The Thanksgiving weekend is almost here!! I’m ready to feast, relax, shop, enjoy the company of friends and family and enjoy this years Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade!

JAMES TAYLOR TO BE IN MACY’S PARADE

James Taylor will be part of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Look for him on the Ocean Spray Cranberries-sponsored Woodland Family Gathering float, which is the first time they have been part of the parade. The float honors the first Thanksgiving meal, and Taylor will contribute by performing “America the Beautiful” while giant woodland animals enjoy a variety of vegetables typically associated with Thanksgiving. Also look for the cast of the Broadway musical “Hair,” “Disney” star Miley Cyrus, country artist Trace Adkins, legendary singer Andy Williams, and former “American Idol” finalist David Archuleta. Catch the three-hour “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” on NBC tomorrow morning starting at 9:00 a.m.

And here’s something to catch on the Boob Tube tonight to kick off the holiday weekend!

From hip hop stars to Broadway legends, Rosie O’Donnell will play host to an eclectic mix of celebs on tonight’s Thanksgiving variety show “Rosie Live.” Alex Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and Kathy Griffin are some of the guests scheduled to appear on the show. Liza Minnelli along with Alanis Morissette, Gloria Estefan and Ne-Yo are set to take the stage. The hour long NBC special is reminiscent of the classic “Carol Burnett Show” that featured comedy sketches and music performances. Catch “Rosie Live” tonight at 8pm on NBC.

WHAT TO BRING TO A THANKSGIVING DINNER (This comes from AskMen.com)

• BREAD: This doesn’t mean showing up with a loaf of Wonder Bread — go to your local bakery and ask what they recommend for a Thanksgiving dinner. If you really want to score bonus points, bake your own — you don’t even need a bread machine. • GIFTS FOR THE PETS AND/OR KIDS: If history tells us anything, women cannot resist two things: men holding babies and men petting cute animals. Find out what animals will be around and bring appropriate gifts. If there are children, bring activities for them.
• SEASONAL WINE CHARMS: There’s nothing more embarrassing than great-grandma Shirley screaming at you because you accidentally gulped Merlot from her glass. Bring Thanksgiving-themed wine charms and save everyone some awkward moments.
• GAMES: Skip Monopoly, otherwise Aunt Sandy will be chucking hotels at you by 3 a.m. Research Thanksgiving trivia and write up your own 10-question game. Have everyone guess the answers and award the winner with a prize. If her family likes football, coordinate a small pool for the Thanksgiving games.
• CAMERA/VIDEO CAMERA: Everybody likes their holidays documented, but many times no one wants to be in charge of the camera. Bring your digital camera and snap lots of photos. Upload them to an online album and send e-mails to the family. Even if they didn’t like you before, they’ll appreciate the effort afterward.
• BOOZE: Do your research — find out who drinks and ask what that person’s favorite poison is. Spend the most on the patriarch’s bottle, but surprise the wayward uncle with his favorite gin and the sister-in-law with blueberry-infused vodka. If you’re not sure what people drink, bring a couple six-packs of holiday ale or pumpkin beer and nice bottles of white and red wine.

ROASTED, GRILLED, SMOKED, OR FRIED?

How do you plan to cook your bird this Thanksgiving? According to a Weber GrillWatch Pulse Survey, 85-percent will be oven-roasting the turkey for Thursday’s big feast. Seven-percent say they plan to grill or smoke the turkey, and three-percent will be frying it up. The younger you are the more likely you’ll be opting against a traditional cooking method. Nearly a quarter of respondents under the age of 35 aren’t going to oven-roast their bird. Instead, eleven-percent say they’ll be grilling, seven-percent will employ an outdoor smoker, and three-percent plan to fry their turkey for dinner.

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: Charade

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!

Welcome to another new release Tuesday! There are some great items to add to your gift list this holiday season. Here’s what’s out:

Musically

1) Barry Manilow’s back with his next decade collection. “The Greatest Songs Of The Eighties” is out today. It features his interpretations of some of the biggest hits from the 80’s, including covers of Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” Journey’s “Open Arms,” and Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now).” He also teams up with Reba McEntire for a remake of the Kenny Rogers-Dolly Parton hit “Islands in the Stream.” 

2) Daryl Hall & John Oates- Live at the Troubadour CD/DVD Set
3) Elton John: Tantrums and Tiaras DVD

Movies
1) Hancock (Unrated Edition)-Will Smith
2) Fred Claus-Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti
3) Space Chimps-Jeff Daniels, Stanley Tucci
4) Meet Dave-Eddie Murphey, Elizabeth Banks

TV on DVD
1) 24: Redemption
2) 2008 Philadelphia Phillies: The Offiical World Series Film
3) A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All!
4) Beverly Hills 90210: Season 6
5) The Mod Squad: Season 2, Vol. 1

HOLIDAY DON’TS (This comes from Marie Claire)

DON’T leave guests to awkwardly mingle at a party you’re hosting. “If it’s a crowd that doesn’t know each other, it’s important to give people something to go on,” says Lizzie Post, etiquette expert. When making introductions, try to jump-start the conversation –explain where you know each guest from, or bring up something they have in common, whether it’s the same alma mater or just an undying love for Celine Dion.
DON’T get drunk if you’re the hostess. “Hosting is a responsibility,” cautions Post. “Know your own limits.” Use caution when you’re the guest a party too, and slow down once you feel yourself rapidly approaching that point where you think strip beer pong is a good idea. When you feel like one too many people has asked you, “are you OK?”– it might be time to put down the wine and grab a glass of water.
DON’T be a Debbie Downer when giving a toast. “Short and sweet” is key, according to Post. Stay away from anything that mocks the host and puts down the time of year or occasion being celebrated.
DON’T bring an uninvited plus-one to a party unless you’ve cleared it with the hostess. This includes boyfriends, children, and pets. DO bring a dish or a bottle of wine instead.
DON’T apologize profusely if someone gets you a gift and you’re empty handed — or worse, lie and say your gift for them got lost in the mail/is being custom-made overseas/flew out of your car window on the drive over. “Just say thank you and leave it at that,” advises Post.
DON’T forget to match the food you serve to the attire on your invitation if you’re hosting this year. “If you invite people to a black-tie,” Post says, “I would consider not having spaghetti at dinner.”
DON’T forget to ask about your guests’ food preferences and dietary restrictions — and try to make at least one dish they can eat. Not sure how to make vegan brisket? “Ask!” says Post. “Find out how to make something from your guest.” The bonus: “the majority of people will almost always offer to bring a dish.” If you’re the guest, whether you’re keeping Kosher, vegetarian, or South Beach, bring a dish or two and let the hostess know your situation beforehand — when you RSVP, not the morning of the party.
DON’T let the party drag on if you’re hosting, and DON’T be the guest that overstays her welcome by four hours. “Don’t walk up to your guests and take their drinks from their hands,” Post cautions — if you’re hosting, give guests the hint by cleaning up the bar and putting away food. Pay attention to those same hints if you’re the guest. If you’re still chatting away over a freshly-poured martini while your host has changed into pajamas, it’s time to go.
DON’T be a doormat when it comes to having friends or family stay at your place over the holidays. “Stand up for your own sanity,” Post advises. If you can’t fit your in-laws and their two Saint Bernards in your studio apartment, say so. The same goes for guests that have overstayed their welcome. “The fish and the house guests go bad after three days,” according to Post. Make it clear before their arrival that you would love to host them between certain dates, and point them to a hotel for the duration of their stay.
DON’T cry over spilled wine. Stop fretting over whether or not your napkins match the tablecloth, and don’t sob uncontrollably in the bathroom if you fumble your toast. Just enjoy the company and the festivities, and be glad that holiday stress comes only once a year!

TOP CELEBRITIES FOR A FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER DATE:

Women Chose

1. Actor George Clooney - 31-percent
2. Prince William - 18-percent
3. New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady - 13-percent
4. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal - 12-percent
5. President-Elect Barack Obama - ten-percent
6. “American Idol” finalist David Archuleta - eight-percent
7. Actor Brad Pitt - three-percent
8. “Entourage” star Adrian Grenier - three-percent
9. Sean “Diddy” Combs - two-percent

Men Chose

1. Actress Jennifer Aniston - 35-percent
2. Actress Reese Witherspoon - 23-percent
3. Actress Anne Hathaway - 12-percent
4. Actress Jessica Biel - nine-percent
5. Actress Halle Berry - seven-percent
6. Actress Mary Louise Parker - five-percent
7. Actress Kiera Knightly - four percent
8. Actress Natalie Portman - four percent
9. Madonna - one-percent

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: Monty Python’s: Life Of Brian

Back from a cold blustery weekend! I was in NYC over the weekend. It was an enjoyable trip. Stayed in the W Hotel: Tuscany (39th and Lexington), which is a beautiful hotel. Our room looked out to the Chrysler Building. On Sunday we walked up to Rockefeller Center and saw the gigantic Christmas tree being worked on for the big lighting ceremony in just a couple of weeks. Then walked over to Times Square where all of the shops had the 2009 glasses all ready for the New Years Eve Bash! And from there, we took a walk down to 34th street and saw the chalk outline in front of Macy’s where the parade will pass by this coming Thursday! It definitely feels like the Holidays are here.

It was a BIG weekend in the Box Office:

The vampire romance Twilight claimed the top spot at the weekend box office, taking in $70.6 million in its opening weekend. Teenage girls turned out in droves for the movie, which is based on author Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling series about the forbidden love between a vampire, and a high school girl. A sequel called New Moon, based on the second book in Meyer’s series is in the works. Twilight also marked the biggest opening ever for a female director, Catherine Hardwicke, whose previous films include Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown.

1. Twilight, $70.5 million
2. Quantum of Solace, $27.4 million
3. Bolt, $27 million
4. Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa, $16 million
5. Role Models, $7.2 million
6. Changeling, $2.6 million
7. High School Musical 3: Senior Year, $2 million
8. Zack and Miri Make a Porno, $1.7 million
9. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, $1.67 million
10. The Secret Life of Bees, $1.28 million

Also “Arrested Development” the movie could be happening. Series creator Mitch Hurwitz is close to inking a deal with Imagine and Fox Searchlight to write and direct a film adaptation of Arrested Development. Ron Howard is expected to be involved in the film’s production.

Did you catch the AMA’s last night? Here’s a rundown of the winners:

POP/ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Daughtry
Favorite Album: Alicia Keys’ As I Am

COUNTRY MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album: Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Kanye West
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Album: Kanye West’s Graduation

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Album: Alicia Keys’ “As I Am”

T-MOBILE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Breakthrough Artist: Jonas Brothers

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist: Third Day

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Linkin Park

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Jordin Sparks

SOUNDTRACKS
Favorite Album: Alvin and the Chipmunks soundtrack album

LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Enrique Iglesias

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Artist of the Year: Chris Brown

TURKEY’S ROLE IN ROMANCE ON THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving, for a majority of people, tends to be quite a romantic holiday! According to a recent Chemistry.com poll, 65-percent admitted they’ve made a wishbone wish to find true love. Meanwhile, for those in relationships, it’s the sweet dishes on the Thanksgiving table that hold the most romance. For 51-percent of respondents chocolate pie is the biggest aphrodisiac on the menu, and the best way they know to express how thankful they are for their sweetie. Just under a quarter of those surveyed said they say it with an apple crisp. Sweet potatoes got the nod from 14-percent, while just 12-percent note they show their gratitude for their relationship with the turkey.

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: Stranger Than Fiction

Happy Finally Friday!! And it’s a big day today for Ashlee Simpson and husband, Fall Out Boy bassist, Pete Wentz. They are now proud parents of a baby boy named Bronx Mowgli Wentz. Bronx weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 oz. “Ashlee, Pete and baby Bronx are all healthy and happy, and thank everyone for their well wishes!” Congratulations to them and just in time for Thanksgiving! I think I know what their thankful for.

With the snow falling out there tonight, tomorrow and possibly Sunday it’s going to be a great weekend to see a new movie. Stay indoors and keep warm!! Here’s what’s out:

BOLT (PG)

Disney Pictures presents the all-new animated film Bolt, featuring the voices of John Travolta, Susie Essman, and Miley Cyrus. Bolt is the star of his own action/adventure television show, but when he’s accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet — a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusion that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions — a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino — Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.

Bolt was written and directed by Chris Williams (Mulan). The film will be shown in select theaters in 3-D. Bolt is rated PG.

TWILIGHT (PG-13)

Opening nationwide today is the film Twilight, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by author Stephanie Meyer. In the film we meet Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart. She is a high school junior who, after her mother remarries, decides to leave Arizona and move in with her father in Forks, Washington. Once at her new school she meets the bizarre Cullen family. They dress differently, drive different cars, and are intelligent beyond their years. She is most taken by Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson, and the two are thrust into each other’s lives when an out-of-control car comes barreling Bella’s way. Edward flashes to Bella’s side to rescue her, but in doing so reveals to her and her alone that he has powers beyond that of a normal 17-year-old, or any man for that matter. She soon realizes that he and his family are a clan of vampires, and as their love deepens, Edwards must struggle to protect his new love from himself. Their relationship is even further threatened when a nomadic group of vampires discover Bella has knowledge of their existence, forcing her to go on the run in an effort to save herself, her parents, and the love of her life.

THE POLICE RELEASE REUNION TOUR CD/DVD PACKAGE!

Here’s a great gift to give this holiday season! The Police have just released a two-CD, two DVD collection chronicling their 2007-2008 reunion tour. The Police: Certifiable, which is the band’s second live set, is available exclusively at Best Buy stores. The show was shot and recorded during the band’s stop in Buenos Aries. Stewart Copeland’s son, filmmaker Jordan Copeland, has directed the tour documentary called Better Than Therapy, which is included as one of the bonus features on the DVD.

The tracklist on The Police: Certifiable is: “Message In A Bottle,” “Synchronicity II,” “Walking On The Moon,” “Voices Inside My Head/When The World Is Running Down,” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” “Driven To Tears,” “Hole In My Life,” “Truth Hits Everybody,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” “Invisible Sun,” “Walking In Your Footsteps,” “Can’t Stand Losing You/Regatta De Blanc,” “Roxanne,” “King Of Pain,” “So Lonely,” “Every Breath You Take,” and “Next To You.”

FAVORITE CARD GAMES

What’s your favorite card game? A recent Bicycle survey shows that the majority of people like poker, with 60-percent of respondents saying they play either hold’em or some other form of the game.

Bicycle Playing Cards Survey Top Five Card Games:

1. Poker, played by 60-percent
2. Solitaire, played by 55-percent
3. Rummy, played by 27-percent
4. Hearts, played by 25-percent
5. Spades, played by 23-percent

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: You’ve Got Mail

It’s really starting to look like a winter wonderland out there as the snow continues to fall. It’s only a matter of time before we can hit the slopes!!

SEXIEST MAN ALIVE!!

“People” magazine is making room for a new “Sexiest Man Alive.” The honor this year goes to Australian actor Hugh Jackman, who is best known for playing gruff superhero Wolverine in the “X-Men” films.  Daniel Craig,  Zac Efron, Blair Underwood, Michael Phelps, and Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick are among the other sexiest men.

Former “Sexiest Man Alive” title holders Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and George Clooney also appear in the pages of the 2008 edition of annual “People” issue which hits newsstands Friday.

ALCOHOL AND OFFICE PARTIES DON’T ALWAYS MIX WELL

You might want to think before you take that drink at your office party. Nearly 65-percent of those responding to a Caron Treatment Centers poll said they’d seen inappropriate, alcohol-fueled behavior at office parties. Nearly 50-percent noted they’d witnessed a co-worker flirting with a colleague or supervisor, 47-percent said they heard a co-worker curse excessively while drunk at an office party, and 44-percent admitted that a drunk co-worker had gone too far in divulging personal information — either about themselves or another co-worker. In addition, 58-percent said they’d seen a co-worker drive while drunk. Such inappropriate behavior can have serious professional consequences, including ruining a person’s reputation or leading to a person getting fired.

Moving right along through another work week. I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving!! Just 8 days away now and 9 days away from Black Friday!

ATTENTION MYSPACERS!!

Seal has launched a Myspace Karaoke Contest, with your chance to win tickets to one of the concerts on his tour. You can record your own version of one of the following tunes from his new CD: “Stand By Me; “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” or “Knock On Wood.”

•One grand prize winner will win two tickets to a Seal concert, two round-trip tickets to the city where the concert will take place, and complimentary hotel accommodations. Ten second-prize winners will win two tickets to a Seal concert of their choice, while 20 third-prize winners will receive a copy of Soul. Click the link below to record your version:

http://ksolo.myspace.com/actions/searchSongByArtistId.do?artistName=Seal&&

Justin Timberlake released a new song called “Follow My Lead” on MySpace Music. It’s currently available for purchase for 99 cents, but MySpace Music users can also add it to their playlist for free.

SURI CRUISE NAMED MOST POWERFUL TODDLER

Forbes magazine has named the World’s Most Powerful Toddler. Cruise and Katie Holmes’ daughter Suri clocks in at number 1 on the list. Now, to determine the list of 10, Forbes editors looked at press clippings and web presence for more than 50 celebrity children under the age of 5. A polling company then ranked the kids according to awareness and consumer appeal. Three of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s six children made the top the five.

The list is as follows:

•Suri Cruise
•Shiloh Jolie-Pitt
•Zahara Jolie-Pitt
•Pax Jolie-Pitt
•Sam Alexis Woods (Tiger Woods’ daughter)
•Cruz Beckham
•Matilda Rose Ledger
•David Banda (Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s son)
•Sean Preston Federline
•Sam Sheen (Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards’ daughter)

KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE HEALTHY WITH REGULAR CHECK-UPS

The National Institute of Health has funded a clinical trial to see if “marriage check-ups” can help couples maintain their wedded bliss. With check-ups, psychologists are able to help couplesidentify exactly what it is they’re doing that is keeping them healthy and make sure that whatever their areas of concern are aren’t potentially problematic in the long run.” They say marriages deteriorate in stages and early detection could help keep small problems from turning into big ones.

INTERNET USE ON THE RISE

Americans have really embraced the Internet. A new Harris Interactive poll shows that the number of people logging on has grown from only nine-percent in 1995 to more than 80-percent today. The majority of folks go online at home, with 75-percent saying that’s where they most often access the Internet. However, more and more people are heading out to cyberspace at other locations. Nearly 45-percent say they use the Internet at work, while about a third of those surveyed note they hit the World Wide Web at another location, such as school, the library, or a cybercafe. Time spent online has also increased in recent years. In 2002, people spent an average of seven-and-a-half hours per week surfing the net, a figure that’s almost doubled over the past six years.

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: Ella Enchanted

It’s all about the new today!

Movies

1) WALL-E

2) Tropic Thunder-Ben Stiller, Jack Black

3) The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2-Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively

TV on DVD

1) Bones: Season 3

2) Doctor Who: Season 4

3) Hawaii 5-O: Season 5

4) Hannah Montana: Season 1

5) Spongebob Squarepants: Season 5, Vol. 2

6) Star Trek (Origional Series): Season 3 Remastered

7) Charmed: The Complete Series

Musically

David Cook’s 13 track self-titled album is out today. It features the single “Light On,” and a bonus version of Cook’s Idol song “The Time of My Life.”  He says “the whole songwriting process was about how this is going to parlay live. I wanted big, open songs; I wanted those U2 bridges that could go on for a day and a half and the crowd would just eat it up. And I feel like we pulled it off. A lot of these songs are just very, very big. I love it.”  Catch him performing on Live With Regis & Kelly tomorrow.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will release their 16^th studio album Working On A Dream featuring 12 tracks on January 27th. It also features two bonus songs.

DON’T SHOP UNTIL DECEMBER 15TH!

Martin Lindstrom, author of the new book “Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy”, predicts prices on many items will take a serious tumble after December 15th. Right now, most retailers are playing the “fear factor” game, trying to convince customers that whatever discount they are offering won’t be available for long. The December 15th price-drop will be driven by retailers so desperate to meet their numbers that customers who are in the loop will be able to cash in big-time.

The Most Popular Name Suggestions For President Barack Obama’s Family Dog:

1. Hope

2. Lucky

3. Change

4. Sarah

5. George

6. Maverick

7. Snoopy

8. Buddy

9. Champ

10. Dog

11. Freedom

12. King

13. Liberty

14. Lincoln

15. Martin

16. Saul

17. Yes We Can

Some less popular suggestions that made the survey:

• Abrahound Lincoln

• Audacity

• Big Reg

• Donut

• Duffy

• Duke

• Economy

• Entropy

• Howard (Dean)

• Lady Liberty

• Liberty ‘Libby’

• Momentum

• Nomad

• Nova or Jade

• Oprah

• Promise

• Rosa

• Rufus

• Secretary of State

• Tina Fey

Movie Clip Trivia Answer: Catch Me If You Can