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
The babies are due this summer and fall. Look through the photo gallery of the expectant moms, including the most incredible ultrasound picture you'll ever see.
Just a little more than a week after Mother’s Day, the Brookfield Zoo announced Monday it has three new moms-to-be. Dolphins Allie, Tapeko and Spree are expected to give birth during the summer and fall, according to a zoo release. “Allie, Tapeko, and Spree are all healthy and their pregnancies are progressing well,” said Jennifer Langan, associate veterinarian for the Chicago Zoological Society. Allie, 26, and Tapeko, 31, are experienced mothers, having raised five babies between them, including Tapeko’s two daughters, Noelani, 9, and Allison, 7, who also live at the zoo. This will be the first baby for Spree, 10, who is at the zoo from Minnesota as part of the Bottlenose Dolphin Breeding Consortium. The cooperative focuses on building a …
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Some people are destined to draw more attention than others, apparently.
Saturday, May 18, 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 The once mandatory policy created by Jewel's new owners, Cerberus Capital Management LP, has been repealed.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 …
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 are 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. "(Wi-Fi) would be…
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 …
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 take a blood test 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 Press. …
Monday, May 13, 2013
Do you think it should be mandatory for Jewel-Osco employees to follow you — and your cart — out to your vehicle? Let us know in the comments section.
Residents sounded off recently on a new policy at Jewel-Osco, which required its employees to follow customers — and their carts — out to their vehicles. The service was once mandatory, according to couponsinthenews.com, and whether you wanted the help or not, your bagger was expected to follow you out to your vehicle. "We understand that this is a very different service and it might take our customers some time to understand that we want this to be the norm," said a Jewel customer service representative last month. Jewel has since issued a statement that acknowledges the company has received strong feedback and indicates that the service is now optional, according to a release on the company's website. "And, if you don’t want or need …
Sunday, May 12, 2013
April showers brought flood of problems to an already troubled state.
Sunday Comic.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
If you've got wit, add your caption to Patch's weekly comic challenge and win a personalized print.
Patch cartoon.
Just Sayin
8:49 am on Saturday, May 25, 2013
McClown..." Donald Rumsfeld is a great American". Having just finished my breakfast....you had me nearly toss it after reading that line. Note to self: Do not read anything McClown thinks after eating...unless I want to hork up a perfectly good meal. Lesson learned. Now....where did I set my coffee down... more ›