Trends for November 12, 2001

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Nov. 12, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

Reporting for duty

If you're lucky enough to have today off from work in honor of Veterans Day, you owe an homage in some way, shape or form to this nation's brave servicemen and women.

Blockbuster recommends paying tribute via video or DVD. In time for the holiday, the company has released the results of its survey of "America's Favorite Movie Soldiers."

Topping the list is Tom Hanks, who donned uniforms in 1994's "Forrest Gump" and '98's "Saving Private Ryan." He is followed by the Duke, John Wayne, who starred in "The Longest Day" (1962) and "The Green Berets" ('68). Rounding out the top three is Sylvester Stallone in his riveting portrayal of the title character in '82s "Rambo: First Blood."

The remainder of the top 10 includes Mel Gibson ("The Patriot"); Clint Eastwood ("Where Eagles Dare"); Arnold Schwarzenegger ("Predator"); Tom Cruise ("Top Gun"); Kurt Russell ("Soldier"); Matt Damon ("Saving Private Ryan") and the late George C. Scott in "Patton."

Celluloid heroes, we salute you.

Family first

In case you hadn't heard, Sunday through Nov. 24 is National Family Week, sponsored by the Alliance for Children and Families, a Wisconsin organization that represents 350 international child- and family service organizations.

Apparently events promoting families are scheduled to take place across the country (for more information, visit familyweek.org).

In the meantime we have the results from yet another poll this one sponsored by eHarlequin.com., the Internet division of romance-novel publisher Harlequin Enterprises.

What these fantasy folks know about the real-life goings-on of families, we're not sure. The poll of 8,000 women revealed that 43 percent of women under age 19 contend "family defines their true success and happiness."

But, unless you're Britney Spears, we don't know too many 19-year-olds who have another barometer by which to measure success. (By the way, that number jumps to 67 percent in the 25-30 age group.) And 21 percent of women polled said spirituality is the key to happiness and success.

Don't be a turkey

The key to success for a turkey around this time of year is avoiding the chopping block.

More than a few celebrities are working to make those little gobblers' dreams come true.

"The Exorcist" star Linda Blair will lead this year's "adoption" festivities which will also include feeding turkeys and eating a vegan (no animal products) feast Saturday in Orland, Calif.

The event is being sponsored by Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter for rescued farm animals.

For $15, a person can "adopt" a turkey and "give thanks to the animals." In years past, some folks have taken the birds home and made them part of the family, while others have adopted them as gifts for friends and family.

Other celebs participating in this year's adopt-a-turkey events (a turkey celebration is also planned for Saturday in Watkins Glen, N.Y.) include "Clueless" star Alicia Silverstone and "Saturday Night Live" alum Kevin Nealon, who said "I like to stuff myself at Thanksgiving, not turkeys. Save a life this holiday season ... adopt a turkey instead of eating one."

For more information, visit farmsanctuary.org.