Black Swan

1. What is F54? A. A computer key command B. A plane developed by a local company that made its debut this week at John Wayne Airport C. A Costa Mesa clothes company that specializes in youth-centered surf, skate and punk rock apparel D. A Newport Beach punk band that recently settled a legal dispute over its name with a television show 2. Laing Luxury Homes representatives think customers are attracted to their SeaCrest...

For the week of Dec. 2-8 TODAY (2) 'CHRISTMAS FANTASIA' Sponsored by: Vanguard University Where: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrew's Road, Newport Beach When: 2 p.m. Cost: $10-$12 Contact: (714) 556-3610, Ext. 272. MAGICIAN JEFF MARTIN Sponsored by: Corona del Mar Branch Library's annual Open House Where: Corona del Mar Branch Library, 420 Marigold Ave. When: Noon to 4 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: (949)

Suzanne Perez's picks for best and worst movies of 2010: Favorite Films 1. "The Social Network" — A real-life geek inherits the Earth. Aaron Sorkin's quicksilver dialogue and Jesse Eisenberg's acting delivery are superb. 2. "The Kids Are Alright" — Annette Bening should finally get an Oscar for her portrayal of an uptight, controlling spouse. 3. "Winter's Bone" — Nineteen-year old Jennifer Lawrence is stunning as an Ozark girl desperate to keep her family from losing their home.

The trial for a Huntington Beach teenager accused of killing her mother in 2006 and dumping her body in Newport Bay began Wednesday, with prosecutors aiming to portray her as cold, manipulative and without remorse. “The evidence will show there are no limits of manipulation ... She’s really good at it. The evidence will prove to you that what this defendant wants, this defendant gets,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Sonia Balleste said during openings statements. “This one’s 17 going on 42, and there isn’t anything she hasn’t thought of.” Rachael Mullenix, now 19, is accused of killing her mother, 56-year-old Barbara Mullenix, in 2006 because she stood in the way of her relationship with her 21-year-old boyfriend, Ian Allen.

Let's cut to the chase. "True Grit" is one of the very best films of the year. Written and directed by the Coen Brothers, it takes a sharp offbeat turn on the basic elements of Hollywood cowboy movies. It's full of dark humor and snappy dialogue, but less strange than "Fargo," "The Big Lebowski" or "No Country For Old Men. " Jeff Bridges gives another bravura performance. He plays the one-eyed crusty lawman Rooster Cogburn, made famous in the original film by John Wayne. But Bridges adds another deep layer of grit and gravel to the whisky-drinking hero.

Woman's life worth more than swan's I was wondering if anyone noticed that a woman was found dead the same day that Rupert died?   I was amazed that the two stories were even boxed together on the cover of last Thursday's Daily Pilot; and the article in the Los Angeles Times' California section is headlined "Newport's Black Swan Is Killed" without a reference to the real loss of human life. Are we saying that Rupert and this slain woman have equal value? I am sad that Rupert is gone and acknowledge that he put a smile on many faces, my family's included.

1. Which national publication did a story on Tina New, the flashy ex-girlfriend of Eric Bechler, who is accused of murdering his wife, Pegye? A. The New York Times B. USA Today C. The National Enquirer 2. Wahoo's Fish Tacos, one of Costa Mesa most popular takeouteateries, was featured in a commercial by which Wall Street powerhouse? A. Charles Schwab B. E TRADE C. Merrill Lynch 3. What caused a quarter of the 660 city workers in Costa Mesa not to show up for work?

Noaki Schwartz NEWPORT BEACH -- Sir Swany, the snow-white swan that has become the Upper Newport Bay's unofficial mascot, is in critical condition after getting drenched in diesel fuel from a boat that ran aground after last week's boat show. Kiki Allan, a marina resident who looks after the birds in the bay, was in tears as she desperately tried to find out why the Japanese black-necked swan lay passively on the shore. Allan said the swan had not shown up for his daily visits for nearly a week and finally resurfaced Friday morning.

Noaki Schwartz BALBOA PENINSULA -- At least seven birds were left coated in oil and temporarily stranded on a sandy beach Tuesday after a docked boat reportedly leaked about a gallon of diesel fuel near the ferry landing. An oily slick stretched about a half-mile across the water in Newport Harbor, leaving about five ducks and two swans -- local favorites Rupert and Pearl -- swaying with open beaks, gasping for air. "I'm madder than hell," said Newport resident Gay Wassall-Kelly, who called local authorities to check the damage.

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- A Huntington Beach animal care facility -- the only local center for orphaned and injured wildlife in the Newport-Mesa area -- has closed because it lacks the funds necessary to keep its doors open. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County stopped accepting animals, other than those injured in oil spills, because it doesn't have enough money to pay for upgrades needed to keep its city permit, said Gary Gorman, the center's facilities manager.