Bedno.com
2014.01.24 (wk865)

The system is down!

Dear subscriber,

Far too long since I've written a personal note. I hope the years have been good to you.
It's been over TWENTY THREE YEARS since I started what became ChicagoFunNews.com
I've gone from BBS to CompuServe to AOL to web, and pioneered many now commonplace features.

More than 16 years ago I started the weekly emailed newsletter. Over time, hosts became less mass mailing friendly, and in 2008 I moved the list to Yahoo Groups. That process lost THOUSANDS of subscribers who didn't re-confirm, but it was better than nothing. Now after all that, Yahoo is becoming unusable. They've overcomplicated the join process, insert ads everywhere, randomly delay for hours, and corrupt the newsletter's formatting. I'm therefore spending the same time sending uglier newsletters, less reliably, to a fraction of the former subscribers and a mere trickle of new ones. This cannot continue.

After 865 issues, until further notice THE WEEKLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER IS NOT GUARANTEED.

Fans should instead simply use the ChicagoFunNews.com site. That's more powerful, comprehensive and up to date anyway, and is available in many formats, periods and special interests.
Some examples worth bookmarking:

* What's happenings NOW: ChicagoFunNews.com/now

* Calendar style: ChicagoFunNews.com/calendar

* Plain and simple: ChicagoFunNews.com/cal/print.txt

* Smartphone form finds nearby fun: Bedno.com/bike/fun

Going forward, I'm working on returning to self mailing, and brainstorming new format, frequency and channel options. I.T., data entry and social media volunteers welcome.

RECOMMENDED:
Ongoing: Ice Skating.
Ongoing: Skating in the Sky at John Hancock.
..-Su: Strictly Sail Chicago at Navy Pier - Festival Hall.
Ongoing: Rhinoceros Theater Festival at Prop Theatre.
..-Sa: B-Movie Fest at McCormick Auditorium.
Fr: Supernatural Chicago at Excalibur.
Fr: Improvised Shakespeare at IO Theatre.
Fr: Kandii Land at Riverside Complex.
Fr: Cosmix at Berlin.
Fr: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut.
Sa: College of Complexes at Powell's Bookstore UIC.
Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin.
Su: New cartoons on FOX.
Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON.
Su: Boom Boom Room at Green Dolphin Street.
Mo: Drink n Draw / World Naked Bike Ride Poster Art Competition! at Transient Loft.
Mo: Pron and Chicken Dance Party at evilOlive.
Tu: Open Gov Hack Night at 1871.
Tu: Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen.
We: Terrapin Flyer at Abbey Pub.
We: "In One Ear" at Heartland Cafe.
We: "Unbridled" at Untitled.
Th: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Birthday.
Th: Atomic Sketch Event at Green Eye Lounge.
Th: Machina at SmartBar.
Movie:    ^
Now playing.
47 Ronin, Anchorman 2, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Hunger Games 2, Delivery Man, Thor: The Dark World, Ender's Game, Free Birds, Last Vegas, Bad Grandpa, Escape Plan, Gravity, ...
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE
Seasonal:    ^
Ice Skating. -2014.02.24 Yearly.
Weather permitting: Wrigley Field; Millennium Park, 312/742-5222, 55 N Michigan; Warren Park, 773/262-8656, 6601 N Western; Riis Park, 312/746-5735, 6100 W Fullerton; Daley Plaza, 312/742-7650, 337 E Randolph; more...
http://chicagoparkdistrict.com
PHOTOS INFO SHARE
Skating in the Sky. -2014.02.28 Yearly. All ages. $5 (+$15 observatory ticket?).
Synthetic ice rink 1000' up.
John Hancock, 888-875-VIEW, 875 N Michigan.
http://360chicago.com
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Ongoing:    ^
Strictly Sail Chicago (since 1996). -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $5-12 11a-8p.
The midwest's premier show exhibiting new sailboats and equipment. Over 200 vendors, free seminars and activities.
http://strictlysailchicago.com
Navy Pier - Festival Hall, 312/595-7437 (PIER), 600 E Grand.
http://navypier.com
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Rhinoceros Theater Festival (since 1989). -2014.02.23 Yearly. $15+ Various days and times.
Showcase of experimental new plays.
http://rhinofest.com
Prop Theatre, 773/267-0666, 3502 N Elston.
http://curioustheatrebranch.com
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WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover.
Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines.
Hundreds of city locations.
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Different rock, experimental, jazz, ethnic bands almost every night. 21+ $?
Metro / SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark, Near Red Line Addison stop, metrochicago.com
Darkroom, 773/276-1411, 2210 W Chicago, darkroombar.com
Double Door, 773/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee, Wicker Park near Blue line Damen stop, doubledoor.com
Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western, dive-ish, emptybottle.com
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln, martyrslive.com
Ravinia, 847/266-5100, Highland Pk, ravinia.org
TICKETS PHOTOS FIND INFO SHARE
Friday 2014.01.24:    ^
* B-Movie Fest (since 1983). All night. -Saturday Yearly. All ages. $10-20 ALWAYS SELLS OUT 24hrs Fr 6p through Sa 6p.
Playing at least 20 B-Movies. Napping, food (even pizza delivery), drink (non-alc), and re-entrance allowed. "Like a big slumber party on the Satellite of Love". Modern comfortable theater, vending machines, 16 and 35mm prints.
http://www.b-fest.com
McCormick Auditorium, 847/491-2300, 1999 South Campus Drive, Evanston. Norris University Center, Northwestern University.
http://www.northwestern.edu/up/parking/
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Supernatural Chicago (since 2004). Interactive theatre exploring Chicago's paranormal past. Fridays 21+ $25 7:30-9p.
Hosted by Necromancer Neil Tobin. Hear true Chicago stories of the unexplained, brought to life through audience-involving demonstrations of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship and magic -- at one of Chicago's most haunted nightspots. Price includes the show plus two drinks and general admission to the club.
800/979-3370 http://SupernaturalChicago.com
Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn. Downtown, valet or pay.
http://www.excaliburchicago.com
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Improvised Shakespeare. Fridays 18+ $14 10:30p+8p.
Based on audience suggestion The Co creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style with ALL the typical elements.
http://improvisedshakespeare.com
IO Theatre, 773/880-0199, 3541 N. Clark.
http://ioimprov.com/chicago/
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Kandii Land (since 2010). Yearly. 17+ $20 9p.
Chicago EDM Massive; a dozen DJs, DubStep, House, Techno, etc.
http://bedno.com/fb/1387117448197720
Riverside Complex, 2343 S Throop St.
http://facebook.com/TheRiversideComplex
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Cosmix. Fridays 21+ $0-5 10p-4a.
Greg Haus spins Electro / Progressive / Breaks / Alternative / Electronica.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://berlinchicago.com
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Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (since 1988). Fr/Sa/Su All ages? $6-11+ Su 7p, Fr+Sa 11:30p.
30 plays in 60 minutes, lots of improv, very welcoming, sometimes topical.
Neo-Futurarium, 773/275-5255, 5153 N Ashland.
http://neofuturists.org
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Saturday 2014.01.25:    ^
College of Complexes (since 1951). "The Playground for People Who Think" Saturdays All ages. $3? +food/drink purchase 2.5hrs 6-11p.
Structured weekly free speech forum with quality lecturers and good American food and bar.
01.25: Occupy and Democracy for the USA.
312/326-2120 http://collegeofcomplexes.org
Powell's Bookstore UIC, 312/243-9070, 1218 S Halsted. At Roosevelt.
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"Twisted" Saturdays 21+ $0 -11p, $5 -1a, $7+ 9:30p-5a.
"Meet and mingle with a truly diverse crowd. Dress up or dress down... this is the place to be what you want to be!"
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://www.berlinchicago.com
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Sunday 2014.01.26:    ^
New Fox cartoons. Sundays All ages. Free 7p.
May include Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, American Dad, more.
http://thesimpsons.com
FOX. http://www.fox.com
TIMES MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE
"Adult Swim" Sundays All ages. Free 10p-12a.
Extraordinary block of popular and leading-edge absurdist cartoonage.
http://www.adultswim.com
TOON. On cable.
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE
Boom Boom Room. Sundays 21+ $? 10p-?a.
Long running (1991) weekly. Big dance space, multiple bars and environments, late night dining, state-of-the-art sound and lights.
http://facebook.com/BoomBoomRoomChicago
Green Dolphin Street, 773/395-0066, 2200 N Ashland. At Webster.
http://facebook.com/thegreendolphinstreet
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Monday 2014.01.27:    ^
* Drink n Draw / World Naked Bike Ride Poster Art Competition! 21+ $10 8p-2a.
"Free Letherbee Gin cocktails, PBR and the opportunity to draw nude and costumed models posing with BICYCLES!" BYO Art Supplies. House/electronic/world music dance party at midnight.
http://ChicagoFunNews.com/fb/268825449935852
Transient Loft, 1539 N Damen. 4th floor.
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Stewart / Colbert. Mo/Tu/We/Th Reruns several times a day. 10-11p.
Brilliant awards winning "news" shows.
COM. On cable.
http://comedycentral.com
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE
Pron and Chicken Dance Party. Mondays 21+ $? 10p-?a.
"A safe haven for all things lewd & crude, lascivious & licentious."
http://soreadytobang.do312.com
evilOlive, 773/235-9100, 1551 W Division.
http://evil-olive.com
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Tuesday 2014.01.28:    ^
Open Gov Hack Night. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6-10p.
"Volunteers create web apps with open data to improve transparency, efficiency, and decision-making for governments and our democracy."
http://opengovhacknight.eventbrite.com
1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza. 12th Floor.
http://1871.com
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Chicago Underground Comedy. Tuesdays 21+ $5 Doors 9p.
"The Hippest, Hottest Stand-Up Showcase to Emerge in Years" +good menu & booze.
http://www.chicagoundergroundcomedy.com
Beat Kitchen, 773/281-4444, 2100 W Belmont.
http://beatkitchen.com
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Wednesday 2014.01.29:    ^
Terrapin Flyer. Wednesdays 21+ $7 9p.
Grateful Dead homage.
http://terrapinflyer.net
Abbey Pub, 773/478-4408, 3420 W Grace. At Elston.
http://abbeypub.com
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"In One Ear" (since 1988). Poetry Open Mic. Wednesdays 18+ $3 10p-?a.
"2nd Longest Running Open-Mic In Chicago!"
http://facebook.com/groups/5016477382
Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood. Near Red Line Morse stop.
http://heartlandcafe.com
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"Unbridled" Wednesdays 21+ $10 10p-2a.
"Unleash your inhibitions at Unbridled - a fun, funky, freaky evening of titillating variety." DJs with vaudevillian, burlesque and extreme acts throughout the bar.
http://facebook.com/UnbridledatUntitled
Untitled, 312/880-1511, 111 W. Kinzie.
http://untitledchicago.com
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Thursday 2014.01.30:    ^
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Birthday (1882-1945). Yearly.
The 32nd president of the United States was born in New York to a wealthy family, and died in office. He held office for an unprecedented four terms, leading America through the great depression and World War II.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/fr32.html
PHOTOS INFO SHARE
Atomic Sketch Event. Live Art. Last Thursdays 21+ Free 6-10p.
Established and emerging artists of various disciplines display, create and sell original new works at bargain prices. Drop-in artists welcome. Ambience by "CHIRP" DJs.
http://atomicsketch.com
Green Eye Lounge, 773/227-8851, 2403 W. Homer St. Near Blue Line Western.
http://greeneyelounge.com
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Machina. Thursdays 21+ Free 10p-?a.
Celebrates 80s/90s industrial, new wave, goth music w/ DJ Scary Lady Sarah.
http://facebook.com/smartbarchicago/events
SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://smartbarchicago.com/tickets
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Attractions:    ^
Many great exhibits of local works and curated collections. All ages. Free. Mo-Th 8a-7p, Fr 8a-6p, Sa 9a-6p, Su 10a-6p.
With various special events, music and performances almost every day.
Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-6630, 78 E Washington. SE of State/Lake train stops.
http://chicagoculturalcenter.org
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Various good modern art shows. All ages. $0-12, Free Tu 10a-8p, Mo closed, We-Su 10a-5p.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
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LIKE A DOWNTOWN AMUSEMENT PARK. All ages. Mostly free.
With Giant Ferris Wheel, IMAX theatre, historic carousel, a*mazing Chicago ride, classic spinning swing ride, new mini-golf course, major VR games, food court, quality restaurants and bars, stained glass window museum, enclosed garden, wonderful specialty shops, children's museum, water taxis, several cruise lines and the Shakespeare Theatre.
Summer: 10a-10p Su-Th, 10a-midnt Fr-Sa; Fall: Mo-Th 10a-9p, Fr+Sa 10a-11p, Su 10a-7p; Winter: 10a-8p Mo-Th, 10a-10p Fr-Sa, 10a-7p Su.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. On-site parking, or Grand Red line stop then take free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
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See how the universe works. All ages. $10-18+ Mo-Fr 9:30a-4:30p (-10p 1st Fridays), Sa/Su 9a-4:30p, closed xmas, open -6p 12.26-1.5.
Much high tech exhibitry.
Adler Planetarium, 312/922-7827 (STAR), 1300 S Lake Shore.
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
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Masterpieces. All ages. $0-18 Mo/Tu/We/Fr 10:30a-5p, Th 10:30a-8p, Sa/Su 10a-5p, closed xgiving+xmas.
And other interesting permanent and visiting exhibits.
Art Institute, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan.
http://artinstituteofchicago.org
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World class gardens. Easy to get to. All ages. $8.75 parking. 8a-sunset, closed xmas.
385 acres, 23 gardens, 9 islands, prarie simulation, oriental features, miniature railway, produce, shows, restaurant, more...
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 847/835-5440, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
MAP INFO
Quality exhibits and activities for young minds. All ages. $0-14, Free Th 5-8p. 10a-5p.
Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier.
http://chicagochildrensmuseum.org
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Natural History done right. All ages. $6-12. Last entry 4p, closed xmas. 9a-5p.
"Sue" permanent dinosaur exhibit, insects, anthropology, world culture, geology, ecology, much more.
Field Museum, 312/922-9410, Roosevelt at Lake Shore Drive.
http://www.fmnh.org
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Exhibits covering 4000 years of surgical history. Not for the squeamish. All ages. $3-6, Free Tuesdays. Tu-Sa 10a-4p. Closed 12.24-25, 12.31-1.1.
International Museum of Surgical Science, 312/642-6502, 1524 N Lake Shore.
http://www.imss.org
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World class zoo. Now with web cams. All ages. Free (Building hours vary) 9a-6p.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon.
http://www.lpzoo.com
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Consistent world class wonderland, set aside a whole day. All ages. $6-11 +parking/movies, Sometimes free. Mo-Sa 9:30a-4p, Su 11a-4p.
Exhibits include clock (possibly the best historical collection in existence), trains, toys, flight, genetics, chemistry, coal, petroleum, human body slices, cyberspace, farming, the U-505, TONS of space flight tech, and much more.
Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore.
http://www.msichicago.org
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Truly stunning world class aquarium. $11-18, some deal days. Sa/Su 9a-6p, Mo-Fr 9a-5p (-6p in summer), some later days.
Rear outside deck has the city's best skyline view. Now with web cams.
Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore.
http://SheddAquarium.org
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Notes:    ^
ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.
ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.
MAP
Disclaimer.
My mom the attorney would want me to remind you that no Bedno accepts any liability whatsoever for your use of any information presented here, as-is, at your own risk, ad infinitum, etc etc.
http://bedno.com/terms
Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com.
Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com for hosting this system. ChicagoFun.com is THE one-stop special-event planning resource for the Chicagoland area.
http://ChicagoFun.com

2014.01.24