1. Fall colors
Every year it’s the same. At first it’s a little odd seeing folks dressed up as freaks and lunatics, but then you think, “These Bears fans pay good money for their tickets–let ’em wear what they want.”
2. Low blow
Halloween costumes tend to shine light on a person’s psyche. For example, this year Mel Gibson’s going as a train wreck.
3. Tongue tired
A new study finds that 31 percent of teens say they drink energy drinks, giving rise to concerns in the research community that teens are stupider than we thought.
4. Oh … right
Clay Aiken is set to guest star on “Days of our Lives.” But how can someone who’s had so much contact with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell possibly make the transition to the world of soap operas?
5. Special addition
Look for the “Mission: Impossible 3” DVD in stores Monday. Unfortunately it’s missing a key bonus feature: running commentary from Oprah’s couch.
6. Dead on
“Saw III” made the most money at the box office over the weekend and “The Departed” came in second, so really it’s not a big surprise that there are plans to remake “Faces of Death.”
7. By order of the emperor
In a Halloween tradition that dates back to Roman times, a stray pumpkin is thrown to the hippos.
8. Bones to pick
Two major museums are protesting plans for a U.S. tour of “Lucy,” the remains of an ancient human ancestor. Hey, if the Rolling Stones can still tour …
9. Trading paint
Ryan Seacrest and Christina Aguilera will help Dick Clark host “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” In the coming months they hope to decide on who gets to wear the hair extensions that night.
———-
LEBERSOLE@TRIBUNE.COM
