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Chicago Bears Roster: 5 early cuts that could help BearsRyan Heckmanon August 31, 2021 at 2:11 pm

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Chicago Bears Roster: 5 early cuts that could help BearsRyan Heckmanon August 31, 2021 at 2:11 pm Read More »

When produce meets art!on August 31, 2021 at 2:27 pm

Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

When produce meets art!

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When produce meets art!on August 31, 2021 at 2:27 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: Paul Millsap would be final piece to cap off a perfect offseasonAnish Puligillaon August 31, 2021 at 12:00 pm

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Chicago Bulls: Paul Millsap would be final piece to cap off a perfect offseasonAnish Puligillaon August 31, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Do you give self-love?on August 31, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Looking for the Good

Do you give self-love?

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Do you give self-love?on August 31, 2021 at 12:47 pm Read More »

‘How to Be a Cowboy’: On ranch reality show, mending fences means mending real fencesRichard Roeperon August 31, 2021 at 11:00 am

Don’t be surprised if you see more than a few city slickers sporting Radiator Ranch ball caps, T-shirts, hoodies, etc., after Netflix rolls out the good-natured and charmingly cornpone reality series “How to Be a Cowboy,” featuring ranch manager and YouTube star Dale Brisby and a likable cast of supporting characters as they ride horses, mend fences, feed the cows, buck horses, ride broncs, attend livestock auctions and shoot the breeze from sunrise to sundown.

‘How to Be a Cowboy’: 3 out of 4

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Heck, there’s already enough merch available to fill a barn on Brisby’s website, and he has an endorsement deal with Rock and Roll Denim and lots of other irons in the fire — but his primary product is Dale Brisby, in the tradition of the self-promoting stars of “American Pickers” and “Pawn Stars” and those 2,985 shows where houses are renovated and flipped and such. Brisby has an enormous ego but it’s wrapped in a world of charisma, and he knows how to play it up for the cameras. In other worlds, as is the case with all reality TV stars and all reality shows, there’s real life, and then there’s the heightened, sometimes manufactured, heavily edited version of real life seen on TV.

Some might compare “How to be a Cowboy” to “Tiger King” in that both series show us a slice of rural life unfamiliar to many urban and suburban Americans. But whereas “Tiger King” was a true crime documentary about mostly awful people doing terrible things to each other while exploiting beautiful cats that deserved better, “How to Be a Cowboy” is much lighter fare with lesser stakes, with each episode clocking in at about 25 minutes as we get to know this colorful bunch, including:

The aforementioned Brisby, who looks and sounds like a country & western star with his flowing locks and Jesus beard, his aviator sunglasses and his well-worn cowboy hat. Brisby loves to talk about his employees and mostly himself, and his various rules for being a cowboy (“A Cowboy is Always Prepared,” “Cowboys Look After Their Own”) and he’s prone to hyperbole, as when he proclaims Radiator Ranch is “the largest ranch in Texas — I haven’t fact-checked that, but I imagine it’s probably true.” (It isn’t.)

Cheech, an amiable, egg-shaped fellow who’s a lifelong cowboy and provides the comic relief and talks about his “bugaboos,” such as lottery players who hold up the line at the convenience store.
Dale’s brother Leroy, who describes himself as the 180-degree opposite of Dale and has a low-key, ongoing competition with him on a daily basis. “He works harder than he ought to, so it’s my obligation to work less,” says Leroy.
Donnie Ray Dayton, “saddle bronc rider extraordinaire,” a former intern and bartender who is now a full-time employee at the ranch and is looking to try his hand at bull riding.
Ranch intern Jordan Halvorsen (right, with Donnie Ray Dayton) hopes to return to the bull riding rodeo circuit.Netflix

Jorden Halvorsen, a female bull rider from North Carolina who signs on as an intern and is looking to return to the rodeo after sustaining a serious knee injury.

“How to Be a Cowboy” is a well-photographed show, filled with gorgeous overhead shots of the Texas ranch, and it mixes moments of beautiful authenticity, such as the birth of a calf, with clearly staged moments, as when Dale and Leroy and Cheech are riding their horses across the tall grass to the sounds of a Western movie type score, and Dale says, “On horseback we ride together, but in our hearts we are self-reliant and answer to no one” — at which point Dale’s cell phone rings and it’s his mother, asking him for help in attaching photos to an email she wants to send to her cousin. Gee, it’s a good thing multiple cameras were there to catch that spontaneous comedic moment! But that’s OK, we’ve come to expect and accept such contrived albeit entertaining vignettes in these types of series.

There’s not a traditional reality TV show villain or even a sad-sack walking punchline in the bunch. (Even the sometimes hapless Cheech is a true cowboy and a good guy and a team player.) Watching this show is like going to one of those dude ranch vacations without having to leave the sofa or risking a burr in your saddle. You can enjoy “How to Be a Cowboy” until the cows come home, and spoiler alert: They actually do come home.

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‘How to Be a Cowboy’: On ranch reality show, mending fences means mending real fencesRichard Roeperon August 31, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

2 killed, at least 10 wounded in shootings in Chicago MondaySun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am

Two people were killed and at least 10 others were wounded in shootings in Chicago Monday.

One of the fatal attacks occurred in South Shore when a man was shot by a gunman who forced his way into his home, police said.

The 55-year-old man responded to loud knocking at his door in the 7700 block of South Shore Drive about 1:50 a.m., police said. The man was shot multiple times and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He has not been identified.

In Roseland on the Far South Side, a man was killed and two others wounded around 8:50 p.m. while standing in the 400 block of East 111th Street, police said. A 31-year-old man was shot in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. He hasn’t been identified. Another man, 54, was struck in the wrist and went to Roseland Hospital in good condition. A third man, 30, was shot in the foot and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Other attacks:

A 17-year-old boy was shot in Burnside on the South Side. About 11:10 p.m., the teen was standing in the 500 block of East 92nd Street when he was struck in the thigh. He was taken to Roseland Community Hospital in good condition.
Another 17-year-old boy was wounded in Chatham on the South Side. The teen was on a bike about 6:50 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Vernon Avenue when someone in a car fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the arm and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
In the day’s first reported shooting, a man was shot while entering his home in Gresham on the Far South Side. The 26-year-old was shot in the thigh about 2:35 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Honore Street, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

Five others were wounded in the city.

Six people were killed and 50 others were wounded in shootings over the weekend citywide.

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2 killed, at least 10 wounded in shootings in Chicago MondaySun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: 5 free agents to still considerVincent Pariseon August 31, 2021 at 11:00 am

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Chicago Blackhawks: 5 free agents to still considerVincent Pariseon August 31, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

2 killed, 13 shot, Monday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am

Two people were killed, and thirteen others were wounded, in shootings Monday in Chicago, including a man who was shot and killed after a gunman forced his way into a South Shore home on the South Side.

The 55-year-old man was attacked about 1:50 a.m. after responding to loud knocking at his door in the 7700 block of South Shore Drive, Chicago police said. The man was shot multiple times and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He has not been identified.

Later that evening, a man was killed, and two others were wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the Far South Side. They were standing outside about 8:50 p.m. in the 400 block of East 111th Street when someone inside a black car opened fire, police said. A 31-year-old man was shot in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. He hasn’t been identified. Another man, 54, was struck in the wrist and self-transported to Roseland Hospital in good condition. A third man, 30, was shot in the foot and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

In non-fatal shootings, a teen boy was shot in Burnside on the South Side. About 11:10 p.m., the 17-year-old boy was standing in the 500 block of East 92nd Street, when he heard several shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the thigh, and taken to Roseland Community Hospital in good condition. A 17-year-old boy was hurt in a shooting in Chatham on the South Side. The teen was traveling in a rideshare bicycle about 6:50 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Vernon Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the arm and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition. A man was shot while entering his home in Gresham on the Far South Side. The 26-year-old was shot in the thigh about 2:35 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Honore Street, Chicago. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

In the day’s first reported shooting, a man was shot while entering his home in Gresham on the Far South Side. The 26-year-old was shot in the thigh about 2:35 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Honore Street, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

Five others were wounded in shooting citywide.

Six people were killed, and Forty-nine others were wounded in shootings last weekend citywide.

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2 killed, 13 shot, Monday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am Read More »

Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching winson August 31, 2021 at 10:24 am

Prairie State Pigskin

Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching wins

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Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching winson August 31, 2021 at 10:24 am Read More »

Horoscope for Tuesday, August 31, 2021Georgia Nicolson August 31, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 3:30 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Gemini.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Because you’re in a positive frame of mind, this is a great day to enjoy the company of others, especially siblings, relatives and neighbors. You will also enjoy a short trip, if this is possible, and any chance to meet new faces and see new places. Heed the moon alert.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today you might have excellent money-making ideas. This is also be a good day for business and commerce. Likewise, you might contemplate a major purchase. Nevertheless, depending on your time zone, these things should be avoided if they collide with the moon alert.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Jupiter, which makes you feel warm and friendly to everyone! Interactions with others will give you a pleasant sense of well-being. (Note: It’s easy for you to attract happy, positive people to you.) Nevertheless, be aware of the limitations of the moon alert.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a feel-good day! Oh yes, you have a warm feeling in your tummy and you’re happy to talk to others. Or perhaps, you prefer to retire by yourself somewhere. Either way, it’s your choice. No matter what you do, be aware of the moon alert.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a marvelous day to schmooze, because you will enjoy interacting with friends, groups and organizations. During the moon alert, although it is a poor time to shop or make important decisions, it’s a creative, fun-loving time to socialize!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You make a great impression on others today. People see you as wise, affluent and successful. (Since others are impressed, you might be able to use this to your advantage.) Nevertheless, no matter what you do, be aware of the limitations of the moon alert. Enjoy your day!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you want to shake things up a little. You want some adventure and stimulation. Be advised that during the moon alert, it’s better to go with the flow. Enjoy socializing with others, especially people who are different or from another culture. Don’t shop, except for food.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You might be focused on matters related to shared property. In fact, you might be the recipient of someone’s generosity today. However, during the moon alert, avoid important financial decisions. Instead, socialize and enjoy the company of others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

People admire you now, which is something you can use to your advantage. Meanwhile, today relations with partners and close friends are warm and friendly. However, during the moon alert make no promises. Agree to nothing important.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Work-related travel is likely for you today. Relations with coworkers are friendly. Look for ways to expand your world in some way. However, during the moon alert, postpone important decisions and don’t shop except for food.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a wonderful, creative day for you! Write down your creative ideas. If you work in the arts, you will be original and productive. This is also a great day to party, schmooze and enjoy sports and playful activities with kids. Have fun!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You might be happy to cocoon at home today, especially if you can read or learn something new. Alternatively, you might entertain at home or host some kind of group meeting. Do not volunteer for anything during the moon alert. Be smart.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor, comedian Chris Tucker (1971) shares your birthday. People are attracted to you because you have a strong personality and are very charming. You have excellent social skills. You also have strong values when it comes to security and stability, which will affect your relationship choices. Lucky you! This is your year for kudos, recognition and promotions! You are reaping the rewards of the seeds you have planted.

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Horoscope for Tuesday, August 31, 2021Georgia Nicolson August 31, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »