the ALR application while only 22 have indicated opposition. In total 1426 out of 1949 total pieces of correspondence indicate support for an ALR application, constituting a 73% majority opinion. This follows a Ipsos Reid survey of Tsawwassen showing 63% support of maintaining the agricultural designation of Southlands an a poll conducted by the Georgia Straight showing 70% support for an ALR application. The poll conducted here on the Delta Free Press has support for ALR incluion at 88%.

The Public Hearing to consider an application for Southlands inclusion in the ALR ran for three evenings before being suspended by Delta Mayor Lois Jackson who called a “Mayor Summit” to discuss further options. Citing a lack of consensus in the community, Jackson’s Summit would consist of a variety of involved parties, with the hope of coming up with a solution that would satisfy everyone. The Public Hearing will be resumed on April 14 with a presentation given from the Summit.

“Every time the community is asked, the answer comes back to protect agricultural land” stated Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, “At some point our elected officials need to show that food security is an issue that requires more than just lip service.

The Public Hearing represents a long line of contentious meetings regarding the Southlands. This piece of farmland was the cause of the longest public hearing in Commonwealth history and a resident run plebiscite in 1989, which prevented a 2000 unit development that was proposed for the same property. The Southlands was originally in the ALR, but was removed by a Provincial Order-in-Council in 1981, even though its exclusion was rejected by the Agricultural Land Commission due to the high soil quality. In 1988 an application to change the designation to accommodate 1900 homes was eventually rejected, following the longest public hearing in Commonwealth history.

Officer Acknowledged for his Bravery

news@deltafreepress.ca (News Desk) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:04:07 GMT

Incident: On April 05, 2010, at 10:35 pm the Delta Police responded to the 1500 blk of 56th St. in relation to a report of two suspicious persons wearing masks and walking toward a local convenience store. Cst. Kevin Dueck arrived on scene first and observed two men wearing masks approaching the store. One of them was carrying a shotgun. With his weapon drawn, Cst. Dueck confronted the men, ordering them to surrender. The man with the shotgun fled on foot while the second man submitted to Dueck’s demands. Other officers converged on the scene and within minutes the second man was located, with the assistance of K9 and calls from the public, and arrested without incident.

Arrested and Charged: Two young Delta men, both 18 years of age, Brian McCarthy and Richard Jolly were both charged with robbery, use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, and disguise face with intent to commit an offence.

The apprehension of McCarthy and Jolly, prior to committing their planned robbery, which would have exposed innocent people to a very high level of danger, was a direct result of observant citizens reporting what they believed to be suspicious activity and the bravery of a single officer responding to a potentially life threatening situation.

Recognition: Cst. Dueck recently received a provincial Award of Valour for his courage. This award is presented to police officers who purposely take action for the benefit to others while knowing that, in doing so, they place themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury.

Outcome: On February 1st, Brain McCarthy pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and was sentenced to 12 months. On March 18th, Richard Jolly pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery. His sentencing hearing is pending.
“The public are the eyes and the ears of the police,” Chief Cessford states as a reminder. “The potential for a high level of violence causing serious injury or loss of life was circumvented by alert members of the public who not only recognized that something was wrong but took action by notifying their police force. Cst. Dueck reacted very bravely and professionally, but no less so than I expect most of our officers would have responded. That is not to undermine the importance of his actions but to reflect the confidence I have in the officers of the Delta Police Department. Working together, the public and the police make Delta a safe community.”

New DVD Releases March 22 2011

admin@deltafreepress.ca (Administrator) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:51:35 GMT

Alien 2 On Earth (1980) Belinda Mayne, Mark Bodin, Roberto Barrese, Benny Aldrich, Michele Soavi, Judy Perrin. The uncut, English language, 1.85 widescreen release of the 1980 Italian Horror/Sci-Fi film directed by Ciro Ippolito (Sam Cromwell); never released in the U.S. A group of cave explorers discover a mysterious living rock that bears home to deadly, flesh-eating creatures intent on wiping out the entire human population. Extras: The only surviving trailer from the mega rare Dutch VHS, effects outtakes transferred directly from the negative B-roll in full HD. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (MVD/Midnight Legacy). Arthur and the Invisibles 2 & 3 The New Minimoy Adventures (2011) Voices of Freddie Highmore, Selena Gomez, Mia Farrow, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, will.i.a.m, Fergie. The heroes from "Arthur and the Invisibles" are back for two new, full-length animated adventures. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. (Fox).

The Big I Am (2010) Leo Gregory, Michael Madsen, Vincent Regan, Beatrice Rosen, Steven Berkoff. A cruel twist of fate catapults a small time crook into the big league as temporary head of a brutal London gang poised on the brink of a lucrative human-trafficking deal. (Entertainment One).

Consinsual (2010) Terrance Moore, Keena Ferguson. A faithful husband compromises his own moral principles to satisfy his wife's perverse sexual appetite only to be falsely accused of rape, setting into motion a dangerous sequence of events fueled by lies, lust, and betrayal. (Entertainment One).

Dark Fields (aka The Rain) (2009) David Carradine, Richard Lynch, Dee Wallace Stone, Ellen Sandweiss. When the remote, drought-stricken farming community of Perseverance resorts to child sacrifice to bring healing rains to their land, a terrible curse is unleashed that haunts their bloodlines for generations. (Entertainment One).

Eclipse Series 26: Silent Naruse. Mikio Naruse ("Floating Clouds," "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs") was one of the most popular directors in Japan, a crafter of exquisite melodramas, mostly about women confined by their social and domestic circumstances. Though often compared with Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi for his style and treatment of characters, Naruse was a unique artist, making heartrending, brilliantly photographed and edited films about the impossible pursuit of happiness. From the outset of his career, with his silent films of the early '30S, Naruse zeroed in on the lives of the kinds of peoplE -- Geisha, housewives, waitresses -- who would continue to fascinate him for the next three decades. Though he made two dozen silent films, only five remain in existence; these works -- poignant, dazzlingly made dramas all -- are collected here, newly restored and on DVD for the first time, and featuring optional new scores by noted musicians Robin Holcomb and Wayne Horvitz. The five-disc set includes "Flunky, Work Hard (Koshiben ganbare)" (1931), "No Blood Relation (Nasanu naka)"(1932), "Apart from You (Kimi to wakarete)" (1933), "Every-Night Dreams (Yogoto no yume)" (1933) and "Street Without End (Kagirinaki hodo)" (1934). $44.95. (The Criterion Collection).

The Father of My Children (2009 -- France) Louis-Do de Lencquesaing, Chiara Caselli. A film producer struggles with despair as he juggles his latest over-budget production with the demands of family life. (IFC Films).

How Do You Know (2010) Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Kathryn Hahn, Molly Price, Mark Linn-Baker, Lenny Venito, Shelley Conn, Tony Shalhoub. Extras: Deleted scenes, blooper reel, "Extra Innings" featurette, commentary by the filmmakers, select scenes commentary with James L. Brooks and Owen Wilson. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds an interactive script gallery, "The George" featurette, "A Conversation With James L. Brooks and Hans Zimmer" featurette, additional deleted scenes. (Sony).

The Little Engine That Could (2011) New, feature-length animated film with the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis, Corbin Bleu, Brenda Song, Alyson Stoner. (Universal).

Meskada (2010) Nick Stahl, Rachel Nichols, Kellan Lutz, Grace Gummer, Michael Cerveris, Norman Reedus. Small-town detective Noah Cordin is called to solve a juvenile homicide that occurred during a home burglary in his affluent town of Hilliard. (Anchor Bay).

The People I've Slept With (2009) Karin Anna Cheung, Wilson Cruz, Archie Kao. A promiscuous young woman with a zealously active sex life, who makes keepsake "baseball cards" of each of her male conquests, races to uncover the identity of her "baby-daddy" after unexpectedly becoming pregnant. (Maya Entertainment).

Roger Corman's Cult Classics: Jackson County Jail/Caged Heat! Double-Feature Collector's Edition "Jackson County Jail" (1976), starring Yvette Mimieux, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Carradine, Howard Hesseman and Mary Woronov. Extras: Commentary by director Michael Miller, producer Jeff Begun and director of photography Bruce Logan; Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman; theatrical trailer; New World trailers. "Caged Heat!"(1974), starring Juanita Brown, Roberta Collins, Erica Gavin, Ella Reid, Rainbeaux Smith and Barbara Steele. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Jonathan Demme, director of photography Tak Fujimoto and actress Erica Gavin; Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman; poster and stills gallery; theatrical trailer; New World trailers. (Shout! Factory).

Scarecrow & Mrs. King: The Complete Second Season (1984-85) Five-disc set with 25 episodes, $39.98. (Warner).

Scary Movie 4 (2006) Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Craig Bierko. Unrated. Extras: "The Scary Truth: A Conversation With the Filmmakers," "The Man Behind the Laugh: David Zucker," "Zany, Spoof Humor -- Zucker Style," "The Visual Effects of Scary Movie 4," "The Youngbloodz," "Rappers ... Actors," "The Cast," "Improvisation of Craig Bierko," bloopers, deleted and extended scenes. Available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (The Weinstein Co./Vivendi Entertainment).

Skyline (2010) Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson, Donald Faison, David Zayas, Brittany Daniel, Crystal Reed, Neil Hopkins. Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, alternate scenes, pre-visualization, commentary with directors Greg and Colin Strause, commentary with co-writer/producer Liam O'Donnell and co-writer Joshua Cordes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal)

Strawberry Shortcake: Puttin' on the Glitz (2011) Strawberry and her friends play with fashion, $14.98. Extras: Printable coloring pages. (Fox).

The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) A true 20th century trailblazer, Harvey Milk was an outspoken human rights activist and the first openly gay U.S. politician elected to public office; even after his assassination, in 1978, he continues to inspire disenfranchised people around the world. The Oscar-winning "The Times of Harvey Milk," directed by Robert Epstein and produced by Richard Schmiechen, was, like its subject, groundbreaking. One of the first feature documentaries to address gay life in America, it's a work of advocacy itself, bringing Milk's message of hope and equality to a wider audience. This exhilarating trove of archival footage and heartfelt interviews is as much a vivid portrait of a time and place (San Francisco's historic Castro District in the '70s) as a testament to the legacy of a political visionary. Director-approved digital transfer, from the meticulous UCLA Film and Television Archive restoration, with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Commentary featuring director Robert Epstein, co-editor Deborah Hoffmann, and photographer Daniel Nicoletta; new interview with documentary filmmaker and UC Berkeley professor Jon Else; new program about "The Times of Harvey Milk" and Gus Van Sant's "Milk," featuring Epstein, Van Sant, actor James Franco, and Milk friends Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, and Nicoletta; postscript containing interview clips not used in the film; rare collection of audio and video recordings of Harvey Milk; interview excerpts from Epstein's research tapes; footage from the film's Castro Theatre premiere and the 1984 Academy Awards ceremony ; panel discussion on San Francisco Supervisor Dan White's controversial trial; excerpts from the 25th anniversary commemoration of Milk's and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone's assassinations; original theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic B. Ruby Rich, a tribute by Milk's nephew Stuart Milk, and a piece on the film's restoration by the UCLA Film and Television Archive's Ross Lipman. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

The Tourist (2010)Director: Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck. Stars: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff. Available on Blu-ray, Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and DVD. Extras: "A Gala Affair" featurette, "Bringing Glamour Back" featurette, alternate animated title sequence, commentary by director Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, outtake reel. Blu-ray Disc adds three more featurettes: "Action in Venice," "Canal Chats" and "Tourist Destination Travel the Canals of Venice" and MovieIQ. (Sony).

Vanquisher (2010) Sophita Sribanchean. Rising martial arts action star Sribanchean stars as a CIA agent who is betrayed by her own agency and forced into hiding after a covert mission goes awry. Having narrowly escaped an attempt on her life, she comes out of hiding and resurfaces in Bangkok with a vengeance to find out who wants her dead and to help stop another fatal crime from happening. Extras: Deleted scenes, making-of featurette." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment/Under the Magnet).

The Venture Bros. Season 4 Volume 2 (2010) Two-disc set, $19.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

World Wrestling Entertainment DVD Roundup
The True Story of WrestleMania (2011) The story of WrestleMania from its early beginnings through the week-long spectacular it has become, routinely drawing fans from all 50 states and around the world. This documentary feature includes new and insightful interviews from the Superstars and creative forces behind the event. Two-disc set, $39.95. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
The Big Show: A Giant's World (2011) Three-DVD set chronicles the life and times of WWE wrestler Big Show with new candid interviews, details on his struggles growing up, and a look at some of his most epic ring battles. Includes matches with greats like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena, and more. $34.95.
Royal Rumble 2011 (2011) Each year, the Royal Rumble pits 40 wrestlers against each other for a chance to earn a championship match at WrestleMania. Features all the action from the 2011 Royal Rumble Match, featuring Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Jack Swagger, Wade Barrett, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Sheamus, John Morrison, Mark Henry, the surprise return of Diesel and more. $24.95. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
Elimination Chamber 2011 (2011) Six superstars vie for ultimate supremacy inside an unforgiving 18-foot-high steel structure made of two miles of chain and 10 tons of steel. At stake is a world championship and a date with the main event at WrestleMania. Six Raw superstars battle in the elimination chamber for the WWE Championship and six of Smack Down's best fight for the World Heavyweight Championship. $24.95.

Yogi Bear (2010) Dan Aykroyd (voice), Justin Timberlake (voice), Anna Faris, Tom Cavanagh, T.J. Miller, Nathan Corddry, Andrew Daly. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Top Pick: The Tourist

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:42:58 GMT

During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank (Johnny Depp) unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Angelina Jolie), an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse full of international web of intrigue and danger. Director Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck helmed the Academy Award-winning film "The Lives of Others" (Best Foreign Language Film, 2006). Vitals: Director: Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck. Stars: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 103 min., Action Thriller, Box office gross: $66.559 million, Sony 3 Stars

Top Pick: The Fighter

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:30:25 GMT

Inspired by the life story of boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg)and his trainer brother Dick Eklund (Christian Bale), chronicling the brothers' early days on the rough streets of Lowell, Mass., through Eklund's battle with drugs and Ward's eventual world championship in London. It's a gritty, affectionately humorous, yet stirring comeback tale of the unlikely boxing hero his half-brother, who had to come apart as opponents before coming together as brothers in a scrappy fight to win a long-shot championship and strengthen the bonds of their family. Vitals: Director: David O. Russell. Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: R, 104 min., Drama, Box office gross: $82.400 million, Paramount. 4 Stars

New DVD Releases: March 16, 2011

entertainment@deltafreepress.com (Entertainment Desk) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:29:33 GMT

Barbie: A Fairy Secret (2010) Barbie discovers that there are fairies living secretly all around us. (Universal)

Barney: Mother Goose Collection (2011) DVD, 64-page activity book and music CD features more than 35 classic nursery rhymes, $14.98. Extras: "Behind the Scenes With Cast and Crew," "What Can It Be" read-along, 15 sing-alongs, 17 Mother Goose rhyme-alongs, "Mother Goose Live on Stage." (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

Batman: The Brave and the Bold Season 1 Part 2 (2008-09) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.97. (Warner).

Battle of the Warriors (2006) Andy Lau. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "The Making of Battle of the Warriors." Available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (The Weinstein Co./Vivendi Entertainment).

Coach: The Fourth Year (1991-92) Three-disc set with 21 episodes. (Universal).

The Fighter (2010) Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo. Extras: "The Warrior's Code: Filming The Fighter," commentary by director David O. Russell. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Keeping the Faith," deleted scenes. (Paramount).

Gamera Double Feature. The final two films in the illustrious Gamera franchise: "Gamera vs. Zigra" and "Gamera: The Super Monster," featuring newly restored anamorphic widescreen transfers, English dubs, publicity gallery. (Shout! Factory).

Hereafter (2010) Dir.: Clint Eastwood; Matt Damon, Cecile de France, Frankie and George McLaren, Jay Mohr, Bryce Dallas Howard, Marthe Keller, Thierry Neuvic, Derek Jacobi. Extras: "Tsunami! Recreating a Disaster," "Hereafter's Locations: Casting the Silent Characters," "The Eastwood Factor -- Extended Edition" documentary. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Is There Life After Death?," "Clint on Casting," "Delving Into the Hereafter," "Twin Bonding," "French Speaking French," "Why the White Light?" (Warner).

Hemingway's Garden of Eden (2008) Mena Suvari, Jack Huston, Caterina Murino. Adaptation of Hemingway's last novel about a young American writer who completes his service in WWI and travels across Europe with his wife and her attractive Italian girlfriend. (Lionsgate).

How I Won the War (1967) Dir.: Richard Lester; Michael Crawford, John Lennon, Jack MacGowran, Roy Kinnear, Lee Montague. Richard Lester's surreal collage of battle footage and one-liners lampooning the absurdity of war. This DVD release debuts on the anniversary of John and Yoko Ono's highly publicized "Bed-In" protesting the Vietnam War, and John and Yoko's actual wedding. Under the supervision of Lester, the DVD has been fully remastered. For a limited time, a commemorative Booklet will be included with each purchase featuring an introductory Letter from Yoko Ono and behind the scenes stills from the film. (MGM Limited Edition Collection). Due Sunday, March 20.

No One Knows About Persian Cats (2009 -- Iran) Indictment of artistic repression in Iran's exciting underground music scene and a funny and moving celebration of an entire generation of Iranians striving for personal and creative freedom. Follows a pair of young musicians (Negar Shaghaghi, Ashkan Koshanejad), recently released from prison, on a mission to take their rock band to Europe. Forbidden by the authorities to play in Iran, they plan their escape abroad with a fast-talking promoter. Vowing to play one last show before leaving Tehran, their dangerous mission takes them on a free-wheeling journey through the city's vibrant and diverse underground scene, home to an estimated 2,000 illegal independent bands. (IFC Films).

Peanuts Double Feature. Two classic peanuts features: "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" and "Snoopy Come Home," $16.99. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).

Shadow (2009) Jake Muxworthy, Karina Testa. A young American soldier returning from a tour of duty in Iraq and a female traveler are stalked by two goons while on a mountain-biking adventure in Europe; soon, however, all four are captured by a strange and vile mountain dweller who aims to torture them. (IFC Films).

A Shine of Rainbows (2009) Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell. A lonely orphan's life is transformed by an extraordinary woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself. Extras: "So Many Colours: The Making of A Shine of Rainbows." (Fox).

Spooner (2009) Matthew Lillar, Nora Zehetner, Christopher McDonald. Quirky romantic comedy about a 30-year-old used car salesman who faces eviction from his parent's house and meets the girl of his dreams, all on the same day. (Maya Entertainment).

Sugar Boxx (2009) Geneviere Anderson, Ellie Arket, Rainbow Borden. Southern-fried women-behind-bars actioner in which a reporter goes undercover and gets a scoop on the corruption and abuse at the Sugar State Women's Prison. (Entertainment One).

The Switch (2010) Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lewis, Patrick Wilson. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Switch Conceived" behind-the-scenes featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds alternate ending, additional deleted scenes, bloopers. (Miramax Films/Lionsgate).

Who Do You Think You Are? Season 1 (2010) TV series follows seven celebrities as they journey through ancestral history and share their life-altering discoveries about their ancestors and their past. Sarah Jessica Parker, Dallas Cowboys' Emmitt Smith, Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, Matthew Broderick, Brooke Shield, Lisa Kudrow. Two-disc set with seven episodes, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

The Wildest Dream (2010) Re-enactments, photos and astonishing visuals tell the intersecting stories of George Mallory, the first man to attempt a summit of Mount Everest, and Conrad Anker, the mountaineer who finds Mallory's frozen remains 75 years later. Voiceover by Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and the late Natasha Richardson. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Virgil Film & Entertainment).

Quiet on the golf course please

news@deltafreepress.ca (Greg J. Edwards) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:21:51 GMT

Editor:

A noise has been heard for five, six, seven hours, almost daily, in spring, summer and fall, but less often in winter. Those living between 1st and 8th avenues assume B.C. Ferries or Westshore Terminals makes it, and nothing can be done to stop it; however, these assumptions are wrong. For those of us living between 1st Avenue and the border, it's a penetrating drone whose origin is easy to pin point: the Point Roberts Golf and Country Club's maintenance machinery. PRGCC is claiming, yet again, that our complaints are "the first" it "has heard", and it's balking at the cost of quiet equipment; however,Whatcom County has assured us that PRGCC, which is applying for 55 building permits, can afford it.

Help end this noise before spring by emailing Whatcom County executive Pete Kremen: PKremen@co.whatcom.wa.us; with CC's to Delta mayor and council: Mayor-Council@corp.delta.bc.ca; and M.P. John Cummins: Cummins.J@parl.gc.ca

And join our anonymous email update at 604-948-5149.

Our Beach Grove and Tsawwassen courses operate quietly, so PRGCC can, too.

Greg J. Edward

Delta