Freedom Pod to deliver Christmas to deployed troops

Want to make sure Christmas finds its way to the thousands of troops from our area who are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan?

The Freedom Pod can help.

Several local businesses — Uptown Station, Hammock Bay, Destin Jet and Qantum Communications — have committed to sending the largest possible Christmas Care Package on behalf of the Emerald Coast, according to a press release.

FM radio stations WAVE 102.1, MIX 103.1, FLY 92.1 and 98.1, which is playing an all-Christmas music format right now, are getting the word out. I told Scratch, the morning guy at WAVE 102.1, that I’d be happy to let my readers know.

The Freedom Pod is scheduled to leave for the Middle East from Hurlburt Field on Dec. 12. Until then donations are being accepted to fill it.

Suggested items are DVDs, CDs, iTunes cards, phone cards, videos, games, books and magazines. Items may be new or used and either electronic or not, so long as they are in working condition and don’t need repairs.

Donated items may be taken to any of the sponsoring businesses, as well as to Accent Signs in Niceville, during regular hours.

The Freedom Pod is on display at Uptown Station’s Central Park on Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach.

For more details, visit the Web site at uptownstation.com or call Cory Davis at 654-1000, ext. 207, or e-mail cdavis@qantumfwb.com.

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The second movie in the Twilight Saga, “New Moon,” opens tonight with midnight showings.

It was not screened for critics until Wednesday, and the first reviews will arrive today, which, obviously, precluded my getting one in time for this issue of Showcase.

Not that it matters. I think I can safely say the movie is “critic proof” and will, most likely, knock “2012” out of the top Box Office spot.

I read the first book and, honestly, didn’t enjoy it much. The story was intriguing, and I understand the attraction.

The problem was Bella. I didn’t like her and that made it difficult to care about her.

I've been told that the “Twilight” movie is the rare exception in that it is better than the book. I guess I should see it.

And I didn't think I'd read any more of the series, but I got the second book on sale over the weekend, so I'll give it a go.

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I’m about finished reading “Flashforward” by Robert J. Sawyer. The 1999 novel inspired the current hit television show starring Joseph Fiennes.

The novel, which focuses on the scientists, is significantly different and quite good in its own right. In fact, it won an Aurora award.

The flash in the 2009-set book is of 21 years in the future, not just the few months depicted in the show.

The author makes some interesting predictions. For instance, a woman will still never have been president by 2030. Also, Pepsi wins the cola wars.

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Let me quickly add that I’m thrilled Donny Osmond made it into the finals of “Dancing With the Stars!”

Mya probably will win because she’s good, and the judges love her, but if Donny brings it next week, and doesn’t stumble over his partner’s costume, he has a good chance, too.

Kelly Obourne has done an awesome job, but I don’t think she’ll win it all.