For those of you who still have taped X's on your windows from the Hurricane Rita scare, would you kindly consider removing them? I think we are safe now and it reminds me of those people who still have their Christmas lights still on their houses in February. Speaking of Christmas lights, Highland Village Shopping Center has their holiday decorations up and it looks gorgeous, so go see it. If you have Astros spirit signage on your windows, by all means, leave it up! Our boys made history, and for that we should be extremely proud and continue our support. I'm also very proud of our city for the organized way the activities downtown were handled. Special thanks to HPD and to the Downtown Entertainment District Alliance for providing a safe place to view the games on the big screen in Market Square. No special thanks to the parking lots that charged exuberant prices during the World Series, shame on you for price gauging.

OFFICE SPACE Special Edition With Flair came out on DVD on November 1st, bringing hope to working stiffs everywhere, and curing anyone who is suffering through a case of the Mondays. Starring Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston, the DVD includes never-before-seen footage, a retrospective feature and more. It9s a must own for everyone "working for the man." Join us at 6: on November 11th for the official OFFICE SPACE happy hour. We will have DVDs and T-shirts to give away. Bring your red stapler and receive a special gift! Stay tuned for the invite to the event, which will go out to all my readers. Check out the web site and then be at 6° on November 11th, doors will open at 5PM http://www.foxhome.com/officespace/index.php. There will also be a special prize to the office who brings the most employees, and I have a feeling that Art Pedraza and his crew that works for the City of Houston will be here in full force, so bring a big group, because they always do!

THIS WEEK AT 6°: Arrive early next Thursday at 911 Franklin, because we will house TWO blockbuster parties on November 3rd. The first begins at 6PM and is hosted by Kelli Robinson of mplus and ME, of Houston Queen of Clubs (duh.) MEDIA MANIA is a hip, innovative networking event for those in the hospitality, entertainment, graphic design, public relations, press, radio, television, promotions, nightlife, advertising and marketing industries, as well as all Chambers of Commerce members from around the Greater Houston Area Chambers. It's fun and funky, just like the hostesses are. This quarterly event is quickly gaining popularity with each event's momentum. Following the MEDIA MANIA party (stick around!) is the Martini Mix-off competition. The lounge supports other people in the service industry and makes them famous by hosting this mix-off before the launch of each new season's martini menu. How cool is that? Bartenders compete for cash and prizes and, in addition to the top three places winning a little bit of green, their martini earns a spot on the Winter Martini Menu, which will be introduced at a launch party at 6° on December 1st. No other place does that! For details, contact kim@sixdl.com. Here's the link to view the MEDIA MANIA invite, designed by my pal, Kelli "I never wear the same outfit twice" Robinson http://www.mplusgroup.com/mm/.

If you aren't at 6° on Thursday, I won't be mad if it's because you are attending Success In The City's Holiday's Houston Style at The Courtyard on St. James at 1885 St. James Place, because it's hosted by my friend, Christine Stillwell. Special Guest will be Rachel McNeill from Channel 2 News KPRC. The event will have cash bar, including the Signature City-tini, heavy appetizers and valet parking along with a fashion show. Tickets are $18 pre-sale and $25 at the door. www.SuccessHouston.com has all the details. The event is from 5:30-9:30, so you can still attend the Martini Mix-off at 6° afterwards.

NEWS IN THE BIZ: The gorgeous and vivacious Melinda Sosa is tending bar at 410 (410 Main) on Fridays and Saturdays. A big congratulations goes to Lisa Gochman who is now booking happy hour and holiday parties for Crome (2815 S. Shepherd.) You may contact Lisa at gochgazette@yahoo.com. Crome isn't the only place in town to get a new event planner, my resume is expanding to include Opus (412 Main Street,) the Flat (1701 Commonwealth) and St. Pete's Dancing Marlin (300 Main Street.) In addition to remaining at 6°, I will now plan events for three more incredible venues and I'm thrilled about it. Don't forget, if you need a limo, party bus, shuttle or sedan, I can assist you with that, also, at R&R Partnership, Inc. My office day at R&R is on Wednesday, so you may reach me at 713-977-0088 or ask for Carla if I'm not in the office. All Queen of Clubs readers get 10% off when they book transportation and mention QOC. I will help you plan all the details of a memorable night out with special perks at various nightclubs and bars, while riding in safety and style in an R&R vehicle. It doesn't get much better than that.

In November, there are two wine dinners coming up, the first to be held at the Mia Bella at 2006 Lexington. Monday November 7th at 7:00PM They will be revisiting the wines of Australia featuring Rosemount and Penfolds. Call 713-523-2428 to make reservations. The second wine dinner is at Cava Bistro (301 Main Street) at the corner of Congress in downtown Houston. For the date or to reserve a spot, call 713-223-4068. Both events will be 5-course dinners with corresponding wines for the price of $49.95. In January, at Mia Bella on Lexington, look for " The Beginners Guide to Wine," which will offer a three-week course on Sundays from 5 to 7PM. Week one will focus on regions, grapes and types of wine. Week two will dive into New World wines that are popular now and Old World wines that will always be classics. Week three will contain more day-to-day knowledge of the buying and storing of wine, plus tips on cooking & celebrating with wine. Tickets to this event would make an excellent Christmas gift for the wine lover in your life. It's not too early to start your Holiday Shopping! The Queen says if you WINE a bit, it will make you feel better.

Road Trip! CRAVE Party has a girlfriend-bonding day planned on Saturday, November 5th from 8:30AM-7PM. You can experience shopping fashionista-style, and CRAVE will do the driving for you. You get to visit trendy boutiques in Rice Village, lower Westheimer and the Voss and Woodway shopping district. There will be CRAVE Girls' shopping specials and treats with many of the boutiques. The fun-filled adventure begins at Kuhl-Linscomb at 2424 West Alabama. Be there at 8:30AM to receive your Boarding Pass for the 9:30 departure and do some early shopping and energize your body with a continental breakfast. Sensational vendors will be on hand for your "Day of Beauty" when the buses roll back to a fabulous Private Wine and Cheese Reception all sponsored by KUHL-LINSCOMB at their one-of-a-kind shop. There is so much more planned for the fun-filled day. $50.00 includes continental breakfast, lunch, canvas CRAVE Girl shopping bag, free mini makeovers, fabulous giveaways, goody bag provided by Kuhl-Linscomb, Wine and Cheese Reception and food tasting by Raos Pasta. This event is sure to be a hit. Their last CRAVE party at Opus was a smashing success and was featured in the Houston Press and on television. To register, visit www.cravepartyhouston.com.

Love your dog? You have to try Callie Kookies and Bo's Bonz. Please take a moment to visit the website www.callieskookies.com and see the wonderful treats, testimonials and meet some of Callie's and Bo's Pals. You can even submit a picture of you and your pet to be included. These make great Christmas gifts for all the furry friends in your life. My wonderhound, Marlee loves these biscuits.

It's time for the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market at Reliant Center. It takes place next Thursday, November 10th through November 13th. Call 713-535-3231 for tickets or visit www.houstonballet.org. More than 300 vendors from across the country will participate in the 25th annual holiday shopping event offering unique gift items for the entire family, including home dicor, food, clothing, toys, accessories and much more.

Bering and James Gallery presents "The Season of Lights" on Saturday November 5th from 6-9PM featuring works by my friend, Lana Chu. Bering and James is located in Rice Village at 2482 Bolsover. For details, call 713-529-0351 or click www.beringandjames.com.

Motley Crüe's drummer Tommy Lee (www.tommylee.tv) will host downtown's most exciting party and DJ event at Shadow Bar (www.theshadowbar.com) place for dance on Saturday, November 5th. Tommy Lee, along with his entourage, will join guests at Shadow Bar for an intimate evening of music and mayhem, as Lee will be spinning the hottest tunes into the night. Shadow Bar is at 213 Milam.