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Howdy Adventureland Friends: Thank you for the birthday greetings. And I am sorry that your newsletters are late again. Wish I could blame Topica. But, the problem is me and my time. I am going to have to address this issue again. Our Celebrity Spotlight is back on the living with Andy Griffith. This guy is most remembered and best known as Sheriff Taylor or Matlock. Some of you have inquired about video gaming. For you, there is Tech Talk with news from Microsoft and Sony. Sorry, I don't follow this industry closely. There are other goodies too. Trade Talk about states and how they recruit movies. Take an Intermission to Universal Orlando with your favorite boy wizard. Will Sean Connery leave retirement for Indiana Jones 4? +===================================+ Find your showtimes @ Adventureland http://advland.bravehost.com +===================================+ <> <> <> BOX OFFICE <> <> <> +===================================+ 'PIRATES' TAKES A HIT BUT STAYS AFLOAT "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" hit an ebb tide in its second weekend but had enough buoyancy to hold the No. 1 spot at the box office. With a $43.2 million weekend, Disney's sequel sank a steep 62.4 percent from its $114.7 million opening a week earlier, according to studio estimates. Universal's "Knocked Up," starring Katherine Heigl as a career woman who gets pregnant from a one-night stand with a slacker, debuted a strong No. 2 with $29.3 million. The movie's weekend gross equaled its entire production budget. "It looks like a lot of people wanted to get knocked up this weekend," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers. MGM's "Mr. Brooks," with Kevin Costner as a mild-mannered businessman who moonlights as a serial killer, premiered in fourth place with $10 million. Picturehouse's "Gracie," featuring Elisabeth Shue in a film inspired by tragic events in her own life and her teenage days as the only girl on a boys soccer team, opened at No. 7 with $1.4 million. The drop for "Pirates" was typical of summer flicks that open to colossal numbers. In the second weekend, Sony's "Spider-Man 3" tumbled 62 percent from its record $151.1 million debut, while DreamWorks's "Shrek the Third" fell 57 percent from its $121.6 million opening. While big films once had longer shelf life, most blockbusters today aim to pack in the crowds the first weekend before audiences move on to the next hit. By the second weekend, most people who wanted to catch a big movie already have seen it. "It's exactly where I expected it," said Chuck Viane, distribution head for Disney. "Once you get everybody who is that avid, crazy fan that's going to see it the first week, then you rely on people who never go out the first week and the people who just come back and back and back." With its mix of themes and bawdy humor, director Judd Apatow's "Knocked Up" became a rare R-rated comedy to click with a mainstream audience, much as his "The 40-Year-old Virgin" did two years ago. Most Hollywood comedies have a softer tone to land a PG-13 rating. "This could not be reduced to PG-13 just to get a broader audience. It would have lost the beauty of the whole film," said Nikki Rocco, distribution head for Universal. "It's amazing how Judd hits the exact buttons of what average people go through in their lives." Overseas, "At World's End" did an additional $105.4 million over the weekend to bring its worldwide total to $625.3 million. Domestically, the movie has grossed $216.5 million, trailing last summer's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," which had a $135.6 million opening and had taken in $258.4 million after its second weekend. "Shrek the Third" took in $26.7 million domestically to lift its total to $254.6 million. It is rolling out gradually overseas. With $7.5 million, "Spider-Man 3" padded its domestic haul to $318.3 million. Worldwide, "Spider-Man 3" has taken in $844 million, surpassing 2002's "Spider-Man" ($821 million) to become the biggest hit in Sony's history. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters: 1. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," $43.2 million. 2. "Knocked Up," $29.3 million. 3. "Shrek the Third," $26.7 million. 4. "Mr. Brooks," $10 million. 5. "Spider-Man 3," $7.5 million. 6. "Waitress," $2 million. 7. "Gracie," $1.4 million. 8. "Bug," $1.22 million. 9. "28 Weeks Later," $1.2 million. 10. "Disturbia," $1.1 million. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/ +===================================+ <> <> <> NOW SHOWING <> <> <> +===================================+ MR. BROOKS (2007) Mr. Brooks: businessman; philanthropist; father and husband. Seemingly perfect. But Brooks has a secret -- he is a killer, so clever that no one has suspected him. He has managed to keep his worlds apart. When he succumbs to one last murderous urge, a photographer witnesses the crime. Suddenly Brooks finds himself entangled in the dark agenda of an opportunistic bystander, and hunted by detective Tracy Atwood. Can he outsmart his adversaries and conceal his double life or will someone expose him once and for all? Rated R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, nudity and language. http://www.theressomethingaboutmrbrooks.com/ +===================================+ <> <> <> COMING SOON <> <> <> +===================================+ June 15, 2007 FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (2007) The enigmatic, intergalactic herald, the Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. As he races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of the Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Dr. Doom, before hope is lost. http://www.riseofthesilversurfer.com/ June 22, 2007 EVAN ALMIGHTY (2007) Newly elected to Congress, Evan Baxter, is the next one anointed by God to accomplish a holy mission -- walking in the footsteps of Bruce Almighty. Evan leaves Buffalo and shepherds his family to suburban northern Virginia. Once there, God commands him to build an ark. But his family just can't decide whether Evan is having an extraordinary mid-life crisis or is onto something of Biblical proportions. Rated PG for mild rude humor and some peril. http://www.evanalmighty.com/ +===================================+ <> <> <> SHINING STAR <> <> <> +===================================+ ANDY SAMUEL GRIFFITH June 1, 1926 - Mount Airy, NC This actor originally wanted to be an opera singer. Upon graduating college, Griffith went on the road with his wife, performing musical numbers and comedic monologues. His most famous monologue was called, "What It Was Was Football." In 1954, Griffith appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" and in the TV movie and Broadway production of, "No Time for Sergeants." From 1959 to 1960, Griffith was a regular with Don Knotts on "The Steve Allen Show." After an appearance on the sitcom, "Make Room for Daddy," CBS decided to give Griffith his own show, "The Andy Griffith Show." Griffith’s show had a successful 8-year run and he became the executive producer of the spin-off, "Mayberry, R.F.D." which ran from 1968 to 1971. From 1986 to 1992, Griffith starred in another popular television series, "Matlock." He continues to act, and most recently appeared in "The Very First Noel" (2006) and "Waitress" (2007). http://www.andygriffithmusic.com/ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341431/ http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/G/htmlG/griffithand/griffithand.htm +===================================+ <> <> <> SNACK BAR <> <> <> +===================================+ DOUBLE CHOCOLATE POPCORN BALLS 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup butter or margarine 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 8 cups freshly popped popcorn 1 cup "M&M's"® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Baking Bits Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and cocoa in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Add popcorn, stirring until evenly coated. Remove from heat. Stir in "M&M's"® pieces. Cool slightly. Shape into 2" balls. http://www.popcorn.org/ +===================================+ <> <> <> BOOK MARKS <> <> <> +===================================+ TOP 10: SWEET STAR WARS GADGETS Star Wars and technology are a match made in heaven. Even though the culturally iconic movie takes place "a long time ago," that surely didn't stop it from becoming linked with some really cool futuristic gadgets. That said, today's Top 10 slide show celebrates the 30th anniversary of the film: We've found the coolest Star Wars—themed tech products. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2136188,00.asp +===================================+ <> <> <> INTERMISSION <> <> <> +===================================+ HARRY POTTER MOVES 2 UIVERSAL ORLANDO Universal Orlando Resort is opening a Harry Potter theme park that will let fans visit many of the iconic locations in the books and movies that endeared the boy magician to millions. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set to open at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in late 2009, complete with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village. "The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said author J.K. Rowling, who has been working with a creative team to make sure the park resembles the books and films. More than a dozen artists lead by Stuart Craig, the production designer of the movies, have set up house in the studio where the movies are being filmed to make sure every detail is considered, said Scott Trowbridge of Universal. "We're really going to the people who know this world best to ensure that level of authenticity," he said. The park will let visitors view the famed locations in Rowling's magical world, like Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts and the shops in Hogsmeade. Some locations may be in upcoming books, Trowbridge said. Many tourists outside the theme park said the experience would boost its appeal to a younger audience. "I'd go to Universal before I would Disney World to go on a Harry Potter ride," said 15-year-old Alex Moran, visiting Orlando from Pleasant Hill, Mo. Brandon Wilson, another 15 year old from Pleasant Hill, said he can't get enough Harry Potter. He has read every book and watched every movie. "I hope we get to simulate flying like Harry Potter," Wilson said. Trowbridge said while there would not be character lookalikes at the park, fans wanting to see Harry Potter and his magical friends wouldn't leave disappointed. "This is Harry's world," said Trowbridge. "Most every fan wants to have an encounter with the star of the show." The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will be released in theaters July 13 by Warner Bros. The seventh and final book of the series will be released July 21. http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/ +===================================+ <> <> <> DVD SHOWCASE <> <> <> +===================================+ Buy your favorite DVDs @ Adventureland http://psgoods.bravehost.com +===================================+ <> <> <> NOW SHOWING <> <> <> +===================================+ WELCOME BACK KOTTER: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Mr. Kotter is an involved and caring teacher, which is a must in his day-to-day dealings with a certain four troublemakers in his class. Watch the dynamics unfold in Season One! F-TROOP: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Captain Parmenter and his buffoons are ready again to untame the wilderness in TV's wackiest Western spoof. A plains-load of comic guest stars join the fun this season. The 31-episode final season of F-Troop! CHIPS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Set in the sprawl of Los Angeles, CHiPs combines action, heroics and fun in 22 episodes whose event-packed storylines range from freeway gridlock to wild roadway pursuits, from spilled onions to pure venom. +===================================+ <> <> <> COMING SOON <> <> <> +===================================+ June 12, 2007 BREACH (2007) Eric O'Neill is promoted to a job inside FBI headquarters working for respected agent Robert Hanssen. Then O'Neill learns his true mission: finding proof that Hanssen has been selling American secrets to the Soviet Union for years. Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content and lanuage. June 12, 2007 PRIMEVAL (2007) Inspired by the true story of a legendary 25-foot man-eating crocodile. An American news crew, determined to capture this monster and stop his demonic rampage, travel deep within the darkest reaches of Africa to hunt their prey. But Gustave, as the natives call him, is also on the hunt - always on the move, always elusive, always hungry for human flesh. Rated R for strong graphic violence, brutality, terror and language. +===================================+ <> <> <> FUN & GAMES <> <> <> +===================================+ PARENTS CHARTER JETS 4 KIDS New York charter company Revolution Air says more than 20 private jets have been assigned to fly area children to summer camps. The popularity of the short $8,000 flights led the company to develop a special menu, including peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, chicken fingers and ice-cream sundaes, the New York Post reported. Revolution Air President Ronald Goldstein said parents are still calling to make last-minute plans for late June campers. "Now the kids are starting to demand private jets. The children got spoiled on the custom of flying privately," he told the Post. Goldstein said the majority of his business comes from New York, "very Park Avenue" types, but some planes depart from New Jersey or the Hamptons. He said distance doesn't appear to be an issue, with flights leaving for destinations both across the country and less than an hour's drive from the city, the newspaper said. http://www.bizarrenews.com LATE NIGHT CELEB. QUOTES "It's been hot and muggy out. Here's a little tip I do when it's like this outside. Right now in my pants I have a box of baking soda." --Dave Letterman "Here's some good news – a woman in Milwaukee gave birth to a 13 pound 12 ounce baby girl last week. Thirteen pound 12 ounces. Doctors say the baby will be walking before the mother." --Jay Leno "Recent studies have found that a diet high in soy beans and soy sauce can result in infertility in men. Which that goes to explain China's low population." --Conan O'Brien http://www.cleanlaffs.com +===================================+ <> <> <> TRADE TALK <> <> <> +===================================+ STATES USE TAX INCENTIVES 2 LURE MOVIES Canada could have stood in for New Jersey in the new movie, "Gracie." It doesn't matter that the film is about a New Jersey girl, or the story line involves a trip to the famous Jersey shore. For the right price, Canada can become Jersey — or any other location. But New Jersey offered millions in incentives for the film company to shoot in the Garden State. The "Gracie" courtship illustrates the competition among states and countries for a piece of the film and television production business. When a major studio shoots a big budget film on location, that can mean $225,000 per day to the local economy, according to the MPAA. Even a brief shoot creates local jobs and generates waves of positive publicity. "It isn't surprising that states are doing everything they can to attract film production to their areas because of the impact they can have on the local economy," said Seth Oster, a spokesman for the group. "The movie industry wants to keep production here in this country whenever possible." Incentives range from breaks on hotel room taxes to actual cash back in a few states. Often the biggest carrot states can offer are breaks from paying state taxes, usually income or corporate business taxes. For production companies or networks with permanent facilities in a state, the tax credits can offset their own tax liabilities. But film companies working in the state for a single production can sell their tax credits to companies based in that state. To land "Gracie," New Jersey forked over a tax credit of more than $1 million and a $1.5 million loan guarantee on a $4.5 million loan — in addition to a $500,000 loan that doesn't have to be paid back until November 2008. The film's budget was only $9.5 million. Andrew Shue, the former "Melrose Place" heartthrob and producer for "Gracie," said the producers used the tax credit money to shoot 2 extra days and pay for music rights for the soundtrack, including a Bruce Springsteen song. "The economics of movie making are getting tougher and tougher," said Shue, whose sister, Elisabeth, co-produced and stars in the film. "The tax credit is a big deal. In our instance, it may have made all the difference." The competition for film and TV is so heated some states have gone back to their legislatures a second or third time to sweeten their incentive packages, which have become every bit as important as a state's physical environment. "In the past they (production companies) would call and say, 'Do you have 1940s general store, a 1930s lighthouse, an ultramodern office building, a Victorian train station?'" said Steven Gorelick, associate director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. "Now the location takes a back seat to the economics." According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than 3 dozen states have some form of incentive for the film or TV industry or are looking to pass them. One new player is Connecticut, which last year began its 30 percent tax credit program for productions that spend at least $50,000. Louisiana, which has seen $2 billion in production activity in the past five years, increased its tax credit from 15 percent to 25 percent and offered other incentives, said Chris Stelly, executive director of the state's film commission. "Other states have had incentive programs, but nothing like we're seeing now," he said. Last year, New Mexico increased its package to a 25 percent rebate on state taxes. The Legislature has approved 3 tweaks to the original 2002 law, said Jennifer Schwalenberg, deputy director of the state's film office. "Everyone's upping the ante every year so we have to stay ahead of the pack," she said. Recent shoots include a remake of "3:10 to Yuma" with Russell Crowe, "In the Valley of Elah" with Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron, and "Sunshine Cleaning" with Alan Arkin. New Jersey — where Thomas Edison invented the first motion picture camera and projector and created the first studio — wants to increase its annual pot of tax credits from $10 million to $30 million. The Garden State's year-old program offers a 20 percent tax credit, more than its high-profile neighbor, New York, which offers 15 percent. Producers seeking the New Jersey credit must spend 60 percent of all expenses in the state, less post-production costs. That requirement disqualified New Jersey's most high-profile show, "The Sopranos." It receives incentives from New York, where much of the mob drama is shot on a soundstage, along with location scenes around Jersey, said a spokeswoman for HBO. Still, in its first year offering incentives, New Jersey attracted 3 feature films with big stars. "Be Kind Rewind," stars Jack Black and has been approved for $2 million in credits; Newark native Queen Latifah's "Perfect Christmas" received $1.2 million in tax credits. Another production for which she is a producer, a TV pilot called "Wifeys," has been approved for nearly $300,000. "If it gets picked up, the tax credit will make New Jersey competitive as a place to shoot the series," said Mike Elliott, an executive producer of the show and a producer for "Perfect Christmas." The first film to use the credits and appear in theaters is "Gracie," a feel-good soccer tale that opened June 1. Gorelick concedes the state didn't see an increase in productions in the first year of the program. But it was important in keeping "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," a television series set in New York City which has been approved for almost half of the credits for the year, nearly $4.5 million. "A TV show is worth millions and millions and millions every year on an ongoing basis, like an annuity," he said. Brian O'Leary, senior VP for tax counsel of NBC Universal, which produces "SVU," said the studio would not be filming the series in New Jersey if the incentives had not been passed. Not everyone is happy. Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio shudders at the idea of increasing New Jersey's incentive pot in a state with the nation's highest property taxes and a huge budget deficit. "Is this a good use of money? They think it's sexy," he said. "But the taxpayers are getting whacked." http://www.afci.org/browse/united_states.php +===================================+ <> <> STEALS & DEALS <> <> +===================================+ THIS SUMMER OF SEQUELS CONTINUES! You wouldn't start a book in the middle, would you? Why do the same with movies? Before the summer season of continuing sagas begins, buy the prequels. That way you'll fully understand the complexity of the characters and the missions they're on. You know, all the stuff that leaves you wanting more... http://psgoods.bravehost.com +===================================+ <> <> <> NEWS REELS <> <> <> +===================================+ AFFLECK SPEAKS @ PAL'S GRADUATION Ben Affleck joked during a high school commencement speech. Students at Falls Church High School gave a standing ovation to Affleck following his speech, in which he praised Joe Kindregan, a disabled student. Kindregan suffers from ataxia-telengiectasia, a rare degenerative disease. Over the past decade, Affleck has raised money for the disease. The nature of their friendship was evident when Affleck kissed Kindregan. Kindregan introduced Affleck by saying "He is married to the cutest girl... but most important he is the best friend you could ever have." They met in 1998 when the boy came to watch the shooting of "Forces of Nature." The actor noticed Kindregan, then 10 years old, and struck up a conversation. Kindregan has since been on the set of all of his films. Affleck shook hands with students receiving diplomas. "He's a good hugger," said Melinda Wodatch."I think all the kids were actually listening to his speech." http://www.atcp.org/Fundraising/Marathoners/JoeKindregan.htm ET: TOMKAT ON MOTHERHOOD & MORE KITTENS Being the mother of Tom Cruise's baby has been so much fun that Katie Holmes tells "Entertainment Tonight" she's ready to have more children. "We're having the best time, it's so amazing," Holmes (28) said. She gave birth to the couple's first child, Suri, in April 2006. "Yes, definitely," she told the TV program when asked about the possibility of more kids. Cruise and his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, have a 12-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter, and Holmes said the role of stepmother is one she relishes. "The kids are so sweet, they're so great with Suri and she lights up when she sees them," she said. "We have so many kids in our house, there's always this wonderful chatter and the great noise of kids." She recently returned to work filming "Mad Money" with Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005017/ NEWMAN'S ALMA MATER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Paul Newman is donating $10 million to Kenyon College to start a scholarship fund, the private liberal arts school said. Newman graduated from the Ohio college in 1949. "My days there were among the happiest and most formative of my life," Newman said. "I believe strongly that we should be doing whatever we can to make all higher education opportunities available to deserving students. I hope others will support Kenyon in this manner." The donation will fund partial and full scholarships for 15 to 20 students a year, college spokesman Shawn Presley said. The first Newman's Own scholars will be announced this summer. Newman and wife, Joanne Woodward, donated privately in the past. The couple went public at the college's request because Kenyon hopes the contribution will spur donations from other alumni, Forrester said. Newman has given $175 million to charities from the profits earned by his Newman's Own brand. http://www.kenyon.edu/index.xml D.C.: FORD'S THEATRE CLOSES 4 UPGRADES The theater where Abraham Lincoln was shot will be getting an $8.5 million upgrade. The improvements to Ford's Theatre will include its first elevator, new restrooms and renovations to the heating, air conditioning, lighting and sound systems, the National Park Service said. The 144-year-old theater last underwent restoration in the 1960s. The repairs are being done in part to improve access for the disabled. Petersen House, the home across the street where Lincoln died, will still be open to tourists. The Park Service hopes to reopen the theater in November 2008. One million people visit each year. http://www.nps.gov/foth U.N.: SWANK KICKS-OFF WORLD WATER RUN Hilary Swank kicked off a round-the-world run Friday to raise awareness of the world's 1.1 billion people who lack access to clean drinking water. As part of the Blue Planet Run, 20 runners will log 15,200 miles over 95 days. Each participant will run 10 miles at a time. "Making safe drinking water available is everyone's problem, and it's a problem it will take everyone to solve," she said. Runners will publicize the problem and let people know that solutions are within reach, said Jin Zindell, chairman and founder of Blue Planet Run. "It's easy for me to show up today and talk about this," Swank said. "The real heroes are the 20 people who are actually running..." The runners will cross 16 countries, starting in the U.S. and flying to Ireland, then ferrying to England and France. From France, they will cross Europe and Asia on land, eventually flying from Beijing to Japan before heading back to the United States. http://www.mwwca.org/blue-planet.htm MTV MOVIE AWARDS: WINNERS & NEW AWARDS Captain Jack Sparrow was the big winner at the MTV Movie Awards as "Dead Man's Chest" was named best movie and Johnny Depp won best performance. Other big winners included Mike Myers and Sacha Baron Cohen. MTV's mix of honors includes prizes for best fight and best villain, plus aspiring filmmaker awards. The 16-year-old awards show unveiled 2 new categories: best movie spoof and best summer movie you haven't seen yet. MTV viewers voted by telephone, text message and Internet to choose the winners. http://movieawards.mtv.com NTSB: FILMMAKER DROWNED IN 2004 CRASH The cinematographer of "The Blair Witch Project" could not escape from a plane that crashed into the sea in 2004 because he had tied himself to his seat. Neal Fredericks was dragged down by the wreckage of the single-engine plane, according to an NTSB report. He was flying in August 2004 to get footage for "Cross Bones." Before taking off, Fredericks had the cargo door removed to better film Fort Jefferson and the islands off Key West. He then tied a rope across his legs and around his waist and seat, as well as around his camera. The plane's engine sputtered. The pilot failed to restart it, and was forced to ditch the plane. The pilot and an assistant cameraman attempted to free Fredericks. Also on board were the film's director and producer; all 4 survived. Cause of the crash was "loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during cruise flight." http://www.ntsb.gov/ LEPAGLIA & CROWE MAY BUILD SPORTS STADIUM Anthony LaPaglia & Russell Crowe are in talks about building a new sports stadium in Sydney. LaPaglia is a director and shareholder in Sydney FC, a soccer team in the domestic A-League. Crowe is co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League. LaPaglia said he and Crowe are in talks on constructing a 25,000-seat stadium that both teams could use during their respective seasons. "He wants a stadium, I want a stadium, and we think together there is a possibility we might be able to pull it off. We would combine forces to have a home field, and training facilities," LaPaglia said. LaPaglia said talks with Crowe have been ongoing for about four months. "We're still trying (to work out) how to do it exactly, but there's a bunch of e-mails flying backwards and forth," he said. "(Crowe) is as driven and as passionate about the Rabbitohs as I am about Sydney FC," he said. LaPaglia said he hadn't spoken to Sydney FC officials. "It's not something I've really discussed with the club yet, so it will come as a bit of a surprise to them," he said. http://www.sydneyfc.com/ http://www.souths.com.au/home/index.asp NEW YORK: SCHNEIDER 2 SELL HOME 2 JOEL Roy Scheider says he is selling his 5-bedroom oceanfront home in the Hamptons to Billy Joel for a price "close" to $18.75 million. "I'm so happy that Billy Joel is buying it, because it's the perfect house for him," the 74-year-old was quoted. "He can put his piano on the second floor, overlook the beach and the farmland, and write beautiful music for all of us." Scheider's house, which is set on an acre in scenic Sagaponack, features 4 fireplaces and various decks and porches. It was built for the actor and his family in 1994. "It really was fine for its time, but the kids are grown up now," he said. "They're going away, and we're downsizing." Scheider is waiting for completion of a 4-bedroom home near the village of Sag Harbor. The actor starred in 1975's "Jaws," directed by Steven Spielberg. Joel (58) owns homes in Sag Harbor and Centre Island. The 5-bedroom Centre Island estate, on the market for $32.5 million, has its own tennis court, wine cellar and music room. http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0001702/ COSBY: ADULTS KEY 2 STOPPING VIOLENCE Bill Cosby called on parents and community elders to communicate with their children to help stop a wave of violence that has plagued Philly years. Cosby spoke to a crowd of several hundred people after joining an anti-violence group on an hour-long march through West Philadelphia. "You've got to teach your children how to think," he said. "You watch one blow the other one's head off and how can you feel good about yourself?" The event was number 4 of 7 anti-violence appearances that Cosby, a city native, has pledged to take part in with Men United for a Better Philadelphia. The homicide rate of more than a murder a day in 2007 is ahead of last year's pace, when the homicide count of more than 400 was the highest in 9 years. During the march, Cosby waved to neighbors and climbed front porches to shake hands. Men United's co-chair Malik Aziz, a victim and perpetrator of gun violence before joining the group, hopes to bring together current and former gang leaders to broker a cease-fire. http://www.hellofriend.org/ SHIRLEY JONES HONORED IN PITTSBURGH Shirley Jones of "The Partridge Family" has been honored by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera for her lifetime contribution to musical theater. Jones, born in nearby Charleroi, was presented the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theater. Previous recipients include Julie Andrews and Bernadette Peters; composers Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber; and producers Cameron Mackintosh and Harold Prince. Jones (73) will appear as Aunt Eller in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera production of "Oklahoma!" this month. She played Laurey Williams in the 1955 movie based on the stage musical. http://www.pittsburghclo.org/ http://www.shirleyjones.com/ IS KEVIN SMITH SLOWLY TURNING 2 PORN? With Kevin Smith's track record, you knew it was only a matter of time. His last film, Clerks II, featured bestiality. Kev's next kept projected has been outed by the L.A. Times. His next comedy is called Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Two 30 somethings meet up at their 15 year high school reunion and decide to get into the porno business. "A bawdy sex comedy with heart. It's dirty, with nudity," Smith told the L.A. Times. "But funny nudity, not gratuitous nudity." No cast has been set, but Rosario Dawson is rumored to be reading the script. http://www.viewaskew.com/main.html SEAN CONNERY SAYS NO 2 'INDIANA JONES 4' Lucasfilm and Paramount confirmed the casting rumors of Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, and John Hurt in Indiana Jones 4. While doing so, they also confirmed that Sean Connery will not return as Indy's father. Here is the statement from Connery who retired from acting two years ago: "I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun... This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.' I'll see you on May 22, 2008 at the theater!" http://www.seanconnery.com/ +===================================+ <> <> <> DVD NEWS <> <> <> +===================================+ Buena Vista Home Entertainment, home entertainment arm of Walt Disney (and ABC), announced their whole slate of DVD releases for the TV seasons that just ended this month. For the second year in a row, they tried to spicen up their offerings with unique names. Lost: Season Three - The Unexplored Experience will debut December 11th. The 7 disc set has a one-on-one with Matthew Fox, feature on The Others, production documentary, unseen flashbacks, behind the scenes, deleted scenes, audio commentaries, and bloopers. On September 4th, Desperate Housewives: The Complete Third Season - The Dirty Laundry Edition will bow in stores with a spanish audio track, conversation with Eva Longoria, unaired storylines and deleted scenes. September 11th follows with the Grey's Anatomy: Season 3 - Seriously Extended Edition. The 7 disc set includes all 23 episodes, 4 have been extended for the DVD, a visit to the race track with McDreamy and audio commentaries. Other shows hitting DVD include Ugly Betty: The Complete First Season - Bettyfied Edition on August 21st, Brothers & Sisters: The Complete First Season on September 18th, and What About Brian?: The Complete Series on September 25th. Disney wasn't the only studio announcing TV on DVD dates. Warner announced Supernatural: The Complete Second Season for September 11th and Smallville: The Complete Sixth Season for September 18th. And finally, Paramount didn't want to left out of the fun with their announcements of Charmed: The Final Season for September 11th, Ghost Whisperer: The Complete Second Season for September 18th and South Park: The Complete Tenth Season for August 14th. REMINDER & NOTIFICATION EMAILS MyVideoStore.com will send you messages when the movies you want to see are available on video or DVD. REMINDERS tell you when a movie has been released. NOTIFIERS tell you about a movie's upcoming release. http://myvideostore.com/content/movies/reminder.html?client=myvideostore +===================================+ <> <> <> TECH TALK <> <> <> +===================================+ SONY: US VIDEO GAMES UNIT 2 UT JOBS Sony's U.S. video-game unit is cutting jobs to become more competitive, the company said, as PlayStation 3 struggles against rival offerings from Microsoft and Nintendo. Numbers and other details aren't being disclosed about the employee reductions at Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., said spokeswoman Sayoka Henmi. The job cuts in the U.S. follow those in Europe in April, but no cuts are planned for Japan, she said. "The goal is to reform the organization," she said. Sony Corp. officials have said that changes are in order to adjust to the needs of the industry, as people increasingly use their machines for linking to the Internet, watching video, listening to music or looking at photos, not just playing games. The PlayStation 3, which competes against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii, went on sale in November in Japan and the U.S., and in March in Europe. Tokyo-based Sony shipped 5.5 million PS3 machines in the fiscal year through March 31, fewer than the 6 million the company had targeted. Nintendo, the maker of Super Mario and Pokemon games and Game Boy Advance machines, shipped 5.84 million Wii consoles worldwide during the same period. The Wii, which went on sale late last year worldwide, has done very well, winning over the elderly and other newcomers to games with a wandlike remote-control. Sony isn't expecting to post a profit in its game business until the fiscal year ending March 2009. U.S. software company Microsoft is expecting to have sold 12 million Xbox 360 consoles by June. The machine went on sale in 2005. In recent years, Sony has been restructuring and playing catch-up to improve profit in its core electronics division. But the hefty startup costs for the PS3 are weighing heavily on its efforts. http://www.sony.com/index.php MICROSOFT: PAC-MAN COMES 2 X-BOX 360 Pac-Man, the 1980s arcade game sensation, now can be played on Microsoft's Xbox 360. Blinky, Clyde and other Pac-Man hallmarks are there, but this is an updated version - made by Pac-Man's original creator, Toru Iwatani. Iwatani designed the revamped "Championship Edition," which was unveiled at the Pac-Man World Championship. Iwatani, who is now a video game professor at Tokyo Polytechnic University, also crowned the winner of the Microsoft-sponsored competition, Carlos Daniel Borrego from Pachuca, Mexico. The Pac-Man makeover includes mazes that change shape as the game is played, new soundtracks and high-def graphics, though the game retains the kitschy, arcade-inspired look. There are 6 new timed game modes, including the "Manhattan" mode, inspired by New York. It appears the new Pac-Man marked Iwatani's last hurrah in the video game business. "It gives me great joy to know that my final contributions in my corporate career were to crown the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Champion and to leave the world with an amazing new 'Pac-Man' game for generations to enjoy," the game maker said. Nostalgia-seekers can buy and download the game from the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft points, or about $10. Enthusiasts partial to Pac-Man's red-bowed, lipsticked girlfriend will have to settle for a more traditional-looking version of Ms. Pac-Man, released to the Xbox Live Arcade in January. http://www.xbox.com/livearcade +===================================+ <> <> TIME CAPSULE <> <> +===================================+ June 8, 1998 - The National Rifle Association elected Charlton Heston to be its president. June 9, 1980 - Richard Pryor severely burned by a "free-base" mixture that exploded. He was hospitalized more than two months. June 10, 1889 - Hattie McDaniel was born. She, for her role in "Gone With the Wind," was the first African-American to win an Academy Award. June 11, 1982 - Steven Spielberg's movie "E.T." opened. June 12, 1994 - Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were murdered outside her home in LA. O.J. Simpson was later acquitted of the killings, but held liable in a civil suit. June 13, 1913 - Ralph Edwards, the host of "This is Your Life" and "Truth or Consequences" was born. Ronald Reagan was the only person to ever substitute for him. June 14, 1989 - Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested in Beverly Hills for slapping a motorcycle policeman. +===================================+ Keep Di in your thoughts. I am not sure how much information she wants me to share here. But she needs your prayors and encouragement. http://oshawa.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?AdId=10227872 I have been much too busy to do much of anything but watch Koda Bear and work on our newsletter. Hope this changes soon because I have many ideas that need put to the test. So much to do and so little time, huh? Well, this concludes another week of Reel 2 Reel. The end, Paul @ Reel 2 Reel mailto:advland@iwon.com?=Reel_2_Reel Make tonight a movie or game night! http://adventureland.moviefever.com |
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