The Choice 2004

WBEZ presents The Choice 2004, a two-hour biography of the two main candidates for President this year. Have a listen if you need more biographical information on these two men. The show runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Rhino Theater Fest: Hit Me Like a Flower

A new play by Beau O'Reilly for the Rhinoceros Theater Fest. "Hit Me Like a Flower continues O'Reilly's “Big Play” experiment: large casts, lots of story line, expanse. Sarah Wallace has come to an East-Coast waspish town to start her therapy practice and cast a watchful eye over her long-estranged college daughter Terry, known to her friends as “Oddhead.” Sarah’s patients: Arthur Moore, a psychopath with a bear suit and a 2 by 4; William Coughlin, a sometime novelist of minor fame who is recovering from a stroke; and Mrs. Chester, a woman who has been living on the streets but now is ready for a bus ride. Terry’s friends are Saul and Hannah, and they are in their 20’s, skating tough, and worried about the war." 7pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

Chicago Symposium on Medicine, Ethics, and Society

Consider attending the next Chicago Symposium on Medicine, Ethics, and Society hosted by the American Medical Association and co-sponsored by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, and the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago:

The Shadow of Libby Zion: How One Death Influenced the Way Doctors Practice Medicine

Barron H. Lerner, MD, PhD

Angelica Berrie Gold Foundation Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons The symposium takes place October 25 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Gleacher Center of the University of Chicago (450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive).

Admission is free and open to all members of the community. For more information, visit chicagosymposium.org.

Isabelle Allende Book Signing

Join world-renowned author Isabel Allende at The Field Museum as she recounts a life of love, writing and years spent in politically unstable South America. Allende's childhood–following her stepfather's diplomatic career through Chile, Bolivia, Europe and the Middle East–exposed her to a range of cultures and politics that shaped her extraordinary imagination. She will share memorable personal experiences, reflecting on family relationships and the larger societal and political forces that shape our lives. She now has numerous bestsellers to her credit, including The House of the Spirits, later made into a major motion picture, and Daughter of Fortune. The reading starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are necessary. Reserved Seats: $24, members $22, General Admission: $20, members $18, Students/Educators: $15 (limited supply). Monday, October 25, 2004

New Release Ping-Pong Party @ Schubas

To celebrate new music from Nick Cave, Cat Power, Elliott Smith, Mos Def, Richard Buckner, Le Tigre, and more, Reckless Records is throwing its third New Release Ping-Pong Party, a new monthly series at Schubas. Come out to Schubas (3159 N. Southport at Belmont) to play ping-pong, listen to new music, and enjoy drink specials. Reckless Records will be on hand to sell the new albums. Plus, there'll be plenty of prizes from participating sponsors. The Ping Pong gets cracking at 9 p.m.

CTA Hearing: Service Cuts

Your daily commute is threatened because public transit in the Chicagoland region is insufficiently funded. Twenty years of insufficient funding for public transit has consequences. Visit Evanston Township High School, Bacon Cafeteria, at 1600 Dodge Avenue (Evanston) at 6:30 p.m. to take part in this essential public hearing. See the entire schedule at Campaign for Better Transit.

The Bushy Plays @ Nevin's

The Bushy Plays, four short plays about a man, a woman, and the Leader of the Free World take place tonight at Nevin's Live, at 1450 Sherman Ave., Evanston, at 7:30 p.m. (and tomorrow night at The Hideout). This is the fourth installment from The Clowny Collective: a group of four leading Chicago playwrights (Lisa Dillman, Rebecca Gilman, Mark Guarino and Brett Neveu) who joined forces in 2002 to create hilarious short pieces surrounding a common theme. Tickets are only $5, doors open at 6:30 pm., 18 and over.