Bidder Sweets

1/25-1/30
There are two types of people who attend car auctions: bidders and gawkers. And while it may be your fantasy to hear the word "sold" attached to your name at a big-time auction, simply spending a day in the presence of the finest collection of classics you'll see anywhere in this lifetime comes in a close second. Prepare to be amazed as more than 1,000 of the world's finest collector vehicles converge on Scottsdale at the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, Tuesday, January 25, through January 30, at WestWorld, 16601 North Pima Road. Those who've attended Barrett-Jackson in the past know you don't have to be a car buff to appreciate the artistry of the autos on display. Entries here run the gamut from muscle cars and European sports models to custom-built hot rods, championship racecars, and coach-built classics. This year's event also includes a "no reserve" Automobilia Auction -- a veritable treasure-trove for the hard-core collector, featuring classic hood ornaments, gas pumps, racing posters, and more. And if you're thinking of joining in on any of the five full days of bidding, remember that last year's auction sales reached $38.5 million. In other words, a quick trip to the ATM might be in order. For more information, call 480-421-6694 or visit www.barrett-jackson.com. -- Craig Wallach

Wee Killer

Gnome slasher flick debuts

THU 1/20
A psychotic gnome made Brian Pulido do it: sell his entire comic book collection on eBay, that is. The local indie filmmaker and Chaos! Comics founder unleashes the aforementioned ceramic hobgoblin on Thursday, January 20, when Pulido premières his 16-minute film There's Something Out There at Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club, 14202 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. The film, financed by Pulido's online auctioneering, is the rather quick story of Brad and Penny, a young couple in love with life and each other -- until Brad brings home "a smiling garden gnome." When the gnome "takes protecting the garden to a terrifying, relentless extreme," well, Brad and Penny have a tough row to hoe. The movie screens at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 480-905-7200 for reservations.-- Joe Watson