Ventriloquism -- like terrestrial radio, like film projecting -- is a dying art, but British ventriloquist Nina Conti and her simian friend Monk singlehandedly make a case for bringing it back. With his doleful eyes, dour little old man voice and the most expressive face I've ever seen on a puppet, Monk is a work of pure genius. And Conti's ability to throw her voice is unparalleld. Nina & Monk may well be the funniest......

Recommended Dixie Chicks - Shut Up & Sing - Remember when rugged individualism was the hallmark of the "American character"? Remember when that individualism was defined by a willingness to speak your mind? Remember when criticizing your governmental overlords was a patriotic duty? Yeah, me neither. But maybe country music trio The Dixie Chicks were trying to recall that mythologized frontier spirit when lead singer Nathalie Maines criticized President Bush for launching the Iraq......

Tuesday Night "Rachael Ray's Thanksgiving in 60" (FOOD, 6:00 p.m.) If you're in need of last minute T-giving ideas watch this evil little sprite dish them out "Beauty and the Beast" (IFC, 6:00 p.m.) Director Jean Cocteau's 1946 surreal take on the fairy tale. Hey, at least I'm not pushing you to watch Eisenstein's "Alexander Nevsky" at 9:25 p.m. "NHL Hockey" (PRIME, 7:00 p.m.) Sharks @ Ducks "NBA Basketball" (the CW or FSW, 7:30......