Is there anything worse than the "only X shopping days left before Christmas" phenomenon that keeps getting pushed further and further back each year? It's like having a nagging family member or spouse who is trying – not so subtly – to remind you what they want for their birthday.

Let's do each other a favor and just pretend we've got plenty of time to go shopping. Having money, well, that's a different story.

Man, when did this turn into the shopping blog?

FRIDAY

• Panels from the AIDS quilt are in town this weekend as part of observances of World Aids Day. The panels will be on display at the Holiday Inn by the Bay through Sunday. As part of the observance there will also information on how to contribute to the quilt as well as free rapid AIDS tests on site today and tomorrow.

• Down at the White Heart tonight it's bound to get funk–diculous. (Wow. I do not know where that came from. I am so sorry.) DJ's Nicotine and Shade (aka Shadezilla) are teaming up to party just for you. Music starts at 10 p.m.

• Just up the street at Geno's it's the start of another weekend full of PBR clenching, heavy, loud rock music. Maybe thats the way god intended it? Tonight Pigboat and The Uncomfortables get things started with a few special guests in store. Show starts at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Remember all that stuff I said a few weeks back about getting some art at a decent price? Well I was right, just a few weeks off. Today is the annual Maine College of Art/Society for the East End Arts holiday sale. Art always makes for an impressive gift, just don't try and pass it off as your own. Even better – say you got to meet the artist...because you probably will. Sale runs through Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. at the East End Community School.

• Tonight at SPACE Gallery Baltic Sea is playing with Conifer and Boston–based Irepress. It's an 18 plus show, doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $7.

• Remember the Alehouse! Sounds like a rallying cry, sort of like "REMEMBER THE ALAMO!" Except I'm sure less people have died at the Alehouse and not as many bands have packed the Alamo. ANYWAY, tonight over at the Big Easy is a tribute to the gone–but–not–forgotten bar that once dwelled below Market Street and it's owner Russ Riseman. Boombazi, Strange Pleasure and Rob Derhak of Moe are just a few of the names on the line–up. It's a $7 entry and things get started at

• Want to know where you can find me tonight? Sportin' the Black and Gold with pride as my Missouri Tigers take on the Oklahoma Sooners for the Big 12 title. It's funny because when I was in college the tag line was always "It's a great time to be a tiger." Well now it actually is. Bingas. Black and Gold. Kick off is at 8 p.m. Note: the unofficial shot for the University of Missouri? The Black and Gold (Jaegermeister and Goldschlager)

SUNDAY

• Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are playing at the SPACE Gallery tonight, and unbeknownst to me, Ted Leo is a really big deal. This doesn't really mean much because the state could reopen a mill and provide jobs for a small town with what I don't know.

  Joking aside plenty of folks have been looking forward to seeing Leo, who's most recent album, "Living with the Living," was released this year. Taking a few minutes this afternoon to listen to a few of his songs I have to say I'm interested. It feels a little indie/progish/garge-esque, but bigger and better energy. The talented Mr. Leo comes from the punk scene and is quite the vocalist. But as Levar Burton would say, you don't have to take my word for it.
  Doors open at 8 p.m. tonight and tickets are $10 for this 18 + show.

  If anyone out there would like to further instruct me in the ways of Ted Leo, or lend me a CD I'd be much obliged.

Finally, your video love of the weekend is off blog and college football related. Now before those of you who care nothing of NCAA sports (where we all go pro in something other than our...we get it), this little treat comes courtesy of Adult Swim and Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Carl, it seems, has some issues with the Bowl Championship Series system.
As always with ATHF and Adult Swim, viewer discretion is suggested, but naughty words are expected. Earmuffs for the office and the kiddies.
(Thanks to Tommy – a true sports fiend and one of the few Kansas alums I don't automatically take a swing at – for the heads up on this gem.)

Enjoy the weekend, and M–I–Z–Z–O–U!

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