I’ve been thinking about youth a lot lately—especially in light of some remarks that Bill Clinton made the other night. Youth is often criticized for being a chaotic, irrational, impetuous time. But think of that youthful chaos like the essential random number in an equation or mutant gene that helps with evolution and it doesn’t sound so bad—it sounds essential. Youth’s randomness can teach us things both simple and profound—even show us the just-plain-obvious. Example: Kid, about one year old, randomly turning the dials on dad’s new car stereo, shows him that it is possible to scan through the MP3s without tapping a button a hundred times. Yes, this happened to me. Bill Clinton talked about the biggest challenge in the West today being the rigidity of modern systems—he meant healthcare—but we’ve also got to have our eyes open to the possibility that a faulty system won’t change without a bit of random, messy, peanut-butter fingered dial-spinning to show us the possibilities. Either that, or we need to read the user manual.

How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found

THEATER - How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found
A bloke has the ultimate identity crisis in Brit playwright Fin Kennedy’s smart, unsettlingly funny play. Carlo Garcia leads a shapeshifting ensemble in the Midwest premiere. Mary-Arrchie Theatre at Angel Island, 8pm, $18–$22.

MUSIC - Ouled Bambara: Portraits of Gnawa Release Party
Drag City hosts a release party/screening for this fascinating CD/DVD set documenting the Gnawa—a North African sect of Sufi musicians merging West African culture and Islamic mysticism. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, 6:30pm, FREE!

FILM/AROUND TOWN - Cinema Slapdown: I’m Not There
Columbia’s riotous Cinema Slapdown, in which a film is screened and then two people debate its merits, is back with Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There, which should never ever be described as a biopic about Bob Dylan. It’s a meditation on aspects of Dylan’s persona and career. WXRT personality Terri “Solid rock!” Hemmert and WGN radio’s Garry Meier debate Todd Haynes’s film I’m Not There after it screens. Ron Falzone, a Columbia Film & Video faculty member, moderates. Columbia College, Film Row Cinema, 1104 S Wabash Ave, eighth floor (312-369-6708). 7–10pm. FREE!

GAY & LESBIAN - Love Potion No. 9
Kit Kat celebrates its nine-year anniversary with an open bar (woo-hoo!) and Bahamian vacation raffle giveaway. Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N Halsted St (773-525-1111). El: Red to Addison. Bus: 8, 152. 5:30pm. FREE!

SHOPPING & STYLE - Chicago-based designer accessory trunk show
Show your local love by checking out this two-day exhibition of Chicago designers’ wares. Find looks by lines such as Elda de la Rosa Couture, Double Stitch, Dana Reed and others. Macy’s, 111 N State St (312-781-1000, macys.com). El: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington. Brown, Orange, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake. Thu 19, Fri 20, 10am–6pm.

BOOKS - Jonathan Safran Foer
Novelist Safran Foer (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Everything Is Illuminated) gives meat-eaters meat sweats with his new book on vegetarianism, Eating Animals. Harold Washington Library Center, 6pm, FREE!

THEATER - Lunatic(a)s
The ladies of Teatro Luna revisit and revise their 2007 hit about la luna and the little bit of crazy in all of us. Read our review of the original. Teatro Luna at Chicago Dramatists, 7:30pm, $15–$20.

MUSIC - Brother Ali
The albino rapper represents the Rhymesayers formula and he’s a refreshingly positive voice in today’s game. Metro, $15, 9pm, 18 and older.

AROUND TOWN/CLASSICAL - Beers and Baritones
Leave the tuxes at home for this informal opera evening. Featuring performances by soprano Leila Bowie and baritone Martin Woods of the Chicago Opera Theater’s Young Artists Program, this might be the only time when you can catch some red-hot opera, swig a beer and nosh some appetizers all at the same time. Music, beer, wine and finger foods are included with tickets. Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 1 W Grand Ave (312-704-8414, chicagooperatheater.org). 6–8pm, $25.

ART & DESIGN - “The Hydroacoustic Show”
Artist Ben Russell curates an evening of aquatic films and videos by Pipilotti Rist and six others. Gallery 400, UIC, 400 S Peoria St. 7pm. FREE!

AROUND TOWN/BOOKS  - Superfreakonomics!
Terrorism, global warming, altruism: All will be tackled here. Best-selling author Steven D. Levitt gives listeners his view on what causes each, using sources ranging from environmentalists to pimps. This lecture is presented by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and is preceded by a reception at 5:30pm. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E Pearson St (312-726-3860, thechicagocouncil.com). 6pm; $30, Chicago Council members $20, Young Professional members $10, President’s Circle, Corporate and student members free.

ART & DESIGN - “Italics: Italian Art Between Tradition and Revolution 1968–2008.”
On Tuesdays, the MCA’s new Italian art show is open late and free. Bravo! Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave. 10am–8pm. FREE!

MUSIC - Marissa Nadler + Alela Diane
Oddball neo-psyche folkie Alela Diane is a perfect match for Marissa Nadler, whose own ethereal take on folk has a way of sneaking up and nestling in your brain like a subconscious ghost with mysterious intentions. Schubas, 8pm, $12.

NIGHTLIFE - Syrup
Zebo and Major Taylor may spend most of their time playing club tunes to the weekend warrior set, but they don’t let that define who they are as DJs. Taking to the earth-friendly confines of Butterfly Social Club every third Tuesday of the month, the duo dedicates the evening to the slow and low tempos, playing lovey and mellow jams all night long.
Butterfly Social Club, 10pm. FREE!

THEATER - Emergency
Playwright-performer Daniel Beaty portrays more than 40 characters in his Obie-winning solo show, in which a phantom slave ship rises out of the Hudson in front of Lady Liberty. Hal & Martha Hyer-Wallis Theater, Northwestern University, 7pm, $30.

Ken Isaacs, Knowledge Box, 1962/2009. Photo: James Prinz.

ART & DESIGN  - Modern Mondays: Knowledge Box Re-created
Designer Ken Isaacs speaks about his Knowledge Box, an immersive teaching device, invented in 1962, which is a highlight of the exhibition “Learning Modern.” Sullivan Galleries, SAIC, 33 S State St, seventh floor. 4:30–5:30pm. FREE!

AROUND TOWN/SPORTS & REC/MUSIC - Mud Queens
Dirt and sometimes panties fly when one woman wrestles another woman in the mud. Dedicated to promoting a “mud-slinging, hootin’ and hollerin’ kind of culture,” this battle royale is preceded by showcases from the bands the Bama Lamas, Get Up with the Get Downs and the Alright Alreadies. Patrons must be 21 or older. VIP tickets include balcony seating. Reggie’s Music Joint, 2105 S State St (mudqueens.com). 7pm; $10, VIP $25.

FILM - Ong Bak 2: The Beginning
Let’s be clear on this: If you go to see a martial arts movie, you’re not looking for Citizen Kane or subtle psychologically rich performances or complex plotting. You’re there for the stunts. In Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, Tony Jaa delivers. Watching him plow through a string of opponents armed mostly with just his hands and feet is great fun. Music Box, 3733 N Southport Ave between Grace St and Waveland Ave (773-871-6604). El: Brown to Southport. Bus: 80 Irving Park, 152 Addison. Mon 16—Thu 19. See musicboxtheatre.com for showtimes. Regular and midnight $9.25, first daily show $8.75.

MUSIC - Devendra Banhart
The freak-folk forerunner’s latest, What Will We Be, is a honey of a record, filled with songs so warm and inviting, you practically want to lean into them. Vic Theatre, 7:30pm, $28.50, all ages.

GAY & LESBIAN/NIGHTLIFE - Chances Dances
Lasting longer than most gay relationships, this four-year-old queer party still rocks Wicker Park. Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave (773-278-6600). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. 9pm, FREE!

Casey Roberts, We had what we thought was a "dark side of the moon" reference 2, 2009.

ART & DESIGN - “Deedee Davis and Casey Roberts.”
The Indianapolis-based artists’ show ends with a closing brunch. Home Gallery, 1407 E 54th Pl. Noon–3pm. FREE.

AROUND TOWN - Thanksgiving Cooking Class
Learn to make tasty turkey and all the fixins at this class led by Marché executive chef Cory Peterson. Dishes covered will include turkey (duh), sweet potatoes, wild-rice stuffing and gravy. Reservations required. Marché Restaurant, 833 W Randolph St (312-226-8399). 11:30am–1pm, $30.

MUSIC - Dengue Fever
Fronted by Chhom Nimol, a native of Phnom Penh, this excellent L.A. band features a bunch of indie vets playing in the style of ’60s Cambodian rock music. The culture clash within the band becomes even more pronounced in concert. Old Town School of Folk Music, 7:30pm, $16–$20.

THEATER - A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant
Kyle Jarrow’s joyously humanizing, hour-long Scientology Pageant does a big favor for acolytes of publishing rock star L. Ron Hubbard. To wit, it casts them in the absurd, timeless and affectionate mold shared by faiths of every stripe: adults dressing their kids in robes and directing them to act out fables that affirm their beliefs. Opens Sunday at 3pm, A Red Orchid Theatre

KIDS - Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas
Part of the film center, month-long “Muppets, Music & Magic” program, this screening of the original 1977 version of Jim Henson’s holiday story includes Kermit the frog (unlike the one you can get on DVD). Gene Siskel Film Center, 4pm, $10.

Maurizio Cattelan, All, 2008. Courtesy of Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, Paris and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York. Photo: Kunsthaus Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria.

ART & DESIGN -  “Italics: Italian Art Between Tradition and Revolution 1968–2008.”

The MCA’s survey, featuring more than 80 Italian artists including Maurizio Cattelan and Lucio Fontana, opens today. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave. 10am–5pm. $12 suggested admission, seniors and students $7, kids under 12 free.

NIGHTLIFE - Disco Unusual Social Club
Lono Brazil curates the sounds at this intimate and sweaty disco-and-beyond dance party. He’s done the party as far away as London, but we know nothing beats a cozy night of boogie-down on the mutant dancefloor of Bucktown’s Danny’s. 10pm, FREE!

AROUND TOWN - Pooch on Scrooge
Why people flock to have a photo of their dog taken with a dude dressed like Ebenezer Scrooge, we don’t know, but boy howdy, they do. At this benefit for Season of Concern, a nonprofit that provides fiscal support for theater community members in crisis, well-behaved dogs dress up for a quick portrait with the star of A Christmas Carol. The best dressed holiday hound wins a gift basket from Barker and Meowsky. Reservations strongly recommended. Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St (goodmantheatre.org/poochonscrooge). El: Red, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Blue to Washington. 9–11:30am, $10.

MUSIC - The Fab Faux
Watch NYC’s premier Beatles-tribute band take on the White Album in its entirety, featuring late night players Will Lee (Letterman) and Jimmy Vivino (Conan). Vic Theatre, 8pm, $60, all ages.

FILM - Queer Cinema panel + Screen Kiss
Our very own Hank Sartin does the moderating duties for a panel on the state of Queer Cinema today. The panel, which promises to be scintillating (and brilliantly moderated!) is part of Reeling, the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Stick around after the panel for a screening of Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss, with costar Richard Ganoung present to discuss the film. Film Row Cinema at Columbia College, 1104 S Wabash Ave (312-369-6815). El: Orange, Red, Green to Roosevelt. Bus: 4, 62. Sat at 3pm (panel) and 5pm (film). The panel is FREE, but the film will cost you $10.

ART & DESIGN - “Future Facing”
One of Logan Square’s most popular apartment galleries reopens at a new address with projects by Aline Cautis, Josh Mannis and Andy Roche. Old Gold, 3102 W Palmer Blvd. 7–10pm. FREE!

NIGHTLIFE - The Juan MacLean (DJ set)
After his last album, MacLean toured the land with his hipster live band retinue, impressing critics and fans alike with his mastery of the Theremin. Unfortunately for this go around we won’t be as lucky. That said, MacLean is an accomplished DJ—he keeps a steady DJ touring schedule going when not with the band—so we’re confident he’ll manage to impress with his expansive collection spanning disco to techno. Still Music front man Jerome Derradji opens. Smart Bar. 10pm; $10, free before 11pm.

FILM - All That Heaven Allows
For newcomers to the pleasures of Douglas Sirk’s 1950s melodramas, All That Heaven Allows is a great place to start. Middle-class widow Jane Wyman falls for earthy gardener Rock Hudson, but can she break free of her conformist ways and endure the scorn of her adult children and the snubbing of society? Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. Fri 13 at 6pm. $9, students $7, members $5.

SHOPPING & STYLE - Knee Deep Vintage
Maybe you can’t afford to purchase a piece of art in gallery-laden Pilsen, but you can certainly lay down a few dollars on vintage ware at Knee Deep’s midnight sale…especially after you’ve loosened up with a few free cocktails. Just think: At this time of night on a Friday, you’d normally be dropping cash at the bar. But what will give you a longer-lasting satisfaction? A few extra PBRs or a perfectly ’70s frock? Plus, everything is marked 25–50% off. 1425 W 18th St (312-850-2510). El: Pink to 18th. Bus: 9, 60. Fri 13, 6pm–midnight.

COMEDY - Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Who would’ve predicted the Cartoon Network’s longest running show would center around a snarky meatball, french fry and shake? Join two of its creators for a night of sneak peeks, staged readings and more. Lakeshore Theater, 7:30pm, $15.

MUSIC - Devo
The visionary Ohio futurists bring back their 1978 debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! Vic Theatre, 8pm, $41, 18 and older.

ART & DESIGN - Artist Talk: Zoe Strauss
The Philadelphia artist speaks about her photos of Chicago in “On the Scene.”
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave. 6–7pm. FREE.

FILM - Touch of Evil
Another in our ‘you saw it in a film class in college but didn’t appreciate it’ series: Touch of Evil. You saw it because of the long elaborate opening shot that follows a bomb into a car trunk and across the U.S./Mexican border. You were too young to really get the melancholy that underlies the whole Orson Welles/Marlene Dietrich part of the movie. You’re older and wiser now, so check it out. Block Cinema, Northwestern University, Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston (847-491-4000). El: Purple to Foster. Metra: Union Pacific N to Davis. Thu 12 at 8pm. $6, students $4.

THEATER - How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found
A young ad exec learns how to pull off a Judge Crater in U.K. playwright Fin Kennedy’s 2007 award-winning debut. Mary-Arrchie Theatre at Angel Island, 735 W Sheridan Rd (between Broadway and Pine Grove Ave), El: Red to Sheridan. Bus: 36, 80, 151, 8pm, $18–$22.

COMEDY - Jim Breuer
We were prepared to be disinterested by this SNL alum when we saw him at Just for Laughs this summer. Turns out, he impressed us with his ferocious antics about middle-aged married life. The Improv, 7:30pm, $27.

Photo: Will Rice, www.eightonesevenphotography.com, via TOC Flickr pool

AROUND TOWN - WTTW Backlot Tour
See what really goes on at one of the most-watched public-broadcasting stations in the country at this backstage tour. Organized by Women in Film! Chicago, a nonprofit that supports female filmmakers, this tour includes a look at sets used for shows like Check, Please!, Chicago Tonight and Soundstage. WTTW-11, 5400 N St. Louis Ave (312-665-0055, wifchicago.org). Bus: 82, 84, 92. 6:30pm; $5, WIF members free.

SPAS & GYMS - Allyu Lunchtime meditation workshop
We can all use a mental break, particularly when it comes free of charge. In the spirit of giving, Allyu offers gratis lunchtime meditation the second Wednesday of the month. No previous experience is required. All you have to do is show up and say “thanks.” Allyu, 600 W Chicago Ave (312-755-1313, allyuspa.com). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Chicago. Bus: 8, 66. Wed 11, noon–1pm, FREE!

MUSIC - 8 Bold Souls
Ed Wilkerson Jr.’s fantastic AACM flagship plays out far too infrequently, making this show a must for the curious. Velvet Lounge, 8:30pm, $10–$15.

ART & DESIGN - Jaume Plensa
Spanish sculptor Plensa speaks about his Crown Fountain and other projects around the world. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave. 6pm. FREE!

NIGHTLIFE - Rumble Lounge
While we’re sad to hear about long running low end night BassGoesBoom coming to a close, we’re happy to get this consolation prize from DJs Olin and Akademy. Matching rodan’s futuro aesthetic, these two will be spinning a forward thinking mix of the latest on the world’s bass scene. Focusing on everything from minimal techno to dubstep to dubstep’s latest cousin, U.K. Funky, Olin and Akademy may be the newest standard bearers in the city. rodan. 10pm. FREE!

MUSIC - Art Brut + Surfer Blood
Sure, England’s Art Brut have played Chicago more times than we count within the last year alone, but the clever and catchy act always deliver the goods. We’re hedging our bets on buzzy opener Surfer Blood, if only to see how the Florida band pulls off its anything-goes mix of massive rock riffs and shaggy lo-fi atmosphere. Lincoln Hall, $15, 18 and older.

ART & DESIGN - Tod Williams and Billie Tsien
The New York starchitects discuss their design for the U. of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for Creative and Performing Arts, opening in 2012. University of Chicago Law School, 1111 E 60th St. 6–8:30pm. FREE!

CLUBS - Jokers of the Scene
You’ll need to R.S.V.P. through urchicago to get in—but that seems worth it for a night of Hornitos Tequila and slamming beats from Fool’s Gold recording artists Jokers Of The Scene and iHeartcomix recording artists Acid Girls and a raft of local acts (Hollywood Holt, and local favorites Million $ Mano, Moneypenny and Kid Color). Sound-Bar, 10pm, R.S.V.P. required.

SPAS & GYMS - Blueberry Moon pumpkin spa treatment
If there’s one thing we can always count on for fall, it’s the return of pumpkin-themed treatments at spas. This Lincoln Park venue doesn’t disappoint with its pumpkin pedicure. It’s normally $65, but is $45 through Nov 30. But that’s not the only special here: Book a 60-minute facial with one of the Aveda-trained aestheticians, and you’ll get $20 off (90-minute facials are $40 off) through Wed 18. And the Himalayan glow massage (a full-body treatment that uses cinnamon to increase circulation and hydration, clove to detoxify and vanilla to soothe your senses) is $65 (normally $95) through Tue 17. 2108 N Halsted St (773-529-3333, blueberrymoon.com). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8, 73. Mon, Tue 11am–9pm; Wed, Thu 10am–9pm; Fri 9am–9pm; Sat 9am–6pm; Sun 10am–5pm.

AROUND TOWN- Dr. Daniela Rus
Ready for the robot uprising? If not, haul ass here. MIT electrical engineering professor Daniela Rus leads a discussion with science reporter Gabriel Spitzer on how, and when, robots will fully coexist with man. Harold Washington Library, 6pm, FREE!