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This is the season when movie critics look back on the year behind us — Was it good? Was it bad? Is it over yet? — seeking the diamonds that glittered ever-so-briefly in the vast landscape of car chases, computer-generated monsters, marathon fantasie

It’s always a challenge compiling a list of the year’s 10 best movies, especially when, thanks to the phenomenal rise of the independent film scene over the past decade, there seems to be an increasing number of impressive films to choose from.

Canadians can look forward to toasting the New Year with some familiar friends. After that, an avalanche of new fare kicks off TV's second season in January. CBC repeats the "22 Minutes" holiday special on Monday, New Year's Eve, at 8 p.m.

"The Intercept" (William Morrow), by Dick Wolf. Dick Wolf, creator of the popular TV series "Law & Order," has jumped into the literary world with "The Intercept." Wolf makes it look like he's been writing novels his entire life.

Various Artists, "La Boheme" (Electric Picture, Deutsche Grammophon) Two contemporary stagings of Puccini's "La Boheme" from 2012 have been released on DVD: director Stefan Herheim's reimagining that opened in January at the Norwegian National Opera

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Powered by football and "The Voice," NBC took the lead in the ratings last week. But even football couldn't tackle CBS' indomitable "NCIS," which edged out the Seahawks-49ers clash to become the week's most-watched show. It drew 19.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Kings of Leon family has just gotten bigger. Drummer Nathan Followill and his wife, singer-songwriter Jessie Baylin, welcomed a baby girl on Wednesday.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The theatre community will honour Jack Klugman and Charles Durning by dimming Broadway's lights in back-to-back memorials. The marquees at all Broadway theatres will go dark for one minute at 8 p.m.

It's a good thing Dean Brody has scheduled the dates for his first national headlining tour because the country music star is all over the map — literally.

Welcome to the Calendar listings. Theatre, dance, live music, nightspots and other performances appear in day-by-day listings, with family activities and ongoing exhibitions under "Events.