If there is NO family support group in the home to assist and encourage the child, no amount of money thrown at the schools, teachers or equipment will do a damn thing to ensure the child comes out of the system with a viable education.

'Tis the Consumer Season

by Ken Ilgunas

From the outside, the holidays seem to be a magical time of Christmas trees, family gatherings and festive decoration. But underneath all the red and green fluff is a dark side where mothers stampede and fathers rain blows to obtain that elusive gift. While little Kimberly thanks Santa after feverishly unwrapping that “Beautiful Bride” Barbie doll, she has no idea that mom was trampled by the hooves of consumer-crazy shoppers in order to purchase it. While some people hate this aspect of the holidays, others relish it. But for those who detest malls and waiting lines, online shopping can be a helpful alternative. The online trend is growing; according to the New York Times, Americans spent 26 percent more money online this Thanksgiving Day weekend than they did last year. Has consumerism taken the “Christ” out of Christmas, or does the pleasure of giving make it worth all the trouble?

by Andrew Killian and Jamie Moses

Chester Popiolkowski

by Anthony Chase

Why you should know who he is. Chet has composed dozens of musical scores for Theatre of Youth productions—in addition to being their in-house sound designer, and sometimes technical director. He helps create the atmosphere for every Theatre of Youth show, and in so-doing, helps cultivate a taste for theater among our important young audiences. His music is currently featured in The Masque of Beauty and the Beast at Theatre of Youth, and he did the sound design for Studio Arena Theatre’s current production of A Christmas Story.

Walking the Line at Kepa3

by Cynnie Gaasch

Peter Fowler (pictured) told me he was opening a new gallery space over a year ago. Because his “old” space on Allen Street was so unusual and appealing—a loft space with large windows and details that only two artists building their own space could put together, and art everywhere—I looked forward to the new gallery opening. I expected to see that happen months before it actually did, in November. The new space for Kepa3 Gallery was well worth the wait. Again unique and comfortable, the space has huge windows looking onto Barker Street and movable colorful walls offering a full range of exhibition opportunities.

50 Amp Fuse

Our CD, Dirty Sock Girl, is slated for release just after New Year’s, but we’re already working on the follow-up.

by Chuck Shepherd

■ While Canadian “global warming” protesters express alarm at the dwindling outdoor hockey season (fewer months with ice, fewer days cold enough for hard ice), a growing number of “hockey” players are taking the game underwater, according to a November Associated Press story. With six breath-holding players per team, passing a puck with sticks at the bottom of a pool, and players surfacing for air as seldom as possible, dozens of club teams worldwide play (nearly 50 in the U.S.), with a championship tournament scheduled next year for Sheffield, England. Said a Cincinnati high school player of the respiratory challenge, “(W)hen you’re close to the goal, you’re like, ‘Do I want to score a goal or breathe?’ Most of the time I say, ‘Score.’”

by Rob Brezsny

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Greenland is literally covered with rubies. “You can’t set foot anywhere without stepping on five or six rubies,” says gemstone hunter Andrew Lee Smith, quoted in Discover magazine. This omnipresence of valuable beauty is an apt metaphor for your fate in the coming week, Sagittarius. Everywhere you turn, you will see treasure. You may find the abundance hard to believe. Ironically, your incredulity is the only possible obstacle that could interfere with you gathering up and enjoying the riches.