The 86th Academy Awards are this Sunday night. Regardless of how many movies you’ve seen, this award show has something for everyone, whether it be the red carpet, the performances or the music that cuts people off during their acceptance speeches. Sports fans had the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and come Sunday it’s movie lovers’ turn. Here are the Emerald’s predictions for who will take home Oscars this weekend.

Best picture

Sophia: Since when does this category have so many nominees? Nine? Seriously? I saw less than half of these films and don’t even feel bad about that. “Nebraska” was beautiful but too off the radar for an Oscar. There are too many mixed reviews for “Gravity,” so I’m guessing “American Hustle” will take the cake and rightfully so. “Her” is another likely choice, and maybe Siri will accept the award.

Sam: Who should win: HBO’s “True Detective” … unfortunately — and tragically — it’s not possible. So I’ll have to go with Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity.” It has flaws, but the film is a technical achievement unlike any other (yes, that means you, “Avatar.”) Watching it is a visceral, haunting and claustrophobic experience. That being said, it won’t win. Who will win: ”12 Years a Slave.“ This film tackles a hefty subject with a panache that the Academy will be hard pressed to resist. The acting is phenomenal, the visuals unflinching and the human emotion portrayed on the screen is absolutely raw in a way that few films can ever hope to be. It’s still not quite on the level of “True Detective,” but we’ll have to make do.

Camille: This is a tough decision and one that I am reluctant to make. I never saw “Gravity,” “12 Years A Slave” or ”Blue Jasmine.” “Nebraska” was boring. “Her” made me anxious. “Philomena” was good but come on, Hollywood — let’s pick on someone else besides the Catholics. Trolls, please hold yourself back. I’ll get around to them. The pick here comes down to “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Wolf of Wall Street” and ”American Hustle.” Out of these three, I have to pick “Dallas Buyers Club.” The plot was incredible and McConaughey and Leto were a great duo. The plot was sad but uplifting, and everyone loves a redemption story.

Best actor in a leading role

Sophia: Christian Bale. He was almost unrecognizable, from perfect comb-over to extensive beer belly. Hard to believe this smooth talker was also Batman. I think an Oscar for Leo will elude him once again. Matthew McConaughey seems a little irrelevant, as does “Dallas Buyers Club” in general.

Sam: Who should win: Matthew McConaughey. He’s come a long, long way since “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and after a string of excellent performances of late he tops it off with a killer turn in “Dallas Buyers Club.” But he faces stiff competition. Who will win: I’m torn — it’s a tossup. The category is loaded with strong performances, but even Leo DiCaprio’s scorching performance in “The Wolf of Wall Street” can’t compare with Chiwetel Ejiofor’s in “12 Years a Slave” — a role for which he’s already taken home several major accolades.

Camille: This decision was one of the toughest. I don’t feel the need to justify this decision by ripping apart the other nominees — but one actor in particular stuck out for me. I’m going to go ahead and say what everyone has to to be thinking: Why hasn’t Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar yet? Leo is often accused of overacting, but I think he is just doing everything he can to get into character. The scene where he gets high and tries to drive his car home? Horrifyingly realistic. If he doesn’t win for his portrayal of Jordan in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” I will be majorly disappointed.

Best actress in a leading role

Sophia: First off, I just want to say that Sandra Bullock is an unrealistically beautiful astronaut. She looks way too good in space and astronauts agree. I’d give my vote to Amy Adams. Like Drake from “Degrassi,” she’s come a long way from “Enchanted.” I’m sure Judi Dench was incredible, as was Meryl, but she’s probably running out of places to put her Oscars.

Sam: Who should win: Amy Adams in “American Hustle.“ Despite being surrounded by formidable talent, Adams’ performance as a devious con woman burned brighter than the rest. It’s scorching. I have a dozen other adjectives related to fire that could describe it. Who will win: Cate Blanchett for her role in “Blue Jasmine.” Once again Blanchett is marvelous, and she sinks into Woody Allen’s fertile dialogue and creates a fascinating character study. I don’t think the Academy can resist it.

Camille: To summarize: Amy Adams left me disappointed in ”American Hustle.” Can’t vote for Cate Blanchett and I haven’t seen “Blue Jasmine” because I’m boycotting Woody Allen. Judy Dench truly scares me with her depth, but I don’t think “Philomena” was Oscar-worthy. I didn’t even see “Gravity.” I think I would need to take a Xanax to make it through that one. By default, I declare Meryl Streep in “August Osage County” as the game winner. I love Meryl Streep. Although she plays an evil drug addict, who tries to take everyone around her down, the viewer is still able to feel empathy for her. Streep carried this movie. I would love to have a cocktail with her someday and just soak up her awesomeness.

Nobody questions Duck fans’ spirit. The University of Oregon has the coolest mascot, state-of-the-art athletics facilities and an entire student section that believes that on any given Saturday during Oregon’s fall, it will never rain.

Senior Cody Karlin is more than just a fair-weather football fan. He attends games and meets of almost every sport UO offers, cheering his heart out with the Pit Crew, UO’s official student cheering section, of which Karlin is the vice president of operations.

His favorite sport? It’s not football or basketball, but UO’s acrobatics and tumbling team.

“It’s a really fun environment and the team loves (the Pit Crew),” Karlin said.

Karlin was captain of his spirit squad in high school, so his nomination as the best Duck fan on the UO campus comes as no surprise. Karlin has crafted a celebrity identity for himself as Chef Cody, sporting a chef’s hat at many sporting events.

“It takes a lot of courage to go out there, dressed like a chef, and successfully attempt to energize an entire arena,” said junior Bryan Kalbrosky, the Pit Crew’s media director. “Cody continues to grind at every single game, and it’s a bit of an impossibility for me to imagine Autzen and Matt Knight without him in the front next year.”

In addition to working for the Pit Crew, Karlin works for the Quack Cave as the social media intern. The Quack Cave serves as UO athletics’ social media hub and Karlin is responsible for everything from posting from sports accounts to monitoring trends.

“He definitely deserves it. Knowing him, he’s one of the most passionate and respectful fans I know,” said senior Cory Cullen, Karlin’s roommate.

Cullen attended every football game this season with Karlin, showing up six hours early to games to ensure front row seats.

Karlin will graduate this year, but he has undoubtedly inspired plenty of spirited and respectful Ducks to keep cooking up spirit in the future.

On Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Bijou Metro will host a free screening of “Rock ‘N Roll Mamas,” a new documentary which explores the lives of three women in indie rock bands struggling to balance a career in the music industry with being a mother. Filmmaker Jackie Weissman followed Zia McCabe of The Dandy Warhols, Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses and Portland hip hop performer, Ms. Su’ad AbdurRafi’ over the course of six years, capturing everything from childcare on tours to breastfeeding.

From Kelly Osbourne to Miley Cyrus, the children of predominantly male rock stars have kept E! True Hollywood Story writers occupied for years. However, this documentary is not a tour into the glitzy world of rock star royalty. Instead, it is a real look at the gritty challenges that come with pursuing a career in the competitive music industry while taking care of a child.

Weissman is a Portland resident and serves as board vice president of the Women In Film Portland chapter. She started working on the film nine years ago and was inspired while struggling to juggle her own career with having a 3-year-old son.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A with the film’s producer, Tara Johnson-Medinger.

Feb. 28 “Rock N’ Roll Mamas”: Bijou Metro (43 W. Broadway), free admission, 7 p.m.

In Eugene

On Campus

Feb. 28-March 1 “The Dinner Party”: See an entirely student-produced production of Neil Simon’s play, “The Dinner Party,” Pocket Playhouse (102 Villard Hall), free admission, $1 suggested donation, 5 p.m.

March 1 Dux In Tux: Get your Gatsby on with dinner and a 1920s-themed dance, open to anyone living in UO’s residence halls, Ford Alumni Center, admission is seven meal points, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m. Sign up here.

Off Campus

Feb. 28 Greensky Bluegrass with Tumbleweed Wanderers: See this psychedelic bluegrass band along with the laid back jams of Tumbleweed Wanderers, perfect for concert swaying, WOW Hall (291 W. Eighth Ave.), tickets $18 in advance, $20 at the door, doors open at 8 p.m., show begins at 9 p.m.

Feb. 28-March 1 “The Great Gatsby”: See the classic story of glitz, glamour and the collapse of the American Dream, Oregon Contemporary Theatre (194 W. Broadway), tickets $15-$30, 7:30 p.m. 

Feb. 28 Atomic Junkyard, The Goat Rodeo, Unkle Nancy: Have a beer and enjoy local Eugene band Atomic Junkyard, described as “turbocharged rockabilly,” plus two other bands, Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.), tickets $5, 9:30 p.m.

March 2 An Afternoon with Bill Cosby: Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most legendary comedians, The Hult Center (1 Eugene Center), tickets $39.50-$63.50, 2 p.m. 

In Portland

Feb. 28-March 2 Northwest Classical Theatre Company presents “King Lear”: See one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Shoe Box Theater (2110 SE 10th Ave.), tickets $18-20, 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Feb. 28 Steve-O: Catch this Jackass comedian onstage, hopefully without his goldfish, Helium Comedy Club (1510 SE Ninth Ave.), tickets $25-30, 21 and over, 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Feb. 28 The Led Zeppelin Experience: Think you missed your experience to “get the Led” out? See the popular Zeppelin tribute band, along with 1960s-inspired Fox and the Law, Crystal Ballroom (1332 W. Burnside St.), tickets $10 in advance, $15 day of show, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show. 

March 1 Zion I: Get down with this hip hop group’s recently released LP, entitled “Shadowboxing,” along with artists Sol, Tope, ORGNCS and Gums. Hawthorne Theatre (1507 SE 39th Ave.), tickets $16 in advance, $18 day of show, 8 p.m.

March 2 Oscar Party: Watch this year’s Academy Awards in style and join the Hollywood Theater in their annual Oscar Party. Dressing up is encouraged, treats and pizza will be sold and special themed drinks will be concocted. Hollywood Theater (4122 NE Sandy Blvd.), free admission, doors open at 3:30 p.m., red carpet coverage starts at 4 p.m. 

March 2 The Casket Girls: See this trio, along with Stargazer Lilies, Dott and Dreamend for a night of dreamy indie psych-rock. Holocene (1001 SE Morrison St.), $8 in advance, $10 day of show, 21 and over, 8:30 p.m.

Move over Ken Burns, this year’s Best Documentary Feature nominees aren’t messing around.

Documentaries are more than Dad’s favorite Netflix category; they are the only Academy Award given to an entire film, besides Best Picture. Since the 13th Academy Awards in 1942, the film industry has been awarding the best nonfiction films that both inform and inspire. The official Academy Award rules state that the film can use any technique, “as long as the emphasis is on fact and not on fiction.”

None of the directors of this year’s Best Documentary Feature nominees have ever been nominated for Academy Awards before. Documentary filmmaking is more accessible in that films can be low-budget. The 2013 Oscars Best Documentary (Short Subject) went to “Inocente,” a Kickstarter-funded flick.  

Past winners include The Cove (2009), An Inconvenient Truth (2006), March of the Penguins (2005). 

The Act of Killing by Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen

This film is about how Indonesia’s death squads, whose duty it is to kill all who oppose the country’s political regime, are considered heroes. According to the film’s official website, “Unlike ageing Nazis or Rwandan genocidaires, Anwar and his friends have not been forced by history to admit they participated in crimes against humanity. Instead, they have written their own triumphant history, becoming role models for millions of young paramilitaries.” The Act of Killing did extraordinarily well at film festivals, taking home 31 awards on both the national and international scale.

Cutie and the Boxer by Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher

This human interest documentary captures the eccentric relationship of 80-year-old New York avant-garde artist Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko, who is 22 years his junior. The film explores their relationship, especially the role of Noriko as Ushio’s assistant turned successful artist herself. 29-year-old director Zach Heinzerling won Best Director at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. According to the committee, “It’s rare to see a film so beautifully crafted in all aspects. It captures the complex nature of love and art in a mesmerizing and deeply human way.”

Dirty Wars by Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill

Director Richard Rowley follows journalist Jeremy Scahill in this war documentary about the discovery of the U.S.’s Joint Special Operations Command, a secret government organization that has the power to defend the country by killing anybody they deem a threat. Filled with questions about wartime and journalistic ethics, this thrilling documentary is also visually stunning, taking home the 2013 Sundance Film Festival’s Cinematography Award.

The Square by Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer

This documentary, backed by Netflix, focuses on Cairo’s Tahrir Sqaure, the location of some of the most intense political moments that Egypt has experienced over the past two and a half years. The power of the people is at the heart of this political documentary, which is also reflective in its distribution decision to put the film on Netflix and also allow people to host screenings at local theaters, schools and community organizations. The film was also created in an experimental way, as the filmmakers gave cameras to young revolutionaries. If this film wins, Netflix original works will have pervaded the Emmys, Golden Globes and Academy Awards. 

20 Feet From Stardom by Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers

This heartbreaking film seeks to shine a light on the backup singers of famous artists that music documentaries are usually about. It profiles the lives of Lisa Fischer, Darlene Love, Merry Clayton and Claudia Lennear, who worked as background singers for a number of artists (most famously The Rolling Stones) and their struggle to become successful solo recording artists. If the film wins Darlene Love, who has a slew of singles and albums, will be able to put “Oscar Winner” on her list of accomplishments, right next to “2011 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee.”

Salseros Dance Company of Eugene will host its first ever festival dedicated to salsa dance this weekend, offering salsa workshops and live performances. With an exciting lineup and several opportunities for beginners to get hooked on this lively, cultural dance, the Eugene Salsa Festival may become a staple in Eugene for years to come.

Salsa music derives from the music of Cuba and salsa dance became popular in New York in the 1960s and ’70s by Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Today both salsa music and dance contain many styles, including Casino style, New York style and Los Angeles style.

The festival kicks off Friday with an hour-long evening lesson for beginners, followed by performances and live music from salsa band Pura Vida, who will play until 2:30 a.m. Saturday begins early, with registration for workshops opening at 8 a.m. and various workshops going until 5 p.m. Workshops include Zumba, Afro-Cuban rumba, beginning salsa, footwork and partnering, Pachanga and intermediate and advanced salsa, all taught by various professional dancers. Saturday evening will offer performances and live music from Seattle-based salsa band Carlos Cascante Y Su Tumbao. Sunday finishes off with various workshops, including a beginners’ bootcamp. The weekend’s salsa performers come from all over the West Coast and include world champion salsa dancers John Narvaez and Liz Rojas.

The festival price is based on events with tickets ranging from $20-$130.

In Eugene

On Campus

Feb. 22 The Main Event, LGBTQA’s Annual Drag Show: Get ready for a night featuring fabulous drag kings and queens, EMU Ballroom (1228 University St.), tickets $2 students, $3 non-students, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 21-22 “Horrors of Spider Island”: Check out this student-directed and produced short play, based on a 1960 German film, Pocket Playhouse, 102 Villard Hall, free admission, $1 suggested donation, 5 p.m.

Off Campus

Feb. 21-23 First Annual Eugene Salsa Festival, The Vets Club Building (1626 Willamette St.)

Feb. 21 DJsiah, Rootdown, Caleb & Soul: Enjoy a night of different feel-good music, from neo-reggae pop-rock to Eugene-based singer-songwriters, also joined by Jackson Michelson, Little Rascalz, Levi Bagge, Ryan Smith and Benjamin, McDonald Theatre (1010 Willamette St.), tickets $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 8 p.m.

Feb. 21 Eleni Mandell: See this singer-songwriter, along with indie folk artist Vikesh Kapoor, Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.), $8, 9 p.m.

Feb. 22 Foreverland, A Tribute to Michael Jackson: This 14-piece orchestra celebrates the king of pop’s legacy, WOW Hall (291 W. Eighth Ave.), tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door, 8 p.m.

Feb. 21-23 Evergreen Tattoo Invitational: See the work of some of the country’s best tattoo artists while enjoying food, drinks and music, Willamalane Center for Sports and Recreation (250 S. 32nd St. Springfield), $10 one-day pass, $25 three-day pass, Friday 12 – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

In Portland

Feb. 21-23 “Aida”: See Elton John’s contemporary rock musical about a Nubian princess and Egyptian soldier, Brunish Theatre (1111 SW Broadway St.), $35.25-$46.25, Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

Feb. 21-22 Comedy Sportz: Enjoy family-friendly competitive improv, ComedySportz (1963 NW Kearney St.), $15, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Feb. 21 Ron Steen Trio ArtBar Jam Session: Participate in or watch an open jam session — part of the Portland Jazz Festival — which includes several jazz artists performing all over Portland from Feb. 21-Feb. 23, ArtBar & Bistro (1111 SW Broadway at Main St.), free admission, 11 p.m.

Feb. 22 The English Beat with The Sentiments: See one of the coolest rock, pop, ska British bands of the late 1970s and ’80s with Portland-based The Sentiments, Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St.), $20 in advance, $23 at the door. 21 and over, 9 p.m.

Feb. 23 Dune Rats, Landlines, Sad Horse: Check out Australian “stoner pop” band Dune Rats, soulful Landlines and PDX rockers Sad Horse, Mississippi Studios (3939 Mississippi St.), $10 in advance, $12 day of show, 9 p.m.

Feb. 23 Diabolical Experiments: This improve jam session features improvers from all over Portland on one stage. Stick around afterward for a free informal performance from current Brody students, Brody Theater (16 NW Broadway St.), $5, 7 p.m.

Often at the Oscars, the art and talent involved in the creation of films is overshadowed by the celebrity of the awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Motion Picture. However, some truly entertaining and brilliant work has come out of the Best Animated Shorts category, which started at the fifth Academy Awards in 1932.

According to the official Academy Award rules, films entered in the category run 40 minutes or less and must have been exhibited for paid admission in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County.

Past nominees include Pixar’s popular shorts, like “Day & Night” and “La Luna.” MGM’s “Tom & Jerry” shorts also won seven Oscars in the 1940s and ‘50s.

Bijou Arts Cinema is currently screening all the shorts nominated for an Academy Award, as well as three additional shorts. Shows are Feb. 11-13 at 12:40 p.m. and 10 p.m at the Bijou’s downtown location (43 West Broadway St.)

“Feral” by Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden

This 13-minute short features a monochromatic color scheme and beautiful hand drawings to tell the story, without dialogue but with mystical music, of a feral boy brought into civilization by a hunter. The short showcases the power of animation, with one simple frame showing the transformation of the boy into a wolf, deer, bird, leaf and finally to a boy again. ”Feral” is director Daniel Sousa’s first Oscar nomination.

“Get a Horse!”  by Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim

This short, played before “Frozen,” pays homage to Disney’s late 1920s “Mickey Mouse” cartoons. The short begins with Mickey and his friends taking a wagon ride, complete with cartoon music notes bouncing across the screen. The ride takes them into the future, showing the now more commonly seen CGI Mickey. MacMullan is the first woman ever to solely direct an animated Disney film.

“Mr. Hublot” by Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares

This 12-minute tale from Luxembourg and France’s directors features a small OCD man afraid to leave his house, a post industrial technology-saturated world, where he lives with several mechanical creatures. The computer animation is stunning and intricate, and the short has already won several awards.

“Possessions” by Shuhei Morita

This 14-minute Japanese cartoon film is about a man who enters a shrine and is transported into another world. Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away has been the only Oscar-winning animated Japanese film thus far, and “Possessions,” with its social commentary on material goods and intricately drawn vibrantly colored characters, may be the second. This is director Shuhei Morita’s first Oscar nomination.

“Room on the Broom” by Max Lang and Jan Lachauer

This 27-minute British short resembles a more episodic children’s show than the other nominees, both in length and use of dialogue. Simon Pegg (“Shaun of the Dead,” “The World’s End”) and Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”) lend their voices, as the storybook-style narrator and witch. The short was created with 3-D computer animation as well as miniature sets. “Room on the Broom” has already won several awards and is based on a British children’s book.

Last Saturday night, actress Raney Branch gave a talk to students about working in the entertainment industry, specifically as an actor. Spunky and well-spoken, Branch gave advice, spilled stories from her experiences on the set of the CW’s “The Originals” and fielded questions from theatre arts students during her first ever trip to Oregon.

Branch has built an impressive resume, ranging from roles on “House of Payne” to the “The Mindy Project.” She has also recently began a campaign with McDonald’s.

An Atlanta native, Branch attended Emory University, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Arabic. Although Branch did not formally study theater, she was a member of the college’s resident theater company, which taught sexual education to teenagers through theater. She always knew she wanted to perform, but decided to focus on making the most of her college experience, rather than delving into pursuing her career at that time. After graduating, Branch moved to New York to join Teach for America, where she taught middle school science. Afterwards, she moved back to Atlanta, started doing theater, shot a commercial and a show, joined the Screen Actors Guild then drove her car to Los Angeles. There she focused on booking commercials and formal acting training, using it as a way to grow and making valuable business connections.  In 2012, she hired a manager and has been booking steady work since.

UO theatre arts professor La Donna Forsgren is Branch’s cousin and when she asked her to come speak to theatre arts students, Branch gladly obliged. Forsgren is currently teaching a seminar required for all theatre arts majors, which focuses on professional opportunities after graduation.

The world of professional acting is extremely competitive and Branch was happy to share her wisdom, which is relevant to more careers than just acting.

“You have to have patience and perseverance and recognize that if it’s something you really want, then you have to keep working for it. When I finally decided I’m not going to quit, it (was) because I realized that becoming a successful actor is, the majority of the time, 10 years in the making,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of dedication and putting the difficult work in to achieve your goals.

“It’s not enough to be talented,” Branch said. “It’s not enough to be pretty. It’s not enough to be funny. You’ve got to put the work in.”

Branch reads scripts, memorizes chunks of dialogue and watches multi-camera sitcoms, like “The Cosby Show,” ”Cheers” and “Fraiser,” because that’s the genre she enjoys working in.

“My dream job right now is a multi-cam sitcom that shoots at CBS Radford, that shoots for five years, 100 episodes and goes into syndication,” she said. “That’s the dream!”

Although a college degree is not required to be an actor, Branch believes that having the life experience and discipline gained in college has helped her immensely as an actor. Finally, Branch encouraged people to stay hopeful.

“You have to really believe that you’re supposed to be doing this thing in this time. If this is your path, it’s your path. You’ve got to remind yourself of that everyday.”

Love is often hard to find. So in the 1960s we turned to technology and started using television to play cupid. Whether it be in the form of quick blind dates or week-long courtships, the longevity and commercial success of dating shows has proven that people will go great lengths to find love — even if it’s manufactured by producers. But how often does this televised, forced coupling result in a long-lasting relationship?

1965-1999 “The Dating Game”: Partially spurred by the feminist movement and introduction of the contraceptive pill, casual dating became more acceptable. With this attitude came America’s first dating game show, which took a simple approach to matchmaking. A bachelorette would question three bachelors and then based on his answers, choose a lucky man to go on a date with. The catch was that she couldn’t see the bachelors during questioning — ABC’s attempt to make the show about more than just physical attraction. “The Dating Game” lasted until 1973, but the “New Dating Game” lasted through the 1980s. ABC continued to play repeats until 1999.

1988-1994 ”Love Connection”: This show flipped “The Dating Game” upside down. First, the contestant chose whom she would want to go on a date with based on three candidates’ videos. Footage of the date was shown before a studio audience, as were the candidates’ videos. The audience voted who they thought was the best choice and then critiqued the date. According to Chuck Woolery the show’s creator, “Love Connection” resulted in 29 marriages, eight engagements and 15 children.

2003-2010 “Room Raiders,” ”Next” and ”Date My Mom”: MTV became famous for its bizarre attempts at matchmaking, especially the string of shows in the mid 2000s. “Room Raiders” (2004-2006) consisted of a girl or boy entering the bedrooms of the potential matches and judging whether or not they would want to date them based on the content of their rooms. “Next” (2005-2008) was a strange twist on speed dating, consisting of five candidates waiting in the “Next Bus,” to take their turns meeting the contestant. They would go on a date and the contestant could say “next” at any point to move on to the next candidate. The candidate received $1 for every minute they lasted on the date. “Date My Mom” (2004-2006) came to fruition fittingly at the same time as “yo momma” jokes. This show consisted of a contestant going on dates with three different mothers who try to convince him or her to date their child.

2002-present ”The Bachelor”: This show differs from past dating shows in that it is a prime-time network show featuring a long-term dating structure. Instead of confining a contestant to one episode, the same narrative is continued throughout the course of an entire television season, giving the audience time to emotionally invest in and make predictions about the winners. The premise is basic: A bachelor or bachelorette is presented with 25 men or women who live together in an Augora Hills, Calif. mansion. To increase the cheesiness factor, every week the bachelor or bachelorette gives roses to those he or she wishes to stay. For the finale, the bachelor or bachlorette picks one contestant and has the opportunity to propose. “The Bachelor” is currently in its 18^th season and “The Bachelorette” has had eight. Out of these 25 couples (Season 11 Bachelor Brad Womack did not choose a woman), only three are still together.

Dating shows don’t seem to be the most effective way of finding lasting love, but they are a commercial success. According to the New York Times, the last season of “The Bachelor” reached 8.8 million in total viewers — astronomical compared to the average 2.4 million viewers ABC receives for its regularly scheduled programming.

Single or taken, let’s not try to pretend we don’t enjoy the many perks of Valentine’s Day. Despite the Hallmark holiday’s poor reputation, there are candy hearts, chocolate, people handing out roses in front of the EMU and an excuse to curl up with a sweetheart, friend or cat and indulge in a romantic movie. Besides “The Notebook,” (which somehow manages to fall under both categories) here are the best and worst flicks for your Valentine’s Day:

Best

10 Things I Hate About You: Any movie that begins with Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week” is automatically a winner in my book. This 1999 classic comedy is a throwback to Heath Ledger’s golden years, the pangs of high school and oddly enough, the genius romance of Shakespeare. What better way to celebrate? Not to mention, Ledger’s “I Love You Baby” performance may just be the greatest romantic gesture of all time.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: This non-linear exploration of love, loss and memory begins when Joel (Jim Carrey) meets the eccentric Clementine (Kate Winslet), who nonchalantly changes her hair color every two scenes. Things get complicated when Joel decides he wants to erase Clementine from his memory by way of new technology. This twisted love story is a delightful, yet a more obscure pick that pairs perfectly with the dreary Eugene weather and a cold Valentine’s Day beer.

The Princess Bride: While Wesley’s devotion to Buttercup is utterly swoon inducing, this classic is undeniably one of the most quotable movies ever made. There’s something for everyone: fights, poison, creatures, wit, torture and a cheesy instrumental soundtrack that plays when Buttercup talks about how much she loves Wesley.

Worst

Titanic: An overplayed classic, this film features the tale of Rose and Jack, another pair of star-crossed lovers. With a running time of 195 minutes, this tragedy may commandeer the happier Valentine’s Day celebration you might have planned. And spoiler alert: The end’s a tear-jerker. Not to mention, there was totally enough room on Rose’s raft for Jack, but nobody needs to see that on V-Day.

Valentine’s Day: Here’s an idea: Get 20 stars together and give Taylor Swift a huge teddy bear. Maybe people won’t realize they’re watching an awful movie. This quick-cutting, jumble of pink and red, proposals, flowers, breakups and phone sex operators is a hot mess of clichés, only realistic in that it reiterates the bad reputation Valentine’s Day already has. Not to mention, this film was a winner at the annual Golden Raspberry Awards, which honors the worst filmmaking of the year.

The Vow: Nick Sparks does it again. Rachel McAdams is in a car accident and loses her memory of ever knowing or being married to an uncharacteristically hip Channing Tatum. Seems like an okay premise, but throughout the film, Rachel McAdams gets increasingly more unlikeable and by the end, you just want Channing Tatum to start breakdancing or do a striptease.

Looking for some post-Valentine’s Day plans? Drink your blues away with Zwickelmania, a Eugene brewery bus tour. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Rogue Ales Public House is offering bus rides to six Eugene breweries. Begin the day at 10 a.m. with a $10 brunch at the Rogue Public House, then travel in the Track Town bus for free, while breweries provide samples and tours at no charge. The bus leaves from Rogue Public House at 11 a.m. and seats are first come, first serve. Guests may also join the brewery tour later, as the bus is picking up at several locations until 5:30 p.m.

Rogue Ales is one of several Eugene brewery start-up success stories. Started by a couple of University of Oregon fraternity brothers in the late ‘80s, the craft brewery now has locations throughout Oregon, Washington and California. The brewery has crafted their identity and coined their process of doing things differently, calling it the “The Rogue Way.”

Oregon is famous for its local breweries, all of which are stops on Zwickelmania. Grab some friends and take advantage of this opportunity for a free and safe ride.

P.S. if you’re curious, a Zwickel is a steel screw valve on the side of a fermentation tank.

Bus pick-up times and locations:

Rogue Public House & Track Town Ales (844 Olive St.): 11 a.m. , 12:05 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:25 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Falling Sky Brewery (1334 Oak Alley) 11:10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:35 p.m.

McMenamins Brewery (1243 High St.): 11:20 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:35 p.m., 3:40 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Ninkasi Brewing (272 Van Buren St.): 11:30 a.m., 12:35 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:50 p.m. and 4:55 p.m.

Hop Valley Brewing (990 W 1st Ave.): 11:40 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:50 p.m., 2:55 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:05 p.m.

Oakshire Brewery (1055 Madera St.): 11:50 a.m., 12:55 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:05 p.m., 4:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

In Eugene

On Campus

Feb. 14-15 Dance 2014: Enjoy this annual concert presented by the UO Department of Dance, featuring students in faculty-choreographed pieces. Gerlinger Annex Dougherty Dance Theater (1484 University Street), $10 general admission, $5 students, 8-9:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 Sex and the Single Sloth: Curious about the life of this popular tree-loving mammal? Check out this free lecture for an intimate look at sloths, perfect timing for Valentine’s Day. William W. Knight Law Center (1515 Agate St.), free admission, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Off Campus

Feb. 14 Moonlight Mash Amore: Meet up at Kesey Square with your bike and go on a mystical 9.8 mile moonlight ride. The theme is love, so feel free to dress yourself and/or your bike up. Kesey Square (10 E. Broadway) to 13th Alley and Oak Street, free, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 15 ”This Is Your Brain On Love” — Thriftworks, Jobot and SugarBeats: Catch a lovely night of EDM post-Valentine’s Day. WOW Hall (291 W 8th Ave.), $15 in advance, $20 at the door, 9 p.m.

Feb. 15 Amos Lee: See this folk-rock singer-songwriter, along with five-piece bluegrass band Black Prairie. McDonald Theater (1010 Willamette St.), $41 floor tickets, $36 upper balcony, 8 p.m.

Feb. 15 2014 Michael DeRobertis Memorial Couples Classic: Grab a pal or lover and tackle a 5K, enjoy refreshments and bring a swim suit and towel for the post-run hot tub. River Road Park & Recreation District Office (1400 Lake Drive), $15 without shirt, $25 with shirt, add $5 on race day, 9:30 a.m.

In Portland

Feb. 14 Presidents of the United States of America: See the alt-rock band, famous for their hit “Peaches,” just days before their seventh studio album drops, along with Portland locals Old Light and electronic garage Connecticut-based You Scream | Scream. Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside St.), $22 in advance, $25 day of show, 8 p.m.

Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Comedy Show: Celebrate all aspects of Valentine’s Day with two comedy shows. First, My Funny Valentine features improvised scenes based on the love stories of audience members. After, My Shitty Valentine shows the holiday’s downside with improvised scenes about disappointment, humiliation and heartbreak. Curious Comedy (5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), My Funny Valentine: $12 online, $15 at the door, $50 for dinner & show for two; My Shitty Valentine: $5, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Feb. 14-16 Jitney: See this powerful August Wilson play about black Pittsburgh taxi drivers in the 1970s. Winningstad Theatre (1111 SW Broadway), tickets $32-$63, 7:30 p.m Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Feb. 15 Swan Sovereign: Check out this pop-rock trio and their killer harmonies, formerly called Dirty Martini. Doug Fir Lounge (830 E. Burnside St.), 21 and over, $13, 9 p.m.