Things to do this weekend: Feb 9-10

This week's TOC Flickr group photo comes to us from Michael DaKidd. I know snowstorms are no fun for sum, but if you don't see the beauty in that shot, I don't think we can be friends.

Here are some things to do this weekend:

SATURDAY

AROUND TOWN - Snow Visions Snow Sculpting Competition
After only four years, this competition has become one of the biggest snow-sculpting shows in the country. Renowned snow carvers come from around the world to create oddball monuments from 10-foot blocks of snow. Past winning works have included a giant hand grasping an equally large brain, and a colossal image of father wind. The public votes on the best piece Sat 9, 8am–2pm, and the leading team gets a $1,500 prize. 8am–10pm. Mount Prospect's Randhurst Shopping Center, 999 Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect (847-427-0703, snowvisions.com). FREE!

DANCE - Susan Marshall & Company: Cloudless 
NYC-based Susan Marshall has been applauded for her psychologically lyrical and virtuosic compositions since her company got started in 1982. Chicago dancegoers will be familiar with Marshall’s romantic aerial duet, Kiss, in the repertory of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. We haven’t, however, gotten a chance to see Cloudless, her latest major piece. 3–5pm. Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S Michigan Ave at 13th St (312-344-6600, colum.edu/dancecenter). El: Red, Orange, Green to Roosevelt. Bus: 1, 3, 4 (24hrs), 129. Metra: Elec Main to Roosevelt Rd. $24–$28.

FILM - The Hustler at the Siskel
If you’re not sure why your parents praise Paul Newman as an actor (yeah, he does something besides make food products), check him out as Fast Eddie, the pool shark who gets a shot at playing against one of the greats in The Hustler. 5:15pm. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. $9, students $7, members $5.

GAY & LESBIAN - Chicago Takes Off
TPAN raised the roof and (and dropped its drawers) with this skin-tillating fundraiser last year and aims to do so again with the them "Under A Big Top." The later show is already sold out. Park West, 322 W Armitage Ave at Clark St (773-929-1322). Bus: 11, 22 (24hrs), 36, 73. $50–$75.

MUSIC - The Whigs at Schubas
Athens, Georgia’s the Whigs may not break any new ground, but they play like they do. The surfeit of self-confidence has fueled many a fiery show, and with their well-received second record Mission Control (ATO) fresh on the shelves following a long gap after their independently released debut, the band’s no doubt itching to prove its mettle. 10pm. Schubas; 3159 N Southport Ave at Belmont Ave (773-525-2508). El: Red, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Belmont. Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs), 77 Belmont (24hrs). $12. 18 and older.

SHOPPING & STYLE - Bloomingdale’s
Add an extra kick to your shopping experience with complimentary bubbly this weekend. Stop by the cosmetic counters for tips on how to wear the latest collections by lines like Bobbi Brown and smashbox while enjoying a glass of Champagne. 3–5pm. Bloomingdale’s, 900 N Michigan Ave at Delaware Pl (312-440-4460). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 2, 3, 10, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151 (24hrs).

SPORTS - Illinois Runs
It seems there’s no shortage of folks who will help you acheive your personal best in ’08. Today marks the beginning of Illinois Runs’ (I-Run) 10-week winter training to get you primed for the Lakefront 10 Mile run. Train in small groups, listen in on educational lectures and more as you zero in on April 27. 9:30am–1pm. Universal Sole, 3052 N Lincoln Ave between Barry St and Wellington Ave (847-209-8843, illinoisruns.org). Bus: 9 (24hrs), 11, 77 (24hrs). $75–$85.

SUNDAY

AROUND TOWN - Old House New House Home Show
Your home-improvement dollars go further when you do it yourself. This annual show features more than 300 remodeling professionals offering DIYers tips and workshops in kitchen remodeling, bathrooms, tilework, painting and interior design. Roger Cook of TV's This Old House will appear Sat 9 to talk about new trends in landscaping, while Elgin native Brice Cooper of HGTV's Design on a Dime will be on hand daily to lead talks on eco-friendly building materials. 10am–5pm. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St. Charles (kennedyproductions.com, 630-515-1160). $7, tickets bought on website $6, seniors $4, youth under 18 free.

ART & DESIGN - Artist Talk: Gordon Halloran
Canadian artist Halloran discusses his ongoing outdoor work Paintings Below Zero. 2pm. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St (312-744-6630, chicagoculturalcenter.org). El: Red to Lake, Orange, Pink, Green, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. FREE!

BOOKS - Writers on the Record with Victoria Lautman: Russell Banks
Lautman welcomes novelist Banks (Continental Drift, Cloudsplitter), to discuss his new book, The Reserve, an historical thriller set on the cusp of WWII. Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N Michigan Ave at Pearson St (312-337-0665). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 66 (24hrs), 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151 (24hrs). 11:45am. Free.

DANCE - WinterDancin’ in Millennium Park
The city hosts dance parties and lessons in a heated tent. Practice salsa, steppin’ or tango. Reservations are required; call 312-742-8497. For details, visit museumofmodernice.com. 3:30–6:30pm. Millennium Park, American Express Heated Tent in the Park, Michigan Ave at Washington St. El: Red to Monroe; Blue to Washington; Pink, Orange, Green, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Bus: 3, 4 (24hrs), 14, 124, 127, 145, 151 (24hrs), 157. FREE.

FILM - Twentieth Century at Music Box
If you need a good laugh as much as we do right now (when will this winter end?!), check out the hilarious Twentieth Century, a 1930s comedy about an egotistical actor/impresario who pursues his former leading lady on a cross-country train trip. 11:30am. Music Box, 3733 N Southport Ave between Grace St and Waveland Ave (773-871-6604). El: Brown to Southport. Bus: 80 Irving Park, 152 Addison. Regular and midnight $9.25, first daily show $8.75.