“Ocean’s Twelve” Directed by Steven Soderbergh Warner Bros. Life was already difficult for the motley crew of professional thieves, with a vengeance-obsessed casino owner demanding their money and perhaps their lives. Read more...

To musical theater producers at least, nothing screams holiday cheer like the French Revolution. That’s right, everyone’s favorite three-hour sung-through musical about poor people and empty Parisian cafes, “Les Misérables,” based on the Victor Hugo novel, opened last week in the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a month-long run through Jan. Read more...

Nas “Street’s Disciple” Sony Urban Music/Columbia The double LP has traditionally marked the winding down of a career for hip-hop artists. “Life After Death” and “All Eyez On Me” were respectively the last albums the Notorious B.I.G. Read more...

Ditch the stupid party hats. Forget those annoying noise-makers. And save the cheap champagne for another night. New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be all about sitting in front of television watching a three-hour-old tape delay of the ball dropping in Times Square. Read more...

Ranging from respectful choir performances to “The O.C. Chrismukkah Mix,” holiday music is often hit-and-miss. For the faithful, though, hearing genuinely religious music can be a profound experience. Read more...

With a single light, a simple stage and a sequence of steps, artists are revealing stripped performances of raw, handmade expression. On Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., professors, along with graduate and undergraduate students from the world arts and cultures department will present their material in “Handmade.” This informal showcase during the 10th week of every quarter allows students and faculty to exhibit polished and rough performance gems. Read more...

Hey, I was wondering. … Where have all the toilet seat covers gone? In previous years, they were in every bathroom. This year, I have yet to see them in any building on campus. Read more...