WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24, 2010 >>>

1. The Grand Cinema screens 127 Hours, the harrowing true story of Aron Ralston, a rock climber whose arm was pinned to a Utah canyon wall by a boulder, at 2, 4:30, 6:50 and 9:10 p.m. "In desperation he amputated his own arm to free himself. James Franco stars in Danny Boyle's film, which is gruesome but not QUITE too gruesome to watch. It's rather awesome what an entertaining and absorbing film Danny Boyle has made here. Yes, entertaining," says Roger Ebert, who gave the film four out of four stars.

2. For whatever reason, most of you (and us) will be up until the wee hours tonight getting hammered. Like, seriously obliterated. Because there's no way we want to wake up before the parade is over. Not this year, Philbin. There's no shortage of places that want our business, but one of the better pre-Thanksgiving bumps will be at the new Gruv Lounge and Nightclub. Local boys J-Fresh and dAb will spin during Gruv's '80s old-school night beginning at 9 p.m. It'll almost be enough to make you forget how much you hate spending time with your family.

3. You knew there was a reason to hold on to the Christmas-light-laden and obscenely geometric printed green-and-red sweater. You once thought even the one with reindeer had potential. Now it's time to explore your closets because, ladies and gentlemen, the bad holiday sweater contest is back at Doyle's Public House beginning at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for individuals, couples and groups.

4. Have you ever seen a grown man draw? It's not always pretty. Sometimes, it's beautiful. Tacoma's CLAW - or Cartoonists League of Absurd Washingtonians - meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Amocat Café. While the CLAW meets often and mysteriously, this one is "open to the public" - when "non members can be brought and introduced to the group." Sound intriguing? Show up at 7:30 p.m. and see it live.

5. Vicci Martinez and Danny Barnes plan an 8 p.m. show at Jazzbones.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound