Bedno.com
2010.12.31 (week 705)

Turn it up to 2011!
RECOMMENDED:
Ongoing: Ice Skating.
..-Su: Winter Pageant at Redmoon Central.
..-Su: Winter Vacation at Chicago Public Schools.
..-Su: Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier.
Fr: New Years Eve.
Fr: Other noteworthy parties.
Fr: TV Marathons.
Fr: Navy Pier Festivities.
Fr: First Night Evanston.
Fr: Critical Mass at Daley Plaza.
Fr: Last Race of the Year at Heartland Cafe.
..-Sa: The Black Keys at Aragon Ballroom.
Fr: Pretty Lights at Congress Theatre.
Fr: "Stellar Spark" at The Rave.
Fr: Tributosaurus Special at Martyrs'.
Fr: Umphrey's McGee at Riviera Theatre.
Fr: Improvised Shakespeare at IO Theatre.
Fr: Big Top New Year's Eve at Hamburger Mary's Attic.
Fr: Future Rock at Kinetic Playground.
Fr: Mucca Pazza at Logan Square Auditorium.
Fr: Penny buses and trains on CTA.
Fr: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut.
Sa: New Years Day.
Sa: Chuck Berry's Winter Dance at Congress Theatre.
Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin.
Su: Bike Winter Film Festival at Facets Multimedia.
Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON.
Su: Madonnarama at Berlin.
Mo: Earth at Perihelion.
Mo: Boom Boom Room at Green Dolphin Street.
Mo: Rehab at Debonair Social Club.
Tu: Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen.
We: "In One Ear" at Heartland Cafe.
Th: Epiphany.
Th: "The Kickstands" meeting at Kopi Cafe.
Th: Big C Jamboree at Martyrs'.
Th: DJs Rush and Rees Urban at Betty's Blue Star Lounge.
Th: Dubstep night at SmartBar.

 Movie:    ^
Now playing.
Gulliver's Travels, Little Fockers, True Grit, How Do You Know, TRON 2, Chronicle, The Fighter, Garden of Eden, The Tourist, Love and Other Drugs, Harry Potter 7, Morning Glory, Skyline, Unstoppable, 127 Hours, Due Date, Fair Game, For Colored Girls, Megamind, The Social Network, ...
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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Seasonal:    ^
MORE EVENTS:
See the ChicagoFunNews FaceBook app for unparalleled fast searchable local event listings:
http://ChicagoFunNews.com/fb
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Ice Skating. -2011.02.28 Yearly.
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://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
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Winter Pageant. -2011.01.02 Yearly. All ages. $0-20 Various times.
Family friendly long running annual celebrating the changing seasons.
Redmoon Central, 312/850-8440, 1463 W Hubbard.
http://www.redmoon.org
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Winter Vacation. -2011.01.02 Yearly.
http://www.cps.edu
Chicago Public Schools.
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Winter Wonderfest. -2011.01.02 Yearly. All ages. $10-17+ Hours vary.
Festival Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring hundreds of lush decorated trees, sparkling lights, wintertime decorations and a main town square with vending. Includes ice rink, large inflatable slide/bungee games. Santa and elves listen to children's wishes in a mountain top village.
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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HOLIDAY CLASSICS. -2011.01.03 Yearly. All ages.
* A Christmas Carol: 11.19-12.31 Goodman Theatre, 312/443-3800, 200 S Columbus, http://goodman-theatre.org
* The Nutcracker: 12.10-26 Joffrey Ballet, Auditorium Theatre, 312/431-2357, 50 E Congress, http://www.joffrey.com
* Breakfast with Santa: for 94th floor visitors, certain December days/times. "Skating in the Sky" (synthetic ice rink 1000' up) opens 2011.01. John Hancock Center Observatory, 312/751-3681, 875 N Michigan, http://www.hancock-observatory.com
* Christmas Around The World: 11.18-01.09 Dozens of spectacular International holiday decorated trees, Museum of Science and Industry, http://www.msichicago.org
* Zoolights: 11.26-01.02 Over a million lights, certain dates/times, Lincoln Park Zoo, http://www.lpzoo.com
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Ongoing:    ^
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
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Friday 2010.12.31:    ^
New Years Eve. Yearly.
Last day of the year. Typically observed with a countdown to midnight, at which time one kisses the nearest person. Celebrate with confetti and champagne.
http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear
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Other noteworthy parties. Yearly. 21+.
Neo, Berlin, Exit, Spin, Circuit, Vision, Zentra, SoundBar, Double Door, Empty Bottle, Martyrs', Beat Kitchen, etc.
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TV Marathons. Yearly. All ages. Free.
BBCA plays Dr.Who for days, SCI plays Twilight Zone, others.
http://bedno.com/ztv.php
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Navy Pier Festivities. Yearly. All ages. Free 2p-12:30a.
In addition to several major private parties, all public facilities at the Pier will be open for special extended hours! Enjoy the IMax, Carousel, ice skating and more all the way until the city fireworks spectacular around 11:40p. Also some of the cruises still have tickets available.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. Take the free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
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First Night Evanston (since 1993). Becoming an excellent and pleasant scene. No alcohol. Yearly. All ages. $8-14 4p-?a.
Entertainment at over a dozen locations; Jazz, blues, salsa, comedy, puppets, art, circus, bike races, parade, fireworks at midnight. See site for details.
http://firstnightevanston.org
847/289-4248, Davis at Orrington, Evanston. Take Purple line to Main.
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** Critical Mass (since 1997). Last Fridays All ages Free 5:45p.
THE monthly gathering of bicyclists making their presence known downtown. Unplanned route gently winds a dozen miles or more. Thousands attend in good weather. Includes music, hipsters, athletes, show bikes, so much more. Skaters welcome.
Daley Plaza, 773/486-4861, 50 W Washington. Under the Picasso (giant rusty bird), at Dearborn, SW of State&Lake train stop.
http://chicagocriticalmass.org
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Last Race of the Year. Athletes United for Peace 5K. Yearly. $20 7p.
HeartlandCafe/RedLineTap/NoExit NYE party after.
Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood.
http://www.heartlandcafe.com
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The Black Keys. -Saturday $42 3 nites. Doors 7p.
http://www.theblackkeys.com/
Aragon Ballroom, 773/561-9500, 1106 W Lawrence. Near Red line Lawrence stop.
http://www.aragon.com
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Pretty Lights. 17+ $40+ Sold out? 7:30p.
W/ Major Lazer.
Congress Theatre, 773/276-1235, 2135 N Milwaukee.
http://congresschicago.com
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"Stellar Spark" (since 2003). Yearly. 17+ (21+ to drink) $30-70+ No cameras, etc. 8p-4a.
Dance music in 6 rooms on 3 levels. VIP package includes drinks, seating, appetizers, more. Nearby cheap hotel deal available.
http://www.myspace.com/stellarsparkevents
The Rave, 414-342-RAVE, 2401 W Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI. Hotel discount package available.
http://therave.com
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* Tributosaurus Special. 21+ $40+ 8p.
"The Jurassic beast with multiple musical faces. A different band every month, featuring local music celebrities."
Becomes "Rolling Stones" w/ Bobby Keys.
http://tributosaurus.com
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
http://martyrslive.com
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Umphrey's McGee. Ages? $75+ 8p.
Riviera Theatre, 312/275-6800, 4647 N Racine.
http://www.rivieratheatre.com
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Improvised Shakespeare. Fridays 18+ $14 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://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/14
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* Big Top New Year's Eve. 21+ Free 9p-2a.
2 floors of circus-themed fun. Ring Mistress and roaming freaks.
http://hamburgermarys.com/chicago/attic.php
Hamburger Mary's Attic, 773/344-6328, 5400 N Clark. Andersonville.
http://hamburgermaryschicago.com
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Future Rock. 21+ $20-30 9p.
W/ DJ Thibault, Mindelixir, Lo Bounce.
http://futurerock.net
Kinetic Playground, 773-769-LIVE, 1113 W Lawrence. Near Red line Lawrence stop.
http://www.thekineticplayground.com
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Mucca Pazza. 17+ $25 10p.
W/ SSION, Outer Minds.
http://mucca-pazza.org
Logan Square Auditorium, 773/252-6179, 2539 N Kedzie. Near Blue Line, and 90/94.
http://logansquareauditorium.com
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Penny buses and trains. Yearly. 10p-6a.
Also some extended hours. Not all lines participate.
CTA, 708/836-7000.
http://www.transitchicago.com
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Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (since 1988). Fr/Sa All ages? $6-11 (also Su 7p) 11:30p.
30 plays in 60 minutes, lots of improv, very welcoming, often topical.
Neo-Futurarium, 773/275-5255, 5153 N Ashland.
http://www.neofuturists.org
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Saturday 2011.01.01:    ^
New Years Day. Legal holiday. Yearly.
Observed by the making of New Year's resolutions, personal commitments to specific behavioral changes.
http://www.smokefree.gov
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Chuck Berry's Winter Dance. $30-100 7p.
Congress Theatre, 773/276-1235, 2135 N Milwaukee.
http://congresschicago.com
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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 2011.01.02:    ^
** Bike Winter Film Festival. Yearly. All ages. Free 12-8p.
773/710-4143 http://www.bikewinter.org
Facets Multimedia, 773/281-9075, 1517 W. Fullerton.
http://www.facets.org/
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"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
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Madonnarama. 1st Sundays 21+ Free 10p-4a.
All Madonna music and videos all night with DJ Riley York. Classics, rare tracks, remixes, etc.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://www.berlinchicago.com
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Monday 2011.01.03:    ^
Earth at Perihelion. Our orbit's nearest point to the sun. Yearly.
Fortunately by cosmic standards we're close to circular at 147.5-152.6Gm (91.7-94.8Mmi).
http://aa.usno.navy.mil
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Boom Boom Room (since 1991). Mondays 21+ $? 10p-4a.
Long running weekly w/ smart local DJs. 4kft dance space, multiple bars and environments, late night dining, state-of-the-art sound and lights, free parking, more.
http://boomboomroomchicago.com
Green Dolphin Street, 773/395-0066, 2200 N Ashland. At Webster.
http://www.jazzitup.com
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Rehab. Mondays 21+ $? 10p-2a.
"America's Best Party" according to frisky young Wickers.
http://facebook.com/rehabdanceparty
Debonair Social Club, 773/227-7990, 1575 N Milwaukee. At North and Damen.
http://debonairsocialclub.com
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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
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Tuesday 2011.01.04:    ^
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://www.beatkitchen.com
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Wednesday 2011.01.05:    ^
"In One Ear" (since 1988). Poetry Open Mic. Wednesdays 18+ $3 10p-?a.
"2nd Longest Running Open-Mic In Chicago!"
http://facebook.com/group.php?gid=5016477382
Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood. Near Red Line Morse stop.
http://www.heartlandcafe.com
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Thursday 2011.01.06:    ^
Epiphany. Yearly.
Observes the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, 12 days after Christmas.
http://christianity.about.com
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"The Kickstands" meeting. All ages. Free 7-10p.
Chicago's pro-bike, anti-oil dependency radical cheerleading squad, plans for the autoshow shutdown.
http://chicagofunnews.com/fb/176617522360022
Kopi Cafe, 773/989-5674, 5317 N Clark.
http://yelp.com/biz/kopi-travelers-cafe-chicago
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Big C Jamboree (since 1991). 1st Thursdays 21+ Free 9:30p-?a.
Longest running local Rockabilly night. Multiple bands perform 40s-50s style swing, blues, rock-n-roll, swiftly and simply to a jumpin party crowd, many in period getups.
http://www.bigcjam.com/
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
http://martyrslive.com
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DJs Rush and Rees Urban. 21+ Free 10p-4a.
http://chicagofunnews.com/fb/181055181914103
Betty's Blue Star Lounge, 312/243-1699, 1600 W Grand. At Ashland.
http://bettysbluestarlounge.com
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Dubstep night. Thursdays 21+ Free 10p-4a.
01.06: Jayline, Alfonz De La Mota, Fine Print, Mega Mike, J Cross.
SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://smartbarchicago.com
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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 of Chicago, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan.
http://www.artic.edu/aic
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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
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Quality exhibits and activities for young minds. All ages. $0-10, Free Th 5-8p. 10a-5p.
Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier.
http://www.chichildrensmuseum.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.
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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

2010.12.31