The Left Lane
Movie attendance up; people seek respite

Americans returned to movie theaters in large numbers this weekend, and a slate of new films pushed box-office earnings well ahead of the same weekend last year, according to industry figures.

Overall, weekend ticket sales were about 42 percent higher than at the same time last year, $54.1 million compared to $37.8 million (in part because of higher ticket prices).

Theaters were relatively empty on Friday as many participated in a day of remembrance, but "on Saturday, a lot of people pushed back out to go to the movies," said Rob Friedman, vice chairman of Paramount's motion picture group, which produced the biggest-grossing film, "Hardball."

Ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Inc., were:

1. "Hardball," $10.1 million
2. "The Glass House," $6.1 million
3. "The Musketeer," $5.3 million
4. "The Others," $4.8 million
5. "Two Can Play That Game," $4.7 million
6. "Rush Hour 2," $4.3 million
7. "Jeepers Creepers," $3.8 million
8. "Rat Race," $3.62 million
9. "American Pie 2," $3.60 million
10. "Rock Star," $3.5 million

There's more than steak at stake here

Ruth's Chris Steak House at Restaurant Row will host the fourth annual It's Not Your Fault luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, as a friend- and fund-raiser for the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, a program of the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children.

The luncheon, offering hearty fare from Ruth's Chris signature menu, has a serious mission: to raise money for the center to support around-the-clock care and assistance for those who have been assaulted. The center provides medical care, legal advocacy and counseling for victims, as well as educational information to schools, businesses and community organizations. The bottom line: Building awareness and providing avenues for assistance and community safety for sexual-assault survivors.

Tickets: $40 for individual seats; tables for 10, eight, six or four also available. Reservations or to request an invitation: Angela Smith at the center, 535-7613, by Oct. 3.

Computer exercises

Geared toward those whose careers require the physical movement limited to the square footage of a cubicle, these exercises are just one example of solid advice in the 20th anniversary revised edition of Bob Anderson's book "Stretching." The new publication includes 25 new routines. While 14 are sport-specific, 11 aim to help gardeners, children and people who travel frequently or spend hours in front of a computer. For those in a hurry and unwilling to take much time to stretch, Anderson has included streamlined versions of each routine.

Originally published in 1980, the bestseller has been translated into 23 languages. "Stretching" promotes the idea that stretching relieves stress, and staying fit and flexible are essential components for a healthy life. www.shelterpub.com, (800) 788-3123.