For some it's the anti-Nutcracker; for others it's one gifted dancer's spirited take on a holiday tradition. Either way, it's "The Hard Nut," the Mark Morris Dance Group's unique and joyful interpretation of the Nutcracker ballet, which they'll perform Dec. 9-18 in Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley.

The reigning patriarch of a whole generation of jazz, Ellis Marsalis, performs with his Quartet at the Napa Valley Opera House, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. Marsalis will be joined by son Jason on drums, Derek Douget on saxophone and Bill Huntington on bass.

The Napa Valley Symphony presents its 2005 Holiday Concert with the Voices of London on Dec, 4, at 3 p.m. at the newly refurbished Lincoln Theater in Yountville. The program includes selections from Handel's "Messiah," "Los Reyes Siguen l'Estrella," "Nio Dios d'Amor Herido," and "Todo Quanto Pudo Dar" by Guerrero, followed by Bennett's "Five Carols" and Rutter's "Sans Day Carol" and "Noel Nouvelet."

The valley's Improvisator David Auerbach will launch the 20th season of Carols in the Caves and the first Drums of Peace Dec. 3.

The eyes have it in this show. Whether it's the Flattened Musk Turtle, the Florida Key Deer or the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle, they are all looking into a camera with an unwavering, penetrating gaze that seems -- at least to this writer -- to be asking, "What are you doing?"

On the march

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has received a Cambodian passport after being made a citizen of the impoverished Southeast Asian country, an associate said Tuesday.

NEW YORK -- The Ted Koppel era on ABC's "Nightline" ends with his farewell Tuesday night after 25 years of offering a serious alternative to late-night laughs.

CULVER CITY -- Say it ain't so! Weetzie Bat is going through a midlife crisis.

LANHAM, Md. -- Radio One Inc. has plans to launch the first national talk-radio network geared for a black audience, the chief executive said.

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A VOENA CHRISTMAS -- VOENA, Voices of Eve 'N Angels, is the internationally acclaimed, multi-ethnic children's choir that combines inventive a cappella vocal arrangements with percussion, dance and theatrical elements. A joy for the eyes, ears and heart, and one you won't want to miss. Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Copia. $25 general/$22.50 member. Info, 259-1600.

It's a cold Saturday evening in November on Janette Drive and a group of 12 young men are huddled together in a dark, dank basement trying to kill each other. But their weapons aren't guns, knives or sticks, they're Xbox joysticks: These men are video gamers and once every other week, for six hours or more, they do battle at Rico's House of Halo.

Acorn Soupe announces Teacher of the Year Awards

Education

Is there a difference between stuffing and dressing? This recipe for a tasty sourdough, pears and sausage accompaniment bakes in a baking dish rather than being stuffed inside the Thanksgiving turkey -- but what you call it depends more on where you live than how the dish is prepared.

WILTON, Conn. -- It seems like it was just yesterday, but here we go again. This is that mouthwatering time of the year when the holidays line up, and the urge to bake grabs hold.

Turkey Toolbox

As tens of millions of baby boomers enter the golden years, many insist they will stay in their home as long as possible. You'd think remodeling contractors would come out of the woodwork to show active seniors how to remodel baths and kitchens or other rooms to fit retiree lifestyles.

Depending upon where you live, home heating costs are projected to rise anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent this winter. This is especially devastating news for seniors and those on fixed incomes who are already having a difficult time making ends meet.

To rake or not to rake, that is the question.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to a holiday open house at the Blackbird Inn in downtown Napa, Monday from noon to 2 p.m.

The holidays are upon us, so take a deep breath. The rushing, the baking, the decorating, the spending ... but, we look forward to it every year, don't we? Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. Since my profession and passion is recycling existing furnishings and accessories, I am always on the lookout for fun, novel and inexpensive holiday decorating ideas. As with doing an interior room makeover, it's not what you have that's important -- it's how it's placed -- it's the wow factor that counts. Whether you're on a budget, or just want some new low-cost or no-cost ideas, let me share some with you, which will transform your home in less than a day.

It is the season of red and green; poinsettias and mistletoe, holly and ivy, evergreen garlands, boughs and wreaths, and of course the quintessential holiday showpiece, the Christmas tree. Even citrus and pineapples have their place as traditional holiday symbols. Have you ever wondered how it all started?

Rugg-McAlister

St. Helena Hospital

BARRON -- Brian Barron vs. Tierra Barron, Nov. 7, 2005