QUOTE OF THE DAY
The joy of brightening other lives, bearing others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.
W.C. Jones
DID YOU KNOW?
The worlds largest Christmas wreath, as designated by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1988, was 116 feet in diameter and weighed 9060 pounds. It was constructed at the Clemonsville Christmas Tree Farm in Maryland and made from fresh evergreens on an oak framework.
RIDDLE
What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents?
SOLUTION
Did you figure it out? It's silent night!
TONIGHT ON THE CBS EVENING NEWS
Here's a look at what we are working on for tonight's broadcast of The CBS Evening News:
Hi everyone, this is Erica Hill in for Katie tonight.
After the deluge comes the cleanup. Southern California has endured flooding and mudslides for nearly a week. And there will be little time to rest, with more rain in the forecast for the weekend. CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitaker has the latest.
After two bleak Christmases, Americans seem to be feeling better about the economy. As CBS News Correspondent Don Teague reports, holiday travel is expected to be up 3% this year. And CBS News Correspondent Elaine Quijano tells us about the latest report that shows American consumers are in a spending mood again.
The 111th Congress was arguably the most dysfunctional in recent history. But as CBS News Congressional Correspondent Nancy Cordes reports, amid all the partisan attacks and filibuster threats- the House and Senate passed more landmark legislation in the last two years than any Congress in four decades.
Overseas, two disturbing attacks in Rome. Packages delivered to two foreign embassies blew up today-injuring two people. CBS News Correspondent Allen Pizzey reports on who might be behind the attacks.
Finally, CBS News Correspondent Jim Axelrod continues our series, The American Spirit of Giving, with the story of a little boy who's bringing cheer to young hospital patients. His dream-that everyone has a very "beary" Christmas.
See you then. Erica
Here's an early look at one of the stories we are working on for Friday night's broadcast of The CBS Evening News: There is a Christmas tree lot where the line stretches down the street. That's because they aren't selling trees...they're giving them away to families in need. For George Garrick and his wife and children, this has become a holiday tradition. What the Garricks call Trees of Joy started three years ago after they heard of one family in town who couldn't afford a tree. Now they'll be giving away 500 trees this year. CBS News Correspondent John Blackstone has their story Friday night, only on The CBS Evening News.
THIS WEEKEND ON THE CBS EVENING NEWS
In addition to coverage of the latest news, here are some of the stories we are working on:
ON SATURDAY, JIM AXELROD ANCHORS FROM NEW YORK
GREEK CHURCH -- With all the controversy this year over a proposed Islamic cultural center two-and-half blocks from the World Trade Center site in New York, another religious structure that used to sit right on Ground Zero has been largely forgotten. It was a small Greek Orthodox Church that went up 95 years ago...and came down on September 11th, 2001. This holiday season, the congregants of that old church have new hope, as CBS News Correspondent Jay Dow reports.
COMMUNITY CHURCH -- The bread company Panera is opening a pay-what-you-can version of its successful cafes. Called 'Panera Cares,' the company opened its first location in St. Louis earlier this year, and just last month, opened another location in Dearborn, MI. Everything is the same about the restaurant except for how and how much you pay. There are no prices -- only suggested donations. People can choose to donate more or less if they so choose. The concept relies on people's generosity to keep the restaurant open. CBS News Correspondent Cynthia Bowers has the story.
ON SUNDAY, RUSS MITCHELL ANCHORS FROM NEW YORK
DUMPING GROUND -- A recent study found that there are three times more mentally ill people in U.S. jails than in hospitals, and that 15% - 20% of inmates in our jails suffer from a mental illness. Many critics say jails have become a "dumping ground" for the mentally ill. Russ Mitchell will introduce you to at least one Ohio Sheriff who is determined to change that.
If you would like more information on any of these stories or the broadcast, please click on the following address and e-mail us: evening@cbsnews.com
TONIGHT ON DAVID LETTERMAN
Tonight, actress Amanda Peet joins Dave to give you a sneak peek at the highly anticipated family comedy Gulliver's Travels which hits theatres this Christmas Day. Plus, actor Jay Thomas stops by for his annual holiday football toss with Dave. Every year since 1998, Thomas gets a chance to knock the top off the Late Show Christmas tree. If you'd like to see a few of his past attempts watch the video here. Then Darlene Love stops by to sing Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), a Letterman tradition dating back to the NBC days. It's a packed holiday edition of The Late Show you won't want to miss!
SATURDAY MORNING ON THE EARLY SHOW
Russ Mitchell and Rebecca Jarvis anchor from New York. Elaine Quijano brings us the day's headlines and the weather.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS: Many people consider the holidays "the most wonderful time of the year," with Christmas being the most important day. It can also, however, be a very stressful day marked by fights, meltdowns and disappointments. So how can one avoid the inevitable squabbles that often plaque the holiday? Early Show Contributor and psychologist Dr. Jennifer Hartstein will join us with some tips for having a truly perfect Christmas.
MOVIE DAY: Christmas day is a perfect day to relax and watch a good movie. Dalton Ross, Assistant Managing Editor at Entertainment Weekly will tell about the hot movies in theaters and his favorite holiday oldies but goodies.
CHRISTMAS RETURNS: For many, Christmas day is the start of the holiday hustle to return unwanted gifts when stores open again on Sunday. According to Consumer Reports, nearly 20 percent of Americans are expected to return at least one holiday gift. In fact, holiday returns are expected to be go up this year to $43.82 billion, according to National Retail Federation. Regina Lewis, AOL Consumer Advisor, will join us Saturday morning with some important tips to ensure your holiday gift returns are a success.
TECH SETUPS: If after you open up your Christmas presents, you find yourself staring blankly at lots of gadgets and tech gifts... don't start hooking things up just yet! Before you plug in those wires and throw away your old cameras, CNET technology Contributor Katie Linendoll will have some great Christmas morning tech tips for you.
CHRISTMAS TRICKS: If you've ever hosted Christmas dinner, you know how tough it can be to make sure that the roast doesn't burn, that the table looks immaculate, and that nobody is left out when presents are opened. But what should you do when things don't go according to plan? Southern Living Magazine's Editor at Large Amy Goodman will join us with some simple tricks to help you avert last minute disasters.
TABLE ETIQUETTE: Holiday dinner is a more formal occasion than your regular family dinner, and it's important to handle it properly. From how to arrange your seating to setting the table, we'll have your guide to Christmas dinner etiquette. Lizzie Post, etiquette expert, and great grand-daughter of Emily Post will walk us through all the basics.
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS: Festive cocktails are the key to a great holiday party. So skip the store-bought eggnog, and give your guests something special. From an easy homemade punch to spiced wine with a kick, Food & Wine's Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle will whip up some cocktails that are sure to be crowd pleasers.
KATHARINE MCPHEE: We met Katharine McPhee four years ago as a runner up on American Idol. Since then she has been making quite a career for herself. Recently, she released a holiday CD called Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You and Saturday morning she will perform a holiday favorite Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
SECOND CUP CAFE: Wilson Phillips come from rock and roll royalty -- daughters of both Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and the Mama's and the Papa's John Phillips. It's hard to believe they're celebrating their 20th anniversary... and they've just released their first ever Christmas album. Carnie and Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips join us Christmas morning to perform Silent Night.
CHEF ON A SHOESTRING: After the presents and stockings, we'll gather around the table for a special dinner. To celebrate this special meal, Elizabeth Karmel, executive chef of Hill Country, will show us a Christmas meal of smoked salmon Texas Toast, a Smoked ham, red potatoes, green bean casserole and eggnog pudding pie. Sounds delicious!
SATURDAY ON 48 HOURS MYSTERY, 10pmET/9CT
Here's an early preview of what's coming up on 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Their Father, the Godfather" with Correspondent Troy Roberts
What is it really like to grow up as the children of America's most famous Mafia Godfather, John Gotti? For the first time, Victoria Gotti, and her sister and brother, take us through their dramatic life story. They confront a childhood of lies, and share intimate home video and never before seen photos.
This week on 48 Hours Mystery, the Gotti family sits down to tell us about the life of a notorious mafia boss from a deeply personal point of view. John Gotti's children are now raising their own sons and daughters. They are trying to put the Mafia and the reputation of John Gotti behind them. Victoria mourns the loss of her father but not the loss of "the life." A shocking look at one of the most infamous crime families of the 20th century on Their Father, the Godfather.
If you would like more information, please click on the following address and e-mail us at: 48hours@cbsnews.com
HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR SUNDAY MORNING
CHARLES OSGOOD ANCHORS FROM NEW YORK
We hope you'll join us this Sunday Morning for all these stories and so much more:
MOVIES -- There's nothing like seeing a good movie over the Christmas holidays. And this year, there sure are a lot to choose from. From Little Fockers, to The Fighter to The King's Speech to True Grit, there are a number of movies out there that are already nominated for some awards. We'll take a look at the seasons most talked about flicks to help you decide which to catch this weekend.
DARCI KISTLER -- She always made it look so easy. Just watch Darci Kistler in the 1993 film The Nutcracker...and you almost believe she's made of spun sugar rather than muscle and bone. She started studying ballet when she was still in elementary school, and at 16, became the youngest dancer to join the New York City Ballet, and danced there for 30 years. But Kistler wasn't born wearing a tutu. In fact, she grew up with four older brothers -- all wrestlers -- and parents who expected Darci to wrestle too. As Correspondent Tracy Smith found out, ballet was in her blood.
KODACHROME -- Steve McCurry is best known for his 1984 portrait of a green eyed Afghan refugee girl that was featured on the cover of National Geographic. The richness of that photo he says was achieved by using Kodachrome film. In fact McCurry solely used the once widely popular Kodak film, Kodachrome, to shoot more than 800,000 photos over 30 years. But alas in August last year Kodak decided to discontinue Kodachrome, the world's first commercially successful color film, concluding a 74 year run. In honor of McCurry's successful career and love of the film Kodak let McCurry take the last roll of Kodachrome film, and Correspondent Jim Axelrod got a peak.
If you would like more information on any of these stories or the broadcast, please click on the following address and e-mail us: sundays@cbsnews.com
SUNDAY ON FACE THE NATION
BOB SCHIEFFER MODERATES FROM OUR STUDIO IN WASHINGTON, DC
This week on CBS' Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, we'll look back at 2010 and take a look ahead to 2011. We'll also feature a roundtable discussion with many of our CBS News Correspondents. Bob will be joined by Chief White House Correspondent Chip Reid, Chief Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan, National Security Correspondent David Martin, Congressional Correspondent Nancy Cordes and Investigative Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson. There will be, as always, a final word. That's all on Face the Nation, this Sunday.
SUNDAY ON 60 MINUTES, 7:00PM/6:00PM CT
INTO THE WILD: A SPECIAL HOUR DEVOTED TO THE NATURAL WORLD
THE GREAT MIGRATION: Scott Pelley visits Kenya, the site of the great wildebeest migration, and looks at the threats to this natural spectacle comprised of over a million animals.
THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF ELEPHANTS: Researchers listening to elephant sounds and observing their behavior are compiling an elephant dictionary. Bob Simon goes to Central Africa to listen to the language of the forest elephants first hand.
B-REX: Lesley Stahl meets the inspiration for the lead character in the classic film Jurassic Park and reports on how famed dinosaur hunter Jack Horner is shaking up the paleontology world.
FRIDAY MORNING ON THE EARLY SHOW
Russ Mitchell and Rebecca Jarvis anchor from New York. Betty Nguyen brings us the day's headlines. John Marshall brings us the weather.
In addition to the day's top news headlines, here's an early look at some of the stories we are working on for Friday morning's broadcast:
You have the presents, and you have the ribbons and bows - but now it's time to get working on the Christmas Day meal. Celebrity Chef and Early Show Contributor Katie Lee joins us Friday morning to help you plan and prepare the perfect Christmas morning brunch. She'll take you through her delicious recipes for a simple fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, red pepper and spinach frittatas and she'll seal the Christmas deal with a candy cane cocoa coffee. Katie will also show you how to put a unique finishing touch on each dish for the special occasion. To keep your Christmas morning magical, pause the presents and enjoy this amazing meal with your family -- but first, tune in to the Early Show Friday morning, where Katie has all of the hassle free tips and secrets you need for success.
Whether you're celebrating Christmas or not, any time off from school or work is a great time to head to the movies. 12-year-old movie fanatic, Lights, Camera, Jackson will join us on Friday to help you decide which flicks to skip and which ones to see. Jackson will review the best and the worst of this year's holiday movie selection and guide you to the ultimate viewing experience. He'll share his personal favorites and give some suggestions for kid-friendly, parent-pleasing movies as well. There are a ton of new movies in theaters, so watch Lights, Camera, Jackson on the Early Show tomorrow morning to be sure you're seeing the right ones.
Bill T. Jones is a world renowned artistic director, choreographer and dancer, and now, he's been named a Kennedy Center Honoree for a lifetime of artistic excellence. On Friday morning, we'll continue our five part series profiling this year's Kennedy Center Honorees. Julie Chen will sit down with Bill T. Jones in an Early Show Exclusive interview. Together they'll talk about Bill's moving work and inspirational career path, plus what he has in store for his audiences in the future. Tune in Friday morning for an Early Show Exclusive you just can't miss!
With time off from school and work, the holidays are also a great time to take family trips, or visit far away relatives. And if getting around wasn't difficult enough with the possibility of inclement weather and checkpoint delays, many Americans will be traveling with the whole family this time of year. Whether your kids are in diapers or ready to drive themselves, any trip can be made more difficult by extra passengers.On Friday morning, Editor and Chief of CoolMomPicks.com Liz Gumbinner joins us to help ease the hassle and frustration of traveling with some great products that can help make your road trips and flights more manageable for you and your kids. Before you step out the door this Christmas or New Years, be sure to listen to Liz's invaluable travel tips and tricks.
MONDAY MORNING ON THE EARLY SHOW
Russ Mitchell and Rebecca Jarvis anchor from New York. Betty Nguyen brings us the day's headlines. Sara Snow brings us the weather.
What health issues have been your main concern this past year? Which ones will stay prominent for the New Year? Find out this Monday morning on the Early Show. In Monday's Healthwatch, Dr. Michael Smith from our partners in health at WebMd, will go through a compiled list of the top health stories of 2010. Dr. Smith, the Chief Medical Editor of WebMD, will take you through all of the health issues that you need to watch out for today, as well as which issues may be big tomorrow. To ring in the New Year in good health, be sure to tune in to The Early Show this coming Monday.
As the big day draws near, you're probably trying to plan what to wear on New Year's Eve. The holiday falls on a Friday this year, so there's no reason not to go all out. Even with a tight budget and Christmas bills, our Style Contributor Katrina Szish will show you how you can look fabulous and festive this New Year's Eve. She'll showcase a variety of designs and styles for everyone's taste, and none of her outfits will be out of your price range. Looking glamorous has never been this easy or fun. Pay attention to Katrina's style guide this Monday, and you'll be on your way to the perfect New Years Eve!
If you would like more information on any of these stories or the broadcast, please click on the following address and e-mail us: earlyshow@cbs.com
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The members of the podcast Kitty Kitty Dinosaur come from all walks of life. The team tries to take some time off their busy schedules every two weeks or so to talk about the current media climate and state of affairs in Puerto Rico. Global Voices interviewed them about the Puerto Rican blogosphere, social media networks, online freedom of expression, mainstream media and gender.
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A fire in a prison in San Miguel in Santiago, Chile, which killed more than 80 prisoners after one of its towers caught fire, caused mixed reactions on social networks. The fire has opened the debate on human rights of prisoners and the media coverage of events like these.
