311 holiday wishes

A while back, I wrote about a miracle on 98th St. and hoped for a few other things to be fixed before winter set in. In the last few weeks, I've seen those wishes granted.

The streetlight closest to that spot on 98th St. was burned out for months, and I'd called 311 a few times. It's finally fixed.

There was a small gas leak near 96th & Damen for several weeks. Peoples Gas made several visits there, excavating in a few different places before getting it fixed, but leaving a large area of ground-down pavement at the intersection. Fresh asphalt appeared just in time, before the first snow.

My thanks to all who made those repairs so that our streets are safer this winter.

dead politicians club

Found this one in the drafts file and still found it funny, so I thought I'd revive it. Cheers!

a new category

I was catching up on work stories with a police officer friend and heard one worth retelling. On a narrow street, genius #1 is driving with headlights off. Genius #2 is driving in the same direction in front of genius #1. #2 attempts a 3-point turn and is t-boned by genius #1. Of course, each blames the other. To make it even better, each is driving while his license is suspended for drunk driving. The most amazing fact of the incident is that neither driver was drunk while it happened. They were this stupid without alcohol!

Drivers like this need their own category of citation: Driving While Stupid.

Friday en español

Musica para los pies y la alma. Dos por Ana Gabriel.

Como Olvidar

No Entiendo

be careful at 97th & Leavitt

There is flowing water across Leavitt at the south side of the intersection. The pavement is starting to buckle. Looks like a water main break. I've called 311, so hopefully a crew will be out before long. Be careful out there, as it's likely to turn into an impromptu skating rink as the temperature drops.

holiday sale at Blackstone Bikes

Blackstone Bicycle Works, a program of Experimental Station, is holding a HOLIDAY BIKE SALE through this Saturday. They have refurbished bicycles for children and adults ranging in price from $25-250, as well as helmets, locks, and other bicycling accessories.

This is a great time of year to buy a bike. If you are looking for a refurbished bike, which can offer more reliable transportation than a cheapo bike from a big box store, this is the best time of year to find a broad selection of bikes.

All revenues for purchases of bicycles and accessories help to support Blackstone's youth education program. If you want to know more about Blackstone Bicycle Works, you may view this WGN piece on the shop from this past August.

Shop hours for the remainder of the week are today 12-5pm, Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. You can find them at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.

holiday parking hell

Had enough of the malls and holiday shopping? Need a laugh? I hope this video will help you blow off a little steam. Remember, Christmas shopping will be over soon.

caroling at Cloud Gate

This Friday evening at 6 pm will be the last night of the season for this Millennium Park holiday tradition. Caroling at Cloud Gate returns featuring Chicago's favorite choral groups:

The Wooten Choral Ensemble, December 18

Chicagoans and visitors alike are invited to sing along and enjoy complimentary coffee and hot cider courtesy of Caribou Coffee. Caroling at Cloud Gate is supported by the Comer Foundation.

new on 103rd Street

The rumors were true. The Music Station is getting up and running in World Music Company's former space on 103rd Street. They will be offering lessons in guitar, bass, upright bass, voice, piano, and rock band; outreach programs, drama and puppet shows, special needs kids class, and pre-kinder music. They will also include a store and a performance venue. A Grand Opening is planned for New Year's Day.

For a little more info, check out the Beverly Review story here.

java and jazz at Blue Moon

Need a jazz fix this Friday night? Come on down to Blue Moon. Emanon TME will be playing at 7 p.m. Enjoy swingin' tunes and some of Caroline's tasty treats.