Forward thinking

An entirely subjective look at the week ahead

By COLETTE BANCROFT
Published November 21, 2005

GAME ON

The techalicious Xbox 360 debuts Tuesday with bells and whistles that include the ability to connect to home theaters and iPods. But actually laying hands on one is another matter. Despite mixed advance reviews, demand for the new Xbox, with retail prices starting at $299, is enormous. Most retailers stopped taking preorders weeks ago. If you're a gamer hoping to buy one at midnight, you're probably reading this while already standing in line.

HEY, THANKS

With most of the federal government taking a Thanksgiving break, there's less likelihood for mischief in Washington this week. But we hope someone checks that big old turkey thatPresident Bush will pardon on Tuesday to be sure it's not Scooter Libby in a feathered costume.

SHOP LIKE A ROCK STAR

For a jump on holiday shopping, the deep-pocketed might want to check out the Pop and Rock Memorabilia Auction today at Christie's in New York. Go to www.christies.com to see a hand-written, 16-page book of poems by Bob Dylan, estimated opening bid $60,000; a medallion Jimi Hendrix wore at the Monterey Pop Festival, also $60,000; or, for the budget-minded, a copy of the Beatles' White Album with a cartoon and autographs by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, $8,000.

OR NOT AT ALL

As it does each year on one of the busiest shopping days, Adbusters holds its Buy Nothing Day on Friday. The idea is to clear our heads instead of heading for the mall, think about our habit of consumerism and not buy anything for 24 hours. To learn more and download free "gift exemption certificates," go to http://adbusters.org/metas/eco/bnd/

NOT SUCH A LONG WAY, BABY

Three of television's It Girls past and present share a birthday today. In the '60s, everyone flipped for That Girl and grooved with the body-painted giggler on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In; Marlo Thomas is 68, and Goldie Hawn is 60. These days, it's all about the Desperate Housewives; naughty Nicollete Sheridan turns 42.

- COLETTE BANCROFT, Times staff writer, 727 893-8435 or bancroft@sptimes.com