Before a big interview, most job seekers prepare for what questions they’ll be asked – but far too many fail to consider what they’ll say when the tables are turned. Asking smart questions during a job interview is a golden opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition, impress a hiring manager, and ultimately increase your chances of landing the job.

Daryl Pigat, Metro Market Manger for Robert Half International, will discuss the 5 questions every job seeker should ask during an interview.

1. What are the opportunities for advancement, and do you typically promote from within?
2. What types of training programs do you offer?
3. While researching your firm I learned that the company recently [fill in the blank]. Can you tell m e a little bit more about this development?
4. Can you tell me what my average day would be like?
5. What happened to the person who previously held this role?

For more on Robert Half International, visit www.rhi.com.

Could your kids be hanging out with the wrong crowd? There's at least one way to find out.

We spoke to retired NYPD sargeant Andy Spieler turned private investigator. He specializes in spying on teens and is hired by suspicious parents to spy on their kids. You can call him the "Columbo for Kids."

To learn more about Andy's PI firm log onto www.pifinest.com.

Millionaire Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger stopped by the show to talk to us about Valentine's Day, how to get married in a year and her partnership with Cotonelle.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, matters of the heart are on nearly everyone’s mind. Whether looking for love or hoping to spice up an existing one, Patti opened up about her new DVD, Married in a Year, and share her expert relationship tips. Married in a Year takes viewers step-by-step through Patti’s 12-month action plan, from meeting and attracting the right mate to sealing the deal and making love last.

Patti is also partnering with Cottonelle to launch “Make the Ultra Switch” Sweepstakes, which is giving away 90 prizes in 90 days – all designed to help people make those little switches that can make all the difference in their relationships.

For more on Patti Stanger, visit www.pattistanger.net and ultra.cottonelle.com/

"Lombardi" at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre alongside actress Judith Light as Marie Lombardi.

Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, unquestionably one of the most inspirational and quotable personalities of all time.

Though football’s Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi the man—his inspirations, his passions and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. Directed by Tony nominee Thomas Kail (In the Heights), "Lombardi" is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.

The play has received great reviews. All week long in honor of the Super Bowl, several former NFL players will be signing autographs after the show.

Young actor Bradley Steven Perry, one of the stars of the Disney family sitcom Good Luck Charlie. stopped by to talk about his co-starring role Ashley Tisdale (CW's Hellcats) in the upcoming movie Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure.

In the movie, Brandon plays he plays Sharpay's No. 1 enemy, Roger Elliston III, a precocious young dog owner. The movie will be released on DVD April 19.

To celebrate Fashion Week (Feb 10-17th), below, we’ve highlighted some great, FREE events and offers taking place at Time Warner Center.

FREE JAZZ PERFORMANCE
• Delight in hearing Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, Denise Donatelli, as she belts out jazz standards with her band. (Friday, Feb 11, 6:30-7:30pm, 2nd Fl)
FREE FITNESS
• Sculpt a model body - Equinox is offering a FREE CORE Fitness class (Feb 13, 12:30-1:30pm) AND a FREE VINYASSA Yoga class (Feb 15, 4:30-5:30pm)
• New York Running Company: Bring your special someone in for a competition-fueled relay race through Central Park OR be paired with another cute, athletic single. The fastest couple wins a $125 dinner at Landmarc. The quickest new match wins a $75 gift certificate to Bouchon Bakery for their first date! (Feb 14, 6:30-8pm)
FREE DEMOS
• Watch couture gift wrap demos from Campo Marzio at Kate’s Paperie while admiring designer-made couture paper dresses. (Feb 12 – all day)
FREE APPEARANCES:
• Come meet the fabulous characters and costumes of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the feel-good musical of the year. Stop by SAMSUNG EXPERIENCE to see the cast perform a medley of their favorite ballads. You could win free tickets to see them on Broadway! (Feb 11, 4:30pm)
FREE BEAUTY
• Look fabulous from head to toe. Get a FREE hair touch-up from Aveda at the Eileen Fisher store. (Feb 16, 2-5pm)

For a complete list of events, promotions and happenings going on throughout Fashion Week, people can visit: www.TheShopsatColumbusCircle.com

Financial Expert Vera Gibbons of WalletPop.com will be here to discuss how the unrest in Egypt may impact our wallets.

She says feel it: at the pump, at the grocery store, at the mall and at home.

Fashion designer and star of The City Whitney Port stopped by to talk about her new book out called True Whit: Designing a Live of Style, Beauty, and Fun, which is available in stores now.

Whitney shares her unique style philosophy, including when to break the rules, her family's influence on her sense of style, and her perfect outfits for any occasion—from meeting your guy's parents to wowing an interviewer for a job. Whitney also details what young women really want to know, like what to eat when the mid-afternoon munchies strike, how to throw an impromptu party, and how to hide a hangover.

With hundreds of photos and chock-full of must-have lists and style favorites, this colorful scrapbook features pics from Whitney's personal photo albums and from major moments in her life, including on the runway, at her private birthday bash, and out on the town with friends. And for the first time, Whitney shares the true reality of an emerging fashion designer, highlighting her creative process, sketches, and fabrics.

For more information, visit whitneyport.celebuzz.com.

Actress Alexis Bledel stopped talks about life after the CW's Gilmore Girls and her current gig on Broadway in the play "Love, Loss and What I Wore."

"Love, Loss, and What I Wore" is an intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron is based on the best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman, as well as on the recollection of the Ephrons' friends.

Like the popular book, "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to. The production is performed by a rotating cast of five all-star actors, who will perform in four-week cycles.

For tickst and more information, visit www.lovelossonstage.com.

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. 1-800-Flowers is giving a few lucky viewers a $50 gift card to buy something from their website
2. PinkBerry is giving some lucky viewers a free "Swirly Gram" which includes a $10 gift card for PinkBerry

Feld Motor Sports presents "Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Freestyle Mania!"

This show will feature some of the most popular monster trucks, including the legendary Grave Digger®, Spider-Man®, Aftershock, Krazy Train, and Samson among others. It also includes freestyle competitions, featuring Monster Jam Freestyle, Quad-FMX, Freestyle Super Bike, Freestyle Motocross and Freestyle BMX during an action packed two-hour show.

Performances at Izod Center will be from February 4 to February 5. For more information, visit www.monsterjam.com.

Preparing for the worst and learning a few simple driving techniques can help you avoid a crash in heavy rain, snow, fog and wind. Here with some secrets to staying in control is Jody Rohlena senior editor Shop Smart Magazine.

• SNOW - Steer wheel where you want to go
• HEAVY RAIN - Don't steer or brake suddenly
• FOG - Damp, thick fog will cover the windshield with moisture
• LIGHTENING STORM - Don't touch anything metal if the car gets struck by lightning, the current could pass through them and into you
• WIND - Steer into the wind and slightly stay on course

To learn more about how to drive in any weather, check out the March issue of Shop Smart Magazine.

Ronald Reagan is celebrating his centennial birthday on Sunday, February 6th. Political anaylist Nick Ragone was here to talk about Ronald Reagan. He spoke about the comparison of Reagan to Obama, how Sarah Palin and how others are "hijacking" his legacy.

Nick's book Presidential Leadership: 15 Decisions That Changed the Nation is available in stores now.

This week's Friday Forecaster is Steve Lonergan. He's participating in the The Stony Point Seals 11th Annual Polar Plunge on the afternoon of Superbowl Sunday.

Each year, the Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge raises money for a family in the North Rockland community in need of some assistance. They meet with the family and help bring their story to the community. Together with the help of local and business community the Seals have been able to help eight families.

For more on the plunge, visit www.stonypointseals.com.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Comedienne Tammy Pescatelli balances her family and her growing career with a lot of laughs on WE tv's new series, A Stand Up Mother.

Tune in for a look at her hectic, relatable and often comical life. She's performing at Caroline's through Sunday, February 6th. She'll show us how to make a family recipe, ideal for busy moms.

For more on A Stand-Up Mother, visit www.wetv.com/a-stand-up-mother.

We're targeting those stubborn trouble spots with FITNESS Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong. She'll share moves from the new book FITNESS Fast Track To A Better Body: All-Time Best Workouts to Tone and Trim in 15 Minutes.

We learned these toning moves:
• Arms: side tri lift
• Abs: standing side crunch
• Butt: side sculpter
• Legs: curtsy lunge kick

FITNESS Fast Track To A Better Body: All-Time Best Workouts to Tone and Trim in 15 Minutes is available now. For more information, visit www.fitnessmagazine.com.

MORE:
• PHOTOS: Black Eyed Peas Super Bowl Halftime Show
• VIDEOS: Ads from Super Bowl XLV

Our panel of experts dish about this year's best and worst commercials from Super Bowl XLV.

MORE:
VIDEOS: Ads from Super Bowl XLV

Top Secret Recipes founder and cookbook author, Todd Wilbur, who has sold more than 5 million books since he started unlocking America’s favorite restaurant recipes. Todd’s 10th book Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 3 was released this fall

Todd’s been perfecting his craft of cloning restaurant recipes and he showed us how to duplicate P.F. Chang's Chicken in Soothing Lettuce Wraps and Serendipity's 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

Actress Tika Sumpter stopped by to talk about her new role as Raina Thorpe on Gossip Girl production.

Tika just recently joined the cast and will be on Gossip Girl through the end of the season. In the show, Raina and her father, Russell Thorpe (Michael Boatman), a former associate of Chuck's father, return to Manhattan from Chicago with some unfinished business for our Upper East Siders. Tika made her first appearance on last Monday's episode.

Fans will remember the actress for many years on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live.

You can catch Gossip Girl tonight at 9pm on PIX 11. For more information, visit www.cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl.

Young actress Bailee Madison stopped by the studio to talk about her role in the film Just Go With It, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

In the film, Bailee plays the precocious and adorable Maggie, the daughter of Aniston's character Katherine, the loyal assistant to Sandler's character Danny. To cover up a lie and land the woman of his dreams Danny enlists Katherine's help by pretending to be his ex-wife and Maggie his daughter. The scheme starts to unravel once the pretend family travels to Hawaii and the lie gets harder to maintain.

Bailee has also been added to the cast of Disney Channel's Emmy Award-winning Wizards of Waverly Place, in which she will play Maxine, in a story arc running through the series' fourth season.

When not working, Madison enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her family and dog Maddy and devotes her time to the charitable group, the Starlight Foundation.

Just Go With It opens in New York on Febryary 8 and nationwide on February 11th. For more information, visit justgowithit-movie.com. Bailee Madison will make an appearance at Planet Hollywood in Times Square today at 5pm.

We already know that not all food options are created equal, but in some cases, the better choice may just surprise you! From the second you roll out of bed, you're making constant food decisions-"This one, or that one?" Shape's Senior Health Editor, Sharon Liao, will offer advice for lower-calorie options for your favorite foods so you can make the smartest nutritional decision for you!

• Glazed doughnut or bagel with cream cheese?
Answer: Grab the doughnut!
Both are made with white flour, which offers little in the nutrient department, but bagels are much bigger. One can be the calorie equivalent of five servings of bread, and even a medium bagel contains 320 calories, before adding any spreads. A glazed doughnut has only 260 calories and 2 fewer grams of fat than the bagel with cream cheese. Pair the pastry with a glass of lowfat milk to avoid a sugar crash. If the bagel is beckoning, have half a whole-grain one with a light spread of peanut butter.

Funnymen Shawn and Marlon Wayans are set to perform live at Caroline's on Broadway this Valentine's Day weekend. Their return to their hometown of New York is part of a multi-city comedy tour.

Members of the Comedy's First Family, Marlon and Shawn Wayans got their start on FOX TV's In Living Color, the ground-breaking sketch comedy series created and produced by their older brothers Damon and Keenan Ivory Wayans.

After In Living Color, Marlon and Shawn struck out on their own, starring in the WB's long-running sitcom The Wayans Bros. A string of box office blockbusters such as Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2, White Chicks, Little Man and Dance Flick soon followed.

For tickets and showtimes, visit www.carolines.com.

There are only a few more days left until Valentine's Day, which is apparently more than enough time for even the stingiest man to get it together.

Our resident MacGuyver, Andrew Ramos managed to put together a dinner, date and gift all for under 15 bucks! With a little help from a local 99 cents store, a culinary genius and of course some creativity - celebrating Valentine's Day was just another effortless day.

Candles are a must-have for Valentine’s Day. They’re a memorable gift for a friend or loved one, and you can even create your own candle at home to gift or use to set the mood. Candlemaker Harry Slatkin showed us how to create the perfect ambience using candles as well as show how to make your own candles.

Materials Needed:
- Wax- Soy Wax Chips or Crisco
- Fragrance
- Glass Container
- Wick/Wick Clips
- Candle Dye (red candle dye supplied by Tractenberg & Co.)
- Fresh Edamame (supplied by Tractenberg & Co.)

She sings. She writes and she's quite "social." The former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub has a brand new gig and she's here to give us the inside scoop.

The new show Social on Wealth-TV follows Staub as she socializes and attends exclusive events with her vast network of celebrity friends in a modern re-imagination of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

In the series, Danielle will choose an event to attend from her busy social calendar, and then handpick a celebrity friend to visit and accompany her to the event. She will then turn to her inner circle comprised of her manager, hairdresser and two daughters to help her prepare for the celeb visit.

Once there, Danielle will embark on a fun tour of the celeb home before heading to the event that can range from a birthday party to a private suite at a ballgame to a black tie charity gala.

The series was created by Cary Sandoval and is executive produced by Cary Sandoval and Phil Berger. For more inforamtion, visit www.wealthtv.com.

Lending guidelines are tighter than a Nicki Minaj outfit and so more and more wanna-be buyers are running into a major financial dilemma: one partner qualifies for the home loan, but the other's job record, credit blemishes or insufficient income fouls up the financing. Financial expert Vera Gibbons of WalletPop.com was here to explain what to do.

• Don't play the blame game, but take action
• Diagnose and fix the problem
• Qualify on your own
• Get a co-borrower
• Wait and see

To learn more about the mortgage process, visit walletpop.com.

AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with "Sensory Friendly Films."

As part of the program movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.

Audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing, as AMC's "Silence is Golden®" policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets are four to six dollars, depending on the location, and can be purchased on the day of the event.

The next sensory-friendly showing is Gnomeo and Juliet and will be held Saturday, Feb. 12th at 10am. For locations of participating theaters, log onto www.autism-society.org.

Joe Brosi stopped by to talk about the 2011 World Police and Fire Games, which will be holding a kickoff event. JIM NYC Fire Commissioner will officially put out a call to the New York area community to volunteer and support the 2011 World Police & Fire Games.

The Games have a 25 year history. They happen every two years and are the "Olympics" for firefighters and police officers around the world. There will be competition in 69 different sports from angling to wrestling.

The 2011 World Police & Fire Games will be held in New York City for the first time August 26th to September 5th just days before the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

Dunkin' Donuts will be sampling their new "Cupid's Choice" heart-shaped donut to those who sign up to volunteer at the Games.

For more information, visit 2011wpfg.org.

Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle who had his inspiring story and football career told in the critically acclaimed movie The Blind Side , stopped by to talk about his book I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond.

Looking back on how he went from being a homeless child in Memphis to playing in the NFL, Michael talks about the goals he had for himself in order to break out of the cycle of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness that trapped his family for so long. He recounts poignant stories growing up in the projects and running from child services and foster care over and over again in search of some familiarity. Eventually he grasped onto football as his ticket out of the madness and worked hard to make his dream into a reality.

But Oher also knew he would not be successful alone. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential people in mind, he describes the absolute necessity of seeking out positive role models and good friends who share the same values to achieve one's dreams. Sharing untold stories of heartache, determination, courage, and love, I Beat the Odds is an incredibly rousing tale of one young man's quest to achieve the American dream.

I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond is available in stores now. You can meet Michael in person at a book signing at Barnes & Noble 5th Avenue (at 46th street) today, Wednesday, February 9 at 12:30pm.

It's called "Oh, ohh, ohhh! Female Pleasure, Desire and Orgasms" and it's just one of the workshops sex educator Megan Andelloux offers and now her sassy presentation are causing a stir in Connecticut.

Anthony Cannella, a Central Connecticut State University associate professor who criticized Megan's presentation at the unversity said: "I think it's a lot of pandering and unnecessary titillation. I don't think kids need any more encouragement than they already have. It's sort of irresponsible in my view. It's really disingenuous to say that it's mainly education."

Megan Andelloux is a nationally Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) through The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, an HIV educator and a Board Certified Sexologist through The American College of Sexologists. For more on Megan, visit www.ohmegan.com.

READ MORE: College Talk 'Fornication 101' Provokes Criticism

Erin Heatherton is a Victoria's Secret Angel and she has a secret to share. She's offering up tips on buying lingerie for three personality types, plus sharing her ideal date story.

For more on Victoria's Secret and Erin Heatherton, visit vsallaccess.victoriassecret.com.

Ellie Krieger, the host of the hit Food Network show Healthy Appetite is a registered dietician and a New York Times best-selling author. she stopped by to show us how to make some yummy dishes and shared with us her recipes for Spiced Red Wine-Poached Pears, Chocolate Fondue and Cinnamon Raisin Rice Pudding.

Ellie believes in educating people on eating healthy in a realistic, delicious and easy way. She believes in living life to the maximum by being in healthy balance, and working with food in a positive way to help achieve that goal.

She is a contributor to New Way RA, an online lifestyle show hosted by Deborah Norville which is geared toward Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers in which she talks about an anti-inflammatory diet and recipes. And in her years of private practice, she has counseled a variety of clients, from homemakers and CEOs, to celebrities and top models.

She received her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nutrition from Cornell and Columbia University. She held the position of director of nutritional services at the prestigious La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine for several years. She also was an adjunct professor in the New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health.

She has published three books: Small Changes Big Results, THE FOOD YOU CRAVE: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life, and So Easy: Luscious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week. For more on Ellie, visit www.elliekrieger.com.

A new year might mean a new direction for The Jerry Springer Show. For the first time in its 20-year history, guests on the show don't just come to blows to resolve issues --they're trying an entirely different approach with a dance-off. Jerry SprInger was here to talk about his crazy show and a special episode with Tom Bergeron.

The Jerry Springer Show airs weekdays at 11am on PIX 11. Be sure to check out tomorrow's "Dancing Queens" episode with special guest Tom Bergeron.

Dara Torres , the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and has won a total of 12 Olympic medals in her career, stopped by the studio to talk about hosting an event called "Get Healthy in 2011." The event is with NXT Nutritionals, who makes an all-natural sweetener called SUSTA sharing her favorite techniques for getting - and staying - healthy.

In 2008, Dara captured the hearts and minds of people of all ages when she launched her comeback as a new mother at the age of 41 - eight years since her last Olympics when she retired from competitive swimming.

Fashion Week has rolled into town again and it's going down at its new home in Lincoln Center.

PIX 11 News is teaming up with Life & Style Magazine for Fashion Week 2011 and Style Editor Rachel Zalis will be amid of all of the action.

Rachel is our special fashion week correspondent with all the behind-the-scenes access. She recapped the Red Dress fashion show and gave us a preview to the BCBG Fashion Show.

Here's what Rachel had to say in her own words:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off last night in NYC, and the star-studded lineup at The Heart Truth's Red Dress show didn't disappoint.

I’m Rachel Zalis, Life & Style Weekly’s contributing editor, and we’re taking WPIX behind the scenes all week to get the inside scoop at New York Fashion Week. Last night, I talked to the stars about why they walked the catwalk, how they stay healthy and what they do to please their guys for Valentine's Day.

Gayle King told me both her parents died of heart disease. So staying healthy is really important to her. She did a juice cleanse to squeeze into her gown. But she doesn't have a Valentine's date yet. Maybe her stunning Donna Karan gown will work its magic!

Garcelle Beauvais, who strutted her stuff in Monique Lhuillier, is also newly single. She’s super sculpted as always. So get going, guys.

Cat Deely — who wore Alberta Ferretti – was excited to tell us she’s been planning a fun friends ski trip via private jet for the holiday.

Giuliana Rancic and Audrina Patridge are both off the market. And they’re making the most of their relationships this V Day. Audrina (in Badgley Mischka) wouldn't divulge the sexy surprise she has planned for her boyfriend. But we're sure it's sultry.

Giuliana wasn’t shy about telling me what she plans to do in the bedroom. Hubby Bill will get a rubdown with lotion on Monday night. And Matthew McConaughey, who sat in the front row to support his wife, Camila, may not be far behind. Giuliana told Camila (in Kaufman Franco) that she should do the same thing for Matt!

Camila didn’t give me a final answer on that one, but Giuliana was undeterred. She blew a kiss to Matthew as she walked the runway in her sizzling mini by Marchesa.

Everyone's ready for Valentine's Day ... and Fashion Week. Kisses and all.

Love and dating has taken on a new meaning, with the use of cell phones. All it take is one wrong text and you can lose your guy or girl.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, Bing has teamed up with the co-authors of Flirtexting to find out a few fun facts, as well give ladies tips on what texts to avoid.

For more fun facts from bing and tips from the Flirtexting experts, visit www.flirtexting.com.

Steve Wilkos stopped by the studio to give his take on today's hot topics, including Lindsay Lohan and the Craigslist Congressman.

For more on Steve Wilkos' visit, go to www.stevewilkos.com

With Starbucks introduction of the 31 oz. Trenta coffee, we could all use a little grounding of what actually is a normal size portion. Nutritionist Dr. Oz Garcia shares his fool-proof methods on how to use everyday items to gauge and measure proper portion sizes. Dr. Oz Garcia suggested the following comparisons:

- PANCAKE - Compact Disc
- 1/2 CUP OF FRUIT - Tennis ball
- SERVING OF CHICKEN - Deck of cards
- 1/4 CUP - Golf ball
- SERVING OF CHEESE - 6 Dice
- PIECE OF FRUIT – Baseball
- PORTION OF FISH - Checkbook
- BAKED POTATO - Computer mouse
- VEGGIES - A handful

For more information, visit www.ozgarcia.com.

Click HERE for a candid, behind-the-scenes look of our morning show.

Enjoy a free photography class with the Digital Photo Academy at Calumet Photographic tomorrow, Saturday, February 12. Any photo enthusiast who is in the Valentine's Day Spirit will have an opportunity to get free lessons in portraiture with instruction from a DPA photographer. Also, bring a loved one in for a free portrait session!

Instructor Rick Gerrity, who has photographed film celebrities and a variety of news makers, will be at Calumet to share his expertise on studio portraiture.

WHO: Digital Photo Academy

WHAT: Free Portrait Lessons

WHERE: Calumet Photographic (22 W. 22nd St., between 5th and 6th NY, NY)

WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 10am-1pm

Door prizes will be given out, and grand prize winners will get their own Lensbaby to keep and 2 others will win Black Rapid camera straps.

For more information on the event, visit: http://www.digitalphotoacademy.com/Home/PopupWorkshopDetails/params/object/19926/default.aspx

Every girl will need three things this fall; sky-high stilettos, a statement jacket and a big cocktail dress. Or at least that's what Christian Siriano is telling his A-list clientele.

After Christian finished Project Runway, Heidi Klum was an instant fan. Others quickly followed, including Victoria Beckham and Mad Men's Christina Hendricks. Christian doesn't take any of this for granted, he told me. He's so grateful for every fan, including Mena Suvari and Gabrielle Union, who sat front row on Thursday. Mena was in head-to-toe black with fierce CS booties. Her hair was very blond, very retro. Think Veronica Lake.

Alexa Chung made a statement in bright-orange patent sandals and black tights, while Gabrielle rocked a printed strapless. And her supersize cocktail ring was so cool!

Once the show started there were a few missteps. One model fell, another kept getting caught in her dress and a third took one shoe off and hobbled a bit. The shoes looked amazing, but they weren't exactly easy to walk in.

There were great moments, though. The zipper details and wide lapels on Christian's jackets went over well. So did the moss-green sheer.

Fans were torn over the voluminous ballgown skirts. But the minimalist looks showed a new side of Christian ... a side that's sure to be taken seriously at retail.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are FREE. That's right...no money required. This week's free list: 1. Natural Body Butter is giving away a free basket worth over $200 for Valentine's Day 2. Godiva is giving away Strawberry Gem Tubes to the first 150 customers that visit their new pop-up store on 5th ave and mention Free Friday, NYC

Lisa checks out the Clear Store to see the technology behind our video Valentine's booth in Union Square. You can still visit the store located at 865 Broadway through Valentine's Day and record your video message of love. You may get to see your video Valentine on PIX11.

Charlie the Tuna 50th Birthday - Former "Bachelorette" Jillian Harris stopped by the WPIX studios this morning with her new "older man," Charlie the Tuna. StarKist is commemorating its Iconic Spokes-Tuna's 50th Birthday with a Celebration in New York City's Times Square. Harris and Charlie will co-host the birthday festivities on Military Island in Times Square from 11AM-4PM on today. Consumers will have the opportunity to interact with the beloved icon and reality star through exciting games, free giveaways and photo opportunities. Charlie won't be the only one getting a smooch at his 50th celebration: fans will have the chance to make their best "fish-kiss" pucker, to be projected on the famous New York City Reuters JumboTron. For every "fish-kiss" photo snapped, StarKist will make a donation to the American Heart Association (with a maximum donation of $10,000).

No date for Valentine's Day? No Problem. Suzy McCoppin, Playboy.com's "Party Girl," stopped by to talk with Jill Nicolini and the morning show crew to provide tips for all the single ladies (35-54) on how to make Valentine's Day about spending time with your closest girlfriends instead of stressing over a date.

Suzy's top fun-filled Valentine's Day "singles party" tips / themes for the ladies include:
1) Casino Night
2) Dance Party
3) Spa Night with make-up and beauty tips
4) Singles Sleep-over

FASHION WEEK - we team up with Life & Style Magazine for Fashion Week.
Style Editor Rachel Zalis recaps the BCBG show, including an interview with designer Max Azria. He's emphasizing fall colors and skinny belts for Fall.

Christian Siriano of Project Runway fame, is saying very high stilettos are a must-have for fall. He's doing a line for Payless.

Skirts were long and minimal at the BCBG Max Azria show at Lincoln Center on Thursday, but the mood among celebs in the front row was far from somber.

Grammy award winner Kelly Rowland looked super sweet in a floaty coral mini, while Taraji P. Henson and Ashanti were all smiles (Taraji in a bold print, Ashanti in a zebra pattern).

Garcelle Beauvais and Jennifer Love Hewitt played it safe in draped solids. But our favorite was a gilded mini on blond beauty Katrina Bowden. So cute!

Max Azria insists hemlines are heading south. The one thing girls will need next fall? A long dress, he told me.

If it’s up to the designer, skinny belts, thin turtlenecks and riding boots will fill your closets too. Stay tuned!

Fashion stylist Kevin Lennox helps a New Jersey couple married for 13 years, with two young children, get a makeover for Valentine's Day. See the before and after!

Our "Glam Squad" consisted of:
King of Shaves- http://www.shave.com/
Somme Institute- http://www.sommeinstitute.com/somme.aspx
Louis Licari- http://www.louislicari.com/
VMV Hypoallergenics- http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/
TJ Maxx- http://www.tjmaxx.com/
Marshalls- http://www.marshallsonline.com/

Brooklyn couple John and Lessie Everett stopped by as our Friday Forecasters, they've been married for 70 years!

On Valentine's Day Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will honor John and Lessie and hundreds of other Brooklyn couples who have been married 50 years of more. The event is taking place at El Caribe Country Club in Mill Basin on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. The couples will renew their vows!

Rachel Zalis next to a lovely red dress by Monique.

Celebs love Tracy Reese. But it's the support of Michelle Obama that has really made an impact.

When they met at a fundraiser, the First Lady gave her a big hug as though they were always friends. Michelle's warmth means a lot to the designer — so does the fact that the First Lady is a mother and businesswoman.

Tracy's down-to-earth designs and price tags attract a wide range of fans, including Gabrielle Union and Natalie Morales, who were front row this afternoon.

Gabrielle loves that Tracy designs for real women with real bodies. Natalie agrees. She also thinks the First Lady has sent an important message by choosing affordable lines like Tracy's.

When the show began, the infatuation with long hems continued in the guise of gray and teal pleated maxis. Sumptuous furs upped the ante, while shimmery dresses caught the fans' eyes.
It was those flirty touches that put Julia Stiles front row today. And we don't blame her!

This week, for Valentine’s Day, we invited Bruce Littlefield, lifestyle expert, and author of Garage Sale America, and Merry Christmas America, to sit in the passenger seat and share some tips for those of us last-minute gift-givers.

Bruce clues us in. “Last night, I decided on one stop, I went to TJ MAXX, I gave myself 15 minutes, I had seven gifts to buy, a guy, a girl, my grandma, a pet, a friend, a son and daughter.”

He completed the task, and did it all under $100. “The secret of Valentine's is not to empty your banking account, but to let someone know that you love them.”

Tip #1 from Bruce, “Any present becomes a great present if you creatively wrap it.” And with that, Littlefield whips out a vase seemingly filled with just pink and red colors, but when you pull it out, it’s lingerie!

And if you want to take it to the next level. You can buy a piece of jewelry and a box of chocolates and combined the two. Littlefield took one chocolate out of the box and replaced it with a ring!

When it comes to boxed chocolates, there's nothing worse than craving a caramel and biting an orange crème! Square, round, rectangular and oval, we're deciphering what's hiding inside some common boxed chocolates. It's with Kelly Senyei, content producer for Gourmet Live.

In your typical box of chocolates, there are four basic types – and we’ve got some tips for how you can identify your favorites:

1. CARAMELS
• These will always be square in shape
• They are generally enrobed in milk chocolate
• Some companies may drizzle a complementary chocolate on top, but don’t let that fool you - just look for the square shape

Today's Everyday Hero is Vic Butler. He's retiring after 29 years of coaching basketball at Erasmus High School. His biggest accomplishment wasn't achieved on the court, Erasmus High School's basketball coach's biggest victory wasn't on the court - but in getting every kid he mentored to go on to college. All 400 of them.

Butler stopped by the PIX11 Morning News for a look back at the nearly three decades he spent making a difference and changing lives at the Brooklyn high school

Hayden Panettiere and Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden star in the captivating Lifetime Original movie Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy, which premieres on Monday, February 21 at 9pm. The movie is based on the international headline-grabbing story of the now infamous American exchange student accused by Italian authorities of brutally killing her roommate.

Looking good is the best revenge, so this Valentine's Day Crunch has teamed up with Everlast to invite all victims of love to take out their post-relationship aggression in an intense boxing/kickboxing class.

Participants will be encouraged to bring a picture of their ex to tape on a focus mitt and they'll be paired up with other bitter boxers, because it's time to get even while getting a great workout.

The Anti-Valentine's Day boxing class is being offered for free and Zuta Gilchriest of Crunch gave us a preview.

For more information, visit www.crunch.com.

Gossip Girl's Michelle Trachtenberg admits she rarely wears anything but jeans. But that didn't stop her from coming out to support her friend Rebecca Taylor and the soft silhouettes she's known for.

One of our favorite New York Housewives, Ramona Singer, gravitates toward ladylike styles - and that's one of the reasons she loves Rebecca's florals. They may be feminine, but they're also practical enough for work, she says.

Ramona's been working hard on the next season. Though she can't reveal too much, she believes it's the best yet. The ladies take a trip to Morocco that blows away the Sex and the City excursion, she says!

Sex and the City was on Rebecca's mind too as she talked to me moments before the show. When Sarah Jessica Parker was filming SATC2 she called the designer to borrow a dress. Rebecca was blown away. She said the moment was truly surreal.

When the show began we were literally transported back in time. Rebecca reused old patterns from past collections. The effect was a whimsical mix of prints, color blocking and shiny embellishment.

Three trends of the season - brights, statement fur and below-the-knee hems - made appearances too. Garcelle Beauvais, who was in the front row, was happy to see the girlie looks Rebecca does so well ... and so were we.

Our Tamsen Fadal followed contestants while they participated in Bridal Guide's Race for the Rock, a scavenger hunt around the city. All of the clues during the hunt brought them closer to a free $7,000 diamond engagement ring.

We had the winning couple and a live wedding proposal on our show.

Our Tamsen Fadal explores counter-terrorism technology called ACT System by Thermal Matrix. It's a somewhat portable scanning system designed to be easily camouflaged for covert observation and detection in target areas for concealed for explosives and weapons using a camera, laptop and hi-tech software. It does not replace the body scanners at the airport but can work in conjunction with that technology.

For more on Thermal Matrix, visit www.thermalmatrixusa.net.

Belts are back!

This week, Monique Lhuillier joined the ranks of designers cinching sweaters, skirts, dresses and coats - and the result was some serious curve-hugging style.

But if the designer had an opportunity to dress Kate Middleton for the upcoming royal wedding, curves wouldn't be on display. A long-sleeve gown with a corset bodice, portrait neckline, feature-length veil and train would be on the agenda. It is possible to make a statement while being covered up, she told me!

Julia Stiles and Brittany Snow - both front row - didn't have weddings on their minds. But they're still huge fans of the showstopping gowns Monique is known for.

When a gold goddess gown hit the runway, I wondered which actress would snag the style for an award show. A Chantilly lace corset gown and ostrich-feather number were instant crowd-pleasers too.

I'm not sure how many feathers were on the gown, but it looked like thousands. Whatever the number, it was sure to make a lasting impression.

Check out more highlights of fashion week and the latest style trends in Life & Style Weekly, on newsstands now!

Michael Sussman, the attorney for the Henry Family, stopped by the studio this morning to talk about the grand jury's ruling that there is no reasonable cause to indict the police officers who shot and killed Pace University student athlete Danroy Henry.

READ MORE: "Grand Jury: No Reasonable Cause To Indict Officers In Pace Shooting"

Odd cracking. Freaky twitching. Bizarre ringing. Our bodies sometimes conjure up strange symptoms. But, are they cause for concern? Didi Gluck, Beauty and Health Director of "Real Simple" stopped by to tell us what they mean and when to see a doctor.

They included:
SYMPTOM: You hear ringing in your ears
It’s probably tinnitus, a perceived buzzing or whooshing sound commonly caused by partial hearing loss. Medications, including aspirin and some antibiotics; allergies; and earwax buildup can be to blame.
The Fix: There’s no cure for tinnitus caused by hearing loss, but stress-reduction techniques, such as biofeedback, may help decrease your brain’s perception of the sound.
See A Doc: If the ringing is only in one ear or is accompanied by vertigo, balance problems, or facial weakness. These symptoms could indicate an acoustic-nerve tumor.

SYMPTOM: You have floaters in your eyes
Those little white specks that drift across your field of vision are probably just tiny pieces of tissue that stray into the vitreous, which is the jelly-filled chamber of each eye.
The Fix: Your eye will probably reabsorb them, or you’ll just stop noticing them.
See A Doc: If the floaters are black or are accompanied by flashing lights, which can signal a retinal tear.

Ben Vereen stopped by to talk about his upcoming performance at The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street).

Ben Vereen won the Tony Award for his renowned performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin, and has also starred on Broadway in Wicked, Fosse, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Jelly’s Last Jam, Grind, A Christmas Carol and I’m Not Rappaport. He recently guest starred on How I Met Your Mother and previously appeared on Grey’s Anatomy (Prism Award), Law & Order: CI, and starred in the Hallmark movie An Accidental Friendship (NAACP Nom.). Recently he starred in the new play Fetch Clay, Make Man, directed by Des McAnuff, which will open on Broadway next year.

The Times Square's landmark concert venue, will present Ben Vereen this Friday, February 18 at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now for $50 and $45 through Ticketmaster, 212-307-4100 or www.ticketmaster.com, or by visiting The Town Hall Box Office at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824.

Wrestling superstar Paul “Triple H” Levesque is on his way to becoming a movie star with his leading role in movie The Chaperone, which opens February 18. The film also stars Ariel Winter, Kevin Corrigan, José Zuniga, Yeardley Smith, Kevin Rankin and Enrico Colantoni.

He plays Ray Bradstone -- the "the best wheel man in the business" -- the bank robbery business, that is. Just out of prison, he is determined to go straight and be the best parent he can be to his daughter and make amends with his ex-wife, Lynne (Gish).

After trying everything he can to re-connect with his family to no avail, and struggling in vain to find honest work, his old bank-robbing crew, led by Phillip Larue (Corrigan), offers him one last job. He signs on as their getaway driver – only to change his mind at the last second.

What prompts this change of heart is an opportunity: Sally is going on a class field trip to the New Orleans Natural History Museum and Ray has been asked to be the chaperone. It’s his last chance to be the father he always wanted to be. Sally and her class are in for one of the craziest field trips ever.

For more on te movie, visit www.thechaperonethemovie.com.

Sports broadcasting legend Dick Vitale has teamed up with Sunkist Soda to make this college basketball season the most "Slammin', Bammin' and Jammin'" one yet.

Vitale, of course is known for such catchphrases as, “He’s Awesome Baby!” “Are You Kidding Me?” And of course—“He’s a PTP’er (Prime-Time Player), Baby.” He's searching for his next big catchphrase with the help of Sunkist.

Sunkist fans can log onto SunkistSoda.com to submit their ideas for Dickie V's next famous catchphrase as part of The Sunkist Catchphrase that Pays contest and a chance to win one of eight $10,000 weekly cash prizes.

Vitale also spoke about who he thinks will the NCAA championship and who the biggest underdogs will be this year during March Madness.

Wrestling superstar Chris Jericho stopped by to talk about his follow-up book to to his New York Times bestseller A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex. His new book is Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Steps.

A Lion's Tale gave readers a portrait of Jericho as a young man. Fighting his way through Mexico, rinky-dink leagues and a battery of thieving, sleazy promoters/managers, the book ended with the author's WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) debut.

Never one to leave his fans hanging, as demonstrated by his recent return to wrestling glory, Jericho now tells the story of life in the big leagues. But "making it" in the premier wrestling league in the world comes with its own set of obstacles and hard lessons. Jericho, in his witty, hilarious, and surprisingly endearing manner, lays it all out: the good, the bad, and the spandex.

Life & Style's Rachel Zalis gave us a backstage look at Alice & Olivia's non-traditional fashion show.

In today's It's Your Money, we discussed which sectors are in demand and what employers are looking for now with Bob Kovalsky, a senior vice president of Adecco Staffing USA.

Kovalsky says things are improving out there but new hires are still lagging far behind economic growth. If you're still discouraged, snap out of it! Now is the time to get renergized and focused.

For more on Adecco Staffing USA, visit www.adeccousa.com.

Our special correspondent Rachel Zalis from Life & Style has attended all the big fashion shows this last week. She's seen the trends and here to show you how to get the look of the runway without breaking the bank. Rachel observed these trends:

Pleats:
H&M skirt - $49.95
Topshop skirt - $55
Topshop shorts - $70

You can call them fashion police, but instead of pulling you over and handing you a summons, they're handing out tickets to fashion shows. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Force is a sparkly 2012 CLS 63 AMG - and as long as fashion week is going on, it'll be there to give fashionistas a ride or a compliment.

For this week's Alt Side, we parked the bug, and hopped inside along with Jordan Reid from Ramshackle Glam, "We've been driving all over Fashion Week and we've been looking for people with really unique style. It's not about piling on all the trends, it's about that one really great piece whether that's a gorgeous pair of sunglasses, or a great coat or my favorite, the shoes."

The 4-point shot will make its New York City debut on the basketball court at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Feb. 18, one of six games in the area from Feb. 18-21. The Harlem Globetrotters will also take the court at the IZOD Center (Feb. 19 and Feb. 21) and Nassau Coliseum (Feb 20).

Throughout the Globetrotters’ 2011 “4 Times the Fun” Tour, every Globetrotters game features two designated 4-point shooting circles on each side of midcourt, each located 35 feet from the basket (12 feet beyond the NBA 3-point line).

Our Lisa Mateo interviews Scooter Christiansen and Buckets Blakes and tries her luck at the new 4-point shot.

CP Building Blocks is an enrichment program taught at Chelsea Piers, for children with developmental needs from 18 months to 5 years old. Classes focus on language development, cognition, motor development and socialization. The program was designed by a speech-language pathologist and special education professionals.

The classes allow parents to meet other parents who share the same challenges with their kids. It also allows these children to participate in some of the classes that they were perhaps unable to attend otherwise. The classes are very small with only six children per class and a 3:1 ratio of children to teachers.

For more on CP Building Blocks, visit =www.chelseapiers.com=.

Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents: How the Loss of Our Mothers and Fathers Impacts the Way We Raise Our Children stopped by to discuss how absence of grandparents affects everything about the way mothers and fathers raise their children

To help your kids remember their grandparents, Allison suggests:
1. Use Specific Language
2. Plan Special Trips
3. Use Technology

To connect with other "Parentless Parents" log onto Facebook.

Sean Garrett is an American singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer. He has produced 17 No. 1 singles in only seven years of producing music. That number puts him in fifth place on the Billboard list of producers with the most number one hits. Garrett is the only producer to achieve this measure of success in under a decade, and is also the only active hip hop producer that is mentioned on the Billboard list of producers with the most number one hits.

Garrett is responsible for a series of chart-topping compositions, most notably Usher's "Yeah!", Jesse McCartney's hit "How Do You Sleep?," which become a chart topper and one of the biggest 2009 songs, as It went on to become the 86th biggest song in the U.S. for 2009.

High school seniors are invited to enter the Verizon Wireless/UNCF Black History Month Essay Contest. Submit an essay about how the evolution of wireless technology has changed the world for a chance to win up to $5,000 toward college tuition.

FIRST PLACE - $5,000 Scholarship
• Free netbook and free DROID X by Motorola

SECOND PLACE - $4,000 Scholarship
• Free netbook and free DROID X by Motorola

THIRD PLACE - $3,000 Scholarship
• Free netbook and free DROID X by Motorola

For details, go to uncf.org.

Cris Collinsworth, the host of Inside The Vault, talked to us via satellite about his new syndicated TV series showcasing stories, insights and lively conversations that explore today’s man. From his appetite for the finest food and drink, his love of sports and his fashion sense to his gadget obsessions and travel exploits, a whole lot of ground will be uncovered.

For more information, visit www.insidethevault.tv.

Actor Brandon T. Jackson stopped by to talk about starring alongside Martin Lawrence in the new comedy flick Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son.

The movie is about FBI agent Malcolm Turner (Lawrence) and his stepson Trent (Jackson) go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder.

Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son hits theaters on tomorrow, February 18.

Newly single Vanessa Hudgens has been making the rounds at this week's fashion shows, sitting next to hot prospects like Chace Crawford and Kanye West. But at Tibi she played it low-key, chatting instead with the hard-to-miss Olivia Palermo.

It was difficult to decide who looked cuter: Vanessa in a white tank and gunmetal skirt or Olivia in a fur vest, silk blouse and polka-dot skirt. Either way, Zac Efron is surely missing out.

When the show started, there were countless offerings for the the young starlets, including shearling bomber jackets, bobby socks paired with mary janes and bronze tiered babydoll dresses.

We're not sure what Vanessa and Olivia will be wearing next fall. But we hope the adorable pink hats will make it into the mix! Check out next week’s Life & Style for a look at all the of the big trends from NY Fashion Week!

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 Spa is offering men a free HE-WAX today from 10-11am
2. Wa Jeal is offering their Dan Dan Noodles with Chili on Monday from 12pm-2pm

Consumer Reports current feature article showcases what do with surplus of stuff filling your home, closet, garage. We're talking about those items you just don't know how to get rid of, such as cellphones and furniture.

• FURNITURE - Try selling on eBay or donate to a charity
• APPLIANCES - ApplianceSmart.com, Best Buy & Sears work with EPA
• CELL PHONES - Earth911.org; call2recycle.com
• FLUORESCENT LIGHTBULBS: They have mercury in them
• HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES: Recycle rechargeable batteries
• ANIMALS: Give to charity such as BeaniesForBaghdad.com

For more on this Consumer Reports feature story, check out the latest issue and visit consumerreports.org.

Actor/comedian Bill Bellamy will be performing a comedy show on Feb. 19th at Rutgers which is a fundraiser for Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand who was paralyzed playing last year. Bill is a Rutgers alumnus.

Bill Bellamy and friends will host "Laugh to Heal," on Saturday, February 19 at 8pm in the Rutgers Athletic Center (The RAC). Tickets are $15 for college students, $20 to $20 for the general public and $50 for VIPs. For more information, visit www.scarletknights.com/believe.

(Andrea Melendez/The Des Moines Register)

• CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE MATCH.

READ MORE: "Iowa girl wrestler wins by default after opponent declines match"

This week's Friday Forecaster is comedienne Whitney Cummings. She gave us the weather forecast and talked to us about performing at Caroline's this weekend. For tickets and show times, visit www.carolines.com.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Larry and Lionel stopped by this morning to discuss three topical stories. Now, these guys can talk, but here's the catch : they have just one minute to discuss each of the topics.

Mogul and mom Kimora Lee Simmons is heading to PS 208 (Alain L. Locke Elementary School on 111th St) as part of Bounty's 3rd Annual Make A Clean Difference Campaign. The Make a Clean Difference campaign is a national cleaning effort led by Bounty to provide much needed cleaning supplies to classrooms across the country.

We also spoke to her reality show Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane on the Style Network. This Sunday’s episode features a fabulous event with Kimora’s company KLS and non-profit org Dress for Success where 100 women participants had a complete makeover and received fashion and beauty tips. The season finale is on March 6th and Kimora spoke about the last two episodes of the fourth season and upcoming projects she has.

For more on the Make A Clean Difference Campaign and Kimora, visit www.facebook.com/bounty and kls.com.

Chef Andy D'Amico of Nice Matin stopped by for the 4th Annual Stinky Cheese Festival. The Stinky Cheese Festival is a ten day festival that will showcase dishes inspired by stinky cheeses. It's taking place at the various Tour De France Restaurants throughout New York City including, Nice Matin, Marseille, Café D’Alsace, French Roast (Uptown & Downtown), Le Monde, L’Express, Maison and Pigalle.

The festival was designed to attract diners, particularly foodies, who appreciate cheese no matter how strong the stench.

Chef Andy shared the following cheeses this morning:
Raclette: Washed rind, cow's milk cheese, Switzerland.
Accompaniments : Potatoes & Cornichons

Alsatian Munster: Washed rind, cow's milk, France.
Accompaniments: caraway seeds

Stinking Bishop: Washed Rind, cow's milk, England.
Accompaniments: 404 Walnut Raisin Bread

Quadrello di Buffala: Washed Rind, Buffalo Milk, Italy.
Accompaniements: Bresaola

The festival is taking place through Friday, February 25th.

Lights, camera, action! As Hollywood's biggest stars gear up for the Oscars, we're gearing you up for your big event! Whether it's an upcoming wedding or high school reunion, Spain of the Active Center for Health & Wellness in Hackensack, NJ stopped by with moves to get you in tip top shape.

The Active Center for Health & Wellness in Hackensack, NJ, has an entire special event fitness program that helps clients reach their goals for that big day, and then maintain them afterward.

Spain shared some of the following moves:
-A side lung with a bent over single arm row – This accomplishes working on your glutes, your quads, your core and your back muscles.

-An abdominal roll up into a bicep curl and shoulder press – This works on your abdominal muscles, biceps and shoulders.

-A side plank with a single arm rear delt fly – This works on your oblique’s, your core and shoulders.

-A medicine ball push up plank combo – This works predominately on your chest, your shoulders and your core.

-Explosive power reverse lunges – This works on your leg muscles, your glutes and your cardio.

In his new book "Presidential Leadership," author and political analyst Nick Ragone highlights many facts about the leaders of our nation. He shared some of the trivia with us this morning as well as discussed 15 presidential decisions that changed our nation.

"Presidential Leadership" is a must-have for anyone history-buff. It also gives real insight into today's leadership and crisis management. Studying the decision-making process by those in such high office is a good foundation for effective business management.

In addition, Ragone weighed in about President Obama's current approval rating and whether or not the Healthcare Bill is really taking a toll on his Presidency.

Imagine watching "Jaws" without that those two notes pulsating (duh-nuh...duh-nuh) whenever the finned villain appears on screen, or picture Darth Vader making an entrance in "Star Wars" without his theme music. It's just not the same. We need soundtracks and music scores to add to the drama of films. And this week, we're paying homage to the motion picture music.

Brian Hiatt from Rolling Stone shared his picks for his favorite soundtracks: "Star Wars" and "Pulp Fiction." He also touched upon the rocker trend in film scoring. Rocker Trent Reznor is nominated for an Oscar this year, and many others have made the transition over the years from 80's group Devo to Danny Elfman.

Here's a bit of trivia: "The Bodyguard" is the best-selling soundtrack album of all-time and "White Christmas" is the best-selling soundtrack song of all-time with somewhere around 50 million singles sold. "Thite Christmas" first appeared in the film "Holiday Inn" in 1942 and later in the movie of the same title in 1955.

With the Pathmark supermarket on Nostrand Avenue scheduled to close, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Brooklyn and Queens), Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and local elected officials will announce efforts to help Sheepshead Bay secure a new supermarket at the location.

Pathmark, owned by grocery company A&P, plans to close 31 other stores in eight states. The company, which owns chains Food Emporium and Waldbaum's, filed for bankruptcy in December.

Linda Church's Extended Forecast for Monday, February 21, 2011

Financial expert and Zillow.com contributor Vera Gibbons will be here to explain what our credit scores are comprised of and how to improve them.

For more financial advice, visit zillow.com.

Everyday Icon covers more than just what Michelle Obama is wearing. As a Time writer and former editor in chief of Harper's Bazaar, Kate Betts writes from the unique perspective of both a journalist and a fashion industry leader, providing the first real analysis of how Mrs. Obama has redefined American style.

Michelle Obama’s every outfit and gesture—from her knack for mixing high fashion with affordable labels to her barefoot leap across the White House lawn—has incited scrutiny and sparked conversation. For good reason: as the first African American First Lady she is writing her own rules, establishing a new etiquette, and changing the definition of what it means to be a woman in America today. With her indelible style she changes mores and pronounces values. Her studied sophistication is trendsetting and inclusive. She embraces both style and substance. “This book is about why style matters, and why in particular the style of the new American First Lady Michelle Obama matters,” says Kate Betts in the introduction to Everyday Icon.

Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style is available in bookstores now.

YipIt.com is a new website that aggregates and recommends the best daily deals in New York (and other cities). They collect all the great daily deals from 351 services including Groupon, LivingSocial, Buy With Me, Tippr, Yelp and many more. They recommend the best of the daily deals to their users based on the preferences they have expressed to them. We'll check out some specific deals happening this week with Vin Vacanti.

For more information, visit YipIt.com.

ELLEgirl Model Search joined forces with Style 360 designers Indashio and White Trash Beautiful to give 12 aspiring models the chance of a lifetime during last week's Fashion Week when they were cast in both runway shows. White Trash Beautiful designers Richie Sambora and Nikki Lund helped announce the 2010 grand prize winner: Kristen Ottea, 19, from San Antonio, TX.

In addition to walking in Fashion Week alongside fellow finalists, Ottea was awarded a top agency modeling contract, a professional photo shoot, and the opportunity to work with top casting directors for print and television commercials.

Your body isn't the only thing that need toning and tightening. Your face could use a little exercise and author Cynthia Rowland's Facial Magic can help. She showed us a special regimen of movements which are supposed to help tighten and tone your face, including sagging eyelids, chin area and forehead wrinkles.

For more Facial Magic exercises, visit www.cynthiarowland.com.

Budget stretched to the limit? We've got simple tricks to help you spend less and save more. Stephanie Prommer of Woman's World was here with easy things every family can do to save big.

• Save $200 a year with a "smart" power strip
BITS Smart Strip Power Cord available at Green Depot
Green Depot is located at 222 Bowery in Manhattan

• Save up to $100 a week with coupon-sharing sites
LiveFabuless.com or TheKrazyCouponLady.com

• Save $140 a month by paying with cash

• Save up to $650 a year by choosing spandex fabrics

• Save $100 a year by showing your AAA card

• Use OpenTable.com to earn points for a free meal

For more money saving secrets check out the latest issue of Woman's World.

Ben Dworkin, Director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, stopped by to discuss Governor Christie's budget proposal.

The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. To learn more log onto Rider.edu.

Budget cuts are threatening the existence of the services Massachusetts-based company Home Diabetes System provides. The company sets up in-home visits for people diagnosed with diabetes.

Tom Cronin is CEO of Neighborhood/New York Diabetic Supply, a company solely focused on reducing the human and financial costs of diabetes.

Neighborhood/New York's innovative approach includes first-time patient home training visits and regular follow up to ensure patients understand and adhere to testing and medication regimens and following proper self-care.

Previously, Tom was CEO and owner of CranBarry, Inc., a clothing manufacturer. He also worked in management consulting for Bain & Company. Tom was a Seley Scholar at MIT's Sloan School of Management.

For more on Neighborhood/New York Diabetic Supply, visit www.sugartest.com.

America's Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker and the Make-a-Wish Foundation help make the dreams of three teens come true.

The young women get make-overs and photo sessions with Nigel Barker while sharing their stories of living through cancer with Lisa Mateo.

The new season of America's Next Top Model premieres at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Brooklyn blacksmiths Patrick Quinn and Scott Behr of Total Metal Resource was here with the MetroCard Belt Buckle.

Patrick created it after moving from Vermont to New York and needed easy access to his MetroCard. The shop is owned by Scott Behr, they also make metal furniture and other custom-designed items.

For more information on Total Metal Resource, visit www.tmrnyc.com.

At just 11-years-old, actress Carly Rose Sonenclar is a pretty busy actress. The pint sized star can currently be seen on PBS Kids’ The Electric Company and due to star in the Broadway musical “Wonderland.” She shared her secrets to breaking into showbiz with PIX11 Morning News’ Jill Nicolini.

Many of you may have grown up with The Electric Company. The show continues to entertain children as well educate. New episodes air on Monday afternoons. Produced by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the new season of the innovative program stays relevant by continuing its focus on literacy and highlighting the vocabulary of mathematics. The modern adaptation of the daily half-hour show comes back with new original animations, toe-tapping music videos and exciting narrative storylines. Plus, two new characters and an all new celebrity line-up are sure to get kids hollering, “Hey You GUUUUUYYS!”

And of course, be sure to catch Carly Rose Sonenclar in the Broadway musical "Wonderland." "Wonderland" begins previews on Broadway March 21st and opens on April 17th at the Marquis Theatre. To purchase tickets or learn more about the show, go to www.wonderlandonbroadway.com.

Alexia, Lea and Adrienne of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Miami stopped by to talk about the show's series premiere on Tuesday.

The Real Housewives of Miami follows six of the most connected and influential women of Miami as they live their lives to the fullest in this sunny city where the party never stops.

For more on The Real Housewives of Miami, visit www.bravotv.com.

February is Black History Month, and the perfect time to have an honest conversation with kids about racism. Parenting Magazine senior editor Deborah Skolnik will offer advice on what to say and when.

Don't be afraid to bring it up. For many parents, the race talk is as difficult as the birds and the bees talk. Dr. Beverly Tatum, president of Spelman College and author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race attributes this awkwardness to a lack of communication about race in many of our own childhoods. "There are concerns about saying the wrong thing and sounding racist, even if that is not the intent." says Dr. Tatum. "Sometimes parents naively believe that if they talk about issues of race with their children, they will cause them to notice race in a way that they did not before."

The AIM Group is issuing a report today, February 24th, which analyses the frightening number of crimes originating with Craigslist interactions and the results are pretty alarming. Incidents include murder, assaults and numerous other crimes that were publicly reported and documented. Peter Zollman was here to explain more.

Lisa heads to Old Bridge Rifle & Pistol Club to talk with firearms instructor, consultant and author, Rob Pincus, and a few local moms about the rise in women taking shooting courses.

Rob is the creator of I.C.E. Training Company, a full service company offering training to armed professionals and those interested in self-defense. He has a background in military and law enforcement, and stars in the "Personal Defense" video series and "The Best Defense" on the Outdoor Channel.

Rob takes Lisa and the other women through a training course.

For more information, visit www.icetraining.us and www.obrpc.org.

Judge Karen of Judge Karen's Court stops by to talk to about her show which airs weekdays right here on PIX11, her book "Stay in Your Lane" for which she has a book signing tomorrow night at the Hueman Bookstore at 2319 8th avenue, bw 124th and 125th Streets.
That's from 6 to 8 pm.

She's not just a TV judge and author, Judge Karen is everyone woman, and she's going to whip up a quick and easy recipe that "any and every woman" will appreciate. She'll be making Oven Fries.

On Thursday, The Museum of Tolerance will be holding a special presentation regarding cyber bullying, digital terrorism, and hate crimes that happen online.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is debuting this year`s findings in front of a group of NYPD officers in order to teach them and make them aware of the threat that the internet holds. This year especially fatal incidences have occurred because of digital bullying and terrorism and the Wiesenthal Center wants to do their part to put it to a stop.

This year the findings have shown a dramatic spike in attacks on the internet being directed toward minorities and religious groups.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who will be presenting this reporter later today, stopped by our PIX11 Morning News studio to give us an exclusive sneak peek at some of the research.

• CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT.

• CLICK HERE FOR THE INFOGRAPHIC

Moldy cheese, days-old leftovers and other questionable foods are actually often fine go ahead and eat! SELF is giving us the skinny on when to dine and when to ditch in some commonly questioned scenarios. Nutrition director Carin Gorrell for SELF was here to explain more.

• Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees
• Hard cheese is safe to eat once moldy portion is removed
• Milk should be ok up to 7 days after the sell-by date
• Make sure your fridge is at about 40 degrees
• Thawed meat will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge

For more tips, visit www.self.com.

A profile on the ever-expanding beauty company Carol's Daughter. We speak with the founder and president Lisa Price about how she started the business and where she hopes to take it next.

For more on Carol's Daughter, visit www.carolsdaughter.com.

If you wish you could hang with the likes of Bono, Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, and Kellan Lutz, there’s one place where you can find celebrities like these every night of the week, midtown’s Lavo. This week, Chef Manuel Trevino III, sat in the VW Beetle and waited out alternate-side-of-the-street-parking with me.

Trevino has an impressive cooking resume with stints at Le Cirque, Travertine and Bravo TV’s “Top Chef.” He dished about the dishes that make the celebrities swoon. “We opened our first restaurant in Vegas two years ago about 6 months ago we opened up our location on 58th Street and it has been gangbusters ever since we opened the door.”

We've covered the highlights and lowlights of Hollywood's biggest night, so as Tinseltown gears up for this weekend, we'll get in the spirit by putting our anchors to the Oscar Challenge. It's John and Tamsen versus Chris and Suki. Jill was keeping score.

Every year, Americans make all sorts of mistakes on their taxes, costing them hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. And while basic arithmetic errors perpetually top the list, financial expert Vera Gibbons was here with some of the more valuable money-saving credit and deductions that are often overlooked such as:

• earned income tax credit
• job hunting costs
• out of pocket charitable contributions
• child care credit

For more "Turbo Tax" advice, visit www.walletpop.com.

Liz Lange, designer known for making maternity wear chic and sister Jane Wagman, interior designer inherited a love of shopping from their Upper East Side shopaholic mother.

While Liz prefers classic black and Jane prefers bubble gum pink they both love the rush of the perfect purchase and have figured out when you need to lay out the big bucks and when you can get a deal. They started shopafrolic.com to share their finds with other fashionistas. They'll share spring fashion splurge vs. steal. 4 models, 2 glass tables for shoes

This week's Friday Forecaster is Eloise Caggiano. She is the Program Director for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

This Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is hosting "Great Start Party." At it local residents committed to helping defeat breast cancer gather to learn more about participating in and registering for the Avon Walk New York on October 15-16. Since its launch in 2003, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series has raised more than $380 million. The Avon Foundation awards the funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research.

For more information or to register for an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 888-540-WALK.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Larry and Lionel stopped by this morning to discuss three topical stories. Now, these guys can talk, but here's the catch: they have just one minute to discuss each of the topics.

It's Movie Soundtrack Week at the PIX11 Morning News!

We're counting down to the Oscars with a celebration of famous songs from the movies. We'll be playing film songs throughout the show all week.

Send us your requests by leaving a comment here and listen for them to be played.

2011 OSCAR NOMINATIONS
• Best Picture: Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The King's Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, Winter's Bone
• Actor in a Leading Role: Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Colin Firth, James Franco
• Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams
• Directing: Black Swan, The Fighter, The King's Speech, The Social Network, True Grit

We visit the offices of the head of AOL Black Voices, an online emporium of news, entertainment, education, classifieds and social media.

The event Blacks On Broadway and Beyond will be honored at the Black History Month Conference tonight at the Gran Piatto d'Oro. Honorees include: Ruby Dee, Jeffrey Wright, Tamara Tunie and Phylicia Rashad.

For more information, visit www.blackvoices.com.

Gas prices are soaring closer to $100 a barrel as trouble pours out of the Middle East. It looks like transportation is going to cost us plenty for at least the near future, but there are ways to cut back on costs. Consumer Savings Expert Andrea Woroch will shares some frugal fuel-consumption tips so you won't have to leave the gas pump with a half-empty tank, or wallet

1. Use Your Smart Phone
There are plenty of money-saving apps dedicated to trimming everyday expenses, some of which include travel costs. The GasBuddy app will coordinate your location with the best gas prices in your area. Another app worth test driving is CheapGas, which provides precise directions to the nearest and least-expensive gas station.

Hollywoodlife.com's Bonnie Fuller stopped by with highlights/lowlights, best and worst dressed, and her report card on how Anne Hathaway and James Franco faired as Oscar hosts.

For more oscar dish, or everything hollywood, log on to hollywoodlife.com.

Colin Stayton, a spokesperson from Lufthansa German Airlines gives us the lowdown the airline's new A380 plane which makes its New York City debut on Monday, February 28 at 1:35pm landing at JFK International Airport.

Click here to win 2 Roundtrip Tickets To Europe Courtesy Of Lufthansa

We all know eating our vegetables is important for our overall health, yet we all struggle. In fact, a recent survey found that only six percent of men and four percent of women are eating enough vegetables on a daily basis. Kettle Cuisine’s Chef Volker Frick demonstrated a one-pot soup recipe that’s so good you won’t have any trouble getting all of your daily serving’s every time you enjoy a bowl.

Chef Volker Frick, one of the country’s preeminent and more outspoken soup chefs, was here to demonstrate how you can make restaurant quality soup at home and shared with us his recipe for Pan Roasted Vegetable and Potato Soup.

Men's Health and Women's Health magazines just launched two new books: The Men's Health Diet and The Women's Health Diet.

We'll check out moves that specifically target lower body, upper body and core for men and for women. These books are complete nutrition and fitness plans designed to arm men and women with simple strategies to help them lose weight and achieve the lean and sexy bodies.

For more information, visit www.menshealthdietbook.com and www.womenshealthdietbook.com.

Project Runway alum Christian Siriano is one of the creators of SendTheTrend.com.

SendTheTrend (brain child of Christian Siriano, Divya Gugnani, CEO and Mariah Chase, president) is an e-commerce fashion site featuring customized fashion accessories based on recommendations from the users style survey.

The first time you sign on to the site (free of charge) you fill our a style survey which identifies your fashion style i.e edgy, conservative, etc. Every item on the site is $29.95 (free shipping) and each month a new accessories is recommended from the style gurus based on your survey results. Accessories include fashion jewelry, sunglasses and scarves.

Tamsen, Jilll and Linda took the style survey. They will model the items that the site matched them up with. For more information, visit SendTheTrend.com.