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Regional News: http://web1.nypost.com/news/news.htm SUBURBAN COUNTIES BLOW CHANCE TO HALT MTA HIKES: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36572.htm By CLEMENTE LISI Transit Reporter Three MTA board members from suburban counties � all of whom have ties to Gov. Pataki � will swing today's vote in favor of a fare and toll hike. FREDDY WHUPPING MAYOR MIKE: POLL: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36578.htm By DAVID SEIFMAN City Hall Bureau Chief With virtually no campaigning, Fernando Ferrer has expanded his lead over Mayor Bloomberg from 4 to 12 points in the past three months, according to a poll released yesterday. GIFFORD 'SEX' AIDE RESIGNS: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36588.htm By FRANKIE EDOZIEN The City Council was embroiled in yet another sex scandal yesterday, as allegations of improper behavior forced a top aide to Council Speaker Gifford Miller to abruptly resign. AERIE MARY BLASTED: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36565.htm By BRADEN KEIL Mary Tyler Moore has been pecking at her co-op board and neighbors for evicting the renowned hawks from her posh Fifth Avenue building � but yesterday they crowed back, accusing her of orchestrating the pro-bird campaign as a personal vendetta. JUDGE TO BIRDBRAIN: STAY AWAY FROM ZAHN BROOD: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36575.htm By HASANI GITTENS and LAURA ITALIANO A homeless hawk can return to his posh digs, but his biggest fan won't be able to get anywhere near him, after a judge ordered accused harasser Lincoln Karim to stay away from CNN anchor Paula Zahn and her kids. TRAGIC 911 FIRE GOOF: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36571.htm By JAMIE SCHRAM, JEREMY OLSHAN and DAVID SEIFMAN The body of Flor Pineda, 36, is taken from the Queens apartment amid yesterday's blaze. Seth Gottfried CITY BUDGET DEFICIT IS SHRINKING: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36577.htm By STEPHANIE GASKELL The city's massive budget deficit just got a little smaller, thanks in part to soaring property values and better-than-expected profits from Wall Street, a new report shows. FOOD VENDORS BATTLE FINE HIKES: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36580.htm By STEPHANIE GASKELL There's a battle brewing at City Hall over whether the Bloomberg administration can raise fines against food vendors and other small mom-and-pop businesses. ODB WAS KILLED BY AN O.D.: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36570.htm By IKIMULISA LIVINGSTON Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard died of a drug overdose � a lethal mix of a prescription painkiller and cocaine, his longtime favored narcotic. SHOT COP A HERO: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36591.htm By JOE McGURK, ERIKA MARTINEZ and CYNTHIA R. FAGEN An undercover narcotics detective shot and killed a man who wounded him in a fierce gunfight in a Bronx apartment building, police and witnesses said yesterday. SCANDAL WAKE-UP CALL FOR GIULIANI: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36587.htm BY DEBORAH ORIN THE exploding Bernard Kerik mess is raising questions about whether Rudy Giuliani Inc. is ready for the kind of prime time that he'd face in a 2008 presidential race. KERIK MOB PROBE: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36590.htm By MURRAY WEISS and RICH CALDER The Bronx District Attorney's Office said yesterday it will investigate allegations that former NYPD top cop Bernard Kerik used a mob-connected contractor to renovate an apartment he purchased. 15 YRS. TO AX TEACH: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36579.htm By DAVID ANDREATTA Education Reporter A high-school chemistry teacher who was paid $700,000 over 15 years while in district office "rubber rooms" awaiting the resolution of various disciplinary charges has finally been fired. TENANTS SLAM 'HELLHOLE' LANDLORD: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36581.htm By JOE McGURK Angry tenants at a rotting Bronx apartment house � filled with "rats as big as cats" � said their landlord had taken advantage of the city's labyrinthine judicial system for nearly three decades to ignore the building's conditions. CAPO TOO CRIPPLED TO KILL: DOC: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36589.htm By CARL CAMPANILE Peter Gotti's co-defendant claimed to officials he was "totally disabled" and couldn't work � right after he went to Arizona to allegedly hunt down and kill mob turncoat Salvatore "Sammy Bull" Gravano. DOC WIFE DEAD IN COP-CAR TRAGEDY: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36582.htm By MARK BULLIET, JOHN DOYLE, ERIKA MARTINEZ and RITA DELFINER An Upper East Side woman was killed and her doctor husband was in critical condition yesterday after their vehicle � with their 18-year-old son at the wheel � was hit by a police car pursuing a robbery suspect through a Queens intersection, cops said. INSURER SLASHES AUTO RATES: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36564.htm By KENNETH LOVETT Post Correspondent ALBANY � Auto-insurance giant GEICO is giving its customers an early holiday gift � an average 6 percent reduction in rates for 2005. GOV VISITING EUROPE FOR CHRISTMAS: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36566.htm ALBANY �Gov. Pataki said yesterday he's putting together his own version of the Chevy Chase hit movie "European Vacation" for the Christmas holidays. KIN MOURN TRAGIC SUBWAY WORKER: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36574.htm Investigators yesterday probed the death of a transit worker who was killed by a B train, as family and friends said Harold Dozier was always concerned about safety and dedicated to his job. REBBE ROUSERS: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36583.htm By JOSEPH MOLLICA, JAMIE SCHRAM and BILL SANDERSON Nine people were arrested yesterday in a melee at the headquarters of Brooklyn's most visible ultra-Orthodox Jewish movement, which is divided over whether the Lubavitcher founder, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, is alive or dead. DEM BOOSTS NUMBER GAME: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36585.htm Bungalow 8 is one of the hottest clubs in town, but would it be so chic if it became Bungalow 515 W. 27th St.? HEAT ON PALS OF PELOSI: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36573.htm By KIERAN CROWLEY Convicted killer Danny Pelosi may have had accomplices who could be tried for the murder of Ted Ammon, prosecutors said yesterday. IRON MIKE DOES HIS TIME: http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/36563.htm By DENISE BUFFA Mike Tyson came out of a Brooklyn court like a winner yesterday after reporting he'd done more than 100 hours of community service over a fight with two fans � and having the case sealed. National News: http://web1.nypost.com/news/news.htm HOLIDAY TRAVEL BOOM LOOMS: http://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/36561.htm Americans will travel in record numbers this holiday season, thanks partly to Christmas and New Year's landing on the weekend, the AAA said yesterday in releasing a travel survey. World News: http://web1.nypost.com/news/news.htm ISRAELI POL PUSHES NEW SUMMIT: http://www.nypost.com/news/worldnews/36569.htm By ANDY SOLTIS Israel's foreign minister pushed the Mideast peace initiative further yesterday, proposing a summit with post-Arafat Palestinians and saying Syria's overtures should be taken seriously. POISON CASE NEAR-RECORD: http://www.nypost.com/news/worldnews/36576.htm LONDON � Tests reveal Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko's blood contains the second-highest level of dioxin poisoning ever recorded. All Horoscopes: http://web1.nypost.com/cgi-bin/horoscope.pl ARIES You will want to be friends with everyone today, which might make one or two people a bit suspicious, but they will soon come around when they see that your attitude is genuine. You've had enough of fights and feuds for one year: You want this to be a time of genuine good cheer, and there is every reason to believe it will be. 1-900-990-7810* TAURUS Venus, your ruling planet, moves into the area of your chart that governs your long-term wealth today, so it is not beyond the realm of possibility that you could soon come into a large sum of money. However, it is every bit as likely that you will waste a large sum of money on things you don't need. Avoid impulse buying and dubious investments. 1-900-990-7811* GEMINI The past few weeks have not been easy and there have been more than a few disputes with partners and loved ones and colleagues. The good news is that the entrance of Venus, planet of harmony, into your opposite sign of Sagittarius today will give you the chance to kiss and make up. OK, so the kissing part is not compulsory, but the making up part is. 1-900-990-7812* CANCER The harder you have pushed yourself in recent weeks, especially on the work front, the more you will need to slow down so your brain and your body get some time to recover. No purpose will be served by going beyond your natural limits - on the contrary, it will inevitably lead to some kind of breakdown. Go easy on yourself for the rest of the week. 1-900-990-7813* LEO Venus, planet of affection, joins the sun in the most dynamic and romantic area of your chart today, so let that special someone know how much you care and how much he means to you. Forget about work and making money; your one and only aim now must be to focus on affairs of the heart - and no one has a bigger heart than you. 1-900-990-7814* VIRGO It is important that you keep your troubles in perspective over the next few days because one of the best times of the year is about to begin and the last thing you want is to be in a depressed state of mind. Whatever is worrying you, the time has come to deal with it once and for all - then you can move on and have fun. 1-900-990-7815* LIBRA Travel and social activities are under excellent stars today, so don't sit around at home or spend the day stuck at the office - get out there and make new friends. Someone you meet on your travels could in fact become more than a friend: There will be an instant and undeniable attraction that could, in time, develop into something more profound. 1-900-990-7816* SCORPIO There are more important things in life than making money and if you don't quite believe that now, you will by the end of the day. Yes, dollars and cents have their place in the scheme of things, but they cannot buy you love - which, despite what some might say, is not a commodity. The sooner you realize that, the happier you will be. 1-900-990-7817* SAGITTARIUS It is time to take life at a more tranquil pace. The sun may be coming to the end of its annual transit of your birth sign, but Venus, planet of harmony, moves into your sign today, so you don't have to be quite so flat-out assertive and ambitious as you have been in recent weeks. Treat yourself to a break - you've earned it. 1-900-990-7818* CAPRICORN At some stage today, you will realize that the thing you fear the most is the thing you have least to fear and the moment of revelation will be accompanied by a moment of anger when you realize how much time you have wasted on something that does not matter in the slightest. Now go and do something that makes up for it. 1-900-990-7819* AQUARIUS No matter how many bad things may be going on in the world, there is no reason you should let it affect you personally. If what you see on the television upsets you, just turn it off and do something that makes you feel good about life. Spend more time with people who make you laugh and less time with people who make you feel guilty. 1-900-990-7808* PISCES The more ambitious a Pisces you happen to be, the more you will want to turn your back on the rat race and do something purely for the fun of it today. You have achieved a lot in recent weeks, certainly more than you expected, but now you need to slow down and recharge your batteries, if only to be ready for the next big challenge. 1-900-990-7809* Sports News: http://web1.nypost.com/sports/sports.shtml PEDRO PASSES PHYSICAL, JOINS AMAZIN'S TODAY: http://www.nypost.com/sports/mets/21421.htm By MARK HALE The waiting is over, and so is the pursuit. Pedro Martinez is officially a Met. Martinez passed his physical yesterday, and with it, his new four-year, $54 million contract is complete. The Mets will introduce their dazzling new ace at an 11 a.m. news conference today at Shea. NBA'S GOING INTERNATIONAL: http://www.nypost.com/sports/21417.htm By DAVE CURTIS Twenty years into his reign over the NBA, David Stern's vision for pro basketball keeps growing. NCAA & HOOPS COACHES PART OF NEW PARTNERSHIP: http://www.nypost.com/sports/21417.htm By NICK PARISH After decades of extolling teamwork in its student athletes, the NCAA has followed suit in its relationship with those who care about it the most. MIG IS BACK IN THE SADDLE: http://www.nypost.com/sports/21416.htm By ED FOUNTAINE Jockey Rich Migliore, recovered from fractured wrist suffered in starting-gate mishap last October, returned to saddle yesterday for first time since Breeders' Cup, finishing fourth on Shorty Knudtson in seventh race. MRS. DICK YOUNG DIES AT AGE 83: http://www.nypost.com/sports/21408.htm Josephine "Jay" Young, the widow of former Post sports columnist Dick Young, died yesterday at her home in Tampa, Fla. She was 83. Jay passed away in the comfort of her seven daughters and only son. BETTMAN & ROBBIN': http://www.nypost.com/sports/21412.htm BY LARRY BROOKS EVEN in its transpar ency, Gary Bettman's attempt to splinter the union with his adjusted salary rollback scheme is revealing of the philosophy he would impose not merely on the players but on the NHL itself. 'ZONA CALLS YANKS ON UNIT: http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/21418.htm By GEORGE KING For the second time in three days yesterday the Yankees and Diamondbacks had a brief and non-productive discussion about Randy Johnson coming to The Bronx. ASTROS UP ANTE TO KEEP BELTRAN: http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/21419.htm By GEORGE KING YANKEE NOTES Carlos Beltran is being courted by four teams, super agent Scott Boras says, but it figures to come down to Yankees and Astros in battle for jewel of this year's free-agent class. Getty Images PEDRO PASSES PHYSICAL, JOINS AMAZIN'S TODAY: http://www.nypost.com/sports/mets/21421.htm By MARK HALE The waiting is over, and so is the pursuit. Pedro Martinez is officially a Met. NOW, A WORD FROM THE FRANCHISE ..: http://www.nypost.com/sports/mets/21424.htm BY MIKE VACCARO THIS was early on a Sunday morning, back in May of 2003, and Tom Seaver was sitting in the first-base dugout at Milwaukee's Miller Park talking about pitching. You don't often get to hear artists discuss their craft. You don't often get Scorsese expounding on movies, or Tony Bennett describing the magic of reaching a high note. NEXT, OMAR EYES BATS: http://www.nypost.com/sports/mets/21425.htm By MARK HALE Here's the thing about the addition of Pedro Martinez � it doesn't exactly guarantee a title overnight. STEELERS GLAD IT'S ELI: http://www.nypost.com/sports/giants/21410.htm By PAUL SCHWARTZ There is no secret what the Steelers want to do Saturday when they take aim at the semblance of an offense the Giants put on the field. BIG BEN DOESN'T FEEL SORRY FOR ELI: http://www.nypost.com/sports/giants/21409.htm By PAUL SCHWARTZ GIANT NOTES There wasn't even the perfunctory, "Yeah, I feel for him," sentiment out of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger yesterday when the rookie sensation was asked if he had any empathy for Eli Manning's struggles with the Giants. MOSS CAN'T CATCH BREAK: http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/21413.htm By MARK CANNIZZARO The Jets' struggling offense is beginning to produce varying amounts of frustra tion inside their usually unified locker room. CHAD'S SHOULDER ; A SORE SPOT: http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/21414.htm By MARK CANNIZZARO JET NOTES Three regular-season games remain. The Jets likely need two wins out of those three to secure a playoff berth, beginning with Sunday's must-win home game against the Seahawks. KNICKS BLOW IT IN FINAL SECONDS: http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/21423.htm By MARC BERMAN Pistons 94Knicks 93 ISIAH'S MENU NEEDS D-SERT: http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/21407.htm BY JAY GREENBERG AFTER more than a decade of sellouts, empty seats appeared at the Garden for a Knick team that was not merely bad, but boring. So Isiah Thomas started moving thick heavy legs for quicker ones to get the turnstiles clicking again. KIDD'S PINING TO PLAY MORE: http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/21415.htm By DAN MARTIN Jason Kidd is back on the court, slowly working his way back into form from offseason knee surgery. But the fact that he's no longer in street clothes during games doesn't mean the recuperation has gotten that much easier. MCDYESS; I WAS NO SAVIOR: http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/21422.htm By MARC BERMAN and BRIAN LEWIS Antonio McDyess says he resented being called the Knick savior during his injury-wracked stint that saw him dress just 18 games in two seasons. Gossip: http://web1.nypost.com/gossip/gossip.htm : http://web1.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix.htm NICKY'S LOVER AVENGES INSULT By Richard Johnson "ENTOURAGE" star Kevin Connolly doesn't take kindly to anyone talking trash about his girlfriend, Nicky Hilton. : http://web1.nypost.com/gossip/cindy.htm FILM ON A WING AND A PLAYER By Cindy Adams WHAT becomes a legend most is chutzpah. : http://web1.nypost.com/gossip/liz.htm SCREENING THE FIELD By Liz Smith 'MOST ARTISTS are insecure, I suppose. Insecure overachiev ers," said Fleetwood Mac's inse cure and overachieving Lindsay Buckingham. Weather: http://weather.nypost.com New York , NY Get the extended forcast here from the New York Post.: http://weather.nypost.com Traffic: http://traffic.nypost.com/ metrocommute HeadlineManhattan 2004 Holiday Season - Traffic Adivsory Due to the upcoming 2004 Holiday Season there will be heavy congestion in Midtown Manhattan caused by shopping and festivities that will be taking place. It is advised for people to use mass transit as much as possible therefore helping traffic to move along smoothly. So please plan ahead for early travel and leave at least 20 minutes before schedule. There is also a 10 Day Gridlock Alert Day designated for the Holiday Traffic. These Days are as follows:Friday, November. 19: The Friday before Thanksgiving.Wednesday, November. 24: The day before Thanksgiving. Matinee day at Broadway theaters adds to traffic congestion in the midtown theater district.Tuesday, November. 30: Tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.Friday, December. 10: A popular shopping day.Wednesday, December. 15: Matinee day at Broadway theaters and a popular shopping day.Thursday, December. 16: A popular shopping day.Friday, December. 17: A popular shopping day.Wednesday, December. 22: Matinee day at Broadway theaters and a popular shopping day.Thursday, December. 23: The day before Christmas Eve. metrocommute DelayNassau County Under 30 mph on SSP-WB: 29 to 28AUnder 30 mph on Southern State Parkway westbound Exit 29 to Exit 28A metrocommute Special EventManhattan Knicks @ Madison Square Garden thru November & DecemberThe Knicks host at the Madison Square Garden in the months of November & December. Expect some extra traffic on 7th Ave., 8th Ave., and in the west 30s, 2 hours before the game, after the game.*Please arrive early due to new security checks*Opponents, dates and times of games are:Atlanta Hawks, Nov. 23, 7:30 PMToronto Raptors, Nov. 27, 1:00 PMMemphis Grizzlies, Dec. 01, 7:30 PMOrlando Magic, Dec. 03, 7:30 PMDenver Nuggets, Dec. 12, 12:00 PMDetroit Pistons, Dec. 15, 8PMUtah Jazz, Dec. 19, 3PMDallas Mavericks, Dec. 21, 7:30PMCharlotte Bobcats, Dec. 26, 1PM Manhattan Radio City Christmas Spectacular @ Radio City Music Hall; November 23 thru January 2The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, returns to Radio City Music Hall, November 23, 2004 thru January 2, 2005 Be a part of this American tradition and enjoy such show-stopping scenes as the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", and the majestic "Living Nativity." Also, witness Santa's return to the Music Hall through an exciting 3-D sleigh ride. Expect delays on 5th, 6th and 7th Avenue between 48th Street and 51st Street and on Broadway starting around 2 hours before and after the show. Please arrive early due to new security measures and for parking. Visit thegarden.com site for information on showtimes.: http://www.thegarden.com Manhattan All Access Tour @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square Garden�s� All Access Tour allows fans to get an insider�s view of the inner-workings of The World�s Most Famous Arena�, providing them with little-known information and rarely seen viewpoints on the legendary showplace. Visitors taking part in the �All Access� one hour tour become a part of one of the busiest and most exciting sports and entertainment facilities in the world and are treated to a host of unique experiences. Visit the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty locker rooms; tour backstage of the Theater at Madison Square Garden; go inside the Star dressing rooms; learn how a basketball court becomes a sheet of ice; witness all the seldom seen build-up to a live event � players practicing, performers in production, casts in rehearsal or crews staging events! You�ll never know what you�ll see on the All Access Tour. Expect some extra traffic on 7th Ave., 8th Ave., and in the west 30s Business News: http://web1.nypost.com/business/business.htm : http://www.nypost.com/business/36540.htm IN THE MONEY By TIM ARANGO Don't necessarily believe what you're hearing about Miramax's profitability from the folks at Disney. Miramax posted a healthy profit in its latest fiscal year, top Miramax exec Bob Weinstein told The Post. This was achieved despite the ongoing turmoil between the studio and its corporate parent, which may soon result in a nasty breakup. WAL-MART PURGE CLOAKED IN MYSTERY: http://www.nypost.com/business/36555.htm By SUZANNE KAPNER Wal-Mart Stores said yesterday that it fired seven employees � three of whom were senior executives � for breaking company rules. AMBER WRITING A TELL-ALL: http://www.nypost.com/business/36533.htm BY SARA NELSON AMBER Frey, the young woman who fell for and then turned on her creepy married boyfriend, may now be ready to tell the whole story � to an editor who did the same thing. DEAL A HANGUP FOR NASCAR-NEXTEL: http://www.nypost.com/business/36552.htm BY HOLLY M. SANDERS It's still the NASCAR Nextel Cup � but for how long? The ink has yet to dry on the planned merger of Sprint Corp. and Nextel Communications Inc. and already there are questions as to how this will affect NASCAR's biggest sponsorship deal. SPRINT OK'S MERGER FOR 3RD-RANKED TELCO: http://www.nypost.com/business/36553.htm Sprint Corp. agreed to buy Nextel Communications Inc. for about $35 billion in a transaction that would leave three companies in control of 70 percent of the U.S. mobile-telephone market. GREENSPAN IS BAFFLED BY ECONOMIC STATS ON INFLATION: http://www.nypost.com/business/36528.htm BY JOHN CRUDELE ALAN Greenspan raised in terest rates again this week, but he didn't do it for the reasons you think. EDIT STAFF AT NEWS ON NOTICE: http://www.nypost.com/business/36548.htm By KEITH J. KELLY Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman was expected to start mailing voluntary buyout proposals to all 370 editorial employees at the slumping paper. MORE TIME WOES AFTER SETTLEMENT WITH FEDS, NOW COME CIVIL SUITS: http://www.nypost.com/business/36549.htm By PAUL THARP Wall Street is cheering Time Warner's $510 million settlement to make two federal probes go away � while lawyers for angry investors are drooling over it. DIESEL STEAMS AHEAD IN SOHO: http://www.nypost.com/business/36531.htm By LOIS WEISS Multicultural cutting-edge retailer, Diesel, will open the city's third full-service store in SoHo, near one of its specialty shops. 'GRAND THEFT' STEALS VIDEO AWARDS: http://www.nypost.com/business/36542.htm By RICHARD WILNER Smash video-game hit "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" drove away with the game of the year award at the second annual Video Game Awards, the so-called Oscars of the $10 billion video-game industry. AQUADOODLE GOES TO TOWN THIS XMAS: http://www.nypost.com/business/36546.htm By SUZANNE KAPNER Move over, Elmo. The Aquadoodle, a toy that lets kids draw on a mat with "ink" that evaporates, is turning out to be one of the surprise hits of the holiday season. Real Estate: http://web1.nypost.com/realestate/index.htm NEW SCHOOL SEES FIFTH AVE. GROWTH: http://www.nypost.com/realestate/36415.htm By STEVE CUOZZO ONE of the year's larg est office building leases was just signed not by a law firm or bank, but by New School University, which took a whopping 194,300 square feet at 79 Fifth Ave. for offices and classrooms. Entertainment: http://web1.nypost.com/entertainment/entertainment.htm HEBREW HO-HO-HO HITS 'O.C.': http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36556.htm BY ADAM BUCKMAN Frank Costanza, meet Seth Cohen. Young Seth (Adam Brody on "The O.C.") has come up with the most innovative holiday celebration on TV since Frank (Jerry Stiller) introduced the world to Festivus, his Christmas-season holiday "for the rest of us," on "Seinfeld." FAKE ENGAGEMENT RING MAKES A BRILLIANT GUY-REPELLENT: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36558.htm By MARINA VATAJ NEXT time you see a pretty girl with a giant diamond engagement ring, consider this: She might be wearing it just to scare you away. 'RUNWAY' TO YOUR CLOSET: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36559.htm By ORLA HEALY THE trip from the "Runway" to reality couldn't have happened any faster. The winning dress on last night's "Project Runway" - Bravo's hit reality show about a gaggle of fashion designers competing for a $100,000 prize - goes on sale today at Banana Republic's flagship store at Rockefeller Center and online. PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36560.htm By BETHANY KANDEL ONE recent Saturday night, Ellen Neuborne and her husband, David Landis, made sure their two children were happily eating pizza and gluing glitter and pompoms on paper before kissing them goodbye. WHEN THE 'EAST VILLAGE' WAS YOUNG AT ART: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36554.htm By JAMES GARDNER THE East Village art movement has been dead for 20 years. But for three or four seasons back in the mid-'80s, it produced some of the most unapologetically happy art the world has ever seen. CHART-TOPPER IS LUDACRIS: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36534.htm LUDACRIS hooked his second No. 1 slot on the Billboard 200 with "The Red Light District." 'SIDEWAYS' NODS: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36535.htm By LOU LUMENICK THE wine-soaked road comedy "Sideways" gained further mo mentum in the Oscar race yesterday, dominating the Critics' Choice Awards with eight nominations. NOW, THERE'S 'APPRENTICE' FOR GIRLS: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36550.htm LIFETIME Television, the for-girls-only chan nel, is ramping up a version of "The Apprentice" for young women. FOLLOW THAT FOODIE: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36532.htm FORMER WOR food- maven Arthur Schwartz returns to the air next month, albeit in an hors d'oeuvre mode � one hour a week for starters. GREEK COMEDY: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36539.htm BY LINDA STASI QUESTION: When is a naked man not a naked man? Answer: When 1) the naked man isn't naked on TV and 2) when the naked man is wearing a green, full-body rubber suit, making him only appear to be a green naked man at the opening ceremonies at this year's Greek Olympics. 'HELLRAISER' PINS TALE ON TV SERIES: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36551.htm By MICHAEL STARR 'HELLRAISER," Clive Barker's classic cult horror movie series, is being turned into a TV series. STARR REPORT: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/36526.htm Downey flakeout CBS will retain a portion of Robert Downey Jr.'s wacky comments regarding inductee Elton John when the net work's annual "Kennedy Cen ter Honors" broadcast airs this Tuesday (9 p.m./Ch. 2). Movie Reviews: http://web1.nypost.com/movies/movies.htm LORD OF THE RING: http://www.nypost.com/movies/32758.htm By LOU LUMENICK MILLION DOLLAR BABYCLINT Eastwood scores a knockout as an actor and director with "Million Dollar Baby," a spare, exquisitely realized masterpiece about faith, redemption and boxing that beautifully illustrates his longtime philosophy that "less is more." CALL THEM JOHNNY ANGEL: http://www.nypost.com/movies/32745.htm By V.A. MUSETTO SANTA SMOKES WHO says you need a big crew and tons of money to make an enjoyable movie? Certainly not Till Schauder (a k a Terror Till), the co-writer, co-director, co-producer, editor and star of "Santa Smokes." Lifestyle: http://web1.nypost.com/living/living.htm PERFECT GIFTS: http://www.nypost.com/living/36186.htm By JULIA SZABO When selecting holiday gifts for Fido and Fluffy, try to think of what your pet wants most. Hint: costumes, jingle-bell collars, and reindeer antlers won't cut it. ASK DR. MICHAEL FOX: http://www.nypost.com/living/36217.htm DEAR DR. FOX: I've heard that peanuts can be poisonous to squirrels. However, there are peanuts in the birdseed that I put out in my yard, and squirrels (in addition to my two dogs) sometimes eat them. Please advise. -D.L., Flint, Mich. PUT THROUGH THE 'RING'-ER: http://www.nypost.com/living/36243.htm By MICHAEL KANE "We forgot the taste of bread, the sound of trees, the softness of the wind . . . we even forgot our own name." Lottery Results: http://web1.nypost.com/lottery/lottery.htm NEW YORK Midday Numbers Wed.: 826 Midday Win-4 Wed.: 1881 Evening Numbers Wed.: 657 Evening Win-4 Wed.: 0280 Pick-10 Wed.: 4, 6, 9, 12, 14, 22, 24, 26, 32, 40, 47, 52, 54, 55, 57, 62, 63, 67, 68, 70 Take-5 Wed.: 7, 8, 10, 28, 35 Lotto Wed.: 6, 12, 16, 20, 35, 41; Bonus: 32 NEW JERSEY Pick-3 Wed.: 669; Pick-4 Wed.: 7743 Cash-5 Wed.: 13, 14, 15, 29, 36 CONNECTICUT Play-3 Wed.: 785; Play-4 Wed.: 5447 OAS_AD('Middle'); //--> Cash-5 Wed.: 1, 4, 22, 28, 31 Opinion: http://web1.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/opedcolumnists.htm GOP STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/36527.htm BY GEORGE F. WILL A REPUBLICAN can be elected governor of the bluest state. Indeed, Republicans have held the statehouse here since Michael Dukakis' last year, 1990. Mitt Romney is the inexplicably happy holder of it now. What kind of person is preternaturally cheerful while governing with a Legislature in which 34 of 40 senators and 139 of 160 House members are Democrats? STACKED DECK: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/36537.htm BY RYAN SAGER PASTOR Richard Hague, the man behind the char ter school proposed in Ni agara County, is breathing fire � because injustice is staring him right in the face. As Hague brings his application to start a new school before the state's Board of Regents today, the guardians of the status quo have stacked the deck against him. ARE YOU TOO DUMB TO INVEST?: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/36536.htm BY ARNOLD AHLERT THE Bush administration means to push ahead on Social Security reform � meaning some form of privatization. The unfolding of this process will illustrate � once again � why Democrats are out of touch with mainstream America. INSIDE UKRAINE'S FREEDOM FIGHT: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/36541.htm BY DICK MORRIS So very much hangs in the balance when Ukraine goes back to the polls to vote for a president on Dec. 26. It would be a major blow for freedom, and a wonderful Christmas present to the world, if Viktor Yushchenko - and the runoff, before the government stole both - becomes president of this key nation. Celebrity Photos: http://web1.nypost.com/gossip/celebp/index.htm : http://www.nypost.com/gossip/celebp/lastone/photo01.htm December 14th:'Life Aquatic' Premiere...: http://www.nypost.com/gossip/celebp/lastone/photo01.htm Movie News: http://web1.nypost.com/entertainment/movies/news/news.htm News, Dec. 15: Sharon Stone Sues Plastic Surgeon for Slander, Kournikova Secretly Weds Iglesias, Rapper O.D.B. Overdosed, More.. Guylaine Cadorette -- Hollywood.com Staff Sharon Stone sues plastic surgeon for slander Sharon Stone isn't happy about tabloid rumors insinuating she has had a facelift--so much so that she's suing a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon for defamation and libel for falsely claiming he gave her one. Style: http://web1.nypost.com/style/style.htm RINGS & WREATHS DON'T MIX: http://www.nypost.com/style/36377.htm Now through Valentine's Day is the most popular time for men to propose. But the relationship experts we talked to said Christmas Day can be a terrible time to pop the question. To modify your account settings go to: http://www.nypost.com/useradmin/useradmin.htm To unsubscribe, go to: http://www.nypost.com/newsletter/unsubscribe.htm
