If you haven't taken our member survey yet, you're not too late. Simply click the survey button, or click here to take our short ten- question poll. Help guide the club over the next year, and you'll earn the gratitude of the board of directors.

Don't want to fill out the survey? Then please raise your right hand and repeat after us: "I hereby give up my right to bitch."

So you already know that the Tournament of Champions is on Thursday, March 1. 7pm at Mary's Attic (above Hamburger Mary's in Andersonville, 5400 N. Clark St). Here's the rest of what you'll need to know./font>

A new newsletter feature -- your weather for the week, provided by the meteorologists at WFLD-TV Fox Chicago.

Tuesday 33/23 Partly Cloudy
Wednesday 38/32 Partly Cloudy
Thursday 45/29 Rain
Friday 36/22 Snow Showers
Saturday 34/18 Party Cloudy
Sunday 35/20 Party Cloudy

And now, ECC President Ron Hall presents a short review of the Broadway show Legends starring Joan Collins and Linda Evans.

"You know how when milk sits in your refrigerator for so long that it actually becomes chunky, and before you throw it out you wonder how rancid it's going to smell, and you know it's going to be bad but you just can't help yourself, and you go ahead and smell it anyway, and true to form, it smells like putrid death and ass? Well, I would rather drink a glass of that stuff than ever see LEGENDS again.

"Never in my life have I ever seen a worse presentation of live theatre. The show, a left-over from the early 80s, focuses on two aging movie actresses, bitter enemies, both down on their luck, who are looking for their comeback. A plucky Broadway producer entices the two to work together again for the chance to co-star with Paul Newman. The actresses, played by a youthful-looking Joan Collins and a wooden (perhaps dead) Linda Evans, agree to put aside their differences, whereupon hilarity should ensue. It doesn't.

"It's not that the show doesn't mean well, it's just not funny. In fact, it's embarrassingly not funny. Not even the addition of a male stripper (don't ask) could save this clunker.

"I'd like to tell you how it ends to save you the trouble, but in all honesty, I couldn't bear much more of this comedy, er, komedy than act one. And I wasn't alone -- nearly half the theatre left at the intermission. The rest of the audience who stayed no doubt remained to enjoy a good glass of rancid milk. Save your money on this one."

Tuesday, February 27:/b> Election Day in Chicago and some surrounding communities

Congratulations to the following recent winners:

Wednesday, Feb 21 No idea!

Sunday, Feb 25 Geoff Dankert with a 52!

Chicago's premiere a capella swing trio, Nocturne (featuring ECC member Brian Harder), presents Swingin' Night Music. Join Nocturne on Wednesday March 14 or Wednesday March 21 for an evening of swinging songs, harmonious melodies and playful fun. You'll hear a variety of songs from yesteryear, including some brand new arrangements with a unique swing feel. The show will begin at 8:00pm. Seating is limited for this show which will be held at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret located at 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. Tickets are only $10 plus a two drink minimum and reservations can be made at 773-278-1830.

Formed in 2003, Nocturne is a three-man a cappella swing trio that specializes in period music from the 30's and 40's. Clever arrangements and detailed harmonies give each song a fresh new sound while still respecting the beautiful melodies that were originally written. Visit their web site at www.my space.com/nocturnetrio or call Brian Harder at 773-680-5023.

Dear Hoyle:
Is a card laid a card played? --Taker Backer

Dear TB
According to official lore, yes, once a card has left your hand and has been placed on the table -- regardless if you've taken your hand off of it -- it's considered played. If that means you've just reneged, well then shame on you. Not only is this proper card-playing etiquette, it's also to stop you from showing a card to your partner before "realizing your mistake" and putting it back in your hand.

So that's the official stance, and certainly the stance for tournaments. But on the average night? Well, it's up to you, the friendly people of the Euchre Club of Chicago. If it's a newbie who just made a mistake, or someone who was watching the porn on TV instead of paying attention, then cut them some slack. If you think there's cheating going on, then talk to a director, but remember, everyone is just out to have some fun, and mistakes get made. If someone seems to be making a lot of "mistakes," then you have permission to pour a drink on them -- accidentally, of course.

If you have a question about Euchre strategy, ECC club rules, relationships or just life in general, send an e-mail to resident expert Hoyle at euchrechicago@yahoo.com. We promise all e- mails are anonymous, and the answers may just surprise you.