They say the only thing constant in this world is change, and this week was no exception. The CTA announced major plans for some major construction. We got a new area code. And, thanks to the powers of the Internet, we were able to see a side of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich we’ve never seen before. Here’s a look at the week that was.
CTA
Before: The CTA has talked for years about rail extensions and has conducted studies and solicited public input on the issue in the past.
After: On Wednesday, the transit agency voted to extend the Red, Yellow and Orange Lines as part of a plan that’s estimated to cost about $2 billion. Any construction would be years away, the Tribune reported.
Area code
Before: Once upon a time there was 312 — not only a good area code, but also a tasty brew. Then came 773. Now, the city is getting a new area code …
After: In July, the 773 area code reached “exhaust” status — meaning prefixes are starting to fill up. Starting Nov. 7, when the 872 area code goes into use, all callers in the city will need to dial the full 11-digit number (“1” plus the number) to complete any local call. As if we didn’t have enough on our hands already!
Blago
Before: He was the governor of the Heartland of America who always had a reputation for, well, conducting business in a certain kind of way. Then he got indicted for allegedly trying to sell President Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Then we found a video that words fail to describe.
After: This week, political Web site Gotcha Media captured a video of Blagojevich doing horrendous karaoke with a guy who said he was Fabio. (Turns out it wasn’t even Fabio.)
The Digit
230
General Motors this week said its long-awaited Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is expected to achieve fuel economy of 230 miles per gallon in city driving. 230 miles per gallon!
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Heat index
RedEye takes the temperature
of current events
Jennifer Hudson
She’s a mama!
Jay Cutler
Man with the golden arm
Air & Water Show
No, your place isn’t blowing up
District 9
Aliens. Are. Cool.
Patrick Kane
The saga continues
Chuck Norris
Health-care expert?
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Anatomy of beer bomber
The Cubs fan who threw a beer on a Philadelphia Phillies outfielder during Wednesday’s game turned himself in to Chicago police detectives Thursday following a daylong search for the so-called beer bomber. This, of course, did not prevent bloggers from sharing their opinion of said beer bomber. Here’s our (highly unscientific) estimation of what they were saying.
What are people calling the beer bomber?
75% [Expletive deleted]
25% Complete tool
