Marcus Leshock here. Many of you might have seen me on the WGN Morning News this A.M., or heard me on WGN Radio 720 AM with Dean Richards last Sunday talking New Year's Eve ideas. I've compiled a list of not only what we talked about, but some of my other picks for things to do while ringing in 2009! Don't forget to check out the incredible planner on metromix.com for even more ideas. Well, here we go:

DINNERS:

Dinner at Lockwood at the Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe

Lockwood is a beautiful, still relatively new restaurant inside the renovated Palmer House Hilton. The restaurant was designed to blend in with the hotel's majestic history, yet still be contemporary enough to not be outdated. Needless to say, it's upscale alright, and the food is fantastic. On New Year's Eve, chef Phillip Foss will be offering a $95 pre-fixe menu from 8-11 p.m. Selections include a foie gras slider and kumamoto oysters. For $150, enjoy a wine pairing with each course.

Dinner and drinks at Chaise Lounge in Wicker Park
1840 W North Ave

Much more casual than Lockwood, but still pretty glam, Chaise Lounge is a great little place to hang out. Oh, and the food is top-notch as well. For $120 on NYE, customers will be treated to a three course meal featuring the spots eclectic American dishes.....and an open bar. It all starts at 8 p.m., but make sure to call in advance for reservations - you won't be able to eat without one.

Keep reading for more ideas.....

Since it's one of the most watched movie trailers in sometime we thought we would give you the chance to watch it in all of its glory, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

It's been a doozy of a year... and the folks at JibJab say good riddance to 2008 with this...

I'll be a guest this Sunday on the Dean Richards show on WGN Radio 720 AM. We're going to talk about great last minute New Year's Eve ideas, as well as our favorite celebrity/entertainment moments of 2008. I'm sure we'll reminisce about the joy we both felt when staring into Rob Pattinson's eyes, and things of that nature. So tune in this Sunday, 12/28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Marcus counts down his top ten movies of the year. Did your favorite make the cut?

2008 was the Year of the Dog; from the White House with the Obama's future pooch, to the bookshelf where Edgar Sawtell and his dogs ruled the best seller list, to the box office where Marley romps our way on Wednesday. So in honor of his debut, we're giving you our Top 10 Movie Dogs of all time.

10) Beethoven - Beethoven (1992)
He was adorable as a puppy, but then lost his charm as he grew up... and made seven sequels. He ruined the house and Charles Grodin's career in one go. Still, he's huge dog comedy at it's purest.

Beer is for drinking and fish are for eating -- until now! Refresh yourself head-to-toe with these offbeat spa treatments...

Beer Facial at Exsalonce Spa (Roscoe Village)
Rubbing on a can of Old Style won't do the trick! Indulge in a beer enzyme facial to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.

Dr. Fish Pedicure at Cat Scratch Nails (Aurora)
Let toothless 'garra rufa' fish nip away at your calloused toes, leaving your feet smooth and sexy!

Week 7: Wham! Last Christmas

As our gift to you this holiday season -- we're implanting George Michael's sweet sounds into your head until the big guy squeezes himself down the chimney. Or whistles from the bathroom stall next to you. Santa? Is that you?

Marcus recently caught up with Darren Aronofsky, the director of the new critically acclaimed film, "The Wrestler."

Who knew there was more than one flavor of sugar cookie? Turn out the folks at the namesake store are whipping up about two dozen tasty treats... from blood orange to bananas foster and gingerbread!

Try out the recipe for yourself (after the jump), or let Sugar Cookie do all the work for you...

This is a little video we threw together to show you how human we really are at CLTV. Hope you have a safe and happy holiday. Thanks for a great 2008!

All it takes is one twinkling light and I'm busting out the red-and-white stockings! But for those a little more Bah Humbug -- you can borrow a few of my favorite ways to get in the spirit of the season...

1. Millenium Park
B-Y-O-S (Bring Your Own Skates) and take a free spin around the glistening rink -- or rent a pair for only $10 to twirl under the city skyline.

More festive fun after the jump...

The Chicago Film Critics announced their annual awards on WGN-TV this morning, naming Disney-Pixar's WALL-E the Best Picture of 2008. The movie tore up the awards, becoming the first animated film to take home Best Picture, kind of a surprise considering it didn't have the most nominations. It won for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Animated Film. WALL-E could pull off the upset and land an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, but it's still a long shot.

Find out how everyone else did, including Danny Boyle's SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT, after the jump....

Marcus recently sat down with 'Benjamin Button' actress Taraji P. Henson to discuss her potential in this year's Oscar race and the curious case of her name.

Guess who’s coming to town? Nope, not Santa! It’s Nick Cannon and friends.

Mr. Mariah Carey will D.J. at The Underground this Thursday night in honor of the club's first annual The Grinch Who Gave Back Christmas holiday party. The $20 cover charge will get you in the door and benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Doors open at 10 p.m. so get there early and maybe you’ll sneak a peek at Mariah (if she shows). For more info, call 312-644-7600.

Well not physically, musically. The Brit songstress has covered Britney's latest number 1 "Womanizer." It's not a club banger but when sung without multiple synthesizers and layering it's a decent track.

This morning the CFCA announced their nominees in all categories. The big winners with 6 nominations are "The Dark Knight," no surprise considering the critical outpouring for the film all year, and Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire," a recent indie coming on strong. CFCA President and Daily Herald Film Critic Dann Gire, the Sun-Times' Richard Roeper, and WGN's Dean Richards will announce the winners of this year's awards on Thursday, December 18, on WGN-TV. They'll announce in three chunks, at 6:50 a.m., 7:50 a.m., and 8:50 a.m.

To see the full list of nominees, head to the Chicago Film Critics Association website.

I will be announcing my TOP 10 this Friday, so keep your eyes peeled here for that!

We recently had the chance to check out one of Chicagoland's most storied grocers, Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets. They have been serving the area for the last 50 years and their guy Loreto Labarbera let us into his kitchen where he makes the freshest pizza's around. You might learn a thing or two.

On the net: http://caputomarkets.com

Marcus reviews Keanu Reeves new remake of a sci-fi classic.

We all become overly obsessed with strange things from time to time (Twilight , anyone?) and my latest obsession is red, round and costs less than twenty bucks!

Is it a tube of “Lady Danger” MAC lipstick, you ask? Nope! It’s Pequod’s—Chicago’s most deeeeeelicious panned pizza!

Don’t believe me? Just take a look at my Capitol One statement. Careful inspection proves that I’ve eaten Pequod’s pizza for SEVEN consecutive weekends! Unabashedly disgusting? Sure! Worth every bite? Absolutely!

Yes, it's well known in the industry that studios and agencies lobby their butts off to land these Golden Globe nominations. But they happen to be a major award show that lots of people watch, so let's break down this morning's announcement just a little bit.

The 5 films earning the most nominations include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (5), "Doubt" (5), "Frost/Nixon" (5), "The Reader" (4), "Revolutionary Road" (4). A little surprised that "Slumdog Millionaire" didn't get more noms, but as stated earlier, it's an indie film, which makes it harder to get a Globe nomination.

I find it hilarious that Kate Winslett is considered a "Supporting Actress" for her work in "The Reader." She's obviously the female LEAD and carries the film. They clearly didn't want her competing with her own tremendous LEAD performance in "Revolutionary Road." The marketing clearly has paid off.

The big surprise comes in the Supporting Actor category. Heath Ledger should win for "The Dark Knight," but how about Robert Downey Jr. AND Tom Cruise both landing noms for their work in "Tropic Thunder?" Wow!

All of the other, more predictable nominations can be found after the jump. Make sure to tune into WGN-TV next Thursday (Dec. 18). Dean Richards will be announcing the winners of the Chicago Film Critics Awards. For the first time, I am a voting member. Should be exciting!

You read that right. Crushpad, a west coast winery, is offering a new wine - the price of which fluctuates with the stock market! Here's their hilarious trailer:

Just like you, the folks over at Crushpad have watched as their 401K's have been getting hammered over the past few months. So they decided to offer a Bailout Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for just $39....but it could be even cheaper than that. Keep reading for more details.....

Tom Cruise was almost back on my NICE list after a fantastically random cameo in "Tropic Thunder." But his latest deperate attempt to get 'down' with the youth of America has solidified my sending him a lump of coal. Ya... I watch The Hills, but I'm a 25-year-old girl. Why... why did he take time away from his beloved Scientology to impart wisdom on The Hills After Show to the King & Queen of famewhoring. Up next... Hollywood Squares? Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Savor a memory of when he was remotely likeable with a "Tropic Thunder" remix. After the jump...

Has the dreary, maddeningly cold weather got you feeling a wee bit depressed? Well, one solution is a daylight therapy S.A.D. lamp, (zing?) but a frothy cup of hot chocolate is just SO much sexier!

Week 6: Meat Loaf "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)"

Not only will this song stick with you for the rest of the day... nay, the rest of the week -- it's sure to make you crave the singer's namesake dish and some taters!

The cities biggest bar crawl is back & better than ever. That's right the Twelve Bars of Christmas or "T-Box" is just a week away and we're giving away tickets. All you need to do is send us an email with your name and phone number and the tickets along with a Festa T-Shirts prize pack is all yours.

More info & video of last years crawl after the cut.

You got it dude! Or cut....it....out! However you feel about the TGIF 90's sitcom "Full House," it has certainly sealed its fate as a 90's pop culture icon. Rumors are flying all over the web about a possible "remake" of the show that would involve much of the original cast! Keep reading for more info...

Shop till you drop - literally - at the 8th Annual One of a Kind Show and Sale. With hundreds of crafters peddling everything from art, fashion, furniture, jewelry, and gourmet food... you'll get all of your holiday gifting done in a day (and sure, why not something special for yourself)!

Stay warm and well-shopped now thru Sunday at the Merchandise Mart. Entry is only $10. Click here for more...

Marcus - who amazingly is not weighing a metric ton at this point - gets a jump on holiday eating with his latest fast food review.

The snow is falling. It's colder than, well, you know. You're getting back into the holiday mood. Time to break out the ol' DVDs and dust off some Christmas classics. I've compiled my list of the Top 10 Christmas movies of all time. Some are traditional, some are for kids, and there's at least one you would NEVER air in front of a child. Let the debate begin as we start with number 10 on my list - AFTER THE JUMP!

Here is my review of the new film "Nobel Son"

We've got a real life Winter Wonderland at our fingertips! Get into the spirit of the season at the Morton Arboretum Holiday Celebration. It's a frosty kindgom indoors and out at this 1,700-acre nature museum. Ring in Christmas with a sparkling Snow Queen, seven (yes, seven) beautifully decorated trees, the "Evergreen Express" trolly ride and of course, Santa!

Located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, the exhibit runs through January 4th. For tix and times click here.

I was on the air with Sean Lewis tonight, breaking down all of the Oscar movies that will be opening this month. In case you missed a few dates, below you'll find a brief rundown of what we talked about.

Move over Frosty, there's a new holiday star in town. New Millennium Theatre Company is presenting "The David Bowie Hepzikat Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular…Live From Space! (David Bowie’s Christmas Special 1977 Network Edit)." Really, does it need any more explanation?

Okay, maybe it does.

In this high energy holiday romp, based off a fictional Christmas Special that never was, audiences will be treated to a star studded tribute to the classic Andy Williams Christmas Specials of the 70s. This one of kind variety show spectacular features the kind of star power that only ‘Ziggy Stardust’ could command. Character appearances by Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, Iggy Pop, Marianne Faithfull, Nipsey Russell, and Charo are just the tip of the iceberg; a special appearance by the Ghost of Freddy Mercury will remind us all of the joy of brotherhood and spirit of giving that the holiday and Solstice season brings.

It's playing Fridays and Saturdays, now through Dec 27th at National Pastime Theater -- 4139 N Broadway Tickets: $15.

For more information, check out their website and the flier below.

Jackie recently caught up with funnyman Jeffrey Ross to talk about all things roast-worthy, including herself and Sarah Palin.

It could happen! To boost revenue, the CTA is once again mulling over selling the names of train stops to corporate sponsors. With our current rainbow-colored 'L' lines... you might see some horrifying, yet amusing names getting thrown into the hopper.

Read up here... and for more 'entertaining' suggestions... Gapers Block.

President Elect Astley? Yup, Barack Obama has been Rick Roll'd...

Brrrrr!!! It's cold out there! Just like one eat's hot oatmeal or thick, creamy soup to stay warm, might I suggest sipping on a Russian Imperial Stout to thaw out your bones! North Coast Brewing in Northern California brews their award-winning Old Rasputin all year long! Although, Rasputin (a strange, Russian mystic) was known for his gifts of prophecy and healing, this bold brew won't impart any special powers with you. However, you'll be entranced by its crude-oil thickness, its smokey malt flavors of chocolate and coffee, and its spicyness from the high 9% ABV. It pairs well with dessert, especially the dark chocolate type!

Week 5: The Chipmunks Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)

OK Christmas will be here before you can say "Alvin & the Chipmunks," and to add to the holiday spirit we thought it would be nice to stick a song about A Hula Hoop in your head.
So enjoy and don't send us any coal, we've got enough already.

A terrible remake after the jump:

You read that headline right, the caped crusader has been killed. The Daily Sun has a report about the latest comic storyline for Batman. Despite all of the fancy gizmos, bulletproof armor, and space-age weaponry, Bruce Wayne meets his maker. So who kills off the Dark Knight? You'll have to keep reading....

That's German for Merry Christmas!!! Yup, it's that time of year to fill up on schnitzel and Glühwein (hot spiced wine) at the Christkindlmarket. The German market is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit... just make sure to layer.

Stop by Daley Plaza tomorrow at noon to check out the 95th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony... you might see us there. And as always, watch "metromix" this week for all the fun!