A Day of Political Satire @ Newberry Library

The Newberry Library and In These Times present "A Day of Political Satire." This day-long celebration of political satire, just in time for the upcoming elections, will examine how satirists have plagued American presidents and other politicians with fine wit and scathing comments about the state of the union and address why, even in this land of freedom, satirists are sometimes censored.

First, "Politics, Censorship, and Satire," a discussion presented in partnership with the Public Square and in conjunction with the Newberry’s exhibit, Outspoken: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition. 10-11:30am at the library, 60 W. Walton St. Free.

Second, head to 2040 N. Milwaukee for "Cirque Du Politique and the Presidential Rogues Gallery." Lampooning or lambasting, the posters in A Presidential Rogues Gallery, curated by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, hold their subjects to account, make fun of their foibles, and serve as a call to action around a range of causes. Many of the posters mirror the pop culture of their time, appropriating the visual language of advertising and film promotion. The improv group Schadenfreude also performs. 7-10:30pm. $5 suggested donation.

More info here.

Fast Forward Film Festival

The Fast Forward Film Festival displays its latest batch of freshly-baked films tonight at 8:00 at Wesley Kimler's studio (2046 W. Carroll). These films are less than 24 hours old, having been started last night at 7:30 PM. Prizes will be awarded, so bring your movie-judging hat. $5 suggested donation for the screening. BYOB. More information at the Website.

Rhino Theater Fest: POWER brecht-down 2004

A new Bertolt Brecht revue, adapted by Stefan Brün. Part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival. "Jenny Magnus and Beau O'Reilly break down power for you in a new revue devoted to this, unfortunately, so timely poet and playwright. POWER brecht-down 2004 includes texts and songs never before translated into English as well as The Beggar or the Dead Dog, Money Medley and an excerpt from Brecht's Training Manual for War. Part of Curious’s Rhino ’04 look back at the masters who influenced us." 7pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

Rhino Theater Fest: White Suit Science

A new piece written and directed by Shawn Reddy for the Rhinoceros Theatre Festival. "From the mind that brought you last year’s Rhino and PAC/Edge hit, My Name is Mudd, comes a super-scientific-y investigation into one of America’s great literary mysteries. Why did Mark Twain wear a white suit out of season? Complete with Mark Twain impersonators, Kentucky Fried Chicken conspiracies, dry cleaning techniques, God’s experiments on little animals, Silas Phelps’s penis, and much, much more in the way of irrelevant supporting material, White Suit Science finally reveals the greatest ancient Chinese secret this side of the Mississippi!" 9pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

43 Plays for 43 Presidents @ Neo-Futurarium

Tonight's the last night to catch a revival of "43 Plays for 43 Presidents" which returns to celebrate the upcoming election with a new ending and a few new plays in-between. The piece is a chronological, biographical survey of the lives and presidencies of each of the 42 men who have held the office to date, with a company of performers portraying both their mistakes and successes. The scenes shift frequently between the comic and the tragic, beginning with George Washington, continuing through the grim onset of the Civil War, moving through a Nixon dance number, and arriving at a WWF-style wrestling match of the 2000 election. Tickets are available at the door for $10, curtain time is 8 p.m. The Neo-Futurarium is located at 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). For more information call 773-878-4557.

The Dwarves, Bars & Dutchmen @ Blue Note

The Dwarves. You may remember them from such classic recordings as "Blood, Guts, and Pussy," and "The Dwarves are Young and Good-Looking." Come reacquaint yourselves as they tour in support of their latest release, "The Dwarves Must Die," at the Blue Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee, along with supporting acts The Bars and The Dutchmen. Doors for this 21-and-over event open at 9pm. Admission is $12.

Undershorts Film Fest

The Undershorts Film Festival takes place this Saturday, Oct. 23, @ the Congress Theater from 2:30 pm to 2 am.

A parade down Milwaukee Ave. will kick off the festivities at 2:30 pm, followed by DJs, fire-spinners, welders, ice-carvers, johnny-rockers, roller derby girls, etc. from 5-7 pm outside the theater.

The film show starts at 7 pm.

Politics, Censorship, and Satire

On Saturday at 10 am, the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.), and The Public Square present "Politics, Censorship, and Satire," a program that examines the American tradition of political satire and its current uses in portraying today's political scene. How does satire function as a form of social dissent? How can we explain the popularity of The Daily Show, Ali G, The Borowitz Report, and the Onion?

With a countdown to the most hotly debated and inflammatory presidential election in recent history, join us to infuse much-needed humor into the election season with an event that discusses, displays and encourages political comedy.

The panel discussion, chaired by Lisa Lee of The Public Square, features comic artist Nicole Hollander, creator of Sylvia; Dave Mulcahey, the managing editor of The Baffler and an In These Times contributing editor; and Teresa Prados-Torreira, a cultural history specialist who teaches a course on political satire at Columbia College.

Sleaze Z Fest!

The Z Film Festival presents Sleaze Z Fest 2 at Heaven Gallery, 1550 N. Milwaukee, tonight from 9pm till around 2am. Totally not safe for work, and that's why it won' be held there. Check here for the full schedule. $10 to get in, $8 "if you dress ultra-sleazy!!!"

The Lure and Lore of Spices

The Spice House is one of my favorite shops. The staff is always friendly and super-knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions. This Saturday and Sunday 10-11:30am, owners Patty and Tom Erd will be at the Chalet Nursery Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave. in Wilmette, presenting "The Lure and Lore of Spices," featuring the fascinating history of spices, interesting trivia and spice tastings. The first 50 people at each session get a goodie bag. Call the Chalet at 847/256-0561 for more info.

Get Involved with Animal Assisted Programs @ Anti-Cruelty Society

Do you think that your dog would be the perfect therapy dog? This afternoon, you can learn how you can Get Involved with Animal Assisted Programs through a seminar at the Anti-Cruelty Society, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find out about organizations with animal assisted programs and how you and your dog can get involved. Representatives from the "Chenny Troupe," "Sit, Stay, Read" and "The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Pet Visitation Program" will explain volunteer opportunities that are available in their programs and the training, evaluation and certification procedures that are needed for you and your dog in order to participate. Please do not bring your dog to this seminar! Pre-registration is required. To register call Tammie Bouschor at (312) 644-8338 ext. 344 or email tbouschor@anticruelty.org. Please include your name, daytime telephone number and the name of the program that you are registering for. The event will be held in the Education and Training Center. Enter from 169 W. Grand Avenue. Free parking is available in The Anti-Cruelty Society parking garage. Enter from Wells Street.

Dead Authors Party @ darkroom

Emily Dickinson in a thin white dress walks into a bar and puts her arm around Sylvia Path, her head still in the oven. Opening line to a bad joke?  Nope – it’s the Guild Complex’s Dead Authors Party! Come dressed as your favorite dead author, dead character from a novel or poem – heck, get some friends together and come as the play Our Town. It’s a great way to try out that Halloween costume and helps support Chicago’s premiere literary center. Individual and group costume competitions will be judged by celebrities for prizes. To reserve tickets, please call 773.227.6117 x16. Bring out your dead! Bring out your dead! The party takes place at darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave. from 6–9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

I Want a President Who @ BuddY

As a part of a series of public artworks inviting people to share their thoughts regarding leadership and creating art in the process, the public art collaborative Anti Gravity Surprise has organized events every Saturday in October in Chicago. The fourth one is today from 1 to 4 p.m. at BuddY located at 1542 N. Milwaukee Aveune in Wicker Park. The afternoon will feature election-inspired artworks, street performances, and an open discussion. At 3 p.m there will be a presentation by Tom Tresser, a pro-arts political organizer. For more information, email AGS@anti-gravity.info.