GreenPeak

Latest TravelHost Chicago articles

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Check out my latest TravelHost Chicago articles including:

-A profile of blues musician Joanna Connor

-An in depth feature on various Chicago comedy venues

-A store spotlight of Marbles: The Brain Store

http://travelhost.com/jsp/magazines.jsp

Flip through the latest issue. Yes, you can page through the magazine online. It's the future.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:46:00 +0000

This past summer, I investigated a strange culture in a far away habitat....Los Angeles.

Check out my findings in this article from The Real Chicago e-zine.

Los Angeles: An exploration of its people in their natural habitat

The Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:41:00 +0000

This past semester has been especially challenging for me. Trying to balance work, school and life has been brain crushing at times.

I honestly do not understand how some of my fellow students have children and go to graduate school and have a full time job all at the same time. These superhero-esque people are amazing. I think I would have a nervous breakdown and just end up working at Jewel-Osco. However, somehow they make the grade and get the job done and wipe the kid's nose.

Amazing.

I will now go and try to balance doing my next big feature article and fitting in time to watch "Fringe."

Child's Play in Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Need to know some great spots to take your kids? Check out one of my latest articles for The Real Chicago e-zine.

Child's play in Chicago

A Letter of Query

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Dear America's Got Talent Producers-

I have decided on an ideal job for me.

This job would be choosing the music that goes under the contestants who are either being put through to the next round or booted on America's Got Talent.

I feel that I would be highly qualified to choose this music. For example, I would choose the song "I Believe I Can Fly" to accompany the success of body contortionist Lou Meyer's as he goes to the next round of the competition. Also, I am very good at identifying songs with the word "hero" in it. "Hero" by Mariah Carey, "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias, "Holding Out For A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler, "We Don't Need Another Hero" by Tina Turner, or even "Believe It Or Not (The theme from Greatest American Hero)" by Joey Scarbury.

Also, I have a lighter side. I believe that audiences would enjoy the song "Hit The Road Jack" behind failed contestants 42, 157 and 92.

Unless one of those contestants is all women, then I would choose the song "Lady" by Kenny Rogers.

I thank you for your consideration for this position.

Sincerely,

Megan Green

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:23:00 +0000

there is a law (i think it's an actual law) now that you cannot talk loudly at an airport about bombs or any sort of terrorist activities. makes sense, right? i hear mothers whispering loudly to their children to not yell "gun" or "bomb" or "sharp instrument" while waiting in the security checkpoint line.

if we are going to make this a rule, i think we should also make it a rule that you don't talk about the plane actually crashing while waiting at the airport.

while waiting for my plane from l.a. to chicago, a man decided to take that time to tell all of us that a southwest plane had had trouble earlier that day during a flight. the top of the plane had started to peel back like a can of sardines (as he and npr put it). the plane made it alright, but now all the southwest planes, according to him, were deemed unsafe and would be checked.

this was about 15 minutes before we boarded our southwest flight. and, he didn't want to stop talking about it.

now, i knew this about the malfunctioning southwest flight, but i kept this information to myself. why? because i don't like to knowingly freak people out before boarding a huge tube of metal for several hours.

it just seems like common sense to keep that to yourself.

maybe not for that guy, but for me it just seems like walking into a crowded blood bank and yelling "Hepatitis!"

epilogue: the flight to chicago was fine. i still stand by southwest. you know who i don't stand by? miley cyrus. don't like her.

lordy, lordy, look who's...not 29

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:18:00 +0000

a lot of people fear turning 30 like it's the time that you have to start thinking about the color of your coffin (oooo, how about a nice, dark cherry wood?). however, i was told by several people into their 30's that turning 30 means you don't have to worry about all the crap from your 20's anymore.

i am fine with that. when i think back on it, i worried about a lot of stupid stuff in my 20's...like Y2K and running out of Stridex pads.

i have also thought back in the past couple of weeks about what i thought about turning 30 when i was 20. when i was still in college and watching Felicity on the WB i thought my life would be certain things by the time i turned 30.

here are some of the things i thought...

-i would still be living in nashville (didn't happen)

-i would have lots of money (ummm....no)

-i would have babies...that's more than one (none that i know about...wait...that's a no)

-i would be fully into a career that had something to do with what i learned in college (still headed that way)

-i would still be driving a car (i just drove a car again for the first time in over 2 years...not counting the car i drove at Disneyland when i went there for my birthday this year - see pic)

-i would never be tied to my cell phone (i constantly hear phantom rings...it never stops)

-i would have great friends (yay!)

-i would be in love (double yay!)

-i would still love to watch the show Felicity (i fully admit this has happened...thanks Netflix)

i guess the 20-year-old Megan would be kind of confused if she saw my life at 30, but i think she would still love it...i mean after she got over the whole time travel thing.

Making Both Your Bank Account And Your Body Healthier

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:53:00 +0000

While gyms and fitness studios are about as abundant as Starbucks, lately, people are having a big problem affording these gyms.

I recently did an article for The Real Chicago about easy ways to get fit for less in Chicago. These include free trials, free summer fitness classes in the park or on the beach or even long-term fitness solutions with deals on gym memberships.

Check It Out:

Get Fit For Less - The Real Chicago Article by Megan Green

(photo courtesy of City of Chicago & Millennium Park)

A Far East Adventure Only A Few Train Stops Away

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:40:00 +0000

hello to the hundreds of loyal followers of my blog (and by hundreds i mean the loyal group of a few friends that check it out)-

sorry i haven't posted in a while. finals were pretty stressful, and once that smoke cleared summer fun was already underway.

i am still writing for the real chicago e-zine and travelhost chicago magazine.

here is an article i just did for the real chicago where i suited up, packed a bag, said good-bye to my parents, put $2.25 on my cta card and hit the streets of chinatown for a day's adventure.

(spoiler: i had to put more money on my cta card to get back home)

if you haven't been to chinatown in chicago before (or haven't gone recently), check it out. lots of culture, good restaurants and unique shops are waiting.

Chinatown Day Adventure in The Real Chicago E-zine - An Article by Megan Green

(photo also by Megan Green)

Super!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Sam Super, comedian and all-around good guy, sat down with me earlier this month for an interview for The Real Chicago. We ended up doing a spoof celebrity interview that The Real Chicago published and Comedy Sportz Chicago included in its latest newsletter.

Check It Out:

Sam Super Interview Link

Scorch!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:08:00 +0000

The Roosevelt University newspaper, The Torch, did its annual spoof issue called The Scorch (clever, yes?). It includes Onion-esque articles and news.

I did two pieces for it.

Check them out at these links:

Who is Roosevelt's New Professor?

Bat Cave Under the Gage

*the great Trebek photo was done by Chrissy Bruzek*

A Shamrock Shuffle...into the ridiculous cold

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:10:00 +0000

The forecast was cold. The forecast was snow. But, like a stubborn Chicagoan, I decided to not chicken out of doing the Shamrock Shuffle 5K on March 29th.

Believe me, when I saw the mounds of snow on the ground and the bitter snow still falling, I wanted to back out. However, the need to not be the one to say "umm...let's all just stay inside and watch reruns of Family Ties" propelled me to get up, grab my sneakers and gloves and brave it.

I was not prepared. Sure, I dressed warmly, but, today, people participating in the Shamrock Shuffle needed major protection from the elements -- especially on their feet.

I sludged through the snow and ice for those 3 point whatever miles wishing I could go back to the start of the day and put plastic bags on my feet. I was sure I was about to become a member in the 9-toes-or-less club.

People were trudging (shuffling?) right along with us. Had we all not been freezing, the falling snow and views along the lakefront would have actually been picturesque. Instead, we all looked at times like we were participating in a fun run towards our deaths -- sponsored by Fleet Feet.

Myself, my friend Natalie (yay Nat!) and my boyfriend Timmy (hooray for Timmy!) made it through. Despite wanting to quit at one time or another, we made it across the finish line. We were cold, somewhat in pain and mostly numb. We were all very proud of each other.

I was rejoicing in the humorous tale I had lived to tell until the feeling started coming back into my feet. It hurt, and I fell very quickly into the cavern of whiny jerks. I apologized then and still apologize for being a cantankerous complainer.

As they said on an episode of 'ER' (I can't remember which one), "Life is too short to spend it whining." I am pretty sure a patient coded on the table then.

Hey, I am just thankful the feeling eventually leveled out in my feet...and that I have an official Shamrock Shuffle T-shirt. And, I am still pretty freaking proud I finished the race.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:57:00 +0000

I am officially retiring the joke "I think that is one of the signs of the Apocalypse."

This goes for everyone. I reserve the right to call you out on this.

Sorry to those who love to use this joke.

Typical Joke Format:

Person 1: Did you hear neon is making a comeback?

Person 2: No way! I think that is one of the signs of the Apocalypse.

See? Once it was hilarious, but now it is old.

Of course, this joke may have to come out of retirement once 2012 hits. I blame the Mayans.

(My apologies to any of my loyal Mayan readers.)

A Brainstorm is a'brewing

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:50:00 +0000

The best comic book shop in Chicago...and the world?...

I recently profiled a comic book, video and gaming store called Brainstorm. I am not lying when I say this place is great for both people who consider themselves comic book geeks and those who think Spiderman is only reserved for Toby Maguire fans.

The movie selection is amazing, as well.

But, the most amazing thing about this store are the workers. The nicest, most genuine people to ever hock Marvel products.

Click me for to read the Brainstorm Article

Up All Night

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Remember Rhonda Sheer "Up All Night" on USA? If you don't you were probably a better person than I was. This show consisted of some of the trashiest movies (not X-Rated trashy, just really horrible) ever to clog up the shelves at Blockbuster.

Well, this time, I stayed "Up All Night" in a different way. I profiled several 4a.m. bars in Chicago. For the people who just can't drink enough before 2a.m.

Check It Out:

4a.m. Bars in The Real Chicago

If you happen to be in a Chicago hotel room...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:52:00 +0000

...check out the TravelHost Chicago magazine. This issue has a few articles I wrote in it.

TravelHost Chicago is in hundreds of hotel rooms around the area. I am pretty proud of my speakeasy article.

If you aren't in a hotel room (I am not saying that anything naughty has to be going on. You could just be visiting.), you can read the magazine at www.travelhost.com.

-Select the "Cities" link

-Type in Chicago, hit search

-Select the Chicago Downtown and North side option, hit "select edition"

-When that page pops up, hit "Read Magazine"

After that, you should be able to flip through the pages of the current issue.

Also, you will notice a picture of me from a ComedySportz ad. I am all over this motha'.

Let me know if you have any thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Enough with Sleepwalking Dog. This "hilarious" dog was the top news item on Yahoo and the top story on the local nightly news. For the record, this is the dog who is running in his sleep. Then, he runs into a wall before waking up. Moderately entertaining. Not top story material. The nightly news bumped a story on health care reform for this.

I once had a puppy who ate concrete and was only able to roll down steps. Funny, but I know where any videos of my dog Patches belong. And, it isn't getting higher ratings than health care reform.

Way to crank out that hard-hitting journalism, Channel 5 news.

Graduate School...second semester

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:58:00 +0000

I am in the second semester of graduate school, and it may be slowly killing me.

The first semester of any school -- grad school, undergrad, high school, whatever -- is full of new experiences, new hope and scholarly energy. I busted into graduate school ready to succeed, or at least prove that success is an option. Getting straight A's was paramount. I read everything the teach told me to. I stayed up until all hours a week before a project was due to make sure I didn't get behind. I made myself overachieve.

The second semester has been a little different. The first few weeks were like coming out of a holiday coma. The homework took on more of a "what do I have to do to get by" instead of "what has been assigned." Horrible, but true.

The second semester also brings with it the inevitable "oh crap, i am entrenched in this grad school thing...i hope it works out like i hope. What if I can't get a job? What if I graduate and realize I am right back where I started before I even entered into this program? Crap."

Guarantees? Nope. No guarantees. And that is extremely frustrating. But, such is life.

I heard recently from a TV show (the ultimate channel for all psychological advice, right?) that we are the sum of our decisions. Those make us, for good or bad.

You have to have faith that you are doing the right thing for yourself at this point in time. Keep moving forward. Trust that it will work out OK, and keep on chuggin'. (like a train, not beer)

*Note: this was really more of a motivational talk for than for any reader, but maybe it will help someone else, too. I'm going to go watch Say Anything now. I need to watch John Cusack kickbox.

Stitch 'n' Bitch at the MCA - by Megan Green

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Article on Stitch 'n' Bitch for the Roosevelt Torch Newspaper

The Oscars - The Real Chicago E-zine Article

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:07:00 +0000

My article "Academy Awards for the Cinematically Challenged" - published online with The Real Chicago

www.therealchicago.org

*more articles are coming soon with this publication*

2008 Election Article

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:55:00 +0000

2008 Election - Roosevelt Torch Article - by Megan Green

Follow the link to view a partial version of the article. The Web site did not post the entire article.

Valentine's Day Article

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:46:00 +0000

A Roosevelt Torch article for Valentine's Day - by Megan Green

Ghost Tour Article

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Ghost Tour article from Fall 2008 issue of the Roosevelt Torch - by Megan Green:

http://media.www.roosevelttorch.com/media/storage/paper817/news/2008/10/27/Features/

Chicago.Tour.Bust.Ghosts-3508400.shtml

If you see something...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:40:00 +0000

The rest of this phrase is supposed to be "say something." Unfortunately, as I have learned about the majority of the general public, the phrase should be - "if you see something, awkwardly look the other direction until it goes away."

Unfortunate, but not far off-base.

Case in point, I was on the CTA Red Line on a recent weekend, and I was quietly seated listening to my iPod - translation: I was in my own world listening to a variety of Monster Ballads. I eventually noticed a strange man dressed all in leather - leather shoes, black leather pants and a leather jacket with the tags hanging off. This man was also wearing red-tinted sunglasses. Not exactly the uniform of the inconspicuous train rider.

He silently fidgeted in one seat and then another as we passed from one station to the next. The train eventually pulled up to the Chicago station. The doors stood open for a few seconds until the familiar ding of "doors closing." It was only at this point that the man walked to the door to exit the train. It was also at this point that there was an unfortunate young man standing on the train platform waiting to board who got in the leather man's way.

This act of blocking someone's exit from a train is usually met with an "excuse me" or a simple, silent push-through and exit. However, this day, for whatever reason, the leather man decided to up the ante. He violently and without pause punched the boarding man in the face. The young man fell to the ground and the leather man kicked him.

The attacker then calmly walked out of the train, up the stairs and into the crowds on the street.

Of course, those of us left on the train were shocked. Some asked the young man if he was OK. He was. Some inquired with each other about what had just happened. However, no one, at least that I saw on my train, reported the incident. The young man who was attacked was clearly more embarrassed by the situation than angered. He simply went and sat down with his friend like nothing had happened.

No one called the train operator on those ever-present buttons. No brave soul followed the attacker up the stairs (either for payback or to facilitate a capture). No one phoned 3-1-1, as constantly instructed by signs on the CTA. The incident just happened and faded into the memories of those who witnessed it - stored away as a cautionary tale or an exciting story to parlay at dinner that night.

Truth be told, the random act of violence ended up causing about as much panic or reaction as if someone had dropped their soda on the train, and it had exploded.

And, I would be willing to bet if that happened there would be more than a few angry passengers looking to have their dry cleaning bills paid. Especially if it were orange soda. Man, that stuff stains.

Lessons Learned

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Green) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Well, that didn't last long. Luckily no one really bet on this little wager.

I got entranced by the latest season of American Idol. See, there was this blind guy who auditioned. It was inspirational. I promise. Ok, I really can't defend this. I am embarrassed even writing about it .

So, the not watching TV thing is not happening. i am making sure that i limit my tv time, so i am not chained to the box for several hours at a time watching mindless tv during my semester break.

This is like my crusade to kick my coffee habit every few months...it doesn't last long. after a bit, i figure that some habits are ok to keep going. i'm not shooting heroine here.