Now that seniors can ride the CTA for free and with the rising costs of gas, more and more people have been using the citys public transit. While this is great in terms of traveling green, this means that there are more commuters during rush hour on already crowded buses and trains. But due to limited funding, the CTA cannot afford to buy more buses nor more rail cars.
The answer to the problem? Cattle cars!
Okay, not exactly, but not far from it. According to the Tribune and the Sun-Times, the Chicago Transit Authority is considering removing seats from at least two cars from each eight-car train, enabling more people to board at a time. Currently about 90 passengers can fit on a standard eL car. Removing the seats would allow anywhere from 30 to 50 more people.
These standing-room-only cars will likely be introduced in just a few months on the Brown Line and then expanded to the Red and Blue Lines. They will be clearly marked and only be used at peak travel hours.
So what do you think? Would you ride in a standing-room-only car on the eL?
The Pitchfork Music Festival is a 3-day event featuring over 40 independent bands and artists on three stages at Union Park. (July 18-20)
Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the Old St. PatricksWorlds Largest Block Party. Tickets include five drinks (bottled water, soda, wine, beer). (July 18-19)
The Chicago Short Comedy Video and Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre consists of nearly 35 locally-made films starring Chicagoan actors and comedians. (July 17-18)
Kate the Greats Book Emporium, a bookstore with a diverse selection in Edgewater, will be closing its doors next week after three years of business. Give your farewells at The Great Wake of Kate the Great, a casual party with readings by local fiction writers. Pick up used books for only $1-$3. (July 18)
MidTangent Productions presents their own interesting spin on A Midsummer Nights Dream, Shakespeares romantic comedy. This GLBT version stars local female impersonator Madame X (from the Kit Kat Lounge) at the National Pastime Theater. (ends Aug 3)
Speaking of Shakespeare, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Funk It Up About Nothin, an adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing to the rhythm of six hip-hoppers and a live DJ.
The 7th annual Summer on Southport includes live music from three stages, beer, wine, arts and crafts, food from local restaurants, and kids activities. (July 19-20)
Hosted by Womens Health Magazine, Are You Game? features fashion shows, a golf simulator, live music, mechanical bull rides, a climbing wall, and beauty treatments on North Avenue Beach. (July 19)
The 63rd Street Summer Festival features a wide variety of music artists specializing in R&B, soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. (July 19)
Dogs and their people can play games together at the 8th annual Lets Play Together Wooftop Party (at the Anti-Cruelty Society) which also features a dog masseuse, a pet psychic, and raffle. (July 20)
One of my favorite superheroes as a kid was the Caped Crusader, Batman. And Im certainly not alone. This weekend, everyone is looking forward to the premiere of the latest film in Christopher Nolans Batman series: The Dark Knight.
Chicagoans will notice that Gotham City looks very familiar. While the movie avoids recognizable landmarks like Wrigley Field or Sears Tower, locals will be able to distinguish several Chicago locations. Be on the lookout for the canyon of skyscrapers at LaSalle and Monroe Streets (near the Chicago Board of Trade Building) and Bruce Waynes penthouse in Hotel 71. Key action scenes take place at Gotham City Hospital (former Brachs Candy factory at Cicero Avenue), Gotham City Bank (old Chicago Post Office on Harrison Street), and an unfinished skyscraper (Trump International Hotel & Tower). Finally, even as a kid, I always felt that the dark corridors of Lower Wacker Drive would be the perfect setting for a shadowy thriller film. While several directors have shot scenes there, Im sure that no film does it with the suspense and fervor as The Dark Knight.
The film releases to the general public tonight at 12 midnight. However, if you dont already have your tickets by now, you likely will not be one of the first to see this incredible film. Just about every premiere screening is already sold out. For information on future showtimesas well as interviews, photos, and reviewscheck out Metromixs The Dark Knight Movie Guide.
There arent very many restaurants that can multitask. The place where you bring your kids is probably different from the spot where you impress your date. You dont expect fine dining from an eatery that offers simple comfort foods. But in Glenview, whether youre dining with a group or having an intimate dinner for two, you can take your guests to Cafe Lucci.
Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere as chefs check on their patrons (primarily neighborhood locals) surrounding white table linens. You dont have to be a regular to feel at home here. The owner is just as friendly to first-time visitors as he is to long-time customers. The majority of the staff has been loyal to Cafe Lucci for several years also. The restaurant recently received an extensive makeover, taking on a contemporary and chic look, but the dedication and passion behind it all hasnt changed.
The menu offers everything from simple spaghetti to costolette dAgnello Rosamaria (roasted half rack of lamb). Italian dishes have a reputation of being heavy, but the lasagne verdi (stuffed with meat and spinach) is flavorful and surprisingly light. Another popular favorite is the 16-ounce double-cut veal chop, stuffed with prosciutto salami, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, and roasted red peppers. And you cant go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. If by chance you cant find the right combination of pasta, ingredients, and/or sauce that youre looking for, dont be afraid to ask! The chefs are often quite accommodating, and many patrons treat the menu as a suggestion list rather than a strict rulebook.
Cafe Lucci also offers a long and impressive list of wines, featuring over 700 selections. The head chef and owner want to be sure their customers have the opportunity to choose from the best, and they travel to Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and several other vineyards frequently. You can be sure youll receive the perfect match to your dish.
Here, the good camaraderie makes the excellent cuisine taste all that much better, making it worth driving the extra mile.
Last week, my mother-in-law was celebrating her birthday, so we decided to take her out to an Italian restaurant she had visited in Chicago ages ago. La Gondola had since changed locations to a tiny storefront in a strip mall, located between a hair salon and a popular tax preparation company office.
The answer to the problem? Cattle cars!
Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the 
The 63rd Street Summer Festival features a 
Chicagoans will notice that Gotham City looks very familiar. While the movie avoids recognizable landmarks like 
Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere as chefs check on their patrons (primarily neighborhood locals) surrounding white table linens. You dont have to be a regular to feel at home here. The owner is just as friendly to first-time visitors as he is to long-time customers. The majority of the staff has been loyal to Cafe Lucci for several years also. The restaurant recently received an extensive makeover, taking on a contemporary and chic look, but the dedication and passion behind it all hasnt changed.
Cafe Lucci also offers a long and impressive list of wines, featuring over 700 selections. The head chef and owner want to be sure their customers have the opportunity to choose from the best, and they travel to Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and several other vineyards frequently. You can be sure youll receive the perfect match to your dish.