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'Twilight' talk on the Web
Looking for a place to talk "Twilight"? Look no further. The Beacon News will be hosting an online forum for the hugely anticipated movie adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's vampire romance. Starting Friday, the day of the film's release, go to our entertainment page and look for the Twilight Talk link.

SEARCH CHICAGO - AUTOS
Pickup showdown
Even though sales are slumping across the board, pickup trucks still comprise a huge part of the new vehicle market. The 2009 model year sees two all-new pickups: the perennial best-selling vehicle Ford F-150 and the upstart Dodge Ram 1500.
• Ram vs. F-150
• Pontiac Vibe
• Video: 2009 Dodge Challenger
• Video: smart fortwo
• Photos: 2009 Volvo XC70
• Photos: Honda Fit
• Search: For a new or used car

• Border agents catch accused baby killer
• Salvation Army outlook good despite economy
• Engine trouble prompted early landing
• Truck blocks Illinois 59 near I-88
• Dial Corp. exiting Fox Valley after 44 years
• COD OKs contract with new president
• Fireman raised in Montgomery dies on the job
• Elburn pays tribute to lifesaving doctor
• Oswego considers option of eco-friendly lights
• Shades of 2005: Gas prices dip below $2
Truck blocks Illinois 59 near I-88 Artificial tree catches fire in store Aircraft makes forced landing near Somonauk Axelrod named Obama White House aide Al-Qaida No. 2 insults Obama Bush twins show Obama girls the White House Calif. court to take up gay marriage ban Jurassic Park? Scientists map beast's DNA Man pays blind woman's 1 cent debt Al-Qaida No. 2 insults Obama Last model of laughingstock Yugo made Yugo inspired countless jokes

• Dempster gets 4-year deal from Cubs
• Weak schedule gives Bears hope for division title
• Indian Creek wins with 3 seconds left
• Blackhawks road trip begins with a win
• Rose-Gordon combo gives opponents fits
• Sox move spring training to Glendale
• Holler receives AU achievement award

Photos: Saints win title

Check out the football brackets Vote: Top star of the quarterfinals? Steve Tucker's Super 25 after quarterfinals Maine South's fast start buries Broncos 3-5-3 defenses go on attack vs. spread Venson's quick strikes spark Hilltoppers Break it Down: A very eventful opening round

Big Sister learns from Little Sister
Big Sister LaShundra has learned from Little Sister Nikki that doing "ordinary things" can be the best things in the world.



• Paramount's stage manager has dream job
• Foster care providers epitome of humility
• Pajamas great holiday gift for parents, kids
• So they are never forgotten
• Mr. Obama (and his pizza) goes to Washington
• Sarah Palin's running mate: a local handbag

Dow closes below 8,000
Wall Street hit levels not seen since 2003, with the Dow Jones industrial average falling below the 8,000 mark, as the fate of Detroit's Big Three automakers and the economy disheartened investors.



• Area home appliance store closes doors after 60 years
• Green at heart of Panasonic's bid for Sanyo
• Burger King giving free Whoppers
• Business Briefs
• Fewer homes selling
• Gas prices head downward
• If life's got you down...

Effective change requires solid business models QCAACC hosts 2008 Diversity Business Fair in December Event to teach students about manufacturing careers The sisterhood of the garden community Don't wait for market to hit bottom before investing Pickup showdown The cost of driving Shelby favors changing automaker management teams Fireplaces: The heat's on for better efficiency Guide for single woman buyers Prairie grasses add texture and color

Paramount's stage manager has dream job
You could say Lou Ann Cates has access to everything that's important to her right under one roof. Cates, 57, of Aurora, has spent 30-plus years working behind the scenes at the Paramount Theatre. She puts actors and crews in their places, calls the cues, pulls the curtain and, basically, follows every moment of action on and off stage.


• Web site: Paramount Theatre
• Online: Stage Manager's Handbook

• Five things to do
• Ted's keeps it green while serving good food
• End your heavy meal with something sweet
• Popcorn Panel: 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa'
• Gifts for teens under $50 in Bolingbrook
• A wet and wild way to say Happy New Year!
• Mississippi stud a treat to try and beat
• Vicki Lawrence brings two-woman show to Rialto
• Popcorn Panel: 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa'
• 'Twilight' talk takes place right here
• 'Jersey Boys' star comes to Pheasant Run
• Art Briefs: St. Charles singers on TV
• GO Bites: Dining Capsules
• Family Calendar
• Culture calendar
• Night life calendar
• Art and museum calendar
• Five things to know
• DuPage Children's Museum calendar
• This Week in Chicago

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