What to do with all the extra snow

A number of years ago, there was so much snowfall in the Chicago area, that crews were told to dump the excess snow from streets and parking lots into Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. While snowfall from streets can't be the cleanest of elements, it can still be cleaned. Salt, dirt, rubbish, and various contaminants were just dumped wantonly into fresh water, drinkable water, inhabited water. Dumping into the Chicago River was stopped after the Bilandic Snow Fall of 1979 due to a car being tossed in as well. How this is any different than the Lake is for another story.

But couldn't this snow/water serve a better purpose elsewhere? Places where droughts and limited, if any drinking water exist? Places where a layer of snow is good for crops rather than be exposed to the harsh winter elements of the Midwest? In addition, this excess snow, which eventually melts, uses up valuable sewer and sanitation resources.
Not wasting time and energy on math, figure that there are almost 3000 miles of streets in Chicago alone, not counting alleys. Streets are anywhere from 10 feet to 100 feet across. Any snowfall of 3 inches or more becomes an issue not just for commuters, but also for space to put the excess snow that has been removed from the street. Take in all the streets in every incorporated township in the six county radius. That is a lot of snow, and a lot of water.
Removing this snow (and ice) and filtering the waste could greatly improve not only the quality of air, water, and land, but it could also benefit those that need it most. Pipelines of freshwater, sold to states and counties in need could greatly improve revenues in cash strapped areas. In addition, government grants could assist the communities in need of the water and aid. People willing to contribute to snow removal in their area can be compensated by tax breaks, as well as contract work, depending on availability.

Food Review: Sushi Nest, Elmhurst

First off, kudos to Elmhurst and their downtown overhaul. Not that this place was ever a dump, but this shows that the town cares about it's citizens and commerce. With that said, dinner was at an establishment called Sushi Nest (142 N. York Rd.), in a very popular section of the downtown. The theater is a few doors down, and other restaurants in stone's throw distance for a little competition. We went early, so the place was empty, but an hour later, business was flowing, even for a Sunday. The usual order of white tuna, scallops, spicy tuna roll, sea bass (Suzuki), spicy crab roll, roe, salmon, Philly roll was excellent. Fish was fresh and tasty, and we didn't have to wait a long time either. Presentation, which is always key for sushi, was great. What stood out the most was on the special list, called a Grenade, or Hand Grenade. It was $8 for two pieces. A little high on the price, but after the first bite, it was worth it. I've had the Sunny Side Shitake appetizer from Coast in Bucktown, so the taste was familiar. It was prawn and shrimp with other things that reminded me of the egg-lemon taste of the Sunny Side Shitake. All I can say is that they emphasize the Volcano Roll, but the Grenade gets the thumbs up. Overall, it is a little expensive, but if you want good sushi, which I know a lot of people have not had, this is a good place to go. Most of the good restaurants are in Chicago, but if you are in the Western Suburbs, go here.