Psychedelic guru and author, Baba Ram Dass, slipped into Nirvana at his Maui home on Dec. 22, according to his official Instagram account. He was 88.

Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert on April 3, 1931, penned numerous new age and spiritually books, including 1971 spiritual best-seller, Be Here Now, and was a contemporary of fellow Harvard academic and psychedelic researcher, Timothy Leary, throughout the 1960s.

Dass’ spiritual awakening came after meeting and becoming a disciple of Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba during a trip to India in 1967. During this time, the Maharajji gave Alpert the name Baba Ram Dass, meaning servant to God.

Under the advisement of the Majarajji, Dass returned to the United States in 1968 and began lecturing about eastern philosophy and spirituality across the country. He believed God existed in everyone, advising followers to “Treat everyone you meet like God in drag."

While Dass continued to write new age best sellers throughout the ’80s and ’90s, he formed various foundations and charities aimed at helping prisoners and people close to death find equanimity. Another of Dass’ foundations is dedicated to fighting blindness in India and Nepal, as well as another promoting health education for Native Americans in South Dakota.

Dass became partially parylzed and briefly unable to speak after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 1997. He eventually made a recovery and was able to continue writing books and lecturing on the internet until his passing.

Ram Dass is survived by his son, Peter Reichard, 53, the love child of Dass and an undergraduate student at Stanford University while he was a professor during the early ’60s.

Bob Lee, freelance broadcast journalist, remembers hearing Dass speak at Reid Park’s band shell in 1975. Lee says he was a straight-laced guy for the 1970s, but a former girlfriend had introduced him to Dass’ teachings years prior. Out of curiosity, he decided to attend the event.

“Everyone I knew was into the “Be Here Now” thing, so I was peripherally involved,” Lee said. “In 1975 I went to concerts at TCC, but no too much into the alt-lifestyle.”

Lee says he doesn’t remember what Dass spoke about but the event was unassuming, with Dass sitting on a blanket spread on the ground and without a microphone or amplification.

“There was no P.A. or anything like that, but (Dass) was just speaking to the people who were there,” Lee said. “There was a pretty good crowd of about 100 or so young people too.”

While Dass continued to write new age best sellers throughout the 80s and 90s, he formed various foundations and charities aimed at helping prisoners and people close to death find equanimity. Another of Dass’ foundations is dedicated to fighting blindness in India and Nepal, as well as another promoting health education for Native Americans in South Dakota.

Dass became partially parylzed and briefly unable to speak after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 1997. He eventually made a recovery and was able to continue writing books and lecturing on the internet until his passing.

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Hanukkah Latkes at Ermanos. They’re back! Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar is embracing the season by serving up some specialty latke plates with house apple sauce and sour cream for $9. And if you want to make them extra special, you can upgrade the dish with a flute of Prosecco for $15. Either way, these potato pancakes are sure to pair well with a craft beer or two. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. 220 N. Fourth Ave. $9 to $15.

Arctic. Now that it’s actually winter, Casa Video is screening some of the chilliest movies they can. These include the new Icelandic survival/thriller Arctic, which premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Filmed over 19 days in Iceland, it tells of a man stranded in the arctic, waiting for rescue after a plane crash. Not only does he struggle against the elements, but with his own solitude. Star of the film Mads Mikkelsen said the making the film involved the most difficult shoot of his career. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Free.

Wil Taylor: Pearls of Eden. Have you checked out the art at the Tucson Botanical Gardens lately? One of the displaying artists is Tucson-based Wil Taylor, who received his master’s degree in art education at the UA. He taught for 15 years before pursuing full-time studio work, and now you get to admire the results. His pieces heavily feature his love of nature, as well as themes that are resonant on both personal and universal levels. If you’re into design, visual patterns and the natural world, make sure you get in to see his work before his exhibit is over on Jan. 5. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday (closed on New Year’s Day). Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. $15 GA, $13 students/seniors/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4.

Five years deep. Members past and present of Steff & the Articles, Kool Shades and Lucky Devils Rendezvous annually for a one-off gig uniquely covering their favorite songs—from reggae to jazz to EDM. Anything goes. At Club Congress...

The core of motley crew that oversee this zydeco-tinged, accordion-fueled Tex-Mexican bacchanal on occasion splinter-off. The Carnivaleros, with special guest Tommy Larkins, promise a special post-Christmas brouhaha, sans menudo. At Public Brewhouse...

In the tradition of Bob Wills and Earl Scruggs, bluegrass and western institution, The Titan Valley Warheads are coming out to play. At Monterey Court...

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Christmas Eve Dinner at Tavolino. Celebrate the holidays Italian style with Tavolino’s multi-course meal the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” This specialty dinner features six seafood-inspired dishes: cozze impanate al forno with baked mussels, marinated white anchovies, house-cured Atlantic salmon with crostini, bruschetta and creamy baccalà, and seafood lasagna or fresh sea bass. Only available on Christmas Eve. 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. 2890 E. Skyline Drive. $65/person, tax and gratuity not included.

Christmas Eve at The Coronet. It’s the time for special Christmas meals at restaurants all around town! Cushing Street’s hottest new(ish) restaurant is breaking out the Chinese food for a special Christmas Eve dinner. In addition to their regular menu, The Coronet will be serving Chinese Fish Soup, Coronado Hot Chinese Pork Dumplings and Cashew Chicken. No reservations are required, and this dinner coincides with their holiday happy hour. 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. 198 W. Cushing St.

Holiday Dining at Penca Restaurante. Penca Executive Chef Solorzano and owner Patricia Schwabe are celebrating the holidays with the “Noche Buena Buffet” showcasing a variety of traditional Mexican dishes: green corn tamales, carrot soup, salad with jicama and blood orange, Navideño potatoes, calabacitas and more. Rompope, a classic holiday milk punch will be offered along with other seasonal drinks. 11 a.m. to 4 pm. for lunch, and 4 pm. to 7 pm. for dinner, Tuesday, Dec. 24. 50 E. Broadway Blvd. Lunch is $32, dinner is $40. Children 4 and under are free. Reservations can be made at [email protected].

Gingerbread Workshop. You’ve probably made a gingerbread house before, right? And if you’ve made a gingerbread house, you’ve probably also experienced the frustration of having it turn out a little bit less than picture perfect. Why not call in an award winning pastry team for help? The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is inviting folks to come on out and do just that. With the guidance of these chefs, you’ll make a gingerbread house so devastatingly lovely that you’ll wish you could move into it yourself. You’ll be ready for your own show on HGTV! You’ll be a gingerbread genius! 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Drive. $50 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Call 530-572-3401 to make reservations.

Downtown Kitchen holiday meals. Janos Wilder’s DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is celebrating the holidays with a special run of Tucsonan dishes showcasing the flavors of the region: the Oaxacan tomato soup, roast turkey adobado, and warm Oaxacan bread pudding with cranberry ice cream and mezcal hard sauce. The regular dinner menu will also be offered. 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. $45 per person/$20 per child aged 10 and under. 135 S. Sixth Ave.

Christmas Eve! Musician/comedian Steven Yanez Romo hosts Karaoke with Romo, rumored to be an “extreme” experience,” “the best in town” and “buttloads of fun.”. At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery…

Songstress Natalie Pohanic celebrates Christmas Eve and her birthday singing the dreamiest of folk songs. At Public Brewhouse. Cheers, Nat…

“Hi friends! I’m a playful boy 1-year-old boy named Rayson. I was transferred to HSSA from another shelter so they don’t know much about my past. They do know I am a sweet boy who deserves a loving family. Could that be with you?” Rayson (881259) Bring your family, dogs included, to meet Rayson at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. For more information give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

Flandrau Holiday Shows. We’ll be honest: A visit to the planetarium pretty much always feels like a holiday spectacular. What’s more festive and twinkly than the night sky? But this time of year, Flandrau has got three holiday-themed shows that are fun for the whole family. Season of Light, set to popular holiday music, celebrates the many holidays that take place around the winter solstice. Laser Holidays is a laser light show set to classic bops like “The Christmas Song” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” And Holiday Magic is another laser show set to classic Christmas songs. Holiday shows this week take place at various times on Friday, Dec. 20, through Monday, Dec. 23, this week. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. $16 GA, $12 for kids4 to 17, senior/military/college students with ID. Free for kids 3 and under.

It’s a Wonderful Life. Yeah, it’s the week of Christmas, get ready for a whole lot of jolly screenings. The Fox Theatre is screening the tear-jerkiest of Christmas films twice this week, just in case you want to reignite your passion for life multiple times. There’s really nothing more to be said about how important this film is in the Christmas canon, so instead, here’s some trivia: the film was a flop upon initial release, but went on to be ranked as the “#1 Most Inspirational Movie of All Time” by the American Film Institute. Also, a photo of a six-month-old James Stewart is featured on the Bailey’s home. 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. 17 W. Congress St. $7.

The Ice Pirates. The year is 1984, the original Star Wars trilogy just concluded and changed how Hollywood treats sci-fi, but not everyone wanted to take it seriously. For their Mondo Mondays series, The Loft Cinema is bowing down to John Carradine, the man who starred in more than 300 films, including this B-movie mess. The Ice Pirates depicts a galaxy running low on water, and a rag-tag team of swashbucklers dedicated to causing a ruckus with every cheesy alien they can find. There’s even a creature called a “Space Herpe.” Fun! 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $4.

The Polar Express. How did this whimsical children’s film become a holiday classic? Because it’s written by Chris Van Allsburg, the most important children’s author since Dr. Seuss. Allsburg, also responsible for Jumanji, Zathura and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, knows how to capture mystery and adventure like a child’s mind. And wouldn’t you know it, this film adaptation does a pretty faithful job of translating the book. The Fox Theatre is screening possibly the least unnerving live-action motion capture film (certainly compared to future endeavors like 2009’s A Christmas Carol and 2011’s Mars Needs Moms). At 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. 17 W. Congress St. $7.

This Latin lounge troubadour was found “on a remote island as an infant. Rescued from jungle cats, he was raised listening to his beatnik father’s record collection.” Or so the story goes. Hans Hutchison performs at Club Congress. Mamma Coal opens…

It needs to be written in big, bold, flashing red neon letters: Beware of For-Profit Education. Kindergarten through college, all of it. If for-profit education is not banned outright, then we need to regulate and enforce the hell out of it.

Case in point: the for-profit college industry.

For-profit colleges have taken some recent, well deserved hits after decades of swindling their students. Just this month, the University of Phoenix was fined $191 million for its misleading advertising and predatory recruiting tactics. The 105-campus, for-profit Corinthian College chain dissolved in 2015 under the weight of its own misdeeds.

The Obama administration began the latest attempts to clamp down on the worst excesses of the industry — there were a number of earlier attempts — and set about forgiving college loans for students who were bilked by for-profit colleges. The Never-Obama Trump administration has reversed many of the previous administration's regulatory measures, while Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was held in contempt of court for accidentally-on-purpose bungling the process of loan forgiveness.

Not many people were talking about the sins of the for-profit college industry when I began blogging about them a decade ago, beginning with a piece I wrote in November 2009, For profit colleges need oversight as well. At the time I thought I was being prescient. I thought I was ahead of the curve. It turns out I was actually three decades behind, or 60 years behind if you go back to the genesis of the problem at the end of World War II.

Here is a brief history of the abuses of for-profit higher education and ongoing, bipartisan attempts to fix the unintended consequences of well-meaning legislation which allowed the industry to run roughshod over its customers, followed by the George W. Bush administration's intentional reversal of anti-profiteering regulations so it could run rampant once again. I'm drawing most of the information from a long, detailed history contained in a report by the Century Foundation.

For-profit education scams date back to the 1944 GI Bill, which gave returning soldiers the opportunity to enroll in colleges and training programs. Unscrupulous entrepreneurs took advantage of the easy government money and offered bogus programs to GIs. Investigative reports exposed the fraud as early as 1946 in articles like the Saturday Evening Post's “Are We Making a Bum Out of GI Joe?” Congress passed a series of laws to correct the abuses beginning in 1948 and continuing through the 1950s.

In the 1960s, programs which were part of President Lyndon Johnson's War of Poverty opened new opportunities for scam artists to create fraudulent training programs. In 1971, Carl Bernstein, a few years before he and Bob Woodward began on their famous reporting on the Watergate break-in and its aftermath, wrote a series of articles about abuses at trade schools in Washington DC. Other investigative articles followed in other areas of the country. As a result, the office of Health Education and Welfare imposed new restrictions.