Gay Games Town Hall

Screw Torino, friends. What about the Gay Games being held here in the Windy City this summer? Here's your chance to talk about it with the staff and board of the Gay Games. No RSVP required. Just show up from 6-8 p.m. at the Broadway Methodist Church, 3344 N. Broadway,

Opening: Through the Skin

"Through the Skin" opens tonight at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr. In the exhibit, Canadian artist Ruth Chambers "explores thresholds between the internal and the external [by] combining light and translucent porcelain in the form of human organs and apothecary jars." This is part of the museum's "Anatomy in the Gallery" series which figures medical-themed art. Tonight's free opening and reception is from 5-7pm. The show runs through April 21. Call 312-642-6502 for more information.

Underground Gamers League of Chicago

The Underground Gamers League of Chicago are having their weekly LAN party this afternoon, 4-7pm. What happens at these parties, you ask? Starcraft, Counter Strike, and, "for those who can handle it" the simultaneous PC version of RISK. Can you handle it? If you think you can, don't forget that there's Geek Talk, Social Networking, and Samurai Dodge Ball to follow at 7pm. Still think you can handle it? Head to the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club at 2501 W. Irving Park Rd. (Alas, I am not making this up.)

Dollar Store @ Hideout

It's the first Friday of the month and you know what that means. Get out your singles and head to the Hideout for the monthly Dollar Store readings, all based on objects bought for a single buck. Featuring the writings of Jimmy Vickery, Latoya Wolf and John Beer, with hosts Jonathan Messinger and Jeremy Sosenko. 1354 W. Wabansia; $1 cover. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.

Chicago Craft Mafia @ 826CHI

The Chicago Craft Mafia present the St. Valentine's Crafts-acre, an evening of handmade crafts sold by their creators. Espect to see such crafters as Bad Kitten Soaps, Girl Metro, Loosetooth.com, Poise.cc, and others. The event happens tonight at 826CHI, 1331 N. Milwaukee, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Admission is free. See the Chicago Craft Mafia site for full details.

Sketchcore's "Urban Legends" @ Oracle Theatre

SKETCHCORE’s "Urban Legends" opens tonight at 10:30 at The Oracle Theatre, located at 3809 N. Broadway Ave. The show runs on Fridays from tonight until March 31st . Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 with student ID. To reserve tickets call 773.780.9174 or, for more information go to www.sketchcore.com/ or www.oracletheatre.org.

The Diamond and Ice Ball 2006

It's cold outside but HOT inside this year’s Diamond and Ice Ball taking place at Bloomingdales; Chicago’s headquarters for style and taste. Chicago’s social scene promoter Lincoln Park Young Professionals (LPYP) joins forces with one of the city’s most popular events to take “Play The Field” on the road Friday, Feb. 3rd for a night of live music, jewelry, wine, fashion, caviar and chocolate.

Friday, February 3rd from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are $30.00 in advance, $40.00 at door. Tickets are available through Ticketweb.com or through LPYP at 312.642.5097

First Fridays @ MCA

Yeah, yeah, people always slam First Fridays as a nasty meat-market, but we do know of lasting couples who met at this regular MCA hook-up. This month's party celebrates Valentine's Day early, featuring signature drinks like the Ladykiller Cosmo, plus sex accoutrements from the ladies at Early to Bed. Oh, and then there's art from newcomer Diann Frid. Tickets are availabe in advance for $10, at the door for $14, and for members at $7, and includes admission to the after-party at Cabaret (15 West Hubbard).