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From FieldMuseum.org: One of nature’s most violent cataclysms was vividly described by Pliny the Younger, who survived the eruption of 
Vesuvius in AD 79. But untold numbers were buried in its volcanic debris, and a vibrant, cosmopolitan society vanished overnight, while other societies sprang up in its place. Now the exhibition Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption brings this lost world to life.
Casts made from human remains show real people caught as they fled with their most prized possessions. Past and more recent excavations in the area around Pompeii have revealed hundreds of objects that illuminate the inhabitants’ daily lives: gorgeous room-size frescoes and mosaics, gold coins and precious jewelry, marble and bronze sculptures, and a variety of everyday household objects. Visitors will visit three sites devastated by the eruption, seeing for themselves how the inhabitants lived and died, and learn how volcanoes are born—and how they wield their destructive power.
The exhibition runs through March 26. Tickets are between $7-$19, depending on when you go. Visit www.fieldmuseum.org for more information.
If you’ve never been to the Music Box Theatre on Southport, you’re missing out on one of Chicago’s little treasures. Home to a lot of independent and foreign films, it has a rich history that may have to be covered in an upcoming issue of The Real Chicago.
I’ve heard good things about the movie marathons they host, such as the horror movie marathon around Halloween. Coming up from Dec. 16-18 and Dec. 23-24 is the 22nd annual Music Box Christmas Show. You can see two classics on the big screen back-to-back — “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” with good ol’ Jimmy Stewart.
And just so you’re not caught off guard without the holiday spirit, I’ll let you know there’s a Christmas sing-along before each movie. No kidding.
Advance tickets are available through TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com or 312-902-1500) and at the theater box office at 3733 N. Southport.
On the Route Bicycles, a store on Lincoln Avenue near Belmont, has an interesting way to get in shape — or stay there — during the cold 
winter months.
The folks there offer a cycling class that not only keeps track of RPMs and speed and distance, but it also monitors your heart rate. Information on up to six different riders can be stored on each bike (a Pro 300 PT Cycleops) and downloaded after the class to further chart where you’re at physically.
Another added bonus is the 130-inch screen showing race video. While you’re sweating away carbs and building stamina, it feels like you’re chasing Lance Armstrong through the French hillside.
“It’s all about building up an aerobic base for athletes,” said Dan, one of On the Route’s instructors, while monitoring his class. “That’s what burns fat on a regular basis. It increases circulation, raises metabolism. It’s the focus of everything for an endurance athlete.”
Don’t look for any sprints at these classes that stress individual attention and reaching goals. They’re into building an endurance foundation to take cyclists to the next level.
You can get more information by calling On the Route at (773) 477-5066.