First, let's once again acknowledge the enduring presence of Lisa on "Top Chef." No, she's not a local, but we like to think she is at least partially responsible for the elimination of our four locals from the competition, so she's worth mentioning. Part one of the finale last week demonstrated what is inherently wrong with "Top Chef"'s judging scheme. It's not cumulative; any chef can go home based on the dish being judged during......

Information Society: Remember these guys? No? How about now? They perform along with Tell Tale Heartbreakers, Spellbound (a Siouxsie tribute band), DJs Decay (Death Guild), Shindog (New Wave City), and Callum McGowan (Retrowerks). The energy goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at DNA Lounge; $14-20.My Kid Could Paint That (2007): Amir Bar-Lev's documentary about artist Marla Olmstead (a four-year-old at the time this was shot) whose work has raked in loads of money......

Electric Apricot (2006): Les Claypool's mockumentary along the lines of This Is Spinal Tap. It takes a gentle swipe at the endearing Deadhead/jam band set via fictional band called Electric Apricot. Jam bands - is there any other music genre that manges to be annoying, adorable, and, um, always-fragrant at the same time? Screens tonight at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at the Red Vic; $5.50-8. Cream: It's wet outside, but it could get......

-- New Pornographers: Yay, the New Pornographers! We heart them ever so. Seriously. Heart them yourselves tonight as they perform along with Lavender Diamond and Fancey at 8 p.m. at the Warfield, 982 Market; $25-27. -- Laughing Liberally Local 415: Political comedy showcase featuring Joe Klocek, who performed on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, and Diane Amos (AKA: the Pine-Sol lady!), who has appeared on Comedy Central, A&E, and at SF Comedy Day. Show......

A passel of literary events tonight: LitPAC & Laughing Liberally Lab-SF Present a benefit for Slain Iraqi Comedian Walid Hassan featuring renowned writers Daniel Handler of Lemony Snicket, Andrew Sean Greer of Confessions of Max Tivoli, Michelle Tea of Valencia and Rent Girl, plus comedians, Joe Klocek, Sal Calanni of sketch group Tossing Alice, Ali Mafi of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, Samantha Chanse, Kurt Weitzmann and more. The benefit will be hosted......

For some people, they're birthday consists of phone call from the parents, drinks with friends, and trying to make it through the inevitable office birthday cake. For local comedian W. Kamau Bell, his birthday consists of throwing a comedy extravaganza for himself this Thursday at the Purple Onion. Appearing with Bell are "underground comedy legend and virtuoso piano player" Brent Weinbach, comedian Joe Klocek, Human Beat Boxer D.C, "scratch guitarist" The Genie, and others. Kamau......