There are fewer photos than usual. I am having trouble uploading photos. Better luck next week.

Howdy Adventureland Friends:

We have roughly 150 subscribers.

Our Celeb Spotlight this week is an old legend from film and screen, Dick Van Dyke. One of my favorite TV legal dramas was Diagnosis Murder.

This time around, I have candy recipes. I miss the candy trays my old neighbor would give me each year. To Marie, where ever you may be -- Thank You!

With Christmas so close, I may cut out the Gift Guide next week. But, I may have some cookie recipes in the Snack Bar. Suitable for a last minute gift tray.
    
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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'GOLDEN COMPASS' HAS MODEST OPENING

 
"The Golden Compass" proved a mild fantasy at the box office, pulling in $26.1 million, a modest opening weekend compared to recent December heavyweights as
"Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia."

New Line Cinema's "The Golden Compass," whose cast includes Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, took in $55 million overseas since opening last Wednesday in 25 other countries.

Disney's "Enchanted," the No. 1 movie the previous 2 weekends, fell to second with $10.7 million, raising its total to $83.9 million, according to estimates.

New Line, which had enormous success with "Lord of the Rings," had hoped for more out of "The Golden Compass," expecting $30 million domestically over its first weekend, said Rolf Mittweg, marketing chief. The film cost $180 million to make.
 
"The Golden Compass" follows the adventures of an orphan girl hurled into a parallel world of witches, strange flying machines and talking polar bears.

Parents with children accounted for half of the film's
audience, so New Line is counting on family crowds that flock to theaters over the holidays to keep the movie afloat, Mittweg said.

The 3 "Lord of the Rings" films from 2001 to 2003 had opening weekends from $47.2 million to $72.6 million. Disney's "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" opened with $65.6 million in 2005.

Those were based on very familiar fantasy literature from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, while "Golden Compass" was adapted from the first book of Philip Pullman's lesser-known "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

Mittweg said he was uncertain about the effects of a backlash against "Golden Compass" by some Christians, who said Pullman's books preach atheism.
 
"It's very hard to say. Historically, protests of these sorts tend to be ineffective on box-office results," Mittweg said.

After a summer of record revenue, business dipped most of the fall. "Golden Compass" continued that trend, with the top-12 movies taking in $73.2 million, down 10% from the same weekend last year.

"This is pretty emblematic of what's been going on with the marketplace," said Paul Dergarabedian of Media By Numbers. "You need a mega-blockbuster at this time of year to boost confidence and the box office, and we're waiting, and we're running out of time."

The next few weeks bring potential hits with Will Smith's "I Am Legend," Nicolas Cage's "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," Johnny Depp's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and Jason Lee's "Alvin and the Chipmunks."

A handful of films opened in limited release to qualify for the Academy Awards.
 
Fox Searchlight's "Juno" had a huge debut, hauling in $420,113 in 7 theaters, averaging $60,016 a cinema. The film stars Ellen Page as a pregnant teen who seeks out the perfect couple to adopt her baby.

Focus Features'"Atonement," a drama starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, opened with $816,883 in 32 theaters for a $25,528 average. The film centers on the consequences of false criminal accusations.

By comparison, "The Golden Compass" averaged $7,405 in 3,528 theaters.

"Juno" and "Atonement" expand to more theaters over the next few weeks.

Weinstein's "Grace Is Gone," starring John Cusack as an Iraq war widower struggling to tell his daughters their mother died in combat, opened with $14,000 in 4 theaters.
 
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers. Final figures will be released Monday.

01) "The Golden Compass" @ $26.1 million.

02) "Enchanted" @ $10.7 million.

03) "This Christmas" @ $5 million.

04) "Fred Claus" @ $4.7 million.

05) "Beowulf" @ $4.4 million.

06) "No Country for Old Men" @ $4.2 million.

07) "August Rush" @ $3.5 million.

0 "Hitman" @ $3.48 million.

09) "Awake" @ $3.3 million.

10) "Bee Movie" @ $2.6 million.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
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Expected on video April 2008.

THE GOLDEN OMPASS

A fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people's souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the center of the story is Lyra, a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who's been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well.

"...a darker, deeper fantasy epic than the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia or the Potter films." -- Chicago Sun-Times,
Roger Ebert

http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/

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December 21, 2007

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR

Tom Hanks in the true story of a congressman who persuaded the CIA to train and arm anti-Soviet resistance fighters in Afghanistan.

Rated R for strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use.
 
http://www.charliewilsonswar.net/

December 25, 2007

THE BUCKET LIST

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are terminally ill friends who embark on a crazy road trip to fulfill a wish list before dying.

Rated PG-13 for language, including a sexual reference.

http://thebucketlist.warnerbros.com/

December 26, 2007

THERE WILL BE BLOOD

Daniel Day-Lewis in an epic tale of family, faith, power and oil set on the frontier of California's turn-of-the-century petroleum boom.

Rated R for some violence.

http://www.therewillbeblood.com/

December 28, 2007

THE ORPHANAGE

A woman returns to re-open her childhood orphanage, only to discover something hidden and terrible is lurking in the old house.

Rated R for some disturbing content.

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RICHARD WAYNE VAN DYKE

DOB:  December 13,1925 - West Plains, Missouri 
 
Although he'd had small roles beforehand, Dick Van Dyke was launched to stardom in the 1960 musical "Bye-Bye Birdie", for which he won a Tony Award, and then later in the movie based on that play, Bye Bye Birdie (1963). He has starred in a number of films throughout the years including Mary Poppins (1964), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (196 and Fitzwilly (1967), as well as a number of successful television series which won him no less than four Emmys and three made-for-CBS movies. After separating from his wife Margie Willett in the 1970s, Dick later became involved with Michelle Triola Marvin. Margie and Dick had four children born during the first ten years of their marriage: Barry Van Dyke; Carrie Beth van Dyke; Christian Van Dyke and Stacy Van Dyke, all of whom are now in their forties and married themselves. He has seven grandchildren, including Shane Van Dyke, Carey Van Dyke, Wes Van Dyke and Taryn Van Dyke (Barry's children) and family members often appear with him on "Diagnosis Murder" (1993).

NOTABLES:

Often hosted game shows as a struggling actor. He hosted "Mother's Day" (195 and "Laugh Line" (1959) but turned down "The Price Is Right" (1956).

Brother of Jerry Van Dyke. Born July 27, 1931 in Danville, Illinois.

He enlisted to be a pilot in the Army Air Corps during
WWII, but initially did not make the cut, as he was underweight. He tried 3 times, before barely making the cut. He served as a radio announcer.

He and his wife Margie married on radio show "Bride and Groom" because the show paid for the wedding rings and the honeymoon. They were so poor that they had to live in their car for a while.

Beat out Johnny Carson for the role of Rob Petrie on what later became "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961) .

His comic inspiration was Stan Laurel. He was able to find his name in the phone book. He called and Laurel invited him over. The two became good friends. When Laurel died, Van Dyke delivered his eulogy.

Says that his most memorable role is that of Burt the chimney-sweep in Mary Poppins (1964).

Overcame alcoholism in the 1970s.

Became a great-grandfather July 26, 2001, when grandson Carey Van Dyke (Barry's oldest child) and wife Anne Van Dyke had a baby girl named Ava Van Dyke.

Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992. When the star was unveiled, his name was spelled as
"VANDYKE". He laughed, took a pen and drew a slash between "VAN" and "DYKE". The star was been corrected.

Made an honorary life member of The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) [July 1999].

He sings bass in a quartet called "The Vantastix" with former wife's stockbroker [July 199].

Rob Petrie, Van Dyke's role on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961), was ranked #22 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [June 2004].

Is a close friend of his "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961) co-star Mary Tyler Moore.

Grew up in Danville, Illinois, with brother Jerry Van Dyke and fellow celebs Gene Hackman and Bobby Short. Graduate of Danville High School, where he was in the drama club.

Has lived with Michelle Triola Marvin since the mid-1980s.

Was offered the role of Ambassador Thorn in The Omen (1976) before it went to Gregory Peck but turned it down because of the film's violent and gory content.

Dabbled in computer animation since the 1980s. Using Newtek's Lightwave 3D, he created and animated a CG version of himself that he danced with on The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited (2004)(TV).

Had a brief stint as a TV weatherman.

QUOTABLES:

"I've retired so many times now it's getting to be a habit."

http://dick-van-dyke.fantribute.com/
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800042909
http://www.danville.lib.il.us/Pathfinder/dvandyke.htm

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COCONUT MOUNDS

1 Stick oleo
1 Can Eagle Brand milk
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Pound powdered sugar
14 Ounces Angel Flake coconut
Chocolate almond bark

Mix all of the ingredients and spreadin bottom of 9X13
pan. Chill over night. Cut in squares and dip in
chocolate almond bark.  -June

ALICE'S CARAMELS

1 Can Eagle Brand milk
White Karo syrup
1 Pound brown sugar
1/2 Pound butter
1 Cup nuts

Use the milk can to measure out a can of Karo syrup.
Combine it and rest of ingredients except nuts and
cook until candy thermometer reaches 250F. At this
point add nuts and pour onto greased cookie sheet.
When cool, cut and wrap in wax paper. -Noel & Betty

CANDIED PECANS

1 Cup sugar
1/2 Teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons light cream or half and half
1 Teaspoon vanilla
2-1/2 Cups pecans

Combine sugar, salt and cream. Cook to soft ball
stage, stirring frequently. Remove from stove; add
vanilla and nuts. Stir until grains begin to form.
Pour onto wax paper and separate.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

1 Pound powdered sugar
1/2 Cup milk
13 Ounces peanut butter
7 Ounces marshmallow cream

Mix milk and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Let boil for 4 minutes. Take off heat and add peanut
butter and marshmallow cream. Put in greased 8X8 or
9X13 pan.  -Wanda

FROSTED PECANS

1 Egg white
1 Tablespoon water
1 Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Pound pecans

Beat egg white and water until almost stiff. In a
second bowl, combine sugar, salt and cinnamon. Put
pecans in the egg white mixture, then pour into sugar
mixture and stir well. Place on cookie sheet and bake
@ 300F for 30-40 minutes, stirring at 15 minute
intervals until brown.  -Virginia

PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

2 Cups grahm cracker crumbs
1 Pound powdered sugar
2 Sticks butter (melted)
1-1/2 Cups peanut butter
2 Cups milk chocolate chips

Mix cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and peanut butter. Press into 9X13 pan. Melt chips in microwave and spread over top. Let set several hours before cutting.
-Shirley
       
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Last year I offered movie gift ideas for all ages and genders. This year I have done the sane with gadets. Now, I have more gadgets and some stocking stuffers.

3 IN 1 DIGITAL PEN CAMERA
 
This 3-in-1 digital pen camera is just what you need to capture important moments in digital photo format or video footage. Doubles as web cam too. Under $15.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4090

DIGITAL PHOTO KEYCHAIN

This is the best way to treasure your precious memories. No more aged wallet photos and bulky brag books. Simply download pictures from your PC and take them with you anywhere! Under $30.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4027
 
USB MASSAGE BALL

Ever needed a massage while typing or surfing? Now you can enjoy a relaxing massage without leaving your desk! Simply plug this into a USB slot and move it over your tense muscles. Under $6.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4144

DISC REPAIR SYSTEM
 
Bring back your damaged discs back to life! Cleans surface scratches on CD's, DVD's, Gaming Discs, Data Discs and More! This hand-powered carousel cleans and polishes discs without batteries. Under $6.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=3720

NIGHT WRITER - BLUE LIGHT PEN

Pen with a night light for easy bedtime journaling.
Jot down the day's memories without waking and dad or  disturbing your roommates. Under $2.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4032

JUMBO UNIVERSAL REMOTE

You can control up to 8 separate devices for your convenience, while its large size prevents you from losing the remote again. Under $10.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=3909

5 LED CAP LIGHT

This versatile, low profile, high output light easily and securely attaches to any cap, visor or hat. Ideal for hunting, fishing, camping & more. Under $6.
 
http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=3896

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ARE YOU READY 4 DIGITAL TV?

After February 17, 2009, standard analog TVs that get their programming from an over-the-air antenna will go dark. If you subscribe to cable or satellite, you will still be able to watch on your analog TV. But if you rely on an over-the-air signal, you will have to take action if you still want to watch television! The purpose of this site is to arm you with basic information about the switchover to digital TV.

http://www.indydtv.com/
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GROUP DUBS SHIP STEVE IRWIN

Sea Shepherd aims to block Japan from harvesting whales as part of a research program that critics decry as commercial whaling. Terri Irwin threw her support behind the mission, allowing them to rename one of its vessels after her husband. "Whales have always been in Steve's heart," Terri said.
 
MACROVISION BUYS GEMSTAR-TV GUIDE

TV Guide magazine's already fuzzy future looks even more uncertain now that the magazine is part of a proposed $2.8 billion sale to Macrovision. Raising questions about whether there will be a place for a 54-year-old magazine. Macrovision CEO didn't provide definitive answers, saying he needed more time to assess how TV Guide could fit into his strategy.

http://www.tvguide.com

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
 
Adam Rifkin was walking through Target when something hit him: he was the star of his own movie - albeit a boring one. "Every aisle I would walk down, there were multiple cameras on me," the director said. Rifkin's curiosity has led to "Look." Opening Dec. 14, it's a film shot entirely from the perspective of surveillance cameras.

http://www.aclu.org/privacy/spying/
http://www.nyclu.org/node/933

 
CAMERA PHONES
 
Masked and demure, she speaks from the tiny screen of a cell phone like a thumb-size fairy trapped inside.
"Welcome home," she says softly to the viewer. "Speak to me about anything." The minuscule video is among the works on display at a film festival that opened Friday in Japan, featuring movies shot on cell phones.

http://www.pocketfilms.jp/en/

NEW 'JACKASS' MOVIE COMING
 
The next batch of "Jackass" stunts is coming to a computer screen near you. The first 2 films - spun off from the former MTV series - co-starred Johnny Knoxville and his pranksters. But for "Jackass 2.5," the dirty daredevils pull a new stunt: bypassing the movie theater entirely.

http://www.blockbuster.jackassworld.com
 
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Buy your favorite DVDs @ Adventureland
http://psgoods.bravehost.com 
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THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

All he wanted was to disappear. Instead, Jason Bourne is now hunted by the people who made him what he is. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly-trained killers.

"...superior to its immediate predecessor but not quite as good as the original." --ReelViews,
James Berardinelli

"...gets under way with a burst of nervous energy and extreme urgency and never lets up."  --Hollywood Reporter,
Kirk Honeycutt

http://www.thebourneultimatum.com/  

WAITRESS

Jenna is a sharp, sassy woman with a gift for making unusual pies inspired by the trials, tribulations and circumstances of her life. An unwanted pregnancy changes the course of events giving her an unexpected confidence via letters to her unborn baby.

"...a delectable Dixie screwball romp that never loses its spry sense of discovery."  --Entertainment Weekly,
Owen Gleiberman
  
"... a down-home romantic comedy served up fresh and tasty."  --Hollywood Reporter,
Michael Rechtshaffen

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/waitress/  
         
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December 18, 2007

UNDERDOG

After an accident in the mysterious lab of mad scientist Dr. Simon Barsinister, an ordinary beagle named Shoeshine finds himself with extraordinary powers... and the ability to talk! Underdog vows to protect the citizens, in particular, a spaniel named Polly Purebred. Based on the original animated series.

"Canine caped-crusader lacks bite on big screen." --Boston Globe,
Janice Page
 
"Good one-liners and dog tricks, but no best in show."
--Hollywood Reporter,
Kirk Honeycutt

http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/underdog

December 18, 2007

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE

The Springfield citizens of Springfield have every reason to be out for Simpson blood. As their fates hang in the balance, Homer embarks on a odyssey of redemption -- seeking forgiveness from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his hometown.

"...funny, sassy and intelligent in that moronic Simpsons' way." --Chicago Sun-Times,
Roger Ebert 

"...the laughs come fast and furious on the big screen."  --USA Today,
Claudia Puig

http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/           
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CUSTOM-BUILT 'TRANSFORMERS' ROBOT

Hey gang, well where to start. It's been a hell of a year. We built alot of cool toys. We wanted to exit
'07 on a high note, so we decided to empty our our trick bag, and finally pull of a figure we've be planning for the last 3 months. Merry Christmas to all, and enjoy the auction.

THIS IS A ONE OF A KIND FIGURE
(Boskoes limited edition 1 OF 1)

http://www.ebay.com
Item: 120198587625          
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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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CHARLES' HOMETOWN ERECTS STATUE

 
Albany unveiled a revolving, lighted bronze statue of Ray Charles on Friday in the middle of a new plaza that bears the legend's name. Family members attended the ceremony honoring the city's native son, born here in 1930. "I can't tell you how overwhelming it is for me to experience the love that you have for my father," Sheila Raye Charles said. Charles was born in Albany but moved to Florida with his mother when he was young. He frequently returned to visit family. The singer died in 2004 at age 73.

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ARREST WARRANT ISSUED 4 BALDWIN
 
Judge Scott Millington issued a no-bail bench warrant and revoked Daniel Baldwin's probation for failure to appear. Baldwin was required to meet with the judge in connection with a cocaine-possession case. He is undergoing treatment. In California, drug charges can be dropped upon completion of rehabilitation. "I've been very thorough in my recovery, and identified where I am powerless," Baldwin has said. "And I'm truly powerless over cocaine. There's no question about that in my life."

FARMERS REQUEST JOLIE VISIT
 
Angelina Jolie's help is sought by Filipino farmers wanting to call attention to thousands displaced by increased military action. The Farmers' Movement of the Philippines wants the United Nations to send the actress - a goodwill ambassador - to look into the number of internal refugees in the country. Military blames insurgents for the problem. Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro stressed that the military operations aim to run after rebels, not civilians. Soldiers are told to avoid engaging guerrillas in populated areas, he said.

TAIWAN LAUDS NATIVE SON WITH AWARDS
 
Taiwan showered Ang Lee with honors Saturday as "Lust, Caution" clinched 7 prizes, including best film, director and actor at the Golden Horse Awards.
The director wrapped up his acceptance speech by chanting "Go Taiwanese film!" The film generated discussion about its steamy sex scenes and rekindled interest in Eileen Chang, who wrote the short story on which the movie is based. He said winning at home is especially touching. "I feel very warm in the heart to receive everyone's affirmation," Lee said.
 
SMITH FILM NOT OK'D 4 CHINA
 
Will Smith's "I Am Legend" hits theaters across Asia
 - but not China. Delay comes amid reports China has banned American movies for now - a move the country's regulator denied. Smith met with China Film Group's Han Sanping, and is working to secure a date. Smith discussed other projects with Han and mentioned a remake of "Karate Kid," possibly set in Hong Kong or Beijing. Richard Matheson's novel has been adapted for the big screen as "The Last Man on Earth" and
"The Omega Man."

THERON'S HOME BURGLARIZED
 
The Hollywood-area home of Charlize Theron was burglarized last week, police said. Officers were investigating the break-in, which occurred some time between Thursday and Saturday, police spokeswoman Sara Faden said Monday. Authorities did not know what, if anything, was taken, and Faden couldn't immediately say who reported the incident or when police were first notified. Theron's publicist, Amanda Silverman, did not respond to an e-mail seeking more information.

BALDWIN WANTS WARRANT DROPPED
 
Daniel Baldwin's attorney called the actors failure to show a mix-up. A judge issued the no-bail bench warrant Friday and revoked Baldwin's probation when he didn't appear in court to give a progress report on his rehab. Baldwin contacted his probation officer Thursday to report that he couldn't make it because he was in Canada shooting a movie, said his attorney, Grant Hoagland, adding the message apparently didn't reach the judge. When Baldwin returns to Los Angeles, Hoagland plans to take him to court to ask the judge to recall the warrant and reinstate his probation.

CLOONEY & CHEADLE HONORED 4 DARFUR

 
George Clooney & Don Cheadle brought their Darfur campaign to Rome, where they received a peace award.
"We do concerts, rallies, where thousands of people show up and say how terrible it is," Clooney said.
"But the truth is not one single thing has changed. Now it's time to turn that corner." The actors were presented with a bronze statue. Organizers credited
"their efforts in favor of pacifying the tormented region of Darfur and for helping save lives." They co-founded Not on Our Watch. "These people need help and protection; but they do have hope," Cheadle said.

http://www.notonourwatchproject.org/

CHARGES AGAINST SHIA DROPPED

 
Shia LaBeouf no longer faces charges for refusing to leave a drugstore last month. He was in a Chicago courtroom only minutes Wednesday before prosecutors said Walgreen didn't want to continue the case. Shia, unshaven and wearing a black jacket, smiled at the news. He was charged with criminal trespass. After the hearing, LaBeouf evaded reporters and fans. "All I can tell you is we're grateful and he's on his way back to work and so am I," said Terry Gillespie, one of the lawyers who represented the actor.

 

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ROWLING FAIRY TALES SOLD @ AUCTION

 
A book of fairy tales created, handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling sold for nearly $4 million at auction. The buyer, Amazon owns 1 of 7 copies of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard." The money benefits The Children's Voice, co-founded by Rowling. Amazon posted photos and a discussion board. Craig Berman, Amazon spokesman, said the company plans to tour the book at libraries and schools. The 6 other copies were given to people connected to Harry Potter.
Rowling said this will "help institutionalized children who are in desperate need of a voice."

http://www.chlg.org
http://www.amazon.com/beedlebard

 
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DIRECTORS DELAY LABOR TALKS
 
Directors said they will hold off on negotiations with studios for now, but want to begin talks after New Year's Day. This could put pressure on striking writers to reach a new contract. Directors Guild said it was disappointed by last week's collapse of talks between Writers Guild and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The alliance refuses to bargain further unless the union drops 6 proposals.
The DGA contract with the alliance expires June 30.

 

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GAMESTOP 2 SELL WII RAIN CHECKS
 
To deal with frustrated holiday shoppers hunting for Wii game console, Nintendo and GameStop are launching a rain check program. "We expect this to be a great way for consumers who desperately want a Wii to have something to put under the tree," Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said. The rain checks will be available at regular price, $249.99, on Dec. 20 and 21, and will entitle buyers to get Nintendo Wii before Jan. 29.

http://www.nintendo.com
http://www.gamestop.com

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December 11, 1985 - General Electric agreed to buy RCA Corporation for $6.3 billion. Also included in the deal was NBC Radio and Television.

December 12, 1997 - Denver Pyle received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

December 14, 1999 - Charles Schulz announced he was retiring the "Peanuts" comic strip. The last original comic strip was published on February 13, 2000.
      
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February 17, 2009 marks the end of an area, the analog TV era, Your old TVs will need converters. Request your $40 coupons in January 2008.

Now for a more pushing matter effecting Indiana. I urge you to contact your ligislature to save our schools. Say no to school consolidation.

Small schools provides students with more teacher attention and have a family feel. Large schools have become little more than educational feedlots.

Sure, bigger is cheaper. But our kids deserve better and they worth the investment. In the very least, let this be local option and not a state mandate.

Larger schools will require longer bus rides too. A bus ride can be 2 hours now in some places. I think this time should be in class room, not on a bus.

Sorry for boring the vast majority of you. Honest, I won't make this a habit. Thanks for your time and see you next week.
     
Rewind,
Paul @ Reel 2 Reel

mailto:advland@iwon.com?subject=Reel_2_Reel

We are bracing for what could be a blizzard and/or ice storm here. If you don't here from me next week, then I probably lost my internet connection.

- Paul