Pensacola News Journal from Pensacola, Florida • 19

SECTION BATTLING WITH DICE Elves, goblins and dwarves clash swords and maces, fire guns and arrows in TSR's new SOAP OPERA ROLE STILL INTERESTING For nearly 25 years, Erika Slezak has enjoyed playing Victoria Lord Buchanan on the ABC soap "One Life to Live" 7B 1, PENSACOLA yNewSi Journal game Dragon Dice3B Pensacola, Florida TO REPORT A LIFE STORY: 435-8566 Friday, December 15, 1995 r. MMWHsK I TELEVISION, COMICS INSIDE P-Tf Minir (SJFE LTUU LATER, SPORTS GUY: WEAR-TV, Channel 3 sports anchor Hank Astengo is leaving the station in January, said WEAR news director Peter Neumann. Astengo has been with the station since the beginning of 1995. Neumann said a replacement has not been named. Carmike 10 makes its debut today, providing convenience for moviegoers and competition for other theaters Troy MoonNews Journal writer From left, Michael Taranto and Jeremy Hinote work on putting up the marquee at the new Carmike 1 0 theaters, which opens today at 161 E.

Nine Mile Road. By Linda Zettler News Journal staff writer he opening of 10 new movie screens in North Pensacola ultimately could both Cordova Mall and University Mall are sharing," said Carmike 10 general manager Richard Sechrist. "That's the problem," said Ray Barnett, assistant manager at Cordova Cinema. They open 'Jumanji' (today), the same day we do. It will be interesting to see what it does." Engel said he suspects the competition might prompt Regal and other theaters to begin dealing BORNTO BE BOND: Pierce Brosnan was only 10 when he saw his first movie "Gold-finger." He tells Entertainment Weekly he was smitten by "this naked lady covered in gold paint and this man who could kill with his hat." Brosnan was first offered the role of Bond in 1986 but was unable to take over the revered role because of his "Remington Steele" television commitment He is now drawing raves in the latest Bond flick, "Goldeneye," though we here at the Scanners International Bureau desk think the previous Bond, Timothy Palton, did a fine job and is getting unfairly trashed in the press for his cold, more distant, Bond.

No matter. Neither Brosnan nor Dalton will go down in history as the best or worst Bond, since those two spots are forever reserved for Sean Connery and Roger Moore. Brosnan draw more variety of movies to area theaters, including art films that aren't typically brought in. "Everybody's going to be scrambling for extra movies to fill all those screens," said Bob Engel, vice president of film at Regal Cinemas' NOW SHOWING 'IJt i ll 1 lot corporate office in Knoxville.Tenn. Regal runs Cordova Mall and Cordova Sizes and ticket sales of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties' theaters Carmike Cinemas Mariner 4: Four screens, 1,100 seats.

Would not release ticket sales. Carmike 10: 10 screens, 1 ,730 seats. Opens with new releases Cordova Cinema Gary McCrackenNews Journal photographer wanted to be Bond so badly, he reportedly took the part for only $1.2 million. EW says Mel Gibson reportedly turned down more than $10 million art rtf on iii- Motion picture engineer Larry Polla makes final alignments of picture and sound on a projector at the new Carmike 1 0 theaters. Two theaters have THX sound and are the only theaters in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to have the technology.

more with smaller film studios. "You're going to see a little more alternative viewing," said Ron Estrada, -owner of The Silver Screen, a second-run theater. "It's only logical that they're going to have to give people a little something extra to make them come to the theaters. Everyone's going to be playing the big movies." Brian Hual, 21, of Pensacola said he would welcome the shift. Td like to see more indepen- dent films here," he said.

"I get tired of seeing-! Kevin Costner! and guys like that all the time. Independent -films like 'Gas," Cinemas. Carmike 10, which officially opens today at 161 E. Nine Mile Road, creates a new outlet through which residents can see new releases from major filmmakers. The theater increases the number of screens in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by about 36 percent from 28 screens at six theaters to 38 at seven.

The new North Pensacola multiplex is surpassed in size only by United Artists University Mall Cinemas, which added five screens in 1994 to boost its total Gibson New cinema 'a plus' for northside residents Three screens, 1,013 seats. Ticket sales from Jan. 1 through Dec. 7, 1994: 1995: 227,899. Cordova MaH Cinemas: Four screens, 883 seats.

Would not release ticket sales Gulf Breeze Cinemas: Four screens, 662 seats. Ticket sales from Jan. 1 through Nov. 30: 1994: 1995: 86,954. Silver Screen: Two screens, about 360 capacity.

Theater does not keep track of ticket sales. United Artists University Mail Cinemas: 11 screens, 2.591 seats. Would not release ticket sales. I By Troy Moon News Journal staff writer Ensley's 17-month coming attraction becomes one of its feature presentations today when the Carmike 10 theater opens on East Nine Mile Road. Residents in Ensley and north Es- cambia County have been waiting for the theater premiere since the $3 in i i i Roxanne Dale, who lives between University Mall and Carmike 10, also is glad she won't have to brave mall traffic to see a movie.

"With the mall areas, it's not just movie traffic you have to worry about," she said, "but shopping traffic too. This is definitely a plus for this side of town." Tate High School junior Jeremy Vaughn says the theater will cut his driving time from his Molino home and also will be popular with north county teens. Louis Hourany, Carmike Southern Division manager, has no doubts that Pensacolians will support the theater. He said the addition of 10 new screens, which will bring the total number in the area to 38, is "about normal for an area this size." He said Pensacolians don't watch any more movies than folks in other cities. "It's just this city was under-screened," he said.

"It won't be now." For most Ensley residents, the closest theater was at University Mall. For many, Carmike 10's appeal will be simple convenience. Tm going (to Thursday's pre-opening screening), and ITl probably million-plus project was announced in May 1994. On Wednesday four hours before a private opening party construction workers were still scrambling to get wallpaper, carpet and signs in place, but general Food, Lodging and Wight On Earth' might be smaller-budget films, but they're still good and there's i definitely a market here for -films like that. i.

"We need a change from the regular actionthrilleranimated films we usually get." Shifting audiences But some film officials said I Carmike's opening will do little more than shift audiences to North Pensacola, cutting drives for moviegoers living in the counties' north ends. John Neal, senior vice I president for United Artists' See MORE, 5B toll. A new movie zone Some in the movie business say the addition of the Carmike 10 has the potential to slightly shake up film selection. It is a first-run theater, able to get new releases from major movie distributors. But unlike Pensacola's other first-run venues at Cordova and University malls, Carmike 10 is far enough away from other theaters to be considered a separate movie zone.

Cordova and University malls' theaters are so close that film distributors divide new releases between them. "We can play everything that I to play Bond and Liam Neelson also was offered a multi-million dollar offer. THIS IS GROSS: In line with our motto "You Can Never Stoop Too Low" we are delighted to introduce you to a new product called "The Toot Trapper," which, according to a press release, is the "perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything including gas!" The device is a cushion that absorbs nasty gas odors before they escape from your chair to your co-workers' noses, your spouse' nose, your children's noses. According to Dr. Michael Levitt, a Minneapolis doctor who is considered one of the world's leading experts on flatulence, the Toot Trapper is perfect for everyone since the average person experiences 13.6 episodes of flatulence a day.

(That 0.6 must be one of those silent-but-deadly ones.) If you're an above average person, the Toot Trapper u- definitely for you. It costs $39.95 and is available by calling 800-316-8668. WHAT WE'RE MISSING: We don't pick up the Independent Film Channel in this neck of the backwoods, and look at what we're missing: The IFC rings in 1996 with a three-hour festival of acclaimed animated short films showcasing the work of artist Bill Plymp-ton. The New Year's special features the Plympton shorts "Nose Hair," about the "eternal struggle between man and his nose hair and "How To Kiss," which is an "educational film." Once of these days well catch up with those big-city art types." Scanners is compiled by Troy Moon. Write him at P.O.

Box 12710, Pensacola, FL 32574, or to the electronic mail address, pnjlifeaol.com Adrian Lee of Tifton Glass Co. works on a display case at the snack bar in the lobby of the new Carmike 10 theater. go a lot more times in the future," Vaughn said. "I know a lot of my friends have been waiting for it, and it's probably going to be the theater we go to from now on." Martin said she usually had to drive her two teens across town to see movies. "Now, we live right off Chemstrand Road, so they can walk if they have to." manager Richard Martin Sechrist, directing the flurry of workers, said, "We will be open on Friday." For Beulah Martin, the opening means she won't have to drag her two teens to the malls to see movies, because her house is within walking distance of the theater.

Create original wreaths with odds, ends Celebrate your best friends With 1 1 days to go, we're counting down to Christmas Day. Each day we'll offer information you can use. Pets and holidays: Your pets can enjoy your celebrations, too. Many people dress their animals for the season with small pieces of clothing or hats. Others simply wrap a bone or snack for their pet.

percent imagination and 10 percent skill. "You look at unexpected things and say, Hmm, how will that work as a wreath?" she says. For this, her third book, Piatt says "I wanted shapes that were unusual, themes that would be both personal and universal, and natural materials that would demand you take a second look. Above all, I wanted readers to look through the book and think, I can make that!" Which is exactly the way it turned out. By Joan Jackson Knight-Ridder "Have Glue Gun.

Will Travel" could be Ellen Specter Piatt's calling card. Because wherever she goes, that gun goes too. But then, the calling card might get a little crowded with the 21 other items she feels are wreath-making necessities, from clippers and floral clay to ribbon and wire. Piatt's wreaths created from these items are different from anything you've ever seen, and that's why her book, "The Ultimate Wreath Book" (Rodale Press, $27.95) is a treat The book offers 150 wreaths for any use and occasion wreaths both dried and fresh, tiny and large, for holidays and special events. With a materials list and easy-to-follow directions for each wreath, the book is a star among the current crop of crafts books.

Wreath making, says Piatt, is 90 Hints: If you plan to give a pet as a gift, check with the recipient ahead of time and make sure the person will be responsible for it. Don't dress your animal in constricting clothing. They must be able to move around normally. Tinsel, ornaments, mistletoe and poinsettias can be dangerous to pets. Chocolate can be lethal to dogs.

'idoy chocolstes sns costly Calories Organ concert: Amy Johansen, an organist from Sydney, Australia, will perform the "Great Kney Organ's Happy Twentieth Birthday Concert" at 7:30 p.m. today at Christ Church, Wright and Palafox streets. Free. Details: 432-5115. See Weekender, Section for more events.

240 200 226 287 V. Sales 1. "Apollo 13" (MGM-UA) 2. "Batman Forever" (Warner) 3. The Santa Clause" (Disney) 4.

"Star Wars Trilogy" (Fox) 5. "Miracle on 34th Street" (Fox) Rentals 1. "Apollo 13" (MGM-UA) 2. "Crimson Tide" (Hollywood) 3. "Congo" (Paramount) 4.

"While You Were Sleeping" (Hollywood) 5. The Santa Clause" (Disney) -i Billboard Magazine Find downloadable video and sound clips, coloring book pages, icons and wallpaper and a Concentration-style matching game on the Toy Story" Web page: http:www.toystory.com abs The new Internet Site Blaster lets you search the Net off-line. The registered version searches more than 30,000 sites, providing descriptions and addresses. http:www.execc:.CCTTiwmhoggsiteblst.html Never forget a birthday again with the free Internet Reminder Service. It e-mails you a reminder of that special date and gives you the option of sending flowers or another gift.

httpwww.novator.cornRemindRemind.html Get an early glimpse of the joy of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which begins Sunday. You'll find a description of the holiday's origins, along with examples of foods, games, songs and art all the makings for a family celebration. httpvww.ort.orgslashorthanukkahtitle.htm 12. 1 "Lights on tor Life" day is today, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration along with Think First All Escambia and Santa Rosa county residents are encouraged to drive with their automobile lights on as part of the awareness campaign to stopped impaired driving tragedies. Three pieces McDonald's KFC Two slices of Christmas hamburger chicken Pizza Hut chocolate breast pepperoni Source: Seas Candy, The T-Factor Fat Oram Counter pizza Gannett News Service.