--Comedy Central's Open Mic Fight is looking for submissions from Chicago stand-up comedians. Send them a seven to ten minute video clip and walk away with a whole bunch of awesome prizes, including a chance to perform on Comedy Central, and $10,000 cash. You have until June 5, so get to it!

--Last Tuesday we sent stand-up Darius Kennedy across the imaginary divide between stand-up and improv in Chicago. He checked out some improv shows at iO - "Our Feature Presentation in 'The Movie'" and "Topaz." He had a good time, and the space-time rift between improv and stand-up was not breached, therefore preserving the existence of the universe for at least another week. Here's what Darius told us:

"It was my first visit to iO. I walked into the Cabaret, and was greeted by the music of Urge Overkill's 'Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon.' I was also welcomed by their huge bar, and a wide and open performance area."

"In the first show, 'The Movie,' the performers seemed new and energized. You could tell who among them was seasoned, and who were the eager newbies, fresher to the scene. They worked in tons of hilarious references like diabetic bears, chicken-stealing ho's, men-on-men mirror action, and one-armed women. Mmm Mmm tasty comedy! 'The Movie' was entertaining and kept the audience's attention, but dragged on at times due to inconsistant relationships among the characters. All in all, the performance was enjoyable, and made me chuckle like a school girl at times."

"Up next was 'Topaz.' These guys are a ball of fun. With their excellent choice of costume (three guys in 70's style denim jumpsuits) and their noticeable appendage bulges, they seemed experienced and in control, and knew how to continue and develop the on-stage relationships to keep the show rolling. These guys filled the roles necessary to keep the audience in tune with the big picture as it evolved."

--And today's new videos. First up is a new offering from ThoseGuysFilms.com, "Musical Makeover Montage":

Also, for your viewing pleasure, "Canned Laughter," starring Chicagoan-turned-New Yorker Joselyn Hughes:

Canned Laughs

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