In one of those movie adaptations from "Saturday Night Live," "The Ladies' Man" recreates Leon Phelps (Tim Meadows), a politically incorrect cad, or what used to be called a plain, ordinary lounge lizard.
Anyhow, as cads or lizards go, Phelps is at the top of his game until he is fired from his radio talk show host job for making "inappropriate" comments on air. As he searches for employment, he gets a letter from a female claiming he is her true love.
His curiosity piqued by this communique, Phelps can't decide who among his vast stable on conquests this can be, while all the time he is being stalked by vengeful ex-husbands. Good heavens, such a plot. What will they come up with next?
Though it is directed by Reginald Hudlin who is said to keep it going "quickly and not too painfully," it is written by a total of three writers. Not a good sign.
It's not without hope, however. There's a "remarkably inspired," "West Side Story" style dance number, and the added attraction of Billy Dee Williams, who narrates the story.
It has quite a rating: R for crude sex gags, sight gags and talk, nudity, slapstick violence (which alone might recommend it), simulated sex (huh?), and scattered profanity. Whew!
It starts Thursday at Cinema One.
HEALTH CENTER FINALLY SNAGS NEW DOCTOR
A new doctor has finally been hired at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, after nearly half a year of uncertainty that saw one newly hired physician leave after just weeks on the job.
Dr. Joseph DeJames Maldonado began work at the clinic Tuesday. A board-certified family practitioner, DeJames is working full-time, taking some of the burden off the clinic's stalwart, Dr. Elizabeth Barot.
DeJames grew up in Puerto Rico and completed his doctor of medicine degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. DeJames also did his family practice residency at SUNY-Buffalo, where he also eventually worked as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine.
A man of wide interests, Dr. DeJames' undergraduate studies took in not just biology but additional majors in philosophy and African-American studies. He has also earned a master of arts degree in American/Puerto Rican studies from SUNY-Buffalo.
Dr. Joseph DeJames Maldonado began work at the clinic Tuesday. A board-certified family practitioner, DeJames is working full-time, taking some of the burden off the clinic's stalwart, Dr. Elizabeth Barot.
DeJames grew up in Puerto Rico and completed his doctor of medicine degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. DeJames also did his family practice residency at SUNY-Buffalo, where he also eventually worked as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine.
A man of wide interests, Dr. DeJames' undergraduate studies took in not just biology but additional majors in philosophy and African-American studies. He has also earned a master of arts degree in American/Puerto Rican studies from SUNY-Buffalo.
OFF SHORE TO HOST CHAMBER AFTER HOURS
The Off Shore Bar at Port of Sale-Havensight will host the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Live music will be provided by the Off Shore Gypsies with special guests Jay Koder (Steve Miller Band) and Andy Stokes. Chicago blues legend Pinetop Perkins will also be on hand.
There also will be hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and prize.
Live music will be provided by the Off Shore Gypsies with special guests Jay Koder (Steve Miller Band) and Andy Stokes. Chicago blues legend Pinetop Perkins will also be on hand.
There also will be hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and prize.
LUCKY NUMBERS — NOT SO LUCKY PLOT
It looks like "Lucky Numbers" will need more than luck to help it through what has been called a "really dim-witted plot," but with a remarkably undimwitted cast. Let's see.
Russ Richards (John Travolta) is a popular Los Angeles weatherman, ( a smog monitor presumably), who, down on his luck, persuades the lovely Lotto Lady Crystal Leroy (Lisa Kudrow), to rig some numbers in his behalf.
Now, this doesn't sound like the worst plot Glittertown has come up with. But, alas, it is handled with neither sufficient grace nor humor, according to the critical community. Director and novelist Nora Ephron is a very clever lady, but some say she lost her touch with this one.
Richards hails from Harrisburg, Penn, where he even has his own table at Denny's, but that doesn't really cut it in LA. However, it begins to look like his foolish scheme just might work when one of his patsies equally foolishly, turns up dead. Now, that really muddies the waters, as the patsy held the winning ticket.
Fine pickle we're in now, Ollie. However, stay tuned, eat your popcorn, watch Kudrow and Travolta, and chill, man.
It is directed by Nora Ephron and John Lindley and is rated R for language, sexuality, drugs and brief violence.
It starts Thursday at Cinema One.
Russ Richards (John Travolta) is a popular Los Angeles weatherman, ( a smog monitor presumably), who, down on his luck, persuades the lovely Lotto Lady Crystal Leroy (Lisa Kudrow), to rig some numbers in his behalf.
Now, this doesn't sound like the worst plot Glittertown has come up with. But, alas, it is handled with neither sufficient grace nor humor, according to the critical community. Director and novelist Nora Ephron is a very clever lady, but some say she lost her touch with this one.
Richards hails from Harrisburg, Penn, where he even has his own table at Denny's, but that doesn't really cut it in LA. However, it begins to look like his foolish scheme just might work when one of his patsies equally foolishly, turns up dead. Now, that really muddies the waters, as the patsy held the winning ticket.
Fine pickle we're in now, Ollie. However, stay tuned, eat your popcorn, watch Kudrow and Travolta, and chill, man.
It is directed by Nora Ephron and John Lindley and is rated R for language, sexuality, drugs and brief violence.
It starts Thursday at Cinema One.
MEN OF HONOR — AND HEART
It can be difficult to film a true story, especially one with great possibility for bathos, and do it cleanly and effectively. "Men of Honor," from most reports, has done just that.
Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as real life Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a master diver in the Navy. Robert De Niro stars as fictional Bill Sunday, an invention said to shore up Gooding's role, and give more texture to the movie. Sunday is simultaneously Brashear's most vicious adversary, and loyal supporter, and scene stopper. ( De Niro has long had the reputation of an "actor's actor.")
Of course, it's a male bonding outing, but with a difference – some say, class. Sunday is actually a composite of two of Brashear's real life diving teachers. He is "hard-drinking, foul mouth, stubborn, brave and tough." In short, what more could one ask? Oh yes, he's also a racist.
Brashear has grown up in the sharecropper south, and has one ambition – to get into Navy diving school, which even in the 1948 desegregated Navy, most blacks were given a hard time and relegated to cooks and stewards jobs.
Brashear survives all the bigotry and becomes a diver only to suffer a horrendous accident and amputation and wind up as master chief. Gooding puts total commitment into his part, as well he should when up against De Niro. The two have excellent backup with Hal Holbrook, Charlize Theron and Michael Rapaport. It is directed by George Tillman Jr., and rated R for language.
It starts Thursday at Diamond Cinemas.
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Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as real life Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a master diver in the Navy. Robert De Niro stars as fictional Bill Sunday, an invention said to shore up Gooding's role, and give more texture to the movie. Sunday is simultaneously Brashear's most vicious adversary, and loyal supporter, and scene stopper. ( De Niro has long had the reputation of an "actor's actor.")
Of course, it's a male bonding outing, but with a difference – some say, class. Sunday is actually a composite of two of Brashear's real life diving teachers. He is "hard-drinking, foul mouth, stubborn, brave and tough." In short, what more could one ask? Oh yes, he's also a racist.
Brashear has grown up in the sharecropper south, and has one ambition – to get into Navy diving school, which even in the 1948 desegregated Navy, most blacks were given a hard time and relegated to cooks and stewards jobs.
Brashear survives all the bigotry and becomes a diver only to suffer a horrendous accident and amputation and wind up as master chief. Gooding puts total commitment into his part, as well he should when up against De Niro. The two have excellent backup with Hal Holbrook, Charlize Theron and Michael Rapaport. It is directed by George Tillman Jr., and rated R for language.
It starts Thursday at Diamond Cinemas.
.
MEN OF HONOR — AND HEART
It can be difficult to film a true story, especially one with great possibility for bathos, and do it cleanly and effectively. "Men of Honor," from most reports, has done just that.
Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as real life Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a master diver in the Navy. Robert De Niro stars as fictional Bill Sunday, an invention said to shore up Gooding's role, and give more texture to the movie. Sunday is simultaneously Brashear's most vicious adversary, and loyal supporter, and scene stopper. ( De Niro has long had the reputation of an "actor's actor.")
Of course, it's a male bonding outing, but with a difference – some say, class. Sunday is actually a composite of two of Brashear's real life diving teachers. He is "hard-drinking, foul mouth, stubborn, brave and tough." In short, what more could one ask? Oh yes, he's also a racist.
Brashear has grown up in the sharecropper south, and has one ambition – to get into Navy diving school, which even in the 1948 desegregated Navy, most blacks were given a hard time and relegated to cooks and stewards jobs.
Brashear survives all the bigotry and becomes a diver only to suffer a horrendous accident and amputation and wind up as master chief. Gooding puts total commitment into his part, as well he should when up against De Niro. The two have excellent backup with Hal Holbrook, Charlize Theron and Michael Rapaport. It is directed by George Tillman Jr., and rated R for language.
It starts Thursday at Market Square East.
Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as real life Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a master diver in the Navy. Robert De Niro stars as fictional Bill Sunday, an invention said to shore up Gooding's role, and give more texture to the movie. Sunday is simultaneously Brashear's most vicious adversary, and loyal supporter, and scene stopper. ( De Niro has long had the reputation of an "actor's actor.")
Of course, it's a male bonding outing, but with a difference – some say, class. Sunday is actually a composite of two of Brashear's real life diving teachers. He is "hard-drinking, foul mouth, stubborn, brave and tough." In short, what more could one ask? Oh yes, he's also a racist.
Brashear has grown up in the sharecropper south, and has one ambition – to get into Navy diving school, which even in the 1948 desegregated Navy, most blacks were given a hard time and relegated to cooks and stewards jobs.
Brashear survives all the bigotry and becomes a diver only to suffer a horrendous accident and amputation and wind up as master chief. Gooding puts total commitment into his part, as well he should when up against De Niro. The two have excellent backup with Hal Holbrook, Charlize Theron and Michael Rapaport. It is directed by George Tillman Jr., and rated R for language.
It starts Thursday at Market Square East.
ADOPTION STAMP CEREMONY AT WENDY'S
In a special ceremony from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Wendy's in Mandela Circle, the United States Postal Service will cancel the new Adoption commemorative stamp.
Postmaster Louis Jackson said, "The Adoption stamp serves as a simple thank you to everyone involved in making homes for children and young adults who are less fortunate." He said it helps raise awareness about how adoption can make a positive difference in the lives of many children.
Guest of honor at the ceremony is Etta Rahming, district manager of the V.I. Department of Human Services, who will discuss how adoption has touched her life.
Jackson said the Adoption stamp is part of the Postal Service's long-standing tradition of raising awareness of social issues. Previous stamps have featured Breast Cancer Research, Hospice Care and Organ and Tissue Donation.
Postmaster Louis Jackson said, "The Adoption stamp serves as a simple thank you to everyone involved in making homes for children and young adults who are less fortunate." He said it helps raise awareness about how adoption can make a positive difference in the lives of many children.
Guest of honor at the ceremony is Etta Rahming, district manager of the V.I. Department of Human Services, who will discuss how adoption has touched her life.
Jackson said the Adoption stamp is part of the Postal Service's long-standing tradition of raising awareness of social issues. Previous stamps have featured Breast Cancer Research, Hospice Care and Organ and Tissue Donation.
PARK SERVICE STUDIES FEE PLAN FOR TOUR OPERATORS
With the number of visitors to St. Croix steadily increasing, the National Park Service on the Big Island is seeking input from tour operators and taxi drivers to control impacts on the agency’s historic and natural attractions.
On Wednesday night, Park Service officials met with about two dozen people to gather information on a proposed commercial services plan for Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site and Salt River Bay Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. The plan, to be implemented in early 2002, will identify "appropriate and necessary commercial services in each park and the formal regulation," of them, said Joel Tutein, the Park Service’s superintendent on St. Croix.
While the largest group of Park Service concessionaires do business by taking paying customers to Buck Island by boat, Tutein said taxi operators in the historic district and other tour operators aren’t guided by any set regulations.
The commercial services plan, which all national parks must implement, would ensure that concessionaires aren’t managed by the whim of a single person, Tutein said. In addition, he said a plan will give current and prospective concessionaires an idea of what permits and fees will be required.
"If they go through the process, they should be able to look into the future five years down the road," he said.
A formal plan also lends an orderly process for concessionaires, unlike the unruly process tourists were subjected to for a tour of Buck Island 25 years ago. At that point there were some 23 tour operators running 57 boats. The competition for customers was so fierce, said Tutein, it wasn’t uncommon for fist fights to break out among boat captains on King’s Wharf in Christiansted
Because of the chaos, the Park Service ordered tour operators to post standard fares, which now run from $40 to $80 per person, and schedules for trips to Buck Island. Proof of insurance was also required.
Now, through attrition and a dip in visitors, there are six concessionaires operating a dozen boats for the approximately 40,000 people who visit Buck Island annually.
"It’s more than enough for the numbers going out to Buck Island," Tutein said. "None are carrying 50 percent of their authorized capacity. And if they do it’s seldom."
Buck Island tour operators currently work under a contract and permit and are charged a franchise fee of up to 1 ½ percent of their gross annual income, Tutein said. Through the commercial services plan process, franchise fees will be reevaluated. Tutein said that most concessionaires in the Park Service system pay a franchise fee of 7 percent.
Taxi services were also a main focus of discussion Wednesday night. The Park Service built an area in the historic site for taxi vans and tour buses to drop off customers. Federal law, however, prohibits unregulated commercial activity on federal property.
That is a problem now with independent taxi drivers, who collect fares within the historic site.
"We’ve made a beautiful drop-off area," Tutein said. "Now it’s time to regulate it."
Kelvin Dennie, a taxi driver and a member of the St. Croix Taxi Association, said the association has worked with the Park Service to comply with its rules.
"I think once this plan is put into effect it will be beneficial to all concerned," he said.
But independent taxi driver Samuel "The Mighty Pat" Ferdinand wasn’t too happy with the idea of the possibility of paying a fee.
"Every time we come to town, someone is kicking our butts," he said, in reference to ticket book-wielding police and rule book-reading Park Service workers.
Tour operator Sweeny Toussaint, meanwhile, was happy about the Park Service’s outreach, but was leery of the idea of permits and fees.
"We’ll have to look at it a bit closer to see if there will be fees and how much," he said.
On Wednesday night, Park Service officials met with about two dozen people to gather information on a proposed commercial services plan for Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site and Salt River Bay Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. The plan, to be implemented in early 2002, will identify "appropriate and necessary commercial services in each park and the formal regulation," of them, said Joel Tutein, the Park Service’s superintendent on St. Croix.
While the largest group of Park Service concessionaires do business by taking paying customers to Buck Island by boat, Tutein said taxi operators in the historic district and other tour operators aren’t guided by any set regulations.
The commercial services plan, which all national parks must implement, would ensure that concessionaires aren’t managed by the whim of a single person, Tutein said. In addition, he said a plan will give current and prospective concessionaires an idea of what permits and fees will be required.
"If they go through the process, they should be able to look into the future five years down the road," he said.
A formal plan also lends an orderly process for concessionaires, unlike the unruly process tourists were subjected to for a tour of Buck Island 25 years ago. At that point there were some 23 tour operators running 57 boats. The competition for customers was so fierce, said Tutein, it wasn’t uncommon for fist fights to break out among boat captains on King’s Wharf in Christiansted
Because of the chaos, the Park Service ordered tour operators to post standard fares, which now run from $40 to $80 per person, and schedules for trips to Buck Island. Proof of insurance was also required.
Now, through attrition and a dip in visitors, there are six concessionaires operating a dozen boats for the approximately 40,000 people who visit Buck Island annually.
"It’s more than enough for the numbers going out to Buck Island," Tutein said. "None are carrying 50 percent of their authorized capacity. And if they do it’s seldom."
Buck Island tour operators currently work under a contract and permit and are charged a franchise fee of up to 1 ½ percent of their gross annual income, Tutein said. Through the commercial services plan process, franchise fees will be reevaluated. Tutein said that most concessionaires in the Park Service system pay a franchise fee of 7 percent.
Taxi services were also a main focus of discussion Wednesday night. The Park Service built an area in the historic site for taxi vans and tour buses to drop off customers. Federal law, however, prohibits unregulated commercial activity on federal property.
That is a problem now with independent taxi drivers, who collect fares within the historic site.
"We’ve made a beautiful drop-off area," Tutein said. "Now it’s time to regulate it."
Kelvin Dennie, a taxi driver and a member of the St. Croix Taxi Association, said the association has worked with the Park Service to comply with its rules.
"I think once this plan is put into effect it will be beneficial to all concerned," he said.
But independent taxi driver Samuel "The Mighty Pat" Ferdinand wasn’t too happy with the idea of the possibility of paying a fee.
"Every time we come to town, someone is kicking our butts," he said, in reference to ticket book-wielding police and rule book-reading Park Service workers.
Tour operator Sweeny Toussaint, meanwhile, was happy about the Park Service’s outreach, but was leery of the idea of permits and fees.
"We’ll have to look at it a bit closer to see if there will be fees and how much," he said.
CONCERNS FOR FESTIVAL CHILDREN’S PARADE AIRED
While the recent teachers strike cost public school students three weeks of instruction, the job action may also threaten the traditional Children’s Parade during the 2000-2001 Crucian Christmas Festival.
The parade, scheduled for Jan. 5, features youngsters from public and private schools who are prepared by their teachers, Vera Falu, president of the Festival’s organizing committee, told WSTX radio. With the strike and the subsequent "state of flux" in the classroom, Falu said she is concerned that the parade may not go on.
"I haven’t heard from teachers," she said. "The Children’s Parade is always the different schools, both private and public. I am very, very concerned this year children won’t be able to display their talents."
Considering the strike and the overall stress due to the island’s economic problems, Falu said the Festival will provide an outlet for residents. The Festival Committee, however, is stressing a little itself.
"We need more money," Falu said, adding that she will request that the Legislature release $150,000 for the St. Croix Festival when she appears before the Senate Finance Committee next week.
In the meantime, Falu said parents should contact their children’s teachers to lend a hand in preparing kids for the parade.
"Parents should work with teachers," she said. "I don’t think it would be fair to the children after losing so many days of school to lose the parade."
Crucian Christmas Festival 2000-2001
Dec. 2, 2000 – Booklet sales start
Dec. 9 – Queen show at the Educational Complex
Dec. 15 – Quadrille
Dec. 17 – Prince and Princess at the Educational Complex
Dec. 22 – Food Fair
Dec. 26 – Festival Village opens
Dec. 27 – Panorama Showcase
Dec. 28 – Quelbe Tramp
Dec. 29 – Calypso King eliminations
Dec. 30 – Latin Night and competition
JANUARY 2001
Jan. 1, 2001 – Breakfast of local foods, King and Queen of the Bands (8 p.m.)
Jan. 2 – Culture Night in the Village
Jan. 3 – Final Calypso Competition
Jan. 4 – J’Ouvert (4 a.m.)
Jan. 5 – Children’s Parade
Jan. 6 – Adult Parade/Three King’s Day
The parade, scheduled for Jan. 5, features youngsters from public and private schools who are prepared by their teachers, Vera Falu, president of the Festival’s organizing committee, told WSTX radio. With the strike and the subsequent "state of flux" in the classroom, Falu said she is concerned that the parade may not go on.
"I haven’t heard from teachers," she said. "The Children’s Parade is always the different schools, both private and public. I am very, very concerned this year children won’t be able to display their talents."
Considering the strike and the overall stress due to the island’s economic problems, Falu said the Festival will provide an outlet for residents. The Festival Committee, however, is stressing a little itself.
"We need more money," Falu said, adding that she will request that the Legislature release $150,000 for the St. Croix Festival when she appears before the Senate Finance Committee next week.
In the meantime, Falu said parents should contact their children’s teachers to lend a hand in preparing kids for the parade.
"Parents should work with teachers," she said. "I don’t think it would be fair to the children after losing so many days of school to lose the parade."
Crucian Christmas Festival 2000-2001
Dec. 2, 2000 – Booklet sales start
Dec. 9 – Queen show at the Educational Complex
Dec. 15 – Quadrille
Dec. 17 – Prince and Princess at the Educational Complex
Dec. 22 – Food Fair
Dec. 26 – Festival Village opens
Dec. 27 – Panorama Showcase
Dec. 28 – Quelbe Tramp
Dec. 29 – Calypso King eliminations
Dec. 30 – Latin Night and competition
JANUARY 2001
Jan. 1, 2001 – Breakfast of local foods, King and Queen of the Bands (8 p.m.)
Jan. 2 – Culture Night in the Village
Jan. 3 – Final Calypso Competition
Jan. 4 – J’Ouvert (4 a.m.)
Jan. 5 – Children’s Parade
Jan. 6 – Adult Parade/Three King’s Day
GERS EXTENDS HOURS FOR EARLY RETIREMENT
Government employees trying to meet the Nov. 18 deadline for applying for early retirement will get help this weekend. Government Employee Retirement System offices on St. Thomas and on St. Croix will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, solely for the purpose of taking applications.
GERS is accepting applications despite its lawsuit against the government over a provision in the Public Employees Voluntary Separation Incentive Act of 2000. At issue is the section which allows employees with up to 28 years of service to buy advance credit through reductions from future retirement payments to make up a 30-year tenure.
There is no age eligibility, but retirees under the program must have at least 28 years of actual credited service.
Staff in the St. Croix GERS office Wednesday reported many employees were interested in applying or seeking more information. At a recent workshop, Joanne Berry, personnel director, said some 800 employees may qualify.
The administration of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull is seeking to reduce the active workforce through early retirement and attrition. Under the program, only one-third of the retirees will be replaced.
Workers have little time to make their decision. The Act was signed into law Oct. 18. It calls for application by Nov. 18 and actual retirement as of Dec. 18.
GERS is accepting applications despite its lawsuit against the government over a provision in the Public Employees Voluntary Separation Incentive Act of 2000. At issue is the section which allows employees with up to 28 years of service to buy advance credit through reductions from future retirement payments to make up a 30-year tenure.
There is no age eligibility, but retirees under the program must have at least 28 years of actual credited service.
Staff in the St. Croix GERS office Wednesday reported many employees were interested in applying or seeking more information. At a recent workshop, Joanne Berry, personnel director, said some 800 employees may qualify.
The administration of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull is seeking to reduce the active workforce through early retirement and attrition. Under the program, only one-third of the retirees will be replaced.
Workers have little time to make their decision. The Act was signed into law Oct. 18. It calls for application by Nov. 18 and actual retirement as of Dec. 18.
