Events are being held today in Belleville and East St. Louis to mark World AIDS Day, an effort to bring attention to the disease.

Michelle Obama inspired Richelle Shaw to be a better mother. The future first lady gave LaTonya Brown hope that she can find a husband. And Tina Sutton recites "We are Michelle Obama" with her 4-year-old daughter every morning.

Katherine Dunham's belongings arrived at the Missouri History Museum's research center like a cache of birthday surprises, wrapped in all sizes and manner of containers.

Not only does he know when kids are asleep and wide awake, but Old St. Nick just might be hiding in disguise.

What if the back storage room at Grimm & Gorly floral shop became a kitchen? A place for friends Robin Millikan and Carol Bair to make mouthwatering cupcakes.

Alex Rodriguez and Madonna were together - in the same city, anyway.

Thanksgiving weekend movie crowds gobbled up the Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn holiday comedy "Four Christmases," which debuted at No. 1 with $31.7 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

When this 12-year-old talks, millions of preschoolers around the world listen.

-- Today is Monday, Dec. 1, the 336th day of 2008. There are 30 days left in the year.

MONDAY, DEC. 1 YOUR BIRTHDAY TODAY: This year you feel empowered and are capable of tremendous change and growth. Manifest more of what you desire. Your financial choices show strength and transformation. Listen to news with an open mind, but accept facts only once they are confirmed. Bosses make demands that often cause you to make personal adjustments. Learning to juggle the different aspects of your life remains important and significant. If you are single, you will meet people with ease come...

Actor-director Woody Allen is 73. Actor Paul Picerni ("The Untouchables") is 86.

Belleville children's librarian Carol Kirby looks forward to new books.

It's only natural at Christmas to donate an extra toy or two for children whose families may not be able to afford even life's necessities.

Three area Girl Scouts recently earned the highest honor offered in Girl Scouting.

Here's what a few children and adults decked out in their holiday finest said before a recent performance of Belleville School of Ballet's "The Nutcracker."

SUNDAY, NOV. 30 YOUR BIRTHDAY TODAY: This year, take whatever steps you need to in order to grow and gain financial savvy. Some of you might take a seminar, or share and learn more often with a respected associate or friend. Often, when you least expect it, a sudden insight tosses you back to square one, or so it seems. Actually, when you move forward, you soar with new knowledge and perspective. Your productivity will be increased. If you are single, count on meeting people, though it might not...

Actress Elisha Cuthbert ("24") is 26. Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. is 91.

Today is Sunday, Nov. 30, the 335th day of 2008. There are 31 days left in the year.

FOR THE OUTDOOR LOOK, BOOTS, SOCKS ARE A KICK Q: I like trying new trends and accessories, so long as they don't make me look silly. I've noticed other women wearing tights or knee socks with calf-length boots. I often wear a feminine Frye-type boot or dressy calf-high boot on cold winter days. Would it be in fashion to have knee socks or thigh socks matching my sweater peeking out from the top of my boots? Or is that look too young for me? (I'm in my early 30s.) I don't care for tights or pantyhose...

Online shopping site of the week: Good To Be You (www.goodtobeyou.com)