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Opinion

Friday, May 17, 2013

Theater Review

Authentic 'Stella & Lou' Makes Case for Second Chances

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

Tough Week? Here's Some Inspiration to Get You to the Weekend

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

Wi-Fi on Metra Trains: Pricey, but Worth It?

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. "(…

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MIKETOUHY

8:35 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013

Just for those who were not around back then, all of the Metra lines were privately owned a 1 time and Mr. Heineman was President of The Chicago and North Western which ran over what's now the UP Metra divisions.   more ›

Marijuana Bill Presents Big Problems

A Letter to the Editor from the police chiefs of Niles, Des Plaines and Park Ridge.The Illinois marijuana bill is against all our towns have done to discourage youth from using drugs. Call your legislators; tell them to vote no.

  The following is a letter to the editor from Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski, Des Plaines Police Chief William Kushner and Niles Police Chief Dean Strzelecki. It represents the authors' views. Patch is acting as a platform to allow writers to state their opinions. On April 17, 2013 the Illinois House of Representatives passed HB-001, often referred to as "Medical Marijuana" legislation, by a vote of 61-57 in favor. The legislation is next expected to be called for a vote in the Illinois Senate sometime during the next few weeks. With our collective 90-plus years of law enforcement experience and being the Chiefs of Police in Des Plaines, Niles and Park Ridge, we find it imperative to voice our concerns concerning this pending …

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Area Residents Sound Off on Jewel Cart Policy

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 …

Therese Helwig

1:07 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Asking me if I would like help with my groceries to my car, is okay, but making it mandatory that you follow me to my car, oh NO. Regardless of why Jewel is doing this, it is wrong. It is as if we are suspects or criminals. It is an invasion of my privacy. I don't need you following me to my car & knowing what I have in it or what kind of car I have. Did anyone stop to think this is going to add …   more ›

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sunday Comics

Sunday Comic: Obama Labels Illinois a 'Disaster'

April showers brought flood of problems to an already troubled state.

Butch

9:27 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pending Approval Butch 4:13 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 U LOG CABIN LGBT SISSIES have not even appeared in a IRS HEARING! if the IRS was serious they would examine their taxes and have the State Dept revoke their passports. No more of those Swiss jaunts, The tax avoiders are going to run their 40th vote ag Baucus ACA NITWIT HE WROTE IT and got 5 million in campaign fundraising for it and now is…   more ›

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sunday Comic: Can Iron Man Obama Rescue the Country?

Where's a superhero when we really need one?

Butch

12:30 am on Sunday, May 12, 2013

and a third, I am starting to think they cancelled the welcome wagon! Pending Approval Butch 12:26 am on Sunday, May 12, 2013 Ahh the good ole daze! We have the have's, the have mores, and the have a liitle wannabe's who with 5 Black robes decided the very lazy black, seniors and trailer trash in Dixie making 12,000 a year are not even going to get any health care despite the INS-PHARMA ACA. so …   more ›

Friday, May 3, 2013

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day: Gone Fishin’

Did you enjoy the sunshine this week? Share your favorite pictures from the community; click the green “Upload Photos and Videos” button.

When temperatures breached the 70’s and 80’s on Wednesday, residents from Des Plaines and elsewhere in the Chicago area wasted no time retreating outside to soak up the warm weather. After two weeks of rain, flooding, gray skies, and more of the same expected this weekend, on Wednesday babies were wheeled in strollers, dogs jumped for Frisbies, kids huddled in groups outdoors and, as seen in this picture, anglers trekked to local fishing holes. The break in the weather afforded the opportunity to kick off work and hang a sign in the window with the timeless proclamation: Gone Fishin’. A number of fishermen visited Belleau Lake Forest Preserve on Wednesday, which is situated west of I-294 at 2200 Busse Highway, partially in Des Plaines and …

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sunday Comics

Sunday Comic: Check Out the George W. Bush Presidential Library

A trip to the newly unveiled Presidential Center in Dallas could leave a visitor in shock and awe.

Comments on this post are now closed. All you have to do is read a few to know why. Sweet fancy Moses.

McCloud

7:21 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013

Dick Durbin is the worst of the worst. Anybody who voted for him should be asking for forgiveness.   more ›

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sunday Comic: Paying Tribute to Boston's Finest

The Boston area showed its strength in the wake of the marathon bombings, and in turn it strengthened the nation's resolve to defeat those who seek to do us harm.

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Grumpy Old Man

12:04 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Butch, to your last, not all republicans are log cabin republicans. The ones that aren't are not hypocrites. The ones that are I haven't seen on the forefront of the anti gay movement lately. In any event, the only log cabin I ever really supported was log cabin syrup which went well on the pancakes and french toast I used to enjoy before I noticed the sugar content. Us old geezers have to watch …   more ›

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