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'Les Mis茅rables' features great acting as well as singing'Les Mis茅rables' stars Hugh Jackman in a piece of ideal casting.
Gingerbread and cranberry muffinsMake the batter a day or two ahead, then simply scoop them out in the morning and bake. The deep ginger and molasses flavor sings of Christmas and the tart, sweet cranberries add to the festive flavor.
5 crowd-pleasing holiday specials Looking for something holiday-themed that the whole family will enjoy? These five specials have stood the test of time and will be loved by young and old alike.
Holiday parenting: How the holiday liturgy of light creates a global familyA school principal knows how the holiday liturgy of light can create a global family among diversely religious and irreligious communities.
Prime rib roastPrime rib roast is a classic Christmas dinner. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, rolls, and fresh salad.
Food-related gifts that give backHere are some last-minute gift ideas that help others in need with every gift you give.
Sweet tea pecansA lovely bag of flavored nuts makes a wonderful gift, and they are handy to have around during the busy holidays. This nibble combines the best of the South, abundant pecans and sweet tea.
Tom Cruise works as tough guy 'Jack Reacher'Tom Cruise takes on the character depicted in author Lee Child's thriller.
The holidays mean reflection via Dylan Thomas for one middle school classChristmas tree decorating, watching 'The Grinch,' and playing in the snow are staples of their winter holidays, say seventh- and eighth-graders in Maine.
James Gandolfini stars in 'Not Fade Away''Not Fade Away' tries a little too hard, but Gandolfini as a 1960s father is a standout.
Kristen Stewart stars in 'On the Road''On the Road' isn't worth the wait caused by the project's long development period.
One young chess player shows the power of parental supportA 16-year-old chess player from Nigeria and his mother inspired a Virginia town.
'This Is 40': A mixed bag, but a fun one (+trailer)'This Is 40' features the return of supporting characters from director Judd Apatow's film 'Knocked Up.'
iPads and YouTube: Are digital tools in classrooms a student asset or distraction?Tablets and cell phones in the classroom could be changing students' attention spans, but long-term studies have yet to prove the two are linked.
The best films of 2012Monitor film critic Peter Rainer remembers some of the gems he saw over the past year and those films that weren't worth his time.
Christmas parenting wisdom: 'It's Jesus' birthday, not yours'Christmas parenting wisdom from a grandfather shapes a family culture: 'It's Jesus' birthday, not yours.' There鈥檚 a lot of empty space under our tree, but our homes are filled with friends and festivities.
Teen texting too much? Get 鈥楿nbored鈥� advice book for having fun聽Too much teen texting in your house? 'Unbored: An Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun' may help parents get their kids to look up for a moment from their texting and actually engage in life beyond the screen.
Tate Stevens wins 'X Factor' and $5 million record dealTate Stevens, the country singer from Belton, Mo., won Season 2 of 'The X Factor.' Tate Stevens beat out Carly Rose Sonneclare and the girl-band 'Fifth Harmony.'
Top Picks: International light displays, the albums of classical music Grammy nominees, and moreThe website Complex provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Amazon's warehouses, PBS airs the history of a renowned ballet company, and more.- Verbal EnergyVivid verbs defended with verveConstance Hale's 'Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch' is a good read on writing, especially on the power of verbs.