Bill German is the author of Under Their Thumb, a first-hand account of his encounters with the Rolling Stones.

German met the band while he was a teenager, shortly after launching his Stones-only magazine, Beggars Banquet, which lasted seventeen years. Upon being discovered for his talents, German went on to travel with the band, even going so far as to attend their recording sessions and visit their homes.

Under Their Thumb offers a humorous and poignant look at what life is like with one of the most renowned rock 'n' roll bands, as well as some exclusive photographs. It is now available at bookstores.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Former New York Ranger Rod Gilbert stopped by to talk about Casino Night, a huge event presented by OppenheimerFunds, alongside The New York Rangers, the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the entire Rangers team.

Taking place tonight from 7 to 10 pm at Gotham Hall in New York, the evening will allow fans to play alongside the Rangers players, indulge in dinner, and take part in silent and live auctions.

Gilbert was a forward who played for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982, and was the first player in New York Rangers history to have his number retired. Rod currently works for the New York Rangers Organization.

Call 1-877-MSG-GOAL for tickets or log onto http://rangers.nhl.com for more information on the event.

Best known for her role as Lisa George in the cancelled series Dirty Sexy Money, Zoe McLellan stopped by to talk about her upcoming role in the movie Reunion.

The movie centers on the members of a Yale secret society who come together for a reunion. Along the way, they discover why things like love and happiness have always eluded them, despite having had moved on to successful careers. When the time comes for the reality of the past to finally come into focus, the group is faced with some troubling truths about their collegiate indiscretions.

Aside from portraying Lisa George on the tube, California native McLellan has also appeared in JAG, as Navy Petty Officer Jennifer Coates, as well as an episode of Diagnosis Murder.

Reunion hits theaters this Friday.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Get Faith Hill's legs, Eva Mendes' abs and Venus Williams' arms with these easy exercise you can do at home! Brent Brookbush of Shape Magazine will show us how to do the Celebrity Shape Up Wakeup Workout!

Brookbush suggested:
• For Abs - Planks work the entire mid-section
• For Legs - Single Lateral Lunges is great for strengthening the leg muscles
• For Arms - Curl to Press with a band

For more great workouts pick up this month's issue of Shape Magazine or log onto, visit www.shape.com.

WATCH THE WORKOUT AFTER THE JUMP...

Babies don't come with instructional manuals, but parents still need to somehow be prepared for accidents and emergencies. So what would you do if your infant suddenly becomes unresponsive or starts choking?

Saving Baby's Life... When Every Second Counts is a life-saving and necessary tool that educates and empowers parents, family members and all infant caretakers with the knowledge and confidence to assist any infant (newborn to 12 months) in time of danger.

The instructional video takes viewers step-by-step on how to perform infant CPR and save a choking infant, and reviews important SIDS precautions. The video is in both English and Spanish.

Geraldine Hickey, the owner of Baby Zone and Beyond and the voice behind Saving Baby's Life is a registered nurse, midwife, certified American Heart Association CPR instructor and infant massage instructor.

Hickey stopped by to show Dr. Steve how to perform infant CPR and teach us how to save a choking infant and give us some hints on SIDS prevention and precaution. We'll have dolls on set for her to demonstrate. For more information on how you can pick up a copy of Saving Baby's Life, visit www.babyzoneandbeyond.com.

Steve from Manhattan sent his hockey gloves to be repaired. After a couple months went by and he didn’t get them back, he called the shop. The owner told him he was working on it, and it would take a couple more weeks to finish. Weeks went by and still no gloves,

He called back to find out what happened. The owner told him that the gloves were mailed out, but Steve never got them. That’s when he called Help Me Howard. Can Howard make the “save”?

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The much-anticipated action-hero flick Watchmen hits theaters this Friday.

The film is directed by Zach Snyder, who also directed such epics as 300 and the screenplay was penned by David Hayter and Alex Tse.

Based on the 1980s graphic novel by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, the film is set in 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are a regular fixture on everyday society. When masked vigilante and antihero Rorschach discovers that one of his former colleages was murdered, he goes on a mission to unravel a plot to kill and discredit all superheroes. In doing so, he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion so as to better watch over humanity.

But who watches the Watchmen? The film is set to be a huge box-office success, so you'd better be among those who do.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Hunt Auctions will offer several important private collections of sports memorabilia at its annual March live auction. The head of the auction house is also going to offer up tips on how to make money off your sports memorabilia. He will go over:

1. Recognizing financial value vs. sentimental value
2. How to turn those items into cash
3. Properly preserving the items
4. Identifying the best time to sell to maximize the value

For more information, visit www.huntauctions.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Larry Hoff had the ultimate accessory for every baseball fan -- a custom made bat! Radial Bats in Warren, New Jersey will create a shatter-proof bat based on your measurements and specifications

For more information, check out www.radialbat.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

No excuses! Don't think you have time to work out every day? Well, you don't need to spend hours in the gym.

According to personal trainer and wellness expert Sal Fichera, you can slim down in 15 or 20 minutes a day. Fichera is the author of the book Stop Aging, Start Training.

For more information, visit www.forzafitness.com.

EXERCISES AND VIDEOS AFTER THE JUMP...

The folks at Animal Care and Control stop by with some cute and cuddly pets in need of loving homes.

For more information on how you can adopt a pet, visit www.nycacc.org or call (212) 788-4000.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

This week, PIX's Kristina Behr grants the wish for a family in Poughkeepsie, New York. Helen Dommermuth wished for her daughter Kiera Dommermuth-Fitzpatrick, who is a 25-year-old newlywed struggling with Multiple Sclerosis. Kiera is expecting her first child, so her mom wished for some baby stuff for the nursery to help her get started.

For more info on the Giggle baby store and to find a location near you, log onto www.giggle.com. You can also grab a copy of Ali Wing’s book The Giggle Guide to Baby Gear in stores now.

You can submit your wish online, e-mail whatsyourwish@tribune.com, or click here to download a form and mail your wish to:

"What's Your Wish" Producers
CW11 Morning News
220 E. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017

Read the official rules.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

A Bronx lounge owner and caterer says she lost about $40,000 in business last year, when ConEdison shut her down for a week during a construction job, so she called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpiX.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

After a long day, sometimes you just want to relax with a nice cool bottle of ... Pub-Corn! That's right, it's finally here: beer-flavored popcorn!

A hero to barflies and frat boys alike, Missouri University senior Cary Silverman said his inspiration came from seeing his friends sneak alcohol into movie theaters.

And after a lot of research and development in his dorm room, Silverman has already created other beverage-inspired coatings for his popcorn, like beer, pina colada and Irish cream. Silverman is currently working on creating tequila flavor.

For more information and to purchase some Pub-Corn, visit www.pub-corn.com.

Sometimes Valentine's Day is the right time to end, rather than begin, a relationship. But from gossiping co-workers to clingy ex's, it's not always easy to get rid of the wacko's in your life.

Author Christina Eckert has a few suggestions to help you ease out of those toxic relationships -- both romantic and platonic -- in her book Winning Against the Wackos in Your Life, which is available in stores now.

For more information, visit www.winningagainstthewackos.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Its National Cheerleading Week and we're celebrating with a local squad that is going to the UCA Nationals in Orlando. The Staten Island Spirit has the moves and are showing them in PIX Plaza. These high schoolers will perform a routine for us and show PIX's Tamsen Fadal how to do a cheer.

For more on their cheerleading program, go to www.leaguelineup.com/sispirit.

PERFORMANCES AND PICTURE AFTER THE JUMP...

I've never felt so close to any guest as I did with Andrew Dice Clay. Maybe, just maybe it's because he was hugging me throughout the entire grilling session...I honestly wasn't sure what to think. It wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be and I think it's because I'm a people person...not really! Ha!

Anyways, he had answers you can only expect from the Dice man himself. For instance, his favorite color is African American. No, that wasn't a typo, African American is his favorite color. Makes you wonder what kind of crayola box he had as a kid. Really!!

He's still funny though. Check out the video and be the judge...

Paul Stanley's favorite lead singer is Paul Stanley. No surprise there, right? So maybe that was easy. But I'm sure no one and I mean no one can guess what the KISS frontman said when I GRILLED him about his favorite body part. Don't go crazy, it's G-rated and his answer actually had nothing to do with him. You'll get what I mean when you watch the video.

America's Next Top model judge Paulina Porizkova gets GRILLED!!! Wonder what her boss Tyra Banks will have to say about Porizkova's response when asked to pick between Top Model or Top Chef...or who Porizkova picked when asked to choose between Tyra and Naomi. SCANDALOUS!! Alright, I'm totally kidding and being dramatic just because I can and it's also more fun for me. Check out the video to hear the answers staight from the horse's mouth.

Comedian Andrew Dice Clay came by to talk about his busy schedule.

Clay broke the rules with a never-before-seen style of hardcore comedy. His rise to fame consisted of sold-out arenas, platinum albums, and starring roles in films and TV specials.

He will be appearing in the upcoming season of The Celebrity Apprentice. Having premiered yesterday, the show once again takes place in New York City. This time, the fourteen contestants will include the likes of Jesse James, Tom Green, and Brian McKnight. It's the men versus the women as all 16 celebrities compete in business-driven tasks around New York City, employing their fame and business-saviness to avoid hearing the phrase, "You're fired!" from Donald Trump.

On top of that, Clay will be performing at Caroline's Comedy Club tomorrow at 7:30 pm as part of "Andrew Dice Clay: The Filthy Animals Tour."

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Larry will be making Art in Brooklyn with one of the area’s premiere glass blowers. And be sure to tune in because the 11th caller to (866) 414-2911 after the on-air-cue will win a free glassblowing class at Scanlan Glass.

You can join him at Scanlan Glass, which is located at 103 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY. For more information, visit www.scanlanglass.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden stopped by to share with us the various endeavors in which she will be involved.

This spring, she will star on Broadway in Yazmina Reza's "God of Carnage." Having recently ended its run in June in London, the show centers on two 11-year-old children, Ferdinand Reille and Bruno Vallon who play a game on their school playground which involves appeasing the "God of Carnage". As a result, Ferdinand knocks out two of Bruno's teeth with a stick. That night, the parents of both children meet in order to discuss the matter. Controversial topics such as misogyny, racial prejudice and homophobia are explored in the events that ensue.

Harden will star alongside The Sopranos' James Gandolfini. This will be Harden's first appearance on Broadway since her role in Angels in America in 1994. The show will start its New York run on March 23 at Jacobs Theatre. To find out more information, click here.

Harden is currently starring opposite Glenn Close on the popular FX show Damages as Claire Maddox, Walter Kendrick's chief adviser and a legal bulldog who thrives on confrontation. However, her devotion to Kendrick is challenged as she's drawn deeper and deeper into the web of his conspiracy. Catch Damages Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I hear that red wine is linked to breast cancer. Is it true that women at risk of breast cancer should stay away from red wine?
Cypress

2. Is drinking water during a weight workout good or bad for performance in anyway? Anonymous

3. What can people do to help me prevent the outbreak of meningitis?
Shannon, Mount Vernon, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...

Big shot director Zack Snyder shows you how to direct your own movie with a camera phone. Kurt learns the secrets to the best time of day to shoot, the best room and why you need to think about carpet when making a killer movie from your phone.

For more information on Watchmen, visit watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com and to watch the Watchmen podcasts, visit www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/podcasts.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Paulina Porizkova stopped by the studio to talk about the new season of America's Next Top Model and returning as one of the judges.

Standing at 5' 11", Porizkova began her modeling career by chance when her friend submitted his photos of Porizkova to a modeling agency. She was discovered by her headshots and was immediately flown from Sweden to France, where she rose to the top of the modeling at the age of 15. She later became the face of Estee Lauder from 1988 to 1995.

Recently, Porizkova participated in ABC's Dancing With The Stars. She published the children's book in September 1992, The Adventures of Ralphie the Roach, and last year published The New York Times editor's choice novel A Model Summer.

The season premiere of America's Next Top Model airs tonight, Wednesday, March 4 at 8pm on WPIX.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AND MODELING AFTER THE JUMP...

A Long Island 13-year-old wrote a book and her parents helped her self-publish it. The local wiz kid even had a book signing back in November 2008 at a Long Island Borders Bookstore. After Borders took their cut, she was supposed to make nearly $200 except. She is still waiting to get her money from Borders, so she called help me howard

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

PIX's Tamsen Fadal visits Intervale Green, Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation's (WHEDCo) newest, green affordable housing complex. It will become home to 400 low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers.

Built on a devastated lot in the South Bronx at the site of President Jimmy Carter’s historic visit in 1977, WHEDCo’s design standards for Intervale Green reflect the organization’s belief that living somewhere beautiful can have a profound impact on a family’s mental and physical health.

The complex brings half an acre of vegetation and new street level commercial activity to the community. Residents will enjoy two courtyards and green roofs for vegetables and gardens, and the neighborhood will enjoy a dramatic public sculpture garden.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Known for his roles in Police Academy and Space Balls, comedian Michael Winslow will be doing stand-up at the Prime Time Comedy Club.

Police Academy I through VII launched Winslow into comedy superstardom. He then went to play a part in Mel Brooks “Spaceballs”. This film helped in furthering his spotlight as a unique comedienne. A man with a special talent that made “families” laugh. Michael was also heard, but not seen, when he gave the voice to Stripe, the evil little creature, in another Hit Movie “Gremlins.” Michael, a master of vocal gymnastics, can imitate over 1000 sound effects using his voice alone. Currently you can also hear him in the hit TV shows Robo Chicken and Family Guy. You cant miss him on those great Geico commercials.

Catch Winslow at the Prime Time Comedy Club in Sayreville, New Jersey tomorrow at 7:30 pm, as well as this Saturday at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE WEB-EXTRA INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

If you're tired of the bar scene, but could still use a good drink, then learn how to make your own crowd-pleasing cocktails at home on the cheap.

Mixologist Tad Carducci is sharing his tips for making budget-friendly drinks. You'll save a ton of cash, plus there's no wait for the bathroom.

Carducci will show us how to make the cocktails Savage Chic, Skyrockets In Flight and Sobieski Summer Cup.

COCKTAIL RECIPES AND VIDEO DEMO AFTER THE JUMP...

Fierce seems like a fairly easy word to spell right? Well, I spell it differently: R-U-P-A-U-L...that's how I spell fierce. Okay it spells RuPaul too but I'm sure you get the point. Before the Tyras, Naomis and Top Models there was RuPaul and she's still the reigning queen and obviously here to stay.

Speaking of fierce, I think Rupaul is the fiercest person EVER. Who does RuPaul think is the fiercest person ever? You have to watch and see...I mean the video, not me.

Others may describe as her as being as cute as a button...I say she's way cuter than any button I've seen; she's also really nice and very well behaved. She just makes you want to pull an Angelina and adopt her. The thought crossed my mind, but then reality set in: She's a multi-millionaire and she can buy me and my entire village, so who am I kidding.

Just take a look at this video and see if adoption' s not the first thing that comes to mind...okay, maybe adoption's a bit extreme, but you'll agree with me that she's totally a sweetheart. Just watch.

You can't begin to imagine what happened when Michael Winslow got GRILLED. And it's okay if you can't. Here's the deal, the actor/comedian/human sound machine didn't give answers, he mostly made sounds...as he should.

It's actually very impressive. Go ahead and listen...

Anthony Napolitano of Ann & Tony's came by PIX studio to show us how to make their signature dish Chicken Ann & Tony's. It's chicken breast topped with prosciutto, mozzarella and artichoke hearts sauteed in a black olive and mushroom sauce.

This dish has been on their menu for over 50 years. "My grandmother Ann, cooked this dish for my grandfather Tony on their wedding night, November 9th, 1941. These were his favorite foods and she combined them to make him something special and it has been on our menu ever since," said Napolitano.

Ann & Tony's is loacted at 2407 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458. For more information, visit www.annandtonysonline.com or call (718) 933-1469.

Don't miss out on this exclusive Dining PIX deal! For the price of only $25, diners will recieve a gift certificate worth $50! Supplies are limited. For more information on this and all Dining PIX deals, log onto: www.wpix.com/dining_pix.

Click here to view past Dining PIX RECIPES.

RECIPE, PICTURE AND COOKING DEMO AFTER THE JUMP...

PIX's Larry Hoff is with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to help bring the heat at the "Miami: Everything Under the Sun Hut" at Central Park’s Merchants’ Gate on Columbus Circle. The hut takes you to a South Beach chic lounge, featuring balmy temperatures and all things Miami with interactive activities like:

• A runway for models to show off the latest in swimwear and other fashions from Perry Ellis
• Free hand therapies by Miami spa technicians
• Interactive photo opportunity to win a trip to Miami

You can join Larry today at the Central Park Merchant's Gate on 59th Street and Eighth Avenue from 8am to 6pm.

For more information, visit www.miamiwhereworldsmeet.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Not quite beach ready? No problem! Send us your weight stories and tell us why this is the year you want to make a change. Just click here to submit your story.

Three viewers will be selected for the ultimate summer shape up challenge. You have until Wednesday, March 25 to enter, so spread the word!

For more information check out www.resolutiondoover.com.

Do you ever find yourself sprawled on a beach that screams "blasé"? Ever wish your beach experiences were steamier and sultrier? Hugh Hefner's former gal pal Bridget Marquardt has just the right remedy for you: the Travel Channel's new show, Bridget's Sexiest Beaches.

Marquardt is on a quest to discover the most beautiful beaches in the world. In each episode, Bridget explores five tantalizing beaches and immerses herself in everything from early-morning sport fishing to late-night luaus. Follow Marquardt as she engages in bikini shopping, along with a plethora of other sexy activities. From Australia to Ibiza or Thailand to Turks and Caicos, Marquardt's infectious personality and innate sense of curiousity will have you feeling as though you were being sexy at all those sexy beaches with her.

Bridget's Sexiest Beaches premieres Thursday, March 12 at 10 pm on the Travel Channel.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Did you know that you shouldn’t take St. John’s Wort if you’re on a birth control pill, or have grapefruit/grapefruit juice if you take cholesterol lowering drugs like Lipitor.

Combining certain foods with the drugs you take can be harmful to your health. Just call it a prescription for danger.

Ladies Home Journal editor Julie Bain stops by with a list of food-drug combinations you should avoid.

For more information, visit www.lhj.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Brenda Song stopped by to talk about the new Disney Channel series, The Suite Life on Deck.

A spinoff of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, the new show finds Zack and Cody aboard the S.S. Tipton, a luxury passenger cruise liner owned by London Tipton's (Song) father. The ship cruises the world, its passengers including the students of Seven Seas High--the school London's father is egging his daughter on to attend. On their journeys together, Zack and Cody will continue creating mischief, while London learns the value of living humbly and on meager resources.

Los Angeles-raised Song has been acting since the age of six. After many commercials and television roles during the late 1990s, Song won a Young Artist Award for her work in The Ultimate Christmas Present. She went on to appear in feature films aimed at teens, like College Road Trip. Her movies on the Disney Channel include Get a Clue and Stuck in the Suburbs. She also played the title role in Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.

Catch the next episode of The Suite Life on Deck Fridays at 8pm on the Disney Channel.

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE WEB-EXTRA INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Celebrated drag queen RuPaul is the host, mentor and judge for RuPaul's Drag Race, Logo's new reality series which will be the ultimate in drag queen competitions. The top 9 drag queens in the U.S. will vie for drag stardom as RuPaul presides over eliminations. Contestants include the nation's hottest drag queens, including one voted in by you online.

Each week, joining RuPaul on the judges panel, are fashion journalist and best-selling author Merle Ginsberg and Project Runway breakout star and designer Santino Rice, plus a bevy of celebrity guest judges including: Bob Mackie, Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child), and Lucy Lawless.

Born in San Diego, California, RuPaul is an actress and singer/songwriter who first gained fame in the 1990s when he appeared in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musical albums. RuPaul has on occasion performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles.

Watch new episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race Mondays at 10pm on Logo.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AND DRAG QUEEN CONTEST AFTER THE JUMP...

A Brooklyn woman wanted a short sale of her home last year. She went through a realtor in Queens, but instead of helping her sell her house, he talked her into filing for bankruptcy, so he could benefit. Even after winning a court case against him for fraud, she couldn't get him to pay the damages, that's when she called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Lamar Waldron's new book, Legacy of Secrecy is in stores now. Check out legacyofsecrecy.com for more information. Additionally, Lamar has this message he asked us to pass along to you regarding the early release of secret files:

"Any US Senator or member of Congress is good for people to contact, but there are three with offices in New York City that are particularly important. That's because they are on Judiciary Committees, which have jurisdiction over the FBI. The FBI is a good place to start because of the "hundreds of hours" of secret tapes of Carlos Marcello they've never released, in addition to hundreds of unreleased pages from the CAMTEX operation that generated the tapes and Marcello's confession.

Plus, the FBI is still withholding files about King's assassination, the Tampa attempt against JFK, the Mafia's infiltration of JFK's coup plan, plus the FBI's copies of CIA and Secret Service files that are still withheld.

READ MORE AND WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Jim Florentine spoke with us about co-hosting the second season of VH1 Classic's hit series, That Metal Show.

Jamieson is a comedian best known for his characters "Special Ed" and "Bobby Fletcher" created for a series of prank phone calls featured on the Comedy Central television show Crank Yankers.

That Metal Show is principally hosted by Eddie Trunk, while Florentine co-hosts wth Don Jamieson. The show focuses on discussions about heavy metal and hard rock music, past and present. Among the regular segments are round table discussions and debates between the three regular hosts, interviews with heavy metal musicians, "Stump the Trunk," where audience members ask trivia questions of host Eddie Trunk, and "Throwdown", where the hosts and guests debate great moments in metal history.

That Metal Show premieres tomorrow at 11pm on VH1 Classic.

This Saturday's New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats game is on WPIX and we're showing some spirit with the Knicks City Kids. The young and talented dancers and performing at Saturday's game and are giving us a little preview.

For more information on the Knicks City Kids, visit www.nba.com/knicks/kcd02/kids.html.

PICTURE AND PERFORMANCE AFTER THE JUMP...

Some people in the newsroom (I won't name names) have always made fun of my singing, and to be honest maybe they should. It doesn't matter that much to me as long as I'm getting the respect I deserve for my dance skills.

So what if Beyonce didn't pick me to be a backup dancer in her Single Ladies video, someone else, has finally seen that I have potential.

That person is none other than award winning actor Bryan Cranston. Yes, you do know him. He played the dad on Malcolm in the Middle and he's now on the critically acclaimed show Breaking Bad. I didn't break dance when , I did the Robot and he danced with me. Need I say more? Watch the video and learn from the pros.

America runs on Dunkin, well all of America except Margaret Cho...she likes Starbucks. That's just for her hot drinks though. Ms. Cho was taking her show on the road so when she stopped by our studio to talk about her plans, I figured she deserved to get GRILLED. And that's exactly what I did.

And boy did I find out some interesting stuff. Everything from team Jolie to granny panties. Yup granny panties. What's that all about? Watch the video to find out how that all came up.

Okay, so the Knicks City Kids aren't celebrities or household names yet, but I have a feeling that there could be a Beyonce or a Justin Timberlake in the mix. So why not get first dibs before they hit it really big and only agree to appear on Oprah.
You wait and see, VH1 will be calling me for this video very soon, for one of those Before They Were Rock Stars type shows. You better beleive it. Check out the craziness and watch the Knicks City Kids get GRILLED!!!

Feta or goat cheese? Ground turkey or sirloin? Health Magazine reveals 10 surprising swaps to put the top stay-slim picks in your shopping cart. We'll talk about grapes, vanilla soy milk, vitamin-fortified water, couscous, ground turkey and goat cheese.

Rethink: Grapes
Reach for: Raspberries
While grapes are heart-healthy, they're very low in fiber and vitamins. Raspberries are a great source of soluble fiber, which helps reduce bad cholesterol and makes you feel fuller faster --great news for your waistline. Save money by buying frozen when raspberries are out of season.

VIDEO AND MORE FOOD ALTERNATIVES AFTER THE JUMP...

So I gave comedian Jim Florentine these choices during his GRILLED session: Robin Hood or Robin Quivers? He picked Robin Quivers. She's Howard Stern's sidekick.

And if that question doesn't make sense to you, I'll explain. Robin Quivers, not Hood and Mr. Florentine used to date, so I thought I'd be funny and bring that up.

See? There's a method to my madness...Well, he was pretty cool about it. But I had even funnier, smarter questions than that and I'm not just saying it. I really mean it. Just watch the video and see what I mean.

The First Annual Mayor’s Run will be held Saturday, March 7th from 11am to 1pm sponsored by McQuade’s Neighborhood Grill in Lynbrook, Long Island.

Each person will be given a fullpint of "Guinness" which will actually be black water, which they will have to carry while running/walking the entire course of the race. The first person to cross the finish line with the most amount of liquid in their cup will win a trip for two to Ireland, which will be provided by Guinness.

Larry will help runners gear up and get to try his hand at the ultimate obstacle course! He'll also be giving away a $50 gift certificate for McQuade's during the 7 and 8 o'clock hours to the 11th caller to (866) 414-2911.

You can join Larry at McQuade's Neighborhood Grill at 275 Merrick Road in Lynbrook, Long Island. For more information, visit www.mcquadesneighborhoodgrill.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right!
No money required.

On this week's free list:

1) Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Growing up Green
2) Free résumé printing from FedEx

EVENT DETAILS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Margaret Cho came by to talk about the various projects on which she is working.

Also a fashion designer, actress, author, and as of 2008, recording artist, Cho is best known for her stand-up routines, through which she critiques social and political problems, especially those pertaining to race, sexuality, and sex.

Cho is working on an album of comedy songs, for release in 2010. In it, she collaborates with many of her favorite musicians, including Amanda Palmer, Tegan & Sara, Patty Griffin, and Jon Brion. She'll be debuting some of her new songs at two showcases at this year's South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

She is currenty doing a nationwide stand-up tour. For information on tour dates and locations, click here.

WATCH MARGARET CHO'S INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE AFTER THE JUMP...

Click here to see the answer...

'Tis the season to save. With spring right around the corner, here to show us the hottest spring styles and how to get them without spending a dime is Donna Ladd, style director of Madberries.com.

Madberries.com is a style website aimed at giving women the chance to win the latest in fashion, beauty, home and more! They give away items every day, and everything featured on the Web site are products we, the staff, want themselves. They'll share spring trends.

Yes, today we have all the trends you'll be seeing this spring, and the best part - everything here today you can win at Madberries.com.

For a chance to win all of the products listed below, visit Madberries.com.

VIDEO AND PRODUCT DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP...

What people are still buying even though the reins have been pulled in for many other tech gizmos. Kurt and his CyberGuy Deputies preview affordable trends to make your existing gadgets work for you through a tough economy and what new technology is predicted to break through the recession.

Products featured:
- Logitech G19 Keyboard for Gaming, www.logitech.com
- Samsung HMX-H106 Camcorder, www.samsung.com

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Former Malcolm in the Middle dad Bryan Cranston is now heading into the second season of the critically-acclaimed series Breaking Bad.

On the show, Cranston challenges suburban stereotypes by playing a chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin Walt White. White lives in New Mexico with his wife, played by Anna Gunn. Throughout the series, he struggles to reconcile these two worlds--a ruthless world of drugs with an emotionally fraught personal life.

Born to a show business family and raised in Southern California, Cranston made his acting debut at the age of eight when he appeared in a United Way commercial. Cranston's performance on Malcolm in the Middle has earned him two Emmy nominations, as well as, a Golden Globe Nomination. His feature film credits include Little Miss Sunshine, Seeing Other People, and That Thing You Do.

Breaking Bad airs Sundays at 10pm on AMC.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

This week's Friday Forecaster is Chris Booker. He's a DJ on K-Rock 92.3 and you can hear him weekdays from 2pm to 7pm. Booker served as our fill-in entertainment reporter in 2005.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

A Brooklyn man bought a television for $1,600 with an extended warranty for $250 from a New Jersey-based company called Repair Tech.

It turns out the warranty company went out of business and his TV is now having troubles. With the warranty worthless, that's when he called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

It's a common scenario: crunch after crunch, those rock solid abs are still hiding behind that pesky layer of belly fat. Well, why not try eating to get rid of that tummy? That's right, there are certain foods that can help to reduce that ab-hiding flab.

Sharon Liao from Shape Magazine joins us with more on the foods you should eat more of and less of.is here with foods that could be causing that belly bloat and those that could minimize it.

For more information check out the latest issue of Shape Magazine or visit www.shape.com.

TUMMY-FRIENDLY FOOD AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

At the very begining of this interview, you'll notice that Keke Palmer and I were arguing before I even GRILLED her. Why? Well here's what happened: someone told her that she looks like model/actress Joy Bryant. I agreed, saying that it's a great compliment since Ms. Bryant is a gorgeous woman.

I then went into my "poor old me" routine, complaining about how I don't look like anyone. She tried to make me feel better and told me that I look like Tracey Morgan. Okay, she didn't say Tracey Morgan, I won't say who she said I look like, but that started our little fight and you can catch a bit of the action in the video...

Actress Keke Palmer stopped by to talk about her new show, True Jackson VP.

On the show, Palmer plays True Jackson, a 15-year old who has just been granted the opportunity of a lifetime when her idol hires her as Vice President of his fashiohn empire. We will follow Jackson's journey as she tries to navigate her way in her new, intimidating environment.

Palmer's talents span film, television, and music. Palmer was the title character in the sleeper hit Akeelah and the Bee, opposite actor Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. For her efforts on the film, she won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture as well as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture by the Black Movie Awards.

On the small screen Palmer starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In! in January of 2007. In 2007 Palmer's debut pop/R&B album So Uncool dropped for Atlantic Records.

Tune in to Nickelodeon Saturdays at 8:30 pm to catch True Jackson VP.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Who says you have to go to the Swiss Alps to hit the slopes?

Use the challenging new Indoboard along with the body bar to sculpt long, lean legs without ever touching powder. This unique new piece of equipment simulates the instability of a snowboard or skis to strengthen the muscles necessary for your favorite winter sport.

Terrell Pruitt of Crunch was here to show us how to work out with the Indoboard. For more information, visit www.crunch.com.

EXERCISES AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

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For many women, getting pregnant-or trying to-is the definitive time to move toward a healthier lifestyle, from mom and baby's diet to household products to a little pampering for stress management.

Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of healthier alternatives to support a growing family's wellness. Mary Thurber, a Whole Foods Market expert, will explain "how-to" makeover mom's diaper bag with natural alternatives that work just as well as their conventional counterparts.

VIDEO AND PRODUCT DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP...

In the Hallmark Channel Original Movie Relative Stranger, Eriq LaSalle plays Walter Clemons, a former football star, sidelined by a knee injury, who had been chased from home six years previously, haunted by his failed potential. He turns to alcohol and solitary defeat, leaving his family to cope with being abandoned by him.

Clemons suddenly finds himself forced to face the ghosts of his past upon the death of his father. He has two children whom he hasn’t seen or spoken to in six years.This time, he is prepared to try and make amends with his family.

La Salle was born and raised in Hartford, CT. He studied two years at Juillard and graduated from New York University graduate theater program with a B.F.A. degree in theater. He has appeared in films such as One Hour Photo and has made television appearances on Without a Trace. You can expect to catch him in an upcoming episode of ER, which will air this Thursday at 10 pm on NBC.

The Hallmark Original Movie Premiere of Relative Stranger will take place this Saturday, March 14 at 9pm on the Hallmark Channel.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

The president's ambitious web projects are loaded with glitches. Kurt the CyberGuy looks into how the White House lacks the web tools necessary to keep up with the demand from the Oval Office. How their online effort is hitting and missing with the new administration connecting with America.

Follow what the CyberGuy is doing at www.twitter.com/cyberguy.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Tony Geary came by to talk about being on General Hospital, as well as partaking in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS as part of the Soap Nation tour.

Geary plays Luke Spencer on the popular soap. The character began as a "hit man" and later as a rapist who fell in love and subsequently married his victim, Laura Webber (played by Genie Francis). The character became so popular that the writers turned Luke into a protagonist. He garnered the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" for General Hospital six times and has guest-starred on a memorable episode of All in the Family.

In taking part in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Geary is abiding to the mission statement that he will utilize his talents to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV or AIDS. With his services, he promises to increase awareness and understanding of the diseases by encouraging public support dedicated to benefitting those who are ill from HIV or AIDS. To find out more about upcoming events, please visit: www.broadwaycares.org.

You can catch Geary on General Hospital weekdays at 3 pm on ABC.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Larry is live at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island doing drills with firefighters.

He'll talk to Captain Mike Hayes and Firefighter Eric Schroder at the FDNY Fire Academy who will teach Larry how firefighters will bail out the window of a burning building and repel out of a smokey building.

Be sure to stay tuned because Larry has a surprise for someone at the Fire Academy and a special announcement for PIX Morning News viewers!

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Sukanya Krishnan PIX Morning News

Hi Everybody,

So, I guess the cat is out of the bag now. I wasn't just putting on weight for no reason at all :)

My husband and I are very excited to share this news with all of you. Right now, I'm 18 weeks pregnant. The baby weighs about 9 ounces and according to my OB/GYN, the baby is in the 98th percentile when it comes to height and weight.

We are not finding out the sex, though I feel in my heart it is a baby boy. I guess we will just have to wait and see on August 11th what God has planned for us. All I can say is that we are hoping for a happy and healthy baby.

Thanks for always being so supportive of me and I hope to keep you posted about this new adventure into motherhood.

- Sukanya

SEE MY SONOGRAM AND ON-AIR ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER THE JUMP...

If you ever want to make nice with Tony Geary, a-k-a Luke on General Hospital offer to buy him lunch or dinner or anything edible at Tavern on the Green; it's his favorite restaurant in the city. And if you get really lucky, he might even sing to you because he loves to sing...that's his hidden talent.

What else did he reveal about himself when I GRILLED the soap star? Well, you have to check out the video below to find out. And if you're a true GH fan, you will. Luke and Laura would be so proud!!! Seriously.

Two young sisters were hired to work at an East Village yogurt shop last year. They worked long hours, off the books, without lunch or breaks and one of them was still a minor.

In January, they weren't paid for several weeks, but kept working, expecting to get paid. At the end of the month they got paid for the last week, but never got retro payment for those early weeks.

Finally, during an in-house mutiny by employees, they quit and called Help Me Howard to help them get their back pay.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Back in November, we ran our Wedding Wednesdays contest and gave away a diamond engagement ring from Michael C. Fina, a honeymoon to Oahu, dinner for two at a romantic restaurant, and a wedding dress from Kleinfeld Bridal.

Well, if you ever wondered who wins these contests, we've got the answer. PIX's Tamsen Fadal follows around the winner of wedding dress giveaway as she looks for her dream gown. Kleinfeld is the premier spot for the most beautiful gowns. The store also works with TLC's show Say Yes to the Dress each week to help women around the country find their perfect dress.

For more information, visit www.kleinfeldbridal.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Mixing rock with drops of blue-eyed soul, vintage R&B and melodic pop radio anthems, Parachute VA has arrived. The band met in high school, and their first single "She Is Love" is featured in a new Nivea commercial (see the jump).

The guys recently performed in Times Square for the New Year's Eve show alongside of the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift. The band prides itself on its live show, having toured with the likes of Jon McLaughlin, O.A.R., Switchfoot, Duffy and Matt Nathanson.

For more information on Parachute VA, visit www.myspace.com/parachuteva.

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE AFTER THE JUMP...

You may scrub your toilet and countertops until they shine, but when it comes to the war between you and germs, consider yourself outnumbered. Here with advice for wiping out some of the worst germs you may be overlooking is Rebekah George from Prevention Magazine.

George said that the kitchen faucet, dish towel, refrigerator seal, soap dispenser, ketchup bottle, vacuum cleaner and welcome mat are all breeding grounds for germs. For more about these germ hot spots and others and how to wipe them out, check out the latest issue of Prevention Magazine or visit www.prevention.com.

GERM HOT SPOTS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Who needs the big leagues when a lot of undiscovered talent is ready to been seen in our own backyards? PIX's Larry Hoff is on a mission to hang with the hottest high school athletes in our area to see what makes their team great.

Today, Larry will be taking on the Uniondale Wrestling team as they put him through the drill paces and take him straight to the mat.

You can join him today at Uniondale High School, located at 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale New York.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Actress/singer Lynda Carter stopped by the studio this morning to talk about her upcoming performance at Lincoln Center where she will be performing songs from her forthcoming debut album At Last.

Although Carter is best known for her role as TV’s Wonder Woman in the 1970s, her first passion was actually singing. In her touring concert, “An Evening with Lynda Carter,” displays her repertoire of jazz standards, blues, and country in a dynamic and sexy show.

You can catch Carter at the Allen Roon in Lincoln Center on March 13 and 14 at 7:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

For more information, visit www.lyndacartersings.com.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

The folks from the North Shore Animal League stopped by with some four-legged friends in need of loving homes.

For more information on how to adopt a pet, visit www.animalleague.org or call (516) 883-7575.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER

Our own Sukanya Krishnan announced yesterday that she’s pregnant, so we’re giving her the opportunity to ask OB/GYN Dr. Robert Rubino of the Rubino OB/GYN Group her most burning questions. Dr. Rubino had these tips:

PREGNANCY DOs
• Do get your family history and your husband's family history
• Do listen to your doctor
• Do exercise, walk an hour per day

PREGNANCY DON'Ts • Don't gain too much weight (don't eat for two)
• Don't be anxious, pregnancy is a natural state of being
• Don't forget to take a vitamin with omega 3 or fish oil

For more information on the Rubino OB/GYN Group, visit www.rubinoobgyn.com.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Baby Week continues! We're revealing the must eat foods for each trimester of your pregnancy.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Tyson Beckford is returning as the host of the second season of Make Me a Supermodel.

Along with hosting, Beckford will serve as a mentor to the male models. Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio joins the show as mentor to the female models. A new panel of renowned judges will also join the crew, including world-renowned designer Catherine Malandrino, model Jenny Shimizu, and famed photographer Perou and international model scout Marlon. The show follows a group of beautiful and talented men and women who will compete for $100,000 and a contract with New York Model Management.

Beckford is one of the most well-known supermodels in the industry today. His career exploded when he appeared in the Fall 1994 Polo Sport campaign. This subsequently led to a modeling contract with Ralph Lauren and served as the spokesmodel for Polo Sport and Polo Fragrances. He has also delved into acting, taking on roles in Into The Blue, Zoolander, Biker Boyz, Hotel California and Kings of the Evening. Beckford's motor sports interests have led him to become a licensed driving member of SuperTuners and host of his own auto show.

Catch Make Me a Supermodel tomorrow at 10 pm on Bravo.

WATCH THE INTERVIEWS AFTER THE JUMP...

Sukanya Krishnan PIX Morning News

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your prayers and e-mails. I read each and every one of them and was so very touched by everything you all had to say.

You're all very nice to say I had a glow because I feel like a small shed these days :) Not quiet a house yet, lol.

I will keep you posted in regards to the baby and everything that comes with that. I'm going to start blogging and will keep you posted on anything else that comes to mind regarding the baby. I need your help so give me some ideas. Tell me what you think.

All the best,
Sukanya

I'm finally going to learn how to ride a bicycle. Tyson Beckford promised he'd teach me. He really did. I got it on tape if you happen not to believe me.

Anyways, now I know why People Magazine named him one of their 50 most beautiful people. And I agree, he's beautiful inside and out. I also found out that he's a Yankee fan; he has more than 33 tattoos and thats true; I counted them myself (in my dreams).

Okay, here's the truth, he said he stopped keeping count after the 33rd one. Find out what else he revealed about himself when I GRILLED him. Check out the video.

With all the Ponzi schemes in the news these days, how do you spot one and protect yourself from getting caught up in one? We talk to a lawyer who prosecuted one and put the guy in jail.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Some brides are ditching the local banquet hall in favor of an opulent destination wedding. If wedding bells are in your future, TheKnot.com has the hottest locales and all the information you'll need to make your dream a reality. Among their suggestions were:

• Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Montreal, Canada

Check out their ideas as well as rules and requirements for making it legal at http://wedding.theknot.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The anchors will sound off on several on-going Hollywood trends. This week: the fedora hat.

Some guys can pull it off and look cool. Others, though, simply can’t and look like tools. The anchors weigh in on who wears it best

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Olympic Silver medalist Sasha Cohen and six-time Canadian champion Jennifer Robinson stopped by the studio this morning to talk about their preparation for the upcoming Smucker's Stars on Ice "On the Edge: The Heart Of The Champion" performances in Long Island, NY on March 23 and East Rutherford, New Jersey on March 24.

In the year leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, skating fans will not find a better preview of America's favorite Olympic sport. Cohen recently announced that she is currently in training for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. She spoke about what it takes to be an Olympic athlete and her plans to compete.

For more information on the show, visit www.smuckers.com/promotions/stars_on_ice.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Chef Joe DiMaggio, Jr. came by to cook up one of his most celebrated dishes for us -- Sicilian Tuna and White Bean Bruschetta.

A distant relative of baseball great Joe DiMaggio, Chef Joe DiMaggio, Jr. is a 30-year veteran of the industry who has conceived and built restaurants, hotels, casinos spanning the globe. We cooked Sicilian Tuna and White Bean Bruschetta with the renowned chef.

DiMaggio, Jr. recently joined the staff of Zanaro’s Italian Restaurant, in White Plains, NY. As a child, Chef DiMaggio spent six months a year in Manhattan working at his family’s restaurant and the other half in Italy working at the family’s hotel in Bologna under pre-eminent Chef Piero Carbonetti. Zanaro's new menu is rife with recipes that are colored by age-old favorites his grandmothers passed to him over time. Think of the food as an exciting take on true peasant Italian cooking, as can be attested to in the subtle taste of mint in his eggplant appetizer or a flatbread topped with lamb accented with mint and Middle Eastern curry.

For more information on Zanaro's, visit: www.zanarosny.com.

RECIPE, PICTURE AND COOKING DEMO AFTER THE JUMP...

Who needs the big leagues when a lot of undiscovered talent is ready to been seen in our own backyards? PIX's Larry Hoff is on a mission to hang with the hottest high school athletes in our area to see what makes their team great.

Today, Larry will be taking on the New Providence High School Baseball team and speak to Head Coach Chris Brodeur. Watch them in action and get a preview of the season, including this weekend's game against Ridge High School.

You can join Larry at New Providence High School, located at 356 Elkwood Ave, New Providence, New Jersey.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Mary Stuart Masterson makes her feature film directorial debut in the new film The Cake Eaters.

Written and co-starring Jayce Bartok, the quirky drama is set in a small town and explores the lives of two interconnected families as the struggle to confront their harrowing past, cope with loss, and discover love in the process. The cast includes Twilight's Kristen Stewart, Aaron Stanford, Talia Balsam, and Oscar-nominated Melissa Leo (Frozen River).

Mary Stuart Masterson is the daughter of screenwriter, director and actor Peter Masterson and Tony-award winning actress Carlin Glynn. Raised in New York City, Masterson made her acting debut in 1975's The Stepford Wives opposite her father. Her other fillm credits include Fried Green Tomatoes and Immediate Family, for which she received a National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has appeared on Broadway's "Alice in Wonderland" at the age of sixteen and went on to star in numerous plays such as "National Anthems" with Kevin Spacey and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

The Cake Eaters hits theaters this Friday.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

How can you tell when you are talking with a real celebrity or an impostor? Kurt the CyberGuy looks at new technology that says it can tell the difference on popular social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, and how big name stars are dropping inside dirt on Twitter.

You can keep up with Kurt at www.twitter.com/cyberguy.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

It's Patient Safety Awareness Week and Orthopedic Expert Ira Kirschenbaum, MD stops by to discuss some of the most common bone problems. He'll discuss:

1. If Alex Rodriguez's hip injury can happen to any patient and if surgery can make it better.
2. Tiger Woods' knee injury and how it can possibly get fixed.
3. The population is staying more active as we get older. What are some general recommendations to prevent injuries and stay active?
4. The most common foot problems like bunions, corns, warts are they genetic and how can they be prevented.

Dr. Ira Kirschenbaum is currently the chairman, department of orthopaedic surgery, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, a major teaching affiliate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is also an assistant clinical professor of Orthopaedics at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Kirschenbaum runs a program that delivers Orthopaedic care to one of the largest clinic populations in the country. He's also one of the co-founders of WebMd.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The choices you make during your nine-month journey can boost your baby's health and keep you in tip-top shape through delivery day.

Learn why these nine super-mama foods made our list (some may surprise you), along with easy ways to fold them into your diet. Kate Kelly, managing editor of American Baby Magazine was here to explain.

For all things baby, check out a copy of American Baby Magazine or log onto
www.americanbaby.com.

PREGNANCY FOODS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

He's crass; he's vulgar, and totally irresistable: English comedian and actor Russell Brand stopped by to shower us with his unconventional brand (no pun intended) of humor.

Don't let the title fool you--Brand's new book, entitled My Booky Wook is anything but a fun children's book. Rather, it is Brand's memoir, detailing his life of sex, drugs, and stand-up. My Booky Wook follows Brand before he became famous--a life that was anything but glamorous.

Brand's father left when he was three months old; he was bulimic at twelve and he began drinking heavily and taking drugs by age sixteen. He regularly visited prostitutes in Soho, began cutting himself, took drugs on stage during his stand-up shows, and even set himself on fire while on crack cocaine. In 2003 Russell was told that he would be in prison, a mental hospital, or dead within six months unless he went into rehab. He has now been clean for three years, and hasn’t looked back since. Brand approaches these subjects in My Booky Wook in an approachable and entertaining way.

Brand is perhaps best known as having portrayed womanizing rock star Aldous Snow in the hit flick Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He contributed two songs to the film's soundtrack, including the infamous track "Inside of You." He also starred alongside Adam Sandler in the Disney film Bedtime Stories last Christmas. He recently hosted the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

You can catch Brand headlining the Manhattan Center Ballroom tomorrow at 8 pm. To find out more information, click here.

My Booky Wook is in bookstores now. Brand will be signing copies of his book tonight at 7pm at the Barnes & Noble in Union Square.

WATCH THE INTERVIEWS AFTER THE JUMP...

After last Monday's big snowfall, a Staten Island woman shoveled the street outside her house early in the morning and went to work at Staten Island Hospital, where's she's a nurse and works 12-hour shifts.

The next morning on Tuesday, she swept what had blown back onto her sidewalk and went to work for another 12-hour day. Later that day, her son came home to find a ticket on their front door from the sanitation department for $100, stating they had made no attempt to shovel the path.

He took pictures of their shoveled sidewalk as well as the barely plowed street and called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

The hostess with mostest Tracy Stern says, "It's tea time!"

Her hip, new hot spot SALONTEA is now open on the Upper East Side. The Tea Bar serves up a mix of healthy, fun and exotic teas including the owner's special weight loss blend

SALONTEA Tea Bar is located at 155 East 75th Street, near York Street. For more information, visit www.salontea.com.

She's on MTV's new hit reality show, The City--Olivia Palermo spoke with us about the popular show and dished about her co-stars.

The show is a spinoff of The Hills. In The City, star Whitney Port leaves the "hills" of Los Angeles, California to pursue a new job at a global design house, Diane Von Furstenberg in Manhattan. Coupled with a best friend from her past and a guy she's head-over-heels for, Port is taking a huge chance at a brand new life. New friends and blossoming romances, Port finds herself basking in the excitement offered by her new locale, all the while learning important lessons about who to trust and who to be suspicious of.

Palermo is Port's "frenemy" of sorts. A native of the Upper East Side, the socialite is accustomed to the A-list lifestyle, from attending a steady stream of society parties, charity events, and celebrity galas, to hosting her own famed rooftop dinner parties. Like Port, she is also working for Diane von Furstenberg. In and out of the office, Palermo frequently finds her uptown sensibility clashing with Port's downtown vibe. She is undoubtedly teaching Port a thing or two about life in the city.

The City airs Mondays at 10 pm on MTV.

Taking time for breakfast is one of the smartest things you can do for your waistline and your health. Recent research shows that a morning meal that’s 400 to 500 calories helps you feel full and may make it easier to stick to your diet.

The April issue of Fitness Magazine features solutions to breakfast troubles, with five fun and easy meals that will make you want to rise and dine.

Bethany Gumper of Fitness Magazine offered advice for those who say they don’t have time to cook, or hate breakfast and can show examples of meals that are between 400-500 calories.

For more information visit, www.fitnessmagazine.com.

Who needs the big leagues when a lot of undiscovered talent is ready to been seen in our own backyards? PIX's Larry Hoff is on a mission to hang with the hottest high school athletes in our area to see what makes their team great.

Batter up! Larry’s learning how to play the field. He’s trying his hand at the bases. Hoff’s hanging with the Malverne Senior High School Boys' Baseball Team and their Head Coach Tim Young.

You can join him this morning at Malverne Senior High School, located on 80 Ocean Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565.

High School Musical Star Corbin Bleu stopped by to talk about his venture into the world of music.

Bleu has a new album out, entitled Speed of Light. In making this album, Bleu is determined to remind everyone he is a multi-talented entertainer.

His sophomore album shows his diversity as an artist with feel-good tracks like "Celebrate You" and "Moments." The latter track is from the Indie movie Freestyle where Corbin plays a young motorcross racer looking to win the Amateur National Championships while also supporting his family. The new album also shows Corbin's growth and development as a singer with the edgier tracks Willing To Go, Paralyzed and Fear of Flying. Bleu recently performed "Moments That Matter" at the Kids Inaugural Concert in DC for Michelle Obama and the girls.

Speed of Light is in stores today.

Kanye West's mom's trip to the plastic surgeon turned fatal. Usher missed the Grammys because his wife suffered complications during a surgery in Brazil.

So you've made the decision; you are going to have surgery. You’ve met with your surgeon. You have a good idea what will happen during the operation. But how much do you know about the anesthesia?

Did you know, by the age of 50 most people have had at least three or four encounters with some form of anesthesia? Did you also know one in seven Americans will be getting plastic surgery in the next five years. And by the year 2015, 55 million plastic surgery procedures will be done annually.

Dr. Panchali Dhar, author of Before the Scalpel: What Everyone Should Know about Anesthesia stops by to fill us in on the risks and rewards of plastic surgery.

Hannah Macdonald of Bump Brooklyn stopped by with tips on how to dress for each trimester of pregnancy.

Bump Brooklyn is located at 464 Bergen Street, between 5th & Flatbush, Brooklyn NY 11217. For more information, call them at (718) 638-1960 or log onto www.bumpbrooklyn.com.

What's an "bump" without the perfect accessories! Jewelry provided by Donald Huber Jewelry. For more info log onto www.donaldhuber.com.

Actress Malin Akerman stopped by the show to talk about her role as Laurie Jupiter / Silk Spectre II in the latest comic book film Watchmen, which is in theaters now.

Watchmen is directed by Zach Snyder, who also directed such epics as 300 and the screenplay was penned by David Hayter and Alex Tse.

Based on the 1980s graphic novel by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, the film is set in 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are a regular fixture on everyday society. When masked vigilante and antihero Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) discovers that one of his former colleages was murdered, he goes on a mission to unravel a plot to kill and discredit all superheroes. In doing so, he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion, including the Silk Spectre II (Akerman) so as to better watch over humanity.

But, who watches the Watchmen? Loads of fans who helped the movie dominate the box office last weekend to the tune of $55.7 million.

Akerman was born in Stockholm, Sweden and raised in Toronto, Canada. Fans will recognize her from recentl films such as 27 Dresses, The Heartbreak Kid and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. She also played Juna Millken in the TV series The Comeback. You can catch Akerman in the upcoming films The Proposal and Couples Retreat.

Seriously, If I were 16, I would totally want to be Mrs. Corbin Bleu. Wait a minute, I'm waaaay older than 16 and I still want to be Mrs. Bleu. Oh well, he's sooo adorable and super polite, what can I say?

As a member of the High School Musical's graduating class, he's quickly moved on to bigger and better things, faster than the "Speed of Light." Ha! that's the title of his album which is in stores now.

Anyways, you'd expect someone that famous and that cute to be somewhat full of it, right? Wrong, not my Corbin.

I'm beginning to think he's a little too perfect and I'm sooo jealous of his hair...but then again, aren't we all? We talked about his favorite hair product when he was GRILLED by yours truly and I was a bit surprised. Here's a hint, you can buy it at any drug store. I'm heading out now to buy some to try on my afro. Maybe I should just stick to Soul Glo.... If you really want to know the secret to Corbin's magnificent mane, aside from genetics, check out this GRILLED video.

Last year, Howard took on a Queens company that promises to help home-owners clear up violations on new properties for a fee and then never did anything.

Howard goes back to find out if Tulio Camino Ram ever did the job he was paid $17,000 to do.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Tax time doesn't mean you have to go broke. Just a few simple steps will start putting money in your pocket immediately.

Shape Magazine's Jacqui Stafford has the scoop on potential write-offs, energy savers and savvy shopping. She suggests:

• Give a little to get a little
• Log travel miles
• Take an extra course
• Go green to save green
• Be a recessionista

You can follow her economic rescue plan, get the latest tips on saving on everything from fashion to grocery bills, in the new issue of Shape Magazine or visit www.shape.com.

Did you know that potato chips were invented in 1853? Tomorrow is National Potato Chip Day. To celebrate, we'll have Lay's potato chips on set and also give some fun facts about the history and how the chips were made.

For more information and fun facts, head over to www.fritolay.com.

PIX's Craig Treadway sat down with Chief Market Analyst Wayne Kaufman to discuss the day of good news experienced at Wall Street.

Yesterday, the Dow Jones industrials posted their biggest three-day jump since last November, shooting up 240 points an bringing its 3-day gains to more than 600 points. Companies such as Bank of America declared that they have been profitable this year and General Motors stated that they need not the $2 million loan they previously requested. Kaufman allows that "it's possible we're at the initiation of what could be a significant rally"; however, he also adds that it may be too early to celebrate just yet.

Kaufman notes that retail sales have improved--a good indicator for the state of our economy. As far as Madoff's guilty plea is concerned, he believes the scandal could have created a conflict for potential new clients at the firm who are begging the question, "Where's my money going to be housed?...It has created a bit of a problem."

From new music, to top video games, Entertainment Weekly is counting down your must-haves for the week. And here to tell us their favorites is editor Meeta Argawal. She spoke about:

• DVD release of movie Elegy, starring Penelope Cruz
• My Booky Wook by comedian Russell Brand
• New trailer release of upcoming movie Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp
• The Roots will be part of Jimmy Fallon's new night-time talk show
• Watchmen, which opened first last week, and actor Jackie Earle Haley's performance in it

To see what else made Entertainment Weekly's Must List, check out the latest edition on newsstands now or visit www.ew.com.

First we had the Knick City Kids dancers. Now the Knicks City Dancers are performing live PIX Plaza to get fans psyched for the game: the Knicks vs. the Timberwolves and the game airs right here on PIX11.

For more information, www.nba.com/knicks.

Judge and legal expert Jeanine Pirro spoke with John and Suki about the ongoing Madoff scandal and what still needs to be unearthed to finally put the issue to rest.

According to Pirro, the judge only accepted Madoff's solitary plea of guilt because the schemer agreed to take responsiblity for everything he was charged with. The issue lies beyond these charges--Pirro asserts that should the feds have decided to charge Madoff on more than his eleven counts, it would require him to reveal the identities of those he conspired with. At the end of the day, Pirro said, "The feds just wanted a conviction and to move on."

Although Madoff's family has made a point of distancing itself from him and the limelight, Pirro pointed out several suspicious goings-on of Ruth Madoff in relation to her husband. Following a late November withdrawal of $5.5 million from a brokerage firm partly owned by Bernie Madoff, Ruth made a second withdrawal of $10 million the very day prior to her husband's arrest. Pirro stresses that it is important to keep in mind Ruth's $45 million in municipal bonds, and the fact that she is her husband's bookkeeper.

Pirro foresees jailtime for Madoff: "This is a very corrupt organization that is not the result of one person's fraud. It's a big operation."

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required!

On this week's free list:
1. BLISS Spas are giving their first 25 guests a free eyebrow waxing at each of their locations
2. Join 7-Eleven for a Grand Opening Celebration in Queens Village on March 27th. This is their 100th store to join the company so they're throwing a huge party at 10am with sandwiches and music by HOT97.

The greatest show on earth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to town and we're giving you a preview of the show and Larry will somehow be a part of it He's at the Izod Center in the Meadowlands where the circus can be seen right now.

You can catch the Ringling Brothers show at the Izod Center, loacted at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.ringling.com.

Sebastian Stan is everywhere these days. Along with having starred in two episodes of Gossip Girl as Carter Baizen, he is also on the new show Kings and the movie The Education of Charlie Banks.

From executive producer Michael Green, NBC's new series, Kings is a contemporary re-telling of the timeless tale of David and Goliath. This series is an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances--and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom. Stan stars as Jack Benjamin, the arrogant son of King Silas. Catch the two-hour series premiere this Sunday at 8 pm.

The Education of Charlie Banks features Jesse Eisenberg in the title role as a young man whose sheltered world at his Ivy League campus is shaken when Mick (Jason Ritter), an old acquaintance with a violent past, unexpectedly reappears in his life. Mick uses his easy charm to win over Charlie's friends and his crush, and soon integrates himself fully in his life. Stan stars as Leo.

The film is set in the early '80's against the backdrop of Greenwich Village and an elite academic institution in Upstate New York. Fred Durst makes his directorial debut in this stirring coming-of-age story about trusting your instincts, your friends and yourself. The Education of Charlie Banks hits theaters March 27.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I am 24-years-old and would like to know, why do I get so sleepy after I drink coffee? It's been happening for years now.
Yamilet

2. I have an armpit sweating issue. I've tried multiple deodorants, including the expensive ones, but nothing helps. Is there a reason I sweat so much? What can I do to eliminate or control this problem?
Jessica, Brooklyn

3. What can people do to help me prevent the outbreak of meningitis?
Shannon, Mount Vernon

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Parenting is hard enough, so why not enlist the help of a few gadgets and gizmos to make your life easier! Here with the latest baby gear is deputy editor of the TheBump.com Kate Ward. She suggested:

1. Squirt Baby Food Dispensing Spoon, www.booninc.com, $7.99
2. Itzbeen Baby Care Timer, www.itzbeen.com, $25.99
3. Summer Infant Flat Screen Color Video Monitor, www.babiesrus.com, $229.99
4. Baby Crying Analyzer, www.whycry.com, $99
5. Child Reminder Safety System, www.babyalert.info, $69.95
6. Pod Bouncer, www.combi-intl.com, $79.99
7. Skip Hop Studio Diaper Tote, www.giggle.com, $89

For more information, visit www.thebump.com.

FDNY firefighter Jerry Horton will be here to do the weather and talk about the St. Patrick's Day Concert with World-Renowned Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan in which proceeds to benefit The Scholarship Fund of Fallen FDNY Firefighter Danny Pujdak.

For tickets and more information, visit www.dannypujdak.com.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Tamsen Fadal spotlights three women who started their own businesses that help other women.

Two entrepreneurs designed a hospital gown that gives you a little more coverage than the traditional one. Its called the digni-tee and it has snaps at the side. The tee is available in hospital gift shops and at Underneath It All, a boutique specializing in gear for women dealing with cancer. Underneath It All is located at two locations:

- 444 E 75th St #1B
- 160 East 34th St 4th flr

For more info, go to www.underneathitallnyc.com.

The other entrepreneur was inspired to design head scarves after her own bout with cancer. It's specially desgined to stay on with a snug fit. You can find out more about the Abonita scarf at www.abonitascarf.com.

Today marks the first day of Yo-Yo Skills week. To celebrate, Pat Cuartero, the CEO of YoYoNation.com and a World Yo-Yo Champion, is stopping by to show us some tricks.

For more information, log onto www.YoYoNation.com.

Last year parents of a Bronx kindergarten class had a stepping up ceremony, in which the children "graduated" up to their next level and wore little caps and gowns. Unfortunately, the 2008 sashes, the children were supposed to wear and which parents had paid in total $1,000 for, never materialized. After waiting nearly a year, they called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

She's ths star of MTV's new hit reality show, The City--Whitney Port spoke with us about the popular show. One of her co-stars Olivia Palermo, also stopped by the show last week to dish about the reality series.

The show is a spinoff of The Hills. In The City, Port leaves her native "hills" of Los Angeles, California to pursue a new job at a global design house -- Diane Von Furstenberg in Manhattan. Coupled with a best friend from her past and a guy she's head-over-heels for, Port is taking a huge chance at a brand new life. New friends and blossoming romances, Port finds herself basking in the excitement offered by her new locale, all the while learning important lessons about who she should invest her trust in.

The season finale of The City airs tonight, Monday, March 16 at 10pm on MTV.

Charissa Che contributed to this post.

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, we are checking out all that the motherland has to offer. Bernard McMullan from Tourism Ireland stopped by to tell us where to go and what to do on the Emerald Isle. He mentioned seeing the castles, going golfing or fishing, and visiting Dublin and Northern Ireland.

For more information on traveling Ireland, visit www.tourismireland.com. To learn more about St. Patrick's Day, visit www.wpix.com/holiday.

The third week of March is "American Chocolate Week." Don't worry about hitting the treadmill, because eating chocolate every day can be healthy.

A recent study in the Netherlands showed that eating the equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day could lower blood pressure and also reduce the risk of death by up to 50%.

Chocolate also contains three chemicals that are good for your brain, and can make you feel better. So, don't feel bad the next time you reach for that chocolate bar.

For more information, visit www.divinechocolate.com, www.m-ms.com, www.mars.com, www.godiva.com and www.nestle.com.

Celtic Crossroads will be visiting LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Long Island City, Queens from Ireland. The critically acclaimed troop has been called explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship.

Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz whilst pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Larry will get a lesson in Celtic music straight from the source.

The Celtic Crossroads will be performing at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College, located at 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101.

For more information on the Celtic Crossroads, visit www.celticcrossroads.ie. For more information on the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, visit www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac or call (718) 482-7200.

Kat Von D, star of TLC's L.A. Ink and owner of High Voltage Tattoo, stopped by to talk about her newly released book of the same name High Voltage Tattoo.

Born Katherine von Drachenberg, this Mexican-Argentine tattoo artist got her first ink when she was 14 on her ankle. It was an Old English letter "J" to remind her of a love lost. Two years later, she started work at her first professional shop, Sin City Tattoo in California, which eventually led her to work at another shop -- True Tattoo.

Kat Von D is currently dating Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx. She is helping him touch up his many tattoos and both have matching tattoos of a man in a red shirt holding a cane.

High Voltage Tattoo is available in stores now.

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z call his the world's best personal trainer. And no wonder. Fitness expert Marco Borges has heard every excuse in the book like "I have no time, I'm not sure where to start, I don't want to get hurt." Sound familiar? He joins us today with his "No Excuses" workout to transform your body for life.

• Squat Press - Works quadriceps and shoulders
• Reverse Lunge Press - Tones and shapes thighs, butt and calves
• Tones and shapes thighs, butt and calves
• Reverse Dip - Works triceps

For Borges' "No Excuses Workout," check out his book Power Moves: The Four Motions To Transform Your Body For Life. For more information on Borges, visit www.marcoborges.com.

Lose weight while you sleep! Sound too good to be true? Here to tell us how to drop pounds while catching some Zs is sleep expert and author of Beauty Sleep Dr. Michael Breus.

Studies show that sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on hormones that control appetite, cravings and the metabolism of fat. According to Dr. Breus, the average woman gets 6 hours 40 minutes. For this diet, he recommends catching at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep.

Filmmaker Rob Spence embeds a wireless video camera and a transmitter into his prosthetic eye. His goal? To record the world from a perspective that’s never been seen before. Kurt the CyberGuy finds out how this artist is raising eye-popping privacy issues with his new ability to secretly become a video surveillance machine.

For more information, visit www.eyeborgproject.com.

Kurt is asking: How do you feel about hidden cameras capturing your every move? Click here to answer Kurt.

Click here to become Kurt’s friend on Facebook.

Actress Jane Fonda stopped by the studio to talk about returning to Broadway after 25 years and her starring role as Dr. Katherine Brandt in the dramatic Broadway play "33 Variations, " which is on from now til May 24.

"33 Variations" tells the story of Katherine Brandt, a woman racing against time to solve the riddle of a composer’s 200-year-old obsession. As she faces her daughter, her past and Beethoven himself, Katherine must struggle to embrace the legacy of her own life. "Memory and music combine to transport you from present-day New York to 19th-century Austria, in this extraordinary new American play about passion, parenthood and the moments of beauty that can transform a life," according to the play's official website.

Fonda's long acting career includes winning an Oscar for Best Actress in 1971 for Klute and in 1978 for Coming Home) as well as an Emmy for her performance in "The Dollmaker." Her movie credits include recent films Monster-in-Law, Georgia Rule and Coming Home. In May 2005, Fonda published her memoir My Life So Far. She has long been known for activism and advocacy on environmental issues, human rights and the empowerment of women and girls.

"33 Variations" is playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on 230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. For show and ticket information, visit www.33variations.com. To read Fonda's blog about the play, visit www.janefonda.com.

Perhaps in an effort to remind us of more care-free times, brands are incorporating icons from years past and nostalgic favorites from customers' youth into their new spring lineups.

Here are some of the best new offerings, along with tips based on my personal testing of each as to what is worth splurging on this season.

For more of Jenn Falik’s favorites, log onto www.jennfalik.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennfalik.

In part one, we met a Brooklyn woman wanted a short sale of her home last year, so she went through a realtor in Queens. But instead of helping her sell her house, he talked her into filing for bankruptcy, so he could benefit.

Even after winning a court case against him for fraud, she still couldn't get him to pay the damages, and that's when she called Help Me Howard. Today, in part two, he finally pays up.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Did you know that 4 million pints of Guinness are brewed at the St. James Brewery in Dublin each day? Here to show us how to pour the perfect pint is someone who know all about each of these pints -- Guinness Master Brewer Fergal Murray.

Terry Condon, general manager of Gallagher's Steak House stopped by to share with us their recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage with special ingredient -- Guinness! Condon hails from County Cork, Ireland.

Gallagher's Steak House was established in 1927 and is located at 228 West 52nd Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. Gallagher's is a popular stop before and after the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. For more information, visit www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com and for reservations, call (212) 245-5336.

Here's their advice for preparing the perfect plate of corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick's Day:

We're going green for St. Patrick's Day but in whole different way -- with eco-friendly gadgets!

Steve Greenberg, the innovation insider and author of Gadget Nation: A Journey Through The Eccentric World of Invention, is here with some items that will help us save energy, save water, save money and ultimately help save the planet.

PIX's Larry Hoff celebrates the big day with his annual Connolly Station extravaganza. We'll sample a real irish breakfast, celebrate with irish dancers and, of course, lots of Irish music.

You can join him at Connolly Station, located at 280 Hempstead Avenue (between St. Thomas Place and Nottingham Road/Broadway) in Malverne, New York. For more information, visit connollystationli.com or call (516) 887-5160.

Be sure to stay tuned because Larry will be giving away two $50 gift certificates to Connolly Station to the 11th caller to (866) 414-2911.

Fans of Law and Order: SVU will finally get some long-awaited answers as to what exactly happened to Assistant District Attorney Alex Cabot.

Actress Stephanie March stopped by the studio to tell us all about her character and how she will be re-introduced to the program, since fans last saw her get shot and sent to a witness protection program.

March is best known for her portrayal of Alexandra Cabot on the popular NBC show. Born in Dallas, Texas, she made her Broadway debut in the highly acclaimed production of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," opposite Brian Dennehy. Her other career highlights include roles on the television series Early Edition and in the TV movie Since You’ve Been Gone. March now resides in New York City with husband and famed chef Bobby Flay.

You can catch Law and Order: SVU airs Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC.

Diane Wilkerson of the ASPCA stopped by with two four-legged friends in need of a loving home.

For more information on the ASPCA and how to adopt a pet, visit www.aspca.org or call (212) 876-7700 x4120.

This morning we tried out Blue Q’s Instant Irish Accent Breath Spray.

For more details on their Instant Irish Breath Spray, and other Blue Q products log onto www.blueq.com.

Comedian and actor Jay Mohr came by to talk about his starring role in the CBS series, Gary Unmarried.

Mohr stars alongside Paula Marshall in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison. After fifteen years of marriage, the two characters find themselves facing pandemonium upon their divorce. The two are left to share custody of their two children, Louise, a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom, their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls.

Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with single mother Vanessa. Although he is hesitant to break this news to Allison, he is prompted to move on when he is informed that his ex-wife got engaged to their shrink. Gary now faces the conundrum balancing an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend.

Mohr's career has spanned over a decade. He first captured audiences' attention with his dead-on celebrity impressions on Saturday Night Live. His breakthrough film role came in the form of a sports agent in Jerry Maguire. His film repertoire continued to grow with appearances in Pay it Forward and Are We There Yet? On television, Mohr created, executive produced and hosted Last Comic Standing. Mohr is also known for his sports work as host of the ESPN series Mohr Sports, an original weekly comedy/music/sports talk hour. He continues to sell out venues across the country with his stand-up routine.

Jay Mohr will be performing at the Community Theatre at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown, NJ on April 9, 2009. For more information, visit: www.morristown.com/communitytheatre.

Gary Unmarried airs Wednesdays at 8:30 pm on CBS.

They're light on their feet and full of energy. Of course it would not be St. Patrick's Day without them. Here to continue the festivities with a jig are students from the Inishfree School of Dancing on Long Island.

For more information, visit www.inishfreeny.com.

She's baaaaaack!!! Some Law & Order SVU fans thought she was gone for good when she was shot in one of the episodes, but I knew that someday, somehow Assistant D.A Cabot would be back. And to be honest, it wasn't my psychic intuition at work here, I use that for my real life drama, not tv drama.

Seriously, I knew she'd be back because when they shot her, it was just in the arm AND did she die? Nope!...rather they put her in a witness protection program. Then and there I began thinking that it wasn't her last time on the show, which airs Tuesday nights at 10 on NBC. Hope my mini-recap helps.

But it sure is great to have her back on one of the best dramatic shows on television (at least that's what I think). And since she grills defendants on the show, I figured it's time to switch things up and grill her instead. Oh and she's one fo the nicest people I've ever met and I'm not just saying it. Watch her get GRILLED, you'll see what I mean.

He still loves Saturday Night Live (yay, me too!) and can't stand Sarah McLachlan's songs. Well, not all of them. The song the ASPCA uses for their ads. There's a reason he hates those ads.

Gary Unmarried star, Jay Mohr really opened up about it and other things when he got GRILLED.

A Bronx man was going on vacation with friends to Puerto Rico last summer, when he was approached by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), agents in the airport, who confiscated $ 6,000 in cash off of him and told him that he would have to file a claim to get his money back, that's when he called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Concierge.com's Peter Frank has a few suggestions to make sure you're travel dreams don't get sidelined by the recession. He has the inside scoop on "Lux for Less" -- high-end hotels offering the hottest rooms in town at a fraction of the price. Other hot spots are offering freebies, packages, free airfare, and other incentives guarenteed to make you reconsider that dream getaway. Among his suggestions were:

• Ski in April
• Use a travel agent
• Consider repositioning cruises
• Beach destinations
• Emerging destination

Check out www.concierge.com for all of the money-saving details.

NASCAR driver No. 99 with Roush Fenway Racing Carl Edwards stopped by the studio to talk about his biggest competition on the track and his recent Nextel Cup win.

Edwards, a Missouri native, also spoke about driving safety and his participation in Claritin's Clear to Drive Campaign.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.claritin.com/cleartodrive. For more on Edwards, visit www.carledwards.com.

People are eating at home to save money, so everyone is heading to the grocery store. Just because you are cooking at home doesn't mean food has to be boring.

Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine just launched a new Supermarket 101 column dedicated exclusively to breaking down ways to save big at the supermarket as well as showing some grocery cart must-haves to keep meals exciting.

In their April issue, they have found some global goodies that will add a little excitement to your everyday food. From Thailand's Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce to Italy's Nutella, we're checking out these international favorites with Teri Tsang Barrett of Every Day with Rachael Ray.

You can spar with Evander Holyfield, shoot hoops with Kareem Abdul Jabar and tackle the defensive line alongside Eli Mannng without leaving at the new Sports Zone at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square!

PIX's Larry Hoff was at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square where a statuesque 7'6" figure will be revealed later today.

For more information, visit www.madametussauds.com/NewYork.

LeAnn Rimes is in the new Lifetime movie Northern Lights.

The movie centers around policeman Nate Burns and his endeavor to escape to the small town of Lunacy, Alaska so as to start a new life following the death of his partner, for which he holds himself partially responsible. However, the moment he meets Rimes' Meg Galligan, an independent and feisty bush pilot with her own demons, he finds himself falling for her. Soon, Nate finds himself in the middle of a high-profile murder investigation. He must use his big-city survival instincts to solve the mystery that threatens his new life and new love.

Singer/songwriter Rimes has sold more than 37 million albums, won two Grammy Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. She recently won the CMT Award for Collaborative Video of the Year, with Bon Jovi. She has scored numerous hit singles, including “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” and “How Do I Live.” As far as acting goes, she has appeared in the ABC telefilm Holiday in Your Heart, based in part on Rimes’ autobiographical novel. She also guest-starred as singer Connie Francis in the NBC series American Dreams and in an episode of the daytime series Days of Our Lives.

Northern Lights premieres this Saturday at 9 pm on Lifetime.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm 18-years-old and have decided to start an all organic diet. Right now, 70% of my diet is made up of organic food. Is there anything I have to worry about when I start eating nothing but organic items?
Maribelle, Union City, NJ

2. My baby is 7-months-old is refusing to breast feed or drink from a bottle. He'll only eat solids. His pediatrician told me to stop the solids until he'd accept milk. But, he's refusing to eat completely! Any advice?
Desperate Mom, Jersey City, NJ

3. At what age can a child become autistic? What are the signs?
Maritza, Brooklyn

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Kurt the CyberGuy hangs in virtual style with some of the biggest sports names to show how free video conference calls can turn into a party and more importantly save you big money!

For more information on ooVoo, visit www.oovoo.com.

One Life to Life's Catherine Hickland has a new book out, entitled, The 30-Day Heartbreak Cure: Getting Over Him and Back Out There One Month from Today.

The book is a straightforward, day-by-day plan for healing heartache in one month from a writer who is familiar with the feelings of hopelessness and rejection that love can yield. Inspired by the soap diva's own trial-and-error efforts to recover from a broken heart in a healthy and productive way, the work is a one-day-at-a-time plan for getting yourself over him and back on your feet. All you need to do is set a one-month deadline for yourself, and let Hickland's empathetic advice guide you through the rest.

Aside from portraying Lindsay Rappaport on ABC's One Life To Live, Hickland has also appeared in The Bold and the Beautiful. Hickland has also appeared in Broadway musicals, starring most notably in "Les Misérables" as Fantine.

The 30-Day Heartbreak Cure: Getting Over Him and Back Out There One Month from Today is in bookstores now.

I'm so not qualified to give advice on relationships, heartbreaks, that kind of stuff; but I still do just because I can. Oh and cause I like to talk. But I know someone who knows what she's talking about when it comes to matters of the heart: Soap star Catherine Hickland (One Life to Live.) She has this book called 30 Day Heartbreak Cure. From what I hear, it guides you through the whole heartbreak phase and helps you get over it, in 30 days. Cool, huh? I just thought I'd share.

Anyways, I didn't talk to her about my heartbreaks, because it'll take us weeks or months to get through it all. Ha! Can you say issues? And since it's not about me, I figured I should get to know her a little better, so I GRILLED her.

He's fast, he's furious, he's Carl Edwards...To the millions and millions of NASCAR fans, he really needs no introduciton. They'd probably know who I'm talking about even If I just said number 99.

And guess what? he told me he just started his own record label and recently signed his first hip hop artist. How gangsta is that?

Oh man, you know he also does those Claritin commericals and I completely forgot to hit him up for some claritin...What? I get allergies too and I want to be Claritin Clear like he is. Maybe next time. This time around, I just GRILLED him.

A Brooklyn woman battling cancer had to take on Medicaid when they told her she had lost coverage. When part of her treatment involved twice a week trips for chemotherapy and they refused to pay for it, she called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Dr. Diana Kirschner gave us the low down on finding the love you want in your life. Her book Love In 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love is in stores now.

Check out www.dianakirschner.com or www.lovein90days.com for a few secret tricks of the trade.

We sat down with the Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones and Jamie Pressly to talk about their latest film I Love You, Man, which premieres in theaters tomorrow.

According to IMDB, the comedy is about Peter Klaven (Rudd), a friendless groom-to-be who goes on series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F.(Segel) puts a strain on his relationship with fiancée (Jones), can the trio learn to live happily ever after?

For more information, visit www.iloveyouman.com.

There was Friendster, then MySpace and Facebook. Now there's a new social networking site folks are flocking to like mad. Its called Twitter, and in just a year, Twitter's active users has increased by more than 900%!

Joel Comm, the author of Twitter Power: How to Dominate Your Market One Tweet at a Time is giving us insider user tips on the networking site Twitter. He'll explain how it works and how you can use for your business.

For more information, visit www.twitterpower.com or www.joelcomm.com.

To celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Friday, March 20 release of Summit Entertainment's action thriller, Knowing starring Nicholas Cage, New York area residents and visitors are invited to take part in a pledge-for-prizes.

Everyone, young and old, will be able to sign a contract promising to make healthy decisions. The contracts will be sealed in a time capsule which will be opened over the summer to coincide with the release of the film on DVD. Those people who complied with their pledges will be eligible to win copies of the DVD and prizes from local Times Square businesses.

You can take part of this event today in Times Square in front of Planet Hollywood from 1pm - 4pm.

For more on the movie Knowing, visit knowing-themovie.com.

Matchmaker Steven Ward stopped by the show to talk about his VH1 TV series Tough Love.

Tough Love showcases Ward's brutally honest approach to matchmaking -- something he learned from mother Joann Ward. Together, they are one of the most successful matchmaking teams in the country. "Steven has the balls to tell women not what they want to hear, but what they need to hear to find love," says VH1.

Tough Love airs Sundays at 10pm on VH1. For more information, visit www.vh1.com.

PIX's Emily Frances sat down with actors Clive Owen and Julia Roberts to talk about their upcoming movie Duplicity, which opens on Friday.

The slick spy-thriller film is directed by Tony Gilroy and teams up Ray Koval (Owen) and Claire Stenwick (Roberts), two spies for pharmaceutical companies who are looking for the formula to a product that will bring a fortune to the company that gets it first.

A story of relentless double-crosses and dirty secrets, the two have left the CIA and MI6 to cash in on the cold war happening between two rival multinational pharmaceutical companies. As the stakes raise and tactics get dirtier, Ray and Claire must cover up their biggest secret: their growing love for one another.

For more information, visit www.duplicitymovie.net.

Iavarone Bros. Foods was here to teach us how to make special holiday zeppole (fried or baked dough filled with smooth vanilla custard cream and topped with amarena cherries).

St. Joseph's Day falls on Thursday, March 19, this year. St. Joseph is the patron saint of family life, hand labor and carpenters. In Italy, the holiday is celebrated much the same way we celebrate Father's Day.

According to the legend of St. Joseph's feast day, an exceptionally severe drought overtook Sicily. It was said that no rain fell for an extended period of time, no crops would grow and countless people died of famine. The peasants prayed to God for rain, and they also prayed to St. Joseph to intercede with God on their behalf. The people promised that if God caused it to rain and ended the drought, they would continue to have a special feast annually, honoring both God and St. Joseph.

Hi Everyone,

We are at week 19 and I am feeling great. As you can see from this picture, I'm really starting to show. It's kind of crazy and beautiful watching your body expand this way.

The baby is doing well and I have a slew of doctor appointments next week. I will keep you posted on what is going on. I'm looking forward to picking out names, finding a house for all of us to live in and shop for some new clothes.

I will keep you all posted week to week as to how I am doing. More to come!!!

Thanks,
Sukanya

So this guy's a real life matchmaker. Like, for real. It's all in the family and the torch's been passed down to him. Now, Steven Ward is helping all the single ladies, all the single ladies, find their soulmates and he tells it like it is.

You can catch him doing just that on his VH1 show Tough Love maybe you can learn how to get you partner to put a ring on it. I said maybe...that's my disclaimer, just in case.

But you'd like to know a little more about the man who can help women find love, right? right, that's what I thought. Just watch him getting GRILLED.

A Long Island man went to a Queens car dealer to buy a used car in January. He ended up paying $30,000 in cash, then just days later he found out the car had been in a prior accident, so he went back to confront the dealer.

That's when the dealer took back the car, kicked the customer off his property and refused to return his money. So, the customer called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

PIX's Tamsen Fadal goes to Queens for a little lesson in cooking with Hollis-born Executive Chef Dexter ‘Premo’ Sanders. This weekend he proudly opened Premo's Perfection and in celebration, he showed Tamsen how to make Crispy Garlic Shrimp and Crab Meat Fried Rice.

The 1989 New York Restaurant School graduate has served as a personal chef for almost two decades for the likes of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Power 105 DJ Steph Lova, BET’s 106 & Park Terrence J and Rocsi, Hip Hop legends Salt N’ Pepa as well as Queen’s natives and entrepreneurs Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin and Carl Brown of iconic fashion brand FUBU the Collection.

Premo's Perfection is located at 109-18 Farmers Blvd., Queens, NY 11412 on the corner of Farmers Blvd and Liberty Avenue, is open Tuesday-Thursday (7am-10pm), Friday-Saturday (7am-11pm), Sunday (7am-6om) and closed on Monday. To contact the restaurant directly, please call (347) 809-7605.

We sat down with actors Nicholas Cage and Rose Byrne to talk about their new film Knowing, which is in theaters today.

The film begins in 1959, when Lucinda Embry (Lara Robinson) a new student at an elementary school suggests that the class of the newly opened school create a time capsule. The students all draw what they think will happen in the future, except for Lucinda, who writes rows of numbers.

The capsule is opened 50 years later in 2009 and Lucinda's prediction falls into the hands of elementary school student Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury), who gives it to his MIT astrophysicist professor father John (Cage). John figures out the cryptic meaning behind the numbers and tries to change the future with the help of Diana Wayland (Byrne), daughter of the deceased Lucinda.

PIX's Jill Nicolini hangs out with New York Ranger Aaron Voros, plus checks out the team as they gear up for their upcoming game.

The NY Rangers take on the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm and the game is right here on PIX.

For more information, visit www.wpix.com/pages/ny_rangers.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On this week's free list:
1. Stingray Elvis and the Jailhouse Rockers are performing tonight at Plattduetsche Park, Long Island from 9pm to 1am
2. Twilight movie fans can be a part of a free release DVD release party with free Twilight soundtracks, books, framed movie artworks, etc. tonight at 10pm on Long Island

Today is the first day of Spring so we’re celebrating with Rita’s. They’re giving away free Italian Ices for the ENTIRE day. And Larry Hoff is giving you the scoop by showing you how they make the ices and talking to store owners are Deborah Wolpert and Laura Clement.

You can join Larry and get your free ices at Rita's Ices, located at 2942 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY 11710. For more information, visit www.ritasofbellmore.com.

Comedian and actor D.L. Hughley will be performing from tonight until this Sunday at Caroline's on Broadway.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Hughley is perhaps best known as the star of the sitcom The Hughleys, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy. He also hosted CNN's short-lived show D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. On the big screen, Hughley has appeared in Scary Movie 3, Soul Plane, and Inspector Gadget 2.

To find out more about D.L. Hughley's upcoming performances at Caroline's, visit: www.carolines.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. I'm trying to lose weight but at night I need a snack while watching TV. What is good to have, an orange, red grapes, popcorn, yogurt or nothing?
M. Lynch

2. A family friend's baby was born with six toes. The pediatrician recommended the extra toe be removed. Dr. Steve, what's your recommendation?
Anonymous

3. I recently read that milk is no good for grown ups! All this time I thought milk was good for your bones. Will you please confirm whether or not this is true?
Chitra, Staten Island, NY

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Colin Hanks spoke with us about being in the new Broadway show "33 Variations."

Written by Moises Kaufman, the play stars Hanks as Mike Clark, and Jane Fonda as Katherine Brandt, a woman racing against time to solve the riddle of a composer’s 200-year-old obsession. As she faces her daughter, her past and Beethoven himself, Katherine must struggle to embrace the legacy of her own life. Fonda stopped by recently to talk about her role in the play as well.

Hanks broke through in film with his leading role in Orange County and has recently been seen in The House Bunny and as Father Gill in AMC's Mad Men. He is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

"33 Variations" is now playing on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.

Just call it American "Business" Idol. Kurt the CyberGuy shows you how your great idea for a small business could earn you big money towards making your dream a reality. Just post a couple paragraphs online, and if America votes, you walk away with $10,000.

For more information on Ideablob, visit www.ideablob.com.

This week's Friday Forecaster is Steve Wilkos of the CW's The Steve Wilkos Show. He stopped by to give us the forecast and tell us about his guest appearance on an upcoming episode of Maury, and his two-part teen fourm.

Wilkos successfully stepped away from Jerry Springer's shadow to make a name for himself and with the second season of his show underway, Steve Wilkos is doing more than just "talk" as he continues to dedicate his time to changing lives.

Wilkos was formerly Springer's director of security. He got his foot in the door on The Jerry Springer Show with his own shows Steve To The Rescue, which would air periodically when Springer took breaks from the show. In his own show, WIlkos' signature move is being confrontational with the wrongdoer in order for him to realize his error.

The Steve Wilkos Show airs weekdays at 12pm on PIX. For more information, visit www.stevewilkos.com. And Maury airs weekdays at 10am on PIX For more information, visit www.mauryshow.com.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

The five finalists in the 7th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest stopped by the studio to share their recipes.

This year, more than 1,000 families across the nation submitted recipes. And these five kid finalists are competing for a $25,000 college scholarship the four runner-ups will each receive a $2,500 scholarship fund. The judging will take place later today.

Click here to download the peanut butter recipes and continue reading for the pictures of these dishes. For more information, visit www.jif.com.

I purposely didn't ask Colin Hanks any questions about his dad. I'm sure he's proud of his dad (Tom Hanks) and all his accomplishments, but I figured I'd stick to all questions about Colin. I'm sure he doesn't mind being compared to his dad...I think that's a compliment. If Tom hanks were my dad, I'd have a huge tattoo on my forehead that says Tom Hanks is My Dad, that's right, no shame in my game.
But this isn't about me, is it? Ofcourse it isn't, so let's move along then. I was saying I didn't bring up his dad during the GRILLED segment, right? Okay, here's another reason why I did that: he already talked about the movie both of them did together called Great Buck Howard (which is in theatres now)...He's also currently on Broadway in the play 33 Variations. (And no, I'm not getting paid for my plugs.)
I did talk to him about music...mostly his likes. And I must say, Mr. Hanks has quite an ecclectic taste and he has a love and appreciation for

classic rappers.

Madonna ain't give me no kids. That's my quote of the day from D.L. Hughley. And yes, he was referring to the material mom...Madonna. He said that to me when he was getting grilled and it'll make sense why he gave that answer when you watch the video.
Oh and another thing, his pick for favorite rapper may surprise you. He didnt pick any of the usual suspects, Not 50 Cent, not Jay-Z...and if you're thinking that it's gotta be Kanye West, you're still not close. The funnyman also said his favorite qualitites in a woman is silence. So i guess I should shut up now so you can watch the video. Okay then. Hope you enjoy it.

He loves the cartoon Family Guy. And he is a Family Guy. And by that I don't mean he's on the show. Steve Wilkos really is all about his family. That's all he talks about. Well, he does talk about other things but he just lights up when he talks about his kids.
And you know what else he talks about? His time on the Jerry Springer show and now The Steve Wilkos show (which airs every day at noon right here on PIX...plug, plug)
Even with his own show, it doesn't seem he'll ever forget where it all started for him. So we ofcourse talked about the Springer show. Mr. Wilkos says the best thing about working on that show was the money (I wonder if they're hiring over there) and the worst thing about working on the Jerry Springer show? Um, I forgot what he said.
Okay, I really didn't forget, I just want you to watch the video because it's more fun that way. So Just Do It like Nike. Oh and he sang a little during the interview. Imagine tough Steve Wilkos singing. It's a must-see..I'm not making it up. And I won't say if he's good, bad or if he should just go ahead and get his jaw wired. Watch the video and decide for yourself.

A Long Island woman called Help Me Howard complaining about receiving phone calls offering her fraudulent deals on car warranties. We take a look at the current trend of people receiving blind calls about extending their auto warranty and other deals and get consumer advice from the Better Business Bureau on what's real and what's not.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

PIX's Larry Hoff is up early this morning and continuing his tour of local high school athletics teams. Today, he's with the fencing team at Half Hallow Hills: High School East. They'll show Larry the basics of fencing and three different styles of playing the sport.

You can join Larry this morning at High School East is located at 50 Vanderbilt Parkway in Dix Hills, New York 11746. For more information, call (631) 592-3100.

Dr. Ian Smith of VH!'s Celebrity Fit Club stops by to talk about his 50 Million Pound Challenge initiative -- a partnership with State Farm to promote healthier lives and more nutritious diets.

He'll talk about the challenge milestone and encourage us and our viewers to help join the fight against obesity. Dr. Ian will is in town celebrating the one millionth challenge member to sign up for the initiative and having an event tomorrow, so he and members of the challenge can share their success stories.

For more information, visit www.doctoriansmith.com or www.50millionpounds.com.

Long Island's USA Jump Rope speed team hosted their first Official Jump Rope Sub-Regional Tournament in New York City yesterday at The Hudson Guild.

The finalists from the tournament became eligible for the USA Jump Rope Nationals competition this June in Galveston, Texas, and they're joining us this morning to show us what speed jump rope is all about.

You can join them today at PIX Plaza, loacted at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue.For more information, visit www.usajumprope.org,

Call her the First Lady of Fitness! We're showing you how to get Michelle Obama's toned arms in today's Wake-Up Workout! The folks from the New York Sports Club stopped by to show us how.

For more information on the classes offered at New York Sports Club, log onto www.nysc.com.

Miss New York Tracey Chang and Miss New Jersey Kaity Rodriguez stopped by to talk about the upcoming Miss USA pageant in which they will be competing.

Representing New York will be 26-year old Chang, who hails from Beijing, China. When asked which figure, dead or alive, she would most like to have lunch with, Chang named Warren Buffet: "I would love to hear investment insights from Mr. Buffet amidst the current economic turmoil," she says, deeming Buffet "the greatest investor and one of the biggest philanthropists known to mankind."

Representing New Jersey will be 24-year old Hackensack native Rodriguez. She would most like to lunch with her great-grandmother Anna Hannibal: "Anna was a mother of 13 children. In today’s society, women have so many responsibilities and often have trouble balancing their lives. I would want to find out how she remained balanced as a mother, wife, and employee," she says.

Chang and Rodriguez will join delegates from each of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia for more than two weeks as they take part in a schedule of fun-filled events leading up to the pageant.

The 58th Annual Miss USA competition will broadcast live from the Theatre for the Performing Arts located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on April 19, 2009 and can be seen at 9pm on NBC.

Dave Kansas, editor at large for FiLife.com and author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to the End of Wall Street As We Know It stopped by the studio to explain AIG's rise as one of the largest and most powerful insurance companies in the world and their role in the financial crisis including the current scandal surrounding executive bonuses.

Kansas went over common questions including:

1. Will the scandal over AIG and executive bonuses change the Wall Street bonus system?
2. What are the next steps the government should/will take against AIG?
3. Will and should firms opt for different compensation schemes?
4. If firms do decide to change their compensation practices, will the best and brightest leave the financial sector?

For more information, visit FiLife.com.

It's dinner tonight and it'll only take you 30 minutes to put together! Cooking Light magazine's Executive Chef Billy Strynkowski is in the PIX kitchen this morning to show us how to Spicy Asian Noodles With Chicken!

For more recipes and other "Dinner Tonight" ideas, check out the March issue of Cooking Light or visit www.cookinglight.com.

The always fabulous style guru Carson Kressley came by to share with us three must-have looks for spring.

Kressley is best known for his role as a fashion expert as one of the "Fab Five" members on the popular Bravo show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Having frequently appeared on the E! network, he also covered red carpet fashions at high-profile events such as the Oscars and the Golden Globes. He went on to host Lifetime's makeover show, How to Look Good Naked and was a judge on the CW's reality series Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants.

Kressley currently resides in New York City, where he is active in numerous gay-rights, animal and health-related charities.

For Kressley's fashion and beauty tips as well as get a free sample of the new Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash, visit www.caressyourstyle.com.

Carson Kressley is the go-to guy if you want to learn How to Look Good Naked. He showed me how. I'm so not joking.

He is quite the character. He wanted to know if he can be pan-fried next time I interview him, since he got GRILLED today. Need I say more? The video speaks for itself. Check it out.

A Queens woman was approached by an independent production company, who asked permission to shoot a film in her house, promising a $2,000 payment. She said "yes," they shot in her house for two days and were gone. When she got the check, it bounced, so she called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

A few weeks ago we looked into fedora hats and this time it's the goatee. The goatee comes in many forms like the French Fork, the Musketeer and the Van Dyke to name a few. But some guys look dapper, while others looks downright dumb.

Our anchors will weigh in and tell us when it comes to goatees in Hollywood who looks cool and who looks like a tool. They're judging Christian Bale, Michael Phelps, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dave Navarro, Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn.

For more information, check out Details Magazine or visit men.style.com/details.

Tina Loncaric from Bideawee is here with a few cuddly companions looking for a home.

For more information on how you can adopt a pet, visit www.bideawee.org or call (866) 262-8133.

Homemade baking recipes are stocked with saturated fats and cholesterol but Jamie and Bobby Deen have spent time in the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter test kitchen experimenting with their favorite baking recipes to make simple changes to try and cut back on the fat.

We all know that Jamie and Bobby aren't health nuts, but they have made a commitment to make smarter choices about the ingredients they use in their recipes. They'll share their recipe for Delicious One Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies, Classic Buttery Pound Cake and Fudgy Brownie Torte.

The Deen Brothers are also challenging Americans to "Bake It To Believe It" for themselves and are offering a money-back guarantee if people don't agree that I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Cooking & Baking Sticks taste and bake like butter in their favorite recipes.

To find out more about the offer, which begins March 15, 2009 and ends June 30, 2009, visit www.BakeItToBelieveIt.com and www.nowyouknowbetter.com.

Getting your abs in ship-shape requires a lot of work and time commitment. PIX's Jill Nicolini is live in PIX Plaza working her abs and showing us that a six bpack doesn't mean laying on your back or straining your neck.

She's testing a new fitness machine that's hitting gyms and being sold on TV. All you have to do is slide your legs back and forth. Fitness trainer Sean Gagnon is here to show us how the AbCoaster works.

Jill's doing ab work all morning long. You can exercise with her at PIX Plaza, loacted at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue.

For more information on the AbCoaster, visit www.abcoasterclub.com.

Singer-songwriter Keri Hilson stopped by live in our studio to perform her songs "Turnin' Me On" and "Energy" from her debut album, In a Perfect World.

The album, which showcases Hilson's ability to translate every day trials and tribulations into engaging music is chock-full of feel-good music that strives to empower women in its underlying themes. The effort features notable guest appearances by Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Akon, Keyshia Cole, and Ne-Yo. "I deliver my songs with emotion," Hilson says on her official website. "I don't like a lot of effects. It takes away from the emotion...I don't want anyone to walk away from my album just thinking, 'That sounds nice.' Anybody can do that. I’m much more concerned that they walk away thinking, 'That felt great.'"

We first took notice of Hilson when she seduced Usher in the latter's video for "Love in This Club." She has written songs for Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher, and Ludacris. Having made a name for herself as an arranger and background vocalist, Hilson's own journey to superstardom began when she was a mere teen. Hilson began arranging songs, cutting vocals and engineering sessions. She has worked closely with Timbaland, with whom she collaborated on the hit song, "The Way I Are."

In A Perfect World is set to establish Hilson as an artist to be reckoned with for years to come. The album hits stores today and you can catch her in person at her album release party and signing at 6pm at Wet Seal (42B West 14th Street, near Union Square).

Geoffrey Rogow of Dow Jones Newswires spoke with us about how the recent upsurge in the stock market might affect our pocketbooks.

The Dow Jones gained 497 points yesterday--its largest earnings since November. This came one the same day President Obama presented a trillion dollar financial proposal.

Rogow saw this gain as a sign of the end of a rally: "We've already had a 16 to 18 percent gain in the Dow Jones industrial average..." However, he allows that employment is going to get worse before it gets better, at consumers' expense. Rogow explained, "As bad as fourth quarter earnings were this year, the first quarter will be worse."

With Obama's rescue plan, Rogow foresaw that pension funds can be invested directly into corporations like Pimco.

He explained that the money coming out of the Stock Market isn't reaping any money, and is in turn affecting factors like student loans and "other things that people need to pay on a day to day paycheck because they're not getting their paycheck."

Big Stan marks Rob Schneider's directorial debut.

The 2008 comedy flick features Schneider as Stan Minton--a con man that is found guilty of cheating mostly elderly women out of their retirement saving on fraudulent vacation properties. Upon hearing the news from an ex-prison inmate that his frail and weak body will be "loved" by all of the large men in jail, Minton, with the help of The Master (David Carradine), transforms into "Big Stan," a lean and mean fighting machine. When he is finally shipped off to be condemned, Minton uses his new look and persona to bridge warring gangs and establish peace inside the prison walls.

A San Francisco, California native, Schneider was a veteran of Saturday Night Live, going on to pursue starring roles in fillms such as The Hot Chick and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo. The latter film was followed by Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, which won Schneider a 2005 Worst Actor Razzie Award for his role in the film.

Big Stan is out on DVD now. Schneider will be signing copies of the DVD at J&R Music and Computer World (23 Park Row) today at 12:30pm.

The cast of the hit Broadway musical "Chicago" performed "All That Jazz" for us.

The musical is based on a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse and features music by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice, and the concept of the "celebrity criminal." It has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy. On top of that, an Academy Award-winning film version of the musical was released in 2002.

Chicago is playing at the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. The musical is also touring the nation. For ticket information, visit: www.chicagothemusical.com.

Tiffany and Suki have been working together at PIX for years now. But, there's still some things they don't know about each other. They decided to turn to Facebook's "25 Random Things About Me" to learn some quirky, intimate details about one another. And they want to share them with you!

Rob Schneider thinks I'm a sweetheart. That's what he said when he stopped by this morning to talk about directorial debut,,,The movie is called Big Stan. It's in stores now and he'll be signing copies today at J&R Music and Computer World on Park Row...

Did I already say he thinks I'm a sweetheart? Of course I did and I'll probably say it again. But he did say what his best asset is...I think i just gave it away. Watch the GRILLED video to hear what he says.

With her debut album

dropping

drop

So I''m now a much bigger fan than I previously was...She is just so easygoing and waaaaay prettier in person, if you can believe it. We chatted about everything from fashion to the first song she ever wrote. On the subject of fashion, she forgot the name of one of her favorite designers, well his last name...she could only remember his first name, Brian. I promised I'd try and find it, but I really did search and couldn't find anything. Brian the designer, Keri Hilson loves you and that's all that matters. And she's also worked with several rappers in her career, but she picked one as her favorite. Check out the GRILLED video to find out who it is.

A Long Island family was charged an early cancellation fee of $320 by the cable company
DirecTV when they cancelled their service after being loyal customers for 12 years, so they called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Good Charlotte is making good. Twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden are traveling the world in an effort to save children's lives. PIX’s Emily Frances caught up with them to talk about their participation in the Tap Project.

The Tap Project began in New York City and started by restaurants asking their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

During World Water Week, March 22-28, the Tap Project will once again raise vital donations and awareness for UNICEF’s water and sanitation programs. For every dollar raised, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days. All funds raised support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

For more information on the Tap Project, visit tapproject.org.

Jodyne Speyer is the author of Dump 'Em: How to Break Up with Anyone from Your Best Friend to Your Hairdresser

With a tinge of humor, the self-help book gives us all the tools to recognize and end unwanted relationships, from recognizing the warning signs of when a break up is in order, to what to say (and what not to say) when the dumping gets tough. It teaches us to conquer our fear of confrontation, and master the art of the tactful, peaceful and permanent break up.

The sister of popular comedian Sarah Silverman, Speyer is a self-proclaimed "recovering avoidant" worked on such shows as Joe Millionaire and Shear Genius. According to her website, she has successfully dumped hundreds of people, not always on her own behalf.

Dump 'Em: How to Break Up with Anyone from Your Best Friend to Your Hairdresser is in bookstores now.

PIX's John Muller chats with New York Times reporter Bruce Weber about his new book As They See 'Em: A Fan’s Travels Through the Land of Umpires.

As They See 'Em is an insider’s look at the small and largely unknown world of professional umpires, who number less than 300—there are just 68 in the major leagues. Weber not only interviewed dozens of professional umpires, he transformed himself into one, attending and graduating from an officially sanctioned umpire training school and then spending the 2006 baseball season working as a professional umpire.

This is his personal account of the experience as well as a lively exploration of the art of umpiring: the culture, the history, the personalities, the recent major league controversies, the surprisingly arcane set of rules by which they work, why the fans hate the umpires, and why the umpires hate the owners, and what it’s like to do a job that offers the chance to earn only blame and never credit, where the mark of a job well done is not being noticed at all. This is the umpire’s oft-repeated mantra: “We’re expected to start out perfect, and then improve.”

As They See 'Em is currently available in bookstores.

DailyCandy.com has what's hot, new and undiscovered, from beauty and style to gadgets and travel. With their latest New York City finds for under 10 bucks, is Dannielle Kyrillos, editor-at-large for DailyCandy.com.

Num Pang Opens, everything on the menu is less than $10
What: Famed noodle bar Kampuchea's refreshing take on Cambodian street sandwiches are front and center at this new to-go spot.
Why: Toasted semolina baguettes stuffed with shrimp, homemade pickles, and chili mayo.
Where: 21 E. 12th St., b/t University & Fifth Aves. (212-255-3271).

March 25 marks Greek Independence Day and to celebrate the anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence and we're honoring the Greek community of New York, the largest in the United States, and promoting Hellenic culture with a Hellenic Cultural Display.

This year's commemoration of Greek Independence Day is the 187th anniversary of Greek revolt against occupation by the Ottoman Empire and the commencement of the ultimately successful war of independence.

Greek dancers from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in West Babylon, Long Island and St. Demetrios in Astoria, Queens will perform traditional Greek dance outfitted in customary dress. A display of Greek food from Long Island venue, Château La Mer, will also be presented by the chef and owner, George Voutsinas, who will explain the origins of each dish and its cultural significance.

There are number Greek Independence Day events happening in our area, plus a slew of other events taking place over the next few months:

The Trata Restaurant is hosting Greek Easter at their New York City location. They will be serving lamb on the spit in front of restaurant, serving same menu as tomorrow segment all day on Greek Easter, live band playing Greek music and a DJ as well.

The dancers from Saint Nicholas Church will march in the Greek Parade on April 26th. June 1st-7th is Saint Nicholas Church is having its Greek Festival. There will have live music, Greek food, carnival rides, raffles (Audi Car 1st prize), Greek dancing. Time is 5pm-12am.

For more information, visit www.stnicholasnyc.com, www.saintdemetriosastoria.com, www.trata.com and www.chateaulamercatering.com.

First, there was Patrick Dempsey, otherwise known as "McDreamy." Then there was Eric Dane, a.k.a. "McSteamy." Now meet Grey's Anatomy's newest cast member, "Major McHottie" Kevin McKidd.

McKidd joins the cast of the popular dramedy as Dr. Owen Hunt, an Iraq war medic suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder who becomes enamored with Sandra Oh.

The recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series, Grey's Anatomy is in gear for its fifth season. The show follows residents at Seattle Grace Hospital, Meredith, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens and Alex Karev as they undergo tumults both personal and professional.

McKidd is a Scottish actor best known for his prominent television roles as Lucius Vorenus on Rome and as Dan Vasser on Journeyman. His early film credits include his role as include Tommy in Trainspotting, as well as appearances in Kingdom of Heaven, and the 2002 film adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby. He was most recently in the romantic comedy Made of Honor

You can catch Grey's Anatomy Thursday nights at 9 pm on ABC.

Hot on the heels of two primetime interviews and a press conference, Nick Ragone joined PIX’s John Muller to discuss President Barack Obama’s media presence.

Being the president’s second primetime address in two months, Ragone said the President is running the risk of becoming overexposed primarily because this address did nothing to add to his presence.

Ragone goes on to say that President Obama’s icy response to a question about AIG is the first time the public has seen him lose his cool in the past two months. The word "waffle" came up when discussing Obama’s plan for middle class tax cuts when Ragone pointed out that this issue is something to watch in the coming years.

Ragone also says that Obama’s avoidance of the topic of America adding $7 trillion worth of deficit in the next 10 years could be cause for further scrutiny.

Nick Ragone is a political author and a regular contributor to PIX11 Morning News.

Stylist and designer Nicole Young shows how to wear the season's hottest blazers and some some versatile ways to wear them. Check out her three blazer trends, each worn two ways.

Blazer Trend No. 1: Black Tuxedo
- Blazer available at www.chickdowntown.com
- DVF Jacket & matching pants available at www.chickdowntown.com
- Frederick's of Hollywood camisole www.fredericks.com
- NYLA Shoes available at www.endless.com

- DVF jacket, www.chickdowntown.com
- Forever 21 tank, www.forever21.com
- J Brand jeans, www.chickdowntown.com
- NYLA Shoes available at www.endless.com

Today, we have a never-before-seen on live television exclusive for you! Kurt the Cyberguy is live at henson digital puppetry studio in hollywood to show us how they've created real-time cartoons.

Academy award-winner Brian Henson takes Kurt on a behind the scenes look at the evolution of puppetry and the futuristic technology that has lead to the creation of real-time animation.

Kurt is asking: If you could be any cartoon character, who would you want to be? Tell him your answer at twitter.com/cyberguy.

For more information, visit Henson Digital Puppetry Studio.

Spencer Grammer spoke with Emily about being on the show Greek.

Grammer stars as Casey Cartwright. The show follows her ups and downs alongside her brother, Rusty, played by Jacob Zachar. Most of the characters belong to either the fictional fraternities Kappa Tau Gamma (ΚΤΓ) and Omega Chi Delta (ΩΧΔ), or the fictional sororities Zeta Beta Zeta (ΖΒΖ) and Iota Kappa Iota (IKI).

One of Grammer's first roles placed her opposite her father, Kelsey Grammer on the show Cheers. She was merely nine years old at the time. Her other television endeavors include appearances on Law & Order: SVU and Third Watch. She has had a recurring role as Lucey Montgomery on the soap As the World Turns. Her film credits include Descent and Beautiful Ohio. She is a Los Angeles, California native.

An all-new season of Greek premieres March 30 at 8 pm on ABC Family.

A Long Island woman had just applied to the Connecticut School of Broadcasting when it suddenly closed its doors, leaving many graduates in limbo a week before graduation. Unfortunately, she had also just been approved for a loan for $8,500 when she found out the school was no more and that's when she called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

As the longest-running Saturday Night Live cast member, Darrell Hammond is a pro when it comes to comedy.

PIX's Emily Frances spoke to Hammond about his upcoming gig at the Caroline's Comedy Club this weekend. As part of a three-day event, Hammond will be doing a stand-up show at America's premier comedy club.

Darrell Hammond has been a staple at SNL for over 10 years and has done more than 100 celebrity impersonations, including Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Sean Connery and Chris Matthews. Hammond also doing double duty and currently stars on the FX drama Damages.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.carolines.com.

The Nets Dancers will compete against the Indiana Pacemates on Friday in Round 2 of the NBA Dance Team Bracket, a single-elimination tournament to crown the fans' favorite dance team. Thirty NBA dance teams are competing for the title. The Nets Dancers defeated the Sixers Dancers last week in Round 1!

Starting today, March 23 at 2 pm, fans can go to www.njnets.com and click onto the dance bracket. Fans can then compare dancer photos and Web sites before voting for their favorite team. Better hurry, though! Voting is open until tomorrow, Friday, March, 27 at 2 pm.

To check out the new photos and videos on the Nets Dancers pages on www.njnets.com and to cast their vote for the Nets Dancers. For more information on the contest, visit www.nba.com/dancebracket/2009.

PIX's Larry Hoff is kickin' it with the New York Red Bulls this morning at Giants Stadium. He'll learn how to juggle the ball, and Red Bulls goalkeeper Terry Boss will teach Larry how to defend the goal.

The Red Bulls' home opening game against the New England Revolution is this Saturday night, March 27 at 7:30pm at Giants Stadium. And they want you in the stands!

The Red Bulls are holding a special contest just for PIX Morning News viewers. Two (2) lucky winners will recieve a ticket package (worth $250 each), which include four (4) lower level tickets to the game and team merchandise.

All you have to do is e-mail fanservices@newyorkredbulls.com with the subject "PIX11 Ticket Contest" and MUST include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Good luck!

For more information on the Red Bulls, visit redbull.newyork.mlsnet.com.

Many products and services claim to be the fountain of youth we are all looking for. But turning back the hands of time can be just as easy as taking a walk down your grocery aisle.

And it doesn't have to cost a fortune especially in these hard times. Denise Maher, associate health editor at More Magazine stopped by with some anti-aging foods you should be eating more of.

French Lentils
• You’re probably familiar with lentils, but French Lentils are green, and more delicate and peppery than the usual supermarket lentil offering.
• They’re a great substitute for meat
• They’re high in fiber (one third your U.S. RDA in a single half-cup serving) and work hard to regulate blood sugar and prevent diabetes.
• They are an excellent ingredient for soups, salads, and many other recipes, including curries.
Recipe: Soup

Eva Amurri, the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri, spoke with Emily Frances about her new film The Education of Charlie Banks, which tomorrow, Friday, March 27. Amurri's co-star Sebastian Stan (Gossip Girl, Kings) also stopped my the stiudio to talk about the film.

The film debuted at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and won the Made in NY Narrative Award making it the best narrative film made in New York that year. Starring alongside Amurri is Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland) in this independent picture about a boy who has to face old demons when they show up at his college. Amurri plays Mary, the subject of Charlie's attention.

Get more information on The Education of Charlie Banks at www.charliebanksmovie.com.

Odor-Eaters conducted its 34th Annual Rotten Sneakers Contest, awarding the child with the "stinkiest sneakers" in America $2,500 and a trip to New York City.

Joshua Boothe, age 7, from American Fork, Utah, won the National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest and will show PIX's Jill Nicolini his sneakers. Get ready to hold your nose, Jill!

For more information on the contest and young Joshua's stinky shoes, visit www.odor-eaters.com.

Gene Russianoff from the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign stopped by the studio this morning to talk about yesterday's MTA vote for the fare hike and how it affects New Yorkers.

Russianoff said that along with the failing economy, the MTA is especially suffering because of their poor spending, like buying new train cars on borrowed money. He said that unless Albany helps the MTA, the fare hike will become a reality on May 31, 2009.

Commuters will suffer from not only fare hikes, but service cuts as well. Eliminating bus and train routes especially hurts the elderly and disabled, who rely on these routes to travel around the city.

To protest the MTA's fare hike and service cuts, visit KeepNewYorkMoving.org.

Actress Cheryl Hines stopped by this studio to talk about her role as Jane in the new TV series In The Motherhood, which premieres tonight at 8pm on ABC.

In The Motherhood, based on a popular web series of the same name, will feature stories inspired by real-life experiences of viewers shared through the show's website. The comedy takes a look at the importance of family and friends while trying to juggle motherhood, work and love lives in an overly complicated modern world, according to ABC.

Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) co-stars alongside Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), who plays Rosemary, and Jessica St. Clair (Worst Week), who plays Emily.

For more information on In The Motherhood, visit itm.abc.go.com.

Actor Ray Liotta stopped by the studio this morning to talk about his role as Detective Harrison in the new comedy flick Observe and Report, which opens in April 10. Liotta co-stars alongside Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express) and Anna Faris (House Bunny).

Ray Liotta is a golden globe nominated actor who has starred in a string of well recieved flicks. Observe and Report is the story of a mall cop who tries to do good and has already come under some scruntiny for being too similar to the movie Paul Bart: Mall Cop.

For more information on Observe and Report, visit observe-and-report.warnerbros.com.

Hi Everyone,

Week 20 is here and my belly isn't the only thing that's growing. In fact, I went bra shopping and, well, let's just say I'm almost as big as my cubicle mate Jill :) LOL.

According to the books, I should have gained 10 pounds by now and will be gaining a pound a week. Oh, the things to look forward to. Instead of a small house, I'll start looking like a shed.

The baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces and is about 6 1/2 inches long from the head to heal, though the doctor already said my baby is off the charts.

The books also says that the baby is swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

I'm hanging in there and so far so good. My husband and I are looking forward to buying a house soon so junior will have a place to sleep and relax. I know for a fact this is the calm before the storm, so I'm trying to enjoy the second trimester before my ankles and hormones start to swell.

I hope all is well with you. Till next week.

All the best,
Sukanya

PIX's Larry Hoff is freezin' for a reason this morning. He's joined with dozens of elementary kids, who will jump in Lake Mahopac in Putnam County to raise more to find a cure to cystic fibrosis.

You can join them for the 8th Annual Fundraiser Jump in Lake Mahopac To Cure Cystic Fibrosis tomorrow, March 28 at the Mahopac Golf Club. Registration is from 2:30om to 4pm, the jump in the lake is scheduled for 4:45pm and the fundraiser party begins at 5pm

Jumpers qualify for free admission and a t-shirt with minimum of $100 in sponsorships. The first 200 jumpers receive a Crocs Certificate for one free pair of Crocs ($30 value).

For more information, visit www.FreezinForCysticFibrosis.com, westchester.cff.org/freezin or call (845) 494-1520.

PIX's Jill Nicolini is live at 98.7 KISS FM, where they're participating in the nation-wide radiothon to benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital fundraiser telethon.

The radiothon takes place today and tomorrow from 6am to 7pm. For more information or to donate, visit www.stjude.org or call (800) 982-9965.

Gary “Baba Booey” Dell’Abate of The Howard Stern Show is back at the PIX Morning News today. He has been Howard’s producer since 1984, is also a contributor to Sound and Vision Magazine where his column "Gadget Gary" appears monthly. Gary will showcase five of his favorite tech gadgets.

• First portable Blu Ray Player
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10136963-100.html

• Flip Mino HD
Small Handheld Video Camera, the HD version of the original Flip

Former New York Giant Michael Strahan stopped by to share details on how win a $100,000, plus access to NFL games.

Monster.com and the NFL have teamed up to find the first ever "NFL Director of Fandemonium." It's down to 32 finalists and Michael Strahan is helping pick the winner.

For more info, go to www.nfl.monster.com.

Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen is in the new movie The Haunting in Connecticut.

Based on true events dating back to 1987, the movie follows the Campbell family upon their move to upstate Connecticut. There, they soon learn that their charming Victorian home has a disturbing history: it was once a funeral parlor in which the owner's clairvoyant son Jonah served as a demonic messenger who served as a portal for spiritual entities to enter our world. The plans he has in store for the Campbell family are, putting it mildly, harrowing.

Madsen first gained widespread acclaim with her Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated performance in Alexander Payne's Sideways. She has also starred opposite Jim Carrey in The Number 23 and appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rainmaker. She is known as one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses to date.

The Haunting in Connecticut hits theaters today.

Manhattan Madam Kristin Davis (of former Gov. Elliot Spitzer's Client No. 9 fame) will stop by this morning to talk about her new book and to answer your questions. We want to hear what you have to say!

E-mail morningnews@wpix.com your question and it might get read on-air.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On ths week's free list:

1. 14th Annual Gen Art Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, April 1 and runs through Tuesday, April 7th in Manhattan
2. Some top comedians will be at the Housing Works Bookstore on Tuesday, March 31 at 8:30 pm for the "Punch Up Your Life" comedy series.

Kristin Davis, the infamous "Manhattan Madam", stopped by this morning to talk about her new book and her time in jail.

Davis owned New York's most successful prostitution ring, with more than $5 million in annual sales and a roster of 10,000 rich, powerful and famous clients. In 2008, Kristin closed her business and spent four months in prison and now she's telling her story in her new book The Manhattan Madam: Sex, Drugs, Scandal and Greed Inside America's Most Successful Prostitution Ring.

Davis, first captured national attention in early 2008 in the wake of the scandal surrounding New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's resignation and has recently been linked to New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez.

For more information, visit www.manhattanmadam.com.

Craig Bierko is returning to the stage in "Guys and Dolls."

Frank Loesser's hilarious musical tale chronicles two New York couples betting on love despite the odds. It is directed by two-time Tony winner Des McAnuff, who also worked on "Jersey Boys."

Leading the dynamite cast are Emmy and Tony nominee Oliver Platt and Golden Globe nominee Lauren Graham as Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide. Bierko, who himself is a Tony nominee, and Kate Jennings Grant are Sky Masterson and his unlikely love, Sarah Brown. With the performances of timeless songs such as "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," "Guys and Dolls" is the quintessential Broadway experience.

Bierko has previously graced Broadway with his performance in "The Music Man," for which he garnered the Theater World Award; Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. He has appeared on television shows including Boston Legal, Nip/Tuck, Sex and the City. He is perhaps best known for his film role as Timothy in the 1996 action film The Long Kiss Goodnight.

"Guys and Dolls" is now playing at the Nederlander Theater. For ticket information, visit: www.guysanddollsbroadway.com.

Characters Joe and Charlie from the play "Schooling Giacomo" stopped by as today's Friday Forecasters!

You can catch "Schooling Giacomo" from now until April 26 at The American Theatre of Actors (314 West 54th Street New York, NY). Performances for the two act comedic drama are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

For tickets and show information, visit schoolinggiacomo.com.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Create an organic vegetable garden like First Lady Michelle Obama! Mrs. Obama recently broke ground for a veggie garden on the South Lawn of the White House -- her incentive, to encourage americans to eat healthier. Today, we're taking a cue from the first lady and showing you how to get started on a vegetable garden of your own.

Chris Cipriano of Cipriano Landscape Design stopped by to show us how to grow an organic vegetable garden just like hers!

For more on Cipriano Landscape Design, log onto www.plantnj.com.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz stopped by live to talk about "Dine In Brooklyn," Brooklyn's own restaurant week!

For a list of participating restaurants, or more info, log onto www.visitbrooklyn.org.

Millions of Howard Stern fans would say they know Gary "Baba Booey" Dell'Abate pretty well, but well enough to know some of his beauty secrets? I don't think so. So I did the digging and grilling and found out a bit more about Stern's right hand man.

Honestly, I don't think I'll be taking his beauty advice though...I don't need it. At least not yet. But you can watch Baba Booey's GRILLED video to see if its a tip you can use.

He's truly a gentle giant (get it?) and really needs no introduction. But I just have to say that Michael Strahan is hands down one of the most laid back people EVER.

Don't believe me? Well then, check out the former NY Giant getting GRILLED and see for yourself. All I can say is, I told you so.

The most money a client paid her in one day? 30 Grand. And I'm not talking Monopoly money here...I mean real dollars. I guess that's why Kristin Davis is the Manhattan Madam. But $30,000 in one day? What am I doing wrong in life?!

Madam Davis didn't even hold back when I asked who made better clients: Hollywood Elite or Wall Street Moguls? Her answer didn't shock me; but her explanation to why she made that pick had me thinking: say what? Not in a completely bad way though.

Check out the GRILLED video and see what I mean.

Two local men looking for a job respond to an ad in the newspaper. They get a call back and are told they need a special certificate. But they had to pay for this certificate. It's been weeks and they still haven't heard back about a position. That’s when they called Help Me Howard.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Emily sat down with the cast of Fast & Furious to talk about the making of the movie.

In this fourth installment of the Fast & Furious saga, Vin Diesel's fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Connor, played by Paul Walker. However, once forced to confront a common enemy, the two have no choice but to team up to outmaneuver him. Tribulations are thrown their way, from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, and as a result of it all, the two men will find the best way to get their revenge.

Fast & Furious hits theaters April 3.

As stocks drop, scales are on the rise. Nearly 50% of people turn to high-calorie foods to ease the stress of the economy. SELF Magazine's tips help avoid recession pounds with custom diet makeovers for Stress Gobblers, Cheap Eaters, Burned-Out Bingers and Social Gluttons.

And as an added bonus, SELF is also revelaing 12 healthy food items under $1! Their tasty highlights include brown rice, raisins, snap peas and green tea.

For more information, visit www.self.com.

PIX's Jill Nicolini is taking a walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden today, March 30 for National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

She'll start in Magnolia Plaza checking out the blossoms. Then she'll take a look at Daffodil Hill (snow drops and crocus swaths). Cherry trees behind the Tulips in the Annual border along Lily Pool Terrace. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is poised to kick off their annual Cherry Blossom Festival this week.

For more information, visit www.bbg.org.

The Body is a 55-minute high-energy class combining movements from yoga, pilates and flexibility training. This workout will turn your body into THE body in a little over a month.

Instructor Shawn McCormack show us how to do parrallel squats, reverse dips, streamline stretches and stretch and twist.

The Body boutique studio is located at 802 Lexington Avenue. Prices start at $33 per class, $150 for a five-class package, $275 for 10, $520 for 20. Private/open classes can be booked online up to a month in advance. For more information, visit thebodynyc.com or call (212) 688-8000.

Stop by your nearest watering hole, there could be a deal brewing for you. PIX's Larry Hoff hangs out at The Watering Hole in Gramercy. This local haunt offers up a great happy hour deal with an array of food. Stop by late night and have a little Karaoke fun.

The Watering Hole is located at 106 East 19th Street (212) 674-5783 or visit wateringholenyc.com.

The doctor is in! The PIX Morning News' Dr. Steve Salvatore is here to answer your questions:

1. Recently, I've been drooling excessively in my sleep. Is this a sign of a breathing disorder or sinus problem?
Desiree

2. I've been on the pill for 10 years and stopped last month. Are there side effects when you stop taking birth control after extended use?
Sarah, Easton, PA

3. My pinky always tends to cramp when I text with my Blackberry. Why?
Samantha M., Washington, D.C.

Have a question? E-mail Dr. Steve at askthedoctor@tribune.com.

Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose took over the big screen with her powerhouse voice in Dreamgirls. Now she's starring opposite R&B singer Jill Scott in HBO'sThe No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, which airs Sundays at 8pm.

The show is based on the book series of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith and filmed in Botswana. "As a young girl growing up in the African nation of Botswana, Precious Ramotswe was encouraged by her father to follow her dreams, no matter what. Now in her mid-30s, Precious is doing just that — by opening her country's first and only female-owned detective agency for the benefit of those who need help the most," says HBO.

You can catch Rose in her next project as the voice of Pincess Tiana Disney's upcoming animated movie The Princess and The Frog, due later this year.

Arctic adventurer, photographer and environmental activist Sebastian Copeland is headed to the North Pole to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first trek to the North Pole and raise awareness of melting polar ice caps. Kurt the CyberGuy shares the advanced technology that will be helping him along the way, and how you can follow his treacherous 40-day trek online.

Kurt highlighted these products: Canon 5D-Mark II, Garmin 60CSx, HP iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld.

And he's asking you to tell him what you think about Sebastian Copeland’s trek to the North Pole at www.twitter.com/cyberguy. To read Sebastian Copeland’s blog, visit www.myspace.com/sebastiancopeland.

In its first-ever elimination-style competition, Food Network Challenge: Last Cake Standing, six Challenge all-stars vie for the title of "Best Cake Artist in America."

The series throws the pastry chefs into a grueling four-round cake competition. The Challenge alumni will be thrown a number of difficult tasks, from creating one-of-a-kind wedding creations to undergoing a 24-hour cake-making marathon. The winner takes home the biggest prize in Challenge history: $50,000!

Host Keegan Gerhard has an enthusiastic but controlled approach to pastries, "I like to stay away from things that are too contrived, and prefer to create desserts that are refined and elegant," he explains. "I sometimes compare pastries to jazz music: 70 percent is based on enduring principles or the foundation of the style, and then the great musicians give you the 30 percent which is a surprise."

The Food Network Challenge: Last Cake Standing premieres on Sunday, April 5 at 8pm. For more information, visit www.foodnetwork.com.

Millions of Americans are trying to renogotiate their home loans these days. But in the process, many are paying thousands of dollars to companys that promise to help, then pocket the money and never do anything. Howard will have tips on how to spot them and protect yourself.

For the full story, read Howard's blog: www.wpix.com/helpmehoward. If you have a problem, send him an e-mail at helpme@wpix.com or call his hotline at (212) 210-2490.

Larry Hoff is hanging with the track team at Centereach High School and trying out some activities from long jumps, relays, hurdles and even pole vaulting! Larry will speak Principal Thomas Bell and Track Coach Mike Soto.

You can join them at Centereach High School, located at 14 43rd Street, Centereach, Long Island.

April Roomet is among one of the seven girls on E!'s new reality show, Candy Girls.

You've seen them as sexy vixens in the music videos of the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Outkast. Now, the ladies are stepping into their respective limelights and enlighten viewers that there is more to them than just what meets the eye. In the competition, an agent places women in rap videos, in events like award shows, the Super Bowl, album release parties, and hip-hop music video shoots.

A self-proclaimed "token white girl," Roomet has worked as a professional celebrity stylist and has been in the entertainment industry for ten years, having worked her magic on more than 100 music videos for such big names as Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Bow-Wow. She is a single mother of a child she had with model Tyson Beckford.

All-new episodes of Candy Girls air Sundays at 10:30pm on E!

PIX's Jill Nicolini is live at the New Victory Theater with La Famiglia Dimitri.

A household name in their native Switzerland, La Famiglia Dimitri brings their rollicking show to the New Victory Theater for a four-week engagement.

Helmed by Papa Dimitri -- a beloved Swiss cultural icon, one-time colleague of Marcel Marceau and founder of Dimitri Performing Arts Center (two theaters, a school, museum, acting company and restaurant!) -- La Famiglia Dimitri is a family gig: David (son) is one of the world's most outstanding high wire artists; Masha (daughter) is a talented choreographer and slack wire specialist, and Nina (daughter) is a multi-talented musician and devotee of Latin American folk music. With high-wire hijinks, musical mischief and spellbinding stunts, Papa Dimitri and his clan are a perfect blend of down-home folksiness and astonishing dexterity.
The New Victory Theater is located at 209 W. 42nd St., between 7th and 8th Avenues. For tickets and show information, visit newvictory.org. For more on La Famiglia Dimitri, visit www.lafamigliadimitri.com.

PIX's John Muller walked the runway at the Dressed To Kilt 2009 Fashion Show where a number of celebrities came out to celebrate Scotland and model in the show.

The Dressed to Kilt event is part of a year-long celebration of Homecoming Scotland 2009. All proceeds made in this event will go towards the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warriors organization and the Erskine Hospital in Scotland.

Some of the more notable celebrities to model were Donald Trump, Sean Connery, Markus Shankenberg, and Andie MacDowell. Even Perez Hilton had a few choice words to say about Ed Westwick and Kellie Pickler's appearances.

The full list of models can be seen here: www.dressedtokilt.com/2009models.html and more information on the event can be found at www.dressedtokilt.com.

Fifty percent of men over 50 years of age have an enlarging prostate; if left untreated it can lead to worsening urinary symptoms and even prostate-related surgery.

Tennis legend John McEnroe is here to help. He has teamed up with GlaxoSmithKline to create a public-education initiative entitled the “50 Over 50 Prostate Health Challenge.”

McEnroe said, “I just celebrated my 50th birthday...I know there are certain health issues I need to stay on top of, including my prostate health. He explains that the health challeng is all about talking to your doctor and getting serious about your prostate health. Men can get started at the interactive web site, www.50over50challenge.com.

The challenge is to take three easy steps to get serious about prostate health: a brief online prostate health assessment; seeing a doctor for a prostate-health exam; and knowing your PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) level.

McEnroe will spread the word about the event in a series of video vignettes. The first will air on April 4 in between the first and second games of the men’s college basketball semi final on CBS. There will also be national print messages in March and April running in such publications as USA Today, Sports Illustrated, TIME and Newsweek.

Actress Carolyn Hennesy, better known as Sonny's no-nonsense lawyer Diane on the ABC soap opera General Hospital stopped by the studio to talk about her new book, Pandora Gets Lazy.

Inspired by Greek mythology, the book is about young protagonist Pandora and her quest to locate the evil Laziness. However, with obstcles thrown in her way, like Hera’s kidnapping her beloved dog, Dido, and Pandora becoming separated from her friends, her journey becomes more challenging by the second. Pandora, herself, cannot afford to succumb to her own laziness.

Pandora Gets Lazy is the third in Hennesy's series of young adult books and is available in bookstores today. For more on Hennesy, visit www.carolynhennesy.com.

You can catch General Hospital weekdays on ABC at 3pm.

Jodi Record from The Little Shelter stopped by with three cute and cuddly pets in need of loving homes.

For more information on how to adopt a pet, visit www.littleshelter.com.