Watch Virgin Galactic Fly Richard Branson and Unity 22 Crew to Spaceon July 11, 2021 at 2:13 pm

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Watch Virgin Galactic Fly Richard Branson and Unity 22 Crew to Space

Watch Virgin Galactic Fly Richard Branson and Unity 22 Crew to Spaceon July 11, 2021 at 2:13 pm Read More »

Fifty years after L.A. Woman, where do The Doors rate on the list of the greatest American bands?on July 11, 2021 at 3:28 pm

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

Fifty years after L.A. Woman, where do The Doors rate on the list of the greatest American bands?

Fifty years after L.A. Woman, where do The Doors rate on the list of the greatest American bands?on July 11, 2021 at 3:28 pm Read More »

Billionaire Richard Branson reaches space in his own shipAssociated Presson July 11, 2021 at 4:14 pm

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. — Swashbuckling entrepreneur Richard Branson hurtled into space aboard his own winged rocket ship Sunday in his boldest adventure yet, beating out fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos.

The nearly 71-year-old Branson and five crewmates from his Virgin Galactic space tourism company reached an altitude of about 53 miles (88 kilometers) over the New Mexico desert — enough to experience three to four minutes of weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth — and then safely glided back home to a runway landing.

“Seventeen years of hard work to get us this far,” a jubilant Branson said as he congratulated his team on the trip back.

Branson became the first person to blast off in his own spaceship, beating Bezos by nine days. He also became only the second septuagenarian to depart for space. (John Glenn flew on the shuttle at age 77 in 1998.)

With about 500 people watching, including Branson’s wife, children and grandchildren, a twin-fuselage aircraft with his space plane attached underneath took off in the first stage of the flight.

The space plane then detached from the mother ship at an altitude of about 8 1/2 miles (13 kilometers) and fired its engine, reaching the edge of space. The entire flight up and back aboard the sleek white ship, named Unity, took just under 15 minutes.

Virgin Galactic conducted three previous test flights into space with crews of just two or three.

The flamboyant, London-born founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways wasn’t supposed to fly until later this summer. But he assigned himself to an earlier flight after Bezos announced plans to ride his own rocket into space from Texas on July 20, the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Branson, who has kite-surfed the English Channel and attempted to circle the world in a hot-air balloon, denied he was trying to beat Bezos.

Another one of Branson’s chief rivals in the space-tourism race among the world’s richest men, SpaceX’s Elon Musk, arrived in New Mexico to witness the flight, wishing Branson via Twitter, “Godspeed!”

Bezos likewise sent his wishes for a safe and successful flight, though he also took to Twitter to enumerate the ways in which be believes his company’s rides will be better.

Bezos’ Blue Origin company intends to send tourists past the so-called Karman line 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth, which is is recognized by international aviation and aerospace federations as the threshold of space.

But NASA, the Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration and some astrophysicists consider the boundary between the atmosphere and space to begin 50 miles (80 kilometers) up.

The risks to Branson and his crew were underscored in 2007, when a rocket motor test in California’s Mojave Desert left three workers dead, and in 2014, when a Virgin Galactic rocket plane broke apart during a test flight, killing one pilot and seriously injuring the other.

Ever the showman, Branson insisted on a global livestream of the Sunday morning flight and invited celebrities and former space station astronauts to the company’s Spaceport America base in New Mexico.

R&B singer Khalid was on hand to perform his new single “New Normal” — a nod to the dawning of space tourism — while CBS “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 reservations from would-be space tourists, with tickets initially costing $250,000 apiece. Blue Origin is waiting for Bezos’ flight before announcing its ticket prices.

Musk’s SpaceX, which is already launching astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA and is building moon and Mars ships, is also competing for space tourism dollars. But its capsules will do more than make brief, up-and-down forays; they will go into orbit around the Earth, with seats costing well into the millions. Its first private flight is set for September.

Musk himself has not committed to going into space anytime soon.

“It’s a whole new horizon out there, new opportunities, new destinations,” said former NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, who commanded the last shuttle flight 10 years ago. He now works for Boeing, which is test-flying its own space capsule.

“This is really sort of like the advent of commercial air travel, only 100 years later,” Ferguson added. “There’s a lot waiting in the wings.”

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Billionaire Richard Branson reaches space in his own shipAssociated Presson July 11, 2021 at 4:14 pm Read More »

What’s Going On at the Taste of Chicago Today? (July 11, 2021)Brian Lendinoon July 11, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Though many of Chicago’s favorite street and music festivals are primed to return to the city this summer, not all of them will look the same. Perhaps no more evident of that is the reimagined Taste of Chicago festival that began this week in a pop-up or to-go type rendition of the most iconic food festival in the world.

Each day we’ll deliver the events around-the-city schedule so you know what you need to do in order to experience this new-look version of the Taste of Chicago! Day one was a massive success by all accounts! To take advantage of Sunday’s festivities, check out the round up below.

12–3pm, Let’s Talk Women Picnic in White, an epic picnic at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.), will serve as the closing event for Taste of Chicago To-Go — presented by DCASE and Let’s Talk Womxn. This celebration of Chicago features women-power music, women performers and interviews of Chicago’s leading women restaurateurs with pre-ordered picnic fare and beverages.

The $45 picnic box lunch features five surprise items from Chicago’s top women-owned restaurants and will be picked up onsite upon arrival (vegetarian or non-vegetarian). Signature cocktails and beverages may also be pre-ordered. Limited food and beverages will be offered for purchase onsite. Guests are encouraged to dress in white in solidarity with women across Chicago and across the world and to bring friends and family to this celebration. For details, visit LetsTalkWomxn.com.

For more information on the Taste of Chicago, visit the city’s website at chicago.gov. For more information on the entirety of Chicago’s festival schedule this month, check out our round up of both festivals and concerts going on throughout the city this month.

If you missed it, here’s what went on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday of this week at the Taste of Chicago.

What’s Going On at the Taste of Chicago Today? (July 11, 2021)Brian Lendinoon July 11, 2021 at 4:09 pm Read More »

Park District should end holiday surge pricing for lakefront parkingCST Editorial Boardon July 11, 2021 at 3:44 pm

As Chicagoans gathered at the lakefront to celebrate the Fourth of July, the Park District sent up a firecracker of its own: a holiday hike in lakefront parking fees to a whopping $30 a day for the whole three-day weekend.

The flat rate was about five times higher than what a lakefront visitor normally would pay to park at the beach for, say, four hours.

A holiday hike in parking rates, especially a hike of that size, places an unfair burden on Chicagoans — especially families — who live in neighborhoods so far from the lakefront that a car is their most reasonable way of getting there.

We urge the Chicago Park District to rethink this holiday pricing policy.

Park District ‘holiday rate’

Now here’s the spot in the editorial where we might normally shake our fists again at the city’s infamous 2008 parking meter agreement, that 75-year curse that raises rates, enriches the deal’s private investors and contributes nothing to the municipal coffers beyond the initial $1.15 billion the city received and spent more than a decade ago.

But the price hike on the lakefront is a reminder that the Park District has had its own parking deal since 2018 with Standard Parking Corporation, a deal that is separate from the One We All Hate.

The Park District’s arrangement with Standard is far less onerous than the city’s contract with Chicago Parking Meters LLC. The majority of the money collected goes to the district, rather than into the pockets of investors. And, best of all, the Park District, unlike the city, has control over key components of the deal — such as any price spikes.

This is what a Park District spokesperson told the Sun-Times’ Mitchell Armentrout in an email: “Similar to other parking lots across the city, the Chicago Park District imposes a holiday rate along the lakefront over the Fourth of July weekend. The $30 flat parking rate is consistent at all lakefront locations.”

Which just means the Park District can also scale back those price hikes or not impose them at all.

At the very least, the Park District might want to add some rhyme or reason to its holiday pricing. The district charged the $30 parking rate at Big Marsh Park on the Far Southeast Side. But Big Marsh, at 115th Street and Stony Island Avenue, has no lake of its own and is five miles away from the nearest beach.

No more free parking, but…

We understand the days of free lakefront parking are a thing of the past. The district needs an income stream to maintain 32 lakefront parking lots that serve beaches and boat launch areas.

But the lakefront is Chicago’s treasure. Charging exorbitantly higher prices on busy holiday weekends threatens equal and equitable access for all.

Send letters to [email protected].

Park District should end holiday surge pricing for lakefront parkingCST Editorial Boardon July 11, 2021 at 3:44 pm Read More »

Driver suffers life-threatening injuries in I-55 shootingSun-Times Wireon July 11, 2021 at 3:25 pm

One person suffered life-threatening injuries in a shooting early Sunday morning on the Stevenson Expressway.

The shooting happened about 1:05 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Pulaski Road, Illinois State Police said.

A driver was struck by gunfire and transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to state police.

Four other people traveling in the driver’s vehicle were unharmed, state police said.

All lanes were shut down until about 3:50 a.m., state police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

Driver suffers life-threatening injuries in I-55 shootingSun-Times Wireon July 11, 2021 at 3:25 pm Read More »

Man killed in Jeffery Manor shootingSun-Times Wireon July 11, 2021 at 2:01 pm

A 31-year-old man was killed in a shooting Saturday afternoon in Jeffery Manor on the South Side.

About 12:40 a.m., he was standing on the sidewalk in the 9700 block of South Merrion Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots, Chicago police said.

The man was struck in the right side of the abdomen and right leg, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he later died, according to police.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

Man killed in Jeffery Manor shootingSun-Times Wireon July 11, 2021 at 2:01 pm Read More »

Pope Francis, on hospital balcony, makes first appearance since intestinal surgeryAssociated Presson July 11, 2021 at 2:40 pm

ROME — Pope Francis on Sunday made his first public appearance since major intestinal surgery last week, greeting well-wishers as he stood for 10 minutes on a hospital balcony, offering hearty thanks for the prayers for his recovery and calling health care for all a “precious” good.

Francis, 84, has been steadily on the mend, according to the Vatican, following his July 4 scheduled surgery to remove a portion of his colon which had narrowed due to inflammation. But it hasn’t said just when he might be discharged. On the morning after his surgery, a Holy See spokesperson said his hospital stay was expected to last seven days, “barring complications.”

At first the pontiff’s voice sounded on the weak side as he began his remarks after stepping onto a balcony outside his special suite at Gemelli Polyclinic at noon (1000 GMT; 6 a.m. EST). But he smiled broadly at those gathered below, including some hospital patients well enough to temporarily leave their rooms to cheer for him.

Noon is the hour when traditionally he would have appeared from a window at the Vatican overlooking St. Peter’s Square to recite the Angelus, or prayer. Exactly a week earlier, in his noon remarks he had given no hint that in a few hours he would have entered the hospital for surgery that same night.

“I am happy to be able to keep the Sunday appointment of the Angelus, even here from Gemelli Polyclinic,” the pope said. “I thank everyone. I felt your closeness and the support of your prayers,” Francis said.

“Thank you from my heart!” exclaimed the pontiff, smiling as he peered over the balcony railing to better see the faithful below.

Standing on the balcony with him were some children who are also hospitalized at Gemelli, a major Catholic teaching hospital on the outskirts of Rome. The crowd below clapped often, in encouragement.

Francis underwent three hours of abdominal surgery under general anesthesia on the evening of July 4, and later that night was described by the Holy See as having responded well.

Reading from prepared remarks, he kept one or both hands on a lectern for support, including when he raised an arm in blessing.

The pope praised the “tenderness” of those who care for the sick, which he said was “like a caress that makes you feel better, eases the pain and picks you up.”

“In these days of hospitalization, I experienced yet again how important a good health service is, accessible to all, as it is in Italy and other countries,” Francis said.

“We mustn’t lose this precious thing,” the pope said. He added that “sometimes it happens in the (Catholic) church that some health care institution, because of poor management, doesn’t go well economically, and the first thought that comes to our mind is to sell it,” he said. “But the vocation in the church is not to have money, it’s to give service,” Francis said.

Francis added his appreciation and encouragement for all the health care workers and personnel at hospitals, then, referring to the pediatric patients on the balcony with him, said “why do children suffer?”

“Why children suffer is a question that touches the heart,” Francis said, asking prayers for them.

Although he stayed at a nonpublic hospital, Italy has a national public health service, and residents can often receive treatment at private hospitals, with the costs reimbursed by the government.

As he usually does on Sundays, Francis spoke of current events and of issues close to his heart. In his balcony remarks, he reiterated his closeness to Haiti’s people, as he recalled the assassination last week of its president and the wounding of the first lady. Francis prayed that the people of Haiti could “start going down a path toward a future of peace and of harmony.”

The world’s environmental fragility has been a major theme of his papacy since it began in 2013. On Sunday, as countless people vacation at the shore, Francis urged people to look after “the health of seas.” “No plastic in the sea!” the pope pleaded.

Without citing specific issues, he also voiced hope that “Europe may be united in its founding values,” a possible reference to tensions between the European Union leaders and member Hungary over LGBTQ rights crackdowns. Francis noted that Sunday marked the feast of St. Benedict, patron saint of the continent.

Francis ended with his usual invitation to faithful. “Don’t forget to pray for me,” drawing rousing applause.

Besides seeing the faithful again, Francis had another reason to smile on Sunday. Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America soccer final overnight. Francis is a huge soccer fan, and roots for the San Lorenzo squad in his native Buenos Aires.

Pope Francis, on hospital balcony, makes first appearance since intestinal surgeryAssociated Presson July 11, 2021 at 2:40 pm Read More »

Chicago Cubs: 5 logical trades involving Craig KimbrelRyan Heckmanon July 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Chicago Cubs (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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What a season for Craig Kimbrel to return to form. A once-promising Chicago Cubs campaign has essentially seen the team go into full-on rebuild mode.

About a month and a half ago, the Cubs were looking mighty fine and sitting atop the NL Central. Somehow, some way, these Cubs were winning games. It might not have been pretty, but Chicago looked like they could actually end up a playoff team in 2021.

Now two games below .500 and reeling, the Cubs will be sellers at this year’s MLB trade deadline. In fact, it could end up being a total fire sale. After a few years of the Ricketts being unwilling to spend big and allowing important pieces to leave town, the inevitable is going to happen.

The Cubs’ core is going to be broken up. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez might all be up for grabs at the deadline. But, the Cubs’ most attractive trade piece is within that bullpen.

Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel will be highly sought-after before the trade deadline.

Kimbrel is posting a ridiculous 0.57 ERA this season — his lowest since 2010. He has struck out 54, walked only 10 and given up just 11 hits in over 31 innings this year.

After a couple of seasons where he often made fans pull their hair out, Kimbrel is now looking like the All Star pitcher he once was. Appropriately enough, he was named to his eighth All Star Game in 2021.

Now, he will definitely be dealt in the coming days. He could end up being a team’s missing piece for a serious run at the World Series. But, which team will he land with?

There are five teams, in particular, which make sense for Kimbrel. The following few trade packages may seem aggressive, but Kimbrel’s services will be in high demand.

Next: Trade Number 1

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Chicago Cubs: 5 logical trades involving Craig KimbrelRyan Heckmanon July 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane takes home an incredible honorVincent Pariseon July 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 28: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks takes a pass off the end of his stick against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on February 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 28: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks takes a pass off the end of his stick against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on February 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Patrick Kane has been an incredible player throughout his National Hockey League career. He is going to go down as one of the greatest Chicago Blackhawks players of all time. He might even already be the greatest American-born player who ever lived as well. There is no shortage of achievements in the career of Patrick Kane. He is going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he is done.

Patrick Kane has meant a lot to the Chicago Blackhawks throughout his NHL career.

As good as Kane has been for this franchise, he is no longer in the conversation for best NHL player. However, ESPN gave him the ESPY for the best player in the National Hockey League. It is a nice award and he should be proud of it but he doesn’t deserve it. He was nominated with Andrei Vasilevskiy, Auston Matthews, and Connor McDavid. Out of those four players, Kane should legit come in fourth.

This is by no means any disrespect to Patrick Kane. He is still a top-five offensive player in the NHL right now. However, McDavid won the Hart Trophy as league MVP because he had more points than anyone would have dreamed of having in a shortened season. He is the best player in the league by far and he should have been the winner.

Andrei Vasilevskiy is the best active goalie in the NHL. He was nominated for the best goalie (Vezina Trophy) this season and he just won the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP while winning the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.

Auston Matthews had 41 goals in 52 games to lead the league in goals for the first time in his NHL career. He is going to do that a lot more as his NHL career progresses. He is truly one of the game’s great players right now. If he challenges Kane for the best American ever one day, nobody should be shocked.

To be honest, Patrick Kane shouldn’t have even been one of the four nominees. Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Leon Draisaitl, Sidney Crosby, and David Pastrnak would all be better options than Kane right now. You can’t change the results but you can be annoyed that ESPN doesn’t fully understand the league it just bought into.

This is a reflection of Kane’s career thought. He has been so good that people still look at him as one of the best players in the league. The Blackhawks haven’t done much to help since they won the Stanley Cup in 2015 but that is a story for another day. Either way, this is pretty cool for Kane.

Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane takes home an incredible honorVincent Pariseon July 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »

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