Looking for something fun to do this February? Why not learn about Chicago's history with free admission, February 5 - 29, 2012, to the Chicago History Museum. Especially with a three-day weekend in February for President's Day, a trip to the museum could be a fun outing for your kids.

Check out our Guide to the Chicago History Museum to learn about its free admission in February for Illinois residents, as well as about special events and more at the museum.

Also worth reading: Guide to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium l Chicago's Top Museums l Valentine's Day 2012 in Chicago l Ribfest Chicago 2012 l April 2012 Events in Chicago l Best Ski Resorts Near Chicago

AmpliVox Sound Systems, based in Northbrook, IL, is promoting breast cancer awareness by donating a Pink Podium to every breast cancer awareness event on a free loan-per-event basis. Called the Pink Podium Promise, the program is designed to help raise public awareness about breast cancer and to positively impact the lives and families affected by the disease.

Learn more about AmpliVox's Pink Podium Program with our Pink Podium Guide, including information on its newest endeavor, the Pink Megaphone, which like the Pink Podium, is donated to breast cancer organizations for their events, fundraisers, and meeting gratis, including shipping.

Related Stories: Learn About Volunteering with Chicago Cares l Volunteering for College Students l March 2012 Events in Chicago

 Chicago's annual Restaurant Week 2012 (now in its 5th year) kicks off on February 17 and will last for 10 days with over 200 restaurants in Chicago offering special prix fix menus starting at $22, including three courses at lunch.

This is a great bargain considering that some of Chicago's top restaurants will be showcasing their best dishes and spirits with three-course lunches and dinners that typically start at $20 a plate. Participating restaurants offer lunch, dinner, or both at their discretion.

Check out our Guide to Chicago Restaurant Week 2012, including prices, dates, participating restaurants, and more.

Suggested reading: Guide to the Taste of Chicago 2012 l l May 2012 Events in Chicago l 8 Common Food Allergies l Tips for Getting in Shape in 2012

Looking to lose a few pounds and get in shape foe summer? A Chicago-wide weight loss challenge called the Chicago Matchup and sponsored by HealthyWage kicks off at the end of this month and pits dieters against each other to win cash prices totaling $18,000.

Check out a story we did on HealthyWage last May -- all of the information, except for dates, is still relevant for this year's competition, which starts January 27, 2012 and ends (verified weigh-outs must be completed by) April 20, 2012.  Maximum weight loss per person in the contest = 16.7% (1.5% per week, compounded downward).

If you are interested in doing the competition, Chicagoan Sonja is looking for people to join her team. According to Sonja: "First and foremost, I am looking for team members who know how to laugh and have fun. In order to succeed, team members should be highly dependable, extremely competitive and committed to winning! It would be a plus if all members had enough flexibility to get together once a week in (or near) downtown Chicago for a group motivational activity i.e. group weigh-in, a long walk outdoors together, etc."

To learn more about joining Sonja's HealthyWage team, you can contact Sonja at ajnos59@yahoo.com or e-mail Lisa Davis at Chicago.Guide@about.com, editor of Chicago.About.com, who would be glad to pass along your information to Sonja.

Looking for more ways to lose weight this year? Check out Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park's new Wellness Club that includes nutriton, fitness, yoga and cooking classes. You can also read Equinox Fitness instructor Tonya Dugger's top exercise tips for 2012.