Well, here we go, the countdown begins.  Are you ready?  Are you set?  Then let’s go!  Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Burl Ives and the abominal snowman will be on CBS this Wednesday at 8pm/7pm central.   And don’t forget, American Idol 4th place finisher, Oscar, Grammy, SAG, Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, an hour-long primetime music special will air Monday, December 14 at 8PM ET/PT.  The special will follow Hudson as she travels to her native Chicago “to share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her phenomenal success,” according to ABC.  She will also perform holiday hits such as “Silent Night,” “The Christmas Song” and “O Holy Night.”  In addition, the holiday special will feature Hudson and singer Michael Buble performing “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Let It Snow” as duets.

 Multi-country award winner Carrie Underwood, will also be hosting  a Christmas Special.  The All-Star Holiday Special, 2 hours long, will be on FOX, Monday, December 7, same times 8pm/7pm.  It’s reported Carrier will be singing all her hits, and even a few Holiday songs (isn’t a holiday special for holiday songs)  And she’ll be singing along with guests such as Brad Paisley, Kristin Chenoweth, Dolly Parton and another AI winner David Cook.  This special sounds like it’s a little bit country.

Let’s start the Christmas Season off by sharing our favorite “goofy” Christmas songs.  Do you have one?  There’s so many….here’s one of mine.’

I’m gettin’ nuttin’ for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I’m gettin’ nuttin’ for Christmas
‘Cause I ain’t been nuttin’ but bad.

I broke my bat on Johnny’s head;
Somebody snitched on me.
I hid a frog in sister’s bed;
Somebody snitched on me.

I spilled some ink on Mommy’s rug;
I made Tommy eat a bug;
Bought some gum with a penny slug;
Somebody snitched on me. 

I put a tack on teacher’s chair;
Somebody snitched on me.
I tied a knot in Suzy’s hair;
Somebody snitched on me.
I did a dance on Mommy’s plant.
Climbed a tree and tore my pants.
Filled that sugar bowl with ants;
Somebody snitched on me.

So you better be good whatever you do
‘Cause if you’re bad, I’m warning you,
You’ll get nuttin’ for Christmas

Okay, everyone, get your 2010 Calandars out and mark these dates.  January 12  and 13 will be the Season Premiers of American Idol.  I know, it’s the same old audition rounds where they show a few good, but mostly really bad preformers.  But, remember, it will be the first season without our “beloved” Paula Abdul.  Will it be worth watching to catch the guest judges.  We’ll see……

What has been going on in the battle of Album sales between last Seasons Idol winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert.  Well, it’s no contest really.   Billboard writes that “For Your Entertainment” should sell at least 225,000 copies when it debuted on last week’s chart, and could possibly move more with post-Thanksgiving shoppers invading retailers.  Lambert’s sales will be right in line with many a recent “Idol,” and will far surpass those of Kris Allen (are we really surprised).   The latter, who actually won this season’s “Idol,” landed at No. 11 on this week’s chart, selling only 80,000 copies of his self-titled debut, according to Nielsen SoundScan, during the holiday sales season, when numbers are typically inflated.  Hits Daily Double had their earlier sales prediction for Adam Lambert’s For Your Entertainment  set to come in second (behind Susan Boyle no less), with 210-230K.     Here’s his performance on David Letterman.  It was really good and this song, Whataya  Want From Me,  is one of my favs on the album. (Check out the Madonna wannabe on keyboard.)   

Other post Idols were seen out and about over the Holiday weekend:  Carrie Underwood performed “Change” from her album Play On during CNN Heroes an All Star Tribute which aired last night on CNN. The special honored ordinary people who do extraordinary things.  Season 2 Idol, and TV Guide Channel personality, Kimberley Caldwell performed at yesterday’s Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade sponsored by ABC 6 and Ikea.   Kimberly recently signed with Vanguard records, and is expected to release an album next year.  Here’s the llink if you are curious about the performance:   http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7140568   Anoop Desai sang The Christmas Song  and All I Want For Christmas Is You  at the  San Francisco Tree Lighting ceremony in Union Square.  Here’s a link for his performances too, if curiosity has the better of you.  http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/41531723.html

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we’re poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.

 We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We’re wealthy, when push comes to shove.

 So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you’ve got;
Realize it’s a lot,
And you’ll make all your cares go away.

 By Karl Fuchs

Well, it’s Tuesday.  So go ahead and grab your cup of goodness, whatever it may be, and sit and chat for a bit.  Whatever is the topic of the day, is up to you.   Here’s some off beat turkey news I found:

REHOBOTH, Mass. – A Massachusetts woman is seeking donations from fellow pet lovers to help pay for eye surgery for her turkey named Jerry. Lyndsey Medeiros and her husband adopted three-year-old Jerry and another turkey from a Rhode Island farm last week. But Jerry has cataracts, and the eye problems mean he can’t eat independently or join his female companion, Penelope, in flying.  Medeiros has posted an ad on Craigslist seeking donations for the surgery. She said the procedure could cost up to $2,600. Her farm in Rehoboth, Mass., cares for other animals with health problems.  Okay, get those check books out.

NEW YORK – You’ll need to be 21 to take a bite out of this Thanksgiving turkey. New York City tavern owner Paul Hurley said he’ll unveil what he is calling the nation’s first 100-proof turkey on Monday. A spokesman for the owner of O’Casey’s Tavern in Midtown Manhattan said that the bird is infused with fruit-flavored and 100-proof Georgi vodka for three days before being cooked. The flavors of vodka include peach, raspberry, cherry and apple.  The gravy is also laced with the distilled liquor.  Out of concern for the danger of drinking-and-driving, the tavern is offering free taxi ride home to anyone who orders the turkey.  It wasn’t immediately clear how much it will cost to have some of the boozy bird.  All the drinkers will be sure to be there for this dinner!

What else do you want to discuss today?

Okay, did you watch?  If so, whose performance did you like and why?  What did you think of Adam’s single?  Let’s talk American Music Awards.

NOMINATIONS  (and winners) FOR THE 2009 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS – I have noted the winner.  Is there a category (other than male – and they probably would have put her there if they could) that Taylor Swiftwhocan’tsing was Nominated).  Also, the performers were:  The Black Eyed Peas (they totally rocked the stage); Mary J. Blige (what can I say FANTASTIC); KELLY CLARKSON (the first AI and will always be the best, GREAT PERFORMANCE can we say chills- and a standing “o” and she looked really pretty); DAUGHTRY (good performance);  Eminem with 50 Cent (okay I’ll have to let you judge this one); Green Day (well that’s a downer song); Whitney Houston (presented International Artist Award - song was emotional – stopped at one point when fans started yelling – she’s on the right road back; but can she get the gap fixed on her daughter’s teeths);  Janet Jackson (part of the 8 minute opening - her hits,  I liked it);  Jay-Z duet with Alicia Keys (I saw this video the other day and I really like it – they are good together – Alicia also performs a solo from her new album – good song); Lady Gaga (I can take it or leave it - lipsync? and how did she get away with that outfit);  ADAM LAMBERT (boy did the camera love him tonight, lots of face time; his performance closed the show- WOW interesting Ryan’s says he has no doubt Adam designed the costumes); Jennifer Lopez (on the fence – lyp sync? did she fall down);  Rihanna (okay, didn’t blow me away);  Shakira (nice song, did you see Adam shaking it?);  CARRIE UNDERWOOD (good performance, but reminds me of the cheat song she did); and Keith Urban (I like Keith, good song); Timbaland (I’ll leave to you).  Some of the presenters:  KRIS ALLEN with Demi Lovato, Paula Abdul (she needs to give Mortisha back her dress), Ryan Seacrest, and Leona Lewis with that Carrie chick from DWTS (what was the puffy thing Leona was wearing), plus, Kelly Osbourne and Donny Osmond from Dancing with the Stars.  [Idol performers and presenters in caps]   (Courtesy of mjsbigblog:   To see Idol performances from The American Music Awards, check click HERE; 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Taylor Swift – WINNER (presented by Ryan Seacrest – OMG what is it people are hearing from this young one)
Lady Gaga
Eminem
Michael Jackson

SOUL/R&B – Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce – WINNER, she wasn’t there, so why didn’t Jay-Z pick up the award for her???
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson

SOUL/R&B – Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas – WINNER

Day26
Mary Mary

SOUL/R&B – Favorite Album
I Am…Sasha Fierce – Beyonce
The E.N.D. – The Black Eyed Peas
Number Ones – Michael Jackson – WINNER

ALTERNATIVE ROCK – Favorite Artist
Green Day - WINNER (don’t know too much about them)
Kings of Leon
Shinedown

ADULT CONTEMPORARY – Favorite Artist
Daughtry
Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift - WINNER

 BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST -  Glorianna (country) Don’t know anything about them.

Well, it’s been really quiet in the Exiles neighborhood this week.  I found these People Magazine  stories for anyone who is here today to talk about.  So, let’s “Have At It”. 

People Mag, as you know, just released their Sexiest Men Alive 2009 issue, and, guess what?   AI Season 8’s runner-up, Adam Lambert was on their list!   Adam told the magazine that in order to have a shot with him you need to be an upbeat person. “I love people with good energy.” In June, People named Adam one of the Hottest Bachelors of 2009.  This makes the coming  week  a big one for Adam with  his song Time for Miracles  the theme song for the movie 2012 which is now in theaters.   And his freshman album, For Your Entertainment set to hit the  stores on Tuesday, 11/24, and don’t forget his appearance  this Sunday on  the American Music Awards.

The queen of daytime talk shows, Oprah Winfrey is reported to announce that she  plans to end her highly rated The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011 after 25 years, her spokesperson said Thursday.  “The last day will be Sept. 9, 2011,” the spokeswoman says. “She will speak about it on (Friday’s) live show.”  Winfrey, 55, whose current program reaches about 7 million viewers a day, is preparing to start her own cable channel, and it has been widely rumored that she would bring her program to OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture with Discovery Communications.

Breaking Idol News:  It’s being reported that Jennifer Hudson will take on the role of Winnie Mandela in the film Winnie.  The film will begin production May 30th.  Hudson said:  “I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson told Variety.  “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.” The film will be directed by seasoned South African filmmaker Darrell J. Roodt.  Right now, Hudson is working on her sophmore album and will sing the theme song for the movie.   Will this role lead to Oscar No. 2 for Jennifer?

And yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s Thursday.  And, what, you ask, is so wonderful about Thursday, welllllllll; it’s the day after Wednesday and the day before Friday!  What more could you want?   Did you know the name “Thursday” is derived from the god of thunder known either by  Thor, Thunor, or Thunaraz.   So, I guess that means  Thursday is really “Thor’s day”.   Thor is a pretty kicking  god by the way because of his  glorious magic hammer.   When googling Thursday songs, I found some of these listed below and  I honestly don’t know any of them, do you?   And, do you know any other songs about Thursday other than those listed?

 Thursday – Country Joe & The Fish  
 Thursday’s Child – Eartha Kitt  
Thursday – Jim Croce  
Thursday’s Child – David Bowie 
(Thursday) Here’s Why I Did Not Go To Work Today – Harry Nilsson  
Sweet Thursday – Pizzicato Five  
Jersey Thursday – Donovan

I was interested to see what Harry Nilsson’s song was, so here it is:  (I think it’s awful – what’s your take.)

American Idol Season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke and Season 7 finalist Michael Johns  will perform at the “Holiday of Hope” benefit to raise money for disadvantaged children across the country on Saturday, November 28. The event will take place in Los Angeles and guests are invited to support One Heartland, an organization committed to improving the lives of children impacted by HIV/AIDS, by attending a private pre-reception with ticket prices starting at $50 or through sponsorship of one of the 30,000 lights on the 35-foot high Holiday Tree.  Kimberley and Michael will also entertain the guests who come out to Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles for the lighting of the Holiday Tree in Central Courtyard.  Nice to see them teaming up and giving back.

  Do you want to be in an American Idol commercial? Idol fans now have the chance!   What makes you most thankful for Idol’s return?  What’s your favorite Idol moment?  Who’s your favorite Idol?  How can the Idols win your heart?  Show us your love for Idol on video and upload it here. Be sure to read the submission guidelines carefully. If your video is selected by FOX and you’ve been notified, you will appear in an on-air promotion for American Idol.  So Exiles get to work.

And, in case you forgot, Kris Allen’s album was released Tuesday.    In  MTV news, Kris told  Jim Cantiello that one of the compromises he had to make on his new album, was the production on “Heartless”.   The Phil Collins vibe was producer Sam Remi’s idea. “It’s not that I didn’t want to put it on there. [It's just that] the version was a little bit different for me,” says Kris, “That was definitely the producer’s feel for it. He wanted that in there.”  Welcome to the world of the label being in control.  So, how many rushed out to purchase the album?