MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The ChicagoBears earned a big win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon.
The Chicago Bears played very well in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings. It was a must-win scenario for those who are rooting for the Bears to squeak into the playoffs. It was a nail-biter at the end but Chicago prevailed with the 33-27 win to get their record back up to .500. At 7-7, they sit one game behind the Arizona Cardinals who hold the final Wild Card spot with a record of 8-6 after their big weekend win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
That loss avenged a Bears loss to the Vikings earlier in the season and made it borderline impossible for them to make the playoffs. The Vikings are an okay team and Chicago should be proud of this win but they are also a team that they “should” beat. It wasn’t as dominant of a win in the end as you would like but they figured it out. This is what the 2020 Bears are, a .500 team that likes to play games with their fans.
The Bears have a very interesting schedule ahead. They have the 1-13 Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. They were given a big boost as a franchise this weekend when the New York Jets defeated the Los Angeles Rams for their first win of the season. Each team is duking it out for the chance at the number one overall pick to draft Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson.
The Jaguars would be the 32nd ranked team if they end with the same record so you have to figure that the organization doesn’t want to win another game. They would honestly be foolish to let an opportunity like that go by so the Bears might really benefit from it. If they can win and move their record to 8-8, that will set up a very interesting week 17 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay won on Saturday night and the New Orleans Saints lost on Sunday so they are looking good for the one seed in the NFC. That could mean that they rest their starters for most of the week 17 matchup against the Bears, leaving them room to win.
The Cardinals have a big game with the San Francisco 49ers in week 16 followed by the Los Angeles Rams in week 17. Those are both tough games but they need to lose one of them for the Bears to have a chance. It isn’t an easy road to the postseason but the opportunity is there.
The only thing they can control is their own results so the mentality has to be getting ready for the Jacksonville Jaguars game. They are in the position they are in because of the way they played for most of the season so now they need a little bit of help. This shouldn’t make anyone else feel like they don’t still need change but it can be something to look forward to and root for as the 2020 season comes to a close.
Buddy is a handsome, strong, energetic and affectionate two-year-old, 65-pound, fawn and white, male pit bull terrier looking for a patient dog-loving guardian.
Buddy enjoys the company of select large dogs. He is best without small children, small dogs or cats in the home.
He’s a loyal dog for the right person, who has time for daily exercise and training. He is very gentle taking treats and loves to cuddle.
Buddy happily accepts affection from his people and will be a loyal companion once he bonds with someone. He will need a guardian who understands bully breeds, and will work on training him to set him up for success in his new home.
He is extremely healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm-tested and microchipped.
His adoption fee of $250 benefits the Famous Fido Rescue.
To meet and possibly adopt Buddy, please fill out the application for adoption at https://famousfidorescue.org/dog-adoption-application/.
You can follow up on your application by e-mailing Tina at [email protected] to set up an appointment to meet him.
He is currently at the Famous Fido Shelter at 3124 W. Irving Park in Chicago, Illinois.
820 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake: $1,499,000 | Listed: Sept. 25, 2020 (VHT Studios)
Built in 2020, this five-bedroom home has six bathrooms and two half-bathrooms and sits on almost an acre of professionally landscaped land. The 4,580-square-foot home overlooks a golf course and is outfitted with 10-foot-high ceilings, wide-plank hickory floors and custom moldings and millwork. The kitchen touts a Wolf eight-burner double oven range, a Kohler farm sink and quartz bevel-edge counters. Two primary bedroom suites both feature custom double vanities and quartz counters, and their bathrooms have marble inlaid floors, walk-in frameless showers and standalone tubs. Flexible living spaces include a second-floor study and a room that can serve as a nanny suite, office or workout room. A heated three-car garage completes the home.
Agent: Christie Baines of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, 847-875-8049
Good morning! While there wasn’t a variety of prospect participation in the winter leagues this past week, the prospects in play saw plenty of action. Both top prospects and surprise additions shined. To find out more, take a look inside!
Roberto Clemente League
Criollos de Caguas
Miguel Amaya (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)
On Sunday, Caguas extended their winning streak to six games as they were able to defeat Manati 3-1. Catcher Miguel Amaya was able to provide the insurance run in the seventh inning, as he blasted a solo home run while going 1-for-3. Designated hitter Trent Giambrone was 0-for-4 in the win. Caguas 3 – Manati 1
Wednesday saw the Criollos streak end at seven as they were up-ended by Mayaguez 4-3. Catcher Miguel Amaya had a big night as he was 2-for-3 at the plate with two doubles, two RBI, and run scored. Amaya also threw out a runner attempting to steal third base. Mayaguez 4 – Caguas 3
The Creoles were able to get back on the winning track on Thursday, as they were able to pay back Mayaguez by beating them 8-1. The win had a distinct Cubs flavor as Duane Underwood Jr. started and gave up two hits while striking out a batter over three innings. Luis Vazquez started at second base and was 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Miguel Maya moved over to DH, going 0-for-2 with a run scored while left fielder Trent Giambrone went 0-for-4. Caguas 8 – Mayaguez 1
Caguas kept churning out the victories on Friday, as they faced down RA12 and came away a 10-3 winner. Cubs prospects were responsible for cross the plate mostly as Designated Hitter Trent Giambrone was 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and three runs scored. Meanwhile, catcher Miguel Amaya went 1-for 2 with a walk, two RBI, and three runs scored. Amaya also picked off a runner at second base. Former Cubs prospect Zach Hedges started and allowed three earned runs whiel striking out a batter over five innings. Caguas 10 – RA12 3
Venzuelan Winter League
Bravos de Margarita
Doubleheader Tuesday in the VWL saw Margarita sweep as they took the nightcap 6-2 over Aragua. Manuel Rondon started for the Bravos and allowed two earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks as he struck out two in four innings of work. Margarita 6 – Aragua 2, 7 innings
Caribes de Anzoategui
Fernando Kelli (photo by Jared Ravich courtesy of MiLB.com)
The week began with a doubleheader on Sunday, as Anzoategui took the opener from Zulia 8-4. Rafael Ortega was installed back at the top of the line-up and in centerfield. Ortega paced the attack by going 2-for-5, including a solo home run in the sixth. Fernando Kelli started in left field and contributed as he went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Antoategui 8 – Zulia 4, 7 innings
It was practically over as soon as it began in Game 2 on Sunday, as the Caribes crushed Zulia 13-1. Rafael Ortega once again struck as he blasted a Grand Slam in the second inning in route to going 2-for-5 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored. Fernando Kelli flashed his speed by belting a triple in the seventh as he went 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored in the triumph. Antoategui 13 – Zulia 1, 7 innings
In Game 2 of a doubleheader on Tuesday, the Tribe was unable to put the game away as they stumbled to Magallanes 7-4 in 8 innings. Rafael Ortega was moved down to third in the order and went 1-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Fernando Kelli entered the game in the in the sixth inning as a pinch-runner for former Cubs prospect Andruw Monasterio and stole a base while goin 0-for-1. Magallanes 7 – Anzoategui 4, 8 innings
On Wednesday, Anzoategui could not handle the offense of Caracas as they fell 9-6 to the Leones in 11 innings. Rafael Ortega remained at third in the order and went 2-for-4 with two walks and a run scored. Erick Castillo started at Designated Hitter and was 1-for-3, while Fernando Kelli entered in left field in the tenth inning and was 0-for-1 with a run scored. Caracas 9 – Anzoategui 6, 11 innings
The Caribes got back on the winning side of the ledger on Friday as they defeated Aragua 4-3. Rafael Ortega moved up to second in the batting order and went deep for the third time this past week, clubbing a solo home run in the first inning while going 1-for-3 with a walk. Fernando Kelli came on in the eighth inning as a pinch-runner and promptly sole second and third base. Anzoategui 4 – Aragua 3
A busy week for the Tribe concluded on Saturday with a doubleheader, losing Game 1 to La Guaira 3-1. Rafael Ortega drew three walks as he went 1-for-1 with an RBI. Fernando Kelli pinch-ran in the sixth inning and stole his fourth base. La Guaira 3 – Anzoategui 1, 7 innings
In Game 2, Anzoategui was thumped 13-7 by La Guaira to drop both ends of the doubleheader. Erick Castillo started at catcher and went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Fernando Kelli entered in the fourth inning and was 1-for-2 with a walk, RBI, and run scored. Rafael Ortega started but got a breather, going 0-for-1 with a walk before exiting in the fourth inning. La Guaira 13 – Anzoategui 7, 7 innings
We are a week away from Christmas, and I’m nearing the completion of a personal goal. In January of 2020, I decided I would start Release Radar, a segment wherein I would write about the releases that crossed my Spotify radar, every Friday, for a year. Well, I’m two weeks away from meeting that goal. I hope those that have joined me on my journey enjoyed it.
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Felly has had quite a year. “450” is another great single in a year that has seen the release of his best album yet, Mariposa, and a slew of great singles thereafter. He’s singing, playing, and writing his best rap music yet, and he’s proud, see below.
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The same could be said for Murs, who has just released another long-player, Love & Rockets Vol. 2: The Declaration. After teaming up with Atmosphere for one of the best albums of 2020, Felt 4 U, he’s back again. It’s been a hell of a year for this man, and it looks to be a brighter 2021.
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It’s been a while since I’ve heard the Tricky duo do their thing, and there’s something nostalgic about hearing them again. They make a brief appearance on The Avalanches’ latest single, “Until Daylight Comes.”
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Foster The People have been on my radar a lot lately, and now I know why. They have a new EP, In The Darkest Of Nights, Let The Birds Sing, which I’ve been enjoying. The band isn’t afraid to try new things, which is quite refreshing.
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Last week I mentioned that there aren’t many new releases during the month of December but several artists have made me eat my words. Peter Bjorn and John released a new extended player, Endless Play, where “each song is the brainchild of a different band member, with each getting its own mixer,” according to Matt Connor of Analogue Music.
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How about a little Christmas jazz for your “Jazz Cut Of The Week?” Terrace Martin and Alex Isley are doing something really unique on their version of “The Christmas Song.” It creates a soothing, moody vibe that we all can use during these tense holidays.
About 11:45 a.m. Friday, the 27-year-old was driving in the 1500 block of North Laramie Avenue when someone fired shots at his car, striking him in the head, police said.
Community Safety Team officers saw the shooting unfold and one of the officers fired three shots at the male suspect, who ran west on Le Moyne Street and was not in custody, police said. It was not clear if he had been shot.
The shooting was initially reported as an exchange of gunfire between police and the victim, but CPD later clarified that another shooter was involved.
If one thing is constant in 2020, it’s Barack Obama’s love for music … and playlists.
The former president on Saturday released his list of favorite music for the year, and this time it looks like he got a little help from his youngest daughter.
“I had some valuable consultation from our family music guru, Sasha, to put this together. I hope you find a new song or two to listen to,” Obama wrote alongside his list.
Ludo Pimienta’s “Nada,” featuring Li Saumet, is included in Barack Obama’s 2020 playlist.Daniella Murillo
Some favorites from his 2020 summertime playlist made the cut, like Megan thee Stallion and Beyonce’s “Savage Remix” and J. Cole’s “The Climb Back.”
Obama’s musical taste spans across genres and his end-of-year playlist includes music from country artist Chris Stapleton, veteran folk rocker Bob Dylan, British artist J Hus and Latin pop star Bad Bunny. Mac Miller’s “Blue World” off his 2020 posthumous album was also one of Obama’s 2020 favorites.
Megan thee Stallion performs in November at the American Music Awards. The remix of her song “Savage,” featuring Beyonce, was one of Barack Obama’s favorite songs of 2020.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Since leaving office in 2017, Obama has shared lists of his end-of-year favorites (and some summertime ones, too) from music to books and TV shows.
On Friday, Obama unveiled his favorite TV shows and movies, which included the new Netflix movie “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and the Chicago documentary series “City So Real.”
“Like everyone else, we were stuck inside a lot this year, and with streaming further blurring the lines between theatrical movies and television features, I’ve expanded the list to include visual storytelling that I’ve enjoyed this year, regardless of format,” he wrote on Instagram.
Among his other favorite viewing options were Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock,” David Fincher’s “Mank,” the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The Good Place.”
On Thursday, Obama kicked off his year-end roundup with his 17 favorite books of 2020, noting he was “deliberately omitting what I think is a pretty good book — ‘A Promised Land’ — by a certain 44th president,” Obama tweeted Thursday, referencing his own presidential memoir that debuted a month ago.
“I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I did.”
Among the buzz-worthy titles of 2020, he gave a shout out to Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste,” Raven Leilani’s “Luster” and Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half.”
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football team is in the College Football Playoff.
The Notre Dame Football program asserted themselves into the College Football Playoffs with another very good season in 2020. They had an undefeated regular season before a blowout loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game. It was a big loss but with their dominant regular season, people believed they would make it to the College Football Playoff regardless. The selection committee saw enough from them and decided they were one of the four best teams.
After the big loss, they fell to fourth from second. Alabama is number one, Clemson is number two, and Ohio State is number three ahead of them. Texas A&M was the team with the Irish in the conversation for the fourth spot but they came in fifth. Oklahoma jumped all the way up to sixth after their big Big 12 win. The top four never changed during any week that the committee got together, they just changed the order a few times.
The Irish are deserving of this playoff spot because of how good they are but the other teams having beef with the selection does make sense. Cincinnati has to be annoyed because they weren’t even in the top six. They are a “Group of Five” school and they never get any respect from the committee. You can make a nice argument that they deserve to be in over the Irish but the committee felt differently.
So now, the Irish have a big showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final. On Friday, January 1st, the Irish are going to face their toughest test to date with the Tide in the Rose Bowl with a chance at the National Championship on the line. That same day is when Clemson will play Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.
It is certainly going to be a tough task for the Irish. Alabama is an elite program year after year but 2020 has been different Mac Jones leads an amazing Alabama offense that will be tough for the Irish to contain. This is going to be a fun matchup to dissect until kickoff.
People usually get excited about the start of a new year. It is like we feel this is our opportunity to start a clean slate and get away from the negative things of the past year. I remember being hopeful for 2020. Now I cannot wait for 2020 to end. This year has been really challenging; however, it has given me the revelation that I am in control of my health. I can determine my health goals and what is success for me. You can do everything right and still experience health issues; however, living a healthy lifestyle will reduce your risk of experiencing issues with your health or reduce the impact health issues will have on your body.
One of my uncles was a chain smoker. When he had a problem with his lungs, he decided to quit smoking. At first, I thought now he wants to quit smoking. Then I realized at least he quit once he had the health issue. His quitting could have extended his life. There are people who have health issues and do not change their behavior to combat the issues. They have high blood pressure and do not exercise or change their eating habits. They are diabetic and do not make lifestyle adjustments.
Take this time to evaluate if you are really living healthy. A lot of people enter the new year with losing weight as their only resolution. I am not saying that is a bad goal. In the past, I have made weight loss resolutions. Now I have decided that I want to live well. I want to limit my consumption of process foods. Track my water intake to make sure I am hydrated. Make sure I am eating enough fruits and vegetables. Take the time to exercise on a regular basis. Do my best to sleep well and limit stress. Spend time in prayer and meditation. My ultimate resolution is to enjoy life and appreciate what I have and not worry about what I do not have.
As you prepare to enter 2021, try to find something that you are grateful for that happened in 2020. Think about the changes you need to make in 2021 to improve your wellbeing.
I have been interested in preventive medicine since my childhood. In the 70s, my aunt would take me with her to meet with a doctor who emphasized preventive medicine. A lot of the things that doctor discussed then has become standard today.
When high school basketball fans think back to the 1980s, programs like Quincy, Providence St. Mel, East St. Louis Lincoln and the arrival of city powers King and Simeon are easy to think back on.
The 1990s brought us memorable basketball giants in Peoria Manual and Thornton, a few steamrolling Proviso East teams and the continued dominance of King.
The first 10 years of the 2000s included Glenbrook North, Peoria High and the beginning of a Simeon juggernaut.
Now, with the calendar inching closer to wrapping up an unforgettable 2020, the end of this month closes out another decade. And it’s another high school basketball time period to look back on.
Earlier this year we broke down the decade’s best teams and best players. Now, with every season of the past decade complete, it’s time to look at the Chicago area programs who won the most.
This list is comprised of the 50 winningest programs over the past 10 years, starting with the 2010-11 season and concluding with the 2019-20 season. Every team in every class throughout the Chicago area will be broken down in a variety of ways. But total wins, with winning percentage used as tie-breaker, determined the rankings.
We present No. 43 North Chicago today and will add one program a day going forward.
43. NORTH CHICAGO: 186-123
Decade’s biggest storyline: The run in 2011-12 ended with an appearance in the Class 3A state championship — a program first. Although the Warhawks and star Aaron Simpson lost in the final to Peoria, it’s the best state finish in school history.
Underrated decade highlight: In addition to the 25-win team that reached the Class 3A state championship game in 2012, the decade also had a pair of lesser-known teams that got hot in March and brought home state hardware.
The Warhawks started off the decade with a fourth-place finish in 2011 after finishing the regular season with a 12-13 record. Then North Chicago added another fourth-place finish in 2018.
Player of the Decade: Aaron Simpson (2012)
All-Decade Team: Aaron Simpson (2012), Kurt Hall (2014), JaVairius Amos-Mays (2014), JayQuan McCloud (2014) and Tyrek Cooper (2018)
Other decade news and highlights:
-The Warhawks won a pair of sectional championships in 2012 and 2013 while combining to go 53-11. But both teams fell short of Peoria, losing to Orr in the super-sectional each season.
-The 2011-12 team set a school record with 28 wins.
North Chicago’s JaVairius Amos-Mays goes in for two as Elmwood Park’s Eddie Amparan watches.Sun-Times file photo
-Aaron Simpson was one of the bigger stars of the decade in Illinois, averaging 26.2 points a game as a senior and 22.2 points a game as a junior. As a senior he had three 40-plus point games, including 49 points in a win over Wauconda.
-Simpson broke North Chicago’s all-time scoring record.
-A much-talked about and still revered performance in North Chicago basketball lore came in January of 2012 — and again involved Simpson. After being undercut on a breakaway layup at Round Lake and crashing to the floor in the first quarter, Simpson went on a massive scoring binge.
Coach Gerald Coleman said Simpson didn’t get upset and held his composure but told the veteran coach after getting up off the floor, “They’re going to pay for this.”
Simpson went on to bury six threes and score 31 points in less than eight minutes of action and left the floor with 3:45 remaining in the first half. He played sparingly in the second half and finished with seven threes and 36 points.
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