“Alice in Wonderland” {thanks, Disney}

1. ‘Alice in Wonderland’
It’s pretty clear this is going to be one hell of a trip down the rabbit hole with Tim Burton’s refreshingly modern take on the childhood classic. My only complaint is that Johnny Depp bares a disgustingly close resemblance to Elijah Wood when decked out in all his Mad Hatter glory (shrug). Follow the white rabbit to a theater near you Friday. TIM WONG, B

2. The Oscars
It’s “Avatar” vs. “The Hurt Locker,” Sandra vs. Meryl, Mo’Nique vs. … well, no one because she’ll definitely win. As always, there are some shoo-ins at this year’s Academy Awards, but we’re still excited to see how hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin handle the 10-best-picture-nominees madness. And, quick plug: Check out b’s Oscar preview on Friday. 8 p.m. Sunday, WMAR-12 ABC. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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It’s interesting that a lot of people demand music during sex.

We mean, occasional background noise — sure. But are there really people out there — besides those responsible for WB shows in the 1990s — who require a sex playlist?

Billboard thinks so. Reuters reports that the music mag recently compiled a list of the 50 most popular songs about sex, mostly based on chart performance.

Sadly, the majority of the top 10 aren’t sexy at all. We guess there’s a difference between being “about sex” and “sexy.”

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An AIDS symbol is lit in red next to the Salvador del Mundo monument to observe World AIDS Day in San Salvador on Dec. 1 {thanks, AP}

Required reading of the week: CNN.com’s “Love in the time of HIV/AIDS,” an intriguing, inspirational and lovely tale of a couple who actually came together — and are devoted to making it work — in spite of the disease.

In the story, we meet Shawn Decker and Gwenn Barringer, a so-called serodiscordant couple (Decker is HIV positive, while Barringer is not).

Barringer, an HIV/AIDS educator, says she never imagined she’d fall in love with a man who had AIDS. Now, the couple have been married for five years and travel to college campuses to tell their story.

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The movie “Precious” debuts in limited release Nov. 6 and here in Baltimore Nov. 20 {Thanks, AP}

Most filmmakers will tell you they make movies to elicit a response. Some intend to make you laugh, some to make you cry, others to make you think. If you see “Precious,” you’ll probably be moved to tears and possibly laugh at points, but you’re certain to walk away thinking about the injustices suffered by Claireece “Precious” Jones.

You’ll also walk away reminded of the resiliency of the human spirit.

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Some book clubs are now meeting over the phone {Thanks, AP}

There’s a new way book club members are meeting — via teleconference and Skype.

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Classic Halloween moment in Fells: Michael Meyers in 1999 {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. Halloween in Fells Point
Guaranteed to be packed, and it’ll be hard to get a foot in the door of any bar. But with all the crazy costumes around, you won’t need to drink to enjoy yourself on Halloween in Fells. You can stare all night at complete strangers and no one will think you’re creepy. BRIAN KRISTA, B

2. Ravens v. Broncos
Fresh off a much-needed bye week, the Ravens host the AFC West-leading Broncos, one of the biggest surprises of the 2009 season. This looked like a sure win for the Ravens back in September, but they’ll have their hands full on Sunday. 1 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium (also WJZ-23 CBS and 98 Rock). MATT VENSEL, B

3. Jay-Z
What more can he say? There’s a reason Jay-Z continues to succeed in a young man’s game, and it’s his consistency. Check out Hov’s set at 1st Mariner Arena on Tuesday in case you need a reminder. I’ll be in the crowd, throwing that diamond up. 8 p.m., $29.50-$127.50. WESLEY CASE, B

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The Barnes & Noble Nook {From Gizmodo.com}

Competition is generally a good thing for consumers — it creates choices, leads to innovation and keeps companies trying their best to win them over. Case and point: Barnes and Noble has decided to take on Amazon with the unveiling of it’s new electronic reader. While Amazon’s Kindle has been one of the few e-readers to catch on with consumers, that may not be the case for much longer.

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CBS newsman Byron Pitts battled illiteracy to become a respected broadcast journalist {Thanks, CBS News}

I once heard, “‘Can’t’ shall never be in a man’s vocabulary.” For Byron Pitts, a native of Baltimore, that saying might just be the ultimate truth. You might know the face of the 48-year-old even if you don’t recognize the name. Pitts is an award-winning journalist, the chief national correspondent for CBS News and a contributor to “60 Minutes.”

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Want to hang out with Alice? {thanks, AP}

What literary character do you wish were a real person?

Enoch Pratt Free Library a not so hidden gem in Baltimore {Thanks, Baltimore Sun}

Something I remember very clearly growing up: Kurt Schmoke was the mayor of Baltimore, and the city was dubbed “Baltimore: The City That Reads.”

At the time I didn’t get it, probably because I didn’t believe it, but now I do.

Baltimore is home to one of the greatest library systems in the country, the Enoch Pratt Free Library. If you don’t already follow them on Twitter, please do @prattlibrary. They have great programming that appeals to people of all ages, and with various interests.

There’s also the annual event (that sadly this year I’ll be missing), The Baltimore Book Festival. It’s a great chance to celebrate the wonder of words; a chance to learn about important books, purchase great reads for now and later, and it’s a prime opportunity to meet a number of wonderful authors.

And since I can now talk so lovingly about books, a few friends and I have decided to start a book club. Anyone out there have any tips on how to keep it going, or have any good reads perfect for the group to discuss? We’re open to suggestions.

Happy reading!