Britain's authority on etiquette says it's more hygienic to exchange kisses on the cheek than to shake hands — so the swine flu pandemic should not make people afraid of kissing under the mistletoe this holiday season.
But Debrett's warns people to observe proper etiquette by kissing others on the cheek instead of the lips and to avoid touching the person being kissed except on the shoulder or the upper arms.
Debrett's etiquette adviser Jo Bryant warns people who are not feeling well to avoid parties altogether.
She also urges those who have been drinking a lot to steer away from the mistletoe — because their "social skills will be impaired." She did not elaborate on the swine flu implications of that.
NYC bar: We ID for our 100-proof Thanksgiving bird
Speaking of impaired, you'll need to be 21 to take a bite out of this Thanksgiving turkey.
New York City tavern owner Paul Hurley said he'll unveil what he is calling the nation's first 100-proof turkey on Monday.
A spokesman for the owner of O'Casey's Tavern in Midtown Manhattan says that the bird is infused with fruit-flavored and 100-proof Georgi vodka for three days before being cooked.
The flavors of vodka include peach, raspberry, cherry and apple.
The gravy is also laced with the distilled liquor.
Out of concern for the danger of drinking-and-driving, the tavern is offering free taxi ride home to anyone who orders the turkey.
It wasn't immediately clear how much it will cost to have some of the boozy bird.
Disney takes 'High School Musical' to China
And, how do you say school's out in Chinese?
Disney is recreating its hit franchise film "High School Musical" in the East as it turns its attention to the millions of teenagers in the massive China market.
The announcement comes just weeks after the Burbank, California-based company said the Chinese government has approved plans for a Shanghai theme park.
"Disney High School Musical: China" will be a co-production with Chinese companies Shanghai Media Group and Huayi Brothers Media Corp., The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement Sunday, allowing it to bypass China's annual quota of 20 films that foreign studios can share profits in.
The story of two friends who overcome odds to win an inter-school singing competition marks Disney's third co-produced film in China after "The Magic Gourd" in 2007 and this year's "Trail of the Panda" and its sixth international co-production.
Featuring six newcomers, the film will be shot in Shanghai and is scheduled for a summer 2010 release, Disney said.
News
Mid-Daily Items: Holiday kisses replacing handshakes
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