Lake Claremont Press Open House

Lake Claremont Press hosts an open house at its offices, 1026 W. Van Buren, 2nd Flr., tonight from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Join author and ghost hunter Ursula Bielski as she demonstrates a ghost box and signs her latest book, Chicago Ghosts 3. Wine and other refreshments will be served, and Lake Claremont's back catalog will be available for sale. Space is limited, so RSVP to lcp[at]lakeclaremont.com is requested. Free.

Third Coast International Audio Festival @ Cultural Center

The Third Coast International Audio Festival presents: Chicago Sound Drops, an array of audio pieces about Chicago, hosted by Julie Shapiro with special guest Stuart Dybek. The event, the last in the TCF's 2009 Listening Room series, takes places at 7PM this evening in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Admission is free but reservations are strongly encouraged. More information, and a link to make reservations, is available on the Third Coast website.

Scrabble Night @ The Coffee Studio

Andersonville's The Coffee Studio hosts its monthly Scrabble Night tonight between 6:30 and 8:30pm. Boards and dictionaries will be provided -- just show up and you'll be matched with someone of similar skill level. All levels are welcome, from beginner to certified Word Freak. Prizes will be awarded for high scores. The Coffee Studio is located at 5628 N Clark St.

The Dark Crystal @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a screening of Jim Henson's 1982 film The Dark Crystal. The film shows this evening at 6pm. See the Film Center Website for details. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Time Out Chicago's Dining and Libation Society @ Old Town Social

Time Out Chicago hosts its second annual Dining and Libation Society event tonight at 7pm at Old Town Social, 455 W North Ave. The $42 ticket gets you dinner and holiday cocktails, and an opportunity to meet David Tamarkin, TOC's food editor.

Doodleganza Art Party @ The MCA

Chicago-based artist and teacher Paul Nudd will lead a doodling party today at the MCA, teaching participants how to "release their inner slug." This art party/class is appropriate for all ages-- pretty much anyone who can hold a pen in their hand. For some reason the MCA felt the need to mention on their press release that you shouldn't bring your pets to this event, so yeah, don't bring your doggies. Or kitties. The MCA is located at 220 E. Chicago. This event is free and begins at 6pm.

Slippery Handles Opens @ Gorilla Tango Theater

An all-female improv group presents this women-centric "dramedy," Slippery Handles. The first show is tonight, and performances will continue through December 16. Gorilla Tango Theater is located at 1919 N. Milwaukee. Tickets are $10; to purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit Gorilla Tango Theater's website.

Stem Cells & Nanotechnology: The Tools of Regenerative Medicine

The Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C²ST) welcome Dr. Jack Kessler of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and Dr. Samuel Stupp, Professor of Materials Science, Chemistry & Medicine, Northwestern University, for this lecture on recent developments in stem cell research and nanotechnology showing regeneration in spinal cord nerve fibers, and how further research may reverse and treat other injuries and diseases.

The event takes place at the Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe St.), Salon Rooms 4-6. Registration and a reception take place at 5pm, with the lecture starting at 6pm. Free for members of C²ST, $15 for non-members. Register online or call (312) 503-9036 for more information.

Brian Huston @ Green City Market

Brian Huston of Publican will conduct a 10:30am chef demonstration at the Green City Market, which is currently located indoors at the Notebaert Nature Museum (Fullerton and Cannon).