Why Speaking Truth to Power Matterson November 30, 2020 at 3:37 am

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Why Speaking Truth to Power Matters

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Why Speaking Truth to Power Matterson November 30, 2020 at 3:37 am Read More »

Beer Preview: Haymarket Cold Dark Nighton November 30, 2020 at 4:51 am

The Beeronaut

Beer Preview: Haymarket Cold Dark Night

Beer Preview: Haymarket Cold Dark Nighton November 30, 2020 at 4:51 am Read More »

Mass honors victims, survivors and heroes of Our Lady of Angels fire 62 years lateron November 30, 2020 at 1:55 am

An oversized, multicolored quilt, deemed the “Quilt of the Angels,” was draped over the altar at the Church of the Holy Family in Little Italy for Sunday’s 5 p.m. Mass. The names and ages of all 95 victims from the Our Lady of Angels School fire in 1958 are stitched on each patch.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” said Larry Furio, a survivor of the tragic blaze that resulted in stricter fire safety codes nationwide.

Tuesday marks the 62nd anniversary of the Our Lady of Angels School fire that killed 92 elementary-school students and three nuns. On Sunday, about 50 people gathered for Mass at the Church of the Holy Family to remember the lives lost, the families of the victims, the survivors and the first responders.

During the ceremony, Furio and his lifelong friend and fellow survivor, Frank Giglio, read off the names of each victim. Several people in the congregation wiped tears from their eyes while others bowed their heads.

The pain of that day still lingers. The event rocked the West Side and resulted in many grief-stricken families moving away.

A multicolored quilt, deemed the “Quilt of the Angels,” was draped over the altar at the Church of the Holy Family in Little Italy for Sunday’s 5 p.m. mass bearing the names and ages of all 95 victims from the Our Lady of Angels School fire in 1958.

There’s not a day that goes by that Furio doesn’t think about that day. A second grader at the time of the blaze, Furio said the piercing screams and loud cries still haunt him.

“It was horrific,” Furio said. “I relive it all the time. I know [Giglio] relives it all the time. You think about it all the time.”

Giglio, who was also in second grade, started to cry as he recalled searching the school’s courtyard for his older brother, who was in eighth grade. Giglio said his brother managed to jump from the second-floor window and survived, but his cousin died.

“As bad as Vietnam was, I was 18 when I was there, nothing in my life got me prepared for what I saw [that day,]” Giglio said. “I was 7 years old, I’m 70. And it’s been with me ever since.”

This year’s memorial service almost didn’t happen because of the coronavirus, but organizers worked to ensure proper safety protocols were in place. Every other row of pews was roped off with brown-and-gold ribbon to ensure proper social distancing, and everyone in attendance wore masks.

Furio said it’s important to honor and remember the victims lost on that tragic day.

“There’s a sense of peace,” Furio said after the service. “But sometimes you feel guilty and say, ‘It could’ve been me.’ So it’s about the little things that you can do.

“As long as I’m breathing, I’ll be coming here. As long as we’re healthy, we’ll be here … We’re going to keep their names alive.”

Mass honors victims, survivors and heroes of Our Lady of Angels fire 62 years lateron November 30, 2020 at 1:55 am Read More »

‘Jingle Jangle’ actor Justin Cornwell says musical inspires ‘love, forgiveness, and redemption’on November 30, 2020 at 2:54 am

Chicago theater actor Justin Cornwell sees the importance of his upbeat new Netflix musical “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” amid trying times.

“It’s amazing to have the response that we’re getting from this movie,” said Cornwell. “I think everybody I’ve ever known has reached out to me telling me that they’ve seen the film three or four times. They are having such a visceral, emotional reaction to it because it feels like we are doing something that’s much needed. …

“For it to come out at a moment where I feel like everyone’s hearts are healing, or needed healing, it just feels like the right moment.”

The main storyline of the film, which features a predominately Black cast, focuses on inventor and toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, played by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, whose apprentice, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), steals his book of inventions and becomes a successful toymaker in the process.

Cornwell, who plays Jangle as a young man, sees similarities in the downward spiral of his “Jingle Jangle” character and the career setbacks faced by most actors.

“I think when you’re an actor, you live and die on every audition,” said Cornwell. “You feel that heartbreak when something that’s taken away from you as Gustafson did. You think: ‘Oh, someone stole my role, or that was mine.’ “

Justin Cornwell poses with the Buddy 3000 robot from “Jingle Jangle” at a Los Angeles drive-in premiere on Nov. 13.

For Cornwell, one such comedown was the cancellation of his CBS series “Training Day” after the death of his co-star and friend Bill Paxton.

“There were people who came to me and said: ‘Man, I didn’t even know if I’d see you again,’ ” he recalled.

“I think grief comes in waves and I don’t know if you ever get to the other side of it. Me and Bill became so close that we spent every day together, and then after work, we go and hang out at his house and work on the script. We would hang out on weekends when we weren’t working on the script. … It’s tough when you lose a guy you’re hanging out with every day. I don’t know if I’m on the other side of this, but I definitely feel like I can bring a little bit of deep understanding of life and depth to my work.”

While on the set, Cornwell says he got to have conversations with Whitaker about their shared character and how it fits into their theater backgrounds.

“I got to hang out with Whitaker a lot on set. We honed our character together, so it wasn’t like I’m doing my thing and he’s doing his thing,” said Cornwell. “And we’re more theater-type actors. We can deep dive into this character even if it’s a children’s movie; there’s so much to be discovered, here.

“I wouldn’t be here without Chicago theater. I had worked there for half a decade. .. We were also working on ‘A [Q Brothers] Christmas Carol,’ which had a whimsical theme, and I thought about that show while making this film.”

“Jingle Jangle” actor Justin Cornwell (right, with co-star Madalen Mills).

Cornwell says viewers can learn a lot from the film amid the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest — a time where people are reassessing what’s important to them.

“They [viewers] are going to find that love again,” said Cornwell. “That love for themselves. That love for their family; it’s about forgiveness and redemption. We have the ability to place our hand on something and change it into something else. … Children truly need to know that they are as powerful as anything in this world. I think that’s why I’m so happy to put this into the world. I wish I had it [the film] when I was a kid because I didn’t have a lot of those kinds of messages.”

And Cornwell believes roles like he played in “Jingle Jangle” can change an actor’s trajectory.

“It’s definitely one of those kinds of things you’d have to assess constantly when you’re doing an artistic career,” said Cornwell. “You have to assess constantly whether you’re going to go one direction or another because it can be changed depending on what you choose. … Our perspectives are beautiful as is every human perspective in the world, so it’s just amazing for me to be able to be a part of this. I’ll always work — pandemic or no pandemic — to try to be in pieces like this.”

‘Jingle Jangle’ actor Justin Cornwell says musical inspires ‘love, forgiveness, and redemption’on November 30, 2020 at 2:54 am Read More »

Frenzied, lascivious, and licentious: a woman in hystericsS. Nicole Laneon November 29, 2020 at 9:30 pm

Artist Selva Aparicio puts obstetric devices on the examination table.

Hys·te·ri·a /həˈstirēə,həˈsterēə/ : “a psychological disorder (not now regarded as a single definite condition) whose symptoms include conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms (somatization), selective amnesia, shallow volatile emotions, and overdramatic or attention-seeking behavior.…Read More

Frenzied, lascivious, and licentious: a woman in hystericsS. Nicole Laneon November 29, 2020 at 9:30 pm Read More »

Blackhawks: Alex DeBrincat can bounce back in 2020-21on November 29, 2020 at 9:41 pm

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - AUGUST 15: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights makes the second period save on Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on August 15, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) — EDMONTON, ALBERTA – AUGUST 15: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights makes the second period save on Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on August 15, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

Alex DeBrincat is the Chicago Blackhawks’ biggest bounce-back candidate.

The Chicago Blackhawks clearly believe in Alex DeBrincat. After two really great seasons to open up his NHL career, they gave him a lot of money over a long period of time with his second contract. The 6.4 million dollars a year for the next three years shows a lot of commitment to him. The contract is very fair for DeBrincat and the Hawks as he had 41 goals and 35 assists for 76 points in his second season. Those 41 goals don’t grow on trees as only a handful of NHL players reach that number in any given year.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, he wasn’t as prolific in 2020-21. He took a step back as he only scored 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points. That isn’t an awful total as he probably would have eclipsed 20 goals if it weren’t for COVID-19 but it is only half of the total from a year ago. You know how good you are if you are wildly disappointed with a 20 goal season.

When the NHL had it’s “Return to Play” Stanley Cup Playoffs after the COVID-19 pause, DeBrincat was pretty good again. He had two goals and four assists for six points in the nine games that Chicago played in. Those are not bad for playoff hockey, and his first taste of playoff hockey at that. It should leave him feeling good about his game going into next season.

We don’t know exactly when the NHL will be back but we can assume with a fair amount of confidence that it will be sometime in January. When they do come back, the Hawks need DeBrincat to be back on his game. He is a big key to the future of this organization.

The Hawks probably aren’t going to be very good. They don’t have Corey Crawford or Robin Lehner to make them look like a good team either but the offense might be exciting at least. They announced to the world that things might start to change as they start to rebuild their roster. Surely, Alex DeBrincat will be a big part of that.

He is not even 23 yet and has 45 goal potential in the NHL. He reached 41 in his second season and 28 in his rookie season. A down year in 2019-20 hasn’t changed that potential. This is a player that is going to have a bounce-back year when they return. It is clear that he has the talent, he just needs to put it all together. He should come into this season refreshed and motivated. Alex DeBrincat, as a 22-year-old, is an exciting player to have in your organization.

Blackhawks: Alex DeBrincat can bounce back in 2020-21on November 29, 2020 at 9:41 pm Read More »

On the anniversary of his death, a look at the life of George Harrisonon November 29, 2020 at 7:23 pm

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

On the anniversary of his death, a look at the life of George Harrison

On the anniversary of his death, a look at the life of George Harrisonon November 29, 2020 at 7:23 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Matt Patricia firing should send message to Ted Phillipson November 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)

Matt Patricia was relieved of his duties in Detroit, so why doesn’t the Chicago Bears brass take a hint?

Over the past two and a half seasons, the Chicago Bears have had a rollercoaster of a ride under head coach Matt Nagy. The honeymoon was romantic, after Chicago won the NFC North in 2018. But, since then, Chicago has taken a turn for the worse.

In the same year Nagy was hired, the Detroit Lions hired former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Coming to the Lions, Patricia was supposed to toughen those guys up and instill a similar style of play he saw in New England. After all, he came from a strong defensive club in the Patriots who simply had to “do their job” to be great.

Well, two and a half years in and the Lions have been mediocre at best. Saturday, Detroit’s brass made the decision to fire both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn.

The hilarious aspect of Detroit’s firing is how similar the Bears’ current situation is with Nagy.

Look at the facts. Patricia was brought to Detroit as a defensive mind. He was going to straighten their defense out and get them back to playing hard-nosed, disciplined football.

Under Patricia, the Lions have ranked as follows in total defense:

2020 (so far): 27th

2019: 31st

2018: 10th

This isn’t exactly what you’d like to see from a so-called defensive guru like Patricia.

Let’s check in on the Bears’ offense under Nagy during the same time frame:

2020 (so far): 31st

2019: 29th

2018: 21st

#Bears HC Matt Nagy: “Obviously we struggled mightily on offense. We had field position, we couldn’t convert on that. It overshadows how well our defense played. It’s been a constant theme. It’s been the same stuff over and over.”

— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) November 17, 2020

There are some remarkable similarities between Nagy and Patricia when looking at their tenure. At least Patricia’s Lions were respectable on defense during his first season there. The Bears’ offense was bottom-half in Nagy’s inaugural season with Chicago, and he was hired as a renown “offensive genius.”

Patricia came from the Bill Belichick tree. Maybe Patricia’s performance coaching on his own is a reflection of just how great Belichick was and still is. Nagy coached under Andy Reid, and in a similar fashion, his coaching in Chicago proves just how good Reid has been in the NFL.

Patricia and Nagy are great examples of why you don’t always trust the tree. Sure, some competent coaches come from great coaching legacies like Belichick and Reid. But, Patricia and Nagy have not been part of that prestigious group.

Detroit’s ownership had enough of both Patricia and Quinn, so they ended the duo’s tenure with the Lions. If Ted Phillips had an intelligent bone in his body, he would take a hint.

Nagy has been horrific in multiple facets of coaching. Whether it’s his play-calling, how he handles accountability with his players (or lack thereof) or his stubbornness to change philosophies, Nagy’s seat in Chicago is getting hotter by the week.

By the same note, general manager Ryan Pace’s job should be on the line. He’s failed miserably at the most important position in professional sports — and he’s done it three times!

Signing Mike Glennon, trading up to draft Mitchell Trubisky and trading for Nick Foles — all have proven to be cringe-worthy. This team has a championship-caliber defense, but the offense can barely tie their collective shoes.

Bears: 3 starters who could be cut in 2021

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I applaud Lions CEO and President Rod Wood for making the decision for drastic change. Lions fans should be looking ahead to better times in hopes that the team puts the right men in place going forward. Meanwhile, Bears fans continue to be rotting in quarterback purgatory while this franchise strives for average at best, year-in and year-out.

Chicago Bears: Matt Patricia firing should send message to Ted Phillipson November 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears on Pat Fitzgerald’s short liston November 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Nov 23, 2019; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald stands on the sidelines in a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Chicago Bears be interested in Northwestern’s head coach?

The Chicago Bears are at a cross roads. The are 5-5 having lost their last four straight and face the Green Bay Packers later this evening in prime time.

At one point in the season, it felt like the Bears would almost certainly make the playoffs. Now, fans are talking about how long it will be until they fire general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. It is not a forgone conclusion they will — not by a longshot. However, if they do, could they be interested in Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald?

Well, if they are the feeling might be mutual. According to a recent report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Bears might be the only team he would consider leaving Northwestern for.

Fitzgerald has a good gig at Northwestern and he knows it. He has enjoyed coaching at his alma mater where expectations aren’t unreasonable like they can be at many Power 5 schools.

In fact, he enjoys his current job so much, he rebuffed the Green Bay Packers when they wanted to interview him before hiring Matt LaFleur.

There are only 32 jobs in the NFL and every one, no matter the team, is highly coveted. So to turn down an interview says a lot. To turn down an interview with a historic franchise like the Packers, with a chance to coach Aaron Rodgers, speaks volumes.

What also speaks volumes is the fact that Fitzgerald would consider the Bears of the came calling. Surely, the geographic proximity likely plays a huge factor being that he’s a local guy.

Fitzgerald would be an interesting selection. Although his team lost to Michigan State on Saturday, prior to that point they were 5-0 and looking like a team that had an outside shot to make some noise in the race for a college football playoff berth.

Nevertheless, Fitzgerald has demonstrated a history of getting the most out the talent he has, leading a team that is not known for hitting on elite recruiting classes each year.

That’s a skill that would serve him well next year in Chicago who will need to find a way to maximize the limited talent they have on the offensive side of the ball.

Chicago Bears on Pat Fitzgerald’s short liston November 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »