If you have an event you wish for us to consider for "Pencil This In," please e-mail out Tips inbox, Chuck, Tankboy (for arts and events), or Anthony (for food and drink-related events). more ›

Joe Meno is an author who lives, loves and breathes Chicago. He published his first novel many moons ago after finishing his undergraduate degree from Columbia College Chicago. He’s since published quite a few many more novels, short stories, plays, fiction, and probably tons of other things. Chicagoist last chatted with Meno back in 2006, and after picking up his most recent book of short stories, Demons in the Spring we decided to check back in with him. more ›

Let’s face it—there’s precious little in the news cycle these days to encourage risk-taking. Planning on solo skydiving? Might want to examine your company’s recently reduced health care benefits. Want to gamble your tax refund on one crazy night in Vegas? Perhaps you should invest in your 401k instead. more ›

Chicagoist never gets the last word. Shows run long after we’ve weighed in, discussions evolve beyond our ramblings, companies grow, companies fold, artists work hard to make a living or to make the next news cycle. For our curious and attention-deficient readers, some quick updates on previously reported stories. Art Fairs and Festivals At the eleventh hour, the Merch Mart saved Art Chicago 2006. Soon after the exhibitors packed up came word that Merchandise Mart... more ›

Joe Meno, author & playwright more ›

We here at Chicagoist just get all tickled inside, if a little bit conflicted, when we get to tell you about multiple great literary events happening in the same evening. Tomorrow night gives the local literatista (why yes, we do love making up words!) not one but two opportunities for some non-traditional literary edification--both lubricated with a little bit of beer and and a lot of the sweet, sweet pleasure of philanthropy. more ›

Note: This is Part 1 of a series. You didn't think we'd cover every company in one post, did you? On the first day of summer the last thing on your mind is how you’ll spend next winter. But more than a few theater companies hope that in between getting cultured outdoors and gulping down overpriced beverages at festivals, you’ll reserve a subscription for 2005-2006. It's impossible in June to know who will curry favor... more ›

If you missed last year’s The Book of Ralph by John McNally, you missed a great little “meta-memoir” about growing up in the southwest suburbs--but you weren't the only one. The novel--described on its cover as "a fiction"--has just come out in paperback and McNally has started up a tour again and stops in Chicago every day this week, culminating in two big events on Saturday. At 11 am, he’ll be at Duke’s for “the... more ›