*All events are free unless otherwise noted.
LECTURES
PEACE THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY - Jason Mark, Global Exchange Board of Directors (left), lectures. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2543. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/a&h/WP_Calendar.htm
THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS: HOW IT ALL BEGAN - An exploration of Christmas led by Dr. Henry Shreibman explores the origins of this Christian celebration hijacked by hallmark and turned into one of the most secularly commercialized holidays in existence. From it foundations upon Hanukkah and other winter festivals, Shreibman explores the common celebratory themes of darkness and light, sun and moon, counting, gift giving, and liberation to determine the true origins of this "Hallmark Holiday" and why it all started. Religion and Spirituality Lecture Series. 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9. Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. (707) 664- 2382. For more information, visit www.sonoma.edu/as/asp.
THE TYRANNY OF OIL - Leading oil industry expert and critic Antonia Juhasz discusses her most recent work The Tyranny of Oil: the World's Most Powerful Industry, and What We Must Do To Stop It. Juhasz provides the hardest-hitting expose of the oil industry in decades, answering today's most pressing energy questions: Why are oil and gasoline prices so unstable? Who's really controlling those prices? How much oil is left? How far will Big Oil go to get it? And at what cost to the economy, environment, human rights, worker safety, public health, democracy, and America's place in the world? Modern Media Lecture Series. Admission is $5 at www.projectcensored.org/lectures, $10 at the door. SSU students and staff admitted free. 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11. Darwin 103. (707) 664-3373. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://projectcensored.org/lectures/
THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN - Danielle Ronshausen, doula and SSU alumna presents the highly acclaimed documentary, "The Business of Being Born" in the second half of this lecture. The makers of the film depict both sides of the childbirth debate: have a baby in the hospital or at home with a midwife? Ronshausen will answer questions at the end of this highly controversial video. Women's Health Lecture Series. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 11. Carson 68. (707) 664-2840. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/WHLSFLIER08.pdf
END OF SEMESTER CELEBRATION - Short Presentations of research carried out by Computer Science students and awards presented to Computer Science majors; Pizza served after celebration. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 11. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
FILMS
CHRISTMAS IN JULY - (1940)(left) Preston Sturges' breathlessly hilarious comedy with Dick Powell as an underpaid clerk who attempts to win a coffee company slogan contest. Admission is $5, $4.50 for non-SSU students and senior citizens, and $3.50 for SFI members and children under 12. SSU students admitted free. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2606. For a complete list of events in this series, visit www.sonoma.edu/sfi
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA : PRINCE CASPIAN - (right) The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian. Starring Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian and Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie. Scene It Big Screen Movie Night. 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. The Cooperage. (707) 664-2804.
GALLERIES
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION - Combining some of the most pressing political and social changes of the time, "Freedom of Expression: Art in an Age of Uncertainty" brings together approximately 14 California artists whose work directly addresses such issues. The show ranges from the powerful woodblock prints from Sandow Birk's Depravities of War series to the satirical-but no less powerful-paintings and drawings of Enrique Chagoya. The exhibition also includes prints by the noted Los Angeles-based political artist Robbie Conal, a sculpture composed of guns, bullets, buckshot, and bone by Al Farrow, a new video work by the collaborative team of Jeanne C. Finley and John Muse and a legendary "black painting" by the late artist Wally Hedrick that was made in protest of the Vietnam War. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends, noon - 4 p.m. the gallery is closed on Mondays and holidays. The exhibition runs through Sunday, Dec. 14. (707) 664-2295.
FRESH START - Exhibit features the work of students from the advanced painting class under the direction of Mark Perlman, Professor of Painting in the Art and Art History Department. One painting from each student is displayed along with an artist statement and photograph, taken by Perlman, of each student in their studio. The subject matter from each artist is as unique as the themes they are exploring. Artist reception, 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3. Exhibit runs from Nov. 20 through Jan. 8, 2009. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; weekends, noon - 5 p.m. University Library Art Gallery. (707) 664-4240.
MUSIC
ARS NOVA - Jesus Contreras, Will Johnson and Brian S. Wilson (left) direct student composers from the composition program in exciting new works and first performances . 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Ives 119. (707) 664-2235. For more information visit http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/season0809.shtml#1113
OLIVER MESSIAEN 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - SSU's Messiaen Centenary concert features Flutist Kathleen Reynolds in Le Merle noir, Soprano Carol Menke in Pomes Pour Mi, and Music Studio faculty in Quartet for the End of Time and Oiseaux Exotiques with guest Pianist Paul Ammerman. Admission $12 general, $10 faculty, alumni and staff, $8 seniors/students. SSU students admitted free. 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10. Ives 119. (707) 664-2325. For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/43222
IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD - John Simon (right) directs the SSU Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Noon, Thursday, Dec. 11. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2235. For more information visit http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/season0809.shtml#1113
AFIFI A FUEGO! - SSU's Latin Jazz Ensemble is all ablaze with their second stylistic sampler from the Caribbean and exotic points south and west. Directed by Bob Affifi. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2235. For more information visit http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/season0809.shtml#1113
MAGNIFICAT! - The Sonoma State University Chorus presents celebratory choral works including Vivaldi's Magnificat and selections from around the world that honor love and peace. Jenny Brent directs. Admission $12 general, $10 faculty, alumni and staff, $8 seniors/students. SSU students admitted free. 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. Holy Family Episcopal Church, 1500 E. Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. (707) 664-2235. For more information visit http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/season0809.shtml#1113
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
SKYDIVING - After this 9,000 ft plunge finals won't seem nearly as scary. Outdoor Pursuits provides transportation, the tandem jump, a lunch, and encouragement. Sign up soon, this trip sells out. Pre-Tripmeeting is 7 p.m., Wednesday Dec. 10 in the Outdoor Resource Center. Cost is $185. Jump is Saturday, Dec. 13. (707) 664-DIRT. http://www.sonoma.edu/campusrec/adventure/odp/Trip%20Listings/skydive.html
