SECTION
B
LIVING
Features Editor:
Rebecca Conroy Killian Friday,
rkillian@tribweb.com
724-226-4669
February 22,
2008
MATT SOBER
Consider This
Perhaps ISTOCK PHOTO
it’s worth
a shot
You see it time and time
again in professional sports: a
once-proud athlete whose best
years are behind him.
Take baseball. A great
pitcher hits a certain age,
and, as quickly as he
ascended to stardom 10 years
earlier, his skills begin to
deteriorate. Within a year or
two, he’s a shadow of his
former self.
He’s wildly inconsistent.
Injury-prone.
And increasingly humbled
by has-beens and never-
weres.
Before you know it, he’s WINNER:
out of the league and making Dolly Mann
a living as a TV pitchman. of Oklahoma
Just as many professional Borough
athletes see their careers
begin to slip away as they
approach their mid-30s, I, too,
have noticed a decline in my
performance at work.
RED glam
More mistakes.
Less productivity.
carpet
And rapidly waning
interest in being a team
player.
Unfortunately, retiring and
living off the income from a
Just For Men endorsement
isn’t an option.
No, what I really need —
what all nine-to-fivers could
use, really — is a perform- Participants go for the gold
ance-enhancing drug.
Something a little stronger
than Diet Coke, that is.
in Oscar Dress-Up Contest
We all know by now what
the right drugs can do for an VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
athlete. If you believe his
former trainer, all it took for Dolly Mann’s daughter Emily tells her, “You’re cute, mom!”
Roger Clemens to revive a “I don’t know what that means,” says the Oklahoma Borough resident, laughing,
Hall of Fame career after but she is pretty sure it is a compliment about her fashion sense.
losing something off his fast- As well it should be, say the judges in the annual Valley News Dispatch Oscar
ball were a few well-placed Dress-Up Contest, who have named Mann the grand-prize winner.
steroid injections. We asked readers to design a gown they imagined Oscar-nominated actress Laura
And what do the rest of us Linney would wear to the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night. Competitors
working stiffs have at our continued to impress us with an array of glamorous creations, many with miniature
RUNNER-UP:
disposal? accessories, frills and flash.
Mann, who was a runner-up last year and grand-prize winner two years ago, ran a
Joan Zidek of
Nothing more potent than North Apollo
a shot of espresso in the weekend fashion marathon this year, producing four paper-doll dresses of varying
morning — which can’t even interpretations in two days.
be administered directly into “(Winning) makes me feel pretty good,” she says. “I really like to do things
the bloodstream. like that. I’m always trying to improve and get new ideas. This is fun — it’s my
At least not without relaxation.”
creating a spectacle at Judges liked the red outfit she chose for Linney the best. “I was going for
Starbucks. something simple and elegant,” she says of the dress. The actress makes a good
Look, this isn’t about model, she adds. “She is the right body type.”
In preparing for the contest, Mann went online to research Linney’s taste
the money. This job has
in clothing. “I like to see what she wore before,” she explains.
never been about the
She also loves to watch the various awards shows’ red-carpet cere-
money to me.
monies. “I like to see who is the best dressed, who is the worst dressed,
What it’s about is not
and usually I’m pretty close picking out who the commentators like or
being homeless.
dislike,” she says.
This desperation for a
Mann will receive a prize package that includes a pair of tickets to the
job-performance-enhancing
“Lights! Glamour! Action!” black-tie gala, hosted by the Pittsburgh Film
drug has nothing to do with
Office on Sunday; a $100 tux rental; a $100 certificate for hair and nails; and a set of
some competitive drive to be “Glamorous Movie Stars” paper dolls.
employee of the month, or RUNNER-UP: Runners-up Laura Fields of Saxonburg and Joan Zidek of North Apollo each will
even a desire to keep up with Laura Fields receive a $50 movie gift card and a set of “Glamorous Movie Stars” paper dolls.
younger, more ambitious of Saxonburg
coworkers.
Honestly, I’m really just MORE PAPER DOLLS • B3
trying make it through the
day with my sanity intact.
Considering that the
employee handbook clearly
regards alcohol consumption
as grounds for dismissal,
Coming-of-age comedy deftly tackles topic of pill dependency
there appears to be just one case, it’s the dependency on school, his only choice is the and even physics. The gimmick
option. One drug whose REVIEWS
‘Vantage Point’
prescription drugs to combat public route. After a few days of must have looked good on the
widespread use in the work emotional problems. getting his feet under him, he Rated PG-13 for sequences of page, as director Pete Travis
force suggests such a soothing “Charlie Bartlett” handles the finds his niche — dealing pills intense violence and action, rounded up a superb cast that
effect that people willingly ‘Charlie Bartlett’ subject cautiously, but doesn’t to the student body and acting some disturbing images and includes Dennis Quaid and
exchange long-term health Rated R for language, drug get overly serious or preachy. as a sort-of psychiatrist. brief strong language; #‰ Forest Whitaker.
consequences for its short- content and brief nudity; ### That approach makes for plenty Eventually, Charlie’s sought- This preposterous yarn At first, it’s annoying as the
term benefit. of laughs in this dark comedy. after popularity gains the relies on a quickly strained action continually rewinds to
(out of four)
So, wanna go out for a Anton Yelchin (“Alpha Dog”) attention of the school’s prin- gimmick — the shooting of the play things back from another
smoke? Directed by Jon Poll, delivers in the title role. cipal (Robert Downey Jr.), and U.S. president shown over and perspective. The ham-fisted
We won’t even have to “Charlie Bartlett” is the story Bartlett is a troubled teen with at the same time, Charlie finds over, from different characters’ manner in which the film-
worry about Congress getting of an awkward teenager finding a wealthy father in jail for tax himself falling for the prin- viewpoints — to cover up the makers present those transi-
involved. friends and love in a new high evasion and a mother (Hope cipal’s daughter (Kat fact that it’s less of a story than tions eventually becomes
——— school, but it also does a fine Davis) who’s making it through Dennings). a commotion of human pool laughable.
E-mail Matt Sober at job of including some mature on prescription meds. When I In wide release balls clattering against one I In wide release
msober@tribweb.com. present-day themes. In this Charlie’s booted out of private — Garrett Conti another in ways that defy sense — The Associated Press
MORNING BRIEFING
Out of ‘Order’ ∫ Comics — B2 Coming
∫ To Your Good Health: Muscle weakness is
Jesse L. Martin is putting down his “Law & Order”
detective’s shield, and Anthony Anderson is in
the hallmark of polymyositis — B3 Saturday
∫ This Just In: After his big Grammy win,
negotiations to pick it up. Martin, who has been Herbie Hancock sees a 966 percent boost in How well do GPS units
with the NBC drama since fall 1999, will film an album sales — B3 handle the twists and
episode to air this spring explaining the departure turns of Western
of his character, New York police Detective Ed ∫ Television listings, Best Bets — B4 Pennsylvania’s
Green, a person familiar with the show said. landscape?
Friday, February 22, 2008 B2
ENTERTAINMENT · LIVING
Muscle weakness is
hallmark of polymyositis
Dear Dr. Donohue: My
mother recently was struck
down by what her doctor says
is polymyositis. I had to take
her to the emergency room,
REDcarpet glam
and they kept her in the
hospital for five days. She
was released to a convales- DR. PAUL DONOHUE
cent center. She has regained To Your Good Health
some strength in her arms,
but her lower half remains
weak. Could you shed some head to comb their hair.
light on polymyositis? The physical symptoms
— G.B.Y. strongly suggest the illness.
Answer: Polymyositis Finding strange antibodies —
(POL-ee-MY-oh-SITE-iss) is a the work of the immune system
somewhat uncommon illness — in the blood adds more
where many (the “poly” of evidence for the diagnosis.
polymyositis) muscles (the When the skin is involved,
“myo” of polymyositis) are the condition is called dermato-
inflamed (the “itis” of myositis.
polymyositis). It can strike at Prednisone, one of the corti-
any age, but there are two age sone drugs, is the medicine
peaks for it. One occurs most often used in treating this
between the ages of 7 and 15, disease. Cortisone drugs are the
and the other between 30 and 50. most powerful anti-inflamma-
The cause has eluded tory medicines available. Some-
discovery, but there is strong times additional medicines that
evidence that the immune have a direct effect on the
system is inappropriately immune system are added.
involved in an assault on ———
muscles. Genes also are impli- Dr. Donohue cannot answer
cated, and most likely some envi- individual letters but will incor-
ronmental trigger plays a role. porate them in his column when-
Usually the illness creeps up ever possible. Readers may write
on a person gradually. Muscle him or request an order form of
weakness is the hallmark available health newsletters at
symptom, and the weakness P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL Dolly Mann,
can become so profound that 32853-6475. Readers may also Oklahoma Borough
people cannot rise from a chair, order health newsletters from
climb stairs or reach up to their www.rbmamall.com. Kaylee Neil, 10,
Allegheny Township
TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS
Announcer Don Pardo 90
Actor Paul Dooley 80
Hollywood “ghost singer” Marni Nixon 78
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) 76 Linda Ban, New Kensington Linda Ban, New Kensington
Movie director Jonathan Demme 64
Actor John Ashton 60
Actress Miou-Miou 58
Actress Julie Walters 58
Actor Kyle MacLachlan 49
Actress Jeri Ryan 40
Actor Thomas Jane 39
Actress Drew Barrymore 33
NOW SHOWING
Movie listings are furnished by advertisers. For movie times, call the theater
numbers listed below. For more reviews and showtimes, visit www.movies.com.
#### Excellent ### Good ## Fair # Poor
MOVIES WITHOUT STARS HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED; RATINGS: TRIBUNE-REVIEW AND WIRE SERVICES
27 Dresses (PG-13) 107 min. ##‰ Katherine Heigl plays a woman who’s always
the bridesmaid, never the bride. Cinemark
Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG) 92 min. ## Live action and computer animation
bring the cartoon critters to life. With Jason Lee. South Pike, Waterworks
Be Kind Rewind (PG-13) 101 min. Jack Black and Mos Def remake films lost when
their video store’s tapes are demagnetized. Cinemark
The Bucket List (PG-13) 97 min. ##‰ Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star as
dying men on a road trip. South Pike, Cinemark
Charlie Bartlett (R) 97 min. ### Anton Yelchin makes himself his school’s
psychiatrist. Cinemark, Waterworks
Definitely, Maybe (PG-13) 111 min. Romantic comedy with Ryan Reynolds as a
political consultant. Abigail Breslin as his daughter. Cinemark, Waterworks
The Eye (PG-13) 97 min. Jessica Alba is a sightless woman whose new eyes see
horrible things. Cinemark
Fool’s Gold (PG-13) 95 min. # Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey star in a
romantic adventure. Cheswick, Waterworks, Cinemark, South Pike
Jumper (PG-13) 90 min. #‰ Hayden Christensen finds he is able to teleport
anywhere. Not everyone is amused. Cinemark, South Pike, Waterworks
Juno (PG-13) 92 min. ### Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young
woman makes an unusual decision about her unborn child. Cinemark, Waterworks, Abigail Fields, 7, Maisy Bennis, 4, Lower Burrell Alexandra Haas,
South Pike Saxonburg (Mom, Robin, helped to cut dress) Fawn Martz, Vandergrift Natrona Heights
National Treasures: Book of Secrets (PG) 124 min. ### The treasure hunter
tries to clear an ancestor in Lincoln’s assassination. Cinemark
No Country for Old Men (R) 122 min. #### A hunter stumbles upon some THIS JUST IN
bodies, a stash of heroin and more than $2 million in cash. South Pike
Persepolis (PG-13) 95 min. An outspoken Iranian girl finds her outlook on life That raises her to No. 2 from in Austin recently, but sched- Cowboys quarterback Don
repeatedly challenged during the Islamic revolution. Cinemark Hancock’s Grammy No. 24. “Rehab” sold 77,000 ules didn’t align. Meredith and a former Univer-
downloads, a 234 percent sity of Texas student, drew on
Rambo (R) 93 min. #‰ A group of aid workers recruits John Rambo (Sylvester boosts music sales increase.
“Justin wants to portray
what it’s like playing for the his Texas ties for the concept,
Stallone) to guide them into war-torn Burma. South Pike — USA Today Gottsch said.
Hooks, playing for an Astros
After winning the Grammy — The Associated Press
The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) 97 min. ### The big-screen version of the for album of the year, Herbie minor league team and
popular books about an alternate universe. Cinemark, Cinemark IMAX, South Pike,
Cheswick, Oaks
Hancock takes Timberlake gets role playing at Whataburger Field,”
Hooks president J.J. Gottsch
another victory
Step Up 2 (PG-13) 98 min. ## Students find love at the Maryland School of the lap this week
in baseball film said.
with a 966 The new star of the Corpus “The Open Road” is the story
Arts. Cinemark, South Pike, Waterworks
percent sales Christi, Texas, Hooks minor of a young man trying to recon-
Strange Wilderness (R) 87 min. Jonah Hill and Justin Long co-star in a comedy boost, the league baseball team wants nect with his father — a
about trying to find bigfoot. Cinemark highest some playing tips. legendary athlete played by
percentage Justin Timberlake will Jeff Bridges — as he struggles
There Will Be Blood (R) 158 min. ###‰ A down-and-out silver miner becomes to get home to his ailing
a self-made oil tycoon after making a lucky strike. Cheswick, South Pike jump in the portray fictional Hooks player
post-awards Carlton Garrett in the mother. Mary Steenburgen
Vantage Point (PG-13) 90 min. #‰ An attempted presidential assassination told chart derby. upcoming movie “The Open and Kate Mara also are in the
from different points of view. Dennis Quaid. Cheswick, Cinemark, South Pike, “River: The Hancock Road.” The 27-year-old pop star film.
Waterworks Joni Letters,” tried to meet with players of the Writer-director Michael
his modest-selling underdog, Houston Astros’ Double-A team Meredith, son of former Dallas
VeggieTales: The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G) 85 min. The VeggieTales skyrocketed to No. 5 from
returns to the big screen, this time with a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. No. 159 on “Billboard” after
South Pike selling 54,000 copies, compared
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (PG-13) 114 min. ##‰ Martin Lawrence as an with 5,000 a week earlier,
L.A. talk-show host who returns to the Deep South. Cinemark, Waterworks bringing total sales to 114,000,
according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Witness Protection (PG-13) 99 min. A hapless sheriff (Larry the Cable Guy) helps a It’s the jazz pianist’s highest
woman escape from crooked FBI agents. Cinemark, South Pike, Waterworks position ever on the chart.
Amy Winehouse, the
Grammy leader with five
trophies, including best record
Cinemark, Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer, Oakmont, 412-828-6311 and song for “Rehab,” enjoyed
724-274-0151 South Pike Cinemas, Route 356, Buffalo the fattest boost.
Cheswick Theaters, Pittsburgh Street, Township, 724-295-2630 Her “Back to Black” sold
Cheswick, 724-274-6646 Waterworks Cinemas, Waterworks, 115,000 copies, a 368 percent
Oaks Cinema, 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Pittsburgh, 412-784-1402 leap from the previous week.