Bad news on the Heaven Front: for many, acceptance doesn't guarantee tenure. The Our Lady of Harrisburg bus did the Four Plaids in, decades ago, before they had a chance to strut their tight harmonics. They had their chance, in …

New solo show from artist runs through December 28

The lovable drunkard-cum-writer Charles Bukowski once said, “An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.” It is in this manner that Joshua Krause presents his newest solo show …

Two Kensington stylists discuss their biggest fashion pet-peeves.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/30/36243/ 33-year-old Gianina Contin (gray dress) feels there is a style epidemic sweeping the nation: The plumber butt. “It’s bad,’ she tells me. “Also, I’m not a fan of cut-outs in clothing. Flesh should not be exposed in certain spots.” …

Free, healthy ways to de-stress before the holidays!

Did anyone have a stressful Thanksgiving? I did. Just imagine that scene in A Christmas Story where the neighbors' dogs come through and eat the entire turkey. That happened to our turkey while we were out. The culprit was my …

It may only be the 3rd Annual SoNo Park Holiday Fest & CHiLiPALooZA, but Kouta Shimazaki of San Diego Ceramic Connection has been hosting the ceramic-centric chili competition and fundraiser for South Park for 16 years, all to benefit McKinley …

The Space Between is the theme of the upcoming TEDxWomen at the Institute of the Americas on UCSD's campus (10111 North Torrey Pines Rd). The Space Between runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 2. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/29/36182/ Jennifer …

Legendary illustrator from Zap Comix, Trashman, and locally produced Deepest Dimension Terror Anthology

Just got the news that legendary Zap Comix co-founder Spain Rodriguez has passed away. He and Robert Crumb were among the earliest underground comic superstars - among my most prized possessions is the original art pages for a complete Trashman …

On Thursday, November 29, Lux After Hours will take place at Lux Art Institute (1550 South El Camino Real). The night begins at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception and live music followed by a talk by painter Alan Feltus. …

Travel + Leisure survey says San Diegans are beautiful

San Diego is beautiful. At least, that's what Travel + Leisure's annual America's Favorite Cities survey says. Based on readers' ratings of 35 metropolitan areas considering variables such as people-watching, walkability, and music scene, San Diego ranked in at number …

Thursday | 29JINGLE BELL BACHELOR BASH AUCTIONTwelve men line up for the fifth annual dating event to benefit the Junior League of San Diego. “Each bachelor is carefully chosen and matched with a date package prior to the auction.” Enjoy …

A play based on the lives of local graffiti writers by Circle Circle dot dot

On the heels of community-based theater productions such as Deconstruction of a Drag Queen, a few tales of love in turmoil, and a look at San Diego's Live Action Role Playing crowd, Circle Circle dot dot hits the stage with …

Can you spot the knock-offs?

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/26/36016/ http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/26/36017/ I ran into Nohemi Hernandez and Karla Renfro at Otay Ranch Town Center on Monday afternoon. Both women are wearing identical boots in different colors. Can you guess which ones are the knock-offs? I couldn't. Nohemi, white shirt, …

OnStage Playhouse is world premiering Jon Jory's adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Persuasion. Yeah, yeah, some may say. Another San Diego world premiere. We average what, 20 a year? True. But the eye-openers are the author and the company he …

A look at the mercurial walls of Tijuana through the lens of a gringa resident

Jill Holslin, a San Diego State University lecturer and Tijuana resident of over a year and half, has been photographing the San Diego-Tijuana border since 2008. On Friday, December 7, she’ll be debuting her graffiti series at Studio 2287 in …

The difference between running and training.

This is the first serious week of my marathon training. The difference between going for a run and training is not that big, at the start. I ran three times last week. I did five miles, five miles, and seven …

Local performer's Woman in the Mirror, A Dancer's Journey at Lyceum Theatre Dec. 1 - 9

I first came across local Michael Jackson impersonator Devra Gregory a few years back, while writing a Reader article about local tribute bands, not long after MJ died. Her profile on the Gig Salad website read “Dev was Michael Jackson’s …

Marisa Wegrzyn's comedy-drama plays with time, and how much time we have, and space. Three generations of clock-repairers share a secret: people have a "mortal clock," coiled around their heart, which tells how long they'll live. Some are born with …

Last winter, the San Diego Foundation funded 15 artists, giving a total of $285,000 for creative projects in partnership with local organizations like Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater, Malashock Dance, San Diego Asian Film Foundation, and Lux Art Institute. …

Technomania Circus to perform their Blacklight Illusion Theater farewell show tonight

Give your stomach a rest and let your eyeballs do the feasting tonight, November 24 with the last of the three Technomania Circus blacklight illusion-themed finale shows. The Technomania Circus is gearing up to tour in the spring and although …

On November 16, finalist artists of all kinds (visual art, fashion, accessories, music, film, photography, performing art, hair and makeup) gathered at 4th & B to determine who will represent San Diego in the international RAWards 2012 Indie Arts Awards. …

Holiday hullabaloo surrounds the arrival of Surfin' Santa today at Seaport Village

Surfin' Santa will sail into Seaport Village (849 West Harbor Drive) this Saturday afternoon, November 24, at 1pm aboard San Diego Yacht Club's Corinthian. The boardshort-wearing Santa will be greeted in front of Pier Cafe with an ensuing parade along …

Both of The Goods Shows after parties continue to raise money for Outdoor Outreach

Although there's still plenty of time to catch the local shopping/music/art over at The Goods Show, the musical action will last well into the post-midnight hours tonight, November 23, at two separate after parties supporting the main event. The first, …

Vegetarian Cuisine & Arts Festival aims to show the organic beauty of edible and non-edible products

This Saturday, November 24, ditch the post-Thanksgiving turkey leftovers at home in favor of some organic vegetarian food and music across the border at VC&AF, Vegetarian Cuisine & Arts Festival. The event is put on by the folks at Art …

Leftovers are great but let 'em rot and go find an event to run.

The day after Thanksgiving--what do we do? We eat a modest amount of leftovers and pick a spring or summer event to start training for. A good way to get through the holidays and stay in shape is to pick …

Brighten your Black Friday with local wares, music and art

Part local vendor market, part art show, part cocktail party, and part music show, this year's The Goods Show kicks off at noon tomorrow, Friday, November 23 at 3rdSpace (4610 Park Blvd.) as an alternative to the mainstream shopping mall …

Entertain your holiday guests with a gripping torture exhibit.

The Museum of Man (1350 El Prado) currently has a special exhibit called Instruments of Torture, which explores various artifacts of torture, and the intent behind the instruments. The instruments range from the well-known Iron Maiden and guillotine to the …

Suzie's Farms made their last produce drop on Wednesday, and I picked mine up in Normal Heights. The bundle of rosemary and oregano is highly fragrant, and I placed it in the turkey earlier today with the stuffing to enhance …

The House of Pink BoomBox presents a burlesque preview of 2013

“At first we where going to do to a Thanksgiving themed show, but no matter how hard even us sexy ladies tried we just couldn't make small pox look and feel sexy,” writes Lilly Holiday of the House of Pink …

Accessories for guys

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/20/35788/ Josh Pickney used to be in a couple of local bands but now he is an engineering student. “I go to Mesa, but I plan to transfer to a school in Germany soon,” he tells me. The 22 year-old …

Garage surf rockers The Short Eyes kick off rock and roll art monthly

Self-proclaimed “dirt pop” band The Short Eyes will be inaugurating a new art/music monthly to be held every last Thursday at El Dorado. “The vibe is meant to be an art show that's a bit rough around the edges, a …

Three turkey trots to consider for Thursday.

There are more turkey trot events than you can shake a stick at this Thursday. An early morning 5 or 10K on Thanksgiving soothes the conscious and clears a path to the stuffing, candied yams, and pumpkin pie. Here are …

An art and music tribute to Doctor Hunter S. Thompson

In commemoration of perhaps the most influential journalist of the 20th century, Bar Basic (410 Tenth Ave – Downtown) is hosting GONZO: art inspired by Hunter S. Thompson tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r31hV_BPFf0 The free (21+) event, curated …

Mission Valley shoppers tell us what not to wear

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/20/35758/ 24-year old Naima Mire wants people to stop wearing Bill Cosby sweaters. She isn’t a fan of the latest patterned sweater trend. “There is a cute way to wear that look—with combat boots, but most of the time people …

Thursday | 22PETER PAN & WENDYThis SDSU production of a “story that bridges the generations” explores the adventures of Wendy and Peter Pan “with a nod to modern California and a bit of fairy dust.” Directed by Margaret Larlham. $13–$15.WHEN: …

Teenaged Oya sprints through the projects like a blur. State wants to give her a scholarship. But her mother is ill. So Oya stays home. Mother dies. No scholarship forth-comes. Of the three men in Oya's life, she chooses the …

This year, my gifting circle has grown with family expansion (a new nephew, my sister's engagement) and the birth of little ones to good friends. I love crafting cards, or creating pretty planters, but have little skill in creating other …

San Diego has not one, but two Cirque-esque equine-centric shows in town (right on the heels of Cirque du Soleil's Dralion). This town has never seen so many aerialists and acrobats and big-tops all at once. But about the horses... …

Some people sleep in on Thanksgiving while many begin feast preparations early in the day. If you don't have anything planned, you might be wondering, What am I going to do all day until dinner? While I'm the primary cook …

This weekend my husband and I drove out to Julian and hiked Volcan Mountain. Fog hung about the mountains, the leaves had turned gold and rust, and the fields swayed in the wind. It was idyllic. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/19/35667/ The trails are …

The fall and winter holidays often spur individuals to contribute or volunteer, especially with our reminders to give and be charitable to each other. Here is a volunteer opportunity for the holiday season and beyond. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/18/35621/ St. Vincent de Paul …

"Don't get old, Nadine," says silver-haired Therese, hooked to intravenous painkillers on a Bronx hospital bed. "I don't think I'm headed in that direction," replies young Nadine, who's been free-basing rock cocaine six days straight. She rode cross-country from Scottsdale …

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center had a little soiree to celebrate the opening of Let it Snow (which turned out to be trippy, nineties-style kaleidoscopic 3D graphics set to holiday tunes). I brought two token children (my nieces Bella …

In recent blogs, Lamb's Players artistic director Robert Smyth looked back on the company's most "important" productions, not favorites, necessarily, or best sellers, but shows that moved the theater forward. One of his choices remains one of my favorite local …

Visitors to the New Children's Museum can touch and use one-of-a-kind cardboard furniture

The latest installment at The New Children's Museum (200 West Island Avenue), appropriately coined Cardboard Lounge, is officially open today, November 15. Under the direction of David Fobes, Foundations Lecturer at the School of Art Design and Art History at …

How to keep cool in the deep east desert heat

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/15/35531/ DSEK Last month, I posted some photos from Mexicali, where I was working on a video project with multimedia artist Moistrix. The result is a look at the art, music, and nightlife of the desert oasis capital of Baja …

The second of a series of three house concerts which benefit New Roots Community Farm is tonight

The mural on the side of the shed at the IRC New Roots Community Farm. Erin Oveis Brant/The IRC The second of three intimate house concerts to benefit the New Roots Community Farm takes place this Thursday evening, November 15, …

City ranks third in new "study" for most-flirtatious women while online.

This post doesn't necessarily qualify for the "Out and About" section. Ok, it pretty much goes against the entire idea of "Out and About." But that said, it may be good news for men and women looking go out and …

Ruud van Empel’s first American solo museum exhibition.

The Museum of Photographic Arts (1649 El Prado) is currently exhibiting over 40 photographs by Dutch artist Ruud van Empel. The digitally enhanced photographs reveal children in moonlight, lush jungles, in rivers with water lilies and dragonflies; in sibling pairs; …

Lauren Pope of Golden Hill shows off her favorite thrifted wadrobe items

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/13/35403/ http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/14/35467/ Golden Hill resident Lauren Pope is a self-proclaimed bargain shopper. Most of the items that fill her closet are thrift store scores. Pope is a recent UCSD grad. She is currently looking for a job in her field. …

Thursday | 15SAN DIEGO BAY WINE AND FOOD FESTIVALJoin “fellow epicureans and wine connoisseurs, cookbook authors, nationally acclaimed chefs and culinary personalities, and world-class winemakers” during this “lifestyle celebration.” Take part in wine tasting and cooking classes, reserve and new-release …

An inside look at a weekly writing group

Every Wednesday at 7 a.m., San Diego writers gather in the early morning hours to spend one hour writing and sharing their work. Writer Elle Brooks hosts Wake Up & Write. The group begins with a short round of introductions …

What the men in San Diego are wearing

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/08/35188/ 22-year-old SDSU student, Christian Baez, is serious about fashion. He interns at The Blue Eyed Boy, a men’s fashion blog. Christian’s glasses are Oliver Peoples, his patterned pants are Zara, and his shirt is by Band of Outsiders. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/08/35189/ …

The classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles and the origin of the infamous Oedipal Complex (brought to you by the now-disavowed Freud), Oedipus Rex tells the story of a man who has unknowingly killed the king of Thebes (and his father) …

Weekend hike in Poway ends in an ocean view

This weekend my husband and I were going to set out for hiking in Julian but discovered some of the trails had been closed because of the rain. We set out to hike Twin Peaks in Poway, a two-mile roundtrip …

"A Hammer, A Bell, and a Song to Sing" fails to inspire

The San Diego Rep has "expanded and enhanced" an earlier draft of this tribute to protest songs, from the American revolution to the Occupy movement. The idea grabs. Director Todd Salovey originally wanted to showcase Pete Seeger's music, which became …

Lamb's Players Theatre is currently staging its 300th production. Artistic director Robert Smyth looks back on the company's 12 most important ones. 9.) Art (2004). In Yasmina Reza's comedy-drama, a man buys a very expensive painting that's a large, all-white …

San Diego photographer Clare Truong, owner of Flourish Photography, will be snapping holiday photos of pets at Furry Friends (3537 Adams Ave) on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $20 sitting includes …

Martinez self-publishes a gothic comic series *the Deepest Dark* from his Neko Press Art Studios on University Avenue, across from Helix High School.

Girls Girls Girls, a live art demonstration featuring new works by local cartoonist and painter Billy Martinez, happens at ArtLab on Adams Avenue on Saturday, December 1. 44 year-old writer/artist Martinez self-publishes a gothic Tim Burton-esque comic series called the …

“A mere 80 miles or so from San Diego lies the Valle de Guadalupe wine country, a cluster of some 60 vineyards scattered between the hills between Ensenada and Tecate,” writes Turista Libre rad tours guide Derrik Chinn. “Often referred …

An event fit for foodies.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/09/35224/ The 9th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival begins on Wednesday, November 14, and runs through Sunday, November 18. The event kicks off with SWISH: Serious Sips & Urban Eats from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday …

Lamb's Players Theatre has produced 300 shows. Artistic Director Robert Smyth looks back on the 12 he felt were most important for the company. 5.) It's Christmas and It's Live! "In 1978, I asked Kerry Meads, who had written a …

There are two different "5K's for a cause" events on Sunday the 11th. The 4th Annual 5K Walk-Run for Hope is at Mariner's Point on the west side of Mission Bay. Registration is at 8:30 am. This event benefits families …

Alan Feltus in residency at Lux Art Institute through Dec 1.

Lux Art Institute (1550 S. El Camino Real) in Encinitas is currently the temporary residence of painter Alan Feltus. I spoke with Grace Madamba, Communications & Events Coordinator at Lux, to get more information about upcoming events surrounding the artist. …

The Silver Strand Half Marathon and 5K is on Sunday the 11th of November and registration is still open. In fact, there will be registration going on Saturday the 10th at Road Runner Sports in Kearney Mesa. The course for …

As I sat and spoke with fitness experts Erik Mara and Shirley Moran, I began to realize that this diet thing was easy. They kept coming back to eating six times per day. Shirley clarified the approach, "I have three …

Around the World in 80 Days is Lamb's Players Theatre's 300th production. Robert Smyth has been with the company since 1976, when it was a touring troupe based in El Cajon. He became producing director (under Lamb's founder, Steve Terrell) …

On Saturday November 10th from 8pm-12am, the Kensington Club will pay homage to the Day of the Dead with Circo de los Muertos, an event organized by Cuties for a Cause. COST: $10 at the door. PRE-SALE tickets are available …

This week, I picked up my organic CSA box and was surprised to find a couple of items I've never eaten nor prepared. This is my third box this fall, and being a shareholder at a local organic farm has …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/07/35097/ 20-year-old Zanni Watkins and Sasha Barkanic both agree that UGG boots are tragic. They stick with brands like Jeffrey Campbell or Sam Edelman. “I love boots. I have about 15 different pairs. I wear them all year. You can …

Thursday | 8HOPS ’N’ HEELSCelebrate San Diego Beer Week at this event that pairs brews from Stone Brewing with dessert treats from Azúcar bakery. Tickets get you four pairings. Stone small-batch brewer Laura Ulrich will be around to share tasting …

Encore theatrical presentation of 2007 reunion concert

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/oct/11/33398/ Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day, the film account of Led Zeppelin's 2007 reunion concert at London's 02 Arena, will once again be screened in theaters for an encore presentation on November 13, including several local theaters. The screenings begin at …

In Clairemont they made Election Day a somber affair by offering local voters the opportunity to cast their ballots in a mortuary. I caught 23-year-old Jessica Leya in Front of Clairemont Mortuary on her way to vote. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/06/35036/ “It’s a …

I still can't shake Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow, especially on the eve of an election. Early in the book he talks about "primers." These are triggers, usually but not always visual, that influence important decisions. We assume, he …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/05/34966/ Name: Kimberly Lee Age: 23 Occupation: Works at Aldos "I consider my style to be casual,” Lee told me despite wearing pleather shorts, an oversized gold watch, and boots that looked extremely difficult to walk in. "After getting a …

The 2050 Tour hits San Diego on Wednesday November 14. Wiz Khalifa and Talyor Gang perform at UC San Diego's RIMAC Arena at 7:30 p.m. Juicy J, Chevy Woods, Lola Monroe, Tuki Carter & Berner will also perform. Read an …

Dead Feather Moon, the Tilt, and the Styletones will perform on Monday, November 5, at the debut taping of Live at the Belly Up, which will begin airing on KPBS in January 2013. A series of November shows will be …

San Diego Velodrome's Fall Swap Meet is today

The San Diego Velodrome Association’s Fall 2012 Swap Meet is today, Sunday, November 4. Billed as the largest bicycle swap meet in Southern California, it promises over 200 vendors and a “bouncy castle”, presumably only for the kiddies. Expect to …

A bicycle ride from North Park to Ocean Beach to pick up featured kegs for Beer Week event

Last year they called it “perhaps the longest Bicycle Beer Run in SD history- certainly in our personal history”. This year, Tiger!Tiger! is calling it a "Kegarade Parade" and stepping up their pedal-powered game. Like last year, a slew of …

With the holidays coming up San Diego sees a lot of tourists. If you have family visiting like I will very soon, you'll have to plan an itinerary of some kind. Obviously, you'll be taking your relatives or friends to …

Local zine maintaining the rad through pending eighth issue.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/nov/03/34866/ Locally published zine The Radvocate recently dropped its seventh installment. The print-only zine distributes internationally with music reviews, creative non-fiction, poetry, and tales of rollerblade hijinks by editor Matt Lewis. Syndicated Zine Review had this to say: “Top notch …

A workshop tailored to people who have trouble writing dialogue

Teresa Link is teaching a class on writing dialogue, a challenge that many writers encounter when creating short stories or working on novels. The one-day workshop will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at …

This week I started looking around San Diego for a pilates studio. After much investigation online, I decided on the highly Yelp reviewed Club Pilates in Bankers Hill for many reasons: the website is user friendly; the studio spaces portrayed …

The cold has been going around lately, and I caught it last month. The symptoms: slight aches, major fatigue, some congestion, and a sore throat. It went on that way for a week. So I took a week off of …