When talking to listeners of FRESH 105.9, one of the most frequently asked questions that comes up is “Where is the radio station located?”   We sit on the 10th floor of posh tower 2 of Prudential Plaza, more commonly known as “2 Pru.”

Last week, I noticed a sign in the building’s lobby, announcing that the Prudential Plaza is now recognized as an Energy Star building.  According to the press release, “These buildings [ie: Prudential Plaza] are among the nation’s top energy savers.”  “They use about one-third less energy than average buildings, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves money.”

This leads me to wonder if there’s a yellow energy sticker affixed to a wall in the basement of the tower, like the one attached to my appliances at home, indiciating the annual energy usage and estimated cost of running the building.  Maybe I’ll have to ask at the security desk. 

With Mike LeBaron on vacation all week, I’ll be doing double duty hosting the FRESH 105.9 morning and afternoon shows. When I jumped in the car to head downtown this morning, I was surprised by how dark it was outside. Apparently, summer is over!

In need of a little java, I stopped by the 24 hour Dunkin’ Donuts near my neighborhood before making the trek to Two Pru Plaza. On the way, I was rather amazed by a large group of people congregated near the CTA Red/Brown line stop at Fullerton Ave. By this time, it was about 4:45AM, and it appeared as if this groups weekend fun was starting to unwind.

Just be careful if you call this area home! This morning Chicago Police are warning 20-something year old men in Lincoln Park to watch out for violent muggers.

According to reports, four men have been attacked since Thursday. One mugging victim ending up in the hospital with a broken jaw and throat injuries.

The muggers have been known to attack in groups of three or four and creep up on lone victims walking out after dusk or leaving bars. They’ve been known to beat their victim around the face, head and throat with their fists. All the attackers were described as in their early 20s and unarmed. So far, the majority of the attacks have occurred near the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Don’t hesitate to dial 9-1-1 or send an anonymous text message to the Chicago Police Department if you have any information regarding these violent attacks.

On a Lighter Note…

There’s just something funny about a cat that plays the piano!

Around this time last week, Sarah and I spent our time near a beach in San Diego, CA.  The forecast is calling for a decent weekend here in Chicago, but nothing will beat that fantastic breeze along the beachfront.  This weekend is very much a catchup weekend for us, since we were out of town for the past two weekends.  Our itinerary consists of grocery shopping, maybe a Target run or two, and loads of laundry to wash.  Ohhh, the life!  Hopefully your weekend will be a bit more interesting than ours.

Events Around Town

• Hang out with FRESH 105.9 at McCormick this Friday and Saturday for The Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Health & Fitness Expo!  With over 100 exhibitors, this event is free and open to the public.  Stop by the Fresh 105.9 tent for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Jason Mraz, 8/13/09, at Charter One Pavilion!
• Mike LeBaron and the Fresh Street Team will be at Meijer in Elgin, this Saturday giving away prizes including tickets to see Creed 8/30 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre!  Stop by and get a free TOMBSTONE 12” Original Pepperoni Pizza when you buy $10 in grocery at Meijer and (1) 12” TOMBSTONE pizza. Just bring your original receipt, dated August 1, 2009, to the TOMBSTONE truck outside to get your free TOMBSTONE 12” Original Pepperoni Pizza.
• Join the Fresh Street Team at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon this Sunday in Downtown Chicago. 18,000 runners have registered for the sold out event and will be rocking to live music along the way. The bands set the tempo for this 13.1 mile party, where runners and spectators can hear music from 21 local bands.
• Northalsted Market Days, the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest, will be held this Saturday and Sunday.  While there, stop by the Fresh 105.9 tent for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dave Matthews Band on September 26th at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park!

Movies Out in Theaters

Funny People

Comedy film producer Judd Apatow is behind the laughs and drama playing out in the new comedy “Funny People,” in theaters this weekend.  Starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, “Funny People” revolves around a popular, but terminally ill stand-up comedian, played by Sandler, who forms a bond with a struggling up-and-comer.  Seth Rogen plays aspiring comic Ira Wright in “Funny People.”  Rogen says like his character, he was excited to work alongside Sandler, one of his real-life comic heroes.   “Funny People” also stars Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman.  This movie is rated R.

Aliens In The Attic

The Pearson family head to their Michigan vacation home only to discover its not-so-vacant status in the new comedy “Aliens In The Attic.”  The family soon discovers they are sharing roof space with a friendly alien, though the alien’s pals are not quite as friendly and set out to invade the home.  “Aliens In The Attic” stars Robert Hoffman, Ashley Tisdale, Carter Jenkins, Austin Butler and Malese Jow.  This movie is rated PG.

The Cove

Led by renown dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, a group of activists infiltrate a cove near Taiji, Japan to expose animal abuse in the documentary “The Cove,” in theaters today.  The film picked up the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. 

The Collector

In a desperate attempt to repay his debt to his ex-wife, an ex-con concocts a plan to rob his employer’s country home, unaware that a second criminal has also targeted the property with a series of deadly traps.  The screenplay for “The Collector” was written by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton who also wrote films in the “Saw” horror franchise.  “The Collector” stars Josh Stewart, Andrea Roth, and Juan Fernandez.  This movie is rated R.

Be safe this weekend and let’s chat on Monday!  312/591-1059!

RH