Free Rides Close Out The 2011 Year

  If you've been out drinking or even if you just don't want to drive, please take advantage of these free ride offers on New Years Eve.

--Ride any CTA bus or train for one penny from 10pm on December 31st to 4am on January 1st.  Okay, this isn't totally free but close enough.
--Miller Lite will be providing two shuttle buses that run through Chicago neighborhoods from 7pm December 31st to 2am January 1st.
--There is a "Free Rides Home" program in the suburbs of Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, and Tinley Park.
--A few Northwest suburbs are offering free rides and free towing for your vehicle.  Anchor Towing, which has locations in Crystal Lake and McHenry, is offering free towing from 6pm on New Years Eve to 6am on New Years Day.  The service is offered within a 10 mile radius of these two towns.  Sharp Towing in Island Lake will give rides from 8pm New Years Eve to 3am New Years Day.  The suburb of Cary has also offered free rides and towing through Whitey's Towing and A+ Towing.

Unbelieva-bull!

  I usually don't post a lot of gossip in my blog but I thought this little tid-bit would be fun to share.  Basketball champ and former Bull Michael Jordan is engaged.  Over Christmas he proposed to his girlfriend of 3 years, Yvette Prieto.  This will be Jordan's second marriage.  A wedding date has not been set.

Don't Forget....

.....toll rates for our tollways will be increasing at midnight on January 1st, New Years Day.  Not such a great way to ring in the New Year.
     Depending on the tollway, rate increases vary from 83-100% with I-88 at the DeKalb and Dixon tolls seeing the largest increase.  The increases for these tolls are 95 cents to $1.80 with I-Pass or $1.90 to $3.60 without I-Pass.  On the I-90 tollway, at the River Road Toll Plaza, the rates will rise from 40 cents to 75 cents with I-Pass and from 80 cents to $1.50 without I-Pass. 
     On the news some daily commuters were already planning new routes to and from work that attempted to avoid using tollways.  Unfortunately some commuters have no alternatives and will continue to use the toll-roads.  It was mentioned that the increase in tolls could cost daily commuters up to $300 more a year in commuting expenses.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

  During this beautiful Christmas weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite Chicago holiday decorations.  Chicago definitely has the Christmas Spirit!

Put a Little Jingle in Your Step!

  Every morning and evening, I see joggers running along Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.  This morning I saw two joggers that were a little more noisy then usual.  They had jingle bells tied themselves and as they jogged by one looked over and said "Merry Christmas".  That was my first smile of the day.

Where the Buffalo Roam

  This morning while I was walking to work, a large city bus passed me.  I turned and noticed that taking up most of the side of the bus was a huge buffalo.  He looked so beautiful with dark fur and white snow on his back.  To the right of him was "Montana".  It brought back memories of when I was in Montana earlier this year.  Even though last May the weather was warming up here in Chicago, there was still snow in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.  Here's my photo of a buffalo with snow.

How Healthy is Illinois?

  A study recently came out that ranked each state on how healthy it is.  Among the items it factored in were rates of obesity, infectious disease, and violent crime.  Where did Illinois rank?
 
  Vermont was ranked Number 1.
   Illinois was ranked Number 28.
   Mississippi was ranked Number 50.

   Vermont was ranked healthiest state because of its low rate of violent crime, low rate of infectious disease, high usage of early prenatal care, and low rate of uninsured residents.
 

No Holiday Cheer?

  I have named yesterday "No Holiday Cheer Day" because that's what I felt from people everywhere I went.  I was in a good mood because the weather has remained so mild and is perfect city walking weather.  On the streets, in the bank, on the train, people were abrasive, bad mannered and downright rude.  I'm not always in the best mood but I do attempt to keep my manners about me.  With the holidays literally around the corner, hopefully people cheer up a little.  Before we know it, we could get hit with a Chicago blizzard and then people will really have something to be unhappy about.

Be Careful in the Mornings!

  This morning there was a scattering of snow on the ground which proved more dangerous then one would expect.  Before the sun was even up, there were multiple car crashes on Route 53 causing delays.  There were also slippery surfaces around the train station this morning, which caused two people on my train alone to fall.  Since many people don't see significant amounts of snow or ice, they don't realize that surfaces are still slick from frozen moisture.  Be careful walking and driving, especially after dark when it's more difficult to see.

Let It Snow A little

  This morning I got my first taste of snow for the season.  They were only small flakes that melted when they hit the ground but they looked so pretty fluttering about in the air.  They struggled to stay in snowflake form since the temp is above freezing.  I felt like they were almost saying "even though it was 60 degrees on Friday, our weather is just around the corner!"

One of My Favorite Quotes

  "Money spent on travel is money well spent on an education that you will never receive from a book or in a classroom."
~Matthew Kelly

Light Up The Mag Mile!

  Come out and enjoy a very bright day on North Michigan Avenue on November 19th!  There will be family friendly activities the whole day.  Then at 5:30pm, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will lead an enchanting parade that includes over 30 floats, marching bands, giant balloons, musical performers, and celebrities.  Of course no holiday parade would be complete without Santa Claus!  As in all Disney movies, there will be a happy ending with a fireworks display along the Chicago River.

http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/

More Train Delays

  For the second Thursday morning in a row I took the Metra out of the Arlington Park train station into Chicago.  I had heard on the news that there was some emergency track work on the Milwaukee District West Line and trains were delayed.  The first delay time I heard at 5:45am was 45 minutes and then it dropped to 30 minutes.   The trains could be back on schedule by now but just a warning for morning commuters.

What would you rather have...

...60 degrees and rain or 30 degrees and sun?

I'm leaning towards the 60 degrees and rain. 

Crash and Burn....and Find an Alternate Commute Route

  As I was eating breakfast this morning, I flipped on the news and was surprised to find out that I would have to find an alternate route into Chicago.  Two freight trains collided early this morning near the border of Elgin and Bartlett.  The crash caused a fire and there is possibly hazardous material involved too.  The crash affected all of  the Milwaukee District West Line trains into and out of Chicago.  According to the news, all scheduled trains will be cancelled for the morning.  There were two trains that were east of the crash and they will provide limited service between Bartlett and Chicago.  This of course is subject to change but finding an alternate commute route into Chicago is highly recommended.  I chose to drive to the Arlington Park train station and take the Union Pacific Northwest train line into Ogilvie Station.  Be prepared for some full trains this morning as other lines take on the extra commuters.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Fall Things....

                                            A later sunrise reflecting off the buildings and water

                                              
                                                           Festive Fall Decorations

 

Leaves just beginning to change

One of 32

  When you're behind the wheel of your car and aggravated with traffic and that slow moving pedestrian taking forever to cross the street, please think about the number of people that are killed every year on the streets.  In Chicago last year, there were 32 recorded pedestrians that were killed by automobiles.  In order to get the point across, Chicago has placed 32 mannequins along Wacker Drive between Wells and Michigan Avenue.  Each mannequin is wearing a black t-shirt that states "One of 32 Pedestrians Killed Last Year in Chicago."  Hopefully these mannequins will encourage drivers to slow down and be more cautious around pedestrians.

Small World

  This past Monday evening, as I was about to enter Union Station to catch my train home, I bumped into an old classmate from high school.  A couple weeks before, I ran into him as I was exiting the train station.  He was on the same train as me but we didn't realize it until we were coming out the Madison Street exit.  He doesn't work in Chicago or regularly take my train.  In fact, Monday night, it looked like he was coming out of the Ogilvie Station. 
  In a city as large as Chicago, what are the odds of randomly running into someone you know?  Is the world really this small or is the term "small world" just too overused? 
  My sisters both live in New York City.  They've told me that they repeatedly will see random people that they know out at different restaurants.  Just yesterday, my sister told me that she randomly found out that a girl she went to college with lives in the same apartment complex as her. 
  Just in case you still thought the world was a big place...I have a friend who is originally from France but currently lives in California.  While she was in Europe, she randomly saw someone that she knew from back in California.
   Although the population of the world continues to increase, it seems like somehow we still manage to keep it small enough to see the people we know.

Halloween in Chicago

  Ready to enjoy some Halloween fun before the cold weather keeps us all indoors?

Franken Plaza
Location:  Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago
Friday October 28th enjoy a Harvest Market from 7am to 3pm, Midnight Circus performances at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm, and pumpkin carving demos at 12:30 and 2:30pm.

Saturday October 29th enjoy a Monster Bash from 11am to 8pm, Batbucks Game Show at 2:20pm and 6:30pm, and Midnight Circus performances at 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

Sunday October 30th enjoy a Craft Market from 11am to 6pm, Midnight Circus performances at 11:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm, Dave Herzog's Marionettes at 12:15pm, and Magic Matt's Spooky Fun Show at 2:15pm.

Paris Club

  This past Wednesday I attended an alumni event for my college.  When I first received the invitation, I was intrigued when I saw the event would be held at the Paris Club at 59 W. Hubbard Street.  The Paris Club opened earlier this year and is a R.J. and Jerrod Melman creation.  Their father, Richard Melman, is the founder of Lettuce Entertain You.  Paris Club replaced Brasserie Jo and is suppose to be a "trendy" new Chicago spot. 
  I arrived at about 5:30pm and the restaurant was really starting to fill in with dinner patrons.  My alumni event was in a small back private room that had high tables decorated with champagne bottles turned into flower vases.  Shortly after I arrived staff began passing by with hors d'oeuvres on unique trays.  One tray looked like a painter's easel with real paint brushes.  I sampled both sweet potato fries and herbed frites.  I also indulged in mini beef burgers, crab cakes, and what they call drippings on toast, which I thought were mini grilled cheeses.  I thought all the food tasted wonderful and I especially enjoyed the crab cakes.  At one point, I made my way to the bathroom which was on the lower level.  On my way to the bathroom, I noticed a long line of people that stretched from a set of stairs that lead upstairs all the way to the front door.  I assumed there was another private party happening on the second floor.  I was also surprised to see that the bar area was fairly crowded for a Wednesday night and a majority of the dining tables were also filled. 
  Overall I had a great experience at the Paris Club.  I was only able to sample appetizers and not a full meal but from what I sampled, I thought the food was very well prepared.  Add to the tasty food, a friendly wait staff and it looks like the Paris Club should do very well with Chicagoans.

http://www.parisclubchicago.com/

Today is a

....wrestle with your wild umbrella day!  I got plenty of wild umbrella sitings this morning.  You know, the usual, people struggling to control their wild umbrellas.  Umbrellas desperately trying to break free from the grasp of aggravated pedestrians.  Even though it was a little rainy this morning, I kept my umbrella secured and at my side.  I wasn't willing to participate in this all too familiar Chicago sport. 
  With 60 mph winds predicted, later today we might see people dodging the 25 foot waves from Lake Michigan. 
  Warning:  These high wind weather conditions are not for light-weights and I mean that literally.

Chicago Ideas

  Chicago Ideas Week was from October 10th through 16th (sorry about the late post).  It's an annual event that celebrates ideas and innovations and looks to inspire people.  During this week, there were various programs that varied from speakers on the topic to getting to view the inner-workings of different businesses.
  When I first saw the bright yellow balloons on Michigan Avenue, I thought they were displayed just to inspire people.  After a little more online researching, I found a whole website devoted to Ideas Week:
http://www.chicagoideas.com/

   I'm proud that Chicago has placed such an emphasis on great ideas and innovations.  I would love to hear peoples' reactions to the balloons and the different ways they have felt inspiration in their lives.

More Please

  I've been absolutely LOVING this weather we've had this past week.  The beautiful weather gods have been smiling on us.  I'm hoping to continue this great weather streak as far into the future as possible but inevitably I know we are destined for rain, snow, ice, and everything in between. 
  Back in July 1916, Chicago had a record of 10 consecutive days of 100% sunshine.  Let's see if we can break that record!

Digging Out of a Hole

  Even though I try to stay away from politics, I do like to keep informed on agenda that affects our hard earned dollar.  Due to the deficit that Chicago is in, city officials and the mayor have come up with some potential solutions that will involve our own money.  Here are a few:

--Raise water and sewer rates
--Impose a 1% city income tax
--Impose a 1% commuter tax
--Impose a $5 congestion fee on vehicles entering the Central Business District during the morning and evening rush hours
--Install toll booths on Lake Shore Drive and charge, on average, $2.50 per vehicle

National Coffee Day

  Today is National Coffee Day!  A great holiday for those who love their java.  A few places are offering free coffee or coffee deals. 

Krispy Kreme is offering a free 12 oz cup of their signature coffee
Dunkin Donuts is offering 50 cent cups of coffee
7-11 is offering free medium cups of coffee
Thorntons is offering a free coffee or cappuccino until 2pm
McDonalds is offering free coffee

Day 3 of Rain and the question of "Why"?

  Today is another rainy, gloomy day in Chicago.  I'm hoping after this rain clears up, the weather will squeeze in a few more nice Chicago days before we have to crank on our heat.
  On a different note, this past weekend I gathered together some email addresses, that I had obtained, of Illinois Senators and Representatives.  I had been meaning to write a "letter of concern" for a while and finally got a chance to this past Saturday.  I was determined to voice complaints for Illinois citizens and for my own sense of fulfillment, pretend that might email will make a difference.  I wrote my concerns for unexplained increases in real estate taxes, the increase in the state income tax, and higher food and gas prices.  I also included what has come about most recently; the increase in tolls and the proposed increase in Metra fares.  My biggest question, which will probably never be answered, is why all these increases are coming about during a time of recession when people have no jobs and are foreclosing on their homes?  The answer many may say is because the state of Illinois is in so much debt.  My response to that answer is "why"? 

Metra to Possibly Increase Fares

  Metra has proposed a fare increase in hopes of off-setting their budget deficit.  Monthly passes could jump 30%, 10 ride passes could see a 32% fare increase, and one-way tickets might cost 17% more.  Even though Metra has increased fares in the recent past, they still wish to bring in more revenue.  With a bad economy, this is a tough decision on Metra's part and will be even tougher on commuters.  Some commuters that live closer to Chicago, but still take the train, feel that with the fare increase, they might as well drive to work.  I personally think this fare increase is coming at a horrible time.  Many people are struggling with the recession to make ends meet.  Also, I had always thought that people should be encouraged to take public transportation to cut down on pollution among other things.  If people feel that driving their own car to work is more cost efficient then taking the train, then any "going green" idea is lost.

Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer

  As far advanced as our modern society is today, we unfortunately still have horrible illnesses like childhood cancer.  In May of this year, 6 year old Theofanis Yianas was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, which is a rare childhood cancer.  He recently had a tumor removed and is undergoing chemotherapy. 
  September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and in support of this and in support of Theofanis, please come out for a fundraiser that will be held on Saturday, September 24th and Sunday, September 25th.  It will be held at The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios, 893 N. Church Road, Elmhurst.  There will be authentic Greek food, crafts and games, music and dancing, and an auction.  Saturday afternoon there will be a talent show and Saturday night there will be an appearance by Chicago Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael.  Noon on Sunday there will be performances by Dionysos Young Adult & Junior Dance Troupes. 
  All proceeds will be donated to a fund set up for Theofanis as he fights to win against Neuroblastoma.  For more information about Theofanis Yianas please visit his blog:  http://www.theofanisspot.blogspot.com/

Where there's smoke in Chicago....

....there's a fire in Minnesota.  A large forest fire is raging in northern Minnesota and the affects of it are being felt in Chicago and its suburbs.  Smoke from the fire is being blown in Chicago's direction by wind and northern suburbanites are experiencing watery eyes and trouble breathing.  The fire in Minnesota was originally started by a lightening strike back in August and has been burning ever since.  The smoke is expected to lighten or clear by today or tomorrow.

Wedding on the Water

  This past weekend I attended a beautiful wedding that was on the Odyssey cruise ship on Lake Michigan.  We boarded and then watched a beautiful sunset ceremony on the top deck with the Chicago skyline in the background.  We continued the celebration with appetizers and then a buffet dinner on a lower deck.  Right after dinner there were fireworks on the lake and we spent a majority of the night back on the top deck taking in Chicago's beauty.  Chicago's romantic side definitely shone through with the glowing lights from ashore and the glistening water from the lake.

Chicago Remembers 9/11

  There are numerous events throughout the Chicagoland area tomorrow that will commemorate the tragedy of 9/11.  Please take a moment of silence tomorrow to remember those innocent people that lost their lives 10 years ago.

September 11, 2011

Buffalo Grove High School will host an event for 9/11 that includes music from the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. 

West Chicago Park District will host a ceremony for a Hometown Hero and those who lost their lives.The tribute will include Color Guards, bagpipers, musical and choir groups, and a new monument.

The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago on Chestnut Street will host a memorial that includes reflections by leaders of the different faith communities.  "Voices of Peace" will be sung by a 95 member choir.

The Marilyn

  Back in July, an enormous statue of Marilyn Monroe was unveiled on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.  It stands 26 feet tall, across the street from the Wrigley Building in the Pioneer Court.  It has drawn many critics but people still flock to it and can be seen taking pictures at all times of the day.  It has also become a popular wedding stop.  When we viewed it, there was a bride and groom getting professional photos taken underneath it.  It was created by 80 year old, sculptor Steward Johnson and will be in Chicago until Spring 2012.  What do you think of this giant tribute to Marilyn Monroe?

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, No it's Superman in Chicago!

  After filming in Plano, Superman has officially arrived to begin filming in Chicago today!  Filming is said to take place until September 17th and will be focused mainly in the Loop.  The Board of Trade Building will be staged as the Daily Planet where Clark Kent works and the Willis (Sears) Tower will provide interior shots of the newspaper office.  Watch out for no parking signs and blocked off streets.  Superman; Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill, Kevin Costner, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, and Michael Shannon and reportedly will come out in theaters on June 14, 2013.

Review of 676 Restaurant and Bar

  Yesterday was truly perfect Chicago weather.  Mid-70s and sun, all a Chicagoan could ask for.  It's days like yesterday that make people forget about the freezing ice storms and frying 90 degree weather.  I decided to indulge in a nice lunch at a wonderful Michigan Avenue restaurant.  676 Restaurant and Bar is located at 676 North Michigan Avenue in the Omni Hotel.  There is the indoor restaurant and bar but it also boasts a nice sidewalk cafe right on the corner of Michigan and Huron.  The restaurant focuses mainly on ingredients from Midwest and local farmers which are all organic and sustainable.  This restaurant even has honey from the chef's own hive and produce from the rooftop gardens on the Omni Hotel. 
  We had the pleasure of starting our meal with an Heirloom Apple Salad and a Summer Salad.  The Summer Salad was very colorful and included chunks of yellow tomato and watermelon.  For our main entrees we had the Salmon B.L.T. sandwich and the Shrimp Flatbread.  The sandwich was incredibly good and the salmon was cooked perfectly.  The flatbread had cream cheese and scampi sauce.  It was a little greasy but also delicious.  For drinks we ordered lemonade and raspberry iced tea.  The iced tea alone was enough for two people.  It came out in a small, steaming pitcher and sat over a larger pitcher filled with ice.  We poured the smaller pitcher into the pitcher with the ice and it made a sweet, very refreshing beverage.  Top this great food off with views of Michigan Avenue and you've got a perfect lunch date.

Taste of Greece!

  This past weekend I enjoyed a beautiful night and a wonderful Taste of Greece on Halsted in Greektown.  We visited this 2 day fest on Saturday night but I had heard that Sunday was the busier day.  Halsted was jammed with tents, tables, people and tons of food and drink.  Many people were carrying around bottles of wine and ouzo and gorging themselves on Greek delicacies like baklava, gyros, and souvlaki. 
  There were also dance groups performing, including my favorite, Dionysos Dance Troupe. http://dionysosdancetroupe.com/  They perform dances from every area of Greece.  Saturday night they engaged their audience in Cretan dances.  Afterwards they asked the audience to join them in dancing and many people rushed to find a place in line. 
   Chicago is a proud city not just for its vast amount of museums, restaurants, and historical markers but also for its great cultural diversity.

Will This New Restaurant Live Up to Its Championship Name?

  NBA champ, Michael Jordan, was scheduled to open a new steakhouse restaurant on Michigan Avenue yesterday, August 22nd.  It's located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue in the InterContinental Hotel.  His original restaurant located on North LaSalle closed 12 years ago.  This new restaurant focuses on steaks and seafood but will have a few catchy menu items like a chopped salad with 23 ingredients and a 23 layer cake, that will pay tribute to MJ's basketball days.

Illinois Citizens Paying More To Drive

  As if the income tax rate increase wasn't enough for IL, now there is talk of raising tolls on tollways.  Illinois is planning on making improvements on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and also extending the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway and possibly making it into a tollway as well.  The tolls for I-Pass users could nearly double!  IL has come up with a 15 year plan that will increase tolls for all drivers.  There will be a series of public hearings this month where citizens can make complaints and voice their opinions. 
   My question is...what else is Illinois planning on increasing at its citizens expense?

Air and Water Show!

  Chicago's Air and Water show is the oldest and largest free show of its kind in the United States.  Enjoy stunts and performances by the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Parachute Team the Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, the Firebirds, Lima Lima Flight Team, Matt Chapman Aerobatics, Sean D. Tucker & Team Oracle, and the U.S. Air Force Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs.  North Avenue Beach is the focal point but the show can be seen anywhere along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street.
   August 20-21 from 10am to 3pm.

Man Shot on State

   Every day on my way to and from work, I use a bridge to cross over the Chicago River.  Usually it's the Michigan Avenue bridge or the Wells bridge but I have used other bridges such as the State Street bridge or Clark Street bridge.  Last night, I heard on the radio that a man was shot in the head on the State Street bridge around 5pm rush hour.  At this time, I was safely entering the train tunnel to catch my 5:05pm train but this shooting was a little too close for comfort.  During rush hour, hundreds of people are leaving work and the bridges are usually pretty crowded. 
  On the TV this morning, there was a reporter interviewing witnesses.  The witness said he heard what sounded like a car engine back firing and he looked and saw a man with a gun running away.  I can only imagine how people felt as they saw a man pull out a gun and shoot another man in broad daylight in an area not usually known for violence. 

Seen in front of the Walgreens on Michigan and Chicago....

....a woman being wrapped up in toilet paper like a mummy.

I'm not exactly sure what the purpose of this situation was but it was interesting to see how natural people acted as the woman was wrapped from head to toe in toilet paper.

Less is More in Advertising?

  This morning as I was crossing the bridge over the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue, I noticed a young man holding up a professional sign.  As I got closer to him, I realized that he was only wearing boxer shorts, a tie, socks, and shoes.  I looked at the sign, thinking that I had never seen this kind of advertising before.  The sign read: "Give the suit off your back.  Men's Wearhouse"  Well, it was definitely eye-catching for all the women passing by.  I'm not quite sure how the men felt but hopefully Men's Wearhouse gets some extra business for their efforts.

More filming on Wacker

   This morning I saw another film trailer set up on Wacker Drive near Michigan Avenue.  Outside the film trailer there was a moveable clothing rack with different uniforms on it.  They reminded me of uniforms from a "Law and Order" type show.  Then I remembered that there's a show out called "Chicago Code".  When I first heard about it, I wanted to see an episode but I never got around to doing so.  Unfortunately I didn't see any "celebrities" and there was nothing else besides the "costume" rack to back up my presumptions.  If they keep filming around that area, I might get more clues as to what exactly they're doing. 

Travel the World Without Leaving the State

  Take a trip around the world in August....come on out and check out these fests!  Learn about different cultures and try new foods!

Serb Fest
August 5-7
Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
5701 N. Redwood Drive, Chicago
Free admission, parking, and shuttle from Cumberland Blue Line
http://www.serbfestchicago.com/

Taylor Street Festa Italiana
August 11-14
Little Italy Neighborhood; Taylor Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago
http://www.oshows.com/2011-festivals#!__2011-festivals

Ginza Holiday, A Large Japanese Cultural Festival
August 12-14
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago
$5-6 donation

Chicago Korean Festival
August 13-14
Albany Park; 3200 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago
http://starevents.com/events/chicago-korean-festival/

Ukrainian Days Festival 2011
August 20-21
Grand and Campbell in Smith Park
$5 donation

Uketoberfest
August 26-28
St. Joseph Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church
5000 N. Cumberland Avenue, Chicago

Taste of Greece
August 27-28
Greektown; Halsted Street between Van Buren and Monroe Streets
Free
http://greektownchicago.org/

Chicago's Downtown Farmer's Markets

  With the hot weather, enjoy some wonderful, fresh foods at Chicago's Farmers' Markets.  Outdoor markets can also be found all over the Chicago suburbs.  Here are a few downtown locations:

Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn
May12-Oct. 20, 2011
Every Thursday, 7am-3pm

Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn
May 17-Oct. 25, 2011
Every Tuesday, 7am-3pm

Pritzker Park, 344 South State Street
June 14-Sept. 17
Every Tuesday, 7am-3pm

Willis Tower Plaza, 233 S. Wacker Drive
June 16-Oct. 6, 2011
Every Thursday, 7am-3pm

Plaza 300, 300 N. LaSalle
July 5-Sept. 27, 2011
Every Tuesday, 7am-2pm

Two North Riverside
Jul 6-Sept. 28, 2011
Every Wednesday, 11am-7pm

Let There Be Light!

  I'm a little late in posting this but we did finally get our electricity back Wednesday evening.  Now I'm happy to indulge in a couple of my favorite things like the internet, oven (even though it's gas, it's part digital), and of course the overhead lights.  I can also do some not so favorite things like laundry.
  As far as the film crew I saw on Wacker Drive....they're no longer there so either they moved on to another location or they could have been shooting a shorter piece like a commercial.

Day 3 of No Electricity

  We're currently on Day 3 of no electricity and counting.  Our house is one of the unfortunate ones that has not yet received power.  Many houses in our neighborhood have power but for some reason our house, along with a few others, are on a different generator, or at least that's what ComEd told us.  According to an online article, ComEd states it's working on having 95% of people back up and running with electricity by midnight Thursday.  Hopefully we're one of those and we won't have to drag on until Friday or Saturday.  On a good note, since it's dark by 9pm, I've been going to bed earlier then normal and have been getting extra sleep that I so desperately need.
  On a non-"I need electricity"-note, I noticed a camera crew set up on Wacker Drive along the Chicago River this morning.  I'm not sure what they're shooting but hopefully 1. it's something cool and 2. they don't block off too much of the sidewalks and roads. 

Happy 7-11 Day!

  Help 7-Eleven celebrate it's 84th birthday today, July 11!  Stop by participating 7-Elevens for a free 7.11 oz Slurpee drink!
  7-Eleven was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas.  It currently has more then 39,000 stores world-wide.

Folk and Roots

  This July 9th and 10th, enjoy the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival in Lincoln Square!  It's hosted by Old Town School of Music and features performers like Delbert McClinton, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, and Bombino, on six different stages.  More then 30,000 people come out for this huge party and take in the workshops, childrens' activities and food! 

http://www.chicagofolkandroots.org/

Sweet Treats!

  So after a long day of work today, I walked into view of Union Station and noticed one of my favorite things....freebie give-aways!  but this time it was times 2!  I scored a Haagen Dazs ice cream cone from USA Network.  They're promoting new shows like "Suits".  I also get to sample a new "Cool Juice" courtesy of Dominicks.  It's made from 100% Natural Juice and is a "Mango Groove" flavor.
  Thanks to Dominicks and USA Network, half of the people on my train were enjoying ice cream and juice today.

Guilty? OR Guilty!

  Today the verdict in the former governor, Rod Blagojevich, corruption trial was read.  Jurors found Blagojevich guilty on 17 out of 20 counts of corruption against him, including all 11 counts for his attempted sale of a U.S. Senate seat and 3 counts of the shakedowns of Children's Memorial Hospital and a racetrack executive.
  Blagojevich is the fourth Illinois governor to be convicted of crimes.  Many people believe Illinois has a long legacy of corruption under its belt.  How can this be stopped?  OR  Can this be stopped?

Taste of Chicago!

  Get ready to get your taste on this weekend!  Taste of Chicago runs Friday June 24th through Sunday July 3rd in Grant Park.  This year you'll have a chance to try the food of 59 restaurants.  Also, new this year, four of Chicago's music festivals will be incorporated into the Taste instead of being stand alone events like in years past.  The Chicago Country Music Festival, the Chicago Latin Music Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago, and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival will all be providing the music for your listening pleasure.  Along with this will be other bands cranking out tunes everyone knows and loves.  It'll be a feast for the senses! 

June Fests, Fests, and More Fests!!

Summer is a time for fests!  See what fests are going on just in June alone!

Fiestas Puertorriquanes:
June 14-19
Free
Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage!  Enjoy both typical fest fare plus specialties from Puerto Rico.  Entertainment includes carnival rides and salsa and merengue performances.

Taste of Randolph Street:
June 17-19
$10
This annual culinary fest goes on for 6 blocks in the West Loop!  Enjoy live entertainment and great food!

Green Music Fest:
June 25-26
$5 donation
Third annual celebration of both music and the environment.  Enjoy Indie bands and browse through eco-friendly vendors.  Located on Damen Avenue between North Avenue and Schiller Street.

Singin' the Blues!

What: Chicago Blues Fest; the largest FREE Blues Festival in the world!
Where: Grant Park
When: June 10-12

  3 days and 5 stages of Blues.  What more can a Blues fan ask for?

Did I Miss Something?

  Now I know Chicago's sales tax is high but when I bought a flavored bottle of water yesterday and noticed a 12.75% sales tax on it, I was shocked.  I know how taxes seem to run rampant in Illinois so I decided to look online to see what exactly the sales tax was for a good like flavored water.  I couldn't pinpoint an exact tax rate for flavored water but I did find out that there is 5 cents added to each individual bottle of water bought.  This excludes flavored water and sports drinks.  This 5 cents is called the "sin tax" since now it is considered a "sin" to fill our landfills with plastic bottles.  People are encouraged to drink tap water out of re-usable containers.  I find that a reasonable argument.  From my online searching though, the origins of the 12.5% tax on my receipt still remains a mystery.

A little Bit of City Slicking...

  I've experienced my fair share of country life but got a nice taste of the "cowboys and indians" while on what I like to call our "Wild West Trip".  We traveled through all sorts of weather from cold to snow to rain to severe heat and got to see huge bison, eik, and little prairie dogs.  We walked through thick Yellowstone forests and trails of bubbling geysers as well as the "Badlands" of South Dakota.  We even got to see a couple of the sets from Dances with Wolves in Fort Hays, South Dakota.  Did you know that they had "stunt" buffalo in the movie that performed for Oreo cookie rewards? 
  We got to see Old Faithful, a geyser that has remained fairly consistent with its spewing.  Now I'm back to the city where the only thing consistent is the traffic and congestion.

The Grand Teton Mountain Range

Hot Spring in Yellowstone

Old Faithful

Upper Falls, Yellowstone

Custer Battlefield on the Little Bighorn River

Devil's Tower, Wyoming

Badlands, South Dakota

Roller Coaster Weather

 As always, Chicago is having its roller coaster weather.  One day it's 90 degrees out, the next it's 40.  Buildings go from using air-conditioning to heat in a day.  People go from shorts and tank tops to pants and jackets.
  Right now I have peppers, petunias, and geraniums in my garage, anxiously waiting to be planted in the ground or in a hanging basket.  My tomato plants have the envious spot inside on my windowsill.  I see those little plants staring out the window, wondering when they can go outside and enjoy some fresh air.  Fingers crossed, by the end of this week.  My other veggies are still in seed form so they don't know any better.  Although our area isn't the best for growing oranges, lemons, and palm trees, Chicago has been blessed with many beautiful, hardy tulips and daffodils that still thrive in cold rain and warm sun alike.

Oprah; Now a Permanent Part of Chicago

  Oprah fans can now walk down Oprah Winfrey Way.  Yesterday Richard Daley named a block in front of Harpo Studios, Oprah Winfrey Way.  Her day time talk show is scheduled to end May 25th.

Some Chicago freebies for Mother's Day....

  Taking mom out for Mother's Day this year?  Here's a few freebies for mom on her special day:

--IKEA is offering moms free breakfast before 11am.

--Does your mom love ice cream?  She can enjoy a free cup or cone at TCBY this Sunday.

--From May 6-8, moms get into Medieval Times for free with the purchase of one full price adult. 
http://www.medievaltimes.com/specialoffers/treat-mom-like-a-queen.aspx

--The Odyssey, Spirit of Chicago, and Mystic Blue cruises are offering mom a free cruise on Lake Michigan.  There will be brunch and dinner launches from Navy Pier.  With the purchase of 3 adult tickets, moms get to cruise and eat for free.

--German restaurant, Mirabel, on W. Addison in Irving Park, is open from noon until 8pm for Mother's Day and is offering mom a free glass of wine.

--Rosewood Restaurant in Rosemont offers moms dining on Mother's Day a free $25 gift card for a future visit.

A Taste of Greece

  One of the things I love about Chicago is how cultural it is.  Chicago's people are incredibly proud of their culture and heritage and love celebrating it.  Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Greek Independance Day Parade on Halsted in Greektown.  People not familiar with the Greek community would be amazed at how many Greek organizations there are in Chicagoland.  Greek churches from Chicago to Elgin were represented in full force.  There were Greek dance groups of all ages and sizes, a Greek Professionals organization, Greek schools, even a Greek motorcycle group called "Gama".  Some villages in Greece were also represented with banners and marchers.  My favorite dance group to watch is Dionysos Dance Troupe.  They perform dances from all over Greece and grow in size every year.  To view some of their dances, check out this YouTube link of their performance at a 2009 White Sox Game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeBLZcVJD5A

  After the Parade, we all went to Greek Islands, on Halsted, for a mouth-watering dinner.  Greek Islands has a variety of traditional Greek food at reasonable prices.  There is something for everyone's taste from chicken to seafood to soups to salads to gyros to even different lamb dishes.  We enjoyed flaming saganaki cheese, grilled octopus, calamari, fried zucchini, traditional greek spreads, dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice), and spanakotiropita (layers of spinach and feta cheese in a filo dough).  I left Greek Islands last night holding my very full belly.

An Empire Ends

  Yesterday a Chicago advertising legend passed away.  Elmer Lynn Hauldren, "the Empire Carpet man", passed away at age 89.  Hauldren was a World War II veteran who had been working for Empire Carpet since the 1970s.  He'll live on in the memories of many Chicagoans.

Seen at a gas station on the corner of LaSalle and Ontario....

.....gas for $4.49 a gallon!!

Will the Bulls be the new Blackhawks?

  If the Blackhawks lose one more game against the Canucks, they will be out of the playoffs in the first round.  However the Bulls have won their first 2 games against the Pacers and they claim they haven't even been playing that well and need some "adjustments".  Will the Bulls be this year's team to root on for the Championship?
  The Blackhawks next game is tonight at 7:00pm.
  The Bulls next game is this Thursday, April 21, at 6:00pm.

Add some sweetness to the bitterness of Tax Day!

    Want something sweet to take your mind off of your tax return?  Better yet, want it to be something sweet and free?  Participating Cinnabons will be giving away two free Cinnabon Bites to each guest on Monday, April 18, 2011 from 6-8pm.

http://www.cinnabon.com/goodies/tax-day-bites%21.aspx

Free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Today!

  Today, Tuesday April 12, participating Ben & Jerry's will be serving up free scoops to customers!  Go to http://www.benjerry.com/ to find the location nearest you!

Spring Egg-Stravaganza

When:  Sunday, April 17
Where:  Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
What:   The largest Easter candy hunt in Chicago!  Over 4,000 adults and children are expected to come out for this event.  There's a free festival at 9am followed by a candy hunt at 10am.  Children ages 10 and under are welcome to participate in the candy event.  The first 2,000 children who participate in the event will receive a commemorative wooden egg that was designed by a Chicago youth.

The Blackhawks thank their lucky Stars

  Despite their loss against the Detroit Redwings this past weekend, the Blackhawks will fortunately still have a shot in the playoffs this season.  Due thanks are given to the Minnesota Wild for defeating the Dallas Stars on Sunday, which let the Hawks slip into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.  The Blackhawks first playoff game against the Canucks is April 13 in Vancouver.

Up, up, and away!

  Does this sound like Chicagoland's gas prices right now?  According to http://chicagogasprices.com/, the average gas price in Chicago today is $4.08.  According to the site, in the last 24 hours gas prices in Chicago and its suburbs have ranged from $3.80 at a Sam's Club in Des Plaines to $4.39 at a few different gas stations in Chicago.
  There was an article in the Chicago Tribune yesterday titled "White House fears gas prices could tank Obama".  In the article AAA stated that gas prices have risen over 30% in the last year. 
  How high will gas prices go and will government ever intervene?

Japan and John

  Look for red and white lights shining from the John Hancock Building tonight!  The John Hancock Building, along with other towers around the world, is showing its support for Japan during this devastating time by displaying red and white lights, the colors of the Japanese flag.  Chicago hopes to raise awareness and show support for the people of Japan.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

  The weather is beautiful.  The Chicago River is still tinted a little emerald from last Saturday's parade.  People are decked out in various shades of green.  It's the perfect day for celebrating.  Happy St. Patrick's Day Chicago!

Roadshow Coming To Chicago?

  Tired of hearing about Charlie Sheen's drama?  You might hear about it for a little bit longer.  He's bringing his road show, "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option", to Chicago.  He's scheduled to perform at the Chicago Theatre on Sunday April 3 at 8pm.  Tickets go on sale this Saturday.  Ticket prices range from $35 to $69.50 before fees and taxes.

Casimir Pulaski Day in Chicago

  You know you're in Chicago when you're celebrating Casimir Pulaski Day!  Casimir Pulaski Day is a holiday observed in Illinois, mainly in areas with large Polish populations like Chicago.  It is also observed in public schools in Wisconsin.  In Chicago, it is commemorated at the Polish Museum of America (984 N. Milwaukee), where city and state officials pay tribute to the Polish Community. 
  A little background history....Casimir Pulaski lived from 1745-1779 and was born near Warsaw, Poland.  In Poland, he became a skilled military commander where he fought Russian forces for many years.  In 1771, he was accused of trying to organize an attempt to take the King of Poland hostage.  He fled the country but was not welcome in any European state during that time.  He moved illegally to France where he was recruited by Lafayette (general in the American Revolution) and Benjamin Franklin to serve in America. 
George Washington accepted him as a volunteer in the American cavalry where he was promoted and eventually became known as the "father of American cavalry".  There are many parks and roadways named after Casimir Pulaski throughout the United States.

CHI-RISH!

  Chicago celebrates Irish Heritage with its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday March 12th!  The festivities begin with the traditional Dyeing of the Chicago River at 10:45am.  The best views for the dyeing is on the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge, or upper or lower Wacker Drive between these two bridges.   The Parade starts at noon at Balbo and Columbus. 
  For more information please visit:  http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com/

Chicago Flower and Garden Show!

When:  March 5th - 13th, Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am - 8pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm
Where: Navy Pier
What:  Enjoy Chicago's Annual Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier!  Get great ideas for your own garden and landscaping or just enjoy the beautiful flower arrangements.  There are over 25 gardens to muse plus culinary demonstrations and educational seminars.  There is even fun for the kids with an activity garden featuring a playground and fun green activities. 
Cost:  Weekdays; Adults-$15.00, Children-$5.00
           Weekends; Adults-$17.00, Children-$5.00
There are a couple different ways to get a discount on your ticket; some Pepsi cans being sold in the Chicagoland area have a coupon for $2 off.  If you see "Alice in Wonderland" at the IMAX beforehand, you can present your ticket for a $2 discount on your Flower and Garden Show ticket.  Also, some local garden clubs may have $2 off coupons.

Friday Metra Problems

  A Canadian National Railway freight train derailed earlier today in Franklin Park affecting two Metra lines.  There are delays expected for all Milwaukee West and North Central Service trains.  As of about an hour ago, according to reports, passengers who have cars on the north side of the River Grove station should get off their trains at Elmwood Park.  Plus at some stations, passengers will have to get on and off trains at certain cars or in certain areas.

News of Note

Some noteworthy news:

Rahm Emanuel is Chicago's next mayor after winning the mayoral race last night.

Giordano's files for bankrupcy.  It did get approval to use some of its bankrupcy loan to keep operations running.

Chicago's Hearts

  February is National Heart Month and Chicago displays its support for Hearts up and down North Michigan Avenue.  Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute created a cardiovascular campaign to educate people about heart disease.  The hearts were created by students, staff, and alumni of Columbia College Chicago and each displays facts and tips for a healthy heart. 
The hearts are also up for sale and the proceeds will benefit cardiovascular programs at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute as well as art scholarships at Columbia College Chicago.
Below are a few of these Hearts.....

Lights Out!

This was on Wacker Drive not far from Michigan Avenue.  In the 2nd photo, notice the light cover in the lower right hand corner.  I can only imagine how this light cover came down....but Chicago isn't called the Windy City for nothing.  It's also not a stranger to good old-fashioned vandalism.

Record High Today?

  Chicago temps are creeping toward a record high today!  Will we see it?  Either way, enjoy the warmth, we never know what next week will bring!

Polar Adventure Day!

Polar Adventure Day:
When:  Saturday February 26, 2011, 12-4pm
Where:  Northerly Island, Museum Campus, 1400 S. Lynn White Drive
What:  Come explore Northerly Island and enjoy animals, winter activities, crafts, and ice sculpture carvings.  If there is enough snow, there will be free snowshoe rentals available for exploring the island.  Live entertainment by Old Town School of Folk Music.   
Admission:  Free
For more information please visit:  http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/news.detail/object_id/fd087f47-8c19-491a-91b0-6699265f815a.cfm

Things that make you say "Huh?"

   Over the years, I've stumbled across some pretty weird stuff around Chicago.  This morning was no exception.  As I was walking on Wacker Drive, I spotted a bird's wing and it actually scared me when I first glanced at it.  Now I've become used to seeing random dead birds but never a bird's wing.  I'm guessing most of the dead birds that are sometimes seen on the sidewalks die because they fly into buildings or windows or maybe they even die from the elements.  I don't even want to guess how a bird's wing found itself on a busy sidewalk.

Happy Valentine's Day!

  Happy Valentine's Day Chicago!  This morning I came out of the train station and was greeted with a box of Sweethearts conversation hearts.  I'm used to the product marketing but I couldn't figure out what was being promoted until I turned the box over and saw an ad for "Mad Love; premieres monday feb. 14, 8:30/7:30c".  There was also a photo of four people on the box in a group hug.  The marketing ploy worked because I was interested in finding out more about this new sitcom, especially since one of the characters on the box looked like Jason Biggs.  So I googled "Mad Love" and out of the little info I found, I read that it seems like it will be similar to "How I Met Your Mother" and indeed, that was Jason Biggs on my Sweethearts box.  One question though....in the lower left-hand corner of the box it states "No celebrity endorsement implied".  Does this mean Jason Biggs does not endorse Sweethearts?

Dancing in the Winter?

  Yes, you heard right!  Enjoy dancing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park this February!  Free dancing and dance instruction.  Learn a variety of dances and enjoy one hour dance lessons given by professional dance instructors.  Lessons run February 5-27, Saturday and Sundays.  Session I is from 1-2pm with open dancing from 2-3:30pm.  Session II is from 5-6pm with open dancing from 6-7:30pm.  For more information and the schedule of dances being taught, please visit:
http://explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/tourism/Chicago_Winter_Dance_Dancing.html

Garfield Park Conservatory's Sweet Saturdays

  Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth especially with Valentine's Day coming up?  Check out Garfield Park Conservatory's Sweet Saturdays. 
   When: Saturday February 5th and Saturday February 12th from 11am to 4pm
   Where:  Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago  312-746-5100
    What:  Learn about sweet treats that grow right in the Conservatory!  There are tropical treat stations throughout the conservatory where visitors can learn different facts and sample different flavors.  Visitors can also enjoy hands-on activity stations where they can design a scratch and sniff necklace or make a "leaf rubbing" Valentine's Day card.  There is also live tropical music in the Horiculture Hall's Sweet Saturdays Tropical Cafe.    
    There is a suggested donation of $3 per person.  For more information please visit:  http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/shows.htm

Wipe Out!

  There has been some icy, snowy weather these last couple of months and I've seen plenty of people slipping and sliding.  This morning however is when I witnessed my first wipe out.  The poor guy was wearing dress clothes and carrying a brief case and he must have stepped on some black ice.  He went down fast and had a facial expression like he didn't know what hit him.  Even with all the salt and yellow caution tapes, please be careful when you're out on the streets and sidewalks!

Hamburger in the Snow

  My walk this morning was actually pleasant and kind of peaceful.  As I neared a popular area where people like to walk their dogs, I noticed a girl walking a small dog wearing tiny red boots.  She went to cross the street and in order to do so, she had to walk over a small mound of snow.  Her little dog was not happy at all and pulled back on his leash and pushed his little red boots out to stop from going forward.  The girl began to get frustrated and that's when I heard her say "Hamburger!  Hamburger!  Come on!!  Burger, let's go!"

Sounds like Chicago was remembering the '60s in more then one way.....

Motorists Stranded On LSD For Over 7 Hours

February 1, 2011 11:11 PM

Heard at the train station this morning...

"I heard there's suppose to be 50 mph wind gusts.  Parts of Chicago and Indiana are also suppose to get flooded from 18 foot waves on Lake Michigan.  Ah, it's all part of being Chicagoans."

The Snow Has Begun!

  After much anticipation, the first snowflakes of our big blizzard have arrived.  Right now it's the talk of the news with anchors warning people to:
-Make sure their gas tank is full
-Make sure they check their car battery
-Make sure they have extra blankets in the car

Grocery stores have also been on the news saying that salt and other snow supplies are flying off the shelves.  We'll see what kind of wild wintery ride we're in for.  Please be safe!

Thought for the day...

  Last night I read an article about a successful businessman who is currently a senior vice president of Morgan Stanley.  The article discusses why he chose to go to college in Chicago.  He states "you can have more life experiences walking to the corner to buy a newspaper in Chicago than you do in a month in another city."

The Beautiful Chicago Lakefront in the Winter

President Hu Jintao's Visit

  The President of China has be very warmly welcomed by Chicagoans.  Yesterday evening groups of Chicagoans stood on various street corners in the Gold Coast/Michigan Ave. area waving large Chinese flags.  There were also large amounts of police out and about making sure everything and everyone was in order.  Parking bans were established in some areas the President would be traveling through.  We hope China's President found Chicago as wonderful as we all do.

Who's Visiting Chicago?

  The President of China is!  President Hu Jintao is expected to be in Chicago from this afternoon until tomorrow.  It is said he will meet with Chinese businesses and organizations in Chicago.  Chicago is the only U.S. city he will visit outside of Washington D.C.
  Business side-note:  Chicago-based Boeing has just made a $19-billion deal with China for 200 airplanes.

Navy Pier Snow Days!!

  Chicago's 3rd annual winter festival is at Navy Pier from January 28 - 30.  Enjoy snow sculptures, dog sled races, and snow boarding demonstrations with a competition.  Plus, there's plenty to do inside Navy Pier.  Admission is free. 

Home of the Current Super Bowl Contenders

                                           Chicago is ready for some football!!

Just Wondering....

.....are the trunks of these trees painted blue and orange for the Bears colors?  They are located in Grant Park near Lake Shore Drive.

Seen on Michigan Avenue early this morning....

....a random trumpet player playing in the doorway of a store.  I was a few blocks away when I first heard the sound of the trumpet hit the cold morning air.  At first I thought it was a street performer or one of the homeless who sometimes play music.  I got closer and upon seeing a young, well-dressed man in a nice peacoat, I realized that it was just a random person that decided to entertain random people with his beautiful music on a random Wednesday morning.  It was a nice start to a cold morning.

More Chicago Museums with Free Days

  Here are a few more museums that have free days in January and upcoming months:

The Adler Planetarium
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
January: 4, 5, 10-14, 18, 19, 24-27
February: 1, 2, 7-10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28
March: 1-3, 8, 9, 15, 16

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum-2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, just north of Lincoln Park Zoo
http://www.naturemuseum.org
January: 6, 13, 20, 27
February: 3, 10, 17, 24
March: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Museum of Contemporary Art-220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
http://www.mcachicago.org
January: 4, 11, 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 15, 22
March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April: 5, 12, 19, 26
May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June: 7, 14, 21, 28

Chicago History Museum-1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago
http://www.chicagohistory.org
January: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
February: 7, 14, 21, 28
March: 7, 14, 21, 28
April: 4, 11, 18, 25
May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June: 6, 13, 20, 27

Chicago Museums Free Days

  January is a time for free admission at some of Chicago's great museums. 
 
The Art Institute is offering free admission every weekday, all day long, from January 3rd through February 4th.
http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/

The Field Museum is offering free basic admission 52 days out of the year.  There are Target Free Second Mondays plus the following free days in January and February:
January: 3rd, 11th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 26th, and 31st
February: 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 17th
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/free_days.htm

The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission weekdays in January.
http://www.msichicago.org/visit-the-museum/museum-info/admission/free-days/

The Shedd Aquarium offers Community Discount Days where admission to the aquarium's original galleries is free.
Monday and Tuesday Discount Days are:
January:  10, 11, 24, 25
February: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 28
Community Discount Weeks are: January 16-24 and February 20-24
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/discounts.html

Day 2 of Wacker Drive Construction

  Tarped fences have been set up around the parts of Wacker Drive that run by the Lyric Opera House and the intersections of Washington and Lake.  Presumably the fences that run along the sidewalks would be set up to go with the flow of pedestrian traffic while encasing the construction zone.  This morning as I got to the end of the Lyric Opera House, the sidewalk went into a dead-end and the fence forced pedestrians to go either right or left.  I chose right along with a few other people and shortly after realized that I was inside the construction zone.  I hurried down the block hoping for an opening to get back to "the other side" but found nothing but fence.  I crossed over Wacker looking for other possible openings in the fence but again found nothing.  I went back to where I had first entered into the construction zone only to find my previous entrance blocked by fence.  Our little group wandered for a few minutes looking for a way out until finally approaching construction workers to let them know we were trapped.  One of the construction workers lifted and moved part of the fence and we were able to escape.  This construction project should prove to be interesting especially with the size of the area that is blocked off and with how close the construction zone is to the Lyric Opera House and both train stations.

New Years Resolution

 Ah yes, one of the most popular New Years Resolutions....to start working out.  Well, this gym overlooking Wacker Drive serves a two-fold purpose.  For those working out, it has great views of Wacker Drive and all of its hustle and bustle.  It also serves as a motivator because not only can those people working out see the people on the street below, the people on the street below can see those people working out.

Parts of Wacker Drive Closed

  The closing of parts of Wacker Drive has started this morning.  There were baracades and fences going up around the intersections of Washington and Lake.  Also, the piece of Wacker Drive between Lake and Washington has been turned from a one-way street into a two-way street.  On the news this morning, there were jokes that Wacker could be under construction for the next couple of years.  With rush hour just beginning this morning, hopefully drivers are awake enough after this holiday weekend to realize that they're going to have to make some detours around their normal route.