What’s New

Chicago White Sox: Why is Carlos Rodon having so much success?Ryan Tayloron June 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Carlos Rodon, 28, has a historic pitching season for the Chicago White Sox already this season but his potential CY Young season could have been a fairytale if he was left in Schaumburg. This season, Rodon has started in 11 games for the White Sox. He recorded 97 strikeouts, 17 walks, 14 earned runs, 39 hits […]

Chicago White Sox: Why is Carlos Rodon having so much success?Da Windy CityDa Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Chicago White Sox: Why is Carlos Rodon having so much success?Ryan Tayloron June 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »

You can see the Obama Portraits at ‘Art On The Mart’on June 18, 2021 at 12:01 pm

You can see the Obamas’ larger-than-life portraits glow along the side of the Merchandise Mart building starting June 17 .

The animated projections of the famous Obama Portraits created by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald will light up at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. as part of the Art On TheMART’s summer program.

The projections can be seen from Wacker Drive and along the Chicago Riverwalk. A musical score will accompany the piece.

If you miss it this Thursday, don’t worry, the projections aren’t just a one-and-done. You can see them every night at that time until Sept. 16. Check out some displays from last year’s “Nutcracker”-themed presentation here.

The original paintings that inspire the projections will start their stay at the Art Institute of Chicago from June 18 until August 15. Tickets are free, with regular museum admission. You can learn more about available times to get tickets here.

The program’s content rotates seasonally, and along with the Obamas, Chicagoans can get a glimpse of the “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” exhibition, which is currently being shown at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage until Sept. 6.

The projections will feature several of Kahlo’s works including “Self Portrait with Small Monkey” (1945) and “Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress” (1926).

Like the Obamas’ portraits, Kahlo’s works will be accompanied by music with an orchestral score from Mexican composer Arturo Marquez, recorded by New Philharmonic.

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You can see the Obama Portraits at ‘Art On The Mart’on June 18, 2021 at 12:01 pm Read More »

Chicago Cubs: Jake Arrieta could be removed from rotationon June 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm

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Chicago Cubs: Jake Arrieta could be removed from rotationon June 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

In Trios From the City of Big Shoulders, the Lincoln Trio dusts off overlooked Chicago chamber worksHannah Edgaron June 18, 2021 at 11:00 am


It’s Leo Sowerby’s summer. Had 2020 gone as planned, musicians across the city likely would have launched into 125th-anniversary celebrations for the late Chicago composer (1895–1968) and onetime St. James Cathedral organist.…Read More

In Trios From the City of Big Shoulders, the Lincoln Trio dusts off overlooked Chicago chamber worksHannah Edgaron June 18, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Chicago Bears: How much should we read into Matt Nagy’s quarterback talk?on June 18, 2021 at 11:00 am

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Chicago Bears: How much should we read into Matt Nagy’s quarterback talk?on June 18, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

‘Physical’: ’80s aerobics buff dislikes herself for the wrong reasonsRichard Roeperon June 18, 2021 at 10:30 am

Unhappy wife and mom Sheila (Rose Byrne) becomes obsessed with aerobics in the limited series “Physical.” | Apple TV+

On Apple TV+ series, Rose Byrne plays a candidate’s wife who isn’t ugly like she thinks — but she is narcissistic and nasty and unpleasant to watch.

On the heels of the Justin Theroux-starring “The Mosquito Coast,” Apple TV+ has delivered another well-filmed, well-acted and decidedly downbeat bummer of a series in the Rose Byrne vehicle “Physical.”

In both cases, we’re asked to spend an inordinate amount of time with a thoroughly unlikable, narcissistic lead character who isn’t as captivating and interesting as the series would like us to believe.

Not that Byrne’s Sheila Rubin is a bohemian rebel felon on the run a la Theroux’s Allie Fox. She’s a self-loathing Real Housewife of San Diego circa the early 1980s, and her internal monologue is a constant reminder of her nasty, bitter, petty worldview — and her deeply rooted self-loathing. Time and again, we hear Allie’s bitchy remarks about her friends, her fellow mothers, her husband, people she’s just met.

And when she’s not making catty observations about others, she’s berating herself for being terrible and stupid and “fat,” even though she is not the least bit overweight. She’s bulimic, prone to bouts of binge-eating and purging in a seedy motel room in the middle of the day — a secret she keeps from everyone in her life, including her oblivious husband.

Series creator Annie Weisman (“Desperate Housewives,” “Almost Family”) does an admirable job of re-creating the look and sound of the early 1980s, from the sets and fashions to the use of songs such as “Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash, “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks and “Atomic” by Blondie. (Each episode ends with a pop/rock tune that sets the table for the next show and extends into the closing credits.).

With hair straight out of the Jennifer Beals/“Flashdance” catalog and California-tanned skin, Byrne’s Sheila looks gorgeous but feels ugly inside and out, often retreating into her internal monologue even as she tries to maintain her wobbly smile while tending to her 4-year-old daughter, conversing with moms at daycare or mustering up enthusiasm for her loathsome, borderline creepy husband Danny (Rory Scovel), who has been fired from his teaching position at a mediocre college and has decided he’ll run for local assemblyman and try to make history, not just teach it, as he so grandly puts it. (Relax, pal. You’re not gearing up to challenge Ronald Reagan for the presidency.)

We’re told Danny and Sheila were liberal hippie activists at Berkeley in the 1960s and somehow lost their way. But it’s hard to believe they ever cared about anyone but themselves.

Danny hopes to reclaim his idealism with the campaign but seems more interested in trying to hook up with a worshipful former student named Simone (Ashley Liao) and getting effed up on booze and coke than in making a real difference.

Sheila plays the dutiful, supportive wife at social gatherings and fundraising efforts. But her mind wanders as she thinks ugly thoughts, often concerning the physical appearance of other women — though she always directs the most scathing and hateful inner comments at herself.

At the local mall run by the pious, Reagan-era developer John Breem (a miscast Paul Sparks), Sheila is introduced to the world of aerobics. She immediately wants to get physical, physical, in the immortal words of Olivia Newton-John. She becomes obsessed with the classes taught by a scrappy go-getter named Bunny (Della Saba) and eventually partners with Bunny and Bunny’s surfer-dude, porno movie-making boyfriend Tyler (Lou Taylor Pucci) to shoot a series of exercise videos.

We learn Sheila comes from money and has a strained relationship with her WASP-y parents. And we see Sheila becoming inexplicably attracted to Breem the businessman, who just might be the only man in San Diego LESS interesting and appealing than her garrulous husband.

There’s a running subplot about the marriage of wealthy neighbors played by Ian Gomez and Dierdre Friel. (Let’s just say there’s a kink or two in the relationship.)

With so many storylines, there’s a lot crammed into every half-hour episode of “Physical.” But it’s not entirely clear what the series is trying to say about the go-go early 1980s and Sheila’s journey, which is tied so closely to her damaged self-image and her tendency to judge most people she meets by their appearances.

Rose Byrne is an immensely likable actress playing a character who needs help but is too shallow, too self-consumed and too damaged to know where to look. We get the feeling it’s exhausting to be Sheila. And, unfortunately, it’s exhausting to spend so much time with her.

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‘Physical’: ’80s aerobics buff dislikes herself for the wrong reasonsRichard Roeperon June 18, 2021 at 10:30 am Read More »

Horoscope for Friday, June 18, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 18, 2021 at 5:01 am


Moon Alert

After 4 a.m. Chicago time, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The Moon is in Libra.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today you might attract someone who is powerful and direct to you. Because you are naturally powerful and direct, this conversation will be dynamic! Nevertheless, if push comes to shove, you will have to give way to the other person. Just for today.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You have a lot of energy to work hard today. However, you will feel independent, which means you might also take on a leadership role when working with others. If you feel you have to defend your way of doing things or your point of view, you will!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today you will express your feelings and share your ideas with others without fear or apology. You’re in a playful mood and you want to have a good time. This is why you will enjoy sports events, social outings and fun activities with kids. (It’s a great date day.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You want to get something done at home that might involve some physical exertion or a bit of energy. You might do this by yourself, or, perhaps, someone will help you? A family conversation will be lively, but you certainly won’t agree with others just to be polite.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You will express your ideas, wants and needs quite freely to family members. In other words, you will leave them no doubt as to where you stand. However, you won’t offend anyone; you are simply stating your case, which is your right.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Your way of handling money or your ideas about earnings and cash flow might surprise someone today. You might be first to suggest doing something that is different. You might impulsively buy something just because you want. Very likely, no one will object.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you feel invigorated and energetic. You’re willing to state your feelings about things. If you have to make a first move in some kind of exchange with others, you will. That’s because today you have the courage to take the initiative. Tally-ho!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Although you might feel a bit reserved today and inclined to play your cards close to your chest, you have your eyes open because you’re in a defensive mode. Nothing will slip by you. You’re watching. You’re watching and you’re seeing.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In working with others today, you will successfully establish a situation where their aims are your aims and vice versa, which means people will cooperate with you and willingly work with you. Quite possibly, you will take on a leadership role. People will follow your example.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Bosses, parents, teachers and people in authority will be impressed with your energy today because you are confident and openly assertive. Be careful that this does not mushroom into something that is too aggressive and off-putting. Easy does it. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You really want to do something different today, so that you feel challenged. Basically, you want a sense of adventure and an opportunity to learn something new. You don’t want to feel that life is stifling you or that you’re stuck in a rut. Never!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You will handle yourself well if you have to defend your own best interests or even defend the interests of someone else today. If there are money disputes or disputes about shared property, you will not hesitate to state your case. You feel confident and ready to meet any situation.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Musician Paul McCartney (1942) shares your birthday. You have a wonderful zest for life and you need to be stimulated! You are charming and articulate. Because you have enormous tenacity, you are also persevering in your goals. This is a more easy-going, relaxed year for you. You will notice that your focus on partnerships and close friendships will be more important. Enjoy networking.

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Horoscope for Friday, June 18, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 18, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

Springfield beats Prairie Ridge to win Class 3A state baseball titleMichael O’Brienon June 18, 2021 at 5:52 am

Springfield players celebrate after winning the IHSA 3A State Championship against Prairie Ridge.
Springfield players celebrate after winning the IHSA 3A State Championship against Prairie Ridge. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

The Senators overcame a six-run deficit to beat the Wolves 8-7 and win their first baseball state championship.

Prairie Ridge didn’t go down meekly in the Class 3A state championship game on Thursday at Wintrust Field in Schaumburg.

The Wolves attempted to tie the game in the sixth inning with a steal of home. And it nearly worked.

“It took the perfect throw to get him,” Springfield catcher Case Sparks said. “He basically slid right into my glove. So I didn’t have to do much but it sure took us by surprise.”

The Senators beat the Wolves 8-7 to win their first baseball state championship. They trailed 6-0 after two innings but tied the game and took the lead with a four-run fifth inning. The big blast was a three-run triple from shortstop Ben Hartl.

Springfield (31-5) trailed in all six of its playoff games. James Steinwart has coached the Senators for 34 years and is 658-548. He’s seen some baseball in his time.

“God had a hand in a lot of this,” Senators coach James Steinwart said. “You don’t see a string like that. There were things happening that were lining up that was beyond normal. This is special. It’s a blessing. Not everybody gets to do this.”

Springfield starting pitcher Joseph Crum threw just 17 pitches. The Senators burned through four pitchers before finding fire in a bottle with 6-5 senior Richie Snider, who struck out five batters in a row during a stretch in the third, fourth and fifth inning.

“Holy cow, he had to be touching 90,” Prairie Ridge coach Glen Pecoraro said. “He sure made a difference. I thought we started to figure him out late, but nothing that fell for us.”

Both teams won semifinal games earlier in the day. Prairie Ridge (19-14) beat Washington 4-3 and the Senators knocked off St. Laurence 6-4 in eight innings.

“These guys fought to the end,” Pecoraro said. “We started the season 2-6. At the end of the year we started to find consistency. We knew the players were there. It was just a matter of having the confidence to play at a high level the entire ballgame.”

Prairie Ridge’s Dylan Bremer (11) is consoled by teammates after the game against Springfield.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
Prairie Ridge’s Dylan Bremer (11) is consoled by teammates after the game against Springfield.

Matthew Porter hit a two-run triple for the Wolves in the first inning. Prairie Ridge led 6-0 after two innings and 7-1 after three. The Wolves were hitless for the final four innings.

Springfield is an extremely young team. Three sophomores (Ryne Crum, Griffin Burk, Cooper Burk) and a freshman (Jack Swaney) are in the starting lineup. That’s even more notable considering there was no high school baseball season in the 2019-20 school year due to COVID.

“They came up and hit the ball hard and did their part,” Sparks said. “They deserved to be up here. We’ve been talking about winning this since 2016, since the last time the Senators were here.”

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Springfield beats Prairie Ridge to win Class 3A state baseball titleMichael O’Brienon June 18, 2021 at 5:52 am Read More »