I was not planning to do a newsletter this week. But old habits die hard. For this reason, I have not really accomplished anything. Better luck next week.

Hey Adventureland Friends:

Surprised? I couldn't bring myself to miss this week. Yes, this computer is dragging at best. And I really should of worked on other tasks. Perhaps next week?

http://advland.bravehost.com
http://reel2reel.bravehost.com
http://advland.braveblog.com
http://www.adventurelandvideo.com

I want to dedicate this issue in loving memory of Brad Renfro. The troubled teen made famous as 'The Client.' My all time favorite was 'The Cure.' A must see film.

Part of me wanted to name Brad as a Lost Legend this week. But this would mean scrapping work completed. So, my Shining Star stands - John Carpenter.

Below is one of my personal Bookmarks. The contests change frequently, but I go here once each month and enter each contest. Perhaps I will one day get lucky.

My Snack Bar recipe focus drifted toward main dish and desserts. Some of you noted this redirection and even missed them. So I am dancing that line again.
    
Blingo is the place to be on friday for movie buffs. The prizes awarded are movie tickets. This is now owned by Publishers Clearing House.      

http://www.blingo.com/friends?ref=LJt9EIXsXBaBuP-fW5DaMrkkYSk
     
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Find your showtimes @ Adventureland
http://advland.bravehost.com
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'BUCKET LIST' KICKS BOX OFFICE BUTT
 
"The Bucket List," the tale of 2 cancer patients who decide to travel the world before they die, bested the weekend box office, according to studio estimates.

"This was definitely a win for the older audience," Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers, said of the movie, starring Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman. "The conventional wisdom is the younger audience drives the box office."

The Warner Bros. release directed by Rob Reiner "skews to older audiences, but I think the star power is what brought the audience," Dergarabedian said. "Never underestimate the clout of the older movie audience."

In its first week in national distribution, "Bucket List" brought in $19.5 million at more than 2,900 theaters. It initially opened on Christmas Day in limited release.
 
The film was closely followed by "First Sunday," featuring Ice Cube & Tracy Morgan as petty criminals who scheme to rob a church but end up being rewarded with a second chances. The Sony Screen Gems film banked $19 million at 2,200 theaters.

"These two films appealed to different audiences and both did very well," Dergarabedian said. "January is not known as a hot month for box office."

The No. 1 box office draw for 3 consecutive weeks - Disney's "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" with Nicolas Cage - dropped to fourth, with $11.5 million at 3,400 theaters. It has banked $187 million.

The independent film "Juno," featuring Ellen Page, locked third place, continuing its run and building momentum as Hollywood's awards season progresses. The film had 3 nominations for Sunday's Golden Globes.

With $71.2 million already in the bank, "Juno" is on its way to becoming Fox Searchlight's biggest hit ever, approaching "Sideways" at $71.5 million.

Paramount Vantage's "There Will Be Blood," starring Daniel Day-Lewis in a tale of greed and violence, continued to turn in impressive numbers. Taking in $2 million at 129 theaters, a $15,000 average, to easily outdistanced other movies.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday - Sunday at U.S. & Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers. Final figures will be released Monday.

01) "The Bucket List" @ $19.5 million.

02) "First Sunday" @ $19 million.

03) "Juno" @ $14 million.

04) "National Treasure" @ $11.5 million.

05) "Alvin and the Chipmunks" @ $9.1 million.

06) "I Am Legend" @ $8.1 million.

07) "One Missed Call" @ $6.1 million.

0 "P.S. I Love You" @ $5 million.

09) "The Pirates: A Veggie Tales Movie" @ $4.4 million

10) "Atonement" @ $4.3 million.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
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Available May 2008

THE BUCKET LIST

Carter (Morgan freeman) is an auto mechanic. Edward (Jack Nicholson) is a corporate billionaire. Then life delivered an urgent and unexpected wake-up call. They 
find themselves sharing a hospital room. For all their apparent differences, they had 2 things in common: a need to come to terms with who they were and choices they'd made, and a desire to spend the time they had left doing everything they ever wanted to do. 
 
Rated PG-13 for language, including a sexual reference.

"Freeman and Nicholson are memorable as unlikely friends despite a choppy script." -Los Angeles Times,
Kevin Crust

"Even Nicholson and Freeman can't inject sufficient life into this terminally dull film." -Hollywood Reporter,
Michael Rechtshaffen 

http://thebucketlist.warnerbros.com/
      
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Opening January 18, 2008

MAD MONEY

Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton are unlikely friends who plan to rob one of the most secure banks in the world.

Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language, and brief drug references.

http://www.madmoneymovie.com/

Opening January 25, 2008 

HOW SHE MOVE

A gifted student is forced to leave her private school, but rekindles an unlikely passion for the competitive world of step dancing.

Rated PG-13 for some drug content, suggestive material and language.

http://www.howshemove.com/
http://myspace.com/howshemove
 
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JOHN CARPENTER

DOB:  January 16, 1948, Carthage, New York   

Known as a triple threat in show business, Carpenter directed, scripted and composed the score for the legendary horror flick 'Halloween' (197 . Carpenter was inspired to become a filmmaker as a child when he watched the feature, 'It Came From Outer Space,' for the first time. Carpenter’s passion for both horror and science fiction lead him to direct and co-write his debut film 'Dark Star,' which also served as his Master’s thesis project at USC. With the worldwide success of 'Halloween' in 1978, John secured his stellar reputation as a filmmaker and became known for his brilliant point of view shots. Some of Carpenter’s most acclaimed features include 'The Thing' (1982), 'Starman' (1984), 'Big Trouble in Little China' (1986), 'Memoirs of An Invisible Man' (1992) and 'In the Mouth of Madness' (1995).

MILESTONES:

1952 -- At 4 years old, saw his first theatrical feature, John Huston's "The African Queen."

1953 -- Interest in film ignited by Jack Arnold's 3-D feature, "It Came From Outer Space."

1956 -- At age 8, began making his own action-oriented movies using his father's 8mm Brownie camera.
 
1978 -- Directed, scripted and composed score for his breakthrough success, "Halloween."
 
NOTABLES:
 
First substantial film, the 40-minute featurette, "Revenge of the Colossal Beasts."
 
Made his "first really promising film", a 40-minute short entitled "Warrior and the Demon"; featured Carpenter's first use of stop-motion animation.

While a teen, formed own production company, Emerald Productions, with two projectors, still cameras, floodlights and a rear projection screen.

QUOTABLES:

"I am a writer, and a director, and let me tell you something, a screenplay is not a movie, it's a bunch of words. The director makes the movie. All this other bullshit can just go away..."

http://www.theofficialjohncarpenter.com/
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/directors/03/carpenter.html
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800019104
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000118/

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BEEF TAMALE NACHOS

 
Add a fresh twist to your next crowd-pleasing platter of nachos. Layers of sliced tamales, chips, cheese and tomatoes meld together for a flavorful snack. Make it fiesta-ready, with green onions, black olives and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients:
6 El Monterey Beef Tamales
1 lb. Pasteurized processed cheese
(1) 10 oz. can diced tomatoes and chilies
1 lb. Nacho corn chips (your favorite)
1 cup diced fresh tomato
1 cup diced fresh green onions
1 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Heat up El Monterey tamales according to instructions on package, remove tamales from package after hot and slice each tamale into 4 slices, keep warm and set aside for assembly.
Combine cheese and canned tomatoes and chilies in a microwave proof bowl and heat for 9 minutes or until cheese is melted and mix up well; keep warm and set aside for assembly.

Assembly:
 
On a large platter spread out a single layer of corn chips, pour 1/3 of the cheese sauce over chips, evenly distribute 2 sliced tamales over chips and cheese, along with a third of the tomatoes, green onions, and olives.
Repeat layering process for two more layers and finish nachos in a 375ºF oven for 2 minutes or just enough to heat up cheese and tamales, careful not to toast the nacho chips too much. Serve hot and immediately.

http://www.elmonterey.com/           
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!!! PAKADEVA'S FREEBEES !!!
This is the place ! Find real freebies, Interesting
finds, & contests ! Subscribe to enter & receive a
FREE phone card ! Check our Crafts, Natural Beauty &
Recipes pages. ( International )
http://www.pakadevasfreebees.com

??? WANT SOMETHING FOR NOTHING ???
Free stuff with free shipping. If it's not clearly
free, it's not on Free N Clear! Freebies and samples
with no postage sent to you! We do the legwork, so you
don't have to.
http://www.freenclearstuff.com

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WIN DVDS, POSTERS, TICKETS & MORE!

If you are in search for the most glamorous prizes tinseltown has to offer, you've come to the right place! MovieWeb with movie studios and other film related companies are giving away cool stuff.

http://www.movieweb.com/contests/

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OFFBEAT ITEMS BRIGHTEN ICES
 
It probably goes without saying that no one needs a dancing MP3 player or a drink cooler that can be ridden like a scooter. Some vendors at International Consumer Electronics Show bet people will want these.

http://www.versusscoreboard.com
http://www.taser.com
http://www.gibson.com/robotguitar
http://www.cruzincooler.com

BED WITH TECH TOYS UNVEILED
 
You're probably used to having a big-screen TV or a cell phone charger in the bedroom, but Leggett & Platt Inc. wants to take things a step further by bringing tech gadgets right into your bed.

THE EEE LAPTOP PC

 
Didn't Asus know notebook computers need hard drives? Or that they're supposed to run Windows - and software must bloat the boot-up process? Don't they know you don't just sell laptops for less than $400? Asustek Computers broke the rules with the Eee PC.

FREE SET-TOP BOX 4 PORN
 
At the Adult Entertainment Expo is Fyre, the first set-top box for adult movies on demand. The Fyre simply has to be plugged into a broadband connection. Another plug goes into the TV. The Fyre box will be free but require a subscription plan from $10 to $100 a month.

JOBS' MACWORLD REVEALS

 
Apple CEO Steve Jobs took the wraps off a super-slim new laptop at Macworld, unveiling a personal computer less than an inch thick. Jobs also confirmed the tech giant's foray into online movie rentals. Jobs unveiled a faster iPhone and new features. Jobs' new iPod Touch music player will e-mail and new mapping functions.

http://www.apple.com
http://www.macworldexpo.com/

RENFRO: A LIFE CUT SHORT
 
Brad Renfro, whose career began promisingly with a childhood role in "The Client" but faded due to drugs and alcohol, was found dead. The cause of death was not determined, but an autopsy will be conducted. He
had reportedly been drinking with friends the evening before his death.

   BOOK-TO-SCREEN CHALLENGE  
 
Screenwriters are acutely aware of the inevitable comparisons between book and movie, and face the daunting challenge of telling a cinematic story that will resonate with audiences while remaining true to the source material.

http://advland.braveblog.com
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Buy your favorite DVDs @ Adventureland
http://psgoods.bravehost.com 
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SUBURBAN GIRL

Brett is a naive book editor embarking on her first big job. She develops a romance with literary star Archie and is introduced to a glamorous new world. This girl from the 'burbs finds herself at a big-city crossroads.

Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language.
 
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809710013
            
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January 22, 2008

SYDNEY WHITE

Sydney White come to pledge her late mom's sorority. While surviving the pledging, Syd finds her place with a band of socially challenged guys. They campaign to take over student government. Syd organizes her gang to revolutionize the system, once and for all.

Rated PG-13 for some language, sexual humor and partying.

"They're no longer classics after Amanda Bynes gets her hands on them." -Chicago Tribune,
Matt Pais 

"...a perky and chaste Y.A. update on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." -Entertainment Weekly,
Lisa Schwarzbaum

http://www.myspace.com/sydneywhite
                    
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HISTORIC 1834 HAND BUILT LOG CABIN

This is a 16'X18'X18' log cabin. It was built in 1834 by the McConaha family outside of Centerville,Indiana. In 1972 it was moved to Hagerstown,Indiana and placed on a concrete slab in the park. It had some repairs in 1989. It will need a roof soon. It had a fireplace that has been removed. Has 3 windows, 2 doors, and an L-shaped staircase leading to the second floor. Wall and joist are original, flooring on both levels has been replaced with treated lumber. Has some electrical wiring. Must be moved within 90 days. Only $2,000.00
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310014986764         
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TAKE A BITE OUT OF STEEP DVD PRICES!

Buy one DVD get one free! Save on Top A&E Titles. With television series and documentaries for history buffs and sports fans all on sale, there's something for everyone. Enter code BUYONEGETONEANE at checkout to save! Offer ends 10/16. Discount applies to the lower priced items.

http://www.deepdiscount.com/DVD---A-E-Buy-One-Get-One-Free_stcVVcatId479941VVviewcat.htm?promoCode=BUYONEGETONEANE

A UNIQUE GIFT IDEA 4 MOVIE BUFFS

MovieTexts are a totally new way to send greetings or
just keep in touch. Tap in your message and we turn
your words into their own little movie. Each has been
crafted by an experienced filmmaker. We'll deliver it
for you by e-mail or mobile phone. We can send it at
any time - up to one year in the future.

http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?75497

HOME THEATER, GAME ROOM & SNACK BAR

Shop our Pre Holiday Sale and Save Big! We carry products for your bar, kitchen, rec room, patio and more. Save 5%-10% on your order by entering the corresponding code during checkout.
On orders up to $99.99; save 5% with code A5
$100-499.99; save 7.5% with code A75
$500+; save 10% with code A10.

http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?75500

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LICENSE 2 MAIL: JAMES BOND STAMPS
 
Britain's Royal Mail issued stamps commemorating the fictional super-spy to mark 100 years since the birth of his creator, Ian Fleming. The 6 stamps feature the original cover art of "Dr. No,""Goldfinger,""Diamonds Are Forever" and "From Russia With Love." Several events are planned to mark Fleming, who introduced James Bond in the 1953 book "Casino Royale." A James Bond exhibition is due to open at London's Imperial War Museum in April. A new Bond movie starring Daniel Craig as 007 is due out near the end of the year.

CRUISE EXTORTIONIST SENTENCED

 
A man who tried to extort Tom Cruise in exchange for stolen wedding photographs was sentenced to 2 years probation. Marc Lewis Gittleman was also fined $3,000. Gittleman, a computer tech, had no prior criminal record. Gittleman obtained thousands of photos from a damaged hard drive brought to his workplace by a photographer. He contacted David Hans Schmidt, known for peddling nude photos and sex tapes of celebs, and e-mailed Cruise demanding $1.3 million. Schmidt had pleaded guilty but later hanged himself.

   MC CANNS PONDER FILM DEAL  
 
Parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann held talks regarding making of a film about their daughter.
Spokesman Clarence Mitchell said he met with IMG Media last month. Mitchell said a film would be considered only if it helped raise awareness of the case. IMG confirmed Darlow Smithson, an IMG subsidiary, met with McCann representatives. Madeleine McCann disappeared from a Portuguese resort May 3, a few days before her fourth birthday. Parents, Kate & Gerry, are formal suspects but no one has been charged.

   'SPEED RACER' COMES 2 AUTO SHOW  
 
The supercharged star of the Wachowski brothers movie, "Speed Racer," is visiting Motor City. The Mach 5 will be on display at North American International Auto Show, which closes Jan. 27. The car will be on view for the first 3 public days. The live-action
"Speed Racer" follows the adventures of the young race car driver Speed. The movie opens May 9. This is based on the classic animated series by Tatsuo Yoshida.

http://www.naias.com
http://www.speedracerthemovie.com

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WEINSTEINS EXPECT WGA DEAL
 
Weinstein Co. says it expects to reach a deal the WGA, spokesman Matthew Frankel said. The deal would be the second reached with big-screen producers. United Artists made an agreement with the guild. The union has a deal with Worldwide Pants, David Letterman's company. Terms of the Weinstein deal were not released. But a person familiar with the agreement, said it was similar to the deal reached by Worldwide Pants. The studio alliance downplayed the significance of the UA agreement, saying "one-off deals" would not lead to a permanent solution of the labor dispute.

   COMIC DAVID IS A DADDY  
 
David Alan Grier is the father of a new baby. The actor and comedian's wife Christine Y. Kim gave birth to a girl, People magazine reported. The baby was born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to Us Magazine. "We're very happy," Grier (52) told the Web site. Luisa Danbi Grier-Kim - "Danbi" means "sweet rain" in Korean - was 7 pounds, 6 ounces at bith.
"She's amazing," Kim told People. "I'm feeling euphoric, and David is ecstatic. He's the perfect father." They married in July.

COURTNEY IS FIRST TIME MOM

 
Courtney Thorne-Smith has given birth to a baby boy. "The parents are thrilled, and the baby is healthy, well and beautiful," her publicist Karen Samfilippo said. Thorne-Smith delivered the baby at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Samfilippo said. The father is her husband Roger Fishman, media consultant. They named the boy Jacob Emerson Fishman. Thorne-Smith (40) is known for TV shows including "Day By Day,"
"Melrose Place,""Ally McBeal" and "According to Jim."

   COLLETTE IS A FIRST-TIME MOM     

Toni Collette has given birth to her first child, a baby girl. The actress and husband, Dave Galafassi, welcomed Sage Florence Galafassi into the world, a spokeswoman told Australian AP. "Both mother and baby are very well and very happy," the spokeswoman said. Collette (35) was nominated for a best supporting-actress Oscar for "The Sixth Sense." She announced her pregnancy in July, saying she had been leaning toward motherhood roles. "It is strange the last three films I've done I have been pregnant," Collette had said.

MCCONAUGHEY 2 BE A DAD

 
Matthew McConaughey and his girlfriend, Brazilian model Camila Alves, are expecting a baby. Matthew made the announcement on his Web site. "We are stoked and wowed by this miracle of creation and this gift from God, and so excited for the adventure that will come in raising this child, being a mother and a father," he said. McConaughey's latest film, "Fool's Gold," is to be released next month.

http://www.matthewmcconaughey.com

MEDICAL EMERGENCY 4 'MUSICAL' STAR

 
"High School Musical" star Zac Efron underwent emergency surgery to remove his appendix, his publicist said. The 20-year-old had the operation at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Gina Hoffman said. Efron became a heartthrob with his role as Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel TV movie and its sequel. He also starred in the "Hairspray." He was hospitalized a day after Walt Disney announced that he and co-stars had signed on for "High School Musical 3: Senior Year."
Filming was scheduled to start in the spring.

SNIPES' TAX TRIAL UNDERWAY

 
Attorneys for Wesley Snipes named several potential character witnesses, including Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Tom Brokaw, Barbara Walters, Woody Harrelson, Sylvester Stallone and Gus Van Sant. Prosecutors say he fraudulently tried to retrieve $11 million in paid taxes and directed his companies to stop withholding taxes. Attorneys for Snipes insist he was misled by advisers. The potential jurors were predominantly white. Most heard of the case, but not extensively. Before court, Snipes appeared at a vigil with leaders of several predominantly black churches. The pastors followed Snipes to the courthouse.

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NETFLIX UNLIMITED STREAMING
 
Girding for a potential threat from Apple, Netflix is lifting how long most subscribers can watch movies over high-speed Internet connections. The change will take effect Monday, on the eve of Apple's anticipated move into movie rentals. Until now, Netflix restricted how long subscribers could use the streaming service. Most subscribers will be able to stream as many movies as they want at no additional charge. Netflix customers
who pay $4.99 per month won't be provided unlimited streaming.
 
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DGA & AMPTP BEGIN TALKS
 
The union representing directors began contract talks, with writers calculating how a deal might affect them. WGA & SAG issued a statement hoping directors reach a deal that "incorporates principles that will benefit all creative artists." Both sides in the strike said the key issue is compensation for internet content. This may dominate studio negotiations with directors and SAG. The contracts of both unions expire in June. Directors have only gone on strike once. That walkout in 1987 lasted 5 minutes on the West Coast and 3 hours and 5 minutes on the East Coast.

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SONY STREAMLINES PS3 LINEUP
 
Sony is discontinuing 2 PlayStation 3 machines sold only in Japan. Sony will stop shipping PS3 machines with 20-gigabyte & 60-gigabyte hard drives to Japan this month. Sony's PlayStation 3 lineup in Japan will focus on the 40-gigabyte model. The move is expected to boost software development and is also more energy efficient. Sony offers 40-gigabyte & 80 gigabyte models of PlayStation in the U.S. They discontinued the 60-gigabyte model in Europe last October, leaving only the 40-gigabyte for that market.
 
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January 16, 1997 - Bill Cosby's son, Ennis (27), was shot to death while changing a tire in Los Angeles, CA.
 
January 17, 1985 - Leonard Nimoy got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.      
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For the month of love, I am looking for movies of love and friendship. Please, send me your favorites. Tell us about them and/or their significants to you.

mailto:advland@live.com?subject=Valentine_Movies

You are falling behind guys 7 gals. My second entry is 'The Cure.' A story of love & loss between unlikely friends. I will have another movie next week.

STAND BY ME

Four boys set out on a search for a missing teenager and have the adventure of their lives.

THE CURE

Dexter, who has AIDS, and his neighbor, Eric, become best friends and make one summer last a lifetime.

I want to get a jump on spring and summer too. Share your ideas for a special feature. Allow your mind to wander because I am open to most anything.  

See you next week. In one form or another.
     
Rewind,
Paul @ Reel 2 Reel

mailto:advland@live.com

After such a down week, I am so ready for spring. When all things a born anew. And the drive-ins shed their blankets of snow. Can you here it slumber?

Sadly, some will be forgotten and neglected. Others will tangle with bulldozers and lose. They all will take with them their spirits and our memories.

I miss you, Ski Hi. Unfortunately, Sky-Vue could be the next to go. Good luck, Paula. Fortunately, the Airline is expected to awaken. Thank you and good luck!

- Paul