Monday night, the Chicago Bulls did something historically great. After building a lead of 8-10 points in the first half only to watch the Boston Celtics erase it multiple times, the Bulls found themselves down by 19 points in the second half. The starters looked off when this lead was built. Finally, Billy Donovan inserted […] Chicago Bulls: Identity being built after biggest win in years – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

The Chicago Blackhawks have been in a tough spot all season long. They are a very bad hockey team that went all of October looking for their first win of the season. They didn’t however as they ended the month 0-7-2 which is just pitiful. Luckily, they kicked off November with a big win over […] Chicago Blackhawks: A hat trick leads to their first win of the year – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Two people were killed, and four others were wounded in shootings Nov. 1, 2021, in Chicago. | Sun-Times file

The fatal attacks happened in Austin and Canaryville.

Two people were killed and four others were wounded in shootings in Chicago Monday.

A 49-year-old man was found fatally shot in Austin on the West Side, according to Chicago police. About 11:40 p.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the first block of North Long Avenue and found the man lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. His name has not yet been released.
A man was found shot to death in Canaryville on the South Side at about 7 p.m. He was discovered on the sidewalk in the 4600 block of South Emerald Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The man, believed to be 20 to 30 years old, was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He has not been identified.

Four other people were wounded across the city.

Six people were killed and 22 others were wounded in shootings over the weekend in Chicago.

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The Chicago Bears are a bad football team. They are 3-5 and they could probably be worse if it weren’t for pleasantly surprisingly good play against the Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the season. Three straight losses prove that they should be sellers at the trade deadline. They have no business thinking […] Chicago Bears: 2 young players to consider trading now – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Reunited exes Ikaris (Richard Madden) and Sersi (Gemma Chan) are part of an alien group assigned to protect Earth in “The Eternals.” | Marvel Studios

This is one of the more forgettable MCU movies, despite the direction of Oscar winner Chloe Zhao.

In case you don’t know the deal with the Eternals, they’re a diverse group of humanoid entities from the planet Olympia who have been on Earth for thousands of years and possess the usual amazing abilities such as super strength, levitation, teleportation and shooting deadly laser beams from their eyes and hands. Oh, and they’re on the right side of history, as they’ve been charged by their creator, Arishem, with protecting humanity from the monstrous Deviants.

The Eternals live in the same Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Avengers. We even hear references in this movie to the likes of Iron Man and Captain America — which leads to the question of why the Eternals were nowhere in sight and didn’t lift a single, supercharged finger when Thanos snapped his fingers and wiped out half the population of the Earth (and the rest of the known universe).

Glad you asked, says the screenplay. Turns out Arishem has decreed the Eternals should never get directly involved with the course of human events, and never intervene in any type of conflict or threat, unless that threat comes from the Deviants. Got it?

Fine, but when the stuff hits the fan in “Eternals” and the very future of the planet is at stake, why don’t the Avengers show up to lend a hand? Are they going to address that in a future “Avengers” movie? COME ON, MAN!

Sorry. It’s just that we get so much exposition in the ambitious, occasionally entertaining but bloated (the running time is 2 hours and 37 minutes), underwhelming, rambling, forgettable and average “Eternals,” it’s maddening a big question is unanswered. As it is, there are so many moments when the action grinds to a half so we can get further explanation of the history of these characters (they’re basically nearly immortal takes on the Greek gods) and why this one is doing this thing and that one is doing that thing. Not that the action scenes are particularly memorable, either; despite the promising presence of the brilliant Chloe Zhao (Oscar winner for “Nomadland”) behind the camera and some breathtaking location shots, the big battle sequences in “Eternals” have the same “light,” obviously CGI look we’ve seen in countless big-budget superhero movies. All these beings and creatures zip about, causing great destruction and zapping and biting and wrestling with one another, and it all feels so weightless and low stakes, even though the future of the planet is at stake and blah blah blah.

Based on the comic-book series introduced by Jack Kirby in 1976, “Eternals” hops back and forth through the centuries to ancient civilizations such as Babylon, Mesopotamia and the Gupta Empire, as we learn how the Eternals are on Earth to protect humanity from the rainbow-colored, winged, snarling, voraciously violent Deviants. After the Deviants have seemingly been extinguished, the Eternals scattered to all corners of the globe and have been living quiet, anonymous lives — but when the Deviants emerge again in present day with more powerful capabilities than ever and start targeting the Eternals by taking down one of their key members, the band has to get back together, which means old rivalries and potential romances will rekindle. It’s like “Big Chill,” only without the Temptations and the Rolling Stones on the soundtrack (though there is a fantastic use of “Time” by Pink Floyd).

The Eternals include:

Sersi (Gemma Chan) and Ikaris (Richard Madden), who were once lovers but haven’t spoken to each other in centuries.
Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), who can create firebombs in his hand but has been hiding in plain sight as a Bollywood superstar, and I gotta admit that’s pretty great.

Marvel Studios
Comedian Kumail Nanjiani plays Eternals member Kingo, whose alter ego is a Bollywood superstar.
Sprite (Lia McHugh), a shapeshifter who has been an adolescent for millennia and yearns to become a real girl.
Sullen Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control minds and has been living in the Amazonian jungle in a self-created Utopian society.
Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), a deaf speed merchant.
Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), a techno wizard.
Thena (Angelina Jolie), a great warrior who is battling a form of dementia.
Gilgamesh (Don Lee), a jovial strongman.

Oh, and Madden’s fellow “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harrington is along for the ride as the obligatory Mortal Love Interest for Sersi (like Cersai!), who might be concealing a secret or two of his own. There are lot of players to keep track of in “Eternals,” and we haven’t even discussed the ridiculously overblown Arishem (voiced by David Kaye), who sounds like something out of a bad B-movie with his booming Voice of God pronouncements.

It’s a shame “Eternals” devolves into such a run-of-the-mill superhero movie, given it features some groundbreaking and/or relatively unusual elements, including a deaf character, an openly gay character and an actual lovemaking scene between two otherworldly entities (although it’s tamer than what you’d see in a 1950s romance). Regrettably, that’s not nearly enough to overcome the usual mix of sitcom bantering about cell phones and respective personality quirks alternating with ponderous debates about free will and genocide and the simultaneous blessing/curse of living for centuries — especially if you happen to fall in love with a mere mortal.

Been there, seen all that.

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Libra.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Resist the urge to persuade others to agree with you. Even though it’s not that important, you might repeatedly return to a particular subject. Possibly, you will attract someone to you who is doing this to you? (Yikes!)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A strong astrological influence might make you pushy with coworkers. You might insist on introducing reforms and better ways of doing things. Far better that you discover the secret of how to get cooperation from others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Parents must be patient with kids. Likewise, lovers and romantic partners must be patient with each other. In sports, players might be at each other’s throats, especially disputing a call from a referee. This is because people are obsessed with their ideas. Lighten up!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

In discussion with family, especially regarding home repairs or how to deal with garbage and recycling, be patient. Remember to listen to what others have to say. Resist the urge to power through with your ideas hoping that everyone will fall in line.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You might be obsessed by an idea today. It will preoccupy your mind even if it’s not important. Perhaps you can’t get a song out of your mind like “Billy, Don’t be a Hero.” (Oops, sorry about that.) Steer clear of arguments with others. Keep the peace.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

When it comes to shopping or financial matters today, you will be totally focused on one idea. Very likely, you want to have your way. You want to persuade others to agree with you, or you want to act on your compulsions about buying something. Easy does it.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today Mercury is in your sign at odds with big daddy Pluto. This can make you obsessed about an idea to the point that you want to persuade others to agree with you. However, instead, you can use this same energy to look inward and examine your deeper values and motives.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The wisest way to use today’s astrological energy is to look inward because you can obtain something of real value. Study hidden forces that compel you to do things. What you learn might change your life! This kind of introspection can yield positive results.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Avoid arguments with friends or members of groups because people are caught up in their ideas today and convinced that they’re right. This means it’s hard to reach any kind of agreement. No one is listening to each other. The joke is that whatever the argument is about is relatively pointless, anyway. Go figure.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Avoid confrontations with parents, bosses, VIPs and the police today. If they take place, it won’t be good. This is because people are caught up in their own ideas and quite obsessed with their own way of thinking. Naturally, this puts people at odds with each other. (Yikes!)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Study of any kind will go well today because you have a one-pointed mind. In particular, you will be fascinated to learn more about secret subjects or esoteric matters, including psychology, the occult, mythology and paranormal events. Boo!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You might encounter resistance or have a dispute with someone about shared property, taxes, debt or anything that you own jointly with someone else. You might also argue about shared responsibilities. The point to remember is that people are hung up on their ideas today. Best to live and let live.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor David Schwimmer (1966) shares your birthday. You are easy-going and laid-back. Sometimes you are shy and reserved. Because you are nurturing and compassionate, people like you. This year is the last year of a nine-year cycle, which means you are letting go of what is no longer relevant in your life. It’s time to lighten up so that you’re ready for next year, which is a time of new beginnings!

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Patrick Kane’s hat trick carried the Blackhawks to a win Monday. | AP Photos

After missing four games on the COVID list, Kane scored three times Monday as the Hawks beat the Senators 5-1 for their first win in 10 games this season.

Patrick Kane, returning Monday from a four-game absence on the COVID-19 list, was expected to give the Blackhawks a boost.

But Kane did quite a bit more than that, erupting for a hat trick and lifting the Hawks over the Senators 5-1 — their long-awaited first win of the season.

The dam at first showed small signs of cracking, with the Hawks leading 1-0 at the first intermission and 2-0 at the second, before bursting entirely in the final frame.

Kane looked his vintage self, lurking quietly but dangerously before grabbing a loose puck in the crease (like on his first goal) or exploding through the defense for a breakaway (like on his third goal). He moved into third place in Hawks history with 408 career goals.

Kane’s availability to play Monday came as a surprise to coach Jeremy Colliton, who called his morning skate appearance “unexpected.” Kane had to clear several tests in order to be activated. But everything eventually clicked into place, both off and on the ice.

The Hawks still have a long way to go to refill the hole dug by their nine-game losing streak — the worst start to a season in franchise history. Their 1-7-2 record doesn’t look a whole lot prettier than 0-7-2. But at least there’s now a digit in every column.

Bettman defends decisions

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman defended several controversial decisions he made in the fallout of the Hawks sexual assault investigation in his press conference Monday.

Bettman said he let Joel Quenneville coach the Panthers’ game last Wednesday against the Bruins — before meeting with him Thursday, leading to his resignation that night — because he “wanted to make sure that no one, including coach Quenneville, thought that I had pre-judged him.”

Bettman also said that he chose not to discipline now-Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff because his lesser role in 2010 meant he didn’t know the allegations were not being investigated, and that the $2 million fine the NHL levied the Hawks was “substantial by any measure,” Bettman argued.

The NHL has sought “the assistance of outside professionals to evaluate” its polices on and resources for sexual abuse, Bettman added, and will also try to “create a network” of organizations for abuse victims to make available to hockey players outside the NHL.

Settlement talks starting

Settlement talks between Susan Loggans, Kyle Beach’s lawyer, and Hawks lawyers are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The Hawks requested the two sides use a third-party mediator to determine a “fair financial settlement” and proposed a 60-day stay on filings in the still-pending lawsuit while the talks progress, according to letters obtained by the Sun-Times.

Hawks chairman Rocky Wirtz and CEO Danny Wirtz also asked Loggans if Beach would be willing to have a direct conversation in which they “each personally apologize” for the Hawks’ handling of his allegations.

More notes:

NHL Players Association director Donald Fehr called Monday for a law firm to investigate his and the NHLPA’s 2010 response to Beach’s allegations. The NHLPA was allegedly notified several times but did not take action.
Marian Hossa’s legacy night — scheduled for Nov. 9 against the Penguins — has been postponed by the Hawks, who called it an “important time for our organization to reflect rather than celebrate” in a statement.
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Rich in culture and history with Eastern European and Mexican roots, Pilsen is home to vibrant arts and culinary scenes. The Lower West Side neighborhood has no shortage of bright, stunning murals and award-winning restaurants. Today, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ethnic restaurants in Pilsen eats that will make your mouth water:

1236 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

This spot offers New American cuisine with a Latin American twist, open for brunch through dinner. Treat your taste buds to Home Made Beignets for a sweet wake-up call or Chilaquiles for a savory start to the day. For lunch, take a bite out of the Cochinita Pibiltorta, a slow-roasted pork sandwich.

Azul 18’s dinner menu has something for everyone, including pasta, tacos, burgers, and entrees. Try the Tequila Pasta with shrimp, mixed bell peppers, jalapenos, parmesan cheese, lime tequila cream sauce.

1726 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

La Luna puts an artsy spin on traditional Mexican fare, mirroring the Pilsen spirit to a T. With indoor and outdoor spaces, an open kitchen, and living walls of greenery, the restaurant is as aesthetically pleasing to look at as the food is to eat.

Chicago-made chef Marco Colin grew up in the kitchen and has worked at various critically-acclaimed restaurants, including The Publican, Alinea, and Soho House. 

La Luna sources its premium ingredients from local vendors. The traditional menu features tacos, unique small plates, and entrees. Try the Chef’s Special, roasted cauliflower tacos with cauliflower, romesco sauce, cotija cheese, pickled onions, pistachio, and microgreens.

1800 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608

From the culinary genius of chef Thai Dang, HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen is nominated by James Beard and awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmet. In other words, It’s nationally acclaimed and amongst the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in the country.

HaiSous has a Grand Tasting Menu that runs through November. The multi-course menu celebrates French-Vietnamese cuisine and is $65 per person. There’s also a Family Tasting Menu and menu items à la carte. Try Chef Thai’s signature dish, the Cá Chiên Giòn, a whole fried fluke, lettuce and herbs with nước mắm tỏi (fish sauce).

1510 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

This family-owned and operated BYOB cash-only spot specializes in modern Mexican cuisine in a cozy setting. The Gutiérrez family created a menu that pays tribute to their roots and culinary traditions of Monterrey, the capital city of the state of Nuevo León.

Cantón Regio uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features fajitas, tacos, and other specialty selections. Try one of the restaurant’s brochetas, or skewers—choose from shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian.

2133 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Del Toro is a high-end tequila bar that serves freshly made modern Mexican comfort food. The owners Everardo and Andres Garcia have roots in Pilsen and were raised in a strong traditional Mexican family. Del Toro is the result of their desire to bring their favorite comfort foods and drinks to their neighborhood.

Come thirsty—there’s no shortage of drinks here. From signature margaritas to Latin Classics like the Vampire and Paloma mixers, Del Toro has you covered. There’s also a selection of wines and local and imported beers. As a well-loved tequila bar, you can count on Del Toro for premium mezcal and extra-aged and reserve tequilas.

The food menu includes tacos, burritos, and tortas, all with your choice of meat. For something a little different, try the Del Toro Burger, which has Black Angus beef patties stuffed with chihuahua cheese.

1160 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

La Vaca has been serving kickass tacos and margaritas in Pilsen for over 50 years. The family-owned spot has clubby vibes complete with Latin music pumping through the speakers daring you to dance. Just don’t spill one of their signature margaritas—it’d be like the adult equivalent of dropping your ice cream cone.

The menu features tacos, fajitas, and other savory and sweet treats, like churros complete with a side of chocolate dipping sauce. 

Start the party with Mango Chile Shots (tequila, mango, Chamoy Tajin) and keep it going with one or all of their margarita flavors, from classic lime, strawberry, or mango to something different like spicy mango or strawberry jalapeño.

Featured Image Credit: La Luna

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What’s better to keep yourself warm than yoga this winter? We have the answer to that. Keywords: neons, glow in the dar, and charity! Wear neon-colored or glow-in-the-dark fabrics to get your flow on during the Sky High Glow Yoga class at 360 CHICAGO this Wednesday, November 3rd, and support a worthwhile cause!

Take in stunning 360-degree views while an expert yoga instructor leads a fun, illuminated workout. Participants of all levels may join and must bring personal yoga mats and wear masks. You’ll get to capture Anna’s glow-in-the-dark original tape mural installed directly to the expansive windows at the observation deck. A live DJ and glow-in-the-dark cocktails will be available after class.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 3
Time: Doors open at 6 PM with the hour-long yoga class beginning at 7 PM.
Tickets: $45, including entry to Chicago’s highest thrill ride.
Special glow-in-the-dark cocktails are also available for purchase.
Get your tickets now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sky-high-glow-yoga-tickets-196071072857?discount=glowup

A Worthwhile Cause

A portion of all sales benefits NoStigmas, the nonprofit selected by the current art exhibition talent, Anna Dominguez, otherwise known as the “Queen of Tape.”

NoStigmas is a global peer-to-peer support network built by and for those whose lives are affected by mental illness. Mental health awareness is a pressing issue more urgent than ever. While many have been advocating vigorously for those suffering the invisible diseases, deep-rooted stigmatism and the lack of systematic and scientific help, support, and care remain the core reasons why a large population is unable to reach out or receive the help they need.

As an ally-built, ally-run perpetual giving organization, NoStigmas focuses on enhancing service accessibility, creating an accepting and respectful community, breaking the stigmatism unfairly bestowed upon the population, and raising awareness for those who are struggling and their loved ones as well.

You will find yourself mesmerized by the mural at Sky High Glow Yoga, created by our very own Anna Dominguez, a local muralist known for her astonishing ability to create only using tape. Throughout her career, “Queen of Tape” has been featured on various tv stations, radio, and, newspapers.

The special mural created for this occasion perfectly puts the focus on the cause this event is supporting. So, when you’re at the event, snap a picture of the heart mural in the background and show the world that you have mental health awareness in your heart!

Featured Image Credit: Page One Public Relations

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