To spend
You can’t get Usher to play your company’s holiday drunk-fest, uh, party, but we’ve got the next best thing. How about prepaid Visa debit cards, available with two images of the hip-hopper? It’s for a good cause, as proceeds from the sales of the cards will go to the R&B superstar’s New Look Foundation, aimed at helping disadvantaged children. Get a card at suntrust.com/usher
To watch
The retooled INXS, local tunesters Fall Out Boy and Def Leppard–yes, Def Leppard!–will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday as part of the “VH1 Big in ’05 Awards.” D.L. Hughley will host the annual year-end bash that never fails to have at least one painfully awkward moment. Watch for attendees Jessica Simpson, Bobby Brown and the Gotti boys–they’re the likely suspects.
To celebrate
Can’t find your holiday spirit? Get to Franklin Park (near O’Hare) for hot cocoa, a tree-lighting ceremony, a petting zoo and a reindeer–no kidding, a real one. From 5 to
9 p.m. on Friday, the community will get festive as part of “Christmas in Hammill Park” at 9545 W. Belmont Ave. Pretend you’re a kid again and get your pic taken with ol’ St. Nick. 847-671-4800.
To sign
Connie Payton, widow of Bears legend Walter Payton and Bonita Favre, Brett’s mom, will bridge the historic rivalry with a dual book signing at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Borders (corner of State and Randolph Streets). The ladies each have books featuring the talented athletes and will only sign those, so leave the memorabilia at home. See? We can get along.
Sweet statuette
Still stuck on what to get that “Napoleon Dynamite” fanatic on your shopping list? Head to funtalking.com to bid on a “Napoleon” talking doll along with autographs from Pedro, Kip, Uncle Rico, Deb and Rex. He says 18 different lines from the film and, of course, is wearing the Vote for Pedro shirt. The money raised will be sent to Forte Animal Rescue to help animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. Auction ends Dec. 14.
