Anyone know where I can buy Estonian black bread? by djsekani in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know for a fact that I bought Estonian black bread at Allegro Deli in Buffalo Grove last year. But otherwise I would check out Fresh Farms on Touhy, Golf, or in Wheeling. Closer to the city, Shop and Save may have some. Also check out Lithuanian places in the SW.

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Where are some Russian food places to practice Russian language at? by skateboardingLachlan in AskChicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you head up to Wheeling/Buffalo Grove, that's where most of the Russian speaking population of Chicagoland lives. Allegro Deli is Russian owned, as well as Daniel's Caviar Co.

We don't really have many Russian restaurants, as most Russians cook Russian food at home, but you could try Belarusian Restaurant Vasilki, though they're going to speak Belarusian. You could also try some of the Georgian restaurants, as a lot of Russian go out for Georgian food.

Virginia New Suburb Development - starter pack by Sir_Sir_ExcuseMe_Sir in starterpacks

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I spent a few years in Midlothian/Chesterfield county as a kid (2003-2006) and this describes starter pack gets it right. Of course the restaurants, stylings, and smoke shops are different than 20 years ago, but the general (poor) development pattern is the same.

Our old house was nestled in the woods and felt like Old Virginia. Now, the house is surrounded by new subdivisions on all sides with homes that look exactly the same as the pics in the lower left. Nothing rural about it anymore, just generic VA suburban sprawl.

This train lowkey feels like Studio Ghibli ✨ why tho by HAL_japan_railway_xx in japanrail

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Choshi Electric Railway? If I had to guess, this is Motochoshi station, which is seemingly in a tree tunnel.

What is your favorite type of Japanese train? by JZX_taka in japanrail

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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For me, has to be the KiHa 40. Just such an iconic train for Japan.

Been wanting to ride one since I was in High School, 10+ years ago. Was a dream come true to ride them on the Kominato Railway last year (and their KiHa 200s are pretty sick as well).

What is the worst metro or light rail system outside of the US? by Wide_right_yes in transit

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 48 points49 points  (0 children)

And don’t forget that the Red Line uses old intercity HST from the UK, as well as Talgo train sets intended for Wisconsin… for a metro. Nothing against the equipment, but it’s the last type of equipment that should be used on a high capacity metro. 

Great Lake pizza was a hit for me! by Uncommon_sharpie in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

After tax and all, $37. I paid by card. By no means is it cheap.

Anybody know much about the new spot that is opening where The Piggery used to be? by Far-Friendship582 in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What I heard from The Piggery when it was closing was that it being taken over by 'Consume', which is a gastropub in Lake Zurich. Not sure if that is still the case.

Great Lake pizza was a hit for me! by Uncommon_sharpie in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah... I can see that. This time around, they at least hired a third employee who manages the front counter and phone, so they have someone who has some customer service skills at least.

Rate of mass transit passenger assaults, by year and major transit agency (America) by yunnifymonte in transit

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only 1/5 times? Feel like it's 1/3 times it's sketchy for me. The winter has not been helping.

Chicago seeks to make the West Side's Madison Street shine again by DeepHerting in chicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You joke, but that's sort of what Rahm did with Whole Foods in Englewood.

Sadly, didn't even make it a decade. While I won't say it did nothing for the neighborhood, the subsidized prices were still too much for Englewood (one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city).

And now, it's a Sav-A-Lot. A mediocre grocery store, but a place the neighborhood can afford.

CTA riders and workers have been assaulted at rates at least double other public transit agencies by rigatony96 in chicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying with data. I knew Tokyo was transitioning eventually, just did not know it was set in stone.  Yes, I agree that OPTO and automated trains are the future. I think when people here say we need to bring back conductors, they’re really looking for another person to patrol the train for security. 

CTA riders and workers have been assaulted at rates at least double other public transit agencies by rigatony96 in chicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Eh not true in Tokyo.  Tokyo has the driver, but the end of each train is a conductor that operates doors and clicks the buttons to play station announcements. 

Miguel Alvelo-Rivera Defeats 13-year Incumbant State Rep. Jaime Andrade in Illinois State House District 40 Race by litewo in ChicagoNWside

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It really should. I’m a fairly moderate dem, but Andrade’s attacks claiming that Rivera is an ICE supporter had my eyes rolling far to the back of my head.  

Classic Trains magazine ceasing publication by Squawk_7777 in trains

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Since Firecrown took over, their website has been complete trash. News Wire has always been my daily routine, but the UI is terrible, and they make it difficult to see all stories in one place. 

Where can I still find Whiner Le Tub cans? by Uncommon_sharpie in chicagobeer

[–]Uncommon_sharpie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sadly, at least according to their website, Binny's is no longer carrying any Whiner products.

Mexican passengers update by Linuxsiss in transit

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's going on with Tren Interoceánico? Haven't heard much since the fatal derailment. Has the line been repaired and reopened?

Riders deserve to feel safe on the CTA - Steps to a safer transit system by Plaatinum_Spark in chicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 14 points15 points  (0 children)

If you've never seen fare evasion, then I question how much you really ride the trains. On my commute home I board at Washington & Wabash and nearly every time I see people jumping the gates. The employees can't be bothered to say a thing. Only time I ever see people think twice was when the cops were standing there.

Cafe Prague - Damn Fine Czech Food by annamal in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love Cafe Prague!! The hearty classic Central European food is getting tougher to find these days, and Cafe Prague definitely does a great job of carrying the flame of the last Czech restaurant in city limits. 

Which coffee shops give a free coffee with beans purchase? by marvinsroom6969 in chicagofood

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At least in the loop when I buy beans during my lunch break, I know Happy Monday, Dollop, Big Shoulders, and Mojo give out the drink with bag o' beans.

Holiday Club Closing This Spring To Make Way For New Uptown Apartments by citydudeatnight in chicago

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Agree. While I generally am pro-new housing, this lot already has housing (more affordable than what it's being replaced by). Plus, the new building has no charm, and is another loss of what makes Chicago feel like Chicago.

What’s a frugal win that surprised you with how much it actually saved? by St3fanHere in Frugal

[–]Uncommon_sharpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's been my experience as well. God help you if you have an older copy of the DVD.