The ChicagoBlackhawks are already looking forward to next year but there are a few players who need to have a strong finish to this year first.
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to have a strong finish to the season. They are currently six points out of the playoffs as March gets underway so there is still an outside chance they make it. Whether or not they do remains to be seen but it is unlikely. With that said, they might as well try. Guys like Patrick Kane, Dominik Kubalik, and Jonathan Toews are having really good years but in order for them to get back into the race, some other players are going to need to step it up.
They were already sellers at the deadline. They traded Robin Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights and Erik Gustafsson to the Calgary Flames. That tells everyone that they are more worried about the future and that is the way it should be from an organizational standpoint. With that said, good luck getting the players to think about the future.
All of the players in this organization are fueled to be much better as a team. There are still some of the core players there from the teams that won the Stanley Cup three times in six years. Those guys know what it takes to win and you’d have to think that they preach that at the younger players. That should motivate the ones who are not champions to follow in their footsteps. If they were to make the playoffs this year, it would be a great story of resiliency.
They can go for it all they want. Whether they make it or not, the most important thing is building for the future. They have some key future pieces in place but they need to keep building. For them to keep building, these three players need to finish 2019-20 strong:
The Chicago Bears are in need of pass-catchers, and a recent transaction might prove Chicago has a bigger issue at wide receiver than you think.
On February 21st, the Chicago Bears decided to release wide receiver, Taylor Gabriel. The 29-year old spent the last two seasons with the Bears organization, playing in 25 games with 18 total starts and accumulating 96 receptions for 1,041 yards and six total touchdowns.
By cutting the veteran, the Bears will be saving roughly $4.5 million in cap space. Gabriel was originally signed to bring a speed element to Matt Nagy’s offense. This was clearly something that Chicago was sorely lacking once Gabriel went down in the back half of the past season with concussion issues.
With that being said, the Windy City hopeful currently has the following receivers under contract entering the 2020 NFL season…
Excluding Return-Specialist, Cordarrelle Patterson, the Bears current receiving corps is full of route running specialists and “jump ball” receivers. The loss of Gabriel points to the Bears needing to add a receiver who can take the top off the defense.
Now, many may point to free agency as a valid pool to sign a deep-threat from, but this year’s NFL Draft Class is very deep at the receiving position, and it would be smart of the Bears to save cap space and draft a rookie to replace Taylor Gabriel. Here are five potential options that I think would be great fits for the Bears…
If you think the ChicagoBulls have had a rough season, you should see what they did in February.
The Chicago Bulls have been absolutely abysmal this season, but even still, it’s hard to wrap your head around the level of futility they put on display in February.
Let’s be real — the Bulls are a laughing stock. They have been for the last few years, but this season in particular. They have found new and inventive ways to embarrass themselves on and off the court.
Whether it’s calling a timeout down infinity points with 10 seconds left in the game, or inexplicably refusing to start Coby White after three consecutive 30+ points game (33, 33, and 35) against the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Oklahoma City Thunder, or even the level of contempt players have shown for their coach on and off the court, it’s been a disaster.
And while there have been season-long rumors of “changes” coming, the more details that come out, the more fans are left to feel like that change will be meaningless. Perhaps if things get cataclysmic over the course of the remaining six weeks or so, maybe they will make a real change.
Well, if February is any indication, they may be well on their way. Despite having an extra day in the month due to it being a leap year, the Bulls still only managed to win a grand total of — wait for it — one game! That was against the powerhouse aforementioned Wizards who sit at 22-37 overall. Go ahead and pop the champagne bottles, everyone!
Alright, sarcasm aside, that is tough to do. And I get that they have dealt with some injuries and that at this point, it is in their best interest to continue to lose (they currently hold the seventh overall pick AGAIN), but the problem is the way in which they have managed to accomplish this latest futile feat.
They look like a team that has very little interest in being on the court and even less hope that things are likely to improve. Ironically, it wasn’t that long ago that I forewarned of the possibility of losing the players, and slowly but surely, that prognostication appears to be coming to fruition.
The world’s largest Marvel comics exhibit is coming to The Museum of Science + Industry in Chicago this fall and it’s everything we never knew we wanted.
Photo Credit: Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes
Tickets went on sale for Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, opening on October 8, 2020, at MSI Chicago, during this past weekend’s C2E2, but they will soon be on sale for the public, as well. The exhibition will honor the history of Marvel Comics by placing over 300 artifacts on display, including original comic book pages, sculptures, interactive displays, and costumes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Previously on display at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, the Marvel exhibit sheds light on over 80 years of comic book tradition, starting with founder Martin Goodman. The company was initially named Timely Comics in 1939 until it became Atlas Comics in 1951. It wasn’t until 1961 that Marvel Comics officially released The Fantastic Four series, alongside other popular titles, bringing the likes of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko into the comic book scene. Marvel has always played with history in a way that gives fictional characters truly deep backstories and helps them tackle messages of gender, race, and mental illness. Now you can see it all for yourself on display at MSI Chicago.
Photo Credit: Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes
Explore the origins of some of Marvel’s most beloved characters, including Black Panther, Spider-Man, Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, and Black Widow, all on display at the MSI exhibit. Guests will have a first look at the makings of these comic book creations as life-sized replicas loom around them, and they’ll even get to play the heroes themselves through interactive displays. Ever wanted to see Thanos’s Infinity Stone-laced gauntlet? Dying for a look at Captain Marvel’s patriotic suit? Eager to hear the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack directly from Star-Lord’s Walkman? It’s all at the MSI this fall during the versatile Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit.
While general admission to the MSI doesn’t include this special event, you can buy tickets when they become available directly on the MSI website and explore the rest of the museum while you’re there. The Marvel exhibit will be on display through April 2021, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the MCU when it arrives on October 8, 2020.
Here’s a sneak preview of what the exhibit looked like while in Seattle!
It’s really no surprise, Chicago goes hard for St. Paddy’s day. Like really hard. And that is why as of 2020, for the second year in a row, Chicago is ranked as the Best City for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, according to WalletHub Reports.
With over half of America planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s day every year, spending an average of $40, and consuming, in general, a whopping 13 million pints of Guinness, it’s safe to say that this holiday brings in some serious revenue. In fact, besides New Year’s and Mardi Gras, St. Paddy’s Day is the third most popular drinking day and an estimated $5.6 billion is expected to be made this year. Over 400k Chicagoans watch 40lbs of green dye fill Lake Michigan and a 152 percent increase of beer is sold on this day. So, it only makes sense that the third largest city would have some leeway in St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Photo Credit: daverubens Instagram
Chicago is ranked 1st place for being the Best City for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Philadelphia coming in 2nd place, and Madison, Wisconsin following in 3rd. Other noteworthy ranks for the Windy City include 1st place in St. Patrick’s Day Parties and Festivals per Capita, 1st place for Irish Pubs and Restaurants per Capita, and 1st for Most St. Patrick’s Day Parties and Festivals per Capita. We came in 3rd for Lowest Average Beer Price, with only Rockford and Milwaukee beating us out. Our very own suburban Naperville, IL, came in 6th for overall Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Naperville also has the Highest Percentage of Irish Population in the United States. Check WalletHub Reports to see even more statistics.
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Bar Parties in Chicago
Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? We know the best bar parties to attend.
Originating from religious significance — known as the day Christianity was introduced to Ireland by Saint Patrick — St. Patrick’s Day has shifted to boozy times, festivals, parades, and a whole lot of greenery. Though it was originally a Christian feast day, commonly Lenten drinking and eating restrictions were halted on Paddy’s Day, boosting the heavy drinking tradition that holds now.
So, let the lit times roll. But with boozy celebration comes high rate car accidents, so please drink responsibly. Lyft and Uber are always a click away, but you can find parking easily when you use Chicago Parking Map. Check out our Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Guide for all the boozy brunches, deals, parties, and festivals happening in Chicago.
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
We’ve got a pretty serious case of spring fever now that May has arrived. Luckily, this is the time of year when the city of Chicago really starts ramping up for the best outdoor events. Here are the best things to do in Chicago this May!
Head to Soldier Field to enjoy endless samples of craft beer from breweries like Half Acre, Pollyanna Brewing Company, Abita, Brooklyn Brewery, and tons more. Tickets are selling fast, get a general admission ticket for $49. VIP tickets are $69 and extend each session by an hour.
May 2 | 10 am – 4 pm @ Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park
The perfect spring event for families invites you to Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park for a day of kite flying. Don’t have a kite? You can build your own during the event. The best part is admission is free!
May 5 | 12 pm @ Cermak Rd. & Damen Ave. to Marshall Blvd.
Kicking off at noon on Cermak and Damen, enjoy a festive parade in Little Village with live music, arts and crafts, and food and beverage that celebrates Mexican culture.
Treat yourself to an after-hours event at the zoo with delicious meals on wheels, such as donuts, tacos, pierogis, and more. The food truck social welcomes all ages. Ticket entry is $10.
May 16 | Gates Open 6 pm, Pre-party Begins 7 pm, Race Begins 8:30 pm @ Soldier Field
Join in on the world’s first running music festival storming Soldier Field. This 5k features live EDM music, lights, lasers, an illuminated race course, and a main stage after party with celebrity DJ performers. Early bird prices are only $29.99. Full registration is $49, so get your tickets as soon as possible!
May 23 | 12 pm @ State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren
This annual parade honoring fallen men and women of our nation’s armed forces is one of the largest in the country and is certainly a spectacle all should witness. The wreath-laying ceremony takes place at 11 am and the parade begins at noon.
May 23 – 24 | 11 am – 10 pm @ Sheffield from Belmont to Roscoe
Here to welcome the warm weather is one of Chicago’s best neighborhood street fests. From noon to 10 pm, enjoy plenty of food, drinks, and live music by tribute bands on Sheffield from Belmont to Roscoe.
The month of May calls for a scenic bike ride down Lake Shore Drive, free of cars! Join others for this event that benefits the Active Transportation Alliance. Registration varies for members and non-members and will increase on the day of the event.
May 29 – 31 | Fri 5 – 10 pm, Sat/Sun 12 – 10 pm @ 1000 W Armitage Ave
By now an annual Chicago tradition, Mayfest returns to bring live music, delicious food, and a great time to Lakeview. Hang out under the massive big-top tent, grab a drink from the beer garden, and kick back with your friends for only $10.
May 29 – 31 | Fri 5 – 10 pm, Sat/Sun 12 – 10 pm @ Division St. from Damen to Leavitt
This area of West Town is famous for throwing a street fest to kick off summer all along Division Street. Thanks to local vendors providing delicious bites and beer along the way, you can travel from Empty Bottle to Subterranean while shopping independent stores.
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
Tonight’s City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs features the most energetic, entertaining and informative of the new style “No holds barred,” youthful citizen-politicians: 14th Cong. District Republican Primary candidate Catalina Lauf.
The show airs at 8:30 pm and midnight on Cable Ch. 21 (CAN TV). It also repeats tmw night at 9:01 pm on Cable Ch. 21 (CAN TV).
Tmw night’s show featuring Catalina is followed by a City Club of Chicago event with 14th CD Democrat Party incumbent Lauren Underwood, so you can assess how Latina Catalina would size up as the Republican challenger to Cong. Underwood in the November election.
Running in a crowded field of seven in the Republican Primary, Catalina argues in the 29 minute show that she is the most Pro-life, Pro-Growth, Pro- 2nd Amendment, Pro- Capitalism, Pro- America First, Pro- Border Control, Pro-Trump, Pro-Killing of Iranian terrorist architect Soleimani, Pro-Trump trade policies, pro- breaking the Obama-Iran Agreement, Pro- Ending Endless wars and a few other pros you will have to watch the show to find out about
Not being shy, Catalina names names of which of her Republican Primary opponents she thinks only pay “Lip Service ,” to supporting the President, opposing tax increases and supporting the actions and proposals that she thinks will Make America Great Again, or perhaps she would say Keep America Great.
You can also watch 24/7 the program featuring the 26 year old Latina who was born and raised in the 14th CD (Woodstock) and whose mother is a legal immigrant from Guatemala and whose father is a native Chicagoan by clicking here.
I’m getting on a plane in a couple of hours. Am I nervous? Maybe a little nervous.
It’s off to Las Vegas and then heading to St. George, Utah. Why there? Because Utah will be my forty-seventh state in my search to visit all fifty.
Yes, in the midst of a pandemic epidemic, I’m going to be locked on an airplane with hundreds of strangers. Who knows who has what? I know I’ll be checking out the waiting area looking to see who is a likely candidate to pass on germs. Can you imagine the stares someone will get when they cough?
I know I’m not the only one that is somewhat nervous. People have been postponing international flights and vacations in mass. Conventions and trade shows have been cancelled. Why take unnecessary chances?
You might be asking, why are you taking that unnecessary chance? It’s not exactly a now or never thing. There are plenty of flights from Chicago to Vegas. Every day, on multiple airlines, from two different airports. This trip could be taken a month from now, or during the summer, or whenever. Why not be safe rather than sorry.
There’s a few answers to this:
a. The money is already spent. Flights and hotels have already been paid and are non-refundable.
b. I already cancelled this trip once. It was scheduled for February 2019, but ironically, I became ill. No virus…kidney stones.
c. Most importantly, I’M NOT SCARED!! Yeah, I’ll be taking some precautions, I’ve been washing my hands like crazy, but really, I’m not worried at this point. Ask me in a few days and that statement may be different, but not yet.
So, by tonight I’ll be in Utah. Three states to go. Nebraska, North Dakota and Alaska? I’m not sure how I’m going to get to two of those, but we’ll worry about that down the road. If all goes well, I’ll see you sometime over the weekend. If not, see you on the other side. By the way…does anyone know if there’s anything interesting to do in St. George?
My so called friends think it’s time to edit this section. After four years, they may be right, but don’t tell them that. I’ll deny it until they die!
I can’t believe I’ve been writing this blog for four years.
It started as a health/wellness thing and over the years has morphed to include so many things that I don’t know how to describe it anymore.
I really thought this was going to be the final year of the blog but then Donald Trump came along. It looks like we’re good for four more years..God help us all!
Oh yeah…the biographical stuff. I’m not 60 anymore. The rest you can read about in the blog.
Are you having a joyful Lent? I know. It’s early, but I am! How is that possible? Isn’t Lent supposed to be depressing? Sackcloth and ashes? Refraining from the sweets we crave? Moping around on Friday because meat is forbidden? Looking dour and pious?
I’ve been Catholic for over half my life and have mostly taken the view that Lent was depressing. Not this year. Maybe age has changed my outlook or maybe I’m just tired of the negativity.
This year I’ve decided to spend Lent in gratitude. Every day I’m grateful for my good health and the good health of my family. I’m grateful for our music ministry and the church we attend. I’m grateful for retirement and even Chicago’s weather (which has been pretty good lately)!
I am grateful for my friends especially the ones who have struggled through life’s most awful experiences. They have shown me true grace under pressure.
Tax time is fast approaching and though this year will be challenging because of the many changes in our financial situation, I’m grateful for that, too.
Despite the threat of the Coronavirus, I’m looking forward to traveling this year. Unless plans are cancelled, I’m looking forward to a trip of a lifetime. If that falls through, I’ve got Plan B in the back of my mind, ready to implement. No, I’m not afraid.
Years ago a friend told me how much she enjoyed Lent. Huh? She described it as a joyful preparation to the ultimate joyful event in history: the Resurrection.
In these tumultuous times, my prayer for you is that your Lent is joyful. I pray that you are grateful for all that you have and the abilities it gives you. Spend your Lent in joyful prayer in preparation for the Resurrection and a renewal of faith.
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Louder Than a Bomb and Young Chicago Authors alum Jamila Woods returns to the LTAB Festival to perform during halftime of the slam poetry finals on Saturday, March 21 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. This year marks the fest’s 20th year of supporting young spoken word artists–Chance the Rapper is another successful alum–and the anniversary events are inspired by Muhammad Ali’s 1975 poem “Me. We.”
“Each year we set a mantra that carries us into the fest and lives on to become a prompt for many of the poems,” says Young Chicago Authors Operations Manager Nicole Humphrey. “We take the ‘me’ to represent the individual investment, contribution, and experience, the singular and unique voice. Ali referred to the ‘heart quality’ and ‘loving manner’ in which we make room for individual stories, with the notion that nothing is greater than the collective voice, the ‘we.’ It is only when we uplift both that we begin to chip away at the barriers that keep us apart, making our communities more just and equitable.”
There are free events all month long to celebrate two decades of the fest, including an open mic celebrating Latinx artists on Saturday, March 7 at Young Chicago Authors; a panel discussion about the impact of Louder Than a Bomb moderated by avery r young on Sunday, March 22 at Stony Island Arts Bank; an evening copresented by the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) featuring Muslim artists on Thursday, March 26 at IMAN; and Louder Than a Prom, an alternative prom for Chicago students aged 13-19 on Saturday, April 4 at Ace Hotel.
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