It wasn't all about roasting pigs out in the 'burbs this week: more ›

Ever wanted to be in the movies? Well here’s your chance. Fresh Films, a national filmmaking project for teens, is holding a casting call this Sunday for a short film. Needed are males and females in their early twenties; a total of five roles are up for grabs. More info here but it says that previous experience is not required. A casting director as well as the teen filmmakers themselves will be present. The completed films will be judged by a jury of professionals, including industry heavyweights such as actor John Lithgow and Katherine Brooks of MTV’s “The Real World.” The experimental short film being made here in Chicago is described as a comedy about Lucifer’s son. more ›

"pull left" via sutton hoo in Contribute. more ›

The problem with "Best Of" lists, especially when it comes to food, is that trying to convince people of why is like teaching a pig to dance: it only annoys you and pisses off the pig. So Chicagoist imagines that such is the case for this latest list, the Chicago Tribune's "Chicago's Best Burgers" list. Already we're set to go to the mat to defend our favorite burgers from the ones the Trib selected as... more ›

big event in the gay music scene, and it's taking place right here in our fair town. The 2005 OutMusic Awards will showcase this year's hottest gay and lesbian singers, songwriters, and producers from across the country. more ›

Now that the Oscar nominations have been announced, Chicagoist plans on spending the weekend catching up on the films it’s missed so far this season. The Landmark (at Clark and Diversey) is making it real easy too; half of the films playing there are nominated for an Oscar: Being Julia, Hotel Rwanda, A Very Long Engagement, and Sideways. AMC River East has a bunch too: Being Julia; Hotel Rwanda; Closer; Phantom of the Opera;... more ›

So you’re downtown with the family doing the holiday thang, and you feel a bit famished. The line for the Walnut Room stretches to the Lake, and workaday sandwich options (Cosi/Baci/Panera/Subway) threaten to underwhelm you at every turn. What to do, you wonder. And then, you dredge up a faint memory of the Italian Village on Monroe and Clark. more ›