Kyle Schwarber says goodbye to Chicago Cubs fans on social media.
The Chicago Cubs decided to make a couple of tough decisions this week. They decided to tender the contract of Kris Bryant but chose to let Kyle Schwarber and Alber Almora go untendered. This is sad for both guys leaving but it hits especially hard for fans in terms of seeing Schwarber go. He was one of the five guys you would consider to be a part of the position playing core that has been getting it done for many years now.
He wasn’t very good in 2020 but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t an important player for them. He is a super nice man and everyone loved playing with him. He isn’t very good defensively but he has gotten better as the years went on. Prior to 2020, which was a short 60 game season because of COVID-19, he was a pretty good offensive player. As recent as 2019, he had 38 home runs and 92 RBIs which are great power numbers but his average was only .250. which was the highest single-season average of his career.
The fact that power was the only tool he has is probably the biggest reason they didn’t tender him and aren’t likely to bring him back. That doesn’t take away that what he did well was very exciting for fans to watch. People are going to miss him despite the fact that this move was probably for the better.
Kyle took to social media on Thursday to say goodbye to fans of the Cubs. He went through and listed the achievements that he and his teammates accomplished during his tenure and showed gratitude towards all who were there along the way.
As you can see above, Schwarber clearly has a lot of love for this team in his heart. He is right about the fact that they have very successful and they all deserve a lot of credit for it. The way it is ending is sad for fans and members of the organizations but it is what it is. There are going to be a few teams that line up to add a left-handed power bat to the middle of their lineup so Schwarber will be around next year.
Who knows, the Chicago White Sox could use a big left-handed bat so maybe he doesn’t even leave the city. They have a few guys that could be the designated hitter if needed and we don’t know how free-agency will work for them but Schwarber might be a nice fit. Either way, it is good to know that Schwarber is going out with happiness in his heart towards the city of Chicago.
A retired Chicago firefighter was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with would-be carjackers Thursday afternoon in Morgan Park on the Far South Side, police said.
Dwain Williams, 65, had left a popcorn shop, Lets Get Poppin’, at 11758 S. Western Ave., and walked to his vehicle when a dark-colored sedan pulled up and four men got out, authorities said.
There was an exchange of gunfire, and Williams, who lived in the Longwood Manor neighborhood, was shot in the abdomen, authorities said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
Retired Chicago firefighter Dwain Williams was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking on Dec. 3, 2020.Provided photo/Andrew Holmes
Williams was a lieutenant who retired from the Fire Department about two years ago after joining in 1992, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.
His final assignment was with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where he was going to return to work as a civilian employee as soon as next week because “he really loved working in that environment,” Langford said.
Speaking at the scene, Southwest Side Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) said Williams was a decorated member of the fire department.
“I can tell you he was a hero,” O’Shea said. “He spent his entire career working hard as a first responder for our great city. What a tremendous loss.”
The suspects were last seen fleeing west on 118th Street in the sedan, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if any of them had been shot.
Community activist Andrew Holmes said the William’s wife and four children have been left “traumatized” by his seemingly random killing.
“His wife, she just wants her husband,” Holmes said. “That was her soul mate for over 30 years.”
“They’re trying to make sense of it, which it doesn’t make any sense,” Holmes said. “Why would you just take his life? If you wanted the car — this is one thing his whole family said — he would’ve gave you that car, keys and all.”
After Williams dedicated his career to saving lives, Holmes added, “all of a sudden, people take his.”
The shooting comes amid a spike in carjackings across the city. Chicago police have responded to 1,229 carjackings this year through Nov. 22, more than double the 514 carjackings in Chicago in all of 2019, according to data obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“The Chicago Police Department is well aware of the increase in vehicle hijackings; we’re doing our best right now to increase the capabilities of our citywide task force,” Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott said at a news conference at the scene.
Earlier in the year, another deadly shooting took place at a restaurant just blocks away.
One person was killed and four other people were wounded in August when someone opened fire at a man who was dining at Lumes Pancake House, 11601 S. Western Ave.
McDermott assured residents that the department was doing everything it could to curb violence in the neighborhood.
“The message is we hear their concerns loud and clear, and that we understand the fears that they’re going through,” he said. “We all have people that we know that live in this community that shouldn’t have to live in fear.”
LOS ANGELES — Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. We’ll take any and all feel-good moments in a year of scarcity.
Mariah and Dolly and Charlie Brown are among the comforts TV is offering this month, and not a moment too soon. Here’s a sampling from broadcast networks, cable and streaming services.
Carrie Underwood performs during her holiday special “My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood,” streaming on HBO Max. AP
Holiday harmony
— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. The singer performs tunes from her new holiday album and traditional songs, backed by her band, a choir and an orchestra led by Ricky Minor.
— “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star.
— “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, CBS. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.
— “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir,” 8 p.m. Dec. 14 (check local listings), PBS. Broadway musical star Kelli O’Hara and actor Richard Thomas are part of the annual program, taped before an audience last year in Salt Lake City.
— “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 15 (check local listings), PBS. Vanessa Williams hosts and performs on a celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 album, with Dee Dee Bridgewater and Norm Lewis among those appearing.
— “Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event,” 7:30 p.m. (taped), Dec. 20, CBS. Brooks and Yearwood will perform holiday songs chosen from among fan requests submitted beforehand via Brooks’ Facebook Watch show.
Merry movies
— “The Princess Switch: Switched Again,” now streaming on Netflix. The saga continues as look-a-likes Stacy, a Chicago baker, and Lady Margaret, heir to the Montenaro throne, swap lives once more. Vanessa Hudgens again conveniently fills both roles.
Madalen Mills stars as Journey Jangle in a scene from the holiday special “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.” AP
— “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” now streaming on Netflix. Forest Whitaker is one of the big names in this tale of a toymaker in need of a miracle, with Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose and Keegan-Michael Key in the cast.
— “Godmothered,” Dec. 4, Disney +. Novice fairy godmother Eleanor (Jillian Bell) tries to prove her profession is still valid and unexpectedly puts her gifts to work for a widowed mom (Isla Fisher) who has abandoned hope.
— “Christmas Ever After,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Lifetime. Tony-winner Ali Stroker (“Oklahoma!”) plays Izzy, a romance novelist whose writer’s block may be overcome by a handsome bed-and-breakfast owner (Daniel di Tomasso).
Dolly Parton is shown in a scene from her holiday special, “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” airing Dec. 6 on CBS.AP
__ “A Christmas for Mary,” 8 p.m. Dec. 8, OWN. Rising journalist Lena’s (Morgan Dixon) hoped-for promotion — and true love — may happen, with help from a portrait. Vivica A. Fox and Jackee Harry co-star.
— “Marry Me This Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Bounce. Brandon Jay McLaren stars as a pastor who’s helping a couple prepare for a wedding he’d rather see not happen — he’s in love with the bride-to-be (Gabrielle Graham).
— “The Christmas Setup,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Lifetime. New York lawyer Hugo (Ben Lewis) heads home to Milwaukee, where matchmaking mom Kate (Fran Drescher) sets him up with his high school crush, Patrick (Blake Lee).
— “Love, Lights, Hanukkah!”, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Hallmark. Christina (Mia Kirshner) is readying her restaurant for Christmas, with a DNA surprise and unlikely romance on the menu. Ben Savage and Marilu Henner co-star.
— “Christmas She Wrote,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Hallmark. Writer Kayleigh (Danica McKellar) escapes home after her column is canceled, but there’s no hiding from the responsible, if very handsome, culprit (Dylan Neal).
— “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 7 p.m. Dec. 24, NBC. Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is floundering amid self-doubt, but family, neighbors and Clarence the angel come to the rescue in filmmaker Frank Capra’s 1946 enduring favorite.
Stocking stuffers
— “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 (check local listings), PBS. Protests followed the 1965 broadcast evergreen’s removal to Apple TV+ , with PBS’ telecast the compromise. Or see it on the streaming service during a free Dec. 11-13 window.
— “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” 7 p.m. Dec. 9, NBC. Matthew Morrison of Broadway and “Glee” fame stars in the adaptation of Theodor Geisel’s book, with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” among the tunes in the London stage production.
— “Silent Night — A Song for the World,” 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 23, CW. The origin and cultural influence of the 200-year-old carol is recounted in a musical documentary that includes Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban and the Vienna Boys Choir.
— “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” 6:40 p.m. Dec. 5, Freeform. Looking different than everyone else is a burden that turns to joy for a heroic reindeer in the 1964 special narrated by Burl Ives, he of the mellifluous voice.
— “The Lights Before Christmas: Radiance by Rail,” Dec. 22, BritBox. Take a virtual trip through rural England aboard an eight-carriage, 1940s train cruising by illuminated station displays and through the landscape of Shropshire county.
A 67-year-old man was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with would-be carjackers Thursday afternoon in Morgan Park on the Far South Side, according to police.
He was on the street about 2:10 p.m. in the 2400 block of West 118th Street when four suspects approached and tried to take his vehicle, Chicago police said.
One of the suspects pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the man in the abdomen, police said.
The man pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the would-be carjackers, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if any of them were struck.
The man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details on the death.
No arrests have been reported. Area Two detectives are investigating.
Chicago is known for its hot dogs. The iconic Chicago Dog—an all beef dog dressed to the nines with yellow mustard, white onion, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato, sport peppers and celery salt—is sought after by tourists and Chicagoans alike in a way that endears it to the city’s culinary lexicon like no other food item can. That’s an elegant way to describe the Chicago Dog. The Chicago way would be to simply say it’s a damn great food item and when you get it from Devil Dawgs, you’re getting it from a damn great hot dog stand. We’ve even ranked Devil Dawgs on our list of the best hot dogs in the entire city.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stumbled into the South State Street location after a long night of drinking for a couple of Chicago dogs and a bucket of fries because I lived right there. There’s something so beautiful about it that I can’t describe. And now, to celebrate 10 years, Devil Dawgs is thanking customers with $1 Chicago Dogs on Wednesday, December 9th and Thursday, December 10th.
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Here’s how you can take advantage of the best deal to hit Chicago since the Bears decided not to extend Mitchell Trubisky: You can get your dog from any of Devil Dawgs four locations by ordering online for pickup or delivery at www.DevilDawgs.com. It’s that easy. Figure out which location is closest to you, order online, go pick it up.
Now unfortunately the Lincoln Park location will be closing temporarily on December 14th. The location, right off DePaul’s campus at Sheffield and Webster was a go-to spot for students for 10 years. A good friend of mine lived literally right across the street from the small stand while he attended and it’s a restaurant that holds a special place in my Blue Demon hearts. While the nostalgia may give way to the iconic colored-brick stand, the company is exploring options to move to a new location within the neighborhood so students and Lincoln Park residents can still enjoy a juicy, tasty Chicago dog just as they always have. The goal is to reopen in a new spot by the summer of 2021.
Courtesy of carryout, delivery, Zoom and FaceTime, families and friends can celebrate the holidays together, despite the pandemic. Restaurants throughout the Chicago area are offering delicious meals, minus the fuss and most of the clean-up. Better yet, guests can order their meal of choice. In 2020, that’s as good as it gets.
The following are just a few of the options. Remember-restaurants that do special menus for one holiday almost always do them for others, so spend some time checking the various websites. Another caveat: Make sure you order well in advance of the holiday.
Chef Partners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris are doing a Hanukkah dinner, complete with brisket, potato latkes, and a tzimmes made with beets, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and leeks.
Aba, 302 N. Green Street, 3rd floor 773.645.1400
Complete with matzo ball soup, hummus, brisket and rugelach, Aba’s Hanukkah menu is available throughout the holiday.
Christmas Eve:
Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted 312.421.0077.
At Piccolo Sogno, guests can enjoy a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, either in the restaurant’s heated tent or at home, if you opt for carryout. The set menu includes clams, oysters, risotto with Maine lobster and Branzino.
Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State Street 312.642.8450
The restaurant’s Feast of the Seven Fishes menu, complete with clams, grilled octopus, ricotta cheesecake with caramel sauce, and a seafood stew is available for carryout.
Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State Street 312.642.8450
Christmas
The Duck Inn, 2701 S. Eleanor 312.724.8811
Think “duck for dinner,” and then call The Duck Inn to reserve one of their signature whole rotisserie ducks, complete with duck fat potatoes, seasonal fruits, and a duck jus reduction.
Virtual Cooking Classes
A lot of people are cooking more than they’ve done in past years, and many of the area’s top toques are doing virtual cooking classes via Zoom. Ingredient kits are typically available for pick-up prior to the lesson.
Chef Gene Kato (Momotaro): Temaki Wednesday, December 16, Ramen Thursday, December 17
Chef Leigh Omilinsky (Swift & Sons): Holiday Sticky Buns Wednesday, December 9
Carole is an arts, entertainment and food journalist. She writes “Show Me Chicago” and “Chicago Eats” for ChicagoNow and covers Chicago places and events for Choose Chicago (City of Chicago) as well as freelancing for a variety of publications.
BARBARA REVSINE
I started writing when I was in grade school. And when I wasn’t writing or thinking about writing, I was reading what someone else had written. So it wasn’t a stretch for me to think about writing as a career. Neither was it a stretch to think about writing about food, a subject I’d always found interesting, more in terms of history, cooking, restaurants and culture than eating and critiquing. Decades after selling my first story, my interest in writing about food continues, and “A Bite of Chicago” gives me another opportunity to pursue my passion with people who share it.
A longtime fan favorite should be back with the ChicagoBulls somehow, some way.
By now, most have probably heard about former Chicago Bulls center and 13-year NBA veteran Joakim Noah being released from the Los Angeles Clippers. His plan, going forward, is likely headed towards retirement.
After being drafted 9th overall back in 2007, Noah spent a total of nine seasons with the Bulls before spending short stints with the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies and most recently, the Clippers.
In a year where the Bulls have undergone tons of change within leadership, it would be a pleasant sight to see Noah brought back to Chicago for one or two purposes.
First of all, Noah should undoubtedly retire as a Bull. Signing him to a 1-day contract so that he could retire in Chicago is an absolute must.
Secondly, Noah may end up being a great candidate to be an assistant in some fashion. As stated, the Bulls brought in new leadership up above with Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, but most importantly, they hired Billy Donovan to be their head coach.
Noah played under Donovan back at the University of Florida before the coach made his jump to the pros. Now would be the perfect time to come back to Chicago, under Donovan, to help in whatever way they see fit.
Chicago is hoping to get a breakout from their young center Wendell Carter Jr., another former lottery pick, and Noah could be a strong mentor for him. Like Noah, Carter is a fairly well-rounded center. But, unlike Noah, Carter still has a little ways to go defensively.
That defensive tenacity is something the Bulls are likely going to focus more on after struggling on that side of the ball, and Carter should play a big part of that. Having Noah back in Chicago to potentially help push Carter in practice and coach him along could help his development in a big way.
o2x All-Star o2013-14 All-NBA First Team o2013-14 DPOY o2015 Citizenship Award oBest soundbite in the NBA oAll heart
Joakim Noah will always be a Bulls legend for what he did on and off the court pic.twitter.com/QE6HrAm8Nh
In his nine seasons with the Bulls, Noah was a 2-time All Star and the 2013-2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. To this day, he remains one of the more underrated big men to ever play the game — two All Star appearances seems a bit on the light side for a guy like Noah.
Not only a great defensive player, Noah developed a nice mid-range jump shot over his time in Chicago while also proving to be one of the better passing big men in the league. In addition to averaging a career double-double, Noah’s averaged 3.7 assists per game in 13 seasons.
He may be leaning towards retirement, but having Noah back in Chicago in a year like this would mean everything to fans. It’s time for the coaching staff and organization to do the right thing and bring him back on a 1-day contract, and if we’re lucky, as a contributor to the staff as well.
Chicago 3 year old twins Columbia Skye and Meadow Reign known as The Heath Dolls; are amongst the youngest to own their own advertising company called Fancy Like Mommy! That’s right their mom Nellisa Heath a Chicago native started the catchy named brand in 2017 shortly after the girls were born. Now at just 3 years old the duo has officially taken over the brand with a new look, new style and enhanced vision.
What was once a small boutique carrying styles to mimic mommy, is now an entire shopping and lifestyle hub for girls! They plan to feature must haves from clothing and accessories, to toys, to hair products, and much more! In addition to that Fancy Like Mommy has partnered with Chicago’s own TK photography and The Look Chicago to offer a complete advertising package inclusive of photos, videos, billboards, tv segments and more! What’s even better is the girls will not only work with the national brands you may already be familiar with, they plan to intentionally work with small businesses who need the exposure the most.
With more than 60,000 Tik Tok views, features from A list celebrities, websites, magazines and blogs, the duo has the world watching to see what’s next. To learn more about Fancy like Mommy and or to learn how you can advertise with the company, visit www.Fancylikemommy.com
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