Page 6 April 27, 2017 EL SEGUNDO HERALD Entertainment Check It Out Film Review Mélanie Laurent Inspires Eco-Conscious Change in Tomorrow By Morgan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com On April 22, 2017, the “March for Science” took place in Washington, D.C. and in over 500 cities across the world, bringing government attention to the importance and impact of scientific research on the future of our global civilization (a cause that some in positions of power are planning to de-fund). It was opportunity to have a collective of voices heard and inspire others to make a difference. With a similar agenda, and timed for Earth Day, comes Tomorrow, an eye-opening ecodocumentary from French actress Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds) and activist, author and filmmaker Cyril Dion. Tomorrow begins with shocking statistics about how the demise of the human race is due to three contributing factors: climate change, the destruction of the earth’s surface, and population growth. It is nothing we haven’t all heard before, but instead of just reciting facts and taking a doom and gloom perspective, this documentary gives insight into how we can make a difference locally, in our towns, and on our streets and backyards. Divided into five chapters, Tomorrow looks at different countries and cities to explore how the local communities are living green and working together towards a happy and healthy lifestyle for all (and I’m assuming the filmmakers even planned their flights accordingly so as to not use too much fuel for their various travels). Chapter One focuses on agriculture--mainly urban farming in Detroit. The main takeaway here is that cutting down on meat consumption, even if only one less day a week, will have a huge impact on reducing our carbon footprint and saving resources like fossil fuels and fresh water. Chapter Two is all about energy and the goal here is to eventually have all energy produced by the sun, wind or water--and not carbon, coal or oil (plus, geothermal heat is free!). We travel to the energy-conscious city of Copenhagen, where 21 percent of people get around on foot, 26 percent use bikes, and 20 percent use mass transit. That means 67 percent of people don’t drive. As a Los Angeles native, this is one of the most mind-blowing facts to comprehend. Chapter Three focuses on the economy and the necessity for an ecosystem of currency--not just one universal standard. We visit Switzerland to get a better understanding of its two-currency system, which claims to be more resilient than just a single method of payment. Chapter Four talks about democracy and we look to India for a better understanding of how a proactive local government is giving a new meaning to the word “democracy.” Chapter Five is all about education. We look to Finland to gain a better understanding of its inspiring school system, which educators say is due to the trust in child-centered teaching methods, no national testing and having teachers undergo lessons in child psychology before running a classroom. It is typical for a classroom in Finland to have two teachers per 15 students, a stark difference to the underfunded and overcrowded classrooms in America. It’s a scary thought to know that at this rate, catastrophic changes can happen by the end of the century. The silver lining that Tomorrow emphasizes is that it is not too late, but only if we act now. The consequences of our actions have been overlooked because these effects don’t happen overnight but take time to develop. Unfortunately, we’re feeling the heat (pun intended) and this is the critical time for humanity to understand that how we have treated our planet is catching up with us. Fortunately, we can still do something about it. The message is that we only get one world, so let’s do our best to take care of it--starting today. • Filmmakers of Tomorrow. Courtesy of Under the Milky Way. By Gaslight By Steven Price By Roz Templin, Library Assistant El Segundo Public Library Author Steven Price’s latest work is pretty heavy. Yes, it’s an impressive weight, with over 700 pages and not for the faint of heart. In those 700-plus pages, an entire lifetime is laid out, dipping into real history and blended with speculation. Allen Pinkerton and his sons William and Robert really did exist, of course. Founded in 1850 as the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, the business provided security as well as detectives. Pinkerton detectives were hired by Abraham Lincoln as his personal security force. However, William Pinkerton never went to Great Britain and assisted in criminal cases with Scotland Yard. But what if he had? It is with that premise that Price uses as his hook and soon he has created a murky world of fog, grime and extreme poverty as William roams the streets and alleyways of 1885 London, pursuing a missing woman who seemingly jumps to her death in front of him. William is searching for someone else, someone his father knew during the Civil War. Maybe this woman, Charlotte Reckitt, knows where to find Edward Shade? The novel is told from several viewpoints and each character has a different perspective. Edward Shade is a mysterious person who figures in several subplots and has at least one other identity. His connection to the Pinkertons runs deep and spans many years. What exactly was the relationship he had to Allen Pinkerton and his network of spies? While William is enmeshed with Scotland Yard investigators in the possible murder/ suicide of Charlotte, he also takes time to reminisce about his childhood, his difficult feelings toward his father and his guilt about leaving his own wife and daughters while in the pursuit of others. There are remembered previous cases from the American West, up against scenes following leads down into sewers in Victorian London, chasing perverse “beserkers.” Memories of a character’s previous days in South Africa’s diamond mines also round out the tale. The prose comes alive: the damp chill of the rain and gritty fear of the criminal underworld seem dangerously real while reading this book. Melancholy clings to the words and Pinkerton’s world-weariness becomes contagious. It’s a crime novel, a mystery, a Western, historical fiction and a bit of Steam Punk as well. As a reader you start down one road, but end up traveling many other routes--never sure where you will end up. And that can be an interesting way to go. Please stop by the library and browse our collection. Our staff is always ready to assist you in a new reading adventure! • Roz Templin. By Gaslight by Steven Price. I live alone Saving a life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES! but I’’I’m m never alone. I have Life Alert.® One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7, can’t • medical • fall • fi re • invasion • CO gas emergencies. For a FREE brochure call: Medical Alert Medical Alert Industry Leader Industry Leader Since 1987 Since 1987 No landline? No problem! FREE SHIPPING! even when you can’’t reach a phone for: AS SEEN ON TV 1-866-591-7844 Do you or a loved one struggle on the stairs? AN ACORN STAIRLIFT IS A PERFECT SOLUTION FOR: Arthritis and COPD sufferers Those with mobility issues Anyone who struggles on the stairs ü ü ü THE PURCHASE OF A NEW STAIRLIFT! CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT AND DVD! 1-844-316-8275 *Not valid on previous purchases. 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