Red Line conductor Ivan Hardaway prepares the train for departure from the station. A part of the elevated train system known as the “L,” the Red Line covers most of the north-south length of the city and carries the highest ridership of the rail line. (Eric Shelton / The UNITY News)

For newcomers, navigating the Windy City could be somewhat intimidating and confusing. Someone who has lived in Chicago and taken the “L” long enough knows that the Chicago Transit Authority’s rapid transit lines become more than just a thing or a letter.

“My first five or six times (on the train) were adventures,” said transit passenger Deborah Andrews, a former Ohioan. “There’s a lot of interesting people.”

About 2.9 million people live in Chicago, and many residents get around the twisted streets by train. But the “L,” labeled that way by locals, is not one train at all. The “L” refers to trains that are raised, or elevated. Dozens of other trains converge to pick up and drop off passengers on to the “L,” travel officials said.

“L” trains travel along tracks between brick apartments and buildings. Many passengers stay only a moment and get off without much conversation. A friendly automated voice tells them, “This is Fullerton,” or “This is Chicago.”

“I come from a town where the bus runs like every hour, where everywhere you want to go you have to wait an hour,” Andrews said. “(The ‘L’) is always running 24 hours a day and takes you anywhere in Chicago.”

The “L” is an easy way to see the sites in Chicago, said Felicia Olinene, customer service representative for Chicago Transit Authority. Olinene takes the “L” to work every day because parking is limited downtown.

“The ‘L’ is cheaper than shopping; it’s convenient,” she said.

By Amy Phan

The UNITY News Online

Here are some fun facts about UNITY’s fourth conference destination, Chicago:

• Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois.
• It’s also the third most populated city in the US, with nearly 3 million inhabitants.
• Someone living in Chicago is referred to as a “Chicagoan.”
• Legend has it, Chicago is actually a mistranslation by a Catholic priest and explorer of its original Miami-Illinois name shikaakwa meaning “wild leek.”

Who knew the common wild leek spawned name inspiration for Chicago? (Image courtesy foodforthought.net)
• Chicago’s theater community created what was is now modern-day improvisational dialogue.
• New York Sun editor Charles Dana was the first to call Chicago the “Windy City” in 1893 after growing weary of long-winded politicians bragging about hosting the Chicago World’s Fair.
• The musical phrase “jazz” was coined in the Windy City in 1914.
• During the fair, the hamburger and diet carbonated soda was introduced to the US
• The first purchase for the Lincoln Park Zoo, a bear cub, was made in 1874 for $10
• Chicago was home to America’s first automobile race. Six cars left Chicago’s Jackson Park for a 54 mile race. After 10 hours, J. Frank Duryea has the fastest time of the circuit, averaging a mind-blowing speed of about 7.3 mph.
• Walt Disney was born here in December 1901, in a cottage built by his father- a carpenter who worked at the Chicago World’s Fair.
• And lastly, Chicago’s McCormick Place offers the largest exhibition space in North America, with 2.2 million sq. ft. (Which should be just enough room for the UNITY crowd).

Know some other facts? Feel free to add on to this list in the comments section.

By Dioni L. Wise

UNITY News Online

By next Wednesday, McCormick Place West will be abuzz with thousands of journalists. It’s hard to believe that anything will be happening outside of those conference walls, but a city as cosmopolitan as Chicago continues to offer several diversions during the week of UNITY. Take a look at what simultaneous events will occur during the convention:

July 23

• The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents the second annual Chicago Sidewalk Sale. The two-day fashion event will bring dozens of Chicago boutiques and designers to one spot – the Daley Plaza, (next to Chicago City Hall).

• As the 2005 World Series championship team, the Chicago White Sox end a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers in a midday showdown at U.S. Cellular Field.

• The mellow sounds of U.K.-based band Coldplay will flow from the United Center.

July 24

• Topping the National League’s Central Division, hometown favorites the Chicago Cubs begin a four-game home series against the Florida Marlins at historic Wrigley Field.

• See rapper Bow Wow perform at the House of Blues Chicago.

• You can take a one-hour tour of The Chicago Theatre at noon for $5. The tour highlights the history and architecture of the building, including the grand lobby areas, auditorium and backstage area.

July 25

• California-based rap group Cypress Hill, most noted for its 1993 hit “Insane in the Brain,” will perform at the House of Blues Chicago.

July 26

• Hundreds will celebrate the contributions and culture of the disabled in the 5^th Disability Pride Parade on Saturday morning. For these participants, p.r.i.d.e. means “Pride Realized Is Destiny Empowered.”

• A setting sun doesn’t mean the lights go out on Saturday night, as Chicago celebrates its 51^st Annual Venetian Night. Thirty-five boats will be aglow with lights and props as they sail along beautiful Lake Michigan. A musically synchronized fireworks display will follow the parade.

July 27

• Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher will perform at The Chicago Theatre.