Netflix was in the news again last week. They inked a deal with LG Electronics for a set-top box.  The goal is an easy way to stream movies to your TV. However, this will still require a computer and broadband.

When I was reading this, two things come mind.  I hope they address them with the other 99 Netflix devices. Yes, look for 100 Netflix-enabled devices coming our way.

Netflix to Deliver Movies Directly to TV
 
By MICHAEL LIEDTKE

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - DVD-by-mail service Netflix Inc. will begin delivering movies and other programming directly to televisions later this year through a set-top box that will pipe entertainment over a high-speed Internet connection.

The set-top box, to be made by LG Electronics Inc. as part of a partnership announced late Wednesday, is designed to broaden the appeal of a year-old streaming service that Netflix provides to its 7 million subscribers at no additional charge.

LG Electronics didn't reveal how much the set-top box will cost when it hits the market in the summer or early autumn. Similar devices made by Apple Inc. and Vudu Inc. cost $299 to $399.

A bevy of other gadgets designed to bring more digital entertainment into living rooms is expected to be unveiled next week at a major consumer electronics show in Las Vegas.
 
Netflix's streaming service is the cornerstone of the Los Gatos-based company's strategy to retain and attract customers as technology makes it easier to rent and buy movies within a few minutes instead of waiting for them to be delivered through the mail.

Although Netflix says its subscribers have watched more than 10 million movies and TV episodes through its "Watch Instantly" option so far, the streaming service has been too constraining for many subscribers.

That's because all the streaming service's programming must be watched on a personal computer, unless the viewer knows how to link a high-speed Internet connection into a TV monitor.

The set-top box is supposed to serve as a bridge that will enable just about anyone with a high-speed Internet connection to plug in a few wires so they will be able to access Netflix's Watch Instantly feature on their TVs.

Subscribers will still need to use a computer to pick out which programs they're interested in streaming. The selections, culled from more than 6,000 titles available in streaming library, will then show up on the TV screen.

"It's going to be very slick and easy," said Reed Hastings, Netflix's chief executive officer. "We want the TV experience to be very relaxing and not like visiting a Web site."

Depending on which subscription plan they have, Netflix customers can watch anywhere from five to 48 hours of programming through the streaming service each month at no extra cost.

The LG Electronics alliance is just the first of several partnerships Netflix hopes to strike this year to extend its delivery options beyond the mail. Although he wouldn't provide specifics, Hastings listed video game consoles and high-definition DVD players as other potential channels for Netflix.

"We want to see 100 Netflix-capable devices on the market," Hastings said.

With more than 90,000 titles available in its DVD library, delivering movies through the mail is expected to remain Netflix's primary money maker for years to come.

Nevertheless, Netflix has spent about $40 million on the development of its streaming service during the past year.

The financial commitment hasn't been enough to convince many investors that Netflix will be able to survive a widely anticipated shift that that will turn DVDs into an afterthought as digital downloading proliferates.

The persisting worries are one of the biggest reasons that Netflix's stock price remains roughly 30 percent below its highs of nearly four years ago, even though the company has become more profitable while signing up millions of new subscribers since then. Netflix shares fell 27 cents Wednesday to finish at $26.35.

Netflix's growth tapered off last year amid tougher competition from Blockbuster Inc., but Blockbuster recently signaled it's backing off in the battle by raising the prices of several popular plans.

One of Netflix's most formidable threats yet may be looming just around the corner, with Apple reportedly preparing to launch an online movie rental service that is supposed to include titles from News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Co.

Apple so far hasn't commented on the reports, which have predicted a formal announcement will be made at the Cupertino-based company's Macworld conference later this month.

An online movie rental service could give more people a reason to buy Apple's device for delivering programming to TVs. The gadget, called Apple TV, so far hasn't taken off like the company's wildly popular iPod and iPhone. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster estimates about 1.8 million Apple TV devices had been sold through 2007, but he expects another 2.9 million units to ship this year.

"If (Apple) does what has been reported, they will reach a very big market," Hastings said. "But the addition of Apple to the rental market isn't causing us to lose any sleep."

---

AP Technology Writer May Wong in San Jose contributed to this story.

http://www.netflix.com

First, I am geting tired of set-top boxes. How much room do you have for additional boxes? My aunt & uncle have a tower of boxes on their TV. Sounding familiar? I thought so.

Second, I have to run down the hall to my computer each time I choose a movie. I want to be able to do this from the box using my remote control.

Sure, I could move my computer. If I had to do this, they are not going to sell me a $300 box. What would be the point in that?

- Paul   +   =

Sorry for the inconvenience, but Zinester refused to deliver this newsletter. Fortunately, I have also been mailing it through Topica.

This issue has been ongoing for sometime. And they have been unwilling to help. So, I am going to startly sending short notes when an issue has posted here.

Hey Adventureland Friends:

!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Did you ring in 2008 in style? I was tinkering with our web site as the ball dropped and cofetti fell. Better yet, the changes have gone live too.

http://advland.bravehost.com
http://reel2reel.bravehost.com

I have been tinkering in our blog too. And I found some linking errors too. All but one has been fixed. I hope to get too that this weekend.

http://advland.braveblog.com

Yes, we still have the domain name. But I need to make some changes. I hope to get around to that in the coming week. And I may move it as well.

http://www.adventurelandvideo.com
    
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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'TREASURE' TAKES MORE GOLD AGAIN

 
Nicolas Cage, Will Smith and talking chipmunks ended Hollywood's year on a happy note. Cage's "National Treasure 2" was the No. 1 for a second weekend with $35.6 million, followed by "Alvin and the Chipmunks" with $30 million and Smith's "Legend" with $27.5 million, according to studio estimates.

Those hits along with a solid crop of holdovers and new movies that opened Christmas Day capped a year-end hot streak for Hollywood, whose business soared the last few weeks after a sluggish fall.

"It's being spread among three or four key movies, then another six or seven or eight below that, which is great," said Mark Zoradi, president of the motion-picture group at Disney, which released "National Treasure."

The top 12 movies took in $169.2 million, up 18% from the final weekend of 2006, when "Night at the Museum" led the box office with $36.8 million.
 
Hollywood will finish the year with record revenues of about $9.7 billion, up from the previous best of $9.45 billion in 2004, according to Media By Numbers.

Since prices are higher, the revenue represents actual admissions that were up only a fraction over 2006's and fell well short of modern Hollywood's record of 1.6 billion tickets sold in 2002.

With the holidays falling on Tuesday, many people have been taking 5-day weekends, a boost for the movie business. Many students out of school too.

"It's turned into like a two-week-long weekend for the movie industry," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers.

"National Treasure," a sequel with Cage chasing historical clues to find a legendary city of gold, raised its domestic total to $124 million.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks," from 20th Century Fox, lifted its haul to $142.4 million. The Warner Bros. hit "I Am Legend," with Smith as the last man alive, has climbed to $194.6 million.

Opening with huge numbers in limited release was Paramount Vantage's "There Will Be Blood" starring Daniel Day-Lewis in a tale of greed and violence during California's oil boom. Playing at 2 theaters in NYC and LA, "There Will Be Blood" took in $185,525 over the weekend and $309,703 since opening Wednesday. It expands to top 10 markets Friday.

"There Will Be Blood" joins other films of violence and misdeeds such as "No Country for Old Men," "Sweeney Todd" and "Michael Clayton" aiming for top honors at the Academy Awards. All scored well in this month's Golden Globe nominations.

Harvey Weinstein, who delivered best-picture winners "Shakespeare in Love" and "Chicago" while at Miramax, said he hoped "Great Debaters" would stand out among the blood-soaked fare. The Weinstein release, distributed by MGM, took in $6.3 million over the weekend and $13.5 million since Christmas.

A Golden Globe nominee for best drama, "The Great Debaters" features Denzel Washington alongside Forest Whitaker in a story of a black debate team in the 1930s South.

"We're late, but we're hoping we can get that last best-picture spot" for the Oscars, Weinstein said. "The other movies are pretty bloody, but this is an uplifting American story."

Oscar nominations come out Jan. 22.

Other films that debuted on Christmas had solid weekends. "Alien vs. Predator: Requiem" from 20th Century Fox, took in $10.05 million, raising its total since opening to $26.9 million. Sony's "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" grossed $9.2 million and lifted its sum to $16.8 million.

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

01) "National Treasure 2" @ $35.6 million.

02) "Alvin and the Chipmunks" @ $30 million.

03) "I Am Legend" @ $27.5 million.

04) "Charlie Wilson's War" @ $11.8 million.

05) "Juno" @ $10.3 million.

06) "Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem" @ $10.05 million.

07) "The Water Horse" @ $9.2 million.

0 "P.S. I Love You" @ $9.1 million.

09) "Sweeney Todd" @ $8 million.

10) "Enchanted" @ $6.5 million.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
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Coming to video March 2008

ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS

 
Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are adopted by a man named Dave. Based on the popular kids' musical group and animated series in the '60s and '80s.

Rated PG for some mild rude humor.

"...about as good as a movie with these characters can probably be, and I am well aware that I am the wrong audience for this movie." --Chicago Sun-Times,
Roger Ebert  

http://www.alvinandthechipmunksmovie.com/ 

Coming to video April 2008

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Story about a grisly revenge by Benjamin Barker, a man unjustly imprisoned by a lecherous judge. Barker returns as barber Sweeney Todd and exacts revenge.

Rated R for graphic bloody violence

"...a dark revenge tragedy with heartbreak, mayhem and bloody good meat pies." --Chicago Sun-Times,
Roger Ebert 

http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/     
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Opening January 11, 2007

FIRST SUNDAY

Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan are bumbling petty criminals who come up with a crazy scheme to rob their neighborhood church.

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

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/firstsunday/

Opening January 18, 2007

CASSANDRA'S DREAM

Ewan MacGregor and Colin Farrell are down-on-their-luck brothers who gradually become entangled in crime with disastrous results.

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some sexual material and brief violence.
 
http://www.cassandrasdreammovie.com/
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J.R.R. TOLKIEN

 

DOB:  January 3, 1892, Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa.
DOD:  September 2, 1973, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, UK. (bleeding ulcer and chest infection)

This author and english scholar's unparalleled love of linguistics resulted in “his unique insight at once into the language of poetry and the poetry of language.” After completing his studies at Oxford University, Tolkien served as Professor of Anglo-Saxon (Old English) at his alma mater. When he was not in the classroom, Tolkien was bringing the fantastical world of Middle-earth to life on the written page. Middle-earth, which he gave an Old English name, was inhabited with creatures like Elves, Dwarves, Trolls and Hobbits. The most famous of Tolkien’s tales include The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1955). The popularity of Tolkien’s works have not waned with age as evidenced by the overwhelming success of the screen adaptation of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

NOTABLES:

Much of his work was published posthumously by his son Christopher Tolkien.

Tolkien served in the Lancashire Fusilliers in the first world war and fought in the Battle of the Somme. He was discharged in 1917.

During the 60s Leonard Nimoy recorded "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins".

A friend and fellow Oxford don with C.S. Lewis. They were both members of the Inklings.

As of 2001, 'The Lord of the Rings' has sold over 52 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 25 different languages.

Tolkien and wife, Edith, are buried together in a single grave in the Catholic section of Wolvercote cemetery in Oxford. The headstone reads: "Edith Mary Tolkien, Lúthien, 1889-1971" and "John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Beren, 1892-1973".

Member of the Oxford literary circle along with C.S. Lewis, Jeremy Dyson, Charles Williams, Messrs Coghill, and Owen Barfield.

Tolkien didn't feel his work could be successfully translated to a dramatic form. He had no expectation that "The Lord of the Rings" could be filmed.

Father of Christopher Tolkien, Michael Tolkien, Priscilla Tolkien, and Father John Tolkien.

His father died when Tolkien was 4, and his mother when he was 12. He and his brothers were then raised by a Catholic priest.

Taught at the University of Leeds before teaching at Oxford from 1925 - 1959.

He studies the history of languages.

Inklings (Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams & Owen Barfield) met on Tuesdays @ 'Eagle & Child' pub in Oxford to read pages from their books.

Was annoyed when 'Lord of the Rings' was published in the mid-50s as 3 different stories, because he had never intended the tale to become a trilogy.

One change he vehemently opposed in any adaptation of his work was intercutting the various story threads that he had deliberately kept separate. To date, every adaptation has intercut the stories.

By 2004 his "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy [1954-55] had sold 100+ million copies and is the best selling fiction book of all time.

He started writing The Lord of the Rings with no idea where the story would go. This led to it not being structured like a proper novel, with characters left underdeveloped, ideas repeated, and character groups being forgotten for long periods.

Said in an interview that the character Faramir was the Lord of the Ring character who was the most like himself.

The only actor from Peter Jackson's film adaptations of "Lord of the Rings" to have met JRR Tolkien is Christopher Lee. Lee was very fond of Tolkien's books.

Prior to their reunion, characters Aragorn and Eowyn only have one conversation during the course of The Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson's film adaptation adds several more scenes between them. Although all of these were invented for the movie, all but 3 use dialogue from their one scene together in the book.

Many of his papers, including original manuscripts and illustrations for "The Hobbit" (1937), "Farmer Giles of Ham" (1949), and "The Lord of the Rings" (1954-1955), were sold to Raynor Memorial Libraries of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. The library periodically puts selected items from the collection on display. His other papers are at the Bodleian Library of Oxford University.

The character of Gollum from his epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is ranked #10 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.

QUOTABLES:

"American English is essentially English after having been wiped off with a dirty sponge." - from a letter in the book, 'The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien' (1981)

"It's a job that's never started that takes the longest to finish."  

http://www.tolkienestate.com/
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1456
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/
http://www.tolkien-online.com/
http://www.theonering.com/

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CHOCOLATE POPCORN CLUSTERS
by Stella Zedman

Gooey chocolate, crunchy peanuts and sweet corn syrup make popcorn pop! These crispy, crunchy clusters are sweet and salty to satisfy every craving.

Ingredients:
12 cups plain popped popcorn (see below)
3 cups peanuts -- salted or unsalted
1-3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup butter

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300F. Grease a large roasting pan. Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Measure the popcorn and peanuts into the roasting pan. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, corn syrup and butter. Place over low heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the popcorn mixture, tossing to coat everything evenly.
Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
 
Remove from oven and dump popcorn mixture onto the waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Let cool completely, then break into clumps to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
 
Servings: Makes about 12 cups.

NOTE: This should be made with popcorn prepared on the stove top or in a hot air popper. Don't add any additional flavoring or butter.

http://recipes.kaboose.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 )
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??? 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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PEOPLE MAGAZINE: THE 2007 BESTIES

A million voters awarded Besties in such categories as Most Talked About, Hottest Breakout Star, Couple Most Likely To Make It, Best Behaved Star, Best Mug Shot, Poshest Wedding, Best $10 Spent At The Movies,  Best photos, Most Needed Gag Orders and much more.

http://www.people.com/people/package/bestof2007/
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ONE'S TRASH IS ANOTHER'S TREASURE

    
 
Freecycle is a global recycling phenomenon. Since it started in Arizona in May 2003, it has grown to more than 4 million members in more than 4,100 cities. It is built on principles that work: One person's trash is another's treasure. This experiment began with an e-mail to friends. The network grew to 800 members almost overnight, after a newspaper spread the word.

http://www.freecycle.org/

  DIGITAL CONVERTER COUPONS 

The $40 government coupons are available to buy converter boxes. Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital TV and uses an antenna will no longer receive a picture. That day we transition from analog to digital. Converters are expected to cost $50-$70. 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

http://www.dtv.gov/
http://www.dtv2009.gov

  PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE 
 
There should be plenty of money and holiday cheer as Hollywood edged near the $10 billion box office for the first time. The big achievement for the year was offset by the Writers Guild of America strike. Yet, because of admission prices, the number of tickets sold is down 2% from 2006.
 
HAMMER'S NEXT ACT: DANCE JAM

 
MC Hammer hasn't topped the charts since the early 1990s, but the rap star says he has another hit in him - as a netrepreneur. Hammer, whose real name is Stanley Burrell, is choreographing DanceJam.com. The Web site, scheduled to debut in mid-January, will try to upstage Google's YouTube for dance videos.

http://www.dancejam.com

 
http://advland.braveblog.com
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Buy your favorite DVDs @ Adventureland
http://psgoods.bravehost.com 
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SHOOT 'EM UP

Mr. Smith, the most hard-boiled man in the world, finds himself entrusted to protect a newborn child. Everyone wants the baby dead. The big question is why?

Rated R for pervasive strong bloody violence, sexuality and some language.

"It's all very silly, but also undeniably fun..." -- Hollywood Reporter,
Frank Scheck

"...eighty-two minutes of hardcore pow." -- Rolling Stone,
Peter Travers  

http://www.shootemupmovie.com/ 

RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION

Alice, now in hiding in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces with Carlos Olivera and L.J., along with new survivors Claire, K-Mart and Nurse Betty to try to eliminate the deadly virus... and seek justice.

Rated R for strong horror violence throughout and some nudity.

"The title gives one hope: Could this be curtains for the stubbornly undead franchise?" -- Entertainment Weekly,
Scott Brown

"Not exactly dull but never interesting either..." -- New York Times,
Matt Zoller Seitz

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/residentevilextinction/            
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January 8, 2008

DRAGON WARS

Dragons from an ancient legend return in search of a girl named Sarah. Ethan uncovers evidence that links him to the same legend -- an ancient warrior reborn to protect her. Ethan must rescue Sarah while saving Los Angeles and the world from total destruction.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and creature action.

"Forget the mystical story. The movie is for young boys who might relish seeing a reptilian creature ravage L.A." -- Los Angeles Times,
Robert Abele 

"...absurd action fantasy." -- Boston Globe,
Wesley Morris

http://www.dragon-wars.com

January 29, 2008

THE INVASION

The mysterious crash of the space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery that there is something alien within the wreckage. Those who come in contact with it are changing. As more and more people are altered, it is impossible to know who can be trusted.

Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images and terror.

"There are two movies here, and the more simplistic one ends up in charge." -- Boston Globe,
Ty Burr

"The movie isn't terrible; it's just low-rent and reductive" -- Entertainment Weekly,
Owen Gleiberman

http://theinvasionmovie.warnerbros.com/                    
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Are you looking for an authentic period-built log home? Not the usual log home package. Donated by a local family and moved from their farm to the park. Due to neglect and disrepair, the Hagerstown Park Board will place this on eBay in January 2008.

I have been in this cabin several times. It is rare two-story construction. Built of hard woods and field stone. A true gem that can and must be saved. -Paul
         
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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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SALE OF 'KNIGHT RIDER' HALTED
 
The eBay auction of an original KITT - the talking car on '80s "Knight Rider" - has been halted. The black 1984 Pontiac Trans Am is being sold to satisfy debts of slain real estate developer Andrew Kissel. Patrick R. Gil, attorney for Kissel, said that he had more bids than he could handle from Hawaii, where he was on vacation. Gil, who had never used eBay before, plans to list the car again in January. The high bid when Gil ended the auction was $40,100. Kissel bought his KITT for $69,000 in 2005.  

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FAUSTINO'S DIVORCE FINALIZED

 
"Married ... with Children" star David Faustino, who played Bud Bundy on the show, ended his marriage to Andrea Faustino, according to documents filed Friday. He filed in February, citing irreconcilable differences. The documents indicate they reached agreements on spousal support, division of property and attorney fees, but further details were not disclosed. The duo married in January 2004 and separated in May 2006. They had no children.

GARNER HONORED BY HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

 
Jennifer Garner has been honored as the 2007 West Virginian of the Year by her hometown newspaper. The Sunday Gazette-Mail says it chose Garner for her dedication, hard work and service as an ambassador and role model for West Virginia. Garner balances raising her 2-year-old daughter Violet, her marriage with Ben Affleck and a career that includes a role in "Cyrano de Bergerac" on Broadway, new film "Juno," and 2 more films yet to shoot. Garner is actually a Texas transplant, but moved to the Mountain State as a 4-year-old and considers West Virginia home.

PENN & WRIGHT PENN 2 DIVORCE

 
Robin Wright Penn filed for divorce from Sean Penn after 11 years of marriage. Wright Penn filed Dec. 21, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple are seeking joint custody of their 2 teenage children.
The pair met while Sean was filming 1990 "State of Grace." Robin once said they complemented each other. She provided a calming influence over him, and he helped her gain confidence. Penn directed this year's
"Into The Wild." Wright Penn is best known for "The Princess Bride" and "Forrest Gump."

SNIPES TAX TRIAL STAYS PUT

 
Wesley Snipes' federal tax-evasion trial will go forward next month, despite arguments by his lawyers. His lawyers had claimed the actor cannot get a fair trial in Ocala, located north of Orlando. Snipes filed 2 motions to dismiss or transfer the trial because of racial prejudices. Federal prosecutors said there is "no basis in reality" for Snipes' claims. Lawyers argued Snipes had the right to a trial in New York or in Orlando.

FRASER ENDS 9-YEAR MARRIAGE

 
Brendan Fraser and his wife, Afton, are ending their 9-year marriage. "They continue to maintain a close and caring friendship," the actor's publicist, Ina Treciokas, said Wednesday. The couple wed in 1998 and have 3 children. Fraser (39) starred in the "Mummy" films, "Gods and Monsters" and "George of the Jungle."

MADONNA'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

 
Madonna's debut movie as a director will have its world premiere at the annual Berlin film festival in February. "Filth and Wisdom," starring Eugene Hutz, Richard E. Grant and Stephen Graham, will screen in the Panorama section, outside the main competition, a festival statement said Thursday. Organizers didn't specify whether the 49-year-old singer will come to Berlin to present the movie. The event, which runs Feb. 7-17, is the first of the year's major European film festivals.

http://www.berlinale.de/
http://www.madonna.com

BOSLEY STILL ACTING @ 80

 
Tom Bosley wants to show he still has it. Last year, the actor best known as Howard Cunningham on "Happy
Days" co-starred with Michael Learned in a tour of
"On Golden Pond." Now he's starting off the new year in "Charlie & Me," on the Hallmark Channel. Bosley plays a grandfather who, despite a near-fatal heart attack, wants to mend the relationship between his workaholic, widowed son and feisty granddaughter before he dies. "I want to keep acting as long as God will let me," said Bosley, who played Father Dowling on "Father Dowling Mysteries."

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/publish/consumer/home/shows/charlieandme.html

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DEATH OF REAR-PROJECTION TV
 
Sony is dropping rear-projection TVs to focus on LCD and OLED. Sales of rear-projection had been declining as LCDs gain in popularity, Sony spokesman Shinji Obana said. Sony lowered its sales forecast for rear-projection to 400,000 from 700,000, down from 1.1 million the previous year. By contrast, Sony expects to sell 10 million LCD TVs this year, up from 6.3 million the previous year. Sony began selling an 11 inch TV that uses a newer but expensive flat-panel technology called OLED. XEL-1 measures 0.12 inches thick and delivers clear, vivid images.

WAL-MART DUMPS MOVIE DOWNLOADS

 
Wal-Mart closed an online movie download service it launched less than a year ago. This follows their decision to abandon their online DVD rental service. They still operate a music download service. Wal-Mart said Hewlett-Packard "made a business decision to discontinue its video download-only merchant store service." Launched in February, Wal-Mart's video download service included 3000 films and tv episodes.
This leaves Apple iTunes and Amazon Unbox among the options for movie downloads, which haven't garnered as much interest as online music sales.

http://www.walmartfacts.com
https://mediadownloads.walmart.com

  CINEMANOW & MACROVISION DEAL 
 
CinemaNow struck a deal with Macrovision aimed at making it easy for manufacturers to make products compatible with CinemaNow's service. The agreement called for both to integrate their technology. With the technology, devices will be able to download CinemaNow programming to digital TV sets, set-top boxes and network storage devices. The devices will also be able to find, stream and play other content stored on a home network too.

http://www.cinemanow.com
  
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LETTERMAN RETURNS WITH WRITERS

David will not only join his late-night brethren, but he'll have his writers too. The agreement will allow writing staffs for "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" to return to work. "I am grateful to the WGA for granting us this agreement," Letterman said. Speculation has focused on how the other late-night shows will fill their time. All the hosts -except Carson Daly, who returned Dec. 3 - are guild members, making them subject to union rules that limit what they do.

http://www.cbs.com
http://www.nbc.com

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January 5, 1948 - Warner Brothers-Pathe showed the first color newsreel. Footage was the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl football classic.

January 6, 1999 - Bob Newhart received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

January 7, 1894 - W.K. Dickson received a patent for motion picture film.
    
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Here are the movies I watched for Christmas. Yes, I watched them back to back. I have placed "*" before and after my favorites. But I hope you watch them all.

*A BOYFRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS*

On Christmas Day, Santa brings two lonely people together. But can love overcome deception?

A CAROL CHRISTMAS

"A Christmas Carol" has been modernized. The "Scrooge"
is a talk show host named Carol. 

*ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS*

Widowed Sara has had little time for romance, but her son's Christmas wish for new dad changes that.

*THE CHRISTMAS CARD*

In the midst of war, Cody is touched by a card and sets out on a mission to find her.

A CHRISTMAS WEDDING

Emily & Ben met on Christmas day now plan to marry on this Christmas day almost two years later.

*CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE*

Two bereaved families take holiday vacations to an island to escape the memories of Christmas past.

*A GRANDPA FOR CHRISTMAS*

Bert (80) takes in his granddaughter (9) after his estranged daughter is involved in a car accident.

THE NOTE

A scrap of paper with a message of love & forgiveness leads a writer on an inspirational journey.

Some of you pointed out one of my flaws. Not only am I late, my holiday features are as well. So, now I am turning attention to Valentine's Day.

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

See you next week. 
     
Rewind,
Paul @ Reel 2 Reel

mailto:advland@live.com

Fortunately, some of you never moved from Topica. Perhaps you predicted that moving to Zinester was a mistake. You will continue to get the newsletter.

Those of us who moved have two options. We can move back to Topica. If not, I will simply remind you to read the newsletter here.

Again, sorry for the inconvenience. Honestly, they only offered one feature that I liked -- the RSS feed option. So I am not going to miss them.

- Paul