People

'POTTER' COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

When Dreamworks debuted "Shrek" recently, it was seen on opening day on more than 3,500 screens; later more than 3,700 were showing it. That set a record. The previous record for number of screens showing a film in its initial run was the 3,653 that showed the "Mission: Impossible" sequel. Now, according to MSNBC, there's a possibility that Warner Bros. will break the screen record when it rolls out the new Harry Potter movie. Meanwhile, the studio is not trying to be overly optimistic about the take anticipated over the weekend. The news provider says that although "Pearl Harbor" was a huge international box office smash, it did not score as well in the States during its early run as had been widely predicted. One Warner executive is predicting a conservative $50 million initial weekend. Some observers, though, say -- based on early reports from the United Kingdom on what is being called a "near perfect movie" -- Warner has nothing to worry about.

WAYLON JENNINGS HAS LEG SURGERY

Officials at a Phoenix hospital report that Country Music Hall of Fame member Waylon Jennings has undergone successful surgery on his leg. Meanwhile, country.com says that it has been told that the prognosis is good for a full recovery. Jennings had to cancel concerts scheduled for Tucson and Phoenix when he found it nearly impossible to walk, let alone perform. Doctors report that he was suffering from a flare-up of a condition called peripheral vascular disease. He was hospitalized and surgery was done to restore circulation in the troubled leg. This is the second time the 64-year-old Jennings has needed surgery for the condition. He should be released soon but will need some period of rest and rehabilitation before resuming his concert tour. By the way, the country superstar has a neat, animated Web site at waylon.com on the Internet.

BRAD PAISLEY ON THE SEXY LIST

Handsome young country star Brad Paisley has now officially entered the ranks of the nation's sexiest men. In the newest edition of People magazine, the publication includes the two-time CMA award winner among the ranks of the nation's most-visible hunks, including George Clooney and John Stamos. Pierce Brosnan is on the cover of the issue. In the article accompanying the photo layout, Paisley tells the publication that "you can probably attribute 90 percent of all guitars bought in the United States to the hope that playing one will attract girls." The 31-year-old singer lists Glen Dale, Va., as his hometown. Paisley has a down-home "country" look about him, accentuated with one of the most piercing set of dark brown eyes you've even seen. Ironically, his first album was called, "Who Needs Pictures."

BRETT STILL SUBJECT OF PINE TAR RAZZING

During the 1980 World Series, Kansas City Royals superstar George Brett was questioned by officials as to whether he might have some pine tar on his hands. Now, decades later, it seems that no one can forget the incident. Recently, according to columnist Neal Travis, Brett was reminded of the controversy as he entered a New York City club. The manager shook hands with Brett -- born in 1953 in Brad Paisley's hometown -- and then inspected his own hand. He told the slugger he wanted to see if any pine tar had rubbed off. Controversy or not, Brett continues to be one of baseball's most visible and honored former players. During his 21 years in the majors, all spent with the Royals, he was selected for a dozen All-Star games. He's the only player in history to have amassed the following: More than 3,000 hits, 300 homers, 600 doubles, 100 triples and 200 stolen bases. He even hit .390 during one red-hot season ... pine tar or not. No wonder he's in Cooperstown.

BRAD PITT: REBUILD THE WTC AS IT WAS

Since the terror attacks of Sept. 11 it's been nearly impossible for anyone to carry on a conversation without some mention of the events and talk of the future. So, when ABC's Barbara Walters staged a long-form interview with actor Brad Pitt, the conversation eventually moved to the topic. According to ABC, in the interview set for airing this week, Pitt says he thinks that after all the rubble is cleared from the site of the collapsed towers, they should be rebuilt to look exactly as they did before the attacks. Pitt says: "It's important to America to get our symbol back." He also advocates leaving some floors at the top unoccupied as a memorial to those who died in the collapses. He suggests that the only thing in the open, un-rented area would be a monument to the old towers built from some of the rubble.

VIENNA CHOIR BOYS SET FOR CARNEGIE CONCERT

Final preparations are being made for the annual Christmastime visit of the Vienna Choir Boys to New York's Carnegie Hall. The ensemble's publicist says the choir will perform on Sunday night, Dec. 9, in the venerable venue. The choir, now in its 503rd year, is the longest-surviving musical group in history. (Of course with different members). The program will include several hymns in Latin, but most of the concert will be familiar Yuletide carols, including "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" will also be performed. The Vienna group has been a part of the Big Apple's Christmas traditions for more than 25 years. It will perform in more than 30 other American cities during the coming weeks.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 204

Today we are continuing our week-long open forum for you to talk about whatever you wish. Put THOUGHTS in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 199

Last week we asked if you had travel plans for the Thanksgiving holiday. This question generated a record number of replies. I know I'm leaving out some wonderful ones, but reaching randomly into my In Box, here is a sampling: AEB says plans are still up in the air. "We usually go to grandma's house, but my mom may want to stay home this year." WindyW notes that her family is dwindling as the years pass. She reports that she's staying home but that her mom is coming to visit. Like many of us, she reports that she's happy that mom is still around, in spite of failing health. All four of PP's grandparents are gone and she plans to "keep the HOME fires burning." Nearly 40 percent of respondents said they were staying home this time around. JMTU says that his family tries to do untraditional things, such as fixing alternate foods, instead of turkey and all the trimmings. Lyle is a vegetarian and is among those who talked about non-meat entrees for the feast. Several mentioned they were still afraid of flying and that grandma's place was not within driving distance. Finally a note from witzend who wishes that the holidays would just "go away." Well, at least we have time to stock up on antacids between now and Thursday next. GBA.