HBO’s Girls launched in 2012 and essentially achieved success overnight, propelling countless Thought Catalog articles and society’s increasing fascination with the 20-something demographic. But according to a recent Forbes article, trends show that the overall television audience is getting older.

“For HBO that presents a problem because their folks will essentially go away in the long run, so they’re trying to figure out a way to attract a younger audience,” University of Oregon advertising professor Chris Chavez says. “They have this perfect vehicle in Girls, which by nature sort of skews young. It’s different than programs on other premium channels.”

To attract and keep its younger audience, HBO has launched a full-fledged social media marketing attack, giving Girls its own Snapchat, Vine, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram accounts in addition to a Facebook page and Twitter account. Because while college-aged kids may not be spending their money on expensive premium channel subscriptions, they are spending their time on social media.

“The expectation is that by putting that content out there, people will become attracted to the content and eventually bribe them to either pay for subscriptions. We’ll see if it actually works,” Chavez says.

Recently, Girls announced on Facebook that the first two episodes of the third season would be posted on YouTube. That’s right — Girls can check another millennial-approved site off its checklist.

“Their promotion absolutely worked on me,” School of Education graduate student Brittany Dorris said. “I stopped watching Netflix and decided right then and there to watch ‘Girls.’”

Girls, with its dialogue about sexting and shots of characters watching YouTube tutorials, lends itself to social media use. But it’s not the only show getting HBO’s amped-up marketing treatment. Footage from the highly anticipated fourth season of Game of Thrones was released via the show’s Vine account two days before it was released on television and online. While the constant bombardment of reminders to watch may seem overbearing, it’s allowed the network to create a more personal and interactive experience with the fans — not to mention potential customers — that it may not have been able to reach before.

“I thought, ‘This is so genius. This is such a good marketing strategy,’” UO junior Annalise Stone said. “The target audience is mainly our age group so (using) social media to advertise was really good.”

In 2013, Game of Thrones was the most pirated TV show, a result of HBO’s stringent sharing policies, or why the premium network doesn’t sell its programming to Netflix. HBO may be using social media to attract these downloaders, who will later decide it’s worth it to subscribe.

It’s a mystery why more networks haven’t followed HBO’s lead using the “if they won’t come to you, go to them” strategy. Eventually, HBO may have to deal with the fact that it’s an expensive subscriber service and most college-aged students don’t have an expendable income. But for now, HBO is playing the best friend by constantly asking if you’ve seen the latest episode and showing you sneak peeks you can’t see anywhere else. Their marketing strategies may be transparently trying to reach the 20-somethings demographic, but maybe that’s what’s necessary to succeed in the constant battle of maintaining relevancy. 

In elementary, middle and high school, it seemed like a Monday or Friday was cancelled every other week for President’s Day, Columbus Day or “teacher work days.” The University of Oregon deems few holidays important enough to cancel school, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of those days. While the three-day weekend might pull many of us on vacation or just back to bed, this year consider paying tribute to the holiday by attending one of Eugene’s many awesome events.

Tuesday, Jan. 21:

Keynote Speech: Saul Williams, poet, musician and actor, is giving a keynote address on Dr. King, put on by the Office of the Dean of Students. Williams was also the lead in the independent film “Slam,” about an aspiring rapper held back by his socioeconomic status. The speech is free, unticketed and held in the EMU Ballroom from 5:30-7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22:

Book Reading: Aaron Dixon, the co-founder of Seattle’s chapter of the radical Black Panther Party, is speaking about his recently-released book “My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain.” Dixon was 19 when he started the chapter in 1968, the same year Dr. King was shot. Catch this powerful story at the Many Nations Longhouse from 4:30-5:45 p.m. (1630 Columbia St., on UO’s campus), hosted by the department of ethnic studies. There will also be a book signing and time for a Q&A session.

Candlelit Vigil: For a reverent ceremony and a good mid-week reminder of a quickly-passed holiday, join the Black Student Union and Black Women of Achievement group for a candlelit vigil commemorating Dr. King. It will be held in the EMU Amphitheater at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23:

Community Conversation: For a more participatory approach to celebrating, which Dr. King would most definitely approve of, join the Mills International Center for a community conversation on civil rights and sexuality at 3 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24:

Art Exhibit: Join the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art for the opening reception of “Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power,” a gallery featuring provocative prints, sculptures, paintings and a video. Walker is a contemporary African American artist whose work explores slavery and its effects on American society. The reception is from 6-8 p.m. and is free of charge.

Dance Africa: Catch this UO Dance Department show featuring drummers, dancers and singers, both students and from the community in this lively performance. The show is in Gerlinger Annex in the Dougherty Dance Theater (1484 University St.). It’s $5 for students, $10 general admission and goes from 8-10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 26:

Kwanzaa Event: Join the Black Student Union to celebrate and learn about Kwanzaa’s seven traditions with free food, dancing, music and poetry. The event was originally scheduled for December but cancelled due to the snow. Now, it’s also a celebration of MLK . The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the EMU and is free of charge.

On Saturday night the women of the Emerald City Roller Girls will be clad in elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, helmets and roller skates when they take the rink in the fast-paced contact sport of roller derby.

These women aren’t professionals. They’re local women who like to skate, compete and look fierce doing it. The only requirements are that you must be 21 or older, female,  able to skate in quads, practice twice a week and buy your own gear.

Roller derby is similar to hockey but without the puck. The bouts are divided into jams. Each jam lasts two minutes tops, and during the jam, scoring is based on a player’s ability to skate through the rink while passing other skaters legally. To make a pass legal, contact may only be made with hips, shoulders and butts. Players abandon their real names for fierce nicknames and dress to match. The bouts are filled with food, music and beer, making it the perfect spectator sport. Saturday’s bout features ECRG’s rookie members and is sure to be a party.

The members of the Emerald City Roller Girls compete in nine bouts throughout the season, ending in May. Season tickets are $65, and all bouts are held at the Lane County Events Center auditorium (796 W 13th Ave). Tickets to this weekend’s Jan. 18 bout are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the bout starts at 6 p.m.

In Eugene

On campus

Jan. 17-19, The Messengers: An art installation based on user content and inspired by Twitter displays mashups of words, nonsense and poetry. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, free admission, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Off campus

Jan. 17, Caravan of Glam: A drag show featuring a number of great Northwest performers, hosted by Ecstacy Inferno. Wow Hall (291 W. Eighth Ave.), tickets $10 at door, 8 p.m.

Jan. 17, The Soothesayers, Rocket 3, Balto: See three great Eugene/Portland garage rock/acoustic bands. Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.) tickets $5, 8 p.m.

Jan. 17, Blues Harmonica Blowout 2014: A tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson II, the great ‘50s and ‘60s blues harmonica player. The Shedd Institute (868 High St.), $35, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17-18, “Hair”: See this hippie love rock musical featuring the hits “Let The Sunshine In” and “Aquarius.” Actor’s Cabaret (996 Willamette St.), tickets $24, 8 p.m.

Jan. 18, Mt. Pisgah walk: A botanist from the arboretum will lead a guided walk, discussing Pisgah’s different types of mosses, liverworts and lichens. Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Visitor Center (34901 Frank Parris Rd.), $5, 10 a.m. – 12. p.m.  

In Portland

Jan. 17, Genders, Holiday Friends, the Comettes; Mississippi Studios (3939 N. Mississippi Ave.), $10, 9 p.m.

Jan. 17, Eprom, Ill-esha, Buku: Portland-based electronic musicians. Branx (320 SE Second Ave.), $12 in advance, 21+, 9 p.m.  

Jan 17, David Koechner: Go see “Anchorman 2” and then see this comedian who plays Champ Kind live. Aladdin Theater (3017 SE Milwaukie St.), tickets $30, 8 p.m.  

Jan. 17-19, “The Waterman”: An original one-act musical about Portlanders, sushi and love. Action/Adventure Theater (1050 SE Clinton St.), tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door, 8 p.m., 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Jan. 18, Congressman John Lewis: See this politician, who has worked for civil rights since the 1960s, speak about his recently-released graphic novel trilogy telling his story. Powell’s City of Books (1005 W. Burnside St.), free admission, 12 p.m.

Jan. 18, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” Beer Matinee: See the classic film based on Hunter S. Thompson’s awesome book, including seven beers paired with different characters. Hollywood Theater (4122 NE Sandy Blvd.), tickets $25, 4:30 p.m.

Eugene’s white-gray sky, which dominates January to March, has returned. Although Oregon’s weather is a popular conversation and complaint topic, this state is a jungle gym. We have mountains, rivers, lakes, a coastline and hundreds of tree-surrounded trails, which is surely why Lewis and Clark had such a good time paving their way through the wilderness and why the creators of the Oregon Trail game hit it rich in the ‘90s. Now you too can take advantage of Eugene’s central location in the heart of Oregon’s natural playground.

Hiking:

Silver Falls State Park: Knock out a chapter in an Oregon guidebook in a single day with this awesome trip, which is only an hour outside of Eugene. The park offers a 2.8, 5.2 or 7.1-mile trail loop, depending on how well you stretch. Each of these loops brings you past waterfalls and some of them even bring you behind them. Note that dogs are not allowed on these trails.

Opal Creek: Drive 2 1/2 hours to this wilderness and scenic recreation area east of Monmouth to hike any of its 13 trails. The Opal Creek trail is one of the most popular, which is 2.6 miles. In the mood for something longer? Try the 4.7-mile Elkhorn Ridge Trail or the 7.1-mile loop that extends upriver to the beautiful Opal Pool and the historic Jawbone Flats, a mining camp from the Depression era. You’ll cross a 60-foot-high bridge over the Little North Santiam River and a 30-foot waterfall pouring into a deep pool.

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding:

“We’re going up to the mountain” is one of the more commonly uttered phrases during Eugene’s winter months. Although it sounds casual, the idea of driving up a snowy mountain with a lot of equipment is a little bit daunting. UO’s Outdoor Program can help: It offers snow buses to Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Bachelor.

Mount Hood Meadows: The postcard image of Mount Hood is synonymous with Oregon, so whether you’re an Oregon native or new to the state, this gorgeous mountain is worth experiencing. Mount Hood Meadows Ski and Snowboard Resort has 11 lifts and 85 runs to enjoy until May, depending on snow conditions.

Cost and transportation: The Outdoor Program is partnering with Berg’s Ski & Snowboard Shop to offer a bus ride and lift ticket for only $59 or a bus ride and lesson for the same price. If you just need a ride, it’s $27. If you go yourself, lift tickets are $74 for the day. Lessons are available for $75 for two hours. Dates: Trips with the Outdoor Program are on Jan. 18 and Feb. 22.

Mount Bachelor: Enjoy Mount Bachelor’s 3,700 acres – all of which are accessible with their 10 lift options. It’s about a three-hour drive from Eugene to Bend.

Cost and transportation:Lift ticket and bus ride, $79; Just bus ride, $29. Normal lift tickets are $79 for a full day, $67 for a half day. Bus departs at 6 a.m., register at www.mtbachelor.com/duckbus. Lessons are available, which cost $75 for two hours of instruction.

Dates: Outdoor Program is offering trips on Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 and 23. “I liked how cheap and convenient the bus was,” said Jason Blank, a UO student who enjoys outdoor activities and used the Outdoor Program’s Mount Bachelor bus last winter. “It was also nice meeting people who are at my same skill level and share my love of skiing.”

If you want to leave from Portland, try taking the Deschutes Brew Bus. For $99, you get a bus ride, lift tickets, a $5 food voucher for the Mt. Bachelor lodge, plus dinner and beers at Deschutes Brewery’s Bend Pub. The ride leaves from Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Pub at 6 a.m. and returns at 10 p.m.

Jack Haskel, the trail information specialist for the Pacific Crest Trail and a lifelong outdoorsman, encourages people to be aware of their surroundings. “Everyone should know about avalanche terrains and should stay off slopes if people don’t know about it. A lot of people expose themselves to danger,” he said.

Hot springs:

These hippie-attracting natural pools are only an hour outside of Eugene:

Cougar Hot Springs: This spot is located 50 miles east of Eugene and is also called Terwilliger Hot Springs. On the drive up, enjoy some awesome views, park at the top, then hike half a mile to a series of hot springs. The higher the pools are, the warmer they are, ranging from 90-112 degrees. Don’t be afraid to be naked, most people are and no photography is allowed. 

Umpqua Hot Springs: Hike 3.8 miles to a natural hot spring covered by a log structure. The hike is moderate and crosses the North Umpqua River three times. Again, clothing is optional. These hot springs are about a two-and-a-half hour drive. But paired with a hike they make a great day trip.

Fishing:

Dorena Lake: Spend an afternoon sitting on a dock with a couple of beers, some camping chairs and warm jackets. Just 30 minutes from Eugene near Cottage Grove lies the small city of Dorena. The town is famous for its covered bridges and the beautiful lake is known for its bountiful trout and catfish. There’s also great hiking and biking tails, including a 16-mile trail lining the Row River and Dorena Lake that will take you past historic saw mills and covered bridges.

Snowshoeing

Salt Creek Falls: Ever tried snowshoeing? Check out this five-mile trail with some challenging elevation gain near the Willamette Pass Ski Resort. It’s just east of Oakridge about an hour-and-10 minutes outside of Eugene. The Outdoor Program rents out snowshoes and poles for only $10. If you need snow pants and jackets, you can rent those for $5 each.

“Go to a popular snowshoe destination — snowshoe trails that are well-traveled and bring a thermos of hot soup or tea,” Haskel said. “Extra clothes are a good idea and checking the weather forecast is extremely important. Heavy snowfall can make snowshoe travel impossible.”

Salt Creek Falls also has a tubing hill for sledding. The Outdoor Program rents out inner tubes for $12.

Cross-country skiing:

Maxwell Sno-Park Does downhill skiing freak you out? Outdoor Program employee Laughton Eliot DeAngelis is putting on a trip to Maxwell Sno-Park for an overnight service project. Maxwell Snopark is in the Willamette National Forest, a 110-mile stretch of green from east of Salem to northeast of Roseburg.

Cost and transportation: $15; gear can be rented from the Outdoor Program barn for $10.

Date: The trip is Jan. 25 with a mandatory pre-trip meeting Jan. 22.

UO’s Outdoor Program rents out everything from jackets and sleeping bags to snowshoes and snowboards for affordable prices. Caroline Hager, an employee at the Outdoor Program, encourages people to attend a Trip Initiator Clinic, which trains people to put on their own trips with the help of the Outdoor Program. The free clinic is Jan. 29 and Feb. 20. You can also visit the Outdoor Program Barn on 18th Avenue and University Street for Oregon guidebooks, maps and recommendations. These trips can be fun alternatives to sleeping in and Netflix binging. Remember to keep safety in mind, remembering that it gets dark early and to always leave an itinerary with somebody.

You’ve had it happen at least once: You’re laying out your schedule for the coming term and see a class that piques your interest. But how do you make room for it? You can’t drop that digital arts class that’s only offered once a year or the math class you need to graduate. Fortunately, the University of Oregon and Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts have film buffs covered.

DIVA, a nonprofit arts center that features local art exhibits, video screenings and poetry sessions, is partnering with the UO’s Academic Extension program to host a weekly film seminar called Behind The Lens.

Every Tuesday night this term at the Downtown Baker Center will consist of a film screening, as well as a discussion of how the film fits into the cultural context of the time period in which it was released. Retired film director Tom Blank leads the discussions.

“I want to foster the film community here. You get serious about film by talking about film. I try to find patterns, innovations and trivia in the films I choose and pick ones that are compelling,” Blank said.

In addition to being a 50-year member of the Director’s Guild, Blank has his Masters in screenwriting. Originally, he wanted to teach screenwriting at a university, but a lack of jobs in the field led him to Eugene, where he began teaching at DIVA, as well as hosting films for Bijou Arts Cinemas. He has been hosting the screenings for five years.

“Tom guides a lively discussion. Most people who come are interested in cinema and many people who were in media professions and have since retired,” Larissa Ennis, a program manager at UO Academic Extension, said.

The goals of the Academic Extension program are to continue education, lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Because it’s through this program, the seminar attendees come from all backgrounds. Many are senior citizens who offer different viewpoints and perspectives that wouldn’t usually be provided in a classroom full of 18 to 22 year olds.

Jennifer Afton, a Eugene community member, attended last semester’s seminar and comes to feed her interest in film.

“I like catching up on movies that I never saw. Tom picks excellent films. I also like getting a variety of viewpoints from the discussions,” she said.

Winter’s programming is titled “The Sixties – The Winter of our Discontent.” About 100 people attended Tuesday’s seminar to watch Jules and Jim (1962), a French film about an impulsive woman and a lifelong love triangle. The seminar continues through March 18 and people can join at any time. Other films include Blowup (1966), Cool Hand Luke (1967), and Medium Cool (1969). Previous seminars include films whose directors escaped Hitler and directors who were blacklisted during the Cold War.

This session explores how the dismantling of the Production Code in the ‘60s limited film’s portrayal of sex and violence. It also looks at how what was happening in society affected the way people perceived the films and how differently they’re perceived today.

Behind the Lens is every Tuesday from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Downtown Baker Center at 325 E. 10th Ave. Cost is $15 for the term. The price is pro-rated every two weeks. Complete cost information can be found at the program’s official site.

I went into “The Punk Singer” having never heard of Kathleen Hanna and left thinking she’s the most fearless, badass woman in the world.

“The Punk Singer,” which premiered at the SXSW film festival and is currently playing at Bijou Metro, chronicles “Riot Grrrl,” the underground feminist punk movement in the early 1990s. The movie depicts the life of Kathleen Hanna, the fearless lead singer of Bikini Kill, her solo lo-fi project alter-ago Julie Ruin, and later, the electro-punk group Le Tigre.

Hanna is a Pacific Northwest native who was born in Portland and attended Evergreen State College, where she began creating feminist art. The film begins with footage of her passionately performing spoken word. Then joking that she started a band because nobody listens to spoken word. Her electrifying performances, which would even make Lady Gaga jealous, show off her radical lyrics, unique high-pitched voice and caustic conversations with the crowd. The film is highly personal and includes footage throughout Hanna’s life and intimate interviews.

Female punk bands are often left off the list of greats, a trend most of the music business unfortunately follows. But Hanna’s influence spans from Nirvana’s hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to Sonic Youth. Hanna empowered women both with her lyrics and actual performances. One ballsy move she is known for is calling all girls in the audience to the front of the stage. The origins of mosh pits lie in punk rock. And in the early ‘90s post-punk scene, concerts were becoming even more aggressive. Hanna faced intense media criticism and death threats from men. Still, she persisted as the bold leader, refusing to speak to the media.

The film itself has awkward B-roll and some poorly framed interviews. But it all fits with Hanna’s whole persona of not giving a fuck. Beauty shots are also plentiful. But by the end of the film, you feel like you know her. Even at her current age of 45, she still looks badass with her black heart shoulder tattoo and golden ring spelling out “Adam,” the name of her former Beastie Boys member husband Adam Horovitz, or Ad-Rock.

Music only truly works when an artist is passionate. Punk rock is at its best when people are angry. Hanna and other third wave feminist post punk rockers were angry and did something about it. Don’t watch this movie to see the most cutting edge music documentary. It’s no “No Direction Home,” and I don’t think Hanna would want it to be. Watch it because Kathleen Hanna is awesome and her story is one that deserves to be widely and fiercely known.

This past fall, juniors Maya Zimmerman and Claire Sanguedolce studied abroad in Seville, Spain and Siena, Italy, where they experienced everything from strange mustard pasta salad to being mocked for scrambling eggs. Spain offered the challenges of dinners stretching from 10 p.m. to midnight, while Italy proved a difficult place to be gluten and lactose-free. Despite early challenges, the girls fell in love with their abroad experiences.

Zimmerman traveled to Seville for a semester through a Council on International Educational Exchange program called Language and Society. Spain, along with Italy and Mexico, is one of the most popular destinations for University of Oregon students to study abroad. Zimmerman stayed with a host family, which she enjoyed as it helped to improve her language skills immensely.

Sanguedolce chose Siena to spend a term. She embarked on her journey through AHA International, a UO study abroad academic program. She lived in an apartment with a fellow UO student and a girl from Sicily.

“She spoke some English, but you definitely had to know Italian to be able to communicate with her. So that was good because it forced me to speak the language,” she said. “In Siena, not a lot of people speak English so when you’re running errands you need to know how to speak the language, but you can also get away with charades,” Sanguedolce said.

Both girls are self-proclaimed food lovers and each faced challenges navigating their country’s different diets. Zimmerman recalls a cold pasta salad her host mom made one night, which consisted of bow tie pasta, little pieces of ham, squeaky cheese, Manzanita olives and pineapple chunks. To top it off, the dressing was made of mustard and mayonnaise, the latter of which she hates.

Sanguedolce, who is allergic to gluten and dairy, faced difficulties finding restaurants she could eat at. Especially in a country where the main diet consists of pasta and pizza. Luckily, she had a kitchen of her own and was able to cook for herself.

“I’d be cooking eggs one day and my Sicilian roommate would come in and laugh at me,” Sanguedolce says. Surprisingly, Celiac disease, which doesn’t allow for gluten, is very common in Italy so she was able to find a few restaurants with gluten-free pasta and pizza.

While many students opt out of missing football season by studying abroad in the summer, Zimmerman and Sanguedolce are both happy they decided to study abroad in the fall as opposed to other months.

“Certain circumstances make it easier, like the fact that you’re coming from summer. You have more time to plan, and it’s still really warm,” Sanguedolce says. She also admits that it was hard to miss the excitement of Eugene’s arctic blast.

After spending fall term combating unfamiliar food and language barriers, coming home has been a culture shock for both girls. One of the biggest things Zimmerman misses is the opportunity to travel to other cities so easily.

“A big reason I went to Spain was to travel after. More memorable stories and events happened while I was traveling. I haven’t even counted how many cities yet. It’s somewhere around 20,” Zimmerman said.

The number of study abroad programs is increasing. Students now more than ever have the opportunity to live, see and taste the world abroad.

In Eugene

On-Campus

Jan. 12, Chamber Music: The London Haydn Quartet with special guest Eric Hoeprich is coming to Beall Concert Hall, giving students the opportunity to de-stress and hear Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart; Beall Concert Hall(961 E. 18th Ave.), tickets range from $17-$39, 3 p.m.

Off-Campus

Jan. 10, Chance to Dance: Get down with international music and feel free to bring food to this community dance party; WOW Hall (291 W. Eighth Ave.); tickets $5 at the door, 7:30-10 p.m.

Jan. 11, The Empress Dance of the Tarot: Watch belly dancing while eating some of Eugene’s best pizza; Cozmic Pizza (199 W. Eighth Ave.), tickets $5, 8 p.m.

Jan. 11, Floater and Hell’s Belles: Rock out as Eugene-based progressive rock band Floater and AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles join forces; McDonald Theatre (1010 Willamette St.), tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of show, 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Jan. 12, Sam Bond’s Garage: First enjoy free admission to an Irish Jam from 4-7 p.m., then get rowdy with Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, a Honky Tonk band from Michigan, Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.), tickets $10, 9 p.m.

Jan. 10-11, Oregon Contemporary Theatre presents “Tribes”: Catch the Friday night opening of this play about a deaf boy born into a hearing family and see two University of Oregon students, as well as some sign language; Oregon Contemporary Theatre (194 W. Broadway), tickets $15 for students, 7:30 p.m.

In Portland

Jan. 10, Hovercraft Records Showcase: Eight Portland bands with rad names (more specifically Hornet Leg, Charts, Mythological Horses, Vasas, L.A. Drugz, Sealion and Honey Bucket), signed by Hovercraft Records are featured, and the lucky first 250 attendees will receive a cassette compilation of the bands, Star Theater (13 NW Sixth Ave.), $5, 8 p.m.

Jan. 11, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down with Sonny & The Sunsets: Enjoy these folk-pop garage rock bands at ones of Portland’s best venues; Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St.), 21+, $15-30, 9 p.m.

Jan. 10-11, Pipes: An Improvised Musical: Curious Comedy Theater presents an entire musical completely improvised based on audience suggestions; Curious Comedy Theater (5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.), tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door, 8 p.m.

Jan. 10-12, Contemporary Northwest Art Awards: See Portland Art Museum’s latest installation of the works of award-winning artists from Oregon, Washington, Montana and Wyoming; Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave.), $12 student admission.

Jan. 11-12, PDX Motorcycle Film Festival: Watch four motorcycle films over the course of two days. The films revs up 6 p.m. Saturday with “Road Warriors” (2013) and “Take it to the Limit” (1979). Sunday features “White Knuckle” and “Why We Ride” (2013); Hollywood Theater (4122 NE Sandy Blvd.), tickets $12/night, 6-9 p.m.

Jan. 12, Global No Pants Day in Portland: Pretty self-explanatory. Ride the MAX and make stops at Skidmore Fountain, Pioneer Square and Jake’s Restaurant for photo-ops. The perfect way to get a feel for Portland; meet at Dixie Tavern (32 NW Third Ave.) at 2 p.m., free.

Are you an acting fanatic? Do you find pleasure in watching people fumble over their words on stage? Does the mere mention of the word “experimentalism” serve as a catalyst for your creative outbursts?

If you said yes to any (or all) of these questions, then you may want to spend your Thursday night with the No Shame Theatre company at the New Zone Gallery. Located on 164 W. Broadway in Eugene, this venue will be brimming with enthusiasm and passion — and quite possibly, laughter — as No Shame Theatre, an improv company, hosts its  free weekly improv workshop at 7:30 p.m.

And by improv, we’re not just talking about “Whose Line is it Anyway” style; we’re talking experimental. You have five minutes to put together (almost) anything you’d like — from singing your latest love song, to dancing the tango, to reciting that poetry you’ve kept in the depths of your closet for the past couple years. The only rules are that the skits are original and under five minutes. Oh, and you’re not allowed to break anything (including the law). But, beside that, anything goes.

What’s more — it’s located in a gallery, filled with local art by the New Zone Artists Collective, a gallery known for developing and fostering passion in the experimental visual arts. So, while you’re supporting local performance artists in Eugene, you’ll also be supporting the visual arts, too. And, even if performing isn’t your thing, one can only expect it to be an interesting, entertaining night — even (or maybe, especially) for the audience.

Plus, if you can’t make it this Thursday, there’s always next week.

Winter for the movies brings a variety, featuring everything from stolen art masterpieces to dystopian societies. Escape the cold and use those Fandango gift cards grandma gave you for Christmas at Eugene’s cinematic establishments.

JANUARY

Lone Survivor: It’s 2005 and four U.S. Navy SEALs are on a mission to capture a senior Taliban member during the war in Afghanistan. Based on a true story, this thrilling action-drama tells the story of these four courageous men, and the one survivor of the mission. Opens Jan. 10.

The Banshee Chapter: Two journalists are on the hunt for a friend who disappears after participating in a secret mind-bending drug experiment abandoned by the CIA. On their search, they discover the world of secret government chemical research. This thriller is based on actual government documents and test subject testimonies. Opens Jan. 10.

At Middleton: This understated film-fest comedy tells the story of youth being found again as two middle-aged people fall in love on their kids’ campus tour at Middleton College. The two leads took home “Best Actor” awards at the Boston Film Festival, so they can’t be too bad to watch. Opens Jan. 31.

FEBRUARY

The Monuments Men: This comedy-drama tells Hollywood’s version of the real-life story of a World War II platoon who have the task of retrieving prized art masterpieces from Germany and bringing them back to their owners. George Clooney stars, directs and wrote the screenplay. The film also includes an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Bill Murray and Cate Blanchett. Opens Feb. 7.

The LEGO Movie: Legos saving the world? What could be better? Plus, in the grand tradition of animated films relying on the fame of the actors who do the voiceovers, this film includes the voices of Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Opens Feb. 7.

Robocop: The remake of this 1987 science fiction film is sure to impress. Taking place in 2028, now the not-so-faraway future, this film tells the story of a hardworking Detroit policeman who is remade to be half robot cop and half man when he’s injured on the job. A mid-February release date gives you plenty of time to watch the three already existing films in the Robocop series. Opens Feb. 12.

MARCH

The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson’s latest film will undoubtedly provide a whole array of highly saturated characters for you to dress up as at costume parties. Taking place in 1920′s Europe, this comedy-drama is about a famous hotel concierge and his protégé, who get tangled up in a murder case; the recovery of a famous Renaissance painting and the city of Budapest between wars. Opens March 7.

Divergent: Already being compared to “The Hunger Games,” the next popular dystopian novel being made into a movie features a world divided by personality types, which just sounds like a bad party. A girl is deemed “divergent” and finds out that the society’s leader is seeking to eliminate everyone like her. You’ve still got time to read the book. Opens March 12.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to buy beer, then Portland’s got a variety of cool New Year’s Eve events, with everything from Burning Man inspired parties to 80s tribute bands. If you’re under 21, there’s comedy, which is cool and mostly a lot of DJ concerts. At least there’s always house parties and parents willing to pay bank for babysitters.

Under 21

A Very Brody New Year, bring in 2014 with some laughs,and free food and champagne at midnight at the Brody Theater comedy variety showcase, including improvisation and standup comedy; Brody Theater, 16 NW Broadway, $16 advance, $18 at the door, all ages. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Melao de Cuba New Year’s Eve, maybe being under 21 won’t feel so lame when you’re eating pizza and enjoying a Cuban band; Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., free, music starts at 9 p.m.

Portland Neon New Years Eve w/ Riff Raff & Lil Debbie, Get dirty with Youtube famous performers, no dress code, all in a newly remodeled warehouse setting; Odyssey Event Space, $55 general admission. You can pay $299 for a backstage pass, VIP Gift bag, autographed Riff Raff gear and a hang out with Riff Raff at his hotel before the show at 9 p.m.

NYE 2014 Party, Typical DJ, dancing and lounge set-up, with a midnight toast and balloon drop full of prizes; Venue 126, SW 2nd & Pine, $15, 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.

Bass Odyssey NYE 2013, Roseland Theater hosts Portland’s biggest electronic dance party featuring Bro Safari, Etc! Etc!, and Torro Torro, with Sidestep and WayWay; Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave, $40, 8 p.m.

21 & over 

Surfer Blood, Wild Ones, AgesandAges, Enjoy Surfer Blood’s indie surf rock as well as two native Portland bands at one of the cities coolest venues; Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., tickets $30 in advance, $35 day of show, 9 p.m.

InspireTruth New Year’s Eve Party, Featuring several DJs, live electronic acts, marketplaces, psychics and art, this event looks like a smaller indoor version of Burning Man. According to the website, “Your basest desires and your loftiest aspirations are all welcome at InspireTruth;” Portland Art Museum’s Mark Building, 1119 SW Park Ave., tickets $25-$195, 9 p.m, 4:30 a.m.

Dance Hard, Kiss Soft: New Year’s Eve 2013, Dig A Pony hosts a celebration featuring soul-funk singer Reva DeVito, electro-pop musicians Hustle and Drone who are also former Portugal the Man band members, DJ Montel Spinoza and Holla ‘N Oats, who hosts Pony’s monthly Prince and R. Kelley tributes; Dig A Pony, 736 SE Grand Ave., tickets $15, doors open at 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve 2013 BarFly Bus Tour, Probably won’t be as much fun as getting on Kesey and the Merry Prankster’s bus, but forget worrying about a designated driver and let this bus take you and your friends (55 seats on the bus) to 8-10 bars. Cover charge, midnight toast and NYE paraphernalia included with ticket; check out barflybus.com, $30, 23+ only, starts at 7 p.m.

Hollyweird New Year Concert, Like tribute bands? Feel like you’re seeing The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Motley Crue and Poison, by bands Sir Psycho Sexy, Same o’l Situation, and my personal favorite, Poison’us; Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE 39th Street, $10 in advance, $12 day of show, 8 p.m.