Bruno Mars

The Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter is host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 20. “Locked Out Of Heaven,” the cool first single from his second album “Unorthodox Jukebox” (due Dec. 11), is an indication that Mars will continue to rule the musical galaxy.

Argo

Ben Affleck’s political thriller — based on a true covert operation to rescue six Americans — is the best reason to go to the movies in October.

Nathan Lane in “The Good Wife”

The Broadway star, transitioning from loud to low-key, has been superb in his recurring role as a court-appointed guardian to Lockhart Gardner.

The Twelve by Justin Cronin

The eagerly-awaited middle book in Cronin’s award-winning, epic post-apocalyptic adventure trilogy, which kicked off with 2010′s blockbuster “The Passage” (read this one first).

“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” iPhone/iPad/iPod app

Just in time for Halloween. The Loud Crew Interactive app features original voices, animations, and music from the 1966 TV special. The app also debuts a new customization feature that allows users to create and personalize their own Peanuts character.

Arrow

The CW’s compelling new superhero drama, starring Stephen Arnell, has quickly become one of our favorite shows. “Arrow” also hit the ratings bullseye with four million viewers for its debut — making it the most watched telecast of any CW show on any night in three years.

James Bond 007 Miniature Vehicles Set

The set of eight miniature die-cast miniature vehicles ($60) features tthe Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, the BMW Z3 from GoldenEye, the Aston Martin DBS from Casino Royale, the Little Nellie from You Only Live Twice, the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, the Lotus Esprit Underwater from The Spy Who Loved Me, the Rolls Royce III from Goldfinger, and the Space Shuttle from Moonraker.

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” Blu-ray

The enduring, magical movie celebrates its 30th anniversary.  New extras include a 13-minute in-depth interview with Steven Spielberg and a 50-minute documentary filled with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

Pasta

Life is not worth living without pasta. October is National Pasta Month and Oct. 17 is National Pasta Day. Did you know: Americans eat around twenty pounds of pasta per person per year.

NFL Teams With Bird Nicknames

Bird teams are flying high. The Atlanta Falcons (6-0) lead the NFC South, the Baltimore Ravens (5-1) lead the AFC North, and the Arizona Cardinals (4-2) and Seattle Seahawks (4-2) are tied for first on the NFC West. The fifth bird team, the Philadelphia Eagles (3-3), are in the mix in the hotly-contested NFC East.