Another Classic 80’s Movie Review: “Rocky III”

A Classic Reality

Take a Look at My Review of the Third Installment of the “Rocky” Film Series

Followed by “Rocky” and “Rocky II,” this 1982 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie release centered on boxer, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone (also known to the adoring females as “The Italian Stallion”). Here, Rocky’s opponent is James “Clubber” Lang, played by Mr. T. (“The A-Team”). Rocky’s wife, Adrian, is played, once again, by actress, Talia Shire. In the opening segment, as seen at the end of the movie, “Rocky II,” Rocky and Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, finally overcame their differences and move toward building a true friendship, while playfully staging a mock boxing match. And, as far as the film’s theme music is concerned, “Eye of the Tiger,” by group Survivor is the perfect touch.

Also, returning to the “Rocky” movie scene is Rocky’s sorry excuse for a brother-in-law, Paulie, played by talented actor, Burt Young. Here, Paulie is extremely jealous of Rocky and his success. Even though Paulie belittles Rocky, he eventually asks him for a job and Rocky, being such a good sport, easily obliges. Even real-life wrestling champion, Hulk Hogan, participates in a charity wresting match against Rocky. You wouldn’t believe how big Hulk Hogan is compared to Rocky. He is huge but very, very effect in their staged fighting match.

Now, Rocky seriously thought about retiring, since his wife was frantic and didn’t want him boxing anymore. Seems he sustained too many blows to the head and could easily suffer permanent damage if he continues to fight in the ring. Being a relentless, outspoken, aggressive boxer, Clubber Lang continues to pursue Rocky and challenge him to a boxing match. Mickey, played by legendary actor, Burgess Meredith, Rocky’s long-time trainer and friend, doesn’t want Rocky to fight. He doesn’t think Rocky can win. He believes Lang is a young, hungry fighter, whereas, Rocky no longer has that edge.

Unbeknownst to Rocky, Mickey had a damaged heart and shouldn’t have been bothered by the stress of another boxing match. But, being Mickey and loving his Rocky, he finally agrees to train Rocky. Sadly, this match does cost him his life and Mickey suffers a severe heart attack. After the fight is over, Rocky couldn’t bear to tell Mickey the truth so he lied and told Mickey on his dying bed that he won the match between the dreadful Clubber. Mickey’s death really took its toll on Rocky. Clearly, from Rocky’s reaction in the movie, he loved Mickey dearly.

In order to get Rocky back on track and among the living, so he could fight a rematch with Clubber and reclaim his victory title, he received help and guidance from his newfound friend, Apollo Creed. At Madison Square Garden, New York City, Rocky was unstoppable as he looked Clubber straight in the eye and pounced on him like a leopard pounces on his prey. Honey, I know, he made Mickey proud! At the end of the movie, Rocky and Apollo return to Mickey’s gym, just like two, old friends!

 

My Review of the Broadway Musical “Stomp”

An Enlightening Reality

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day and there I sat in the Mezzanine section of the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh, NC, waiting for the Broadway show, “Stomp,” to begin. We started off on the wrong foot because we sat in the wrong seats. Granted our tickets said seats “C6” and “C7″and we were in the right row, but somehow in the wrong section. Unbeknownst to Crystal and me, we were sitting in the “V” section, instead of the “U” section.

Stubborn as we were, we remained in seats “C6” and “C7.” I stood my ground and refused to move, when questioned by my fellow neighbors. Still totally confused, then totally embarrassed, I finally got the message and moved to my proper place. Slowly, my frown turned into a grin when I realized we weren’t the only lost souls, who had to move. It seemed like confusion was in the air that night and I felt so much better because of it. My Grinch-sized grin widened even more, when I realized our seats were closer to the stage. We were now closer to the performance of a lifetime, since I’d never been to a Broadway show before. It was a thrill for me. My teenage daughter thought otherwise, since she loathed being seen with her mom on Valentine’s Day. One thing seemed to make her happy; she got to wear jeans, since the dress code was very relaxed.

The show was supposed to start at 5 p.m., but didn’t start until around 5:15 p.m. Suddenly all the lights went out. There was almost total darkness and each empty seat filled up quick. All talk and body movement became obsolete with total silence. It was so still, you could almost hear a pin drop. My heart was racing.

Hence, we had a couple of guys with industrial-sized brooms in their hands tapping their brooms to a musical rhythm. While, they tapped, a steady flow of dust also moved across the stage with them. But, they didn’t seem to mind, nor did they stop tapping and sweeping back and forth across the stage. They even used pails to put more dust on the floor. Minutes later, a couple more guys come out, then a couple of girls, all with the same exact brooms and tapping and moving their brooms and their bodies in the same exact fashion. And the beat was rather catchy. They even used those dust particles to make their beat more fine-tuned.

This show made me understand how this non-traditional dance troupe used percussion, movement, and visual comedy to wow the audience. A couple of its members even interacted with the audience by getting us to clap on key and as often as instructed by the cast member. Not a word was said among them or to the audience during most of the production. Except when one of the cast members did try to sing a tune but it was very short, since it seemed quite appropriate for that particular scene. Interacting with the audience made us feel more relaxed and more inclined to relate to their show. It felt good and it felt really nice to be a part of something so positive and stimulating. The group also did a scene in total darkness where they lit cigarette lighters in a chain reaction and each flicker had a musical tone to it. And the entire time they performed this scene, it was in total darkness. No spot light. No scroll light. Nothing. Just darkness and those flickering cigarette lighters.

My favorite part of the show was where several of the members sat down directly in front of the audience to read sections of the newspaper. Then each one used their section of the paper to convey sounds of a musical instrument. It was really awesome. And they did this without putting a single hole in it, at least at first. Then one of the members tore the paper and made a hole, where he put his head through it to make a funny. It was so cute. He seemed almost childlike.

I especially liked the comedic timing, where the same guy always got the short end of the stick. He always got the smaller broom, the shorter pipe, or was the only one left without a place to sit. It was sort of like a scene from “The Three Stooges.” Remember, Moe, Larry, and Curly? During the last scene, they used aluminum trash can tops, which were very loud but quite effective, especially if you happened to doze off. They waved the tops wildly like pom poms during a cheering session at a football game or smashed them together like instruments in a high school band.

At the same time, they did back flips, rolls, jumps, dance routines, and more. There was so much energy and there was no intermission. Throughout the entire show, they used brooms; lids; sinks; pipes; trash cans; trash can tops; waste baskets; trash bags; paper bags; inflatable devices; newspapers; pots and pans; and more to create physical theatre that echoed tribal dance. The show lasted about 90 minutes. Even though she hated to admit it, my daughter actually liked the show and even singled out her favorite performer.

Nonetheless, “Stomp” received standing-room only applause, since all members truly put all their heart and soul into each and every performance. Every scene was creative and each task was done masterfully. On a scale of one to 10, I gave it a nine. Why? Because one mistake was spotted during the show and that was when one of the females dropped a pail as they tossed them back and forth among members in frenzy on the stage. That was the only flaw I noticed. To top off a near perfect ending, as everyone rose from their seats to exit “stage left,” a remix of the 1979 song, “Stomp,” by the Brothers Johnson played righteously in the background.

Relationships

A Life Changing Reality

Sure, lovers come and lovers go.

But, true love doesn’t just go with the flow.

Giving totally to someone is probably our greatest fear.

But, if and when you do, it can be an experience, so far; so near.

Being with someone who just doesn’t care,

Is like being with someone just for a dare.

And, when it’s finally over and you go your separate ways,

You ask yourself, “Was it really worth it, wasting all those days?”

And, just how would someone like me know?

Well, let’s see, I’ve been divorced long enough to know that he’s remarried to Mrs. so and so.

“Transformers” – Where Machines and Humans Unite

A United Reality

Autobots Vs. Decepticons

Released on July 3, 2007, “Transformers” was directed by Michael Bay and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It was also executive produced by Steven Spielberg. This delightful action, sci-fi, adventure thriller centers around alien robots and their battle to save or destroy all mankind on planet Earth. It all started many years ago on planet Cybertron, when a war began between the Autobots, led by honorable Optimus Prime, and the evil Decepticons, led by dreadful Megatron and their fight to control the Allspark, a mystical device that grants unlimited power to whoever has it. Long story short, the Autobots smuggled the Allspark off the planet, then Megatron tracked it to Earth! Whereas, Captain Archibald Witwicky and his expedition team accidentally stumbled upon the Allspark, while on the Arctic Ocean. Before the devilishly Megatron slipped into a comatose state, he somehow places a map of the location of the Allspark in Captain Witwicky’s glasses, where a transmission was immediately sent to Cybertron. Here, the stage is set.

A century has passed since that fateful period. Now, Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, teenager and descendent of Captain Witwicky, decides to buy his first car. While on his much anticipated shopping spree, he mysteriously stumbles upon a yellow Camaro named, Bumblebee. Even though the car appears to be outdated, unattractive, and extremely dirty, unknowingly to Sam, Bumblebee is an Autobot in disguise, sent to Earth to protect him and locate the missing Allspark. At first, Bumblebee seems to be the only Transformer on Earth. And, eventually, Sam, comes to understand what Bumblebee really is and what unique talents he possesses. But, in the desert of Qatar, the Decepticons, Blackout and Scorponok launch a major attack on a nearby U.S. military base. Here, Captain Lennox, USAF Tech Sergeant Epps, and more fight for the ultimate survival. Furthermore, Frenzy, also sent by the Decepticons, desperately tries to locate Sam and the whereabouts of Megatron and the Allspark. This is where computer experts, Maggie Madsen and Glenn Whitman finally determine who or what hacked into the U. S. Government computer system. These events prompt the Pentagon to send out their special Sector Seven agents to capture specimens, Sam, and Mikaela Banes, played my Megan Fox. We later learn that deep within the depths of Hoover Dam, Megatron is secretly held in a state of refrigeration by the U. S. Government, along with the missing Allspark.

It seems the Allspark has the ability to turn any machine or device into a Transformer, ready to terminate all mankind. So it’s up to Sam Witwicky, the U.S. military, Mikaela, and the Autobots, to save the day. Thus, another war erupts where everyone, including Defense Secretary John Keller gets into the action by firing weapons to stop Frenzy’s brutal attacks at the Dam. I especially like the scene where Bumblebee is released from captivity and leads the way to an unending battle. He suffered much in this movie, since he was obviously the weakest Autobot and probably the youngest. Optimus Prime seemed to be the oldest. It was also revealed, during the final moments of battle, that Optimus Prime and Megatron were indeed brothers. Go figure! This sort of reminds me of the animated classic, “Lion King” and the bad brother who tried to murder the good brother to gain power and to rule the kingdom.

Hence, I enjoyed this movie to the fullest because it says alot about mankind and their need for survival. It was also extremely saddened because one of the good guys, Jazz, died in the line of duty. He really liked the urban culture. Most importantly, I enjoyed the special effects. Cars, tanks, trucks and helicopters changing into alien robots. Talk about cool! I also enjoyed watching superb teamwork between the Autobots and the humans, as they worked hand-in-hand to save Earth. Their bravery was undeniable! I sat on the edge of my seat, cheering for the Autobots and their quest to right the wrongs created by their war with the Decepticons. Furthermore, I was touched towards the end of the movie when Bumblebee spoke for the first time (Bumblebee was silent throughout the entire film, due to damage sustained in battle to his vocal processor) and he told Optimus Prime that he wished to remain on Earth with the boy, Sam Witwicky. It was so cute the way Bumblebee looked at Sam, like a small child who found his first, real friend! This movie is truly worth watching over and over again! If you haven’t seen this movie, please rent or purchase it ASAP! You will not be disappointed! Personally, I give this movie a five-star rating!

Winner of four Visual Effects Society awards and nominated for three Academy Awards, this movie grossed more than 700 million dollars worldwide. It is probably one of the most rented DVDs of all time. Autobots include Optimus Prime (18-wheeler), Bumblebee (Camaro), Jazz (Modified Pontiac Solstice), Ironhide (Modified GMC Top kick 6500), and Ratchet (Modified Hummer H2). Decepticons include Megatron, Starscream (Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor), Frenzy (Boom box), Barricade (Saleen Mustang Police Car), Bone crusher (Buffalo H Mine-Protected Vehicle), Devastator (M1 Abrams Tank), and Blackout (Sikorsky MH53 Pave Low III). Stars include Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, John Turturro, Anthony Anderson, Robert Foxworth, and a cameo appearance by my favorite all-time comedian, Bernie Mac as Bobby Bolivia, the used car salesman. This film is rated PG13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language. Look for its sequel, “Transformers Revenge of the Fallen,” due to be released in summer 2009.

“Imitation of Life” and Face-Negotiation Theory

An Emotional Reality

I wrote this paper based on the movie, “Imitation of Life” for one of my classes at UMUC.  By the way, I received a grade of “A.“

This 1959 remake is based on the Fanny Hurst novel and is directed by Douglas Sirk. The film begins with Lora Meredith, who loses track of her daughter, Susie, in 1947, on Coney Island. She eventually finds Susie playing with a black woman’s daughter, Sara Jane, who is about the same age. A photographer, Steve Archer, takes a mother-daughter picture, which is bought for an ad and lands Lora future modeling assignments.

Lora and her daughter, Susie, continued to struggle after the death of Lora’s husband. The black woman, Annie Johnson, was abandoned by her husband, Sara Jane’s father, before Sara Jane was even born. She had trouble finding work as a domestic because, as she tells Lora, “Nobody wants a maid who has a child.” During a chance meeting on the beach, their lives combine and together they struggle to survive in New York City. Lora, who is an aspiring actress, comes to depend on Annie, who moves into Lora’s small apartment and becomes her maid. Annie makes a domestic haven for Lora, Susie, and Sara Jane. Still, Annie struggles as Sara Jane rejects her racial identify and attempts to pass for white.

Here, we have two single mothers, an actress and her black maid. Both women struggle to raise their daughters. In the first plot, Lori, played by Lana Turner, hesitates because she is torn between her love for photographer, Steve, played by John Gavin, and her relentless pursuit of a budding career as an actress. In the second plot, there are disturbing family relations between Annie, played by Juanita Moore, and her daughter, Sara Jane, played by Susan Kohner. The young girl won’t or can’t accept the fact that she is black; therefore, she rejects her heritage and her mother, rather than present her to friends and boyfriends.

When Lora is finally on the road to becoming a successful actress, she no longer spends quality time with Susie, played by Sandra Dee or tries to work on a loving relationship with devoted mate, Steve. Eventually, Steve asks her to marry him and to give up her dream of becoming an actress. After a very heated argument, Steve finally gives up and leaves. Meanwhile, Annie continues to be the perfect mother to Sara Jane, who clearly wants nothing to do with her own mother or the black environment. Still, she continues to pretend to be “white.”

Between 1947 and 1957, Lori becomes a successful stage actress on Broadway. During this time, Lora finds solace in a relationship with Allen Loomis, played by Robert Alda, but does not find true love and satisfaction, as she did with Steve. Those years pass quickly and Susie and Sara Jane grow up to become beautiful young ladies. Steve also comes back into the picture, during a chance meeting. This meeting rekindles some old sparks between Lora and Steve, who still loves Lora. Steve’s return also sparks a touch of puppy love for Susie, who adores Steve, since he always treated like his very own daughter. This happens because Lora has always been so busy with her career and Susie has always felt neglected. Thus, we have Steve, who is always around to save the day and provide the guidance that only a loving parent should give. This newly found attraction also stirs up some feelings of jealously, especially when Mommie Dearest decides to finally accept Steve’s marriage proposal.

Sadly, the only time Sara Jane finally acknowledges her mother is after her death. For the funeral scene, gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson sings “Trouble of the World.” With the brilliant hues of the stained-glass windows and the floral arrangements, the white horses, requested by Annie, and the white casket, which Sara Jane flings herself hysterically on, when she finally realizes the emotional cost of being “white,” all makes for a real tear jerker. As a final touch, the white women, Lora and Susie, along with Sara Jane, who wanted so desperately to be “white,” are reunited as one in Lora’s black Chrysler limousine, temporarily equalized by the black of mourning. Wow! What a finish! This film really makes you appreciate your own mother even more.

Face-Negotiation Theory

According to Professor Stella Ting-Toomey’s face-negotiation theory, face is a metaphor for our public self-image. Face work refers to specific verbal and nonverbal messages that help to maintain and restore face loss, and to uphold and honor face gain. Face work and corresponding styles of handling conflict vary from culture to culture. Ting-Toomey suggests that face maintenance is the crucial intervening variable that ties culture to people’s way of handling conflict.

Face is a universal concern because it is an extension of self-concept. Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson define face as the public self-image that every member of society wants to claim for himself/herself. Ting-Toomey defines face as the projected image of one’s self in a relational situation. Thus, the meaning of face differs, depending on differences in cultural and individual identifies.

See how each of the following examples of facework, affects tormented characters and their lives throughout the movie, “Imitation of Live.”

Face concern focuses on whose face a person wants to save. One can save one’s own face or the face of others. Those in individualistic cultures tend to be more concerned with preserving their own face, whereas people in collectivistic cultures value maintaining the face of the other party.

In the first plot, Lora is determined to become a successful actress, regardless of the fact that she is a single parent and is thirty-something. She sacrifices quality time with her daughter and a long-lasting relationship with Steve. Lora is focused on saving her own face because she wants to be something that society will honor and respect. Tired of struggling and being poor, Lora is determined to make it big, at all costs.

In the second plot, Sara Jane was trying to save her own face by pretending to be from a superior culture or what she and society thought to be a superior culture during the 1940’s and the 1950’s. Since she was a product of a black mother and a white father, she used her domineering assets to fool everyone into thinking she was the product of pure white parents. Her mother’s ancestry shamed and humiliated her. Pretending to be “white” opened doors for her as far as jobs, friends, and lovers was concerned. Being “white” allowed her to walk through the front door of a restaurant, a club, and more. Being “black,” meant being poor, broke, and alone.

Mutual face is where there’s an equal concern for parties’ image, as well as the public image and their relationship.

In the first plot, both Lora and Annie form a long-lasting bond, where mutual respect, friendship, and honor are shared. Even though Lora is white and Annie is black, they continue to raise their daughters, with love and devotion. Lora never disrespected Annie in public; nor did Annie of Lora. Even though Annie was Lora’s maid, they shared the same house, ate at the same table, and shared some of the same problems. Lora often hated the way Sara Jane mistreated her mother and she often told her so.

In the second plot, Sara Jane is reunited with her mother, but, unfortunately, it is too late. Reality hits when Annie dies and Sara Jane finally comes to grip with her true “color.” Suddenly, being “white” takes a back seat to being Annie Johnson’s “black” daughter. As she runs after her mother’s hearse, she no longer cares about society and what they think. All she cares about is letting her mother know how deeply sorry she is for treating her so badly.

Face-restoration is the face work strategy used to stake out a unique place in life, preserve autonomy, and defend against loss of personal freedom. It is the typical face strategy across indiviualistic cultures. It often involves justifying one’s actions or blaming the situation.

In the first plot, Lora finally realized that she made a mistake when she dismissed Steve from her life 10 years ago. Even though she felt trapped by the love of a good man, she eventually came to realize that fame and fortune can’t buy true happiness. This absence also made Steve realize that being your own woman doesn’t mean you have to give up being in love. Face is restored for Lora and for Steve. A mutual ground is also met. Annie also made Lora realize that she should have spent more time with her daughter, Susie, rather than chasing after a selfish dream.

In the second plot, for Sara Jane, being “black” in the 1940’s and 1950’s meant shame, disgust, and losing face with modern day society. For 10 years, she tormented, embarrassed, and turned her back on her loving, doting mother. After her mother’s death, Sara Jane finally realized that being “white” meant absolutely nothing, without the love and nurturing of a wonderful mother. Her face was restored to its true “color” but, with an added consequence.

Face-giving is the face work strategy used to defend and support another’s need for inclusion. It means taking care not to embarrass or humiliate the other in public. It is the characteristic face strategy across collectivist cultures. It often involves self-effacement.

In the second plot, Sara Jane did not allow others to give face because she refused to acknowledge the fact that she was of black descent and she also refused to respect the opinions of her mother, Lora, Steve, and Susie, even though they were considered to be her family and friends. She respected them but, at the time, she chose to block certain aspects of her life, completely out of her mind and out of her controlled environment. Instead she chose to hide the truth and to torment her own mother, who truly loved her dearly. Sara Jane wanted to be white because there was power, prestige, and acceptance tied into being labeled a white woman. Being black, especially in the 1940’s and 1950’s was looked upon as a curse.

References

Griffin, E. (2006). A First Look at Communication Theory (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Internet Movie Database, Inc (2006). Imitation of Life.  Retrieved on November 8, 2006 from http://imdb.com/title/tt0052918/

A Time When I Embarrassed My Only Son

An Embarrassing Reality

If you asked either one of my children how many times I’ve embarrassed them, they would probably give you a list. Hey, I’m not that bad, I just can’t get rid of the child inside me, plus I enjoy being around young folk. Enough said. When we moved to North Carolina in 1997; I drove a 1996 Geo Metro that had been in an accident. On the right-hand side, the passenger door was bashed in and the glass was knocked out. The damage looked horrible. Thus, I was one of those unfortunate souls who drove around town with a garage bag taped to cover the large hole, where the glass was supposed to be.

Well, one morning, as I prepared to drive myself to work, I happened to see my son, Jumelle, standing at the bus stop with his friends. Something kept telling me to stop and ask if he wanted a ride. But as I edged closer, he did something I thought he would never do. He turned his head, as if he didn’t even see me. He treated me like a complete stranger. My feelings were hurt and my heart sank to my feet. When he arrived home from school later that day, I wanted to ask him about it but I felt certain that he would deny seeing me.

I just let it go since I still thought about some embarrassing moments with my parents as well. I guess that old saying, “What goes around comes around,” was in true form that day. My child seemed to be obsessed with material things rather than good, old fashioned love from his struggling parent. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my son and I know he loved me but if I had driven a better looking car, he would have gladly given me the time of day. To him, my car was below standards. And, to this day, we still haven’t talked about that innocent but I know that I embarrassed him, not to mention me.

Quest Crew Wins on Season 3 of “America’s Best Dance Crew!”

An Epic Reality

On March 5, 2009 at 10 p.m., on MTV’s “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew’s” third season live finale, all nine crews were brought out to a dance off in the judges’ choice of groups of three.   The finalists, Quest Crew and Beat Freaks were ready to find out how America voted, with more than 20 million votes counted.  Both dance teams hailed from Los Angeles, California.  Both teams were exceptionally good and had a long line of fans.  Quest Crew as an all-male group; Beat Freaks was an all-female group.  Both groups were intense.  Both groups were determined to win.

First, Quest Crew, Dynamic Edition and Strikers All-Stars, clogged, braked, and grooved to a smooth remix of the ’80’s classic “You Spin Me Round.”  This trio was chosen by Judge Shane Sparks.

Second, the Beat Freaks teamed up with Team Millennia and Boxcuttuhz. The trio danced to Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.”  This dynamic trio was chosen by Judge JC Chasez.

But it was the combination of G.O.P. Dance, Fly Khicks, and Ringmasters, who danced to Sean Paul and Keri Hilson’s “The Tide,” that really got the crowd excited.   This last trio was chosen by Judge Lil Mama.

Next, the Beat Freaks and Quest Crew teamed up to perform in front of a celeb-filled crowd, which included Lil Jon, Lil’ Kim, and more, to a master mix of “Beggin” by Mad Dog.  As Judge Shane Sparks said to Quest Crew, “When you all came on the show, you came to dominate.”  And dominate they did.  They became “America’s Best Dance Crew” for season three, where the shows creator, Randy Jackson, presented them with the $100,000 grand prize.

Finally, as the losing team, Beat Freaks, exited the stage, the remaining seven crews chanted, “Beat Freaks!” causing quite an emotional moment among the Beat Freaks.  What a night!  I don’t care what anyone says, Beat Freaks are winners in my book.  They fought just as hard as the guys and they met every challenge bestowed upon them with fury and professionalism.  Not to mention the fact that they’re the first all-girl dance team to make in the finals.

Fairbanks, Alaska – A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live

A Breathtaking Reality

While working as an unpaid intern for Trekkertime.com, I assigned to write travel articles on cities in North America.  This is one of my many articles.  This is also one of my favorites.

Known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” Fairbanks has tiny villages throughout its wilderness, such as the Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Local activities and events include the Aurora Viewing, the El Dorado Gold Mine, Gold Dredge #8, and more. Fairbanks is located 358 miles north of Anchorage and 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Fairbanks, in spite of its location towards the northern part of Alaska and the Arctic Circle, can have temperatures up in the 90s in the summer. In the winter, it dips below zero degrees.

Aurora Viewing

The best time to watch the “Northern Lights” is between December and March. This is when the nights are longer and the skies are darker. The Aurora is more active late at night or early in the morning, because the sky is clear and the air is chilly.

Displays of the Aurora include ribbons of light that shimmer in the sky that lasts for hours on end. These ribbons look like glowing, dancing curtains of green, yellow and orange or dark red colors. The altitude of its lower edge is 60 to 70 miles above the earth.

Scientists think the Aurora is caused by solar winds that flow across the Earth’s upper atmosphere; hitting molecules of gas and lighting them up like a neon sign. Even so, the rarest and most famous Aurora was a red Aurora that was sighted on February 11, 1958.

El Dorado Gold Mine

This is where you can take a guided tour on the old train of the Tanana Valley Railroad through the gold fields of the Interior. You also get a short course in gold panning, where you get your very own bucket filled with pay dirt right out of a sluice box. Here you get an opportunity to go back in time and relive the history of panning for gold. Refreshments are available immediately after the tour. Plus, you get the chance to find out if your panning is worth its weight in gold.

The tour departs at 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, with exception of Saturday and Monday, where tours are in the afternoons only. Tours are available from May 13 until the second week in September.

Gold Dredge

Listed a National Historic Site in 1984 and a National Historical Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1986, a Gold Dredge tour includes a 20-minute audiovisual presentation of Fairbanks area gold mining operations, the dredge, the dredge supply buildings with machinery, equipment and mining discoveries, the bunk house, a “Miners’ Buffet” lunch, and a gift shop visit.
Golden Days Celebration

This is a celebration of the discovery of gold struck on July 22, 1902, in a creek 12 miles north of Captain E. T. Barnette’s Trading Post by Felix Pedro. It is held in Fairbanks about July 22nd of each year. Here, week-long activities include the state’s largest parade, luncheons, theatre, street fairs, rubber duckie races, and more. For more information, call (907) 452-1105 or email goldendays@fairbankschamber.org.