What’s New

The Chicago Bears were once again embarrassed at the hands of the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday night and that has revived a concerning trend that is developing within the Bears’ fanbase.

Whenever the Bears lose to the Packers, the Bears’ fan base goes about their lives with the mindset of just looking for something to send them over the edge.

That was made evident on Monday afternoon when many Bears’ fans took exception to comments that quarterback Just Fields made after the team’s loss. Fields was not taking a shot at Bears fans and the situation likely was a case of the comments being taken out of context.

However, rather than acknowledge that Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers does own the Bears, the Bears fan base rather just hide behind their computer screens and keyboards rather than admit the harsh truth about the Bears.

In fact, Bears fans can be summed up by using the lyric of the song “Calm Down” by Eminem and Busta Rhymes.

“I sit in front of my computer all dayAnd comment on everything, I’m an expert on everything, Everything sucks–“

Bears fans, let’s try this coping activity. Log off your Twitter count; drink your water; look in the mirror; and come to grips with the fact that the problem with the Bears has nothing to do with comments made by Fields after a loss or comments made by the national media. No, the problem is that you are supporting a team that lacks talent and quite, frankly, does not love you back.

Wasn’t that such a liberating activity?

Now, you don’t have to look foolish when you take out receipts against national analysts after the Bears defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a game where they only won because of monsoon-like weather conditions.

Chicago Bears fans are becoming a much larger problem than the team’s overall lack of talent.

Most importantly, you’ll avoid having to eat crow like most fans have because they were too fragile to hear the truth about how Fields and the Bears would look against the Packers.

Bears fans, the problem with the Bears this season is not the Bears. The Bears did everything in their power this past offseason to inform you that the team is not going to be good this year.

Bears fans, the problem with the Bears this season is not the national analysts confirming that the Bears will be bad this season. The national analysts did everything in their power to warn you how bad this season will look at times.

Bears fans, the problem with the Bears this season is you.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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150+ sites. 20+ neighborhoods. Endless discoveries.

Open House Chicago is back October 15-16 for another year of architectural discoveries and delights. Organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, this free festival provides behind-the-scenes access to over 150 architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across more than 20 neighborhoods in Chicago. From innovative new designs to longstanding community hubs, there’s a site for everyone on the OHC lineup this year. But if you’re stuck on where to begin, perhaps a thematic itinerary is your best bet.

If these walls could talk

During OHC, the city’s stunning movie palaces, rock star clubs and refined theaters become the main attractions as curious concert-goers and movie buffs can explore their favorite venues. Visit the ornate Riviera Theatre in Uptown, a movie theater-turned-concert venue that’s over 100 years old. Stop by South Shore and marvel at the intricate details that make up the Avalon Regal Theater’s Moorish Revival design. Look for the soaring Art Deco sign outside of Apollo’s 2000 Theater in Little Village and check out the extensive restoration project that brought the theater back to its grand status.

For the family

There are OHC sites all over the city that spark wonder in kids—and kids at heart. Get creative at the ornately decorated Harold Washington Library, which is hosting a slew of media-based activities across five floors. The whole family can test their strength on pedal-powered contraptions at Working Bikes, a museum and shared workspace dedicated to refurbishing bikes in Little Village. Visit Tree House Humane Society in West Ridge and explore the eco-friendly building, but don’t be surprised if someone in your party gets attached to one of the adoptable pets in the shelter’s cat café!

Bring the skyline down to eyeline

A breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline never gets old, and OHC is the best time to see the city from an entirely new angle. The Cliff Dweller’s Club is usually a private club for Chicago’s creatives, but during OHC weekend, it opens its doors—and its 22nd-story terrace—to the public. Find your creative inspiration as you take in where the skyline meets the lake just north of Grant Park. Then, head over to the Near West Side to explore the contributions of Greek American immigrants at the National Hellenic Museum. The building’s amazing rooftop provides the perfect place to reflect on what you learned. Eastlake Studios puts you in the center of it all with its large private roof terrace nestled among the downtown skyscrapers.

No matter how you choose to explore the city during OHC weekend, the Chicago Architecture Center app is key to unlocking all the festival has to offer. Browse maps, photos and short descriptions about sites and neighborhoods in the app. Continue the festivities all month long with in-app self-guided tours, plus a suite of free virtual programs throughout October.

CAC members receive special benefits during OHC, including priority access passes to skip the line at busy sites. Become a CAC member to get the most out of your Open House Chicago experience!

Visit openhousechicago.org to learn more and use the tag #OHC2022 to share your experiences and photos on social media.

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150+ sites. 20+ neighborhoods. Endless discoveries.

Open House Chicago is back October 15-16 for another year of architectural discoveries and delights. Organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, this free festival provides behind-the-scenes access to over 150 architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across more than 20 neighborhoods in Chicago. From innovative new designs to longstanding community hubs, there’s a site for everyone on the OHC lineup this year. But if you’re stuck on where to begin, perhaps a thematic itinerary is your best bet.

If these walls could talk

During OHC, the city’s stunning movie palaces, rock star clubs and refined theaters become the main attractions as curious concert-goers and movie buffs can explore their favorite venues. Visit the ornate Riviera Theatre in Uptown, a movie theater-turned-concert venue that’s over 100 years old. Stop by South Shore and marvel at the intricate details that make up the Avalon Regal Theater’s Moorish Revival design. Look for the soaring Art Deco sign outside of Apollo’s 2000 Theater in Little Village and check out the extensive restoration project that brought the theater back to its grand status.

For the family

There are OHC sites all over the city that spark wonder in kids—and kids at heart. Get creative at the ornately decorated Harold Washington Library, which is hosting a slew of media-based activities across five floors. The whole family can test their strength on pedal-powered contraptions at Working Bikes, a museum and shared workspace dedicated to refurbishing bikes in Little Village. Visit Tree House Humane Society in West Ridge and explore the eco-friendly building, but don’t be surprised if someone in your party gets attached to one of the adoptable pets in the shelter’s cat café!

Bring the skyline down to eyeline

A breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline never gets old, and OHC is the best time to see the city from an entirely new angle. The Cliff Dweller’s Club is usually a private club for Chicago’s creatives, but during OHC weekend, it opens its doors—and its 22nd-story terrace—to the public. Find your creative inspiration as you take in where the skyline meets the lake just north of Grant Park. Then, head over to the Near West Side to explore the contributions of Greek American immigrants at the National Hellenic Museum. The building’s amazing rooftop provides the perfect place to reflect on what you learned. Eastlake Studios puts you in the center of it all with its large private roof terrace nestled among the downtown skyscrapers.

No matter how you choose to explore the city during OHC weekend, the Chicago Architecture Center app is key to unlocking all the festival has to offer. Browse maps, photos and short descriptions about sites and neighborhoods in the app. Continue the festivities all month long with in-app self-guided tours, plus a suite of free virtual programs throughout October.

CAC members receive special benefits during OHC, including priority access passes to skip the line at busy sites. Become a CAC member to get the most out of your Open House Chicago experience!

Visit openhousechicago.org to learn more and use the tag #OHC2022 to share your experiences and photos on social media.

Read More

Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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NBArank is back for its 12th season counting down the best players in the league.

Where are MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic? What about rookies and young stars ready to take the leap into the upper tier of NBA players?

Where is LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season?

To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron vs. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum … and the list goes on.

We asked, “Which player will be better in 2022-23?” Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.

Let’s kick things off with our rankings of players Nos. 100-26.

Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel, composed of over 200 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, were asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions — quality and quantity — for the 2022-23 season only.

Forecasting the East, West and NBA champs for 2022-23

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Atlanta Hawks C

2021 NBArank: NR

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Although the Celtics reached the 2022 NBA Finals, Boston never quite looked the same after Williams injured his knee late in the regular season. If he can be healthy for the entire season, Williams will be a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and could skyrocket up these rankings.

— Bontemps

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Chicago Bulls

Singer, rapper, and songwriter Tink broke out of Chicago’s hip-hop scene about a decade ago, becoming one of the constellation of new stars lighting up the city. Like many local artists who emerged around the time of drill’s first wave in 2012, she signed to a big label—in 2014 she closed a deal with Mosley Music Group (run by superproducer Timbaland) and Epic Records. Tim frequently compared Tink to Aaliyah, which did the Chicagoan few favors. Tink split from MMG in December 2017, after her album debut for the label, Think Tink, had collected dust for two years (it still hasn’t been released), and since then she’s frequently voiced her frustration with such comparisons. “I caught a lot of backlash . . . with him comparing me to her and telling me I’m the next Aaliyah,” Tink said on WWPR’s The Breakfast Club last month. “You can’t play with legends like that.” But Tink’s fortunes have improved lately, thanks in part to producer and Chicago native Hitmaka—she’s developed a working relationship with him, and they’ve made the kind of music that gets you invited on The Breakfast Club. They collaborated on her 2021 album, Heat of the Moment, as well as on her new Pillow Talk (Winter’s Diary/Empire). The new record makes plain that Tink has fun with Hitmaka, because as she explores romantic despair and ecstasy across its 16 sumptuous and occasionally salacious R&B songs, she never once sounds checked out or tired. Tink has been a professional musician for long enough that she can land just about any idea—her lyrics on “Goofy” are comically raunchy (“This dick got me goofy / Halfway past stupid”), but her sophisticated charisma makes even the most audacious lines go down smoothly.

Tink’s Pillow Talk is available through the artist’s website.

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Singer, rapper, and songwriter Tink broke out of Chicago’s hip-hop scene about a decade ago, becoming one of the constellation of new stars lighting up the city. Like many local artists who emerged around the time of drill’s first wave in 2012, she signed to a big label—in 2014 she closed a deal with Mosley Music Group (run by superproducer Timbaland) and Epic Records. Tim frequently compared Tink to Aaliyah, which did the Chicagoan few favors. Tink split from MMG in December 2017, after her album debut for the label, Think Tink, had collected dust for two years (it still hasn’t been released), and since then she’s frequently voiced her frustration with such comparisons. “I caught a lot of backlash . . . with him comparing me to her and telling me I’m the next Aaliyah,” Tink said on WWPR’s The Breakfast Club last month. “You can’t play with legends like that.” But Tink’s fortunes have improved lately, thanks in part to producer and Chicago native Hitmaka—she’s developed a working relationship with him, and they’ve made the kind of music that gets you invited on The Breakfast Club. They collaborated on her 2021 album, Heat of the Moment, as well as on her new Pillow Talk (Winter’s Diary/Empire). The new record makes plain that Tink has fun with Hitmaka, because as she explores romantic despair and ecstasy across its 16 sumptuous and occasionally salacious R&B songs, she never once sounds checked out or tired. Tink has been a professional musician for long enough that she can land just about any idea—her lyrics on “Goofy” are comically raunchy (“This dick got me goofy / Halfway past stupid”), but her sophisticated charisma makes even the most audacious lines go down smoothly.

Tink’s Pillow Talk is available through the artist’s website.

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