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Why Can’t We Just Glue Barbie’s Shoes On?on March 24, 2021 at 10:53 am

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Why Can’t We Just Glue Barbie’s Shoes On?

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Why Can’t We Just Glue Barbie’s Shoes On?on March 24, 2021 at 10:53 am Read More »

CD One Price Cleaners is having a clothing drive to help solve the problem of homelessnesson March 24, 2021 at 11:03 am

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

CD One Price Cleaners is having a clothing drive to help solve the problem of homelessness

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CD One Price Cleaners is having a clothing drive to help solve the problem of homelessnesson March 24, 2021 at 11:03 am Read More »

4 Moves the Bulls Can Make Before the NBA Trade Deadlineon March 24, 2021 at 1:47 pm

The Chicago Bulls are 3-5 in their first few weeks back after the All-Star break. Despite the slow start, this team is still on the verge of sneaking in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. At their current record of 19-23, the Bulls are only 1.5 games behind the Boston Celtics, and are two games behind the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. Plus with the Hornets losing LaMelo Ball for some time, a spot could be up for grabs come playoff time. If the Bulls want to put themselves in an even better position they could look to move some pieces around before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, March 5 at 3PM EST. 

The who and the what are up to Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley. But, given that we aren’t in rebuild mode, we can’t ignore some of the chatter surrounding the organization as we look at some moves the Bulls could possibly make before the NBA trade deadline.

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Moving On From Otto Porter Jr.

Through potentially a buyout or trade, the Chicago Bulls look ready to move on from forward Otto Porter Jr. As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, no one is waving him out the door by any means. It just makes sense that both sides are ready to part ways. The Bulls have Patrick Williams on the right path and Porter Jr. would be an important piece to any championship contender that is looking to add to their lineup.

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Dealing Lauri Markkanen

Like Otto Porter Jr., we don’t think anyone is rooting for this to happen at the trade deadline. If it does though, the Chicago Bulls better receive their fair share in return. We all know the potential Lauri has. This season, he’s shooting  almost 40% from behind the arc with 17.7PPG and six rebounds. Of all the players to trade, Markkanen is undoubtedly a powerful one. The team gave him a shot and his career is nowhere near over. Availability due to injury and success on defense are areas of concern, but he’s young! Getting stronger and growing defensively can take time. By trading him away, the team needs to understand they’ll most likely miss out on his peak years.

Trading for Lonzo Ball

We mentioned LaMelo Ball earlier, but what about his older brother Lonzo? This trade rumor circulated around the NBA world earlier in the week, although nothing officially has come of it yet. But if you think this trade happens without Lauri Markannen, draft picks, and who knows what else, you’ll be blindsided if it does happen. Lonzo can play and he can help the Bulls. The question is, how much of what the Bull’s have built is he worth betting on? 

Acquiring DeMar DeRozan

Although we certainly wouldn’t hate this move before the NBA trade deadline, it’s important to remain calm Bulls fans. DeMar DeRozan on the Bulls roster makes us a near lock for the postseason as long as we don’t have to give up too many pieces. So if that happens, we like to think there’s a chance the front office considers this. The San Antonio Spurs haven’t been quiet about wanting to move on from both DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge either. His experience wouldn’t hurt the development of this team either. All we can do is wait.

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4 Moves the Bulls Can Make Before the NBA Trade Deadlineon March 24, 2021 at 1:47 pm Read More »

Three Chicago Bears free agents to consider bringing backon March 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears, NFL Draft

Chicago Bears (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have become a joke of an organization. They don’t make good decisions at all and it continues to get worse. They decided to give Allen Robinson a franchise tag but that has caused some issues around the team because most people are sure that he isn’t happy about it. Then, the Russell Wilson rumors were really hot only for them to settle on Andy Dalton. It has become a circus and there is a lot of things that need fixing.

The Chicago Bears can use as much help as possible during the 2021 season.

They are probably going to either be mediocre or bad during the 2021 season. They have an incredibly tough schedule that is going to be hard to overcome unless there is some major upgrade in a lot of areas. They couldn’t even get Chicago-born Kenny Golladay to sign with them in favor of a New York Giants team that hasn’t proven anything.

Things are getting worse and worse for the Bears but ownership doesn’t care. Ryan Pace is in the GM chair right now but he doesn’t deserve to be anymore. The Bears are in the position they are in because he missed on the quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft. Now, they are suffering in all areas because of it. This awesome defense is going to waste as it gets older and older every day.

Now, Pace is trying to save his own job. He and Matt Nagy have failed to meet expectations after the awesome 2018 season but they both know that they need to have a good year in 2021 in order to stay. If their motive is to win, they might want to consider resigning a few of their own free agents.

Next: Specialist Help

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Three Chicago Bears free agents to consider bringing backon March 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks finally take down the Florida Pantherson March 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 23: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks to pass under pressure from Noel Acciari #55 of the Florida Panthers at the United Center on March 23, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 23: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks to pass under pressure from Noel Acciari #55 of the Florida Panthers at the United Center on March 23, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks began the night with a bit of celebration. They didn’t play that well on their road trip but Patrick Kane played in his 1000th career game during it. They came home and honored him with a little bit of a ceremony. Because of COVID-19 protocol, the Florida Panthers were not allowed to come out during the ceremony but Joel Quenneville came out to see it. It was really nice to see as the team honored one of its all-time greatest players.

The Chicago Blackhawks knew that Tuesday’s game was a must-win contest.

The Hawks caught a little bit of a break before the game started as Florida’s best player, Aleksander Barkov, left warmups with an injury. They knew they needed to take advantage of one of the best two-way players in the National Hockey League not playing.

Things were going well for them when they were winning 3-0. Goals from Dominik Kubalik, Pius Suter, and Carl Soderberg got them there. Patrick Kane had a lot to do with it in his big game as well as he collected two assists. When you are up by a few goals against the Panthers, however, you can’t feel too comfortable. They are one of the best teams in the NHL at coming back.

They showed why as they scored two to make things very interesting. Joel Quenneville made the bold move of pulling his goalie when his team earned a power play with five minutes left. They scored so it worked out but they were never able to tie it after that.

Kevin Lankinen was the first star of the game and he deserved it. He made big saves late to keep Florida from getting that third goal. The team played well in front of him for the most part during the entire game but he did need to make some big saves. It was a tough stretch for him on the road but he looked sharp against this very good Florida team.

Related Story: The Chicago Blackhawks could make a big trade with Anaheim

It was a much-needed win for the Blackhawks. The road trip woes ruined the big gap they had on the playoff spot. They even fell below it for a second there. The Columbus Blue Jackets were shutout on Monday so the Hawks took back that spot and have a 35-33 points lead over them. Now, this big homestand continues with another game against the Panthers on Thursday night. It is going to be another important game as these home points mean a whole lot

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Chicago Blackhawks finally take down the Florida Pantherson March 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Lawndale man charged with carjacking in West Garfield Parkon March 24, 2021 at 11:38 am

A 24-year-old man has been charged with a carjacking in December in West Garfield Park on the West Side.

Drew Hill, of Lawndale, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm, Chicago police said.

Hill was arrested Monday after police identified him as the person who allegedly carjacked two people, a 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, Dec. 5, 2020, in the first block of North Kilbourn Avenue, police said.

He is due in bond court Wednesday.

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Lawndale man charged with carjacking in West Garfield Parkon March 24, 2021 at 11:38 am Read More »

Chicago Bears News: Team sends contingency to Alabama Pro Dayon March 24, 2021 at 11:00 am

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws during Alabama's game with Texas A&M Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Alabama Vs Texas A M
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws during Alabama’s game with Texas A&M Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Alabama Vs Texas A M

The Chicago Bears were present at the University of Alabama’s Pro Day on Tuesday that featured one of top quarterback prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft in the form Mac Jones.

It is no secret that the quarterback position has been the priority for the Chicago Bears this off-season. The Bears have been linked to laundry list of potentially available quarterbacks this off-season that included Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson, Houston Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson; Jameis Winston before he signed with the New Orleans Saints; Ryan Fitzpatrick before he signed with the Washington Football Team; and Carson Wentz before he was traded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts.

The quarterback that the Bears were closest to acquiring may have been Wilson. Reports had the Bears’ offer to the Seahawks for Wilson including three first round draft picks, a second round draft pick and at least two starting defensive players. The Seahawks ultimately decided that they are not ready to trade Wilson and the Bears moved quickly to sign free agent quarterback Andy Dalton.

Dalton met with reporters last week and mentioned that one of the reasons why he preferred the Bears over any other team in free agency is because of having the opportunity to start. Not only did the Bears offer Dalton with the opportunity to start, the former Dallas Cowboys’ and Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback confirmed with reporters that the Bears provided him with the assurance that he would be the starting quarterback for the team. Dalton also acknowledged the possibility that the Bears could select a rookie quarterback during the early portions of the 2021 NFL Draft.

If the Bears are going to target the quarterback position in the first round of the 2021, Jones would be an ideal target as he is expected to be the fifth quarterback taken after Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Josh Fields, and Trey Lance. All five quarterbacks are projected to be selected in the first round.

The Bears continued their homework on the 2021 quarterback prospects as they had contingency present to watch Jones during Alabama’s Pro Day on Tuesday.

The fact that both Lazor and DeFilippo were present is a sign that the Bears, at the very least, are doing their due diligence on Jones. Of the five quarterbacks that are projected to be selected in the first round, Jones is the most likely to be available for the Bears at 20. Though, it is possible that the Bears would need to trade into the top 15 to avoid Jones being selected by a team like the New England Patriots.

While Jones does not have the same athletic ability as the other quarterback prospects mentioned, he does have the accuracy and pedigree to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. During his Pro Day on Tuesday, Jones also proved he has the arm strength.

One thing is clear, the Bears have to do whatever it takes to select one of the top five quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waiting until the 2022 NFL Draft should not be an option for the Bears considering that class is projected far less talented than this current crop.

What the Bears could be attempting to do with their 2021 quarterback room is the same thing that the Kansas City Chiefs did with their quarterback room in 2017. Have a veteran in place as the starter that performs at a consistent level while having the first round rookie quarterback taking a year to adapt to the NFL lifestyle. The Bears, of course, had that plan in 2017 until veteran quarterback Mike Glennon struggled so significantly that he was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky in Week 4 of that season.

Next: Late round quarterback options in 2021 NFL Draft

One final thing to note for a team like the Chicago Bears is that, unlike previous years, the Pro Days this year due hold some significance. There was no scouting combine for prospects this year. Meaning, Pro Days are one of the few opportunities where teams can not only meet with prospects but request certain plays during their workouts

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Chicago Bears News: Team sends contingency to Alabama Pro Dayon March 24, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Netting smelt: Tradition returns to Chicago, not the smelt; Stray Cast, Montrose, lagoons, Chinook historyon March 24, 2021 at 10:25 am

Smelt netting will be back in Chicago on April 1, as usual.

That’s the good news after smelting was prohibited in 2020 by pandemic precautions.

While the Chicago lakefront tradition will go on this year, the prospects for actually netting any smelt remain very iffy.

“There does not appear to be any major changes in rainbow smelt density since 2019,” emailed Ralph Tingley, research fisheries biologist at the Great Lakes Science Center. “Smelt densities still remain very low in our surveys, and we did not catch any yearling and older smelt in this year’s bottom trawl. While we did catch a few age-0 smelt, our results indicate that this is the second weak year class in a row for Lake Michigan.”

Chuck Madenjian, also a fisheries biologist at GLSC, put the decline in a historical context, “According to our bottom trawl time series, rainbow smelt abundance showed a big drop in abundance during 1993-2001. But, it is difficult to explain this trend. Predation on rainbow smelt was higher in the 1980s, according to the predation models, yet the big drop occurred in the 1990s. We don’t think that predation is the main driver of rainbow smelt population dynamics in Lake Michigan, although it may contribute somewhat to the trends. In contrast, predation explains the trends in alewife abundance in Lake Michigan very well.”

The non-native rainbow smelt reached Lake Michigan via an introduction of smelt eggs into Michigan’s Crystal Lake in 1912.

As to why the decline, Tingley emailed, “Smelt densities have been relatively low in Lake Michigan since 1994, but the reason they have declined is unclear. It doesn’t appear that declines in smelt were driven by predation by salmon and trout. Oddly enough, it seems like there are more young fish produced relative to the number of spawners since the ’80s and ’90s. It doesn’t seem like those yearling fish are surviving well and getting into the adult population.”

“Jumbo Jimmy” Baczek, hazy through his net, set up nets between the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium on opening night of smelt netting in 2019; smelt netting returns in Chicago after being canceled in 2020 by the pandemic.
Dale Bowman

Rumors have flown for years about smelt coming back up north. Netters clutch that by-gone dream of nets so full they were hard to lift and white five-gallon buckets overflowing. Back to reality.

“Some folks believe that rainbow smelt abundance in the northern part of Lake Michigan has been increasing during the past several years, but our bottom trawl survey results do not indicate this,” Madenjian emailed.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations are unchanged. The season runs through April 30.

Chicago Park District regulations remain the same–nets may go in at 7 p.m., must be out of the parks by 1 a.m., no open fires, no closed tents, no parking on grass or sidewalks, dispose of coals in appropriate trash receptacles–with added COVID precautions such as social distancing this year. The park district’s informational card is available from Henry’s Sports and Bait, Park Bait and park district security.

MONTROSE

Thousands signed Chicago Area Runners Association’s petition at change.org in opposition to parking meters Montrose Harbor, the lakefront’s most popular and diversely used area. Click here for the petition.

KINGLY

Ron Wozny dug up a Tribune article by Tom McNally that had Illinois’ Chinook record in 1972 as 32 pounds, caught by Ron Hagen. Whether that was the record prior to the current one (37 pounds), caught by Marge Landeen on Aug. 7, 1976, is unknown.

LAGOONS?

No bids came for the request from the IDNR for bluegill and catfish stocking, so stockings of the Chicago lagoons look iffy at best.

WILD THINGS

Woodcocks peenting, sandhill cranes krooing, rabbits doing what rabbits do and a cougar rumor floating, what a time to be alive.

ILLINOIS HUNTING

First of the two statewide youth turkey seasons is this weekend.

STRAY CAST

Charles Barkley prattling about college basketball is like an instructor teaching flipping and pitching with a spincast.

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Netting smelt: Tradition returns to Chicago, not the smelt; Stray Cast, Montrose, lagoons, Chinook historyon March 24, 2021 at 10:25 am Read More »

5 shot, 1 fatally, Tuesday in Chicagoon March 24, 2021 at 7:35 am

Five people were shot, one of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago including a man who died after a hit-and-run crash in Lawndale who also had a gunshot wound to his head, according to police.

The man, between 25 and 35 years old, was struck by a driver who continued without stopping, Chicago police said. The crash happened about 3:40 a.m. in the 3700 block of West Douglas Boulevard. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he later died. A doctor told police that the man had a gunshot wound to his head, according to police spokeswoman Karie James. Police had not yet found surveillance video of the incident, but said they were conducting a homicide investigation.

In non-fatal shootings, a 21-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by in Chatham on the South Side. About 11:35 p.m., he was walking in the 8000 block of South Drexel Avenue, when a white sedan pulled up carrying two males, and someone inside opened fire, police said. He was struck in the foot and brought to Jackson Park Hospital in good condition, police said.

A man was wounded in a shooting on the South Side. The 43-year-old was sitting in a parked vehicle about 9:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of South Prairie Avenue when several people approached and someone unleashed gunfire, police said. The man was struck in the leg and in the shoulder. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.

A woman was shot in Lawndale on the West Side. The shooting happened about 6 p.m. in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue, according to police. The woman suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg and a graze wound to the forehead. She was listed in good condition and remained at the scene.

In the day’s first reported shooting, an 18-year-old man was shot in Lawndale on the West Side. The man was shot in the upper right arm about 1:50 p.m. in the 1900 block of South Trumbull Avenue, police said. He was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.

Fifteen people were shot, three fatally, citywide Monday.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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5 shot, 1 fatally, Tuesday in Chicagoon March 24, 2021 at 7:35 am Read More »

Horoscope for Wednesday, March 24, 2021on March 24, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

In one way, this is a positive day for you because the moon is in your fellow fire sign. This is a supportive influence for you, especially emotionally speaking. However, you might encounter difficulty with an older friend or surprises about money and possessions. Be alert!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A conversation with a parent or relative, or, perhaps, a boss might be challenging this morning. (Arrrg.) This could be because something unexpected is affecting your home routine. (Small appliances might break down or something unusual might occur.) Keep your cool.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Be careful because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. You might also find yourself at odds with someone, especially if you get involved in discussions about race, politics or religion. (Don’t even go there.) Basically, relations with friends and groups are positive now. Stick with what works.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Something to do with money or your possessions might give you concern this morning. It could relate to duties and obligations regarding shared property, taxes and debt. A friend might also surprise you with information out of the blue. Steady as she goes.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You might have a strong reaction to things because the moon is in your sign. Perhaps you will encounter some opposition from a partner or close friends, especially someone older or in a position of authority. Even if you feel rebellious, remember: What’s your long-term objective?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Play things low-key. Don’t make a big deal about anything. Expect a few surprises, especially to travel plans or something to do with medicine, the law and higher education. Give yourself extra time so that you can navigate something unexpected.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You might be involved with increased responsibilities with children today. Social plans might also make demands on you. Meanwhile, relations with a friend or a group might meet with a few hiccups if funding for something is suddenly canceled. It’s a tricky day.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Relations with parents, bosses and VIPs and the police will be strained today. You might feel restricted by rules and regulations. You might also be caught off guard by something unexpected related to friends or your partner or spouse. Think before you act.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a mildly accident-prone day so pay attention to everything you say and do. Something in the media might also surprise you. Continue to be patient with those who are closest to you. Look for a possible fun release with social diversions, romantic partners and kids.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Something to do with shared property, inheritances, taxes or debt seems to be up for grabs today. A few zingers might come your way. (Stay alert!) Plans to entertain or redecorate your home might be held up because of financial glitches. It was ever thus.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

No matter what happens today, you have to go along with the wishes of others. This might involve duties and obligations that were unexpected. Fortunately, with the placement of the sun and Venus, you can talk your way in and out of anything. And of course, you can always rally your adoring peanut gallery!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Something related to your health, your pet or your job seems to be a bit onerous or restrictive today. You have no choice but to accept the situation. In part, it might come as a surprise because it is unexpected. Something out of the blue! (“Who was that masked man?”)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Jessica Chastain (1977) shares your birthday. You are idealistic and truthful. You have excellent instincts and know how to read people. You are a loving and caring individual. Exciting changes and opportunities await you this year. Count on new adventures! If you can, explore opportunities to travel. Do whatever you can to expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Your personal freedom is your goal this year.

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Horoscope for Wednesday, March 24, 2021on March 24, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »