Lincoln D.Hurst,a core member of thereligious studies department at UC Davis for many years,an American Bible scholar and religious and film historian,died from a sudden heart attack on Nov.11.He was62. The Woodland resident is survived by two nephews,Tym Hurst and John Hurst,and a niece,Jami,as well as his sister-in-law,Sylvia.

You can never throw an un-wadded Kleenex and still look manly.Why do foreigners have sexy English accents,but when Americans speak in a foreign language they just sound like idiots?

Let me just start by saying that I love finals like a fat kid loves broccoli.I know everyone just wants them to be over with,but I want Taylor Swift’s hairstylist for Christmas and we all know that ain’t gonna happen.It’s the time of the season to whine about impending doom for sure,but since you guys got tips on surviving next week on Tuesday,I thought I‘d provide the inspiration.

Believe it or not,in about a week’s time you’ll be free of classes,tests and term papers.To help you pass your winter days,The California Aggie has compiled a listof non-required reading based on recommendations from UC Davis professors.

For improv artists performing in front of an audience,their every word and move is open to scrutiny.But despite the public nature of their art,the innards of improv subculture are largely hidden.Until now. On one end of the spectrum of improv actors is Mike Lane,a senior international relations and history major and director of Birdstrike Theatre.The acting troupe has grown every year since its inception in2005,though Lane has grander plans that may cause friction with anti-establishmentarian fans.

“When people stand up,things change.“ In six words,Sean Penn managed to sum up the entire movie ofMilk.But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still see it.

Every year without fail,a select group of people can be found racing around department stores in a frenzy,desperately searching for a last minute holiday gift.I speak from experience:You don’t want to be one of those people.To help ease the burden this year,here are some helpful ideas to ensure you find a thoughtful (and economical) gift for those you love.

“Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis” by Tom Waits So there aren’t a lot of hookers in Davis.But that’s okay,I can still identify with this song; it’s not like Tom Waits actually gets Christmas cards from hookers either – on second thought,maybe he does.With the song’s sleazy piano and Waits‘ distinctive smokers‘ croon,this might be just the kind of slow burning love song even someone as potentially jaded as a hooker can fall in love with.Besides,when you’re strutting your stuff up and down the cold streets of Davis this weekend – in fishnet stockings and high heels – you just might feel a little like a lady of the night.In that case,Tom Waits and I have you covered.You can thank me later.I recommend a card.

The Hebrew Hammer(2003) Christmas movies tend to grab the attention of almost every media outlet during the holiday season,so it’s always nice to see some diversity on the regular cable channels.If you haven’t seen this2003holiday classic on Comedy Central already,it’s bound to be on eventually.Starring Adam Goldberg,Judy Greer and Andy Dick,the film follows a former Israel Defense Forces captain as he becomes a pimped out Orthodox Jewish badass on a mission to save Hannukah.With frequent mentions of circumcision and character names like Esther Bloomenbergensteinenthal,stereotypes obviously run rampant.

It’sDec.12– finals are done,fallquarter’s notes are either filed or trashed and you’ve probably forgotten most of the quarter already.But if you’re not going home,you’re in for a longwinterof Davis cheer (i.e.you’re probably stuck alone in an empty apartment).For all of those staying in Davis over the break,here’s an exciting and provocative list of localwinter activities to keep you busy throughout the break.

According to the 1999 U.S. Census Bureau 24.5 percent of Davis resdients were living below the poverty level. To help locals in need, various organizations are giving back to the community. The California Aggie profiles two of them below.

So your sweetheart caught you under the mistletoe and rather than thinking about that big Christmas smooch that’s coming your way,you wonder:what exactly is this hemi-parasitic plant above me and how did it get such a romantic reputation?