Five Things - Oscars, Cinemas, Photography

Today is MONDAY, Feb. 28, the final day of February. Today is the day we recover from the Academy Awards, wondering how in the world a movie about England and a stuttering king beat out a film about an American who became a billionaire before he was 25. Every year, it seems, we wait with anticipation for this broadcast, seemingly oblivious to the fact that each year, we are sorely disappointed in what it delivers. But hey, it's Hollywood. That's how Hollywood rolls. If the steak isn't exactly nutritious, the sizzle is amazing. Which brings us to our first of today's five things:

1. The , our own Martinez multiplex, has all-digital projection, which makes every film crystal clear and always unscratched. It also has D-Box, a seat that moves in synch to the movie, for a mere $8 more. Hey, some people think that's a deal. Anyway, we love the Contra Costa Cinema.
2. And tonight, at the aforementioned Contra Costa Cinema, it's the . Come and see an amazing exhibit of the world's best 3-D images, presented by the Oakland Camera Club. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Glasses are provided.
3. If it's Monday, it must be time for belly dancing class at the Senior Center, 818 Green St. Come join Sharifa and learn the secrets of shaking various, um, things that are not generally shaken. Class begins at 6:30 p.m.
4. And if it's the last Monday (and it is), that means it's time for the Armandos' Blues Jam, sponsored by Good Stuff Guitar Shop. Bring your instrument, your blues and $3 and join an always-great group of people for a very good time, way more fun than anyone should have on a Monday night. Festivities end at 10 p.m., plenty of time to get a good night's sleep.
5. Of course, there are those of you who keep the fabric of our society glued together by your participation in the serious side of things, and tonight you will be attending the Martinez Unified School District Board meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. at the School District Offices, 921 Susana St. Among the happenings tonight will be a presentation of funds raised by the Martinez Music Society to music teachers in the district for their programs.