Books and beats in Today

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Bublé and Neil Diamond serenade us while Virgin’s Richard Branson and Hal Rubenstein regale us with tales from their literary creations this week in The Today Show. Promoting their shows will be Maya Rudolph and Molly Sims.

Hal talks about his new book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses today. Then, enjoy some early festive joy as Michael performs from his latest album Christmas, featuring his version of some classic seasonal songs. Also featured are Cyber Monday; Hollywood babies go vegan; e-mail and text sign-offs; how to parent like a man; Today’s Kitchen; Today’s Buzz; and Joy Fit Club.

Hot Chelle Rae is finally here. The Nashville-based four-piece pop/rock band will hit the studios tomorrow, Nov. 29 with Tonight Tonight and I Like It Like That, taken from the debut album Whatever arriving in stores tomorrow. Televiewers should look forward to Today’s Professionals; holiday cooking in Today’s Kitchen; Diet S.O.S.; fashion steals and deals; applying to college in the digital age; and answers to your diet questions.

Dreams, Neil’s 32nd studio album, features his caramel-baritone take on, among others, the Beatles’ Yesterday and Blackbird; Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine; Elton John’s Love Song; and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah on Nov. 30. Other features are the new cocktail; payday lending on Today’s Money; Money 911; culinary getaways; how to teach your kids good tech habits and the latest in-home chef.

Richard Branson promotes his new book, Screw Business As Usual while Molly Sims chats about her new reality show, Project Accessories. Also to be featured are the best new products for your home; Spanning the World with Len Berman; Today’s Professionals; money management for those who are time-pressed; top baby names of 2011; great gadgets for stocking stuffers; and everyone has a story.

Comedy genius and Saturday Night Live graduate Maya discusses her new fall series with Kristina Applegate, Up All Night on Dec. 2. Also to look forward to are Jill Martin’s holiday steals and deals; what real estate you can get for your money; financial infidelity; Today’s Kitchen; ambush makeovers with Jill and Louis Licari; and appetizers for holiday parties.

The Today Show airs Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. via satellite with next day replays at 4:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on TALKtv — Channel 16 on SkyCable, Channel 28 on Destiny and Channel 21 on VHF.