Bedno.com
2011.12.23 (week 756)

Savor the magic.
RECOMMENDED:
Movie: Adventures of Tintin now playing everywhere.
Movie: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo now playing everywhere.
Movie: We Bought a Zoo now playing everywhere.
..-We: Hanukkah.
Ongoing: Collected Holiday Songs and Recipes.
Ongoing: Ice Skating.
..-Sa: Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza.
Ongoing: Hannukatz The Musical at National Pastime Theatre.
Ongoing: A Klingon Christmas Carol at Greenhouse Theater Center.
Ongoing: Winter Pageant at Redmoon Central.
Ongoing: Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier.
Ongoing: Occupy Chicago at Federal Reserve Bank.
Fr: WGCI Big Jam at Allstate Arena.
Fr: Supernatural Chicago at Excalibur (Fr).
Fr: Improvised Shakespeare at IO Theatre.
Fr: Nocturna at Metro.
Fr: Cosmix at Berlin.
Fr: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut.
Sa: Live Santa tracking.
Sa: Winter Vacation at Chicago Public Schools.
Sa: Chinatown ride at Daley Plaza.
Sa: RockMitzvah at Rockit.
Sa: Mass.
Sa: "MatzoBall" at Mercadito Restaurant.
Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin.
Sa: Skinprov at Annoyance Theatre and Bar.
Su: Christmas.
Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON.
Mo: Boxing day.
Mo: Kwanza.
Mo: Booty Movement Coalition at Martyrs'.
Mo: Rehab at Debonair Social Club.
Tu: Dead Man's Carnival at Reggies Rock Club.
Tu: Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen.
Tu: The Deep End at Morseland Restaurant.
We: Live Band Karaoke at Quenchers.
We: "In One Ear" at Heartland Cafe.
We: Heartbeats at Morseland Restaurant.
Th: Atomic Sketch Event at Green Eye Lounge.
Th: Movieoke at J. Patricks.
Th: Festival of Flesh at Lucky Number Grill.
Th: "Future Bass" at SmartBar.

Movie:    ^
"The Adventures of Tintin" now playing.
Voices of Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Tony Curran, Toby Jones, ...
http://tintin.com
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" now playing.
W/ Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, ...
http://dragontattoo.net
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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"We Bought a Zoo" now playing.
W/ Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Elle Fanning, Patrick Fugit, J.B. Smoove, Angus Macfadyen, John Michael Higgins.
http://us.imdb.com/nowplaying/
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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Now playing.
Mission Impossible 4, Sherlock Holmes 2, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Young Adult, Shame, Hugo, The Muppets, Immortals, J. Edgar, Harold & Kumar Christmas, Tower Heist, In Time, Puss in Boots, The Rum Diary, ...
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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Seasonal:    ^
Hanukkah (aka Chanukah). A Jewish holiday, lasts eight days. -2011.12.28 Yearly.
Marks the reconsecration of the temple of Jerusalem and the miracle of the lamp. Observance begins at sunset of evening before listed start date.
http://chabad.org/holidays
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Collected Holiday Songs, Recipes and Stories. -2011.12.30 Yearly. All ages. Free.
Check out this terrific comprehensive set of popular holiday songs, recipes and stories.
http://bedno.com/winter
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Ice Skating. -2012.02.26 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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Christkindlmarket (since 1997). Festive German style holiday market. -2011.12.24 Yearly. All ages. Free Su-Th -8p, Fr+Sa -9p 11a.
50 Timber cabins, ethnic foods, fine crafted gifts, music, sweets.
http://www.christkindlmarket.com/
Daley Plaza, 312/744-3370, 50 W Washington. Washington and Dearborn.
http://cityofchicago.org
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Hannukatz The Musical. -2011.12.31 All ages. $10-25 Fr/Sa/Su.
The story of history's first oil crisis, 2200 years in the making.
National Pastime Theatre, 773/327-7077, 4139 N Broadway. 3blks N of Red Line Sheridan stop.
http://npt2.com
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* A Klingon Christmas Carol. -2011.12.31 $32 Su 2:30p, Th,Fr,Mo 7:30p.
"Scrooge has no honor, nor any courage. Can three ghosts help him to become the true warrior he ought to be in time to save Tiny Tim from a horrible fate? Performed in the Original Klingon with English Supertitles, and narrative analysis from The Vulcan Institute of Cultural Anthropology."
http://cbtheatre.org
Greenhouse Theater Center, 773/404-7336, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
http://greenhousetheater.org
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HOLIDAY CLASSICS. -2012.01.03 Yearly. All ages.
* A Christmas Carol: 11.18-12.31 Goodman Theatre, 312/443-3800, 200 S Columbus, http://goodmantheatre.org
* The Nutcracker: 12.09-27 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, and "Skating in the Sky" (synthetic ice rink 1000' up) Jan-Apr. John Hancock Center Observatory, 312/751-3681, 875 N Michigan, http://www.hancock-observatory.com
* Christmas Around The World: 11.17-01.08 Dozens of spectacular International holiday decorated trees, Museum of Science and Industry, http://www.msichicago.org
* Zoolights: 11.25-01.01 Over a million lights, certain dates/times, Lincoln Park Zoo, http://www.lpzoo.com
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Winter Pageant. -2012.01.08 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 Wonderfest. -2012.01.08 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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Ongoing:    ^
* Occupy Chicago.
Local presence of burgeoning nationwide movement for economic justice for the 99%.
http://OccupyChi.org
Federal Reserve Bank, 256 S LaSalle. At Jackson.
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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
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Friday 2011.12.23:    ^
WGCI Big Jam. Ages? $20-125 7p.
W/ R. Kelly and many more.
http://wgci.com
Allstate Arena, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont.
http://allstatearena.com
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Supernatural Chicago (since 2004). Interactive theatre exploring Chicago's paranormal past. Fr/Sa 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://www.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://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/14
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* Nocturna (since 1988). THE Electro/Goth gathering. Monthly. 18+ $10+ 10p-5a.
DJ Scary Lady Sarah spinning goth, darkwave, dark indie, deathrock, industrial, new wave, electro, ... Nicely decorated, often a special guest and giveaways. A tight but welcoming community of several hundred intriguing individuals.
http://www.americangothicprod.com
Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://www.metrochicago.com
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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://www.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://www.neofuturists.org
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Saturday 2011.12.24:    ^
* Live Santa tracking. Yearly. All ages. Free.
NORAD air traffic control follows the big guy all night, with radar and video feeds.
http://www.noradsanta.org
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Winter Vacation. -2012.01.08 Yearly.
http://www.cps.edu
Chicago Public Schools.
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Chinatown ride. Yearly. All ages. Free 5:30-11:45p.
X-mas Eve pedal to dinner and Tiki drinks in Chinatown (Won Kow, 2237 S Wentworth). Movie and/or drinks after.
312/560-3966 http://thechainlink.org/events
Daley Plaza, 312/346-3278, 50 W Washington. Washington and Dearborn.
http://www.cityofchicago.org
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RockMitzvah (since 2004). Yearly. 21+ $30-350 7p-?a.
Discount food+drinks. A portion donated to charities. No refunds.
http://RockMitzvah2011.com
Rockit, 312/645-6000, 22 W Hubbard St. Between Dearborn and State.
http://rockitbarandgrill.com
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Mass. Yearly. All ages. Free. 8p-1a.
Late Christmas eve gatherings at most churches welcoming all. Northsiders try the Evanston cluster.
http://bedno.com/winter.php?c=songs
http://bedno.com/album/20031225
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"MatzoBall" (since 1974). Yearly. 21-49 $30-65+ 9p.
"[H]igh-energy, networking and matchmaking... Trademark of the Society of Young Jewish Professionals." Sharing menu. Dress to impress.
http://matzoball.org
Mercadito Restaurant, 312/923-2473, 108 W Kinzie.
http://crimsonchicago.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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Skinprov. Saturdays 18+ $7 12a.
All male clothing reduced comedy.
Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 773/561-4665, 4830 N. Broadway.
http://annoyanceproductions.com
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Sunday 2011.12.25:    ^
* Christmas. Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Yearly.
Gifts are exchanged. Spirit of giving encouraged.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
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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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Monday 2011.12.26:    ^
Boxing day. Yearly.
Give gifts to service providers such as postal delivery person and trash collector. Sometimes observed on first weekday following xmas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day
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Kwanza. Yearly.
An African American holiday, originally observing the fruit harvest, now with broader themes of family, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration.
http://officialkwanzaawebsite.org
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Booty Movement Coalition. Last Mondays 21+ $8 9p.
Mix of top local musician doing big band improv phat funk.
http://www.myspace.com/bmcchicago
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
http://martyrslive.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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Tuesday 2011.12.27:    ^
Dead Man's Carnival. 17+ $10-12 8p.
"Biggest and best vaudeville show in the Midwest." Glamorous burlesque, circus acts, award winning magic, EE. "Guaranteed to redefine your belief of what is humanly possible!"
http://deadmanscarnival.com
Reggies Rock Club, 312/949-0120, 2105 S State St. CTA Red Line to Cermak/Chinatown stop.
http://www.reggieslive.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://www.beatkitchen.com
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The Deep End. Tuesdays 21+ Free 10p-2a.
"Explores the deeper side of dance music."
Morseland Restaurant, 773/764-8900, 1218 W Morse. Rogers Park, at Sheridan. Free parking.
http://www.1218morse.com
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Wednesday 2011.12.28:    ^
Live Band Karaoke. Last Wednesdays 21+ $5 9p.
http://livebandkaraoke.com
Quenchers, 773/276-9730, 2401 N Western. At Fullerton.
http://quenchers.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/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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Heartbeats. Wednesdays 21+ Free 10p-?a.
Lokua presents electronic, hip hop, downtempo DJs and performers.
http://momentsound.com
Morseland Restaurant, 773/764-8900, 1218 W Morse. Rogers Park, at Sheridan. Free parking.
http://www.1218morse.com
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Thursday 2011.12.29:    ^
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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Movieoke. 21+ $? 9p.
Read along to perform, over 200 scenes to choose from.
http://chicagomovieoke.com
J. Patricks, 312/243-0990, 1367 W Erie St.
http://jpatricksirishpub.com
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Festival of Flesh. Last Thursdays 21+ $7 9p-2a.
Burlesque, comedy, variety, sideshow acts, DJs, spirits. Shows at 10p+midnt.
http://tinyurl.com/cfn-fbff
Lucky Number Grill, 773/235-7761, 1931 N Milwaukee. 2nd Floor.
http://luckynumbergrill.com
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"Future Bass" Thursdays 21+ $5+ 10p-4a.
http://abstractscience.net
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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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


2011.12.23