WASHINGTON -- There may be additional e-mails that could have tipped off law enforcement or military officials to the Fort Hood shooter before he went on his deadly rampage, the chairman of the Senate Armed Forces Committee said Friday.
Chicago Sun-Times
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Chicago Sun-Times: News
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More signs missed before Ft. Hood?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 am -
Writing proves shroud is real: Vatican expert
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amROME -- A Vatican researcher has rekindled the age-old debate over the Shroud of Turin, saying faint writing on the linen proves it was the burial cloth of Jesus. -
Oak Park's phallic blog follies
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amOak Park's new tourism logo was intended to be edgy, hip and make a few waves. It worked. Bloggers say it looks like a penis. -
World's children still fall through the cracks
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amNEW DELHI -- Arun Kumar was born to disabled parents, beaten by his grandparents, ran away from home, got a job in a garment factory, and all his savings were stolen by the police. -
Family, friends remember Michael Scott
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amMore than 1,000 friends, family members and colleagues gathered at Holy Family Church on the near west side today to remember Chicago School Board President Michael Scott. “He worked 24 hours a day for the children and the people of the city of Chicago,” recalled Mayor Daley, who tearfully called Scott “one of my best friends.”
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Chicago Sun-Times: Metro
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Chicago cop accused of stealing $600,000 from fellow sergeants
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amThe president of the Chicago Police Sergeants' Association was charged Friday with using fellow sergeants' union dues as a personal piggy bank, allegedly stealing more than $600,000 and spending it on a home, gambling trips, steak dinners and an online stockbroker. -
Oak Park's phallic blog follies
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amOak Park's new tourism logo was intended to be edgy, hip and make a few waves. It worked. Bloggers say it looks like a penis. -
What happened to all of Chicago's conventiongoers?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amMcCormick Place has seen nearly a third of its business vanish this decade, a period that saw two recessions. Attendance at major events in Chicago's main convention center declined from 3 million in 2001 to 2.3 million last year. Las Vegas and Orlando held up somewhat better but likewise have seen attendance fall off since the middle of the decade. But there's a silver lining for Chicago in its loss of two large conventions this month: It shows that the competing cities have space to fill. -
Family, friends remember Michael Scott
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amMore than 1,000 friends, family members and colleagues gathered at Holy Family Church on the near west side today to remember Chicago School Board President Michael Scott. “He worked 24 hours a day for the children and the people of the city of Chicago,” recalled Mayor Daley, who tearfully called Scott “one of my best friends.” -
Feds here link 15 to Mexican drug cartel
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amFifteen suspected members of a Chicago distribution cell of a Mexican drug cartel were indicted Thursday for allegedly distributing thousands of kilograms of cocaine in the Chicago area and collecting millions of dollars.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Today's Columnists
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Dem goes rogue, likes Palin's book
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amNow hold your horses, you snarky, lefty, NPR-listening, New York Times-subscribing readers. I haven't jumped ship to declare Sarah Palin herself "great." I'm from California; I am not a creationist; I am not pro-life; I have never shot a moose. -
How can Oprah leave us like this?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amDo you feel helpless and betrayed? Is your breathing rapid and shallow, your pulse racing? Do you feel angry, confused, hurt? Have you felt this way ever since you heard that Oprah Winfrey will be ending her talk show in September 2011? -
Grief alone doesn't explain Daley's rant
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amGrief and anger, like clouds of a coming storm, moved back and forth across the landscape of Mayor Daley's face in public appearances last week. -
Focus placed on finances for 13- to 33-year-olds
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amEdward Sandrick wants his 20-something peers to understand the value of saving and handling money, and he intends to offer the advice online. Sandrick, 25, of Naperville, on Friday won third place and a grant from Mobilize.org, a nonprofit group aimed at increasing civic activity by the millennial generation -- ages 13 to 33 -- so he can create downloadable spending and wealth diaries for cell phones, handheld devices, smart phones and other computers. -
At 60, she's got attention of men again
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amWhen I turned 50, I noticed that I seemed to have become invisible to the opposite sex.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Business
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Business briefs
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amHershey may top Kraft's hostile bid for Cadbury -
Indiana unemployment at 9.8 percent in October
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amIndiana's unemployment rate was almost unchanged from September to October, but officials said it's too early to tell whether the stability marks a long-awaited awaited rebound in employment. -
Developer loses control of Block 37; stores opening
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amA Cook County judge Friday stripped a developer of its control over the Block 37 project in the Loop. The decision came as the developer got city approval to open some of the retail space today. Circuit Court Judge Margaret Brennan handed supervision of the project to commercial broker CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. The development firm Joseph Freed and Associates LLC had run the project but is reported to have defaulted on its loans. -
What happened to all of Chicago's conventiongoers?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amMcCormick Place has seen nearly a third of its business vanish this decade, a period that saw two recessions. Attendance at major events in Chicago's main convention center declined from 3 million in 2001 to 2.3 million last year. Las Vegas and Orlando held up somewhat better but likewise have seen attendance fall off since the middle of the decade. But there's a silver lining for Chicago in its loss of two large conventions this month: It shows that the competing cities have space to fill. -
Wis. mulls Harley-Davidson, cheese microbe honors
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amChoppers and cheese may soon become official Wisconsin symbols. Bills to honor Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Lactococcus lactis -- a bacterium used in the making of cheese -- with the state symbol designation were introduced in the Legislature last week.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Entertainment
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Oprah's focus may be on production, building cable brand
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amIn announcing her retirement from her blockbuster show last week, Oprah Winfrey said she doesn't plan to fade from the broadcast airwaves. -
'New Moon' breaks one-day box-office record with $72.7 million
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amLOS ANGELES -- Vampires and werewolves have vanquished a dark knight. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" took in $72.7 million in its first day to break the single day domestic box office record previously held by "The Dark Knight," which had a $67.2 million opening day last year. -
Rob Zombie on the road as album finds new home
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amRob Zombie decided to push back the release date of his “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” album because “everything was turning into a chaotic mess.” Zombie’s fourth solo studio album — and the sequel to his 1998 solo debut — was originally slated to come out this week. He plays in Chicago this weekend. -
Rob Zombie on the road as album finds new home
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amRob Zombie decided to push back the release date of his “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” album because “everything was turning into a chaotic mess.” Zombie’s fourth solo studio album — and the sequel to his 1998 solo debut — was originally slated to come out this week. He plays in Chicago this weekend. -
Nicolas Cage turns in fearless performance in 'Bad Lieutenant'
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amNicolas Cage figures he owes no apologies when critics gripe about all the Hollywood action flicks he's done. An Academy Award winner for "Leaving Las Vegas," Cage says commercial movies provide the freedom to do smaller, smarter films such as his offbeat cop tale "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans."
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Chicago Sun-Times: Lifestyles
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Writing proves shroud is real: Vatican expert
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amROME -- A Vatican researcher has rekindled the age-old debate over the Shroud of Turin, saying faint writing on the linen proves it was the burial cloth of Jesus. -
U.S. so fat that less smoking, new drugs can't cut heart risks
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amTwo decades of improved treatments haven't made a dent in the threat of heart disease in the U.S. because too many adults are obese, according to researchers from the University of Texas. -
New academic focus: Why do people hate?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amWhy did the Nazis hate the Jews? Why did the Hutus hate the Tutsis? -
Cut back on pap exams, doctors tell 20-somethings
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amFirst mammograms. Now -- in an apparent coincidence -- Pap smears. New guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer. The change comes amid a separate debate over when regular mammograms to detect breast cancer should begin, in the 40s or the 50s. -
Mental disorder, catastrophe lead some to kill selves
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amThe apparent suicide of Chicago Public School Board President Michael Scott didn't fit with the man friends and family said they knew.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Steve Warmbir - BackTalk
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The FBI tracks Studs Terkel and comes up with...
17 Nov 2009 | 10:31 amIt wasn't a secret that the FBI had tracked the late Chicago writer and radio host Studs Terkel. But it is amusing to see how little of apparent interest or note the FBI found, as evidenced in Terkel's FBI file, made public for the first time. Terkel was engaged in such radical activities as attending a rally for actor and activist Paul Robeson. He apparently read a Communist newspaper. And he wrote a column for the Chicago Sun-Times Radical stuff. -
Abortion notice law delayed for good reason
4 Nov 2009 | 1:44 pmTeenage girls across Illinois suffered a blow Wednesday morning -- but then got a needed reprieve in the afternoon. A Cook County judge Wednesday afternoon delayed implementation of a law requiring doctors to notify a parent when a girl under 18 decides to have an abortion. That decision came just hours after the state Medical Disciplinary Board had given the state the green light to begin enforcing the 14-year-old law. The temporary enforcement halt is a victory for girls because Illinois courts -- where girls are supposed to turn if they feel they can't tell their parents about an abortion… -
Is too much transparency in government a bad thing?
4 Nov 2009 | 11:25 amHarvard Law professor and good government advocate Lawrence Lessig makes an interesting argument in the New Republic that too much transparency in government could, in some instances, be a bad thing. He's sparked quite a debate. As government watchdog groups and news organizations get better, for instance, at combining data about campaign contributions with individual politician's votes on legislation, so anyone can see at a glance possible connections, does it unfairly stain the politicians or the system itself? Could it only produce more cynicism? Or do we just trust readers to have enough… -
The Chicago Way, Glenn Beck, David Mamet and me
28 Oct 2009 | 6:05 pm"The Chicago Way" has gone national. It has become the pet phrase of Fox News showmen like Glenn Beck, another way to beat up on President Barack Obama. Just the other night, Beck waved a baseball bat around like a weapon, explaining that this is how the Obama crowd silences dissent -- The Chicago Way. The next night, a Chicago Tribune columnist who has all but made the phrase his own, John Kass, got on Fox News and agreed -- yeah, the Obama White House fights like a bunch of Chicago thugs -- The Chicago Way. This is silly stuff, and I'll leave it at that. But if people are going to start… -
A must-read on Afghanistan
22 Oct 2009 | 12:07 pmIf you're going to read just one set of articles on Afghanistan, this week's New York Times series by David Rohde is it. In a gripping, moving and informative set of five articles, Rohde details the seven months he spent as a captive of the Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rohde, a New York Times reporter, was kidnapped last November. Getting your head around what's going on in Afghanistan is tough. Rohde's first-person account makes that far-away, inaccessible place real, explaining in very human terms what the U.S. is up against as it tries to fight the Taliban. Check out the series…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Carol Marin
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The Battle of Chicago Reporter Carlos Hernandez Gomez
7 Nov 2009 | 4:03 amNovember 7, 2009 BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist Carlos Hernandez Gomez is a reporter with attitude. Streetwise and smart, punky yet sweet. When Carlos walks into a news conference, he brings his own electricity. Thick black glasses, trimmed black beard, and fedora whenever possible -- these are the accessories of a young man whose questions to politicians and prosecutors will not be ignored. -
The Battle of Chicago Reporter Carlos Hernandez Gomez
7 Nov 2009 | 4:03 amNovember 7, 2009 BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist Carlos Hernandez Gomez is a reporter with attitude. Streetwise and smart, punky yet sweet. When Carlos walks into a news conference, he brings his own electricity. Thick black glasses, trimmed black beard, and fedora whenever possible -- these are the accessories of a young man whose questions to politicians and prosecutors will not be ignored. -
Illinois: Is this the best reform deal we could get?
31 Oct 2009 | 11:51 amOctober 31, 2009 BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist Dawn Clark Netsch, the venerable voice of Illinois political reform, called early Friday morning even though it was going to make her late for a dentist's appointment. She was concerned I was going to get it wrong. That I was going to blast the Legislature for once again passing a watered-down, weak-kneed bill on campaign finance reform that they would hail as progress. -
Will Illinois Lawmakers Finally Get It Right?
28 Oct 2009 | 4:22 amOctober 28, 2009 BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist Scott Turow, the prolific, best-selling Chicago author, had a message for Illinois lawmakers the other day. "Don't come home without it," he warned. The "it" is campaign finance reform. -
GOP: Determined to Take Obama's Seat Back
24 Oct 2009 | 6:22 amOctober 24, 2009 BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist 'Illinois Republicans eat their own," one of my breakfast companions said Wednesday morning at a GOP candidate forum. Meaning? » Click to enlarge image Carol Marin
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Chicago Sun-Times: Lynn Sweet
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Valerie Jarrett hosts Obama family at her place on Saturday night
21 Nov 2009 | 6:52 pmexcerpt from the pool report... Pool Report Three 11-21-09 Dinner at Valerie Jarrett's place After apparently making a quick change out of his golf garb, POTUS departed White House at 6 p.m. to attend dinner at senior adviser Valerie Jarrett's condo in Georgetown. Motorcade arrived at location at 6:12 p.m. We are told that this is "Valerie's birthday dinner." Entire First Family will be here for festivities (but appears to be traveling separately). Ken Bazinet New York Daily News -
Senate Democrats get 60 votes to bring health care bill to floor; real showdown to come
21 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pm -
Obama plays golf Saturday with male aides....female player a one-time special?
21 Nov 2009 | 2:31 pmAndrews AFB to White House POTUS departed Andrews at 4:40 p.m. en route to the White House. Motorcade arrived back at 5:05 p.m. It was an uneventful ride at sunset back to the palace (beautiful big sky tonight, folks). Your pooler has been informed that POTUS golfed at Andrews with trip director Marvin Nicholson, legislative affairs staffer Eugene Kang and campaign photographer David Katz. We DO NOT have a full lid. Stay tuned. Ken Bazinet Daily News -
Senate has 60 votes to proceed with health care bill
21 Nov 2009 | 11:35 amWASHINGTON--Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) just announced from the Senate floor--in a rare Saturday session--that she will vote to allow the Democratic championed health care legislation to proceed. Democratic Senate leaders needed a supermajority, 60 votes, to avoid a filibuster and proceed to the underlying legislation. The vote on the motion to proceed will take place at about 8 p.m. tonight. Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tom Harkin will be flying back to Washington after a daytrip to tour a prison in northwest Illinois the Obama White House wants to buy to house Guantanamo detainees. To find… -
Illinois, Guantanamo north? White House releases economic impact study
21 Nov 2009 | 11:15 amWASHINGTON--As Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Saturday leads a tour of the nearly vacant Thomson Correctional Center--a top Obama White House contender to house Guantanamo detainees--the White House released its first detailed economic impact statement on the jobs and money that will be channeled to northwestern Illinois if the federal government buys the prison. Click below for the detailed analysis. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS WASHINGTON, D.C. This technical memo describes the likely economic impacts on the local economy of the purchase and modification of…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Lewis Lazare - Media & Marketing Mix
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The 51st annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards final report
17 Nov 2009 | 9:54 amThis will serve as a final report on the 51st annual Emmy Awards ceremony for the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. Over 425 nominees and broadcast professionals attended the event Nov. 7, at Park West. Second City improv alum Tim Kazurinsky hosted the evening. A total 67 Emmys went to Chicago area broadcast outlets and other area companies and organizations. Wisconsin stations and production companies won another nine Emmys. There were more than 640 entries in the 2009 Chicago/Midwest competition. Scholarships of $4,000 each were awarded to three deserving… -
Mark Tutssel to head Cannes Lion film and press juries
17 Nov 2009 | 9:22 amMark Tutssel, chief creative officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide, will head the film and press juries for the Cannes Lions 2010 competition. Tutssel currently oversees the creative work of Burnett 96 global offices, and he selected Susan Credle to take over Burnett/Chicago's creative department last month. In 2009, Burnett Worldwide was the third most-awarded network at the Cannes International Advertising Festival, as well as the Network of the Year at the Art Directors Club of New York and the Gold Drum Awards. Prior to becoming Burnett's worldwide creative director, Tutssel was executive… -
Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago lands Crocs account
16 Nov 2009 | 11:22 amFootwear maker Crocs Inc. has named Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago its global agency of record. This marks the first time that the company has consolidated all of its advertising, media, digital and public relations with a single, integrated agency. C-K won the consolidated assignment following an three-month review process. C-K's Chicago office will handle brand strategy, creative, interactive, online, media planning and buying and public relations, with global support through the agency's ICOM network. "Our goal is to help Crocs further differentiate itself and expand the 'Crocs community' by… -
Two by Four/Chicago adds Scott Voege as account director
16 Nov 2009 | 9:58 amScott Voege has joined Two by Four/Chicago as an account director. He will be responsible for managing a variety of accounts at the director level, including Grainger and Bridgestone-Firestone retail and commercial operations. Voege will report directly to Jennifer Nicks, Two by Four group account director. Previously, Voege served as director of client partnership at Lisa P. Maxwell on accounts for Boyd Gaming, Blue Chip Casino, Waterton Residential, David Barton Gym and Groupon.com. Two by Four President and Chief Creative Officer David Stevenson described Voege as "creative, strategic and… -
WLIT-FM to switch to all holiday music format at midnight Friday
13 Nov 2009 | 11:20 amClear Channel Radio Chicago's WLIT-FM (93.9) will flip the switch at midnight Friday, and start broadcasting holiday music 24/7. The annual changeover has become a big event each year for the station, and one that has provided a huge -- albeit temporary -- boost for the station in the Arbitron ratings book. WLIT typically reverts to its regular adult contemporary programming soon after Christmas. In the October Arbitron book, WLIT was tied for 11th place overall in the key 25 to 54 year old demo, down a notch from it's 10th place ranking in the September book, even though the station's…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Steve Warmbir - The Outfit on Trial
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Ambrose gets 4 years in prison
27 Oct 2009 | 11:46 amDeputy U.S. Marshal John Ambrose was sentenced to 4 years in prison Tuesday for leaking information about the star witness in the most significant mob prosecution in Chicago history. Ambrose told a family friend that he was guarding Nick Calabrese, a mob hitman turned government informant. That information eventually made its way to mob leaders. The leak was considered one of the most significant breaches of security of the federal Witness Protection Program in its history. More to come. -
Fratto pleads guilty
13 Oct 2009 | 6:04 pmA reputed high-level Chicago mobster complaining of chronic migraines got another reason for a headache Tuesday as he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion, which could send him to prison for one year to 18 months. Rudolph C. "Rudy" Fratto, 65, of Darien, who comes from a family of alleged mobsters, admitted to failing to pay more than $140,000 in federal taxes on more than $800,000 in income from 2001 to 2007, according to his plea agreement in a case investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Fratto evaded the taxes by having various businesses pay him through a defunct business whose… -
Rudy Fratto charged in tax scheme
30 Sep 2009 | 12:35 pmReputed top mobster Rudy Fratto has been charged with failing to pay more than $30,000 in taxes on nearly $200,000 in income from 2005, according to federal court documents filed this week. Fratto is accused of directing businesses and others to send payments to a defunct business of his, J.J.F. Inc., in order to avoid paying taxes. Fratto's name came up most recently in federal court as one of the top mobsters who posed the most direct threat to the safety of Nicholas Calabrese, the star witness in the Family Secrets mob case. Fratto's name also popped up during testimony in the sentencing… -
Fascinating mob news from NYC
8 Sep 2009 | 10:39 amCheck out this story from the New York Post. -
"Tough Tony" is going nowhere
14 Jul 2009 | 6:41 pmThe main suspect in the last known mob hit in Chicago will remain in prison after the federal court of appeals in Chicago rejected his legal arguments for his convictions to be reversed. Anthony "Tough Tony" Calabrese was sentenced last year to 62 years in prison for his leading role in three robberies.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Mary Wisniewski - The Ride
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Ride Trivia Quiz Answer
7 Nov 2009 | 11:01 pmThis week's question was: This week marks the anniversary of one of the worst Great Lakes shipping disasters. The gales of November came early. What was it? The answer is the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which took place Nov. 10, 1975, killing all 29 on board. Until 1971, the Fitzgerald had been the largest vessel in the Great Lakes fleet. It had been carrying a load of taconite from Wisconsin. The sinking was memorialized by Gordon Lightfoot in the song 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Several people got the right answer, but Laura Williams of Woodridge was the first both to answer… -
Chicagoans Must Dial 11 for RTA
7 Nov 2009 | 9:30 amPeople with 312 or 773 area codes calling the Regional Transportation Authority's travel hotline must now dial 11 digits. Residents from these area codes should dial 312 then 836-7000 when calling for travel directions, according to the RTA. Callers outside those area codes but within the RTA's regional service area can continue to dial the 7-digit number, 836-7000. The change comes after the recent installment of the new Chicago area code 872. This new rule was supposed to start Saturday. The Ride tried both the 7-digit and the 11-digit number from a 312 number at 11 a.m. Saturday -- and… -
Blue Line Weekend Cut
6 Nov 2009 | 12:55 pmCTA rail service between the Blue Line's Clark/Lake and UIC-Halsted stations will be temporarily suspended from 10 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Monday for track work. Shuttle bus service will substitute for rail service. Allow extra time, folks. -
Cal City bridgework rescheduled
5 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pmThe Illinois Department of Transportation will close Burnham Avenue from 143rd to State Street next Monday for work on the bridge over the Grand Calumet River. The work was originally supposed to start this past Wednesday, but got postponed. The work will take a month. And no, this isn't the bridge Jake and Elwood jump over. That's at 95th Street. -
Red and Blue Line Shuffle
30 Oct 2009 | 9:19 amAll together now, CTA riders, Allow Extra Time! Both the CTA Red Line and Blue Line will have service interruptions this weekend. Northbound Red Line trains will be unable to stop at the Morse and Jarvis stations from 10 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Sunday due to track maintenance work. Southbound Red Line service is not affected. The CTA press release includes these instructions: "During this time, northbound Red Line customers who want to exit at Morse or Jarvis should travel to Howard and board a southbound train to the appropriate station. Customers at Morse or Jarvis who want to travel north…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Jim DeRogatis
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Susan Boyle, "I Dreamed a Dream" (Columbia) [1.5 STARS out of 4]
20 Nov 2009 | 6:17 amWhen it comes to tragic spectacles in this sorry age of reality television, beyond even the pathetic sight of Patti Blagojevich eating bugs on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" falls the obnoxious exploitation of Scottish homebody Susan Boyle. Diagnosed with learning difficulties and, she says, verbally tormented and physically abused by teachers and schoolmates, Boyle also was blessed with a pure, clear and ringing voice. Until a few months ago, the 48-year-old singer most often displayed her talent in church while living quietly with her cat Pebbles in the house where she was raised. -
The Pixies at the Aragon
19 Nov 2009 | 8:28 pmWhen a group of revered and influential rockers come back together after a decade of acrimonious separation and/or inactivity, all but the most hard-hearted punks can grant them one lap around the reunion circuit playing the old should-have-been-hits, if only to collect the accolades and the cash that probably eluded them the first time. Boston's proto-alternative quartet the Pixies took that victory lap in 2004. Now, while they remain popular enough to play three nights at the Aragon Ballroom--Friday and Saturday sold out, though Thursday only was about half full--it's hard to consider them… -
Rihanna, "Rated R" (Def Jam) [3 STARS out of 4]
18 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmFor all the talk of an edgier, angrier and more mature new Rihanna, it's hard to buy the re-emergent dance-pop singer as a towering pillar of feminine strength akin to Patti Smith, Courtney Love, Queen Latifah or Mary J. Blige. It will take more than a few fiery television interviews and a dark and futuristic new look that's equal parts Darryl Hannah in "Blade Runner" and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in TLC to really sell that. Nevertheless, "Rated R," the new album recorded in the wake of Rihanna's altercation with former boyfriend Chris Brown arriving in stores Tuesday, is by far the best, most… -
The Jesus Lizard, back where it belongs
18 Nov 2009 | 2:52 pm"A lot of people who meet us are disappointed that we're such moderately intelligent, well-balanced, happy guys," Jesus Lizard bassist David Wm. Sims told me in August 1994. "[Guitarist] Duane [Denison] and I spend a lot of time writing songs. [Singer] David [Yow] and [drummer] Mac [McNeilly] are married. David is doing some acting and working a lot with computer graphics, and Mac has a family. That takes people back initially." That was true when the band formed in 1988. It was true when I spoke to it circa the release of "Down," the last of four albums for Chicago's Touch and Go before an… -
This weekend: Ian McLagan at Martyr's and a look back at Chicago's alt-era music scene with "Rewind"
18 Nov 2009 | 2:45 pmA Zelig-like character who was one of the most respected and versatile musicians on the British rock scene of the '60s and '70s, Ian "Mac" McLagan may be best known for his role in the Faces, and he recently had a reunion of sorts in the U.K. with former bandmates Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones and guest Bill Wyman on bass. Those names aren't likely to appear with him onstage Friday, Nov. 20, at Martyr's, 3855 N. Lincoln, but you never know who will join him, or how far and wide his set list will range. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15; call (773) 404-9494 or visit…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Lacy J. Banks - Conquering Cancer & Heart Failure
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NORTHWESTERN WILL KEEP ME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
18 Nov 2009 | 1:46 pmGod bless you. It's simply eerie the way God keeps on blessing me in my efforts to get the best treatments in the best ways for my end-stage congestive heart failure, prostate cancer and brain tumor. Thanks to God's grace, I now can have the rest of my heart care done by the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation in Chicago, just 30 miles from my home in Hazel Crest, instead of in Rochester, Minn., 371 miles away. Last week, I was finally, officially placed on the heart transplant list by the outstanding and world-renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. It ended some 19 months of futility… -
MAYO CLINIC COMES THROUGH FOR MY HEART'S SAKE
3 Nov 2009 | 7:13 pmGod bless you. For the last 19 months, I have been asking God to either heal my sick heart or to replace it with a healthier one through a heart transplant. He had already healed a brain tumor, which was almost instantly declared benign. And He is applying the finishing touches to healing me of prostate cancer. Then on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, after undergoing two weeks of extensive tests, interviews and reviews of my medical records, I was approved to be a "status 2" candidate for a heart transplant at the world-renown, highly-acclaimed non-profit Mayo Clinic's main facility in Rochester, Minn. -
MAYO MOMENTS POSTPONE DATE FOR HEART SURGERY
22 Oct 2009 | 12:11 pmGod bless you. A week of being examined, undergoing tests and consulting with a dozen doctors and a dozen nurses at the fame Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., propelled me to postpone undergoing open-heart surgery on Oct. 26 at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where I was to have a heart pump implanted in me. I still may undergo the implantation of the Heartmate II, either at UCMC or the Mayo or even Northwestern within the next couple of weeks. But new information I received from the Mayo suggest that I may already qualify for a heart transplant at their institution. The pump would… -
THE PUMP GAVE JESSIE RAMIREZ' FAMILY A LIFETIME OF JOY
7 Oct 2009 | 1:26 amGod bless you. As I ponder a Oct. 26 surgical date with a heart pump, I do so with added hope after a wonderful weekend of good news from two families, whose loved ones were helped by the God-blessed modern medical technology of organ transplantation. First, there is Jessie Ramirez' family on Chicago's southwestside. For months, Tomas and his sister Patty have been begging me to come to their home to break bread and to hear` how the transplantation of a heart pump gave them and their father, Jessie, a retired butcher, a lifetime of joy by adding four extra years to his life. Second, there is… -
I WISH THE LORD WOULD SAVE THE SUN-TIMES AHEAD OF ME
26 Sep 2009 | 5:35 pmGod bless you. As most of you know from news reports over the last few months, the Sun-Times, the newspaper for which I've worked 37 years, is fighting for its life just as I have been fighting for my life the last 19 months and sharing my struggles with you in this blog. If an agreement for its sale is not reached between we union member and a prospective buyer by early October, there is a chance our bankrupted paper may have to close down. We're all working hard to save the paper. Meantime, unless God's healing or a health emergency demands otherwise, I am tentatively scheduled to undergo a…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Our Town
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Ticket giveaway: Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest
20 Nov 2009 | 10:21 amThe Flecktones want you to sign up for the Centerstage contest. Last December, music fans of all stripes gathered at the Congress Theater for the first-ever Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest, a day-long concert featuring big names like The Avett Brothers and David Grisman. Due to the impressive response, we're getting round two in a few weeks. This year's event offers another solid lineup, including Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Dr. Dog, Emmitt-Nershi Band and Van Ghost, as well as 50-plus vendor booths, live improv, film screenings and more. Tickets for the event are $35 (free for kids 12 and… -
3 Things We Loved About Brother Ali at Metro
19 Nov 2009 | 4:14 pmLast night, Brother Ali stopped by Metro (fulfilling a longtime dream in the process, he told the crowd) for one of the final shows of the Fresh Air tour with Evidence, Toki Wright and DJ BK One. The noticeably slimmed-down MC put on an inspired performance, offering songs from his fantastic new LP, "Us," as well as many older selections. Our favorite aspects of the show: 1. The earnest vibe. Many rappers talk about how their music is all about love, but when Ali says it, you actually believe it. This was a guy who just seemed so damn happy to be able to share his stories with the audience… -
Weekend Warrior: 5 Things To Do In Chicago
19 Nov 2009 | 2:04 pmMickey Mouse leads the holiday procession on Saturday. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival All day Saturday along the Magnificent Mile; free Let the holiday season begin! Mickey Mouse leads the parade of floats down Michigan Avenue as more than 1 million lights are illuminated to kick off the season. There will be music all day at the Harris Stage (401 N. Michigan Ave.) including Plain White T's at 3 p.m. There's also a fireworks display over the river starting at 7 p.m. Need some help getting into the holiday spirit? Check out our holiday guide. -
75-cent cheezborgers and beers at Billy Goat
18 Nov 2009 | 4:56 pmJust a quick note for all you deal-hunters out there: Billy Goat will be celebrating its 75th anniversary on Thursday with 75-cent cheezborgers and 75-cent beers at all locations (except O'Hare) all day long. And when we say all day, we mean it: the celebration kicks off at 8 a.m. at the 430 N. Michigan location with Guy Bauer from the Johnny B Show on 97.9 FM (The Loop). For a list of all Billy Goat locations, search Centerstage or visit the official website. -
Where to eat after losing your appetite
18 Nov 2009 | 7:56 amAuthor Jonathan Safran Foer (Everything Is Illuminated) comes to the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State) tonight at 6 p.m. to promote his new book, Eating Animals in a free event. While he insists the book is not just about becoming vegetarian, we're guessing that after an hour or so of hearing about the meat industry, you're not gonna be feeling like grabbing a burger. With that in mind, here are some dinner spots around the library that go easy on the meat: Opera In addition to vegetarian-friendly dishes like spring rolls, Sichuan peanut noodle salad and several sides, the…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Roger Ebert
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How pleasant to meet Mr. Lear!
18 Nov 2009 | 3:44 pmThe limerick's a form metronomical, For the telling of jokes anatomical. Yet the best ones I've seen So seldom are clean, And the clean ones so seldom are comical. Auden, that very good man Said a limerick need not merely scan. But put up a struggle And bend itself double To be decent, and fail at the plan. And now it comes time, online bums When your internet blogger succumbs To numerous entreaties And posted graffiti And awards to your limericks his thumbs. -
I'd like you to meet your best friend
12 Nov 2009 | 7:22 pmIt was the opening day of the Disney-MGM studios in Orlando. The stars were there with their children. There was an official luncheon at the Brown Derby, modeled after the legendary Hollywood eatery. I was beside myself. I was in a booth sitting next to Jack Brickhouse, the voice of the Chicago Cubs. A man walked over and introduced himself. "Bob Elliott." Oh. My. God. Bob, of Bob and Ray. For me he was the biggest star in the room. Who, after all, compared to even one half of Bob and Ray, was Tom Hanks? Whoopi Goldberg? Art Linkletter? "Gosh all whillikers, Mr. Science!" I said, "What's that… -
The great American documentary
5 Nov 2009 | 12:52 pmToday, fifteen years after I first saw it, I believe "Hoop Dreams" is the great American documentary. No other documentary has ever touched me more deeply. It was relevant then, and today, as inner city neighborhoods sink deeper into the despair of children murdering children, it is more relevant. It tells the stories of two 14-year-olds, Arthur Agee and William Gates, how they dreamed of stardom in the NBA, and how basketball changed their lives. Basketball, and this film. Photo copyright by Roka Walsh. Used with permission "Hoop Dreams" observed its 15th anniversary Wednesday night at the… -
The autumn leaves of red and gold
25 Oct 2009 | 7:59 pmOne day not long ago in the country I gathered a small pile of dried leaves and started a little fire. Then I closed my eyes and remembered. The aroma was a trigger as intense as the taste of Proust's madeleine, the little cake from childhood that summoned his remembrance of time past. It evoked nostalgia but it also evoked curious excitement and desire. For me it is not spring but autumn that is the season of new beginnings. Spring, in school, is a time of taking final exams and saying goodbye to friends. Autumn is the start of a new year, and for me at least it always held the promise of… -
Sign the Social Contract
22 Oct 2009 | 5:45 pmIt has been argued that universal health care is an offense against individual liberty. I've been told by readers that they'll deal with their own health care, thank you very much, and have no interest in government interference. At root this is a libertarian argument; conservatives are more likely to oppose it on the grounds that it undermines the free enterprise system. They warn of a Nanny State. But what, I ask libertarians, about your families? Your children? What if the day comes that you lose your job-based health insurance and can't afford your own? What if you're denied coverage?
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Chicago Sun-Times: Dave Hoekstra - Scratch Crib
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Bob Waldmire, The Free Spirit of Route 66
6 Nov 2009 | 2:34 pmBob's depiction of his VW van, a prototype in the film "Cars" (Courtesy of Bob Waldmire) ROCHESTER, ILL.--- Somewhere along the way in the mid-1990s I detoured from a Spring Training trip to visit deep gypsy Bob Waldmire at his Old Route 66 Visitor Center & Preservation Foundation in Hackberry, Az, just west of Flagstaff. Waldmire had purchased the Old Hackberry General Store (circa 1930) with money generated from his family's Cardinal Hill Farm in Rochester, Ill. That was the first time Bob gave me his recipe for vegetarian chili. I visited Bob earlier this week. He is dying from cancer. He… -
Songs That Paul Shaffer Knows
29 Oct 2009 | 4:49 pmIt Ain't Me. Babe. (Photo courtesy of Doubleday Books) Musician-band leader Paul Shaffer answered almost all of my questions during a recent hour-long interview to promote his memoir "We'll Be Here For The Rest of Our Lives (A Swingin' Showbiz Saga)" [Flying Dolphin/Doubleday, $26] with one exception. I inquired how many songs he knows. Twice. "I know a lot of standards from my parent's generation because they had music playing in the house all the time," said Shaffer, who turns 60 on Nov. 28. "As far as rock n' roll goes, I have an intimate knowledge of 1962 through 1974. Then it stops. But… -
Soupy Sales: A pie in the sky
23 Oct 2009 | 2:58 pmSoupy sends a pie to fellow funnyman Pat Cooper during Soup's 75th birthday party at the Friar's Club in New York. Slapstick comedian Soupy Sales has died. His former manager reported that Sales died of multiple health problems Thursday night in a New York City hospice. Sales was 83. Another bit of my childhood has been chipped away. I had to revisit this 1997 piece I did with the Soupman when he came Merrillville, Ind. to open for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at the Star Plaza Theater. Hope you chuckle at the cornball jokes. I apologize for my puns. Life has been a bowl of cheeries for… -
Michael Moore on Newspapers
2 Oct 2009 | 2:51 pmNewspapers---when will the bubble burst? My colleagues wanted me to ask filmmaker Micheal Moore about his "good riddance" to American newspapers in a September press conference at the Toronto Film Festival. Moore told the gathering that elsewhere in the world newspapers are supported first by readers and then by advertising. He argued that in the U.S. greed for advertising and profit margin supersedes quality journalism and grass root writers like Joseph Mitchell (my favorite). Newspaper staffs are cut, news holes shrink. Many forget that Moore, 55, began his career in print in Flint (Mich.)… -
Walking through a Legacy: Flint GM Plant
17 Sep 2009 | 4:48 pmFLINT, Mich.----The GM Flint Assembly plant opened in 1947, when Hal Newhouser won 17 games for the Detroit Tigers and modern homes were being built in Flint's sprawling neighborhoods. Over the years Flint plant workers have made station wagons, pick up trucks and Chevelles. The Corvette was born in June, 1953 at Chevrolet Plant Number 35, a since-razed facility across the street from the plant. [Sticker price just over $3,000.] Little Red Corvette - Prince Today heavy duty crew cabs and and regular cab trucks roll off the line in Flint, 50 miles north of Detroit. In 1975 the plant employed…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Shopping with Jessica Sedgwick
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Kristen Stewart a style icon? Hardly -- but this jacket is pretty cute
20 Nov 2009 | 4:03 pmI never thought I'd tell anyone how to get Kristen Stewart's look, but I kind of like this royal blue Alpinestars by Denise Focil GT Jacket she wore Thursday to the after party of the New York City premiere of "New Moon." The jacket retails for $145, and you can find it at Alpinestars.com. Choppy hair, fidgeting, and bad attitude sold separately. -
From space-age shoulder pads to an angry 'Twilight' girl: A red carpet roundup
5 Nov 2009 | 4:10 pmThis was a big week for movie premieres, and celebrities didn't disappoint us on the red carpet. We saw plenty of shine and sparkles from Eva Mendes and Charlize Theron, and questionable space-age shoulder pads from Cameron Diaz. Not to mention, a battle-of-the-beards between Brad Pitt and Jim Carrey. Here's a roundup of red carpet looks from this week. And as always, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Eva Mendes looked like walking confetti at the screening of "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" Wednesday at the AFI Fest in L.A. Chris Pizzello/AP Charlize Theron went… -
Face painting and more at Macy's free Family Fun Day this Saturday
5 Nov 2009 | 3:42 pmThis Saturday, November 7, is Macy's 102nd Annual Great Tree Lighting ceremony. Does this seem really early to anyone else? My East Lakeview neighborhood is still recovering from Halloween. But in celebration of the event, Macy's on State is also holding a Family Fun Day from 1 to 3 p.m. on the 5th Floor (Kids Department). Kids can expect face painting and balloon twisting, plus they can decorate an ornament with the words "wish," "believe," imagine" and "dream" to take home. The event is free. A second Family Fun Day will be held November 21. -
le Dress boutique to open 'pop up shop' in West Loop this weekend
5 Nov 2009 | 3:24 pmWicker Park boutique le Dress, 1741 W. Division, must need a little change in scenery. The dress-only boutique is moving to the West Loop this weekend for two days only. Fall styles with be marked down from 20 to 30 percent off. The "pop up shop" will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8 at 23 N. Aberdeen, Model Unit on the 2nd floor. Happy shopping! -
Fashion Focus Chicago: A roundup of this weekend's events
22 Oct 2009 | 5:00 pmChicago's answer to New York Fashion Week is back, but it's a little more compact this year. While last year's Fashion Focus Chicago event was sprawled out over a week, this year everything's happening in one action-packed weekend. Here's a quick rundown of the four major fashion shows. (But there are plenty of other events, including shopping parties and free seminars. Go to Chicagofashionresource.com). TONIGHT: MACY'S PRESENTS THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E. Randolph See what Chicago's fashion designers have to offer. This show highlights…
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Chicago Sun-Times: What are you lookin' at?
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Weekend TV highlights, Nov. 21-22, 2009
21 Nov 2009 | 2:41 amSATURDAY "Pirates of the Caribbean" marathon (Noon, USA): Personally, I can't get enough of Johnny Depp acting effeminate. "Magnificent Mile Lights Festival" (6 p.m., WLS-Channel 7): Janet Davies, Hosea Sanders, Alan Krashesky and Deborah Roberts host. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (7 p.m., TBS): How did he do it, again? "Strait-Jacket" (9 p.m., WCIU-Channel 26): Joan Crawford alert! Svengoolie brings you the tender story of an ax-murderess trying to mend ties with her daughter. Look for 23-year-old Lee Majors' first acting role, as well as plenty of Pepsi product placement. "Saturday… -
Friday TV highlights, 11/20/09
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 am"General Hospital" (2 p.m., WLS-Channel 7): James Franco, of "Pineapple Express" and "Spiderman 3" fame, stretches himself by mastering the suspenseful pause of soap opera acting. In a two-month stint, he'll play a graffiti artist known as Franco. You can also see him self-deprecate at funnyordie.com. "Diet Tribe" (7 p.m., Lifetime): The season two finale for this girly "Biggest Loser" knockoff. "Monk" (8 p.m., USA): Tony Shalhoub's real-life wife, Brooke Adams - you loved her as Pagan in the miniseries "Lace" - guest stars. "Larry the Cable Guy's Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau" (8 p.m., CMT):… -
Thursday TV highlights, 11/19/09
19 Nov 2009 | 2:13 am"Good Morning America" (7 a.m., WLS-Channel 7): Chaz Bono gives his first live interview after undergoing gender reassignment in June. "Top 20 Celebrities Gone Good" (7 p.m., VH1): It would be tough to knock Angelina Jolie off her pedestal at this point, but Bono, Shakira and Lance Armstrong want to try. "Community" (7 p.m., WMAQ-Channel 5): Tonight's episode features the comedic genius of Ken Jeong as Senor Chang. Also, I've learned that Danny Pudi, who plays the eerie Abed, is from Chicago. This is a no-lose situation. "Terror in Mumbai" (8 p.m., HBO): The victims - and the terrorists -… -
Wednesday night highlights, 11/18/09
18 Nov 2009 | 2:02 am"The New Adventures of Old Christine" (7 p.m., WBBM-Channel 2): Jennifer Grey guests as a blind date. (Not for Christine.) "America's Next Top Model" (7 p.m., WGN-Channel 9): Will the winner be the awkwardly striking Nicole, or lovable hick Laura? Intriguingly, Eddie Murphy makes an appearance in the finale. "Modern Family" (8 p.m., WLS-Channel 7): Edward Norton guest stars as Phil's favorite musician, and Elizabeth Banks plays a fun-loving friend. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (8 p.m., WMAQ-Channel 5): Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is under investigation for killing a bike-gang member. "In… -
'Dancing with the Stars' finalists revealed
17 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pmIt came down to Joanna Krupa and Kelly Osbourne, and when the creepy elimination music stopped, it was Ozzie's little girl Kelly who will continue on to the finals next week on "Dancing with the Stars." Osbourne joins the previously revealed Mya and Donny Osmond in the quest for the mirrorball trophy. Again, it's the popularity contest syndrome that plagues many a reality show, because there's no way Donny danced better than Joanna all season. And while I have cheered on Kelly all season, she too did not dance as well as Joanna most weeks. Which is not to say that I was championing Joanna,…
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Chicago Sun-Times: The Oprah Blog
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Oprah's tearful announcement on Friday
20 Nov 2009 | 9:32 amThe video of Oprah's complete announcement at the end of her show this morning: Watch and read it here. -
What O's news means for TV
20 Nov 2009 | 8:30 amHere's one marketing pro's take on what an Oprah void will mean on network TV, and what her arrival means to cable ... -
Ellen and others react to O's news
19 Nov 2009 | 10:13 pmPeople caught up with some of Oprah's pals, too, to see what they had to say to about her decision to quit her talk show in 2011: Martha Stewart: "She'll do another show. She's evolving. She's fabulous." Gayle King: "I think that Oprah always makes the best decision for herself. I really do. And I have a feeling she will come up with some things to do. She has a very full life ... We don't need to worry about her filling her time, I promise you that! Life is good for her." -
The big O news round-up
19 Nov 2009 | 9:45 pmEveryone's rushed to their keyboards to pontificate on the big news: that Oprah will shut down her daytime talk show in 2011 to concentrate on her new upcoming cable network. Here's a run-down of what's been said thus far tonight: Sun-Times TV critic Paige Wiser points out that, hey, just a few months ago Oprah shut down Michigan Avenue and hollered to the throng about how wonderful a city Chicago was and what a beautiful backdrop it made for her show. So ... yeah, uh, Oprah. Was that a going away party? Mayor Daley's reaction: It's the media's fault, he says, apparently because we had the… -
Oprah will end her show in 2011
19 Nov 2009 | 3:28 pmRumors, rumors, rumors for weeks. And now confirmation: Oprah's ending her show in 2011. Oprah is reportedly announcing live on Friday's show that she will end her rule of daytime TV talk at the close of her 25th season, on Sept. 9, 2011. A statement from Harpo Productions president Tim Bennett was sent this evening to TV affiliates, saying: Dear Friends: Over the past several weeks, my team and I have had conversations with many of you to help address your questions about the future of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Of course, the one question we couldn't answer was the one that only Oprah could.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Sports
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Salmons regains touch
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmDENVER -- After busting out for 41 points on 16-for-31 shooting in the first two games of the road trip, John Salmons has raised his average to 14 points and his shooting percentage to .357. -
Lake Zurich must watch Warden's arm
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmIn a year when every other quarterback in the area seems to be passing for 250 yards a game or running for 100-plus, don't overlook the season Glenbard West's Tyler Warden is having. -
Battle of the bulge
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmSouth Side, we have a problem. A 6-4, 285-pound problem that better be resolved before feelings get hurt and relationships are destroyed. After a calf injury ended closer Bobby Jenks' season Sept. 22, feelings began to strain. The right-hander believed the club -- based on comments made by manager Ozzie Guillen -- was being overly critical of his conditioning. -
NHL HIGHLIGHTS: Sharks, Heatley stay unbeaten at home
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmDany Heatley scored three times, Joe Thornton recorded his 600th NHL assist and the host San Jose Sharks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 on Friday night. -
Gotta hand it to Forte -- or better yet, pass it
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmIt's gotten to the point the Bears probably won't solve their running-game woes this season, but that doesn't mean they've run out of effective uses for Matt Forte. He caught a career-high eight passes for 120 yards last week at San Francisco and has 194 yards receiving in the last two games as offensive coordinator Ron Turner finds ways to adjust to a bottled-up ground game.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs
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Grabow likely completes Cubs' pen
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmJohn Grabow believed in his new team enough to ignore the free-agent market, and the Cubs believe in the fitness of Grabow's left elbow enough to give the reliever a two-year, $7.5 million contract that was completed Friday.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Inside the Cubs
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Cubs consider GM meetings ``productive''
11 Nov 2009 | 3:41 pmJim Hendry said he considers the just concluded general managers meetings at the O'Hare Hilton fruitful and said that the abbreviated format seemed to encourage even more dialogue between GMs than the usual spread-out, longer sets of meetings in the past. But just how successful those meetings were won't be known until he finishes dumping Milton Bradley - presumably by the winter meetings in Indianapolis in less than four weeks - and knows how much of the $21 million left on that contract he has to eat, and what player he gets in return. ``We were real pleased with the meetings,'' said… -
Bradley saga dominates conversation on Day 1 of GM meetings
9 Nov 2009 | 6:18 pmCubs general manager Jim Hendry used to face a barrage of questions this time of year centering on all the big names he would be interested in adding during the offseason. This time, he's facing a steady stream of questions asking about the one name everyone knows he must subtract. Until he's gone, Milton Bradley continues to be Problem No. 1 for the Cubs and Hendry. Which brought this question to mind Monday during the first day of the general managers meetings at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport: Is there any scenario in which Bradley could return to the Cubs in 2010? ''He's on our roster… -
Passing on Harden right non-move
8 Nov 2009 | 3:20 pmThe Cubs say that Ted Lilly's surgery last week doesn't change their minds about allowing Rich Harden to become a free agent without making an offer. And it shouldn't. Some critics of that sentiment have suggested the Cubs must try to retain Harden, but the team is right to let him go. Harden's a good guy, and his talent is unquestioned. But a history of injury problems and a thin free agent market for high-end pitchers almost guarantee Harden's ability to command a multi-year deal and suggest a strong possibility somebody will wind up overpaying for him. Even in a season his balky shoulder… -
Cubs to train in Florida? Come on
28 Oct 2009 | 12:17 amThe groups trying to lure the Cubs out of Arizona and to the Naples, Fla., area for spring training are continuing to push, with a press conference scheduled today. But no matter how strong their bid looks at the end of the day, a move to Southwest Florida for the Cubs would be foolish. -
Rain and wet T-shirt thoughts
1 Oct 2009 | 9:03 pmWatching the rain while pondering whether it's ironic or simply coincidence that the Cubs appear to be getting rained out in their first attempt to play a game in October this year. Meanwhile, other random rain-delay thoughts include that T-shirt Ted Lilly was wearing yesterday touting the return of free agent teammate Reed Johnson: ``With Reed We Will Succeed.'' I've got a few other T-shirt ideas for these guys.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Whitesox
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Battle of the bulge
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmSouth Side, we have a problem. A 6-4, 285-pound problem that better be resolved before feelings get hurt and relationships are destroyed. After a calf injury ended closer Bobby Jenks' season Sept. 22, feelings began to strain. The right-hander believed the club -- based on comments made by manager Ozzie Guillen -- was being overly critical of his conditioning. -
WHITE SOX IN BRIEF: Sox close to signing SS Vizquel
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmManager Ozzie Guillen confirmed Friday that the White Sox are close to signing 42-year-old free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel but admitted general manager Ken Williams and assistant GM Rick Hahn have kept him on the outskirts of talks.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Inside the White Sox
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Vizquel to the Sox? Ozzie has spoken to the veteran
20 Nov 2009 | 2:15 pmOzzie Guillen would like to confidently admit that the White Sox are indeed close to signing free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel for the 2010 season, but then again, the manager knows how it works. Making sure the free-speaking Guillen doesn't jump the gun on club business, general manager Ken Williams and assistant GM Rick Hahn have done their best to keep Guillen just on the outskirts of the circle of trust. Guillen did confirm on Friday that both he and the club have spoken to Vizquel about him joining the team, but the manager didn't know how far those talks have progressed. "I hear they… -
Coop tells pitchers it's time to raise the bar
19 Nov 2009 | 6:05 pmTeam captain Paul Konerko made the saying popular in the White Sox clubhouse back in 2008: "F feelings, it's about winning.'' Not only has manager Ozzie Guillen made that his personal mantra, but wants his entire organization to eat and sleep it. So if feelings were hurt when questions of conditioning were brought up with several pitchers over the last year, well, it's on those individuals to make sure those questions can't come up again. "Lack of conditioning, lack of preparation makes cowards of us all,'' pitching coach Don Cooper insisted on Thursday. "We're going to make sure that… -
Beckham fifth best AL Rookie?
16 Nov 2009 | 2:51 pmFifth. That was tough for Gordon Beckham to swallow. While the White Sox third baseman wasn't expecting to be holding up the American League Rookie of the Year trophy on Monday, he admittedly was surprised that he finished fifth in the voting by the baseball writers. Especially since the 23-year-old's mantle already had AL Rookie of the Year honors by both The Sporting News and the Major League Baseball Players Association sitting on it. He received each last month - as voted on by the players. But there it was in black and white - fifth. Oakland reliever Andrew Bailey won the award with 13… -
Williams details thinking behind Ramirez at short, Beckham at 2B
10 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pmThere was no delicate way to put it, so White Sox general manager Ken Williams decided to be blunt. When he shuffled his infield last week, why not move Alexei Ramirez back to second base, where he had been solid in 2008, and return Gordon Beckham to his natural position at shortstop? ''Because Alexei's better than Gordon at short,'' Williams said Tuesday, during Day 2 of the general managers meetings at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport. ''Not that Gordon can't play the position, but Alexei is a special guy. ''What we do have to get Alexei a little bit better on is his focus. That's not… -
Dye speaks!!
10 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmJermaine Dye isn't ruling anything out. After all, at 35 years old and 13-plus major league seasons under his belt, the about to be former White Sox outfielder has seen crazier things happen. "I mean first of all I could come back to the Sox,'' Dye insisted in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. "I talked to [general manager] Kenny [Williams] and negotiations could still go on. Kenny talked to me about the fact that his hands are tied as far as spending money, but you never know, I could sign for less.'' That's classic J.D., being the good businessman and keeping all doors open. Even one as…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Bears
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Gotta hand it to Forte -- or better yet, pass it
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmIt's gotten to the point the Bears probably won't solve their running-game woes this season, but that doesn't mean they've run out of effective uses for Matt Forte. He caught a career-high eight passes for 120 yards last week at San Francisco and has 194 yards receiving in the last two games as offensive coordinator Ron Turner finds ways to adjust to a bottled-up ground game.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Brad Biggs - Inside the Bears
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Bears-Eagles injury report, Nov. 20
20 Nov 2009 | 1:10 pmCenter Olin Kreutz, strong safety Al Afalava and defensive tackle Tommie Harris were all removed from the injury report for the Bears, meaning it's a go for them to start Sunday night against the Eagles. In Philadelphia, starting cornerback Sheldon Brown was deemed questionable with his pulled hamstring. He was limited in practice for the third consecutive day and there is considerable speculation that he will be sidelined. Dimitri Pattersonis the likely replacement for Brown if he cannot go. With safety Quintin Demps out, rookie first-round pick Jeremy Maclin will likely servce as the kick… -
Chris Williams fined five large for personal foul at San Francisco
20 Nov 2009 | 12:51 pmChris Williams has more penalties than any other player on the Bears with five, and his most recent cost him. The right tackle was fined $5,000 for unnecessarily striking an opponent late in the loss to San Francisco last week. Williams jumped over the pile to hit a 49er after the play was over at the start of what the Bears hoped would be the game-winning drive. -
Brotherly love? Bears will play Eagles for 4th straight year in 2010
20 Nov 2009 | 12:06 pmCan't get enough of the Philadelphia Eagles? Well, I've got good news for you. They'll be back. The Bears host the Eagles on Sunday night at Soldier Field for the second consecutive year, and the Bears will invite them back to Soldier Field again in 2010 in an odd twist of the schedule. The Bears play the entire NFC East next season. This year, they drew the Eagles because they finished in corresponding positions in their division last season. So, the teams are meeting for the third straight year and next season will make the fourth straight year they will face Donovan McNabb and the gang. -
RB Kahlil Bell expects Bears to sign him to 53-man roster
20 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amNo move is official yet, but running back Kahlil Bell said he expects to be signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster before Sunday's game with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bell has been on the practice squad for more than two months, and he's up to speed on the offensive playbook and as importantly the role on special teams he would play, if he is active for the game. "If the opportunity comes for me, I'm comfortable,'' he said. "I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on everything. Special teams-wise, we have a high standard here, and I think I'm pretty good in that area. Whatever… -
Neck injury to keep tight end Desmond Clark out Sunday
20 Nov 2009 | 10:44 amTight end Desmond Clark is expected to miss his third game of the season as he will be sidelined Sunday with a neck issue. That means more playing time for Kellen Davis, and it's not a good sign for the already struggling 30th-ranked rushing offense. Clark missed two games earlier this season with fractured ribs. Coach Lovie Smith said that Clark and safety Kevin Payne (back) will be listed as doubtful for the game. Neither practiced today or this week. Doubtful, in Bears' terms, means out.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Bulls
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Salmons regains touch
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmDENVER -- After busting out for 41 points on 16-for-31 shooting in the first two games of the road trip, John Salmons has raised his average to 14 points and his shooting percentage to .357.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Inside the Bulls
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Gray rejoins Bulls
21 Nov 2009 | 11:31 amJust a few days after being hospitalized because of fluid in his right knee, backup center Aaron Gray rejoined the Bulls Friday night in Denver and attended Saturday morning's shootaround. "I think it was just an infection in the knee," Gray said. "The way it was explained to me, we could wait and let it heal itself or we could take care of it in one shot. So they admitted me to the hospital and got me right into an IV with antibiotics. It's cleared up real nicely." The infection flared up while Gray already was out with a stress fracture of the lower left leg. The knee problem interrupted… -
Bulls-Lakers postgame quotes
19 Nov 2009 | 10:56 pmBecause the Bulls' 108-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers ended so late -- thanks TNT -- I wasn't able to get much of the postgame reaction in the game story. Here are some interesting quotes from the Bulls' locker room. Center Joakim Noah (12 points, 15 rebounds) on the game: "It's unbelievable. There's nobody you can really help off of. They just made it look really easy. It was like an exhibition out there tonight. It felt like a varsity team compared with a JV team. "I mean, I was tired as hell and I'm looking around the court and nobody from the Lakers even broke a sweat. "We just have to… -
Bulls will have team focus on Kobe
19 Nov 2009 | 11:30 amWhile certain guys will get more opportunities, nearly every Bulls player will get a chance to guard Lakers star Kobe Bryant at some point tonight. That much was clear when coach Vinny Del Negro was asked following the team's shootaround at Staples Center who would get a shot at guarding Bryant. "It'll be John [Salmons], Kirk [Hinrich], Luol [Deng], team," Del Negro said. "You're not gonna stop Kobe one-on-one. It's team defense and sometimes even double and triple teams don't help. "We've got to get on the glass, play at the right tempo. He's gonna have the ball a lot, but if you pay too… -
Gibson's homecoming
18 Nov 2009 | 2:39 pmThe Bulls held Wednesday's practice on the USC campus, so the whole day was a homecoming for rookie Taj Gibson, who played three seasons for the Trojans. Gibson was delighted to be back, but the trip also provided some prime fodder for the veterans to use against him. The ribbing began in the locker room in Sacramento on Tuesday following the Bulls' 101-87 win over the Kings when someone said: "Taj, when we get to USC, we'll see how big you really are there." At the time, only Gibson knew how prophetic that statement would prove to be. The Galen Center, USC's new state-of-the-art basketball… -
Bulls hit century mark -- finally
18 Nov 2009 | 12:57 amWith their 101-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, the Bulls reached the 100-point mark for the first time this season. "For awhile there in the fourth quarter, it didn't seem like we'd get there," coach Vinny Del Negro said. The Bulls scored just two minutes in the first five minutes of the fourth.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Roman Madrowski - Full Court Press
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In Which I Urge You Not To Worry About Derrick Rose
18 Nov 2009 | 11:14 pmHey "aughts", I'mma let you finish, but 2009 has to be one of the craziest years of all-time! Think of all the wacky stuff that has happened in the last 11 months. Vampires became our country's mythological creature of choice by a shockingly wide margin. Twitter took over the world seemingly overnight. Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus kissed and made up. Full Court Press lost not one but two editors. The Taco Bell dog died. And, oh yeah, let's not forget about whatever the hell happened during Michael Jackson's funeral. This year has been wild. Insane, I tell you. The madness has even hit Chicago… -
Bulls Knock Off Kings, Start "Circus Trip" 1-0
17 Nov 2009 | 11:30 pmIf I see one "Yeah, but they played the Kings! Without Kevin Martin!" comment, I swear to Walter Payton that I won't approve it. I don't care if it comes against the Lakers or if it comes against a team as woeful as Sacramento: for the Bulls, any win on the infamous Circus Trip is a reason to celebrate. So, before we get any further, let's all take a second to commemorate the Bulls' unthinkable 1-0 start on the Road Trip From Hell by doing the Brad Miller taunt. -
Potentially Huge 'Hawks News: Kane, Toews, Keith nearing deals?
16 Nov 2009 | 11:13 pmWe make a far bigger deal of the Bulls' 2010 free agent Armageddon around these parts, but let's not forget that the stakes for our Blackhawks could be even higher once this season ends. While the Bulls need to add a player to turn into a contender, the 'Hawks are already there. All the good team has to do is keep the players it already has. This, of course, is much easier said than done. The 'Hawks have reached their current status among the league's elite teams by shelling out lots and lots of cash. They've given mammoth contracts to free agents (Huet, Campbell, Hossa) and rewarded their… -
"Is Jay Cutler Actually Bad?" and Other Pertinent Bears Questions
15 Nov 2009 | 10:05 pmI really enjoyed my Bears-less Sunday. How about you? There was no anxiety, no swearing, no facepalming. The text message inbox on my cell phone didn't explode. The Earth continued to rotate. I would honestly love to ignore the Bears here right now. I said my peace on Thursday, and I don't have much else to add. The 2009 Bears are eternally atrocious, and they aren't worth the stress that comes with trying to write a well thought out rip job. I kind of just want to throw my hands in the air and give up. Perhaps I'll even waive them like I just don't care. The Bears have sucked the sports life… -
The Bears Get to Lose Three Days Earlier Than Normal This Week
12 Nov 2009 | 9:28 amVirtually every media outlet is playing up the "Lovie Smith is fighting for his job!" angle before tonight's Bears-49ers game. It's an obvious storyline, and - with bloggers and sports talk radio callers kicking the "Fire Lovie" campaign into overdrive this week - it's obviously relevant. The only problem is that the thesis of these stories really isn't all that true. I touched on it on Monday, but it's worth repeating: Lovie Smith isn't going anywhere, at least not after this season. That's not to say that he doesn't deserve to be fired (something I don't think is necessary, but I certainly…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Inside Illinois Sports
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Weber brings in another big recruiting class
11 Nov 2009 | 7:15 amBruce Weber formally welcomes another top recruiting class to Illinois today when basketball's early signing period begins.The class includes Jereme Richmond, a 6-5 forward from Waukegan; Meyers Leonard, a 6-11, 215-pound center from Robinson, and Crandall Head, a 6-5 guard from Rich South. All are considered four-star recruits. Richmond is ranked 36th among the nation's seniors by Rivals.com. Leonard rose to 39th and Head at 81st. Richmond, who committed to Illinois while a high school freshman, is projected as a small forward. Head, the younger brother of former Illini star Luther… -
Juice trying to regain confidence
27 Oct 2009 | 2:32 pmJuice Williams is handling the role of sharing the quarterback job well, coach Ron Zook said Tuesday. Zook wants to see how practice goes before formulating a plan for how Williams and redshirt freshman Jacob Charest will divide the QB job against Michigan on Saturday.``They'll both play,'' Zook said. ``Juice understands that. Jacob gave us some things [at Purdue] that I'm excited about. The ball came out of his hand quick, and he stuck it in there well.''Zook said he's helping Williams regain his confidence amid the shocking disappointment of Illinois' 1-6 start.``No one saw this coming,''… -
ZOOK WILL RETURN
24 Oct 2009 | 9:31 amRon Zook will be back as Illinois coach in 2010,``Let's put one thing to rest,'' athletic director Ron Guenther said Saturday at halftime of the Illinois-Purdue game. ``There will be some changes, but there won't be a change at the top.''``We're still going to evaluate [the program at the end of the year],'' Guenther said. ``But I think it was unfair to start jumping [on Zook] at the end of [his] fifth year.''Guenther broke his silence to confirm a Big Ten Network report saying Zook would be back. Guenther said the subject came up in a conversation Friday with Big Ten Network analyst… -
McGee in, Juice out for floundering Illini
5 Oct 2009 | 1:22 pmWith Illinois' offense sputtering mightily, Ron Zook said Monday he will go with backup Eddie McGee at quarterback vs Michigan State Saturday (11 a.m., BTN) and sit down four-year starter Juice Williams.McGee, a fourth-year junior who came to Illinois with Williams, led Illinois to its lone victory this season, a 45-17 rout of Illinois State, when Williams was sidelined by a strained quadriceps muscle after just two plays.``Believe me, this is not all on Juice,'' Zook said on his radio show on WDWS in Champaign Monday. ``The poor guy has at times played extremely well, but the thing you try… -
No Juice, no Benn, no big deal in modern sports world
13 Sep 2009 | 9:48 amHere's how the sportswriting world, and journalism, have changed during my career. Illinois has two marquee players: quarterback Juice Williams and receiver Arrelious ``Rejus'' Benn. Juice got hurt on the first play against Illinois State Saturday, and Benn failed to catch at least one pass for the first time in his college career. This is pretty significant stuff to me, even if Juice's injury clearly was minor.And yet, they were not made available after the game, so we were unable to talk to them. I don't know whose decision this was, coach Zook or his media relations staff. And while…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Sports Pros(e)
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Ralph Lawler, Mike Smith suspended from telecast after joking about Iranian Hamed Haddadi
20 Nov 2009 | 7:25 pmLos Angeles Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith were suspended from Friday night's telecast after making comments about Memphis Grizzlies' Hamed Haddai on Wednesay.The duo had the following exchange in the closing minutes of the Clippers' loss to the Grizzlies, which prompted a viewer to complain and Fox Sports Prime Ticket to take action.Smith: "Look who's in."Lawler: "Hamed Haddadi. Where's he from?"Smith: "He's the first Iranian to play in the NBA." (Smith pronounced Iranian as "Eye-ranian," a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)Lawler: "There aren't any… -
Curtis Granderson may be sports' next big reality TV star
20 Nov 2009 | 7:26 amWhile the rumor mill has Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson's name popping up in connection with the Cubs, the All-Star and Chicago native has reportedly agreed to host a television and online series. Already an eventful offseason for the UIC alum. [It's]... titled "Stadium Secrets" where he takes sports fans on an exploration of stadiums. The concept is similar to Authentic's "Cities of the Underworld" on History channel. "Authentic will be providing an exclusive, VIP experience for fans everywhere - a behind-the-scenes journey that will be exciting for all of us. I am… -
Video: Anaheim Duck fans fight over souviner hockey stick
20 Nov 2009 | 6:03 amYou've seen fans wrestle over foul balls at baseball games, jostle over XXL t-shirts thrown into the stands and grown men knock over youngsters for batting-practice home runs.Fans going nuts for souvenirs isn't a new thing at all. But, some Anaheim Ducks fans took it to the next level when hometown hero Scott Niedermayer tried to give his stick away to some lucky patrons.It was all fun and games until the haymakers started. -
RIP Uga VII: Georgia's football mascot dies
20 Nov 2009 | 5:41 amDogs are generally regarded as man's best friend. If that's true, then football is a close second-best friend.That's what makes the news of UGA VII's passing particularly sad for Georgia fans.The four-year-old Bulldog had served as the school's mascot for less than two years before unexpectedly succumbing Thursday to heart problems. The particularly sudden turn of events means Georgia will be without a mascot for Saturday's game against Kentucky.UGA VII is the latest in a line of dogs owned by the Sellers family that has served as the team's emblem for the last 54 years.The Seilers plan to… -
Miley Cyrus' power knows no bounds, possibly reaches as far as Clemson-South Carolina start time
18 Nov 2009 | 9:23 amIf we were to make a Venn diagram -- admit it, they're a lot of fun -- you wouldn't expect the worlds of Miley Cyrus and the Clemson-South Carolina football rivalry to intersect.But, you'd be wrong.Rumor has it that the tween pop star is the reason the Tigers-Gamecocks Nov. 28 grudge match has been given noon start time, according to the Palmetto Scoop.Cyrus is playing across town in Columbia that Saturday night, and making people choose between SEC football and such standards as "Party in the U.S.A." just didn't sit well with school officials.Whether this is the real reason or not, I'm glad…
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Chicago Sun-Times: Dale Bowman - Stray Casts
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Opening day: Fox squirrels and talk of corn
20 Nov 2009 | 8:15 pm``I heard a lot of talk of corn.'' -
Deer dreams & big perch: Chicago WWW
19 Nov 2009 | 7:15 pmOpening of firearm deer season on Friday and the good bite for jumbo perch off Gary Light lead this Wild Weekend Wanderings around Chicago outdoors. -
Making a list: Checking it twice
19 Nov 2009 | 5:33 pmNot that holiday, but a holiday just the same. Firearm deer season opens tomorrow morning in Illinois. -
Fair start to Michigan's deer season: ``Sitting outdoors''
19 Nov 2009 | 8:43 amNot sure all hunters in Michigan for firearm deer season, which opened Sunday, would want to hear this description of the first few days from the Michigan DNR, but here it is: ``Good weather -- a lack of snow and little rain, warm temperatures and generally light winds - created excellent conditions for sitting outdoors.'' Bagging deer in those conditions have been fairly typical. -
Tree stand: Video gamer theory
18 Nov 2009 | 6:41 pm``Pops, kids today can handle adrenaline, they're all video gamers.''
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Chicago Sun-Times: The Fantasy Factor
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Will You Accept Maurice Jones-Drew's Apology?
18 Nov 2009 | 2:46 pmI hate to use this as a vehicle for saying something stupid like "Now fantasy football has finally arrived!" because, let's be honest, fantasy football is probably more popular than real hockey at this point. But you have to admit, this story is pretty cool. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was lauded for making a heads up play on Sunday by taking a dive to let the clock run out instead of scoring a meaningless touchdown. Teammates, coaches, announcers...they were all singing Jones-Drew's praises. But what about fantasy owners? Shades of Brian Westbrook, eh? I can only imagine MJD… -
Sunday Stars -- Week 9
17 Nov 2009 | 12:14 pm1) RB Chris Johnson - Titans Vs. Bills It appears we have a bit of a misunderstanding here. As I explained a few weeks ago, that "Running backs to like" feature isn't a "sit or start" thing, more of an "expect this dude to go ballistic" thing. And, how 'bout it, Johnson did indeed go crazy on Sunday. 132 yards rushing, 100 yards receiving, two touchdowns. Not surprising but surely impressive. If these numbers hold up, we're going to have a hell of a debate on our hands for the 2010 No. 1 overall pick between Johnson and Adrian Peterson. -
Running backs to like in Week 9
12 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm1) Chris Johnson - Titans Vs. Bills "Man crush" is such a terrible term, isn't it? As such, I need to find another way to describe my love for Chris Johnson, so let's just go with "I think he's the coolest running back in the NFL". Is that good? Johnson has been a tear lately, and this will only continue at home against Buffalo on Sunday. The Bills can't stop the run. By that I mean, they are the worst team in the league at this particular aspect of football. Buffalo gives up 173 yards per game on the ground. Johnson averages 120 yards per game. I smell lots and lots of yards, and a touchdown… -
Sunday Stars -- Week 8
11 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pm1) Kurt Warner -- Cardinals Vs. Bears Not that I need to repeat these numbers to you, Chicago, but just for fun, let's take another look at at just how bad Warner torched the Bears on Sunday: 260 yards, five touchdowns, no interceptions. Feel free to start playing defense whenever, Bears. Warner's big day now places him in a tie for third for touchdown passes with 16. He hasn't been as good as last year, but Warner is still more than an adequate fantasy quarterback. Expect his numbers to continue to go up as receiver Anquan Boldin should be ready to return to the Arizona lineup. -
Ryan Moats? Save your energy.
5 Nov 2009 | 4:11 pmThe breakout fantasy star of Week 8? It's got to be Houston running back Ryan Moats, who took advantage of Steve Slaton's incurable case of fumble-itis to rescue the Texans in Buffalo. Moats' final line was shocking: 126 yards, three touchdowns. Not bad for a five year veteran with just one 100 yard day in his entire career. So now everyone should rush to their computer and pick up Moats, right? Well, not exactly. First, consider the opponent: the Bills are woeful at stopping the run. This week's enemy, the Colts, are just a tad bit better than Dick Jauron's bunch. It's not like the Texans…
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Chicago Sun-Times: High School - Boys Basketball
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Public League Red-South preview
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amBreaking down the Public League Red-South. -
Public League Red-Central preview
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amBreaking down the Public League Red-Central. -
Public League Red-North preview
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amBreaking down the Public League Red-North. -
Public League Red-West preview
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amBreaking down the Public League Red-West. -
Local teams to tip off at USF
20 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmFirst-year JCA boys basketball coach Jeremy Izzo, Providence's Greg Smith and four other area coaches are busy preparing their teams for the 14th annual WJOL Thanksgiving Classic at the University of St. Francis Recreation Center.
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Chicago Sun-Times: High School - Football
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Jones, Hilltoppers race back to finals
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amMalin Jones ran for four touchdowns and Joliet Catholic's defense forced six turnovers as the Hilltoppers routed host Peoria Richwoods 54-7 Saturday in the Class 5A semifinals. -
Pechloff, Montini stymie Blue Streaks
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmJordan Pechloff passed for 334 yards and five touchdowns as Montini rolled by visiting Woodstock 42-24 in a Class 5A semifinal. -
WW South slows down East St. Louis
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmWheaton Warrenville South picked off East St. Louis quarterback Detchauz Wray three times as the Tigers rolled to a 34-15 home win over the Flyers Saturday in the Class 8A semifinals. -
Final drive keeps Hilltoppers alive
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmMark Hiben caught an 11-yard touchdown pass with six seconds left to give Glenbard West a 21-17 win over host Lake Zurich Saturday in a Class 7A semifinal. -
Providence comeback dooms Danville
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmTim Hanrahan ran for three touchdowns as Providence rallied from a 14-10 halftime deficit to beat host Danville 30-21 Saturday in a Class 6A semifinal.
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Chicago Sun-Times: High School - Girls Basketball
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Saturday's girls basketball roundup
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amScores and highlights from Saturday's girls basketball action. -
Trevians' Schmitt feasts on Loyola – again
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amNew Trier's Abbey Schmitt scored 18 points and had 12 rebounds Saturday in a 64-48 victory over Loyola. -
Bogan's 1-2 punch knocks out Marshall
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amLynette Holmes and Jaleesa Armstrong combined for 32 points as No. 8 Bogan beat No. 16 Marshall 59-52 Saturday in New Trier Thanksgiving tournament action at Loyola. -
Seberger, Montini take down Von Steuben
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmAlison Seberger made five three-pointers to lead No. 4 Montini past No. 13 Von Steuben 55-43 Saturday night in Lombard. -
Shain, WW South topple Titans
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmAnnie Shain's 17 points helped Wheaton Warrenville South roll past Glenbrook South 47-25 Saturday in the Schaumburg tournament.
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Chicago Sun-Times: High School - Girls Volleyball
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JCA celebrates with a Fabulous Four
17 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmThey are moving on to play Division I volleyball, anxious to see what the rest of their young lives will bring. But they will forever cherish their high school years, as will their coach, Christine Scheibe, and anyone associated with the Joliet Catholic Academy volleyball program. -
Hits just kept coming for Geneva's Wicinski
17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmGeneva's Lauren Wicinski, who had 356 kills and a .691 hitting percentage, is the Beacon-News' Player of the Year for girls volleyball. -
Joliet Catholic celebrates a state title
16 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pmWhen Alyssa Warren first attended her parents' volleyball games back in the early and mid-'90s at the Morris Area Leisure Services, she knew nothing about what she was watching. -
Sun-Times final girls volleyball rankings
15 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pmJoliet Catholic (41-1) tops Phil Brozynski's final girls volleyball rankings. Class 4A champion Cary-Grove is also ranked after not making the cut in the preseason. -
News-Sun All-Lake County girls volleyball team
14 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amWhen the dust settled on the 2008 prep girls volleyball season, there wasn't much to write home about. Many of the area's teams struggled against top-notch competition as they looked to the future. Only one Lake County team -- Grayslake Central -- managed to win a regional championship last season, and the Rams captured a Class 3A regional crown going up against three other area opponents.
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Chicago Sun-Times: High School - Other Sports
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Great Scott! Star leads Beads to four-peat
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amOlivia Scott broke the meet record in the 100 butterfly, also won the 200 individual medley and anchored Rosary's first-place 200 medley relay team as the Beads captured their fourth straight girls swimming and diving state title on Saturday. -
Lockport swimmers reach goal
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmWith Courtney Pope leading the way, Lockport posted its best-ever finish at the girls swimming and diving state meet on Saturday,. The Porters tied for 16th place with 24 points. -
Rosary's Scott sets pace in prelims
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmRosary's Olivia Scott swam personal bests in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 individual medley to highlight qualifying Friday at the girls swimming and diving state meet at New Trier. -
Title in sight for Rosary
19 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmAt the start of the girls swimming and diving season, Rosary coach Bill Schalz simply said of his Beads, "This is a good group." That may have been an understatement, considering Rosary is again the favorite at this year's state meet, which takes place today and Saturday at New Trier High School in Winnetka. -
Many area athletes will take a dive
19 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmWhen the two-day IHSA state swimming and diving meet starts today at New Trier High School in Winnetka, there will be a great deal of Naperville local interest in the preliminary diving competition which begins at 9 a.m.
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Chicago Sun-Times: Horoscopes
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Eugenia Last horoscopes for November 21
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amCELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ken Griffey Jr., 40; Troy Aikman, 43; Bjork, 44; Goldie Hawn, 64 -
Georgia Nicols horoscopes for November 21
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amALL SIGNS MOON ALERT: We have the "all clear" today to shop (whether you spend $10 or $10 million) and make important decisions. The moon is in Capricorn until 9:11 p.m., after which it moves to Aquarius.
