Artist and Hono-lulu girl Susan Maddux is a Brooklynite now, but her work is still informed by her Island dreams. Can't afford a painting? She has transferred her charming quasi Victorian-tropical images to fabrics such as raw silk to fashion must-have pillows. The perfect artful accent for your bed. They're $40 at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

— Lesa Griffith

A DIFFERENT KIND OF NUTCRACKER

Forget Jeremy Piven — Los Angeles filmmaker Patrick Henry, co-creator of kickedinthenuts.com, was also in town for the U2 show. (He's seen two shows on every U2 tour since the Unforgettable Fire.) Check the Web site for "Candid Camera"-style films similar to Sacha Baron Cohen's "Da Ali G" skits that make viewers wonder if they're real or staged (we're not telling). The films, complete with cutaways to a laughing audience (from an ancient awards show), were inspired by just how "invasive all of these reality TV shows have become and the fact that people will do anything to be on TV," says Henry. His brother, Mike, a writer for "The Family Guy," dons a woolly orange wig and ambushes hapless groins. Irate victims laugh when they realize they're on film. New weekly episodes begin Jan. 8.

— Lesa Griffith

STYLUS AFFAIR

For a year now, University Square shop Stylus Music and Fashion Exchange has been the place to go if your wardrobe is as thin as your wallet. The boutique buys, sells and trades only the grooviest men's and women's wear (and music). Today Stylus joins the BazaarBQ at thirtyninehotel, 2 to 8 p.m., offering reconstructed and new clothing, hats and handbags by local designers Fiume, Kim Gilder, Corinne Kamiya, Repeater Goods and Sassy Lassy. Have a natty Noel. 951-4500, www.myspace.com/stylushonolulu.

— Katie Whitman