Brinson Lecture @ Adler Planetarium

The University of Chicago's Brinson Lecture will feature Kip Thorne discussing "The Warped Side of the Universe: From the Big Bang to Black Holes" at the Adler Planetarium's Universe Theater (1300 S. Lake Shore Drive) from 7pm to 8pm.
The event is FREE. For more information, see the event's website.
Please note: Seating will begin at 6:45 pm. Parking is available in the lot near Adler. The evening parking rate is $13, and cash payment is required.
Abstract: Our Universe has a "warped side" -- objects and phenomena, like black holes and the big-bang, that are made not from matter, but rather from warped space and warped time. Thorne will describe this mysterious warped side and the quest to simulate it using supercomputers and observe it using gravitational waves.

Kari Lydersen talks about her new book, "Revolt on Goose Island..." @ 57th St Books

Kari Lydersen, author of this week's cover story in The Reader on cabbie-directed violence, discusses "Revolt on Goose Island: The Chicago Factory Takeover, and What It Says About the Economic Crisis" at 57th Street Books: 1301 E. 57th. 6pm. Free. Call 773-684-1300 for more info.

Local Author Night @ Book Cellar

This month the Book Cellar welcomes Libby Fischer Hellmann (Doubleback), Lise Marinelli (Falling from the Moon) and Craig Hickman (The Insiders) to the Local Author Night. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

"Wines of Italy" Showcase @ Follia

Follia (953 W Fulton Market) will be adding some "vino" to their motto of "cibo e moda" (food and fashion) tonight at 7pm.

Hosted by the owner Bruno Abate, the west loop Italian hotspot will present a four course dinner showcasing a variety of Italian wines from Sardina, Piedmont, Bolgheri, and Tuscany.

The dinner is priced at $65 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), and you can RSVP at (312)-243-2888.

Joe Meno @ Literacy Works

Joe Meno comes to Literary Chicago to read from and discuss his work with the organization's student and members of the community. Free at 6pm at 17 N. State St., Suite 1010. Call (312) 870-1100x103 or email info[at]literacychicago[dot]com for more information.

Michael Chabon @ Harold Washington Library

Michael Chabon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, will read from and sign his new memoir, Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son, at the Harold Washington Library. Free at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call (312) 747-8184 for more information.

CoCoComa @ Empty Bottle

Chicago garage punks CoCoComa, The Yolks and Headache City join France's Sonic Chicken 4 at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave) tonight at 9:30pm. DJ set by PsychedAlex. Tickets to the 21-and-up show are just $3!