The Chicago Comedy Film Festival got it’s start in 2011 when a few good funny people got together and realized that comedy hasn’t be equally recognized in the film scene. Aside from the usual drama shorts and films, most other pictures chosen to be included in film festivals consist of experimental works that give you a different perception on things. Emotional rollercoaster titles and pseudo intellectual ideals are great, but where are the laughs at these special events?

Are you blog curious? Want to know more about how to start (or improve!) your own blog? Shani Silver, former editor of Refinery29 Chicago and current Editorial Manager for clothing company Free People, is returning to Chi for ONE very special edition of her popular Dabble class, Blogging Basics.

Show the men what’s up the next time football come’s up in a conversation at the water cooler – throw the pom pom’s down and take charge, ladies!

On November 2nd, a fabulous ball will be held to commemorate and honor one of the art communities’ most valued and respected “outsider” artist. Cleo F. Wilson, a founding member of Intuit and former Executive Director of the company, also spent 25 years at Playboy Foundation while using her powers for good around the Chicago art community to inspire and encourage those around her. The philanthropist and art activist will receive the 2012 Visionary Award for her respected achieved efforts that have helped make Intuit the organization it is today. The organization I’m talking about is of course Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. At Intuit, they strive to spread their mission of nurturing outsider, self-taught, and unconventional artists. The organization believes in all kinds of artists – whether they are outside of the normal realm of artistry, are self-taught artists or are classically trained.

If haunted houses aren’t your style, then perhaps you can be scared another way this weekend: with frighteningly awesome deals. Thanks to Gilt City Chicago, there are two ways you can get some amazing new clothes.

Finch Beer Company and Rockit Bar and Grill present the first TasteIT Insider Dinner to give you an exclusive look at specially paired combinations of food and drink. Rockit Bar and Grill Executive chef Amanda Downing will be cooking up an awesome four-course menu while Finch Beer Company serves up a multitude of beers to go along with each course!

I hope your calendar is clear this Friday night. Why you ask? Because it will be raining cats and dogs of course! Ok, not literally. But it’s the Anti-Cruelty Society’s 12th Annual Fall Benefit, appropriately named: It’s Raining Cats & Dogs! What can you expect from this extraordinary event (and I can assure you, it will be extraordinary)? Here’s the inside scoop.

It’s no secret that Chicago is home to some of the best restaurants in the country – scratch that, some of the best restaurants in the world. Yeah, I said it. With hot spots like Alinea, Next, Moto, and Tru – to name just a few, we give New York, San Fran, Paris, and Spain a run for their money. As a result, food fests, tastings, pairings, and other interactive culinary events regularly pop-up in neighborhoods around the city. A true food enthusiast, I try not to simply sample the most sought-out displays of deliciousness. I’ve learned with age (yes, in all of 26 years that I’ve lived) that some of the best bites are found at local dives, down random alleys, and in ethnic neighborhoods housing chefs with a real understanding of the food that they cook.

The 4th Annual American StreetBall Classic will be held on Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Attack Athletics. The tournament, sponsored by PERL Mortgage, brings together teams to take part in 3-on-3 basketball competitions, will benefit Imerman Angels. Imerman Angels provides personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. For a person newly diagnosed with cancer, no amount of media attention on the disease can substitute for a knowing companion who can empathize with their disease, someone who has been the patient themselves. Imerman Angels’ mission is to ensure no one faces cancer alone.

UPDATE 10/19/12- THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! The most voted for concept for our next venue was a play on a "Mexican Dive Bar" at 39% of the votes- so as of right now, we will proceed now in that direction!!!!! Please help us spread the word to hire the best staff for this project, and for positions available at our other Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs...at our Open Call for Jobs this Monday 10/22/12 from 2p-530p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard). See: http://bit.ly/SAOFyP & email [email protected] for info.