| And the 2008 box office blockbusters are . . .
Dire current events and severe weather can also keep people out of the theaters. We can count on at least one sleeper hit to emerge, defying all the established rules while making new ones. Each box office prediction counts U.S. ticket sales only, since those are the numbers the studios trumpet each week like football scores. As always, release dates are subject to change. With such nebulous factors at work, tracking Hollywood's fortunes can be more surprising than some of its movies. I fully expect at least some of my guesses to be proven wrong, but for now, here we go, starting with my pick for 2008's top moneymaker. Steve Persall can be reached at persall@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8365. Read his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/movies.
Earnings Preview: Electronic Arts
U.S. retail sales of video game software hit $8.64 billion in 2007, with $2.37 billion of it in December, according to market researcher NPD Group. Video game companies pull in most of their money during the holidays, which makes the December quarter the most important one for EA. "Rock Band," "Need For Speed: ProStreet" and sports games such as "Madden NFL 08" likely fueled a solid quarter, said BMO Capital Markets analyst Edward Williams in a client note. EA has enjoyed its status as the world's largest video-game publisher, but it will soon have a worthy rival. French media and telecommunications company Vivendi SA is buying a majority stake in Activision Inc. and combining it with its games unit in a deal expected to close later this year. The new company, Activision Blizzard, will own the wildly popular online game "World of Warcraft" and the "Guitar Hero" franchise, among others.
Juliet's Facts For My Friends For Life
Many local retailers are selling a number of "pink" items, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the sales will go to help in the fight against breast cancer.
Wyoming Stuyvesant Floral has a special, "Handbag of Hope" bouquet, designed just for the Komen Grand Rapids affiliate. It has 15 pink roses, arranged in an art glass pink handbag-shaped vase, accented by the 2006 pink ribbon charm. $7.50 of each sale will go to Komen Grand Rapids. To order, call 1-800-388-6578 or visit www.wyomingfloral.com
On Wednesday, October 18th's 6 p.m. newscast, our health report focused on a special exercise program designed specifically for women who've had reconstructive surgery. It's called "Unique Physique" and is located at 4070 Lake Drive SE in Grand Rapids. For more information, call April Snowcraft at (616) 975-2121.
EMKE Group opens outlets in Saudi, Egypt & India
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Bitter torrent
A mobile phone text message sent out to Indians disingenuously claimed that the queen would be there to meet them. In fact, the commission was closed for the weekend. Whatever the historical record, the crowd's real fury was directed at Malaysia's current rulers for the temple demolitions and, more broadly, their neglect of ethnic Indians who make up 8 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million people but barely register in corporate and political circles. Many blame the economic policies introduced after race riots in 1969 that discriminate in favour of ethnic Malays in education, government contracts and public sector jobs. By enriching the majority Malays and sustaining Chinese entrepreneurship, the system has failed to halt the marginalisation of Indian communities, activists say. "The bottom line is: Who has the power? Malays have the political power, Chinese have business power.
WHIPPS CROSS: Diabetes appointments to end
There are approximately 10,000 registered diabetics in Waltham Forest, most of whom receive their care from their GP. No patients will be required to go outside the borough for care that they currently receive in Waltham Forest. "The strategy to move services closer to people's homes has been supported by local people during discussions." 11:26am today Print Email this Comment .b_box { border: 1px solid #40AA5F; background-color: #40AA5F; color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } .b_box img { border: 1px solid #40AA5F; padding: 5px; background-color: #ffffff; } .b_box a, .b_box a:visited .b_box a:active { color: #000000 !important; } .b_box a:hover { color: #cc0000 !important; } .msg_div { padding: 0px; width: 307px; clear: left; } .entry { border-left: 1px solid #40AA5F; border-right: 1px solid #40AA5F; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } .entry2 { border-left: 1px solid #40AA5F; border-right: 1px solid #40AA5F; padding: 5px; min-height: 80px; } .b_entry { border-left: 1px solid #40AA5F; border-right: 1px solid #40AA5F; border-bottom: 1px solid #40AA5F; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } fieldset { margin-top: 10px; border: 1px solid #40AA5F; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding: 0px; } legend { padding: 2px 6px; color: #ffffff; background: #40AA5F; border: 1px solid #40AA5F; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 10px; } .headcell { text-align: center; color: #ffffff; background: #40AA5F; border-bottom: 1px solid #40AA5F; } .headcell a:link, .headcell a:visited, .headcell a:active { color: #000000; } .headcell a:hover { color: #cc0000; } .caltab { border: 1px solid #40AA5F; margin-top: 5px; } .year_daycell { text-decoration: underline; text-align: center; } .year_fullcell { background: #40AA5F; border: 1px solid #40AA5F; } blockquote { border: 2px outset #40AA5F; } .buttonclass { background: #40AA5F; color: #ffffff; } .
Israel Reflects On New York 9/11, Gaza and Katrina
Jerusalem---September 11.....That hurt. That really hurt. Writing that date line. One for which many of us dread. September 11 or 9/11. Words that pour out with tears, pain and suffering. In Israel, Europe, Asia - throughout the world many remember and reflect. Mostly from broadcast images we viewed from a plastic box we call TV. It is through this electronic box that we view both fiction and nonfiction. Where reality gets blurred with fantasy. But not for those who were in New York or Washington. Not for the relatives who lost loved ones on one of four hijacked aircraft which never arrived at their final destination. In Israel, we think about Gaza and Disengagement. Last month the settlers were evacuated, this morning it is for the Israel Defense Forces to lower a blue and white flag for one final time.
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