The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival kicked off last night and continues through January 13, a smörgåsbord of comedy stylings from 99 troupes from across the U.S. and Canada. Intrepid performers leave the comfort of California and Texas, brave delays at O’Hare, and risk negative comments on their MySpace pages—all to entertain you. Organizers estimate 10,000 of you attended last year’s event and, with fest favorites like Elephant Larry, Canadian Content, Cool Table, and Big News returning, this year’s crowds will likely be just as huge. more ›

Where Can I Get a Tattoo? more ›

The second of four public comment sessions is tonight regarding a possible fare hike/restructuring and service cuts if the CTA doesn't get funding from the state. We've been told by our faithful readers that we should (all of us?) stop bitching and do something about this. This is one of the things we can actively do. We'll be there tonight, just as we were at the last round of comment sessions regarding the three-track blah (we can prove it, we were on TV!). more ›

There are a lot of ways to make money playing poker on the World Poker Tour circuit. To do it successfully, you have to consistently play good poker. Occasionally, you can get a string of good luck, and sometimes you can get away with being aggressive and the master of the bluff. Poker personality Mike "The Mouth" Matusow and recent 2006 World Series of Poker Champion Jamie Gold are two prime examples of people who have mastered the latter. They are also two examples of people who can easily go on tilt at the poker table and can blow a huge stack of chips in a short amount of time. more ›

Where to go Prom Dress Shopping? more ›

We’ve got a couple of great readings this week, so check them out, won’t you please? more ›

It's the end of June and that can mean only one thing - Pride Weekend. A celebration of diversity at its finest, Pride festivities are varied and the list is long - everything from workshops to plays, cocktail parties to religious services, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Howard Brown Youth Center for youth-oriented activities. The Dyke March kicks off tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Ashland and... more ›

Railing against winter depression, working hard for the belly laughs, imbibing enough to make their Second City forbearers proud, legions of talented performers and commendable administrators take over Theatre Building Chicago tonight through January 15 for the 5th Annual Chicago Sketchfest. Squeezing ninety troupes over eight nights, the festival boasts one of the most impressive lineups outside Aspen. They’re savvy enough to host tonight’s League of Chicago Theaters’ Theater Thursday event, featuring pre-show beer and appetizers at an area restaurant and mingling with the performers. Click here for tonight’s ticket info (just promise you’ll come back, ok?). more ›