Morning commute

With all the talk about 2016 Olympics in Chicago, construction, fare raises, etc., I've been hesitant to complain about the CTA. It's my only mode of transportation around the city, it's not too expensive and at times it can be extremely efficient. Except for this morning.

Due to construction at the Belmont stop, and then more somewhere in the Red Line trenches between North/Clyborne and Clark/Division, my morning commute is now more than 45-50 minutes, including walking to and from the stations.

Not to mention it's hot as hell considering all the people packed in each car, the greenhouse effect and an AC system that feels more like someone breathing down your neck than cold relief.

I can only imagine the CTA is doing the best it possible can to quickly move along the construction process, but on the same token I can understand why commuters gripe. Springfield needs to recognize that many, many Chicagoans are dependant upon this service, and they need to fully support funds to keep the CTA running as smoothly as possible.

We're a world class city - there's no excuse for not having a world class transportation system.

Origins

In college, the student run newspaper I wrote for, The Lantern, had a section called "Masticating in Public." Genius title, that phrase never left my side and I always had an endearing place for it somewhere deep down. Now it has become my muse:

Masticate (v): transitive verb to grind or crush something until it turns to pulp

That definition alone is the guiding spirit for this blog. While posts will mostly focus on an aforementioned love of music, food and Chicago experiences, I was raised to enjoy life, take advantage of crazy opportunities presented and spread the word through story.

Mr-Masticator is my soapbox. Nothing is safe. Nothing is foreign. Ready to rumble. Tread lightly.