KFLAG COUNTRY MUISC UPDATE

Taylor Swift was at Kensington Palace last night (Tuesday, November 26th) where she performed for Prince Williams' homeless prevention charity called Centrepoint.
Taylor chatted up the Prince during the evening and even managed to get him up on stage with her and fellow performer Jon Bon Jovi to close the performance with "Livin' On A Prayer."
People.com reports that Kate Middleton was at home with baby Prince George.
Other celebs who took part in the benefit were Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery.
Taylor told reporters at the event, "It's positively magical here. There are fairy lights and there is fake snow falling from the sky and everything is just gorgeous. I am just very lucky to be here."
She added, "I am so excited. I don't think I have ever played in a palace before . . . "
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Most days of the year, Tim McGraw is very health conscious, working out and maintaining a strict diet. Thanksgiving day, however, is another story. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite meals of the year so I’m not going to skip out on anything.  My wife cooks a great Thanksgiving dinner and we have the traditional turkey and cornbread dressing and all the vegetables that are grown in our parents garden. We have cornbread and peas, green beans, butter beans, cranberry sauce—all those things.  So, we don’t miss out on anything at Thanksgiving.”
Tim and Faith are back in Nashville for the holidays but will resume their Soul2Soul residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas in January.
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American Country Awards nominees Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen and Kellie Pickler have been added to the list of performers during the show, which airs live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on December 10th at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick, the two-hour event will also feature appearances by Sara Evans, Glee’s Matthew Morrison and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
Previously announced performers include Brad Paisley and Florida Georgia Line, and Sheryl Crow will sing with Darius Rucker.
Presenters include Cowboy Troy, Scotty McCreery, Thompson Square, Chris Young, Carrie Keagan, Olivia Newton-John, Joe Nichols, Lauren Alaina, Clay Walker and Parmalee.
Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Saturday, December 7th online at theacas.com.
FAST FACTS

• Trace Adkins has been hosting the American Country Awards since its inception in 2010.
• Previous co-hosts include Nancy O'Dell and Kristin Chenoweth.

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Florida Georgia Line’s album release week continues in the Big Apple with the duo’s first appearance in the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday (November 28th). The event airs live on NBC beginning at 9 a.m. in all time zones.
Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard are usually back in their respective hometowns with family on Thanksgiving, but this year, Tyler tells us their families are coming to them. “This Thanksgiving’s gonna be different. You know, we were very excited. We got asked to be in the Macy’s Day Parade and (we were) a little bummed first thing cause we knew we wouldn’t get to go home but then (we) kind of thought about it and said, ‘Well, let’s just bring the family up to New York,’ you know? My family has never even been to New York, so very exciting time and they’re excited to see the city and take them out to dinner and just have a good time, so we’re gonna be promoting the record and playing shows and being in the parade. It’s just gonna be a busy but fun time.”
Florida Georgia Line will round out the week with a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday (November 29th) prior to flying to a sold-out show at the famous Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas that night.

Catch Florida Georgia Line on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight (Wednesday, November 27th).
The duo just entered the top 10 on the Country charts with their latest hit, “Stay,” which is included on Here’s To The Good Times . . . This Is How We Roll.
FAST FACTS

• Florida Georgia Line's Here's To The Good Times . . . This Is How We Roll was released on Monday (November 25th).
• The CD features the remix version of "Cruise" featuring Nelly as well as their latest hit, "Stay."

Keith Urban made a major change to his trademark mid-length shaggy haircut -- he chopped it off! The singer teased fans with a picture of an empty salon chair with hair strewn all around it on the floor which he tweeted on Monday (November 25th). He captioned it with "Snow ain't the only thing falling in Nashville today!!" Later, he shared a picture of his new short, albeit shaggy, do.
Jamie Lynn Spears, the 22-year-old sister of pop star Britney Spears, has released her first country single and video called "How Could I Want More?" Ryan Seacrest premiered the clip yesterday (Tuesday, November 26th) morning, while Britney tweeted, "Can't believe how beautiful my sister looks in her #HowCouldIWantMore video. OMG! Watch on @OnAirWithRyan."
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Danielle Bradbery will be in Philadelphia on Thursday (November 28th) to promote her new self-titled debut album with an appearance in the 94th Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Danielle is used to celebrating the holiday with family back in Texas, but she says this year she’ll get to catch up with a friend from The Voice. “This Thanksgiving I’m not gonna get to be home but my mom comes with me everywhere, so she’s gonna be with me, which is good, and where I’m going, one of my friends from The Voice lives around there and it’s kind of like getting to see family. We were gonna try to go out to eat together, so we’re just trying to get the little downtime like that stuff, so I think it’ll be okay (laughs).”
Danielle will be in New York City for an appearance on Katie Couric’s daytime talk show, Katie, on Monday (December 2nd).
Danielle’s new CD, Danielle Bradbery, features her Top 20 hit “The Heart of Dixie.”
FAST FACTS

• Last weekend, Danielle wrapped up Brad Paisley's Beat This Summer tour for 2013.
• She will resume touring with Brad on the Beat This Winter tour in January.

Lauren Alaina fans can stuff their stockings with her version of the holiday classic, “Grown Up Christmas List,” which will be released digitally on December 10th. The song is being released on iTunes in conjunction with the 26th anniversary of the Special Olympics’ A Very Special Christmas holiday music series.
Alaina has been involved with the Special Olympics organization since she started with her local hometown chapter at just 11 years old. She is now an Ambassador for the cause and spent a week in PyeongChang, South Korea last year to participate in the Special Olympics Winter Games.
She said, “Growing up, I was very close with a cousin who had an intellectual disability, and it upset me when people all around me treated him differently. I feel blessed that I’m able to be so involved with a cause dear to my heart.  Not only am I able to record one of my all-time favorite holiday songs for a great cause, but year-round, I’m able to visit schools across the country and talk to kids about creating acceptance and respect for all kids – regardless of any disability.”
Lauren will perform “Grown Up Christmas List” as a part of the first holiday edition of CMT’s Live @ CMT series, which launches on Monday (December 2nd) on CMT.com. The show will also feature performances of some of Lauren’s favorite Christmas songs including “O Holy Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night.”

Lauren will also singe "Grown Up Christmas List" and "Jingle Bells" during the 7 p.m. ET hour of NBC's Christmas In Rockefeller Center, which will air in certain markets throughout the country on December 4th. Check local listings for time.
FAST FACTS

• Since 1987, the A Very Special Christmas album series has generated over $116 million in royalties in direct support of Special Olympics programs.
• Artists who have contributed to the special project over the years include U2, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Madonna, Sting, Bon Jovi, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, No Doubt, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Hank Williams Jr. and Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard recently hit the recording studio together to record their version of the 1980 hit song “I Think I'll Just Sit Here and Drink.” The duet will be included on Hank Jr.’s latest studio album, called Old School New Rules.

Hank said, “Merle is one-of-a-kind. His music resonates with fans just like mine does. Making this song was simple, it maybe took two takes. Then we spent the rest of the time laughing and telling old road stories. Merle and I are for the everyday working man and that’s something we have in common.”

On New Year's Eve (December 31st), Hank will perform at the fifth annual “Bash on Broadway” in downtown Nashville.  Prior to the show, he will receive the 2013 Operation Troop Aid “Patriot Award” for his support of those serving in the military and their families.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

COUNTRY TRIVIA

Q. Where did Hank Williams come up with the name "Bocephus" for his son, Hank Williams, Jr.?
A. He was named after a ventriloquist's dummy

Wednesday, November 27th

ON THE TUBE

THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW/SYN (check local listings)
Luke Bryan

THE VIEW/ABC 11:00AM (ET)
Duck Dynasty cast

KENNY CHESNEY: NO SHOES NATION/GAC 8:00PM (ET)

ALABAMA & FRIENDS/GAC 9:00PM (ET)
Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson and Eli Young Band

GARTH BROOKS: BLAME IT ALL ON MY ROOTS - 5 DECADES OF INFLUENCES/GAC 10:00PM (ET)

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO/NBC 11:35PM (ET)
Garth Brooks

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON/NBC 12:35AM (ET)
Florida Georgia Line

LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON/CBS 12:35AM (ET)
Laura Bell Bundy

CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS

• Robin Givens (actress, former wife of boxer Mike Tyson) (49)
• Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg (daughter of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) (56)
• Michael Vartan (actor, HawthoRNe, Alias, Monster-In-Law, Never Been Kissed) (45)
• Jaleel White (actor, played Steve Urkel on Family Matters) (37)
• Twista (rapper) (40, disputed)
• Manolo Blahnik (Spanish shoe designer) (71)
• Daryl Stuermer (tour guitarist, Genesis, Phil Collins) (61)
• Charlie Burchill (guitarist, Simple Minds) (54)
• Brooke Langton (actress, Melrose Place, The Replacements, Friday Night Lights) (43)
• Victoria Gotti (best-selling author, columnist; reality TV star, Growing Up Gotti; daughter of late mob boss John Gotti) (51)
• Bill Nye ("The Science Guy") (58)
• James Avery (actor, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air's Uncle Phil, The Closer) (65)
• Sharlto Copley (actor, District 9, The A-Team) (40)
• Allison Pill (actress, The Newsroom, Midnight in Paris) (28)

ON THIS DAY

• Trace Adkins performed "You're Gonna Miss This" in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York in 2008.
• The Recording Industry Association awarded a gold album for Dierks Bentley's Long Trip Alone in 2006.
• Toby Keith performed "Beer For My Horses," "How Do You Like Me Now?!" and "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue" at halftime when the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Dolphins in a Thanksgiving Day game at Texas Stadium in Irving in 2003. Miami won, 40-21.
• Keith Urban's Golden Road album was certified gold in 2002.
• Tim McGraw's first network TV special, Sing Me Home, aired in prime time on NBC in 2002.
• Sling Blade, starring Dwight Yoakam, opened in U.S. movie theaters in 1996.
• Joe Diffie joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993.
• William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys stopped trimming his beard in 1980.
• Charlie Rich earned his first gold album with Behind Closed Doors in 1973.
• Eddie Rabbitt was born in 1941. He died in 1998.

Thursday, November 28th

ON THE TUBE

ALABAMA & FRIENDS/GAC 6:00AM (ET)
Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson and Eli Young Band

MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE/NBC 9:00AM (ET)
Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood

THE VIEW/ABC 11:00AM (ET)
Trisha Yearwood

BACKSTORY: CHARLIE DANIELS/GAC 11:00PM (ET)

CONAN/TBS 11:00PM (ET)
Thompson Square

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON/NBC 12:35AM (ET)
Carrie Underwood

CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS

• Berry Gordy, Jr. (founder of Motown Records) (84)
• Ed Harris (actor) (63)
• Gary Hart (the Democratic U.S. senator from Colorado whose 1988 presidential bid was derailed by a picture of him and Donna Rice on a boat called the Monkey Business) (77)
• Judd Nelson (Brat Pack actor) (54)
• Paul Shaffer (David Letterman's bandleader) (64)
• Jon Stewart (comedian, host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show) (51)
• Dawn Robinson (of En Vogue and Lucy Pearl) (48, disputed)
• Randy Newman (songwriter/Oscar-winning composer) (70)
• S. Epatha Merkerson (actress, Law & Order's Lieutenant Van Buren) (61)
• Jesse Cook (jazz guitarist) (49)
• Gato Barbieri (jazz saxophonist) (81, disputed)
• Chamillionaire (rapper) (34)
• Apl.de.Ap (of the Black Eyed Peas) (39, disputed)
• Ryan Kwanten (actor, True Blood's Jason Stackhouse) (37)
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead (actress, Live Free or Die Hard, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, The Thing) (29)

ON THIS DAY

• Taylor Swift's "Ours" was released to radio in 2011.
• Little Big Town's Kimberly Roads married Stephen Schlapman on a Caribbean island in 2006.
• Rodney Atkins scored his first gold album for If You're Going Through Hell in 2006.
• Lee Ann Womack collected a gold album for There's More Where That Came From in 2005.
• Faith Hill's second network television special aired in prime time on NBC on Thanksgiving in 2002.
• Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry, the first new member added after the death of Roy Acuff, in 1992.
• Charlie Rich recorded his first Number One hit, "Behind Closed Doors," in 1972.
• Willie Nelson debuted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1964.
• Connie Smith's debut single, "Once A Day," went to Number One on the Billboard country singles chart in 1964.
• Hank Locklin debuted on the Grand Ole Opry in 1953.

CELEBRITY GOSSIP

STATIONS: Please note the following story contains language that could be considered offensive to your audience.
JULIA ROBERTS THINKS JENNIFER LAWRENCE IS TOO COOL TO BE AMERICA'S SWEETHEART: Julia Roberts was promoting her new film August: Osage County to MTV when interviewer Josh Horowitz asked her how she felt about Jennifer Lawrence being part of her elite group of America's Sweethearts. Though Julia tried to avoid the question at first, she eventually admitted that she thinks Jennifer is fabulous but perhaps too cool to be a sweetheart. The 46-year-old also joked that she is no longer part of the club because her membership expired and she never got a new one.
FRANKIE MUNIZ HAS ANOTHER MINI-STROKE: Former Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz suffered another mini-stroke on Monday (November 25th) making it the second one he's had in less than a year. The 27-year-old tweeted, "Almost a year to the day, I experienced another mini stroke. Hopefully that will be the last. Miserable." He told Good Morning America after dealing with his first stroke, "I couldn't say words. I thought I was saying them! My fiancée was looking at me like I was speaking a foreign language. I'm happy I'm alive."
ELIZABETH TAYLOR WATCHED 'BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER': The surviving family of Elizabeth Taylor recently shared new photos and personal stories about the late actress with People magazine and her great-grandson revealed that they used to watch TV shows together like CSI and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as her old movies. He told the magazine, "We'd watch bad TV and eat popcorn. She was so much fun." Sarah Michelle Gellar responded to the news by tweeting on Monday (November 25th,) "All I heard in the article was Elisabeth Taylor watched Buffy. I don't care how she may have regarded it (even if she was incorrect) #ILoveLiz"
PRINCE HARRY TAKES A JAB AT PRINCE GEORGE: Prince Harry sat down with BBC to discuss his expedition to Antarctica but ended up making a little quip about his brother William and baby George. Harry said in the interview, "My brother, I think he's just quite jealous I managed to get away from a screaming child." He went on to say how his own father had some concerns over his decision to take the journey. The prince added, "My father was a little bit concerned, I obviously tried to keep him calm by saying the North Pole was the dangerous one because we were walking on frozen ocean, whereas this time, yes, there's crevasses - but hopefully the guys will take us around that. Apart from frostbite and stuff like that you should be able to look after yourself."
DINA EASTWOOD DISCUSSES DAUGHTER'S VEGAS MARRIAGE: Dina Eastwood appears on the December 10th episode of Bethenny Frankel's talk show where she addresses all of the rumors surrounding her daughter Francesca's recent quickie Vegas marriage to Jonah Hill's brother, Jordan Feldstein. Dina explains, "Francesca would actually do something like, thinking that no one would ever find out. They don't get that they are tied to Clint Eastwood or that they have a little bit of success on their own. So Francesca calls me and says, 'I didn't think anyone would find out.' Are you s**ting me? Like what are you doing? Get home. I just want to ring her neck, but I am going to hug her, too. She's an adrenaline junkie. She's a lovely, smart, amazing person who will do a goof-off at a whim." Dina also revealed that an annulment was being worked out as their interview was taking place.

INDUSTRY NEWS

MSNBC FIRES ALEC BALDWIN: Alec Baldwin's short-lived talk show on MSNBC has officially been canceled following several violent incidents with photographers in New York. The show had initially been put on a two-week hiatus but the network and Alec's rep released a joint statement saying, "We are jointly confirming that Up Late will not continue on MSNBC."
ADAM BRODY TO GUEST STAR ON 'NEW GIRL': Former O.C. actor Adam Brody has landed a guest-starring gig on Fox's New Girl. Adam will play an ex-boyfriend of Zooey Deschanel's character. According to E! Online, he will appear on the 14th episode of the season and begin shooting his scenes on December 2nd.
HOAX WEBSITE SET UP FOR BRIAN FROM 'FAMILY GUY': A website which appeared online on Tuesday morning (November 26th) featuring a countdown to December 6th and a message stating that there would be a special announcement from Family Guy's Brian has turned out to be a hoax. 20th Century Fox released a statement saying, "The producers have confirmed that the 'special announcement from Brian' website is a hoax and was not created by anyone connected to the show, studio or network." A petition to bring the character back has already gotten over 54,000 signatures on Change.org.
AMC ORDERS TWO NEW DRAMAS: AMC announced on Monday (November 25th) that they have ordered two new dramas -- one set in 18th century London and one set in a post-apocalyptic future. The London-set Knifeman was written by the people who guys behind Friday Night Lights and follows a doctor who runs a surgical practice out of his home in secret and does grave-robbing for extra cash.  The post-apocalyptic Galyntine takes place on a planet where a technology-based disaster has forced humanity to reject technology and re-form in small tribes scattered across the planet. AMC exec Joel Stillerman said in a statement, "These are both highly original and ambitious pilots that take us into worlds that we haven't seen on TV before. The bawdiness and fun of Knifeman and London in the mid-18th century; and the completely unique take on a post-apocalyptic world in Galyntine are right in AMC's wheelhouse of making television that is both unexpected and unconventional."
'CAPTAIN PHILLIPS' ACTOR JOINS 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY': Max Martini, who has had roles in Pacific Rim and Captain Phillips, has joined the growing cast of Fifty Shades of Grey. He will be playing Christian Grey's bodyguard. Producers also recently case Eloise Mumford in the role of Anastasia Steele's best friend and Luke Grimes as Christian's brother. Filming is set to begin in early December.

WILL PARIS JACKSON BE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Reports say that Paris Jackson is doing "better." Michael Jackson's daughter is currently enrolled at a Utah boarding school. According to TMZ, she has several issues and could at the boarding school for years. This week, Paris reportedly had a family therapy session via phone with her mother Debbie Rowe and grandmother Katherine Jackson, while the therapist was there.
It also looks like Paris won't be coming home for the holidays -- the site reported that the teen will get a pass to go home in January and that Katherine is re-decorating her room.

• Back in June, Paris tried to kill herself.

KALEY CUOCO SETS A WEDDING DATE

With her bachelorette and bridal parties under her belt, Kaley Cuoco's engagement to Ryan Sweeting is in the home stretch. Sources tell Us Weekly that the Big Bang Theory star will reportedly be a married woman by the end of the year.
An insider revealed that Kaley and Ryan reportedly plan to exchange vows on New Year's Eve in Southern California. The wedding will supposedly double as a fire-and-ice-themed holiday party with family and friend celebrating with cocktails and dancing.

• The couple got engaged in September after only three months of dating. Kaley told Entertainment Tonight after the proposal, "I know that it seems a little crazy on paper. But it's what works for us."

CHECK IT OUT:

• Are You Falling in Love Too Fast? http://bit.ly/1exuIXX

KANYE AND KIM REACT TO 'BOUND 2' PARODY VIDEO

STATIONS: Please note the following story contains language that could be considered offensive to your audience.
James Franco and Seth Rogen have received the stamp of approval from Yeezy himself for their parody of Kanye's video for "Bound 2" which features his wife-to-be Kim Kardashian. Kim tweeted to Seth on Monday night (November 25th) to let him know how much she and West enjoyed being lampooned.
Kim retweeted a link to the video and wrote, "You nailed it!!! Sooo funny!" Seth responded by tweeting, "Thanks! Some of those positions were really uncomfortable. That s**t is harder than it looks."

• Kardashian later added, "Kanye says what's up! He loves u guys! He laughed so hard at this."
• Franco and Rogen are currently filming a new movie together called The Interview.

SANDRA BULLOCK ADMITS TO HAVING TYPICAL ACTOR INSECURITIES

Entertainment Weekly may have named Sandra Bullock their entertainer of the year for 2013 after starring in two huge movies but the 49-year-old admits to struggling with the same insecurities that any other actor deals with. The Gravity star spoke to the magazine about how she feels watching herself on screen even after over 20 years in the industry.
Sandra tells the magazine, "I nitpick every aspect of my performance. I'm an actress! We're vain, narcissistic creatures. You look at yourself at 17 feet and you're going to be riddled with insecurity." She goes on to say, "Maybe when I'm old and go back to my youth, I'll go back and say, 'Oh, look at her, bless her heart."

• Bullock also discusses playing a comedic role alongside Melissa McCarthy in The Heat saying, "Ego is everywhere and you always have to put it in check. I do different comedy than Melissa's. Her style is...I mean, it comes out of her mouth and you gotta back up. And once I realized that that drove the film, I had to step back. Otherwise I would have been fighting for something that would've ended up on the cutting-room floor. They needed a pseudo-straight person, and I became that. It wasn't what I was hoping for, but the end result was the success of the film and people liking us together. The movie is exactly what it's supposed to be -- it's about friendships and two people being awkward and funny and not caring what anybody else thought about them."

CHECK IT OUT:

• How To Recognize Insecurities in 8 Steps: http://bit.ly/17RmBDK
• Sandra Bullock Movies Best to Worst: http://bit.ly/1aS0Ogu

MEGAN FOX SAYS PREGNANCY IS EASIER THE SECOND TIME AROUND

Megan Fox is currently expecting her second baby with husband Brian Austin Green and the Ninja Turtles actress says dealing with pregnancy is easier this time around. The 27-year-old explained the difference on Friday (November 22nd) while attending Avon's #See the Signs of Domestic Violence Campaign in New York.
She told E! News, "For the most part, I would say it's been a lot easier. I think that could have a lot to do with the fact that I already have a baby, so I'm so distracted taking care of him, that I don't really have time to sit and lament on the fact that I'm pregnant or indulge my pregnancy."
Megan and Brian are also parents to 14-month-old baby Noah.

 CHECK IT OUT:

• Coping with Common Discomforts of Pregnancy: http://bit.ly/1aVUPX2
• 12 Foolproof Ways to Distract Yourself: http://bit.ly/1aVV1FM

MOVIE OPENING: 'HOMEFRONT'

Opening today (Wednesday November 27th) is the new thriller, Homefront, starring Jason Statham, James Franco, Kate Bosworth, Winona Ryder and Rachelle Lefevre. The film follows former DEA agent Phil Broker, played by Statham, who moves with his daughter to a seemingly quiet backwater town in the bayou, to start over but when sociopathic druglord, Gator Bodine, played by Franco, put them in harm's way, Broker gets back into action to save his daughter and their home.

• Homefront is rated R and has a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• The screenplay for Homefront was written by Sylvester Stallone.

AMBER RILEY WINS THE 'DWTS' MIRROR BALL TROPHY

Last night (November 26th) on the season 17 finale of Dancing With The Stars, actress Amber Riley and her partner Derek Hough were announced as the winners of the competition.
The show featured many performances including Enrique Iglesias singing "Heart Attack", and Ylvis who performed "What Does the Fox Say". Colbie Caillat also made an appearance and sang "What a Wonderful World" and Lady Antebellum performed "Compass".
Jack Osbourne and his partner Cheryl Burke landed in third place, leaving Amber and Derek, along with Corbin Bleu and his partner Karina Smirnoff as the remaining two couples. It was revealed the couple taking home the trophy was Riley and Hough.

HEADLINE NEWS

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR RELIGIOUS OBJECTION TO ACA'S BIRTH CONTROL MANDATE: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed yesterday (November 26th) to take up the issue of religious objections to the Affordable Care Act's requirement that health insurance plans cover birth control. At issue is whether corporations have religious rights, and lower courts have been divided on the issue. There have been some 40 lawsuits brought by companies over the contraception mandate, with owners saying that insuring some forms of birth control violate their religious beliefs. Arguments are expected in the spring with a decision by the end of June.
TWO U.S. BOMBERS FLY THROUGH AIRSPACE CLAIMED BY CHINA: Two American bombers flew through airspace over the East China Sea overnight Monday (November 25th), just days after China unexpectedly announced they were claiming the right to police the sky above a large area that includes islands at the center of a dispute with Japan. Although the U.S. said the B-52s were on a routine training mission planned long before the Chinese announcement, a message was being sent. The New York Times cited a senior Pentagon official as calling China's declaration "provocative," and saying it, quote, "only increases the risk of miscalculation in the region.” There was no immediate response to the flights from China, which had claimed the right to identify, monitor and possibly take military action against any aircraft that enter the area.
JUDGE RULES NEWTOWN 911 CALLS MUST BE RELEASED: A Connecticut judge ruled yesterday (November 26th) that the 911 calls from last December's Newtown school massacre must be released, saying there's a "clear public interest" in them, for the public to evaluate the appropriateness of the law enforcement response. The decision was a blow to the relatives of victims who'd fought to keep them sealed, with support from State's Attorney Steven Sedensky. The judge has given Sedensky time to try another appeal, but said the calls should be released by December 4th.
O.J. SIMPSON LOSES ATTEMPT TO GET NEW TRIAL: A Nevada judge on Tuesday (November 26th) rejected O.J. Simpson's bid for a new trial in his armed robbery and kidnapping conviction, saying his arguments lacked merit. Simpson, whose new legal team contends that his original lawyers botched the case, plans to appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court, according to his attorney. Simpson, who's now 66, was found guilty in 2008 of kidnapping, armed robbery and other charges in what he said was an attempt to retrieve memorabilia and personal items from two sports collectibles dealers in a Las Vegas casino hotel room. He was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison, but was granted parole on some convictions in July, meaning he must serve at least another four years.
TODAY'S FYI:

Macy's 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 87th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off at 9 a.m. on Thursday (November 28th), featuring the iconic giant helium character balloons -- weather permitting -- floats, marching bands, dancers, clowns, celebrities, Broadway show performances, the Radio City Rockettes, and much more before ending with the traditional arrival of Santa Claus to usher in the holiday season. The nationally-televised parade will wind its way on a route through the streets of Manhattan before ending at Macy's flagship store on 34th Street.
There is a question about whether the parade's signature giant balloons will be able to fly this year because of weather conditions. City rules say that if there are sustained winds over 23 miles per hour and gusts over 34 mph, the balloons can't be used. The current forecast is close, calling for sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts of 36 mph. Macy's says the determination will be made on Thanksgiving morning based on real-time weather conditions. The balloons were grounded only once in the parade's history, in 1971, because of bad weather.
BALLOONS: If the giant helium balloons do get off the ground, there will be 15 of them this year, including four new additions:

• Adventure Time with Finn and Jake -- Featuring Finn and Jake from the hit Cartoon Network series.
• Toothless -- The midnight-black, green-eyed dragon star of the How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV series is positioned with his giant wings folded in a landing pose, as it about to land among the parade-goers.
• SpongeBob SquarePants -- SpongeBob returns to the parade in a new incarnation, wearing a Santa hat and a big smile for his trip down the parade route.
• Snoopy and Woodstock -- This is the 37th time Snoopy's been in the parade and his 7th balloon look, this time flying high with his buddy Woodstock.

There will also be a special giant hot air balloon celebrating the 75th anniversary of the The Wizard of Oz, featuring images of the characters from the classic film and carrying the wizard himself. Accompanying it will be Dorothy and balloonhead characters of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West.
To celebrate the first time in the parade's history that Thanksgiving falls on the first night of Hanukkah, there'll also be a special spinning dreidel balloonicle.
FLOATS: There are five new floats among the 30 in the line-up:

• Despicably Delicious -- Universal Studio's float features the Minions from Despicable Me 2 whipping up some goodies in a bake shop that features larger-than-life cupcakes.
• Dreamseeker -- This float from Cirque du Soleil is in the form of a flying ship, and comes with trampolines and Chinese poles that allow the troupe's acrobats and characters to put on a parade performance.
• The Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate -- A giant master chocolatier oversees the pouring and casting of Lindt bear and other chocolate figures for the holidays in a spectacular chocolate shop. Live puppets and giant spoons get in on the act.
• A Sea of Surprises -- This float celebrates SeaWorld's 50 years, featuring an ocean scene of rolling waves and sea creatures, with the image of Shamu the killer whale at the center of it all.
• A World at Sea -- Cruise line Royal Caribbean's float features 3-D postcards in a revolving panorama the show scenes of all the fun to be had on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

CELEBRITIES: Among the celebrities who'll be appearing are: singers Kristin Chenoweth; Gavin DeGraw; Brett Eldredge; Fall Out Boy; The Roots, joined by Jimmy Fallon; Florida Georgia Line; Goo Goo Dolls; Ariana Grande; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings; Austin Mahone; Kellie Pickler; and Mannheim Steamroller; The Robertson family from Duck Dynasty; TV personalities Sandra Lee and Richard Simmons; Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri; NFL legends Joe Namath, Bart Oates, Amani Toomer and Hines Ward, and NHL legends Cam Neely and Mike Richter.
PEFORMANCES: The first hour of the broadcast will include performances from the Broadway musicals Matilda and Motown, and a special appearance by Carrie Underwood and other cast members from NBC's upcoming, The Sound of Music Live!

• Macy's - Press information for parade - Contact Orlando Veras at 646-429-7450 (email Orlando.Veras.@macys.com) or Holly Thomas at 646-429-5250 (email Holly.Thomas@macys.com)
• Macy's Parade website: http://bit.ly/195r2rP

THANKSGIVING FYI

WHITE HOUSE CONTEST HELD TO PICK TURKEY TO PARDON: In keeping with tradition, President Obama will be pardoning a turkey at the White House today (November 27th) ahead of Thanksgiving. But in a modern update that began last year, a contest was held on the White House's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages in which Americans chose between two turkeys to be the official 2013 bird to be pardoned. Voters were asked to choose between Caramel and Popcorn, both males, with some fun stats given on both. For instance, Caramel likes soybean meal and Lady Gaga's music, while Popcorn favors corn and Beyonce's song, "Halo." Voting ended yesterday at 8 p.m., with the winner to be announced during today's ceremony. Don't worry though, the loser won't wind up as dinner on a Thanksgiving table. Both turkeys will go to Morven Park's Turkey Hill, a Virginia farm, where they'll live out the rest of their days.
CHECK IT OUT:

• Meet Caramel and Popcorn: http://bit.ly/18n1AUk

BUTTERBALL TURKEY TALK LINE NOW HAS MEN: The Butterball Turkey Talk Line, which people have been able to call since 1981 for help with cooking their Thanksgiving dinners, has hired men for the first time to answer calls. Butterball CEO Rod Brennemen told AP that they decided to hire men because 25 percent of the calls they get are from men. He also revealed that every person on the Turkey Talk Line  goes through a week of training at Butterball University, and that the most common question they get is, "How long does it take to thaw a turkey?" The help line number is: 1-800-BUTTERBALL.
IT'S NOT THE TURKEY THAT MAKES YOU SLEEPY ON THANKSGIVING: Contrary to myth, it's not the amino acid tryptophan in turkey that makes you sleepy after eating dinner on Thanksgiving Day, since there isn't enough of it to send you into that food coma. NationalGeographic.com explains that scientists pin the blame instead of drinking alcohol, the large amount of calories eaten during an average Thanksgiving meal, or just relaxing after stressful work schedules.
WHAT WASN'T ON THE PILGRIM'S TABLE: Besides the big bird, there are lots of other foods that have become traditional for the Thanksgiving meal. But you might be surprised to know that many of those foods were not on the menu at the first Thanksgiving. According to the Mayflower Web Pages, the Pilgrims would have been surprised to see any of the following foods on their table:

• Sweet potatoes, potatoes, or yams -- These hadn't yet been introduced in New England.
• Corn on the cob -- What the Pilgrims called "Indian corn" was only used to make cornmeal.
• Cranberry sauce -- Although they had cranberries, they didn't have sugar.
• Popcorn -- "Indian corn" could only be half-popped, and wouldn't have tasted very good.
• Pumpkin pie -- However, they probably made a type of pumpkin pudding, sweetened by honey or syrup.

What you might be surprised to know was on the menu at the first Thanksgiving was fish and seafood, which was plentiful in coastal New England, including cod, bass, eel, clams and mussels.
CHECK IT OUT:

• Want to try some authentic food? Click on the link for Pilgrim and Wampanoag Indian recipes from the Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts: http://bit.ly/1iRGHm0

PILGRIM CLOTHING MYTH: The image we all have in our heads of Pilgrims at the time of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 is that of men and women who dressed only in black and white with big buckles on their shoes, hats and clothes. But according to the History Channel, that idea of Pilgrim fashion is a myth. Buckles didn't become popular until later in the 17th century, and black and white clothes were usually worn only on Sundays and at formal occasions. Instead, women usually wore red, earthy green, brown, blue, violet and gray, while men wore clothing in white, beige, black, earthy green and brown.
TURKEY TRIVIA: Here are some facts about the turkey you'll be eating on Thanksgiving:

• Turkeys live in flocks, roosting at night in thick tree trunks.
• Male turkeys are called "gobblers" or "toms" and female turkeys are called "hens."
• Turkeys are polygamous -- one male has a harem of females.
• Toms attract hens by gobbling and strutting.
• Hens lay about 12 eggs at a time, which hatch in 28 days.
• Wild turkeys can fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour and run at around 12 miles per hour. However, domesticated turkeys can't fly at all.
• Turkeys have 27 calls besides the gobble, including the "kee-kee," the "purr," the "yelp," the "whine" and the "cluck."

ADORABLE KIDS TELL THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING -- SORT OF:
MORE FYI:
ASSANGE LIKELY WON'T FACE U.S. CHARGES DUE TO 'N.Y. TIMES PROBLEM': The Washington Post reported yesterday (November 26th) that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will likely not face charges in the U.S. for publishing classified documents leaked to him by Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning because the Justice Department would then also have to prosecute media organizations who do the same thing. Justice officials called it a "New York Times problem," telling the Post they'd also go after the Times, the Post and The Guardian for publishing classified material leaked from people like Manning and NSA leaker Edward Snowden. A formal decision has yet to be issued.
IRANIAN PREZ RELEASES HIS VERSION OF 'YES WE CAN' VIDEO: Remember the "Yes We Can" music video in support of Barack Obama from the 2008 presidential campaign that featured Will.I.Am and some 30 actors and celebrities reciting lines from Obama's "Yes We Can" speech that had been set to music? Well, Iran's moderate new president, Hassan Rouhani, has released his own version of that iconic video to mark the first 100 days of his presidency. It replicates the "Yes We Can" video nearly frame for frame, down to the black-and-white look and movements by the people in it, including a well-known singer and actor. In it, they play instruments and sing to Rouhani's words in Persian, as well as in the languages of Iran's minorities, sending a message of unity. One phrase of Rouhani's that's used says: "Let space and opportunity be given to all Iranians who are devoted to this land. Let those who are competent serve the nation. Let their hearts be cleansed from hatred. Let reconciliation replace anger and friendship replace enmity."
CHECK IT OUT: Rouhani's video:
The 2008 original:
AL GORE'S NOW A VEGAN: Former Vice President Al Gore has gone vegan, a recent change mentioned in an offhand way in a recent  Forbes story about upscale vegan product line Hampton Creek Foods. The article was about wealthy investors putting money in the company and said, "Newly-turned vegan Al Gore is also circling." The Washington Post cited someone familiar with Gore's decision as saying he made it a couple of months ago, although it's unclear why he did it. Gore's old boss, former President Bill Clinton, went vegan a couple of years ago after his heart issues, telling CNN in 2011 that he'd realized he'd, quote, "played Russian roulette" with his health for too long.
NYC RESTAURANT'S 'GRASS-WHOPPERS' ARE BURGERS MADE FROM CRICKETS: http://abcn.ws/ImXkZ2
BOOK BELIEVED FIRST PRINTED IN U.S. SELLS FOR $14.2 MILLION: A 6-inch-by-5-inch book of psalms from 1640 that's believed to be the first book printed in what's now the United States was sold in a Sotheby's auction in Manhattan Tuesday (November 26th) for just under $14.2 million, setting a new auction record for a printed book. Some 1,700 copies of the book, a translation into English of the original Hebrew psalms, were printed in Massachusetts by the Puritan leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony just 20 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Only 11 copies of the Bay Psalm Book still survive. The book sold yesterday was one of two owned by Boston's Old South Church, which decided to sell it to increase its grants and ministries. It was bought by American businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein, who plans to lend it to libraries around the country.
SPORTS:
THANKSGIVING NFL SCHEDULE:

• Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions -- 12:30 p.m. ET on Fox
• Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys -- 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
• Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens -- 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC

(Headline News, FYI and Sports stories were compiled in part from reports by the Associated Press and Reuters.)

ON THE TUBE

CBS

• SURVIVOR - A castaway makes a risky move that could potentially smoke out the immunity idol.
• CRIMINAL MINDS - When a young boy disappears from his home in St. Louis, the team examines a similar cold case for clues.
• CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - When Finlay goes mising during a spa weekend with Sara and Morgan, the team must figure out what happened.

NBC

• THE MAKING OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE! - Behind the scenes with cast members, including Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer.
• SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - SNL Thankgiving.

FOX

• THE X FACTOR - The acts perform with a live band.

ABC

• THE MIDDLE (repeat)
• LAST MAN STANDING (repeat)
• MODERN FAMILY (repeat)
• SUPER FUN NIGHT (repeat)
• NASHVILLE (repeat)

CW

• PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES - An ad exec and a shower-curtain-ring salesman become co-travelers on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. Starring Steve Martin, John Candy and Kevin Bacon.

DAY TIME TALK SHOW
THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW - Hayden Panettiere, Luke Bryan
THE VIEW - The cast of Duck Dynasty, the winners and runner-up couples from Dancing with the Stars
LATE NIGHT TALK SHOWS
THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (CBS) - John Goodman, Kevin McCaffrey, Iggy Azalea featuring T.I.
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (NBC) - Garth Brooks, Jim Edds
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (ABC) - Patton Oswalt, the 1975
THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON (CBS) - (repeat)
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON (NBC) - Ed Burns, Steven Van Zandt, Jeff Musial, Florida Georgia Line
LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY (NBC) - (repeat)
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART (COMEDY CENTRAL) - (repeat)
THE COLBERT REPORT (COMEDY CENTRAL) - (repeat)
CONAN O'BRIEN (TBS) - (repeat)
THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW (CW) - Mike Tyson, Niecy Nash, Nathan East

THURSDAY

CBS

• THE BIG BANG THEORY (repeat)
• THE CRAZY ONES (repeat)
• THE CRAZY ONES (repeat)
• THE CRAZY ONES (repeat)
• ELEMENTARY (repeat)

NBC

• NFL PREGAME SHOW - Pregame.
• NFL FOOTBALL - Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens.

FOX

• THE X FACTOR - The acts face elimination; Michael Buble and Demi Lovato perform.
• GLEE - Blaine believes he has the best plan to win nationals, but the other club members think he's too controlling.

ABC

• A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING - The Peanuts gather around Charlie's ping pong table for an unusual feast.
• MODERN FAMILY (repeat)
• LADY GAGA & THE MUPPETS' HOLIDAY - The pop star sings her hits and holiday favorites; Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and RuPaul perform.

CW

• YOU AGAIN - An upcoming family wedding brings a young woman and her mother face to face once more with their high school tormentors. Starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver and Victor Garber.

DAY TIME TALK SHOW
THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW - (repeat)
THE VIEW - (repeat)
LATE NIGHT TALK SHOWS
THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (CBS) - (repeat)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (NBC) - Christina Aguilera, Jay Mohr
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (ABC) - (repeat)
THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON (CBS) - (repeat)
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON (NBC) - Rashida Jones, Carrie Underwood, Ariana Grande
LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY (NBC) - (repeat)
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART (COMEDY CENTRAL) - (repeat)
THE COLBERT REPORT (COMEDY CENTRAL) - (repeat)
CONAN O'BRIEN (TBS) - (repeat)
THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW (CW) - (repeat)

FRIDAY

CBS

• HOOPS & YOYO RUIN CHRISTMAS - On Christmas Eve, Hoope, Yoyo and Piddles, disrupt the time-space continuum after sneaking into Santa's sleigh.
• THE ELF ON THE SHELF: AN ELF'S STORY - An elf named Chippey tries to help a young boy who is struggling to believe in the magic of Christmas.
• GARTH BROOKS, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS - The singer leads a journey through the artists who inspired him and how they influenced his art.

NBC

• DATELINE NBC - Investigative journalism.
• GRIMM - While investigating cases of vigilantism, Nick and Hank hear talk of an old Spanish legend; Juliette learns the truth about Nick's mother.
• DRACULA - Harker learns Shaw isn't the hero he pretends to be; Davenport's people abduct Renfield.

FOX

• BONES (repeat)
• RAISING HOPE - The new owner of Howdy's wants all the employees come up with ideas to change the store.

ABC

• DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS - Boris Karloff narrates an animated tale about the lonely and heartless Grinch who decides to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville.
• SHREK THE HALLS - The ogre's plans for a cozy family Christmas go awry when Donkey, Puss in Boots and the rest of the fairy-tale gang try to join in the fun.
• SHARK TANK (repeat)
• 20/20 (repeat)

CW

• GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER - A youth embarks on a journey to find his missing grandmother and prove that Santa Claus is real.
• NIKITA - Michael wants Nikita to stay with the group and let them help clear her name.

DAY TIME TALK SHOW
THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW - Garth Brooks, Paulina Rubio
THE VIEW - Jason Patric
LATE NIGHT TALK SHOWS
THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (CBS) - (repeat)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (NBC) - (repeat)
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (ABC) - (repeat)
THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON (CBS) - (repeat)
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON (NBC) - (repeat)
LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY (NBC) - (repeat)
THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW (CW) - Anthony Anderson, Loni Love, Doug E. Fresh

SATURDAY

NBC

• SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (repeat)

SUNDAY

CBS

• 60 MINUTES - Investigative journalism.
• THE AMAZING RACE - The final four teams eat snake in Indonedia.
• THE GOOD WIFE - When a former client leaves Alicia millions, Lockhart/Gardner contests the will in behalf of the deceased's wife.
• THE MENTALIST - Two years after the Red John case was closed, Jane receives a surprising job offer that could change his life.

NBC

• FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA - Pregame.
• NFL FOOTBALL - New York Giants at Washington Redskins.

FOX

• THE SIMPSONS (repeat)
• BOB'S BURGERS - Linda reunites her old band to perform at her high school reunion.
• FAMILY GUY (repeat)
• AMERICAN DAD - A girl distracts Steve from his mission to help his friend deal with his father's death.

ABC

• ONCE UPON A TIME - The race to stop Pan is on as Henry's life hangs in the balance.
• CHRISTMAS IN CONWAY - Hoping it will be the perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard. Starring Andy Garcia, Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore and Cheri Oteri.

AMC

• THE WALKING DEAD - After things begin to calm at the prison, Rick and the group face imminent danger.

BRAVO

• THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA - Phaedra heads to Alabama to study; Apollo turns to Peter for advice.

E!

• KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS - Christmas special. The members of the Kardashian family shoot the annual Christmas card photo and exchange gifts.

HBO

• TREME - (season premiere) The city celebrates the election of Barack Obama; LaDonna rebuilds Gigi's bar.
• GETTING ON - A new supervising nurse arrives at Billy Barnes; Nurse Dawn and Patsy start off on the wrong foot.
• JA'MIE: PRIVATE SCHOOL GIRL - Ja'mie competes with her rival.

SHOWTIME

• HOMELAND - Brody embarks on a mission with high stakes; Quinn makes a discovery about Carrie.
• MASTERS OF SEX - The hospital takes part in a civil defense drill; Margaret seeks answers.

OFF BEAT BRIEFS

 
92-YEAR-OLD MAN STOPPED FROM BUYING VODKA: A 92-year-old was stopped from buying alcohol because he didn't have any ID. The great-grandfather tried to pay for two bottles of vodka but was stunned when a check-out girl asked him to prove he was over 18. Tony Ball initially laughed, but was told that he couldn't be served if he was under 18. A manager at Tesco in west London admitted the check-out girl had done it before "as a joke". Tesco said they have two free bottles waiting for Ball if he chooses to comeback. (Daily Mail)

TWITTER-POWERED KNITTING MACHINE TO KNIT CHRISTMAS JUMPERS: A knitting machine that creates Christmas jumpers using people's tweets has been unveiled. The Knitbot will produce festive clothing until December 6th by using a chip that responds when people mention #jumpers4des. Budweiser launched the knitbot as a way of encouraging people to appoint designated drivers during the Holidays. Anyone looking to get a jumper will have to click on the Budweiser UK Facebook page.

MAN RETURNS HOME FIND PARENTS AT HIS GRAVE: A son returned to his home town and greeted his parent s as they laid flowers on his grave. Jaroslaw Carolinski from Poland had been declared dead after his mother and father mistook a body found by police for his. The 38-year-old left without warning in October 2011 to "find himself" and his parents were certain their missing son was gone forever. His mother reportedly fainted when she saw him. Carolinski said the whole incident had been surreal. The prosecutor’s office is now working to determine who is actually buried in the grave. (Lidtime.com)
WOMAN OFFENDED BY HER LICENSE PLATE: http://bit.ly/1ep5Z7i
GERMAN ZOO GIVES APES TV: A German zoo is giving their apes television to see the viewing preferences of the bonobos. The bonobos at the Wilhelma zoo in Stuttgart have been given a television with five buttons which trigger different genres. The TV is mounted into the wall and will have short films created using other bonobos. The films last between five and seven minutes. The apes will be filmed while interacting with the television and experts are hoping to determine which type of entertainment appeals most to the bonobos and how the apes arrives at decisions regarding what they should watch. The films range from romantic to action. (The Local)
UPS INVESTIGATING PICTURES OF DELIVERY TRUCK SEX: A UPS spokeswoman said the company is investigating photographs that show a sexual encounter in the back of an Oklahoma delivery truck. Susan Rosenberg said UPS is investigating after an Oklahoma City-area woman posted pictures of herself in the back of a UPS truck. The woman named "Mary Ann" is a self-proclaimed "happiness consultant". The pictures depict Mary Ann with her breasts exposed while wearing an open UPS shirt. The pictures were brought to the company's attention by Brian Bates, who uses his JohnTV.com website to expose prostitution in Oklahoma. (Newson6)

OFFBEAT EXTRAS:

HOW TO FIGHT A BABY:

THINGS YOU NEED KNOW

MEN AND WOMEN HAVE DIFFERENT REGRETS ABOUT SEX: Sex and regret go hand in hand, according to new research. The researchers from the University of Texas and the University of California did three studies and determined that the feeling of regret is part of the evolutionary process when it comes to reproduction. Researchers found that the three main regrets for men were: being too timid to approach a possible partner, not being more sexually adventerous when young and not being more sexually adventerous in their singles days. The three main regrets for women were: losing their virginity to the wrong partner, cheating on a present or past partner and moving too fast sexually. Researchers noted, "The consequences of casual sex were so much higher for women than for men, and this is likely to have shaped emotional reactions to sexual liasions even today." Interestingly, more women than men listed "having sex with a physically unattractive partner" as a top regret. (NBC News)
BRAND WANTS PEOPLE TO REPAIR THEIR CLOTHES INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW ONES ON BLACK FRIDAY:
http://on.mash.to/1enMb4v
WHICH THANKSGIVING FOODS YOU CAN GET THROUGH AIRLINE SECURITY: If you're planning to fly to visit family for Thanksgiving it's probably easier to just pick up a pie once you arrive than to try to take your famous stuffing through airport security. The Transportations Security Administration assures all that with proper planning and proper packing you can technically fly with all your Turkey Day favorites. A TSA spokesman says, "Anything that presents a potential threat is looked at as a prohibited item. Items that have high concentrations of liquids fit that category." That means that cranberry sauce, creamy dips, gravy, salad dressing-- basically anything that can qualify as a liquid or a gel-- must be packed in your checked luggage. Also, be aware that if your pie of choice tends to contain more gel-like fillings, like key lime or chocolate mousse, it may require additional screening or be rejected. The TSA says, "It's very difficult to say this particular pie is acceptable and that one isn't. We have to err on the side of caution." But don't worry, if they take away your pie the TSA agents won't be dining on it, they're not permitted to eat perishable items they take away from passengers. (Yahoo)
WHY SOME AMERICANS ARE OVER BLACK FRIDAY: What do you think of Black Friday? It seems many Americans might be tiring of the post-Turkey-Day scramble for electronics and other items. A survey from Deloitte finds that 53-percent of consumers plan to shop online or head to the store for Black Friday deals, and while that percentage is high it is down from 60-percent who said the same last year. Belinda McConnell, with Deloitte says, "There is less urgency around getting the Black Friday deal on Black Friday. The novelty of 'Black Thursday' has worn off a little, and we're hearing more consumers say they'll avoid the crowds in the stores on Black Friday." Consumers seem to be planning to spread out there holiday shopping over the course of the season, and not do it all in one day. (Forbes)
REAL-TIME "MISERY MAP" SHOWS WHERE FLIGHTS ARE BEING CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: http://bit.ly/1dyHbxx
SOME PEOPLE ARE HARDWIRED TO PREFER THE TASTE OF ALCOHOL OVER WATER: Do you struggle to stay away from alcohol when you're on a diet? New research finds you're not alone, in fact a gene you have may make you prefer the taste of alcohol over the taste of water. British scientists identified the gene mutation and mice, and found those affected were willing to work hard to obtain a drink of diluted alcohol, while those without the mutation showed no interest in alcohol. Researchers say they are working to see if the gene has a similar influence in humans, and say in the animals the mutation altered the structure of the gene which in turn created spontaneous electrical activity in the brain's pleasure zone. Experts say they hope the finding will lead to a way to identify people most at risk for developing an alcohol addiction at an early age. (Daily Mail)
HOW NATURE MAKES US BELIEVE IN GOD: Nature's wonders can instill a feeling of wonder in a person, it's no surprise that new research finds the sight of the Grand Canyon or the Northern Lights might increase people's tendancy to believe in God. U.S. researchers from Claremont McKenna College tested this out by having participants watch awe-inspiring scenes from BBC's Planet Earth documentary or neutral clips. Next, participants were asked how much awe they felt watching the video, and whether they believed that worldly events happen according to a god or other non-human entity's plan. The participants who viewed the awe-inspiring video tended to believe more in the supernatural, and were more likely to believe in God than participants who watched the neutral video. Researchers think this happens because awe-inspiring sites increase our motivation to make sense of the world around us, in other words they decrease our toleration for uncertainty. (Daily Mail)
SOME PARENTS SAY THEY'LL SPEND $500 PER KID THIS CHRISTMAS: The economy may have some people cutting back on all the presents this holiday season, but that doesn't stop a small percentage of people from spending big. A survey from UrbanSitter.com finds that 21-percent of parents surveyed said they'll spend between 200 and 500-dollars per child this Christmas. Eighteen-percent said they'll spend less than 50-dollars on each child and 32-percent of parents said they'll spend between 100 and 200-dollars per child. A mere three-percent said they will spend over 500-dollars per child. The survey found that 38-percent of parents say they are stressed about money during the holidays, and that 32-percent are worried about shopping, and 25-percent are worried about extended family. (Daily Mail)
THE LINK BETWEEN ONLINE SHOPPING AND RACISM: Do you shop using websites like Craigslist or Ebay? New research reveals shoppers were more likely to buy a product advertised in an online classified ad if they think the seller is white. To find this, U.S. researchers examined the sales of iPods on Craiglist over the course of a year after they posted 1,200 ads. In some of the ads the iPod was held by a black man's hand, a white man's hand or a white man's hand that had a tattoo on the wrist. Researchers found that the ads that appeared to have black sellers received 13-percent fewer responses, 18-percent fewer offers and the money offered was 12-percent lower than that offered to a white seller.White sellers with wrist tattoos has similar responses that the black sellers received. Researchers said, "We were really struck to find as much racial discrimination as we did." Researchers also say they found evidence that black sellers do better in markets with larger black populations "suggesting that the disparities may be driven, in part, by buyers' preference for own-race sellers." (Daily Mail)
HOW TO COOK THANKSGIVING DINNER IN 60 MINUTES: http://yhoo.it/1aRlVPQ
POP CULTURE DOES NOT PORTRAY THANKSGIVING ACCURATELY: Movies and TV shows have made Thanksgiving into awkward interactions with extended family and huge feasts spread on cute, pilgrim-themed tablecloths. Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture and television at Syracuse University says that unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving themed movies and TV shows fail to exude a sincere warm and fuzzy feeling. Thompson notes that Thanksgiving themed shows and movies often use the family holiday setting to show problems and challenges, and in many cases TV shows depict a group of friends celebrating together, as opposed to family,with no explanation as to why. Researchers say that going all the way back to shows like "Happy Days," "Mr. Ed," and "Betwitched," characters are cast back in time and dressed up as pilgrims, but that the stories that unfold are historically inaccurate. James W. Baker, former head researchers of the Plimoth Plantation says "...What happened to the Pilgrims was not all that wonderful. When invoking the historical Thanksgiving, nodding to the dark realities is almost a requirement in how pop culture looks at historical Thanksgiving today. But even still, it does this with contemporary anxieties in mind." (US News)

WATER COOLER TALK

Republican Ad Campaign Targeting Black Friday Shoppers

The most that the majority of Americans likely think about politics over Thanksgiving weekend is just to not talk about it at the holiday dinner table to avoid arguments. But the National Republican Senatorial Committee is looking to change that this year with an ad campaign aimed at Black Friday shoppers in five states with critical U.S. Senate elections next year -- Louisiana, Alaska, Michigan, Iowa and Georgia. ABC News reports that leaflets slamming Democratic candidates over the Affordable Care Act will be put on car windshields outside shopping malls, and an online ad campaign, also focused on Obamacare, will target Internet shoppers. ABC reports that the campaign uses the tag line, "Black Friday Sell Out!!" along with text that says the Democratic candidate it's targeting misled that state's voters about Obamacare.
CHECK IT OUT:

• What one of the leaflets looks like: http://bit.ly/195iFwq

New Password App Uses Facial Recognition Technology

A new app called FaceCrypt uses facial recognition technology to provide a solution for the problem of having to remember all the passwords and other personal data you need to access, like documents, credit card numbers and photos. Yahoo! News' The Sideshow explains how it works: When you first set up your profile, the app takes a picture of your face; after that, you can put whatever information you want into what's called a "vault," where it's securely stored. When you want to access it, you open the app and hold your phone in front of you so the app can scan your face for a match. To avoid the concern that a hacker could use a photo of a phone's owner to get access to the information, FaceCrypt gives users the option of having to blink repeatedly to show they are a live person. The cheapest version of the app is free, but there's a limit on the amount of data you can put in it. The basic version is $4.99 and allows unlimited entries. A $6.99 version includes customizable icons.

KFLAG COUNTRY MUSIC UPDATE

Miranda Lambert is setting the record straight about her recent weight loss. She flatly denies tabloid stories that she obtained her sleeker, smaller physique through surgery.
Miranda penned a letter to fans on her website yesterday (Monday, November 25th) writing, "Though I NEVER care what the tabloids have to say about me, I wanted to address this certain story they are running this week and set the record straight. I DID NOT have surgery to lose weight. That is ridiculous. I lost my weight the healthy and good old fashioned way. Watching what I eat and working out with my trainer Bill Crutchfield. As for the assumed number of pounds lost…? I don't even know! Like I have always said, it's not about a scale, it's about how you feel and how your jeans fit. And on November 10th when I turned 30, my skinny jeans were finally baggy! Mission accomplished! So for anyone who is tempted to read the 'Trash Talk' please don't. I am proud to be a normal size girl and I want to encourage everyone to be confident at any size. Thanks for the support yall! Cheers, Miranda."
Miranda's weight loss was the talk of the CMA Awards earlier this month when she showed off her new body on the red carpet. Backstage at the show, she told reporters she decided to get serious about her health in time for her 30th birthday.
Miranda has something else to celebrate -- her duet with Keith Urban, "We Were Us," sits at Number One on the country singles chart this week.

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Carrie Underwood is making the media rounds to talk about her upcoming endeavor, the live broadcast of The Sound of Music. In addition to her previously announced appearance during the first hour of The 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, airing on NBC beginning at 9 a.m. (in all time zones), Carrie will also appear on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Thanksgiving night (Thursday, November 28th).
Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27th), viewers will get a look behind the scenes of The Sound of Music -- including casting, rehearsals, and the making of the companion soundtrack -- when NBC debuts the hourlong special, The Making of The Sound of Music Live!, airing at 8 p.m. ET.
The Sound of Music Live! will air from 8 – 11 p.m. ET on December 5th on NBC.
The Sound of Music Live! will also be released on DVD on December 17th.
The companion soundtrack to the live broadcast will be available online and in stores on December 3rd.
CHECK IT OUT

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Keith Urban charts his 16th Number One hit this week with “We Were Us.” The duet with Miranda Lambert is the first male/female collaboration to reach the top spot in more than two years since Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood did it with “Remind Me. "We Were Us" is also the second chart-topper -- it follows “Little Bit of Everything” -- from Keith’s Fuse CD.
Keith tells us that the recording process with Miranda was very free and easy. “Miranda was so loose in the studio in doing the song together, at the end I wanted us to just vamp a little bit on the outro, just ad lib things and be in the moment. I said ‘Is it cool if we just both stand at the same mic and sing?’ And she was like, ‘Yea.’ So, we put the head phones on and stood at one mic and just sang, and that’s what’s on the record. I love the fact that, that’s the kind of record she makes, don’t overthink it, just get out there and sing. The engineers afterwards were complaining that they couldn’t change our voice levels (laughs), but I went, ‘It is what it is, whatever levels they are is what it is.’”
Keith is currently out on the road on his Light The Fuse tour, which wraps up for the year on December 8th in Louisville, Kentucky.
Keith will perform as part of the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! taking place in Los Angeles and airing live on CBS on December 6th.
CHECK IT OUT

Florida Georgia Line will be in both Los Angeles and New York this week to promote the release of their brand new album, Here’s To The Good Times . . . This Is How We Roll. Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard visited with E!'s Chelsea Handler (Chelsea Lately) last night (Monday, November 25th) in L.A. and will hop a plane to NYC for a Wednesday (November 27th) appearance on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Tyler and Brian tell us that show in particular is fun for them. “Those television shows, late night shows are always a blast, and Jimmy Fallon, we’ve been on there before and it’s always a good time, you know? It’s always a little different so you never know exactly what to expect, which makes it interesting for us, but Jimmy Fallon’s awesome. (I) can’t wait to get to shake his hand again and be on the show, and we’re very excited. (Brian) Hopefully we get to hang out with him some more this time. He had to jet away last time but he’s a cool dude. We’ve been fans of him since SNL, so hopefully we’ll get to make him laugh or hopefully he’ll get to make us laugh (and) have a good time with him.”
On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28th), Florida Georgia Line will make their debut appearance in the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.
They’ll wrap up the week with a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday (November 29th) prior to flying to a sold-out show at the famous Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas that night.
FAST FACTS

• Florida Georgia Line took home the American Music Award for Single of the Year for “Cruise” featuring Nelly on Sunday (November 24th).
• The duo just entered the top 10 of the Country charts with their latest hit, “Stay,” which is included on Here’s To The Good Times . . . This Is How We Roll.

Parmalee will be on the road this week with only Thanksgiving day (Thursday, November 28th) off, so guitar player Josh McSwain will be on turkey duty for the four-man band.
Josh tells us his favorite way to prepare the holiday bird: "What I've always done in the past and I guess I'll do this Thanksgiving cause none of us have any time off so we'll all be together is I like to rub the outside of the turkey with butter, then wrap it in about eight layers of tin foil and throw it on a charcoal grill for about six hours and just keep flipping it, and then when you take it off it's perfectly grilled, falls off the bone, ready to go."
The guys play in Indianpolis on Wednesday (November 27th) and on Friday (November 29th) in Duluth, Georgia.
Their current single, "Carolina," is inside the Top 10 on the country charts.
Parmalee's debut album, Feels Like Carolina, will be in stores on December 10th.

Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley looks forward to Thanksgiving not only because he gets to reunite with his family, but also because of the unusual tradition he and his brothers have adopted.
Charles tells us: "One of my most memorable Thanksgiving memories was probably the first year that me and my two brothers decided to start our annual eating contest where we ate throughout the whole day. We started that morning and weighed ourselves and at the very end of the night, we weighed ourselves out and all three of us equally gained five pounds. I wish we had a more accurate scale to decide the winner, but we all tied. Five pounds!"

• Lady A will perform on tonight's (Tuesday, November 26th) Dancing With The Stars finale. The show airs on ABC at 9 p.m. ET.
• The trio continues climbing toward the top of the charts with their latest single, "Compass."

CHECK IT OUT

COUNTRY TRIVIA

Q. What was Trace Adkins' first hit?
A. "There's a Girl In Texas" -- it went Top 20 in 1996.

ON THE TUBE

THE VIEW/ABC 11:00M (ET)
Kellie Pickler

ORIGINS: ERIC CHURCH/GAC 7:00PM (ET)

GARTH BROOKS: BLAME IT ALL ON MY ROOTS - 5 DECADES OF INFLUENCES/GAC 8:00PM (ET)

DANCING WITH THE STARS/ABC 9:00PM (ET)
Lady Antebellum

CONAN/TBS 11:00PM (ET)
Jake Owen

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO/NBC 11:35PM (ET)
Luke Bryan

CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS

• Mike Gossin (Gloriana) (29)
• Joe Nichols (37)
• Linda Davis (51)
• Rich Little (celebrity impressionist) (75)
• Tina Turner (legendary singer, born Anna Mae Bullock) (74)
• Jean Terrell (singer, Diana Ross' replacement in the Supremes, "Stoned Love") (69)
• John McVie (bassist, Fleetwood Mac, "Dreams") (68)
• Natasha Bedingfield (British pop singer) (32)
• Peter Facinelli (actor, Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight movies, Can't Hardly Wait, Six Feet Under, Damages, Nurse Jackie; ex-husband of Jennie Garth) (40)
• Kristin Bauer van Straten (actress, True Blood's Pam) (40, disputed)

ON THIS DAY

• Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles married Justin Miller in east Tennessee with Sugarland partner Kristian Bush in attendance in 2011.
• Willie Nelson was arrested in Sierra Blanca, Texas, for possession of six ounces of marijuana in 2010.
• Billy Currington sang "People Are Crazy" on a train float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from New York in 2009.
• The album Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors was released in 2002, along with a companion book, called Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors: This Is Ours.
• Kenny Chesney received the first triple-platinum award of his career for his Greatest Hits album in 2002.
• Jo Dee Messina sang "I'm Alright" from a covered wagon and Martina McBride performed "Happy Girl" from a turkey float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1998. The parade also featured Kenny Rogers and Kevin Sharp.

CELEBRITY GOSSIP

PRINCE HARRY'S ANTARCTIC TREK OFF TO A ROUGH START: Prince Harry and the other teams who arrived at a military base in Novo, Antarctica on Friday (November 22nd) are already losing steam thanks to some rough weather in the area. The royal said, "It's amazing how in six hours, your morale can go from -- it was pretty high, almost sort of pouring over the edge -- and then suddenly rock bottom. The weather forecast is supposedly alright, but it seems to be getting worse. There's normally blue sky and sunshine." Despite having the trip delayed by two extra days spent in South Africa, Harry's team and their competitors are still hoping to reach the South Pole by December 16th.
LAUREN CONRAD SAYS ENGAGEMENT WAS A SURPRISE: Lauren Conrad appears in the January issue of Cosmopolitan where she reveals that her boyfriend's proposal came as a total surprise. She says, "I had no idea. I thought he would wait until he finished law school." Lauren goes on to explain why they haven't set a date yet saying, "You have the rest of your life to be married. Enjoy falling in love. When girls get caught up in the timeline, it becomes more about the wedding than the marriage. You should be with someone with whom you could elope this weekend and be happy." Lauren's future hubby is William Tell -- former member of the band Something Corporate.
PAULY D DESCRIBES MEETING HIS DAUGHTER FOR THE FIRST TIME: Former Jersey Shore star Pauly D met his five-month-old daughter Amabella for the first time earlier this month and Us Weekly caught up with the new dad at a charity event last week to find out how it went. He told the magazine, "I was nervous if she wasn't going to like me. But the second I saw the baby her eyes just lit up, it's almost like she knew. It was amazing. I knew she was mine right off the bat too because she looks just like me. She came right over to me and put her arms right up to me. She grabbed my hair! That's the first thing she went for. And then she was biting my nose." He added, "I didn't know what to expect, and then you know, it's almost like I knew what to do. I felt comfortable holding her. It was an exciting feeling and all the nervousness went away. She has the same big eyes. Same forehead, and same mouth." Pauly also revealed that he brought along his mother for the visit and that his lawyers are currently working out some sort of custody arrangement.
BRITTANY MURPHY'S MOTHER OPENS UP ABOUT POSSIBLE POISONING: Brittany Murphy's mother has come forward to shoot down the claims made by the actress' father that test results have proven that Brittany was actually poisoned -- possibly by a third party with a motive. Sharon Murphy wrote a letter to The Hollywood Reporter saying, "From the day of her birth, Brittany was my precious, more dear to me than anything or anyone in the universe. I have been devastated by her loss and that of my son-in-law and have remained in seclusion in my mourning. I have no choice now but to come forward in the face of inexcusable efforts to smear my daughter's memory by a man who may be her biological father but was never a real father to her in her lifetime. Angelo Bertolotti has relocated to California in his old age to claim he is here for Brittany, as he never was in life. He has made outrageous statements over the past few years, culminating in this latest madness: that my darling daughter was murdered. His claims are based on the most flimsy of evidence and are more of an insult than an insight into what really happened." She goes on to blast the recent allegations by writing, "I have asked some knowledgeable people, and they tell me that an analysis from a sample of hair is not considered dependable unless it is backed up by tests of tissue and blood and other analysis — which he did not do -- the coroner did, but they show no similar results. I am also told one lab may give different results than another lab in terms of heavy metals, and the proper method requires multiple tests before any results are released. A reputable expert will tell you that what this lab did is an ethical violation of the highest order; to even pretend to be able to draw such conclusions on unreliable evidence is the real crime. We will never know for sure. However, we do know the Los Angeles County Coroner did extensive tests and found that she died of natural causes."
MALIN ACKERMAN SPLITS FROM MUSICIAN HUSBAND: Trophy Wife actress Malin Ackerman has reportedly split from her drummer husband Roberto Zincone. They have been together for 10 years and have a seven-month-old son together named Sebastian. A source told Us Weekly, "It's as amicable as can be, and they want to do what's best for their son." Another insider revealed, "No one has plans to file yet. Honestly, Malin is not even ready to discuss it. It's a very sad time for her."