Shuttered
As of press time, there were numerous cancellations of local events following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. At this point, though Mayor Daley announced city offices, etc. would be open September 12, local arts and cultural events might not bounce back quite as quickly, so we’d urge you to call ahead, just to make sure. A few things to note: The Art Institute has postponed the September 12 press opening luncheon for the “Van Gogh and Gauguin: The Studio of the South” exhibit. No word on whether the regular members’ opening, scheduled for September 14, will stand. The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts postponed the September 11 opening for the major show of its inaugural season, “Love Letters,” starring Charlton Heston, until September 14. The Chicago Cultural Center postponed its September 11 LunchBreak program and the first night of its new International Dinner and a Movie, but says both programs will occur on September 12. Heading into the weekend, the Eli’s Fifth Annual Cheesecake Festival, set for September 15-16 has been postponed until October 13-14. In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment has postponed the scheduled September 15 ticket sale for the October 15 U2 concert at the United Center. “The decision was made out of respect for victims of the nationwide tragedy taking place,” the company release said. A new sale date will be announced.

War? What War?
From the “Hey, don’t you know there’s a war on?” file, as thousands streamed out of the city and toward their homes late Tuesday morning, at least a few people seemed oblivious. At the intersection of Milwaukee/Halsted/Grand, a perky woman worked the cars, attempting to sell Peanut M & Ms, with shouts of “C’mon! They’re only a dollar. It’s a beautiful day and you can help out.” At least one driver isn’t having it. “Don’t you know what happened?” he yelled out the window. “God! I don’t have time to think about this now.”