Author Archives | Mike Mendoza

Review: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias fills the Hult Center with non-stop laughter

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias walked into the Hult Center on Sunday night with a mission: To unite the world through laughter.

Iglesias kicked off his world tour a few months ago, and this is Iglesias’ second stop in Eugene in two years. The first stop came when his manager decided to follow the tracks of another popular comedian, Jeff Dunham. “Jeff Dunham and I share the same manager, and he booked a show in Eugene, and I was like ‘Where?’ But its been nothing but great success, and I love it here,” mentioned Iglesias as he began his stand-up.

The show in Eugene (like many will be along his tour) was a test-run of some of his new jokes, preparing them for his televised specials and larger shows like at Madison Square Garden.

Iglesias is notorious for not having writers and pulling zingers from actual life experiences. His jokes center around moments with the people around his life – his wife, step-son, mom and friends: Martin Moreno, Rick Gutierrez and Alfred Robles, whom he frequently tours with.

Last night’s show was all fresh material, but Iglesias is a crowd pleaser and knows what the audience wants. Running on to the Hult Center stage to a loud and welcoming ovation, Iglesias began the show by offering the audience to ending his show with some of his now classic jokes, and of course the crowd erupted in applause.

Fluffy joked about Eugene’s weather and the culture of alcohol, “You guys gotta decide on what you want. I’m driving in Eugene, one second its pouring rain, the next the birds are chirping and the sun is shining… You guys don’t mess around here. It’s sunny lets take a shot, it’s raining take a shot, it’s snowing, drink the bottle.”

He also couldn’t go without working the Mighty Ducks into his standup. “Last time I was here this drunk guy was getting arrested in front of the theater. He was gone. And as the cops are about to put him in the back seat they ask him ‘do you have anything to say’ and the drunk guys mumbles ‘go ducks.’”

Iglesias’ material ran through multiple themes, touching base on the topics of parenting and facing new challenges with a growing and maturing child, religion and what he believes in, death and the false reports he faced claiming he died Halloween night last year, and the advancements of technology (especially in the bathroom).

One thing is certain with Fluffy, whether you’re watching his stand-up on his youtube page or you’re watching him perform live (and go 40 minutes over the scheduled time slot), you’re guaranteed a laugh.

The best way to describe his material is to detail it as fun story-telling. The energy is similar to what it would be if two buddies were going through some of their most embarrassing and funny memories.

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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Bob Marley’s Birthday, running for chocolate and the veterans, film festivals

Week five is supposed to be reserved for midterms. But in reality, midterm week is any time from week four to week eight. If you did have one or more midterms this week, blow off some steam at WOW Hall.

WOW Hall will be celebrating what would be Bob Marley’s 69th birthday with One Blood Family and Karlos Paez (of The B Side Players). Headlining the event is Natural Vibrations, who headline some of Hawaii’s biggest shows and venues. Natural Vibrations’ unique sound has roots of reggae, rock and pop resulting in a sound that is perfect for a party that has a dance energy.

Karlos Paez was inspired by Bob Marley and Carlos Santana in Tijuana, Mexico. Perez is currently touring and recording with The B Side Players, but has also had side projects that have allowed him venture into different styles.

WOW Hall is located at 291 W 8th Ave. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Show begins at 9 p.m.

Here’s what else is going on in Eugene and Portland:

EUGENE:

Feb. 7-8 KLCC Microbrew Festival
This 21+ event will host 75 breweries, and serve over 190 beers. Ticket sales will be offered at a discount to those who will be the designated driver for the night.
796 W 13th Ave, 5-11 p.m. on Fri, 1-11 p.m. on Sat, $12 in advance $15 at the door.

Feb. 6 Clefs of Insanity
Enjoy this a capella concert at the Eugene Public Library. This group performs a diverse selection of classical, jazz, rock and pop music sounds spanning six centuries.
100 W 10th Ave, 6 p.m., FREE.

Feb. 7 Shakespeare’s 12th Night
Support the Cottage Theatre by attending Havana 1950 and showcases Shakespeare’s comic “triángulo de amore.”
700 Village Drive, Cottage Grove, 8 p.m., $19

Feb. 8 Truffle Shuffle
Take part in the 34th annual Truffle Shuffle run. Run for 2-4 miles and receive an award of free chocolate truffles. The event benefits veteran families through the St. Vincent de Paul organization.
Alton Baker Park, 12:45 p.m., $20

PORTLAND:

Feb. 5 – 8 Portland International Film Festival
Over 140 international short and feature films will premiere in Oregon’s largest film event. Attendance averaged 38,000 people the last few years.
1219 SW Park Ave, $75

Feb. 5 – 8 Portland International Auto Show
Not only can you see super cool cars, but you can also attend a basketball clinic held by the Portland Trail Blazers, a RC rock climbing exhibit or an art made entirely of steel.
777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., $12

Feb. 7 Cascade Festival of African Films
This month is Black History Month and the films in this festival focus on politics, role of sports and the struggles of civil war.
705 N. Killingsworth Street, free.

Feb. 8 The Jungle Book
Combining Rudyard Kipling’s classic and some “Bollywood,” the Anita Menon’s Anjali School of Dance and the Northwest Children’s Theater and school premieres its unique adaptation of The Jungle Book.
1819 NW Everett St, $22.

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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Adventures in your backyard: Places to wander this weekend

Portland

It’s likely you know someone from Portland, so why not take advantage of them and crash on their couch? If you don’t know anyone, stay at the University Place Hotel and Conference Center. A room for four costs $100, and it is conveniently located downtown.

The Columbia River Gorge is a hot stop. While you’re there, visit two other waterfalls: Latourell Falls and Sheppard’s Dell.

Portland has more than 50 operating breweries. The Kennedy School is a branch of McMenamin’s restaurants and you can have your meal served to you while you watch a movie in what used to be the school’s old auditorium.

Cannon Beach 

Though Oregon weather is uncooperative from the months of November through March, you can never go wrong with a trip to the coast, rain or shine (but mostly rain). In an effort to stay warm in what will most likely be a cold weekend, cozy up at the GuestHouse Inn & Suites Seaside. A room for four cost $83 and a room for two only costs $68.

You can take in the natural wonder of Haystack Rock and relive the opening of The Goonies. If the tide is cooperating, climb the rock and get an epic Instagram post.

Cold weather calls for warm comfort food, and Cannon Beach Cookie Co. has great cinnamon rolls, or maybe a crepe topped off with your favorite fruit or vegetable from Crepe Neptune will help you cozy up.

Florence

For a weekend trip to the central Oregon coast, a reservation at the Ocean Breeze Motel will do just fine. A room for two goes for $79, and a room for four start at $99.

The dunes at Florence can reach heights up to 200 feet, and Torex ATV Rentals provide single quads to four-seater quads.

Depending on the season, the sea lion caves might be worth a visit. You can observe these fun creatures in a free and comfortable environment.

Crater Lake

It’s just a lake, but there are so many possibilities with this 2000-foot deep lake. The depth of the lake makes it the deepest lake in the United States, and 7th in the world.

The best place to stay is the Crater Lake Lodge — but it can be little pricy at $140 a night.

One of the best things to do at Crater Lake is to drive along the “Rim Drive.” This 33-mile road gives you the best views of the lakes and surrounding landscapes. The road is perfect for drivers to pull over and gaze over the wonders of nature.

If you don’t hike, are you really living in Oregon? The Garfield Peak Trail requires a little more leg muscle than Spencer’s Butte, but reaching the top is well worth the effort.

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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Wknd Calendar: Big name comedians, Scottish dinner and comic con

This weekend, your funny bone will have a great time — even though a hit to the funny bone is no laughing matter.

In Eugene, Paula Poundstone is paying the Hult Center a visit. Poundstone is known for saying “no two shows I do are the same.” The material she uses might be repeated, but each show has a unique engagement with the audience. Poundstone is also known for being a regular panelist on NPR’s weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me.

The Hult Center is located at 7th Ave & Willamette St, show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $35.

In Portland, Chris Hardwick is making a stop at the Aladdin Theater. One of the better known “nerds” Hardwick is recognized for hosting shows like Talking Bad, which both aired after AMC’s hit series Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. Hardwick also hosts his late-night show @Midnight on Comedy Central. Hardwick will be doing two stand-up shows in one night.

The Aladdin Theater in Portland is located at 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., doors open at 7 and 9:30 p.m. with shows starting at 8 and 10:30 p.m., tickets start at $35.

Here’s what else is going on in Eugene and Portland:

EUGENE:

Sat. 24

Burns Night Dinner and Ceilidh Dance

For the second year, Eugene will be celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. If you’re looking for a new and interesting idea for a date, this is it. Feast on a traditional Burns Night supper, whiskey tasting, poetry reading and a bagpipe performance and Ceilidh.

2621 Augusta St, 6-10 p.m., $35 per meal $60 for couples.

Sun. 25

Oregon Truffle Marketplace

The native Oregon Truffle is celebrated each year in Portland and in Eugene. The marketplace offers tastings, fresh truffles, artisan foods and a truffle dog demonstration.

66 E 6th Ave, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., $15 and $20 includes a wine tasting.

Dash ‘n Dine 15K/5K Race

After crossing the Willamette river via the Autzen, Greenway and Kinckerbocker Bridges, enjoy free refreshments provided by Sporks A la Carte, some local craft beer from Claim 52 Brewing, and Dutch Bros. Beverages will available to participants for $1.

2117 Franklin Blvd, 10 a.m., $20 before race day $5 extra on race day.

PORTLAND:

Fri. 23

Wizard World Comic Con

Starting Friday and continuing on through the weekend, the Oregon Convention Center will be housing the Wizard World Comic Con featuring guest like Lou Ferrigno and Stephen Amell, star of the CW’s Arrow – based on the DC comic book series.

777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fri.: $39.95; Sat.: $49.95; Sun.: $44.95.

‘80s Video Dance Attack in the Crystal Ballroom

Before MTV had a long list of reality shows, they used to play music videos. VJ (video jockey) Kittyrox will take over the Crystal Ballroom and play music videos of Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Pat Benatar and many more.

1332 W. Burnside St., 8 p.m., $6.

Sat. 24

Diana Markosian – Inventing my Father

After moving form Moscow to California at the age of 7, Markosian was separated from her father, and in 2013 she went on a search to find him. This gallery is the journey she took and the actual reacquaintance.

122 N.W. Eighth Ave., Noon – 5 p.m., free.

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Wknd Calendar: Textile art, home grown metal music and Dirty Dancing

After what has been a crazy week, it just might be comforting to settle down and relax a little.

The Maude Kerns Art Center in Eugene is dedicated to serving the public, and their new exhibit, A Color Runs Through It: Textile Group Show, reflects those values. The exhibit opened just last week, and all the featured artists are from the Eugene area.

Diane English from Eugene; Georgia French from Roseburg; Laura Jaszkowski from Eugene; Paulette Landers of North Bend; and Deborah Sorem of Salem all have their art in the art center. Each artist takes on a specific art material — cotton, silk, felt, tulle and yarn — and a specific color that contributes to a much larger exhibit. The designated colors are to produce a unique mood or thought for every section of the exhibit.

A Color Runs Through It: Textile Group Show will run through Feb. 6 at the Maude Kerns Art Center on 1910 East 15th Ave. Hours are 10 a.m -5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Here are what’s going on this weekend in Eugene and Portland.

Eugene

Fri. 16
Northwest Royale — If you don’t know about Eugene’s metal garage band that made it big, now you have an opportunity to watch them live. They’ll be performing at WOW Hall after performing across the country in 2006.
291 West 8th Ave., 8 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 at the door

Art of the Athlete — Among the art pieces from popular artists are the artworks of some of the University of Oregon’s student athletes. Their artwork originated from a four week summer art course on the theory of color. The art of 11 student athletes will be on display at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

Jan 17.
All-State Performance — Presented by the Oregon Music Education Association, the All-State Jazz Performance will be on display Saturday evening. The Music Education Association will also feature a Middle and High School Gala.
7th Avenue & Willamette Street, Eugene, 5 p.m., $15.

Jan 18
Dueling Violins! — With two violinists that hold doctorates in violin performance, you can only expect an epic violin battle.
2230 Washington Street, 3 p.m., $5.

Portland

Fri. 16
Dirty Dancing — Have the time of your life watching this stage adaptation that London’s Sunday Express describe the show as a “crowd-pleasing adaptation” and “hits the jackpot.” Dirty Dancing on stage is a part of the production’s worldwide tour.
222 SW Clay St., 7:30 p.m., $36

Sat. 17
Searching For Azatlán — This satirical production follows the journey of a group of unlikely companions in the search of Azatlán — the ancestral home of the Aztec people. The production presents serious topics of truth and justice among the hispanic community.
525 SE Stark St., 7:30, $16-24 discounts for students available.

Shoot to Thrill and Steelhorse — An AC/DC tribute (Shoot to Thrill) and a Bon Jovi Tribute (Steelhorse) these two tribute bands perform the best songs from AC/DC and Bon Jovi, and they are both based in the Pacific Northwest. Both perform each artist’s essentials like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Livin’ On a Prayer.”
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8 p.m., $15.

Sun. 18
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike — Experience this 2013 Tony Award Winning show for Best Play. Your life can only be so normal when one of your family members is a famous movie star. Christopher Durang delivers his usual in comedic excellence.
128 NW 11th Ave., 2 p.m., $36.

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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Wknd Calendar: Drag Bingo, Free yoga and Bar tours

It’s the first week back from break and we couldn’t be any happier the weekend has arrived.

The drag scene has been receiving more and more support by the community. One local bar supports the drag community by hosting a bingo night.

Docs’s Pad is your average downtown restaurant. It offers a juicy stacked burger with your favorite beer (if you’re of legal age, of course), it broadcasts your favorite sports teams every night and now offers a weekly bingo night dedicated to the drag queen community. Hosted by Miss Karress Ann Slaughter, participants can win prizes, enjoy specials on the menu and a new drink special is offered every time “O-69″ is called out.

Doc’s Pad is located at 710 Willamette St., and Bingo night begins every Thursday night at 9 p.m.

Here’s what else is going on in Eugene and Portland this weekend:

EUGENE

Jan. 9

Brian Regan at the Hult Center
One of the country’s premier comedians is making a stop in Eugene. Regan is known for his relatable jokes and his ability to combine the right amount of sophisticated writing and physicality.
7th Ave. & Willamette St., 7:30, $42.50.

Yoga Class
Even the first week back brings some stress, return to yoga for free and relieve that stress.
2222 Coburg Rd., 6:45 p.m., FREE.

Jan. 10

Day of Dance
Whether you’re an experienced contra or square dancer, or have never attempted to contra or square dance, the Eugene Folklore Society has the perfect environment for you. Experienced dancers can learn new spins, turns and flourishes while beginners can be introduced to this style of dance.
3411 Willamette St., 3 p.m. for advanced dancers and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for beginners, $8

Jan. 11

Winter Predictor Race
Choose from a 6, 13 or 20K walk/run and try to predict the time in which you’ll finish. You won’t be allowed to wear or carry anything that will tell you your time. And awards will be given to those that were closest or pinpointed their time guess.
2nd Ave. & High St., 12:45 p.m. registration; 2 p.m. start $20.

PORTLAND

Jan. 9

BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
While taste testing seven of Portland’s best craft beers, get your daily dose of scare with stories from when Portland was known as one of the world’s most dangerous ports in the world. This bar tour is currently ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor.
112 SW 2nd Ave., 7 p.m., $49.

Norte, The End of History
Presented by the Northwest Film Center, Philippine New Wave director, Lav Diaz presents a film of a young law-school dropout that commits double murder and an innocent man being convicted for the murders.
219 SW Park Ave., 7 p.m., $9

Jan 10.

Chocolate Decadence Tour
Portland is famous for Voodoo Donuts and Portland craft beer, but it offers so much more. This tour will serve chocolates in the form of beans, bars, mousse, truffles, cocktails,  served as a drink and other variations.
701 SW 6th Ave., 3:30 p.m., $49

Jan. 11

10th Anniversary of Oregon Holocaust Memorial
A group of Portland citizens gathered a decade ago to remember and honor the millions of lives that were lost during one of history’s darkest times. Learn more of the tragic events, the building of the memorial and much more.
1953 NW Kearney St., 12 p.m., $4-6

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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2015′s most anticipated movie releases

The new year has arrived and it’s only a matter of time before we line up for the release of the movie we have anxiously been waiting three or five years for. The most anticipated movies of 2015 are sequels of previous films with some new, but not original films. It should come as no surprise attending a movie screening and soon after finding out it was a book before being adapted on to the big screen. Nonetheless, excitement comes every year for blockbuster releases. Here are this year’s highly anticipated films:

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Release Date: Dec. 18
Now that Disney has bought the rights to Lucas Films and J.J. Abrams is directing and writing the new Star Wars film, no one really knows what to expect with the 7th installment of the franchise’s series. All that is really known is that a Sith has a cool new “crossguard lightsaber” and a black Stormtrooper is in the film, and he got both criticism and support.

2. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Release Date: May 1
Tony Stark (of course) tries to create a peacekeeping program in his lab, but fails miserably and now his proposed peace project has plans to wipe out the human race. This will also be the first Avengers movie under complete Disney ownership – Paramount Pictures helped out in the first film.

3. Jurassic World
Release Date: June 12
The reigns of this franchise has a new leader as well, Colin Trevorrow has taken over Steven Spielberg in the series’ revival after 14 years. This revival takes place 20 years after Spielberg’s trilogy. And from the trailer one, other obvious differences are the travelers to Jurassic World. Spielberg’s park was never open to the public.

4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Release Date: Nov. 20
The Hunger Games film series comes to an end this year and we all know what happens. But if you don’t, read the book.

5. Fifty Shades of Grey
Release Date: Feb. 13
Another book adaptation. This sex filled self-publication by E.L. James (rights were later picked up by Vintage Books) took the country by storm and was quickly picked up by Universal pictures.

Some other notable 2015 movie releases include: Pitch Perfect 2, Fantastic Four (a reboot), Magic Mike XXL (no Matthew McConaughey), Terminator Genisys (he’s back), Furious 7 (R.I.P. Paul Walker), The Jungle Book (it’s all about the bare necessities).

Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke

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What to actually visit in Los Angeles while in Southern California for the 2015 Rose Bowl Game

The Ducks are again in contention for a national championship game, and as hundreds of Ducks make the migration south to Pasadena, CA for the “Granddaddy of them all” comes an opportunity to explore the second largest city in the United States. With respect to the beautiful city of Pasadena, there’s not much to do before or after January 1st celebrations. Fortunately, Los Angeles. is not too far of a drive away.

But as a native “Angelino” it upsets me when people think of Hollywood as Los Angeles. The landscape of Downtown Los Angeles is much more beautiful and historic than grimmy Hollywood Blvd. So in an attempt to showcase the unknown beauties of my hometown, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to visit and eat so fellow Ducks can visit in the couple of days they’re in Southern California.

Metro/Union Station

There’s no misconception about L.A. traffic – it’s awful. And Los Angeles isn’t much of a bike-friendly city, so the best forms of transportation in the city are the subway (yes, Los Angeles has a subway system) and walking. A quick drive to the closest metro parking lot and station and an $7 day-pass (plus $1 card fee) gives you access to Los Angeles’ 503 sq. miles. Union Station is just a few miles away from the heart of Downtown and offers a mission style architecture giving it a more historic and ancient feel to it.

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City Hall/ Grand Park

A stretch of about 12 acres lies in front of Los Angeles’ city hall, and the view is outstanding. A long patch of grass and a colored fountain are right under the towering building a few blocks over. A quick stroll through this park and you’ll be captivated by the layout of the city’s buildings. (There’s a Starbucks to the left of this fountain – order your favorite drink. Trust me on this one.)

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Disney Concert Hall

You don’t necessarily need to dress up and attend a philharmonic concert to appreciates its beauty. This Frank Gehry building is located in the heart of Downtown, but sits just outside where the skyscrapers are, making it feel like you’re an ant entering a forest. Though many people know about the Walt Disney Concert Hall, but few actually climb up the stairs on the side of the building to find a sitting area where you can chat and drink a cup of your favorite Starbucks drink overlooking the city’s tallest buildings.

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The Last Bookstore

This is no Powell’s Books, but the former bank building offers a unique and artistic element to the popular bookstore. Located in what is known as Pershing Square is the bookstore that has beat up mannequins and a half tunnel built entirely of books. The floorboards creek when you walk and the used books form an antique atmosphere that is soothing in a loud and busy city. Whether you’re in the search for a new book to read or want to pick up a Beetles vinyl for your collection, this store is has it all.

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Museum of Natural History/Science Center/Rose Garden

Museums are cool. There’s so much to do this in this small area. Sticking to the theme of roses, the Rose Garden is placed in between the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum. Take a stroll through this enchanting garden. At the Science Center you can get a glimpse of Space Shuttle Endeavor (entrance is free, but a time reservation may be required). Also, make sure to wear your Duck gear to this location because USC is across the street.

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LACMA

This modern art museum’s most popular exhibits can be accessed for free. The “Urban Lights” create this illusion of being completely surrounded by street lights. The aisles seem to become smaller and the light posts seems to grow the deeper you go in. “Levitated Mass” is a 340-ton granite megalith and for the art experience to be complete, you have to walk under the megalith. Admission to the museum is $10 for students with their ID.

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In-N-Out

Need I say more? Find the nearest In-N-Out here.

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Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles

This lesser-known gem represents the rich black culture present in Los Angeles. In 2001, President Barack Obama made an unscheduled visit to one of the restaurants and ordered what is now known as the “Obama Special.” For the Roscoe’s in Pasadena and around the Los Angeles area visit here.

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Need a map to find your way around? Use this one:

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Wknd Calendar: Ghost hunts, concerts and a roller derby match

We’re on the brink of finals week. The weekend might be filled with studying, but there’s always time for a break or two (maybe three). Check out what’s going on in Eugene and Portland this weekend and get in the holiday spirit with the Eugene Concert Choir.

The Eugene Concert Choir is celebrating 40 years, so this year’s Holiday Extravaganza is a special one.

The choir will bring in old members like Mason Williams’ Classical Gas fame — a fan favorite. The choir will also be bringing in an award winning women’s A capella group and Youtube superstar Peter Hollens.

This year, a swarm of themes will be present at the holiday show. Music from the Renaissance era will be performed by the Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble while wearing Elizabethan style dresses.

But if a Renaissance theme sounds boring to you, then fear not, for gospel singer Darline Jackson will definitely change the theme up a little and have you singing and moving around in your seat. Local performances from the nationally recognized South Eugene High School Concert Choir will also be on display.

The show will have a pre-show event where food and other refreshments will be available.

The choir will be performing on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Hult center, 7th Avenue & Willamette Street in Eugene. The concert starts at 3 p.m. and admission varies from $7 to $42.

EUGENE:

Dec. 5 – Night of a Thousand Stars: The forecast for Eugene doesn’t matter because every weekend in December calls for snow at the Fifth Street Market. This first weekend includes the tree lighting, live music and an appearance by Santa. 

296 E 5th Ave., 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 6 – Jingle Bells: Shed those pesky Thanksgiving pounds before gaining it all back at Christmas dinner. Run or walk a 5K, 8K or 12K.

Fir Lane, 10:30 a.m., $20 to $25.

Emerald City Roller Girls Derby: Watch the Church of Sk8in take on the Flat Track Furies. These amateur rollers don’t hold back in their match ups and create an intense environment for fans to enjoy the sport.

796 W 13th Ave., 6p.m., $12 online, $15 at the door.

Dec. 7 “Sound of Music” Sing-along: Watch the classic Sound of Music at the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater, dress the part and sing along. Sales benefit Willamalane’s Movies in the Park program. 630 Main St., doors open at 1:30 events ends at 5 p.m., $5.

PORTLAND:

Dec. 5 – Grinched!: Feel your heart grow three sizes with this modern twist to Dr. Seuss’ Christmas classic. This new twist features the madness with the holiday season — especially the shopping.

126 NE Alberta St., 7 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Shook Twins: This Portland based Indie Folk-pop band centers its sound around a wide range of instruments with percussive vocals and a repurposed telephone microphone.

3939 N. Mississippi Ave., 9 p.m., $15 to $18.

Dec. 6 –Forktown Food Tours: It may be a bit pricey, but when you get to have food from the seven best restaurants in Portland’s Pearl District, it’s definitely worth the consideration.

626 SW Park Ave., 2 p.m., $79.

Dec. 7 –Vance Joy: If you missed him in Eugene, make a last minute attempt at watching Vance Joy at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. This concert is a part of 94.7 December to Remember concert series.

1332 W. Burnside St., 8 p.m.

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Mendoza: Times have changed for women, but how much?

A husband and wife smile at the camera. The husband wears a suit, and the wife a dress and chef hat. The caption reads “the chef does everything but cook – that’s what wives are for.” This 1950s ad for Kenwood Chef completes the sexist ad with their marquee slogan, “I’m giving my wife a Kenwood Chef.”

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Ads of this kind were used numerous times during the ’50s when women were still being held down by social cues, even 30 years after the 19th amendment was ratified and women were given the right to vote. But we’re in the 21st century. Ads like the one Kenwood Chef published no longer exist, right?

In Spring 2007, Dolce and Gabbana printed an ad that has four men and one woman. The female is being pinned down on the floor by a shirtless man who is positioned above her as the other three men watch. Dolce and Gabbana is recognized as a high-end clothing line, but in this ad, it seems like it’s trying to sell gang rape and male dominance rather than fashionable clothing.

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The portrayal of women as a weak individual is not limited to ads. In primetime television, women roles are submissive to the strong male character on the show.

ABC’s hit series Scandal has Olivia Pope at the center. She’s a powerful lawyer, crisis manager and White House correspondent who fixes any scandal politicians get themselves into. All the while, Olivia Pope is involved in one of those scandals by being in a relationship with the married President Fitzgerald.

The show points out the double standards that are present for women in the workplace. A black female lawyer seems to defy all sexist cues of women not being able to carry a position of power, and yet, Ms. Pope just can’t seem to be away from the President, while continuously he treats Pope like an object.

In a more than one episode, the President uses the Secret Service to spy on Pope to make sure she doesn’t get out of his control. In an episode of season two, Fitz uses the Secret Service to bring Pope to him as if Fitz owned her. After hailing Pope to his presence, Fitz (who’s out hunting like any “manly” man would do) doesn’t ask her to exit the car, he orders her to.

And the forceful grabbing that goes on throughout the series does not help the case.

Produced across the pond, Doctor Who is the world’s longest non-consecutive running science-fiction show, totaling for 51 years and 812 episodes. The BBC show is known for the Doctor and his companion traveling through space and time. And for the 51 years the show has been on air, the Doctor has always been a white male and the companion always a woman.

The show’s current writer and producer, Steven Moffat, has been called a sexist and a racist countless times. Moffet has been quoted saying, “there’s this issue you’re not allowed to discuss: that women are needy. Men can go for longer…without women. Meanwhile, women are out there hunting for husbands.”

Since Moffet took control of Doctor Who in 2010, the companion has been used as an object of desire or plot device. Prior companions Rose Tyler, Martha Jones and Donna Noble all questioned some of the Doctor’s requests and moral decisions. While Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, and especially River Song all decided not to go against the Doctor’s authority.

In April, a study of sexism and Doctor Who was conducted by students at BYU. The study used the Bechdel Test (which measures how much two woman discuss something other than a man), and compared speaking times to compare the effectiveness the female role had on the show. Moffet failed the Bechdel Test and had had the lowest speaking time for Amy Pond.

Many other fans of the show also took to the internet to express their frustration with Moffet.

We’re in different times. Television shows, ads and other media continue to degrade women. Most media forms glorify women as nothing more than a sex symbol. Men especially should not objectify or be misogynistic. We all should be thinking of women as some of the brightest people in the world – like Marilyn Vos Savant author and Parade columnist, who holds a higher IQ than Paul Allen and Stephen Hawking – as some of the most talented people in the world, like Kerri Strug who won the gold for the U.S. in gymnastics at the 1996 Olympic games on an injured ankle. And it all starts with the portrayal of women in media.

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