The Watch List is a weekly list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

EVERYBODY!!! Come and see how good we look! The Courier-News staff will be the People of the Week at Villa Verone, starting at 6 p.m. at the downtown Elgin bar and restaurant, 13 Douglas Ave. Reporter Mike Danahey's even made a Facebook event for the occasion. Come and meet us, have a drink and support a good cause! -- Emily McFarlan, Readers' Reporter

Have you seen the Blue Moose Family at Platt Hill Nursery on Randall Road in Carpentersville? (Picture to come.)

Or any other great Christmas decorations, in general?!

Post links to photos of your Christmas decorations here, or e-mail them to Between the Bylines editor Emily McFarlan at emcfarlan@stmedianetwork.com! -- Katie Anderson, Staff Writer

-- The Courier-News Staff

The Watch List is a weekly list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

Hanging out with Matt Damon on the set of "Contagion": Reporter Mike Danahey returned from spending the day on the set of "Contagion," filming at the old Sherman Hospital in Elgin, with this to say about star Matt Damon:

"He's a big eater. Healthy appetite. Hates Ben Affleck."

Danahey claims he ran into Damon at Wendy's. Turns out it was a guy with a haircut like Damon's and about 150 more pounds on the Oscar winner. Don't worry: We let him down gently.

For the real scoop from the set of "Contagion" -- which also found Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow in Elgin -- check out Tuesday's Courier-News! And share your stories of celeb-spotting here in the comments!

-- The Courier-News Staff

The Watch List is a weekly list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

1. What I've Eaten Since Wednesday Night: A Food Journal...

• Deep fried turkey testicle. They tasted like mushrooms.




• A chicken sandwich with fries.




• Thankgiving, Plate One: Smoked turkey, grilled turkey, pecan-crusted sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn casserole, pickled beets, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, one glass of wine.




• Thanksgiving, Plate Two: Farm fresh turkey, mashed potoatoes, wax beans, green beans, corn muffin, stuffing, one glass of wine.




• Thanksgiving, Plate Three: Turkey and duck cooked in a deep fryer, two bacon-pineapple-cocktail weiner wraps, one beer.




• Thanksgiving, Plate Four: One small piece of turkey and a cup of tea.




• Friday: Not so hungy yet, though I might go grab the pumpkins bars I have in my trunk.

Holiday happenings, pick-your-own Christmas trees, after the jump!

The Watch List is a weekly list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

Post-Halloween Facebook beefcakes. Apparently Elgin city councilman John Steffen was some sort of Greco-Roman emperor for Halloween this year and was walking around downtown Elgin showing off his pec. Just one -- the other was covered. For proof, friend him on Facebook and check out his photo albums. -- Mike Danahey, Staff Writer

The photo above is from the NorthEast Neighborhood Association of Elgin's public "MMB" photo album on Facebook. -- Emily McFarlan, Readers' Reporter

You might be able to pick out some more prominent Elginites from the "Monster Mash" photo album on NENA's website. -- Katie Anderson, Staff Writer

Double rainbows, Hemmens happenings, after the jump.

The Watch List is a weekly list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

Trending this week on Katie's desk... Bigelow brand Vanilla Chai tea! With the blustery weather we had last week I nestled into my desk and downed about 4 mugs of chai tea a day. Specifically, BIGELOW Vanilla Chai. I think part of the reason I've been particularly drawn to these tea bags is (a) they are free (well, Emily bought them, but they've been sitting in the communal drink area for about a year, so I figured they were fair game), and (b) I love reading the box the tea comes in. More products should have evocative descriptions like this: "Explore the mystery of Chai. India is a land shrouded in mystery. From the beauty of the Taj Mahal to the markets of New Delhi, it is a country unlike any other in the world. For centuries, the drink of the Maharajas has been equally mysterious -- an ambrosia called Chai ... A sure way to please your senses and enchant your taste buds." -- Katie Anderson, Staff Writer

We want to hear what you're watching too! Share a few of your favorite things here, or send them throughout the week to Between the Bylines editor Emily McFarlan at emcfarlan@stmedianetwork.com.

-- The Courier-News Staff

Introducing... The Watch List! A list of all those things we're watching, things we're loving, things we're talking about in the newsroom this week, in general.

It can be things in the Elgin area, things in the newspaper, things that aren't necessarily local enough to be in the newspaper but we know you're talking about them too. It can be events, people, books, movies, music... you name it!

This week, it's...

• Burgers. My roommates took me to try on wedding dresses for the first time this weekend. Afterward, we felt so girly, we had to grab the biggest, greasiest burgers we could find at the legendary Kuma's Corner (2900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago). There are even more opportunities for big, greasy -- not to mention imaginative -- burgers at the second annual The ECC-Prime BurgerHouse Burger Competition 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Fox River Room at the Grand Victoria Casino (250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin). Stop by for FREE SAMPLES! And if you see me there, remind me I've got to fit in a white dress in a few months. -- Emily McFarlan, Readers' Reporter

Campaign mailers and Svengoolie at The Hemmens, after the jump.