Going out

        Churn it: Last chance to show that ulcer who's boss when you pig out on, oh, say venison green salsa chili. Or a whopping helping of Tex-Mex chili. Or maybe something called Hot!! Wings from Hell. Then stop by mainstage for the likes of Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, Latin Xposure, Chozen and Kelly Richey Band. All at Gold Star ChiliFest's last stand, noon-9 p.m. today,, Yeatman's Cove, Sawyer Point, downtown. 579-3191.

        Outdoor concert: It's music under the stars, and maybe a chigger bite or 20 — but who's counting? — when Music Festival in Sycamore wraps up its weekend stand. Headliners: Bill Dundas, Rare Earth and Leon Russell. 4-11 p.m. today, Bechtold Park, 4312 Sycamore Road, Sycamore Township, free. 791-8447.

        Winged victory: For anyone who has ever wondered what makes stuff soar — whether man-made or naturally, Power of Flight explains it all. So you'll know how to fly, glide, soar, dive, the works — but don't try it at home — plus pigeon release, bat programs, hot air balloons. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Sharon Woods. 521-7275.

Staying In

        TV picks: The Discovery Channel has done it again, using computer animation to show what it was like When Dinosaurs Roamed America, 8-10 p.m., repeating 10 p.m.-midnight.

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says that former Survivor cast member Elisabeth Filarski visits the broadcast booth during the Celebrity Classic golf tournament. 4-6 p.m., Channel 19.

Web site of the day

        You ate what?: You hear these tall tales about food all the time. Rats in the fried chicken. Sawdust in the hamburger. Talons in the turkey burger. True? False? Try a visit to this urban legend food page and find out.. Go to www.topsecretrecipes.com and hit the sleuth link.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Well you gotta eat, forheaven's sake.Might as well study at the feet of a master before cooking. That would be Katy Rentschler, author of Cook's Illustrated, The Best Recipe: Grilling and Barbecue. She discusses and signs 7 p.m. Monday, Barnes & Noble Tri-County, 895 E. Kemper Road, Tri-County. 671-3822.

        48 hours out: Little fingers have their way with paper and, gasp, scissors when David Porter teaches 8- to 12-year-olds a bit of Hands-On Origami. 7 p.m. Tuesday, North Central Branch Library, 11109 Hamilton Ave., Pleasant Run,registration required. 369-6068.

        72 hours 'til Wednesday: Great way to end yet another dicey day at work — live music from Glide featuring Matt DeCoster, a cold beer and a slab of pizza at LaRosa's Party in the Park. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Yeatman's Cove, Sawyer Point. 579-3191.

Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

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