Dear Guests,

We have a new sci-fi thriller with Vin Diesel this week, Babylon A.D. Can you say "post apocalypse" three times in less than five seconds? If so, you are a better geek than me.

If you need something a bit racier, then we might suggest College. Let Steve Vandiver of Richland College know that the movie is NOT about his institution. There are seniors, you see, who visit a college for the weekend, you see, and well...you can write the broad outlines of the plot from there. That doesn't mean predictable can't be funny. It is rated "R," and unless your mommy and daddy watch it with you (how humiliating), you must be 17 to get in.

We have five other choices if you don't like these, including Dark Knight and House Bunny, which are two of the better films out right now. Better hurry and see Dark Knight before we send Batman to the bat cave until the next sequel.

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There are 400 of you signed up for the newsletter. Let your friends on your email list know what they are missing. Sandy Rice of John Warner Hospital is our newest sign-up. Way to be, Sandy.

We've talked to a lot of good people about the theater in the last few days, and we appreciate all the comments and good wishes. We are going to work with Ted Lowers over at Ted's Garage on a really fun promotion that combines two of MY favorite things--eating and watching movies.

Also had a great conversation with Dick Douglas of Sunset Inn and Suites, and he is going to help us get the word out to his guests. You can't spend all your time in the fantasy suites, right? After awhile you might need to venture out and WATCH A MOVIE.

Larry Williams  of WWHP (The Whip) had some great promotional ideas for Farmer City and the surrounding area, too.

Marian Brisard at the Clinton Chamber is working with us to promote moviegoing during the Haunted House weekends in October. We are working on a Fright Festival for Friday and Saturday nights that month, and we should have more to say about that next week.

We also stopped at Lincoln Elementary in Clinton and Schneider Elementary in Farmer City. We are spreading the word about our educational showing program, where we invite school groups to come to the theater for private showings. It works out great for holiday parties and the like, and between now and Christmas, there are a half dozen age-appropriate films coming out. Manager Stephen Piersall will be making the rounds of the schools next week to tell everyone about it (and give away some free passes for teachers of young children).

Stephen will also be talking to the high schools in the area about the easiest fundraising idea in the world for school groups. No cheese or fruit trays, just a great raffle that includes some wonderful Clintonia Eagle passes and other goodies.

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Do you like to receive text messages on your cell phone AND save money AND learn about the latest and greatest?

We've started a Txt Msg List (cell phone speak for "Text Message List"), and it's easy to sign up. Just go to www.eagletheater.net and find the tab at the top that says "Join our Txt Msg List." Too lazy to click several times? Then text 'Clintonia' to 313131 and you are signed up. From time to time we will communicate with you about special offers, new movies and special events. It will be fun.

See you at the movies!

Eric Gubelman
P.T. Barnum Acolyte