Are we sick of the alliteration yet, folks? Today we've got just a few things to mention, as the Bastion spent a late night over at the Mix Monday open mic last night, where we are VERY happy to report that Brian the Bartender is back on duty! The place just hasn't been the same without him. We also ran into a few folks who did the Note last night, and we heard less-than-favorable words about the audience there. C'mon Wicker Park, you can smile! We know you can!

Anyway. Chicago ex-pat Brooke Van Poppelen recently reported in to let us know how everything in the Big Apple is going: "This past Monday [Nov. 6] I was in The 2006 NY Comedy Festival at Carolines in the "Best of New Talent Night" ...where casting agents from CBS spotted me and are having me in tomorrow for an appointment!" We're in the process of finding out how that meeting went right this very minute. She ended her quick update by saying, "I have to go sling coffee and then plan a massive attack for my two-person show in Brooklyn with comedian cuckoo bird Mike Dobbins." We'll let NYC know when that drops!

A "prominent member" of the Chicago comedy community told us there is going to be a new show unveiled very soon, and says, "it's going to rock the community in sheer scale." Of course, no details yet, but considering the source, we're a little giddy with curiosity and excitement over here.

And don't forget: the D.C. Comedy Festival is taking submissions beginning tomorrow and ending January 5, for the festival April 12-14. Get burnin'! You'll be in good company; the Annoyance Theater's President Bush is a Great Man is already scheduled to perform.