The Chicago Sun Times reported that the devil, I mean savvy Apple Inc. is going to fork over millions of dollars to rehab a CTA station. Apple will then be able to “dominate” advertising in that station. It just so happens that Apple has a retail store adjacent to the CTA stop.

Let’s look at this from a business standpoint. The CTA, according to the Sun Times is “cash strapped.” Apple is trying to make a profit at their store located across from an eyesore that happens to be attracting a massive number of its target customers. Hmm, let’s think. Apple fixes up the crappy station for the CTA who cannot afford to and the station might toss over some customers to stimulate the economy.

My community has a huge hockey facility known as the Pepsi center. When you walk in you’re are only allowed to drink Pepsi beverages. Imagine this in the free world. Well, actually, you could get a drink from the fountain or bring your own beverage or not drink at all. Either way, Johnny has a kick ass hockey rink to practice on. In fact there are so many rinks in that building that he can go to open skate just about any time he wants because lessons and games can be played on the other rinks.

If you ask me, bring on corporate sponsorships if it means more for the good of the community.

This CTA thing hits an ironic chord with me. One night when I lived in Chicago, I had been bar hopping for a bachelorette party. My friend and I each budgeted so that we would have $1.50 left to catch the El back to my apartment. We got as far as North and Clybourn (the station soon to be an Apple Mecca) the train was closed - turned off for the night or something. We had to walk the rest of the way. Grrr. Apple, I could have used you.