The ChicagoBlackhawks are officially back in the playoff mix if the NHL ends the season with the proposed 24 team playoff format.
Before the National Hockey League was forced to pause, the Chicago Blackhawks looked to be headed to a third straight spring without a Stanley Cup Playoff appearance. Bad management is the sole reason for that after a decade of being one of the league’s best teams. Now, after this season, they will look for a way to be a playoff team with this core once again. With that said, the season’s pause might allow them to be a playoff team this year after all.
There is a proposal on how to handle the playoffs when the season resumes that include a 24 team format. That would include the Chicago Blackhawks. Darren Dreger, one of hockey’s top insiders, has confirmed that this is a strong option. They would be in the playoffs if they went that route and eliminated the bottom seven teams. Obviously, playing at all is a best-case scenario for the NHL but the Hawks would then have a chance to host playoff games.
No matter how they formatted the top 24 playoffs, Chicago would have a fighters chance to make some noise. Players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Corey Crawford all have the experience necessary to at least give them a fighters chance. If any of the top teams are awarded byes, the Blackhawks would certainly not be one of those teams. They are going to have to play an elite team in every round they could possibly get to.
The Blackhawks are not a very good team, but they have stars on the squad that are the only reason they would get into a format like this. They would probably be viewed as that borderline playoff team that “nobody wants to play”. They still have great players and the United Center is a very difficult building to play in as the road team during the playoffs. Once that National Anthem gets going the crowd makes it difficult for the opposition.
If there was any positive to come out of a season that was paused right before the end, it would be for a fanbase like Chicago’s to have something to cheer about. The world is a tough place right now and when the tough times are over, hockey has a chance to make people smile again. This playoff format or some variation of it would be very cool.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears congratulate Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the New Orleans Saints after their game at Soldier Field on October 20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Nothing screams “NFL free agency” like chaos, pandemonium, and uncharted territory. And the ChicagoBears have already gotten involved in the festivities.
In what was one of the more eye-opening starts to the free agency tampering period, quite a few shocking trades and big-money contracts were agreed upon. It would seem the Chicago Bears are poking and prodding around as they try to wade these muddy waters, given they have been connected to just about any free-agent quarterback and possible trade targets.
Yesterday afternoon seemed to be the beginning of the excitement, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Chicago was, in fact, having contract discussions with Teddy Bridgewater, a top of the list free agent signal-caller. If a deal was agreed upon, there was a very high chance that Mitchell Trubisky was finished in the Windy City. You can’t pay Bridgewater $21 million a year if he’s going to be the backup.
However, that news fizzled quickly as Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network countered an hour later that talks had dissolved and there were “Other QB options in play there”. What other options?
Quite the dropoff in quality, but both would provide an adequate challenge for Trubisky. Or at the very least, keep the pressure on him until he would crack, and give way to the starting job. It would be the plan that the Tennesee Titans executed in the prior offseason a la the Ryan Tannehill trade. At the very least, it’s confirming every report over the last two months that we’ve heard about regarding the Bears needing competition for Trubisky.
Both deals for either quarterback would look vastly different, but the point isn’t to discuss what those deals would look like or what would a deal with Bridgewater would look like if he had a change of heart.
We’re here to talk about the Chicago Bears riding something of a roller coaster, with no end in sight.
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If they haven’t already taken Trubisky’s confidence out back behind the shed to put it down like Old Yeller, they soon will. Ryan Pace openly said that Mitch was their starter back in December.
Guess you shouldn’t believe what you’re told.
At this point, Pace knows he needs to save his job. If he lets Trubisky run the show this year, he may as well begin to pack his belongings because that’s pure negligence towards a roster he spent four years tearing down and then building back up.
But sure! Just go ahead and give Jimmy Graham $9 million GUARANTEED!
This deal is so befuddling I really have no idea what else to say. I do think there are silver linings (I think):
He hasn’t missed a game since 2015
Outproduced all 50 Bears tight ends in 2019 from a statistical standpoint
Is quite possibly the best tight end on their current roster (that felt wrong to type out)
Was technically cut by the Packers so he wouldn’t count against their Compensatory pick formula
Paying him that much money isn’t the end of the world, even though that’s money that could have been spent elsewhere. But from a fit standpoint, I have a hard time seeing the logic. I can’t tell if I find it comical or just the worst signing* of the day. It just feels so out of place. Graham has fallen off big time and moves like he’s stuck in quicksand. I don’t even think I could tell you what his role would be in Matt Nagy’s offense (just don’t have him block…or catch for that matter).
*It might be the worst signing of the day, but it’s not the worst transaction of the day (Bill O’Brien gets that distinction for ruining the Houston Texans)
I can’t tell if quarantining and social distancing has made me delusional or maybe I’m starting to feel the effects of Cabin Fever, but this is one of the strangest opening days for the Bears free agency period in years. Going from a Teddy Bear to Jimmy Graham. Hard to really get a grip on the roller coaster when it has a mind of its own.
Do the ChicagoBears’ moves so far in free agency suggest they’re focused more on 2021?
The NFL legal tampering period is officially in full swing and the Chicago Bears have been heavily involved in the rumors that have been swirling throughout social media since Wednesday. However, while fans have focused on the moves that could be made, an interesting trend is developing with respect to the moves they aren’t making. Could it all suggest that general manager Ryan Pace is really gearing up for the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look at why that could be the case.
For the last day and a half, rumors have linked the Bears to Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, and Nick Foles. And with the news that the Carolina Panthers will work with Cam Newton to seek a trade, his name has become en vogue.
Right now, that would give them a total of nine picks with the possibility of adding more picks depending on what additional moves they make.
All of this is, of course, dependent on what additional moves the Bears make, as the compensatory formula takes into account the players lost and gained through free agency. In other words, bringing in a high-cost quarterback would most certainly jeopardize their current compensatory pick haul.
Perhaps the Bears aren’t sold on Mitchell Trubisky, but they may also not be sold on any of the quarterback options available via free agency or a trade. If that’s the case, it is at least conceivable that they could be trying to accumulate as much draft capital as possible to make a run at one of the high profile quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft which will include Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Brock Purdy, among others.
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Ryan Pace and the ChicagoBears made a big-time move on Tuesday, agreeing with pass rusher Robert Quinn.
The Chicago Bears got off to a weird start on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period. General manager Ryan Pace signed veteran tight end Jimmy Graham to a 2-year, $16 million deal to come in and help what was a major weakness in 2019.
Following the Graham signing, most fans were perplexed. I have to say, I was not thrilled.
Tuesday, though, brought new joy as a Bears fan. Pace made a couple of moves back to back which should only bolster an already-stout defense.
First, the Bears announced they were cutting ties with veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. The fifth-year option would have cost the Bears $13.5 million for a guy who has failed to produce a double-digit sack season after coming to the Bears as a touted first-round pick four years ago.
At the same time, the Bears agreed to terms with former Dalllas Cowboys Pro Bowl pass rusher Robert Quinn.
The #Bears are signing pass-rusher Robert Quinn to a 5-year, $70 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed, agent Sean Kiernan from @SelectSports tells me and @TomPelissero. A new home for the former #Cowboys star after a huge year.
The 29-year old Quinn comes to the Bears as a former All Pro and posting double-digit sacks four times in his career, including 11.5 last season with Dallas.
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Looking at the deal, overall, it does include a potential out after the first two seasons, so this is essentially a 2-year deal and, if Quinn stands out, could end up lasting longer.
In cutting Floyd, the Bears don’t end up spending a bunch of net cash on Quinn in the immediate future, which certainly helps justify the financial aspect of it. Still, Quinn’s deal is more than anyone anticipated the Bears spending on an edge rusher.
Most did not expect Pace to make a huge deal like this, at least not with a pass rusher. While that position was a need this offseason, it wasn’t considered at the top of the priority list — at least from fans and analysts.
Regardless of what happens on the opposite side of the ball (and I do believe Pace will make something happen there, as well) the Bears are set up to make a Super Bowl run. Pace has made his intentions clear with bringing in Quinn.
Hey moms and dads! Since you’ll be spending the next month or so indoors its the perfect time to plan ahead for those postponed outings. Whether it’s attending a birthday party, sporting event, wedding, or family dinner, The Heath Dolls has some stylish suggestions on what your kids can wear and where you can shop the look!
MiMi’s Tot Closet
This fitted pink sweater with balloon lace sleeves paired with leather oversized joggers turned a lot of heads when worn by The Heath Dolls at the16th annual kids expo. These pieces are very trendy and can easily be repurposed to create different looks. You can pair the sweater with a pleated skirt for school pictures or pair the pants with a sweatshirt for a sporting event! These are the perfect pieces to add some of the latest trends to your closet! Visit the link below for more trendy clothing for kids!
This Nike oversized sweatshirt with customized sleeves was worn by The Heath Dolls to All star Rookie USA Fashion show by Haddad brands. Custom pieces like these allow you to be creative and have so much fun with different textures, colors and patterns. Visit the link below for your custom creations by Lisa Murray!
One of top trends on the runway are mix matching prints and patterns. These tiny trend setters are wearing coordinating looks boasting snake skin print and stripes! Prints that compliment each other can be worn together or separately. Allow your child to have some fun by mixing some of their favorite prints in their closet for your next weekend outing! Email [email protected] for a personal styling or shopping inquiry today!
Fancy Like Mommy
Finding formal wear for kids can sometimes be difficult. Fancy Like Mommy personal styling and shopping can take the stress away by helping you find the perfect look for any occasion. These coordinating looks boast beautiful feathers and sparkle which are trends that never seem to go out of style. Email [email protected] for a personal styling or shopping inquiry today!
507 W. Menomonee St. in Chicago: $1,995,000 | Listed on Jan. 13, 2020
This Old Town Triangle home has four bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The limestone rowhouse was designed by award winning firm Sullivan Goulette & Wilson. The custom kitchen includes cabinetry by Bovelli as well as Wolf and Subzero appliances. The home also features formal living and dining rooms with coffered ceilings and moldings, a family room with custom built-ins, wide-plank hardwood flooring and Pella architectural series windows. Upstairs is a private, south facing rooftop terrace.
Agent: Tim Sheahan and Mark Icuss of Compass, 773-968-9889
Murphy is a handsome, sweet and shy, 11-year-old, 41-pound, male cream Shar Pei looking for a loving guardian.
Murphy is nervous with new people at first and will growl when he’s uncomfortable. But he’s absolutely wonderful once you get to know him. He’ll be great with an experienced Shar Pei-lover.
He is good with select dogs at the kennel – mostly females, but some males.
Sadly, his human is in hospice and he was given to rescue to find a home.
Because he’s nervous, he’s best with adults and teens, and not small children.
He is a healthy seniore, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, heartworm-tested, on monthly preventative and micro-chipped. His adoption fee of $200 benefits the rescued pets of Pei Land Shar Pei Rescue.
To meet and possibly adopt Murphy, please contact Jen at [email protected] or 630-553-7829.
Chicago, the city named the #1 place to celebrate St. Patricks Day will be taking things a little slower today as our new normal has shut down many of our decades old traditions–not to mention restaurants and bars.
Dyeing the River Green
One of our most famous traditions, dyeing the Chicago River green, sadly has been “postponed” this year. At this point all we can do is wait and see if it will be rescheduled for 2020 and take a look at how it all got started:
The tradition dates back to 1961 when Stephen Bailey, Business Manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union #110, spotted a plumber wearing coveralls that were stained a brilliant green by the dye used to detect leaks in the Chicago River. When Bailey, who was making plans for that year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, saw the plumber he got the brainstorm to dye the Chicago River green…and the rest is history.
The Other Green River
The other “Green River,” Green River soda is even older. Green River soda came on the scene in 1919–about the same time that Congress was passing the 18th Amendment establishing Prohibition. It seems that the Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company, located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood (18th and Canalport), was looking for something to do with their empty bottles left wanting after Prohibition became law. The answer was Green River–a sweet lime-based soda that screamed “look at me”…with its’ vivid neon green color.
Green River quickly became a hit. In fact, it was so popular that by 1933, it was second only to Coca Cola in consumption.
Once, Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Schoenhofen Brewing put Green River soda on a back burner, concentrating their efforts on the production of alcoholic beverages. The brewery eventually closed completely in 1950. Even so, Green River soda retained it’s popularity at many corner drugstore fountains and drive-in movies throughout the 1960s.
Then, seemingly, the soda went a way for a while but now you can find it everywhere from your local Target to Mariano’s.
Green River soda is good way to toast to an alcohol free St. Patricks Day–which by the way was the way the day was celebrated for many years.
Guinness: ‘Good things come to those who wait’
Maybe this year more than ever the Guinness slogan, Good things come to those who wait (referring to the proper way to pour the beer), makes perfect sense.
Guinness that’s been around since 1759 is a St. Paddy’s Day tradition for many and is still available at supermarkets and liquor stores. Just make sure you know the proper pour.
Even if you won’t be drinking Guinness with your corned beef and cabbage–hopefully this video will add a little Irish spirit to your day,
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Paranoia strikes deep Into your life it will creep It starts when you’re always afraid You step out of line, the man come and take you away
We’re living in a strange age. The man leading our government acts like a ten year old….and no offense to actual ten year olds. He takes total credit for accomplishments that having nothing to do with him. When he fails, which has been often in his professional and personal life, he deflects blame to others….anyone else but himself.
It’s the same way with the CoronaVirus. Donald Trump has known about this since January…probably earlier. Instead of dealing with it, he called it a hoax. Instead of getting testing and facilities ready to keep America safe, he blamed the media and the Democrats. Trump said it was their way of getting to him. It was their way of ruining the stock market, ruining the economy and ruining his Presidency. It was all a conspiracy against him. Paranoia.
So here we are now three months later. Trump and his task force are way behind the curve on dealing with this pandemic. The people who have taken the lead on this are those who lead our local governments. Priztker in Illinois, Inslee in Washington, Cuomo in New York and other governors have stepped up their game while the federal government lags behind…as usual.
Yesterday, for a short time, it looked like Donald Trump was acting presidential. In his daily press briefing, he gave credit to the press, the Democrats and the American people on how we’re all working together to get through this crisis. Yep, that presidential thing was a very short time because Donald Trump can’t help himself. He always goes back to who he truly is. In just a matter of hours, he put out this tweet:
The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. It was only a matter of time before he assigned blame. He only cares that someone else takes the fall for this, besides himself. It was only a matter of time before his prejudices and racism showed up. He doesn’t care that his some of supporters will take his words to heart. He doesn’t care that his words may put those in the Asian community at risk. It’s just another example of deflecting blame. Always believe someone when they show you who they are. Donald Trump has shown us who he is many times.
Yes, the virus started in China. Yes, they handled it poorly. But that’s not an excuse for what is occurring in the United States. Because of his poor response, the anxiety that grips our nation now falls on one man. The illnesses and deaths that will be occurring in the coming weeks also falls on that same man. That man is DONALD TRUMP!!
From now on, we shouldn’t call it Covid-19. We shouldn’t call it the CoronaVirus. We should never call it the Chinese Virus…NEVER. The term for this should now be TrumpVirus. How about this for a hashtag #TrumpVirus? Maybe it’ll go viral…like the virus.
We better stop, hey, what’s that sound Everybody look what’s going down
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.
Even now, weeks into the coronavirus scare, you can see shopper after shopper leaving the grocery store loaded down with carts of bottled water. In gallon-sized bottles and multiple packages of individual-sized bottles.
Why?
Did someone recommend this? Are water works in danger of drying up or being infected by a virus because cities have stopped treating the water with virus- and bacteria-killing chemicals? Are we getting a hurricane in addition to a pandemic?
Are some Americans just stupid? Someone, please explain it.
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