Sat. Feb. 3

If you're like us, the first time you heard of "competitive eating," you went "What the hell ...?!" and thought about the millions of people starving in the world and the audacity of stuffing yourself for ... money? pride? just to win at something? We've since learned a little more about the field (sport?), and just saw a rather sympathetic dramatic piece on "Without a Trace," that keyed in on a complex, tender competitive eater. It's still a weird thing, but so is ultimate fighting and the idea of video games as a spectator sport. Here in town, Atwood's Tavern in Inman Square is presenting "The Bacon Eating Contest" on Saturday February 3 at noon. Ten contestants will have five minutes to eat the most bacon. Now, consider bacon: This is the tastiest thing in the world - if you're not a vegan - and it's been something we wrestle with because we know a) how good it is and b) how bad it is for us. In England a few years ago, we stayed at a hotel where the (included) breakfast featured unlimited bacon and it was almost astounding we didn't gain a couple of inches on the wasteband and had enough self-control to say when. So, that's our experience. Take it for what it's worth and go see or indulge at Atwoods if that's what gets you off. If you want to compete, get registration materials at the bar. (Atwood's opened nine months ago; this is its first bacon eating contest.) Winner gets a five pound assortment of gourmet bacon and a copy of "Seduced by Bacon: Recipes & Lore About America's Favroite Indulgence." Slightly lesser prizes down the ranks. 

877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-864-2792 atwoodstavern.com

Sat. Dec. 3

We know we're not the first (or second, or third ... ) to say this, but had Al Gore shown the kind of animation he shows in "An Inconvenient Truth," he'd have been elected President. (Hmm, do you think we'd be sunk in the Iraq sand?) "An Incovenient Truth," as most everyone knows paints a not-too-pretty about the not-too-distant future vis-a-vis Planet Earth. Gore - your host and guide - is eloquent, persuasive, not robotic and his message is harsh: Change now, world, or lose what you've got. The shocker, we suppose, is that Gore is as personable as he is, but maybe when he's got the right subject and the use of all these high-tech power point devices - he did invent the Internet - he's right at home. We saw it when it came out in the theater and left, like everyone, very quietly. It's not easy watching your future dissipate in front of you. And, we'd have to say that, even though it's available on DVD, there's something to be gained in a communal environment; it reinforces the notion that we're all in this - sink or swim (pun intended) - together. Brandeis ecology professor Eric Olsen leads a post-screening discussion. It's all for no charge at the Newton Free Library Saturday Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Newton mayor David Cohen introduces the film.

330 Homer St. Newton Centre, 617-796-1360

Sun. Feb. 4

Might as well face it, boys and girls, the newest of the new wave is upon us, with the Killers currently leading the pack, taking over the top slot from Franz Ferdinand and Interpol. New wave - the '80s movement that followed punk - was actually quite diverse, though the term turned "derisive" somewhere down the line. At its best: Quirky, explosive, danceable, twisted, arch. Not as much enamored of searing guitar and shouted vocals, but employing synthesizers and guitars, irony and detachment. Think the Cars, the Cure or XTC. We'd have to say Omaha's Go Motion exemplify the latest of this line of thinking and playing.Your guitarists are James Luther and Albert Kurnianwan (who is also the lead singer). Justin Runge mans the all-keyboard role and the rhythm section is bassist Luke Mabie, andLuter's brother David. The Omaha Weekly explains their new CD, "Kill the Love," is about "a murder - about anger and jealousy, a guy killing his girlfriend. ... From the beginning to the end the lyrics are pretty consistent." Well, we've heard it and although we glimpse a certain, uh, angst this is one bouncy, bubbling affair, reminding us more of A Flock of Seagulls (or the happy pop side of the Cure)  than Joy Division. So go see Go Motion at the Middle East tonight and make up your mind as to whether they live on the dark or light side. You won't forget to dance, either way. They're with Harlem Shakes and DJ Die Young. Starts at 9 p.m., tix $8.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.com

Fri. Feb. 2

They're calling Friday Feb. 2nd's gig at the Institute of Contemporary Arts a "Classical Mashup." There are enough clues in the title to give you an idea of what's coming. Purity goes out the window on this evening. New England Conservatory's Bruce Brubaker and composer/DJ Nico Muhly are presenting "Haydnseek" (clever), a remix blending of Haydn's original solo piano sonatas with live sampling and interactive computer performance. After that composer/pianist Donal Fox takes the stage with his trio for what he calls "Mashups in Blue." "The cocmept is based on  multi-media," says Fox, of the evening. "All the senses are involved (as we'll use) computers, classical, electonrica, lights. I’m going take my classical and jazz background and mash into new works through the jazz trio, and a combination of visual lighting and a question and answer period later." Expect music inspired by Bach, Monk, Schumann and Brown (James, the late). Fox speaks of composing in the era of youtube and myspace world, a place where information is constant and competition for our attention span is high. What he values, as a composer-performer, is giving the audience the feeling that there is a sense of "adventure" happening on stage.  Starts at  8 p.m. Tickets: $25.

100 Northern Ave. 617-478-3100 icaboston.org
   

Sun. Feb. 4

We're not big here on plugging events where all you're going to do is go out and watch TV and eat stuff that's not good for you and drink more than you should. You don't need us for that. At any rate, Sunday Feb. 4 is the day to do that, whether you choose to do it in the company of loved ones at home or with hooligans at a bar. Of course, there's the real possibility you may not give a monkey's toss who wins - given the Patriots abrupt exit from the competition. This game is between the Colts (apparently from Indianapolis, not Balimore like they were when we were young) and the Bears, who are always "da Bears" from the SNL running gag of years ago. But it's an Event, you know, so you must watch it, if not for the football for advertising and for the half time featuring Prince. We're guessing he pops a nipple. Maybe two. Or maybe he just worhsips God. Who knows what side will show up? Well, if you're going to watch this things with red-blooded American guys who like beer you could do worse than going to Big City, where you'll find 15 pool tables, a punch of plasma TVs, 25 cent chicken wings and 80 beers on tap. (We should note Allston was named one of the ten worst places to live by some know-it-alls recently, and, damn it, we've lived there and did so during the Bunratty's era. And we liked it! Well, except for the two attempted break-ins ... ) The game starts at 6:30, the Colts are favored by 7,  and it's on CBS, Channel 4.

138 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-782-2020 allstonsfinest.com