Jurassic World: DominionAdam Mullins-Khatibon June 16, 2022 at 2:56 pm

Jurassic World: Dominion, the sixth installment in the Jurassic Parkfranchise, sets up a dual storyline by bringing back the stars of the original film—Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum)—and pairing them with the heroes of the current trilogy: former Jurassic World staffers and current dinosaur conservationists Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard).

Themes of man-made environmental destruction and the hubris of scientific development left unchecked to its unintended consequences permeate the film. Several years after the destruction of Isla Nubar and Jurassic World, dinosaurs have spread across the globe, precariously co-existing with humankind. Plagued by poaching, illegal breeding, and abuse, dinosaur protection is entrusted to the mega-conglomerate Biosyn. When a plague of prehistoric locusts seemingly tied to the firm threatens to disrupt the global food supply, our dual set of heroes set out to discover the true motivations of the firm.

Performances and editing are poor in parts—there were audible awkward laughs and groans from a friendly audience at moments during the screening I attended—but that’s largely not what these films have ever done well. The drama stems not from the relationships of the characters but from the various dinosaur chases that occur, and the comedic quipping of our characters as they try to escape their preposterous circumstances. And while there’s never really a sense of true danger for our heroes, we get just enough of the range of CGI dinosaurs and their weird traits to keep Jurassic World: Dominion entertaining. PG-13, 146 min.

Wide release in theaters

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Cinema Deathmatch: Round One explores moral-panic entertainmentNoah Berlatskyon June 16, 2022 at 3:18 pm

Everyone knows that sex and violence sell. Less acknowledged is the fact that condemnation of sex and violence sells. Puritans enjoy the frisson of voyeurism; voyeurs wouldn’t have any taboos to pruriently violate without the opprobrium of puritans. What fun is a primal scene if you’re supposed to see it?

Facets’ Cinema Deathmatch: Round One luxuriates in the double pleasure of taboo with a double feature of gore for you to love and hate. The Running Man (1987) and Battle Royale (2000) both stage bloody spectacles that the viewer is supposed to simultaneously and self-consciously enjoy and condemn. They are movies that embrace their own self-aware hypocrisy. 

Both Running Man and Battle Royale fit into a long history of what might be called moral-panic entertainment. Exploitation cinema like Reefer Madness (1936), Anita: Swedish Nymphet (1973), and Unfriended (2014) encourage viewers to condemn up-to-the-minute iconically antisocial trends like drug use, free love, and social media bullying even as they enjoy the spectacle of sex, violence, chaos, and bad behavior. Reality television series like The Kardashians and The Bachelor are based on a similar dynamic; they feature shallow, messy, physically attractive protagonists you love to hate, and hate to love.

The Running Man borrows the scuzzy B-movie production look of exploitation cinema for a plot that foreshadows reality television contests. Set in the then-future authoritarian police-state dystopia of 2017, it features Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a police helicopter pilot who refuses to fire on civilian protesters. As punishment, he’s forced to become a contestant on The Running Man, a television game show in which convicts are chased down and executed by costumed celebrity stalkers.

The MC of The Running Man show within the movie is Damon Killian, played by real-life Family Feud MC Richard Dawson. Dawson seems to be having the time of his life hamming it up as a caricature of himself. Hysterically excited audience members rush up to kiss him as he announces executions and offers them Running Man board games. “Americans love television,” he tells Ben with carny candor. “They wean their kids on it. Listen. They love game shows, they love wrestling, they love sports and violence. So what do we do? We give ’em what they want!

What they want is also what you, the viewer, want. Ben murders Killian right after that speech, and you’re supposed to cheer. 

For that matter the studio and television audience onscreen pivots seamlessly from rooting for Ben to die to rooting for Ben to murder. Killian urges an elderly lady named Agnes to choose which stalker she thinks will make the next kill. She hesitates, then decides to back Ben. “I can pick anyone I choose. And I choose . . . Ben Richards. That boy’s one mean motherfucker!” she exclaims. 

Soon everyone is betting on Ben, and the callous crowd in the dystopian future merges with the callous crowd watching a Schwarzenegger pic. Violent spectacle is immoral and shallow—unless you’re on the side of the hero, in which case it’s good, not-so-clean fun.

Battle Royale. Courtesy Facets

Battle Royale, like Running Man, is set in a near-future dystopia. This totalitarian state is especially focused on policing children; every year one high school class is chosen to be shipped to an island, where the students are equipped with weapons and forced to battle each other to the death until only one remains.

The battle is directed and controlled by teacher Kitano (Takeshi Kitano) who was bullied and humiliated by the students. Kitano tells the students they’re to blame for everything that’s gone wrong with the country because they lack discipline and respect; the blood and carnage is a moral lesson in proper manners. That’s how viewers are supposed to view the film as well. The bloody spectacle is an opportunity for you to be horrified at the bloody spectacle. Kitano’s own righteous death restores order and justice, just as Kitano sees the children decapitating each other as a restoration of order and justice. 

Cinema Deathmatch: Round One
The Running Man, 7 PM, Battle Royale, 9 PM, June 24; Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton; single ticket general admission $12, Facets members $10; double feature general admission $15, Facets members $13. facets.org/programs/cinema-deathmatch-round-one/

Critics sometimes say that films like Running Man and Battle Royale implicate the viewer. When you watch them, you’re supposed to recognize the ickiness of your own enjoyment of uber-violence. But isn’t the ickiness also part of the enjoyment? Moral panics work in part because people enjoy feeling pure, but also because they enjoy reveling in a debasement which they can both embrace and disavow. Do moral panic films critique those pleasures, or do they simply reproduce them? Perhaps there isn’t even a difference when part of the pleasure of The Running Man and Battle Royale is watching yourself watch your own corruption in the mirror of the screen.

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White Sox, Lucas Giolito brace for Astros

When last seen in Houston, the White Sox were better left unseen.

It was the 2021 AL Division Series, and the Astros trounced the Sox in four games, putting a sour finish on otherwise successful season that saw the Sox win 93 games and an AL Central Division title.

Since then, the Sox have been no better despite promises to be better. They take a 30-31 record into a three-game set at Minute Maid Park starting Friday.

“We’ve got a real test in Houston,” manager Tony La Russa said.

The Sox failed their postseason test in Houston in October, beating the Astros 12-6 in Game 3 at Guaranteed Rate Field to force a fourth game but getting outscored 25-6 in Games 1, 2 and 4.

Right-hander Lucas Giolito remembers it well. He lasted 41/3 in Game 2, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks in a 9-4 loss.

“It was on a bigger stage and it left a bad taste in my mouth,” said Giolito, 2-3 with a 3.71 ERA in five career regular season starts against the Astros. “I want to go out and perform my best, especially after my last three starts. There is a lot of motivation.”

Giolito (3.88 ERA) has given up 12 earned runs on 22 hits and seven walks over 152/3 innings in his last three outings against the Blue Jays, Rays and Rangers. He made a couple mechanical adjustments on his side day after his last start that he feels good about.

“Things affecting the way the ball has been coming out of my hand,” Giolito said.

The Sox are coming off a three-game sweep of the Tigers and feeling better about themselves, even though closer Liam Hendriks joined Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Aaron Bummer, Garrett Crochet and Yasmani Grandal are on the injured list. A slumbering offense has perked up averaging more than eight runs in the last seven games.

“The way I look at it, if we were playing any team as good as Houston it would be huge for us because we’re getting within yelling distance of being a winning club, not a losing club,” La Russa said. “And they’re in our way. The fact is, it’s Houston, and they’re playing really well, one of the best in both leagues, so you understand the challenge it’s going to be. So get ready.”

After Giolito faces lefty Framber Valdez on Friday, Johnny Cueto matches up with Justin Verlander on Saturday, and Michael Kopech is tentatively penciled in against Cristian Javier on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. The Sox were 2-5 against the Astros during the regular season last year, getting swept in four games at Houston in June.

“We got Gio, [Johnny] Cueto and [possibly Michael] Kopech,” La Russa said. “And we’re going in there with a better offensive feeling. Let’s compete and see what happens.”

Prohibitive favorites to repeat in the Central going into the season, the Sox are in third place behind the Twins and Guardians. FanGraphs gives the Sox a 55.9 percent chance of making the postseason.

“A big part of it is health, for sure,” Giolito said. “Lance Lynn is back in our rotation. [Anderson] will be a huge catalyst when he gets back soon. Getting guys back we need to have.

“Things need to click and everyone needs to do their part each day. It doesn’t take one hero. It’s a matter of everyone taking care of their business. We did that last year for the bulk of last season.

“The goal after a rough start is to flip it and finish a lot stronger.”

SOX AT ASTROS

Friday: Lucas Giolito (4-2, 3.88 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (6-3, 2.64,), 7:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Saturday: Johnny Cueto (0-3, 3.53) vs. Justin Verlander (8-2, 1.94), 3:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Sunday: TBA vs. Cristian Javier (3-3, 3.20), 6:08 p.m., ESPN, 1000-AM

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3 reasons the Chicago Bulls must make a trade for Rudy GobertRyan Heckmanon June 16, 2022 at 3:00 pm

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For the next couple of weeks, we are going to hear a lot more rumors and rumblings around this topic. Until the 2022 NBA Draft passes and free agency officially kicks off July 1, you can expect the Chicago Bulls to continue finding themselves in headlines.

One of the main headlines you’ll continue to read will involve Utah Jazz center and 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert.

For a couple of weeks now, Gobert has been linked to a couple of teams in trade rumors, and the Bulls have been mentioned as one of them by multiple sources.

The Gobert trade rumors will keep on gaining steam over the coming days, but what Chicago would give up remains to be seen.

If Rudy Gobert is truly an option for the Chicago Bulls, then Arturas Karnisovas needs to make it happen.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Bulls will at least put their foot down if Utah asks for Patrick Williams in a deal for Gobert. Williams appears to be one piece the Bulls are unwilling to move.

Nikola Vucevic will of course be involved in any deal for Gobert, but beyond Vucevic, what else would it take? More than likely, Chicago would have to include a first-round pick. If Utah would take this year’s no. 18 pick along with Vucevic and, say, Coby White, then the Bulls should waste no time in accepting that deal.

White is also a name who has been mentioned in many trade rumors as of late. It looks like the Bulls will try to package he and the no. 18 pick in the coming days, but no one is quite sure for what in return. Could White be included in the deal for Gobert? Maybe.

Now, why would the Bulls want to trade for Gobert? Some fans hate the thought of bringing in the disgruntled center, while others love it. In short, the Bulls need to make this trade. But, here are three good reasons why.

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3 reasons the Chicago Bulls must make a trade for Rudy GobertRyan Heckmanon June 16, 2022 at 3:00 pm Read More »

White Sox, Giolito brace for Astros

When last seen in these parts, the White Sox were better left unseen.

It was the 2021 AL Division Series, and the Astros trounced the Sox in four games, putting a sour finish on otherwise successful season that saw the Sox win 93 games and an AL Central Division title.

Since then, the Sox have been no better despite promises to be better. They take a 30-31 record into a three-game set at Minute Maid Park starting Friday.

“We’ve got a real test in Houston,” manager Tony La Russa said.

The Sox failed their postseason test in Houston in October, beating the Astros 12-6 in Game 3 at Guaranteed Rate Field to force a fourth game but getting outscored 25-6 in Games 1, 2 and 4.

Right-hander Lucas Giolito remembers it well. He lasted 4 1/3 in Game 2, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks in a 9-4 loss.

“It was on a bigger stage and it left a bad taste in my mouth,” said Giolito, 2-3 with a 3.71 ERA in five career regular season starts against the Astros. “I want to go out and perform my best, especially after my last three starts. There is a lot of motivation.”

Giolito (3.88 ERA) has given up 12 earned runs on 22 hits and seven walks over 15 2/3 innings in his last three outings against the Blue Jays, Rays and Rangers. He made a couple mechanical adjustments on his side day after his last start that he feels good about.

“Things affecting the way the ball has been coming out of my hand,” Giolito said.

The Sox are coming off a three-game sweep of the Tigers and feeling better about themselves, even though closer Liam Hendriks joined Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Aaron Bummer, Garrett Crochet and Yasmani Grandal are on the injured list. A slumbering offense has perked up averaging more than eight runs in the last seven games.

“The way I look at it, if we were playing any team as good as Houston it would be huge for us because we’re getting within yelling distance of being a winning club, not a losing club,” La Russa said. “And they’re in our way. The fact is, it’s Houston, and they’re playing really well, one of the best in both leagues, so you understand the challenge it’s going to be. So get ready.”

After Giolito faces lefty Framber Valdez Friday, Johnny Cueto matches up with Justin Verlander Saturday, and Michael Kopech is tentatively penciled in against Cristian Javier on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. The Sox were 2-5 against the Astros during the regular season last year, getting swept in four games at Houston in June.

“We got Gio, [Johnny] Cueto and [possibly Michael] Kopech,” La Russa said. “And we’re going in there with a better offensive feeling. Let’s compete and see what happens.”

Prohibitive favorites to repeat in the Central going into the season, the Sox are in third place behind the Twins and Guardians. FanGraphs gives the Sox a 55.9 percent chance of making the postseason.

“A big part of it is health, for sure,” Giolito said. “Lance Lynn is back in our rotation. [Anderson] will be a huge catalyst when he gets back soon. Getting guys back we need to have.

“Things need to click and everyone needs to do their part each day. It doesn’t take one hero. It’s a matter of everyone taking care of their business. We did that last year for the bulk of last season.

“The goal after a rough start is to flip it and finish a lot stronger.”

SOX AT ASTROS

Friday: Lucas Giolito (4-2, 3.88 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (6-3, 2.64,), 7:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Saturday: Johnny Cueto (0-3, 3.53) vs. Justin Verlander (8-2, 1.94), 3:10 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Sunday: TBA vs. Cristian Javier (3-3, 3.20), 6:08 p.m., ESPN, 1000-AM

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3 teams that should trade for Chicago Bears DE Robert QuinnRyan Heckmanon June 16, 2022 at 1:05 pm

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As Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp is underway, Matt Eberflus has noted that one player’s absence has gone unexcused.

Star pass rusher Robert Quinn is no where to be found during minicamp and continues to work out on his own at the moment. While there has been no official word that Quinn is truly demanding a trade out of Chicago, many believe that a trade could be coming.

Quinn, who is in the middle of a 5-year, $70 million contract with the Bears, saw his name passed around rumors earlier in the offseason after the team traded Khalil Mack. There were reports that Quinn may want out of Chicago, most notably by CBS Sports columnist Jason La Canfora.

Nothing ever manifested from those rumors, at least not yet, but now it appears as though things could be heating up on the trade front.

If Chicago Bears pass rusher Robert Quinn is traded, there are plenty of teams who could line up for his services.

This past offseason, we saw the likes of some big name pass rushers change jerseys. Of course, Mack went to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a second and a sixth rounder. We also saw Von Miller and Chandler Jones switch teams in free agency, with both also heading over to the AFC.

With the AFC being loaded with talent now, especially at the pass rusher position, there may be pressure on some other AFC hopefuls to go out and get a guy like Quinn.

There are three specific teams where Quinn makes a ton of sense, and two of them happen to play in the AFC. Meanwhile, one particular NFC team should pursue him — and it would be a familiar place for Quinn. Let’s dive into the three teams that make sense for a Quinn trade.

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Conscious Listening

Conscious Listening

Are you done?  It’s my turn to talk.

All too often that is the ‘conversation’ that takes place when even the most committed of couples have a conflict that puts them at odds with each other.

When lacking an open mind toward those with whom we disagree, there is a tendency to double down when confronted by an opposing argument, raising the volume rather than hearing out the dissenting assertion and considering its validity.  Thinking you have delivered a communication that is crystal clear to you but seemingly ignored by the other party is one of the major causes of frustration.  Exasperated by the deaf ears the inclination is to talk louder, and louder still.  But even the highest volume shouting won’t be heard when the other person is simply waiting to take his or her turn to ramp up the amps.

Competing for time on the soapbox, that is when disagreement becomes disagreeable.

To have a well-founded argument you must first have a thorough understanding of the opposing line of reasoning with which you take issue.  You must listen carefully.  You must respect the person you’re arguing with as a counterweight rather than an enemy, leaving space for a benefit of doubt and allowing at least a smidgeon of possibility that you might be persuaded to alter your position.  Otherwise, why bother to engage?

A disagreement in and of itself is not a bad thing.  Quite the contrary; it can lead to mutual respect, admiration for novel ideas and when building on each other’s line of reasoning rather than tearing them down, a chance for a seminal moment when two and two make five.

But it starts with conscious listening.  Rather than responding to another’s argument with an immediate rebuke and rebuttal, be alert to any emotional charge that might be present and take time to listen and fully understand.  There’s an actual strategy to listening regardless of the intensity of the disagreement.  Instead of screaming, “I’m right and you’re wrong” here’s how conscious listening may temper the furor.

As simplistic as it may seem, ‘mirroring’ what the other person says makes for clarity (What I heard you say is).  Assuring the other person that he/she has been heard accurately, validates him/her and verifies your understanding of their position.  Understanding – distinct from agreement – is a sign of empathy for the speaker and ensures that the debate doesn’t turn into a personal attack, the crucial prerequisite of civilized disagreement.

Having been listened to without the disdain that sets tempers soaring, there’s no need for the person on the other side of the table to be defensive and the goodwill can be returned without ceding a loss of ground. Now it is your turn to talk and to be heard.

With the process repeated, Mirroring, Validating and Empathizing, there is at least a possibility for positions to be changed, and if not that, at least the acknowledgement that we agree to disagree in harmony.

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Howard is the author of “Cheating Death: How to Add Years of Joy and Meaning to Life,” an inspiring series of essays that describe how reframing his attitude toward growing older – the inevitable losses in physicality and social influence – added personal fulfillment to his senior years. The book is available at the Amazon.com/Books web site.
He is the co-author of The In-Sourcing Handbook: Where and How to Find the Happiness You Deserve, a practical guide and instruction manual offering hands-on exercises to help guide readers to experience the transformative shift from simply tolerating life to celebrating life.
Fiction includes “73,” a collection of short stories exposing the social-media culture that regards people in their seventies as if they were old cars ready for the junk heap. The stories are about men and women running the gamut of emotions as they struggle to resist becoming irrelevant in a youth-oriented society.

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Betting tips for 2022 NBA Finals: Warriors-Celtics Game 6on June 16, 2022 at 12:20 pm

All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

What you need to know for Game 6 of the NBA Finals

Steph Struggles: Stephen Curry didn’t make a 3 pointer for the first time in his postseason career in Monday’s Game 5 win. That is unlikely to happen again and we could even see superhuman Steph in Game 6. The last time he failed to make three 3’s in a game was Game 6 of the Western conference finals. He responded in his next game with six 3’s in the first quarter of the NBA Finals earlier this month.

X-Factor: Marcus Smart not only leads the Celtics in scoring in the second half during this series but has impacted the team in other ways that should help them in this win-or-go-home Game 6. He has a 3.8 assist-to-turnover ratio in wins, more than double his rate in losses (1.3) over the past month. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown garner most of the attention, but it’s unlikely that the Finals go back to San Francisco without Smart giving the Celtics a strong effort.

— Kyle Soppe

Breaking down Game 6

Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics
9 p.m ET, TD Garden, Boston

Line: Celtics (-4)
Money line: Celtics (-170), Warriors (+145)
Total: 210 points
BPI Projected Total: 222.4 points
BPI Win%: Celtics (68.8%)

Notable: Unders are 8-5 in Boston’s past 13 outright wins.

Best bet: Andrew Wiggins under 18.5 points: Andrew Wiggins was amazing in Game 5, but none of those stats will help cash tickets in Game 6. Wiggins scored 26 points and led the Warriors shots (23) because Stephen Curry had an off night. It’s tough to predict that same usage in Game 6 as Wiggins’ scoring upside is more limited than you might assume. He has played 192 minutes this series and attempted just 13 free throws while missing 21-of-28 3-point attempts. He cashed over tickets in Game 5 by shooting 12-of-17 from inside the 3-point line, something that isn’t likely to happen again with increased focus from arguably the best defense in the NBA. — Soppe

Best bet: Marcus Smart over 5.5 assists. Smart is has 22 assists and just three turnovers in three elimination games this postseason. His usage rate is as high as it’s been all season and being at home is never a bad thing for assist counts. Smart averaged fewer shots and more assists at home than on the road during the regular season. — Soppe

Best bet: Over 210 points. This is the lowest total of the series, which I believe is a price that presents value on the over based on what happened in Game 5. The Celtics and Warriors combined to shoot a disastrous 20-of-72 (27%) from 3-point range on Monday. Golden State’s 22% and Boston’s 34% effort were each the worst long-range shooting performances for either team this series. The Celtics missed 10 free throws and took only 75 total shots, their fourth-fewest output in 23 postseason games. Despite everything I just mentioned, we still saw 198 total points scored. I believe a better shooting performance is on the horizon, thus I like the idea of a half unit wager on the over. — Joe Fortenbaugh

Compete for $40,000 throughout the NBA postseason! Make Your Picks

Best bet: Stephen Curry over 28.5 points. Curry should bounce back in a big way in Game 6. He finished the Game 5 0-9 from 3-point range. In each game Curry has failed to hit a triple sinc 2013, he averaged 4.4 3s and a 46% 3-point percentage the following game. This includes his 13 3s against the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016. — Eric Moody

Best bet: Jayson Tatum over 3.5 turnovers. Tatum has carried the load offensively for the Celtics this postseason, but he’s also averaged 4.1 turnovers per game. Tatum has committed 95 turnovers in the playoffs, surpassing LeBron James‘ 2018 mark. — Moody

Best bet: Klay Thompson over 20.5 points, 3.5 3-pointers. Thompson has been inconsistent in this series, but when he’s locked in, he is unstoppable. Thompson has delivered some Game 6 performances over the course of his career and another one is coming. He has averaged 20.7 PPG in 12 career Game 6’s, shooting 44.6% from the field and 49.5% from beyond the arc. Expect the Warriors to come out aggressively, and Thompson to show off his signature smirk a lot. — Moody

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Best bet: Jayson Tatum over 41.5 points + assists + rebounds. The Celtics lost two consecutive games for the first time this postseason, one pattern that hasn’t been broken is Tatum’s big games after a loss. He went over 40.5 PAR in Game 5 and I expect him to produce even more in Game 6 the Celtics’ season on the line. — Snellings

Best bet: Marcus Smart over 15.5 points. I’ve been hammering this over for a while and will continue to do so. Smart dropped 20 points in Game 5 and has scored at least 18 points in five of his last six games. He has averaged 16.4 PPG in his last 14 outings. — Snellings

Best bet: Andrew Wiggins over 7.5 rebounds. Wiggins has become the primary rebounder for the Warriors in this series, with 29 boards over the last two games. Golden State has found success playing small ball, with either Draymond Green or Kevon Looney at the five and Wiggins crashing the glass at the four. Wiggins is peaking in his role and displaying the incredible athleticism that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. I expect another strong effort on the boards in Game 6. — Snellings

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Betting tips for 2022 NBA Finals: Warriors-Celtics Game 6on June 16, 2022 at 12:20 pm Read More »

7 Best Places to Watch Sunset in ChicagoElise Tayloron June 14, 2022 at 2:38 pm

Chicago’s sunsets are one-of-a-kind. The fading sunlight casts the lakefront sky in an orange-pink glow, lighting up the city’s silver skyline. Although the city’s layout makes it challenging to grab a clear view of the west, there are still plenty of creative vantage points for a spectacular sunset in downtown Chicago. Keep reading below for the five best places in downtown Chicago to watch the sunset.

875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Perched on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building, 360 Chicago provides a stunning view of Chicago from all directions. At sunset, you can gaze towards the western suburbs as the sun disappears beyond the horizon. Of course, the old Skydeck vs. 360 debate is still going on. Although we personally prefer 360 for breathtaking sunset viewings!

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Boat Tour on Lake Michigan

For a unique perspective of Chicago’s setting sun, you can catch an evening boat ride and venture out onto Lake Michigan. Many boat tours, such as Wendella, offer special sunset rides that capture Chicago’s beautiful architecture backlit by an orange glow. Some of our favorites are the Fireboat Tour, City Cruise, and the popular newcomer Chicago Electric Boat Company.

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1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

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Snag a seat on the steps surrounding Adler Planetarium for an incredible view of the Chicago skyline. The planetarium sits on a long peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan, so you’ll be able to watch the sun sets on Chicago from dry land.

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Lakefront Trail

Those looking for a casual viewing experience can observe the sunset from the Lakefront Trail. Perfect for an evening stroll, the path borders Chicago’s grandeur buildings and sparkling waters. The Lakefront Trail runs parallel to the iconic DuSableLake Shore Drive. If you’re a skater, Lakefront Trail is also perfect for cruising with a board or some quads!

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

One of the most popular attractions in downtown Chicago, Navy Pier’s location makes it one of the best spots to watch the sunset. From the pier, gaze back towards the city for an incredible picture of the sunset. Even better, hop on the Ferris Wheel to see the sunset from the sky.

1816 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614

Above the Hotel Lincoln sits the J. Parker restaurant, which offers signature cocktails and spectacular food. Even better are the Chicago sunset views. Whether you choose indoor rooftop seating or their signature outside lounges, you’ll enjoy unobstructed water views in all directions. Of course, unless there’s another rooftop restaurant in Chicago that resonates with your heart more!

5500 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615

Calling all nature lovers. Get out of the hustling, bustling city and relax at Promontory Point. You can still see the skyline of the city in the distance, but you’ll have a much grander slice of sky. While you’re at it, explore Burnham Park’ 600 acres, a favorite Chicagoan get-away since the early 1900s.

Featured Image Credit: Google

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7 Best Places to Watch Sunset in ChicagoElise Tayloron June 14, 2022 at 2:38 pm Read More »

6 Fun Themed Nights On The Cubs and Sox 2022 SchedulesDrew Krieson June 15, 2022 at 2:57 pm

Not much beats seeing your favorite team in-person. Whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, or baseball, going to the game will always be better than watching live from the couch. From the tailgating before the game, to all the sights, sounds, and energy during, there’s nothing quite like it. And here in Chicagoland, there’s something very special about watching our baseball teams at home. Whether you’re into seeing the Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field, or you prefer heading up to Wrigley for a Chicago Cubs theme night, chances are there’s a game for you.

With baseball back in full-swing this summer and fans allowed practically everywhere without pandemic restrictions, let’s take a look at some Cubs and White Sox theme nights you won’t want to miss this season!

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Chicago Cubs Theme Nights

Star Wars Night – June 29th

Calling all Star Wars fans – unite together at Wrigley Field on Monday, August 8 when the Cubs face the Washington Nationals. The game is set to begin at 7:05 PM and your ticket to the game will earn you a special-edition Star Wars bobblehead!

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Top Gun Day – August 10th

This Chicago Cubs theme night is a new one that all you Top Gun fanatics will appreciate. In a rivalry game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs invite fans to spend their Friday with them for Top Gun Day. Make sure to dress like Maverick! 

Given how expensive it is to visit Wrigley Field these days, it doesn’t hurt that a ticket to this game allows you to receive a limited-edition Top Gun themed Cubs hat.

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Sesame Street Day – September 16th

For the little baseball fans, Sesame Street Day on September 18 is a great opportunity to ditch some class and enjoy Chicago baseball. This Cubs theme night takes place at 1:20 PM during a game against the Colorado Rockies. Tickets for Sesame Street Day include a special-edition Cookie Monster bobblehead!

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Chicago White Sox Theme Nights

Grateful Dead Night – July 5th

Don’t celebrate too hard on the 4th of July, Deadheads, because on July 5th the Chicago White Sox are hosting Grateful Dead Night! This Tuesday night game features an exciting night of baseball, music, and of course, a limited bobblehead. The first 1,500 tickets purchased for this Sox game against the Twins are eligible to receive a special Uncle Sam Bobblehead.

If your dad is a Deadhead, then you’ll want to make sure you score some tickets to this one soon. You could even use them as a late Father’s Day gift if you needed!

Country Music Night – July 8th

Honky-tonk your way down to the Southside on July 8th when the Cubs take on their rival, the Detroit Tigers, at 7:10 PM. Wear your best pair of boots and bring your biggest hat, because the pre-game show will involve plenty of live country music. Tickets for this event grant you access all the country night themed activities.

Christmas in July – July 24th

Christmas comes early this year for our final Chicago White Sox theme night, Christmas in July! Any fan who purchases a ticket to this game will receive their own special Santa bobblehead as a bonus treat. The Christmas in July game takes place on Sunday, July 24 at 1:10 PM against the Cleveland Guardians.

To learn more about other Chicago Cubs theme nights, visit their website to see a full schedule of events. If you lean more towards the southside, the White Sox also have a full list available on their site with extra theme nights that we didn’t cover already.

Featured Image Credit: Chicago Cubs Instagram

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6 Fun Themed Nights On The Cubs and Sox 2022 SchedulesDrew Krieson June 15, 2022 at 2:57 pm Read More »