The Record, Bergen County, NJ

One thing Phish has is phans - who border on the phanatical. The Vermont-based jam band, now 28 years old, has taken on the hippified mantle of The Grateful Dead, down to the legions of followers who camp out in the parking lot and jam before and after the show. For this week's run at Madison Square Garden, they'll need luck finding a place to park, let alone play. TELL ME MORE: Part of the fun of being a Phish fan is swapping illicit recordings of guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordo...

New & Noteworthy

Shopping * Beauty expert at Saks: Sisley national beauty expert Kim Finkelstein will be at The Mall at Short Hills' Saks Fifth Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to offer beauty tips. Call 973-315- 1238 to RSVP.

Keeping the Kids Entertained Between the Holidays

Toys can entertain only so long. At some point during the holiday break, the kids will need activities beyond staring at a screen and pressing buttons or building a Lego space shuttle. The inevitable meltdowns and bouts of cabin fever will come. But you -- the parents, grandparents and adult relatives -- can help make the holidays more enjoyable for all by having some activities planned. The week off from school can actually be a great opportunity for children to get to know their communities...

Shopping Corner: Empire Kosher's 3-Pound Microwavable Whole Chicken.

Ready to Roast WHAT: Whole, marinated, 3-pound kosher chicken from Empire Kosher can be cooked in its bag in the microwave. Chickens raised free- roaming, vegetarian-fed and without antibiotics. Results were surprisingly tasty and juicy.

Enthusiasts Hopeful Schools Not Ready to Write Off Cursive

Carol Daniele envisions her handwriting as not just a door, but a front door. A bride-to-be drops the envelope bearing Daniele's calligraphy into a mailbox. The wedding invitation -- or in some cases, the "Save the Date" card -- is the portal. And her handwriting is the messenger assigned to lead guests toward that portal.