Press and Sun-Bulletin from Binghamton, New York • 27

Tuesday, April 16, 1991 Press Sun-Bulletin 3E WEEK OF THE YOUIIG CHILD Wright sees world in a warped mirror REVIEW I V': J'f 'I weren't in show business, he would be on medication. Opening for Wright was another comedian, Barry Crimmins, who worked in front of a ledum and offered more of a political commentary than a comedy act. Although he had a tendency to speak in a low mumble, making much of what he said unclear, he did have a few sharp comments to offer. Among them: "What kind of society do we have that puts Pete Rose in jail and gives Nixon a library?" "Nixon is like herpes you only think he's gone." "Collateral damage don't think it's a coincidence that it's a banking term." "They die for Allah; we die for the flag." "The Pentagon is so greedy it's got an extra side on its building." What was unusual about both comedians is that they worked relatively clean. There were very few sex jokes and, although both Wright and Crimmins used the famed word from calls lacks sensitivity and what the Indians could do.

The children created their own game, making the rules fit the number of players. Can you remember changing the emphasis of a game by revising the rules? "This time let's pretend that It was a challenge to be the Indian, because maybe you could outwit the cowboy. -OThe play patterns of many children today are limited to the script they have heard on television. TV models are powerful teachers. Not only do the children learn the words, they copy the actions and subtle innuendos.

In a very young child, this may be considered cute. Parents believe they have a smart child, because he or she can imitate actors so well. Many war toys have a single purpose or only one way to be used, and when the child becomes bored, the only answer is to buy something new. They're not like Lego pieces or Tinker Toys, which can grow and change as interests change. Have you noticed the "bad guys" are foreign, wear black and speak with an accent? Good guys can do no wrong; bad guys have no redeeming features.

This kind of stereotyping does not reflect real life and limits the development of necessary thinking skills. Another problem that accompanies children's TV viewing relates to their inability to understand fantasy, to separate reality from make-believe. Young children do not have the experience or the thinking skills to avoid confusion. They cannot separate programs from the commercials. The related merchandise and war toys available in the stores are real, and this reinforces the reality of the programs in a child's mind.

By building in a dependence on objects for play, TV programs undermine children's basic sense of self-sufficiency in play. No longer can children play unless they have the "bought" toys to play with. They have lost the ability to substitute, to make do, or to find new ways to play. The world will become a dangerous place if children grow up believing you can kill a person today and he'll be OK tomorrow, or that the nuclear bomb only hurts the bad guys. We need to help our children develop self-esteem, to diminish their need to play with guns.

We must offer our children appropriate choices in order to help them feel in control. EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is the second in a series of articles prepared by members the Binghamton Association for the Education of Young Children (BAEYQ. TV violence skews kids' view of reality "By PENNY O'BRIEN What do violent cartoons teach our youth? Children are learning that the world is a dangerous place, that you can be killed one day and be back in action the next. Studies show a relationship between war-cartoon viewing and ag- gressive behavior in children's play. Children's thinking skills are also af-; fected.

Children learn the stereotyped concept that the world is composed of good guys and bad guys, good nations and evil empires. Youngsters' creative abilities do not develop, because their play becomes limited to imitating TV "role models. i If children learn their violent play from TV, should we ban TV or control the war cartoons they watch? "But I can't stop my children from watching TV," you say. "If they don't see it at home they'll see it at a friend's house." Limiting your child's TV viewing "probably isn't a good solution, although your children may feel secure when they are not continually exposed -to the death and destruction shown on television. What should be done? Teachers and parents alike are concerned about the increase in aggression and war play among young children.

If you I discuss and evaluate the programs with your child, you may help him or her develop a selectivity that recog-! nizes the harmful violence of war car-I toons. What value does war play have for children? By saying, "Bang, bang; you're dead," a child gains a sense of power and control over his or her en-! vironment. This control is important when you think about how programmed and structured a young child is today. But do we want chil-Ldren to grow up thinking that power Jand violence are the ways to solve Years ago when children played cowboys and Indians, they had to I "write their own script." Before the game started, there was usually a dis-; cussion of how the game would be played, what the cowboys could do By GENE GREY Staff Writer If there was a comedy club in the Twilight Zone," the headliner would be Steven Wright. The man thinks strange.

Before a sold-out audience Sunday at The Forum in Binghamton, the laconic verging on somnabulant comedian offered some obser vations that can best be described as stream of consciousness non sequi-turs. A few examples: "If you shoot a mime, should you use a silencer?" "I got food poisoning tonight. Don't know when I'm going to use it." "When they asked George Washington for his ID, did he show them a quarter?" "I took my mattress to Sears. I wanted to buy a fitted sheet." "I got an answering machine for my car phone. It says 'I can't answer because I'm home right now.

I'll call you when I'm "I live on a one-way dead-end TV program DEAR ANN LANDERS: I am ap palled by a TV series that plays tapes of the desperate people who phone 911 pleading for help. A recent recording was especially upsetting because it was from a 14-year-old girl trapped in a fire. She died soon after. It is sickening to hear those awful last moments. How dehumanizing for the victims to have their private horrors broadcast for all the world to hear.

It must be extremely difficult for their loved ones. I've heard recordings on local and national news broadcasts of women whose estranged husbands were killing them, men pleading for protection against drunk or psychotic women, and children begging into the telephone to be rescued from abusive caretakers. Have these news broadcasters no sense of decency? Does anyone have permission to play such recordings? I've written the TV station but I doubt that it will do much good unless others complain. Please respond in print. Davis, Calif.

TODAY'S MOVIES -Broome County THE THIRD ANIMATION CELEBRATION, (unrated) 7 p.m.; Art Theatre, 1204 Vestal Binghamton; $5, $3. REVERSAL OF FORTUNE, (R) 9 p.m.; Art Theatre, 1204 Vestal Binghamton; $5, $3. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, (PG-13) 7:30 p.m.; Cameo Theater, Binghamton; $6, $3.50. THE PERFECT WEAPON, (R) 9:30 p.m.; Cameo Theater, Binghamton; $6, $3.50. DANCES WITH WOLVES, (PG-13) 8 p.m.; Cinema, Endicott; $6, $3.50.

DEFENDING YOUR LIFE, (PG) 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.; Cinema Binghamton Plaza, Binghamton; $6, $3.50. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, (PG) 7 and 9 p.m.; Cinema II, Binghamton Plaza, Binghamton; $6, $3.50. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, (R) 7 spouses. It should be the bride and groom's day. Too often the weddings of the children are seized upon as a grand opportunity to "get even." I have three more weddings to go and my ex-husband is not speaking to me.

Will you please wade through all the garbage and put the solution in a nutshell? J.M. in Honolulu DEAR HONOLULU: Each situation is different, but after serving as referee for at least 1,000 of these fights, I would say the best rule to Colonia Theatre, 35 S. Broad Norwich; $4.50, $3. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, (PG) 7 p.m.; Colonia Theatre, 35 Broad Norwich; $4.50, $3. CLASS ACTION, (PG-13) 9 p.m.; Colonia Theatre, 35 S.

Broad Norwich; $4.50, $3. Delaware County THE DOORS, (R) 7:30 p.m.; Sidney Theater, Sidney; $4.50, $3. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, (PG) 7:30 p.m.; Walton Theatre. Walton; $4, $3. CAPITOL THEATRE in Hancock is closed for the season.

Otsego County DANCES WITH WOLVES, (PG-13) 7:30 p.m.; Oneonta Theatre Oneonta; $5, $3. THE PERFECT WEAPON, (R) 7 and 9:15 p.m.; Oneonta Theatre II, Oneonta; $5, $3. TODAY'S HOROSCOPE street. I don't know how I got there," "I put a skylight in my apartment. The upstairs neighbors were furious." "I bought a cordless extension cord." "The only reason I exist is to give my shadow something to do." "Hermits have no peer pressure." "There's a fine line between fishing and standing on a shore looking like an idiot." As you can see, Wright doesn't really tell stories there are no farmer's daughters jokes among his material and he does very little humor based on current events or politics.

He simply observes through a fun house mirror. With his hair not so much receding as beating a hasty retreat, and his angular features and bargain basement wardrobe, Wright looks something like the guy who's always sitting in back of you on the bus making you nervous. One gets the feeling that if he about 911 DEAR DAVIS: Unfortunately, many people consider catastrophes and disasters great entertainment. If this were not the case, there would be no market for the gruesome programs you-describe. What you heard sounds like invasion of privacy, but some people couldn't care less about the families of the bereaved, and apparently there are no laws to protect them.

I find this not only revolting but a sad commentary on the insensitivity and bad taste of too many people. Weddings become battles DEAR ANN LANDERS: This is in response to the letter from the son who invited his dad to the wedding but excluded his dad's new wife. It's time for some new rules. I have worn all the hats wife, mother, ex-wife, single mother, other woman, new wife and stepmother. Because I've had so much experience I feel qualified to speak out.

I agree with you, Ann, that weddings are not the time to punish former and 9:30 p.m.; Crest Theater, Binghamton; $6, $3.50. COME SEE THE PARADISE, (R) 7 and 9:30 p.m.; New Ritz Theater, 50 Clinton Binghamton; $5, $3. HOME ALONE, (PG) 4:50 p.m.; Oak-dale Cinema Oakdale Mall, Johnson City; $6, $3.50. THE DOORS, (R) 6:45 and 9:20 p.m.; Oakdale Cinema Oakdale Mall, Johnson City; $6, $3.50. SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, (R) 5:10, 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.; Oakdale Cinema II, Oakdale Mall, Johnson City; $6, $3.50.

THE MARRYING MAN, (R) 4:50, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Oakdale Cinema III, Oak-, dale Mall, Johnson City; $6, $3.50. OUT FOR JUSTICE, (R) 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Towne Theater, Endicott; $6, $3.50. Chenango County OUT FOR JUSTICE, (R) 7 and 9 p.m.; $3 $5 $18' $29 3 fines, 3 days. Each additional line 1. Ad must prt-paid 3 Unas, 3 days.

Each additional lint '2. Ad must pra-paid 3 lints, 7 days. Each additional lint M. 4 lines, 7 days. Each additional lint 8.

$1499 $2295 Single Family Multi-Family Garage Is Comedian Steven Wright Played The Forum Sunday time to time, they were nowhere close to the Eddie Murphys or Andrew Dice Clays of the world. Both comics are rather low-key, making a show of only Vh hours (including intermission) seem just about right. Any longer, and it could have gotten boring. follow is this one: Let the bride and groom decide who they want to invite and their decision should be final. Granted, there are bound to be some hurt feelings and unhappy people, but the two principal characters should have the last word.

Learning never stops DEAR ANN LANDERS: Learning lessons in life never ends. There is no part of life that does not contain a lesson, if you are tuned in. One of the most important lessons is this one: This is often no better than that. Something different isn't necessarily better. Lesson No.

2: Others are simply mirrors of ourselves. When you love or hate something about someone, it is often because it reflects something you love or hate about yourself. A Reader DEAR READER: Beautiful. I wish I had said that. Have a question? Write to Ann Landers, el Press a Sun-Bulletin, Box 1270, Binghamton, N.Y.

13902. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, (R) 7 and 9:20 p.m.; Showcase Cinema, Oneonta; $5, $3. Tioga County TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, (PG) 7 p.m.; Tioga Theater, Owego; $4. $3. MISERY, (R) 8:45 p.m.; Tioga Theater, Owego; $4, $3.

THE MARRYING MAN, (R) 6:50 and 8:45 p.m.; Tioga Theater, Owego; $4, $3. Cancellation The Coalition for Home Health Care has canceled its seminar "Emerging Ethical Issues in Health Care Rationing." The seminar had been scheduled for Thursday. There are no plans to reschedule at this time. from fit, of a Monday-Friday: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Sil I ARIES (March 21 -April 19): This is a 1 good time to turn a casual friendship into a close relationship. Working with a Gemini brings out your creativity.

Your partner's spending could be a source of contention. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The love of your life may be manipulating your -emotions. It's time to think about home 'improvements; this can be enjoyable, even on a limited budget. Let a Virgo I help you with the planning. I GEMINI (May 21-June 21): Plans for a gathering of friends and family are I afoot.

Use your public relations skills for all they're worth. You can swing that big money deal, so get to work. CANCER (June 22-July 22): Doing for others is the most fun of all; you even pick up the check. Try not to eat too much, though. Friends show their appreciation for your longtime support.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Optimism comes easy. Breakfast could give you Indigestion. You have plenty of fun with friends later in the day. The team you're working with now is inspiring and in- structive.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The moon -is void of course, so routine is called Ifor. You're proud of your new responsibilities; and if you haven't gotten a raise lyet, it won't be long. Past efforts are bearing sweet fruit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): A co-work- STEVEN SGZ-iiaL is NOW SHOWING CHECK DIRECTORY FOR SHOW TIMES O'Brien is a writer, teacher and BAEYC member. er is the source of your increased interest in work; if it the boss, proceed with professional caution. Matters of the heart can play havoc on your hard-won career status.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): If you manage to upset your partner before the moon enters Gemini this evening, don't say I didn't warn you. Ask yourself, are you out of bounds In your efforts to control the ones you love? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.

21): Your love is strong for someone who has proved loyal, though you may have to travel a distance to keep the sparks burning. Be detail-perfect in all routine tasks; an error will be embarrassing. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It's a great day for doing the books.

You and your partner can even discuss money without fussing, but don't make any policies. Just get accounts balanced and bills paid. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A solid partnership with someone who really loves you is the luckiest thing now.

You'll be surprised how easy it is to get a wish granted; just make one and wait a week. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dancing is your most natural exercise. Join a class and you might meet a charming Gemini who'll be your partner. It's easy to swing a new assignment, but don't forget to follow through on it.

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