Saturday, May 25, 2013
In less than a week, all Chicago-area Patch sites will have a brand new design and a whole new way to connect.
We have some exciting news to share about Patch: we’re getting a whole new look! It’s coming next week and it’s going to make Patch easier to use, and a better place to connect and share. The best part? You’ll be able to see it all on your mobile phone! Here’s what you need to know: Our site is being rebuilt from the ground up. The news will look better and be easier to comment on. And, you’ll find more local voices to keep you in the loop with the latest know-how and opinion. We’re adding Boards to make it easier for you to connect with each other, debate an issue, or announce your garage sale, graduation, or find a lost pet. More to say? It will be easier to start your own blog, too. You’ll soon be able to start your own blog anytime…
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Kick start the summer fun by celebrating the last day of school with the kids
School's almost out and boy are my kids ready for their fun in the sun. While I still think it is unfair that parents don't get the summer off, I do look forward to our annual tradition of kicking off the summer break with some fun together. Parents, if you can, take the afternoon off or dedicate a whole day for pure fun. Here are some ideas to inspire your celebration: 1. Hit the pool! Let the splashing begin. Head on over to your local pool and start working on that gorgeous tan while splashing around with the kids. 2. Go see a movie during the day. If it's raining or you just want to enjoy extreme air conditioning, take advantage of that early bird, weekday discount to see the latest family flick. It will be a rare pleasure for the …
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Just sign up for our free daily newsletter and you'll be entered into the drawing for tickets to their June 6 show.
Returning hit-makers Don McLean and Judy Collins open Ravinia's 2013 season on a double bill early next month, and we want you to be there! McLean’s 1971 hit song “American Pie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and he was inaugurated into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Known for her blend of folk songs and contemporary themes, Collins has enjoyed a career that has spanned over 50 years. She continues to produce new music and recently released her album Paradise, a collection of songs and duets. We want to send you and a friend to their show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6 for free. All you have to do is sign up for our free daily newsletter. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, when we…
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Some people are destined to draw more attention than others, apparently.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Patch readers had a lot to say last month when asked what they thought of a new store policy in which baggers were obliged to follow customers and their carts out to their vehicles whether they wanted help or not.
If you've avoided shopping at Jewel-Osco for fear of being awkwardly trailed to your car by an employee, you're not alone, but there is good news. The once mandatory policy created by Jewel's new owners, Cerberus Capital Management LP, has been repealed. A statement on the store's website says the cart-to-car service will still be offered to customers, but it will no longer be forced upon them. Parts of our customer service philosophy are things that every grocery store should do, like ensuring the stores are clean, the shelves are well stocked, and asking if you need help finding an item. Now, we’ve expanded our service to include taking your groceries out to your car. And, if you don’t want or need help, that’s fine too. Many customers …
Northlight's comedy-drama takes us on a masterfully acted, well written tale of two people who have experienced loss but are finding the courage to open their hearts again. It features Rhea Perlman and Francis Guinan.
When life and love have punched you in the heart and left you sprawled on the sidewalk, is it really possible to pick yourself up and expose your tender feelings again to the possibility of new love? Though it's cloaked in comedy, that's the central question in Northlight Theatre's Stella & Lou. This beautifully-constructed play, in which playwright Bruce Graham tempers his musings on loneliness and courage with quick-witted comedy based on human vanities, is a marvel in itself. With Rhea Perlman, formerly of the TV show Cheers, bringing out Stella's warmth, wise-cracking and down-to-earth compassion, and Steppenwolf Theater Company veteran Francis Guinan exploring the nuances of Lou's reticence to leave the past behind, it's clear 10 …
Thursday, May 16, 2013
It's been a long week. You need a pick-me-up.
Friday's here. Thank goodness. One more day of work, and that's it. Here's a little inspiration to get you through to Saturday. For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about your neighbors, neighbors who have faced challenges that would seem insurmountable to many of us. But not to the people we've featured in this series, Journeys. Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Great story..." "Thanks for sharing..." "So wonderfully inspiring..." And, so, here they are again. Great stories shared to inspire. Take a look at what these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses. And feel better about your tough week. Pit Bull …
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?
Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain? The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes. According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots or air-cards. "(…
Make something special to thank your child's teacher this year
The end of the school year is almost here. It’s time to start thinking of how to say “Thank You” to your child's teachers for all of their hard work and guidance this year. Let me help you scratch this item off of your to-do list with some easy, unique and memorable teachers’ gift ideas that you can make with your kids. 1. Jazz up those Gift Cards - Teachers totally appreciate gift cards. But it’s hard to make a small plastic card eye appealing, right? Not so! The Busy Budgeting Mama has some incredibly cute ideas to make teacher appreciation gift bags that add a little something extra homemade to your gift card. Download her cute printable labels or just make up your own. 2. Impress your Art Teacher – Here’s an easy, art-themed teacher’s …
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Jolie announced Tuesday she underwent a double mastectomy to prevent her chances of breast cancer. Her likelihood of developing the cancer was at 87 percent. Tell us what you think about Jolie's decision and announcement in the comments section.
Actress and director Angelina Jolie announced today in a New York Times op-ed piece that she recently underwent a double mastectomy to cut her chances of developing breast cancer. Jolie wrote she decided to receive genetic testing since she was at a higher risk of breast cancer — her mother fought the disease for almost a decade before dying at age 56 — and because she wanted to make sure she would be there for her children, according to her New York Times column. Jolie said she carries a "faulty" gene, BRCA1, which raised her risk of developing breast cancer to 87 percent, according to the Associated Press. After having the double mastectomy, her chances of developing breast cancer dropped to five percent, according to the Associated …
Maureen Holtz
10:03 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2013
Great!!! more ›