Verbatim Verboten: the all-Dubya show

Verbatim Verboten, the stage show that stages live readings of celebrity bloopers, out-takes, secret recordings, phone conversations and even porno films, offers a special George W. Bush performance tonight at 7:00. Come hear the best of the past 4 years of Bushisms, as performed by a cavalcade of starts from Chicago's arts and entertainment community. The regular series runs Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 through October 2. Royal George Theater Center: 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000. Tickets are $20.

Legendary Stardust Cowboy doc @ Film Center

Cotton Pickin' Smash! The Story of the Legendary Stardust Cowboy (2004), a documentary about the wild Texas singer/songwriter/rebel yeller whose 1968 single "Paralyzed" is one of the most cacophonous rock'n'roll records ever recorded, shows tonight at 5:45 PM at the Siskel Film Center. Fans of Outsider Music will definitely want to catch this flick! The film has been in the can for at least a year or so; rumor has it that the only thing that kept the film from being released was a rather large fee request from one of the owners of some archival footage used in the documentary. The director, Tony Philputt, will attend today's screening; perhaps you can ask him about that. If you miss the film today, it will be reshown on Thursday, September 2 at 8:15 PM. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Final free screening of "Outfoxed"

The Public Square is sponsoring free screenings of the film OUTFOXED August 18–29. This movie has to do with the media, commentary vs. fact, and our own perception of events. The Public Square invites you to a screening of the film OUTFOXED this week, then during the week of August 31–September 3, join them to examine these issues and to bring your own for discussion at Café Society.

The last free screening is tonight at 7 pm, at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St (donation suggested).

This event is free. Reservations are recommended, but not required. If you would like more information, contact The Public Square at info@thepublicsquare.org or 312.993.0682.

A Streetcar Named Desire @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents a tribute to the late actor Marlon Brando this month by showing some of his greatest films. This afternoon: Elia Kazan's A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). The movie starts at 3:00 PM, and will also be shown on Tuesday, August 31 at 7:45 PM. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Chicago Poetry Fest

Today is the final day of the Chicago Poetry Fest, a weekend touted as "Chicago's Largest Poetry Reading," with 80 poets reading in Lincoln Square and at Weeds today. Today's programming takes place at Weeds at 1555 N. Dayton, near North and Halsted, where poets will read from 3–8 pm. The event is free, as always, but is intended for Adults Only. For a complete line-up of readers, and more details, check out the Chicago Poetry website.

From the Middle East to the Midwest

The tents of Block 37 downtown will be transformed into a Middle Eastern bazaar this Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the arts, culture and food of the Middle East and North Africa. Local vendors will sell Middle Eastern wares and local Middle Eastern and North African restaurants will offer a sampling of the regions' cuisines. And best of all -- camel rides! Presented by Genesis at the Crossroads.

Free. Block 37 State and Randolph Streets (enter on State).
Saturday, 12-8:30pm
Sunday, 12-6pm

Glamourcon Chicago

Bunnies and boobies and pinups - oh my! Unless you're an aging Playboy bunny, an amateur photographer who can't get models the conventional way, or a vendor of vintage erotica... you won't be among the majority of people here. But: if you seek the autograph of an aging Playboy bunny or porn star (Dede Lind, Janet Lupo, Marilyn Chambers, to name a few), really are an amateur photographer who wants a chance to photograph beautiful women, or are (like me) a consumer of vintage erotica, Glamourcon 34 is the place to be. August 28 and 29 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare. 11-6 on Saturday, 12-5 Sunday. Admission $20/day at the door, 18 and over only. Still cameras okay, video is a no-no.

Babes with Blades Self Defense Workshop

The women of local stage-fighting theatre company Babes with Blades are hosting a 3-hour workshop on Sunday, August 29 to teach women a different kind of fighting: self-defense (sans swords). This free workshop will be led by a martial arts instructor and will begin at 12:30 at Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport. Call 773-392-8414 to register.