Tuesday, May 14, 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. "(…
It's Police Week in the United States; in that spirit, we asked our local readers in western Cook County what they appreciate most about their local force.
Did you know that this week—May 13-20—is officially Police Week in the United States? According to PoliceWeek.org: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. In the spirit of the week, we reached out to our west Cook County readers on Facebook and asked what they appreciate most about their local police departments. Here’s some of what readers shared with us: Dorothy Cole Domrzalski: “Many years ago, whenever …
Monday, May 13, 2013
President Obama's declaration of 11 Illinois counties as disaster areas frees up FEMA money to help in recovery efforts. Here's information about how to apply for help.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Illinois and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5, 2013. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the …
One hundred lucky winners will receive tickets to any DuPage County Hounds baseball game this summer. Just sign up for our free daily newsletter and you'll be entered into the drawing.
Summer is well on its way to the western suburbs, and with that comes baseball season. Patch is partnering with the DuPage County Hounds to offer 100 lucky readers a pair of tickets to any one of their baseball games this summer, played at Benedictine University's Sports Complex. We want to send you to a game for free. All you have to do is sign up for our free daily newsletter. The deadline to enter is noon Friday, May 31, the day of the Hounds' home opener, when we'll draw 100 names and contact the lucky winners by email. Good luck to all of our new newsletter subscribers, and don't forget to tell your friends! OK, now for the rules:
Sunday, May 12, 2013
April showers brought flood of problems to an already troubled state.
Hey neighbors: It's always a good time to save energy. We've got five easy things you can do to conserve and save money on your electric bill, but we need your ideas too. Please share your best tips in the comments.
Allyson Schmutter, spokesperson for the national nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy, offers these five tips for saving energy and money: 1. Unplug All Those Devices: Believe it or not, many devices still consume energy even when turned off. The typical culprits are televisions and cable boxes, or anything that stays lit with an LED or standby light even when turned off. Schmutter says those devices can suck a month’s worth of electricity from your home each year. 2. Change Your Bulbs: If you haven't already switched your incandescent bulbs out for more energy-efficient options, now's the time to do it. You'll save 75 percent by switching to CFL bulbs. Not sold on CFLs? Take a look at this light bulb checklist for more ideas. 3. Cook Up …
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A bill that has already passed the Illinois House could pave the way for limited prescriptions of pot.
Illinois lawmakers may be poised to enact one of the toughest medical marijuana laws in the nation after a Senate Committee moved a bill Wednesday allowing those with a limited list of illness to obtain a prescription for the drug. The bill has passed the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn has said he is open to the proposal, reported the Chicago Tribune. The Senate Committee voted 10-5 even after law enforcement officials objected on the grounds that the bill does not include provisions for driving under the influence of marijuana, the Trib reported. The law would allow patients to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Sixty pot dispensaries would be set up throughout the state. The bill is sponsored by former State’s Attorney …
Silver Cross offers free lecture on revolutionary Oncoplastic surgery and current developments in surgery for breast cancer
Silver Cross Hospital is now performing another revolutionary procedure - oncoplastic breast surgery, which combines the latest plastic surgery techniques with breast surgical oncology. Increased understanding of breast cancer has led to a period of rapid advancement in treatment options, and surgical options are being broadened, refined and improved. A sponsored article by Silver Cross Hospital. Dr. Patricia Clark, general surgeon, will present a free program on Oncoplastic Surgery & Update of Current Developments in Surgery for Breast Cancer on Monday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. The purpose of this program is to provide support and information on new …
41.545527
-87.986192
Silver Cross Hospital
1900 Silver Cross Blvd, New Lenox, IL
/articles/oncoplastic-breast-surgery-oh-how-breast-cancer-treatment-has-changed
1722590
/locations/9371626
Looks like more than just humans can enjoy a dip in the pool. What's this pup thinking?
Patch readers, you're up! We need your wit, creativity and animal psychic abilities to craft the perfect caption for the next edition of our pet photo caption challenge! Suggest your caption in the Comments section below. Comments will close at 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. The winner will be announced Thursday, May 16. The author of the winning caption and pet owner can find a Patch-branded version of the photo, with the caption inserted included in the next week's edition. Congratulations to L W Sagan, the winner of last week's edition, Caption This: Pup Who's Had Enough. Well, the old 'hair of the dog' thing did NOT make me feel better. Have a photo you'd like captioned in future editions? Add it to our collection and your pet will be …
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
If you've got wit, add your caption to Patch's weekly comic challenge and win a personalized print.
Are you blessed with insight and good humor? Or just bored today? Share your wit with your neighbors by entering Patch's comic caption challenge. Just add your dialogue for today's comic in the comment section of this post. Our only requirement is that you keep it clean! At week's end, we'll pick the winning punchline based on how many of us here at Patch giggle and smile at your contribution. The user who produces the winning punchline will get a personalized proof of the comic, with the winning words and a credit line, from cartoonist Chuck Ingwersen and Patch. Congratulations to Tommy O, who provided the winning punchline to last week's Dog Interview cartoon: So you admit your reason for leaving previous employment was because you put …
Gregory l
3:32 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
Tony P, why are you sucking your thumb??? more ›