Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

 Over the hill, through the woods and past the body scanners and the security checkpoints en route to Grandma's house this holiday season. Thanksgiving cooking

It's all about the cooking on thank-the-turkey day. Now, about that gravy …

To be thankful

Take a minute -- OK maybe five -- to consider the blessings that surround you.

Family at the holidays

Before the homemade chow, there's the meet-and-greet with the relatives standing by Grandma's fireplace. Some conversation starters.

Giving to the merchants

After all the holiday leftovers have been subdivided, it's time for some tactical planning. Now, where are the sale fliers with store layouts?

Maintaining your figure

After you went to all that trouble to shed those pounds, the holidays arrive and with them the "Seasonal Seven."

Acts of service

People often find that saying the words of thanksgiving isn't enough, and they feel the need to act on that conviction.

Thanksgiving table

This year, just do it. Get beyond a pop-up turkey centerpiece and questions about your cousin's fifth husband, and there's no need to arm-wrestle over the electric carver.

Thanksgiving entertainment

Thanksgiving is more than just turkey. Some of the trimmings include old flicks, trivia quizzes and, of course, parades. Did someone say "Miracle on 34th Street"

History of Thanksgiving

A survival guide wouldn't be complete without a recap of how all this Thanksgiving stuff got started.

American Wars & Combat

Today, we honor the men and women who have fought under America's flag. Veterans Day marks a historic armistice and salutes all U.S. veterans, many of whom served during our country's wars and conflicts. Herewith, a primer.
World War I

The assassination of a prominent Austrian sparked the Great War, though historians still debate the conflict's underlying reasons. In 1914, Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia, and other nations quickly chose sides. The United States entered in 1917.

World War II

After World War I, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany. He rearmed the country and in 1939 invaded this neighboring country. In response, Britain and France declared war. The United States entered in 1941, sparked by an attack on Hawaii.

Korean War

Following World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided: The United States occupied the south; this country occupied the north. Tensions grew when the north became communist and, in 1950, invaded South Korea. American troops responded.

Vietnam War

The communist leader of Vietnam sought to claim control of South Vietnam, a move the United States fought to prevent. The war was met with much protest in the States.

Persian Gulf War

Lead by a U.S. nemesis, Iraq invaded neighbor Kuwait in August 1990. In response, the United States built a coalition of allies and ordered Iraq to withdraw. Iraq did not, and the U.S.-led coalition forcefully restored Kuwaiti sovereignty.

Invasion of Afghanistan

Often referred to by its military name, the invasion of Afghanistan was initiated in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Iraq War

The stated impetus for invading Iraq was the country's alleged possession of these. In seven years, American-led forces deposed leader Saddam Hussein and oversaw democratic elections.

The 10 Best Transformations of the Decade

From Angie to Katy, we’ve tracked a lot of major makeovers over the last ten years. Click through to check out our fave befores--Gaga au natural, long haired Rihanna, blond Ashlee Simpson--and their stunning afters!

Angelina Jolie

Back in 2000 (left), Angelina Jolie walked on the wild side with Morticia Addams extensions, vampire-pale foundation and edgy winged eyeliner. 10 years (and six kids) later, she's all about a enhancing her natural assets with dewy makeup.

Katie Holmes

With her girly ringlets and shimmery shadow, Holmes (left) was an adorable up-and-comer. 10 years later and Mrs. Tom Cruise is the picture of sophistication.

Nicole Richie

Remember when Nicole Richie was best known for being pals with Paris Hilton? Back in those days (left), the mouthy TV star favored bleached-out tips and glittery makeup. Now the Winter Kate designer channels her boho taste with sweeping bangs and shimmery makeup.

Michelle Williams

As the resident bad girl on Dawson's Creek, Williams rocked sweet curls and sheer red lipstick. Fast-forward to 2010 and she's the ultimate trendsetter with a platinum pixie and understated makeup.

Tina Fey

SNL writer Tina Fey made her debut behind the Weekend Update desk sporting a neat shag and brick-red lipstick. Now in the 30 Rock spotlight, the funnylady favors retro hairstyles and lush lashes.

Rihanna

Rihanna came on the scene as a Barbadian songbird with standard-issue waves. She's since dropped one adventurous look after the next, landing (for the moment) on a cherry red crop and matching lips.

Lady Gaga

High schooler Stefani Germanotta (left) topped off her long, light brown hair with hardly a hint of Bonne Belle. Lady Gaga, on the other hand, has a veritable arsenal of wigs, makeups, hats, veils, and er, meat, to finish her look.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry was a blonde? Believe it! As a Santa Barbara teen, she had a light, layered bob. Now a platinum-selling songstress, Perry's the consummate pinup girl with liquid liner, matte lips and structured curls.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin went from precocious young Oscar winner to True Blood's reigning bombshell. She contrasts her buttery blond with tawny skin to play the sexy, psychic Sookie Stackhouse.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

Pre-Pete Wentz, the young singer dyed her hair in her bathroom sink and sported edgy razor cuts. Now Simpson-Wentz has gone sophisticated (rock and roll style!) with an angled crop.