Omari Hardwick to attend 'Middle of Nowhere' opening at AMC Southfield

Actor Omari Hardwick ("Sparkle; For Colored Girls") will be in town to kick off the opening weekend of writer-director Ava DuVernay's "Middle of Nowhere," at the AMC Southfield, Oct. 19. Audiences will have the opportunity to see Hardwick and ask him questions about the film during the evening shows.

 

The heartrending drama follows Ruby (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband is incarcerated. As the committed couple stares into the hollow end of an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby must learn to live another life, one marked by shame and separation. But through a chance encounter and a stunning betrayal that shakes her to her core, this steadfast wife is soon propelled in new and often shocking directions of self-discovery - caught between two worlds and two men in the search for herself. 

It’s not a big budget Hollywood production, but a film, well-received by audiences who saw merit in DuVernay’s touching portrayal of an extraordinary woman in the middle of nowhere fighting for her ordinary life including those at the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance, where DuVernay earned the festival’s coveted directing award.

The film also stars David Oyelowo ("The Help; The Paperboy; Jack Reacher").

Rated R for some language. 

The AMC Star Southfield 20 is at 25333 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield. 

Showtimes: 11 a.m.; 1:40, 4:15, 6:50 and 9:40 p.m.

DAYTRIPPING

What else can a family do? Check out our calendar listing of events and activities going on in the Detroit area:

Drive for kids

Families and individuals are encouraged to register for the Macomb Charitable Foundation’s Road Rally Fundraiser, beginning at 5 p.m., Oct. 20 in the parking lot of 5-Star Bowling Lanes (at 16 Mile and DeQuindre roads). The MCF helps needy children in Macomb County all year long. Cost: $25 (includes donation to charity, prize money and food after the rally). Rally begins at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Call Peggy at 248-229-5784 or email pmissme@wowway.com.

Veterans Day at Wolverine

Wolverine Harley Davidson in Clinton Township will pay tribute to veterans and the men and women currently serving in America’s military, on Saturday, Oct. 20. Riders will lineup at Wolverine at 9 a.m. and head to the veteran’s hospital in Detroit at 10 a.m. where they will escort veterans to Wolverine for a special day honoring their service.

Wolverine is at 44660 North Gratiot Avenue, 586-463-7700. For more details visit www.wolverinehd.com.

Children’s film festival

MJR Theatres Free Fall Children's Film Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 4. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger, and $1 for parents. Tickets are distributed at the theaters on the day of the show on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participating local MJR theaters include Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16, 50675 Gratiot, Chesterfield Township, (586) 598-2500; Marketplace Sterling Heights Digital Cinema 20, 35400 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, (586) 264-1514; Partridge Creek Digital Cinema 14, The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17400 Hall Road, Clinton Township, (586) 263-0084.

Showing this weekend is “Lorax.”

Lorenzo Center

"Changing Gears: The Birth of American Industry" programs continue with a variety of related topics through Nov. 18, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads, Clinton Township. For complete schedule information, visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.

Zumba classes

Zumba fitness classes at a variety of locations through Macomb County, also Zumba Gold lower-impact classes. For details, call 586-443-6875 or billshoe@live.com.

Assumption Kalosomatics

Kalosomatics exercise classes under way at Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores. Sessions held mornings and evenings, with baby-sitting services available. For details, 586-779-6111 Ext. 4.

Bowling benefit

Sterling Heights Lioness bowling fundraiser, Oct. 5, at Five Star Lanes, 2666 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights; registration 8:45 p.m., bowling 9:15. Admission $20 per person includes three games 9-pin no-tap, shoes, pizza and soft drinks.  Call 586-873-3797 or email lbcasino17@att.net. Proceeds go to Leader Dogs for the Blind and Beaumont Silent Children.

  

Crocker House Movie and Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present "Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two," 2 p.m. Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members.  Museum tours included. 

The Museum also is showing the Michigan made historical film "Mary's Buttons" now through the end of November as part of a fundraiser. Tickets are $10. Showtimes are: Thursday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 20 and 27 at 7 p.m.. Call and make your reservation at 586-465-2488. For more information on upcoming activities visit The Crocker House on Facebook

Dehydrating vegetables class

MSU Extension Macomb, along with Master Gardener Karen Burke, will present “Dehydrating Vegetables: The Basics and Beyond,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the VerKulen Building, at 21885 Dunham Road, Door E, in Clinton Township. The program is free but preregistration is required. Call 586-469-6440.

Ford House

"Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration" community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall.
For this and other events going on visit The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Marc Thee on the transition from summer to fall decor

Autumn brings with it a plethora of warm colors and while decorating according to the season is a great way to keep a home from feeling outdated, making the transition is no easy task.

Do I need a new theme for every season or should I just expand upon the décor I already have? What's the first step when making the transition from summer to fall décor? 

I never know -- which is why I'm always a season behind. 

Providing help to homeowners this season is interior designer and curator at Altogether Home, Marc Thee. Named by “Architectural Digest” as one of the top 100 designers in the world, Thee travels extensively around the globe to a variety of project sites. This not only allows him to share his expertise but to observe the way in which the choice people make with home décor is influenced by the weather and environment/region/state in which we live.

"Without a doubt the color of the sky is a main influence of your interior color palette," said Thee. "If you live in a gray climate, dial up the golden hues in your home for that warm, candlelit glow color, which will be uplifting to your décor as well as your mood.”

Homeowners in warmer climates such as Miami or California should decorate with breathable fabrics, whereas Michiganders should incorporate velvet or mohair, the kind of fabrics that you can snuggle up to when the weather turns cold.

As for making the transition from summer to fall, Thee said the most important step is to keep the additional décor easy to move in and easy to pull out. "It shouldn't be a big production. Add in a great cable knit throw and some hounds tooth, plaid or chevron pillows. Your color scheme can become a bit more saturated and a bit more dramatic during the cold, winter months."

Whatever the season, Thee said his trick for expressing the change is to bring nature indoors.

"In the fall, natural materials such as curly willow, bittersweet vines, birch branches, and driftwood feel just right in tall glass containers or terra cotta pots on the porch or fireplace mantel," Thee said. 

Here in Michigan fall is a time when families visit the apple orchards. "Rustic wooden bowls full of apples -- granny smiths are my favorite -- add enormous color impact without breaking the bank," Thee said. "Pile firewood into a large woven basket and tuck under an open console. (I love this look even when the home lacks a fireplace)." 

As for creating a theme -- Thee is a firm believer that you should design around a mood instead. "Be inspired by your surroundings," Thee said. For us it might be a lake or woodland area. "Use the colors of sand, water, natural grasses and sky. Use elements such as reclaimed driftwood that works in your interior at any time of the year. During the holidays, add in shimmering metallic accents for entertaining that will give your nautically inspired room new life."

If there was one item every home in Michigan should have for the fall it would be a throw blanket, said Thee. “Throw a flannel blanket down on the floor and surprise your family with a fall picnic indoors by the fireplace in the living room. Or if dining for two, repurpose a small table by moving it fireside for an intimate supper. Outside arrange four large rattan or wooden Adirondack chairs around an inexpensive fire pit for instant gratification,” Thee said. Then add soft pillows that you borrow from indoors and include throws for your guests to cuddle up under.

As for the biggest mistake homeowners make in decorating their homes for fall and winter it would be that they add in a lot of décor without removing anything, Thee said. “It ends up looking cluttered and crowded,” he said. “For each holiday or winter décor piece you add in, make sure you take one thing away in its place.”

Backyard composting class: I just want to remind everyone that the Macomb County Michigan State University Extension will be holding a basic backyard composting class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the VerKuilen Building, 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. No fee but preregistration is required. Call 586-469-6440. For more on the workshop visit the MSU Extension

To view Marc Thee’s Home Collection at Altogether Home visit Altogether Home

Send your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph gina.joseph@macombdaily.com; @ginaljoseph

‘Seven Psychopaths’ plus a shih tzu and a rabbit

I never saw In Bruges, so I had no idea what to expect from British playwright, screenwriter and director Martin McDonagh. I knew going in to the screening of his Seven Psychopaths that it starred a quartet of great character actors -- Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell -- and the folks who saw the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival loved it, even bestowing it the honor of the Midnight Madness audience prize. 

It’s an intriguing story: A struggling, could-be-alcoholic Irish screenwriter in Los Angeles named Marty (Farrell) has a great title for his next blockbuster movie, "Seven Psychopaths," but not much more than that. That is, until his friend Billy (Rockwell) and a man named Hans (Walken), who run a low-stakes dog-napping scam returning purloined pooches for rewards, decide to help. When Billy and Hans accidently steal the Shih Tzu of a hardened gangster (Woody Harrelson), Marty finds himself thrust into a twisted criminal underworld filled with more madness, violence and hilarious psychopaths than he ever could have imagined. Quickly the blank pages of his script become real life characters, himself included.

CBS Films' comedy Seven Psychopaths photo by Chuck Zlotnick

Five minutes after the movie started, I was looking for an exit and a towel. It is bloody violent -- but it’s a dark comedy (pitch dark, as one critic put it) about seven unstable individuals. And just when you're ready to bolt, the violence stops and a different side to the characters -- their quirky, vulnerable, humorous and child-like traits -- are revealed, causing us to care (even like them) enough to stick around and see what happens.

Rockwell is especially funny as Martin's best friend/co-scribe and psychopath, as is Walken who, along with the adorable Shih Tzu, steals many of the scenes. 

Seven Psychopaths is a hoot at times, and then disturbing, and then clever, not unlike the human mind.

"The biggest coup about the whole thing," said Farrell, in a story by the LA Times, "is that as violent as it is, and irreverent and has as much profanity and chaos and anarchic intentions, it's a really sweet film about friendship and love and putting old ghosts to bed."

It’s considered a crime comedy, but the complexity of the clowns in this movie deliver lines that cause you to think, a tad, before you chuckle.

If you want a tip on what to get your teenage son for Christmas this year, might I suggest a knitted dog hat (like the one Rockwell wears in the film) or a Christopher Walken T-shirt (like the one Rockwell wore to the film's premiere). Both items are sure to make the holiday hotlist following the movie's opening in theaters today.

This film is, of course, rated R. 
 

Score points with appetizers

What’s nice about watching a sporting event like the post-season baseball games or a football matchup between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles is that it gives family and friends another reason to get together. 

Bad part is that if you’re the one with the big screen TV or the biggest basement, chances are you’re also the host of such an event and that’s a lot of work.

One solution is to make it a potluck gathering. Most people I know have no problem contributing a dish, snack or beverage. In some cases where you have a friend who loves to cook, you might even get more than just one dish. At the last football party I attended, everyone was told that chili would be the main dish and that our host would appreciate any side dishes that might go along such as taco chips and salsa or fresh bread and crackers. It turned out to be a football fiesta of grand proportions. 

Another idea for quick weekend gatherings is appetizers. Football, baseball, hockey or soccer -- no matter what the reason for the party -- you can stir up some fun with easy-to-make appetizers. Here are a few of the super-quick recipes from the online collection at Musselman's   All recipes make 6 to 8 servings.

Apple Butter Mustard Dip
This dip goes great with hard or soft pretzels. For a full spread add a plate of cheese cubes or mini egg rolls. Both complement the dip, created by mixing 1 cup of Musselman’s Apple Butter with a 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard. 

Michigan Caramel Apple Dip 
Apples are always delicious in this part of the country - especially during the fall football season. Rather than just caramel, combine 1 cup of Musselman’s Apple Butter with 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to create a dip with pizazz. Serve with apples of your choice. 


BBQ Sauce
Grill up some chicken wings or shrimp and just before they’re done, brush on this sauce created by combining 1 cup of Musselman’s Apple Butter with one cup of chili sauce.


Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie 
Not all occasions call for a full-blown meal. For those nights when it’s just a few friends, consider serving up a hot cup of Joe and a cool piece of this pumpkin ice cream pie. The following recipe courtesy of Spice Islands is sweet and easy to make:
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon Spice Islands
cinnamon, ground Saigon style
1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon Spice Islands
ground nutmeg
1 quart vanilla ice cream,
softened
1 prepared pie crust, pastry
or graham cracker
Mix pumpkin, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Fold in softened ice cream. Pour mixture into crust. Freeze until firm, a few hours or overnight. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving.
TIP: 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for the ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

 
For questions or comments, contact gina.joseph@macombdaily.com.

Rush fans happy to see their band nominated to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

AP photo/CP, Frank Gunn, file

Alex Lifeson, left, and Geddy Lee of the rock band RUSH 

Canadians have a lot more than Thanksgiving to celebrate this weekend now that Rush has been nominated to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Yes, what began as whispered rumors throughout the week became mountainous roars -- echoing from subarctic regions of the Yukon to the wheat wheat fields of Saskatchewan and shoreline communities of  Prince Edward Island – as news of Wednesday night’s announcement reached the fans.

“Thirteen years after the Canadian power trio became eligible and 44 years after it formed, the band responsible for songs such as ‘Tom Sawyer,’ ‘Spirit of the Radio,’ the epic concept album, ‘2012,’ and dozens of gold records has made the first cut on its way to the theoretically hallowed walls of the Cleveland historical institution,” said a report by the Los Angeles Times.

AP Photo/ Peter Larson for iHeartRadio

I’m happy for Rush fans though my favorite among the 2013 nominees, is Heart, whose recent high-energy performance at DTE Energy Music Theater created a whole new following of fans.

Other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 nominees included: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Deep Purple, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Albert King, Kraftwerk, The Marvelettes, The Meters, Randy Newman, N.W.A, Procol Harum, Public Enemy and Donna Summer.

To vote for your favorite (now through Dec. 5) go to http://rockhall.com/get-involved/interact/poll/

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for other exciting things to do over this – the Columbus and Canadian Thanksgiving Day weekend? Check out our calendar of family-friendly things to do:

Pancake breakfast

Harrison Township Fire Department serves annual pancake breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 30, at Fire Station No. 2, 39460 Jefferson. Bake sale provided by Harrison Township Public Library.

Historical Society

Ray Township Historical Society “Meet and Greet,” 7 p.m. Oct. 5, at the Ray Township Senior Center, 64255 Wolcott. Program includes introduction of “Barns ..The Backbone of Rural Life” calendars and information about the barns. For details, www.rayhistory.org or 586-784-9221.

Lorenzo Center

“Changing Gears: The Birth of American Industry” programs continue with a variety of related topics through Nov. 18, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads, Clinton Township. For complete schedule information, visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.

Zumba classes

Zumba fitness classes at a variety of locations through Macomb County, also Zumba Gold lower-impact classes. For details, call 586-443-6875 or billshoe@live.com.

Assumption Kalosomatics

Kalosomatics exercise classes under way at Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores. Sessions held mornings and evenings, with baby-sitting services available. For details, 586-779-6111 Ext. 4.

On stage

“God of Carnage,” 8 p.m. Oct. 5-6, at Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. For ticket information, 586-771-6333.

Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy presents the comedy “None of the Above,” Oct. 5-7 and 12-14, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. For tickets, 313-993-3270 or theatre.udmercy.edu.

Bowling benefit

Sterling Heights Lioness bowling fundraiser, Oct. 5, at Five Star Lanes, 2666 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights; registration 8:45 p.m., bowling 9:15. Admission $20 per person includes three games 9-pin no-tap, shoes, pizza and soft drinks.  Call 586-873-3797 or email lbcasino17@att.net. Proceeds go to Leader Dogs for the Blind and Beaumont Silent Children.

Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present “Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two,” 2 p.m. Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members. For reservations, 586-465-2488. Museum tours included.

Somerset Singles

Somerset Singles Social Ski and Golf Club meets 7:30 p.m. second Tuesday monthly at American Polish Cultural Center, 15 Mile and Dequindre roads, Troy. Annual membership fee $40 provides discounts to group’s events. Call 586-781-4056 or go to www.sssgc.net.

Ford House

“Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration” community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall; for schedule, www.fordhouse.org.

Fishing clubs

Vanguard Trout Unlimited for fishing enthusiasts meets 7:30 p.m. second Thursday monthly at Rochester’s Dinosaur Hill. Also, Fishing Buddies Fishing Club gathers 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Rochester Hills OPC, 650 Leticia Drive. Call 248-375-1931.