Welcome back to another edition of the Sun-Times’ Chicago Baseball Quiz. I am your quizmaster, Bill Chuck. Other than stats, there will be no math involved. Are you ready for the All-Star Game on Tuesday? It was moved to Denver for several reasons, including Rockies fans’ deserving to see some really good players.

So cue up Smash Mouth, and let’s play Chicago All-Star baseball.

Let’s get the show on with the Chicago nine.

1. Who is the most recent Cub to homer in an All-Star Game?

a. Andre Dawson

b. Billy Williams

c. Anthony Rizzo

d. Willson Contreras

2. Name the two White Sox who have homered in an All-Star Game.

a. Frank Thomas

b. Paul Konerko

c. Jose Abreu

d. Magglio Ordonez

3. Which of these Sox pitchers did not win an All-Star Game?

a. Chris Sale

b. Mark Buehrle

c. Jack McDowell

d. Early Wynn

4. Which of these Cubs pitchers lost two All-Star Games?

a. Wade Davis

b. Johnny Schmitz

c. Claude Passeau

d. Bill Lee

5. Which of these Cubs has not stolen a base in an All-Star Game?

a. Javy Baez

b. Starlin Castro

c. Derrek Lee

d. Ryne Sandberg

6. Which White Sox pitcher has recorded the most strikeouts against NL All-Star competition?

a. Chris Sale

b. Billy Pierce

c. Mark Buehrle

d. Wilbur Wood

7. Who is the youngest Chicago player to appear in an All-Star Game?

a. Carlos May

b. Starlin Castro

c. Nellie Fox

d. Addison Russell

8. Who is the only Chicago player to win the All-Star Game’s MVP award?

a. Ernie Banks

b. Bill Madlock

c. Frank Thomas

d. Alfonso Soriano

9. In which ballpark was the first All-Star Game held in 1933?

a. Polo Grounds, New York

b. Wrigley Field, Chicago

c. Griffith Stadium, Washington

d. Comiskey Park, Chicago

ANSWERS

1. In 2018, Willson Contreras went deep.

2. Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordonez.

3. Jack McDowell.

4. They each lost one except for Claude Passeau, who lost in 1941 and 1946.

5. Javy Baez hasn’t lost track of outs, and he hasn’t stolen a base in an All-Star Game.

6. In four appearances in the All-Star Game, Billy Pierce struck out a dozen.

7. The White Sox’ Carlos May was 21 years and 69 days old when he played in the 1969 All-Star Game.

8. In 1975, Bill “Mad Dog” Madlock shared the award with the Mets’ Jon Matlack.

9. On July 6, 1933, Major League Baseball’s first All-Star Game took place at Comiskey Park. It was the brainchild of the sports editor Arch Ward, who died on the same day as the 1955 All-Star Game.

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LAS VEGAS — The exceptional value of Kenny White’s College Football Power Ratings magazine is evident in the very first game of the season, when Nebraska kicks off at Illinois on Aug. 28.

Two Vegas sportbooks opened the Cornhuskers -9 1/2 points. However, White’s formulas peg the true line at Nebraska – 1/2 .

Therefore, taking the Illini and new coach Bret Bielema plus 9 1/2 points represents nine points of expected value (EV), a gold mine to seasoned gamblers who savor three- or four-point advantages.

“Illinois will be a hard-nosed, power-run football team that will control the line of scrimmage,” says White, a second-generation oddsmaker. “That game will be a battle. [Ex-coach] Lovie Smith brought in players, so Bielema is walking into a good situation.”

As do all who obtain White’s magazine. South Point sportsbook director Chris Andrews ensured his property occupied the inside-cover advertising sweet spot.

Player ratings, which determine team figures used to spot invaluable line discrepancies, are vital to professional bettors. The daunting process can require years to perfect, demanding time, money and patience.

The magazine reveals all in 356 glorious pages.

“I would echo those same sentiments,” Andrews says. “The process is daunting. Kenny has laid it out very efficiently.”

THE WIZARD

I reached White in New Orleans on Sunday as he, his girlfriend, her three daughters and a niece all trekked back to Vegas, wrapping up a 2 1/2 -week RV holiday to Florida.

A kayak cruise down the Weeki Wachee River, near Tampa, rated high. Under canopies of maples, palms, gums and cypresses, they saw nine manatees but, thankfully, no gators or snakes.

“So clear, with a white-sand bottom,” says White, 58. “So relaxing.”

He had earned a leisurely float down a lazy river. He had just put the third edition of his magazine (cost: $12.99) to bed. If it isn’t in a local bookstore, visit KennyWhiteSports.com.

White was 9 when he first helped his father, Pete, at the ping-pong table, collating pages into three-ring binders that would become College Sports Today.

In 1977, White typed its entire fourth and final run, in which Pete tapped Notre Dame to win the national championship. The Irish beat Texas for the crown in the Cotton Bowl.

“I typed that in May, and in January the Irish did it,” White says. “That’s how I got hooked on sports betting. He predicted it that far out. I thought, ‘Man, that’s what I want to do.’ “

White would win the prestigious Stardust Football Invitational contest twice and hold executive posts at two premier odds-setting companies. He’s known as The Wizard of Odds.

95 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

White rates more than 9,000 players in experience, size, speed, strength, statistics and other intangibles. The average rating is a 0. Additional adjustments for quarterbacks make QB three times as important as any other position.

North Carolina’s Sam Howell (12.5), Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler (10.5) and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral (10) top that chart this year.

Team figures and home-field advantages establish spreads, totals and final scores of every game. At 80, Pete White still computes player ratings, which Kenny uses for confirmation.

“[It’s] to ensure I don’t have an All-America as an average player,” Kenny says. “That way, I know we’re pretty close in our ratings. Sometimes I’ll have a guy a 2, he’ll have him a 1. Great — I make him a 1 1/2 .”

That’s 95 combined years of betting experience. During the season, Kenny will update all figures weekly at ThePowerRatings.com.

Of the three Illinois FBS programs and Notre Dame, the Irish check in at 119.5, with a projected 12-0 regular-season record this year. Illinois (106, 5-7), Northwestern (101.5, 3-9) and Northern Illinois (92.5, 3-9) round out the quartet.

Clemson (134, 12-0), Alabama (133.5, 12-0), Oklahoma (132.5, 12-0), North Carolina (125, 10-2) and Washington (121, 12-0) comprise White’s penthouse. New Mexico State (79) and Bowling Green and Massachusetts (both 80) reside in the basement.

He has Southern Illinois (94) among the top 10 FCS programs. Illinois State is an 89, Western Illinois 81 and Eastern Illinois 69.

TAKE KENNY’S LEAD

The magazine reveals other advantage plays over the first two college football weeks. White especially likes Clemson -3 against Georgia in Charlotte on Sept. 4, since his components make it Clemson -14 1/2 .

Those fond of seeking additional value can tease that to Clemson +3, covering 1- and 2-point final spreads, either way, to guard against a tight battle — an extraordinary 17 1/2 points of EV.

Of course, teasing requires a parlay to another game, with a reduced payout. Professionals shun such action. As a recreational punter, though, I seek maximum safety, minimal sweat and cash in return for this small slip of paper.

Northwestern opened -7 1/2 at home against Michigan State on Sept. 3, but White has the Spartans -4 1/2 . Tease MSU +7 1/2 an additional six points, to +13 1/2 , and there’s 18 points of EV.

White also has Utah State -1 1/2 at Washington State on Sept. 4. The line is Cougars -13. Pumping that +13 to +19 points for Utah State creates immense value for the team White pegs as the slim favorite.

Which brings Andrews back to Nebraska-Illinois.

“If you’re a follower of Kenny’s, I would tell you to be betting on the dog,” he says. “Following Kenny is one of the better ideas out there. Take a lead with Kenny’s evaluations and, yeah, I’d say you’ll probably wind up OK.”

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As a teenage prospect in the HC Plzen system, Czech forward Jakub Pour always knew of Dominik Kubalik but never played alongside him.

Pour, nearly four years younger than Kubalik, still was being groomed on the under-16, under-18 and under-20 teams while Kubalik starred for the big-league team in the Czech Extraliga. And right before Pour broke into the Extraliga in the fall of 2017, Kubalik left HC Plzen for Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland.

Despite their lack of on-ice connection, however, Pour followed and watched Kubalik as he exploded in the Swiss league, had his rights acquired by the Blackhawks, finished as a Calder Trophy finalist as a Hawks rookie in 2019-20 and continued his NHL success this past season.

So when Pour — now a 6-3 forward who turned 22 in April — received NHL interest this offseason, it was an easy decision to choose the Hawks. He signed a two-year entry-level contract June 15.

”Ever since Dominik Kubalik started playing for the Blackhawks, I have been following the club in great detail,” Pour said in a statement at the time. ”The whole organization seems very nice to me: great players, [great] traditions, great triumphs.”

Pour expressed a similar sentiment in an interview through a translator this week.

”I’m really excited to sign with the Blackhawks,” he said. ”It’s an honor for me to join this organization. I’m looking forward to show my best and help the team.”

As it turns out, Kubalik is just as excited. He has followed Pour’s career, too, partially by keeping in touch with HC Plzen management and partially through a mutual connection. The mother of one of Kubalik’s best friends is Pour’s mother’s sister. And Kubalik has high hopes for Pour in North America, even if he likely will start the coming season in the American Hockey League.

”He’s a big kid, that’s for sure,” Kubalik said this week. ”His shot is pretty good. He can use his body. He can play physical. He can go to the net. He’s not scared.

”I’m pretty sure the North American style is going to be really good for him. He’s not like a typical European player who’s going to do more skills stuff. He’s a more up-and-down, to-the-net guy. I’m very excited for him.”

Pour joins Kubalik and Matej Chalupa, who signed with the Hawks in May 2020 and scored seven points in 27 AHL games this past season, as HC Plzen products in the Hawks’ organization.

Americans primarily know Plzen, the Czech Republic’s fourth-largest city, as the birthplace and namesake of pilsner beer. Its hockey roots are also strong, however. Longtime NHL players Petr Sykora and Jaroslav Spacek developed there in the 1990s, and Tuukka Rask spent a half-season there during the 2012 NHL lockout.

Google Maps

In more recent years, the club has focused its resources on developing young talent and helping players progress to North America or larger European clubs.

”They’re not the richest team in the [Czech] league, so they’ve got to be working with the money they have,” Kubalik explained. ”Then they need to use those young guys, which is pretty good for [the young guys because] they can play big minutes on the top line.”

Defensemen Vojtech Mozik and Jakub Jerabek and goalies Marek Mazanec and Matej Machovsky parlayed time with Plzen into NHL contracts between 2013 and 2017. All eventually played a few NHL games; Jerabek led the pack with 37.

Forward Dominik Simon had been Plzen’s biggest recent success story, having left after only one season to sign with the Penguins in 2015. Now 26, he has put up 64 points in 184 games for the Penguins and Flames and remains in the NHL.

But Kubalik has taken things to a different level. The 25-year-old sharpshooter quickly has proved himself to be a dangerous top-six NHL forward, ranking third on the Hawks in scoring each of the last two seasons and signing a two-year, $7.4 million contract last summer.

Kubalik has notched 47 goals and 84 points in 124 NHL games. He might not already be a household name in Illinois, but he is around Plzen.

”It’s pretty cool, you know?” Kubalik said. ”I can say that I showed the other guys that it’s possible. Some guys were in the middle, [saying], like: ‘Should I try [going to the NHL]? Maybe I have a chance, or I don’t.’ They were struggling a little bit.

”It’s pretty good for the team, for Plzen. . . . I didn’t even expect, when I went to Switzerland, that there were going to be more guys coming [to the NHL], especially to Chicago. It’s pretty good because we know each other, so it’s easier for me and easier for them, too.”

The seven-hour time difference between the cities makes it hard for those in Plzen to watch Kubalik and the Hawks play live, but sometimes the lack of sleep was worth it to Pour.

”The games out here are during the night . . . [but] I watched a couple of games,” Pour said. ”But I mostly watched the highlights and saw all of Kubalik’s goals.”

Kubalik and Pour haven’t yet talked this summer because Kubalik has been busy. He played for the Czech national team in the world championships, where he finished with six points in seven games but was disappointed by a quarterfinal exit. More recently, preparations for his wedding this weekend have taken over.

”Right now I’m a little bit stressed, but that’s probably part of it,” he said, chuckling.

But once things calm down, Kubalik and Pour will be around Plzen, skating and training together. Martin Straka, another of HC Plzen’s notable NHL alumni and now its general manager, gave Kubalik permission to skate and practice with the team this offseason.

Kubalik plans to spend two more weeks working out off the ice, then take Straka up on his offer. Pour already has been on the ice for five or six weeks. Come September, they and Chalupa will travel the Plzen-to-Chicago pipeline to Hawks training camp.

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White Sox: Eloy Jimenez to provide a big boost soon? by Patrick Sheldon

After a very solid May and a decent start to June, fans were buying into the idea that the Chicago Cubs were contenders this season and that they should buy at the deadline, despite a majority of their core players being in their walk year. After the Cubs combined no-hitter of the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 24th, it really seemed that way.

What immediately followed was an 11-game losing streak where the Cubs’ pitching blew up. The offense had its moments but every time they did, the pitching blew it. Then on July 8th, team president Jed Hoyer alluded to the idea that they’ll be looking to sell at the deadline.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer on the team’s recent losing streak and its potential impact on the Trade Deadline… pic.twitter.com/qg9hWRzgTU

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 8, 2021

Even though this golden era of Chicago Cubs baseball might be coming to an end, there are two superstar prospects in the farm system to be excited about. Albeit it will be a little while before one of these two prospects gets the call to the majors.

Cristian Hernandez was one of the top prospects from this past year’s international signing class and the Cubs, who had been linked to him for plenty of time, were able to sign him. At 17 years old, he is already 6? 2? and he has drawn comparisons to Carlos Correa with his power. If that comparison doesn’t excite fans, then his nickname might, “Baby A-Rod”. He has drawn comparisons to Alex Rodriguez and Manny Machado.

Just watch his tape from Baseball America:

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From MLB.com, his grades as a prospect (scale of 20-80) are:
Hit – 55
Power -55
Run – 60
Arm – 55
Field – 55
Overall – 55

Moving on to another Cubs prospect who looks to be a star when he makes his debut, which will be much sooner than Hernandez, is Brennen Davis. Davis is an outfielder that the team drafted with the 62nd overall pick in the 2018 MLB amateur draft.

His size projects well for an outfielder his size at 6? 4?/210. He has upside that some say could make him a 30-30 guy in the majors if he pans out. He has added plenty of muscle and he is estimated to be in the majors in 2022. In his career in the minors, he has slashed .295/.389/.878 with 14 home runs. In four different stages of the minors (rookie, low A, high A, and AA), he has a wRC+ of 132, 160, 171, and 138, respectively.

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Related Story: Kris Bryant’s injury impacts trade talks

Cubs fans will likely have a hard time seeing guys like Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez in different jerseys after they helped bring a World Series back to the north side of Chicago. But there still is plenty of excitement coming out of the Cubs minor league system and fans should be excited for those players.

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With training camp just a few weeks away, the NFL is swarming with irresistible plot lines.

The Packers’ fortunes will swing wildly on Aaron Rodgers’ decision about the upcoming season, Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs will hit the field driven by the sting of a Super Bowl loss and — how is this possible? — Tom Brady is eying his eighth Super Bowl ring.

Then there are the Bears, who promise they’ll be interesting. They swear. Just not this season. They’re hoping to tread water well enough with Andy Dalton to sneak into the playoffs and launch a new era with Justin Fields in 2022.

That’s still a while to wait. In the meantime, here’s how the NFL stacks up going into this season:

1. Chiefs
The Chiefs still have the most loaded roster in the NFL, led by the most overwhelming quarterback in Mahomes. They’re the best bet to be the first team to go 17-0 in a regular season.

2. Buccaneers
The Bucs are the first defending champ since the 1970s to bring back their entire starting lineup and, especially with the drama in Green Bay, are the supreme heavyweight in the NFC.

3. Rams
The Rams, who went 43-21 the last four seasons (fourth in the NFL), had an overwhelming defense in 2020: fewest points allowed, second-most sacks, third-fewest yards per carry allowed. And now they’ve upgraded at quarterback with Matthew Stafford.

4. Packers
No team’s future is as unpredictable as the Packers. The assumption is that they’ll work things out with Rodgers and remain a title contender. But if they don’t, they could plunge to the bottom of the league.

5. Bills
Josh Allen is the real deal at quarterback. Probably. Maybe. Mitch Trubisky (now his backup) had a season that made people believe, too, before falling flat. If Allen is solid, though, the Bills’ elite defense makes them one of the Chiefs’ top challengers.

6. Seahawks
The idea that the Seahawks were considering trading Russell Wilson after going 12-4 and being a Super Bowl threat was crazy. They’re fortunate coach Pete Carroll stepped in to squash a potential deal with the Bears.

7. Titans
It always seems like smoke and mirrors with the Titans and quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but it seems to keep working. The addition of star wide receiver Julio Jones will help, too.

8. Ravens
The Ravens still have a peerless dual threat in quarterback Lamar Jackson and allowed the second-fewest points in the league last season. They score a lot and don’t give up much. Sounds fun.

9. Browns
Speaking of fun, the Browns might be the league’s best entertainment outside of the Chiefs. They were the only team in the NFL to post a winning record (11-5) and a negative scoring differential last season. Every game is an adventure.

10. Colts
The Colts were top-10 in scoring offense and defense last season as they went 11-5 and nearly won the AFC South. If quarterback Carson Wentz can be merely average, they’ll be viable again.

11. Dolphins
After a run of 23-25, the Dolphins did in 2018 what has been long overdue from the Bears: They rebuilt. With a stockpile of high draft picks, they jumped to 10-6 last season and added five of the top 81 picks this spring.

12. Steelers
As Bucs quarterback Tom Brady thrives into his mid-40s, it feels like Ben Roethlisberger is sputtering to the end at 39. Pittsburgh’s great defense can only cover for him for so long.

13. Cardinals
It was a brutal collapse last season when the Cardinals started 6-3 then finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs, but there’s still a lot of promise for quarterback Kyler Murray and an ascending defense.

14. Saints
As good as the Saints’ defense was last season, it’s difficult to imagine them holding their ground with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill at quarterback. They’ll be scrapping for a wild card.

15. Chargers
Quarterback Justin Herbert’s 98.3 passer rating was the sixth-highest by a rookie in this millennium. He could emerge as one of the biggest stars in the league this season.

16. Bears
With a declining-but-still-strong defense and a lackluster offense, the Bears are stuck in the middle — as usual. Finishing in this spot would put them in the mix for the seventh playoff seed.

17. Vikings
The Vikings don’t seem to realize that quarterback Kirk Cousins is mediocre. The rest of the league does, though.

18. 49ers
This is a tough team to figure out. It had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl at the end of the 2019 season, then crashed to 6-10 and a quarterback crisis.

19. Cowboys
It’s not as simple as just getting quarterback Dak Prescott back and being a playoff team. The Cowboys allowed almost 30 points per game last season. The upside: The NFC East is a disaster.

20. Patriots
The Patriots need to have gotten it right with first-round quarterback Mac Jones to turn things around, and even then it’ll take at least a year.

21. Raiders
The Raiders had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season and still have question marks on offense. They also have one of the 10 most difficult schedules.

22. Washington
Washington made the playoffs by default at 7-9 last season and scored the eighth-fewest points in the league.

23. Eagles

It won’t be hard for the Eagles to top their 4-11-1 record from last season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts should get better, and Philly has the weakest schedule in the league.

24. Giants
Giving up the opportunity to draft Fields was highly questionable. Third-year quarterback Daniel Jones has 35 touchdown passes, 22 interceptions and an 84.1 passer rating.

25. Broncos
It’s hard to pinpoint something that’s going right in Denver. Their defense crumbled last season and they’ve been bottom-10 in offense five times in a row.

26. Bengals
They aren’t good, but the Bengals are headed the right way. Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow looked very good in 10 starts before a season-ending knee injury.

27. Falcons
Quarterback Matt Ryan is still good enough to keep the Falcons from being a total pushover, but they’re headed toward their fourth straight losing season.

28. Panthers
A team that went 17-31 the last three seasons is now betting on a quarterback the Jets bailed on, Sam Darnold. Good luck.

29. Jaguars
A better coach (Urban Meyer) and quarterback (Trevor Lawrence) will get the Jaguars a couple of wins.

30. Jets
The Jets had a league-worst minus-214 point differential last season, which is the equivalent of being outscored by nearly two touchdowns per game. It’s going to be a while before they’re relevant.

31. Lions
This looks like a team taking a step backward, which is scary considering it won a total of 14 games over the last three seasons.

32. Texans
Calling this team a dumpster fire doesn’t go far enough. A series of terrible decisions on and off the field sunk the Texans to the point where they’re the biggest mess in the league.

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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 Saturday’s festivities, check out the round up below.

Saturday, July 10

• 10am–2pm, Pop-Up Taste: a “Taste of the West Side” at food business incubator The Hatchery (135 N. Kedzie Ave.) — presented with the Garfield Park Neighborhood Market and offering live entertainment, cooking demos and innovative local food businesses and entrepreneurs.

10:30am: “I Am Community” art installation

• 10am–4pm, Pop-Up Taste: Eli’s Cheesecake and Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs — Taste of Chicago’s tastiest team and long-time Taste of Chicago “booth neighbors” — have once again partnered to create a one-day food and music event at Eli’s Cheesecake Company (6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr. at the intersection of Forest Preserve / Montrose / Normandy). Eli’s Cheesecake will be offering its Taste favorites, like Eli’s Cheesecake Dippers and Turtle Cheesecake. Robinson’s Barbecue Truck will be cooking up its famous boneless rib sandwich, rib tips and more.

Don’t miss the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences mobile farm stand with Chicago-grown produce, honey and crafts. A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Chicago High School for Agriculture High School Scholarship Fund.

• 1–8pm, Pop-Up Taste: Join us in the West Englewood community (6300 S. Wood St.) to purchase delicious food from local eateries and relax in a dining tent while enjoying a stellar line-up of local DJs, musicians and dancers — plus kids activities.

Taste of Chicago To-Go food vendors and food trucks

1–7:45pm: Beer garden

Live performances by local musicians — celebrating the 2021 Year of Chicago Music hosted by DJ Mike P with special guest DJ Jamal Smallz

Kids activities: 17’ Wacky Dual Lane Slide, Pop-A-Shot Baskets, Ring Toss, Social Photo Booth, Tic-Tac Toe, Giant Connect Four and Giant JENGA.

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 of this week at the Taste of Chicago.

Featured Image Credit: Goose Island Taproom on Facebook

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Moon Alert

Caution! Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Cancer into Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Do be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert because depending on your time zone, it is operative for most of this day! Very poor time to shop for anything other than food.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

During the moon alert make sure you don’t agree to anything important when talking to siblings, relatives and neighbors. Likewise, don’t volunteer for anything. However, this window of time will encourage creative ideas. Write them down.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Be very careful, because the moon alert is taking place in your Money House. Therefore, do not spend money on anything other than gas and food during the moon alert. Furthermore, make no financial decisions during that time either.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Your ruler is the moon and today it is in your sign. However, for most of this day, there is a moon alert. This can be a very creative, fun-loving time for you; however, it’s poor for practical decisions. And it’s particularly poor for shopping for anything other than food and gas.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your imagination might be in overdrive, which is why you will be lost in thoughts of fantasy and daydreams. You might not feel like working, but you will feel like socializing. This influence will be strongest during the moon alert today.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is great day to schmooze with others — friends and members of groups. However, don’t volunteer for anything or agree to anything important, and don’t make promises or commitments during the moon alert. Nevertheless, it’s a creative day for exchanging ideas!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are high visibility today, which means people notice you more than usual. In fact, some people might be discussing personal details about your private life. During the moon alert today, don’t volunteer for anything or agree to anything important. Restrict spending to food and gas.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a wonderful day to let your imagination roam and think about possible adventures for the future. Travel plans will definitely appeal along with hopeful plans for future studies. Nevertheless, during the moon alert commit to nothing. Restrict spending to food and gas.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Do be careful today because the moon is in one of your Money Houses; meanwhile, most of this day is a moon alert. Avoid financial decisions during this window of time. (Especially avoid important decisions about inheritances and shared property or how to divide or share something.)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A conversation with a partner or close friend will be frank and candid today because people are willing to let their hair down and tell it like it is. This applies to you, as well. Nevertheless, during the moon alert today, agree to nothing important.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your efficiency at work will suffer today because during the moon alert, which is in effect for most of this day, things are inclined to be fuzzy. However, during that window of time, you will enjoy socializing with others and building on each other’s creative ideas.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is a fabulous, creative, fun-loving day for you! Enjoy schmoozing with others. Enjoy parties, social outings, long lunches, playful activities with kids and sports events. However, restrict your spending to food and gas during the moon alert. Today you are thinking outside of the box!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (1977) shares your birthday. You are a fast learner. You are quick-witted, entertaining and enthusiastic about life. You are observant and have a sharp mind, which gives you people smarts. You are also strong-willed and self-disciplined. This year, you’re working hard to build something important to you. This could be an actual physical structure or an inner structure in your world.

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He was on the sidewalk about 7:30 p.m. in the 600 block of West 80th Street when someone approached him and opened fire, police said.

By

Sun-Times Wire

Jul 9, 2021, 8:08pm CDT

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A man was killed and another wounded in a shooting Friday in West Pullman on the Far South Side.

They were inside of a residence about 5:20 p.m. in the 11800 block of South State Street when someone opened fire, striking them both, Chicago police said.

One man, 47, was shot in the head, buttocks and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. His name hasn’t been released.

The other man, 34, was struck in the hand and shoulder, police said. He was in critical condition at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

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