Two films to compare

Celebrated as one of the best directorial debuts in film history, "Blood Simple," the Coen brothers' first feature-length film (1985), featuring John Getz, Frances McDormand and Dan Heydaya, will show in the Willard Straight Theatre, Dec. 3 at 9:15 p.m., Dec. 7 at 7:15 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 9:30 p.m. The film is a comic-noir-revenge-thriller that starts when a sleazy Texas saloon owner decides to hire someone to kill his wife and her lover. It was recently remade (2009) by Chinese director Zhang Yimou as "A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop," transporting the action from a town in Texas to a noodle shop in a small desert town in Gansu province. The newer film will show at Willard Straight Theatre, on Dec. 8 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 9:30 p.m. Information and tickets: http://cinema.cornell.edu.

Outdoor gear sale

Cornell Outdoor Education holds its annual Gear Sale, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-noon, Ramin Room, Bartels Hall. New and used outdoor clothing and equipment, from jackets to running shorts; sleeping bags to backpacks; canoes, kayaks and tents to cross-country skis, snowshoes and bikes. Come early for the best selection. Co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Running and Triathlon Co. Information: http://www.coe.cornell.edu.

Dinosaur holiday party

The Museum of the Earth's annual holiday party, featuring Cecil, the dinosaur mascot, hands-on exploration of fossils, holiday craft-making and snacks, will be Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Open to the public; admission. Information: http://www.museumoftheearth.org.

Mysteries of trees

A family-friendly program, "Identifying With Trees," Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon at the Nevin Welcome Center, Cornell Plantations, will feature Ithaca-area storytellers sharing folk tales and legends about trees, and naturalists unlocking some of the mysteries of tree identification. This program is presented in conjunction with the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art exhibition "Trees and Other Ramifications: Branches in Nature and Culture." Pre-registration is requested, at http://www.cornellplantations.org/event/trees, by e-mail at km274@cornell.edu or by phone at 607-254-7430. Admission: $5 per family or group of up to four adults.

Exit "Exit Saigon"

"Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon," a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit on Vietnamese America, will be ending its stay in the Rothschild's Building on the Ithaca Commons, 215 E. State St., Dec. 4.

The Ithaca Asian American Association, Downtown Ithaca Alliance and Community Center Programs at Cornell invite the Ithaca community to a "family style" closing reception, Dec. 4, 2-5 p.m., Women's Community Building, 100 West Seneca St., Ithaca. The reception will feature such traditional Vietnamese dishes as pho noodle soup, living-room style karaoke, a small vigil to commemorate Vietnamese refugees and remarks from community members. Information: Peter Van Do, ptv2@cornell.edu.

Alternative Gift Fair

The Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St., and the First Baptist Church, 309 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, will support 60 local charitable organizations when shoppers honor friends and relatives with gifts to causes that fit their values. The gifts include such items as healthy meals for schoolchildren, support for at-risk youth in the local community, shelter for abandoned pets and community discussions on racism.

Proceeds will benefit such organizations as the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, Better Housing for Tompkins County, community centers in Brooktondale and Caroline, Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard, Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, Multicultural Resource Center, SPCA of Tompkins County, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services, FoodNet, Meals on Wheels and the Women's Opportunity Center.

For two weeks following the event, shoppers can also purchase gifts online at http://www.ithacaaltgiftfair.org.

The Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair is sponsored by Cornell's Center for Transformative Action with support from the Tompkins County Public Library, TCAction, Alternatives Federal Credit Union and LightLink.

Women's ice hockey benefit

A special town-gown tribute to Cornell's women's ice hockey team, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, is slated for Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Lynah Rink, when Cornell takes on ECAC rival Clarkson. This special event looks to boost Cornell and local support of the team and help with the United Way campaign as well.

Proceeds from special raffles and other events as well as $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to the United Way of Tompkins County.

Tickets: $6 general admission; $5 senior citizens; $4 Cornell staff/faculty; children 12 and under free.

From Tchaikovsky to Ellington

The Cornell Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Chris Younghoon Kim, and Cornell University Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Paul Merrill, will present a free concert at Bailey Hall, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. The repertoire will feature the premiere of graduate composer Ryan Gallagher's "Throwback for Orchestra," Morton Gould's Concerto for Orchestra, Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," and Duke Ellington's "Nutcracker for Jazz Orchestra" and "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue." No tickets required. Information: http://music.cornell.edu/calendar.

Museum holiday party

Celebrate the season at the annual Johnson Museum holiday party, with special live performances, refreshments and some quality time with Mr. Claus, Dec. 5, 2-4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Christmas vespers at Sage

The Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers will be held Dec. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Sage Chapel, including a candlelit Lessons and Carols service sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community. Features Scott Tucker, conductor, and organist Annette Richards, with audience participation in the familiar Christmas hymns.

Bound for Glory

Leading a trio performing traditionally flavored American folk songs, Bob White will close the fall "Bound for Glory" season, Dec. 5, 8-11 p.m. at Anabel Taylor Café. Free and open to the public, the performance is also live on WVBR. Information: http://wvbr.com.

Making ends meet

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County is offering a workshop on setting financial goals, tracking spending, getting the most for the money and ways to reduce energy bills, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca. All participants will receive a free assortment of money management tools. Class size is limited; advance registration is required. Call 272-2292 to reserve a seat or e-mail hkr24@cornell.edu. Information: http://ccetompkins.org/calendar.