Local fashionistas shashayed over to the Chicago sidewalk sale this week. Vendors hawked their creations while shoppers browsed for the best deals. Unity News reporter Martha Flores reports that a rough economy doesn’t seem to be hurting the city’s fashion industry.

By YOLANNE ALMANZAR
The UNITY News

In addition to food and alcohol, free Wi-Fi appears on the menu at Fado Irish Pub in downtown Chicago.

During early business hours, the bar at 100 W. Grand Ave. can be found overflowing with people tapping away at their laptops, manager Brad Froeschle said.

“We have people sit here for two to three hours at a time and on weekends it?s even better,” he said.

The pub could become a hot spot this week as nearly 10,000 journalists are expected to descend upon downtown Chicago to attend the UNITY ‘08 Convention. The five official UNITY convention hotels charge between $10 to $13 daily for wireless Internet access.

For out-of-towners looking to save, Fado is among several locations that offer free Wi-Fi access, most within walking distance from hotels.

Wi-Fi is offered at several businesses near Millennium Park, including the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. and Intelligentsia Coffee, 53 E. Randolph St.

Dominick’s grocery store, at 255 E. Grand Ave., also provides free Internet access. Chicago resident Brian Petit, 27, said he stops by there after work.

“It’s free and they don’t mess with you to buy coffee,” he said.

By KYLA SMITH
The UNITY News

Everything is packed and ready to go. After a smooth plane ride, you check-in at your hotel and suddenly realize, “Oh no! I forgot to pack my underwear!”

Leaving the essentials behind is a common mistake for new and seasoned travelers. If it’s not underwear, it’s toothpaste, a hair dryer or a shortage of résumés. Or maybe your body is screaming for those skin care products you couldn’t fit in the suitcase.

If you forgot just one thing or all of the above, here’s where to go near the host hotels if you need batteries, dry-cleaning or simply a caffeine boost.

Shoes, blow dryer or batteries?

Target
1154 S. Clark St.
(312) 212-6300
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
www.target.com

Résumés or a few copies?
FedEx Kinko’s
17 W. 35th St., Suite A
(773) 924-0586
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun. 12 - 6 p.m.
www.fedex.com

Need to ship something?
The UPS Store
3473 S. King Dr.
(312) 567-9090
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday
www.ups.com

Need an aspirin or toothbrush?
CVS Pharmacy
2545 Martin Luther King Dr.
(312) 842-5700
Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
www.cvs.com

Spilled coffee on your shirt?
PS Cleaners
3001 S. King Dr. #107
Mon. - Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
(312) 949-9089
Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Suit $7.50
Pants $3.50
Men shirt $1.50
Women shirt $2.50

CD One Price Cleaners
2200 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 808-1195
Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Everything $2.29
www.cleanersdepot.com

A quick haircut or manicure?
Beauty For You
554 W. 31st St.
(312) 326-3217
Manicure/Pedicure
Call for prices

Ray-Zors Edge Salon
3453 S. Prairie Ave.
(312) 225-1359
Hair cut, color and style
Call for appointment and prices

Andalusia Barber Spa for Men
2411 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 326-6801
Hair cut and facials range from $15-20
Call for appointment

Medical emergency?
Michael Reese Hospital
2929 S. Ellis Ave.
(312) 791-2000

Need a pick-me-up?

Cafe Descartes
111 E. Wacker Dr., #1
(312) 565-2557

Cafe Descartes
327 N. Michigan Ave.,
(312) 263-0583

Starbucks
McCormick Convention Center
2301 S. Lakeshore Dr.
(312) 791-7252
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
www.starbucks.com