Sarah Palin, our favorite hockey mom, is back in the news and also in today’s High 5:

WHAT’S PLAYING TODAY IN THE STEVEMOBILE: It had been years, maybe decades, since I listened to Rod Stewart’s groundbreaking “Every Picture Tells A Story” from start to finish. Thirty-eight years after its No. 1 position atop the Billboard charts, it remains one of rock’s all-time masterpieces. What struck me this week was the tremendous country influence many of the songs have. I didn’t remember that way back when. Not sure how a Scottish bloke known for wild partying and wilder women managed to pull that off in 1971, but I think at least three of the cuts could be top-10 country hits today. An ideal quartet would have been Rod the Mod, Kim Carnes, Bonnie Tyler and Colbie Callait. Aw heck, throw in Bryan Adams, too.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: I can’t wait for episode 2 of Flash Forward on Thursday night (ABC). For the first time in I don’t know how many years I have four legitimate favorite television programs. Lie to Me (Fox), CSI: Miami (CBS) and Cold Case (CBS) are also must-see TV. Now, I just wish there would be a Knots Landing reunion, even though the post-cosmetic surgery Joan Van Ark is rather frightening.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?: Mel Gibson.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING: Sarah Palin received a $7 million advance for her memoirs and is receiving $100,000 per speaking engagement. No wonder she quit her day job as governor of Alaska.

ANXIOUSLY AWAITING: That new Jamie Foxx flick, “Law Abiding Citizen” looks intriguing. is it just me, or is Jamie Foxx the new Denzel Washington?

Lambertmania is picking up steam, and is anyone up for a good lie? All that and more in today’s High 5:

BOND-ING: Let me say to start, I have enjoyed Daniel Craig in his first two films as the new James Bond, but if the 007 powers-to-be ever tire of him how about Hugh Jackman as the next man with a license to thrill? Jackman has proven his worth as an action film star and is obviously a ladies’ man, too. His Aussie accent would be icing on the cake.

THE BUZZ CONTINUES: American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert’s still-untitled album, due for a Nov. 24 release, has climbed to the No. 2 spot on Amazon, a move Entertainment Weekly says is “unprecedented for an album nearly two months out.” Even more impressively, according to EW, is that Lambert’s label, RCA, hasn’t even publicized the pre-sale, meaning that the current rush is largely fan-based.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?: Kris Allen.

IRONMAN: How about three cheers for first baseman Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s the only player in the big leagues this season to have started every game. Fielder plays the the right way, he plays every day and he respects the game. In the age of overblown contracts and pampered superstars, Fielder is a true prince.

LIE TO ME: The hit show on Fox has returned for a second season and is even better. Shawn Ryan (creator of The Shield) has come on board as executive producer and is influence is already being seen. Watch for star Tim Roth’s Cal Lightman character to be developed much more in the program’s sophomore season.

One of the true highlights of any year is when the latest “Saw” movie is released. Now a Halloween tradition, it is my all-time favorite horror franchise, outranking even the legendary George A. Romero zombie flicks. That, and more in today’s High 5:

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES: According to an online report, the two most popular costumes this year are Alice in Wonderland and Michael Jackson. I’m not sure. however, which Michael Jackson mask is the most popular.

SAW VI: The latest installment of the magnificent horror series is due in theaters Oct. 23. Count me in. There is no greater Halloween treat than the latest “Saw” film. Saw I and Saw IV remain my favorites, although each is special in its own flesh-ripping way.

WHAT’S PLAYING TODAY IN THE STEVEMOBILE: On the way to work today I was listening to the Greatest Hits of Kim Carnes. And yes, she had more hits than “Bette Davis Eyes.” The scratchy-voiced blonde has an interesting interpretation of “Cry Like A Baby,” the Box Tops’ classic from the late 1960s. Also on the CD is “Don’t Fall in Love With a Dreamer,” a duet with Kenny Rogers (the pre-cosmetic surgery version of Kenny Rogers).

BACK IN THE DAY: Speaking of Kenny Rogers, check out some of the YouTube videos of his days as front man for the Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. You may not recognize him.

BEST COVER OF A SONG EVER: For my money, the best remake of any pop song hit remains Wet Wet Wet’s version of “Love Is All Around” by the Troggs. It’s one of those rare covers that is actually better than the original.

If your wife or girlfriend adds a few pounds, do not follow the lead of Ron White, as you will see in this edition of the Daily High 5:

JUST WONDERING: Has any TV program ever lived off its first 10 years of success longer than “Saturday Night Live”? Seriously, when was the last time that show was really funny? Off the top of my head I would say about the mid-1980s. Someone at NBC should have enough guts to pull the plug, Please.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I was reading a story over the weekend about whether or not a man has the right to “suggest” to his wife or girlfriend that she’s put on a little weight. Any man in his right mind knows the answer to that one.

WORDS TO LIVE BY: Those of you who enjoy comedian Ron White will probably appreciate this more than those who don’t, but for my money one of the funniest lines I have ever heard in my life was when he said, “I had the right to remain silent … but not the ability.” Men with that same problem are the ones who get in serious trouble with that question about what to do when a wife or girlfriend packs on a few extra pounds.

LOOKING AHEAD: If the baseball playoffs began today, my picks for the World Series would be the Yankees and Cardinals. Runner-up picks: Angels and Phillies.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?: Jennifer Lopez?

BEST FAST-FOOD BREAKFAST COMBO: The No. 3 at Hardee’s. And make sure you ask for the country potatoes.

In today’s Daily High 5 we learn that not every new television show can’t  be in the same class as “Flash Forward”:

YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT: I don’t think I’m alone with this thought, at least I hope not. There are two actors who should give up doing any more action movies — Clint Eastwood, who is 79, and Harrison Ford, who is 67. Eastwood and Ford are two of my all-time favorite stars, but it’s hard to accept those guys butt-whipping villains half their age or younger. Eastwood and Ford even look old. There are plenty of AARP roles out there and I hope to continue to see them on screen for years to come. I just don’t want to see them throwing any more punches.

YOUR 15 MINUTES ARE UP: “The Beautiful Life” becomes the first show of the new TV season to get axed. The CW pulled the plug on this program after two episodes. I have no idea what this show was even about. And I guess I never will.

WAS IT REALLY 20 YEARS AGO?: That the Bangles were singing “Eternal Flame,” Fine Young Cannibals were giving us “She Drives Me Crazy” and Rod Stewart wanted to know if he would see her on a “Downtown Train”. Holy crap, I’m getting old.

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME: Speaking of guys who should give up the action-star ghost, how about Steven Seagal? Seagal and his toupee have a reality TV show scheduled for later this year entitled “Steven Seagal, Lawman.” Let’s see if that can also get canceled in two episodes — or less. Steven is now 58 (I think his toupee is about 20) and has not smelled a hit movie since 1994′s “On Deadly Ground.” Make that semi-hit movie.

WHAT’S PLAYING TODAY IN THE STEVEMOBILE: Remember Gordon Lightfoot, the Canadian artist who made a successful crossover to U.S. pop in the 1970s? I found an old copy of “Gord’s Gold” — a CD featuring more than 20 of his greatest hits — tucked away in a box in the attic. Man, he still sounds great. I saw Lightfoot in concert once while I was in college and was a fan from that night on. He’s been in poor health in recent years and his voice is almost gone, but what an incredible songwriter and vocalist he was in his prime.

I watched the premier of “Flash Forward” Thursday night on ABC, and it was everything it was supposed to be. This show is going to be must-see TV this fall. … but that’s another subject for another day. Right now, it’s time for today’s High 5:

SAY IT AGAIN, DAVE: CBS late night talk show host David Letterman said he had two words for Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: “Short and ugly.” I love David Letterman.

VAMPIRE FEVER BUILDING: I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for “Twilight” sequel, “New Moon,” due in theaters Nov. 20. The Internet buzz about the second of the teen vampire romance series has been borderline phenomenal, and apparently that interest is carrying over into ticket sales. Industry experts are predicting a possible all-time record opening. If you never saw “Twilight,” rent it now. I promise you will not regret it. It is not your typical vampire flick. There is no gore or long, pointed teeth sinking into necks. I promise. It is a phenomenal film.

SHE’S STILL GOT IT: Carrie Underwood just keeps cranking out the hit records. The Season 4 “American Idol” winner’s hot new single, “Cowboy Casanova,” is not only the fastest-climbing country single of her career, but it’s also the fastest rising hit of the year on country radio. The song rocketed to No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart only one week after its official airplay impact date of Sept. 14. It’s the first single from her third album, “Play On,” which releases Nov. 3.

SPEAKING OF AMERICAN IDOL … : “American Idol Rewind” is back, and this year the top-rated syndicated series will focus on what turned out to be one of the most extraordinary years in American Idol history — Season 5. This year’s show premiers Saturday (check your local cable stations) and will bring back the “Soul Patrol,” “McPheever” and some guy named Chris Daughtry. Taylor Hicks won the crown that year over a field of 12 other finalists that inlcuded Idol legends Bucky Covington, Kat McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Mandisa and Ace Young. That was a great season. I can’t wait until mid-January when it all starts again (and I get to fire up the “Idol Nation” blog!).

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO …: Danny Gokey?

I’m in a forgiving mood today. Maybe it’s because of the late, great Dusty Springfield. Let me explain in the Daily High 5:

MICHAEL VICK: What Vick was a part of was deplorable, but he seems sincere in making amends. He served his time in prison, lost most everything he had and is trying to not only resurrect his football career, but his life, too. I say give him a chance. I’m rooting for Michael Vick, who is eligible to play in an NFL game this weekend for the first time since December 2006.

LIBYAN LOSER: Here’s a guy I am not rooting for. In his first appearance at the United Nations, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi issued a tirade toward the Security Council and chastised the world body on on a number of subjects. You know what? Who cares what this terrorist — with his new porn-star moustache — thinks about anything. Go back to Libya and pound some sand.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: General Motors officials said this week they plan to restore about 3,000 jobs at U.S. assembly plants and related facilities and are getting set to raise North American production by up to 45 percent next year. This is another sign the recovery has started, but hold off on any major celebration. We have barely started the climb back, and there will not be any overnight miracles, but the worst certainly seems to be behind us.

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE: The upcoming John Travolta thriller looks a winner. He’s some sort of slam-bang secret agent with a shaved head and great-looking goatee. Director Pierre Morel is the same guy responsible for last year’s “Taken.” I’m not a big Travolta fan — never even cared for him in his Vinny Barbarino days — but this film looks like it could be among the year’s big action hits.

WHAT’S PLAYING ON MY CD PLAYER IN THE STEVEMOBILE: On this particular day, it’s “Dusty Springfield’s Greatest Hits.” My favorite is “Brand New Me.” Wow, it just hit me … Colbie Caillat is this generation’s Dusty Springfield. They have the very same voice. Double wow.

If like me, you once owned a copy of “Midnight Confessions,” I’m sure you will appreciate today’s Daily High 5:

COLBIE CAILLAT: I’d like to say the 23-year-old singing sensation is the next big thing, but she already is. She has one of those voices that lingers with you long after you have switched CDs. In some ways, she reminds me of a young Kim Carnes. She also impresses with me with her honesty and approach. “I’m still learning,” she says.

BEST BASEBALL ANNOUNCERS: From a regional standpoint, I love Hawk Harrelson on White Sox television and Ron “The Coach” Santo on Cubs radio. Nationally, the Giants’ TV tandem of Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow are my faves. It’s worth the price of satellite TV just to listen to Kuip and Kruk over the course of an entire season.

FLAVORFUL: Have you ever had coconut cream pie ice cream? It’s amazing. It uncannily combines the two of the most important food groups — (any kind of) pie and ice cream.

CREED BRATTON: I’m not sure how many people realize Creed Bratton, who portrays “Creed Bratton” on the NBC comedy series “The Office,” is a former member of the Grass Roots, one of the most successful pop bands of the late 1960s and 1970s. Lead singer Rob Grill is the most famous member of the Grass Roots — and is still touring — but Bratton should not be forgotten by fans of the band who gave us such classics as “Midnight Confessions,” “Sooner or Later,” “Where Were You When I Needed You” and “Temptation Eyes.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT?: Fast-food restaurants have no excuse for not offering at least a limited breakfast menu all day. First of all, I think it’s safe to say the majority of of us enjoy the breakfast type food beyond the 10:30 a.m. cutoff most fast-food sites offer. Secondly, those who work second and third shifts would probably prefer scrambled eggs over a burger and fries.

Today’s Daily High 5 comes with a note of warning. Those with weak stomachs may want to skip No. 3.

1. NICKNAME: I stumbled across what might be the greatest nickname for a high school’s sports teams I have ever seen (or heard). Would you believe the Arkansas School for the Deaf Leopards? Rock fans have to love this one.

2. YOUR 15 MINUTES ARE UP: Those Geico cavemen commercials. They used to be amusing. Now they’re simply boring.

3. BEST ZOMBIE MOVIE EVER: For sheer gore and splatter, there is no equal to George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead’ — the original, not the sad remake from a few years ago. For me, the most memorable scene is when one of the humans is trapped in a shopping mall with hundreds of the walking dead — who can only be killed by a bullet to the brain, of course — somehow ends up caught in one of those chairs that measure your blood pressure, similar to those found at Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee. The flesh-eating zombies rip open his stomach and start extracting intestines and whatever else is in there, which all looked remarkably like spaghetti.

4. THE AMAZING RACE: The CBS show won the Emmy for best reality TV program. Are you kidding me? Did someone have brainlock concerning “American Idol,” “Survivor,” “The Apprentice” or a half-dozen others? There must be a difference between “best” and “most popular” that I am missing.

5. NEW MEMBER: Eddie Cibrian is joining the “CSI: Miami” team. I hope he realizes his character, Jesse Cardoza, will always play second fiddle to the incredible Calleigh Duchesne (Emily Procter). Always.