patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Cost

Tuesday, May 14, 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. "(…

Gregory l

3:32 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013

Tony P, why are you sucking your thumb???   more ›

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad: What Are Your Rules on Prom and Prom Costs?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Personally, my prom was an unmitigated disaster—no joke, I remember it as one of the worst nights of my life, Murphy's Law encapsulated in one five-hour torture session. But for many teenagers, prom is a magical experience for which they wait through all of high school, and expect it to be perfect... no matter what the cost to you! We've heard horror stories about prom dresses, tuxes and limos getting out of hand, and people spending really extravagant amounts on these things in recent years. Which brings us to this week's Hey Mom & Dad question: Tracy Paddy: “We split costs in a variety of ways. She paid for the after-prom tickets—her date paid for the prom tickets. She paid for his flowers and her hair. She did her own nails, and I made …

Comment_arrow

Gigi

1:20 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2013

I'm with you ... how precious.   more ›

Friday, December 28, 2012

How Much Will Falling Off the Fiscal Cliff Cost You?

If Congress fails to pass an extension of the Bush era tax cuts by midnight Monday, American paychecks will get smaller. You can use the fiscal cliff calculator to see the impact on your paycheck.

With leaders of Congress becoming more and more skeptical that a deal will be reached before midnight Monday to avoid the fiscal cliff, it becomes increasingly likely that American paychecks will get smaller Tuesday, according to a story in today’s New York Times. “I have to be very honest,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said in the New York Times article. “I don’t know time-wise how it can happen now.” The Senate reconvened today in an unusual session between Christmas and Jan. 1. Even if the Senate passes legislation, the House of Representatives will not come back into session until Sunday barely 24 hours before the deadline, according to a story today on Politico. If no deal is reached, a single person with two exemptions earning $…

Comment_arrow

Wheaton Watcher

8:11 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

So, despiser, do you receive social security? One of your parents? A child? Do you work at a company that has government contracts? Your spouse? Your parents? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then YOU are part of the problem, receiving government largess and all..   more ›

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Preliminary Costs for Blizzard Come in At $67,000

Check out how much the blizzard cost the Village of Woodridge.

Cleaning up the average of 19 inches of snow that fell in the very beginning of February probably cost you hours shoveling and snow-blowing, some sore muscles and a day's work. To clear the streets of Woodridge, the village racked up an almost $70,000 bill. The final numbers aren't in yet, but check out the statistics from Tuesday, Feb. 1, to 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3. Here's how that cost breaks down: Other statistics from the storm: 

Got a Hot Tip?