It's finally (almost) here.

With triumphant mental applause, the Sertoma Chili Cookoff is finally upon us. These huge, community events always feed my pride for the potential of our little dot on the map. I also really, really like the recipe of chili-live music-beer with thousands of SGFers! In fact we like it so much, we want to help you go. We’ll give you a dollar if you go – just buy your ticket from us for $11 (normally $12 in advance – $15 at the door) to help the TAGSGF.com Fish Bowl (raise funds for Sertoma) grow.

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Did you hear?

Is the superintendent shuffle anything like the coaching carousel?
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder is one of seven finalists for same position in Lincoln, Nebraska. I’ve been considering the fallout in terms of the college football coaching carousel. If Ridder is offered and accepts the position it seems like a considerable move up (11,000 more students in 11 more schools), so I’m wondering what pool SPS would be looking at. What public school system (city) would feed into Springfield or do they promote one of Ridders offensive coordinators? Got any thoughts? Would it be someplace like Joplin? – Heard about this story on KY3 and KSPR

Year of the Tiger
February 14 marks the Chinese New Year and the Discovery Center is hosting the party from 1-5 p.m. Special activities and guests will help teach Chinese traditions. It’s an all ages celebration with dancing, music, and hands-on activities with chopsticks and architecture. There is a $9 admission (free for 2 and under).

Comedic Return
Merr has a joke about how working showgirls greatly outnumber working comedians in SGF, and the local standup has a very good point, but the comedy scene is trying to get a little fire started. Outside of the Skinny Improv (hosting a pay what you want open mic comedy night every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.), there hasn’t truly been a presence. It was just announced that Merr will host a new comedy/variety act, Laughing Stock, on the first Tuesday of every month at the Outland. There have been whispers of other monthly comedy nights (at least discussions of them) at a few other spots as well (including the Gravel Bar). The Improvadors filled Q Enoteca on consecutive nights, as well(see video in the TAGSGF.com Super Bowl Special), and Comedy Central’s Jeff Dunham is coming to the Q on March 13. Keep your eyes peeled for more laughs in the near future.

What have you heard? Know of anything happening or newsworthy? Shoot me an email (Brett@tagsgf.com).