A 60-Minute History of Humankind.

The Neo-Futurists, that wonderfully funny troupe of actors, performers and authors, kick off their 2003-04 prime time season tonight with the premiere of the brand-new play, "A 60 Minute History of Humankind". Can the entire history of our world be condensed into a single hour? If anyone can do it, bet on the Neo-Futurists. (GB connection: the play is being produced by our very own Amy Carlton! Hooray!) The play runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8:00 through November 22. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. Reservations: 773-275-5255.

National Feral Cat Day

In honor of National Feral Cat Day, members of the ChicagoLand Stray Cat Coalition will be taking 100 area feral cats to the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago to receive free spay/neuter services and free Rabies and Distemper vacinations. Eartipping and termination of pregnancies will also be done for free. In addition, FIV/FeLV testing, Microchipping and an application of Revolution will be done at cost if requested. Contact 847-289-4557 or ChgoLandStrays@aol.com for more information on how to get involved.

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo

The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo is coming to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL this weekend, October 16-18. Daily general admission is $10 at the door for access to the exhibit hall. Or, register for any one of the over 100 different classes and workshops being offered. View the full schedule at the website.

Sand Mandala

The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago celebrates its 75th anniversary with the creation and destruction of a Tibetan Buddhist sand mandala by Geshe Gendun Gyatso, a Chicago-based Tibetan monk. You can watch him work from 8am-4pm at 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. Free.

Neal Pollack

Former Reader and McSweeney's writer Neal Pollack returns to town to promote his latest book, "Never Mind the Pollacks." There will be a free reading at Quimby's (1854 W. North) at 7:30, followed by a 9:30 show at the Subterranean (2011 W. North) with his band, The Neal Pollack Invasion ($8).

UniverSoul Circus

The UniverSOUL circus is in town! Billing themselves as "the best in urban family entertainment", the circus features Chinese acrobats, Siberian white tigers and Colombian motorcycle daredevils. Check it out through Oct. 19 at Washington Park, 5531 S. King Dr. ($10)