In a press blast earlier this week, which Chicagoist gets but doesn't generally read very closely since they're usually just partisan talking points, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Mark Kirk took a swing at his Democratic opponent Alexi Giannoulias, attempting to tie loans from his families failed Broadway Bank to the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The email, (the substance of which is also on a website paid for by Kirk for Senate) sent by the Illinois Republican Party tried to link Giannoulias to Hussein a la Kevin Bacon, through various degrees of separation via Nadhmi Auchi (and Tony Rezko). more ›

Sunday. Usually, a quiet, contemplative day in the Blogosphere. But not here in the Ist-a-Verse. Nonono! Just look below and see all of the wild and crazy stuff our staffs are up to. In Austin, bands are beginning to confirm for SXSW and the rumor mill is up and running. Good thing, too, because we all know how much Austinites love live performances. Austin also found itself in the national spotlight, with Longhorn Legend... more ›

Muslims around the area are getting ready to celebrate Eid Al Ahda, or, the Feast of the Sacrifice. The Eid, one of two celebrated by Muslims throughout the year, comes at the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage involves nearly 2 millions muslims every year, and every person of Muslim faith who is able bodied is obliged to make the pilgrimage once in their lifetime. Saudi Arabia issues special visas to foreigners to visit the site, and no person of non-Muslim faith is able to enter. more ›

Attention gullible dipshits! If Sgt. Mark Dang contacts you via e-mail to ask for your help in transferring part of Saddam Hussein's fortune that he found in Iraq, be careful. Sgt. Dang may only be taking advantage of your delusions of renown among the U.S. Armed Forces and, according to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, may not even exist. "I would be very surprised if this con artist is a member of our military, which is serving so courageously in the Middle East. ...This seems to be a new twist on a very old scam," Madigan said today. more ›

Stars will be shine and poignent stories will fill the airwaves. The 's list of 20 Things to Watch calls attention to many, including Michael Phelps' attempt to win 7 swimming golds, the debut of women's wrestling and the Iraqi soccer team who had been abused at the hands of Saddam Hussein's son Udai. more ›